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May 2009 Newsletter

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

Sunday Services and Religious Education for May 2009

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

Sunday, May 3:  Youth Service "Dreams of the Future"

Sunday, May 10:  "Raising the Next Generations "  Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

This is not a "Mother's Day Sermon" per se -– but a sermon for parents and grandparents, guardians and mentors --- everyone who helps nurture and inspire the rising generations.

Sunday, May 17:  "Beyond Bliss:  Insights from the life and teachings of Joseph Campbell"   Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

Sunday, May 24:  "The Importance of Memory" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

What we do not remember we are destined to repeat.

Sunday, 31:  "Many Hands Make Light Work" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

This will be a service celebrating the gifts and talents that make this congregation possible.  In the course of this service we will be recognizing  the volunteers who made this church year so wonderful – so – if you were a part of the care team, if you taught a class, served on a committee, hosted a potluck  or a dance, helped with the garage sale,  tended the garden, weeded, shuttled people for the PSD conference, sang in the choir, made coffee or any of the other 101 tasks that have to happen for this conversation to thrive – please make certain your committee chair or the offices has your name – so we can say thank you.

UUCD Annual Meeting

  • Friday, May 15, 2009 in the Social Hall
  • Social at 5:15pm
  • Dinner at 5:45pm
  • Meeting at 6:30pm
  • See inside article for more information!!

In Medias Res * 

I can't remember the last time I was bored. Even with the lengthening daylight there are still too few hours in the day and too many wonderful things to explore.  Spring is upon us. The silver maples are blooming, the maple syrup season is past, the lawns on my street have been raked and fluffed in anticipation of green.  On a recent trip down to visit the White Bear UU congregation I saw herons and cranes and a great horned owl and heard the first frogs of the season.  Our window sills are filled with seedlings awaiting their place in our community garden plot and our winter clothing languishes in crumpled heaps in the bottom of the closets and in the corners of the laundry room. The kids spend hours outdoors again …

Ideas that had been dormant all winter push their way up into the light of conscious thought too and I realized the other day that I'm craving certain conversations the same way that I crave spring asparagus or baby spinach.  I'm wanting a broad conversation about lifespan faith development – that's the current UU way of naming "adult enrichment"  or "adult religious education" …   I'm itching to teach the intro UU course Articulating your UU Faith.  I'm hoping for a chance to explore more deeply the ideas about gender difference introduced in the "Gender Matters" conference last week and to talk with others about the implications that research has for us as a congregation.   I'm getting excited as I start working with the Worship and RE committees pulling together our 8 week summer schedule:  Sunday morning Summer Camp.   Which reminds me – I promised you a worship feed back form months ago – its one of those things that's been quietly waiting to sprout in the darkness of my computer. I'm attaching it here but please watch for it in worship as well.  

Finally, I have had much wonderful feedback about the Blue Boat Home conference and about how organized and welcoming and thoughtful this congregation is. There is a wonderful buzz about all of you right now and I am delighted!  What a great way to begin your search for a settled minister!

Blessings, Gail

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

Annual Meeting Dinner

May 15, 2009, UUCD
Social Hall   5:15 p.m.
Dinner       5:45 p.m
Meeting      6:30 p.m.

Baked Potato, Salad & Dessert Bar

Beverages, potatoes, lettuce and salad dressing will be provided.
Please add to the menu by bringing your ready to serve (already cleaned, grated, sliced, chopped, etc.) contribution according to the time you think you will arrive. 

Arriving Before 5:45 p.m.

  • Baked Potato toppings: Cheeses, sour cream, real bacon bits, chives,
  • chili, etc.
  • Salad Bar fixings: Tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, olives, cucumbers, cheeses, dried fruits,
  • nuts, croutons, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, fruit, cottage cheese,
  • beans, artichokes, red/white/green onion, etc.
  • Bread Bar: Artisan, whole grain, cornbread, gluten free, etc.

Arriving After 6:00 p.m.

  • Dessert Bar:  Cookies, bars, pie, cake, gluten free, etc.

Arriving just for the Annual Meeting:

  • Coffee, tea & punch served all evening

Please come ready to help with one of the following needs:

  • Set up        4:00 p.m.
  • Clean up    6:30 p.m.
  • Take down 8:30 p.m.

Board Report for March, 2009

The UUCD Board met on March 24, 2009, at 7PM.

