Beloved Friends,

December in Florida is its own kind of homecoming. The air cools just enough that we
remember what a breeze feels like. The streets grow livelier. The restaurants fill up. The
familiar rhythm of tourist season begins, new faces at the grocery store, new neighbors at
the condo next door, new folks slipping quietly into the back pew on Sunday morning to see
what this little community might be about.

Every year, as the crowds return, I am reminded that we Unitarian Universalists have a
particular calling in a season like this. When the world grows busier, we are invited to grow
more intentional. When the noise around us rises, we are called to listen more deeply. And
when our society feels pulled apart by fear, cynicism, and suspicion, we are summoned,
quietly, steadfastly, to live our values with love at the very center.

Because our country needs us right now. Truly.

It needs communities where people are not measured by their usefulness or sorted by their
differences but honored because they are human. It needs places where courage is
practiced in small, daily acts, where we choose kindness even when it would be easier to
look away, where we reach out even when we’re tired, where we welcome the stranger even
when our schedules are full.

It needs voices that roar love over the clatter of Fascist jackboots and ICE Brownshirts.
It needs people like you.

This congregation is at its best when we draw the circle wide, wider than comfort, wider
than habit, wider than we imagine we can. Our faith teaches that every person carries a
spark of worth and dignity, and that the world bends a little more toward compassion every
time we choose to act from that truth.

In the weeks ahead, as our sidewalks fill and our Sundays grow fuller, I hope we let this
season be a reminder of our purpose. Let us greet each new face as someone beloved. Let
us show our neighbors, longtime and temporary, that there is a spiritual home here rooted
in openness, curiosity, and grace. Let us embody the spacious love that lies at the heart of
our tradition.

Because when you get right down to it, that’s what it’s all about. It’s about showing up with
love, again and again. It’s about making room. It’s about widening the circle until every
person who crosses our threshold feels themselves welcomed, included, and cherished.
May this December invite us into deeper kindness. May it remind us of the power we have
to ease the world’s loneliness. And may we, together, keep practicing the art of living our
values, not just with our words, but with our hearts.

With warmth and gratitude,

Rev. Amy

November is the month of gathering. The air cools, the light softens, and our calendars fill
with reasons to come together: family meals, community festivals, gratitude rituals, and
remembrance. It’s a month that reminds us, in countless small ways, that none of us is
meant to make this journey alone.

In Unitarian Universalist life, we sometimes take pride in our independence. We are
thinkers and questioners. We delight in finding our own paths. But the heart of this faith has
never been solitary. It has always been communal. When we gather, in worship, in work, in
laughter, in protest, we remind one another that we are better, and braver, together.

It is easy to focus on our differences. No two of us have the same political beliefs. Some of
us love quiet contemplation; others thrive on lively debate. Some arrive early to every
meeting; others are, well, on UU time. We do not all believe the same things, vote the same
way, or use the same language for the Holy. Yet when we step back, when we look past the
surface, we find something larger and steadier holding us. We share a commitment to live
our values out loud: compassion, justice, curiosity, truth, and love.

Those shared commitments are not small things. They are the bedrock of community.
When life presses in, when the world feels divided or frightening, our differences shrink in
the light of our shared courage. Each of us brings something unique, but together, we
weave something stronger than any one of us could create alone.

Courage is contagious. When we act together for love and justice, we give one another the
strength to keep going. When one person falters, another steps forward. When one heart is
heavy, another carries hope. That is what it means to belong to a covenantal faith: we
promise to walk together, even when we disagree, even when it’s hard, because our shared
purpose matters more than our individual comfort.

As we enter this season of gratitude, I am profoundly thankful for the brave, kind,
complicated, generous people of UUCOV. You show up for one another. You care for those
who are hurting. You give of your time, your creativity, your resources, and your hearts. You
remind me, daily, that beloved community isn’t something we dream about, it’s something
we practice, one act of courage and kindness at a time.

So as the year turns, let us remember that we are not meant to be perfect. We are meant to
be together. The world needs communities like ours, imperfect, hopeful, determined
people who keep choosing love, again and again. May we continue to hold fast to what
matters most and to live our Unitarian Universalist values with open hearts, determined
hands, and the unshakable knowledge that we are, indeed, better and braver together.

Rev. Dr. Amy Petrie Shaw

Minister’s MUUsings
October 2025

As October arrives, we feel the first hints of change in the Florida air—still warm, but
carrying the promise of cooler days ahead. What a summer it has been!

Our lovely garden looks amazing and has gained some new additions; new benches for the
garden, each one weighing about as much as a small horse. A brave and cheerful team of
volunteers sweated, lifted, and laughed their way through the work, leaving us with
beautiful places to sit, rest, and share conversation.

