Welcoming Congregations
The Welcoming Congregation Network started in Bangor, ME, in April 2006 with a meeting during lunch at the then Northeast District (Maine) Annual meeting. The discussion focused on how congregations can connect regarding the Welcoming Congregation for affirming Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and/or Trans and Questioning people. The Welcoming Congregation Conferences at Ferry Beach in Fall 2006 and Fall 2007 and the electronic list on the UUA website has allowed the sharing of events, the certification of congregations, and resources and concerns.
The NNED Welcoming Congregation Network offers several specific activities:
UUA certified Welcoming Congregations are noted in the District Directory. Please let the District Office know when you become certified.
Welcoming Congregation Table Talks are planned for lunch at the District Annual (Spring) and Fall meetings. These will focus on updates, planning and suggestions for support to congregations and District activities.
Workshops for congregations can be arranged. Ray and Connie Winship and Ted Trainer have offered workshops and consultation, and arrangements can be made with them. The Network is also open to developing cluster or district-wide workshops or longer conferences.
Small Group Ministry Session plans for ongoing Small Group Ministry programs or for the Welcoming Congregation program are available on the UU Small Group Ministry Network website.
The electronic list off the UUA website provides an opportunity to share news and resources, and to pose and respond to questions. The electronic list can be accessed at lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo and scroll to the “NED-WC”. (We will let you know when this is changed to NNED-WC.) You can subscribe and unsubscribe yourself, or contact the District Office with the request.
Look for Welcoming Congregation Network items in Northern Lights (District Newsletter) and the District Annual Reports. Become involved to create an active and dynamic Network.
Other information on Welcoming Congregations can be found on the web site of the Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Concerns of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
The Northern New England Welcoming Congregation Network core group has been:
Ted Trainer, Kennebunk, ME, tedtrainer@roadrunner.com
Ray and Connie Winship, Waterville, ME, rayandconnie@roadrunner.com
Rev. Helen Zidowecki, Augusta, ME, hzmre@hzmre.com
Please contact the District Office or one of us to join the Core Group for planning and outreach.