  • Tara provided the chalice lighting and reading
  • Karen Bauman (Music Administrator) met with the Board to explain her interest in the UUA/UUMN musician credential program. Details about the program were shared with the Board. Karen explained that she would gain more than just music background and programming in a program such as this, classes typically take two years and match up with UUMN annual meetings. Gail expressed support of this request as well as suggesting that in future years other staff who are interested in a credential process could attend an appropriate similar program. The Board expressed support and requested the Finance Council discuss this at their next meeting.
  • Consent agenda was approved with following comments
    • Program Council for March was cancelled, however, email contact was made. Kitchen Kabinet request to hold a fundraiser for pots/pans in the kitchen was approved. Karen Bauman's request for $500 from special program funds to assist her travel to the next UUMN meeting was approved.
    • Alison requested that the Finance Council minutes be pulled for review (see below).
    • Dan reported that the interim reports to the UUA had been completed. Three reviewers (the MTT, Gail and Dan) were in close agreement with each other for answers to the 15 questions. Review reports are available by request from Kathy Stinnett.
  • The minutes from January 27 were accepted.
  • The minutes of a closed board session on February fifteenth were approved. These minutes read as follows:
    • Based on feedback from the congregation regarding the resignation of Cyndi Gritzmacher as Choir director, David Lauth was commissioned to provide an external review of the process that was used. The external review report was received on February 10, 2009, and was shared with those involved via email at 8PM on that date. The Board held a closed session to discuss the report on February 15, 2009, and voted to accept the report and to move forward on the recommendations in the report
    • Copies of the  report are available in written format in the staff area right next to the committee paper mail boxes. Kathy Stinnett can paper mail a copy to you if requested, call 724-0308 to arrange this.
  • A discussion ensued regarding unrestricted capital funds that have been identified in existing UUCD accounts. Two suggestions are to support requests from Phase II to finish projects in our new building, or use them to pay down the debt owed to the Zeppa Family Foundation (ZFF). The general recommendation is to spend some of the funds for requests based on Phase II recommendations, and to focus a new capital fund raising process for Fall 2009 to specifically pay down the debt owed to the ZFF. A good estimate of our debt to the ZFF is about $715,000. In terms of the current available funds recommendation of the Finance Council is to put $10,000 in a "Capital Reserve Fund", to allocate $4,000 be spent on Chancel Lighting (request from Phase II), and that another $960 be allocated to purchase a "trimmer" per request of those attending to the outdoor sanctuary. This last item will be used to trim the grass  as needed and keep the trails clear. The above items were voted and approved. About $28,015 is left remaining for Phase II requests.
  • The process to form the Ministerial Search Committee in alliance with the Nominating committee was discussed and approved by the Board. The following individuals are on the combined Ministerial Search Committee / Board Nominating Committee: Alison Lutterman, Dodie Bertilson, Barb Lund, Bruce Holmen, Richard Fryberger, and Rod Graf.
  • Tara provided an update on the Annual Report. Information has been shared with committee chairs. Reports are due April 28, 2009. Committees are to be reminded how important the Annual Report is to recruiting a new settled minister.
  • The date of the combined Program Council and Board of Trustees is June 13, 2009. The initial agenda includes an update about what has been learned so far with our partner agreement with White Bear Unitarian Universalist church and the development of a questionnaire to take with on summer visits to other congregations will be included in that meeting.
  • The Prairie Star District conference and annual meeting will be held in Duluth. More than 318 registrations have been received. This is above expectations. The Holiday Inn breakout rooms are at capacity.
  • The treasurers report included information that income is coming in as expected, non-pledged or "predicted" contributions are behind compared to last year at this time (but predictions/pledges were higher), and cash contributions are doing very well.
  • Gail has suggested an installation of the Board at a future service to install/charge the Board members. She will bring this back to the Worship Committee.
  • The Board is reading the "Church Works" book, and discussed chapter 2 at the meeting. Some points of interest based on this chapter: We should review the welcome message; We should rethink asking visitors to stand and introduce themselves at 11 (9 is OK, small groups make this OK); We should make the Annual Report widely available. Some congregations send this to every member via paper mail for example.
  • Meetings with the Reconciliation Group and Cyndi Gritzmacher will be scheduled mid April.
  • UUCD can have five delegates for the business conducted by the Prairie Star District. The board President often finds five delegates, and Carol Michealson agreed to be the Board delegate. Dan will find four others. Delegates must register for the conference and be in good standing with UUCD. It was noted that the process for delegates for General Assembly is similar, however, specifics are up to the new Board since GA is in late June 2009.
  • The Board was informed of payment issues with Minnesota Education Trust (this Trust is helping the Muslims who purchased the Winona building). This appears to be a lack of communication, and the Finance Council was requested to address this as a high priority.
  • The Annual Meeting May 15, 2009 was discussed. Alison is coordinating food. Tara is coordinating the Annual Report. Dan is coordinating the agenda. This meeting is both a voting meeting and a celebration of the work done by so many people over the past year. The agenda needs to be in the Newsletter and that deadline is April 16.
  • The meeting was adjourned around 9:10 PM.

