November 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 November 2008

Services at 9:00 and 11:00 on Sunday mornings
835 W. College Street
Nursery care is provided during the service for children up to 6 years old.

!! CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS !!
November 2: Telling Your Story
Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner
Come for the drama, come for the adventure, come for the tall tales and for the bare bones truth as we honor over a century of history at UUCD.

November 9: Radical Hospitality
Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner
What does hospitality look like? As the holiday season approaches, how do we extend the gift of a warm and genuine welcome to all who touch our lives?

November 16: "Weorth Scippen"
Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner
This old English root of our word "worship" translates as "worth-shaping." Join us for an exploration of the ways we shape things of worth in this weekly activity we call worship. A conversation on worship will follow the second service.

November 23: A Harvest of Gratitude
Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner
Byrd Baylor’s book, The Table Where Rich People Sit provides the text for our celebration of gratitude. Guest at your Table boxes will be distributed and canned goods for the food pantry will be collected.

Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00pm
Interfaith Thanksgiving service at Peace Church

November 30: The Many Breads of Community
Members of the Worship Committee will lead this service
Lefse, nan, brioche, new England brown bread, "wonder bread," rye bread, cornbread, tortillas. Almost every culture has its distinctive bread. Please bring a "loaf" of bread which represents your ethnic and cultural heritage or your family traditions and join us as we celebrate the diversity in our community.

** Congregational Meeting Announcement**
Sunday, December 21 at 12:15 in the Sanctuary
Vote on 2009 Budget, which will be mailed after Board approval
Vote on Peace Pledge Approve By-law changes
Vote on UUA Peace Issue

In Medias Res *

Rev. Gail in her study Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! – the mantra taught to entering DRE’s in the LRDA start up workshops in the Mass Bay district.

Who else needs to know? - Written on a three by five card and posted by the phone on a colleague's desk: "Stuff happens fast here." Since the last news letter went to press, UUCD ordained Suzanne Wasilchuk, convened an RE leadership team, met for worship 5 times, hosted dozens of committee meetings, classes and small groups, and launched this year’s canvass. In that same window I’ve spent three days on retreat with the Prairie Star District clergy reflecting on the place of church in a time of climate change, met with the Prairie Star District Executive to find a consultant to review the personnel process that led to our choir director’s departure last summer, preached 4 times, hosted the Sunday school summit and the first meeting of the Worship Arts Guild, listened while elders reminisced about their years at 1802, and enjoyed the spectacular autumn foliage.

Not everyone that is a part of UUCD cares deeply about all of these things, but each of these things is important to some subset of the congregation. The challenge is to figure out how to get the right information to the people who want it without swamping the rest with extra information! First class mail is a bit on the pricey side, and there aren’t enough hours in the day to call or even e-mail everyone who might want to know. This calls for an experiment. This calls for an adventure into the digital realms. This calls for a blog. So, for the next two months , if you are curious about goings on at UUCD and interested in your interim minister’s reflections on such things, you will be able to log on to the UUCD website and check my blog.

I know not everyone in this congregation is online and that means not everyone will have easy access to the website and the blog. Our UU youth have a simple solution to this. They match the "unplugged" with the computer savvy and ask the online member of the team to keep their buddy in the loop by phone, snail mail or in person. I suspect we adults could manage something similar. If you are online and you see something on the blog that you think someone off line might want to know , print it and drop it in the mail to them, or call them up and tell them about it… If you are one of the "unplugged" ask around and see if one of your friends might be willing to be your computer buddy. I’m looking forward to seeing how this experiment will work for us!

Blessings, Gail

*An Important PS* In response to the many concerns raised at the departure of our choir director last summer, the Board is engaging a consultant from the Prairie Star District to review the events and process which led to her resignation. We are currently in conversation with David Lauth about the process and timeline for this review and about the ways he would prefer to gather information. David is a long time UU, a past president of First Universalist in Minneapolis, a member of the Prairie Star District conflict resolution team and an attorney with expertise in mediation. WATCH THE BLOG for continued information and for details about how you might have input into the review process.

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

Board Report for September

Your Board of Trustees met at 7PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2008.

