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January 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 January 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.

January 3  "To Begin Again in Love" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

Listen to Douglas Woods' story of the Chickadee's Message and reflect on what it means to begin a new year with optimism and resolve

January 10: Annual Poetry Service

Bev Harries and our Worship Associates will facilitate our new years poetry service.  Bring a piece of poetry that you have written or that you love, perhaps one that serves as a touchstone, inspiration or consolation.

January 17:  "Waging Peace" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

However we look at it peacemaking is hard work.

January 24: 

Our Interim minister the Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner, is precandidating at another congregation as a part of her search.  The topic of the day and guest speaker will be announced in our Weekly Email Update.

January 31

Our Interim minister the Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner, is precandidating at another congregation as a part of her search.  The topic of the day and guest speaker will be announced in our Weekly Email Update.

In Medias Res

Photo of Gail in her studyWhy is it that the drifts of mittens, hats, scarves and stray socks that settle into the corners of my front hall don't seem to me as serene and beautiful as the snow piling up outside my window.  Somehow the consequences of entropy are never as picturesque when they manifest in my kitchen or on my desk as they are out in the woods. And yet they happen with just as much regularity in my house as they do in the natural world. There is a lesson here, I'm certain, but right now it's buried under the drifts of packets and laundry and lists! 

The new year is bringing many changes and challenges.  In spite of valiant efforts on the part of the canvass team, our consultant, and the congregation which increased the canvass by 20% over last year, we are still short the funding we need to continue as we are.  When the congregation decided to grow three years of special bridge funding we secured in the anticipation that we would grow into the costs by increasing both pledge income and membership.  Pledge income and membership have increased – just not enough.  That means that to balance the budget and remain a fair compensation congregation we will need to cut many things, including committee budgets, staff hours and in some cases staff positions.  The changes will take place February 1st to allow for a planned transition.  At that time the congregational administrator's hours will move from full time to ¾ time,  the music director will move from 20 hours a week to 16, and the second musician position will be cut. Staffing for the RE program for children and youth remains the same through June, at which time funding for the Youth Advisor position runs out. 

There are many, many people trying to figure out how we can raise the money to reinstate some of the things we have had to cut.  We have tentatively scheduled a meeting for February 7th after the second service to think about generating more income, both short term and long term, and to brainstorm ideas. Please come if you can!  In the meantime, staff members have been asked not to work more hours than those for which they are paid and everyone is asked to pitch in and volunteer as a way of maintaining the high quality programming you have come to value and expect.  

On a completely different topic – the search process is time consuming and intense right now and will remain so through the winter. Practically speaking that means the members of your search committee will be up to their ears in interviews and precandidating weekends and you won't see much of them on Sundays.  Who they are considering is confidential – but the process, the criteria they are using for selection, the number of applicants etc… is public information that they will be happy to share with you. If you have questions don't hesitate to ask.  

My search is also getting busier and as it does you will see less of me for several months. I indicated an interest in nine congregations and as of the time of writing this in mid December I am deep  in conversation with five. I hope to precandidate with about three of those – probably in late January and in February.

None of this means that things are going to slow down around here though. Our congregational covenant study group continues to meet and will likely host a congregational covenanting weekend in February or March, there are workshops planned for Care Team and for Covenant Group leaders,  there are meetings about the capital fund drive and a financial stewardship meeting in the works, and all of the usual things going on. This is a healthy and dynamic congregation, filled with creative, generous and resourceful people. I have no doubt that you will weather the current economic downturn and emerge from it clearer and stronger than you went in. 

