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February 2010 UUCD 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 February 2010

  • 9:30am Service
  • 10:30am Coffee or Tea and Social Hour
  • 11:30am Service

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, Feb 7:  "The Beatitudes" - Rev. Kathleen Abel

Find out why Kurt Vonnegut admired the Beatitudes and learn about a little-known part of UU History!

Sunday, Feb 14: "Green Valentine" - Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

Join Gail Lindsay Marriner, Dan Burrows, Joe Marty and Hella Wartman for "Green Valentine", a service filled with original music and beautiful words celebrating the gifts of our home planet.

Sunday, Feb 21:  "Love Songs" - Tanya and Greg Moore

Expressions of love of different kinds through music and lyrics.

Sunday, Feb 28th: "Hard Hats and Life Preservers" - Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner 

Gail Lindsay Marriner and participants in the Congregational Covenant study group –  Annie Dillard once claimed that rather than handing out orders of service as people entered the church, congregations should hand out "hard hats and life preservers"   to equip congregants for the adventures and risks that come with life in community. Join us for a service exploring the risks, rewards and safety equipment that are part of congregational life!  (Watch for more information on the congregational covenant workshops that will be starting this afternoon.)

Note from your Congregational Administrator: 

Beginning Feb 1 I will be in the office a little less, due to the staffing cuts.  However, I will be checking messages on the phone and email every day and responding as quickly as possible to your needs.  Monday, Wednesday and Thursday will be easiest to reach me in the office.  Don’t hesitate to call any day or email.
I also would like to take this space to say a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers!  Yours, Kathy Stinnett

In Medias Res

Gail standing in her studyBrigid is the celtic fire goddess who presides over the arts of poetry, smith craft and healing. In earth centered and catholic traditions her feast day is February first – 6 weeks after the winter solstice and 6 weeks before the spring equinox.  If you haven’t noticed the lengthening of the light yet you soon will – everything is changing.

Brigid is a creativity goddess, and this is the season for starting seeds and launching new projects,   a time for coming to grips with winter’s unsought pruning (read budget cuts) planning for the long cold still ahead and reaching toward the summer that glows on the horizon. 
New things at UUCD in the next six weeks include the "Brigid’s Fire Creativity Expo" on February 20th,  the launch of a bunch of new covenant groups and at the end of the month a congregational process to create a congregational covenant of right relations.

Oh, and in the UU universe – it is "precandidating" season. That means that in the next six weeks or so, ministers in search of congregations will be dodging snow storms and flying all over the country to preach in "neutral pulpits"  while search committees from perspective congregations worry about the weather, make long lists of questions  and try to remember everything each candidate said and did.  I have three precandidating weekends on alternate weekends  beginning January 24th , so I will be  scarce  here for a while.  Your search committee will also be less in evidence than they have been, while they meet and greet and wine and dine, question and observe the three semifinalists in their search for the best minister for UUCD.  All of us hope that the matchmaking will be complete sometime between March 15th and the spring equinox.

The hours of sunlight are getting longer, underneath the snow and in sunny windows new things are starting to grow … new beginnings are under way …

Don’t you love February?

Blessings, Gail

February Report from UUCD Board President, Kathy Heltzer

Photo of Kathy HGreetings to all UUCD members and friends, prospective new settled minister, visitors and web surfers.  This is a reminder to all of us that our newsletter is no longer simply a way for members to be kept up-to-date regarding activities of our congregation, but also part of our "public face" for the larger community.  I hope that what folks see is a lively and vibrant congregation because that is sure what I see from the "inside".  Great music, great programming for children and youth, a very dedicated group of folks working what seems like full-time on searching for our new minister.  We hosted the Dr Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration Kick off event on Friday Jan 15th with active participation from the members of our Peace and Justice committee and others.  Our building seems to be in use most every evening as well as many weekends (of course we are hoping Sundays continue to be big days for "use"J).  Membership is growing.  I am especially pleased with two of our youth group members choosing to "sign the book" and become "official members" of UUCD, Peter Whiteman and Ander Peterson.   As a former YRUU Youth Advisor this especially warms my heart on these cold days!   And this month we have "Brigid's Fire of Creativity Expo & Raffle" which promises to "fire your creativity".