The Consent Agenda (monthly reports emailed to the Board) was reviewed and accepted
The August 26 Board minutes were accepted
Leadership development funding was returned to UUCD because the class was canceled
An agreement for the conditional donation of the painting: "Windows – First Unitarian Church of Duluth" by Dale Hagen was discussed and approved.
The treasurer report included information about several items. There is a cash flow concern which should be resolved soon. Cash donations are up. The upcoming 2009 canvas was discussed, and congregants will be making predictions instead of pledges this year.
Gail's report included a first draft of the board covenant, which will be discussed and improved at a retreat scheduled for November 15 from 9AM to 12PM.
A timeline was agreed on leading up to the December 21 Congregational meeting

(Soon): Forms for committee budget requests will be sent out
Nov 13: December Newsletter deadline; the Notice of the Meeting (with an explanation that the budget will be mailed after Board approval) will be published.
Dec 2: Board votes on 2009 budget
Dec 5: Mailing deadline for Notice of Meeting (including full agenda, language of Peace Proposal, Bylaw changes, the 2009 Budget and proxy forms)
Dec 7 and 14: Hearings will be scheduled after the second service for questions, comments, etc., regarding the Budget and Bylaw changes
Dec 7 and 14: Notice of Meeting will be announced before worship
Dec 21 at 12:15 PM: The congregational meeting will be held

A discussion regarding growth and RE space usage was next. Over 70 children attended the Sep 7 service. There are 5 age groups in RE. Areas such as the workroom are now being used for RE classes. A "Sunday School Summit" was planned for October 4 from 1-3PM. A goal is to recruit more RE volunteers and develop a RE committee.
A report was provided by the subgroup that reviewed the Phase II priorities. The list includes (large items) RE wing walls; striping in garage and outside; signage in critical areas (entry ways for example). The small list includes: Vents; plumbing in the Great Room and Work Room for sinks; overhead lighting.
The "Big Event" proceeds may be used to fund several of the Phase II priorities.
The Board discussed the "Safe Congregation" documents that were referenced on the Web. Safe Congregation policies are quite extensive, and outline "right relations" between individuals and groups within a UU congregation. In some cases this extends to such things as background checks for employees and volunteers, etc. It was agreed to table this topic until January due to other pressing issues. Some of this work has partially been done, for example, in the Religious Education area.
The ordination of Suzanne Wasilczuk was discussed and Board members were invited to attend.
The status of the "Musician" position was discussed. The job description was discussed. Gail arranged a meeting of the Choir members to better explain the Musician position. Choir members were encouraged to help out with the temporary hire of the Musician. At the time of the Board meeting none of the Choir members had agreed to be on the search team. The Board agreed that UUCD needs a Choir and a Choir director, and recommended that Choir members be asked again. A motion to move ahead with the Musician position carried.
After three closed Board sessions focused on the listening session results, the Board voted to do three things:

Invite Cyndi Gritzmacher to talk with the Board at a closed session
Invite Karen Bauman to talk with the Board at a closed session
Ask Interim Minister Gail Marriner to request a referral from the Prairie Star District to have an external person review the full process used that resulted in the resignation of Cyndi Gritzmacher as Choir director.
The Board also agreed to schedule several additional "listening sessions" at an individual level to allow for more input to the UUCD Board.

A new process for announcements and highlights was introduced. The Board member doing the welcome will check a folder in the administrative office before each service. That way anyone can ask Kathy Stinnett via email to add something to the envelope, or they can also do that on their own 15 minutes before the 9AM service.
An update on the "Collaborative Growth Grant" was provided to the Board. Gloria Walters is working with several groups within the UUCD congregation who will meet with leaders from White Bear Unitarian Universalist. The general topic is growth, White Bear has been recognized recently as a "Breakthrough Congregation".
Changes to the Personnel Policy were handed out and the Board will vote on them next month.
Generally new Board members (we need 3 replacements) are recruited starting in February. This will be added to the agenda under tracking items.
Board welcomes were assigned. The next board meeting is Monday, October 27 at 7PM.
The meeting was adjourned about 9:15 PM.

Please take time to thank your Board members for their hard work. They are a dedicated group of individuals who do focus on the mission, vision, and goals of our congregation.

Drum Circle

drum circle logo The monthly drum circle will meet on Friday, November 7 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.

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.

Board Members

President: Dan Burrows dburrows@d.umn.edu
Administration: Larissa Schmitt larissa.schmitt@gmail.com
Treasurer: Paul Borrmann kdonn@cpinternet.com
Secretary: Alison Lutterman alutterman@duluthmn.gov
Planning: James Lund jlund@lakenet.com
Vice President: Tara Richter tararichte@gmail.com
Worship/RE: Carol Michealson cmicheal@d.umn.edu
Outreach: Gloria Walters dansing52@yahoo.com
Membership: Kathy Heltzer kheltzer@charter.net

Money Talks: Questions, Questions!

Have you filled out and returned your Prediction Form yet?
If not, do you have enough information from us to make your Prediction?
What else do you want us to tell you?
Did you misplace your form?
Would you like us to send you another?

Why do I ask so many questions? Because I want each of you to be a patch on our UUCD quilt by telling how much you expect to provide for our 2009 operating expenses.