Blessings, Gail 

Report from UUCD Board President, Kathy Heltzer

Photo of KathyOn behalf of the Board of Trustees I want to begin my thanking everyone who participated in the budget hearings and subsequent Congregational Meeting in December. While these discussions and decisions around changes to our programming and staffing have been difficult I have been impressed with the concern, respect, creativity and hopefulness with which the members and staff have approached the challenges related to our limited resources. While I was not surprised by this, I was reminded what a community of UU's can do for themselves and others when we put our minds to it! Thanks. In other"Board Business" we have been getting updates on the process to develop a Congregational Covenant (Gloria Walters/Ruth McCutcheon from the Board) and updates to our Bylaws (Allison Lutterman from the Board) that will better articulate notification of potential Board candidates to the membership prior to the Annual Meeting as well as some other changes. We discussed a request from the Peace and Justice Committee for signage promoting peace, on our property, and appointed a subcommittee to evaluate how we can promote our UU principles through signage on an ongoing basis. We drafted a charge to our Personnel Committee to work with the affected staff and related committees to modify staff responsibilities to reflect decreased hours in a number of positions. Last but not least, we have asked the Finance Council to look at developing a multi-year budget so we can better facilitate planning, especially related to staff and programming. Our plate is full, but so are our hearts and for this we thank those of you who have"stepped up" when asked to serve our UUCD community, especially now.

The Peace and Justice Committee has made a request to post a banner, "War is not the Answer" on UUCD property.  Given the recent vote(s) in support of the UUA Peacemaking Statement of Conscience, the Board of Trustees is inclined to approve this request but at the time of newsletter printing has not yet voted on it.  If you see the sign up you will know how we voted and if not, stay tuned.

Board of Trustees 2009-2010

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

President: 

Board Members:   

In the Garden spot

A written copy of Alan Zeppa's "Canvas Testimonial" is available in "Pete's Room" in the UUCD garden for anyone who wishes to read it.
Kathy Heltzer

2009 Annual Bake & Craft Sale Profit 

$1,468   Many thanks to all who donated and shopped.

Stewardship Matters: Notes from Your Treasurer

Money Talks and Stewardship Matters...old and new titles for this column, but both significant phrases for the coming year.  A huge"Thank you" goes out to everyone who gave hours of their personal time to work on the canvass, hammer out the budget, attend the Budget Hearings/Congregational Meeting and provide valuable and much needed feedback and opinions.  Evidence that we are truly in this together. 

In dealing with our recent (and ongoing) budget concerns, I am reminded of the Finnish concept,"SISU", defined as"the ability to persevere against all reasonable odds".  In the Spirit of SISU, the Board of Trustees and Finance Council are proposing a series of opportunities for the congregation to gather together in order to help UUCD persevere and face the fiscal challenges ahead.  We are inviting anyone who is interested in working on this important task to join your Board and Finance Council in pooling our collective brain power and resources to come up with creative solutions for the financial health of our beloved community.  The first gathering is set for January with more details and confirmation of the other dates available next month.

  1. (Confirmed) January 10th, 12:30 p.m. - Capital/Mortgage Planning
  2. (Tentative) February 7th, 12:30 p.m. - Fundraising and Policies
  3. (Tentative) March 21, 12:30 p.m. - Financial Stewardship Summit

You will also notice that we are adding a "numbers" section in the newsletter to keep everyone informed on how we are doing financially, the current status of pledges, plate collections and Woven Basket/Starfish Funds.  Also in the works, is an exploration of how to get pledge information out more often so that people can be more up to date on where they are with their contributions.  Thanks to everyone who has come forward and increased pledges or shared ideas for fundraisers already. Feel free to contact me with any ideas, questions or concerns.

Respectfully,

Gloria C. Walters
UUCD Treasurer

Sunday Attendance for Nov

169 per Sunday (averaged)

 

Woven Basket Donation for Nov

Life House for Youth

$566.61

YTD Jan - Nov

Income   257,033  Budget

Expense   256,417  Budget 

YTD Jan - Nov

Income   210,605  Actual

Expense   243,028  Actual

Report from the Ministerial Search Committee

We are now in the most exciting and busiest phase of our work.  We have read sixteen ministerial records of interested applicants.  As we begin to read their larger packets we get an even more complete picture of each person. The ministerial record tells us the applicant's background, personal interests and theological beliefs; it is the packet that fills in the details. They contain pictures, sermons and longer essays about their background and work history both outside of the church and within. In turn, on December 12th we mailed out our congregational packet to the first ten interested ministers.  After everyone on the committee has read all the packets we will begin telephone interviews.  We have composed a rating system based on the information we gathered from our survey, cottage meetings, strategic interviews and conversations with our congregants which will help us evaluate each applicant in a fair and balanced manner.  Through this process we will narrow down our choices to the few that will become our pre-candidates.  All of this work is highly confidential.  In fairness to the applicants and our own congregation the names and information we gather must stay within the Search Committee. These chosen pre-candidates will then be invited for an individual pre-candidating weekend in Minnesota.  The Search Committee will spend time with the minister getting to know them personally and also hear him or her preach at a neutral pulpit.  This will give us the opportunity to observe their preaching style and how they interact with a congregation. 

