Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth 
September 2007 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 for September 2007
Each Sunday in September is unique! Check closely for times and places for us to gather. Please keep in touch with your committees and other groups for special places and times during this transition period.
- Sunday, September 2: Labor Day Weekend: No Services Today -- Have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend!
- Sunday, September 9: No Services Today. We are in transition. Relax and save up your strength!
- Sunday, September 16: "Can You Top This?" Ice Cream Social. When: 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Where: Duluth Congregational Church
3833 East Superior Street. Meet our new interim minister, Sally Hamlin, reconnect with friends from our beloved community, and enjoy a bowl of ice cream! UUCD will provide ice cream. Please bring your own reusable bowls and spoons and your favorite topping! - Sunday, September 23: Water Service – Rev. Sally Hamlin, Interim Minister. 11:00 am Service with Potluck following the service at Park Point Lafayette Square Pavilion 3026 Minnesota Avenue (Between 30th & 31st Lakeside on Park Point). Bring a Potluck dish to share. We will be walking to the shore of the Big Lake, so please wear appropriate footwear.
- Sunday, September 30: "Making It Home" – Rev. Sally Hamlin, Interim Minister . 4:00 pm Service, Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 East 4th Street
Guidelines for Newsletter Submissions
The newsletter for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth is produced monthly and released by the first of each month. It is available online at www.uuduluth.org
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TO THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER IS SEPTEMBER 17. Priority will be given to items received on time; late submissions may not be included due to space constraints. Submissions should be directed to the Congregational Administrator at firstuu@cpinternet.com
If at all possible, please email newsletter submissions (firstuu@cpinternet.com) rather than handwriting them or leaving a print copy in the church office. When emailing, please both embed and attach submissions in a .doc (Microsoft Word) format, and write "Newsletter" in the subject heading. Be sure to include a contact name and phone number.
From your Interim Minister Sally Hamlin
Boxes, boxes, and more boxes!
I have been living with boxes in my surroundings for the past few months, as I have planned my ‘leap-frog' moves, first from Concord and Worcester Massachusetts to Buffalo in June, and then from Buffalo to Duluth just a bit over a week ago. While in Buffalo, I spent several weeks in a very warm attic sorting through boxes of household items that had been stored by a very supportive family member, ever since I left for seminary in Berkeley California four years ago.
One of the joys of settling into my little apartment here in Duluth has been opening boxes and emptying them of their treasures and finding just the right place for each one on shelves and in cupboards and closets, displaying the art I love. But every once in a while, I open a box and look inside and wonder "How did that get in there?" I cannot for the life of me figure out why I would have used valuable storage space to keep that particular item. I thought I had sorted carefully enough to have the belongings that made it this far to have met my strict criteria of ‘I-am-getting-down-to-bare-bones/living-simply-from-here-on-out' philosophy: every item must have at least some MAJOR sentimental or practical use, or else it had to go.
But, somehow, items had slipped through, and made it here to Duluth, and, in seemingly random fashion, shown up in a box here or there. Occasionally, it was a WHOLE BOX OF STUFF that had slipped through. How could this have happened with all of my careful planning?
Another mystery of the universe perhaps? Probably not. More likely packing fatigue, which results in things being overlooked in favor of getting the job done.
Now, as we prepare for the move from Winona to College Street, I see boxes in every room: they line the hallways, are carefully taped and marked with some interesting notes. I am impressed with how organized this process is, and how smoothly it seems to be going-so efficient, so carefully planned! By the time you receive this newsletter, the move will have already taken place, and all these boxes and most of the furniture will be in the storage place on College Street. It will be interesting to see if some will be unpacked in a few weeks with the same surprise I found with my household belongings. My guess is that a few random items will have made it through, even with the best of intent to only pack what will be needed in the future.