Our summer services were just as inspiring. We welcomed many new faces into our
community, filling our sanctuary with fresh voices and open hearts. The spirit of growth and
possibility is strong among us, and now we stand ready to move into the height of our
season with energy and joy.

This fall, we are preparing what promises to be the best year yet—classes to spark
curiosity, parties and social events to build friendships, and opportunities for service that
strengthen both our church and the larger community. None of this can happen without
you. We are looking for new leaders, new volunteers, and new ideas. Whether you are ready
to take on a major responsibility or lend a helping hand for just an hour, your gifts matter.
Come, bring your whole self into this shared journey. Together, we will continue to build not
just benches, but a community rooted in love, hope, and courage.
In gratitude and anticipation,

Rev. Amy

Beloved Friends,

The long, hot days of summer are beginning to think about cooling down, and we find
ourselves preparing for the season as the snowbirds begin to fly south for the winter. I hope
your summer held moments of rest, joy, and connection, whether with family, with nature,
or simply with yourself.

The rhythm of congregational life, much like the turning of the seasons, carries us forward.
Summer scatters us to different places and projects, but now we return, together, to the
shared work of building community. That return is not only about showing up on Sunday
mornings; it is about renewing our covenant with one another, and recommitting ourselves
to compassion, justice, and hope.

This year, I invite us to deepen our practice of “beloved community.” That phrase, so central
to Unitarian Universalist values, reminds us that our church is not only a place of worship
but also a place of repair, of healing, and of radical welcome. Beloved community asks us
to hold one another with tenderness, to wrestle honestly with the challenges of our world,
and to imagine together the kind of future we long for.

We will face opportunities and struggles in the months ahead. Some will be global issues,
such as climate change, immigrant justice, and world peace, while others will be personal,
unfolding quietly in our own lives. Whatever comes, we will not walk alone. This
congregation, with its open hearts and steady hands, will be here to remind us of our
shared purpose and our collective strength.

So let us enter this new season with gratitude for what has been and with courage for what
lies ahead. May we saunter into fall ready not only to be nourished but to offer
nourishment. Together, we will continue the sacred work of building a world rooted in love.

Warmly,
Rev. Amy

Minister’s MUUsings

April 2025

“Ya Gotta Sleep Sometime!”

In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to overlook the essential need to rest and rejuvenate, especially after prolonged hard work or emotional trauma. The period from March 2020 to now has involved some heavy lifting.

Illness and the fear of death as we faced COVID.

Loss.

Politics.

Anger.

We have to take care of ourselves. Without proper rest and attention to our well-being, we risk compromising our ability to perform at our best and jeopardizing our physical and mental health. Rest and self-care are the foundations of any active life.

Rest is often seen as a passive state, some sort of an absence of activity. “Doing nothing.”

Rest is far more than just taking a break. Rest is a vital component of productivity and creativity. It is during periods of rest that our bodies and minds are able to recover from the demands placed upon them.

Sleep, the most fundamental form of rest, plays a critical role in our overall health. Lack of adequate sleep can lead to a host of issues, including impaired decision-making, decreased focus, and heightened stress.

But self-care isn’t limited to rest. Self-care encompasses a broad range of activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and a well-deserved necessity at that.

Physical, mental, and emotional self-care are all essential. That daily crossword, tai chi session, or cupcake is part of the glue that holds you together.

The relationship between rest and self-care is symbiotic. Without adequate rest, our self-care efforts may be less effective, and without self-care, our ability to rest may be compromised.

Incorporating rest and self-care into our daily routines need not be complicated. Start by setting aside dedicated time for rest, such as a fixed bedtime, and creating a restful environment. Establish a self-care routine that includes activities you enjoy and that promote well-being. This could be as simple as taking a walk, enjoying a hobby, or practicing mindfulness. Check out meditation with Blue Lotus, and see if it’s right for you this season!

Regularly assess your needs and adjust your self-care practices accordingly. Listen to your body and mind, and be willing to make changes to support your health. Remember that self-care is an ongoing process and that it is okay to seek help when needed.

Rest and self-care are not indulgences; they are essential components of a productive and fulfilling life. In the words of the wise, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” As the Season winds up and some of you lovely snowbirds prepare to fly, take the time to replenish and care for yourself. You deserve it!