We need to know so that next month in this column I can begin to answer the question: will we able to meet all of our program needs?

Paul Borrmann, Treasurer

Fun, Fun, Fun-Raising

Ann Fryberger and a bunch of her friends are planning a great time for all on November 22. Look for information in this newsletter, and mark the date!

"The Big Event" 2008: Theme: Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse Our Treasures - Saturday, November 22

Watch for your personal invitation with all the details.
Cash Bar by licensed caterer

Created and prepared by our own chef Colleen Betts
50% of the menu is Locavore*
Cassoulet Toulouse:
A succulent dish of white beans, locally smoked sausages, duck, goose, savory herbs and fresh tomatoes
or
Vegan Cassoulet:
As above with herbed tempeh
Haricots Verts
Baby green beans
Salad
torn romaine and garden vegetables tossed with balsamic vinaigrette
Assorted artisanal breads
Berry Compote with Sabayon

*LOCAVORE: Those who prefer to eat locally grown/produced food sometimes call themselves "localvores" or locavores.
Local food (also regional food or food patriotism) or the local food movement is a "collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies - one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular place" and is considered to be a part of the broader sustainability movement. It is part of the concept of local purchasing and local economies, a preference to buy locally produced goods and services. Those who prefer to eat locally grown/produced food sometimes call themselves "localvores" or locavores.

Congregational Meeting – Request for Vote on Peacemaking Pledge

The Peace and Justice Committee requests that the Peacemaking Pledge (attached and also shown below) shall be submitted to the congregation for a vote of support on December 21, 2008. This pledge is proposed as a statement of commitment by this congregation effective immediately upon congregational endorsement to work to build a culture of peace. While other UU congregations have adopted similar declarations, this Pledge is not related to the vote scheduled for General Assembly 2009 on the Peacemaking Congregational Study/Action issue.
Respectfully,
Susan Dailey

Peacemaking Pledge: Our Commitment to Peacemaking

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth formally pledges itself to building a culture of peace. We pledge our commitment to peace in the following ways.

Inward Peacemaking

We pledge to continue to learn as a community to create deeper peace within ourselves as individuals. In buildingour own inner harmony, self-acceptance, compassionate understanding of our own needs and feelings, we increase our capacity to provide that to others. Inner peace empowers us to build outward peace.

Interpersonal Peacemaking

We pledge to create deeper peace in our relations with others, through learning to: listen more deeply;
communicate our feelings and needs in effective, non-blaming and non-shaming ways; handle conflicts skillfully and respectfully; see always the ‘inherent worth and dignity’ in the other despite differences.

Congregational Peacemaking

We pledge to create deeper peace within our congregation through:

Building norms of respect and understanding for those who differ from us by belief, ethnic background, culture, gender orientation, or style
Making congregational decisions in ways that build consensus through finding common ground and
‘Win-win’ solutions, avoiding power struggles and factions - having in place an effective process for resolving conflicts within the congregation.

Societal Peacemaking

We pledge to build a deeper understanding of systemic violence and to be active in the wider community in reducing systemic causes of violence. We do this through:

Participating in local, regional, and national efforts to build a more peaceful and just society
Addressing racism, classism and other forms of cultural and economic oppression
Working toward changes in life style and policies that lead us toward greater harmony with our natural environment
Envisioning and working toward a society that respects the inherent worth and dignity of each person.

International Peacemaking

We pledge to build a deeper understanding of the causes of, and ways to prevent, war and intercommunity violence. We pledge to learn about and support:

Peaceful approaches to international conflicts
International programs that encourage healthy and balanced economic development in all countries
International efforts that address the causes of violence – poverty, economic instability, lack of education, etc.

Creating a Center for Peacemaking

We pledge to use our congregation’s resources to not only become effective in peacemaking within our congregations, but to be a recognized resource for peacemaking.

How would you prefer your newsletter to be delivered?

During November and December we will gather your preferences for newsletter delivery. Beginning January 2009 only those who have chosen paper hard copies (and communicated their preference) will receive the UU News of the Twin Ports by mail.

Please do one of the following:

cut out the form below, complete it and mail it to the UUCD office at 835 W. College St., Duluth, MN 55811, or
call and leave a message on the office phone at 724-0308 with your preference or
email your preference to Kathy at uucduluth@gmail.com.

Name__________________________

My choice for delivery of the UUCD newsletter, "UU News of the Twin Ports," is:

_______ Please continue to send me a hard paper copy in the mail
_______ I prefer to read the newsletter on the website at www.uuduluth.org, no reminder needed
_______ I prefer to read the newsletter on the website and would like to be reminded by email when it is available. My email address is: ________________________________
_______ Please remove my name from the mailing list

Music Notes

A song has a few rights the same as ordinary citizens… if it happens to feel like flying where humans cannot fly… to scale mountains that are not there, who shall stop it? Charles Ives

Goodness, we soared to some inspirational heights through music during October! Did you experience Georgia saw the Blue Line (by Warren Park) as sung by the vocal trio during UUCD’s Day of the Dead service? Or enjoy the lovely harp music on that same Sunday? We are fortunate to have many generous musicians willing to share the gift of music with us!

