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October 2009 UUCD Newsletter

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

Sunday Services and Religious Education for October 2009

October 4– Association Sunday "We need not think alike to love alike" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

More than anything else the challenge of our liberal faith is finding ways to love one another even when we disagree.  

October 11 –"Reverence and Irreverence"  Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

What is reverence? Why do we need it? When is irreverence the more reverent choice? What are the boundaries for each in a community that strives for radical hospitality?  Today we dedicate Pete's Room in the Garden.

October 18 –"Beyond Categorical Thinking"

    • UUA and UUCD Search Committee
    • UUA Facilitators Gil Guerrero and Edward Carroll

"The Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT) program works with Unitarian Universalist congregations to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the ministerial search process.  During the BCT visit, the congregation will learn more about its institutional culture, examine ways it can be more inclusive in its consideration of ministerial candidates and surface subtle and often unintentional, unconscious biases members hold that may result in a decision not to select the minister who would be the best fit for their ministerial needs."  (From the UUA.org website)

October 25 – "Learning how to Fall" Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner

 – We get a bit creaky in the joints, our hearing isn't what it was. We get that first set of bifocals. It's happening to us – we are aging, every single one of us … and the question becomes more urgent – "Knowing that we will die, how then shall we live?"

In medias res

Photo of Gail in her studyI stopped the other day.  I sat still. I didn't make a list of people to call or things to do. I didn't write my newsletter column or work on an order of service.  My kids were in school. Nat was in class. The dog was at home. For perhaps 15 minutes I just sat under the trees and did nothing.

It was a delicious morning, sunny with a breeze and the fall color beginning to show.  The lake glistened.  The wind did that sighing thing that it does in the tops of pines. The air smelled clean and a little wild … 

I'm amazed that I noticed. I'm surprised I paused long enough to pay attention because, to be honest, I might not have. I might have set myself down in that chair, taken a deep breath,  looked around and acknowledged the pretty morning in that half aware way I do when my to-do list is long and I really want to check off the next thing on it, I might have set myself down, nodded to the day and gotten to work. I might have settled myself in the midst of all that deliciousness without even tasting it.
We need a certain amount of delicious-ness in our lives to feel satisfied, filled up, abundant.   Fortunately we don't have to look very far – it is there around us all the time - in the slant of the light, or the music being rehearsed in the other room, or in the taste of the apple we brought for lunch.   When we are busy and preoccupied, though, it's easy to miss. 

I don't know what happens to you when you neglect delicious – but when I fail to pay attention to the very real textures, colors, tastes and smells in my days; when I skim through things not really present to the other people in the room – multitasking or forgetting to leave myself room to breathe, – I end up feeling hollow, empty, depleted.  When that happens finding my way back to delicious takes a lot more effort. 

As we enter the busy fall and move toward the even busier winter holidays I want to offer you a little preventive medicine, a home remedy, perhaps even a spiritual practice. I want to invite you into an experiment. What would happen if each of us were to find our way into ten minutes of delicious each day.  Let me know what you discover!

Blessings, Gail

Report from UUCD President, Kathy Heltzer

Our esteemed President looking very cool in her "shades" Photographer unknown.OK, so who put my picture in our on-line version of this newsletter last month?* Just goes to show that we should all be taking a look at our UUCD web site and related materials found there! Early on in my "presidency" I made a call for increased social justice activities and I am proud and pleased to again recognize folks in our congregation who lead us to receive two different awards in the last few months. We received the Lake Superior Environment Stewardship Award in July (think "College Street Task Force and Green Sanctuary" committee folks especially). Then, in September, the "Standing on the Side of Love" Interfaith Group received the 2009 GLBT Duluth Pride Community Award. As many of you know, our congregation has been a leader in organizing and sustaining this group (think "Rainbow Welcoming Committee) I am especially pleased that these have come at a time when we could simply be putting all of our energies "inward" as we search for a new settled minister and continue to identify resources for our still new building. As a vibrant and growing congregation it is important that we continue to carry out our mission on all fronts, within and outside of our "UUCD community". As for the "board business" of UUCD, check the minutes on our web site and feel free to give me a call if you have any questions or concerns. Last, but not least, I am hoping you all took the time to complete the congregational survey related to our ministerial search and do what you can to participate in the scheduled activities of the Search Committee related to this.

*Editorial note by website coordinator: The Web Page Coordinator is fully responsible for posting of any images on this website. She does, after all, need to have a little fun! So here is one more of our esteemed president looking very cool in her shades at the UUCD water ceremony last year:)

Board of Trustees 2009-2010

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

President: 

Board Members:   

Money Talks

Greetings!  As your new Treasurer, I am looking forward to a challenging year and would like to hear from you with any questions or concerns.  Feel free to contact me at dansing52@yahoo.com. I would also like to mention that I am very appreciative that former Treasurer, Paul Borrmann, has graciously agreed to stay on as Canvass Chair for the 2010 Campaign.  Thank you, Paul!