Board of Trustees 2008-2009

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

Drum Circle

The monthly drum circle will meet on Friday, May 1 in the Greatroom at UUCD.  This is an "in-the-moment" drum circle.  It is not a drum class nor do we attempt to play any ethnic specific rhythms.  What we do is play off each other.  This circle starts at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month and goes until 9:00 PM. Please try to arrive before 6:50.  If you don't have a drum, we generally have an extra.  Call Bruce Holmen at 724-4666 for confirmation of dates.

Announcing the Program Celebration Annual Meeting of UUCD to be held on May 15 in the Social Hall.

Social Time 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM
Potluck supper 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM
Business Meeting starts at 6:30 PM

Agenda:

  1. Call to order, quorum certification
  2. Acceptance of the December 21 2008 minutes
  3. Brief reports from committees, top one or two items to celebrate from this past year
  4. Nominations from the Nominating Committee and from the floor (if any) for new Board members.
  5. Vote to accept nominees for new Board members
  6. Nominations from the Nominating Committee for the Ministerial Search Committee
  7. Introduction of nominees and vote to accept nominees for the Ministerial Search Committee
  8. Announcement from Board of UUCD member to be on the Nominating Committee.
    1. Announcement from Nominating Committee of UUCD member to be on the Nominating Committee
    2. Nomination from the floor for UUCD member to be on the Nominating Committee.
    3. Vote to accept nominations to be on the 2009 Nominating Committee
    4. Nomination from the floor for UUCD member to be on the Endowment Committee
  9. Nominations and vote for woven basket recipients
  10. Report & Feedback for Denominational Affairs (Hal Bertilson)
  11. Adjournment

Ministerial Transition Team

During a recent Sunday service Dan Burrows read a portion of the service similar to what follows. The Ministerial Transition Team is interested in your thoughts, and you are welcome to provide email or written commentary about the ministerial types below. Please email them to uucduluth@gmail.com or paper mail them to Kathy Stinnett, UUCD, 835 W College St, 55811.

Here are thirteen possible strengths a minister may have, based on an article from the Alban Institute. Often a minister is good at 3 or 4 of these. The congregation may also be good at 3 or 4 of these. What do you think our strengths are??

  1. Counselor/Healer/Caretaker (Pastor) A frequent visitor to hospitals and shut-ins. In some cases a larger congregation may hire someone (a Chaplain) to do just this task.
  2. Minister of the Word (Preacher). Excels in sermon preparation and delivery. In larger congregations this person may only do the sermon part of the service, or only pay close attention to the sermon part of the service.
  3. Administrator/Manager of an Organization. Managerial style and business strength for staff supervision and operational practices of a congregation.
  4. Prophet/Social Activist – This minister is known for Prophetic preaching, justice focus, seeking activism, and making high-energy commitments.
  5. Social Exemplar. This minister is at the center of society, and parties at the ministers' residence are legendary.
  6. Ring Leader (Committee Guide) – This minister works closely with committees in the congregation offering support and guidance. In a congregation our size the minister needs to energize the lay leaders, who then energize and enable the lay people.
  7. Community Personage (Community Leader) – This minister is seen as a community organizer, at the heart of many community projects and organizations. May serve on the board for various causes the congregation supports.
  8. Celebrant (Worship Leader) – Plans and delivers complex and varied worship services. These services may be recorded and broadcast.
  9. Spiritual Guide – Provides deeply spiritual sermons and follow-up, may have a following of disciples. An example might arise cooperatively from one of the Buddhist groups.
  10. Witness – This Minister participates in social justice protests, demonstrations. There may be situations when the minister is arrested. Social justice is certainly an interest of many members of our congregation.
  11. Teacher – The minister devotes much time to creating and testing curricula. This minister would have a room full of books, and would study a wide range of available curricula from the UUA and similar sources. Lifespan education would be a focus of this kind of ministry.
  12. Scholar – This minister devotes time to scholarly pursuits, doing research and publishing results. This minister may have taught at a seminary before seeking a settled position, or after a settled ministry is finished.
  13. Rights of Passage (Priest) – This minister celebrates important life events of members and friends. This person tracks milestones and provides life event celebrations.

So, what are some of our UUCD congregation strengths? We don't want to overlap too closely our strengths with a new minister's strengths. Rather, we want to partner up with a minister, where both of our strengths improve the relationship and the work we must ultimately do together.

Please communicate what you think our organization needs in a new minister. We want the best fit possible, we want a situation where we are delighted to work with this new person, and this new person is delighted to work with us. Your thoughts will help make this happen.

Money Talks

It can be pretty scary to consider the great financial challenges facing this congregation in the next one-two years.

