Monthly Archives: March 2023

June 2014 Worship Services

June 1st Transitions Full Church Worship

Janen Wright, Lifespan Faith Development Director

Rev. Howell Lind, Worship Leader

June 8th “Looking Through the Viewfinder”

Rev. Howell K. Lind, Developmental Minister

Ted Burnham, Worship Leader

June 15th “Into the Great Beyond”

Rev. Amy Rowland, Assistant Minister

Rev. Howell Lind, Worship Leader

June 22nd “Change Happens”

Rev. Barbara Molfese, Affiliated Community Minister

June 29th ” The Emergency of Meaning”

Steve Todd

Justin Butterworth, Worship Leader

Faith Formation Focus by Janen Wright

June 2014–Rediscovering the Bible

I am very excited that, starting in the fall, the kids will be studying timeless themes in the Bible. I will be the first to admit that, though I read all the bible stories numerous times as a youth, my bible has been gathering dust on the shelf for many years now. There was a day that I thought I would never willingly open my bible again since Christianity and all it entails seemed a closed chapter in my life.

A couple months ago while I was looking into different curriculum options for our kids I noticed that some great lesson plans were based on bible stories– told with a UU slant. Because I know our kids love a good story I looked down the title index and was surprised to feel like some of those names stirred my heart like hearing the names of long lost friends. David (he was always my favorite), Solomon, Samson, Daniel, Bathsheba, Ruth, Martha, Mary, Jesus.

I recently came across an article by UUA past president, Rev. John Buehrens. The title caught my attention. “Why Bother with the Bible—Interpret or others will do it for you. “ He says, “the influence of the bible remains pervasive in our culture, its language and stories resonate throughout our literature and public rhetoric…. Many of our contentious political debates in our public life- over issues of sexuality, economics, even foreign policy –disguise sharply divergent interpretations of the Bible…. We religious liberals too often simply cede our power to opponents when we leave interpretation of our religious heritage or the meaning of our nation, or authentic “family values” to the reactionaries, the chauvinists, and the bigots.” Strong words and true.

Buehrens also reminded me that UUs are the spiritual beneficiaries of radical reformers who insisted that scriptures should be available to everyone so that all might claim their powers of interpretation and understanding.” On the other hand, UUs also have a heritage of humanists who insist, “the bible is human literature about the divine not divine literature about humans.” So our heritage, when it comes to the Bible, is vast and multi-faceted.

I like how forthright Tom Goldsmith of Salt Lake City is. He says, ”the Bible is like Santa Clause and sex. Children hear about it on the playground or on the street, whether or not their parents discuss it with them.” So let’s discuss it. Let’s teach our children the rich variety of morals and human issues and experience that is to be found in the bible. The Bible is foundational to the culture we all live in here in the United States. We don’t have to interpret these stories in the same way our friends from other faiths might do but I believe the Bible can be a valid guide, along with other sacred text, to living a good life as a Unitarian Universalist and we have a great year awaiting us.

Janen Wright, Lifespan Faith Development Director

Assistant Minister’s Report by Rev. Amy Rowland

As my time as your Assistant Minister draws to a close at the end of this month, (my final Sunday with you will be June 15th), I have reflected on the year we shared. The year began with me starting as a Ministerial Resident and ended with me serving as the Assistant Minister. Although the Boulder church has a history of working with the Living Into Covenant program to support the formation of seminary students and ministerial interns, I was the first Ministerial Resident to join the congregational staff. And some of the milestones of that formation this year are worth noting. The job description in itself did not change over the course of the year, but my status in ministerial formation did, several times. I passed the Ministerial Fellowship Committee in December, which marked the final formation milestone for my ministerial candidacy. It also meant that my job title could change from ‘Ministerial Resident’ to ‘Assistant Minister,’ to reflect my new status as a minister in preliminary fellowship. Entering preliminary fellowship also meant that I was eligible for ordination. I made the request to the board and congregation that the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder ordain me to ministry, and was joyfully ordained on March 22nd of this year. So I leave this year as the Reverend Amy Rowland, Assistant Minister. It’s been a wonderful year of formation and affirmation of both my ministry and the Boulder congregation’s commitment to shared ministry and to ministerial formation.

During the year my ministry focused on social justice, small group ministry, pastoral care, and worship. I worked with the Share-Our-Plate program and encouraged greater volunteerism, along with our financial support, as we partnered with the local non-profits that had been selected by the congregation for support. I also worked with all three of our primary social justice programs: Immigration Ministry; Climate Change Ministry; and our all-church social change project sponsored by the young adults, which this year has been an outreach and educational project spanning all generations to increase awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersexed, and Allies/Asexual persons, abbreviated somewhat helpfully as LGBTQIA.

