Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth 
May 2008 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 May 2008
All services during May will be held at 10:30am 835 W. College Street
Sunday, May 4: "Prayer and Other Devotions"- with guest speaker Suzanne Wasilczuk, candidate for Unitarian Universalist ministry.
In today's service we will welcome new members into the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth. This ceremony signifies our commitment to one another as a covenantal community. New members will sign the same membership book that has been used by Unitarians in Duluth for over one hundred years.
Sunday, May 11: "Birthing the Future"- with The Reverend Sally Hamlin, Interim Minister preaching.
It's Mother's Day- what more appropriate day can there be to offer our pledge as a congregation to nurture our babies and children as they grow in our faith! We will explore our tradition in word, and music and in ritual, blessing our children with our hope for the world.
Sunday, May 18: "College Street Dreamin'"
Join together to put a cap on this exceptional weekend of celebration and dedication and welcome with a service devoted to UUCD Musical Parody! Come ready to laugh, sing, and enjoy yourselves- you may even find a surprise guest singer on the dais!
Sunday, May 25: "Tailings"- with The Reverend Sally Hamlin, Interim Minister preaching.
What happens to mining communities that practice irresponsible mining practices which leave behind toxic piles of tailings? What can happen when a faith community does not deal with its own failings and mistakes? This service will offer a safe way to explore such experiences together.
Circle Worship
Come together for a quiet moment in your busy week. Circle Worship is a time of reflective readings, a cappella singing, meditation, personal reflection and sharing.
- Wednesday, May 21st, 5:30-6:15pm – Letting Go. Losses. Grief. Anger. Good-Byes. How do we let go?
- Come anchor your week in a centering space.
- Suzanne Wasilczuk facilitates this worshipful experience.
- Other dates to save: Wednesday, May 21. Come anchor your week in a centering space.
- For more information call Suzanne at 525-5811.
From our Interim Minister, Reverend Sally Hamlin
It is sunny and scheduled to reach into the 70s here in Rochester New York today. The birds are making lots of morning noise, and the trees are filled with almost bursting cherry blossoms. The magnolias have begun to bloom, just yesterday.
It is early spring in western New York, and I am midway through my candidate week, and thinking about all of you in Duluth. But by the time you read this I will have already returned to Minnesota, and to the tasks at hand, and it will be early May.
Many of you traveled to Omaha this past weekend to participate in the Annual District Assembly for the Prairie Star District of our Unitarian Universalist Association. I imagine it was wonderful to attend this important event together, representing UUCD, meeting other UUs in the district, and learning about what is ahead for you as a congregation which has agreed to host next year's meeting in April 2009.
Just think: hundreds of UUs visiting Duluth, visiting your beautiful building on the hill. Seeing your commitment to Unitarian Universalism and your vision come alive with your dream of a gathering place. That seems so far away, and yet it will be here before you know it. I will be thinking of you as the year unfolds and as you prepare for this great event.
A couple days ago, in the late afternoon, having returned to the bed and breakfast I am staying in while here in Rochester, I spotted a very large hawk in one of the big pine trees outside this spectacular house. I wandered into the yard, which backs onto the 150 acre Highland Park in the middle of the city to get a closer look. The hawk spotted me and flew a short ways closer to the bird feeder, and hid in denser foliage. There were lots of small birds in the bird feeder, merrily munching away, oblivious to the diner hovering just above them, the big hawk who was waiting for the right moment to find its own little meal, on a stopover during its spring migration.
It is apparent everywhere we look that the circle of life continues on in its spiral unfolding, all around us, if only we take the time to notice. Practicing this type of noticing is part of my spiritual practice, one which connects me to all, reminding me of our shared and brief existence on this planet.
The last Sunday service of April focused on sense of place and how our sense of place, whether alert or dulled, can influence how we walk on this earth. After I preached on this topic in Berkeley a couple years ago, a good friend created a wonderfully green pieced quilt tilted "A Sense of Place". It is the one I shared with you at our first service together in the fall; I treasure its constant reminder of our transience.
Early this month of May, the first Sunday of the month, we will welcome new members into this community, in our May 4th service. What does it mean to become a member? To what do you commit by saying ‘yes' to being a member of this congregation? Well, the answer is pretty easy, and it is also profound.
It means you are saying ‘yes' to life. It means you are saying that there is a place where you belong, a community to which you belong. Those of us who were raised with a strong understanding of the nature of the individual may struggle with this concept, because we may falsely believe that we are giving something up when we join a congregation. And, indeed, that may be true in part if looked at from only one perspective.
But what it really means is that you recognize that at some level you really know that we can never be separate from one another. That we need one another, to live, to live fully, to live beyond our greatest expectations of what is possible in life. It also means that you understand that your life matters to someone else. That you have been given a gift which is called to be shared, and that in this sharing, through the commitment of membership, you recognize that you need to be needed.
How human. How holy. Holy human.
