Greetings, !

Keep reading to learn about all the interesting NAUA programs and services taking place in November!

Image Credit: The above images were shared by Joyce Kinnear, NAUA Summit chair for the past two years and resident of Mexico. She also shared some background on the meaning of El Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) as celebrated in México.

"In México, as most people know, El Día de Los Muertos is a festive holiday. It is celebrated the last week of October up until November 2. It is an ancient day where Mexicans celebrate those who have already left us and acknowledge that we will all, eventually, join them. Similar to the ancient European beliefs behind Halloween, the curtain to the land of the dead is loosened at the end of October, and the dead can come back to celebrate with us. There is music, decorations, food and a lot of family time. This is a well-developed art form in the country, showing everyone participating in the madcap fun as skeletons."

This November, wherever we find ourselves, may we pay our respects to ancestors, celebrate with family and friends, and give thanks for the fall harvest.

Note: If you've written a poem, designed a work of art, or taken a photograph that might be a good fit for this newsletter and its focus on human dignity and traditional liberal religious values, please consider emailing it to jmkrettek@gmail.com. If we aren't able to use it here, we may request your permission to share it on our Facebook page or via other communications. Thanks!

Interim Board leadership has been organized in response to this development, with permanent replacements to be announced at a later date. The interim leadership is:*

• Roy Dickerson, Interim Board President (president@naunitarians.org)
• Mark Reimers, Interim Vice President (vp@naunitarians.org)
• Lincoln Baxter, Interim Secretary (secretary@naunitarians.org)
• Bob Simoni (treasurer@naunitarians.org) has been reelected Treasurer

One of those resigning was Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof, NAUA’s founder, who decided to cut short his last few months as board president. The current board members of NAUA are extremely grateful that we have all benefitted from Todd's vision, his support for an alternative platform for sharing and affirming Unitarian values, and the time he has spent supporting the founding of NAUA. In addition, his many contributions include the creation of a support group for NAUA-affiliated ministers, his work on the editorial board of the Liberal Beacon, and his well-received presentations for the NAUA Academy. (Note: Rev.Eklof is on the schedule to lead the November 11th Academy session on “The Life and Ideas of John Hassler Dietrich.”) 

Stephen Polmar, our former board secretary and charter board member, has chosen to resign as well. We want to thank him for all his work as long-term board secretary and leader of NAUA"s International work.

The board has scheduled a retreat on November 23rd to discuss how to reorganize certain functions in light of these resignations. Member input is always welcome and should be forwarded to: info@naunitarians.org. The Conversation / Discussion CIRCLE (scheduled for Nov. 5th at 4:00 PM PT) will provide an additional opportunity for members to share their input and ideas and ask any questions about the transition. The Zoom link is: https://tinyurl.com/naua-circle.

Your NAUA Board of Trustees have every intention to continue with the many programs and services you have come to enjoy, including our workshops, monthly worship services, Academy sessions, a variety of Connection CIRCLES, our book club and more. The NAUA board remains committed to continuing a democratic process of electing board members on a rotating basis. If you are interested in supporting the work of the board, either as a member or behind the scenes, we welcome your participation. Please email your thoughts to info@naunitarians.org.

NAUA's viability as a virtual platform rests on its members. We thank you for your ongoing participation and financial support. Together, we will continue to grow NAUA, advance the goals of liberal religion, and widely promote the values of Freedom, Reason and Tolerance.

* Bios for each board trustee can be found on our website

NAUA Summit Recordings Available on YouTube

If you are interested in joining or observing the board meeting, please read the board meeting participation policy on our website before emailing our board secretary for the Zoom link: secretary@naunitarians.org.

NAUA conducts a worship service on the third Saturday of every month. Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning. will be leading the NAUA November 15th service.  

The Forum CIRCLE meets every-other-Sunday to discuss scientific and contemporary issues. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please email CIRCLES@naunitarians.org. 

Sunday, Nov. 2nd: "Human Rituals Honoring the Dead"