We have the estimated $715,000 debt we will owe the Zeppa Family Foundation(ZFF) when our interest-free financing ends one year from this August. Of even more immediate concern, the support for the operating budget that the ZFF has provided over the past three years will end this December. And early in 2010 we will need more than $15,000 to pay for the search for a settled minister. All this in an economy that has many of us hurting.

But sometimes we need the perspective of outsiders to appreciate the strength we have - and how far from hopeless our situation is.

The April 3-5 Prairie Star District Conference here provided me with that perspective. That Saturday morning I had breakfast with several knowledgeable UUers who were amazed when I mentioned the results of our fall 2008 canvass. We increased our "predicted" (formerly "pledge") income from $175,000 in 2008 to almost $190,000 so far in 2009, with the budgeted goal of $200,000 likely to be reached by mid-year. We did it by bringing new people into our community. We did it by having a 20% increase (so far) in the number of predictions received. We did it by having the overwhelming majority of our faithful decide to cut back on other things rather than cutting their support for UUCD. And we did it without having to beg.

I was even asked to lead a workshop on money at next year's Conference.  My breakfast companions didn't understand that my honest advice to other congregations would have to be: "get some  UUCD people to move to your town!"

Our building is buzzing. Our impact is increasing. We are becoming what we set out to be 3 years ago - a major force for progressive religion in our area and a haven for people who feel the need to find their own spiritual paths.

Paul Borrmann, Treasurer

PSD 2009 Gratitude

Dear Dan,
Please express my gratitude to the people of UUCD for the wonderful Annual Conference weekend. I know that many, many were involved in planning, transporting, welcoming, feeding, hosting and so much more! We are grateful!

Sincerely, Nancy Heege

Men's Covenant Group Forming

Beginning Thursday April 30th  from 7-9 pm at UUCD
Six sessions on alternate weeks ending early in July.
Contact Nathaniel Marriner or John Dahl with questions… 

A First: PSD Conference Steering Committee Is Speechless

The 2009 Prairie Star District Conference held in Duluth April 3-5 was such a success, and UUCD staff and volunteers so important in making it all happen, that the Local Arrangements Steering Committee is speechless for the first time in two years.  (This will be all the more surprising when you look at the names of people on the committee.)  More than 70 UUCD volunteers and all UUCD staff helped with everything in order for our congregation to host the conference.  Kudos for the conference started coming in on Friday night even as participants registered, and continued all the way through the wonderful "Earth Revival" on Sunday morning.  If the steering committee could speak, we'd start with thank you, the whole speech would be thank you, and we'd end with thank you.  The plain fact is this: we could NOT have pulled this off without the help of so many UUCD members and staff.  Look for more reporting this spring.

The PSD Conference Local Arrangements Steering Committee
Kathy Heltzer
Jan Magree
Marty Sozansky
Tim Stratton
Suzanne Wasilczuk
Tina Welsh

Newcomers Information Session Sunday, May 17 at 12:15pm in the Greatroom!

Newcomers' Information Sessions are held in the RE Great Room immediately after the 11:00 service 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.

Snacks and 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.

Religious Education
Greetings UUCD Families, What a busy month! 

We hosted 12 children and youth from various out-of-town and out-of-state locations for our Prairie Star District Annual Conference on April 4th and 5th.  Our guests toured downtown, gobbled-up Indian food, visited the Depot Train Station, played at the Children's Museum AND learned about Animal Tracks & Traces at Hartley Nature Center. Yes, that was all in one day!

Our own kids decorated Ukrainian Eggs and learned about egg symbolism on April 12th; they celebrated the Jewish Passover on the 19th! 

As for your DRE:
I attended a two-day intensive conference with congregants Kathy Benson, Sherry Williams and Reverend Gail Lindsey Marriner entitled "Why Gender Matters."  Using 20 years of published research, psychologist and medical doctor, Leonard Sax, presented evidence regarding the differences in brain development, reasoning, perception, hearing and learning between boys and girls.
The assumption that girls and boys are hardwired differently and have different learning trajectories was (and to some, still is) seen as a threat to gender equity.

Dr. Sax stated at the outset that he is not questioning gender equity. He believes that boys and girls absolutely and unequivocally deserve the same opportunities. He asserts that in the 1970's, our society confused being equal with being the same and that has caused a whole host of unintended consequences for both boys and girls, particularly in the arena of educational pedagogy.  In other words, because of the differences in developing brains, boys and girls learn better with different teaching strategies. Dr. Sax is a proponent of same-sex classrooms for this reason. He writes in his book, Why Gender Matters, "Every time I make a statement about how girls and boys are different, I will also state the evidence in which my statement is based.  Every statement about sex differences will be supported by good science published in peer-reviewed journals." Dr. Sax also asserts that once fully-grown, there are fewer differences between the male and female brain, in particular, in terms of the ability to learn, but, as mentioned before, it is the developing brains of girls and boys that are measurably different.

