Lay Community Ministry Working Group (LCMWG)
The Lay Community Ministry Working Group (LCMWG) was established by the UUSCM Board to determine how best to support Lay Community Ministries and address the needs of Lay Members of UUSCM. The Working Group's Charter instructs the Working Group to prepare recommendations for the Board’s consideration to further the Society's goal of promoting the growth and vitality of the Association and lay members’ ministries.
The initial work of the LCMWG has been getting to know our Lay UUSCM members and their ministries. If you are a lay person currently doing a Community Ministry or if you are considering doing a Community Ministry, the LCMWG would love to get to know you and your ministry, and to understand your needs. You can express your interest in participating or ask any questions you have by contacting the LCMWG chairperson, Bob Miess at Bob@FloweringEnterprises.com. Or you may begin participating directly by completing a short Survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FS93K3R about your Community Ministry or intended Community Ministry.
The LCMWG is also actively recruiting people who would like to participate in its work. If you are interested in helping the Working Group in its efforts, we would please let us know. Clergy, lay people, and those on the track toward Ministerial Fellowship track are all welcome.
Inspiration for Lay Ministries
Lay Ministry Presentation from First Unitarian Society of Newton, Mass. A brief presentation outlining some of the rewards and challenges of a twenty year old lay, parish-centered ministry program at a Newton, Massachusetts UU congregation.
The Monday Connection by William Diehl. This is an excellent book about joining your faith to the world of your everyday work. It is about living your beliefs and values, not about proselytizing your coworkers. Building on the premise that the people -- not the building and not just the clergy -- are the church, Diehl gives examples of how to live as part of the church in the world. He suggests ways churches can recognize and support the ministries of members in their daily activities, not just their church work.
http://www.amazon.com/Monday-Connection-Authentic-Christian-Monday-Friday/dp/0060618604
Commissioned Lay Leader Program Manual from Ohio-Meadville District of the UUA. The purpose of the program is to strengthen local congregations in the Ohio Meadville District by strengthening their lay leadership. To this end, selected and qualified lay individuals are given special training and mentored experiences so that they may learn to serve their own societies more effectively. Individuals who satisfactorily complete the study requirements and are approved by the Ohio Meadville District Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Commissioned Lay Leader Committee are entitled "Commissioned Lay Leader"(CLL).
http://www.cuc.ca/lay_chaplaincy/index.htm from the Canadian Unitarian Council. The CUC utilizes lay chaplains to officiate at rites of passage for persons inside and outside congregational membership. This site offers detailed information on structures, qualifications and training.
Defining Lay Ministry Statement from Pacific Central District of the UUA.
An Exercise in Defining the Word "Minister" in Lay and Professional Contexts.
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Rev. Connie Yost