I hope those of you who still have not made up your mind about whether this is the year or not, will reconsider this question about belonging, and check in with yourself about what it is that holds you back from this commitment, and see whether that is still working for you. Or not. No pressure here!
I hope to see all of you on May 4th as we gather to welcome our new members into the place of this place. It is that time of the year, when all and everything seems possible.
Just look at the buds on the branches, that just a few weeks ago, appeared frozen and dead. And imagine the potential in your own life to feel the strength of that renewal.
May it be so!
See you on Sunday!
Sally
Notice of Congregational Meeting
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, Friday, May 2, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
A business meeting of the congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth will be held on Friday, May 2, starting at 7PM. The meeting will be held in the Social Hall at 835 W. College St, Duluth, Minnesota 55811. A social, pot luck supper and Volunteer Recognition Celebration will start at 5:30 PM.
According to the bylaws, any person who is 14 years of age or older, is in accord with the aims and purposes of the congregation, has signed the membership book, and made an identifiable contribution within the previous twelve months shall have the right to vote at business meetings. A member qualified to vote may vote in person or by written proxy delivered to the secretary or her/his designee stating the name of the member who can vote for the member in absentia.
Malcolm McCutcheon, Secretary, Board of Trustees
The Annual Meeting Agenda includes:
- Call To Order
- Receive Minutes of Prior Annual & other Congregational Meetings
- Elect Board President
- Elect New Board Members
- Elect Endowment Committee Member
- Elect a Representative to the Nominating Committee from the Congregation
- Elect the Slate of the Nominating Committee
- Hear Committee Reports
- Old Business
- New Business
- Adjourn
To: The incomparable UUCD
Ten years ago I walked into the First Unitarian Church of Duluth and my life changed. I found a people with depth of social conscience, a religion I hadn't imagined possible, a strength of community that moves forward regardless of challenges, and a spirituality that can change the world.
I am completing six years of board service on May 31, 2008. It has been my privilege to serve each and every one of you. I invite you to read this year's annual report on our website at www.uuduluth.org so you too can glow with accomplishment from what this congregation has done under both exciting and stressful conditions.
I leave the board knowing much has been accomplished. We are experiencing great success with our new 
Radical Hospitality initiative. I find it remarkable that the UUA's growth initiative is so perfectly timed with our own. Our opportunity for growth will never be better than it is NOW. We are moving steadily toward our high priority of settling a new minister in 2010. We are just beginning to settle into our new building and adapting to its functionality and esthetics.
I also leave the board knowing there is more to be done. I am now in search for where I can next best be of service. I hope you too are asking the same question because a strong and vital UUCD presents an exceptional place for many people to make a difference.
As your leader throughout this past year I felt it important to use my monthly president's newsletter to keep you informed. I would have preferred writing about moving 
beyond being a fringe religion, about leadership, about claiming our strength as religious liberals, about being an interfaith force in our region. This kind of work requires people and commitment in both huge and tiny ways.
I would like to encourage you to find one or perhaps two times in your life to commit to doing something truly remarkable; to do what I call Legacy Volunteering. To give until it feels good because you know you have done something that will last longer than you will. I define Legacy Volunteering as dedicating your full being, your life, your time, your talents, and your treasure to some great cause of your choice and truly make a difference. I chose to do my Legacy Volunteering at UUCD to honor the many of you that want to make the world a better place. So, let's get out there from our new building and achieve our vision.
We will be a beacon of progressive religion in our region, inspiring positive change in the world.
Thank you for your support.
In service & faith,
Ann Fryberger
President, Board of Trustees
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth
REMINDER- BUILDING DEDICATION WEEKEND IS ALMOST HERE
Our Building Dedication and Open House Weekend is May 16, 17 and 18. The Building Dedication is on May 16th at 7:00 p.m. The Open House is May 17th from 1:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Sunday the 18th there will be an ice cream social following the service.
There is a critical need for volunteers to bake cookies, serve as greeters and help set up and clean up. Alison Lutterman is heading up the event. Please contact her at 724-1237 or send her an e-mail at mal@cpinternet.com. Let her know how you can help. Please don't make her beg!!!!
A few pots to cook in: Kitchen Update
Our wonderful new kitchen is taking shape thanks to many generous donations from you!
When the Kitchen Kabinet met on April 16, we were able to approve spending for sinks, flooring installation, necessary air intake and exhaust systems and most of the remaining items on the Phase 1 list – those things necessary for minimal functioning.
The kitchen will be usable, if not "complete", when Phase 1 is done. We can't set a specific date for this as several schedules need to be coordinated.
Total cash available in the Kitchen Fund is just shy of $68000.00. Expenditures of $54,000 have been made or approved. Additional contributions to the Kitchen Fund have been pledged but will not be spent until the cash is in hand.
Remaining priorities to have the kitchen we want and need are the food prep island ($4600), the dishwasher stainless tables ($4500), dish storage carts, dishwasher racks, stainless shelving, pass thru counters and tambour doors ($7000-$8000), and the coffee prep area ($1500). And then the pots, pans, utensils, dishes, coffee carafes, water pitchers, etc., etc., etc. We did bring almost everything from Winona Street so we will use that as long as necessary.
