InterConnections Tipsheet ArchiveResources from the Monthly Newsletter for Leaders of UU Congregations
Skinner House has reissued Morning Watch, the book of meditations from the Rev. Barbara Pescan, first published in 1999 as a UUA meditation manual. The book has thirty-four poems and prayers on love, spirit, and the extraordinary significance of daily life, and is suitable for both personal reflection and public worship.
Morning Watch is $8 from the UUA Bookstore.
Don Skinner
Three new books with meditative and inspirational qualities are available at the UUA Bookstore.
Falling into the Sky ($8) is the 2013 UUA meditation manual, edited by the Rev. Abhi Janamanchi and his son Abhimanyu Janamanchi, a leader in Unitarian Universalist youth and adult leadership circles. Falling into the Sky compiles forty writings from UU ministers, leaders, and lay people. These meditations evoke “vivid vistas of imagination and reflection,” according to promotional materials for the book.
Also newly available is War Zone Faith: An Army Chaplain’s Reflections from Afghanistan ($8) by Army Chaplain Capt. George Tyger, a UU minister, who served in parish ministry before entering the Army Chaplain Corps. Here’s the marketing copy: As an Army chaplain deployed to Afghanistan, George Tyger has seen and experienced things that many of us cannot fathom: naked children throwing rocks at him in the street, a playground in the middle of a Taliban graveyard, and incredible violence, anger, loneliness, and fear. Determined to find meaning in the midst of it all, Tyger reflects on his faith, his prejudices, and his privilege, and shares the unique perspective he has gained while serving and ministering in a war zone.
Both of these books are published by Skinner House.
The Rev. Tom Owen-Towle has self-published a new book, Wake Up! Daily Lessons for a More Liberated and Living Life ($18). The book is aimed at individuals and families. It could also be useful for spiritual-practice groups, for covenant and meditation groups, and for worship readings.
Writes Owen-Towle: “We will probably choose, on any given day, to accomplish at least one thing we truly enjoy. We always find time for the ‘must’ jobs too. We may even set aside moments for accomplishing a radically new or different task. However, most of us will do everything imaginable to circumvent quietude. We’re too busy filling up when we need to empty out. We need moments of plain, unadorned, unremitting stillness.”
Don Skinner
Skinner House Books, the imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association, is inviting members of UU congregations to submit original poems, prayers, or short prose pieces for consideration in a collection of meditations for congregational leaders. Editor Marshall Hawkins said, “We imagine a collection that fosters the understanding of congregational leadership as an avenue for spiritual growth rather than an administrative chore. The ideal meditations would be both inspirational for, and affirming of, the work of all kinds of leaders—both professional and volunteer, lay and ordained.”
He added, “They would help support our leaders through a kind of ‘literary ministry,’ addressing issues common to many in leadership positions, and acknowledging some of the challenges as well. Overall, this collection will hold up the role of church leader as vital to healthy congregational life and honor those who serve in this capacity.”
UUA Executive Vice President Kay Montgomery will edit the collection. Pieces may be serious or funny, tender or frank. They should be suitable for both private reflection and public worship. Prose meditations should be between 200 and 650 words. Poems should be no longer than 54 lines. In a cover letter, identify your affiliation with Unitarian Universalism. If your work has been published, give details.
Email submissions are preferred. Send them to bmartin@uua.org, with “Meditations for Leaders” in the subject line. Send each meditation in a separate attachment. Submissions may also be sent by ground mail, to Betsy Martin, Skinner House Books, Unitarian Universalist Association, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108. The deadline is November 15. Successful applicants will be notified after Jan. 7, 2013. Address any questions to mhawkins@uua.org.
Don Skinner
Skinner House Books, the imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association, is inviting members of congregations to submit proposals for the Spring 2012 UUA meditation manual. Meditations can be poetry or prose, humorous and personal or formal and liturgical. Meditations are generally 200 to 650 words long. Poetry meditations should be no longer than 54 lines each. All should be suitable for both private reflection and public worship.
A submission should include at least five and no more than ten complete pieces of original work and a cover letter. More information is here. Send submissions to Betsy Martin, Skinner House Books, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108, or email her here.
Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2011, with a complete manuscript due by October 1, 2011. A complete manuscript should include approximately 40 pieces.
Don Skinner
Bless All Who Serve: Sources of Hope, Courage and Faith for Military Personnel and Their Families, a new pocket-size book of readings and songs from many faith traditions, plus reflections by veterans and military chaplains, is available free to military chaplains, ministers, and enlisted men and women of all faiths.
Chaplains and ministers should email Julie Shaw for copies. Other military personnel and their families may email Lorraine Dennis at the Church of the Larger Fellowship for a free copy. All others can purchase it for $8 from the UUA Bookstore.
Bless All Who Serve was written by the Rev. Matthew Tittle and Gail Tittle, both military veterans, and published by Skinner House Books.
Don Skinner