Our Keynote Presenter is Reverend Dr. Megan Foley Rev. Dr. Megan Foley serves as Deputy Director for Congregational Life as well as Regional Lead for the Central East Region staff. Before joining regional staff she served for six years as the minister of the Sugarloaf Congregation of Unitarian Universalists in Germantown, Maryland. Megan holds a Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology degree from Drew University, a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. She was born in Oakland, California, and lived around the world before coming to live in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband, Neil and their two sons in 2002. She brings expertise in small congregational life and focused ministries to the regional team.

Workshop Title: “Youth Programming”

Presenter(s): Joanne Dingus (UUFP)

Host Congregation: CVUU

Description: Youth programming will be age- appropriate and will be determined by the age of the children registered for this activity. Childcare will be available for those younger than pre-k age. Parents of pre-k children will need to collect their children from the nursery during lunch so our childcare professionals can join the adults for lunch. 

No didactics, but a time to connect and get acquainted. We are requesting names and ages of children and youth who will be attending.

Some potential activities which might cut across age groups:

nature walk

labyrinth creation

games

singing

Middle school youth and teens (15 and younger) can discuss the possibility of a cluster lock-in or CON and engage in other self-directed activities.

Older youth (16 and older) can participate in the adult programming.

Workshop Title: Engaging Young Adults at UU Congregations: Insights and Actionable Ideas

Presenter(s):  Michelle Nadeau (CVUU/UUCC), Elena Brooks-Perkins (UUCC), Tricia Thompson (CVUU), Grace Gentry (First UU RVA), Eric (First UU RVA)

Host Congregation:  CVUU, UUCC, First UU RVA

Description: Join us for a dynamic discussion featuring five panelists in their 30s, representing a range of gender identities, family structures, and UU backgrounds. They will share personal experiences and perspectives on what does and does not engage young adults in their 20s and 30s at UU congregations. The panel aims to provide Welcoming Committee and Membership Committee members with practical strategies to attract and retain young adults in their congregations.

Workshop Title: UU the Vote Election Lessons Workshop

Presenter(s): Sandra Engelhardt and Pam Luke

Host Congregation: UUFP

Description: The goal of this workshop is to share the pro-democracy efforts made by the UU Fellowship of the Peninsula and to learn about the efforts of other congregations.

Some of the topics to be covered include: voter registration, phone banking, letter and postcard writing, and offering rides to the polls. The UU the Vote program and its many offerings will be explained. 

Come to share your efforts or to learn what you can do for this year’s election. You can make a difference!

Workshop Title: Putting the 7th Principle Into Practice

Presenter(s):  Anne-Marie McCartan

Host Congregation:  First UU RVA

Description: The seemingly relentless news about climate change threatens to overwhelm and depress us. We harken back to our 7th Principle, reminding us we are meant to be a part of the interdependent web of life. How can we, as a people of faith, actualize this principle in our lives? Our congregations each take their own path: Some have been active in Green Sanctuary; others have focused on reduce, recycle and reuse; others focus on specific community projects.

What is happening in your congregation? Come prepared to share one thing that has worked well and one thing that frustrates your efforts. This session will allow us to listen to others’ experiences for inspiration and maybe even solutions.

Workshop Title: Article II, UU and You

Presenter(s):  Rev. Viola Abbitt

Host Congregation:  CVUU

Description: This year at the at the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association there will be a final vote to approve the revisions of Article II of the Association’s bylaws. What has been the process so far and what is the significance of this vote to our denomination and to each and every one of us who identifies as a Unitarian Universalist?

Workshop Title: Hosting Asylum-Seekers: How Your Congregation Can Join a National UU Justice Movement

Presenter(s):  Jessica Sapalio, UUSC’s Coordinator for the Community Accompaniment Program with Asylum-Seekers and WUU Social Justice Co-Chair

Host Congregation:  WUU

Description: Now more than ever, the right to seek asylum in the United States is under threat. Learn how congregations and community groups can provide solidarity and support to asylum-seekers through UUSC’s Community Accompaniment Program with Asylum-Seekers (CAPAS). We’ll discuss how this work puts our faith in action, learn about the support UUSC offers congregations, and hear stories of asylum-seekers and congregants impacted by the program. WUU will share the details of their CAPAS program, Journey to Asylum, and how you can create a similar welcoming program at your congregation. Different from sanctuary programs where the guest must stay on site at a congregation, hosting through CAPAS has several flexible models and asylum-seeking participants work to rebuild their lives in their new communities. Visit uusc.org/capas to learn more.

Workshop Title: Creating an ARAOMC Fabric for Justice

Presenter(s):  Dr. John Whitley

Host Congregation:  WUU

Description: This is a UU Values-based, UU Principles-focused interactive workshop. Individual commitment and dynamic resources are woven into a personal and collective Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppression, Multi-Cultural (ARAOMC) fabric. We will Examine self, others, materials and environments through the 5 BAICE* steps; Explore local, state and national resources available for constructive and effective engagement; Discover how UU Values and UU Principles are the lens through which to be guided; and, Create workable and accountable processes designed to enhance being and becoming ARORMC. *Belonging, Acceptance, Interaction, Communication, Exposure.

Workshop Title: Living UU Values in Building Meaningful Communities for LGBTQ & Gender Queer Youth

Presenter(s):  Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs (they/them) Intern Minister

Host Congregation:  UUFR

Description: “Living UU Values in Building Meaningful Communities for LGBTQ & Gender Queer Youth” is an interactive workshop aimed at fostering inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ and genderqueer youth within Unitarian Universalist (UU) communities. This workshop delves into the core principles of Unitarian Universalism and explores how they can be applied to create affirming environments for young people exploring their identities.