And this all happens because we work together, support one another and just plain have fun while doing it.  The minutes of UUCD Board meetings continue to be available on our web site for those of you interested in matters that the Board is considering and has voted on.  Recent Board meetings have focused on budget issues, fundraising, the development of a congregational covenant and changes to our bylaws, among other things.  It is an honor to serve as UUCD President and I look forward to my remaining months in this role.

Board of Trustees 2009-2010

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

President: 

Board Members:   

Stewardship Matters: Notes from Your Treasurer

Stewardship means more than just financial stewardship. According to the Merriam-Webster definition, stewardship is "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care". 

A small group of congregants demonstrated this at a recent gathering on Captial/Mortgage Planning on January 10th to share their concerns and ideas about handling the mortgage which will be coming due September 1st, 2010.  As most of you know, we have been benefiting from the generosity of the Zeppa Family Foundation’s interest-free loan, but will have to make a decision about the mortgage when that part of our contract ends.  Several ideas are being considered by your Board and Finance Council which includes continuing with the ZFF at a market interest rate, applying through other financial institutions in the community or exploring the possibility of a member loan program.  Thank you to those who took the time to participate and brainstorm on how best to handle the mortgage.

The 2nd Financial Stewardship gathering is set for Sunday, February 7th at 12:30 pm or right after the 11:30 service ends.  The topic is Fundraising and Policies.
           
The culmination of the financial gatherings will be a Financial Stewardship Summit on March 21st after the 2nd service to give feedback and direction to the Board and Finance Council as to the course the congregation wants to take in fundraising and financial matters at UUCD for 2010 and beyond.

Thanks again to everyone who has come forward, increased pledges or shared ideas for fundraisers already.  It goes without saying that contributions are always welcome, but your participation and stewardship is equally important.  Look elsewhere in this newsletter for information on several fundraisers and plans coming up such as Brigid’s Fire of Creativity Expo and Raffle on February 20th and from Cherie Sawinski who will be revisiting the UU Bed and Breakfast program.  Cherie Sawinski needs "a little help from her friends" on this.  Feel free to contact me at dansing52@yahoo.com with any ideas, questions or concerns.

Respectfully,
Gloria C. Walters
UUCD Treasurer

Sunday Attendance for Dec

156 per Sunday (averaged)

 

Woven Basket Donation for Dec

First Witness Child Abuse Resource Center

$412.12

Woven Basket Donation for Christmas Eve

Bethany Crisis Nursery

$194.55

YTD Jan - Dec

Income   280,000  Budget

Expense   279,973  Budget 

YTD Jan - Dec

Income   238,832  Actual

Expense   265,460  Actual

From your UUCD Website Coordinator

Helen sitting on the dock working on her laptopIt is with great sadness that I resign from my volunteer position as your UUCD website coordinator. I have really enjoyed being able to serve our congregation in this way, but unfortunately am no longer able to manage the site on top of all my work commitments. I will still be here in cyberspace enjoying the newsletter and helping the new website coordinator take over the reins from me (as Kathy Heltzer did for me many years ago when I began my work on the website!).

Best wishes to you all,
Helen Mongan-Rallis

Caring Corner

The workshop, Hospice: What to say, What to Do held in January was well attended.   Look for a follow-up session sometime soon.

The next workshop will be on Caregiving:  Surviving Caregiving: HELP! Presented by MaryLou Donovan from CSS.   Time and date to be announced in the next newsletter.

Caring Notes

Condolences to Tom Betts who certainly has had more than his share of difficult times lately.  Tom’s mother, Eileen Betts died on Christmas morning in Fresno, California at the age of 83.  Eileen was a homemaker, ardent church volunteer and IRS employee.  Then on January 5 Tom’s father had heart surgery.  Tom spent three weeks in Fresno helping his brothers care for first his mother and then his father.  As of this writing he has just returned home.

Mel White to Keynote in Duluth

During the past twenty five years, the Rev. Dr. Mel White and his partner, Gary Nixon, have traveled across the country, speaking on university campuses, teaching the "soul force" principles of Gandhi and King, organizing people of faith to do justice, and confronting religious leaders whose anti-gay rhetoric White believes, "leads to the suffering and death of God's lesbian and gay children."

Mel will be keynoting at the Opening Our Doors Conference on Friday April 16 at the Copper Top Church and on Saturday at Marshall School Auditorium.  On Saturday evening there will be a musical "Joshua and The Promised Land" presented at Peace Church. 

