UUA's new ad, making family time, and more

Analyzing new UUA ad

The Unitarian Universalist Association's national ad campaign entered its second stage last week, with a new ad in the April 14th issue of Time magazine. The ad's tagline is "When in Doubt, Pray. When in Prayer, Doubt." Reactions from Unitarian Universalist bloggers range from stinging criticism to strong praise.

The Rev. Victoria Weinstein at "Peacebang" characterizes the ad as "clever wordplay instead of a warm and loving invitation to find us and worship with us." She continues:

The best advertising for our tradition, or any tradition, is for our congregations to be healthy communities full of individuals who have a strong sense of ministry and are guided by an ethic of love and covenantal relationship. They should make the news for doing good works in the community, and when people walk through their doors (as they will if they are guided there by spiritual need, not prompted by an ad in Time magazine), they should encounter powerful worship services, quality religious education, well-organized, inclusive pastoral and prophetic ministries, and people with authentic welcome on their lips and in their hearts. (April 12, 2008)

The Rev. Ron Robinson at "Planting God Communities" offers a mixed review, comparing this ad to the first in the campaign: "At least this one conveys the image that UUs, and people, do pray, and that it is good to do so." Still, he wonder, "when it says 'in prayer, doubt' . . . Are you to pray and doubt that your prayer is helpful? Pray and doubt that anyone hears it? Pray and doubt the prayer itself?" (April 9, 2008)

Elizabeth Barrett at "ExUUberance," however, appreciates the ad's message and humor.

Many, many people have trouble with prayer because they don't have a clear idea about prayer -- do you have to believe in God to pray? I think the national marketing campaign taps into this question that many folks have.

Another thing that the general population seems to believe is that laughter is not allowed in church. Many people think of "churches" as somber, serious places. The national marketing campaign lets people know the importance UUs in general place on joy and humor. (April 10, 2008)

Making time for family

Hafidha Sofia at "Never Say Never to Your Traveling Self" reflects on her decision to spend more time with her grandmother:

I used to hear about old people in nursing homes whose families would visit them once a month or only on the holidays, and think, "That’s really sad; that’s your mom/dad/grandma/granddad!" And yet gradually, I'd become more and more distant from my own grandmother, just taking for granted that I’d spend more time with her "later." Looking back, I see how easily that happened. (April 10, 2008)

Not a Christian

The Rev. Matt Tittle at "Keep the Faith" explains why he identifies as Unitarian Universalist and not as Christian:

Christianity, in its essence, is an amazing faith. So are all other religions in their essence. Christianity, in practice, has caused much triumph and much tragedy in the world, as has every major sacred and secular institution.

I am not a Christian because I am a Unitarian Universalist . . . I don't think that everyone should be a Christian and I don't think everyone should be a Unitarian Universalist. We must all be true to the faith that calls us to be our best selves, to care for one another, and to be good stewards of the earth. (April 12, 2008)

Role of church staff

As his congregation searches for a part-time minister, David Markham at "Chalicefire" considers the role of professional staff in congregational life:

All the members of the congregation are leaders in some way and yet the professional staff have a special responsibility to be the steward of the vision, the catalyst that brings disparate ideas and efforts together, the orchestra conductor of sorts so that the congregation, the church community, can work together harmoniously in the pursuit of common goals. I don't know how a pastor does this effectively part time without strong lay leadership as well. (April 16, 2008).

Not to be missed

UUMomma recalls a dream about God. Jess of "Jess's Journal" reflects on parenting. Jeff at "Transient and Permanent" analyzes the "re-branding of the Unitarian Universalist Association" as an organization focused on congregations alone.