In this feature we seek out answers to questions of broad interest, drawing on experts in congregations, the UUA, and elsewhere. If you would like to submit a question, please write to InterConnections at 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108, or e-mail dskinner@uua.org.

Q. We're confused about the proper amount of tax to pay for our minister. Where can we get guidance?

A. A list of frequently asked questions about church and ministerial finance issues has been compiled by the Rev. Ralph Mero, director of the UUA Office of Church Staff Finance.

The complete list of questions and answers is available on the UUA's Church Staff Finance page on the UUA Web site.

Request a paper copy from Rev. Mero at 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108; (617) 948-6404.

The questions address the correct income tax status for ministers, health benefits, social security, the method of reporting to the Internal Revenue Service, use of parsonages, saving for retirement, and making financial plans.

Q. We'd like to start a Soulful Sundown worship service for our young adults. Where can we get information?

A. The program, which began several years ago at First and Second Church, Boston, has spread to 12 to 15 other congregations from coast to coast. The service can include live music, performing arts, a video clip, a brief commentary and discussion, and an opportunity to light candles for joys and concerns. For a Soulful Sundown manual, contact the UUA Bookstore at (800) 215-9076.

Q. We know the UUA is encouraging congregations to hold a "Youth and Young Adult Sunday" this fall. We didn't get ours scheduled. Is it too late?

A. No. The service can still be held. Contact Alison Miller at or go to the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Sunday web page. Congregations are asked to hold a special service to celebrate, honor, and nurture youth, campus, and young adult ministries. A special collection during the service will help support the future of these ministries.

Q. How can I find out what stands were taken at General Assembly on social justice issues so that our congregation can support them? And how can we recommend an issue to be considered next year?

A. The Web site of the Commission on Social Witness has all social witness statements adopted at GA. They include: 1) the newly adopted Statement of Conscience entitled Alternatives to the War on Drugs; 2) the 2002-2004 Study/Action Issue entitled Civil Liberties; 3) the text of five Actions of Immediate Witness that were passed. A resource guide on the civil liberties issue will be mailed to all congregations in October by the UUA Washington Office.

Q. My congregation would like to get involved with environmental action, but we're not sure where to start. What do other congregations do?

A. Many are involved with the Seventh Principle Project, a UUA-affiliated organization that sponsors the Green Sanctuary Program, which encourages congregations to get involved with recycling and other environmental actions. Congregations can find ideas for environmental action in the SPP's newsletter and on its new e-mail list, GREENSANCTUARY. The organization can be contacted at (703) 920-3615.