We are all eager to have a functioning kitchen so that we can return to our wonderful UU potlucks, special dinners and pancake breakfasts. The Kitchen Kabinet will continue its judicious purchasing process, spending only what we have and selecting good used items where we can. Your strong support is greatly appreciated.
Kitchen Kabinet:
Rita Bergstedt, Joyce Kunz, Jill and Koresh Lakhan, Bob and Marree Seitz
FROM THE TREASURER: Money Talks, Chapter 2
Can I Afford to Be A Member Here?
This month I want to talk especially to those of you who may seriously wonder about this.
You may be a young couple with preschoolers, struggling to keep your economic balance. You may be a person whose household income is too low to assure you the basics. Or you may be an adult who has assumed a major financial burden in caring for an aging or disabled parent.
Whatever your situation, you bring much to UUCD. We are inspired by the way you have overcome daunting obstacles. We are uplifted by your courage in facing challenges - many of them a direct result of societal injustices - and you thereby impel us to act against those injustices. We are energized by the children and youth you bring to us. Without you we are incomplete.
You probably know that we don't have "dues" for membership. Once you sign the membership book, you are a voting member each year that you make an "identifiable contribution". The leadership interprets this requirement broadly, so that it can mean participating in a UUCD group or activity, or serving as an usher, or baking cookies for an event, etc.
But you still may feel uneasy. You wonder whether there are unofficial expectations. You wonder if you really "fit in". Maybe you feel pressure to give more when you hear about our building debt or our rising operating expenses.
We can't stop talking about the money needed to pay for our outstanding staff and our beautiful new building.
We can and will try to keep the tone of that talk informational - without the whining and/or begging that tends to produce more guilt than donations. This will help, but it won't eliminate the tensions you feel.
What else can we do? As usual, we look to our principles and to nature for guidance. We too easily forget just how revolutionary and counter-cultural our first principle (the inherent worth and dignity of each person) is in this society. We are constantly bombarded with the message that our worth can be and is measured by how much money and stuff we have, and also by how much we give back to the society. We all tend to wilt under this bombardment. But our principle tells us something far different - that our worth and dignity is inherent, and essentially cannot be "measured". Those who have more, and even those who give more to support this congregation, are not "worth" more than anyone else.
Nature also teaches us that it is foolish, and often cruel, to try to evaluate who or what makes a greater or lesser contribution to the whole. Does the trunk make a greater contribution to the tree than the leaves do? Or the roots? Or the branches? It's a question that doesn't make sense. All are needed to make the tree what it is, and to enable it to become what it will. So too with all the wondrous communities in creation, and with our UUCD community.
Next Month: "Movin' On Up".
Treasurer Paul Borrmann
UUCD GARDEN CLUB
In memory of Pete Hurlbut and with gratitude for the Zeppa foundation.
Many thanks to all the helping hands that are keeping our indoor garden wonderful. The inspection report from McRae of McCaren Designs is that we are doing an excellent job.
The poor things have endured the shock of transplant into a new and harsh environment of construction dust and sometimes even some mechanical damage along the edges. There were times they looked kind of sad. However, now the leaves are beginning to shine and there is lighter green new growth everywhere. If you look closely you might see them smiling (Maybe all the red hearts had something to do with that!) The little Ficus vines are beginning to creep up the wall and the leaf drop from the weeping figs has slowed considerably.
The plant that has given us the biggest concern is the Tetrastigma voinierianum, also known as "Chestnut Vine" or "Lizard Vine". This plant is in the Grape family. In fact, its leaves and growth pattern resemble grape leaves. When looking up information about this plant, I was amused to find this comment: "…I don't think this plant is for the average, well-balanced, plant person, but then again, if you're still on this site, you are certainly not average, and your balance is perhaps questionable." Hmm!
Our first concern about this plant was the little egg like things on the undersides of the leaves. It turns out these are normal clear to yellowish secretions by this plant. Our second concern was the mottled appearance of the intermediate leaves. This may be due to a little nutrient deficiency, but the plant is thriving wonderfully.
Warning: This is an aggressive rapid growing vine and its tendrils are always trying to find a place to grab onto. Don't get too friendly with it and by all means do not take a nap near it. You may wake up tangled in vines thinking you've ventured into "The Little Shop of Horrors".
For our outdoor garden, which is the berm around the front of the building, we will be incorporating a low cost food garden stabilizing the bank with high density vines of squash, pumpkins, and cucumbers. We will be getting our kids involved in the planting. Planting will most likely take place the 1st or 2nd Sunday of June.
If you would like to become involved in any aspect of the gardens, or just have thoughts or ideas about them, please contact Cindy Graham at cgraham109@hotmail.com or Jo Thompson at woodfarm@wildblue.net. We meet the last Sunday of the month at UUCD (Library) at 9:30 am. All are welcome.
