02/02 “Living Into Our Abundance”
Amy Rowland, Assistant Minister
Beckett Coppola, Worship Leader
02/09 “A Treasure of Great Worth”
Full Church Community Worship
Janen Wright, Lifespan Faith Development Director
Howell Lind, Worship Leader
02/16 “What’s Your Story?”
Rev. Nancy Bowen, UUA Pacific Western Regional Lead
Rev. Howell Lind, Worship Leader
02/23 “Reflecting Allyship“
Young Adults LGBTQIA Ministry Group
Amy Rowland, Worship Leader
Our BorderLinks trip, April 24-27, 2014, will be a learning/reflecting journey for UUCB members and friends (age 18 and over) to engage in the issues of human rights and immigration at the Arizona/Sonara, Mexico border. There will be time for worship, theological reflection and fellowship while we travel the borderlands of Arizona. Amy Rowland, our assistant minister will join our group and lead worship, reflection and provide chaplaincy.
During this trip, we will learn directly about the situations that push people to immigrate to the U.S, and the extreme difficulties and dangers of that journey. We will visit with activists, academics and community members that work to meet the needs of their communities and advocate for just policies.
In Mexico, we will visit the border city of Nogales, Sonora. There we will meet with community organizations, such as Home of Peace and Hope (HEPAC), that are engaged in meal programs, education and economic development; and groups that provide basic assistance to migrants who are traveling to the U.S. or have recently been deported. We will also meet with workers from the “maquiladoras” (assembly plants) and their families. We will have the opportunity to eat meals in the home of families living in Nogales.
In the U.S., activities may include visits with humanitarian organizations, day labor centers, ranchers, academics, U.S. governmental agencies such as the Border Patrol or Immigration & Customs Enforcement, detention centers, and federal public defenders. In addition on Sunday we will join with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson (UUCT) in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of No More Deaths. UUCT adopted No More Deaths as a ministry of their church in the summer of 2008. No More Deaths provides humanitarian aid to end the death and suffering of migrants crossing the US/Mexico border in southern Arizona.
Prior to the trip we will provide educational and spiritual reflection for 3-4 sessions in a small group ministry for personal transformation and to prepare for our journey. Once the trip has been concluded we will continue our small group ministry for integration of our experiences and to plan a Sunday Worship Service to share our experiences with our entire congregation.
The details;
When: UUCB members and friends will go on a BorderLinks trip April 24-27.
Where: The trip will begin in Tucson, AZ and include Nogales, Mexico
Cost: We estimate the cost to be approximately $600 person including airfare from Denver to Tucson (The sooner you book your airfare the easier it is to get a low price. Southwest and United fly direct Denver to Tucson). Financial aid is available.
Details: To participate in our trip you must have Medical Insurance and a passport.
For more information contact: Amy Rowland: amy.rowland@comcast.net, 303-815-5181 or Mary Dineen
We need more donations. Go to www.togetherauction.com/uuchurchofboulder to bid and donate or use the link off the church website. DEADLINE FOR DONATIONS IS FEBRUARY 5th to get items into the catalog!
Your user id is the phone number you have in the church directory and your password is the last 4 digits of that number. One id per household. You will receive a bidder number when you donate or bid. Bring that number to the auction on the 9th and 23rd so you can up your bid in person. If you are not a church member and would like to donate send an email to auctionuucb@gmail.com and we will get you set up. Be sure to read the donation tips on the auction home page before you donate.
Don’t feel comfortable donating online? See us at the auction table and we will get you a hard copy form.
Remember: This is UUCB’s biggest fundraiser of the year so we need everyone to participate by donating and bidding. The money raised from the auction supports our UUCB programs.
See us at the table in the Sky Room after church for questions.
Lisa Hughes and Diana King, Auction Co-chairs
UUCB’S Share-Our-Plate recipient for the month of February is the Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder County; sponsored by our Immigration Ministry — Fred Cole will be their host during the month. The Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder County was founded in 2005 to help community members address issues of citizenship and immigration status, while maintaining roots in community organizing. As a non-profit the Center has provided dozens of educational programs, encouraging the community to focus on the many inconsistencies in U.S. immigration policy.
As a law office, the Center has provided assistance to more than 3,000 families, helping hundreds of them to obtain lawful permanent residence (or green-card) status. Following President Obama’s 2012 announcement of “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) the Center launched a clinical program, providing affordable legal assistance to more than 200 eligible young people, in Boulder County.
With a clinical program already running smoothly the Center is ready for “Comprehensive Immigration Reform” — however it proceeds through Congress. With help from our wider community, volunteers within the clinical program can easily expand to assist thousands, in navigating the process. Thank you for sharing your plate with the Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder County, and we would love to talk with you about volunteer opportunities!