It is with gratitude and appreciation that we thank October music volunteers:
Jan Magree, Diane Loeffler and Jessica Saxton (the Georgia trio), Barbara Glick (harpist)

Members of 8 VA - Paul Borrman,Paul Wartman,Steve Volkman,Ann Nordgren, Sandra Helin, Diane Loeffler, Rebecca Volkman and Jan Magree plus vocalist Grace Bauman and Music Programming Administrator Karen Bauman who all represented UUCD at the Interfaith Nat’l Coming Out Day service held at Pilgrim Congregational.

Dennis Warner shared his message of peace in his song Beads on One String during October as well. His presence was possible because of everyone who supports the operating budget at UUCD. Many thanks to each of you!

Have YOU noticed an improvement in the sound system function during services?
A BIG thank you is due to the donor of our new Feedback Filter who wishes to remain anonymous. Our patchwork method of finishing the building is moving along!

GREAT Scott!

No, actually Jim Scott will grace UUCD with his magical music in a CONCERT! Now is the time to mark your calendar:

Friday November 14th 7 Pm, UUCD Sanctuary

$10 individual / $20 family (more if you can/less if you must)

This is a VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY and ecology based event! Jim Scott is a UU musician/song writer/teller of tales with national stature who ignited the Green Sanctuary movement in the UUA. He will relish our green building on his visit here!

Jim engages all ages in the principles of caring for the earth, being UU and in the wonder of music. Not to be missed!

Opportunities for Making Music!

Sunday Nov. 16 Multigenerational Sing! 10:15 (learn) Sanctuary (learn a round about peace) 11:00 (sing) Sanctuary
Wassail Services (Sunday Dec. 14th) rehearsal or scheduling for individual/small group musician(s) arrange with Karen to share at either or both Sunday services

Ministerial Transition Team Soup Suppers

Who are we? How do we care? How do we practice justice? How do we grow spiritually? How do we communicate?

Come to soup suppers and help us answer the questions

Nov 19 – Caring
Dec 17 – Spirituality
Jan 21 – Justice
Feb 18 – Communication

Details

5:30-7:00 Supper and Discussion Cost: $1.00
Reservations encouraged Child care available upon request
Email Carol Turner if you’ll need childcare and indicate which dates cgeot@gmail.com
What we discover will be part of our search for a settled minister.

Sponsored by Management Transition Team (MTT). Questions? Visit MTT table after service or contact Barbara Lund at 525-0308 or blund@lakenet.com.

If You're Thinking Of Becoming A Member Of UUCD.

New members will be welcomed to our congregation during both worship services on Sunday, Nov. 2. Those who join will be recognized during a brief and joyful Welcoming New Members Ceremony which includes a significant symbolic ritual--signing the same book signed by all members since l887.

Of course, membership is much more than signing a book. It is about identification and commitment and signifies:

taking a stand and making a decision about who you are and who you intend to become
placing oneself in association with others with whom you have common values and life attitudes
making a personal commitment to share one's talents, resources, and energy to support the work (and the play!) of the congregation.

If you intend to become a member on Nov. 2, please contact: Interim Minister, Gail Lindsay Marriner at ministeruucd@gmail.com or 724-6084, Congregational Administrator Kathy Stinnett at uucduluth@gmail.com or 724-0308, or Membership Chair, Molly Benson at calbenmn@chartermi.net

To support the transition into membership, there will be a Path To Membership Class from 9--1 on Sat., Nov. 1 (the day before the Welcoming New Members Ceremony). It’s for anyone thinking about membership at UUCD now or in the future. Participants will learn more about the many facets of UUism, share their spiritual journeys, and get acquainted with other new members.

This class is a highly recommended opportunity to enter in membership "on the right foot"--as an informed and engaged new member. Please sign up at the Welcome Table--or by contacting Kathy (uucduluth@gmail.com or 724-0308) at the UUCD office. For those unable to attend, there will be an opportunity to meet with Gail or Molly so that you, too, can enter into membership informed and engaged.

One last (but important) thing--Signing the membership book privately is another meaningful option. For those who would prefer that, contact Gail, Kathy, or Molly to make the necessary arrangements.

Caring Corner

Just a reminder that we have a wheel chair, walker and some other health-related things that may be borrowed for short-term use. Assisted hearing devices are also available during the Sunday services. Please call Julie Morgan or the church office (724-0308) for more information.