I have purchased five copies each of his books, Why Gender Matters and Boys Adrift.  I am hoping to get a parent-group together to read these books and discuss the potential implications of this cutting-edge research in our faith community and in our larger community.

With the best interest of all our kids in mind, let the dialog begin!

You will be hearing from me soon regarding a new, rotational curriculum to be piloted in Sunday School next year. I will be looking for individuals open to teaching the same lesson (easy!) for five consecutive weeks.  Stay tuned for more details...
  
Empty Bowl Update:
We have, at this time, earned nearly $250 to support the Northern Waters Food Bank. Come by and take a look at hand-crafted bowls still for sale in the RE Great Room.
Help fight hunger in our community!
Make checks payable to "Northern Lakes Food Bank"

The Peace and Justice Committee is meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. We will review our activities of the past year as an introduction to a discussion of where we should focus our energy next year and what we want to do over the summer. 

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us for this discussion.  In peace, Sue Dailey

Lost & Found Event

LOST & FOUND - We've found dishes, coats, backpacks, umbrellas, reading glasses, etc.  For three weeks beginning May 3rd and running through May 17th all Lost items will be displayed in the social hall for owners to claim.  Unclaimed items by May 17th will go to storage for our Rummage Sale on July 17-18. 

Decluttering Event

Committees, Groups & Staff, it's time for spring cleaning.  Please sift thru all your materials stored or displayed at UUCD and reuse, reduce or recycle so we don't clutter our new home. Place useable items you no longer want (but might be useable by another group) on the tables next to the elevator in the garage for others to utilize if they so desire.  Unclaimed items will be dealt with before our Rummage Sale.

Plant  & Garden Sale

SALE - Sunday, May 31st 10 a.m. to noon
DONATIONS NEEDED - Anytime between now and May 29th please bring your gardening donations to UUCD.  Place them on or around the picnic table located outside the west garage door.  We are looking for donations of quality gardening tools and equipment, fertilizer, pots (lots and lots of pots), plants grown from seeds, cuttings, splits, unusual plants, perennials, shrubs, small trees, herbs, groundcovers, vegetable starts, grasses, vines, bulbs, potting soil.  You name it, we'll try to use it or sell it.  Sale proceeds support the care and feeding of our beautiful interior garden, landscaping the front berm of our building and our incredible natural sanctuary.  

Connections Social

Wednesday, May 27th, 5:15 p.m.         $4 cash over age 10       $1 cash age 10 and younger
May's surprise Connections Social meal will be presented by Colleen Betts, Chef de Cuisine (Head of the Kitchen) which is a synonym for the title executive chef and is the traditional French term from which the English word chef comes and Ann Fryberger, sous-chef de cuisine (under-chef of the kitchen) is the direct assistant of the executive chef. 
Reservations by May 24 extremely helpful.  Call Kathy Stinnett to reserve at 724-0308 or email uucduluth@gmail.com
Several volunteers are needed for the day of the event.  Contact Ann: ann@thefrybergers.net 

Memorial Garden Committee

By the time you read this, a proposal will have gone to the Green Sanctuary Committee for funding the first steps of making a Memorial Garden on the hillside behind our building.  Stay tuned for more information!  Check our progress on the Memorial Garden board in the Social Hall.  Want to do more???  Contact Julie at juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com

Music Notes

"Music, the greatest good that mortals know, and all of heaven we have below."
Joseph Addison

As the Scarecrow once said – "Oh, joy, rapture!" we experienced what seemed like a little piece of heaven on Earth throughout the music making during Prairie Star District annual conference and the rest of the month as well.
I can not thank enough the dedication of our music volunteers whose efforts were not only a delight to behold all month but who really went out of their way in welcoming the PSD Mass Choir singers into our midst.  Here's the April list -
guitarist/songwriter Dan Burrows, soloists Joe Marty, Tanya Moore, Jessica Saxton, Steve Volkman, Rebecca Volkman, Chorale of the month singers, PSD Mass Choir singers, keyboardist Paul Wartman, marimba player Tim Stratton, percussion players Terri Ach, Brian Barber and Grace Bauman, PSD rehearsal shuttle troupe (including Richard Fryberger, Warren High, Lori Bauman), accompanist Greg Moore, all of these volunteers along  with Bridge Musician Jonathan Persitz and Music Programming Administrator Karen Bauman.
There is still time to experience singing with a friendly group during May!  We will sing during a Sunday service one more time this program year and welcome new singers starting on Weds. May 6.  Check the schedule below for details.

Thanks to everyone who took a few minutes to fill out a music survey!  Results are being tabulated and will be in the June newsletter.

