They Change Everything They Touch….

Our world is certainly going through more changes than I think any of us ever could have ever expected. From the world’s political landscape, to various technological changes, to how we as human beings interact with another…all that is present is change. I am reminded that all we can ever expect in the world is change. She/He/They change everything they touch!

Some changes feel like we are floating back to eras gone by, while others feel like we have stepped into futures unimagined. As I look at my own world, and those I love, this is the consistent place many of us find ourselves. It is a challenge to stay centered and calm at times, yet it is what there is to master.

Other changes, I never expected to come back in my lifetime. We seemed to be making progress as a species beyond hate and towards working together.  Now it is not as flat as was thought. As an animal species known as human being, there are times we keep moving further apart with more labels, more differences, and more complication than I ever remember. We have become more about our individual thinking instead of the collective or vision thinking. I wonder what will be needed to come together on behalf of the planet, climate change and beloved community.

This evening my son and I were discussing the nature of dialogue, debate and how conversations and communication has changed. We wondered if it was even considered an art form or possibility any longer. I paused as I reflected back to UUA General Assembly this year in New Orleans. The commitment to debate from moderators was so present, arguing was not in the mix no matter how hard some wanted to try. It was so refreshing and educational. As a leader and priestess, it was great training to take in.

As the interim president of CUUPs, I see how the notion of debate and argument can infiltrate an organization in good and not so good ways, even when the most astute leader is presiding. It really takes something to balance vision and the desire of a governing body. You need to be present to juggling what the members of CUUPS wants, what the board wants, what committees are saying, what the UUA wants, what the UU affiliate organizations want and what the larger Pagan community wants from us and counts on us for.  As our planet changes, and climate change is ever so present what there is to do is overwhelming.

All of the members of the CUUPS board bring an incredible depth of knowledge from many backgrounds, thinking, and traditions. It is the beauty of the group. We all work to stay open to one another. We hold all of these intersections of our organization’s work in our hands and hearts.

Currently, one of the things we have created is a way to do business we have never had before due to the internet. Our board meetings are online in a way we can see one another or can join by phone. Very useful for those who travel.  The current bylaw vote it to support this in a larger way.

If you have not yet voted on our bylaws as paid members, please take the time to do so. Check your mail boxes for the link. If you are not a paid member of the organization you will not be able to vote. If you wish to vote for the new board of trustees and do not know if your dues are current please contact the membership@cuups.org or info@cuups.org and someone will check.

The board of trustees voting starts in a week or so. I must say they are an incredible group of people with niches that are needed, and wisdoms that I cannot wait to hear. They also will take on managing areas of the organization we have had gaps in.

Members of the board have attended workshops with the UU Ministry for the Earth, Allies for Racial Equity, and Black Lives UU’s.  CUUPS has an opportunity to start engaging in the diversity of Pagan, earth and nature centered spirituality in new ways.  Some of these activities will be taken on by some of the incoming board members who are well versed in them.

Upcoming Things CUUPS is Engaged With…

General Assembly 2018 – As I look forward to General Assembly 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri, I wonder what we should create. What are your ideas? What do you want to see us put in for workshop proposals? What do you want the Summer Solstice ritual look like? Let us know! We have to create all of the proposals soon! If you have ideas and suggestions please let us know!

CUUPS Convocation 2018 in Fort Myers – Betty Osceola, an Indigenous leader with the Miccosuke tribe in South Florida and environmental activist will open our weekend and lead workshops on ministering to the planet in these trying times. John Beckett will return bring the Druidic perspectives of the times and other board members will contribute their thoughts. The Fort Myers CUUPS chapter is looking forward to hosting us. The food for the weekend is being prepared by a trained chef. There will be camping at the church though no showers. Teens and children are welcome.  Packages with area hotels are being negotiated. Early registration is open. We would love to see you there!

Ever Wanted to Join CUUPS? – Well, it is easy, just join us! You can be a member of CUUPS if you are a UU who has an affinity for the earth, are members of a congregation and are Pagan, Wiccan, earth centered and so on, or if you just align with UU Principles and Purposes.

Want to Form a Chapter at Your Congregation? – Contact our Membership and Chapter Chairperson at membership@cuups.org or info@cuups.org .

Interested in Being on a Committee? – We have plenty of them. Committees include Curriculum Development, Nominating, Membership, Communications, and many more. Write info@cuups.org and share what you would love to do! The board loves to have people to work with and we can move the organization forward with everyone’s input!

Coming into this role has been enlightening. It is much more than leading a team and supporting members. It is about the larger vision. Not of not just Paganism and its tributaries, but the intersection of UU Principles and Purposes and more. It is more than dogma and doing things a certain way.

When I think about it, it is huge. After the past few meetings, I am clear we are a strong team, a strong organization with incredible members and allies, who are so committed to our chapters, our congregations and the denomination as well as our planet. How will we succeed…stay in communication and dialogue. With dialogue and conversation anything is possible!

Blessings to all of you.