The Candles of Joy and Concern ritual in the Sunday service is a way to let the Beloved Community know about significant life-changing, life-challenging situations. Light a candle to tell of a new baby, an ill parent, and a milestone birthday. People in the hospital or at home, after a happy or traumatic event, often ask to have a candle lit for them. Used in this way, this ritual helps us to know and support each other.

Although the temptation is great, Candles of Joy and Concern is not a time for political announcements. The way to announce political, non-private events is to sign up with the Worship Committee to do a "Life Matters" presentation during the Sunday service, arrange to have an announcement read before the service, place an announcement in the newsletter, or to put fliers on the Get Connected Table!

Thanks,
Julie Morgan juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com
p.s Don’t forget to sign up to be an active member of the Caring Committee. Fun! No charge! No meetings! A chance to meet good folk and DO GOOD!

Joys & Concerns

Best wishes to David Backstrand, who, after six months of chemo is taking six weeks off to let his body rebuild. Call David at 348-2703--he’d love to have coffee with you!
Best wishes to John Langdon. John is home in Knife River with daily assistance. John welcomes company. Short visits in the late afternoon are best. You do not need to call first.
Rita B. Bergstedt’s disabled daughter, Sherry Lynn Anderson, age 48, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2008. She was a smiling, happy angel child and her caregivers loved her dearly. Rita wishes to thank the UUCD community for their care and support during this very difficult time. The memorial service was on Saturday, October 25th with music provided by Karen and Grace Bauman, Sara Thomsen, Rachel Nelson and the Echoes of Peace Choir. A message in honor of caregivers was given by the Rev. Gail Marriner.
Kathryn Fuller writes that she has relocated to California where she is now affiliated with the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego. Best wishes, Kathryn!

Welcoming Congregation Reorganizes!

A Welcoming Congregation Reorganization Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 16 at 9:15 at Bixby’s. In case you don’t know, the Welcoming Congregation Committee promotes acceptance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people and their families into full participation at UUCD. We also keep the congregation apprised of current legislation and issues that pertain to GLBT equality. We have an active history in this congregation and invite YOU (gay--straight, whatever) to join with us as we plan for the future. Interested in equality??? This committee is for you! For more information please contact Julie Morgan juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com or just show up at Bixby’s.

Women's Moon Group

Event	Date	Time	Ritual Leader	UU Room
Full Moon	Thursday, November 13	7:00-8:30 pm	Michelle	Library
New Moon	Thursday, November 27	X	No gathering	X
Full Moon	Friday, December 12	7:00-8:30 pm	Lorraine	Library
Winter Solstice	Sunday, December 21	Moon group co-leads UU Solstice service		Sanctuary
New Moon	Saturday, December 27	X	No gathering	X
Full Moon	Saturday, January 10	7:00-8:30 pm	Salima	Library
New Moon	Monday, January 26	7:00-8:30 pm	Lorraine	Library

All rituals take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth (unless noted otherwise). The rituals are roughly an hour long starting promptly at 7:00 pm. You’re welcome to come early for meet-and-greet time beforehand. After the ritual we end with socializing and snacks.

There are always opportunities to lead a moon ritual or take part in a Solstice service. Contact Alisa DeRider if you’re interested: aderider@msn.com.

Jim Scott In Concert

Here at UUCD, Friday, Nov 14 at 7:00pm $10 individual / $20 family (more if you can, less if you must)

Over the last fifteen years, Jim has performed and led services at more than 300 UU Churches, as well as Congregational, Presbyterian, Methodist, Unity, and Church of Religious Science congregations, across the US, Canada and UK. Three of Jim's songs are included in the UU hymnbook, Singing the Living Tradition, and one of these, "Gather the Spirit," has become well known across many denominations. Participants often comment on the dynamic, tangible spirituality evoked by his music, and his music is sung from church choirs to campfires across the country.

Jim Scott was Co-Chair of the UU Seventh Principle Project in 2000, and he is spreading the word about this ecological/spiritual network and the "Green Sanctuary Program" in his sermons and concerts. He also serves on the board of the UU Musicians Network.

Green Corner

Outdoor Sanctuary planning: step 2

Following this summer’s walk-arounds to help people become familiar with the limits, topography, and vegetative features of our property, we took the next step on October 5. Eighteen congregants stayed after the second service to participate in the first advertised planning session, intended to identify people’s primary ideas and desires.

Multiple categories of interest were identified, including: various gardens, youth annex and play area, picnic spot, memorial features, meditation nook, parking, pedestrian paths, and a vegetation management plan. Preferred locations for all suggestions were marked on an enlarged map of the property. Very few of the suggestions would appear to be in conflict, and most conflict appears likely to be only mild competition for specific locations. The written ideas will be compiled into the starting point from which a development plan will be formed.

