Print-ready Program in PDF (PDF instructions)General Assembly 2000 is on the way, and there are many excellent programs to look forward to. The GA Program will be mailed to everyone whose registration was received in the GA Office by May 5, 2000. Some changes may occur to the events listed below. See final Program for event times and locations.
Sunday 7:00am-7:30am ——
401 Everyday Spiritual Practices III
Planning Committee
For those who enjoy beginning each day in a religious way, come join in as our chaplains lead us in a variety of spiritual practices, including chanting, low-impact, and meditation.
Sunday 7:00am-8:30am —Awards Breakfast—
402 Awards Breakfast
Planning Committee
Sunday 9:00am-10:30am —Service of the Living Tradition—
403 Service of the Living Tradition: "Imagining a New World"
Ministry Dept, UUA
This service, led by the Department of Ministry, honors the profession of the fellowshipped religious leadership of the Association by remembering those ministers who have died in the past year, recognizing those who have completed active service, and welcoming those who have been granted fellowship. The Rev. Marilyn Sewell will preach.
Speakers: Rev. Marilyn Sewell
Sunday 12:30pm-4:30pm —Plenary—
404 Plenary IV
Planning Committee
The business decisions made during the Plenary Sessions impact the way the UUA operates and the stands we take officially on social issues. Everyone at GA can be part of this process, as a voting delegate or observer reporting back to the congregation. For details on the specific items to be addressed today, refer to the Agenda section.
Sunday 12:30pm-1:45pm —Repeat Programming—
405 Unitarian Universalists and the Emerging World Economic Order (Repeat)
Conservative Forum for UUs
This program is offered a second time. See description on Friday at 8:45pm.—Repeat Programming—
406 Race and Sexual Orientation (Repeat)
Planning Committee Sponsored
This program is offered a second time. See description on Friday at 1:45pm.
Speaker(s): Rev. Chester McCall
Rev. Kurt Kuhwald—Repeat Programming—
407 Y'ALL: Old-time Country Music for the 21st Century (Repeat)
Planning Committee Sponsored
This program is offered a second time. See description on Saturday at 7:30pm.—Repeat Programming—
408 Leadership for the New Millenuim: What's the Vision? (Repeat)
UU Leadership School Network
This program is offered a second time. See description on Saturday at 7:30pm.—Repeat Programming—
409 Stop the Killing Now! Goal -- Moratorium on Executions (Repeat)
UUs Against the Death Penalty
This program is offered a second time. See description on Saturday at 5:00pm.
Sunday 5:00pm-6:15pm —Annual Meeting—
410 Annual Meeting, Review and Preview
Partner Church Council
Leaders of the Partner Church Council review and preview the evolving mission and organization of the Partner Church Council. Visiting scholars from Transylvania and a representative of their ministers association also report on the current status of Unitarians and the impact of partnership.
Speaker(s): Rev. John Gibbons—Lecture—
411 A Lover's Quarrel: Unitarian Universalists Wrestling with God
Murray Grove Association
Fourteenth Annual John Murray Distinguished Lecture. Our way of religion holds, in creative and honorable tension, the claims of mature atheism, agnosticism, and affirmation. As pilgrims commissioned to do our own thinking, Unitarian Univeralists become full-fledged theologians through exploring live questions about the eternal spirit, god/goddess, ultimate reality.
Speaker(s): Rev. Tom Owen-Towle—Lecture—
412 Judith Sargent Murray -- Founding Universalist
UU Historical Society
In an illustrated talk, Bonnie Hurd Smith presents the life and legacy to Universalism of the remarkable 18th century author and activist, Judith Sargent Murray. Closing remarks by Rev. Gordon Gibson, who found the Murray letter books in 1984. Ms. Smith's book on Murray will be available for sale.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Hurd Smith—Lecture—
413 Starr King President's Lecture
Starr King School for the Ministry
Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell will present the Starr King President’s Lecture at General Assembly. A songwriter and singer, Barnwell has performed since 1979 with the internationally renowned a capella quintet Sweet Honey in the Rock. She is also a health professional, educator and actor who has appeared in the film "Beloved" directed by Jonathan Demme.