Even though this phase of our work must remain confidential, we are still open to listening to your comments, questions and concerns.  Please feel free to contact any of us at any time.

Barb Kelly, SC Secretary
UUCD Ministerial Search Committee

Congregational Meeting December 20, 2009:

Ninety-eight UUCD members attended the Congregational Meeting (or sent proxies) and voted on the following three items:

  1. 2010 Budget, as approved and submitted by the Board, with one amendment to the budget.  The amendment reduces the line item for Ministry Transition from $400 to zero, which was intended for the Interim Minister Farewell Party, and adds $605 to the line item for Musician salary, making it possible to pay our Musician until January 31, 2010.  The result is a reduction in the Income minus Expenses total, reducing it from $309 to $103.  The amendment was voted and approved first and then the 2010 amended budget was voted and approved.
  2. Including the Peacemaking Pledge on the agenda for the 2010 General Assembly was voted and approved.
  3. The Woven Basket list of recipients was voted by ballot with each voting member choosing 5 recipients from the list provided.  The votes were counted and the nominees receiving the most votes will be our recipients for the February through June Woven Basket collections.

    From February through June, the following organizations will receive our Woven Basket collection:  CHUM, Life House for Youth, Program to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA), Spirit Valley Young Mothers Supportive Housing, and the Women's Health Clinic.  

music iconMusic Notes

"Love and Joy come to you…" from Here We Come a-Wassailing

In bidding 2009 farewell I am reminded of the spirit of generosity the music program at UUCD flourishes under.  The generosity of time and talent especially shines through with so many good folks creating music that inspires and sustains us all.   We are limited only by our imaginations.  And so a hearty thanks every one of you who has sung or played an instrument in any capacity during Sunday mornings at UUCD.  We are blessed!  Special thanks to the many, many December music making volunteers!
They include:  Brian Barber, Dan Burrows, Joe Marty, Ander Peterson and Paul Wartman, Paul Borrmann/Steve Volkman, Diane Loefler, Jane Gilley, Jan MaGree, Rebecca Volkman, Linda Powless, Susan Poupore, Destri Irwin, Candy Harshner, Kathy Heltzer, Mel Magree, Barb Kelly, Julie Morgan, Bev Pehkonen, Carol Burrows, Treasure Jenkins, Kathleen Able, Max Heisick-Thule, Landon and Martyn Dahl, Eleanor French, Greta Volkman, Amelia Volkman, Grace Bauman, Wyatt Barber, Aden Barber,  Isaac Marriner, Zoe Marriner Lee Weintraub, and anyone I may have inadvertently missed!

Yes, there are music making opportunities coming in January and I encourage you to consider how you might contribute to our times to musically inspire each other.

One highlight to our upcoming month is the January Chorale of the Month offering a terrific Sweet Honey in the Rock selection as part of UUCD's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King day.  Also please be aware that music programming will very likely change due to cut backs through out the congregation.  The changes will be outlined in the February newsletter.

                   CHORALE                                                     8 VA


Weds. Jan 6th        Rehearsal         7 pm

  Sunday Jan 10th   Rehearsal   8:15 am

Weds. Jan 13th      Rehearsal         7 pm

 

Friday Jan  15th     Sing!            6:30 pm
             MLK event at UUCD

 

Sun.   Jan. 17th     Warm up     10:45 am
                            Sing!          11:30 am
                      

 

Weds. Jan 20th             OFF

Sun. Jan 24th        Rehearsal   8:15 am

Weds. Jan 27th     Rehearse      7 pm

Sun. Jan 31st        Warm up     8:15 am
                            Sing!         9:30 am

Drum Circle

picture of drums logoThe monthly drum circle will meet on Friday, January 1 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 confirmation of dates. 

