I write to you as we approach the end of what feels like an incredibly long summer. As is our practice, UU Ministry for Earth has taken a bit of a summer “yawn,” pausing to enjoy the goodness of the season and till the soil for our program year ahead. Like most UU congregations, UUMFE’s calendar aligns with the school year, with our programs running from September – May. So, expect things to be sprouting up again, soon — and know that we are buzzing with excitement over what’s brewing for the year ahead!
While our programs took a summer slumber, other things have been keeping us busy at UUMFE. A huge shout out to our fundraising consultant, the inimitable Jessica Cloud, who has been working with us for the last three months. We are inspired and strengthened by her guidance. Also, our abundant gratitude is welling up for our outgoing communications coordinator, Audrey McCann, who has served us so well over the last year and a half. As Audrey leaves to pursue a UU parish internship, we wish them all the very best!! Coming in as our new communications expert is the incredible Xander Huffman, who we are all so thrilled to have on board. Welcome, Xander! We are so happy to have you join us.
Along with this, UUMFE’s board is thriving. The UUMFE Board of Directors has undergone several exciting transitions of late, and hopes to entice one more soon: UUMFE is seeking a skilled board treasurer to share their talents with us. If you are blessed with a love of numbers (or just so happen to be good at them!), consider reaching out about the treasurer position. Serving on our board is a wonderful way to care for Earth, advance Climate Justice, and foster an earth justice movement within Unitarian Universalism. If you are talented in this area, then I hope you’ll consider sharing this needed practical skill that will help secure a brighter future for UUMFE and the world.
Lastly, I hope you’ll scroll through this newsletter and stay tuned for more details about the program year ahead. We have several virtual worship rituals planned, including one in October for Indigenous People’s Day. We are also reading an incredible book for our 2026-27 Community Read: Radically Reframing Climate Justice: A Guide to Saving Ourselves by Will Hackman. (Join the contact list and be among the first to know about an upcoming chance to win a signed copy! Here is a TEDx Talk from the author to pique your interest.) Our Full Moon Gatherings continue to happen monthly. And, resuming in September, our Climate Grief Support Groups provide a much needed space to process emotions and ride the tides of climate chaos.
How do we turn despair into hope? One loving action, one authentic conversation, one day and one life at a time. I am hopeful in this moment that, together, we can change the world for good. I believe in us. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing this work. Won’t you join me, and muster up some hope, too? No one can do this alone. But together, we can manifest miracles beyond our wildest dreams.
See you in September,
Rev. Lauren Levwood, MDiv
Executive Director, UU Ministry for Earth
We had a wonderful time with our first UUMFE Community Read last year as we explored What If We Get It Right? by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson with so many of you. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the book for our next Community Read, starting this September:
Radically Reframing Climate Change: A Guide to Saving Ourselves by Will Hackman
Hackman argues that the problem isn’t scientific or fact-based, but rather political, emotional, and ideological. Framing the climate crisis as a humanity crisis, he encourages readers to convert their anxiety and anger into action.
We encourage everyone – of any age – to join us. Through a multi-generational lens, we’ll dive into a deeper study of the material in both generational cohorts and as a full group. If you’re interested in being a cohort leader, email us at office@uumfe.org.
Words from Jessica Cloud & Audrey McCann
“When I stepped into this role, I was halfway through my seminary degrees and expected a smooth transition from my previous career in communications to ministry. I could not have anticipated the big organizational shifts that were to come—nor how much I would grow. Today, the heartbeat of UUMFE is strong and resilient. The passion for the spiritual health of those who care about climate justice makes up the pulse that pumps the Spirit of Life throughout everything UUMFE does. It’s truly been a blessing to see this small-but-mighty organization boldly experiment with new programming under the leadership of the Rev. Lauren Spivey Levwood.”
– Excerpt from Audrey McCann’s Farewell Letter | Read it here.
“Working with UUMFE has been one of the true joys of my transition to full time consulting. This board and staff show up with open hearts and real curiosity about what fundraising can look like when it grows out of our shared values. When a board and staff believe in the mission enough to talk about money, incredible things happen. This organization is doing sacred work for the people and the planet, and I’m honored to be part of building that with you.”
– Jessica Cloud, when asked about her work with UUMFE
Full Moon Gatherings
Join UU Ministry for Earth to ground, re-center, and sustain ourselves for the work of climate justice. There are readings, a short reflection, time for individual contemplation, and sharing in small groups.
We will meet on the Sunday evening closest to each full moon at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Our next Full Moon Gathering is on August 30 for the Sturgeon Moon.
Guided by UU values, the Green Sanctuary community nurtures resilient, thriving communities through climate actions that prioritize justice. All are invited to join our monthly community meetings to learn together, support each other, and celebrate progress.
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