Speaker(s): Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell
Dr. Rebecca Parker—Lecture—
414 World Trade and World Government
UU United Nations Office
The World Trade Organization (WTO) should be governed by a world government. Lori Wallach, Public Citizen's World Trade specialist, was commissioned by the US Congress to recommend procedures for public accountability of WTO agreements. Hundreds of UUs joined Ms. Wallach and thousands of others protesting WTO's lack of public accountability.
Speaker(s): Lori Wallach—Lecture—
415 The Gospels as Midrash
Planning Committee Sponsored
Who was Jesus understood to be in his day? How ought we understand him for our time? John Shelby Spong, Episcopal Bishop of Newark, applies contemporary Jewish and Christian New Testament scholarship to understanding the gospels as thoroughly Jewish texts. Sponsored by UUs for Jewish Awareness and the UU Christian Fellowship.
Speaker(s): Rev. John Shelby Spong—Lecture—
416 Of Life Immense: Prophetic Vision of Walt Whitman
Prairie Star District
A look at Walt Whitman as he saw himself -- a prophet -- and the religious vision which lies at the core of Leaves of Grass. I have been a student of Walt Whitman for more than three decades. An opportunity for discussion will follow.
Speaker(s): Rev. Ron Knapp—Lecture—
417 The Trail of Tears and Some Parallels Today
UU Network on Indigenous Affairs
By one vote, Congress removed the Cherokee Nation from their mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee to Oklahoma! The forced march brought death to many families, societal breakdown and despair. Many Cherokee are among Indian leaders today. Mr. Bender, Western Cherokee, is both a lawyer and a teacher.
Speaker(s): Albert Bender—Lecture—
418 Spiritual Healing and the Liberal Church
UU Psi Symposium
Is there a place for spiritual healing in the liberal church? The Rev. Dr. Thomas J. S. Mikelson will talk about the ways in which the gift of spiritual healing has enriched his ministry through prayer, meditation, reiki, and laying on of hands. How does such a practice relate to the role of the liberal ministry in a UU church?
Speaker(s): Rev. Thomas Mikelson—Mini-Assembly—
419 Mini-Assemblies on Actions of Immediate Witness
Commission on Social Witness
These assemblies are your only opportunities to propose amendments to AIWs admitted to the agenda at Sunday's Plenary and voted on at Monday's Plenary. Shedule of room assigned for discussions of each AIW will be announced at Sunday's Plenary.—Performance—
420 Holy Breath: A Commissioned Choral Work
Planning Committee Sponsored
"Holy Breath", a choral/orchestral work composed by Cary Boyce to a text by Rev. Clarke Wells will be performed by the Bloomington Church Choir. The piece, commissioned for the church's 50th Anniversary, features Prelude, Meditation, Offertory, Anthem, and Benediction Postule. The commissioning process will be discussed.
Speaker(s): Cary Boyce
Connie Loftman—Workshop—
421 Creating More Vital Congregations through Intergenerational Programming
Board of Trustees
With intentionality and tools, vital intergenerational community can be created in all our congregations, allowing the creation of a feeling of ownership of congregations by children, youth and adults. A recent youth and a long-time youth advisor present successful strategies, share stories, and inspire you to action.
Speaker(s): A. Drake Baer
Nato Hollister—Workshop—
422 UUA Loans, Loan Guarantees and Grants
Cong. Dist. Ext. Services
Are you planning to conduct a capital campaign in support of a building project? Are you considering additional financing to supplement capital campaign pledges? The UUA may be able to offer some financial assistance to your congregation. Come learn about the recently revised criteria for loans, loan guarantees, and grants.
Speaker(s): Dr. Wayne B. Clark
John Patillo—Workshop—
423 Young Adult Campus Ministry District Organizing
Continental UU Young Adult Network
Strategizing and organizing sessions for district young adult leaders. This session will help you create or strengthen your district structure for young adult and campus ministry.
Speaker(s): Joey Lyons
Elizabeth Collins—Workshop—
424 Interim Ministry -- Making the Most of It
Ministry Dept, UUA
Congregations seeking to make the most of an interim year will be goal directed. What these goals may be and what additional goals may develop during the year will be the focus of the discussion. UUA Accredited Interim Ministers and the leaders of churches they have served will be present.
Speaker(s): Rev. John Weston—Workshop—
425 Creating Accessible Congregations
Faith in Action Dept, UUA
This workshop introduces a new weekend program designed to help Unitarian Universalist congregations and districts examine personal and institutional ableism, remove barriers of attitude, architecture, and communication, and identify actions to facilitate the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of congregational life.