I also worked closely with various small group ministries in the congregation. This year that included supporting the ministries using small group ministry for social change, working with the covenant group formats already in place, and adding some new small group opportunities. Over the course of the year we added a short-term (3 week) small group for newcomers, with the sessions focusing on our simple church themes of living well, deepening faith, and enacting justice. We also began a peer-support small group for individuals facing depression. We thank Rev. Barbara Meyers, from our Leap of Faith partnership, as she shared her experience and expertise on mental health ministry with us. This group started as a 6-week offering, and has been extended now to run on an ongoing basis, twice monthly. And finally, the Immigration Ministry small group ministry trip to both sides of the Arizona/Mexico border, hosted through BorderLinks of Tucson, Arizona, was a wonderful culmination of all elements of small group ministry and social change.

It was my great pleasure to have opportunities throughout the year to preach and participate in worship. I have grown enormously through those experiences of creative engagement with the congregation. It was also my privilege to attend to pastoral care needs as they arose. I value those relationships and the trust we shared.

In every aspect of my ministry, my engagement with the congregation has been alive and enriching, and I depart carrying you in my heart and in my ongoing ministry with affection and gratitude. I look forward to my continued connection to this congregation through my new work as the Executive Director of Create Meaning!

President’s Column by Whitney Wheeless

This Sunday, June 1, we will be recognizing all the volunteer efforts given in service to our church in support of its mission. I have compiled over 800 names of volunteers and their roles across our church in committees, task forces, for special events, Sunday morning activities, in faith development, and social activities. Some are small efforts on a Sunday morning like greeting at the door or bringing dessert for the cake auction, and some are large roles like chairing a committee or teaching our children in religion education. But each and every one of the things we do is important for making UUCB the church community that we want it to be. Imagine what would Sunday mornings be without ushers, worship leaders, the welcome table, music, and of course coffee! Each of us has a role we can play to contribute to UUCB, our mission, and our goals. And each of you and your gifts are appreciated.

Though our staff is truly fantastic, they are only the equivalent of 3.5 full-time employees. Most of those leading our church are volunteers. UUCB has over 45 committees, subcommittees and groups that do the work of the church. Opportunities abound—from the Membership Council to PRISM meals to the Worship Council to the Immigration Ministry to being a sound technician to the garden group. As we look to a new church year, it’s important to take stock in what we enjoy and what gifts we can give to our church. Do more of what you love and that will contribute to the greater community at UUCB. Step into a new role to learn about other parts of our church. Try out a new committee to meet new people and expand your horizons. Sign up for coffee hour. Organize a fun multi-generational event.

I want to give a special thanks to our outgoing board member Jenny Fitt-Peaster, who is Past President this year. I learned a tremendous amount from Jenny about church leadership, and I am grateful for her guidance, steadfast approach, and perspective in our two years working together on the executive committee with Howell. I have always felt that leadership is better as a team – and it’s certainly more fun!

Thank you to each and every one of you who volunteer at our church. It is truly amazing seeing how you give of yourself. It is much appreciated by me and the Board of Trustees. We are all recipients of each other’s gifts. We are blessed by the community that we create together, as we work toward fulfilling our church’s mission: living well, deepening faith, enacting justice. Blessings to each of you.

Membership Matters–June 2014

We Honor Members, Friends, and Visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with: The Piwonka-Corle family of four, as Toni’s Father, Tom, fractured his back in a fall.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to: Helen McGrath graduated May 4th from Regis with MAE in”Linguistically Diverse Learners” after nearly seven years! Robert Buschnell turned 90 on May 11th. Robley Williams whose newborn grandson, Max, was born in Europe. He is 4 kilograms, and 55 centimeters — Joy all around. To Suzy Belmont who graduated from CU with a Masters in Civic Systems. We also had three of our own graduate from Naropa. Beckett Coppola, MDIV, Virginia Jenkins, Psychology and Gen Morley, Psychology. Beckett will become the Ministerial Intern at Jefferson Unitarian Church, for 2014-2015. Rebekka Struik’s daughter, Margo, came to celebrate Mother’s Day with her, and they enjoyed a trip to the Art Museum.

Fred and Moi, along with Emily Conger, Deb Hoff, and Susan Secord will constitute our “on site” delegation to the UUA General Assembly, in Providence, RI — June 25 to June 29. Our Ministerial representatives will be Howell, and Amy Rowland. Amy will also be “called” into Preliminary Fellowship, on Friday night. You can keep up on all of the action by watching the “live stream” via uua.org/ga.

Random Thoughts: OK, the time has come for me to ask for YOUR help! As your Hospitality Ministry Coordinator my very special thanks to all of you who have said YES to me. I am so grateful to Don & Ellen Lilley, Bob & Julie Ford who each take a Sunday every month to Usher. To Aaron Gerber and the Young Adults who provide Coffee set-up/clean-up the first Sunday of every month, and to Becky & Fox Martin who greet on the first Sunday of every month. They have made this their Volunteer Service to UUCB — plus they all do much more! Please think about what you would like to do, on a regular basis, and let me know. This is not a “forever” commitment and substitutes are available.

A very special Thanks goes out to Michael and Diana King, who not only made the coffee, but also helped with the clean-up after our Congregational Meeting on May 18th! Also, to those who brought our “mini-lunch” that day.

I am responsible to provide the Sunday Morning Hospitality Volunteer Staff for Greeter(s), Ushers, Coffee Set-up and Coffee clean-up. On the Sunday’s that I do not have time to recruit, it makes the job a bit harder, as names for our Order of Service are due to Judith no later than Wednesday morning.