Board Report
Your Board of Trustees met on March 25, 2008 and worked through the following items:
- We moved to approve a new Fund Raising Policy.
- We moved to amend the Bylaws revisions
- We moved to approve Karen Bauman's Special Program Fund grant request to attend PSD Omaha
- We approved May 2, 2008 as our Annual Meeting date with Tara Richter volunteering to compile the Annual Report and Alison Lutterman volunteering to serve for the board on next year's Nominating Committee.
- We were briefed on the Dedication & Grand Opening of our new building the weekend of May 16-18.
- We moved to authorize an Interim Minister salary up to $66,100 to qualify for mid-point salary range to give us entrance into the first round of interim ministers.
- We were each asked to supply three names to the Nominating Committee for board nomination consideration
- We moved to accept already committed designated funds to purchase a new chalice for our new sanctuary.
- We were each asked to provide examples of what the board has done toward the Nurture Congregational Growth goal.
- We volunteered for monthly board responsibilities.
- We established policy for Sunday Hospitality, Highlights and Board Welcome
- We discussed Alan Zeppa's use of the building for a Sierra Club meeting
Board of Trustees 2008
Please bring issues, compliments and complaints to any of the Board members. We welcome your input. Feel free to contact board members with questions, concerns, or compliments.
- President: Ann Fryberger ann@thefrybergers.net
- Vice-President: Dan Burrows dburrows@d.umn.edu
- Secretary: Malcolm McCutcheon mmccutch@chartermi.net
- Treasurer: Paul Borrmann kdonn@cpinternet.com
- Administration Trustee: Alison Lutterman alutterman@duluthmn.gov
- Membership Trustee: Kathy Heltzer kheltzer@charter.net
- Outreach Trustee: Paul Eckhardt paulxdoug@charter.net
- Worship, Religious Education and the Arts Trustee: Tara Richter tararichte@gmail.com
- Planning Trustee: Larissa Schmitt larissa.schmitt@gmail.com
Interim Minister Search Team Update
The Board appointed the following members to work on the Interim Minister Search: Dan Burrows, Kathy Heltzer, Jan Magree, and Larissa Schmitt. The search process that has been outlined to all congregations is:
- The congregations organize information so ministers can learn about the congregations involved. The ministers organize information so that the congregations can learn about the ministers involved. Each creates a packet which is usually a three ring binder full of information.
- On a date around the 22nd of April, congregations are matched (by the UUA Transitions office) with ministers, and a process of exchanging information is engaged.
- We exchange packets of information about our congregation for packets of information about the ministers. Overnight express is used.
- If there is mutual interest for both parties based on the packets the interim team arranges interviews with the ministers and checks references.
- If needed the interim team can ask for additional ministers to exchange information and interviews. The search team prioritizes the matches before going to the Board.
- The Board approves or rejects one of the match(s) and/or contract(s).
- If needed the interim team continues the cycle by contacting additional ministers until a match and a contract is agreed upon by the Board of Trustees.
The information processed by the interim team is confidential. The interim team will communicate the name and preliminary information (determined by the new interim minister) once a contract is signed. We hope to know the outcome by mid May.
Ministry Transition Team Update: Coming to Terms with our History
By the time you read this, many of us will have had the opportunity to consider our history by participating in an "appreciative inquiry" discussion about past years at UUCD.
The next step in recalling our history is collecting pictures for a history board. Do you have pictures from events at 1802? St Edwards? Trepanier Hall at the YWCA? 145 West Winona? How about photos of former congregants, or former ministers. Youth trips to the BWCAW? Social events?
These mementoes will help us recall events that are part of the history of our community and help us to celebrate who we were as we prepare to define who we want to become in the future. Please bring or send them to church with your name clearly attached so we can return them to you. We would appreciate them by May 11th!
MEMBERSHIP MUSINGS
New members will be welcomed to our congregation during the worship service on Sunday, May 4. Those who join will be recognized during a brief and joyful ceremony. Becoming a member of UUCD, which will include signing the same book signed by all members since 1887, is a significant symbolic ritual for Unitarian Universalists. As we have no creed, your signature is the symbol of your commitment.
Of course, membership is much more than signing a book. It is about identification and commitment. It signifies that you have taken a stand and made a decision about who you are and who you intend to become, that you are placing yourself in association with others with whom you have common values and life attitudes, and that you have made a personal commitment to share your talents, resources, and energy to support the work (and the play!) of the congregation.
If you'd like to formally enter into membership during this Welcoming New Members Ceremony—or if you have questions, large or small, before making a decision to join—you may contact any of the following: Interim Minister, Sally Hamlin at sallyhamlin@hotmail.com or 724-6084, Congregational Administrator, Kathy Stinnett at uucduluth@gmail.com or 724-0308, or Membership Chair, Molly Benson at calbenmn@chartermi.net. It's important that you contact one of the above before Sun., May 4, to discuss your intention to join.
