Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth 
December 2008 Newsletter
Sunday Services and Religious Education for December 2008
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.
December 7: The Emperor's Tea: the Gift of non-literal Religion
Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner
A snow storm. A holiday party. A package from Japan and the possibility of finding new meanings in an old holiday. If you are "allergic" to Christmas, this service is for you.
Friday, December 12 Submission Deadline for January Newsletter
December 14: Wassail! Wassail! CANCELLED. RESCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 28TH
Uncommon Goods and Goodies Bake and Craft Sale! CANCELLED. RESCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 21st
December 21: Winter Solstice: Members of the Women's Moon Circle and Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner
Join us for a celebration of the longest night!
Uncommon Goods and Goodies Bake and Craft Sale! (rescheduled from Dec 14th)
Early Bird Specials at 10 am Main Sale at noon: UUCD Social Hall
Congregational Meeting Announcement
Sunday, December 21 at 12:15 in the Sanctuary
Vote on 2009 Budget, which will be mailed after Board approval
Vote on Peace Pledge Approve By-law changes
Vote on UUA Peace Issue
Wednesday December 24th: Christmas Eve!
5:00 a family friendly service complete with story telling, carols and candle lighting.
9:00 a contemporary, contemplative service of lessons and carols …
December 28th: Wassail! Wassail! (Rescheduled from Dec 14th. Replaces Poetry Service)
Join us for a service filled with holiday music followed by a chance to go caroling to shut ins and friends … If you would like to sing or play an instrument in this service please be in touch with Karen Bauman. If you have a favorite carol or holiday song you would like to see included watch for the input cards in the order of service in late November.
In Medias Res *
Oh Tannenbaum, oh Tannenbaum, how lovely are thy branches!
The annual North American sacrifice of trees is fast approaching and what is a green church to do? Do we choose a potted tree, and try and keep it alive for the next oh-so- many months to plant in the spring? Do we support the local economy by choosing a fresh, local, sustainably grown tree, harvested with love by members of the congregation? Do we buy a dramatic artificial tree to use for years to come?
I don't know what the long term solution is, but this year we are soliciting gently used, hand-me-down artificial trees. Green ones. Either unlighted or with white lights. If you have one gathering dust in your garage or basement and you are willing to loan or give it to UUCD for holiday use, we would be delighted to receive it. We are looking for large, medium and small trees. We need one to use as a mitten tree, one for the Spirit Valley young mothers and children's tree, and any number to decorate our chancel. I am imagining an entire forest of trees filling the sanctuary!
When I was growing up, my family always decorated our tree at Christmas with fragile balls made of glass, and it seemed like every year one or more of those glass balls would get dropped and shatter and there we would be standing stocking footed surrounded by the glittering shards while the Christmas carols played in the background. It was always an odd predicament.
In a book titled Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas, the author, James Patterson, suggests that each of us juggles any number of balls – some made of glass like those fragile Christmas tree ornaments, and others made of more resilient stuff. The trick, especially, this time of year, is to pay attention to how many different things we juggle and when we need to drop a ball – to drop one that will bounce!
I don't know exactly which balls you are juggling – sleep, exercise, nutrition, parenting, work, volunteering, friends, spouse, holiday concerts, social events. In the book there are five balls – family, friends, health, work, integrity. Work is a rubber ball that usually bounces back – but the others – family, friends, health and integrity are each more fragile than the next. Drop them and they will scuff, crack, sometimes even shatter.
I don't know what you do to care for your soul (that part of you that dreams and creates and grieves and loves). I do know that this is the season to carve out a little extra time to tend that part of you: to meditate, journal, walk in the woods, connect with family, eat mindfully, give thanks and share what you have. And I know that when I do that its easier to keep all the balls in the air, its easier to toss one of them to a friend or colleague when I need a breather and I don't end up standing in my stocking feet trying to remember where I put the whisk broom. Be gentle with yourselves this holiday season friends, your wholeness is the best gift you can give.
Blessings, Gail
*In Medias Res is a literary term meaning "in the middle of things."