As you venture together through this process of changing physical location and move into your new sanctuary and offices and classrooms, building new dreams for the future of UUCD, it will be important to identify, sort through and unpack UUCD's unique history, and find what it is that you are bringing forward into your future. Even as you relocate into a new physical location, a logical time for starting over, starting anew, it is critical that you examine what else it is that you are bringing forward: what is it about your collective history, your unique memories and stories and mysteries as a one of a kind congregation, from the distant past as well as all the current history in the making that you will pack up and take with you? Attention will be paid to this key process as you move forward in your search for the minister that can best serve your special congregation's needs.
You will be unpacking more than cardboard boxes over the next year. You will be unpacking all of UUCD's history, coming to terms with the past, the good and the bad, and uncovering the myths and the stories of your collective past. This is the time to claim all of it, and find out what it is that will define UUCD as you take the first steps in unpacking ALL sorts of boxes.
I am thrilled to be accompanying you on this spectacular journey.
See you in church!
Sally
Making It Home!
The incomparable UUCD,
You are reading this letter about two weeks after it was written given the requirements of newsletter production. Because of this please keep in mind that certain elements within this newsletter may have changed by the time you are reading this. Several major items are out of our control and require continual adaptation to change. The beauty in this period of uncertainty is the open and optimistic view at so many levels; board, program, staff, and membership. We continue to adapt with grace and optimism as we march ever forward to the achievement of our dreams.
Staff and program leaders are making every effort to build in flexibility in their planning and communication as we progress day-by-day toward the future of settling into our new home, selling our interim home, financing both capital and operational needs, and working with our new [and might I add competent, sensitive, and fun] interim minister. Please help deal with the required flexibility by taking a personal initiative to become informed by whatever means including our website, reading newsletters and special mailings, making a phone call if uncertain, etc. You are also encouraged to pitch in more than once to help Make It Home. There will be plenty of opportunities.
As promised last month, I am dedicated to keeping you informed so as of August 15, 2007:
- SALE OF WINONA is requiring additional negotiations that may result in a later closing date than August 31st. In these final stages we are also developing a Sharing Arrangement between the buyer and seller on the use of Winona through September.
- INTERIM MINISTER Sally Hamlin is now a resident of Duluth and we are blessed to have her humor, skills, and philosophy. Please extend a hardy thanks to the Interim Minister Task Force [Dan Burrows, Kathie Neff Dawson, Kathy Heltzer and Ruth McCutcheon] that worked so diligently to bring us this wonderful woman to shepherd us during this remarkable time.
- COLLEGE STREET - see the Under Construction article in this newsletter.
- MEETINGS & EVENTS are being arranged by committee/program/council leaders at locations other than Winona or College Street until further notice given our move on August 30th out of Winona and into storage. With all that is going on, my days are sort of running together. After arising at 5:30 this morning to get things in for the newsletter deadline, I went to get dressed around 10:00 for an 11:00 meeting with Sally. I hesitated at the bathroom sink because I couldn't remember if I had brushed my teeth today. Turns out I hadn't. The point is, my spirit is strong but perhaps my mind is approaching too full.
STAY TUNED,
Ann Fryberger
Board President
Board Report
Your Board of Trustees met on July 24, 2007 and worked through the following items:
- We tabled acceptance of the June 26, 2007 minutes until the August meeting.
- We deferred a request from the Duluth News Tribune to do a September pull-out section on our new church until the building is more complete.
- We deferred issuing a press release on Interim Minister Sally Hamlin until she can have input on same.
- We decided not to do any publicity regarding the sale of Winona but leave that up to the buyers.
- We approved a $700 grant from the Special Program Fund to finance Karen Gustafson's farewell celebration.
- We elected Dan Burrows as Acting Vice President, Katie Neff Dawson as Secretary, and Paul Borrmann as Treasurer for the 2007-08 Program Year.
- We reviewed the 2Q07 Operating Budget report, the Staffing For Growth Bridge Pledge status, the record breaking rummage sale proceeds of $4,133.
- We approved the Congregational Meeting Minutes Approval Policy.
- We deferred until approximately January 2008 the UUA's proposed "Association Sunday" special collection to help finance our denomination's growth, and agreed to read several handouts on this initiative to prepare for a decision.