A Building Fund Appeal Success Story!  I am pleased to announce that 100% of the $684,437 for the Building Fund Appeal pledges were collected by the August 31, 2009 deadline, thereby earning the full match.   A special appreciation goes out to a group of generous individuals who gave above and beyond their original pledges to make up for others who were unable to fulfill their pledges.  Thank you to everyone who worked so diligently on this campaign!  On to the next challenge of the remaining mortgage debt.

New Special Events/Fundraiser needed!  Our dynamic and energetic Ann Fryberger cannot clone herself, so we need someone to take on this exciting and rewarding job!  We are looking for teams, co-chairs, a one-time event coordinator...we can be flexible.   Give me a call with your feedback or ideas. 

Gloria C. Walters, UUCD Treasurer  

With Two Wings

Needs, Wants and Desires

On September 27, we kicked off a fund raising campaign entitled With Two Wings. The goal: to make sure that all the programs and initiatives we do can be sustained. It is our hope that everyone will participate so that we can reduce the debt owed on our building and to ensure that we have the pledge income needed for our 2010 operating budget.

Our need is to secure financial strength and stability for our congregation in order to continue building upon our accomplishments these past years.

Much is a stake. Our success in this fund drive will give us the ability and security to take the next steps to fulfill the wants and desires of our congregation as outlined in our mission & vision statement:

"Together we will be a beacon of progressive religion in our region, inspiring positive change in the world. Together we will care for one another, growing spiritually, and working for justice."

In these challenging economic times what better investments can you find than that of your own community? By about the 15th of this month, you will be receiving information and a request to make a commitment to both the operating budget and the capital campaign. I urge you to participate at the level you believe you are most capable of. As always, we understand that your circumstances might severely limit the amount of your contribution. Please know that whatever the amount you dedicate will be greatly appreciated. 

Join us as we invest in the future of this congregation. Imagine what the future can hold for our congregation 10, 20 or 100 years from now? That future is in our hands today. Like a fledgling dove we are ready to spread our wings and fly.

Count Down to General Assembly, June 23-27, 2009 in Minneapolis!

One of the Top 10 Reasons You Should Go:  Minneapolis is an ideal setting (and close by!)  It is a progressive, culturally diverse, LGBT friendly city that is rich in cultural arts in a stunning natural environment. There are 900 lakes and 170 parks within the Twin Cities area. Check out the UUA website at www.uua.org for further details on GA.   

October 2009 Report From the Ministerial Search Committee

September was a very busy month for the Search Committee.  The committee along with Rev. Gail planned and delivered the Sunday service, Sept. 6, 2009.  Our goal was to introduce the congregation to the year long search process.  We started by giving some history that began three years ago when our minister of 21 years resigned.  The board and then the Transition Team brought us two interim ministers; one served our needs for one year and the second served our needs for two years.  The search committee was selected through the nominating process and elected at the annual meeting in May, 2009.  We began our work in June, 2009.  At the service each of the members explained their role in the process and Ann bookended our explanations with a brief description of the committee's past and future responsibilities.  We strongly encouraged everyone to complete the congregational survey, preferably online, and attend the scheduled cottage meetings.  Following the service we held a forum where people could ask specific questions.

The congregational survey was distributed Sept. 1 with notice that the survey will close on Sept 30.  In early October this information will be tabulated and analyzed for inclusion in our congregational packet.  The search committee provided a supper, a dessert, and a brunch at three Cottage Meetings in which we answered questions and asked people to complete an open-ended questions survey.  Also in October we will complete the congregational packet, our Application for Minister, our Congregational Record, and request our Ministerial Search Representative to give the UUA Transitions Office the go-ahead to unveil our Congregational Record to interested ministerial pre-candidates.  The committee has begun arranging for Neutral Pulpit sites in our region including the hospitality arrangements required for such events.
Negotiating Team reports that the board approved the team's recommended Compensation and The Benefits package (utilizing UUA Fair Compensation Guidelines) and Ministerial Agreement as a beginning point in negotiations with pre-candidates.

Beyond Categorical Thinking

  • WHEN; Sunday, October 18, 2009
  • WHAT; Sunday Services, A Meal, and a 3 Hour Workshop
  • WHO: Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. Sponsored By UUA And UUCD Search Committee. UUA Facilitators Gil Guerrero and Edward Carroll
  • WHY: "The Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT) program works with Unitarian Universalist congregations to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the ministerial search process. 

