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April 2009 Newsletter

Vision:  We will be a beacon of progressive religion in our region, inspiring positive change in the world.
Mission:  Caring for one another, growing spiritually, and working for justice.

Sunday Services and Religious Education for April 2009

  • Services at 9:00 and 11:00 on Sunday mornings, 835 W. College Street
  • Nursery care is provided during the service for children up to 6 years old.
  • If we ever need to cancel services, the cancellation will be posted on our website and on the outgoing phone message from the office.

Sunday, April 5:  "Earth Revival!" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

Earth Revival – Come when you can, leave when you must. This three hour extravaganza will begin at 9am with the origins of the universe and will culminate at noon with our commitment to a greener future as the cosmos awakens to itself. In between we will celebrate our stardust origins and honor our kinship with the rest of the earth's flora and fauna with a simplified form of Council of All Beings.

Sunday, April 12:  "Who is this Jesus!"  Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

There are not many Sundays when you will hear me preach about Jesus, but Easter Sunday always seems to me to be a good time to take a look at our Unitarian Universalist Christian roots and to reflect upon the parts of it that still inform how we think and live.                                                             

Sunday, April 19:  Earth Day Service.  "Food:  Our Intimate Connection with the Earth"   Speaker: John Fisher-Merritt

John and Jane Fisher-Merritt are the owners of the Food Farm in Wrenshall, the oldest local Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in our region, which provides many local residents with organic produce, eggs and poultry.   The Food Farm is part of the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association, which is an April recipient of our woven basket collection. John will be present at the coffee hour from 10 - 11 a.m. for an extended conversation about our relationship with food and our part in the life system of our planet.  

Sunday, April 26:  "Belonging" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

We welcome new members this Sunday and explore the many different levels of belonging
that we might experience.

Prairie Star District Annual Conference  April 3-5, Duluth, Minnesota

www.psduua.org/AnnualConference2009

In Medias Res * 

picture of GailDid you ever spend a week at a UU Summer camp – UniStar, Star Island, Ferry Beach or the Mountain?  Many Unitarian Universalists find the summer camp combination of worship and fellowship, learning and nature absolutely transformative.  When I served in Houston, Texas people would come to me every summer after being away at camp and ask "Why can't we do that here every Sunday?"  Well,  there were lots of reasons we couldn't do it there every Sunday -  one of the largest being we were in an urban church in the fourth largest city in the country and exquisite natural surroundings were hard to come by.  Here in Duluth, however, beautiful natural surroundings peer in through every window of our building.   So, when the question of summer programming surfaced I wondered if we might just do a UU Sunday Morning Summer Camp.  The kids RE committee bought in, and the worship committee and the Board of Trustees … now we need you - this is the plan so far:

Beginning Sunday June 21st and running through Sunday August 9th, we will gather at 9 am for a family friendly worship service on some topic related to the Summer Camp theme: Nature and Spirit.  When worship ends there will be time for coffee and then there will be three options: a forum or some form of adult enrichment at 11:00 in the sanctuary, a thematically related multiage kids offering on site, and a multigenerational excursion to some beautiful nearby natural location.  Come for worship and then choose which event(s) you and your family will participate in.  Each Sunday will have a different theme that relates to the larger Nature and Spirit theme. Proposed Sunday themes  include:  Holy Ground/A Sense of Place, The Winds of Inspiration, Hearth Fires, Wellsprings of the Spirit, The Web of Creation,   The Tree of Life/Forests of the Heart,  Everything is Holy Now … 

Still not quite certain how this will work? Let me give you a couple of examples to whet your appetite.  Let's say the theme for the day is "Wellsprings of the Spirit".   If I am preaching that Sunday I might craft a service that uses Thoreau's Walden as the primary source and talks about how being in the presence of  water can be emotionally and spiritually nourishing. The adult forum that day might invite some one from the Sweet Water Alliance or Clear Water Action to come and talk about what's happening here in the Twin Ports … The on site activity for the children and youth might involve learning about vernal pools and doing a species count at ours  and the multigenerational excursion might be a hike from the church all the way down Chester Creek to Lake Superior … On the Sunday where the theme is "Winds of Inspiration" we might craft a worship experience using words of local poets writing about nature and spirit. The adult forum might be a poetry reading featuring a number of those same poets, the on site RE activity for children and youth might include installing a weather vane and anemometer someplace on site and making windsocks. The multigenerational excursion might be kite flying on top of Chester Bowl or a trip to Hawkridge to learn about the fall bird migrations … 

Interested?  I sure hope so!  I'm hoping we can get lots of folks to help make this happen – if we find enough people no one will have to be in charge of more than one event on one Sunday in our eight week session.  By Easter Sunday  (April 12th) there will be a big poster mapping the themes and where we need folks to help – nothing is cast in stone so if you have an idea for a  forum topic or speaker, a kids activity, a worship speaker or an excursion – Let me or Bev Harries or Deb Langdon know – A.S.A.P! 

