Rev. Andrew Warner
Generosity Outreach Officer
United Church of Christ, writes: 

Here’s a confession: I love Jennifer Coolidge and the various roles she’s played over the years, perhaps none more than her portrayal of Tanya McQuoid-Hunt in “The White Lotus.” There’s a lot one could say about this show and its commentary on wealth and luxury.  
 
But I’ll mention just one oddity. While watching the second season, I wondered how people could travel to Sicily and only ever eat in a lackluster hotel restaurant. It spoke to the insularity of their lives. It seems to me that in this and other ways, “The White Lotus” nods to the lotus-eaters in the ancient story of the Odyssey. In that tale, Odysseus and his sailors got waylaid among the lotus-eaters. They forgot the outside world and their journey home. Instead, they lounged in one place. I might call this the White Lotus Stumble.
 
Congregations can become insular, too. Here’s what the White Lotus Stumble looks like when a church creates a budget. 

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The Rev. Michael Streib, Queer Justice Advocate, writes:

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed each November 20 to remember the ongoing presence of anti-trans violence and its victims. Anti-trans violence and threats remain ubiquitous, as apparent in the politicians who have run successful campaigns with anti-trans platforms and the ongoing murders of trans and non-binary people, especially trans people of color.

TDoR is an opportunity to remember and be in solidarity with those harmed and to invite people to action. 

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UCC Announces Stewardship/Generosity Webinars and Workshops for 2024

The national setting of the UCC has announced the schedule for fundraising-related webinars to be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

There is also a Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar which includes six sessions, beginning in February.

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