These Volunteer assignments are a very easy way to get your feet wet in your/our Church life. Because we are a year-around Church, there are always opportunities available. Caitlin Moore, who coordinates the Sound Technicians, would also love to have more people available to do this important task. A sign-up sheet is available every week on the Office counter. You can also “tell me”, “call me”, or “send me” an Email. I look forward to saying THANK YOU, for your YES!

If ever you get the opportunity to go on a BorderLinks trip from Tucson to Nogales Mexico, do not hesitate — just go. I had the perfect Delegation (that’s what we were called) to travel with: Mary Dineen, Jenny Fitt-Peaster, Rev. Amy Rowland, Fred Cole, Emily Conger, Will Kropp, Lou Mazzola and Maureen Flannigan from Columbine UU Church. Hope you were in attendance at our Sunday morning service (May 25th) — if not check out the DVD, from Caitlin.

With Love & Care,

Barb

June Circle Supper

Input is needed!! On Saturday, June 7, we have two options for our Circle Supper. One, you could host and choose to have a theme or not. Or two, we could go out together for a restaurant meal. Look for the sign-up sheet with the host or restaurant. Let me know if you would like to host or if you have a restaurant suggestion. We will need a restaurant that can accommodate a group of 10 to 20 or maybe more and that will be willing to give us separate bills. And we need a restaurant with reasonable prices and a menu with various choices, including dishes for people with special dietary needs. Another possibility is we could choose a restaurant with a one-price buffet or choose just two dinners, one veggie, one omnivore, and one or both gluten free and with any other restrictions requested early. Then we’d know the cost at sign-up time and could collect checks ahead of time, so the restaurant would not have to give us separate bills, and we would to have to wait a long time for processing separate bills. Email or call Dianne Ewing with your suggestions for June 7.

Images from Wise Elders Lunch

The UUCB Wise Elders (all ages of wise people are welcome) met in April for good food, fellowship and a stimulating talk given by Pete Palmer. Pete discussed our ever evolving universe and that we humans can’t be sure everything started with the big bang, as there may have been other universes before the big bang. To suggest there was nothing before the big bang is no more defensible than the creation stories in the Bible. Thanks to Pete for sharing these insights with us and to all those who brought food and helped setup and cleanup. Watch the Clear Light Messenger and Mid Week Messenger for our fall meeting date.

May 2014 Worship Schedule

Maureen Flanagan, Lou Mazzola, Will Krop, Emily Conger, Jenny Fitt-Peaster, and Amy Rowland at Tucson Int’l Airport at the beginning of the Boarderlinks trip. Follow the whole journey on UUCB’s Facebook page.

05/04 “A Theology of Sailing”

Rev. Howell K. Lind, Developmental Minister

Sue Masterson, Worship Leader

05/11 Love the One You’re With

Rev. Amy Rowland, Assistant Minister

Fred Cole, Worship Leader

05/18 “A Fierce Green Fire for Life and Justice”

UUCB’s Climate Change Ministry Team

Steve Todd, Worship Leader

05/25 “To a Border and Back: Our Spiritual Journeys”

Rev. Amy Rowland, Assistant Minister

Meet the Nominees for Search Committee

Sharon Belew

In 1979 I joined the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, Colorado where I found a community of like-minded individuals whose shared values and supportive environment nurtured my spirit for more than twenty years, during which time the membership nearly doubled in number. My husband, Bill, and I moved to Boulder in 2003 and commuted to the church in Golden until we joined UUCB in 2006. At that time this church had only half the membership we are currently enjoying. I appreciate and understand the dynamics that ensue when there is such an increase in numbers in a church community. At UUCB I served on personnel for 6 years, just retiring this January. I was a member and then chair of the Committee on Ministry, ending my term in 2013. This year I have coordinated the Covenant Group program and served as a group facilitator. I am also a member of the choir. I am excited about the growth and maturity of our congregation and I know we have a lot to offer to a called minister. I look forward to participating in the process of selecting the best candidate to serve our beloved community.

Ted Burnham

I’ve been a UU since 1996 and a member of UUCB since 2010. Unitarian Universalism has always been synonymous in my life with powerful friendships, creative spirituality, and radical welcome. As a teenager I was involved in my church’s youth group and helped plan conferences, participated in Coming of Age and AYS (the precursor to Our Whole Lives), and attended General Assemblies in Quebec City and Boston. At UUCB I have been a leader in the Young Adult group, served on the Appreciative Inquiry and Growth Appreciation task forces, and am a member of the Worship Council. I am honored to be nominated for this responsibility and am excited to do the hard work of finding a minister who will embrace both the strong relationships and forward momentum of this congregation.

