Tidewater Cluster Assembly 2019

Youth Programming

1. Programming for Youth (Joanne Dingus, Paul Greggs, UU Fellowship of the Peninsula)
   Most activities will be outside, weather permitting.

Environmental & Social Justice

1. Reducing our Carbon Footprint (Rev. Andrew Clive-Millard, UU Fellowship of the Peninsula)
   In this session, you’ll learn practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint that can be incorporated into your everyday life, as well as a few ideas you may not have previously considered!
2. Prison Ministry. (Rev. Doug McCusker, Todd Landeck, UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg)
   Come learn about McCusker & Landeck’s work with the Humanist Group at the Coffeewood Correctional Center in Mitchells, VA. They will talk about the challenges and benefits for incarcerated UU’s and Secular Humanists to form and maintain supportive communities within the Virginia correctional system. They will also discuss ways that we as a UU Cluster of Congregations can get involved in this vital ministry to our fellow citizens and congregants. Todd recently returned from incarceration during which he formed several Humanist and Unitarian Universalist affiliated groups throughout the State. Rev. Doug and the Fredericksburg Fellowship have been supporting the Coffeewood Humanist group since 2016. Rev. Doug is also on an advisory committee for the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship’s Worthy Now prison ministry.
3. Working Towards Environmental Justice in the Commonwealth: What Can Your Congregation Do? Interactive Panel Discussion:
   • Robin van Tine, Ph.D., GreenFaith Fellow, Professor Emeritus Human Ecology, Biology & Environmental Studies, Chair UUFP Social Justice Committee (facilitator)
   • Gustavo Angeles, Ph.D., Environmental Justice Program Coordinator, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter
   • Kendyl Crawford, M.S., MNPS, Director, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.
   An interactive panel discussion with various experts on Virginia Environmental Injustices and Interfaith solutions. Your assignment: What environmental injustices, (including Climate injustices) are happening in your community? What has been your church’s response so far? What would you like to accomplish in your community? What help do you need?
4. The Sanctuary Church
   (Alex Gecker, First UU Richmond)
   An in-depth look at the logistical elements of making your church a live Sanctuary Church.
5. Book Club: “Justice on Earth” – The 2018-19 UUA Common Read
   (Ken Saucer Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalists)
   A discussion of the book “Justice on Earth” (Manish Mishra-Marzetti; Jennifer Nordstrom) Fourteen activist ministers and lay leaders apply a keen intersectional analysis to the environmental crisis, revealing ways that systems of oppression intersect with and contribute to ecological devastation. Prerequisite reading is recommended, or just come listen to the discussion. The book is available in multiple formats from inSpirit: UUA Bookstore. A free study guide is available online as well. Follow the link: https://www.uuabookstore.org/Justice-on-Earth-P18357.aspx

Spiritual Practices

1. Introduction to Select Centering Practices (Hayat Bain, First UU Richmond)
   Hayat Bain is an experienced teacher of meditation and embodied stress management practices as well as a holistic health and healing coach, an interspiritual minister through the Universal Sufi tradition, and an advanced practice nurse by training and background. You will be invited to participate in and receive homeopathic doses of various centering practices, including mindfulness meditation, a body scan, guided visualization meditation, and a powerful ancient Sufi breath practice, punctuated by brief moments of silent sitting practice. This session will lean heavily into the heart rather than the head and into experiential practice rather than didactic learning.
2. Qigong -The Cosmic Dance (David Hamilton, Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists)
   Qigong is an ancient Chinese holistic practice of breathing, meditation and simple graceful movements. Though often compared to Tai Chi, it is simpler to learn – it’s primary focus is meditation in motion. Non-aerobic, easy on the joints, Qigong usually is performed standing but can also be done seated. All exercises can be modified to suit the individual. In this one-hour workshop, we will begin with a brief history of Qigong and then move on to practicing a few exercises. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
3. Introduction to Dances of Universal Peace (Hayat Bain, First UU Richmond)
   Close out your Cluster experience with two traditional dances, an Irish Blessing and a Buddhist Blessing dance. If you’re not a dancer, just come to enjoy the positive energy!
4. How is Your Congregation Attracting and Sustaining a Multicultural Congregation? (Deborah Coleman & Anita Lee, First UU Richmond)
   A facilitated discussion on the ways in which our congregations are living up to our intentions to have and sustain a multicultural beloved community.
   Please note this workshop is for People of Color only. Thank you for respecting a space where People of Color can be in community with each other.

Congregational Leadership

1. Identifying and Recruiting Top Candidates (Linda Lane-Hamilton, Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists)
   How does your congregation recruit the best nominees for its elected positions? Former Williamsburg UU Nominating Committee member Linda Lane-Hamilton will guide discussions about WUU’s nominating process, beginning with how WUU uses interviews and job descriptions from beginning to end. She will provide questions, sample job descriptions, and advice for recruiting the best nominees from her three years as chair. Workshop participants can also describe their processes for nominating their boards and other elected positions.
2. Developing Leaders (panel discussion – Linda Lane-Hamilton, Margaret Rush, et al.)
   Leadership development and training varies from congregation to congregation. Join members of several congregations responsible for leadership training to learn how they develop leaders, and contribute information about your own congregation’s methods. In addition, learn about the unique opportunity for cluster leadership training in the spring–the Extended Leadership Experience held the first Saturday March-June at four of our cluster congregations (participants must attend all four sessions).
3. Presidents’ Roundtable (Board Presidents)
   Forum for Board Presidents to provide updates on their respective congregations.
4. How can we strengthen our cluster? (David Wilcox, Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists)
   Strong clusters have the potential to provide crucial local support for our congregations. In this workshop we will explore ways that our congregations can support each other by strengthening the Tidewater Cluster. In what ways can we build on the energy from our annual Cluster gatherings and provide opportunities to connect more often throughout the year?

Music

1. Exploring ChoirFest 2020 (Diane Woodruff, First UU Richmond)
   What if we could have an event to celebrate and be in community with our fellow UU Musicians? What would that look like, and what workshops would we want? Come to this session explore the possibility of ChoirFest 2020, which may be held at First UU, October 17-18, 2020.
2. Drumming Circle (Sarah Maxwell, UUCC)
   Come join board-certified music therapist, Sarah Maxwell, MA, MT-BC to learn the effects of group drumming on depression, anxiety and how it can be used as an emotional outlet. Sarah, a Professor of music therapy and practitioner, comes with 20 years of experience of providing drum circles for the chemically dependent, hospice patients, bereaved, mental health access and wellness. Participate in a drum circle to see the benefits for yourself!
   Youth accompanied by parents welcome. Bring a small drum with you if you have one!
3. Protest Choir (Jamie Kilpatrick, First UU Richmond)
   Chants are often used at protests to engage protestors and amplify their voices. However, we can also use our voices to sing songs of protest. In this session, we’ll share and sing our favorite melodies when fighting for our cause.

Find a Congregation Near You!