With democratic input from all interested parties, the Green Sanctuary committee will guide the planning process and ultimately assemble a package proposal for submission to the Board. We intend to complete this planning phase by next spring. Stay tuned: you will all be asked and offered the opportunity to make your specific wishes known.

Tree from Karen Gustafson

When Karen left our congregation in 2007, she indicated that she wanted to donate a tree to our College Street home. Thanks to Bunter Knowles, that tree has now been planted and protected from wandering herbivores. The tree is an Autumn Blaze maple, located on the west side of the pond. The Green Sanctuary committee still needs to determine a way to mark this gift; if you have an idea, let us know.

Willing to help occasionally with outdoor projects? Building tours?

The Green Sanctuary committee would like to compile a list of friends who are willing to be called on occasionally to help with outdoor projects such as work around the pond, etc. Also, we are being asked to give quite a few tours or the green features of the building, and we need to have some more tour guides to call upon when there is a large group or a request for a tour when our especially knowledgeable members are not available. If you are willing to be contacted to help with either of these, please let a GS committee member know when we are at the "Connections" table in early November, or email Beth Tamminen at, bethtamminen@yahoo.com.

Spirit Valley Young Mothers Program

Katie delivered a baby girl by the name of Keyona Jade on October 9, and both are doing very well. A shower was given by staff at Spirit Valley and volunteers on Oct. 20, and Katie received lots of clothes, blankets, and other items for her baby. We all had a nice time holding the baby, snacking and talking with the mothers, other volunteers, and staff. Thanks very much to all UUs who donated gifts for baby Keyona.

In December we will have a holiday party for the moms and their children. We hope to have a book and one other gift for each of the six children and a gift certificate or a gift of money for each mother. More information will be in the December newsletter.

There is always a need for donations of dressers, chests of drawers and other small storage cabinets as well as shampoo, soap, diapers, deodorant, feminine products, etc. Please place donations in the basket marked Spirit Valley in the cloak room hall. If you have large items, please notify Carol Michealson. If you would like to become a volunteer, please contact Laura Kenig (laurack@citlink.net).

Thanks for all the donations you have given. They are always appreciated

CHUM: Recommendations of MN Legislative Commission to End Poverty Presented on Nov. 6

On November 4 we will determine who will serve as our elected leaders - but after that much anticipated date, there will still be many political issues and organizing efforts worthy of our ongoing attention. One such important initiative is the Minnesota Legislative Commission to End Poverty, which has been holding statewide hearings and developing recommendations for the past year. Their draft recommendations will be presented to the Duluth community at the CHUM Fall Community Assembly on Thursday, November 6, at the First Lutheran Church Social Hall - 6:30 pm coffee, 7:00 meeting. Speakers will be the Commissions' Executive Assistant (and former legislator) Gregory Gray and Executive Director of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition Brian Rusche. The goal of the evening is to receive community comments and to mobilize community efforts to insure that the 2009 legislature implements the Commission's recommendations. If you are interested in joining other UUs at this event, contact Beth Tamminen or Kathy Heltzer

CHUM: Special Events/Fundraisers

Pumpkin Pie Sale - to benefit CHUM Food Shelves: Tuesday, November 4, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. @ First United Methodist Church.If you can help any time between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. please contact Meg Kearns at megkearns@chumduluth.org
Interfaith Holiday Concert Saturday, December 6, 7:00 pm Marshall School, Fregeau Auditorium Featured Musicians: The Three Altos and Bill Bastian

Religious Education

Greetings UU Families and Friends,

On October 19th, we enjoyed our first official Coming of Age Orientation graciously hosted at Geiger and David Yount's lovely lakeside home. I want to thank David and Geiger for all their help in setting up and cleaning up (!) for this event and Hal Bertilson for recommending this program.

Tanya Moore and I are adapting this curricula, which was developed at the UU Congregation in East Lansing, Michigan, to meet the unique needs of our middle schoolers.

Ultimately, our goal is to help our kids define for themselves who they are and what they believe.

Additionally, we want to help parents through this transition by encouraging them to formalize and negotiate what privileges will be granted and responsibilities expected as offspring transition from child to teenager.

Like all COA programs, ours will include learning, testing, initiation and an end-of year celebration.

As always, we are open to your thoughts and ideas as we continue to develop programming.

Fun! Fun! Fun!
please be sure to attend
The Big Event
Saturday, November 22
Come with your children!
see master magician John Bushy perform feats of magic and wizardry!

