Caught in the Act of Generosity: UUCEM
by Cheri Plavnick for the Radical Generosity Committee
On August 10th, I had a wonderful opportunity to spend time at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the East Mountains, UUCEM, which is the east mountain branch of First Unitarian (approximately 30 miles east of First U). I met with church leaders Anna Marie Silva and Joy Ginther.
UUCEM was established in 2008. For the first four years, the space was rented from a yarn store and then from Unity Spiritual Center. When Unity needed to sell the building, they offered to sell it to First U for the remainder of the mortgage. The building consists of a sanctuary, a social hall, a large kitchen, two bathrooms, an office, a library, and an outdoor deck with exquisite views of the mountains.
Our Minister Emerita, Christine Robinson, said that First U congregants wanted to provide financial support to make it possible for religious liberals to practice their Unitarian Universalist spirituality, even though the community was too small to be able to hire a minister.
Branch membership is 25 people and about 15 people usually attend weekly 11:00 services. When there is a live speaker (such as former intern Ron Ahnen, who twice delivered sermons there), the house is packed! Their services are modeled after main campus services but since they do not have a minister, they show the main campus video from the preceding week.
Many years ago, Rev. Christine Robinson created a set of cards that guide volunteers in leading parts of the service, e.g., chalice lighting, meditation, etc. Their services also include a time when this tight-knit group is invited to express joys and/or sorrows that have occurred in their lives during the preceding week. They use the same hymnal as First U; with music provided by members of the congregation.
Members of UUCEM are very grateful for all our church has made possible for them. They practice their UU spirituality while being able to maintain the “hermit-like life” they so enjoy.
During our discussion, they expressed interest in having some interface between UUCEM and Albuquerque congregants. Possibilities suggested include having interested members from main campus come for services and/or spiritually based star gazing and social interaction. Other suggestions from either campus are welcome!