Board Report for October
Your Board of Trustees met on October 24, 2008 at 7PM at UUCD. The following things were discussed or decided:
- The Minister's report was distributed and the Consent Agenda was accepted.
- The September 23, 2008 Board minutes were accepted.
- A motion to extend the loan from the Kochendoerfer fund for construction in the Great Room was moved, discussed and approved. Planning has taken longer than anticipated.
- A motion to provide up to $1,000 to pay a consultant for a process review was moved, discussed and approved.
- A report about the Operating Budget was received and discussed. Funds are very tight this year so we are watching the budget closely. The Treasurer will contact the committees to hold on spending where possible. A report about the Zeppa Family Foundation was received and discussed. Ten or so contributors who were behind beyond a percentage were sent letters seeking clarification regarding their pledge. The ZFF has agreed to UUCD's request permitting the collection of funds from paid-up capital contributors to cover the unpaid pledges in order to receive the total ZFF match. 68 "prediction" forms have been received, 160 is the target. 18 new predictions have been received, and of the 50 renewals only 4 have pledge an amount lower than 2008.
- The December 21 annual financial meeting was discussed. Besides the vote on the budget the congregation will consider and vote on two motions and bylaw changes. December 7 and 14 at 12:15 PM will be used as Information Sessions for all four topics.
- A presentation from Social Justice was made regarding the Starfish Children's Fund collection. Collections have exceeded demand, and several suggestions have been made regarding adding other organizations as possible funding recipients. After discussion it was moved and approved that a task force will be convened to examine how best to share the second basket.
- Construction in the RE space was discussed. It was moved and approved that the funds raised at the BBQ fundraiser go to the RE space development.
- A suggestion to have an Ad Hoc committee of former Board Presidents was raised. This committee could be called upon to review the Bylaws and determine best practices for dispute resolutions when a portion of the congregation disagrees with the Board.
- A report was received regarding hiring an interim musician. This is in process.
- Two dates were suggested for a combined Ministerial Transition Team and Board retreat: 1/24/09 or 2/7/09, 9AM to 1PM. The MTT will consider this and provide a response back to the Board.
- The pond liability issue was discussed again. Ways to make the pond safer were discussed. Our Insurance company has been contacted and asked specifically about the pond and they are not concerned about the presence of the pond.
- Personnel Policy changes were tabled for the next meeting. Board members with questions and comments were encouraged to provide feedback to the Personnel Committee via email.
- Due to Holidays the Board has moved its November meeting to December 2, and at this time does not have a second meeting scheduled for December. That might change based on the urgency of issues. We will revisit this at the December 2 meeting.
- Volunteer opportunities were filled, and the Governance Council will meet on November 20. The next Board meeting is December 2 at 7PM at UUCD in the Board Room. Note that this is not the usual date, and at this time the next meeting after the December 2 is January 27.
If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact your Board members, their contact information appears elsewhere in this Newsletter.
Friday, December 12 Submission Deadline for January Newsletter
Agenda for Congregational Meeting
It is very important that all voting members attend the Congregational meeting on December 21. If that is not possible please register your vote on an absentee ballot. The meeting will include votes on the following agenda items:
- Vote on the recommended Bylaw changes
- Vote on the recommended 2009 Operating Budget
- Vote on the Covenant on Peacemaking
- Vote on the UUA Peacemaking Statement of Conscious
Information about the agenda will be sent out ahead of the meeting to each family that has an eligible voting member.
Thank you from Cyndi
Dear UUCD Family
Thank you so much for your letters, cards and calls regarding my departure as Choir Director in July. It seems that there is still a great deal of confusion about what happened, and I believe our greatest hope for healing as a congregation lies in gathering all involved around the table at the same time to talk with honesty, courage and compassion. I remain open to such a meeting. I miss you all very much.
with love and faith in our principles,
Cyndi G.
A consultant has been hired to review the Board process and Personnel policies, and is scheduled for an information gathering site visit at the end of January.
LOST and FOUND: Beautiful bead bracelet found. Call Ann to claim, 525-3818.
Building Care Committee
anyone interested in receiving the Building Care Committee agenda, meeting notes, and announcements of upcoming projects, please send your e-mail to Chris Edwardson at edwardsonfamily@juno.com. Thanks, Chris.
