Would you like an opportunity to meet people from our neighboring UU congregations? The next Tidewater Cluster Gathering, hosted by the UU Fellowship of the Peninsula, is that opportunity!
The gathering will be held at Hilton Christian Church, 100 James River Dr., Newport News, on Saturday, April 20, from 9 AM – 4 PM (Registration, Continental Breakfast 8 AM – 9 AM).
The keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Megan Foley. Rev. Megan serves as Deputy Director for Congregational Life and Regional Lead for the Central East Region staff. Before joining regional staff she served for six years as the minister of the Sugarloaf Congregation of Unitarian Universalists in Germantown, Maryland. Megan holds a Doctor of Ministry in Public Theology degree from Drew University, a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. She was born in Oakland, California, and lived around the world before coming to live in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband, Neil, and their two sons in 2002. She brings expertise in small congregational life and focused ministries to the regional team.
The Tidewater Cluster is comprised of seven congregations, including CVUU, First UU Church (Richmond), UU Community Church of Glenn Allen, UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg, UU Fellowship of the Peninsula, UU Fellowship of Rappahannock White Stone, and Williamsburg UU.
The working theme for April 2024 is “The Values that Bind Us.”
This is an all-day event, beginning with coffee and check-in at 8 AM, a multi-congregational service, workshops, and a closing ceremony. All ages are invited to attend. Child care will be available upon request. Continental breakfast and lunch will be included in the registration fee. The registration fee will be determined soon and scholarships will be available. Presenters and volunteers will also be asked to register but at a reduced cost. Registration details and a list of workshop offerings will be available soon.
Three major topics emerged from a review of the 2023 evaluations, and these will be the focus of the 2024 Gathering:
a) Gender Issues- from making safe gathering spaces to helping to explain what that is to people.
b) Article 2 discussions
c)Spirituality- Buddhist meditation, Sounds, Outdoor activities maybe around the Lions Bridge area
If you are interested in facilitating a session or volunteering to assist UUFP, please contact Ken Saucer at saucer.ken@gmail.com.