To keep you updated on what I’m working on, as your Commissioned Lay Ministry (CLM) candidate, I’m posting my latest monthly update here. Updates from past months are available in the ESUUC monthly eNews (aka, “newsletters”).

Thank you for your ongoing support. I welcome and encourage your feedback and questions. Please email me:  CLM@esuuc.org

With gratitude and commitment,
Marianne

(As of June 18, 2021)

Summary in the various Areas of Study of my CLM candidacy:

• Anti-racism/anti-oppression work:
  • Attended “8^th Principle Conversations” workshop hosted by UU of Greater Pittsburgh (our local cluster)
  • Attended and provided Opening/Chalice lighting for Colorado UUs for Racial Justice (COUURJ) “Summer Series 2021 Kick Off” weekend conference “Reaching Deeper: Building Relationships at the Speed of Trust”
  • Participated in book discussion: “Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture” (Monroeville Library Social Justice Book Club)

• Multi-cultural work (attending multi-racial gatherings to learn, share, and support; monthly, unless otherwise noted):
  • Attending ongoing BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) UU Community: The Mountain Top (monthly BIPOC worship, monthly gatherings, Steering Committee)
  • Attending DRUUMM APIC (Asian Pacific Islander) monthly gatherings
  • Attending CER (Central East Region) BIPOC ongoing gatherings

• Pastoral Care:
  • Shared input and planning for pastoral care needs of our members

• Lifespan Faith Development (Adult RE for the new year):
  • Adult RE – working with Gayle P on planning for new year
  • Children’s RE – shared ideas (Time For All Ages, etc.) with RE Admins Denise W & Susan S-B
  • Youth/Coming of Age – shared ideas (worship, social justice activities) with Bonny R-W who will bring them to the Youth

• UU Polity
  • (in late June) will attend General Assembly 2021, the UUA annual meeting and conference

• Church Leadership:
  • Continuing conversations with Rev. Stephanie and President Jen H for transition and “Ministry Exploration” team

• Spiritual Life (“When we are challenged, we do not rise to our expectations. We fall to our level of practice.” – Archilochus):
  • Continuing to practice personal spiritual life via Buddhist sangha that includes meditation and dharma talks (lessons); personal prayer; meaningful lyrics and powerful song in “Singing the Living Tradition;” “Hermitage of the Heart” contemplative hour at the UU Church of Akron, OH; personal chant (possible Adult RE for 2021-22).

• Other:
  • Ongoing participation in CLM Candidate monthly gatherings and meeting with mentor Rev. Rev. Maria McCabe.