And that's not all! To support your transition into membership, Interim Minister Sally Hamlin is offering a Path to Membership session from 9—1 on Sat., May 3 (the day before the Welcoming Ceremony). This will be a fabulous opportunity to enter into membership on "the right foot," as an informed and engaged new member.
Just one more thing—signing the membership book privately is another meaningful option. If you would prefer that, contact any of the above to arrange it.
YRUU Talent Show and Fundraiser
- Sunday, May 11: 12 Noon after service in the RE Great Room
- Enjoy lunch and the many talents of our youth and congregation for $5/person,
- maximum $15/family
YRUU would like to invite the congregation to perform in the talent show. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument or tell jokes, we'd love to add you to the schedule for the show.
Contact Brian Barber if you're interested in performing
Social Responsibility Council
UUCD has many active projects serving not only this congregation, but also the greater community: Welcoming Congregation, Peace and Justice, Green Sanctuary, Spirit Valley Moms, and more. How can we make the most of all our efforts? The Social Responsibility Council has been created to work on this.
The Board has created a Social Responsibility Council. People working on the different social responsibility programs will meet quarterly to review plans for the next three months, to coordinate efforts, and to provide support. The group will also discuss longer-term planning ideas for 6 to 12 months ahead.
The next meeting will be held on August 4 as we look ahead to Fall programming. Everyone is welcome. If you have any ideas or questions, please contact the Chair Sue Dailey at sdaileydul@hotmail.com or Vice Chair Tom Starky at cornerchisel@yahoo.com
Religious Education
Greetings UUCD Families,
On Sunday, April 20th, Barbara Weinstein, of Temple Israel, took time out of her busy schedule to teach us about a sacred Jewish Celebration, Passover. Children learned (or heard a retelling of) the Old Testament stories of Moses in the Bulrushes, his being raised by the Pharaoh and, ultimately, his liberating Jewish slaves from Egypt. They learned about the significance of certain rituals of the Passover meal and learned the symbolism of the traditional foods associated with Passover.
Later in the month, we will learn about (and make) Shona sculptures from Zimbabwe and learn how Zimbabwean artists believe that each stone or piece of wood possesses a spirit that will manifest itself as the artist carves.
We are still looking for parents who are willing to volunteer for 45 minutes (for 4-6 Sundays) this coming year. Lessons and materials will be ready-to-go if you like! UUCD needs you! We can have no Religious Education programming without our wonderful volunteers!
Contact me and I can show you just how doable (and enjoyable) it can be!
Carol Turner, Director of Religious Education
cgeot1@gmail.com
You are invited to the Grand Opening Weekend
Of the Duluth UU Congregation's New Building
- Friday, May 16th Building Dedication: Evening service with national UU President speaking
- Saturday, May 17th Community Open House: Tours, booths, and music 1-5:00*
- Sunday, May 18th Sunday morning service: Ice cream social following
*We will be needing LOTS of people to help with the Open House!
Green Corner
Have you wondered what's going on in that part of our College Street property beyond the building and parking lot? Last month, in this corner, we mentioned that the Green Sanctuary Committee was planning to host a series of "walkabouts" to familiarize congregants with what we like to call the "outdoor sanctuary." We are planning the first of these events for Sunday, May 4, after the service, when we hope that the ground will be sufficiently dry for us to walk on it, and that it will not be raining (or snowing). Bunter Knowles, who designed the pond on the west side of the property, will be in Duluth that weekend, and has agreed to be our guide. We will host others also, during May and June. If you are interested, come dressed appropriately and with suitable shoes, and help us to plan how we can make the best use of that space.
Opening Our Doors Opening Our Hearts Annual Conference Recap
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The Opening Our Doors Opening Our Hearts conference hosted by UUCD was a HUGE success! Along with the fundraising concert by OVation the conference touched many hearts plus provided education and uplift for every person in attendance. There were many, many volunteers that made the weekend possible and we thank each and every one of you. Because of your efforts the world is a better and safer place for GLBT people, their families and their allies. Such a gathering fills us with hope for a brighter and more just future for ALL of us! Karen Bauman and Julie Morgan |
WELCOMING CONGREGATION COMMITTEE NEWS!
Thanks to all that helped make the Opening Our Doors Celebration a success! It was a great success for those involved. Thanks also to those that devoted their time and efforts to attending Lobby Day at the Capital. It is great to feel the support of our fellow UUs!
NEED MORE INFORMATION OR INTERESTED IN JOINING THE WELCOMING CONGREGATION COMMITTEE??
We'd love to have you join us. Our next meeting will be Sunday, June 1, 11:30-1:30. Call Karen B. or Julie M. for more information!
Simple Living Group
We're getting ready for spring planting. Our next meeting is Sunday, May 11, 12:30 at UUCD (Social Hall). Come share ideas/plant starts/seeds. Please do not bring live plants into the building. Topics may cover drip irrigation, including taking a closer look at the irrigation system in our indoor garden. Contacts: Duane Madison or Jo Thompson.