Board of Trustees 2008
We welcome your input. Feel free to contact board members with questions, concerns, or compliments.
- President: Dan Burrows dburrows@d.umn.edu
- Board Members
- Administration: Larissa Schmitt larissa.schmitt@gmail.com
- Treasurer: Paul Borrmann kdonn@cpinternet.com
- Secretary: Alison Lutterman alutterman@duluthmn.gov
- Planning: James Lund jlund@lakenet.com
- Vice President: Tara Richter tararichte@gmail.com
- Worship/RE: Carol Michealson cmicheal@d.umn.edu
- Outreach: Gloria Walters dansing52@yahoo.com
- Membership: Kathy Heltzer kheltzer@charter.net
Money Talks
As of this writing we have received a little over 100 predictions. But we need at least 70 more to meet the estimated $220,000 need, since the troubled economy has kept many of us from predicting as much of an increase as we would like.
So, if we don't meet our goal, why not just cut our expenses? We're trying, using our website to reduce paper and postage costs, for example. But there are not many optional expenses. As a result of congregational decisions made in the past few years (which I have discussed in previous months), almost all our expenses are what I would call "fixed." By this I mean that we either cannot cut them, or can do so only by reneging on commitments made at a congregational meeting. These commitments include:
- to pay our staff consistent with UUA Fair Compensation Standards
- to grow the congregation in spiritual development, program, membership and community impact
- to build and use College Street to achieve that growth.
So if we cannot raise the funds to meet our needs, there are few options for reducing expenses. We cannot avoid the doubled cost of building insurance, as our current property is worth a lot more than Winona was. We cannot retain our minister or attract an experienced new minister if our compensation package is not at least average for congregations like ours. We can't cut our rapidly growing Religious Education budget, etc. etc.
So we must, I feel, meet our goal, and we can do this if all of our members and friends participate in this canvass by returning your prediction form. No matter how small, your prediction is vital. For those of you who have not returned your form, please reach for your canvass packet as soon as you put this newsletter down - or call me at if you can't locate it.
I hope to have good news for all at the December 7 and 14 information sessions leading up to the December 21 vote on the 2009 Budget.
Paul Borrmann
Drum Circle
The monthly drum circle will meet on Friday, December 5 in the Greatroom at UUCD. This is an "in-the-moment" drum circle. It is not a drum class nor do we attempt to play any ethnic specific rhythms. What we do is play off each other. This circle starts at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month and goes until 9:00 PM. Please try to arrive before 6:50. If you don't have a drum, we generally have an extra. Call Bruce Holmen at 724-4666 for confirmation of dates.
Music Notes
"Music is an outburst of the soul."
composer Frederick Delius
We were graced with lovely musical outbursts during November and thanks are offered to pianist Paul Wartman, vocalist Tanya Moore, UUCD singers at the Interfaith Thanksgiving, all the good folks who turned out and tuned up for UUCD's first ever multigenerational sing and Music Programming Administrator Karen Bauman. Wow!
Progress in constructing the music program is taking place with the posting of the ‘Bridge Musician' position and the acceptance of resumes from interested people. Before long we will welcome a temporary music staff person to our community as we continue exploring our music possibilities.
Check the minister's blog at our website for updates.
There are many musical possibilities for YOU to participate in during December and here is the rehearsal schedule:
Holiday Choristers (anyone young or old) sing carols for Wassail services |
||
Wed Dec. 3rd and 10th |
6:30 pm |
Sanctuary |
Sun Dec. 14th |
8:30 am warm up |
Sanctuary |
Learn Christmas Eve selections |
||
Wed. Dec. 17th |
17th 6:30 pm |
Sanctuary |
Sun Dec. 21st |
Noon |
Sanctuary |
Wed. Dec. 24th |
4:15 warm up |
Sanctuary |
|
5 pm SING! |
Sanctuary |
Caroling Teams Carpool to UUCD shut-ins and share holiday music! |
||
Sunday Dec. 14th |
14th 12:45 pm |
Sanctuary |
8 VA |
||
Sunday Dec. 7th |
Noon |
Sanctuary |
Sunday Dec. 14th |
8:15 am warm up |
Sanctuary |
|
9 am and 11 am SING! |
Sanctuary |
You are always welcome to express yourself musically during Sunday services. Just contact Music Programming Administrator Karen Bauman prior to 8 pm. The possibilities are endless!
