UUFSMA: “Building a New Way”

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Online Service

“Building a New Way”
Speaker: Reverend Tom Rosiello

Sunday, March 21, 2021
10:30 am

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/414604040 

Password: 294513

By Joseph Plummer
UUF Secretary

Since the 16th century Unitarians and Universalists have built “a new way” to practice religion. Offering the freedom to believe as one chooses and rejecting Calvinist doctrines of damnation, Unitarian Universalists embrace the idea that there is no single, true, or unchanging way to believe. As 16th century Transylvanian Unitarian Francis David said, “We do not have to believe alike to love alike.”

People often ask the Reverend Tom Rosiello, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende’s Minister and the leader of this Sunday’s online service, “Where do Unitarian Universalists stand on various issues.” He always replies, “We don’t stand. We move.” His UU hallmark is “a willingness to follow wherever the spirit, the light of conscience, and the call of justice lead.”

One powerful example of this “spiritual awakening to change” was demonstrated when Unitarian Universalism stood among the first denominations to ordain women and LGBTQ individuals as ministers, just as it welcomes everyone to the UU community regardless of theological belief.

UUFSMA likewise practices continuous renewal, as seen in its recent completion of a year-long envisioning process to renew its present and future goals. New programs will “walk the walk” against racism and gender discrimination and foster multicultural and bilingual programs, seeking to serve both Mexican and expatriate communities.

UUFSMA also plans to offer its services to individuals in the Mexican community who want to share this liberal approach to spirituality. The Fellowship also plans projects to help protect this region’s natural environment from climate change and pollution. The UU ministry and its programs will also expand. This work includes deepening connections with UUs throughout Mexico and in the United States. Post-Covid plans include a visiting ministerial program, a residency program for social action volunteers, and a musical arts program for choral studies and performance.

Sunday’s service will highlight a growing UU Fellowship faith community that attracted 62 new members in the past year to join in these endeavors. Shortly after the service, the Fellowship will begin its 2021 Annual Meeting to elect UUFSMA officers, approve this year’s budget, and renew the commitment of all members to move ahead—and everyone is welcome to attend.

To participate in our online Sunday Service, visit the Fellowship’s website at www.uufsma.org and click on the Zoom Service button displayed on the home page. If requested, enter password: 294513. Sign-in from anywhere Sunday mornings between 10:15-10:25 am CST.

Through grants and awards, UUFSMA donates at least fifty percent of its budget to support nonprofit organizations that provide health, educational, and environmental services for underserved communities in the San Miguel region. Please support this work by clicking on the website home page Donate button. Now more than ever, your support is essential.

Due to the coronavirus, UUFSMA has suspended in-person Sunday services and other gatherings. A growing collection of previous online services can be found on the UUFSMA’s YouTube channel. Go to https://www.youtube.com/ and enter UUFSMA in the search box. The UU Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.