During the BCT visit, the congregation will learn more about its institutional culture, examine ways it can be more inclusive in its consideration of ministerial candidates and surface subtle and often unintentional, unconscious biases members hold that may result in a decision not to select the minister who would be the best fit for their ministerial needs."  (From the UUA.org website)

The UUA strongly recommends this program for congregations in search.  In fact, it is so highly recommended that the UUA funds a huge percentage of the cost.  You do NOT have to sign up, but there is a signup sheet on the search committee table in the social hall so we can have a guesstimated number of attendees.  We are hoping for at least 100.

Please stay connected, keep the lines of communication open.  We really do want to hear from you.
Barb Kelly, SC Secretary

Ministerial Search Committee:

Newcomers Information Session Sunday, October 11 at 10:45am in the Library

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

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

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.

Path to Membership Class And New Members Welcoming Ceremony

Scheduled For Nov. 14 And 15

New members will be welcomed into our congregation at a brief and joyful NEW MEMBERS WELCOMING CEREMONY during both services on Nov. 15.*  The ceremony includes a significant symbolic ritual--signing the same book signed by all members since 1887.

Membership, of course, is about much more than signing a book.  It is about identification, commitment and:  

  • taking a stand/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
  • 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. 15, 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@gmail.com.  

To support the transition into membership, there will be a PATH TO MEMBERSHIP CLASS from 9--1 on Sat., Nov. 14 (the day before the New Members Welcoming Ceremony).  It's for anyone thinking about membership at UUCD now or in the future.  

Those attending the "Path class" 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 into 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, arrangements can be made to meet with Gail or Molly so that you, too can enter into membership informed and engaged.

*Note:  Signing the book privately is another meaningful option.  If you would prefer that, contact Gail, Kathy, or Molly.

"Who Are the Members of Our Congregation?"  

Adapted from the newsletter of Unity Church, St. Paul

Membership in our congregation is open to all who sense the deeper longing of the spirit and wish to walk in one company together--for mutual support and benefit and toward the greater glory.  We are:

  • those who want to be part of a religious community where there is trust in the potential which resides in individuals and in the process that works among people through honest sharing of perspectives,
  • those whose minds and hearts are opening to the deeper spiritual significance of the ancient symbols, stories, and texts,
  • those who feel that there are many paths into the depths of mystery in which our lives are set, even as they seek the one path most personally significant for them, and those who are challenged by the idea that each person has within the potential to achieve the highest.

Books R Us?

Check out some New Arrivals at the UUCD Book Store!  Diana Moore, our Bookstore Guru, is always keeping the inventory fresh with these and other excellent publications.

  • "The Irony Of American History" by Reihold Niebuhr
  • "The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find By Embracing Them" by David Richo
  • "New Seeds of Contemplation" by Thomas Merton

Your Used Books Wanted!  All proceeds from used book sales are turned around to purchase more books for the UUCD Book Store. It's a win-win situation!  Buying used books?  Just drop your money into the new slot on top of the "Book-mobile" (thanks to a little favor from our volunteer carpenter, Tom Starkey.)

Any questions or further information needed?  Call Diana Moore or Scot Bol

Religious Education

Greetings Busy UUCD Families and Friends,

I am currently sitting atop the summit on Arlington Avenue writing my newsletter submission as my son, Louis, has his soccer try-outs.  My husband is off trying to procure a trumpet for our junior higher, Charlie.  Just moments ago, I ran into a friend and dedicated RE volunteer, Jennifer Ringdahl, with her sons Taylor, (one of our Coming of Age graduates) and six year old Henry. Jennifer is helping Henry with his homework in the car as Taylor plays soccer.  When I get home, there are meals, laundry, bills and homework to navigate before bed. Sound familiar?  

All this to say: THESE ARE BUSY TIMES.  As one friend stated so eloquently (I paraphrase) "This time of year everything is gearing-up around us, while paradoxically the rhythm of the earth is cycling into a more quiet time...I long for the quiet."

Families are feeling stretched to their limits: so many demands, so little time. We long for a few more blank spaces in our calendars. With this in mind, I want to remind you that our faith home is a place where you can come to share your joys and concerns AND renew your spirit.

Thanks for your good humor and patience as we continue to experiment with scheduling and programming; it is our hope, given the RE space constraints, that our new 9:30 and 11:30am Sunday Service times will help equalize the numbers of RE families at each service so we may better serve our growing congregation's needs.

Please let us know how these changes are working for your family and remember to leave some blank spaces in your calendar.