P.S. The Jim Scott concert was really worthwhile, he is a super musician/songwriter and the everyone who came out to support his artistry is very much appreciated!
How would you prefer your newsletter to be delivered?
During November and December we will gather your preferences for newsletter delivery. Beginning January 2009 only those who have chosen paper hard copies (and communicated their preference) will receive the UU News of the Twin Ports by mail.
Please do one of the following:
- cut out the form below, complete it and mail it to the UUCD office at 835 W. College St., Duluth, MN 55811, or
- call and leave a message on the office phone at 724-0308 with your preference or
- email your preference to Kathy at uucduluth@gmail.com.
Name__________________________
My choice for delivery of the UUCD newsletter, "UU News of the Twin Ports," is:
_______ Please continue to send me a hard paper copy in the mail
_______ I prefer to read the newsletter on the website at www.uuduluth.org,, no reminder needed
_______ I prefer to read the newsletter on the website and would like to be reminded by email when it is available. My email address is: ________________________________
_______ Please remove my name from the mailing list
Ministerial Transition Team Soup Suppers
Who are we? How do we care? How do we practice justice? How do we grow spiritually? How do we communicate?
Come to soup suppers and help us answer the questions
- Dec 17 – Spirituality
- Jan 21 – Justice
- Feb 18 – Communication
- 5:30-7:00 Supper and Discussion: Cost: $1.00
Reservations encouraged: Child care available upon request
Email Carol Turner if you'll need childcare and indicate which dates –cgeot1@gmail.com
What we discover will be part of our search for a settled minister.
Sponsored by Ministerial Transition Team (MTT). Questions? Visit MTT table after service or contact Barbara Lund at blund@lakenet.com.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias will be delivered by Peterson Anderson Florist on December 13 to help decorate the sanctuary for the holiday season. You can order a poinsettia to add to the display and take the plant home after the Christmas Eve Service. Poinsettias may be ordered in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is $14 each and color choices are red, pink, or white.
Bev Pehkonen will be taking orders on Sunday morning between services through December 7. Order Forms will also be available. Make checks payable to UUCD; indicate poinsettia on the memo line. For additional information contact Bev at 879-2798 or e-mail Bev at jbpehkonen@msn.com
A Time of Giving
Greetings UUCD Families, on December 7th, we will start our traditional Mitten Tree.
We ask that families donate mittens, hats, scarves and coats to be given to families-in-need. For the three Sundays up until Christmas, children are encouraged to add their donations during opening music at the beginning of each service.
Additionally, on December 7th, local-Artist and UUCD member, Alison Aune, will lead a whole group activity during RE on Medieval Swedish Art. Extra hands are always appreciated.
On December 24th, we ask that you turn in "Guest at Your Table" boxes, which were passed out at our Harvest of Gratitude Service. For those who are unfamiliar with Guest at Your Table, this program is unique to the UUA. Each November, members of UU Congregations receive small cardboard banks (similar to UNICEF boxes) to be placed on the family table. By putting our spare change in the box and discussing with our children the importance of helping those living without basic needs, we remind ourselves that there is still work to be done. These monies have been used in the past to help victims of Hurricane Katrina or given to UNICEF to build hospitals and schools. It is one small way that we UU's can pass our values of the importance of helping others on to our children.
Thanks to Reverend Gail, our R.E. Steering committee is up and running. If you would like to help shape our R.E. programming in the coming years, give me a call!
Carol Turner
Director of Religious Education
724-4430
Uncommon Goods and Goodies Bake and Craft Sale!
Sunday, December 14th: Early Bird Specials at 10 am
Main Sale at noon: UUCD Social Hall
Calling all Bountiful Bakers! Creative Crafters! Dedicated Workers! Generous Buyers!