Looking for a way to make a difference through music at UUCD?  Consider joining the fledgling Music Committee and help guide our programming!  Maybe you have a favorite song of inspiration you'd like to share as a Prelude or Offertory or perhaps you and a friend or two have been learning a lovely selection and want to share it with our congregation.  For these and other opportunities please contact Music Programming Administrator Karen Bauman (kklgb4820@msn.com  or  525-4119 prior to 8 pm)

Our Bridge Musician Jonathan Persitz will be on his way after May heading back to the Twin Cities for the summer.  His deft musicianship has been a gift to us all.   Thank you, Jonathan!     Look for ongoing developments in music staffing…

May Rehearsal Schedule


Sunday May 3

No Rehearsal

 

Weds. May 6

8 VA

6:30 / Sanctuary

Weds. May 6

Chorale of the Month

7 pm / Sanctuary

Sunday May 10

8 VA

8:30 warmup
9&11 am sing!

Weds. May 13

Chorale of the Month

7 pm/Sanctuary

Sunday May 17

No Rehearsal

 

Weds. May 20

Chorale of the Month

7 pm / Sanctuary

Sunday May 24

No Rehearsal

 

Weds.  May 27

Chorale of the Month

7 pm / Sanctuary

Sunday May 31

Chorale of the Month

10:15 warm up
11 am Sing!

Actual clipping from a Church Bulletin:
"At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?"
Come early and listen to our choir practice."

Green Corner

What  Is  The  "Green  Sanctuary" 
Committee ??
Green Corner this month takes a step back.  Realizing that our UU community has been growing and changing significantly since moving into our new location, it's time to review what being "green" means to us as a spiritual community, how we show it, and how everyone can participate in whatever ways speak to their personal core.

Green Sanctuary Committee is a subset of our congregation that focuses energies on our Seventh Principle: "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part."  We do this in multiple ways, including adult education to raise awareness of environmental and ecological issues, planning book discussions, encouraging ecologically responsible life choices, sponsoring suitable community events, participating in Sunday services, advocating eco-justice, and actively searching out activities consistent with our values. We are part of a larger UU movement, and UUCD is certified as a "Green Sanctuary" by the UU Ministry for Earth of the UU Association – the first in Minnesota. 

A focus for GS this year is on our UUCD Outdoor Sanctuary, roughly that vegetated portion of the property lying outside the building, including the pond, hillside, woods, and vegetated roof.  We are assembling a coordinated plan for suitable new outdoor developments that anticipate and meet the congregation's foreseeable needs and wants. Suggestions so far have included a memorial garden, walking trails, a reflection nook, children's play area, trails, picnic spot, selective plantings, and an area suitable for outdoor congregation events.

WE INVITE YOU !! 
Green Sanctuary has historically been comprised of a small group … but we would like expansion to include UUCD community members with diverse interests and abilities. Some people like to plant and maintain gardens.  Others like the physical activity of working on trails, grounds, and in the woods.  Still others are attracted to organizing education programs and furthering the cause of environmentally responsible lifestyles.  Some simply enjoy the camaraderie of sharing time and ideas with people of similar philosophical bent.  We especially need help this summer with outdoor projects.

Wherever you fit … whichever of these activities bring you satisfaction … we invite you to explore joining with us, either generally or for specific interests.  We meet monthly, usually on Sunday morning before second service.  Our next meeting will be Sunday, May 17, at 8:30 am in the church's Board Room.  Feel free to attend.

Check out the Green Sanctuary display table in the Social Hall, and contact our current chair, Beth Tamminen bethtamminen@yahoo.com, or member Bunter Knowles buntero@earthlink.net.

Simple Living

Simple Living meets on May 10th at 12:30. We'll be touring the Cindy Hale/Clover Valley Farm at 6534 Homestead Road. There is limited parking at the farm, so you have two carpool choices: from UUCD parking lot at 12:30 or from Duane's at 6132 McQuade Road at 1:00. We hope you can come! Questions? Call Duane at 525-5645.

Cindy Hale is a research scientist and environmental educator with the University of Minnesota. She began her career as an ecologist in the early 1980's and has studied an eclectic variety of organisms including prairie plants, wolves, and spotted owls. She eventually settled on forest ecology, doing research in old-growth and managed hardwood forests of the Great Lakes region. She was seduced by exotic earthworms when she realized what a big impact they were having on forest communities. The Great Lakes Worm Watch program is the result of her interest in communicating research findings to the public and offering science opportunities for those interested in exploring the Great Lakes forest ecosystems. Using her more than ten years of environmental education experience, Cindy has trained over 200 teachers and environmental educators in sampling and identifying earthworms and how earthworm invasions affect forest ecosystems.