Jason English

I am originally from Michigan, and discovered UU in 2002 while living as a chemical engineer in Wisconsin. In 2005, I moved to Boulder to study climate change (and to enjoy the progressive culture, sunshine, mountains, bike paths and restaurants). I got involved with UUCB in 2006 and became a member in 2011. I was initially involved with the young adult group and have expanded to broader church activities in the past few years. I organize “Wine and Spirit” events, am on the all-church retreat planning committee, and am wrapping up a 2-year position on the board of trustees. During my time at UUCB I have witnessed some difficult, but needed, changes in the church. The church has become more open to change, and young people and families are showing up and staying. I look forward to helping us find a minister that will encourage some continued change and growth, while deepening our existing traditions and community within the church.

Jenny Fitt-Peaster

I first came to UUCB in the early 70’s and have been an active member since 1974. In the beginning I was active on the Social Justice committee and became its chair. Our UUCB high school youth asked me to be their adult advisor for several years. I was active in the Singles Group and met my husband, Hilton, at our church. Our five children participated in RE and four went on the 9th Grade Trip. Our three grandchildren now attend UU Churches. After “semi-retiring” in 2009, I began serving as a Worship Leader, then chaired our Worship Council, co-founded our Immigration Ministry, served as a Board Trustee for five years, am now finishing my year as Past President and for the past year have chaired the Rental Lease Committee. I am committed to our church and to the progress we have made during our developmental ministry. As a Breakthrough Congregation we are looking to our future as a congregation with a called minister. While serving on the Search Committee I will commit to our Broad Church Goals developed over the past 6 years and based on the original “Our Common Dreams: The UUCB Vision” and to our shared ministry.

Diana Maiden

As a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, I’ve been a member of a number of UU churches and fellowships in the Midwest and East Coast. I’ve been a member of UUCB, along with my children, since 1983. My identification as a Unitarian Universalist and Buddhist has provided me with a basis of belief to move out in to a diverse, changing world in positive and socially meaningful ways. Over the years I’ve been involved with the children’s religious education program and more recently have facilitated Covenant Groups and been an active member of the Worship Council. I hope that my participation in the Ministerial Search Committee will assist the church community to call a minister who can build on the many strengths of our congregation and move us forward in ways we have yet to discover, to offer the Unitarian Universalist values of both reason and compassion to our members and our larger world.

Barb Richards

I was born seventy seven years ago in KCMO, where I first learned about Unitarian Universalism. I joined First Unitarian, Denver in 1964 where we attended for eight years. Next came First Universalist where I was Director of Religious Education. My third and final UU church is here, when I moved to Boulder in 1982; to start a new life with Fred Cole, when we blended together our six children. That has become fourteen grandchildren, and two greats! Since joining UUCB I have worn many hats, President, Membership, Greeter, Immigration Ministry, and most recently as Volunteer Hospitality Staff Coordinator. I am excited to work with a very strong Search team that LDC has put together. Because of my experience on the last search I am able to share and get us past any pitfalls we might encounter. With goals already in hand we can move forward on the path we have all worked so hard to create.

Jim Rowe

I have been a UUCB member since 2010. During that time I have taught elementary-age religious education and Our Whole Lives (OWL), and have served on Kelly Dignan’s intern committee, the playground committee, and the GROW task force. I grew up predominantly in Madison, WI, but spent parts of my childhood in Missouri, Virginia, and West Africa. I studied Geology at Carleton College, and following graduation, worked as an environmental consultant where I met Whitney Wheeless. We have two active children, Eliot and Miles, who attend middle school and elementary school, respectively. As a family, we enjoy the outdoors, spending as much time as possible hiking, biking, camping, and traveling. I am currently Vice President of Product Development for Quest Integrity Group, an international company that provides services and solutions for industrial clients to safely and reliably manage their infrastructure.

Elected Position Slate for 2014-15

The following have been nominated by the Leadership Development Council:

President Elect–Caitlin Moore

Caitlin has been a UU since 1997 and a member of UUCB since 2004. She was on the Dream Team Committee that set the strategic direction for the church, had a long tenure as board secretary, served on the Board of Trustees, and has participated in choir and membership council. Caitlin is a GIS analyst for Intrado and holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She is married to Will Kropp and resides with Will and his sons in Longmont, Colorado.

Board of Trustees–

Suzy Belmont graduated from Hamilton College with a bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Anthropology. She spent the next two years teaching middle and high school math at a private school in Pennsylvania. She moved to Boulder in 2009 to become an AmeriCorps member with the I Have a Dream Foundation. Suzy then spent the next three-years working with low-income students on drop-out prevention efforts, building and creating after school programming and helping her students both graduate and go on to post-secondary education. She is currently a master’s candidate in the Civil Systems program at CU, focusing in engineering in developing communities and sustainable energy. Suzy also works for the Service Learning and AmeriCorps Office on campus part time. She is graduating in May and hopes to take her background in education and passion for energy equality to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy access for low-income families. Suzy grew up UU and has served on the YALC (Young Adult Leadership Committee) as both the Social Justice Coordinator and Chair. She also teaches Sunday School to the middle school and high school youth. She found a home at UUCB five years ago and has loved the chance to bring both her passion for social justice, spirituality, youth, and leadership to the community.

John Cuddington–Hi, I have agreed to serve on the Board of Directors of UUCB. Although I joined UUCB in 2009, I regularly attended the UU church in Arlington, VA when we lived there. I welcome your ideas on how to keep our congregation dynamic, progressive, and inclusive.