Blessings, Gail  

*In Medias Res is a literary term meaning "in the middle of things."

Board Report for February, 2009

  • The Board of Trustees met on 7PM, Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at UUCD.
  • The consent agenda was discussed. Tara stated that she will not be able to serve as President of the Board of Trustees for 2009-2010. Alison provided a verbal report for the Nominating Committee, which has been charged to find three new Board members (Treasurer and President needed as well) along with 7-9 Ministerial Search Committee members. The expansion of the Nominating Committee for this use is common when starting a search for a settled minister. Finding board members and search committee members is a balancing act of skills and background.
  • The January 27 board minutes and the December 21 congregational meeting minutes were both accepted by a unanimous vote. Acceptance of the February 15 minutes was tabled until March.
  • The revised Green Sanctuary Committee charge was approved.
  • The nominating timeline was discussed, the goal is to bring the slate for the Ministerial Search Committee nominees to the Board at the April 28 meeting. The slate of nominees will be voted in by the congregation at the May 15 Annual Meeting.
  • It is time to put together the UUCD Annual Report, which includes committee reports. Tara and Gail are working on this.
  • The Prairie Star District Conference was discussed. Kathy reported on the schedule of events. Everyone is encouraged to attend or to volunteer to help out.
  • Feedback Loops (small group brainstorm sessions with the Board of Trustees) were discussed. It was decided not to do this this year because the MTT has already done much of this work.
  • Gail reported briefly on the R. E. Committee's retreat with Phil Lund. A four pillar approach will be used along with varying types of delivery models.
  • The Board received the latest financial news from Treasurer Paul. The projected debt of the College Street building is $753,000. There are $40,000 in unrestricted funds. Some will be kept in reserve, some will provide Phase II with funding to finish some pressing issues. The next capital campaign will be totally focused on bringing down the debt. The 2008 operating budget ended in a deficit of about $2,500. There are reserve funds to cover this. A motion to provide $2000 from unrestricted funds to Phase II was approved.
  • A temporary "bridge" musician has been hired. Jonathan Persitz will work with Karen Bauman and the music program. Gail announced that a music committee will be in place soon.
  • In order to expand our perspective, the Board read and discussed chapter 1 of "Church Works". We will read more of this book each month.
  • Suggestions were made for the joint Board/Program Council retreat in June: 1) Follow up on the MTT synthesis report; 2) Discuss and work on the Congregational Growth Grant study of White Bear UU; 3) Evaluate the year, what went well, what could have gone better; 4) De-brief the Prairie Star District Conference. Tara will share these ideas with the Program Council and ask for their input as well.
  • We were reminded that the UUA guidelines recommend the Nominating Committee find members that have the best match of talents and strengths to serve on the Ministerial Search Committee. Members of the search committee should not be on any other committee during the search. Also, members of the search team can be recruited from existing committees based on the needs of the search committee.
  • The meeting was adjourned at 9:12. A closed Board session followed.

We are proud to announce that UUCD is a "Green Star congregation for 2009"

This is an award that is given to a congregation that either has a high percentage of growth in new members, or has a high absolute number of new members. At the Annual Conference (April 3 – 5, in Duluth MN), each Green Star congregation will receive a certificate.

Board of Trustees 2008

We welcome your input. Feel free to contact board members with questions, concerns, or compliments.

picture of drumsDrum Circle

The normally scheduled drum circle that is held monthly on the first Friday will not be held in April.   The Prairie Star District conference will keep many of us busy enough.  Look for the circle to resume in May.

Ministerial Transition Team Discussions on UUCD Identity

The fifth of MTT sponsored discussion events was held on Saturday, February 21.  Approximately 25 people attended.

The Ministerial Transition Team sponsored luncheon held on Saturday, February 21, was the last of the series of 5 discussions aimed at understanding UUCD's identity.  The "identity" learned through these discussions will be shared with the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee in our process of selecting a settled minister.  If we do not accurately describe our identity, we are likely to get a mismatch when the congregation votes on accepting the final candidate.
Our first discussion was "coming to terms with our history".  The second, third and fourth discussions were based on UUCD's mission statement:  "Caring for one another, growing spiritually, and working for justice". 
This last discussion focused on how we communicate internally and externally.  We discussed our communication tools, style, and reach. 