The Women's Moon Group
The Women's Moon Group is returning to UUCD!! Come and celebrate the moons and seasons rituals, songs, and socializing!
- May Full Moon: Tuesday, May 20th 7:00-9:00pm at the UUCD building
- Questions: contact Larissa at larissa.schmitt@gmail.com
"A Guide for Guides" now available
We've published a "help sheet" for anyone who may want to give a tour of our new building to visitors, family, and friends. It's certainly not meant to be a script, but it has information about every part of the building, and lists the facts that visitors have found most useful and interesting to date. If you have the opportunity to take someone on a tour of the building, you may want to obtain a copy!
Marty Sozansky
Publicity Committee
Music Notes
All I try to do is write music that feels meaningful to me, that has commitment and passion behind it
Bruce Springsteen
The passionate and committed UUCD music volunteers and staff offered some meaning-filled selections during April! If you experienced the Choir in conjunction with the annotated readers' theatre Laramie Project and the 8 VA vocal octet Closing Worship selection during the Opening Our Doors conference we trust that you were especially inspired.
Appreciation goes out to every music provider during April – pianist Paul Wartman, Cins and Hell Trio, the Choir and Strings Attached with choir director Cyndi Gritzmacher, members of 8 VA (including substitute Phil Snave) and music programming administrator Karen Bauman.
Maybe it's time for YOU to add your talents to the music making at UUCD!
We welcome everyone (yes, YOU) and would love to hear from you. Interest in the Choir or Strings Attached (our acoustic group) can be directed towards choir director Cyndi Gritzmacher (728-9774). Instrumental or ‘other' interest can be directed towards music programming administrator Karen Bauman (525-4119 prior to 8 pm). Life is short – make music!
A SPECIAL GATHERING TO BE AT
On Sunday June 8th beginning at 11:45 the annual Music Review and Appreciation brunch meeting will take place in the Social Hall. This is an opportunity to recognize the volunteers who make such terrific music at UUCD, look back over the 2007-8 program year music and offer suggestions for the 2008-9 program year.
Add your thoughts and feelings by joining us!!!
ANNUAL MUSIC PROGRAMMING SURVEY
You will notice music programming surveys in the May orders of service that need completing. It only takes a few minutes of your time to complete but adds greatly to the work of offering meaningful and uplifting music programming at UUCD. Please fill out a survey and put in the box marked MUSIC SURVEY at the Welcome Center table. Thank you so much!
SOUND SYSTEM TRAINING
A brief, simple and elementary sound system training will be offered on Sunday May 4th beginning at 11:45. This training will cover how to turn the system on and off, making sure each microphone is working and what to do if there is ‘feedback'.
MONTHLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
(please note the extra rehearsal dates and times!)
| Sun May 4 | Sun May 4 Young UU Singers (YUUS) 11:45 RE Great Room Sound system training 11:45 Sanctuary |
Sanctuary |
| Wed May | Wed May 7 8 VA 6 pm Sanctuary Building Dedication Chorus (BDC) with YUUS 7–7:45pm BDC 7:45–8pm |
Sanctuary |
| Wed May 14 | 8 VA 6 pm BDC with YUUS 7–7:45pm BDC 7:45–8pm |
Sanctuary |
| Fri May 16 | 8 VA 5:30 pm BDC with YUUS 6 pm |
Sanctuary |
| Sat May 17 | BDC rehearsal 10 am call 12:30 pm |
Sanctuary |
| Sun May 18 | Choir 9:30 | Sanctuary |
| Sun May 25 | Strings Attached 9:30 | Sanctuary |
| Wed May 28 | 8 VA 6 pm Choir 7 pm |
Sanctuary |
| Wed June 4 | 8 VA 6 pm Choir 7 pm |
Sanctuary |
| Sun June 8 | 8 VA 9am Choir 9:30 Annual Music Appreciation and Review |
Sanctuary Sanctuary Sanctuary & social hall |
| Sun June 15 | 8 VA 9 am | Sanctuary |
CARING CORNER
Wow! We've been busy helping here and there lately. Thanks to all of you who bring food, send cards, telephone, provide transportation, stop by for a friendly visit, etc. We always can use more helpers. And guess what? We are ALL on the Caring Committee because that is one way we care for each other. Sign up by email turtlejmm@sytekcom.com or by phone so you will get our caring requests. Many hands make light work! Let us know if you need the above services, or if you would like a joy or concern printed in the newsletter! J and Warren.
JOYS & CONCERNS
- John Langdon is back home after a stint in the hospital in April. Home is St. Ann's. John sends heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped get him to his radiation appointments. He welcomes guests, but hopes you will call first.
- Bev Harries is recuperating from a hysterectomy on March 25. The surgery was very successful, but during her hospital stay she tore her rotator cuff! Bev is home, recovering well from the first and coping with the second!
- Susie Swanson was hospitalized with complications from surgery last month. She is home now and expects to be out on the trail soon!