Here we go again! Your help is needed! Newcomers are encouraged to volunteer!
- Bake cookies, pies, bars, breads (or create your own specialty!)
- Make crafts of all kinds! (Let your imagination soar!)
- 9:00-11:00 am - Help set up: (Most volunteers needed here!)
- 11:00-noon Just a few people to help during service
- noon-1:30 pm Help needed during main sale
- 1:30 to ? clean up
Uncommon Goods and Goodies should be brought to UUCD before 11 am Dec. 14th.
Questions? Suggestions? Contact Ann ann@thefrybergers.net
Women's Moon Group
Event |
Date |
Time |
Ritual Leader |
UU Room |
Full Moon |
Friday, Dec 12, 2008 |
7:00-8:30 pm |
Alisa |
Library |
Winter Solstice |
Sunday, Dec 21, 2008 |
9:00 am & 11:00 am |
Moon group co-leads UU Solstice service |
Sanctuary |
New Moon |
Saturday, Dec 27, 2008 |
X |
No gathering |
X |
Full Moon |
Saturday, Jan 10, 2009 |
7:00-8:30 pm |
Salima |
Library |
New Moon |
Monday, Jan 26, 2009 |
7:00-8:30 pm |
Lorraine |
Library |
Full Moon |
Monday, Feb 09, 2009 |
7:00-8:30 pm |
Sue |
Library |
New Moon |
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 |
7:00-8:30 pm |
Lorraine |
Library |
All rituals take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth (unless noted otherwise). The rituals are roughly an hour long starting promptly at 7:00 pm. You're welcome to come early for meet-and-greet time beforehand. After the ritual we end with socializing and snacks.
There are always opportunities to lead a moon ritual or take part in a Solstice service. Contact Alisa DeRider if you're interested: aderider@msn.com
Friday, December 12 Submission Deadline for January Newsletter
Changes Considered for Starfish Collection
The Social Responsibility Council and the Board are working together to broaden the number of programs that will benefit from the second Basket collection each Sunday.
The Starfish fund are sufficient for the needs of the current family at this time, and current funds will be reserved for that purpose. However, we have the opportunity to expand our impact by re-directing the collections to the second basket to other causes. The Social Responsibility Council, which includes the various social justice groups (Starfish Children's Fund, Welcoming Congregation, Peace & Justice, CHUM, Spirit Valley Young Mothers, and Green Sanctuary), will develop a plan for deciding what non-profit enterprises will benefit from each week's collection. The Board will then review their recommendation. If you have any thoughts you'd like to share, please contact Sue Dailey at sdaileydul@hotmail.com.
Peacemaking
The Peace and Justice Committee is asking for your support at the congregational meeting on December 21 in two important ways:
- One vote will ask the UUA to put a new statement about Peacemaking on the agenda of this summer's General Assembly for a denominational vote of support. This would support the 4-year work by our denomination nationwide on the Congressional Study/Action Issue regarding our status as a peace church. This issue will not be considered at GA unless 25% of all UU congregations make this request.
- The other vote is specific to this congregation, and would commit UUCD to continue its work for peace at different levels by adopting the Peacemaking Pledge.
From the Pooley Bookstore
Greetings. I'm writing this on a rainy/snowy morning; yes, the perfect time to curl up with a kitty, a good cup of something hot, and A GOOD BOOK. Come by our bookstore on wheels (We have been rolled into the "conversation and coffee shop" area of our social hall space) and check through our refreshed inventory. There are some new titles and those "old faithfuls", all ordered from our UUA Bookstore headquarters in Boston. Mary Oliver (several new offerings) is keeping our own Shelia Packa and Cal Benson company in the poetry area, along with the calming sounds of Dan Burrows' music. We have a collection of Meditation Manuals from the UUA. Each year the UUA selects a meditation manual for the year. So these are the cream of the crop, chosen from many entries. I order them in "variety packs" from past years and can make them available to our bookstore patrons for only $5 each. I sometimes purchase them and give them to friends and family in place of a card for various occasions. Maybe this idea appeals to you.