Someone once said, “Love, like death, changes everything.” I have long been a student of love. I have a magnet on my fridge that says, “to love well is to live well,” and I believe it is as simple as that (though far from easy.) I am comforted by the thought that to learn how to love well is a discipline that can be mastered like any other skill. I think one of the barriers to loving well is that much about love is not understood– such as the fact that love is not just a feeling but rather a commitment. In The Road Less Traveled, Scott Peck says, ”We do not have to love. We choose to love. Love is as love does… True love is an act of will. The desire to love is not love itself….. Love is not a feeling. A genuinely loving individual will often take loving and constructive action toward a person he consciously dislikes. The person who truly loves does so because of a decision to love.”
Ethan Fromm, in his book The Art of Loving says, ”Love is an activity, a power of the soul, an attitude, an orientation of character. Most people believe that love is constituted by the object, not by the faculty. They believe that all that is necessary for them to love is to find the right object – and everything goes by itself afterwards. This attitude can be compared to that of a man who wants to paint but who, instead of learning the art, claims that he has just to wait for the right object, and that he will paint beautifully when he finds it.”
We all know people that seem to love everyone around them with the same ease as they draw breath. Like anyone who has mastered an art, they make it look so easy. What an inspiration they are to everybody lucky enough to know them! There is a real power there that you can feel just by being in the same room with them.
One more thought. On a quest to be a more loving person we cannot overlook the importance of self- love. Again Peck writes, “Since I am human and you are human to love humans means to love myself as well as you. We are incapable of loving another unless we are capable of loving ourselves just as we are incapable of teaching our children self-discipline unless we ourselves are self-disciplined.”
On February 9th our Multi-generational service is dedicated to the importance of loving ourselves. As Unitarian Universalists our first principle is respect for the inherent worth of souls. We are getting ahead of ourselves if we think we can extend the kindness of acceptance to others if we cannot give the same to ourselves. We need to love ourselves with the same commitment that we love any other person in our lives. And what a privilege it is to love ourselves and others! If I had to choose between being well-loved or loving well I would choose the latter because of the purpose and joy it brings to my life. I’ll close with the famous words of Kahil Gibran, “Think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.” May love direct each of our courses now and always.
Janen Wright, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
We honor members, friends, visitors
Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with: The family and friends of Ftitz Clausen who died in December, at age 91, he was living in Clear Lake, IA. He was a former member and good friend to UUCB. Peter Ewing’s brother, James Ewing died on Sunday, December 22, 2013. Jim was Dianne Ewing’s husband for 26 years. We will support Heidi Todd as she honors the life of her Mother who passed away on Christmas Day.
Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to: Elias Self who saved the Day! He ran home after church, on Sunday 12/29, returning immediately to tell Ed and Amy that their home was filled with smoke. They returned to report that a pot had been left on the stove causing smoke, but no fire so his timing was perfect. A special thanks to “My Sunday Morning Volunteer Staff (the SMVS)”. On December 22, Emily was ill, and replaced by Kay Stevens, then Lois Anderson and Barbara Molfese, stepped in to usher, while Will Kropp volunteered to help Robley Williams with the coffee clean up. Sometimes things go awry. I so appreciate EVERYONE who has said YES to Greeting, Ushering and doing the Coffee Ministry (two who set up, and two who clean up). I am extra grateful to those who sign-up on the Volunteer Sheet (on the Office counter, every Sunday) without being prompted. Thanks also for the plate donation by the Men’s Group from their Winter Solstice ceremony. Steve & Heidi Todd celebrated with joy having their whole family of eleven children and grandchildren under one roof over the holidays. They all came to church, on 12/29. We had great fun, and such a satisfying visit with the six Leap of Faith travel team members, from Mission Peaks UU Church. Fremont CA (1/10-12) and their Minister, Jeremy Nickel. We are now truly friends and allied in the work we are doing. On Jan 18th, Whitney Wheeless our President, and twelve others from UUCB, welcomed the Rev. Kierstin Homblette, as a newly ordained Community Minister at Jefferson Unitarian Church, in Golden. This was a truly unique ceremony, in that for the first time in UUA history, a Minister was ordained by seven different congregations.
Fox Martin is now ten years old.
Random Thoughts: Personal Notes: It is with great satisfaction that Fred & I can tell you that our Grandson-in-Law, Moises Rodriguez-Luis, “won” his case in Immigration Court, and has been granted permanent residency in the United States! (We just have to keep leanin’ towards justice!) Also, we have finally achieved a path towards resolution for our daughter Kendall’s domestic issues with her ex-husband. Our heart-felt thanks go out to Diane Gollnick, and her efforts in making this happen. There are now a few less candles for us to light! You may, or may not, have noticed that one of us has consistently been lighting a candle for the past year or so. Now you know why.