Silver Anniversary Party

Doug Stevens and Paul Eckhardt would like to invite all members of the UUCD to help them celebrate 25 years of being together. Saturday February 27th in the social hall of the church at 835 West College Street, starting at 3:00 until 6:30 pm with a dance to follow from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Appetizers, cake, coffee and water will be provided. You can bring the beverage of your choice. No gifts please! If you wish you can make a donation to UUCD. Hope to see you all there!

Report from the Ministerial Search Committee

The search committee would like all of UUCD to know that we narrowed 19 applicants down to 7 for telephone interviews from which we have 3 pre-candidate weekends scheduled in hopes of 1 settled minister.  Our search is a remarkable process.  We sincerely wish that every one of you could know for yourselves how privileged we are as a congregation in not only the quantity but the quality of the applicants.  We want you to know and understand that our path thus far as a congregation (as illustrated in our Congregational Record and Packet) has prompted an unimaginable number of absolutely remarkable ministers to indicate an interest in us.  This indicates to us that we each need to recognize and acknowledge that UUCD is doing so very many things RIGHT!

I think it is fair to say that the telephone interviews that the search committee has completed blew us away.  I have asked each of the search committee members to share some thoughts with you at this point in the search. 

Ann Fryberger: I offer you patience and encouragement: Have faith my friends, we are blessed.  Given our applicants, our future is EXCITING! There is no issue we cannot resolve.  There is so very much brightness in our future.  Our whole IS greater than the sum of our parts.  I look forward with great anticipation at what we can do together to make the world a better place through our love.  Okay, yup, I’m excited but what’s new about that?  No, I’m really excited!

Barb Kelly: I feel so honored and privileged to be doing this work.  The conversations we have had with these remarkable ministers are amazing.  They are sharing their theology, visions, ideas and personal views with us.  It will be difficult to make our final selection, but be assured the highest priority will be given to the person that best fits our needs.  I am very excited about the future of UUCD. 

Tina Welsh: The point I would like to make is how impressed I have been with the intergenerational nature of this experience.  This has been both in terms of the candidates and also our Search Committee.  I think it has been a learning experience for all of us!

David Yount: Yes, being on the Search Committee is a lot of work, but we were forewarned!  But among the rewards is the privilege of learning about the inner workings of the UU ministerial settlement system, and of the quality and great variety of ministers in our denomination.  There are a number of applicants who would be a good fit for our congregation and I am confident that we will be a good fit for several of them.  Remember, just as we are evaluating the applicants, they are evaluating us!

Cal Benson: WANTED UUCD’s search committee demands a perfect specimen: Youth and gender are pluses, not requirements, though our congregation really prefers a gregarious vicar with philosophies to match its own.  Ideally we will attract an intelligent breeder, just old enough to sprout early gray hairs, the ancient sign for a blood sacrifice.

Ellie Connolly: The range of different ministers that have applied has been great.  The ones who we think are the best bet have such great credentials, interests, knowledge, speaking ability that I have felt overwhelmed.  How do we pick the very best when they all are so good?  All have responded so thoughtfully when we ask them difficult questions about money, theology, and conflict resolution.  The excitement in the room while we are interviewing them is palatable on both sides. We will catch a keeper!

Deb DeLuca: The search process has been very eye-opening.  Let me get the obvious out of the way first: it has allowed me the chance to spend time, a lot of time, with a great, kind, fun, and funny group of UUCD-ers.  In addition to getting the opportunity to listen deeply to our congregation, the process has given us a window into our churches’ strengths, problems, programs and organization.  It has also introduced us to a group of impressive ministers, all of whom must bare their souls in the application process.  It makes me feel protective and honored to share in their life stories in this fashion.  In narrowing the field to 7 interviewees, we have selected people who are eminently capable of touching the heart and head during service, who have an ability to connect and encourage connection, who are experienced and energized around life-span religious education, who understand budgets and stewardship, and who understand the vulnerabilities, dynamism and needs of a church in the midst of growth and change.  In short – they really seem capable of walking on water (even, as two of the interviewees have claimed, if only on water at our current below-freezing temperatures).  In spite of the overwhelming degree of talent available, I am confidant of our ability, as a group, to narrow the field to 3 pre-candidates for the neutral- pulpit stage, and finally to the single, best fit for UUCD.  Please stop by our table between services on a Sunday – we love to hear your ideas, your concerns, and your passions.  We will listen deeply.  And your input now will help us formulate our upcoming interviews.