- We were introduced to a Zeppa Family Foundation $1 million note to be dealt with when more information is available.
- We were informed that a sale of Winona for $340,000, $140,000 down, 7.25% interest on a 3 year balloon with closing scheduled for August 31, 2007 and a side building sharing agreement between the seller and the buyer is imminent.
- We were informed on the College Street Project that the sewer is being proposed in a less expensive direction and have been assured that the City of Duluth will allow this change but the final permit has not yet been obtained. We are aware that the project is behind schedule. The Zeppa Family Foundation has asked the board to consider alternate sources of financing.
- We discussed some suggestions regarding the creation of our Mission Based Rental Policy.
- We discussed the need for the board to review and approve our music personnel's job descriptions.
- We were introduced to the fact that selling beer, wine and alcoholic beverages at fundraisers is illegal, and the board will further investigate this issue.
- We will be reviewing and revising our by-laws before the end of 2007 to incorporate our name change, fiscal year change, etc.
- We tabled conducting another Congregational Survey until we better understand the Interim and Settled Minister process.
- We agreed to try our hand again at using a Yahoo list serve for board communication and file storage.
- We agreed that the College Street Task Force may disband upon completion of the construction contract and that a new Completion Task Force be formed with a charge from the board.
- We were referred to a recent UUA World article promoting that congregations seeking ministers consider racial diversity in that role.
- We scheduled August Governance Council and Worship Welcoming and set the next board meeting to August 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Winona.
Under Construction
A column to answer questions about our new church home
Status Report, August 15, 2007
Sewer Update – Here's the latest poop! No pun intended! We are still awaiting final authorization from the City for our sewer to be built going out west from our property to Lyons St. A further design tweak was necessary. We hope that by the time you are reading this the sewer will be a done deal.
Building Progress – The garage flooring has been poured and upper level cement flooring should soon be completely poured
. The walkway from the garage level to the narthex (interior garden area) is being built as of this writing. Exterior siding should be going up shortly and we should be getting ready to work with the green roof by the time you are reading this newsletter. Secure storage in the garage is being readied for our West Winona contents. If you haven't had the opportunity to drive or walk by the building site, please do.
Finishing – Sanctuary seating will soon be decided, is wonderfully comfortable, and we think most of you will be pleased. We have selected a neutral color palette for the restrooms so we can splash the rooms with vivid color accessories that can be easily changed over time. Conduit has been placed to allow for current and future security, audio-visual, and technology needs including theatrical sound and lighting in the sanctuary. Our commercial kitchen design has been finalized and may or may not be fully or partially installed for our earliest occupancy. Finishing elements of the building depends on budget considerations with our first priority being Sunday services programming.
Timeline – Never has it been this difficult to schedule things. Use of the building is entirely dependent on what is called a Certificate of Occupancy which cannot be applied for until we show we have a building ready for the health, safety and welfare of its occupants. In other words, we must have functional restrooms and fire sprinkling and exit doors operational among other things. Hence, understanding and flexibility is key.
Volunteer Opportunities – There will be opportunities coming up to use your skills and heart to help with this project and save some money to go for further finishing items. Some of the areas that we can use volunteer labor down the road include spreading the soil for our green roof, sanding beams (you'd get to ride on a motorized lift), painting, and so much more. Please make yourself available when you hear the call!
Finance – We are working with the architect and others to nail down bids and pricing for determining how much we can do in finishing the building without going further into debt than what was presented to the congregation in December. A big thank you to everyone for paying on your pledges.
Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can:
As Unitarian Universalists, we aren't sure how ambivalent we should be, and freedom of belief is rigidly enforced. We are more non-competitive than other groups, and dogmatism is absolutely forbidden.
From the Treasurer
College Street: Now that the building is nearing completion, the construction bills will have to be paid. The Zeppa Family Foundation (ZFF) will provide interest-free financing through August 31, 2009, the end of the three-year Building Fund Appeal. One excellent way to show our gratitude to the Foundation is to stay current on our pledge payments - or even pay ahead, if that's possible. We have done very well on payments thus far; through the first 10 months of the Appeal we have received over 56% of the $685,000 pledged. If you have not pledged for the Building Fund and wish to do so, please contact me.