With Love & Care, Barb
I am honored that UUCB will ordain me into Unitarian Universalist ministry on March 22nd! Thank you for recognizing my ministry in this significant way. I am grateful to be on this journey with you, and look forward to this great celebration. Look for details in coming weeks!
In the meantime, there are things happening in February! Small group ministry groups will be offered again in February. No experience is needed to join a group, just a willingness to be present with your companions, in body, mind, and spirit. It’s a wonderful way to deepen relationship and to build capacity to hear others, even across our differences. In addition, the Small Group Ministry team and the Membership Committee have collaborated to offer a new small group. This new small group meets just 3 times, and introduces participants to the way we practice living our values in this congregation. Each of the sessions will focus on one of our value statements: Living Well, Deepening Faith, and Enacting Justice. The sessions will also introduce participants to small group practice. These ‘mini’ groups are ideal for newcomers to the congregation, as well as newcomers to small group ministry. Look for dates in February to participate in small groups!
If you are interested in participating in a small group, and have questions, or perhaps interested in starting a small group around a particular concern, I look forward to hearing from you.
I am also looking forward to joining the UUCB Immigration Ministry on a BorderLinks trip to Tuscon and across the border, this April 24th – 27th. This trip is open to individuals over 16 years old. Details will be available through the Immigration Ministry and the MidWeek Messenger, but it’s not too early to save the dates! For information about BorderLinks, you can find more about them at: www.borderlinks.org.
I look forward to seeing you in church!
Amy
On Saturday, 1/18, I attended and participated in a unique and inspiring event—the ordination of Kierstin Homblette. It was unique because all seven Boulder-Denver Cluster UU churches jointly ordained Kierstin as our Community Minister. This is a first for seven congregations to ordain one person! Our collective congregations represent 2000 Unitarian Universalists in the metro area. Wow!
The ordination was inspiring because of the enthusiasm, genuineness, and passion Kierstin, her colleagues and friends, and the congregation members have toward making a difference in our community. I heard a lot of audience “amens” during the celebration! Kierstin’s work is about enacting justice and building community with interfaith organizations and community partners. She is especially focused on immigration and GLBTQI issues.
As I write my message on this day that we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s life, it gives me a chance to reflect on this weekend’s event. Rev. Alicia Forde provided the sermon at the ordination entitled “Still So Far From the Kin-dom”. It especially resonated with me. We have come a long way toward justice and equality, but we still have a ways to go. Until all people are free from racism, discrimination, hatred, and war, we are not done. That we must achieve peace and justice through love. Another important message for me was that we cannot do it alone—we are a wide circle (draw it wider still). Together we can make a difference.
A reading at the ordination came from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from his address titled “The Role of the Church in Facing the Nation’s Chief Moral Dilemma” (1957):
Our motto must be, “Freedom and justice through love.” Not through violence; not through hate; no not even through boycotts; but through love. As we struggle for freedom in America it may be necessary to boycott at times. But we must remember as we boycott that a boycott is not an end within itself; it is merely a means to awaken a sense of shame within the oppressor and challenge his false sense of superiority. But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. The type of love that I stress here is not eros, a sort of aesthetic or romantic love; not philiu, a sort of reciprocal love between personal friends; but it is ugupe which is understanding goodwill for all men. It is an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. It is the love of God working in the lives of men. This is the love that may well be the salvation of our civilization.
An overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. To me this is the crux of Unitarian Universalism—standing on the side of love to enact justice for all. We cannot do it alone, and we desperately need each other. We have a unique opportunity within UUCB and with our fellow ordaining congregations to work together and with Kierstin to change our corner of the world. May it be so. Blessings to you all.
This past fall, UUCB Climate Change Ministry (UUCBCCM) has been actively pursuing a connection with other UU’s on the issue of climate change in the Front Range and beyond. Three committee members met with Kiersten Homblette, MDD Beloved Community Coordinator to propose that a meeting be held with all UU churches in the Front Range to discuss the work that individual churches/fellowships are doing on the climate change issue. Kiersten liked the idea and is arranging a meeting for some time in February.
UUCBCCM also reached out directly to the Foothills UU Church in Ft Collins and Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC) of Golden. Both churches expressed interest in our work and requested that we come and do a presentation. On Dec 8th, Susan Secord and Susan Riederer presented UUCB’s work on climate change to 20+ attendees at the Ft Collins Church. A similar presentation is scheduled for Feb 2nd at JUC.
In addition to work with area UU’s, our ministry is also working with the Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, and the UU UNO Climate Action Team. It is our belief that the more collaboration that we can do at the grass root level the more significant our impact can be. Please consider joining us in this important work. We meet the 4th Wednesday at UUCB from 6:30-8:30.