Michelle Starry: Each applicant has put their heart and soul (and sweat) into their ministerial packets, just as we have into our UUCD congregational packet.  As of this writing we have completed all seven phone interviews.  During these interviews, the applicants have tickled our funny bones with their sense of humor as well as brought tears to our eyes with the depth and thoughtfulness of their answers.  Going through this process, although very time consuming, has filled me with gratitude…more than ever, I’m thankful for finding Unitarian Universalism, and I’m thankful I’ve gotten to know and serve with a great group of UUCD members.

Barb Kelly, S C Secretary
UUCD Ministerial Search Committee

Countdown to General Assembly: Only 5 Months to General Assembly, June 23-27, 2010 in Minneapolis, MN. One of the Top Ten Reasons to Go: You’ll be able to join the witness for our faith and values, in moving and exciting ways!  Check out the UUA website, www.uua.org and click on General Assembly for further details.  

Look For Launch Sunday: Congregational Covenant of Right Relations on Feb. 28th

A group of dedicated volunteers have been meeting bright and early on Sunday mornings since November to develop a draft of a Covenant of Right Relation for the entire congregation.  And now we're ready to lay out the plan to reach out to as many members of the congregation as possible to participate in this significant process.

Launch Sunday/Feb. 28th: Rev. Gail's sermon will address the philosophy and importance of developing a Congregational Covenant.

An Overview Session - Discussion of key components will follow the 2nd Service that day (a light lunch will be available).

Cottage Groups - Opportunities for congregational input to be held over the next 2 weeks:

  • Tuesday, March 2nd from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  • Thursday, March 11th from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Saturday, March 13th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Prepare yourself ahead of time by checking out the following materials: 

  • "Behavioral Covenants in Congregations" by Gilbert R. Rendle. Several copies will be available in the UUCD library. ("Resource A", is an abbreviated statement of the process which can be found on page 99.) 
  • "Vision, Mission, and Covenant: Creating a Future Together" available on-line by clicking on http://archive.uua.org/cde/education/VisionMissionCovenant.pdf
  • Examples of Congregational Covenants from other congregations 

People are welcome to share opinions and give feedback at any time as we go along. Please contact Rev. Gail, Gloria Walters, Ruth McCutcheon or any member of the Congregational Covenant Study Group by calling the UUCD office.  Thank you.

Opportunities To Benefit From Our Larger UU Fellowship

  • Prairie Star District Meeting April 23-25 in Davenport, Iowa
  • General Assembly of the UUA in Minneapolis June 23-27

It’s certainly not too early to make plans now to attend either (or both) of these great conferences.  The PSD conference is the 2010 version of the conference we hosted in April 2009.  General Assembly is the annual meeting of our denomination, held this June in Minneapolis.  People who have attended say it can be a transforming experience!  And you can learn much, much more every Sunday in February between services.  During coffee time on Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28, you be able to visit with past conference attendees, gain information about what’s offered, and learn about registration procedures for both of these great conferences.  Don’t miss it!

Bagels & Peace Forum

Come find out how other UUers around the country are creating a culture of peace around the world, in their communities, congregations and within themselves. Learn top secrets from the halls of Meadville Lombard to the barbed wire fences of the Mexican border.  Hal Bertilson, Gloria Walters, and Tom Starkey will share recent experiences of peacemaking while presenting the power of the bagel.

Sunday February 14: 10:45 am, UUCD Library

Raising money through home hospitality

"There comes a time in the life of every congregation when it asks, "Wouldn't it be nice if we had a way to raise money from people who are not us? That is, from outside the congregation?’" This quote from an article on creative fundraising in the May/June 2005 issue of UU World http://www.uuworld.org/life/articles/2754.shtml describes how many UU congregations across the country have earned tidy sums for their church coffers by offering up their homes as homestays to other UUs and religious liberals.  This project has the added benefit of meeting new people and having fun working together on a unique project.

We are organizing a UUCD hospitality network that will offer pre or post-GA homestays as well as homestays at other times of the year, possibly during Grandma’s Marathon, the Blues Festival, Pride Week-end, fall colors, etc.