Clerk of the Congregation

Judith King — Colorado resident since 1971; in Boulder since 1980. Attended UUCB in the ’80s and helped build the Sky room. UUCB member since 2007. Retired from medical device regulatory and quality management in fall 2011, to pursue art and travel. Active in the Climate Change Small Group Ministry. Enjoy part-time work as Office Administrator because it involves interacting with staff, members and renters, and provides opportunity to use organizational skills.

Committee on Ministry–Tim Piwonka-Corle

Tim Piwonka-Corle has been a Unitarian Universalist since 1988 when he met his lovely wife Toni, and she showed him that he had a spiritual home. Tim has been an active member of four UU congregations and served on several different committees. He has also delivered the Sunday Sermons at the Vancouver B.C. UU church. The Piwonka-Corles joined UUCB in 2011 when they moved to Boulder. Tim finds the worship service and interactions with the ministry to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his life as a UU, and looks forward to continuing in that personal growth opportunity. Tim is a graduate of the University of Colorado (B.A. 1983), Stanford University (Ph.D. 1989) and ESCP Europe (M.B.A. 2006).

Robley Williams — (bio not available)

The following have been nominated by the Board of Trustees:

David Hughes–Leadership Development Committee (1-year Term) has served as President, Moderator, and Search Committee Member, among many other positions since joining in 1996. He has served for the past two years on the Leadership Development Committee and the Board has asked him to extend his term for an additional year to allow for staggered terms on the committee. His wife, Lisa, and his children, Sophie and Lindsey, are active members of the church. David works as an attorney for Boulder County.

Danielle Fuller— I moved to Colorado last summer in pursuit of a closer connection to the natural world, and was pleasantly surprised to find how easy it was to connect to the human element here as well. My little “family” consists of my roommate Liza, a cat, and a guinea pig. We’ve all had a fun and challenging time getting established in a new place, and in the coming year I’m looking forward to engaging in more community activity and involvement. I’ve had many brief coffee-facilitated conversations with other members and visitors about what we are interested in and where our lives are taking us (or have already taken us!). I look forward to working with the Leadership Development Committee to help match these passions and interests to opportunities for action and inclusion here at UUCB.

Hannah Jackson— I joined UUCB last September after discovering (to my surprise!) that there was a church I could feel at home in. One of my favorite things about UUCB is the amazing community that I’ve found, and I hope to give back to that community by serving on the Leadership Development Committee. I was born in Atlanta, GA, but grew up in Portland, OR, and moved to Boulder last May to live with my beautiful girlfriend, Kristyn Christman-McCarty. I teach math at CU as well as Arapahoe Community College, and when I can find a brief reprieve from grading and lesson planning, I love to cook, read, and run. I’m looking forward to having an opportunity to get to know my fellow church members better and work with the Leadership Development Committee to see that open positions are filled with the individuals best suited for them.

How the LDC Searched for the Search Committee

Under church bylaws, the Leadership Development Committee (“LDC”) is the elected body responsible for presenting a slate of seven candidates for a search committee, which the congregation votes on. The candidates for the search committee are listed in this month’s Clear Light Messenger, but the LDC wanted everyone to be aware of the process for how we came up with that list.

LDC published a notice in the March CLM requesting that those interested in participating on the Search Committee–or those who know someone who would be great for the Search Committee–should contact a member of the LDC. The LDC also held two after church forums in March (which were announced from the pulpit) for those who were interested. Members of the LDC then met with met with members of the Board of Trustees, church staff, and the membership committee to gather more names of those who were interested. In addition, LDC members called numerous individual church members for additional input.

After creating a list of names derived from all of these processes, the LDC contacted the people on the list to see if they were interesting in interviewing for the Search Committee. The LDC then conducted fifteen, 20-minute interviews with potential search committee members. After the interviews, the LDC met and arrived at a final list to submit to the congregation.

The LDC is grateful for the number of dedicated members who were willing to contribute their time and energy to this important process.

Proposed Bylaw Change: “Committee on Shared Ministries”

These changes are recommended by the Board of Trustees to be voted upon at the May 18, 2014 Annual Congregational Meeting.

Rationale for Recommended Bylaws Changes

The Committee on Ministry (Gen Morley, chair; Alan Davis, David Mendosa, Virginia Jenkins, and Sharon Laroque) formally requested that the Board of Trustees consider the official name change for their committee to the Committee on Shared Ministries providing the following rationale: to specify the focus of the Committee on Ministry to more consciously include all ministries of the church, including lay ministries. The current COM group had already been expanding their focus beyond the minister’s work; an example would be the breadth of inquiry into several different ministries in the annual Heartbeat survey.

The name change from the Committee on Ministry to the Committee on Shared Ministries serves to publicly and permanently establish the conscious inclusion of all church ministries into the work of the committee as well as a means of formally announcing the name change to the congregation.

Proposed Changes in Redline Format

ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES REPORTING TO THE CONGREGATION

Directly responsible to the Congregation are the Leadership Development Committee, the Committee on ~~Ministry~~Shared Ministries, and the Ministerial Search Committee.

