Fall is close and so is Fabulous Feasts and More!  Our annual auction on Sunday, November 8th and 15th after service is an important fundraising event for UUCB.  It is also a great, fun way to bring people together.  

Do you have a special talent, skill or unique item to donate?  Can you host a dinner?  Now is the time to donate an item.  Do it!

Get ahead of the game, browse the live, auction catalog online, and make bids right now.  We already have many fabulous donations, including a week stay on Whidbey Island in Washington State, classes to get in touch with your dancing inner goddess, a professional, outdoor photo shoot, private massage, labyrinth tours, and, of course, fabulous feasts, where you can break bread with new and old friends.

Whitby Island

To donate an item, peruse the catalog, or make an advanced bid, talk to Will Kropp on Sunday, call him at 303-859-9049, or go online at: http://togetherauction.com/uuchurchofboulder

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the Opportunity Fair on October 4, never fear!  You can get an online view of the tables that were there. Just click here.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YNHupMhBknleRT80gcaz0EtgrfCktBJz0330A1PFLog/edit#gid=0

Insert your name and email under the committees/ministry teams that interest you or contact the person listed to get more information.

We know that when we engage in the church, we grow in all kinds of ways!

Sunday, November 15, 12:30 pm.

A Chalice Light Gathering will be held immediately following Fabulous Feasts, in the Earth Room. The Board, Finance Committee, and Rev. Kelly will provide an update on our church finances, governance structure and annual goals. Join us!

For decades a large group of UUs in Boulder County has celebrated Thanksgiving together with a dinner on that day. For many years now, it has been hosted by us at UUCB. We are looking for people to open the church, oversee setting up tables and chairs, and to oversee the clean up for this year. On Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day, dinner will be served at 2:00 p.m. We also need two people to cook turkeys. You could cook one at UUCB, if you like. We ask all people, who are able, to help with the set up or help with the clean up, as well as bring a dish to share. A sign-up sheet will be on the counter from this Sunday on. Please sign up as early as you can. Questions, call Dianne Ewing, 303-776-0227.

It is time to bring your talents to church, work in fellowship with others, and build more community.

Explore the range of activities available at UUCB’s Opportunity Fair on Sunday, October 4th after service.  Learn about Committee needs, Fabulous Feasts, and how you can get involved in a deeper way.

As many of your know, our current budget intentionally left out many operational needs.  We need volunteers to do various tasks and provide donations around church.  Already, we have a volunteer crew that cleans the carpets, but we need more.  In addition to your pledge, please consider donating your time to the church.  Perhaps donate a roll of stamps to the office or volunteer to babysit for church events.

Mark your calendars for UUCB’s Work Day on Saturday, October 17th from 9AM to 3PM.  We will be setting up teams to clean up the inside and outside of our beautiful building.  Tasks include all levels of ability, from dusting and window cleaning, to woodwork and painting.  Drop by when you can, hopefully for the whole day.

October 15, 2015, 7:00- 8:30, Boulder Valley UU Fellowship.

Rev. Kelly Dignan and Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry invite you to a discussion based on articles written by UU leaders. We will hold these gatherings three times throughout the year.

Please RSVP for October’s session here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jcnRApU2w-62PwpA0QmiwqxLOSFV8kvAlM3hN0UDvk4/edit#gid=0

The articles we will discuss include:

A Unitarian Universalist ‘Black Lives Matter’ Theology by Kenny Wiley http://kennywiley.com/2015/03/26/a-unitarian-universalist-black-lives-matter-theology/

Showing Up for Racial Justice: One White Person’s Wading into the Waters… (Part II) https://irrevspeckay.wordpress.com/2015/07/19/showing-up-for-racial-justice-one-white-persons-wading-into-the-waters-part-ii/?preview=true

Second Tuesdays, every other month, 10:00 -11:30 in the Sky Lounge, Frazier Meadows

Join with others in a discussion about themes that have been traditionally valued by Unitarian Universalists.  Rev. Kelly Dignan (UU Church of Boulder) and/or Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry (Boulder Valley UU Fellowship) will lead the sessions.  Each gathering will begin with a reading. The dialogue will be related to the theme and geared to issues faced by elders.

Everyone is welcome, whether or not you live at Frasier Meadows or identify as a Unitarian Universalist. No need to RSVP – just come! October 13 – Letting Go; December 8 – Expectation; February 9 – Desire; April 12 – Creation; June 14 – Simplicity.

Sunday, August 16, after Service – Ice Cream Social to welcome Rev. Kelly Dignan.

All are invited to the ICE CREAM SOCIAL after the service on the patio to Celebrate Kelly’s first day.  We would like some help with food, setup, serving and cleanup.  Please click on the link below to view the online sign up sheet.  Contact Lisa Hughes, lphughes57@gmail.com  if you have questions.  We will also have paper signup sheets at church.

