Leading Religiously
Close to 150 people — a record number for our district-attended the BCD fall conference "Leading Religiously" at First Parish in Brewster on October 19. The opening worship service offered by Rev. Jim Robinson, Rev. Myke Johnson, and lay minister Pancheta Peterson reminded us what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist — "Someone who lives with the spirit of growth and discovery. We want to swim through life, rather than hang on to a security blanket." Keynoter Denny Davidoff, former UUA moderator, offered four suggestions for addressing the conference theme:
- "Make religious practice part of your daily life."
- "Tell the truth. Tell your truth. Ask people to tell theirs. Be prepared to listen."
- "Learn to say 'No!'" and
- "Make decisions. Leaders are meant to lead.
The worst you could be is wrong. If you find that you're wrong, ask for forgiveness and forgive yourself." The texts of both the keynote and the worship service will be included in the monthly mailing to congregations. At an afternoon plenary session participants recommended that the district continue providing religious education support services through part-time, contracted consultants who focus on particular areas such as youth ministry, program start-up, conflict resolution, and conference organization. Breakouts gave participants opportunities to learn from one another about how they support the work of their congregations. Attendees made new connections that we hope laid the foundation for sharing that can continue to enrich our work as religious leaders.
Eva Marx, BCD Board President (BCD in Brief, 12/2002)