Monthly Archives: December 2022

Path to Membership Class Set for April

Interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism or about the process of becoming a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder?

There will be a two session Path to Membership class, from 12:00 pm until 1:30 pm, on Sunday, April 7th and Sunday, April 14th.

For those who, after participating in this Path to Membership class and wish to formally join our religious community, there will be a Welcoming of New Members at the 10:30 am Worship Service on April 21st.

Attending this class does not commit one to joining the church, but it is an opportunity for those who want to know about UUCB and Unitarian Universalism to then make the decision of whether or not to formally affiliate with UUCB. A sign up sheet for those interested in attending will be at the church office in the weeks preceding the first class on April 7thth. If childcare is needed so that you might attend these Path to Membership sessions, please let the church office know so that child care can be provided.

The Path to Membership sessions are a great way to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and to better understand what our church in Boulder is working to accomplish in the lives of our members and in the larger community.

Lifespan Faith Development by Justin Butterworth

March 20^th was Spring Equinox, or the first day of Spring. While we may still have snow for a while, we are beginning to see signs of new growth in the world around us: daffodils peaking up above the soil, and more birds singing their songs. So to, there is an opportunity for us as conscious beings to break out of the internal reflection of Winter. A “Spring Cleaning” might be in order, so to speak.

We may have touched into or discovered things over the Winter about ourselves that are powerful, tender, and often bring up feelings of fear. Fear of looking into the shadowy places of our being, fear of being our true selves, or something else.

As you enter in to the upcoming season, consider facing these fears and try them on. You have the support in this congregation, and you are worthy. Below is a story for your reflections; may it bring you strength and courage…

Tu Fu’s Reappearance

Out of the yellow mist he came again, his Asian beard in tow. We were on a healthy shore, and he sat cross-legged in the sand, scratching delicately with a branch, his slender head down. I crouched and put it to him, “How do I block the fear?” He kept scratching the sand as if he hadn’t heard. I grew angry, “How do I block the fear?!” He lifted his head and shrugged, branch waving above him, “How does a tree block the wind?” With that, he disappeared.

Fear often gets its power from not looking. Explore something you are currently afraid to look at directly and why.

Film Showing at UUCB

FILM SHOWING at UUCB – “Bidder 70” – April 14^th, Sunday 7 p.m. Open to the public.

Awards and accolades at 7 film festivals (to date)

$5-20 Sliding Donation – no one turned away for lack of funds.

Sponsored by UUCB Climate Change Ministry

Come join us to learn more about a fellow UU, who is being released from prison 4/21 after serving two years. Q&A afterwards with this climate justice hero’s mother Christine DeChristopher!

“Bidder 70 centers on an extraordinary, ingenious and effective act of civil disobedience demanding government and industry accountability. In 2008, University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher committed an act which would redefine patriotism in our time, igniting a spirit of civil disobedience in the name of climate justice. Follow Tim, Bidder 70, from college student to incarcerated felon. Redefine justice for yourself.

This is the story of standing up for what you believe in no matter the cost, the story of young people fed up with corporate control of their government, the story of a principled young man and the bravery of his commitment to a livable world.”

Trailer at http://www.bidder70film.com/#!trailer/cxbx

UUSC

Following our recent Justice Sunday Service which highlighted food production; food preparation and serving; and Compassionate Consumption, our committee plans to have a luncheon/discussion about many of the issues which were brought up. Saru Jayaraman gives a vivid account of the plight of restaurant workers in her recently published book,”Behind the Kitchen Door,” available in local bookstores. If you wish to borrow a copy, please contact Mary Jean Ewing at church or call 303-449-4795. Truly sustainable food chains require that we also heed human rights and economic justice. Though the date for that luncheon in April has not yet been set, it will be made known following our UUSC committee meeting on the 24th of March. Please join us as we enjoy sustainably produced and served food, while investigating ways we can help become compassionate consumers.

Our committee is also contemplating having Equal Exchange Coffee available for purchase following our Sunday services. We would like help with this plan. Visit our table and see how you can help. The final day for book sales will be this coming Sunday, March 24th.