Caring Corner

Have you noticed the wheel chairs on the ramp?  They are there for any one who may need assistance getting to our services or events.  Wheel chairs can also be borrowed for short time use.  Call Julie  or Kathy in the office (724-0308).
The sign-up to help with Memorial Services is by the Caring display.  Join us helping families in this important way.
Questions about the Caring Committee?? 
Contact Julie Morgan: Juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com
Need a ride to church?  Contact Ellie: connolly.ellie@gmail.com

Caring Notes

Best Wishes to Dave Stinson who is having a devil of a time with a reoccurring infection stemming from his surgery in March.  Currently he is in the hospital but by the time you read this, he should be home and on the mend!

Rainbow Welcoming Committee News 

First let me direct your attention to the new moniker- the WCC has become the Rainbow Welcoming Committee.  Some confusion over the mission of the committee sparked review of the name.  We hope the addition of the word "Rainbow" will clear that up.
"Rainbow" and "Welcoming" are both flying high again thanks to the work of Chris Edwardson.  We are very pleased to have the rainbow flag flying outside the front door every Sunday once again.  Hopefully the bright colors catch the eye signaling to those whizzing by on College Street that GLBT folks are welcome in our doors.  Thank you, Chris. 
In other visual communication news, a new banner is being made to accompany our troops to Lobby Day.  If you did not go on the bus I am sure you will be able to enjoy its bright colors and simple message either in the church or at other events such as Duluth-Superior Pride.   
Together for Youth, an organization supporting GLBT youth in the community, will be having a fundraising Thai dinner and talent show on Saturday May 16 at 7:00pm right here in our social hall.  We are looking for volunteers to help with the event and would love to see some of our congregants in attendance.  As always Julie Morgan has more information. 
Same sex marriage will be the topic of services on June 7.  The Rainbow Welcoming Committee has taken on the challenge of conducting the services that day and will be following up with a showing of last year's Oscar winning film Milk on Monday June 8 at 7:00.  Watch for more information. 

May Woven Basket for Men as Peacemakers

Your contributions to the Woven Basket collection in May will be donated to Men as Peacemakers to support their work.  Men as Peacemakers was first organized in the mid-1990's in response to local violence.  They noted that men committed the violence, but women were responsible for finding the solutions.  Men in our community got together to discuss the problems our community (and communities in general) were experiencing with violence, men's role in that violence and what men could do to prevent it.  Out of these discussions grew Men as Peacemakers; an organization committed to getting men off the sidelines and involved in making peace.
Men as Peacemakers now has several programs operating. 

  • Mentoring is available through the in-school mentoring program and the reading partner program. 
  • Restorative Practice.  Restorative justice is an alternative to a punitive model of dealing with crime and conflict.  It is grounded in a philosophy that recognizes the importance and power of human relationships. Restorative practice refers to the application of these principles in settings other than the criminal justice system.  Men as Peacemakers has become a central hub of restorative practice in the Duluth area, offering facilitation and training in schools, workplaces, families, and in other community settings.
  • MN Men's Action Network has been developed by Men as Peacemakers in conjunction with other Minnesota programs to prevent sexual violence.  They are developing a network of men and male leadership to work on this vital issue.
  • The Community Offender Reentry Program is a collaborative program that helps ex-offenders successfully reintegrate back into our community.

Come vote for the Woven Basket Recipients May 15
Thank you to everyone who completed a Woven Basket nomination form.  Your loving generosity has submitted the names of many great programs.  However, the Woven Basket Team hasn't been able to review them all quite yet.  A sample ballot will be available by Sunday, May 3.  The ballot will list the organizations you can vote for to get the Woven Basket collection from July through December.  Mark your calendar and come to the Congregational Meeting on May 15 and vote for the groups you want.

From CHUM:  thanks and upcoming dates

CHUM thanks everyone who contributed to the March Minnesota Food Share Campaign by giving food or cash.  This year's campaign surpassed 2008 by 120% in pounds of food and 11% in monetary contributions - great news for the many people who are requesting food from the food shelves this year .  If you missed the March campaign, you can leave food for your mail carrier on Saturday, May 9 by 9 a.m. by your mailbox - or simply mail a check to CHUM at any time.  This is the annual "Stamp Out Hunger" campaign by postal workers.  All contributions from both campaigns go directly to the CHUM food shelf.
And on Saturday, June 27 CHUM's annual Rhubarb Festwill take place at First Lutheran Church and on London Road - Duluth's largest bake sale, plus a silent auction, contests, live music, children's activities, etc.  It has become the UUCD tradition to provide the gluten-free treats for the sale.  If you would like to help bake, or help out at the Fest, please contact Beth Tamminen, at bethtamminen@yahoo.com or 727-5319.        