If you’d like to join us as we develop the framework for our hospitality project, please contact Cherie Sawinski at littlebitbridges@juno.com  We anticipate that our business will be completed in one or two meetings.  Cherie has agreed to coordinate the project for this first year.  We will need a variety of homestay hosts plus others who would assist in other ways, e.g. baking, marketing, serving as tour guides, etc.

Our first meeting will be held at UUCD at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 31.  

Drum Circle

The monthly drum circle will meet on Friday, February 5 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 for confirmation of dates.  

Newcomers Information Session Sunday, February 21, at 10:45 a.m. in the Library!

Newcomers Information Sessions are held in the Library on the third Sunday of every month. All newcomers are encouraged to attend. "Old timers" are welcome to drop in, too (hint, hint).

Newcomers Information Sessions are an opportunity to meet other newcomers and congregation members and an opportunity to learn a little more about our congregation and about Unitarian Universalism in general. You will receive a Newcomers’ Packet chock full of good stuff.

For more information, call or e-mail Kathy S. at the UUCD Office, 724-0308 or uucduluth@gmail.com

Calling All Photographers

Anyone interested in helping to take photos for a new membership directory, due to be self-published in April, please email or call barbmontee@yahoo.com.

Calling All Members and Friends

Start practicing your smiles and look for your photo opportunity, planned to start the last Sunday in February.  We are tentatively planning to offer Sunday morning photo times.  Look and listen for more information in future newsletters, bulletins, and announcements.  We would love to get photos of everyone who wants to participate to make the directory as complete as possible for members and our new minister.  If you already have a digital photo of yourself that you would like us to include in the directory, you can go ahead and email it to Kathy at uucduluth@gmail.com.  Our database will take .jpg files as well as other formats, so give it a try!

Women's Moon Group

We are a gathering of women who meet on the new and full moon each month. We celebrate the seasons and months by having a ritual that involves, casting a circle, calling the directions, participating in a ritual, meditating, singing/making music, and at the end we open the circle and release the directions. The ritual lasts about an hour; afterwards we have social time and eat some simple snacks.

Event

Date

Time

Ritual Leader

UU Room

New Moon

Saturday, February 13, 2010

7:00-8:30 pm

TBD

Library

Full Moon

Sunday, February 28, 2010

7:00-8:30 pm

TBD

Library

New Moon - 13th

Monday, March 15, 2010

7:00-8:30 pm

Lorraine

Lorraine's House

Full Moon

Monday, March 29, 2010

7:00-8:30 pm

TBD

Library

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Women's Moon Group, please contact Alisa DeRider at aderider@msn.com or 218-391-1663.

Worship Committee

First, I’d like to send a big Thank You to all the folks who help make our worship experience a wonderful one: Rev Gail Marriner, Worship Associates, Musicians, Board Members, Ushers, Greeters, Music and Worship Committee Members. They do a wonderful job!

Second, I’d like to let you know that we’re looking for folks who want to be a part of making worship happen. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming opportunities.

Third, I’d like to thank Bev Harries for her fabulous job of convening the Worship Committee for over the past 10+ years. Her hard work and dedication is very much appreciated. I will humbly attempt to fill her shoes.  J

Kind Regards, Alisa DeRider
aderider@msn.com

Guidelines for Newsletter Submissions

The newsletter for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth is produced monthly and released by the first of each month.   It is available online at www.uuduluth.org.  Submissions for the March 2010 newsletter must be received by February 14.  Priority will be given to items received on time (or early!); late submissions may not be included due to space constraints. Submissions should be directed to the Congregational Administrator at uucduluth@gmail.com.  If at all possible, please email newsletter submissions rather than handwriting them or leaving a print copy in the church office.  When emailing, please both embed and attach submissions in a .doc (Microsoft Word) format, and write "Newsletter" in the subject heading. Be sure to include a contact name and phone number.  Call Kathy at 724-0308 with questions, or email uucduluth@gmail.com

If you would rather read the newsletter online at www.uuduluth.org, please send an email to uucduluth@gmail.com and ask to be removed from the paper mailing list.  You also may be added back to the paper mailing list on request at any time.