UUCB Garden

Our first work day for the 2013 UUCB Vegetable garden was on Saturday, March 15th. Thanks to Ed and Elias Self who helped Peter and MJ with unloading three truck loads of composted material in the morning; to Sam Fenzel Alexander and Steve Todd who helped out because they were there and wanted to; to Western Disposal and their free compost day; and, to Don Lilley for the use of his truck.

We were all delighted to greet new faces of Barbara Cort, Beckett Coppola, and Kasey McCabe who pitched right in and seemed to know what to do. The rest of the work team was comprised of Amy Self, Kathy Sievering, Deborah Hoff and Sharon Belew, Joyce Perata and Heidi Todd.

It did not rain. It was not too hot. We began rototilling and rebagging some leaves which we will be using as mulch and as a weed/animal barrier on the north fenceline. We planted three kinds of peas – standard English, edible pods and Chinese pea pods plus Fava beans which we will be trying for the first time. Also put in our mixed salad greens and several rows of spinach. The garden needs to dry some before we complete our planting (probably in two sessions – mid to late April and mid to late May). The dates will depend on how our weather goes in the next two months. There is alot of moisture in the ground and so we will monitor as to whether we need to start watering before mid-April. Life is good!!

Membership Matters

We honor Members, Friends, and Visitors

Our Thoughts and Good Wishes continue to be with:

Laurie Duncan-McWethy, who is at home from the hospital, but is still facing treatment with an anti-biotic “drip” for up to six weeks. This was due to complications from her previous shoulder surgery. She is positive that no further surgery will be needed. Paula Baase is doing great, and and is walking, with only a cane, as she recovers from bilateral knee replacement. Please also keep Tom & Sally Rickert, and Vic & Ruth Barnard in your thoughts, as they face new challenges in their lives.

#Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to: Jonathan & Hayden Williamson who finally sold their home, in preparation for their move to Maine. We wish our friends nothing but the best of everything — we will miss all that they have given to UUCB as they head off to a new life, with others in their caring family, and a new UU community. The Colorado Legislature for finally passing the ASSETS bill, making everyone graduating from our public school system eligible for in-state tuition. This is only fair! Members of our community have worked hard for this, and also for the passage of the Civil Unions initiative, which also passed. Justice is beginning to change its shape in our state — but there is still more work to be done!

The Ninth Grade Trip Cake Auction on March 17th was a “rousing success”! Our community contributed over $2500 to this special program for our youth. This year will be the 51st running of this “coming of age” event. The success was achieved through the efforts of Anne McMullen, John Ireland, Debbie & Jeff Davis, and of course everyone who donated baked goods, and who bid upon them. Can’t forget Grace Ireland our “tripper” for this year, and Bill Belew the auctioneer.

#Random Thoughts: Probably more than you ever wanted to know, but I need to clarify something for the record. Since my recent wrist surgery (which is recovering nicely) several people have commented that Fred “owes” me, since I helped him with his recovery from his hip replacement last year. Nothing could be further from the truth, indeed it is I who “owe” him. Last year is the first time he has ever been in hospital, since he was born. On the other hand, he has seen me through a hysterectomy, a kidney stone that landed me in ICU, a knee replacement, and finally this wrist thing. I will never be able to catch up to the very best care giving I have ever received! Also do not forget the four years of almost daily visits to my Mom before she died. A nurse at Boulder Manor once said, “We can’t believe he is a son-in-law — most sons are not as attentive.” Fred’s kind and loving care, plus my being of “hearty pheasant stock” (his term for Moi) is the reason I am. Do not, for a minute, fall for his curmudgeonly exterior! Fred, thank you for being YOU!

Farewell to the Williamsons

A Goodbye and Farewell Open House for Jonathan and Hayden Williamson will be held Sat. April 13, 7:30–9:30 p.m. at Hilton and Jenny’s home, 5101 Pennsylvania Ave. (just 3 doors east of our church on the same side of the street).

All ages are welcome. Please bring a snack or drinks to share.

Hayden and Jonathan have sold their home and are moving to Maine. They have been an intergal part of our church for a long time. Please come and help us say a heartfelt goodbye and farewell.

UUCB Public Forum: Who Won the Iraq War?

