Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its law; this is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another. (James Vila Blake, 1894)

In forming the MidAmerica Region, we seek to create something more than a new corporate institution. We want to create and nurture a new matrix of active congregational relationships. We envision MidAmerica as a dynamic and growing network of thriving congregations within the larger network of the UUA. The strands of these networks are relationships and collaborations among the congregations and organizations within MidAmerica. Many of these relationships will embody the commitments spoken in our covenants.

A big thanks to all of you who participated in the recent historic votes for regionalization in Heartland, Prairie Star, and Central MidWest Districts. I thank all of you who participated in these meetings, all who thoughtfully considered the issues, those of you who expressed a resounding "yes", and also those who expressed doubts and concerns. These were historic decisions. They prepare us to support your ministry in the next generation by creating structures to support you in achieving your missions in ways that are forward-looking, sustainable and technologically smart. We plan this summer to continue the amazing communication effort of the boards that led up to the vote with a series of emails to you like the ones you have been receiving. In the late summer or fall this effort will conclude and we will begin publishing a new, regional newsletter.

Some of you have been asking what is next.