Caring Corner

caring corner logo - intertwined heartsHi Everyone!  Just a reminder that we have a wheel chair and walker that you can borrow for short term uses.  Just call Kathy at the office 724-0308 or Julie at 525-3220 for info.  The New Year is a good time to sign up with the Caring Committee to help with providing food, rides, visits etc. on an occasional basis.  We have several folks at the Benedictine Health Center who would appreciate visits.  Call Julie or Warren or stop by the Caring Committee display in the Social Hall for more info.  Live those UU values!

Caring Notes

  • Condolences go to Charlie and Diana Moore.  Charlie's mother, Hazel M Moore died in early December in Waukegan, IL.  She was 99 years old and lived independently all but the last couple of months.  Hazel was an amazing woman; widowed when Charlie was an infant, she worked and raised her two children to love and respect the inherent worth and dignity of all.
  • Condolences go to Carole and David Stinson and family.  Carole's mother, Olga Roy, died in early December in Duluth.  Olga was a wonderful cook and baker (imagine Christmas cookies till June)!  She sewed clothing and draperies for others and worked with her husband to remodel their home.   Olga lived well and wisely into her 91st year.

If you have information for Caring Notes please contact Julie or Warren (numbers above)

CHUM would greatly appreciate your donation of gently used bath towels. Many people arrive at CHUM without essentials. Please drop off the bath towels at a box under the Caring Table in the Social Hall. Contact David Backstrand for more information.

Our Thanksgiving Interfaith Service brought generosity of spirit and dollars to help CHUM.  The dollars amounted to $1686.88!

Here's Your Chance To Re-Gift Your Re-Giftables To UUCD!

Wondering what to do with that lovely noodle-drier from Aunt Gladys? That lava lamp from Brother-in-law Harvey? The Rummage Sale Committee has the perfect solution for you! Bring all those"well-meaning-but-not-quite-your-style" type gifts and other quality, usable items to the 1st parking stall to the left as you drive into the UUCD parking garage. As always, please place articles in clean, closed, stackable boxes, clearly marked "RUMMAGE SALE". If you have any questions or have larger items, please call Jill Lakhan at 724-7421 to make special arrangements.  Thank you!

Covenant Groups It's a Party!!!

January 3rd from 2:00 to 4:00 at the church.  Inside and Out. For all Covenant Group members, past and present, and their families! We will play and drink cocoa together and get to know each other. Wear warm clothes.   Bring the left over Christmas cookies. Please Come!!!!!
  
In January the ongoing Covenant Groups will be open for new members, and new groups will be forming.  Listen for more announcements and watch the sign-up table in the Social Hall in January.

If you have an idea for a group, or you know of a few people who would like to get together to form a group please contact Bev Harries at 726-5433.

UU History Tidbits:

Ann Crowley Thorpe of Southbury, CT, died on January 20, 2009. She was a UU for over fifty years and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury, CT. since 1972. In 1980 she authored "Homecomings International", an annual Unitarian Universalist travel directory which was distributed throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and the British Isles.

Spirit Valley Young Mothers Program News

Baby Shower!

For those of you who didn't get a chance to buy a holiday gift for one of the Spirit Valley children, you get a second chance.  Anna is expecting a baby girl in February, and on January 11 the UU volunteers will host a baby shower for her.  Blankets, diapers, and outfits size 9 months and older are especially needed, but all gifts are welcome. The beautiful knit caps and sweaters in shades of pink that have been saved for several months have now found a baby!  Please place wrapped gifts in the Spirit Valley basket in the fellowship hall by January 10. 

And a big THANK YOU to all of you who contributed gifts and money towards the holiday party on December 16.  The children enjoyed the toys and books, and the mothers were very thankful for the cards and money they received.  There was a large holiday dinner, and two new UU volunteers joined the party to meet the moms and babies.  The mothers and children gave the UU congregation a framed hanging of holiday greetings, pictures of the moms and babies, and children's feet impressions which will be hanging at UUCD soon.   If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer and doing child care, helping with showers, holiday parties, or has parenting and life skills to share, please contact Carol Michealson cmicheal@d.umn.edu

Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration at UUCD

UUCD will be hosting Duluth's Official 2010 [ MLK ] Dr Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration Kick off event on Friday Jan 15th (the actual day of his birthday.)  