In January 2003, Norman Solomon and Reese Erlich accurately predicted many of the Iraq War’s disasters in their book Target Iraq: What the News Media Didn’t Tell You. There were no weapons of mass destruction; the overthrow of Saddam Hussein would lead to a pro-Iranian government in Baghdad; and the country could face a long civil war. Over the past 10 years Solomon has continued to be one the country’s best known media critics as head of the Institute for Public Accuracy. In 2012 he ran for Congress as an anti-war Democrat in northern California. Erlich has reported from Iraq a total of four times and made numerous trips to Syria and other nearby countries on assignment for CBC (Canada) Radio, the Daily Beast, Global Post, NPR and others. They will discuss the significance of the Iraq War and offer a critique of current media coverage of the region.

UU members and the wider community are invited to join the engaging program of the UUCB Public Forum on April 7.

Doors Open at 6:30. Program at 7:00 PM Admission Free. Donations Welcome.

A Reception, Book signing, Community Engagement period will follow the program.

This UUCB Public Forum is co-sponsored by KGNU Community Radio, Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center and Boulder Veterans for Peace.

UUCB Concert: The Renaissance Project

Friday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. $12

“Ave! The Renaissance Project in Concert”

The Renaissance Project presents great music of the Renaissance and Beyond, including four great “Ave!” pieces spanning 350 years: Ave regina coelorum, by Giovanni Anerio, Ave Maria, by Javier Busto,

Ave verum corpus, by Camille Saint-Seans, and Ave Maris stella, by Busto. Additional works will include songs by some of the great composers of the Renaissance: Byrd, Palestrina, Victoria, Josquin, and Ockeghem.

If you haven’t experienced the glory and passion of great Renaissance music, you will be amazed!

A reception with the musicians will follow the concert.

Wednesday Goddesses

Please join us on Wednesday, April 3 as we study the Goddess Diana, Huntress Goddess of the Moon. Please look for the E-vite where you can sign up to participate in one of the aspects of our discussion. If you are not on the E-vite list, please call Laurel Seppala-Etra and she will add you to the list. We will set-up and socialize at 6:30 p.m. with the circle beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Skyroom of the church. Please contact Debbie Davies or Laurel for more information.

Women’s Book Group for April

The Women’s Book Group meets the second Friday of the month at noon in the Listening Room. New members are always welcome. Our book for April 12th is The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender.

Reflections on the Journey by Rev. Howell Lind

I spent an evening several weeks ago where I just couldn’t go to sleep and so I picked a book from the shelf, hoping to read for awhile until I could drift off the sleep. It didn’t happen! Though I had read several years ago the book by primatologist Frans de Waal titled Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved, I found myself re-reading this slim volume with a renewed interest. I couldn’t put it down this time!

Frans de Waal’s observation of non-human primates’ behavior over half a century has led de Waal to draw some conclusions regarding natural selection and moral reciprocity. He posits that, though human morality may culminate in ideas of justice and right, it begins in concern for others even as seen among the non-human primates.

I found myself re-reading this book and thinking about Jonathan Haidt’s new book, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion (which I am only part way through!), and Marc Hauser’s classic work, Moral Minds: How Nature Designed Our Universal Sense of Right and Wrong.

Marc Hauser, an evolutionary biologist and cognitive neuroscientist, has stressed that evolution has “hardwired” humans to know right from wrong. Our brains have been endowed with an ingrained moral instinct through natural selection.

The observations and research of both de Waal and Hauser started me reflecting about the more conservative religious agenda that is currently in our country. Religious conservatives could stand to read these two books as well.

Too many folks draw a hard and fast circle around “morality” and associate it solely with religion. Yet, religion is not synonymous with morality. More fundamentalist faith traditions would have one believe that if one does not adhere to their particular understanding of religious faith, then one cannot ever live a moral life.

Morality (and the substitute nomenclature of “family values”) is not the “reserved” property of the more conservative religious groups!

From our evolving “Professions of Faith” as Universalists and as Unitarians in our earliest roots in America, morality has been an important aspect of our faith stance. Our current Unitarian Universalist “Purposes and Principles” continue to reaffirm that understanding.

Our emphasis at UUCB on our Covenant as a behavioral covenant only serves to strengthen the conviction that morality and how we behave towards one another is what can make a “religion” strong and viable.

The documented behavior of chimpanzees and monkeys also makes it clear that acting and living out of a larger sense of morality belongs to all of us in the primate classification.

–Howell