Our "pretty good used book table" continues to be popular. It also has a new home, now in a bookcase instead of on a card table. So, come by and enjoy the good reads, great buys and also know that you can share the books you have read and are now ready to pass on. Just drop them off and I will do the rest...and, thank you.
Remember, "Buying books is a spiritual practice." Diana
Caring Corner
Each month we try to share in this newsletter caring information about those in our UUCD community. If you have something we should know, please tell us. We can't know how you are doing, or how your loved one is feeling if we don't have information. Thanks. You can reach the Caring Team through me, Julie Morgan juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com or by calling the church office.
Joys & Concerns
David Backstrand is continuing his battle with esoghophial cancer. He is still living independently and driving himself around! Currently he is not having chemo but that is an option in the future. David loves to meet UUs for coffee, so give him a call.
John Langdon is now living at Solvey Hospice House. His daughter Maureen has set up a caring website for him. You can visit their website for updates and info at www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnlangdon.
John is growing weaker, but he appreciates visits (afternoons are best).
Welcoming Congregation
Thanks to the boundless energy of Julie Morgan, the WCC did rise as advertised. We met at Bixby's and over hot beverages rekindled energy to continue the quest for equality for all. We were, of course, dismayed at the defeat of Prop. 8 in California, but buoyed by the actions of Minnesota based organizations, Outfront and Project 515. Project 515 recently sent a contingent to Duluth to talk to gay and lesbian people about how the lack of legal marriage rights affects their lives. The project contends there are at least 515 specific legal rights denied gay and lesbian couples by prohibiting their marriage. Take a look at their stories and the list of rights on their website (project515.org). Did you know that in a survey of Minnesotans in 2006 by Decision Resources, Ltd., it was found that:
- Nearly eight of 10 Minnesotans said government should treat people no differently because of their sexual orientation.
- Almost 70 percent of Minnesotans agreed that "gays and lesbians should have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else."
Encouraging numbers like these fuel our efforts to bring equality to all. Our welcoming congregation is important not only to provide a spiritual space for gay and lesbian folks to gather, but also to energize the community to fight for equality. To that end we have come up with some ideas for adult education and for joining with others in the faith community to raise awareness. Keep an eye on this committee or better yet join us in making some of these events prosper. For more info contact Julie Morgan at juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com.
Holiday Basket Program
You can make this holiday season brighter for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS by buying gifts for a holiday basket that would later be given to an individual, an adult couple, or a family.... your choice; by making a monetary donation; or by volunteering.
The Aliveness Project is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis offering a variety of supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS throughout Minnesota.
Since 1988. the Aliveness Project Holiday Basket Program has provided thousands of gift baskets to men, women and children in Minnesota, including Duluth and the surrounding area.
Brochures explaining this project and how you can help can be found on the Welcoming Congregation information table in the Social Hall or, you may call Beth Travis-Betts.
Beth Travis-Betts
Spirit Valley Needs your Help!
The holidays are approaching and we are attempting to create another mitten tree this year for the seven teen moms and their babies. Look for our tree on display and please help us pick a mitten to gift one of the children! We will be giving the moms gift cards once again and we will appreciate any monetary donations towards the cards. Our celebration party is on December 15th. Call Carol Michealson or Ruth Strom McCutcheon if you are interested in attending.
Another note: The YWCA had its annual "Women of Distinction" luncheon this past week. Our congregation was highlighted in our assistance to the Spirit Valley Program. Thanks to all of you who have contributed teaching classes, babysitting, giving gifts for showers, and mentoring. Two of the young women from the program gave heartfelt talks about the program's importance in their lives.
UU 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.
December Book Selection
The Life And Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid a memoir by Bill Bryson
Tuesday, December 16, 7:15 pm, Library
Bill Bryson was born in the middle of the American century—1951—in the middle of the United States—Des Moines, Iowa—in the middle of the largest generation in American history—the baby boomers. As one of the best and funniest writers alive, he is perfectly positioned to mine his memories of a totally all-American childhood for 24 carat memoir gold. Like millions of his generational peers, Bill Bryson grew up with a rich fantasy life as a superhero. In his case, he ran around his house and neighborhoods with an old football jersey with a thunderbolt on it and a towel about the neck that served as his cape, leaping tall buildings in a single bound and vanquishing awful evildoers (and morons)—in his head—as "The Thunderbolt Kid."