Section 2. Committee on ~~Ministry~~Shared Ministries. A Committee on ~~Ministry~~ Shared Ministries of five (5) Members shall act to support, guide, and ensure the success of all ministries of the Church, including clergical, staff and lay-led. The Committee shall receive and act on matters related to the ministerial functions and ~~its~~ their performance. The Committee shall meet no fewer than four (4) times a year. ~~The Committee may meet from time to time without announcement to address itself to its accumulated concerns.~~ Members of the Committee on ~~Ministry~~ Shared Ministries shall be chosen for three-year staggered terms from candidates nominated by the Leadership Development Committee in consultation with the Board of Trustees and appropriate Church Minister(s) and staff, or nominated from the floor at a Congregational Meeting.

Share Our Plate Nominees for 2014-15

The time has come once again to review, consider, and vote on the organizations who will receive one month’s offering plate donations. Please take a moment and read through the fifteen nominations. Addresses are provided for further information if you desire.

Voting will take place via ballot after church services May 18th

Imagine – providing services and support to individuals with developmental, cognitive and/or physical challenges. www.imaginecolorado.org
Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder County-providing legal aid and support to those with need. Bi-lingual program supports the Immigration Ministry of the church. www.boulderayuda.org
The Robert D. Sutherland Memorial Foundation – Focusing on the evaluation and treatment of Bi-Polar Disorder in Boulder County. www.RDSFoundation.org
Bridge House/Community Table – Provide meals and needed services to the homeless and working poor population of Boulder County. www.boulderbridgehouse.org
Freedom Fund – seeks to insure that all Colorado women have equal access to reproductive options to exercise their right of reproductive self determination. www.Prochoicecolorado.org
St. Benedict Health and Healing Ministry – provides medical services to uninsured and financially challenged residents within Boulder County. www.sbhhm.org
Victims Advocate Program of Boulder County – Provides personal crime scene and trauma assistance and support within Boulder County. www.bouldercounty.org
There With Care – provides various services to assist and lighten the burden on families dealing with a critical illness. www.therewithcare.org
Meals On Wheels – provides regularly scheduled healthy meals to Boulder County, assuring one balanced meal daily. www.mowboulder.org
BCAP – Boulder City Aids Project, provides testing, risk counseling, case management and numerous services. www.bcap.org
SPAN – Safehouse Progressive Alliance – serving women, men, and children who are involved in domestic violence. www.safehousealliancefornonviolence.org
Boulder Senior Services – East and West Centers provide help with rent and medical expenses, and foster the engagement for elderly and their families. www.bouldercolorado.gov/seniors.
Earth Guardians – today’s youth centered on environmental activism, working to preserve our earth’s wind, water, land, and wildlife. www.earthguardians.org
OUT Boulder – Boulder county organization serving all ages of Lesbian, Gay, Bi sexual, Transgender or Queer, focusing on equality, respect and dignity. www.outboulder.org
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – providing rehabilitating care for greater than 2,000 wild birds and animals; Plus presentations to more than 3,200. www.greenwoodwildlife.org
Attention Homes – a safe resource for youth in crisis providing shelter, structure, and access to critical services for displaced youth www.attentionhomes.org

PRISM “Thank You”

PRISM The Progressive Really Inclusive Student Ministry sends a big thank you to all of the UUCBers who helped provide dinner for the group on the first Tuesday of the month during the academic year. This includes many of our RE students who planned a dinner for PRISM and spent time cooking on two Sundays in March. We froze their food and served it on April 1 (no joke). Watch the August newsletter for our plans to feed PRISM students once again and to welcome them back to the CU campus for the fall semester.

UUCB Men’s Group

The UUCB Men’s group has been active for over 35 years (historically, there are anecdotal references to a UUCB Men’s Group off and on since 1883 having started as a “Hunting Moon” group “to ensure a good hunt”). Purpose of the group is to provide fellowship and friendship to interested men of the church. They gather once a month at the church or a man’s house at 6 p.m. for Social/Happy Hour, followed by a Potluck from 7 to 7:45 pm when the Talking stick is passed to let other men know what’s “coming up for us”. We sometimes go into pretty deep water with personal sharing, and at times we discuss a book we have read or movie we seen. Of course, it’s always OK to just “pass” the Talking Stick. We especially welcome those who haven’t been attending in some time as well as “newcomers” – it’s always good to catch up on your life story. The photo is of our April meeting. We hope to see you at our May meeting – Thursday, May 15 at James Thomas’ home – details forthcoming.

Jon Bond

Reflections on the Journey by Rev. Howell Lind

UUCB’s Shared Developmental Ministry Program over these last few years has accomplished much in helping UUCB become a stronger and healthier congregation. We have done much to create the programming, the events, and the projects which continue to engage our members and to reach out our efforts into the larger world.