Carol George Turner, Director of Religious Education

Adult Enrichment Offerings November 2008

Adult Enrichment Committee Mission Statement:

Our mission is to enrich the community by developing a program of classes and activities through a cooperative and creative process which fosters spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth.

Registration is not required, but is helpful to the presenter. Please register by phoning UUCD administrator, Kathy Stinnett at 724-0308.

Health Care USA Style: Something a Band-Aid Can’t Fix.

We’ve all heard about problems with health care and insurance. Many have experienced them first hand: 47 million people without health insurance; people filing bankruptcy because their medical costs are more than their insurance will pay (if they have insurance); private insurance executives paid millions while their companies deny coverage to their policyholders who are seriously ill. Why are other industrial countries able to insure all their citizens while the richest country in the world can’t?

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth and Northland Health Care for All Coalition are co-sponsoring a three-part series exploring these issues and offering some solutions. Session I was held October 26. If you missed the first one, you may still attend either or both of the last two sessions.

Session II. Physicians for a National Health Program. Dr. Faris Keeling is an emergency room physician at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth and member of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) and UUCD. He will present the plan for single-payer health insurance proposed by PNHP and show a video produced by them on Sunday, November 2, 12:30-2:30 in the Social Hall of UUCD. A question and answer period will follow and snacks will be served.

Session III. Workshop: How to obtain health insurance for all. Speakers Dr. Patrick Schoenfelder, retired physician, Buddy Robinson, Executive Director of the Citizen's Federation, Susan Jordan and Sally Munger of UUCD. All are active in Northland Healthcare for All Coalition. Saturday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30. Social Hall.

Reducing Human Numbers to a Sustainable Level

by David Paxson, Thursday, November 20, 7:00 p.m. Social Hall.

Mr. Paxson is a national leader on the issue of population growth and stabilization and founder of World Population Balance. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics and a concentration in Environmental Education and Policy. He worked at the Center for Population Studies at the University of Minnesota.

"Of all the issues we face, none is more important than population growth," says a National Geographic feature on Population. Many world leaders understand that humanity is at a crisis point concerning the interlocking issues of population pressure, rapidly declining resources, and poverty. For the past 20 years the planet’s people have been consuming more resources every day than Earth is producing. Currently this overconsumption/overshoot is almost 25%. Obviously, this cannot continue, because many vital resources including oil, natural gas, fresh water, arable land and topsoil, ocean fish stocks are declining at alarming rates."

David Paxson, founder of World Population Balance, reviews the realities of this overriding issue and discusses how concerned individuals can actively help stabilize and reduce both world and national population -- for the benefit of everyone on the planet . . . and for generations to come. "One of the best things we can do for our children is to stabilize population growth at a truly sustainable level so they will have opportunities for a decent life." Join us for this highly informative and fast-paced presentation.

Bake and Craft Sale

Hi there! There’s no better time than now to begin making your crafts for UUCD’s annual Holiday Bake & Craft Sale. This year’s event will be held Sunday, December 14 @ 10:00 a.m. between the two services. Craft Ideas

Newcomers' Information Sessions (about an hour long) . . .

. . . will be held after the second service on Nov. 16. All newcomers are invited and encouraged to attend. It is an opportunity to learn more about our amazing congregation and association and about UUism, past and present. Participants will receive a Newcomers Packet chock full of "good stuff," and there will be snacks and child care.
Pre-registration isn't necessary.

P. S. to all members and friends of UUCD: Newcomers Information Sessions are not just for newcomers. They are an opportunity for you to meet and greet some awesome folks (and to learn more about all things UU). Please consider attending! You will be enriched and your presence will enrich others.

UU Pretty Good Book Group

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

November Book Selection: Scribbling The Cat by Alexandra Fuller

Tuesday, November 18 at 7pm at UMD Library Rotunda Fourth Floor

Scribbling The Cat is no more a simple profile of an ex-soldier than Fuller's first book, the acclaimed bestseller Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, was merely a memoir of growing up.... The story catches fire." – Newsweek

We will join the new Alworth International Reading Group for this month only. This is a new reading group to discuss books relating to international studies, and to promote a greater understanding of the world. The author, Alexandra Fuller, will be the guest lecturer the next night, Wednesday, November 19, at 7pm at UMD Montague Hall 70, and speak about her native Zimbabwe and her writings.

December Book Selection: The Life And Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid a memoir by Bill Bryson

Tuesday, November 18, 7:15 pm, Library

Bill Bryson was born in the middle of the American century—1951—in the middle of the United States—Des Moines, Iowa—in the middle of the largest generation in American history—the baby boomers. As one of the best and funniest writers alive, he is perfectly positioned to mine his memories of a totally all-American childhood for 24 carat memoir gold. Like millions of his generational peers, Bill Bryson grew up with a rich fantasy life as a superhero. In his case, he ran around his house and neighborhoods with an old football jersey with a thunderbolt on it and a towel about the neck that served as his cape, leaping tall buildings in a single bound and vanquishing awful evildoers (and morons)—in his head—as "The Thunderbolt Kid."