January Book Selection
The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad
Tuesday, January 20, 7:15 pm. Library
This is the hundredth anniversary of The Secret Agent. It was written in 1908. I guess technically we will be meeting and discussing it in 2009, but close enough. Inspired by an actual attempt to blow up the Greenwich Observatory, this chillingly prophetic examination of terrorism is the literary precursor to the espionage thrillers of such writers as Graham Greene and John Le Carre. The Secret Agent portrays the world of law and order in late-nineteenth-century London, with its fatuous civil servants and corrupt police. Then it grotesquely mirrors such a society in its underworld. A squalid terrorist landscape inhabited by the Professor, who always carries a bomb in his pocket, and Verloc, the pornographer acting undercover as a counterrevolutionary mole. Verloc's mission is to provide the radical group he has penetrated to commit a monstrous act of violence sure to bring about its own destruction. Using questionable characters and amoral caricatures, the story spins a black satire of English society, one in which each individual eventually becomes a puppet.
The Greater Community Events
CHUM: Holiday Season Celebration Dec. 6th and the Need for Food
Saturday December 6 is the date of the 2008 CHUM Holiday Concert, held at 7:00 pm at the Marshall School. This joyful interfaith event of sharing and giving is one of the community highlights of the holiday season. As has become the custom, the musical highlights are provided by the Three Altos and Bill Bastian (whose solo rendition of Oh Holy Night has become a tradition in itself). A free will offering supports the work of CHUM - its food shelf, congregate and family shelters, drop-in center, housing stabilization and advocacy projects, etc. This is an event that gives back greatly to all who attend and support CHUM's work.
Needs at the Food Shelf increase during the holiday season. This is particularly true this year, with a increase in many basic food prices of 15% or more over the last year. Our local food shelves have seen an increase in usage and a decrease in contributions during 2008. Giving cash is the most efficient way to support the CHUM food shelves, because they can access goods from the Food Bank at a lower cost than we can buy them at the grocery store. But either cash or canned goods help. The foods most needed now are: canned meals (stews, chili, hash, spaghettios) macaroni & cheese, canned peaches, peas, pears, corn, vegetables, chicken noodle & cream soup, canned chicken, Spam, tuna, ramen noodles, juice.
Donations can be delivered to the main Food Shelf at 120 N. First Ave. East; call 727-2391 for their hours.
"Reflections Of The Season" Interfaith Service & Potluck Planned
All people wanting to celebrate a wonderful blend of interfaith holidays (Diwali, Eid Al-Adha, Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas and more?) are welcome to the Interfaith Service for "Reflections of the Season" planned for Sunday, Dec. 21. If you are interested in participating as a musician or poet/reader (adult or youth), please call Salima Swenson or Cyndi Gritzmacher. We are planning a 4:00 service with worldwide potluck following at a location near you! Call or watch for further details...
Sponsored by Arrowhead Interfaith Council
Puzzle Peace
Puzzle PEACE Northland Interfaith Youth Choir will rehearse just one time in December: Sun. Dec. 14 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ, 1111 N. 11th Street. We plan to sing for "Reflections of the Season" Interfaith Service and potluck on Dec. 21. ALL interested youth, ages preschool to middle school who want to sing for PEACE are encouraged to attend. Friends are always welcome! Call Peace UCC (724-3637) or director Cyndi Gritzmacher for any further information.
Puzzle PEACE...putting the world together, piece by PEACE!
Sponsored by Arrowhead Interfaith Council
Treasures of the Earth Green Arts, Craft and Goods Fair
March 28, 2009 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Event held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 W. College St.
This fair is for regional artists and craftsmen who make items from natural items (rocks, wood, wool, bark, etc.) and/or from reusing/recycling other items. Local vendors of natural goods including rice, honey, beeswax, etc please inquire.
What is the "next life" for old towels, buttons, greeting cards, license plates, cardboard boxes, magazines, or CDs? How do we keep things from ending up in the landfill and let them "live" in a different way? Show your creative pieces in this special fair.