With respect to internal communications, the following were the responses:
Tools

  • Newsletter
  • Order of service
  • Announcements/Life Matters
  • Bulletin Boards
  • Whiteboard
  • Email
  • Website
  • Telephone tree
  • Joys and concerns
  • Sermons
  • Music
  • Coffee hour
  • Meetings
  • Word of mouth/face to face/grapevine
  • Brainstorming sessions
  • Budget
  • Greeters
  • What we do not do also communicates
  • Caring committee
  • Our building and how we furnish and share it
  • Snail mail

Style

  • Friendly
  • Welcoming by intent
  • We provide opportunities – we do not push
  • Cautious
  • Respectful
  • Purposeful
  • Repetitive
  • Passionate
  • Mousey
  • Hospitable
  • The garden and the building
  • Cliquish by accident
  • Absence of intimidation

Reach

Who do we miss?  Those who don't attend worship services regularly or read newsletter and/or our website and those who don't serve as a volunteer

  • Limitations on announcements may limit communication
  • Where ought we post announcements?
  • We have special efforts to reach out to families with children and who need childcare
  • GLBT

With respect to our external communications, the following were the responses:
Tools

  • Newspaper ads
  • Posters
  • The building
  • Outside groups who use our building
  • Website
  • Woven basket, Marches and vigils
  • Minister participation in the community
  • Adult enrichment
  • Simple living and green sanctuary
  • Building tours
  • CHUM
  • Arrowhead Interfaith Council

Style

  • Arrogance (sometimes justified)
  • Visibility within the UUA
  • Intriguing
  • Welcoming
  • Sporadic
  • Parking issues

Reach

  • Educated demographics
  • College students
  • Democrats
  • Social justice efforts
  • Eco friendly
  • Seekers
  • GLBT
  • Victims from other faith traditions
  • Professors
  • Need greater diversity with respect to class and minority groups
  • Hearing impaired
  • We need to target summer residents at UMD and other summer residents

Community Social Dinner

Wednesday, April 22nd at UUCD 5:15pm - 7:00pm Suggested donation of $4 - for a whole dinner! 

The theme for April is "Local, Sustainable Community."  All of the food served will be local, and we hope to discuss how (and why) to create and support local, sustainable community, with a focus on local food sources.  Exact change is appreciated if possible. Vegan option will be served.    

Thanks to UUCD Volunteers at the District Conference!

By the time the 2009 Prairie Star District Conference "Our Blue Boat Home" is over April 5, many, many members and friends of UUCD will have helped host the more than 300 attendees.  There's no way this event could have been planned and carried out without you.   We'll include a report on the weekend in our May newsletter; for now, let us say THANK YOU for volunteering!

Duluth Local Arrangements Steering Committee

Kathy Heltzer
Jan Magree
Marty Sozansky
Tim Stratton
Suzanne Wasilczuk
Tina Welsh

If you're thinking of becoming a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth. . . 

. . . consider the words of A. Powell Davies (1902--1957), Minister, All Soul's Church, Washington, D. C. 
"When You Join This Church"
"By joining this church, you will become committed, not to any fixed intellectual creed,
or to any stated body of doctrine, but to a moral and spiritual purpose.
You must seek the truth for yourself in the undimmed light of conscience,
and whenever you find it, faithfully follow it;
Worship the God you find in your own experience, in the power of your growing thought, the voice of conscience,
the revelation of beauty--and in all that fills the open heart;
Serve humankind wherever justice beckons you, or mercy calls, in simple tasks or great;
And in all these things, deal honestly with the best of your thought,
never pretending that the false is true or that wrong is right.
In the present tragic world, where so much remains to be done to establish justice and build up the community of humankind in the bonds of sympathy and love, it is fitting that those who are ready to consecrate themselves to this task should bind themselves together in a covenanted fellowship and be dedicated to its sacred purpose.
Nor does the purpose end with this or any individual church.  It goes out to the end of the earth and as far as thought can reach.  You will be joining not only All Souls Church in Washington,
but the church of the free mind everywhere.
You must never be shut in by any narrower claim; you will belong to a faith that sets no bounds and knows no fetters, to the community of humankind and to the church universal."

