Monday 31 October 2011

Global Chalice Lighting Words for November 2011

Below is the 99th in the monthly series of Global Chalice Lightings from the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, for use during November 2011. It is submitted by the Australian and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association. Please see that this Global Chalice Lighting is translated, if necessary, and distributed as widely as possible within your group.

In faith,

-Lorella

Lorella Thomas Hess
editor, The Global Chalice
ICUU newsletter
www.icuu.net

May this flame remind us of our own inward light, the centre of our being,

that connects us to all Being and gives us strength and comfort in a

troubled world.

Jan Tendys

Australian and New Zealand Unitarian Universalist Association

Register for ICUU Conference by Tomorrow to Avoid Extra Fee

Dear Friends,

Be sure to register by tomorrow (1 November) for the ICUU Council Meeting and Conference in the Philippines in February to avoid the $50 registration fee.

The Conference brochure can be found at
http://www.icuu.net/news/newsletters/Rev_ICUU_CM_12_Info_and_Registration_Details.pdf

You can register online at

https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1095863-4v8FGe5PEs

We have just added an outing to a beautiful nearby National Park and the closing ceremony will now be hosted in the park next to the Town Hall and open to the public.

Here are the latest program details:

“THREE BROAD THEMES
1. Right relations within a multi-cultural context: once we have met one another, what is required for sustained harmonious relations between us in an international community? How do we learn to honorably respect and reconcile our cultural and theological differences? What specific steps might we begin to practice regularly in pursuit of these aims?

2. Social justice in a global religious context: what are the most pressing social justice issues each member group faces in our own local, national, or regional settings? What do we have in common in facing some of these challenges? What are the theological foundations for undertaking this work (especially in a theologically diverse movement?) How shall we begin to develop ways to collaborate in our social justice efforts, for the sake of making our efforts more effective?

3. The international UU community as a whole – a movement to be recognized, represented and heard? Represented within the United Nations, for example, or within international interfaith organizations? Are there ways we can present a unified voice in order to bring our values more visibly into a wider world?

PROGRAM OUTLINE

The ICUU Council Meeting and Conference in Dumagete City, the Philippines, marks the first meeting of this fully international gathering of U-U’s outside of Europe and North America. In addition to addressing the business of the Council, including setting program priorities, electing officers and approving a budget, delegates and participants will work together to strengthen our sense of common purpose and our capacity to work effectively together. In presentations, workshops and small groups we will address three broad themes: Right Relations in a Multi-Cultural Context (how to work most effectively with both our similarities and our differences), Social Justice in A Global Religious Context (how to collaborate on justice issues across borders and theologies), and TheWiderWorld (the U-U movement as a unified voice.)

Main Speakers
Keynote presentations will be offered by several outstanding leaders and thinkers:

Rev. Dr. Muriel Orevillo-Montenegro - Executive Director of Justice and Peace Center. at the Divinity School at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, will approach our program themes from a local perspective.

Dr, Bruce Knotts – Director of the UU United Nations Office will consider the possibilities of representing the global U-U network at the United Nations

Rev. Dr. Paul Rasor – Theologian, professor and author, will articulate the theological foundations and possibilities for our shared endeavors.

Workshops and Discussion Groups are expected to include:
Social Justice work in member groups, and possibilities for collaboration
Ministerial Education and Training
Sharing the work of the UU United Nations Office
Connecting ICUU women’s groups
Immigration in a global context
Crisis Response Ministries
New approaches to supporting emerging groups and congregations
Something basic for newest emerging groups
Music in Kenyan worship (or more about African worship styles in general)
Dance Meditations
Sharing Songs (for a workbook?)
Chalice Circles”

Join us for this sure to be memorable event!

___________________

Rev Steve Dick

Executive Secretary,

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU)

Email: execsec@icuu.net

Phone: +44 20 84072866

Skype: stephenwd

Website: www.icuu.net

Twitter: ICUUinfo

Support ICUU and its work by sending a US dollar check to
ICUU Treasurer David Shaw, Meadow Hey, Adlington Lane, Grindleford,
Hope Valley, S32 2HT, United Kingdom
or donate online to PayPal account davidw.shaw@btinternet.com