- Minerva Makela, long-time church member, died on March 28th. Although Minerva hadn't attended church in some time, she maintained her pledge and her interest in UUCD through the years.
- Bob Hart remains at Bayside Health Center (1601 St, Louis Avenue 102) on Park Point. Stop by after three o'clock to visit with Bob.
Spirit Valley Young Mothers
GOING SHOPPING? Here's a wish list from the moms of things for themselves and for their babies. Watch for sales and pick up an item or two when you can afford it. A basket has been placed by the Welcome Table for donated items. Committee members will deliver items to the moms. Thank you for all your donations!
Moms: Shampoo/conditioner, bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blankets), dishes (silverware, plates, cups, glasses, pots, pans, etc.), tampons, razors, nursing pads, breast milk storage containers, non-perishable foods, laundry soap, deodorant, gift cards in small increments to Super One, K-Mart, and Target.
Babies: Diapers (all sizes from newborn-2T), baby wash/lotion, diaper cream, blankets, crib sheets, and bottles in addition to the Baby Layette items we gather for each newborn.
UU PRETTY GOOD BOOK CLUB
The UU pretty good book club 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 the month in the Library at UUCD on College Street. Watch for location changes in Order of Service Announcements.
MAY BOOK SELECTION: WALDEN: OR LIFE IN THE WOODS by Henry David Thoreau, Tuesday, May 20, 7:15 p.m., Library
Walden is a series of 18 essays by Thoreau, a Unitarian and Transcendentalist. An important contribution to New England Transcendentalism, the book was a record of Thoreau's experiment in simple living on the northern shore of Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts (1845-57). It is viewed not only as a philosophical treatise on labor, leisure, self-reliance, and individualism, but also as an influential piece of nature writing. It is considered Thoreau's masterwork.
JUNE BOOK SELECTION: Ahab's Wife Or, The Star-Gazer by Sena Jeter Naslund, Tuesday, June 17, 7:15 p.m., Library
Ahab's Wife is a novel on a grand scale that can legitimately be called a masterpiece: beautifully written, filled with humanity and wisdom, rich in historical detail, authentic and evocative. Melville's spirit informs every page of her tour de force. Una Spenser's marriage to Captain Ahab is certainly a crucial element in the narrative of Ahab's Wife, but the story covers vastly more territory. After a spellbinding opening scene, the tale flashes back to Una's childhood in Kentucky; her idyllic adolescence with her aunt and uncle's family at a lighthouse near New Bedford; her adventures disguised as a cabin boy on a whaling ship; her first marriage to a fellow survivor who descends into violent madness; courtship and marriage to Ahab; life as mother and a rich captain's wife in Nantucket; involvement with Frederick Douglass; and a man who is in Nantucket researching his novel about his adventures on her ex-husband's ship. Ahab's Wife is a breathtaking, magnificent, and uplifting story of one woman's spiritual journey, informed by the spirit of the greatest American novel, but taking it beyond tragedy to redemptive triumph.
CHUM NEWS
UUCD CHUM Delegates: Kathy Heltzer and Beth Tamminen
UUCD is a member congregation of CHUM, Churches United in Ministry. Please consider participating in the following in order that UUCD be well represented at these CHUM Community Events!
- CHUM Community Assembly May 15, 2008: 6:30 PM Social, 7 PM Program on the Minnesota Legislation Commission to End Poverty at First United Methodist Church (Coppertop), 230 East Skyline Pkwy.
- 4th Annual Rhubarb Festival: June 28th at First Lutheran Church from 9 to 4. This year's stage program will include performances by Anne Reed, Peter Ostroushko, The Pines, and local talent too. Wonderful rhubarb pies and treats will be available for purchase and new games and contests for kids of all ages will be held throughout the day. We hope to see you there!
- Save the Dates and Watch for Details!! Project Homeless Connect Community Wide "Night Without a Home," Saturday, September 20. Creating Neighborhoods that Work "Connecting the Dots" Conference, Saturday, October 4th. For more information call Kim or Ben at 625-1739.
PROGRAM RESOURCES NEEDED
- Rhubarb Festival: Do you grow RHUBARB and have some to give away? The Rhubarb Festival bakers need your rhubarb. Please call Mary at 720-6521 if would like to donate your rhubarb!
- Calling all BAKERS! Do we have a group of folks from UUCD willing to make pies or other treats for the Festival? The UUs have filled the need for gluten free and/or sugar free treats the last couple of years, and we would like to do that again. But we will need a licensed kitchen to work in, which may not be our own. Contact Beth about our baking, or contact Mary or Kim at 625-1739 (at CHUM) for more details.
- Family Shelter: CHUM's family shelter advocate is looking for laundry gift certificates of $20 each. Dee Laundry and Cleaners sells them and it is a good location for folks using the family shelter. Up to 4 certificates per month could be used.