YRUU News

YRUU started the year with a Lock-in at UUCD on August 28-29th. We brainstormed ideas for our upcoming year and enjoyed each other's company into the wee small hours of the morning. Kathy Heltzer helped organize a talent show that showcased our youth's amazing musical talent and Rev. Gail and her family prepared blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. It was fabulous!
What's next?? Organizing our new youth space and deciding on fund raisers!
IMPORTANT:

YRUU is in need of Youth Leaders

Help out on Sunday mornings from 11:30-1:00.
If you are interested please contact Tanya Moore

Music Notes

"Music is the spiritual engine of worship"
Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, Unity Church - St Paul, MN

With our program year getting under full throttle we've had lots of help keeping the ‘tank' full! The more folks who help create special music during worship the better! During September lots of us joined in song and appreciation goes out to Members of 8 VA (Jan Magree,Joe Marty,Paul Borrmann and Paul Wartman) with Jessica Saxton and director Karen Bauman, everyone in the Chorale of the Month, guitarist/songwriter Dan Burrows, plus those fantastic Kid Singers (Greta Volkman, Landon and Martin Dahl, Isaac and Zoe Marriner, Eleanor French, and Grace Bauman).

Your gift of music is welcome and encouraged during any Worship service at UUCD!
 
The October Chorale of the Month is open to any singer age 15 and older beginning Weds. October 7th starting at 7 pm and running until 8 pm in our Sanctuary.  We have two terrific selections to explore – If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking (a very emotional arrangement of Emily Dickinson's poem we will share at the Inter-faith Thanksgiving in November) and Agnus Dei (Peter Williams' mysterious and magical arrangement  to be offered Oct. 25th near Day of the Dead)
Note reading is not required and we welcome all heartfelt singing!

Guitar/Harp/Drum/Other Instrument Players

Interested in trying out a Rock/Pop/Soul set of music for Worship Sunday Dec. 6th?
Please phone e-mail (kklgb4820@msn.com) Music Director Karen Bauman and say "Yes!"  Rehearsals every Sunday in November.

Unitarian Universalist Children's Choir Auditions!

General Assembly is the annual national gathering of UUs and the 2010 host city is Minneapolis!  Every 3 – 4 years a 70 voice children's choir is created and next year is the year!  Any UU child age 10 – 11 – 12 by next June is eligible to audition for this week long choral camp.  Macalister  College will be the site for this music/arts/UU adventure and nationally reknowned children's chorus director Janeal Crabb Krehbiel will make for an unforgettable experience.  A recording of music will be made and the group will perform during worship at GA.

Mid-October audition recordings for the children's choir will be coordinated by Music Director Karen Bauman.  Please contact her as soon as you are able.

The search for a ¼ music staff person may well be completed by the printing of this fine publication.  The Music Committee and Hiring Team along with the Personnel Committee, Rev. Gail and Music Director Karen Bauman have journeyed through meetings, discussions, interviews and auditions to arrive at this juncture.

Thanks doesn't nearly address the appreciation felt for all of the effort!

UUA/UUMN credentialing work continues for Music Director Karen Bauman through out this program year and beyond.  You will be experiencing some of her process and learning during services by learning new chants and hymns, reading about the role of music in congregational life via this monthly newsletter and in other ways as well.

What does credentialing mean anyway?  Well, the 3 year process entails class work, personal work, projects, papers, attending UU events like General Assembly (in Mpls. next summer) and the annual Unitarian Universalist Musicians' Network conference (in Madison next summer).   UUCD will be on a learning curve right along with Karen as she shares music and techniques that can inspire, open hearts-minds-spirits to places of the ‘holy' and build community.  Current class work includes Multi-Culturalism through Music in Unitarian Universalist congregations, We Sing We Worship (effective congregational song leading) and the Musician as Pastoral Presence.
Bonnie Keeling is Karen's congregational sponsor and Unity Church's (St. Paul, MN) long time Music Director Ruth Palmer is her UUMN advisor.

And now here is October's rehearsal schedule!

Chorale

 

 

 

Wed

Oct 7

7-8pm

Sanctuary

Wed

Oct 14

7-8pm

Sanctuary

Wed

Oct 21

7-8pm

Sanctuary

Sun

Oct 25

10:45am

warm up

 

 

11:30am

sing!

 

8VA

 

 

 

Sun

Oct 4

8:30am

Sanctuary

Sun

Oct 11

8:30am

Sanctuary

Sun

Oct 18

8:30am

warm-up

 

 

9:30am

sing!