Green tip for the month:
Transportation: 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning the engine on and off (NJDEP). Turn your engine off when you are sitting for more than 10 seconds, especially near children and in urban areas where pollution levels are already high.
Eco-tip provided by GreenFaith: www.greenfaith.org
Immigration Ministry is sponsoring the Sunday Night Forum, on February 23rd, beginning at 6:30 pm.. This will NOT be in our usual Sunday night format! Instead we will be offering a series of vignettes, drawn from the M
otus Theatre production entitled “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?” These short, powerful monologues will be delivered by members of the troupe — as the actors describe their own personal experiences; accompanied by musical interludes. The performance will be suitable for school-age children (that’s why we will begin earlier than usual). Childcare will be provided, upon request. A time for discussion, feedback and questions will follow. Representative Jared Polis — or a member of his staff, have promised to be there.
Photos by Hilton Fitt-Peaster and Will Kropp
Photos by Reed Bailey
Our congregation has been blessed for the past year with the lovely, sonorous sounds of a Tibetan singing bowl to guide us in and out of meditation during our Sunday services.
The bowl, along with its clapper and cushion, were donated to UUCB by longtime UUCB member Diana Maiden early in 2013. The Worship Committee had recognized the need for a more resonant and lower toned bowl; and Diana, a member of the committee, immediately offered to find and donate one. After sampling many bowls at Old Tibet on Pearl Street, she chose the one we now enjoy and presented it to us. Inscribed on the bowl are the Tibetan symbols for the most familiar and beloved Buddhist mantra, OM MANI PADME HUM. While talking with the owner of Old Tibet, Narayan Shrestha, he reminded Diana that, when she was UUCB’s administrator in the late 1980’s, he used to rent the Sky Room at UUCB for occasional large (and raucous) Tibetan dinners. If the church ever wants to get another bowl, Narayan also said that Old Tibet will happily take this one back as a partial trade.
Please thank Diana when you see her for this wonderful gift which blesses us each week.
Sharpen your leadership skills and network with other Unitarian Universalists from along the Front Range. Attend the Front Range Unitarian Universalist Leadership Conference on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at First Universalist Church, 4101 E. Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO 80222. It will feature three workshop slots, each with four workshops from which to choose. The early bird registration fee of $16 covers a continental breakfast and a lunch catered by the Jerusalem Restaurant. After February 12th the registration fee will be $21. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/front-range-uu-leadership-conference-tickets-10180621513
On Thursday, February 6, wise elders and others who have time for lunch at UUCB are invited for our winter pot luck lunch. You don’t need to be “wise” or an”elder.” Bring your favorite dish to share, home made or from the deli! Following lunch Deborah Berioli, out new music director, has planned a short program for us. Deborah is a gifted musician and experienced UU choir director from Florida. Let’s give her a big welcome!
Sign up at UUCB or call Carol Saunders to let us know you are coming, or just come (we can set up more tables, if need to!
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Alaska? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2014 is for you! Four Alaska UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program next summer! See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, whales, bald eagles, seals, and sea otters. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Forget the cruise ships – our tour is the best way to visit Alaska! Programs led by Dave Frey, a member of the Fairbanks UU congregation and an expert in Alaska travel. To find out more about your Alaskan trip of a lifetime, visit www.WhaleCoastAK.org, email dfrey@whalecoastak.org, or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaska with you!
Carrol and Bill Kalafus are hosting our circle supper on February 1 at their home not far from UUCB at 6 p.m. If you have not signed up already, call them right away to save your spot. Carrol will coordinate the food, so that we have a balanced meal! Carroll and Bill are long-time UUCB members. They can catch you up on our history, if you are new.
Mary Clough and George Brandon invite us all to their new home in Louisville for tea and conversation on Sunday afternoon, February, 16, from 3 to 5. Bring finger food to share. They live in old town Louisville, but their house is brand-new!
The UUCB book club will meet Friday February 14. at 12 noon to discuss the book The Hare with the Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal. We plan to go to lunch after the discussion. I have copies of this book in a book bag from the Boulder Public Library. If you would like a copy, please call me, Jane White and we can arrange for you to get a copy.
Also, if you would like to peruse other book bags available you can go to the website at boulderpubliclibrary.org – to see a list with summaries of the books under Book Bags.
If you have not provided a dish for the PRISM students in this school year yet, sign up to provide a home-cooked dish or something purchased that the students will enjoy for a Chinese New Year themed meal on Tuesday, February 4. Sign up at UUCB or contact Dianne Ewing to contribute. On Tuesday, March 4, we’ll provide a traditional U.S. meal for the students, tentatively meat loaf, veggie loaf, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, broccoli, and gingerbread.