Empowerment and Responsibility - 14 April 2023

Navigating the Unique Role of ULC Ministers

Editorial

Welcome to the latest edition of The Networker, the newsletter of the Universal Life Ministerial Formation Network. As always, we strive to provide our readers with engaging content that reflects the values and mission of the Universal Life Church (ULC). This month, we would like to focus on the themes of empowerment and responsibility.

One of the most unique aspects of the ULC is the fact that anyone can become ordained as a minister, regardless of their religious or spiritual background. This empowers individuals to follow their calling to serve others in a variety of ways. However, with great power comes great responsibility. That is why we encourage all ULC ministers to take their role seriously and to act with integrity and compassion.

In this issue, we highlight the process of starting a congregation and affiliating it with the ULC. This is a powerful way for individuals to create a community of like-minded individuals who share their beliefs and values. However, this also comes with the responsibility of adhering to the conditions set forth by the ULC, such as reporting quarterly to International Headquarters and maintaining a governing body.

We also feature a podcast episode that focuses on the work of the New England Seafarers Mission, which serves the needs of seafarers working on cruise ships. This is a powerful example of how ULC ministers can serve marginalized communities and empower them with hope and grace.

In our blog post, we explore the history and significance of the ULC's religious courses, which offer individuals the opportunity to deepen their understanding of spirituality and religion. This is another way that ULC empowers individuals to pursue their passions and to deepen their connection with the divine.

Finally, we end on a lighthearted note with a fund set of images that illustrates the diversity of interpretations of the Gospel. This serves as a reminder that spirituality is deeply personal and can be expressed in a multitude of ways.

We hope that this issue of The Networker inspires and empowers you to continue your journey of spiritual growth and service to others. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and as ULC ministers, we have the power to make a positive difference in the world.

ULC in Focus

Did you know you can start a congregation and affiliate it with the Universal Life Church? The document linked below is an agreement between the Universal Life Church, International Headquarters and three individuals of legal age who wish to establish a local church. The purpose of the agreement is to outline the responsibilities and advantages of the local church, which will become active once the agreement is received and properly recorded at International Headquarters. The agreement includes various conditions that must be kept, such as abiding by all laws, reporting quarterly to International Headquarters, and maintaining a governing body of at least three people. The document also states that the Universal Life Church is not responsible for any debts incurred by the local church and can cancel the agreement if any of the conditions are not met. http://ulc.net/forms/Cong.pdf

In the News

London church spent £95,000 on overseas trips, gym memberships and pet food, investigation finds

Three of the churches have been seized and sold by the Commission

A Christian store is stocking a Lamb Of God mug unaware they're a heavy metal band, and guitarist Mark Morton is not happy

"I ain't mad at Jesus, but y’all can’t just be out here bootleggin' my s**t"

Resources

Coffee with the Port Chaplain: Agent of Grace. (Podcast)

The questions asked in this episode: 1) What is New England Seafarers Mission 2) Why serve the seafarers working on cruise ships?

From the Blog

Understanding Universal Life Church Courses

Since the early days of the Universal Life Church (ULC), courses leading to diplomas such as "Doctor of Biblical Studies" and "Science of Understanding Life" have been offered. Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, the founder of the ULC, was an iconoclast who enjoyed topping idols and subverting the established order. Thus the offer of ordination for all, and the specific naming of these religious courses. Those same, original courses are still available through the Universal Life Church headquarters in Modesto. You pay the fee, you take the course, and you collect your diploma. So, how should we understand these courses?

Ordination for Empowerment and Equality

Are you tired of being told that you don't belong because of who you are? The Universal Life Church (ULC) is here to change that. We believe that everyone should have the freedom to practice their faith as they choose without interference, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or faith background. We see ordination as a liberatory act that empowers people to act on their desire to work for a better world.

Just for Fun

One story told four different ways. You can tell the one on the bottom right is the Gospel of John because it's got a triceratops.