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0C4CABAC29A20-uucb/2883123

Aug 21-23, 2015 (Friday 4pm to Sunday 1pm)

 Official end of registration for this event was Monday, July 20 – AND if you want to join us and haven’t yet registered, we may have room – we will work to find some. Send an Email to maryfclough@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

 Workshops:

• Our members along with our new minister will be providing a variety workshops and activities – details on the website (uuchurchofboulder.org). Sign-ups have started in July and will continue through our arrival Friday, August 21, at Highlands.
•  The Camp provides great outdoor activities and access to beautiful hikes. We will plan hikes and games and lots of outdoor fun. The camp offers several activities for us: their challenge course looks like fun for ages 8 and up. They offer archery and canoeing for all ages and their zip line is available to ages 13 and up. We will have a kids’ programs running concurrently with adult programs and many will be multi-generational.

Accommodations:

We choose from one of 3 ways to stay at Highlands.

• They have a beautiful Retreat Center with rooms accommodating 3-6 people in twin beds (and a few queen beds) with private bathrooms.
• They have 3 rustic log cabins reserved for us, each with 20-24 beds. These have central living rooms, multiple bedrooms, and shared bathrooms.
• And the third option for a limited number of tents – they’ve designated several sites where we can cluster tents; tenters will use bathrooms in the Retreat Center.

August 21-23:

Reverend Kelly Dignan will join us Friday evening through Saturday afternoon and our Summer Minister Diana McLean leads us in worship on Sunday in the beautiful outdoor Vespers area (car and wheelchair accessible).

 Plan to join us for community, connection, fun and food in this beautiful mountain environment. Highlands Camp is about 35 miles (about an hour drive from Boulder).  We will gather between 4 and 6pm on Friday at the camp and then share an evening meal, then some music and games. On Saturday we will have numerous activities and workshops for all, and 3 meals. Sunday will include breakfast, more community fun, a service before lunch, and parting shortly after lunch.

Task Force:

Our task force is busy scheduling workshops and activities for all ages. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns you are welcome to contact any one of us. Task Force Members include: Whitney Wheeless, Mary Clough, Jason English, Ed Self, Nicole deLormier, Helen McGrath, Dianne Ewing, and Heidi Todd.

We looking forward to a fabulous retreat! details and video of last year’s retreat at: http://www.uuchurchofboulder.org/retreat/

On Sunday, June 14, the Rev. Howell Lind gave his final sermon as Developmental Minister of UUCB, wrapping up a highly successful seven years of ministry.

After service, the Sky Room was overflowing with people celebrating Howell’s contributions to our church.  Howell survived a few minutes in the spotlight and opened several gifts, which included a vintage hat band, a framed map of the Front Range mountains, and a photo memory book.

Snacks, cake, and conversation were enjoyed by all, and many congregants filled out personal cards to Howell and signed the photo memory book.

Special thanks to the volunteers Anne McMullen, Barb Richards, Diana Maiden, Gen Morley, Grace Ireland, Helen McGrath, Hilton Fitt-Peaster, Jason English, Sharon Belew, and Suzy Belmont, as well as the dozens of UUCB members who contributed toward the gifts.

We say goodbye to Howell with fondness, love, and gratitude for everything he has done for UUCB, and we wish him best in his next adventure!

 Last year’s retreat

Aug 21-23, 2015 (Friday 4pm to Sunday 1pm).  Our congregation is returning to Highlands Camp and Retreat Center near Allenspark, Colorado for a weekend retreat.

Registration is open.  Please register soon:

1. on-line at http://www.uuchurchofboulder.org/retreat/
2. or in the Sky Room after service through May,
3. or by paper registration – available on request.

 Workshops:

• Our members along with our new minister will be providing a variety workshops and activities – details on the website. Sign-ups will begin after services in later July.

 The Camp provides great outdoor activities and access to beautiful hikes. We will plan hikes and games and lots of outdoor fun. The camp offers several activities for us: their challenge course looks like fun for ages 8 and up. They offer archery and canoeing for all ages and their zip line is available to ages 13 and up. We will have a kids’ programs running concurrently with adult programs and many will be multi-generational.

Accommodations:

We can choose from one of 3 ways to stay at Highlands.

• They have a beautiful Retreat Center with rooms accommodating 3-6 people in twin beds (and a few queen beds) with private bathrooms.
• They have 3 rustic log cabins reserved for us, each with 20-24 beds. These have central living rooms, multiple bedrooms, and shared bathrooms.
• And the third option for a limited number of tents – they’ve designated several sites where we can cluster tents; tenters will use bathrooms in the Retreat Center.