Pathways to Membership Class and Welcoming New Members Ceremony

To support your transition into membership, now or in the future, there will be a PATHWAYS to MEMBERSHIP CLASS (a. k. a. "Path Class") on Saturday, April 25, from 9--1.  This interactive event (not really a class) is a great opportunity for connecting with other like-minded souls (including Gail and longer time congregation members) as well as a chance to learn a bit more about all things Unitarian Universalist.  Childcare and a sumptuous brunch will be provided.   (If you are unable to attend, please ask to meet with Gail or Molly so you can enter into membership, engaged and informed.)

And on Sunday, April 26, during both services, there will be a brief and joy-filled WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS CEREMONY during which you'll add your signature to those of others dating from 1887.  (Signing the book--entering into membership--privately is another meaningful option.)

For more information or to let us know that you will be participating, please contact:  Interim Minister, Gail Mariner at ministeruucd@gmail.com or 724-6084, Congregational Administrator Kathy Stinnett at uucduluth@gmail.com or 724-0308, or Membership Co-Chair, Molly Benson at calbenmn@gmail.com or 724-2724.

Apartment Wanted: 

I am looking for a one-bedroom apartment towards the East end or in the Woodland area.  I have Section 8 funding.  I have a cat who is neutered and declawed.  I am looking to move somewhere around the middle of April to May 1.  If anyone has an apartment to offer/available please call Destri Irwin.

picture of basketThe Woven Basket collection in April

This will be divided between two groups working for eco-justice.

  1. The Hartley Nature Center is located in the heart of Duluth off Woodland Avenue and now offers services in a green center with solar heat and innovative energy reduction systems.  The center opens up the Hartley Park to more people and uses the center for educational purposes.  Their mission is to provide opportunities for understanding, appreciating, and stewardship of the natural world.  You can sign up now for summer day camp for children.  Other activities, organized or self-guided are there for all ages. More information can be found at www.hartleynature.org. 
  2. The Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association supports sustainable farming systems throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.  This nonprofit organization produces the free Farmers Directory that lists local growers and producers of meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables for consumers to meet growers and buy products directly.  They also offer educational workshops and farm tours to the public and present several annual events, such as the Harvest Festival at Bayfront Park each fall.  They also host a farmers market every Wednesday from May to September at UMD.  Supporting local food production is a key component of a healthier economy, environment, and communities.  You can learn more at www.lakesuperiorfarming.org

Stand for Justice on April 23rd  -  Faith Voices for Marriage Equality 

OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day is Thursday, April 23, 2009. Plan now to join your voice with others for an interfaith message of support for marriage equality. 

Register at www.outfront.org or call Jo Haberman at 612-822-0127 ext103 or 800-800-0350 ext103.   Bring your congregation's banner to the noon rally – state capitol front lawn.
OutFront Minnesota convenes the People of Faith Allies roundtable - people, congregations, and denominations working together in support of marriage equality in Minnesota (FFI: 612-822-0127 x103).  Each year, lawmakers learn more about GLBT people, issues, allies – and the moral positions of faith-based coalitions working for equality. Register today - bring your faith voice to OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day!

green sanctuary logoGreen Corner     

Outdoor Sanctuary: Submit Your Ideas/Plans by May 1 (vs. April 1): In late January the Green Sanctuary Committee laid out a process for gathering plans for use of our Outdoor Sanctuary (those portions of our property that lie beyond the building), publicizing this process through a "Life Matters", Program Council, and the February newsletter.  The guideline information and forms were made available on the Green Sanctuary information table in the fellowship hall and on the UUCD website. The GS committee had requested that individuals and groups submit plans by April 1, 2009, but is extending that deadline until May 1.

These are the steps:

  • Anyone with ideas on how the Outdoor Sanctuary can be developed is requested to submit a proposal by May 1. Use the standardized proposal forms (including a terrain map) available on the Green Sanctuary information table and on the UUCD website under the "Green Sanctuary" tab.
  • Green Sanctuary Committee will serve as the coordinating group to help congregants with similar ideas to work together and to help answer questions about the land. We will also function as liaison between groups, to help reconcile any conflicting proposals.
  • Green Sanctuary will evaluate and compile proposals into an appropriate development plan for presentation at the UUCD annual congregational meeting on May 15.

We are asking those who submit proposals to answer the what, where, why, and how questions, including consideration of space, funding, and maintenance needs.  We will look for an identified project leader who can be contacted with questions.