Speaker(s): Jacqui James
Jory Agate—Workshop—
426 Preserving Our Past
Office of Information
The UUA's Director of Information/Archivist will present information on and discuss strategies for preserving church archives and writing church histories.
Speaker(s): John Hurley—Workshop—
427 Educating Ministers for the 21st Century
Meadville/Lombard Theological School
Meadville/Lombard faculty members and students discuss the major themes and issues challenging liberal religious leadership today and the ways Meadville/Lombard addresses those challenges in its preparation of ministers. An inside look at one of the two Unitarian Universalist schools for ministry.
Speaker(s): Rev. Bill Murry
Rev. John Tolley—Workshop—
428 The Second Annual Junior High Welcoming Circle
Religious Education Dept., UUA
Are you making the transition to YRUU? The 2000 GA Junior High Welcoming Circle is a chance to come of age into YRUU while surrounded by loving current, future and past YRUUers. The Junior High Welcoming Circle is informative and interactive with components that allow transitioning youth to experience YRUU style fun.
Speaker(s): Melissa Cain—Workshop—
429 Pastoral Care: As Congregation-Wide Ministry
UU Ministers Association
Pastoral care is an important ministry in any congregation. How can congregations embody pastoral care as a community wide ministry? Presenters explore some of the lessons and cautions to be gleaned from pastoral care programs including lay visitation teams, organization models and training.
Speaker(s): Rev. Jean Rankin
Rev. Aaron Payson—Workshop—
430 GA Choir Rehearsal III
Planning Committee
This is a rehearsal session for the 2000 GA Choir. This year's director is Bart Bradfield from Evanston, IL, and the accompanist is Barbara Wagner form Buffalo, NY. The choir will rehearse to prepare choral music for the closing.—Workshop—
431 UUWF Ministry to Women Award Ceremony
UU Women's Federation
The 1970s were exciting times and our own UUWF board, in the thick of things feminist and activist, inaugurated the Ministry to Women Award in 1974. Share with us their stories and help us celebrate them as individuals acting together for all women, UU as well as the wider community.
Speaker(s): Dru Cummins
Denise Davidoff—Workshop—
432 Working for Social Justice in the South
Veatch Program
Come hear about Veatch grantee "Southern Organizing Cooperative," a unique collection of 15+ organizations from across the southeastern US who are using direct action organizing to make social, economic, and political change. This workshop describes strategies and winning tactics of the collaborative, and how its members have come together.
Speaker(s): Mike Brenner
Leroy Johnson—Workshop—
433 Building Effective Coalitions to End Oppression
Washington Office, UUA
How, when, why and with whom should we build coalitions? How do we discern when to compromise and when to stand firm on our UU values? Particular emphasis on economic and racial justice work which respects women and glbt rights, and acknowledging challenges of Bible Belt coalitions.
Speaker(s): Rev. Meg Riley
Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris—Workshop—
434 Arab-Israeli Conflict: Can Fairer Media be Achieved?
UUs for Justice in the Middle East
Exploration of how citizens can insist that the media provide fairer, more balanced coverage of Israeli-Palestine issues.
Speaker(s): Edmund R. Hanauer
Sunday 7:15pm-8:30pm —Annual Meeting—
435 Unitarian Universalism in the Urban Millenium
Urban Church Coalition
Soon one-half of the world's people will live in urban areas. Three-fourths of US and Canadian residents already do. Leaders of the coalition will discuss our future as an urban religious movement. The presentation will be followed by a brief business meeting.
Speaker(s): Rev. Tony Johnson—Annual Meeting—
436 Lambda Ministers' Guild Annual Meeting and Reception
Lambda Ministers Guild
The Lambda Ministers' Guild is an organization serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Transexual, and Allied UU clergy and seminarians. We will elect officers, review the state of our organization, do some reorganizing, plan for the future -- and get better aquainted. Light refreshments.
Speaker(s): Rev. Michael Boblett—Annual Meeting—
437 Youth Caucus Business Meeting IV
Young Religious Uus
We will discuss the business of GA and Youth Caucus' stance on key issues that will arise in the next day's plenary session, as well as strategic planning and action on the business of YRUU. All members of Youth Caucus, delegates and non-delegates are invited.