Program (Operating) Budget: We are running very close to budgeted income and expenses. We did experience some unbudgeted expenses associated with the change in minister and may have some more, associated with the actual move. Pledge payments have slowed during the summer, as they usually do. If you are behind in your payments, please try to catch up this month.
Bridge Pledges: In July, the ZFF committed at least $60,000 toward the estimated three-year total need of $150,000. Added to the nearly $60,000 in individual pledges received thus far, we are just over $30,000 short of our goal. This money is needed to pay for our increased staffing level until our membership grows enough to fully support it.
2008 Canvass: Yes, it's already time to think about what commitment you will make to our 2008 program budget. The canvass will officially begin next month. Tricia Bunten has agreed to serve as Chair of this year's canvass. Thank you, Tricia!
Congregational Meeting Minutes Approval/Acceptance Policy: The Secretary of the Board of Trustees or his/her assignee shall take minutes of each congregational meeting. These minutes shall be provided to the Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled board meeting for correction or approval. If corrected, the Secretary of the Board will make the corrections and again provide the corrected minutes at the next regularly scheduled board meeting until approved by the board. Upon approval, the Secretary of the Board will have the minutes published in the next newsletter.
At the next convened congregational meeting, the president of the Board of Trustees shall ask for congregational acceptance of the board approved congregational minutes.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees July 24, 2007.
Published in the UUCD newsletter September 2007.
Filed in Policy & Procedure Manual August 7, 2007.
Winona Roof
The May 14th hail storm resulted in damage to the roof of 145 W. Winona St. Replacement of this roof has been approved by our insurance company. The work will be done by RMA Builders. (Roofs on all three of the buildings at our home were done by this company and we were pleased with their work – and their clean-up.)
The church insurance policy has a $1000.00 deductible. This cost to us may be reduced, or eliminated, if we are able to provide sufficient referrals to the company for work at other sites.
If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning if they have hail damage, please send name, address and telephone number to canoebob@duluthmn.com. The company will then contact you to do an inspection and deal with your insurance company. This could help reduce the church's out-of-pocket expense.
Bob Seitz
Women's Moon Group
The Women's Moon Group is a chance for women to get together and celebrate rituals of the seasons.
September New Moon: Tuesday the11th, 6:00pm at Sue Olson's house. Please bring a dish to share and a lawn chair.
Dress for the weather. Email Sue okuchera@msn.com for directions.
Questions: contact Larissa at larissa.schmitt@gmail.com
Music Notes
"Music – The one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend." Ludwig Van Beethoven
We are a community with many many wonderful music makers that have offered insight and inspiration during the Sunday services in August! We thank: Dan Burrows and Barbara Kelly with director Cyndi Gritzmacher for the all music service they provided as the acoustic group Strings Attached,
Youth musicians Max (piano) and Amanda (saxophone) plus the Biloxi youth who sang with such spirit during the August 12 service, plus music director/ pianist Karen Bauman.
Hats off to every person who shared in a great potluck and annual choir sing-through at the gracious Wartman home! We have some excellent selections to sing this upcoming program year!!!
We welcome any one of you who wish to share the joy of music with UUCD. Feel free to phone Music Director Karen Bauman (prior to 8 pm) or Choir Director Cyndi Gritzmacher for further encouragement!
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER
(NOTE DAY, TIME AND LOCATION ODDITIES)
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12
8 VA 6 pm Duluth Congregational (3833 E. Superior St.) Sanctuary
CHOIR 7 pm Duluth Congregational (3833 E. Superior St.) Sanctuary
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19
8 VA 6 pm Duluth Congregational (see above) Sanctuary
CHOIR 7 pm Duluth Congregational (see above) Sanctuary
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23
8 VA 9:15 am Lafayette Community Center (3026 Minnesota Avenue)
CHOIR 10 am Lafayette Community Center (3026 Minnesota Avenue)
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30
STRINGS ATTACHED TBA Pilgrim Congregational ( 2310 E. 4th St)
Caring Corner
Thanks for serving on the Caring Committee! Didn't know you were on it? Well EVERYONE is on the Caring Committee! It is the one church committee you are automatically on, and the one church committee that NEVER meets! Cool huh? All we need is your email address or phone number so we can add you to our list. Then when we learn that someone is in need--of say a ride or a meal or something like that--we can email/call our giant list and you can respond if you can help. How does that sound? Easy? You bet! Please email Julie turtlejmm@sytekcom.com with your email address and you'll be all set to go—we mean to help!