As you peruse area sales this summer, here are some things CHUM can use:  pots and pans in good condition large enough for a family, like 5 quart and 2 quart size, 12" frying pans, baking sheets, colander, mixing bowls, cereal/soup bowls, plastic cups, can openers, items needed for basic kitchen function.  We also need alarm clocks and kitchen timers, bath towels, wash cloths, kitchen towels, pot holders/hot pads, cutting boards, paring knives.  We do NOT need plates or coffee mugs.  Please be sure all items are clean and functional.

UU Pretty Good Book Group

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

June Book Selection:  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Tuesday, June 16, 7:15pm, Library
January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject.  Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name inside a book by Charles Lamb. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was born as an alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island.  Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members.  Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all guises and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Articulating Your UU Faith

Sundays 1-3 at UUCD  May 3, 10, 17, 24
Ever wondered what to say when someone asks "What do you believe?" or a family member worries about the state of your immortal soul?  This 4 session class will help you find the words to answer those questions and others.  The Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner will lead this UUA curriculum on talking about Unitarian Universalism.      

Denominational Affairs Forums

Cozy Corner in Social Hall

May 3
10:00 AM    What is GA?
10:30 AM    Peacemaking Statement of Conscience
12:30 PM    Ethical Eating Statement of Conscience

May 10
10:00 AM    Ethical Eating Statement of Conscience
10:30 AM    Candidates for UUA President
12:30 PM    Peacemaking Statement of Conscience

For more information contact Hal Bertilson at hbertils@uwsuper.edu

More PSD Thanks -

"Colleen, Ann, Deb -  Thank you so much for the delicious breakfast and lunch you prepared and served to the PSD Board over the weekend.  What a privilege it was for us to meet in your gorgeous new sanctuary and truly experience a green building.  We also appreciate the ethical choices you made in food selection.  We do appreciate your generous spirits."

Kathy Bowman, PSD President

Worship Survey

(worship comes from the old english weorthscippen – and means "worth shaping" )
Please answer the following questions as we think about what we might explore next.

  • Your name
  • Your phone number and email address
  • How long have you been coming to UUCD?
  • How often do you attend worship?
  • Which service do you attend?
  • Our 11:00 service is getting crowded and we need to find a way to balance the attendance at the two services. If the start time for worship changed to 9:15 and 11:15 which service would you attend?
  • What if it were 9:30 and 11:30?
  • Would you be receptive to worship running 15 minutes longer?
  • Would you attend an alternative (3rd) service at a different time – Sunday night, Wednesday night , earlier Sunday morning? 
  • People come to worship for different reasons – why do you attend?
  • How has the worship service changed in the time you have been here?
  • What do you like about the way worship is presently conducted
  • What do you miss from earlier ways the congregation has worshipped?
  • What parts of the service are most important to you?
  • Anything old, new, different you would like to see as part of the worship service?
  • What one thing in the worship service should we not touch (no promises but it's good to know what people feel is sacred)

Please mark any of the following in which you would be interested in participating.

  • Providing special music
  • Being a story teller for the kids
  • Being a lay reader and helping the minister with the service
  • Helping to arrange and decorate the sanctuary for Sunday worship
  • Helping create and implement a third service at a time other than Sunday morning
  • Facilitating a discussion on the sermon topic after the service
  • Ushering - helping  seat people, handing out orders of worship, gathering the offering …
  • Being part of the worship committee and helping shape worship, choose speakers, etc.

Annual UUCD Rummage Sale: Mark Your Calendars!

This Year's Location will be at: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 West College Street

July 17- 18, 2009

PLEASE DO…

  • Wash all washables!
  • Bring infant and children's clothes, toys, books, games, puzzles
  • Donate gardening tools/home fix-up tools/storage containers
  • "Special"/boutique-type items: old/new jewelry, art, antiques, cameras,
  • clocks, good lamps, mirrors, paintings, CD's, books, linens
  • Household items – dishes, glassware, pots & pans, furniture, blankets
  • Anything you think would be appealing at a sale!

PLEASE DON'T…

  • No broken, unwashed, incomplete items
  • No adult clothes (Sorry, they just don't sell well)
  • No TV/VCRs, electronic items or computers.
  • (Unfortunately, we have to pay to haul them away.)

You don't have to wait to drop off your "stuff"! Bring your clean, boxed, stackable items to:  UUCD, Parking Garage Level, Storage Room #2.
If you know the approximate value of your special items,  please mark them or let the rummage sale committee know.

For people who are unable to lift or haul items, special arrangements may be made to pick them up depending upon volunteer availability.  Call Jill or Diana

Your help is needed!

The Rummage Sale Committee will be recruiting people to help. (Exact times and dates soon to be announced.)  Please say, "YES!"

Got stuff? Want to help? Questions? Feel free to call!

Jill Lakhan, Diana/Charlie Moore, Cathy Andberg

Contact UUCD Administrator