The GS committee recognizes that not all ideas for use of the outdoor space may be developed by May 1, but projects that are proposed will receive consideration (and thus priority) at this time. Any project with a desired start date in summer 2009 needs to be submitted by May 1.  The proposal form and process will remain the same for proposals submitted after the May 1 date.

As always, the success of any project depends upon the vision, organization, and energy of its advocates.  We invite you to contact any of the following Green Sanctuary members with your questions, or for assistance in developing your proposal:  Barb Akre  bgakre@msn.com, Chris Edwardson  edwardsonfamily@juno.com, Bunter Knowles  buntero@earthlink.net, Beth Tamminen  bethtamminen@yahoo.com,  David Yount daveyount@aol.com.

Volunteers Needed for Vegetation Management in the Pond Area

One project that the Green Sanctuary Committee plans to coordinate this spring and summer is management of vegetation in the vicinity of the pond.  Non-native and invasive species are taking over much of the area which was disrupted by the construction.  If you are willing to join a crew on this project for one or more work sessions, please contact Bunter Knowles  buntero@earthlink.net.  Also, Bunter is creating a draft vegetation management plan for the full outdoor sanctuary and would be glad to receive your request to be added to the list of people receiving the drafts for comments.   

picture of heartsCaring Corner

  • Now that Kay Campbell's broken leg is on the mend, she has returned the John Langdon walker.  She says it works very well.  If you need a walker for short time call UUCD office and talk to Kathy 724-0308.
  • We are looking for more volunteers to help with Memorial Services.  We need volunteers for set up, bringing food, serving, and cleanup.  Email Tina at tinawelsh32@aol.com  or Jill at jillkor@gmail.com to help.  Or sign up on the Get Connected Table.

Caring Notes

  • Best wishes to David Stinson, who had rotator cuff surgery on March 2.  After a short stay at Lakeshore, Dave is home, walking the dog and visiting Lakeshore for therapy.
  • Best wishes to Warren High, who will be home recovering from back surgery (scheduled for March 20th).  No doubt, he'll be kicking up his heels before we know it!
  • Hurray for David Backstrand who after 10 months of chemo received good news!  A recent cat scan revealed that his liver tumors are 80% reduced.  He now will have chemo every other week for three months and then another cat scan!  Way to go, David!
  • Condolences to the family and friends of Laura Rocamante, who died suddenly on March 6th.  Laura and her two young daughters, Francesca and Juliana, were active in our Religious Education program.
  • The Family and Friends of Laura Rocamontes want to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all the staff and members of UUC for all the help for Laura's Memorial Service.   If you would like to assist Roger and the girls, you can send gifts to Wells Fargo, c/o The Family of Laura Rocamontes, 3931 W. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55807.  This will aide the family now and provide for the girls' future.  The name of the account is "The Family of Laura Rocamontes". 

Calling All Mitten Makers!

The first Mitten Makers session went by unnoticed with one attendee—me!  I had a good time making mittens!  You are invited to attend the next sessions (listed below).  You do not have to sew to help—you can knit, crochet, cut, serve cookies, dance, sing, etc.  Our handiwork will be donated to CHUM next fall.
Mark your calendars!  Each session is 10 – 12 AM
Saturday, April 25, 
Saturday, June 27th and
            Saturday, October 24th
Call Julie Morgan or email her at juliemorghan1231@yahoo.com for more information.

Simple Living

Meeting: 12:30 Sunday, April 12, in the Greatroom

Thanks to Amy and Scott for the intro to Permaculture video at the very well attended meeting on the 8th and the great after discussion . At the up and coming meeting on April 12th Amy and Scott will have another video, this one on Cold Weather Permaculture. Easter garb and chocolate eggs are to be encouraged. If too many people are unable to attend due to the Easter Holiday we will have another showing in the near future.

Duane Madison revmadison@juno.com

picture of music notesMusic Notes

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent" Victor Hugo

There was much "said" during March through many gifts of music from many music volunteers which is such an integral part of our inspiring times of worship.

To all of our generous music makers we offer our heartfelt thanks: composer/guitarist Dan Burrows, singer Joe Marty, pianists Greg Moore and Molly Benson, marimba player Tim Stratton, percussionists Brian Barber and Terri Ach, and the terrific March Chorale of the Month/PSD Mass Choir singers.  Wow!  We are truly more than the sum of our individual parts!

Here's the April Rehearsal Schedule                      

PSD Mass Choir

April Chorale

8 Va

Wed April 1 
7 pm Sanctuary

 

Sun March 29 Noon   Sanctuary

Sat April 4
5 pm Sanctuary

 

 

Sun April 5
10 am   SING!