August 21-23:

Plan to join us for community, connection, fun and food in this beautiful mountain environment. Highlands Camp is about 35 miles (about an hour drive from Boulder).  We will gather between 4 and 6pm on Friday at the camp and then share an evening meal, then some music and games. On Saturday we will have numerous activities and workshops for all, and 3 meals. Sunday will include breakfast, more community fun, a service before lunch, and parting shortly after lunch.

Task Force:

Our task force is busy scheduling workshops and activities for all ages. More detailed information is available on the registration form which is linked to our church website. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns you are welcome to contact any one of us. Task Force Members include: Whitney Wheeless, Mary Clough, Jason English, Ed Self, Nicole deLormier, Helen McGrath, Dianne Ewing, and Heidi Todd.

We look forward to a fabulous retreat! Please plan to attend this August 21-23!

details and video of last year’s retreat at: http://www.uuchurchofboulder.org/

Please join us for a reception after the Service on June 14, Rev. Lind’s last day in the pulpit.

August 21-23 our congregation is returning to Highlands Camp and Retreat Center near Allenspark, Colorado for a weekend retreat. Members and friends of UUCB are welcome. Registration will open in April.

 Now Accepting Proposals for Workshops and Activities:

Workshops:

• During February and March we are asking you/our members to propose any workshop or activity that you might want to lead. We have a Proposed Workshop Form that can be completed and returned to a task force member or the church office or by Email to maryfclough@gmail.com. Our task force will then sort through the proposals and design a menu of workshops and activities for our young children, our youth, and all adults, as well as multi-generational workshops and activities. We will also provide daycare support for the very young.

Activities:

• The Camp provides great outdoor activities and access to beautiful hikes. We will can plan hikes and games and lots of outdoor fun. The camp offers several activities for us: their challenge course looks like fun for ages 8 and up. They offer archery and canoeing for all ages and their zip line is available to ages 13 and up. We will have a kids’ programs running concurrently with adult programs and many will be multi-generational.

Accommodations:

We can choose from one of 3 ways to stay at Highlands.

• They have a beautiful Retreat Center with rooms accommodating 3-6 people in twin beds (and a few queen beds) with private bathrooms.
• They have 3 rustic log cabins reserved for us, each with 20-24 beds. These have central living rooms, multiple bedrooms, and shared bathrooms.
• And the third option for a limited number of tents – they’ve designated several sites where we can cluster tents, tenters will use bathrooms in the Retreat Center.

August 21-23:

Plan to join us for community, connection, fun and food in this beautiful mountain environment. Highlands Camp is about 35 miles (about an hour drive from Boulder).  We will gather between 4 and 6pm on Friday at the camp and then share an evening meal, then some music and games. On Saturday we will have numerous activities and workshops for all, and 3 meals. Sunday will include breakfast, more community fun, a service before lunch, and parting shortly after lunch.

Task Force:

Our task force is busy creating on-line registration and planning workshops and activities for all ages. More detailed information will be available on the registration form which will be linked to our church website. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns you are welcome to contact any one of us. Task Force Members include: Whitney Wheeless, Mary Clough, Jason English, Ed Self, Nicole deLormier, Helen McGrath, Dianne Ewing, and Heidi Todd.

We look forward to a fabulous retreat! Please plan to attend this August 21-23!

The WC Committee will meet on Sunday, February 1, about 12:45, in the RE wing. Food to snack on is welcome! We will be finalizing our calendar for the spring and perhaps into the fall. All are welcome to attend the meeting. We try to keep our meetings to one hour or less. We are looking for a committee chair or a team to chair the group.

The Welcoming Congregation (WC)  is an official program of the UUA, originally planned to make UU congregations more welcoming to people in the gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities. Today, we also particularly include transexuals as well as members of any group that experiences discrimination at times. This program began more than ten years ago, and UUCB was one of the first congregations in Colorado to receive official recognition as a “Welcoming Congregation.” We had to complete many educational activities and other requirements, such as updating our by-laws to make them gender neutral. We are now beginning the process to renew our Welcoming Congregation status. We are planning to put a rainbow flag outside of our building where passersby will see it and recognize that we are friendly to gays as well as all other people. And we hope to have an adult education class to address the issues faced by GLBTAIQ* people. Join us on February 1 to think about other ways we can show that we are welcoming.

*Note:  Previously we used initials in our committee name, but it is too many letters now, as we seek to be as inclusive as possible, so we have defaulted to “Welcoming Congregation.” GLBTAIQ is quite a mouthful! It stands for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, asexual, intersexed, and queer. We’ll tell you how some of these terms are defined and provide you with some other WC vocabulary words in future newsletter articles. Stay tuned!