February 2010 Newsletter Music Notes

"You are the music – as long as the music lasts…" T. S. Eliot

And the music at UUCD will last in the midst of budgetary balancing through some gentle adjusting until such time as the budget can once again support fuller programming. Music staff hours have been reduced by 50% as of February 1st - 10 hour per week Musician position (Patrick Colvin) eliminated

  • 4 hours per week Music Director hours reduced

 Also cut from the music budget-

  • funding for choral music
  • funding for special musicians

In order to address the reduction in staff hours music programming is being temporarily changed in the following ways –

  • Vocal octet 8 VA suspended
  • Kids Singers suspended
  • 3 Sundays each month will be staffed by Music Director
  • Chorale of the Month style of music will alter to accommodate no accompanist as needed
  • The ‘Band’ will have limited staff involvement
  • Non-UUCD special worship music suspended
  • Music Committee and other volunteers will take on music tasks as deemed necessary
  • Worship Committee will take on worship related tasks as necessary
  • Greater Duluth Community outreach music programming curtailed

As soon as the financial situation allows programming will be restored!

In the meantime there are music volunteers to thank for the great music making we experienced during January!  Here are their names so the next time you run into them consider sharing your appreciation –

  • Kathleen Able (sax), Max Hesick-Thole (piano), Dan Burrows (guitar and songs),
  • Vocal 8 VA octet - (Paul Borrmann, Paul Wartman, Steve Volkman, Rebecca Volkman, Jan Magree, Diane Loeffler, Jane Gilley)
  • January Chorale of the Month - (Paul Borrmann, Mel Magree, Dan Burrows, Paul Wartman, Hella Wartman, Steve Volkman, Rebecca Volkman, Susan Popoure, Linda Powless, Destri Irwin, Jan Magree, Carol Burrows, Bev Pehkonen, Julie Morgan, Barbara Kelly, Ann Nordgren, Diane Daniels, Cal Benson, Molly Benson, MaryLou Donovan Jane Gilley,) plus any of you I may have inadvertently missed!

Very special thanks to St. Mark’s AME Music Director Gabe Green and his singing group Voices of Vision for their wonderful help singing Dr. Bernice Reagon’s
 Ella’s Song during the Dr King birthday celebration at UUCD! They are eager to make music with us again!

Here is the February rehearsal schedule for Chorale of the Month and The "Band"

Chorale
Weds. Feb. 3rd: 7 pm, Sanctuary
Weds. Feb. 10th: 7 pm, Sanctuary
Weds. Feb. 17th: 7 pm, Sanctuary
Weds. Feb. 24th: 7 pm, Sanctuary
Sun. Feb. 28th: 8:45 am warm up; 9:30/11:30 Sing!

The Band
Sun. Feb. 7th :12:30, Sanctuary
Sun. Feb. 14th :12:30, Sanctuary
Sun. Feb. 21st :12:30, Sanctuary
Sun. Feb. 28th :12:30, Sanctuary
Sun. Mar. 7th:12:30, Sanctuary
Sun. Mar. 14th: 8:15 am warm up; 9:30/11:30 Play!

If you have other ways that you’d like to volunteer with UUCD’s music programming please contact Music Director Karen Bauman (kklgb4820@msn.com)

About Membership at UUCD

Happily, over the past several months we have observed many new visitors attending our Worship Services.  In addition, there are many "Friends of UUCD" as well as many who are participating in the life of the congregation through their involvement in other smaller groups.  We believe that many of them are searching for a vibrant and meaningful spiritual community to which they can commit and become members.

A year ago John Langdon died; he was one of our cherished members.  Perhaps the following words which John wrote a few years ago will help convince those of you still "in search" that this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth is quite likely the place where you, too, belong.

"This is the place where I belong; where not everyone agrees with me, but everyone - well most everyone - cherishes me; where I pull my weight (mostly) and others pull theirs (mostly); where we are all imperfect, but accept imperfection as we accept diversity, combined with love, to enrich the whole of human experience.  Maybe it's because down deep we really know we don't have all the right and true answers.

Yes, we squabble like the Methodists, want to run the kitchen in different ways, forget to do up our dishes, are certain that our ideas of Sunday Service is best, and perennially disagree about taking public stands on the great social issues of the times.  But underlying these common human imperfections is a deep sense of respect for differences and an over-riding belief in the ultimate worth of each of us, even though you - and even I - may "act peculiar" at times.