Rev. Dr. Amy Petrie Shaw

The Waning Year: Weariness and Summer’s Promise
As the church year winds down, I am ready for a rest and suspect many of you are, too. It’s
not just the exhaustion of packed calendars or relentless responsibilities—it’s the spiritual
tiredness that comes from pouring so much into the world while trying to keep one’s own
cup from running dry. It’s the kind of fatigue that feels bone-deep, like the weight of all the
world’s problems leaning in for solace.
There’s something uniquely challenging about the end of the congregational year. The
journey feels long when you consider the holiday rush, the height of the Season, the
multiple celebrations of Auction events, and the busy lead-up to the Annual Meeting. Each
season has its own beauty, but it also has its own demands. By the time we arrive at this
point in the year, perhaps the culmination of all these seasons and their emotional
intensity has begun to weigh heavy on you.
For clergy, lay leaders, and active members, this weariness can manifest as something
else: touchiness. When the soul is worn thin, the smallest of irritants can seem
insurmountable. The slip-ups in worship service, the miscommunication in committee
meetings, and the minor grievances that arise between people can all feel amplified. And
this touchiness isn’t confined to the UUCOV campus; it seeps into daily life. A short temper
at home and a hint of frustration in ordinary encounters are signs that you are ready for a
break!
But this is not a lament. It’s a recognition of an essential truth: we are human, and our work
in the congregation, though sacred, is carried out with very human hearts and hands. We
bear witness to joys and sorrows, carry the burdens of community, and in doing so, we
sometimes forget to tend to ourselves. So, if you find yourself tired, touchy, and longing for
a reprieve, you are not alone. You are not failing; you are simply reaching the end of an
important rhythm.
And even in this weariness, there is hope. The congregational year is winding down, and
visible, though still in the distance, the summer awaits with its promise of renewal. The
long daylight hours invite us to linger, savor, and rest, whether we go North to escape the
heat or stay here to enjoy the slower pace of the hotter months.
For some, summer means fewer meetings, less busyness, and a chance to declutter both
the desk and the mind. It’s the perfect time to reimagine what next year might hold. It’s an
opportunity to dream up ways to infuse fresh energy into ministries, to think creatively
about engaging the community, and to rebuild a deeper personal connection with our
beliefs.
For others, summer provides the chance to step outside and let creation speak to the
weary soul. The rustling of leaves, the warmth of the sun, the waves on the beach—these
simple joys can be surprisingly restorative. Creation’s embrace is healing and a balm for
the tired spirit.
For still others, summer might bring space to reflect on the joy that’s been present all
along—even in the busiest days of the congregational year. Sometimes, we need the quiet
lull of summer to remember how meaningful our work truly is. There’s an unmatched
beauty in witnessing someone’s spiritual growth or in seeing the fruits of ministry touch
lives in profound ways. Even amidst weariness, joy is always there, waiting to be noticed.
So, as you stand on the brink of summer, weary and perhaps a little touchy, take heart. The
same beloved community who walked with you through the busy times now beckons you to
come and rest. Just as the earth requires seasons of planting and harvesting, followed by
seasons of dormancy, our souls require the rhythm of work and renewal.
Let summer be a sanctuary for your spirit. Make space to listen deeply, to dream boldly, to
laugh wholeheartedly, and to rest unapologetically. Let summer give you hope—not just for
its sunshine and slower pace, but for the renewal of strength that it brings.
For even in our weariness, we are held. Even in our touchiness, we are loved. And even as
the congregational year winds down, we are given the hope of seasons yet to come.
Thank you for all the amazing work you have done over this last congregational year;
UUCOV is an incredible place filled with incredible people.

Be Blessed!

Rev. Amy

This is an amazing time at UUCOV. Energy is high, and visitors and new members are all around.
We are a beacon of light at a very dark time.
But no beacon stays bright without a constant supply of fuel.
If we want our lamps to stay bright, there are some easy ways to create that fuel.
Reach out to a new member or friend and invite them to join your committee or Team. Ask them out for coffee or lunch. Help to make them welcome.
If you aren’t involved anywhere, get involved. Volunteer, join a group and enjoy mat making, or writing, or mahjong. Take a class.
Get connected and help others to get connected.
Connection is the fuel and lifeblood of the congregation. Connection gives us a solid base to build all the rest, because what happens on Sundays is the beginning, not the entirety of congregational life.
One important piece to consider as you work on your connections this year is small group ministry. We are working hard right now to open up more Fellowship Groups, and if you aren’t familiar with them, you should be! Fellowship Groups are wonderful long-term groups of 8 to 10 people who meet twice monthly for discussion and, well, fellowship! Fellowship Groups allow you to form deep, rich friendships where you can discuss important and meaningful topics and share your thoughts in a supportive environment.
Along with the Fellowship Groups, we are trialing a new type of small group this year- SAGE Circles. SAGE Circles are short-term small groups which last for 3 or 6 months. They let you meet people, and engage in interesting discussions, without a long-term commitment. SAGE Circles meet once a month for 3-6 months and then dissolve and reform the following year. Unlike Fellowship Groups, you are in a new group each year and will only meet with those same people for 3-6 months. Leaders will suggest topics each month, but these are casual, so if the topic drifts… well, it’s ok! Keep your eyes out for sign-ups in late winter!
Keep your lights burning, and I look forward to seeing you on Sundays!