Diwali Celebration - You are invited

The Asian Indian Community of Duluth will be holding a Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebration at our UUCD building on Saturday, October 10, from 5:45 to 9:00pm.  There will be a short ceremony explaining the Diwali Festival, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Members of our UU family are invited to join in the celebration. Just bring a vegetarian dish (any nationality) to share…
Vegetable Curry, American Potato Salad, Dutch Apple Pie…

A free will donation to support UUCD will be taken.  Forty guests can be accommodated, so if you wish to join us, please contact Jill or Koresh Lakhan jillkor@gmail.com

Green Corner

OCTOBER 25:  Swedish Breakfast with an update from Växjö:   Please mark your calendars for a Swedish Breakfast between services on Sunday, October 25 (serving form 10:30 – 11:10 a.m.)   It will be a time to share some good food and get a brief report on what the Duluth team learned and on Julie's impression of the community of Vaxjo – "The Greenest City in Europe". There will be a $5 charge, and funds raised will help with remaining expenses of Julie McDonnell's participation in the Sister Cities training team visit to trip to Växjö, which will take place in early October.

Outdoor Sanctuary:  The work and planning for our outdoor sanctuary continues.  Teams have been removing invasive species all summer and fall, and now several people are proposing ideas for our "front yard" – that area between College St. and the parking lot which looks through to our front door – and for the berm near to the door.  You can add your ideas to the mix by talking with David Yount, Bunter Knowles or Julie O'Leary.  You also are welcome to join the Green Sanctuary committee for a regular monthly meeting – now held the second Sunday of each month at UUCD, in the office area, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. The next meeting is Sunday, October 11.  If you have questions about the committee, or would like to get on the email list, please contact the chairperson, Beth Tamminen, at bethtamminen@yahoo.com.

Peace and Justice

The Movie:  FLOW (For the Love Of Water) will be shown Wed, October 28 at 6:30 pm in the UUCD Great Room.  We are going to show this film about the buying and selling of essential fresh water in the USA & around the World. Internationally the selling of fresh water can be a life and death issue. Come find out how much water is being removed from US Lakes & streams for sale in bottles, bottles that then clog up our waste sites. The documentary goes on to show that our tap water is often safer as there are community water quality regulations on the tap water but no consistent regulations on the (for sale) bottled water. Our Sally Munger has the 90-minute film, together with the rights to show it publicly.  

The UUCD Peace and Justice Committee and UUCD Green Sanctuary Committee will be co-sponsoring this important documentary.  Please join us. Should we have popcorn with our tap water?

UUCD To Participate In "Peace Advocacy Program"

For the past four years UUers across the country have been discussing the topic of "Peacemaking" as a Study Action Issue then as a Statement of Conscience. A UU Peace Ministry Network has been formed and has proposed a certification program similar to Green Sanctuary or the Welcoming Congregation Programs, the purpose being to help create a culture of peace in the world. The program helps show what congregations are doing or what they could be doing in regards to "Peacemaking".

UUCD is one of four congregations in the country to volunteer to pilot the implementation of a new Peace Advocacy Program or PAP. UUCD members care and work towards peace in many different ways. This past year UUCD adopted a Peacemaking Pledge. (see Nov. 08 newsletter for description) The pledge describes much of the Advocacy Program. Individually many of our members are already actively working towards peace, as example this past August Hal Bertilson gave a nation wide UU teleconference on the role of psychology in peacemaking. Hopefully this coming year at UUCD we as a congregation and as individuals can do even more peacemaking and do it better.

To find out more about PAP or to sign up and become part of the UUCD Peace Team
contact:

or see the Peace & Justice kiosk for details. 
Submitted by Tom Starkey

Caring Corner

The Caring Committee is both determined and enthusiastic about caring for our community in the coming year.   In order to accomplish this, we are recruiting new members.  You may see someone around with a clipboard, or you may sign up at the Caring Committee display in the Social Hall.  We are also looking for two Team Leaders: someone to handle the fun job of Cards and another someone to handle the interesting job of Transportation. Email Julie: juliemorgan1231@yahoo.com
Books! We have some great books.  Check them out in the "CARING" section in our library.  The newest book is "Beloved on the Earth: 150 poems of Grief and Gratitude."  This is a local book and UUers Cal Benson and Sheila Packa each have a poem in this anthology.  UU friend, Mara Hart, is one of the editors.

Caring Notes

  • Best wishes to Jim Prosser who is now living at Westwood Assisted Living (adjacent to CSS).  Jim and Helen were both having health problems and could no longer take care of each other. Although they are now living apart, Helen visits often.  Contact Kathy Stinnet for Jim's address and phone.  He is hoping to have visitors.  Helen has remained in her home.  Calls and cards are welcome.
  • Belated condolences to Paul and Hella Wartman.  Paul's father, Tom Wartman died on July 10, in his home in Minneapolis, at the age of 86, after a long illness.  Tom had been a chemist at 3M and had designed an early copy machine—pre-Xerox.  Among other things, he was an ice cream enthusiast!
  • Cyndi G: Dear friends and members of UUCD, Thank you for your continued words of support since my departure as Choir Director last summer.  There is tremendous opportunity in our midst for healing.  Three of my guiding quotes over the past year have been: 
    "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." (Gandhi)
    "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  (Martin Luther King Jr.)
    "Have enough courage to trust love...always one more time."  (Maya Angelou)
    I love and miss you all. With love and faith in our principles, Cyndi G.

Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden project received a shot in the arm this fall when Rita Bergstedt agreed to co-chair the committee with me.  We met with Gail and looked at alternate Memorial Garden sites and are continuing to meet and plan, plan, plan!  We feel confident that we will have something to propose soon!!!  Want to be involved?  Sign up at the Memorial Garden display in the Social Hall or call Julie.

Mitten Makers

The last session of Mitten Makers will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 10 to 12:00 at UUCD.  We will finish off our projects and get the mittens ready to donate!  This is your last chance to sew, knit, tatt or cook up mittens/scarves/hats for CHUM.  Materials provided, but sewing machines welcome!  Call UUCD for more info.

Women's Moon Group

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

The Women and Spirituality Conference at Minnesota State University-Mankato is coming up October 31 - November 1. This is a fabulous gathering of like-minded folks! Here's the link for more details: http://sbs.mnsu.edu/women/conference/.

Event

Date

Time

Ritual Leader

UU Room

Full Moon

Sunday, October 04, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

Justine

Library

New Moon

Sunday, October 18, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

Jean

Greatroom

Full Moon

Monday, November 02, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

Sarah

Library

New Moon

Monday, November 16, 2009

7:00-8:30 pm

TBD

Library

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

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.

October Book Selection: Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Tuesday October 20, 7:15 pm, Library at UUCD
"I have been standing on the side of life, watching it float by.  I want to swim in the river.  I want to feel the current."  So writes Mamah Borthwick Cheney in her diary as she struggles to justify her clandestine love affair with Frank Lloyd Wright.  Four years earlier, in 1903, Mamah and her husband, Edwin, had commissioned the renowned architect to design a new home for them.  During the construction of the house, a powerful attraction developed between Mamah and Frank and in time the lovers, each married with children, embarked on a course that would shock Chicago society and forever change their lives.

November Book Selection:  The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Tuesday November 20, 2009, 7:15 p.m., Library at UUCD
Vida Winter, England's most famous and reclusive writer, is nearing the end, and before she goes she wants her amazing life story to be recorded for posterity.  For this, she engages a lonely young biographer, Margaret Lea, who has a few secrets of her own.  When these two forceful women meet, the stage is set for an ever-mounting series of shocking surprises. The Thirteenth Tale is a masterful, deliberately old-fashioned story of secrets, ghosts, sexual obsession, murder, madness—you name it and it's here.

December Book Selection: The Little Book by Selden Edwards

Tuesday December 15, 2009, 7:15 p.m., Library at UUCD
When Wheeler Burden-banking heir, rock idol, baseball hero, bestselling author-suddenly finds himself dislocated in time from 1988 San Francisco to Vienna in the year 1897, he's arrived at a pivotal moment in history, philosophy, art, and culture.  It is a time when the coming twentieth century looms before the world with great promise and peril, and when Vienna is enjoying its magnificent swan song as the epicenter of modern thought and the seat of European intellectual and political life.

"Inventive, bracing, poignant and well written.  Despite the title, there's nothing little about it. The Little Book is such an elegantly crafted story; it should be at the top of everyone's summer (winter) reading list, especially for those who love a good plot with an emotional punch."  Tucson Citizen

January Book Selection: The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl

Tuesday January 19, 2009, 7:15 p.m., Library at UUCD
A series of grisly murders is rocking the streets of nineteenth-century Boston.  But these are no ordinary killings.  Each is inspired by the hellish visions of Dante's Inferno.  To end the bizarre and bloody spree, no ordinary detectives will suffice.  Enter the unlikely sleuths of the Dante Club: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Russell Lowell, and J. T. Fields--renowned scholars with the skills to decipher the devilish clues.  But can this band of bookish gentlemen outwit a crafty killer?  A terror-stricken city—and their own lives—depend on it.

"An ingenious thriller…as wise as it is entertaining…the writing is passionate, the narrative driven"  The Boston Globe

Drum Circle

The monthly drum circle will meet on Friday, October 2 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. 