The evening's Program is titled:"Happy Birthday Dr King /Reawakening the Poor People's Campaign"

During the last years of Dr. King's life he was working on Economic Justice as a foundation of all his work. What's the use of having a seat at the lunch counter if you can't afford to buy a meal? 
We will start the evening with Free Soup and Bread at 5:30 pm in the Social Hall.

Community Action's Circle of Support Members will be coordinating the meal.  The program will begin at 7:00pm.

We will have High School Students from Duluth read excerpts from Dr. King's speech
Remaining Awake during a Great Revolution.  He gave that speech Sunday morning March 31st 1968 in Washington DC just a few days before he was assassinated.

We will have some Music by UUCD's Choir. They will do Ella's song, originally performed by Sweet Honey and the Rock.  We will also have a panel discussion that will highlight current Poverty conditions in the Duluth Superior area.  The panel will also help us identify meaningful steps we can take to End Poverty in our Community and our Nation.

We will end with some Birthday Cake to Celebrate Dr. King's Work & Insight. The cake is baked by Students from Duluth's Public Schools. 

Sponsored by The  MLK Planning Committee of Duluth, Circles of Support of Duluth, and The Peace and Justice Committee of UUCD.  Please join us to help us move the conversation and the next steps.

If some UUCD people could help save parking spaces by car pooling, please consider it.  Also, if some would consider helping others get a ride to the MLK event, please call Scot Bol.  

The Next UUCD  Peace and Justice committee gathering is Wed  Jan 13th  from  7-8:30 pm.  Bring your concerns & insights.  For more information call Scot at earthmannow@gmail.com

UUCD Members Continue The Work of Peacemaking

Sometimes it can be down right tough to find the time to be involved and sometimes it can be flat out depressing.  Peacemaking isn't usually easy, pretty, or glamorous. Sometimes it can even be a bit messy and yes it takes TIME and it can be DEPRESSING but OH it is important work. Even the small
steps of making right relations in the congregation- HUGE. A dozen or so members have been showing up at 8:15 Sunday mornings before service to discuss Gilbert Rendle's book"Behavioral Covenants in Congregations" and how a congregational covenant might work at UUCD.  This is just one example of a peacemaking activity. To check out other activities we've been involved with the past couple of months or had a hand in go look at the chart on the Peace & Justice kiosk.  UUCD is participating in a Peace Advocacy Program and if you would like to be a part of it or find out more please come to the next P&J meeting at UUCD on Wednesday Jan. 13, at 7:00pm.  Blessed be the Peacemakers.
Submitted by Tom Starkey

Meet Our Newest Members:

John Christensen has lived on the North Shore most of his life.  He's been to other places, but found that he missed the Lake so much he came home.  The Lake is a real place of power to him.  He likes to hunt, fish, read, and hike in the wilderness with his black lab, Lucky.  He's intensely interested in theology and has studied other religions for over 25 years.  He has found that the only thing he really knows is what he doesn't know.

Paula Larson was born in Bemidji, raised in Grand Rapids, MN, and has lived in Saginaw with her partner and their three children (and their basset mix, Meadow) for the last 12 years.  She has been a counselor in the Virginia School District for the last 20 years.  She's excited to join a church community that embraces their family and reinforces their values:  working together to make our world a better place.

Paula Stocke was born and raised in Hermantown and continues to live in and enjoy the area. Presently she lives in Saginaw with her partner and their three children--Cameron, Siri, and Jolie, all age five.  Paula works with children and families as a social worker for St. Louis County and is very committed to helping.  She is happy to become part of the UUCD congregation and to continue her spiritual journey, believing "soon the day will come when all the world will work as one."

Stacy Locker enjoys spending time with family and friends, being at the cabin, reading, cooking, scrapbooking and golfing!  Her family includes spouse Mike and children Matthew (7) and Megan (4).  She works in end of life care as a director of nurses.