We have developed a connection to our larger community through the “Share Our Plate” program where we work with agencies in our community who are working to make a positive difference; our All Church Social Change Events have helped us to not only educate ourselves but to find ways to put our values into action in terms of our Immigration Ministry, our young adult LGBTQAI initiative, and our Climate Change Ministry; Our Mindful Meeting practice, the revitalized Small Group Ministry, as well as our new Depression Support Group have been ways our church has tried to help folks connect on a deeper and more personal level, one with another.

We also need to take some pride in the way we have reached out to and welcomed our neighboring faith community, Bonai Shalom, into our facilities after the devastating flooding of their Shul last September. Having met many of the members of the Bonai Shalom congregation, I can tell you they are very appreciative of our being there for them.

This past year UUCB was chosen as a Leap of Faith Mentoring Congregation to the Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fremont, California. It has been a rewarding partnership that, hopefully, can continue for the next several years to enrich both congregations.

To add to what we have accomplished over these past few years, our national Unitarian Universalist Association has named UUCB as one of four Breakthrough Congregations for this year.

A UUA Breakthrough Congregation is a congregation that has shown significant and sustained growth, where lay leadership has provided visionary leadership, and the congregation has shown a capacity to not only embrace but to promote its mission in the community and the world.

UUCB will be featured in an issue of the coming year’s UU WORLD magazine as well as serving as a resource for other mid-size congregations seeking to learn from how UUCB has accomplished all that we have done. It is quite a honor bestowed on UUCB by our denomination and it does serve as a testament to the commitment, effort, and hard work of so many in this congregation who have kept the purpose of why we are together as a religious community and the vision of becoming an even healthier and more vibrant church always as a goal before us.

This Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder –– this remarkable and healthy congregation that we are creating here together –– has much to be proud of. Together –– working together to fulfill our church’s mission –– has really made UUCB stand out and be a Breakthough Congregation in so many respects.

There is much for each one of us to be proud of as members of this congregation.

Howell

Faith Formation Focus by Janen Wright

I am happy to announce that on the first day of June we will build beloved community and connection by having a Full Church Service to honor the life transitions of members and friends in our congregation. It was William James who said, “The community exists to support its members while they fulfill their purpose. The community stagnates without the impulse of the individual. The impulse dies away without the sympathy of the community.”

On June first we will zoom our communal lens in to focus on individual milestones and for this I need your assistance. Any positive life transition will be celebrated (and awarded) so let me know not only educational advancements but also new life experiences that you might have had over the past year. I need names and details, good people, so I can put this program together. Please let me know if, since last summer, you have:

gotten a new job, (what are you now doing?)
moved to a new house, (where?)
retired, (what are you now looking forward to?)
found a life partner (details)
recovered from a serious illness?
won the lottery
became a new grandparent, (who’s the lucky baby?)
became a parent to a new child, (when, who?)
became a member of the great church of Unitarian Universalism
taken on a major challenge that made you reach beyond your normal capabilities
graduated with an advanced degree (what is it?)
graduated from college, high school, middle school or elementary school,
learned to read
or have any other positive life transition or accomplishment that you would like to share to give us all an excuse to know each other better and celebrate life’s journey.

On June 1^st we will also have a Teacher Appreciation ceremony, a Coming of Age ceremony for Allie Burgess and Sophie Hughes, and we will get to view the digital stories that our teens have put together. Mark the date on your calendar and come build community with us.

Please e-mail me with names and details at janenpw19@gmail.com or call my cell: 303-775-2462 and leave me a message.

Thank you,

Janen Wright, Director of Faith Formation

Membership Matters by Barb Richards

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with: Judy Hunter who had her second knee replacement last month. Kristyn Christman-McCarty was sporting a tall velcro boot last month, but it did not effect her beautiful voice.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to: Emily Conger has received her acceptance to Meadville Lombard Theological School. She and Ted will be staying in Boulder! Julie Zahniser and Eric Wilson became proud parents of Elijah Zander Wilson on March 1st; arriving at 6 lbs. 7 oz and 20 inches long. During March, Alex Mazzola, the Colorado Director of Wolf PAC, an organization aspiring to limit political election spending, was featured in a one-hour program on KGNU radio with Donna Kuntzler. Diana Hultgren has an exciting job as Palliative Care and Oncology Chaplain, University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington, KY. Her email will remain the same. Oscar and Leo Wheeless born one year ago on April 1 to sister Julie. As Aunt Whitney, Uncle Jim, Eliott & Miles say, “What a year”! Allison Burgess who attends Casey Middle School where she was the featured singer in a production of Mulan. To Morganne Howell who was a member of UUCB, along with her family from approximately 1998 to 2006, until the Howell family was transferred abroad. She is currently a sophomore at The University of Notre Dame, and has been accepted by the UU College of Social Justice for a summer Internship with the Puente activists in Phoenix, AZ. She will be working with them for 6-8 weeks this summer, awarded living quarters, and a stipend. Morganne has also received the “American Dream” grant from Notre Dame, which she will work on concurrently. Her proposal and aim is to research grassroots community organizing, intentional communities, and festivals. She is interested in how this relates to themes of democracy and community organizing.