- Food Shelf: Currently CHUM food shelf's greatest needs are canned juice and canned fruit. A volunteer is needed to assist with interviewing or packing food on Wednesday or Friday between 10 AM and 1:45 PM at the East Food Shelf. Call Meg at 727-2391.
UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY'S SUMMER INSTITUTE IN SPIRITUALITY AND THE ARTS
June 9-13, 2008
Do something creative this summer!
The Summer Institute in Spirituality and the Arts offers participants a chance to learn and explore the intersections between art and religion. Different tracks provide tools for spiritual growth, personal reflection, and congregational renewal. Participants will leave refreshed for their work in the world through creative encounters with leaders, each other, and the Holy.
This year's exciting offerings include:
- Music and the Arts: The Starting Point for Worship Design, Art Clyde
- Transformation & the Story: A Writing Workshop, Elizabeth Andrews
- Sacred Time: Living in the Rhythms of Nature and the Liturgical Year, Robin Jensen
- Spirituality of Icons, Deborah Korluka and Richard Sheerer
For a complete description and information on early registration discounts go to www.unitedseminary.edu/summerinstitute or call 651.255.6138
Cindi Beth Johnson
Director of Community Programming in the Arts, Religion and Spirituality
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
Prairie Star District
Midwest Leadership School
Now is the time to be encouraging emerging leaders from your congregation to register for MidWest Leadership School. I'm particularly excited about this year's school – Dr. Angela Merkert, former Director of Congregational Services for Central Midwest District, is the major presenter for the school. Angela, who has been doing consulting work with UU congregations of all sizes since 1993, is now an independent consultant working with Rev. Dr. Ken Brown. We are very fortunate to have engaged her for this year's Leadership School class.
Our History/Theology lecturer will be Rev. Scott Prinster, who is currently working on a doctorate in religion and science in Madison, WI. Scott was formerly on the staff of First Unitarian Society of Madison. The Chaplain will be Rev. Mary Ann Macklin, currently serving the UU Church of Bloomington, Indiana, and formerly of First Unitarian Society in Madison.
Congregations that regularly send members to MidWest Leadership School build up a cadre of knowledgeable, skilled leaders over time. MWLS can be a very good resource in your congregation's leadership development plan. It's important to send people with real potential; a letter of endorsement by the minister or board chair is required for each participant.
More information can be found here: www.psduua.org/mwls The school has been shortened by one day to accommodate peoples' busy lives.
To read an interview with Angela, in which she tells more about her plans for the session this summer, go here: www.uumwls.org and click on the purple Interview link.
Thanks,
Nancy
Nancy Heege
Prairie Star District Executive
122 W Franklin Avenue #303
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-230-3273
The services of Prairie Star District are funded by the dues that congregations pay to the UUA and the District and by contributions made by individual Friends of Prairie Star District.
Cards, Codes, Doors, Lights and Thermostats
The door cards and key-pad codes will be available by the time you get this newsletter, if all goes well. If you already have a key, you can still get a key-pad code. If you want access to park in the garage, you need a door card.
Any member or friend can request a keypad code who needs to have access to the building when it might be locked. Codes are kept in a system in the office.
***NOTE: Access to the building requires willingness and ability to lock up and return lights and thermostats to appropriate settings. See below under "Locking, Lights and Thermostats."
Door cards will open the garage door (just flash it in front of the reader) and will also open the front door (another card reader is on the wall in the vestibule).
You do need a card to open the garage door. However, you do not need a card to open the front door. All you need at the front door is a code, since there is a keypad as well as a card reader.
Not everyone will need a door card.
On Sunday mornings the garage door will be set to stay open for the time before the service when people will be arriving and parking, so unless you are an early-bird worker on Sunday mornings, you will not need a door card to park in the garage.
If you come to the building frequently during the week and would like to park in the garage, you should certainly have a door card.
If you usually want to park in front of the building and come in the front door, you could use a code for the keypad instead of a card.
Door cards are for members of UUCD and will cost $5.00 each. I will place an order for door cards in mid-May.
Locking, Lights and Thermostats:
If you enter the building by use of a key, card, or code, you accept the responsibility to lock doors, turn down thermostats and turn off lights. We all want to be good stewards of this lovely new structure, conserve energy and safely secure our congregation home.
The last person leaving the building needs to attend to the following checklist:
- Turn down all 11 thermostats to 55 degrees
- Turn off lights, including bathrooms and garage
- Lock front doors (use the allen wrench to release crash bars)
- Make sure garage doors are down and both "people doors" are locked
Here is a form you can use to send or leave at the office (use the mail slot in the Library) to get your key code assigned and/or your door card ordered.
Please print this attached order form (pdf), complete it and return to Kathy Stinnett in the office
Order Form for Key codes and Door Cards: I have read and understand the procedures for locking and leaving the building if I am the last one out. Check as appropriate:
Name: ________________________________ |
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 to the June 2008 newsletter is May 18.
- Priority will be given to items received on time; 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 (uucduluth@gmail.com) 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.