I'll take it.  I belong here.  I've been a contributing and receiving UU member for more than forty years. I will be for the remainder of my years.  And, I hope, here in this warm and kindly congregation."

If you are one of those who are considering joining with us as a member of UUCD, let us assure you this is a simple process.  You need only contact one of the undersigned and we will make arrangements for you to participate in our next Welcoming New Members ceremony on Sunday, March 21, 2010.  Or, if you prefer, you may set an appointment with our minister, Gail Marriner, and simply express your wishes in this regard in a private signing of the Membership Book.

Membership Committee:  Molly Benson, Dodie Bertilson,.

Minister:  Gail Marriner, 724-6084

WhaleCoast Alaska 2010

Four Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer in our 14th year! See REAL Alaska, with UU homestays in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. UU’s host events and lead tours. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Observe wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, whales, sea otters and bald eagles. Visit Denali National Park.  Dave Frey, a 29-year Alaska resident, leads the programs. Visit www.whalecoastak.org. Don’t delay, the program usually fills by March 10. Email dfrey@whalecoastak.org for information, or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaska with you!

Dingle of Irreverency – (Pete’s Place)

(Dingle, n., a narrow dell or dale; a small, secluded well-wooded ravine or valley; north, a storm door or protecting weather shed at the entrance of a camp or house – Webster’s Third International Dictionary)

From the early stages of design and construction of our home on College Street we developed terms:  Indoor Sanctuary (for the structure) and Outdoor Sanctuary (for the rest of the property) – collectively, The Sanctuary. This is UUCD’s physical centering place to "be a beacon of progressive religion in our region, inspiring positive change in the world" and to engage in "caring for one another, growing spiritually, and working for justice."   Perhaps the most noted feature of our remarkable building is the lush garden with cascading water and gently sloping pathway along which people make their way to and from Indoor Sanctuary.  This garden has a special nook, Pete’s Place, intended to encourage lingering thoughtfully.

Newly established in the nook:  Notebook of Irreverence in which anyone may write in that spirit; Soon to come:  some benches and a resting place for the Notebook.

Nearby is the recently installed plaque honoring memories of Alan Zeppa’s parents and promoting the positive value of insightful irreverence in our search for truth and meaning:

The Dingle Of Irreverency (Pete’s Place)

In recognition of the gifts that led to the building of
this place of worship and reflection, we the members
of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth,
dedicate in perpetuity this space, this plaque, and this
inscription, to honor the memories of Frank Zeppa,
Peter Hurlbut, and Marguerite (Scudder) Zeppa/Hurlburt,
without any one of whom this act of creation would not
have been possible.

We further dedicate this space, this plaque, and this
inscription, to honor irreverent thinkers throughout
history, and to encourage the ongoing practice of
irreverent thought, with the fervent hope that lots and
lots of the latter will happen in this special place.

By all means marry.  If you get a good wife, you’ll become
happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.
(Socrates)

I never let schooling interfere with my education.
(Mark Twain)

The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a
good ending; and have the two as close together as possible.
(George Burns)

Spirit Valley Young Mothers Program

Spirit Valley’s newest mother, Ana, was overwhelmed by the gifts from family, friends, and UUs at her baby shower January 11.  Her baby girl will be well dressed!  Thanks to all of you who donated layette items.  Special thanks goes to Marree Seitz for the beautiful handknit sweaters and caps in pink and pastels. 

Several new volunteers came to the shower and also have provided childcare the last couple of months while moms have parenting class or SOAR.  New volunteers are Karen Heisick, Sandie Montgomery, Kathleen Schultz, Lynda Dietrich, Jan Magree, and Anita Gille.   If you are interested in being involved with the Spirit Valley Young Mothers Program, please contact Carol Michealson at 727-1754 or by emailing cmicheal@d.umn.edu.   There are many ways to be involved.

UU Pretty Good Book Group

February Book Selection: The Group by Mary McCarthy

Tuesday February 16, 2010, 7:15 p.m., Library at UUCD
Mary McCarthy’s 1963 celebrated novel portrays the lives, loves, and aspirations of eight Vassar graduates. "The group" met in New York following commencement to attend the wedding of one of their members—and reconvened seven years later at her funeral.  The women are complicated, compelling, vivid, and above all, determined not to become stuffy and frightened like "Mother and Dad" but to lead fulfilling, emancipated lives. 