Speaker(s): Elizabeth Martin
James Walker—Annual Meeting—
438 Passing the Torch: Time for a New Generation
Friends of Religious Humanism
Two ministers in their 30s, who are passionately inclined toward a humanism of both head and heart, relate what this point of view means to them and how they would like to see it develop. New slate of FRH officers to be elected. Khoren Arisian presiding, Bob Kaufman commenting.
Speaker(s): Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Rev. Scott Smith-Tayler—Performance—
439 A Congregation of Amazons
Planning Committee Sponsored
This performance by members of the UU Fellowship of Columbia, SC celebrates the 80th anniversary of ratification of the woman suffrage Amendment to the US Constitution here in Nashville. The production uses the voices and songs of the suffragists to tell the epic story of the passage of that Amendment.—Performance—
440 Vocal Harmony Performance/Workshop
Planning Committee Sponsored
The Tashians are internationally known singers, recording artists and songwriters. Their award winning songs and exquisite harmonies touch the hearts of audiences around the world. Join in the spirit of singing together as The Tashians demonstrate and teach the art of three-part harmony singing. All ages are welcome.
Speaker(s): Barry Tashian
Holly Tashian—Performance—
441 O Excellent Friend
Rowe Camp and Conference Center
An original dramatization by Laurie James based on the letters and journals exchanged between Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller. UU actors True Boardman and Laurie James bring to life these two historical transcendentalists revealing the love hate relationship between them. Women and Religion brings this stunning performance to us.
Speaker(s): True Boardman
Laurie James—Workshop—
442 The Upstairs Downstairs Church
DRUUMM
Look around your congregation, who do you see? Look around your church school, now who do you see? Through discussion and exercises, this workshop explores the multiracial/multicultural identities of UUs, provides an overview of resources on identity, and explains how identity is shaped by history, society and culture.
Speaker(s): Jacqui James
Rev. William Sinkford—Workshop—
443 Why Anti-Racism Could Fail
Faith in Action Dept, UUA
What are people likely to do -- often with the best intentions -- that will allow racism to maintain itself in obvious and subtle ways in our congregations and in our society? We will explore the predictability of oppression and examine strategies and critiques to improve the odds of real change.
Speaker(s): Leon Spencer
Rev. Keith Kron—Workshop—
444 Our Common Call II
Fulfilling the Promise Committee
How can we work together to bring UU values into the larger world? What is our mission and purpose as a larger association? The Fulfilling the Promise is offering several opportunities during this GA to come help us explore these very important issues to the future of the association.—Workshop—
445 Mission Centered Ministry and the Transforming Congregation
Cong. Dist. Ext. Services
A new model of church is needed: one that is mission centered and employing shared ministry to transform lives within the congregation, the community and the world. The Program's consultants will describe the consulting weekends: identity, context, mission goals, funding the mission etc. For mid-sized congregations (150-550 members).
Speaker(s): Margaret L. Beard—Workshop—
446 What Our History Might Teach Us
Fulfilling the Promise Task Force
One observer called UUism "the institutional form of Transcendentalism." Author of The Unitarians and Universalists, chair of the UUA Panel on Theological Education, and Professor of American Culture, Robinson comments on our history, with an emphasis on continuities in faith development and lessons for our future.
Speaker(s): David Robinson—Workshop—
447 Our Global Faith
International Council of Unitarians & Universalists
Meet UUs and Unitarians in more than twenty countries via slides and video. Learn more about the work of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists in nurturing the growth and development of our global faith.—Workshop—
448 Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers, UUism and You
Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers
Utilizing technology and arts, The Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers are all about spirituality, youth, adult and family programs (Retreat), youth justice activism (Milestone), collaborative leadership training for congregational laity and professionals (Learning Center for Leadership), Residential Community for retirees, volunteers. There's nothing like it, see how you can participate!—Workshop—
449 A Dialogue on Committees on Ministry
Thomas Jefferson District
This workshop is designed to explore the role and functions of Committees on Ministry, also known as Ministerial Relations Committees. The evolving roles reflect a philosophical shift which has resulted in some confusion. This stimulating discussion includes ministers, lay leaders, field staff, and questions and answers from the floor.
