Dear Ones for Earth,

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

Image Copyright FiftyLove Photography