A CUUPS Year in Review!

Where did this year go!

So much has happened and CUUPS as an organization got so much done and created for the future! I have to say I am impressed at how much work our board of trustees gets generated in the course of 1-2 hours each month. Our work and outreach is not only impacting the world of Unitarian Universalist nature-centered spirituality, but expanding into the larger interfaith and intrafaith landscapes.

In 2015 CUUPS had many successes such as:

• CUUPS Became a UUA Covenanting Community/ Covenanting communities are all different. It is the point! They are groups living out their UU faith and values, and still being a recognized part of the UU family. CUUPS looks forward to working with the UUA inside of this distinction.
• Social Media Outreach/ We currently have extensive outreach on Facebook, Twitter, Natures Path blog on Patheos and our podcasts. Our social media outreach has exponentially grown. Right now there are over 13,143 people in communication with CUUPS on Facebook with many waiting to join. Currently we have one of the largest lists following in the world of Paganism on FB and on Patheos. Our blog, Nature’s Path alone, is one of the top blogs for people to visit for nature-centered spirituality information, thinking and stimulation. Everything is discussed within the framework of Unitarian Universalism who honor Pagan or Nature paths. Starting next year, we have new writers coming on board to expand the depth and base of information that has been in demand in UU Paganism.
• A Revisioning Process/ John Beckett led and incredible process with the board, members and chapters of CUUPS to revision the organization. Surveys were ran, input welcomed and language crafted for the membership to vote on.
• Organizational Resolutions and Statements of Support/ CUUPS has been at the forefront of standing for social justice issues in our world. This year we voted on the following Resolutions of Support and issues we support:

o   BlackLivesMatter Resolution

o   Environmental Justice Resolution

o   Commit2Respond Statement

o   Consent Culture Statement

o   Branding, Logo and Name Usage Guidelines

o   Social Media Guidelines for Organizational Groups

• Bylaws Committee Created / CUUPS brought on people well versed in creating organizational visions regarding bylaws that work.
• CUUPS Convo/ This will happen August 26-28, 2016 in Salem, MA. We will be hosted by First Church Unitarian Universalist. This church dates back to the Puritan church that participated in the Witch Trials of 1692. Speakers will include: Rev. Shirley Ranck, author of the UU curriculum Cakes for the Queen of Heaven and co-author of the upcoming book Born of the Earth: Voices of Unitarian Universalist Pagans & Earth-Centered Spirituality; Bryron Ballard, author from Ashville, NC; John Beckett, former CUUPS Board Member, UU Druid blogger of Under the Ancient Oaks; Rev. Gypsy Ravish, Alexandrian Priestess and creator of the albums called Enchantress and Spirit Nation; Jerrie Hildebrand, Ambassador to the Parliament of the World Religions, advisor to Lady Liberty League, Circle Sanctuary minister and co-author of the upcoming book Born of the Earth: Voices of Unitarian Universalist Pagans & Earth-Centered Spirituality and musical guests Silver Branches.
• An Expanded Board of Trustees/ This year we did much outreach to create a diverse board of trustees. In doing this we will do more outreach to chapters, congregations and members; create a religious education plan of action; better support to clergy and congregations learning to bring nature-centered liturgy into play; and expanded committees to support Communications, Liturgy and Membership.
• UUA General Assembly/ Portland, OR: CUUPS supported a Summer Solstice Ceremony for the denomination and held its annual meeting.
• Parliament of the World Religions/ CUUPS had five board members and future board members attend this event in Salt Lake City, UT with close to 150 people from Pagan and nature-centered spirituality internationally. It was an incredible experience for all of us and we look forward to participating and networking with all of the people we met.
• Supporting Skinner House Press with authors for Born of the Earth:Voices of Unitarian Universalist Pagans and Earth-Centered Spirituality.
• …and more than I can gather for one report!

Action items CUUPS financially supported:

• A book of essays called “Godless Paganism: Voices of Non-Theistic Pagans” by John Halstead
• The Wild Hunt: A media outlet of information in and from the Pagan and nature-centered world

CUUPS is working on many things that will continue into 2016:

• Working with the Church of the Larger Fellowship to serve UU Pagan inmates
• A Sermon Contest for sermons to congregations about earth or nature centered spirituality. Currently, there are eight people who have entered submissions.
• Expanded outlook on Membership
• Stronger chapter and congregational support.
• …and more!

I have been a member of CUUPS for as l can as I can remember. Personally, I invite you to join the organization! You do not have to be UU. You can be someone who support the ideals and vision of the UUA and CUUPS. If you are a UU Pagan who belongs to a specific congregation, talk to your congregation’s board or minister and our chapter coordinator to see how you might start a chapter. Register for CUUPS Convo this coming August!!! It would be so great to see you and work together!

If you do not want to be a member but support our work, simply donate! You contributions are welcomed! We look forward to serving you this next year.