As we move to our new home, some of the Caring items such as the wheel chair, walker, etc. may be displaced for a while. Call Julie or Warren if you need to borrow them.
As the church year sort of ends and then certainly begins again, we would like to thank our committee chairs: FOOD/TRANSPORTATION CHAIRS: Jill Lakhan and Tina Welsh have been remarkable in arranging for meals and planning memorial service lunches. Cards: Carol Michealson is just dandy at supervising the team and seeing that the cards get sent out as needed. VISITORS: This fun position is open. Would you like to fill it? Give us a call!
If we can help, let us know.
Julie and Warren
Caring Notes
Beth Travis-Bett's surgery last month was very successful--all the cancer was removed! She begins chemo in September at Abbott Northwestern. The routine will be four hours of IV chemo the first week and eight hours of chemo the second week, followed by a week off. This routine continues until Christmas. Beth and Tom appreciate the cards, caring and support. Let's keep it up!
Cher Obst continues to improve and will be back at work as Principal of Grant School by the time you read this. She will be having surgery to remove thyroid cancer in October.
David Backstrand will have had a second surgery (scheduled for August 28) and should be home recuperating by the time this newsletter reaches you.
Religious Education News
Due to the upcoming (and exciting!) move to College Street, our first day of Sunday School will begin September 30th. There will be a table set up and registration forms for you to fill out.
Please join us with your children for our traditional Water Service at 11:00am on September 23rd.
The water that each of us brings will be blended together in a sacred ritual that symbolically reunifies our community after many have traveled to places near and far.
Please encourage your child to bring a small container of water that he or she has collected from a body of water you've visited over the summer.
WHAT'S COMIN' UP?
Through the month of October we will be using whole-group activities to explore our UU principles, have fun with Harry Potter and reconnect with our beloved community. Where will all this happen??? Location to be announced!
Sexuality Education For Grades 7 through 9: Fall 2007
OWL (Our Whole Lives) Human Sexuality Classes will be offered this fall by veteran OWL instructors, Dawn and Adam Stevenson.
There will be a mandatory meeting for parents Wednesday, September 12th 7:00pm Location: To Be Announced
Call Carol Turner Dawn & Adam Stevenson for information
OWL Curriculum is the product of years of collaboration between Unitarian Universalists Association and United Church of Christ. OWL is a secular, holistic curriculum that teaches caring, compassion, respect, responsibility and justice as fundamental values of human sexuality. OWL Curriculum promotes abstinence while providing teens with comprehensive up-to-date information regarding human sexuality.
UU Pretty Good Book Club
The UU pretty good book club is open to everyone, not just members. If you enjoy reading good books and discussing them, why don't you join us. Meetings are the third Tuesdays of the month and in September and October will be held in homes because our new building is not quite ready. Brief descriptions of the next few months' selections are below. Much more information about the books can be found by doing a Google search.
SEPTEMBER SELECTION - The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, Tuesday, September 18 at 7:15 p.m. at Barb Kelly's house, 4032 Robinson St. Call 525-1821 if you need directions. Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spellbinding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men-the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.
OCTOBER SELECTION - A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah, Tuesday, October 16 at 7:15 p.m. at Carol Michealson's house, 2701 Hagberg Street, Piedmont Heights. Call 727-1754 for directions. Beah tells the story of his life as a boy soldier in Sierra Leone and how he was rescued by UNICEF, rehabilitated, and learned how to forgive himself.