Bartering labor, skills and talent 

Louise Levy: I'm interested in trying out the old-fashioned transaction of bartering for goods and services. Here's what I need: help with some garden-yard projects this fall: splitting perennials, amending raised beds with compost, replacing rotting wood borders of raised beds, harvesting jerusalem artichokes and grapes, etc. In exchange I can offer: straight on labor in your garden, perennials (peonies, iris), grape juice, preserving assistance (jam, jelly, canning), jerusalem artichoke tubers (very tasty), raspberry canes, fresh baked bread, cross country ski lesson, etc. I envision offers of specific lengths of time and discussion of tasks. I can be reached at 724-5464. 

Thyroid Support Group

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?  Sluggish, drab hair, dry skin, weight gain even with not eating more than usual, sleeping or wishing you were more, chilly?  Or on the other side—high energy but not efficient, very little sleep, weight loss, increased appetite but no weight gain?

These can be diagnosed as either depression or mania.  When I worked on a psychiatric floor, we checked EVERYONE'S thyroid level.  And in an informal survey found 10-25% (it went in streaks, and we never did a real study) were off and many times significantly. 

I am constantly surprised at the amount of people in the general population who are on thyroid replacement.  However, it seems there is a percentage of population on thyroid replacement who are still struggling with what seems to be the same type of symptoms, and yet their labs are within normal limits.

But what in the world does this have to do with UUCD and you?  Well, if you are on replacement therapy or know someone who is and have questions or concerns, there is a support group for you at UUCD.  Everyone is welcome. We meet infrequently but are thinking of exchanging information on a blog or some other communications vehicle.  Come join us for our next gathering on October 29, 2009 at 7:00.  We'll meet in the library.   By Ellie Connolly.  For information about this coming meeting contact Barb Lund at blund.@lakenet.com.

Coffee! Java! Coffee! Joe! We need your help to make it go!

Amy Oakes has volunteered to be the Unitarian Universalist Coffee Coordinator and we're looking for a few, good coffee making folks to join her.  The job is to make and serve coffee and provide hot water for tea during Social Hour between Sunday Services.  Knowledge of coffee making process is helpful, but we will train on the job.

Be the first to volunteer for one Sunday or more!  Contact Amy Oakes at
oakes_ amy@yahoo.com or sign up on Sunday.  We'll be looking for you.

Recharging Your Energy

Ancient realities and teachings understand that the human being consists of cosmic energy.  Today's quantum physicists are also discovering that all matter, including the atom, exists in a sea of flowing energy.
Unfortunately, how many of us are awake to this potential power, for the healing and strengthening of our bodies, minds, and spirits?  Instead, we often focus on our material needs, like a car owner adds water to the battery of an automobile.  But once that battery power runs down, no amount of water will make a sluggish battery work again.

Learn how to recharge your own energy body, and to practice inner peace, every Wednesday and Friday morning from 9am until 10:30 at UUCD, beginning Friday, October 2. 

UCC minister Kathleen Abel, who has studied for 10 years in Boston and RI with Ananda East, disciples of Swami Paramhansa Yogananda  (author of Autobiography of A Yogi) will guide you in exercises and meditation practices. The class goal is to help all become aware of their own inner flow of energy and to constructively direct it.

The cost is $8 per class, $1 of which is donated to UUC Duluth.  UUCD members pay only $7, of which $1 goes to the church.  Reduced monthly packages will also be available.  Please bring a yoga mat and a soft beach towel, or small blanket, to support your lower back.

Feel free to email questions to Pastor Abel at kathsmileso@yahoo.com

Interiorscape Pests - FYI

Recently Ann Fryberger sent an email to a bunch of UUCD folks scheduled to use the building that they would have to alter their entrance to the building as the garden entrance would be sealed off for a pesticide application.  A valued member sent a reply email to Ann gently questioning the use of pesticide in our interior garden.  Ann sent the following email (in quotes) which several other members suggested be shared with the entire congregation via our newsletter. 

"I am writing this for not only your benefit but the benefit of everyone at UUCD as it is probably safe to assume that others may share your same concern.  It is unlikely that anyone outside the Garden Club understands the extensive time and effort we have had to deal with over the past year in trying to control the pests that were on their way to destroying our indoor garden.  Some Garden Club members are Green Sanctuary members as well.

The Garden Club couldn't agree with you more re the pesticide issue. In fact, in our aversion to using a pesticide, we went for a full year trying every other method we became acquainted with including biologicals (lacewings-3 applications), Gardens Alive proven, all-natural methods (Neem Oil & Insecticidal Soap-3 applications), lower pesticide applications on large area infestations, etc.   We've researched the issue with six (3 local and 3 national) separate horticulturists to help us solve our pest problem. We've done everything we know to do.

