Past UUA Presidents and such

To the left: Rev. John Buehrens at the UU Church of Haverhill, May 18, 2010.

I just had the pleasure of seeing two former UUA presidents in three days. On Tuesday evening, I went to the UU Church of Haverhill and saw the Rev. John Buehrens talk about his new book, A House for Hope (co-written with UU theologian the Rev. Rebecca Parker). Rev. Buehrens (President of the UUA from 1993-2001) gave a wonderful talk, completely extemporaneous. I wish I could do that! Rev. Buehrens is currently the senior minister of the First Parish in Needham, UU.

If you'd like to order A House for Hope (and help the UUCiA), buy it on Amazon at this link.

Today, I had the pleasure of going to the Annual Meeting of the UU Urban Ministry. The UU Congregation in Andover is a member congregation of the UUUM, and I went to the meeting as a delegate. It was a great opportunity to hear about the good work that the UUUM does. The most touching part of the meeting was hearing some of the people served by the programs tell their stories. The UUUM is really changing lives, an amazing ministry. (Read about the UUUM's programs at this link.)

To the right: Rev. Bill Sinkford at the UU Urban Ministry Annual Meeting in Roxbury, May 20, 2010.

At the meeting, we had a chance to give thanks to the Rev. Bill Sinkford, another former President of the UUA (from 2001-2009). Rev. Sinkford served as Senior Minister and Advisor of the UUUM this past year, just after ending his two terms as president. We will miss having him around in Boston... he leaves this summer to become the new senior minister of the First Unitarian Church of Portland (Oregon).

John Buehrens book reading/signing event

This Tuesday, May 18^th at 7 p.m., members are friends of the UUCiA are invited to join UUs from Haverhill, Newburyport, and North Andover for a book reading and signing with the Rev. John Buehrens, former president of the UUA. Rev. Buehren’s new book (co-written with UU theologian Rebecca Parker) is A House for Hope: The Promise of Progressive Religion for the 21^st Century. The reading will take place at the UU Church of Haverhill, 16 Ashland Street. This book gives UUs tools "to spark deeper reflection and reflection within faith communities". The authors contend that this "is how we can create a liberal religious renaissance." Come for the fellowship and thought-provoking discussion. All are welcome! Hope to see you there!

Movie Night: No Impact Man

This Saturday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at the UUCiA (6 Locke St, Andover, MA) : MOVIE NIGHT! (Free)

This month, come and watch No Impact Man. Description:

"It’s a true story: Colin Beavan decides to completely eliminate his personal impact on the environment for the next year. It means eating vegetarian, buying only local food, and turning off the refrigerator. It also means no elevators, no television, no cars, busses, or airplanes, no toxic cleaning products, no electricity, no material consumption, and no garbage.

"No problem – at least for Colin – but he and his family live in Manhattan. So when his espresso guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two-year-old daughter are dragged into the fray, the No Impact Project has an unforeseen impact of its own.

"Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein’s film provides an intriguing inside look into the experiment that became a national fascination and media sensation, while examining the familial strains and strengthened bonds that result from Colin and Michelle’s struggle with their radical lifestyle change."

Bring a friend, beach chair to sit on, and something to drink. We will provide the movie and popcorn!