Barb Montee has been a "Duluthian" for 13 years.  She lives in the UMD area with her two daughters, 14-year-old Meagan and 11-year-old Maren.  Finding UUCD has been like finding a comfortable pair of sensible shoes after trying to wear impractical high heels for too many years.

Stacy Musch was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.  She attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in both Spanish and Biology. She moved up to Superior about 4 years ago.  Starting in January she will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior to obtain teaching certification for both Spanish and Biology.  She loves to read, knit, crochet, bake, and spend time with her family.

Kate Wigren was born and raised in the Twin Cities and has lived in Duluth for nine years.    She and Ron have been married for seven years and have two daughters, ages four and two.  Since moving to Duluth she has completed her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work at UMD.  She has been employed at Community Action Duluth since 2007.  She and Ron are delighted to have found the very open-minded yet welcoming spiritual community here at UUCD.

Ron Wigren was born and raised in Ashtabula, Ohio.  After high school, he joined
the Navy and served as a submariner for seven years.  After the Navy, he worked on the boats on the Mississippi River for several years until he met his wife, Kate.  They moved to Duluth in 2000, bought a house, got married, and now have two wonderful children.  He is currently a stay-at-home Dad who is planning on attending college in the Spring.
                                   
Late Breaking News!

We are delighted to welcome new members Peter Whiteman and Ander Peterson.  Watch for their bios in the February newsletter.   

Newcomers Information Session Sunday, January 17 at 10:45am in the Library!

Newcomers' Information Sessions are held in the Library on the third Sunday of every month.   All newcomers are encouraged to attend, and it's wonderful when a few "old timers" drop in, too. (Hint.  Hint.)

Newcomers' Information Sessions are an opportunity to meet other newcomers, congregation members, and our Interim Minister, Gail; as well as an opportunity to learn a little more about our congregation and about Unitarian Universalism, in general.

Childcare will be available, and 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.

Women's Moon Group

image of moon and starsWe 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

Friday, January 15, 2010

7:00-8:30 pm

Alisa

Library

Full Moon

Saturday, January 30, 2010

7:00-8:30 pm

TBD

Library

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

Monday, March 15, 2010

7:00-8:30 pm

Lorraine

TBD

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

Have You Thought About Going To General Assembly?

DO consider it!   It's in the Twin Cities June 23-27.  The last time it was that close was in the seventies!

General Assembly (G. A.) cannot be described.  It has to be experienced.  More than once I've heard someone say it was a"conversion experience."

THAT may be a stretch, but when Cal and I attended in St. Louis in 2006, it was fabulous.  Stimulating, renewing, energizing, enlightening:  hundreds of workshops to choose from, worship services with thousands in attendance, and plenary sessions in which the UU democratic process comes to life.

But there's a catch.  GA is also:  expensive!!

Membership Steering Committee is hoping to make G. A. accessible to as many UUCDers as possibly possible, and a loose group is forming to facilitate that.  Call me if you could join this group or if you have cost saving or other ideas.

Some measures are already in place:  the registration fee is waived for folks who are accepted and commit to 24 hours of volunteering.  And there's limited home hospitality.   Other ideas are:   carpooling, chartering a bus, camping, and staying with family or friends.

But the bottom line is it'll still cost plenty.   So, to piggyback on Gail's suggestion in the Dec. newsletter re:  planning ahead--start saving now.  $50 a month from Jan.--June = $300.  That would be a good start.  Specific information about actual charges will be available in future newsletters.
Molly Benson

book logo (picture of a tack of books)UU Pretty Good Book Group

January Book Selection: The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl Tuesday January 19, 2010, 7:15 p.m., Library at UUCD

A series of grisly murders is rocking the streets of nineteenth-century Boston.  But these are no ordinary killings.  Each is inspired by the hellish visions of Dante's Inferno.  To end the bizarre and bloody spree, no ordinary detectives will suffice.  Enter the unlikely sleuths of the Dante Club: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Russell Lowell, and J. T. Fields--renowned scholars with the skills to decipher the devilish clues.  But can this band of bookish gentlemen outwit a crafty killer?  A terror-stricken city—and the gentlemen's own lives—depend on it.
"An ingenious thriller…as wise as it is entertaining…the writing is passionate, the narrative driven"  The Boston Globe

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" meet in New York following commencement to attend the wedding of one of their members—and reconvene 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

Religious Education

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty" Anonymous

Greetings Busy Families:

I hope this finds you well and heralding in the New Year with optimism and hope.

