We live in rapidly changing times. Do things the “old way” doesn’t bring the same results as it did in the past. So how do our congregations reach out, find new members, help our members, grow and thrive? We all need to think outside the box – which is the theme of this year’s District Assembly – Breaking Boundries.
We have a great theme speaker in Rev. Dr. David Owen-O’Quill, known UU minister and church planter. He’s found a way to break a few boundries and create some innovative programs and he’s going to share his experiences with us. You will also have an opportunity to talk with him at the theme talkback and take an in-depth workshop with him called Deep Shift.
We keep hearing that our members value time together to network, talk and learn from each other, so this year, to answer that request, we’re replacing one of our workshop slots with networking time. We’ve lined up eight different topics you can choose to join. You do not need to be a committee chair or member for these areas, just interested in this particular facet of church life. Our traditional workshop slot will provide time to learn more about leadership development opportunities, outreach, stewardship, youth programming and more.
Friday night we’ll gather to participate in the new Gathered Here program. This is your opportunity to have the district and the UUA hear what you think the vision of Unitarian Universalism should be. We’ll also honor this year’s award winners. You can learn more about the Gathered Here program at the UUA website.
Of course there is the annual meeting of the OMD for congregational delegates to vote on the slate of officers, next year’s budget and bylaw changes. Don’t let your congregation miss this opportunity to make your voice heard.
This year we will meet on March 23-24, 2012 at UU Church of Meadville, PA on Friday and at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA on Saturday. There is limited home hospitality available, local hotels are inexpensive and the location is easily accessible from I-79. Registration is now open and details are available online at www.ohiomeadville.org/program/da/. Full Fair Share Congregation members qualify for a discount. Early bird registration, childcare and home hospitality request deadline is February 24.
The Annual Report with the meeting agenda, budget, committee and staff reports and proposed bylaws will be posted to the website and mailed to all congregations in mid-February.
Have questions? Contact me at the District Office.
Beth C
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This will be the last of the OMD Staff Blog postings. We’ve decided that with the many new blogs out there – Growing Unitarian Universalism, Cooking Together, Congregational Stewardship and more that perhaps we’ve got an oversaturation in the market and our congregants would be better served if we directed you to those blogs instead for resources and tips.
