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-- for the schooner of that name which brought John Murray to these shores,
and the way we approach our efforts and presence at Murray Grove -
Saturday, September 30, 2000 HOMECOMING 2000 A Unitarian Universalist Mid-Atlantic Celebration
Big-top billowing.... Banners flying.... Music soaring.... Unitarian Universalist preachers evangelizing to the heavens, with spirit and passion.... On-lookers fanning themselves vigorously and sipping lemonade between cries of "So Be It!" and "Blessed Be!".... The sacred mystery of the meeting of Thomas Potter and John Murray on this site EXACTLY 230 YEARS AGO solemnly invoked, in the Potter Chapel.... AND A VISION!... Imagine!
A vision WE will create, blending our glorious history with a vital new sense of our role in serving liberal religion! The annual Homecoming of the Murray Grove Association for the Year 2000 - a genuine Unitarian Universalist tent revival meeting - will celebrate the rebirth of the Murray Grove Association, on the cusp of the new millennium, in service to and as an expression of Unitarian Universalism, outside the traditional congregational structure.
Since early 1999, the MGA Futures Team, with membership drawn from the Board, staff and friends of Murray Grove, has been devoting itself to exploring issues such as who we are, what we want to be and what we can do about it. We are determined to be a vital force for living out our mission, inspired by the lives and labors of Thomas Potter and John Murray, and are striving to be completely open as to how that is expressed. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We would appreciate input from as many individuals and groups as possible! We invite you to offer your ideas and energy. Contact Murray Grove, or any member of the Futures Team, right now to become an active part of creating the vision!
Put this exciting day - SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 - on your calendar of important events! Please do come and join in the festivities! It's going to be a blast! From the Executive Director
Beginning with this issue, we are going to be posting shorter, more frequent communications. There is a lot going on at Murray Grove and we want you to know about it. Personally, I feel barraged these days with words and information. So, for this newsletter at least, we will keep it short and tell you the most important things we want you to know:
All my best until next time,
Futures Team
Deep Down Unitarian Universalism Moving
Going into the Deep Down Unitarian Universalism workshop, led by Rev. Tom Chulak, dancer/choreographer Robin Becker and musician Mary Knysh over the October 15-17 weekend, nobody knew quite what to expect, even the leaders. But the participants, from as far away as Florida and Massachusetts, were clearly ready for anything - and that's exactly what they got. A safe and supportive environment was immediately created, from the opening session by the fire. Each and all were able to be and do anything to which they were inspired, with no thought of being judged on it - even by themselves. Personal experiments in movement flowed into explorations of musical and rhythmic forms, and back again. Sharing with, and getting really to know old friends and new, and themselves even more, everyone was then open to discussions of what was going on with them and with each other, and relating their experiences to their lives as UUs, both individually and in community. By the end, after drumming, singing and dancing to the light of the campfire, and worship in the Potter Chapel, all were brought to some new awareness of who they are and who they want to be.
Reactions
"Deep Down plunges you deep into the Web of Life and makes you pray you will never again have to experience yourself as a separate being."
"This weekend was an intense spiritual, emotional and physical experience of my spirituality as a UU. The experience opened a vision of the new UU spirituality. I left feeling more connected to my body and soul and more alive in spirit. I'd do it again in a minute."
"It's a powerful way to create a clear channel between your head and your heart in relation to living vitally as a UU. It is fun, energizing, reflective, individual, communal and dynamic. It brings new meaning and depth to improvising our lives rooted in our tradition."
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FUNDING PROGRAM AWARDS MURRAY GROVE A $5,000, 2:1 MATCHING GRANT
We are pleased to announce that our "Communicating Our Universalist Roots" project was given one of the 19 grants awarded to organizations by the UU Funding Program at its fall 1999 meeting.
This project will result in the organization, preservation and display of Murray Grove's artifacts and archives, so that they can be accessible and in an educational framework that will enhance the understanding and appreciation of our UU roots.
The grant was awarded as a 2:1 matching grant; for every two dollars MGA raises the UU Funding Program will give us one.
Board and Staff
New Board Members: As an integral part of the reinvigoration of Murray Grove, we are delighted that three new members have joined the Board of Trustees:
New Board Officers: Ted Fetter, former Vice President, has been elected President, to replace Jake Haun, who will stay on the Board. Rev. Rudy Nemser was elected Vice President, replacing Ted, and Shirley Giles was elected Secretary, replacing Susie Hook, who has resigned. Frank Helman will remain as Treasurer. All other Members remain.
Staff Restructuring: Beginning December 1, 1999, Carolyn Maher has reduced her hours. Michael Masters has taken up the new position of Assistant Director.
Contact us:
609-693-5558
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