"What’s your point, honey?"

Life House, Inc. is holding a fundraiser, "Life House for Leadership," to take place in the fall of 2008. The event will be comprised of three screenings of the documentary, "What’s your point, honey?" each followed by a "Why Women Matter" panel discussion. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for students. All proceeds will benefit Life House, Inc.

Nov 10 and 12 at 7pm at Teatro Zuccone (222 E. Superior St)
Nov 11 at 7pm at UMD Montague 80

Be a part of the puzzle...Puzzle PEACE!

Puzzle PEACE, the Northland Interfaith Youth Choir, is into its new "groove" of singing together on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at Peace United Church of Christ (UCC), 1111 N. 11th Ave. E. in Duluth. THANKS to Pastor Kathy, Cynthia Coffin, Janell Kohls and ALL the welcoming people of Peace UCC.

We are planning to sing 1-2 times in Nov. and Dec. and will accept new singers through Nov. 9. If you are interested in singing for PEACE, you are welcome to join us, and bring a friend! We are singing our fall and winter repertoire, including "When the Lights All Shine" by Teresa Jennings, "Peace Round" (traditional), and various Freedom Songs such as "This Little Light of Mine", "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" and "Oh Freedom".

Rehearsals take place at Peace UCC from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Nov. 9 and 23. For further information, call Peace UCC (724-3637) or director Cyndi Gritzmacher and leave a message.

EVERYONE fits in Puzzle PEACE...putting the world together, piece by PEACE!
Sponsored by Arrowhead Interfaith Council

"Sharing Indian Culture From East And West"

All are invited to a sharing between Anishanabe people and East Indian people Thursday, November 13th at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 W. College Street. Registration is at 5:45 p.m., dinner at 6:00 p.m., and program at 7:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy two beautiful cultures, with food for body and spirit. The menu includes wild rice, fry bread, and blueberry soup (American Indian foods) and chicken tikka masala, navratan korma, and basmati rice, and kheer (East Indian foods).

Skip and Babette Sandman will speak about the Anishanabe culture and spiritual practices. Indra and Chandra Mehrota will speak about East Indian culture and Hindu spiritual practices.

$15 at the door; no charge for children twelve and under. Free childcare will be provided.

* Sponsored by the Arrowhead Interfaith Council *
Contact AIC President Erik Nordgren if you have any questions at ernordgren44@gmail.com or phone 310-0966.

Sign up now to attend or host a Circle Brunch or Supper!

Do you ever look around at all of the interesting people on Sunday morning and wonder who they are? Circle "meals" are a great way to get to know some of the delightful people attending our services.

Sign up now to attend one of the following events or let us know if you’re interested in hosting a Circle Brunch or Supper! Please email Cherie at littlebitbridges@juno.com with the following information:

UUCD Circle Brunch or Supper

Name _____________________________________________Phone(s)__________________
Best time to reach you______________ Email_______________________________________
Children’s names/ages _________________________________________________________
List your top three choices (include date/place) and we’ll do our best to schedule this for you:
1._________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________________
Allergies: (pet, food, etc.) ______________________________________________________

____Please contact me/us with information about hosting a brunch or supper.

Here’s the schedule thus far…more dates will be announced shortly!

UUCD Circle Dinners – Fall 2008
Date and type of meal	Host(s)	Theme	Who	Pets
Supper on Saturday, November 8th	Barbara Akre	Post-election potluck	Adults	None
Sunday, November 9, after the 11:00 service--French Toast Casserole and Bacon Brunch	Bev Berntson and Jerry Challman	Brunch	Adults only (unless someone has a small infant) due to our small, crowded space. We can seat about six more people besides ourselves.
Supper on Sunday, November 9	Cherie Sawinski	Chopsticks Style (Taste of Saigon take-out--everyone attending will contribute both ideas and $$ for the menu) followed by a Mah-Jong lesson	Adults only this time, 6 guests total.	We have a dog who is occasionally indoors; our cat recently died.
Saturday, November 15, 6:00pm—Local food	Jim and Barb Lund	Local Harvest Dinner. Bring something produced in the local area this year.	Adults	none
Dinner on December 6	Mark MacLean	Vegetarian Experiments (Bring a veggie dish/salad you’ve never made before)		Indoor cat, Ollie. (Other cats not invited.)

Please call Cherie at 728-6925 (H) if you have any great ideas, questions, or concerns.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth

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