"An admirable piece of fiction and the best book (Mary McCarthy) has written."  Saturday Review

March Book Selection: In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien

Tuesday March 16, 2010, 7:15 p.m., Library at UUCD
When long-hidden secrets about his past come to light, John Wade—a Vietnam veteran and recent candidate for the US Senate-- retreats with his wife, Kathy, to a lakeside cabin in northern Minnesota.  Within days of their arrival, Kathy mysteriously vanishes into the watery wilderness.  As a search is begun, several explanations, all of them disturbing, rise to the surface in this unforgettable story about the vagaries of memory, love and deception.

"Serious, gracefully written, and at the same time, as gripping as a thriller"
Wall Street Journal

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of North Bay Wine Country Holiday

Napa was as delightful as I had expected.  What was equally important and somewhat unexpected was the profound connections I felt with my hosts and hostesses."
Carol Lim, Los Angeles.

The UU’s of Napa, California proudly announce the sixth season of our Wine Country Excursions. Again, we offer a variety of options for an inside look at one of America’s most beautiful areas, internationally known for fine wines, gourmet dining and spectacular vistas. 

There much to see and do in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys: e.g. wine tasting at renowned and boutique wineries; visits to art galleries and museums; exploring the natural beauty of our hills and valleys on miles of hiking and bike trails or by car on our highways and back country roads.

We offer two choices:  Both start with comfortable lodging in members’ homes with full breakfast (up to 3 nights).  You can choose a 2-day "Wine Country Excursion," a guided, personalized tour conducted by one of our members--some with wine industry experience--or lodging and self-guided touring.  If desired, we provide guidance, maps, etc. 

The program runs from April through October.  Our fees are below market rate for similar services and all proceeds go to our small fellowship.  For complete details contact:  Tom Wilson (707-254-7443) or 2wilsons1dog@comcast.net

Our Ministerial Search

1

UUA Ministerial Settlement Representative Visits
Completed

 

6

Information packet about our congregation completed
Completed 10/31/2009

 

2

Ministerial Search Committee Selected
Completed 5/15/09

 

7

Search committee begins considering potential candidates
Beginning 11/1/09

 

3

Search Committee meets with Ministerial Search Rep and plans its work
Completed 5/30/09

 

8

Search committee interviews 3-4 candidates
November 2009-March 2010

 

4

Search Committee holds retreat
Completed 7/1/09

 

9

Search committee recommends one candidate
March 15 – April, 2010

 

5

Congregational Survey distributed and tabulated
Completed 9/30/09
Results at uuduluth.org

 

10

Candidating week and congregational vote on candidate
April & May 2010

 

Search Committee: 

Fryberger - Chair, Cal Benson, Ellie Connolly, Deb DeLuca, Barb Kelly, Michelle Starry, Tina Welsh, David Yount

Brigid’s Fire of Creativity: Expo & Raffle

  • Come enjoy a day of community at UUCD and stoke your  fire of creativity burning under the winter’s snow.   
  • Saturday - February 20th
  • Register for up to three classes-see time slots below.  Tickets are $5.00 per class and can be purchased in the social hall each Sunday until the event.  All tickets will be entered into a raffle drawing on Feb. 20, and the winner will receive each item created at the Expo.

Track

Time

Demonstration

Teacher

A

10:00 a.m.

5 Minute Artisan Bread

Ann Fryberger

B

10:00 a.m.

Creative Path Inspiration

Linda Dietrich

C

10:00 a.m.

Soup Stocks

Colleen Betts

A

11:30 a.m.

Light Turkish Lunch

Jill & Koresh Lakhan

B

11:30 a.m.

Linen Gifts

Cherie Sawinski

C

11:30 a.m.

Swedish Star & Paper Cut Chalice

Rev. Gail Marriner

A

1:00 p.m.

Winter Polar Fleece Hat

Jessica Saxton

B

1:00 p.m.

Pie Crust

Marree Seitz

C

1:00 p.m.

Candle Making

Taeya Betts

One hour demonstrations to inspire your creativity including a handout to refer to as you fan your fire of creativity in the comfort of your own home.

St. Brigid of Kildare, one of the high goddesses worshipped throughout the Celtic world, the patron of poetry, music, learning, healing,

Contact UUCD Administrator