 

Sun April 5
10 am SING!

 

Wed April 8
7 pm  Sanctuary

 

 

 

Sun April 12
No Rehearsal (Easter)

 

Wed April 15
7 pm  Sanctuary

 

 

 

Sun April 19
Noon Sanctuary

 

Wed April 22
7 pm  Sanctuary

 

 

Sun   April 26
10:15   SING!

Sun April 26
Noon Sanctuary

 

Wed April 29
No Rehearsal

Sun May 3
No Rehearsal

Becoming a Music Volunteer

Are you looking for opportunities to share your music with our beloved community?  Why not try the Chorale of the Month?  Our April selection is When There Is Light In The Soul a great gospel rendition of Confucius' wisdom. There is also lots of potential for sharing your talent on just about any Sunday if you'd rather.  Contact Music Programming Administrator Karen Bauman for more information (kklgb4820@msn.com)

Sound System Training

WE have a new (lightly used) mixer now as part of our slowly improving sound system!   This means that anyone who has already been trained to operate the sound system or who wants to learn needs to meet with Karen Bauman for just a little education.  Please reach her at the contacts listed above to set up a brief session.

Annual Music Survey

Be on the look out for the annual music survey due to appear in the Sanctuary after the PSD Blue Boat Home service.  During April please fill out one survey then place it in the basket marked for completed music surveys and know that the few minutes spent filling one out will really help formulate music programming in the coming year!

Music Committee Forming

With increasing layers of music programming the need for more input and assistance from the congregation is also increasing.  Forming a Music Committee to help identify, address and manage all areas of music programming is a way to manage those increasing layers.  IF you are interested in being part of a vital team that enhances our music programming include your contact information on the annual music survey or contact Karen Bauman

Summer Music Volunteers

A few Sunday morning services in the summer are in need of a musician (s) who can volunteer to lead hymn singing plus provide prelude and offertory selections.  Nothing fancy is required, the setting is low key and your help would be very much appreciated by many folks!   Reach Karen Bauman as listed above for a list of possible dates to choose from. 

Noted in a church newsletter "The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir." 

Religious Education

Greetings UUCD Family and Friends, 

On April 16, my co-workers and I will be making a pilgrimage to White Bear Lake Unitarian Universalist Church to learn from our colleagues and friends there.  I am privileged to pick the brain of two gifted colleagues, Jan Hansen, long-time DRE at White Bear Lake, and Kerri Meyer, DRE at Unity Unitarian in St. Paul.  I will be learning about, and observing first hand, the dynamic religious education programming at both congregations and piloting some new curricula here at home. My new-found treasures and insights will be shared with our very own RE Leadership Team, Bev Bernston, Deb Landon, Deb DeLuca and Rebecca St. George, who are helping to shape our religious education programming based upon information we have gathered from discussions with congregants. Not surprisingly, compassion, joy, respect, integrity and responsibilities are four of the core values we're wanting to to teach in religious education.

Empty Bowl Update: Our kids made nearly forty bowls and UUCD sent nearly $150 to support Empty Bowl this year! and in the larger community

Why Gender Matters

Please consider attending...

  • International expert and author Dr. Leonard Sax MD PhD will present all sessions
  • April 14th and 15th, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Downtown Waterfront, 200 West 1st Street , Duluth, MN

Using 20 years of published research, Dr. Sax will present evidence regarding the differences in brain development, reasoning, perception, hearing and learning between boys and girls and arguments for interacting with them differently.

Minnesota non-profit corporation, Gender Matters, is promoting awareness of gender-related social, education and medical issues.  Parents, educators, administrators, doctors, counselors and clergy who deal with youth will all benefit from hearing Dr. Sax's compelling case regarding gender differences and what we, as parents and educators, can do to better help our kids.  
We are very fortunate to have Dr.Sax speak in Duluth and I'm hoping for a HUGE turn out. He has been interviewed by Time Magazine, The Today Show, MSNBC, NPR and a host of other international venues. The ideas he presented in his book, Boys Adrift, have transformed my way of seeing, I suspect they may have an equally profound effect on you.

If you'd like to register for this conference contact Dr. Robert Carlson, rcarlson@d.umn.edu

  • Space is Limited! Registration deadline is March 30, 2009.
  • Admission:  $60 for two days, includes lunch

Location:  Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Downtown Waterfront, 200 West 1st Street , Duluth, MN 

I'll be there, I hope you will too!