It is the end of the year, and life at UUCOV is hopping.

And we want it to stay that way.

What will it take to continue this fast pace? What will it take to continue to welcome new members?

Well, welcome. Welcome with both a big and a small w.

Big W Welcome is systemic. Are we set up so that people of all kinds can join in the joy here at UUCOV? LGBTQ+ people. People with disabilities. Middle aged and younger people. People of all races.

We are pretty good about this, but we must begin thinking through how younger working people might be welcomed, given that our meetings are almost all during traditional work hours to avoid driving after dark. Auditing our campus for Welcome problems should be a fun task, done every year or so by a rowdy group corralled by the Board, and charged with looking for barriers to inclusion.

Small w welcome is more personal and is hugely important. This kind of welcome is up to every one of you directly, every week.

This welcome includes things like:

• Introducing yourself to someone standing or sitting alone
• Inviting new members into events, personally
• Helping to make sure that new members understand which big events, like the auction, impact multiple social events, or will be attended by almost everyone
• Making your group, Team, or event understandable and findable to all

We are so lucky to have the opportunity to welcome people into the UUCOV community over the coming year, so let’s focus on doing it well!

Warmly,

Rev. Amy

As a go through my days right now, from time to time I find myself holding my breath.

Waiting.

I have no idea what for, or maybe I do.

Waiting for the next crisis to hit. The next war, the next political nightmare, the next shock.

It feels like the shocks have just kept coming lately, and so I remind myself to breathe.

And breathe again.

We cannot change the world right now, in this instant. In this breath. We cannot change the world, but we can continue to breathe.

We can continue to exist in a world where some people would prefer that we disappear like snow in the Florida sun.

This minute the pain and dismay are too recent, too freshly bleeding, too ongoing, for us to rise and walk toward the new day that will come as surely as the heat comes in August. We aren’t ready to rise and walk just yet.

But we can heal.

We can enter the fabulous season of winter, and we can enjoy one another and plan for the future.

We can be together.

And we can breathe.

Rev. Amy

Immediately before the final vote on Article II at the 2024 General Assembly, Victoria Safford wrote,
“However we vote, we put love at the center, unflinching, insistent: this free faith we so cherish
reveres the past and trusts the dawning future more. We believe in evolution—unfolding always, not
unraveling—and revelation is not sealed.”
Article II of the UUAs Bylaws, the section of the Bylaws defining the principles and purposes of the
UUA, is “the foundation for all of the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted
communities” according to the UUA.
This year the delegates at GA voted to approve a new statement of values and beliefs, replacing the
seven principles which had comprised Article II since 1985. The Principles and language of 1985
were a radical shift from those adopted in 1961, removing language about God and replacing “man”
and “men” and “brotherhood” with more inclusive language. In was in 1985 that the earth-based
religions were added for the first time.
In 1985 the language shifted because of the Women’s Movement. In 2024 the changes were called
for from multiple directions. It was a response to the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Trump
presidency, LGBTQ+ activists, the immigration movement, and more.
At the end of June, 2024, “the faith’s new expression of shared values was adopted by a vote of
2,025 (80.2 percent) to 499 (19.8 percent) with 21 abstaining” (from UU World, “Love at the Center:
New UU Statement of Values Passes after Momentous General Assembly Delegate Vote” by Elaine
McArdle).
The new shared values are Equity, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism, and
Transformation, centered around Love, each with it’s own description. This article has links to the
actual language: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/uua-article-ii-passes-general-assembly-unitarianuniversalism-bylaws-vote-values-statement
Here at UUCOV, I’ll be preaching about the change to Article II on January 5th, and after that service
there will be time for people to discuss this change.
Because it brings us to an issue that congregations across the country are each approaching in their
own way- given that we have no creed as a denomination, what will we as a congregation do with the
Seven Principles?
How will we stand, or not stand, in relation to them, now that they are no longer a part of the
principles and purposes of the UUA?
This is a good time for you to begin thinking about how you feel about the Seven Principles, and how
you want UUCOV to go forward.
I look forward to talking with you throughout the next few months as you consider where you stand.
Warmly,
Rev. Amy