Participants will engage in discussions, activities, and role-playing exercises designed to deepen their understanding of UU values such as justice, equity, and acceptance. Through reflection and dialogue, attendees will explore practical strategies for integrating these values into their interactions and community-building efforts.

Key topics include:

• Addressing systemic oppression.
• Supporting individuals in their self-discovery journey.
• Creating safe spaces for expression and exploration.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to cultivate inclusive communities where LGBTQ+ and genderqueer youth feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

This workshop is suitable for UU congregants, youth group leaders, educators, parents, and anyone interested in fostering supportive environments for LGBTQ+ and genderqueer youth within Unitarian Universalist communities. Join us in embracing diversity, celebrating identity, and building meaningful connections rooted in UU principles

Workshop Title: Bylaws Revision: Why, How and Who?

Presenter(s):  Bylaws Chair, Chris Faia and President Linda Lane Hamilton

Host Congregation:  WUU

Description: A congregation’s Constitution and Bylaws must state its purpose, composition and duties, and be ratified by its members. Bylaws describe and regulate essential operations of a congregation, and ideally they are structured and stated as guidelines that will inform and shape policies approved by the board. Unlike policies, which can be revised by a board, bylaws cannot be changed without amendment approved by the congregation. Bylaws that are over-proscriptive or otherwise out of date can inhibit effective leadership.

Last fall the bylaws committee was directed to review WUU’s bylaws, which were ratified in 1989, with a number of amendments since that time. With support from a board task force, the focus was on limiting or deleting policy language in the bylaws. Ultimately, revision, rather than amendment of the bylaws proved better suited to the task, yielding a concise, user-friendly document that aligns with WUU’s governance model. The draft revision was distributed to members of the congregation, who were encouraged to participate in sessions offered to hear their questions and comments before a final draft would be presented for their approval. On February 18, at a congregational meeting called for that purpose, the proposed revision was approved.

Workshop Title: Mindful Outdoor Experience (MOE) in the Park

Presenter(s):  Rev. Doug McCusker

Host Congregation:  UUFR

Description: Need a little space after meeting so many new people? Do you love to commune with nature to find your grounding? Whatever your reason, join us for a respite from being indoors for an MOE at a bucolic park near the Cluster Gathering. An MOE is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through full-sensory immersion in forests and other natural environments. It is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shin-rin Yoku, which roughly translates to “forest bathing.” Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. An MOE combines the healing practice of mindfulness meditation with Shin-rin Yoku to create a spiritually grounding connection with the natural world. We will do some breathwork, find our center and take a silent walk to open our senses and notice the living, breathing world all around us.

Workshop Title: Drumming Circle

Presenter(s):  Joanne Thiele

Host Congregation:  CVUU

Description: Drumming will be open to all genders, 14 years and older. No experience is necessary. Hand drumming is primal and connects us to ourselves and our drumming community. These powerful connections can awaken us physically, emotionally and spiritually as we create music through rhythm and song. We will explore the peace, love and joy that drumming can bring, as well the beauty of sharing this musical experience. Have a drum? Bring it. If not, some drums will be available. Come join us and raise some energy!

Workshop Title: Tidewater CUUPS/NeoPagan/Earth-Centered Spirituality Groups: A Facilitated Dialog, Meet & Share

Presenter(s):  Facilitated by Robin van Tine, Co-Founder of EarthRising, UUFP’s 38 year old Earth-Centered circle.

Host Congregation:  UUFP

Description: A facilitated gathering of Tidewater Cluster CUUPS/Nature Spirituality participants and leaders, and those who are interested in learning. Session designed to promote sharing and discussion about our groups, our spirituality, and UU Neopaganism. How can we support each other? How can we learn from each other? What are our needs? All are welcome. Facilitated by Robin van Tine, Co-Founder of EarthRising, UUFP’s 38 year old Earth-Centered circle.

Workshop Title: Relax & Deepen

Presenter(s):  Asha Mclaughlin

Host Congregation:  WUU

Description: Asha will lead us in gentle movement, breath work and guided meditation

Workshop Title: Aspects of a Spiritual Life

Presenter(s): Meg Glenn-Albiez

Host Congregation: UUFP

Description: We will spend a few minutes trying to agree on a definition of spirituality. Then we will discuss aspects of a spiritual life. I will be using Rabbi Brian Mayer’s modifications of Erich Fromm’s aspects of a spiritual life. Since this can be a challenging subject, we will have lots of audience participation. However, at some point I will describe the aspects of a spiritual life that Fromm and Mayer have defined.

Workshop Title: RE Teacher Gathering

Presenter(s):  Jennifer Simms

Host Congregation:  WUU

Description: Join us to share what has been going well with Religious Education at our congregations. This is an opportunity to get to know each other and share ideas. 

Workshop Title: Welcoming Congregation Gathering

Presenter(s):  Deborah Fabian

Host Congregation:  WUU

Description: Join us for a discussion about the Welcoming Congregation renewal process. How can we work to ensure that LGBTQ+ communities feel fully welcomed, centered, and embraced in our congregations?

Workshop Title: Tidewater Cluster President’s Roundtable

Presenter(s):  David Kidd

Host Congregation:  CVUU

Description: This is a roundtable for Congregational Presidents, to provide updates on their respective congregations. The session is intended for current Presidents, or their counterparts, and their designated representatives. We’ll also discuss further steps regarding the consolidated efforts of the Tidewater Cluster, and how we may be more effective as a body that encompasses the Tidewater region of Virginia. Possible topics for discussion include the Tidewater Cluster covenant, public stands as a cluster, and not just individual congregations, and the possibility of hosting a future UUA General Assembly in Tidewater, VA.