Carol Turner, Director of Religious Education

Welcoming Congregation sponsors . . .

On Saturday, May 16th, the Welcoming Congregation is sponsoring a fundraiser with Together for Youth, a social/ support group for GLBTQ teens, to be held at UUCD.  We are seeking donations of high-quality, lightly-used items for a silent auction.  Possible items include jewelry, pottery or other artwork, designer clothing, gift baskets, stemware, homemade candy, gift certificates for professional services, or ???  

For more information call Julie Morgan at 525-3220 or email Shirley Duke at shirley@togetherforyouth.org by mid-April to arrange pick-up.  This event also features a Thai dinner by Rita B and musical entertainment. 

Welcoming Congregation Committee News

picture of rainbow flagLobby day is just around the corner.  April 23 is the day you can jump on the bus and join like-minded, action oriented folks in pursuit of social justice.  There are six main issues in legislation earmarked by OutFront Minnesota as important agenda items for this session.  In the category of relationship recognition is the Marriage and Family Protection Act which provides legal protection for same-sex couples through marriage and Legal recognition of marriages performed outside of Minnesota.  Minnesota's Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1978 not only outlawed same-sex marriage but also prohibited the state from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Health care is also a hot topic.  The Health Care Declaration Federal Law Conformity Act is up for consideration.  This legislation would strengthen protections for same-sex couples while ensuring privacy for individual patients.  The Health Care Securities Act provides affordable health care for everyone in Minnesota.  Since same sex couples are often not eligible for spousal coverage on their partner's insurance, this legislation would provide them benefits. 

Education legislation is also pertinent to GLBT concerns.  The Safe Schools for All legislation would require school districts to have model policies that prohibit harassment, violence and bullying based on actual or perceived characteristics of a person or their association with any other person or group no matter their characteristics.  Comprehensive sexuality education standards is a statewide standard to ensure that GLBT, questioning and all other youth have the information needed to lead healthy lives.

If you attended the Opening Our Doors Opening Our Hearts conference March 13-15 you heard the Bishop Spong declare that ten years from now GLBT legislation will be obsolete.  He predicts that soon same-sex marriage will be part of our culture; that it will be obvious that people who love each other and choose to join lives will, of course, be able to do that.  Why not?  In the words of Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof) "From your lips, to God's ears!"
For more information on the bus to Lobby Day contact Julie Morgan.  For more information on specific legislation check out www.outfront.org.

It's An April Shower!

The Kitchen Kabinet is having a "shower" to supply the kitchen with basic utensils and pots and pans. You're invited and you won't even have to shop!

Join Us At Noon On Sunday, April 19th, In The Social Hall.

We will serve party sandwiches, nuts, mints and punch. At that time you may select an item from our Needs List and provide a donation for all or part of that cost. Because some items must meet Health Department standards, it is best that they are selected by the committee.
            Can't attend the shower? You can still participate by sending your donation to the church. Checks should be made payable to UUCD with "kitchen shower" on the memo line.
            Our goal at this time is to have the kitchen adequately equipped for church functions. Eventually we will need to purchase additional items that will enhance the potential for rental of our kitchen and social hall. We do have our license from the MN Department of Health.

Needs List And Approximate Costs

  • Flour bin                                  $8-$10            
  • Sugar bin                     $8-$10
  • Salad spinner              $30
  • Spatulas                                  $7
  • Knife sharpener                      $30                 
  • Roasting pan               $150
  • Chafing dish                $90
  • Steam table pans sm 4/$46    lg 4/$54
  • 9-12 c coffee maker    $25
  • Microplane                  $15
  • Digital scale                $50
  • Knives  7" Santoku      $13
  • Sauce pots                  Med $15  Lg $20
  • Steamer basket                       $25                 
  • Large strainers                        $37
  • 30 qt stainless bowl    $80
  • Stainless stock pot      $100
  • Pasta pot                     $70
  • Large skillet 14"                      $27
  • Dutch oven                              5 qt $40     8 qt $60
  • Measuring cups                       $10
  • Measuring spoons                   $10
  • Bowl scrapers              $10
  • Paring knives               4/$7

Spirit Valley Young Mothers Program

Thanks to all of you who donate layette items periodically for new babies.  If we have a lot of items, I save them for the next baby, and the last one born March 1 was a boy, the first new baby boy in quite a while.  His name is Emmitt, and he and his mother Sarah are doing fine.  They are both thankful for the donated new baby items.

