General Assembly - or How Many UUs Can You Count in a Convention Center?

        ---Diane Willcox

     I attended GA in St. Louis this past June.  It was not my first GA.  Nancy (my spouse) and I had attended GA in Rochester almost a decade ago, and were quite energized and excited by the opportunity to meet, talk with, and learn with so many other UUs.
     GA is truly an amazing experience. The synergy of thousands of UUs gathered from all over the US, from huge urban congregations and tiny fellowships, from the whole spectrum of religious traditions, and from all "walks" of UU life: ministry, religious education, music ministry, UUA administration, congregational leadership, and simply congregational membership, is truly powerful.  The range of program choices is as broad as the interests of the attendees: spiritual guidance, anti-racism, worship, finance, lay leadership, social action, music, religious education, peace, the environment, human rights...the possibilities go on.  Presentation modalities vary: lecture, worship, panel discussion, group participation, multi-media,
     As I look back, my particular focus seems to have been worship and worship services.  The highlight was the moving Sunday morning service: a full auditorium, a GA choir, a dynamic and riveting sermon, and thousands of voices singing a closing song of freedom and justice.  The power was transforming. At the conclusion, the entire congregation jumped to their feet with thunderous applause of appreciation!
     Earlier in the week I attended the Church of the Larger Fellowship service composed of religious liberals who have no local congregation to meet their spiritual needs.  CLF staff and publications provide ministry and a spiritual home… and a wonderful, joyful worship service where once a year they can be together and experience the strength in community and numbers.
     Not all of GA is serious. I laughed through the entertaining "Radio Free Bubba," performance by Rev. Meg Barnhouse and Rev. Pat Jobe presenting a revue of being liberal in an illiberal world. My favorite story was about Pat Jobe's frog whom he named Jesus Abraham! Look for the "Radio Free Bubba" books to explore this humorous wisdom for yourself.
     Think about it.  Maybe you could go to GA as an official delegate of First Parish Brewster (which means having the privilege and responsibility of attending the plenary sessions and voting).  Or you might go to GA simply for the exhilarating opportunity to explore pathways and grapple with issues, to worship, to discuss with thousands of other religious liberals.  Whatever might intrigue you, consider GA.  It's a transforming experience