Random Thoughts: I am still basking in the glow from Howell’s “Fifty Years of Preachin’ and Teachin’ celebration; culminating on Sunday morning with Rev. Scott Tayler — UUADirector of Congregational Life in our pulpit. He honored the many things we need to be proud of, and that we have accomplished in the last six years; which other congregations are beginning to adopt. It has been a wild and crazy ride, but our hard work has brought us national recognition, leading to UUCB being selected as one of the 2014 Breakout Congregations! This is a significant award given annually by the UUA. We will be officially recognized at this summer’s General Assembly, in Providence, RI.

Special thanks to Whitney Wheeless & Jim Rowe for an incredible DVD, Jenny & Hilton Fitt-Peaster for planning, set-up, and clean-up, Fred Cole, MC, Ralph Hanson for AV equipment, Jean LaDue for lovely flowers and ambiance, Paula Baase for set-up, Deborah Berioli for music; and my Sunday Morning Volunteer Staff for a special coffee reception. Janet Kern, George Wolf, Jean, Deb Hoff & Susan Secord made it happen. Janet had a creative idea which enlisted Mary Jean, Peter and Dianne Ewing making many delicious pies including cherry, Howell’s favorite.

Love & Care, Barb

Annual Congregational Meeting May 18

The annual congregational meeting will take place on May 18 at noon in the Earth Room. The agenda will be posted online in advance of the meeting.

May Circle Supper

On Saturday, May 3, Ralph Hanson, will host our monthly pot luck dinner. Ralph’s address is 1272 Fletcher Drive, Erie. This is a true pot luck; no theme this month! We understand there is a lovely view from the deck. If you have not already signed up, call him right away. Space is limited. If you’d like to host sometime, please contact Dianne Ewing.

UUCB Wise Elder Potluck Luncheon

May 1, 2014, 11:30 -1:30 in the Sky Room

Guest Speaker: Pete Palmer

“Messages from the Universe”

Bring a dish to share . . .

Images from Howell’s Fundraising Dinner: 50 Years of Preachin . . .

A large crowd of members and friends of UUCB and Howell attending the dinner celebrating Howell’s 50th year in ministry. (Photos by George Wolf).

UUCB Green Sanctuary Application Accepted by UUA

UUCB’s application for Green Sanctuary Certification was accepted last month, a milestone in a process that began a number of years ago. The UUA Green Sanctuary Program’s vision is: “Congregations and congregants working together to restore Earth and renew Spirit.” Our UUCB Green Sanctuary Team was chartered by the Board of Trustees in March of 2010 to “…help our church discover, explore, and strengthen the connections between environmental consciousness, congregational life, spiritual practice, sustainable living, and all aspects of social, economic and environmental justice”.

A follow-up team, called Climate Change Small Group Ministry, has been working since 2012 to focus on climate change issues, and further this work. See our table after Church to learn about our Mission and projects.

A plan was recently submitted to the UUA, using the Green Sanctuary template (which requires projects in specified areas of congregational life). We received confirmation on March 28, 2014 that our application is in substantial compliance with the guidelines, and recognizing and commending our progress to date. Each project has an assigned time-line and leader. Now we just need to carry out the remaining action items over the next two years and report on our results.

What’s in the plan? Here’s a quick summary. The full application is in the documents listed on the website member pages.

Worship and Celebration Projects – our work is spiritually grounded:

· Lead several climate themed Worship Services 2014 – 2015.

Religious Education Projects – we need to educate ourselves about the problem and solutions, as well as UU Principles inspiring our efforts:

· K – 12, Young Adult, and Adult areas of Climate focus. Curriculum/ projects to be carried out in the next two years.

Environmental Justice Projects – we act for future generations, indigenous, developing and disadvantaged peoples, who are affected by climate change disproportionally to their contribution to the causes:

· Partner with Citizen’s Climate Lobby, whose purpose is to 1) create the political will for a stable climate and 2) to empower individuals to have breakthroughs in exercising their personal and political power. We write letters to the editor and lobby Congress for national action.

Affiliate with Tuv Ha’Aretz, a Boulder interfaith CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project, which is partnering with Red Wagon Organic Farm in Boulder County, CO. Locally grown food reduces energy used in transportation and supports small farmers.
Energy efficient windows and doors – Most are done. The Building and Grounds team is scheduling the rest as resources allow.
- Support UUCB Garden activity. Members can learn how to grow their own local food.

Sustainable Living Projects – the congregation as a whole and as individuals can implement changes to make a difference:

· Membership Carbon Footprint Project. Annually schedule the “Check your Carbon Footprint” event during Coffee, to help members use on-line applications to check their families carbon footprint and determine potential improvements.

· Additional insulation during roofing replacement 2014. Hail damage last year, covered by insurance, allows this repair/upgrade to occur.

· Solar panels – done. Installed in 2011, we generate more electricity than we use in a year.

Additional Projects

· Environmental Fair. We will invite presenters and vendors for demonstration of energy saving products, projects, or lifestyles. Include games/projects for kids. Invite the public.

For more information about the application contact Judith King, judith.king199@gmail.com. For information about the Climate Change Ministry contact Susan Riederer, sjriederer@comcast.net or Susan Secord, sasecord@aol.com.