Several of the moms are interested in scrapbooking, so if you have any materials, you may also put those into the Spirit Valley basket located in the social hall.  When the moms move from Spirit Valley into their own apartments, they usually need a table and chairs, sofa, a dresser or chest of drawers, dishes, pots and pans and other household items.  There is an ongoing need for shampoo, deodorant, feminine products, etc. for all of the moms.  If you have large items which need to be picked up, please notify Carol Michealson

picture of moon and starsWomen's Moon Group

All rituals take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth (unless noted otherwise). You're welcome to come earlier for meet-and-greet time beforehand, and we end with socializing and snacks.  Please contact Alisa DeRider if you're interested in the Womens' Moon Group: aderider@msn.com

Event

Date

Time

Ritual Leader

UU Room

Full Moon

Thursday, April 09, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

Sue

Library

New Moon

Friday, April 24, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

Leader needed

Library

Full Moon

Friday, May 08, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

Jean

Library

New Moon

Sunday, May 24, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

Leader needed

Library

Full Moon

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Afternoon Potluck

Tamra

TBA

Summer Solstice

Sunday, June 21, 2009

9:00 & 11:00 am

Moon group co-leads UU service

Sanctuary

New Moon

Monday, June 22, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

No gathering

 xx

picture of booksUU Pretty Good Book Group

The UU pretty good book group is open to everyone, not just members.  If you enjoy reading good books and discussing them why don't you join us?  Meetings are usually the third Tuesdays of each month in the library at UUCD.

April Book Selection: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Tuesday, April 21, 7:15 pm, Library
Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin.  For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar's lifelong friend and ally.  This is a riveting family saga.

May Book Selection:  Rabbit, Run by John Updike

Tuesday May 19, 7:15 pm, library 

John Updike died recently and this led to the discussion of his writing.  It turned out most of us had not read much of his work and if we had it was a long time ago. It was decided that we would read his first Rabbit novel, Rabbit, Run. Rabbit, Run shows a young man trapped by the demands of his family and his community.  But John Updike creates an entire world for his 26-year-old hero, delivering a message about fulfillment, despair, and hope-by showing some unexpected actions, and the secret inner thoughts that led to them. Over a forty year period Updike wrote one sequel each decade, revisiting the character in 1971, 1981, 1990, and 2001.

Register Now For 2009 Prairie Star District Conference

April 3-5 In Duluth

"Our Blue Boat Home: Living the Seventh Tradition" is the theme of the 2009 Prairie Star District conference of the Unitarian Universalist Association April 3-5 in Duluth.  During the conference, we will explore our stewardship of the environment (and all of our resources!), hear about candidates for the Presidency of the UUA, and enjoy great fellowship with other Unitarian Universalists. All information—including facts about youth programming and child care—is available at http://www.psduua.org/AnnualConference/AnnualConference 
Join this fun and interesting two-day meeting with Unitarian Universalists from our district!

Annual Garden Club Plant Sale

Got milk?  With spring just around the corner the UUCD Garden Club is encouraging everyone to donate plants to our garden sale coming up in just a couple of months.  Used milk cartons make great plant pots for holding and transporting all the plants you wish to divide, thin or just want to get rid of and deliver to UUCD for the sale.  All varieties wanted but please be sure to mark each so we know what we will be selling.  Soooo, when you are enjoying the pleasure of smelling dirt as you once again enjoy the new life of spring please think of the UUCD Garden Club and save up lots of transplants for our annual sale.  We will let you know when to deliver them to the church for the sale once that has been finalized.  Thanks a bunch!  Questions?  Call Judyth Babst

Memorial Garden Plans Underway!

A small, delightful but non-exclusive (meaning you are welcome to join) committee has begun to plan for our Memorial Garden.  We are working with Josef Braeu, from Edelweiss Landscaping for design help.  We are seeking congregational input.  What does a Memorial Garden mean to you?  Please send your thoughts/ideas to juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com or fill out the Memorial Garden Vision form on the "Get Connected" table at UUCD.
An information gathering/sharing session will be held on Sunday, April 19th at 12:00.  This is a busy Sunday with lots of things scheduled, but stop in to see some possible plans and give us your ideas!

The projected Memorial Garden time line goes like this:

  • May 1 '09: grant application in to the Green Sanctuary Committee
  • Summer ‘09 : work begins on the Memorial Garden
  • Fall '09: Part one of the Memorial Garden is finished (assuming this may be a project that will be built in stages)

Contact UUCD Administrator