Share the Plate for UUW&R
UU Women and Religion is a grassroots project started by lay leaders in the 1970s as an effort to promote examination of religious roots of sexism and patriarchy within the UUA and beyond, UUWR officially began as a task force following the unanimously-passed WOMEN AND RELIGION RESOLUTION at the 1977 UUA General Assembly. Although the Task Force was eventually sunsetted, the movement still exists in UU communities that hold Women & Religion programs and gatherings for those who identify as women. It exists at the UU General Assembly, where UUW&R brings our Store to the Exhibit Hall and occasionally hosts a gathering. The many changes inspired by this movement include congregations' use of an annual Water Ritual, and the Joys and Concerns time many congregations embrace. We call it the Continental UUW&R to distinguish it from the one surviving district group, Pacific Central W&R.
"We do not want a piece of the pie. It is still a patriarchal pie. We want to change the recipe!" -- Rosemary Matson
Continental UUW&R is completely volunteer-run. The 4-member Core Group has committed to making new and historical resources available to congregations and especially the UU women's groups who have continued meeting long beyond the UUA's ending support for the task force in the 1990s. Classic curricula such as "Cakes for the Queen of Heaven," and "Rise Up and Call Her Name," and books like "Circle Model of Shared Leadership" continue to be published and made available in our online Store. UUW&R's main source of fundraising is a booth at General Assembly and at UU women's retreats. The Store features art and written works by famous and not-so-famous UU women. A contribution of any amount to UUW&R through a share-the-plate collection would be welcomed. You may also support our work by purchasing from our Store.
Joy in Absence
At times we can be the orchestrator of our own discomfort. We choose things for our lives and at times we don't consider the weight those things may have. Protecting your joy is not only about preserving your own happiness. It preserves both your mental and physical health. Life is stressful enough without adding things that create more hardship. That's not self love or care. What may logically be the right thing may not be the most healthy thing for your life. Wisdom is learning your limits and where to step back for your own personal well being.
New Officers
January 2026 - The Continental Unitarian Universalist Women and Religion core group announces the election of new officers. Chicago area member Nyx Ember Firebourn will step into a co-convener role beside long-time UUW&R member Geri Kennedy of Seattle. Past Treasurer Patti Clark moves to an advisory position as UUW&R's registered agent and CPA. Past co-convener Gretchen Ohmann will take on the Treasurer's job while remaining as Storekeeper.
There are openings for two additional At-Large core group members. The core group meets via Zoom every other month and members are encouraged to take on occasional projects, and help with General Assembly and other planning. Please contact
Core Group
2026 CORE GROUP
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Co-Convener Geri Kennedy, Seattle, WA, believes in gathering the women. A past UUWR Treasurer with long time ties to UUW&R, who has often staffed our UUWR booth at GA and saved our hides on more than one occasion. Geri has been active in Pacific Central W&R, and is currently the Treasurer for International Convocation of UU Women (ICUUW). |
Co-Convener Nyx Ember Firebourn, Chicago, IL, is dedicated to living a joyous life while inspiring others to do the same! She is a humanitarian, community organizer, artist, and entrepreneur. She finds joy in travel and nature. Her leadership style is rooted in warm-hearted compassion, creativity, and courage. She also serves as Vice-President of the UU Women’s Connection Council, and joined the UUWR Core Group in June 2023. |
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At-Large Patti Clark, Houston, Texas, served UUWR as Treasurer for nearly 20 years, has served as Treasurer for SouthWest UU Women (SWUUW), and the International Convocation of UU Women. She did double duty as Registrar for the 2009 International Convo. A retired CPA, Patti also manages her condo association. |
Treasurer and UUWR Storekeeper |
2026 Store Tour Dates
If you've been waiting for your opportunity to peruse the UUW&R Bookstore in-person, here is where we'll be this year!
May 15
May Market at Berrien UU Fellowship, Saint Joseph, MI
May 28-31
UU Women's Connection Retreat near Princeton IL
General Assembly is all online this year. We'll be back in 2027 - San Jose, California!
... plus more to be announced this summer and fall!
We just got a new shipment of figurines, stickers and books from Brigid's Grove, the latest installment in Jan Anthony's book series, and brand-new UU chalice jewelry!
Chalice Earrings
NEW! Hand-assembled UU chalice earrings. Double hoops with semi-precious gemstones. Nickel-free hooks. $15 to $30. Stones may include Amazonite - Courage • Cherry Quartz - Hope, Love, Compassion • Goldstone - Creativity, Ambition, Protection • Howlite - Calm, Letting go of attachments • Malachite - Transformation, Positive Change, Leadership • Shell - Intuition, Sensitivity, Imagination ...
designs © 2026 UU Women and Religion
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