NOVEMBER SELECTION - The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. Cal Benson will lead this discussion of what he considers the best book in American literature on November 20 at 7:15, location unknown at this time. You may first want to attend Cal's class on how to read Hemingway beginning with two Hemingway short stories on October 23. More information is in the Adult Enrichment section of the September and October newsletters. For more information, contact Carol Michealson at or cmicheal@d.umn.edu.
THE WELCOMING CONGREGATION NEWS
UUCD will host the annual interfaith conference for GLBT inclusion in faith communities and multi-denominational efforts to be more welcoming towards GLBT folks. The conference is slated for April 4 and 5, 2008 and YOUR participation will be needed to make this a great event! Yes, we are already REALLY busy and, yes, April seems like a long way away BUT :
As the host congregation we will need folks to do set-up, possibly offer home hospitality for out of town UU folks, help plan worship (including a condensed version of the Laramie Project with director Bill Payne) , workshops, a concert, and food plus be a presence during the conference. Rev. Keith Kron from the UUA office of GLBT affairs and co-author of the UUA Welcoming Congregation Curriculum will be the keynote speaker!
The next Opening Our Doors meeting will take place on Tuesday Sept 25, 6:30 pm at First United Methodist Church (the 'Copper Top'). Come in the parking lot level door and look for a sign directing you to the OOD meeting. We look forward to seeing some familiar faces around the table! If you are interested in helping but can't make this September meeting please phone Karen Bauman (525-4119 prior to 8 pm) to get on the e-mail list and perhaps we will see you at future meetings!
PRIDE FESTIVAL EVENTS take place on Labor Day weekend.
The Festival is at Bayfront Park on Saturday, Sept 1 from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Be sure to join the lively contingent of UU’s marching behind our banner at the Pride Parade on Sunday, September 2 at noon in Superior, Wisconsin.
Social Justice News and Events
The Peace & Justice Committee is looking forward to more book discussions and Sunday forums, but when and where? With the church move and space uncertainties, some events will take place at Sue Dailey’s house (4864 1st Ave. N.), not far from Winona Street. Watch Sunday inserts for more information.
“The Pentagon Papers Then and Now: UUs Confronting Government Secrecy" We’ll show this powerful and fascinating panel discussion from the 2007 UUA General Assembly at our next Peace & Justice Committee meeting at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 8, at Sue Dailey’s house (4864 1st Ave. N). Amy Goodman (DemocracyNow), Daniel Ellsberg, former Senator Mike Gravel (now a presidential candidate), and Bob West (past UUA President and Director of UUA’s Beacon Press) talk about the historical significance of the Pentagon papers and the denomination’s role in publishing them 35 years ago. Call Sue at 218-724-7464 for more information.
Conscientious Objection and the Opt-out Form will be the subject of a forum on Saturday morning September 15 from 10:00 am to noon pm at Peace Church (1111 11th Ave. E). Sue Dailey, Frank Jewell, and others will offer information and personal experiences about the Geneva Conventions, what is Conscientious Objection and how to prepare for a CO claim, and the Opt-out form. A blank Opt-out form that can be submitted to a student’s school principal or superintendent will be available.
Faith Without Certainty: Liberal Theology in the 21st Century by Paul Rasor is the subject of our next series of book discussions. Maree Seitz and Hal Bertilson will lead this group discussion about the connections between our liberal faith and our every-day actions in our lives. Note from Diana: Our Pooley Bookstore has seven copies of this book for sale. I (Diana) have the books available at my home until the bookstore gets "rolling" in our new space. If you want a copy for advanced reading, just give me a call at 525-8406 and we can arrange "a deal." Diana Moore. Specific dates and times to be determined
Strike for Peace on September 21, 2007. On Friday, September 21, we can break our daily routine to demand an end to the war and honor those who have served in this misguided war. Observing business as usual allows the war to continue and more lives – of Iraqis and US soldiers – to be needlessly lost. What can I do to say “Stop”? The Northland Anti-War Coalition is asking us to take this day to demonstrate with our fellow citizens. Don’t spend. Educate yourself. If possible, don’t go to work or school. Workshops will take place throughout the day. Hal Bertilson will lead a workshop to explore the prospect of a local Network of Spiritual Progressives. Sue Dailey will lead a discussion about taking back our democracy and demanding that our country be a force for good in the world, using the metaphor of her writing, “We’ve Been Hijacked.” Frank Kroncke, who spoke recently at our Peace & Justice meeting, will present a workshop, Resisting Illegitimate Authority: A Radical Lifestyle of Resistance in the Age of Globalization, which will include an interactive component. Attend the March and Rally. Gather at 11:30 am at 2nd Avenue E. & 1st Street) and march to the Rally at noon at the Duluth Civic Center.