Still the Florida Brown Scale and Mealybug grew prolifically in our perfect pest environment.   We grew to fear that we could lose our garden if we don't get the pests under control.   The bugs have been winning the battle.   We finally had to admit defeat and decided to go the chemical pesticide route sealing off the garden and doing the pesticide application--recommended to do twice (first to kill the adults, second to kill the hatched larvae that survived the first application).  We are hopeful that the second application (this week) will accomplish the kill but this is not guaranteed.  This is a real battle.   If this doesn't work there may be only one more very expensive option.  Keep your fingers crossed.

By the way, the pesticide currently being applied is inert after 24 hours (safe for re-entry) and the sealing materials do not allow the pesticide to escape from the garden area.  After 24 hours we wash down the garden surfaces, remove the plastic seal, and PRAY!

We have learned that as long as we have a garden we will be working to control pests.  We hope what we are doing will at last give us some control so we can continue to keep them under control.   We would have rather preferred spending our time and effort over the past year planning the landscaping of the outside front berm but the pests won our time and attention.

Thanks for asking so we could share this story with more folks so they can truly appreciate the small, dedicated band of Garden Club members." 

AN EXTRA NOTE:  There is an open invitation to all UUCD folks to help the Garden Club clean the garden for an hour (the more volunteers the less time it takes) once a month after the second service.  We share a potluck lunch while we discuss the needs of the garden and front berm of the building, and then we get our clippers and buckets and remove the fallen and yellowed leaves.  No specialized knowledge is required.  It's easy and best of all there is something spiritual about loving the plants and working the soil.  You don't have to be a member of the Garden Club to volunteer to help us keep our garden clean which aids its health.   Damn bugs! 

Guidelines for Newsletter Submissions

The newsletter for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth is produced monthly and released by the first of each month.   It is available online at www.uuduluth.org.  The deadline for submissions is generally the 17th of the month preceding.  Submissions for the November 2009 newsletter must be received by October 17.

Priority will be given to items received on time (or early!); late submissions may not be included due to space constraints. Submissions should be directed to the Congregational Administrator at uucduluth@gmail.com.  If at all possible, please email newsletter submissions rather than handwriting them or leaving a print copy in the church office.  When emailing, please both embed and attach submissions in a .doc (Microsoft Word) format, and write "Newsletter" in the subject heading. Be sure to include a contact name and phone number.  Call Kathy at 724-0308 with questions, or email uucduluth@gmail.com.

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

Neighboring Faiths

  • 7th Grade to Adult, 9:30 Sunday Mornings
  • There will be field trips, guest speakers & traditional foods to try.
  • Units will be taught month-by-month. 

For our Sept 20th-Oct 18 session participants will learn about Islam. Please email me if you are interested in enrolling your child, yourself or  participating as a facilitator for one month! 

There are Neighboring Faith registration forms on the  Religious Education table in the lobby.

With your participation, we can make this meaningful, memorable and enjoyable for all!

Hope to see you there!

Thanks to Rev. Gail for introducing us to a popular UU curriculum open to 7th graders through adults called Neighboring Faiths.  This curriculum allows participants to explore the beliefs, rituals and traditions of other faith communities.  Starting September 20, congregants Scot Bol and Vickery French have been co-facilitating a unit on Islam.

What Is Project Homeless Connect?

Project Homeless Connect (PHC) is a nationally-implemented event that functions as a one-stop shop of services for people experiencing homelessness. The United Way has coordinated this event in Duluth for the past three years. 

Project Homeless Connect 2009 is unique in that a Wilder Homelessness Count occurs on the same date and will be incorporated into the event.  Every 3 years, the Wilder Research Foundation facilitates a point-in-time count for communities across the State of Minnesota, the results of which are needed to respond to gaps and trends in our community.

Project Homeless Connect 2009 is searching for over 100 volunteers to administer the Wilder surveys to people experiencing homelessness in the Duluth community.  Aside from the survey, homeless participants will be encouraged to access Project Homeless Connect services and resources. In 2008, PHC served over 300 guests. With our current economic crisis, we expect that this number may be higher than ever.

To volunteer in Duluth, contact Laura DeRosier derosierl@co.st-louis.mn.us

Our Ministerial Search

  1. UUA Ministerial Settlement Representative Visits: Completed
  2. Ministerial Search Committee Selected: Completed 5/15/09
  3. Search Committee meets with Ministerial Search Rep and plans its work: Completed 5/30/09
  4. Search Committee holds retreat: Completed 7/1/09
  5. Congregational Survey distributed and tabulated: Completed 9/30/09
  6. Information packet about our congregation completed: Due 10/31/09
  7. Search committee begins considering potential candidates: Beginning 11/1/09
  8. Search committee interviews 3-4 candidates: November 2009-March 2010
  9. Search committee recommends one candidate: March 15 – April, 2010
  10. Candidating week and congregational vote on candidate: April & May 2010

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

Contact UUCD Administrator