Melissa Hepokowski, Amy Davis, Bev Bernston and Jessica Saxton, Sanna Shields generously volunteered their time and talents this past month helping our RE kids explore their ideas about God.  This coming month Peg Brown, Laura Lawless, Sanna Shields and Anita Gille will help our kids explore what makes humans unique and why we must take responsibilty for caring for one another and the planet. 
Geiger Yount, Samhida Jungare, Alisa DeRider and Deb Landon were our stellar RE stewards.

Mitten Tree 

Thank you for your mitten tree donations.  Hats, gloves, mittens and scarves were donated to the Damiano Center, to be given to children and families in need.

Money & Staffing Cuts

As many of you already know, WE HAVE NOT RAISED ENOUGH MONEY THIS YEAR TO COVER STAFFING costs for next year.  In spite of the well-run canvas campaign, and a 20% increase in giving,  Religious Education, along with Music & Administration, are not adequately funded to maintain current programming. 

Our board has worked tirelessly and met repeatedly to save Tanya Moore's position as Youth Program Coordinator.  Gratefully (and Creatively) they have restored funding till the end of June. Because of your talented board's proposal:

Good News: Religious Education and Nursery will be available at both 9:30am and 11:30am services. 

Good News:  Tanya Moore will be able to continue to lead our youth through the programming year (June 2010) 

Good News:  Thanks to the generosity of Carol Michealson, Cherie Sawinski, Kate Wigren, Beth Marks. Marree Seitz, Pat Stoddard, Beth Tamminen, Dodie Bertilson, Cindy Christian, Traci Eaton and Lee Weintraub, we will be able to continue to offer nursery services at both the 9:30 and 11:30 services.  Lee was our very capable and hired teen attendant, and when she heard about our budget cuts, she offered to volunteer her services! 

Current Challenge: there is no funding in place for Fall youth programming.  This leaves us with a terrible hole and a loss of a beloved youth leader, Tanya Moore.  

UU's are a resourceful, creative bunch.  We welcome your thoughts, ideas, time and talents as we weather the upcoming challenges with grace, courage and creativity.  
In the coming year, may our community grow stronger as we work together to see opportunities in our difficulties.

Peace and Love to You All,
Carol Turner
Director of Religious Education

Young Religious Unitarian Universalists 

December was an exciting month for our youth. On Dec. 6th we watched YRUUer Ander Peterson and YRUU mentor Joe Marty perform with The Band. Great job guys! On Dec. 13th we had our holiday bowling party at Skyline Lanes. We had a great turnout, with 11 of us bowling our way to unbelievably low scores. But the company was wonderful and I look forward to many more outings and insightful conversations in the new year.  
Tanya Moore
Youth Program Coordinator

Calling All Kitchen Users

We are starting a Kitchen Log to keep track of issues or questions that arise as the kitchen is used. In the absence of a"Kitchen Kabinet" (volunteers anyone?) we need to pay attention to what is happening whether it's good or bad.

Please enter the date, your name, and the reason you are using the kitchen. Add any observations or comments that others should be aware of or might need to know.

The Log is labeled – a simple green spiral bound notebook. It is on the end of the work table, by the refrigerator.

UUCD Dance Night

Come join us for a fun night of dancing and listening to some great music. Mix and mingle with friends, on January 23rd from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the Social Hall. A $5.00 donation and an appetizer and a beverage of your choice is all you need for a night of fun! Hope to see you there. Call Doug at 724-0820 with questions.

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 Kidare, one of the high goddesses worshipped throughout the Celtic world, the patron of poetry, music, learning, healing, and above all fertility.  

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.  The deadline for submissions is generally the 17th of the month preceding.  Submissions for the February 2010 newsletter must be received by January 17.  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.

Contact UUCD Administrator