Women in Black
An opportunity to stand in a vigil with Women in Black at noon on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The group meets at Lake and Superior in Duluth and holds a sign that says “Mourning the loses of war.” Another sign identifies the group as Women in Black. Hal Bertilson, Molly Benson, Sally Johnson and Dorothy Wolden are often standing in this vigil. More about Women in Black may be found at http://www.womeninblack.org.uk/ Google will give you access to other local Women in Black organizations, e.g., New York City.
Picture This
No, they haven’t arrived yet, but we are expecting them to come in September. When they do, here’s the deal:
- Everybody who had their picture taken gets one picture directory per household, free.
- Extra picture directories will be available for $5.00 each, but please only one per household so we can have some for new members during the coming year.
- Non-picture (phone and address) directories will be printed for anyone who requests them, at no charge.
Spreading the Good News About Unitarian Universalism – Molly Benson
A recent "InterConnections" article reports that a survey at the UU Church of Berkeley found that 39% of visitors came because they were invited by a friend and 11% came because they were invited by a relative. 30% found the congregation on the web.
Even though our percentages might not be exactly the same as theirs, it's likely that they are similar. And since--in sharing our "faith" with others--an elevator speech* can come in handy, Membership Steering Committee members are currently writing theirs to be shared at the August meeting and displayed in the new meetinghouse. (Check the elevator--they just might be there!)
We encourage the rest of you to write yours, too (that's Step 1) and then to proceed to Step 2--inviting friends to check us out. For starters, here's my elevator speech:
The Sacred, in Unitarian Universalism, comes from time-honored teachings, contemporary thought and current scientific information, as well as from the murmuring and blaring of each of our own heart-wisdoms. And to a Unitarian Universalist community, grounds, affirms, challenges, and steadies us through our life journeys.
*An elevator speech is a way of communicating the essence of our "faith" in the length of time it takes an elevator to move from one floor to another. (Someone said it should be 20 words, but--forgive me--mine is 46.)
"Bringing Our History to Life": A History Video Workshop for Congregations
This fall, Prairie Star congregations will get a chance to learn how to research and record their own histories. In October and November, the Prairie Star District Heritage and Archives Committee will present workshops on video production in Minnesota and Iowa. Featured presenters are experts in UU history and in video production. This is a hands-on program; you will prepare a 3 min. finished video during the day.
Workshops will be offered in Minnesota during October and in Iowa during November.
Saturday, October 20, 2007 – 9 am to 3:30 pm, Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship, 10715 Zenith Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431.
http://www.mnvalleyuu.org – Registration Deadline: October 10
Saturday, November 10, 2007 – 9 am to 3:30 pm, First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315,
http://www.ucdsm.org – Registration Deadline: November 1
Thanks to a grant from the UU Funding Program and the Prairie Star District, the cost is only $25 per person. Included are registration, materials, morning snack, and lunch. Participants are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
To register by mail, fill out the registration form in the brochure available from Marree Seitz, 525-5647. Mail the form with a check for $25 per person, payable to Prairie Star District, to:
Prairie Star District, UUA
122 W. Franklin Ave., Suite 303
Minneapolis, MN 55404
To register via credit card on the District Web site, go to the following link:
http://www.psduua.org/Events/BringingOurHistoryToLife
Click on Prairie Store to continue.