April 2025 Worship Service Recording

Bob Simoni was the featured speaker for the April 19th service. The title was “Life After Death.”

“Life After Death.” At its heart, religion must try to provide answers to the questions surrounding our existence. Perhaps the biggest questions of all, and ones we have all asked ourselves is “What happened before and what happens next?”. Bob Simoni explored those questions in the April service as we transitioned from Winter to Spring and experienced nature’s rebirth.

Bob Simoni is our NAUA Treasurer, board member, a long time Unitarian, and a member of the Hayward Fellowship. Bob and his wife, Sandy, live in Paso Robles, California.

 

NAUA Member Services Committee Update

The newly established NAUA Member Services Committee presented their Action Plan to the NAUA Board of Trustees on March 12th. Many who participated in last year’s Summit will find their ideas expressed below. The Committee has a threefold purpose: 1. To recruit new members; 2. To ensure that current members are and remain engaged; 3. To Identify and reach out to Fellowships and Congregations about the advantages of joining NAUA.

Our first focus will be on enhancing member engagement. Out of the over 1,000 contacts on our list, only a small percentage are actively engaged. We are aware that unless folks are actively engaged, they are likely to drift away.  We are also aware that enhancing member engagement is a two-way process that incudes providing wanted/needed programs and services, while also asking members what they need and want.  Equally important is communicating what we are doing. Our current plan to is to:

  • Revise the NAUA Welcome letter sent to all new members that is more descriptive of who we are, as well as NAUA’s many services and programs,
  • Increase communication by initiating a “Member Services Corner” in the Liberal Beacon and/or Compass.
  • Create a Member Services web page with links to other programs of NAUA; Add all new Member Services programs/services as they are developed; Include a link or process where members can communicate with us, offer suggestions, etc.
  • Provide assistance to new congregations or fellowships in formation, as well as assistance in leaving UUA, if that is their desire. Such assistance might include developing governance, congregational communications, minister-board relationships, personnel policies, etc. [New committee member, Rev. Terry Cummings has volunteered to provide these services. If you would like to discuss this more, please send your request to info@nauaitarians.org, and clearly direct it to the Member Services Committee with your specific request.]
  • Development of virtual regional NAUA Groups. Such groups might lead to in-person connections, a way to reach out to new members and fellowships, as well as provide members with an opportunity to increase interaction, feel a sense of community, and experience greater connection to NAUA and other members. (If you would be willing to provide leadership in one of these groups, please reach out to judi.durham@gmail.com and please include your location.)

This second list of items are no less important, but will likely take more time to develop. It was also decided that the committee will solicit new members with skills in these areas to assist in the development. Included are:

  • Video describing what NAUA is. Video would be placed on NAUA home webpage, as well as be used in describing NAUA to potential members/fellowships/etc.
  • Develop programs, discussions, activities, etc., that discuss, explore, investigate a philosophical or spiritual orientation.
  • Create classes for children & adults in ethical, moral, and civic responsibility.
  • Development of RE materials, e.g., Stories for All Ages, etc.
  • Development of training materials for lay leaders including worship services, pastoral care, memorial services, marriage ceremonies.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, reactions and new ideas.  Feel free to communicate with this committee:  judi.durham@gmail.com

March 2025 Worship Service

“Yours, Mine and Ours: The NAUA Going Forward”
March 15th, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PST

Latest Issue of the Liberal Beacon

It’s Here!

The latest issue of the Liberal Beacon contains four articles, two book reviews and more!

 

You can have new issues of the Liberal Beacon and the semi monthly NAUA Compass delivered free to your email box.

Back issues available here.

NAUA Celebrates International Women’s Day

Consistent with our support for the inherent rights and dignity of all persons, we celebrate and call for action on International Women’s Day on March 8. 

International Women’s Day (IWD), is a global recognition and call to action that is  dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. Established by the United Nations (UN) in 1977, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made toward women’s rights while highlighting the challenges that remain.

The Goals of International Women’s Day

The United Nations’ goals for International Women’s Day align with its broader mission of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of the key objectives include:

Promoting Gender Equality

  • Despite significant progress, women continue to face discrimination in many areas, including education, employment, and leadership. IWD aims to raise awareness and push for policies that promote equal opportunities for women.

  • Ending Gender-Based Violence
    Millions of women worldwide experience domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. The UN uses IWD to advocate for stronger legal frameworks and support services to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.

  • Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment
    Women often face barriers in the workplace, including unequal pay, lack of access to leadership roles, and limited maternity benefits. IWD encourages companies and governments to implement fair labor practices and support women entrepreneurs.

  • Encouraging Women’s Leadership and Political Participation
    Women remain underrepresented in politics and decision-making roles. IWD promotes initiatives to increase female participation in government, business, and community leadership.

  • Improving Access to Education and Healthcare
    Education is a fundamental right, yet millions of girls worldwide are denied schooling due to poverty, early marriage, or conflict. The UN also emphasizes the need for better maternal healthcare, reproductive rights, and mental health support for women.

The 2024 Theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”

Each year, the UN selects a theme for IWD, focusing on a pressing issue related to gender equality. The 2024 theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” emphasizes the importance of funding women’s initiatives, supporting female-led businesses, and ensuring access to education and healthcare.

International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s a movement toward a fairer, more inclusive world. By taking action today, we can create a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Created with help from ChatGPT.

Origin story of the NAUA – According to Chat GPT

The Origin of the North American Unitarian Association (NAUA)
 
The North American Unitarian Association (NAUA) was founded in 2022 as a response to concerns that the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) had shifted away from its core values of religious freedom, intellectual inquiry, and diversity of thought.
 
 
A group of Unitarian Universalists, including congregational leaders and laypeople, felt that the UUA had become increasingly illiberal and authoritarian, prioritizing ideological conformity over open dialogue and free conscience.
 
 
These individuals sought to revive Unitarianism and Universalism as traditions centered on freedom of belief, rational thought, and respect for diverse perspectives. The NAUA was created as an alternative association that would promote liberal religious pluralism and uphold the values of individual autonomy and open inquiry, resisting the growing influence of political orthodoxy within the UUA.
 
 
The NAUA serves as a platform for those who feel alienated by the UUA’s increasingly doctrinaire approach, providing a space for those who believe in freedom to think for oneself and the dignity of diverse beliefs.
 
By Chat GPT Courtesy Jan Anderson, March  2025.