Speaker(s): Rev. Wayne Arnason—Workshop—
450 Interfaith Views on the 2000 Election
President's Office, UUA
Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance, shares his views on the upcoming 2000 election.
Speaker(s): Rev. Welton Gaddy—Workshop—
451 Considering Co-Ministry
UU Clergy Couples Association
A panel discussion and open exchange for clergy couples and search committees considering the possibilities for co-ministry.—Workshop—
452 Sharing Our Good News!
Pacific Southwest District
Have you ever not known quite what to say when someone asks you at work, home, or along life's pathway, "What is Unitarian Universalism?" Presentations followed by an opportunity to practice answering some of the typical questions regarding our UU gospel (literally "good news"). Resource materials also available.
Speaker(s): Liz Jones
Rev. Tom Owen-Towle—Workshop—
453 Our Whole Lives: An Overview
Religious Education Dept, UUA
The new lifespan sexuality education program, "Our Whole Lives", is now available for many age groups. While most people have heard of OWL, most people have questions. This workshop provides an overview of the program's philosophy, values, goals, content, resources and benefits. Bring your questions!
Speaker(s): Judith A. Frediani
Sarah Gibb—Workshop—
454 Cost of Poverty: Poverty Issues and Economic Justice
Religious Education Dept., UUA
This workshop gives participants a basic overview of current issues relating to poverty issues and economic justice (1999 Continental YRUU Social Action theme) and their relevance, from welfare reform to "poor pay more" syndrome and economic accesssibility. We also share and develop ideas on how people can become involved at home.
Speaker(s): Maia Cudhea—Workshop—
455 Appalachian Spring: Taking on Corporations and Winning
Social Action Clearing House
Who said corporations could destroy our mountains, streams, and wildlife? Jeopardize the health of workers? Come hear tales of recent coalitions of regional working, poor, and middle-class people and religious/environmental groups who have dared to say NO! Featuring heroic Appalachian organizers Larry Gibson and Earthjoy's Rose Edington.
Speaker(s): Rev. Rose Edington
Larry Gibson—Worship—
456 Stewardship Worship Service
APF Continental Committee
Join us to hear the sermon selected for the Annual Program Fund/UU Ministers Association Sermon Award, which most effectively explores and promotes financial support of Unitarian Universalism and addresses money as it relates to affirming our faith, vision and values.—Worship—
457 UUCF Communion Service
UU Christian Fellowship
Join us for the traditional annual UUCF communion service. This ancient and simple ceremony of bread and wine remembers Jesus and will be filled with song and spirit. An ancient ceremony for an embodied faith.—Workshop—
458 The Yin and the Yang of International Justice
UU United Nations Office
Learn about the creation of the International Criminal Court -- the most significant human rights institution since the establishment of the United Nations itself -- from your representative at the UN. Unitarian Universalist principles are at work on the international scene in this International Year for a Culture of Peace.
Speaker(s): Elaine Harvey—Worship—
459 Award Winning Social Justice Sermon: Skinner Sermon Presentation
Washington Office, UUA
Established to stimulate preaching concerned with the social implications of religion, the Clarence R. Skinner Sermon Award is given to the preacher of the sermon that, in the previous year, best expressed Unitarian Universalism's social principles. The sermon is delivered at a GA worship service and the award is given at the GA awards breakfast.
Speaker(s): Ginger Luke
Sunday 9:00pm-10:00pm —Ware Lecture—
Planning Committee
Internationally renowned trial lawyer, writer, and social activist, Morris Dees has been fighting for racial justice for over thiry years as co-founder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center. He will describe his experiences in this life-long struggle in his lecture, "Responding to Hate: Voices of Hope and Tolerance."
Speaker(s): Morris Dees
Sunday 10:15pm-11:00pm —Worship—
461 All GA Youth Worship
Planning Committee
The Youth Caucus will lead this service of reflection, inspiration, and renewal for all. To happen directly after Ware lecture, this is a worship held by youth, for everyone. It is planned by the All GA Worship Guru, and a committee of youth.
Sunday 10:30pm-12:00am —Performance—
462 Young Adult CoffeeHouse
Planning Committee Sponsored
The Young Adult Coffee House is a special performance event where UU Youth and Young Adults share their musical, dramatic, theatrical and artis-tic talents for the General Assembly community. Come relax, laugh and appreciate the talents of young Unitar-ian Universalists.
