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GA2008 concluded Sunday evening with a moving closing ceremony, capping five days of frenetic activity and wonderful fellowship with approximately 3000 UUs from around the country. Your UUFG was well represented at GA2008, with a total of 26 UUFG members in attendance, smashing the old record by more than a factor of three (I can't help it that I think in mathematical terms). They include Rev. LoraKim Joyner, Rev. Meredith Garmon, Paul Avery, Arnie Bleiweiss, Roxanne Bleiweiss, Hennie Monkhorst Dalton, Ron Dalton, Jane Edwards, Bonnye Greene, Cee Keane, Judith Kendall, Bob Kendall, Mario Kinsey, Jack Kulas, Ruth Lewis, Joyce Dewsbury, Debbie Miller, Alice Primack, Phil Reitz, Amy Jo Smith, Al Tweedy, Denis Whittaker, Carol Willis, Sally Youngs, Renee Zenaida and Jiri Lonsky. Jane's daughter and Cee's daughter also attended. Although the overall GA2008 attendance was lower than previous years, I was struck by the level of inspiration that pervaded the meeting, from our leaders during the plenary sessions and worship services, to the guest speakers at special events, to fellow attendees engaged in animated conversation. There seemed to be general agreement that Unitarian Universalism is coming together as a denomination at a time when the nation more than ever needs our message of love, hope, care and inclusiveness. It was moving to see this transformative spirit exhibited by members of our own delegation. Needless to say, we will have much to report in the coming weeks that will help us grow physically and spiritually as a congregation and lead us to become a more vital part of our community. Here are some links to GA2008 events, including videos of important events: There are almost too many events to list on the videos, but here are some:- Wednesday night banner parade, a great visual ride with wonderful music
- Thursday evening Service of the Living Tradition, where Rev. Garmon received Final Fellowship.
- Saturday night Ware Lecture by Van Jones. A truly inspirational speech.
- The Sunday morning service, particularly Marlin Lavanhar's sermon calling for us to serve our community in profound new ways.
- Sunday evening closing service
- The business plenaries where UUA business is conducted, votes on resolutions are conducted. Here is where your delegates are working for you.
In Fellowship,
Paul Avery
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