Reserve a booth at this fair by February 20. Let your communities members know about this event to come shop, learn, and be inspired.
For more information go to www.greygreen.org/duluthfairs. This fair is co-sponsored by the UUCD Green Sanctuary Committee
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Spring 2009 Course Offerings in Duluth, MN: 2/2/09 – 5/15/09
TR515 Making Peace, Transforming Conflict
Mondays, 6:00-9:15 p.m. (except for March 16 and April 13)
First United Methodist Church
230 E. Skyline Pkwy.
Instructor: David Bard, PhD.
The vision of shalom permeates the Christian scriptures, but what does it mean to make peace? In this course we will weave together the theology, theory and practice of peacemaking and conflict transformation as we consider how people of faith can work to create peace in their lives, their congregations, their communities, and in the world.
CH261 New Testament Texts in Context
Feb. 6-7, Feb. 27-28, Mar. 27-28, May 1-2
Fridays, 6:00-9:15 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00-12:15 & 1:30-3:30pm
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth
835 West College Street
Instructor: Neil Elliott, PhD.
Students in this course study the historical, social, literary, and religious contexts in which the New Testament was written as well as different methods for interpreting these ancient texts for the Church today.
For registration information contact: Glen Herrington-Hall, Director of Admissions, United Theological Seminary, 3000 Fifth St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112, 800-937-1316 (ext.117), gherrington-hall@unitedseminary.edu or in Duluth, contact Ann Nordgren, Duluth Program Coordinator, 218-525-3136, anordgren@unitedseminary.edu.
Meet Our Newest Members
The Vinnes Family
- Arianna (age 10) I like to snowboard, read, write, run track, play basketball, listen to music, and play with our dogs. I am worried about global warming and world hunger.
- Olivia (age 7) I believe in fairies, mermaids, and unicorns. I like to ski, collect roks, and animals. I think aliens will invade earth.
- Harold I strive to balance the importance of individuality in our family with the importance of our family. Seldom do we have to coax individuality out from hiding.
- Sonia I value a view of the world that is inclusive and open to other perspectives.
Karen Anderson
Karen and seven-year old Kaija have lived in Duluth for about 3 years. Karen is excited to learn everything she can about birth and midwifery. She also enjoys fiber arts. Kaija is a second grader at Congdon Elementary and loves to learn about animals and nature.
Debbie Landon and John Dahl
Debbie and John were married in a UU church in Charlottesville, VA and have been happily inquisitive UUs ever since. Deb is currently a full time mom to two girls, Landon (7) and Martyn (4). She is excited about the many opportunities to get involved in the life of Duluth and UUCD. Deb enjoys cooking, reading, travel, hiking, back-packing, cross country skiing, movies, and especially connection time with friends.
John works at UMD in the biology department. When not studying and teaching microbiology, he likes to spend time with his family, drawing, reading history, and taking walks.
James Norby and Jennifer Johnson
James is a student at UMD majoring in Geography with a Geology minor. He lives in Superior with his beautiful girlfriend Jennifer and likes to read, paint, and play frisbee golf.
Jennifer Johnson is 22 and lives in Superior with her boyfriend James. She is a research assistant and a student at the University of Wisconsin Superior, majoring in Sociology. Her interests are painting, traveling, and reading, and she is looking forward to becoming more involved with the church.
Jason and Amy Davis
Jason Davis grew up in the Alborn/Culver area of Minnesota and has lived in Duluth most of his adult life. He has been either a student or an employee (and often both) at UMD since 1991. Jason most enjoys spending time with his wife Amy and their three daughters Brooke (10), Kiana (8), and Angelique (6). He also enjoys judo/jujitsu, wind surfing, snowboarding, hiking, and science fiction.
Amy Davis was born in Korea and raised by an adoptive family in Cloquet. She has lived most of her life in Duluth with her husband Jason and their three daughters. She attended the College of St. Scholastica and currently works for St. Louis County. Hobbies and interests include: walking out in nature, yoga, meditation, wellness and exploring spiritual readings.