We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  Tessa Davis, who is home and recovering from her recent surgery.  She was in church on August 16th for Rev. Kelly Dignan’s first Sunday as our settled minister!  Tessa & Alan will enjoy some down time before she starts six months of chemotherapy. Karen Morgan is back for awhile from Madison, WI where she has been looking after her mother who is bedridden, age 94, and in Hospice.  Karen reports,  “Currently family has all been pitching in as good families do”!  Evan Masterson broke both bones in his forearm and had restorative surgery last month.  Shirley Bulla who had a short stay in the hospital last month, and who is now “rehabbing” at home.  Also with Diana Maiden and Jenny Fitt-Peaster who are preparing for surgeries this month.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Auturo Hernadez Garcia whose deportation order was vacated after living for nine months in Sanctuary at First Unitarian Society in Denver.  A joyful day of celebration.  While dealing with Tessa’s cancer diagnosis, Alan Davis received the great news that he has been granted a Full Professorship at UC-Denver!  Eileen Sammell’s son Alex was married the first weekend in August.  After a year of sticking close to home, several members of the Search Committee have spread their wings across the water — Sharon Belew to Sweden, Jenny Fitt-Peaster to Norway, Diana Maiden to Scotland and England, and Jim Rowe to Africa.

Random Thoughts:  Last month Fred and I needed to attend a memorial service right after church, and we left quickly.  Judith knew that we would come back afterwards to clean up after coffee, if needed.  To our pleasant surprise on our return, everything was ship shape.  Our very special thanks goes to Susan Secord, Deb Hoff, Ginny Black and Kai Monk-McKenzie.  Lately it has been harder to recruit clean-up help, and yet to me — if  everyone took a turn — it would not be a burden for anyone.  Everyone seems to totally enjoy coffee and “crumpets”, but also seem blind to what else needs to be done before they leave.  

Please — Sign up today on the sheet that is on the office counter!

We always have UU visitors in the summer time, but August 9th was unusual.  We had visitors from Dallas, Hawaii, and Cheyenne.  Also two new couples who have just moved to Boulder from Arkansas and Virginia.  It is a good thing that we keep our doors open — year around!

With Love & Care, Barb

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with: The family of John Williamson (I called him Jumpin’ John) who died, March 30th, from surgical complications.  John, and his wonderful wife Valerie, who was our Director of Religious Education in the late 70’s, and their children were active members of UUCB.  A memorial service is planned in late May.  Also with George Wolf and Janet Kern, whose daughter suffered a ruptured appendix.  Janet flew to Boston to be with her.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to: Easter Sunday, April 5th — we the Search Committee, announced our candidate — the Rev. Kelly Dignan!  Later that afternoon, on a special hike Jason English (member of our SC) and Gen Morley became engaged!  Amanda Riggers, our pianist, and Sam Williams became engaged last month, and this month they purchased their first home.  Amanda said it is exciting to go from 600 sq. ft. to 1700!

Random Thoughts:  Depending on when you read last month’s newsletter you might have noticed my Random Thoughts were missing.  I feel they are important enough to run them again because I want everyone, who covered everything when I missed five Sunday mornings to know how grateful I am.  Last time I forgot to thank Fred Cole who covered four of the Sunday’s without me by his side, at the Greeter’s Table.  The fifth Sunday we were attending the Mountain Desert District meeting together; so thanks for the volunteers who filled in for us.

I have missed seeing you while we the Search Committee have been away, and I wish to give very special thanks to all who have volunteered to make Sunday mornings work.  I especially do not feel that Thank You hardly covers what I feel for Diana & Michael King, as well as Janet Kern & George Wolf who not only set-up coffee, but ended up doing clean-up as well!  The Young Adults always do both jobs.  That is not the promise I try to make when recruiting.  My feeling is if you “cook” you do not clean — That is the rule at our house!  For all of you who appreciate what is provided for you every Sunday I would be grateful if ALL of you would be aware, and help clean up.  More hands would make the job happen very fast.

During my recent travels I had the pleasure of seeing former members Karen & Alan Gershanov.  What a delightful surprise — and the feeling was mutual.  Karen shared with me that when their church was going through very hard times, she said,.. “I remembered what Barb Richards would say; “… that we had to stay at the table!”  they did and the rewards have been worth their effort.  They join my ranks as Institutional UU’s.

With Love & Care,  Barb

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  On Sunday March 8th Rev. Howell Lind lit three candles…the first for Pete Palmer and his family on the death of Pat on Sunday, March 1st.  The second candle was on behalf of our entire congregation — for Deborah Berioli — our Church’s incredible Music Director.  She became quite ill and was admitted to the hospital. It was quickly determined that her liver was shutting down.  It was also discovered that her condition was hereditary and a compatible organ was rushed to the hospital (in Denver) where Deborah underwent a liver transplant.  Her new liver is functioning well, as I write these words — we are all happy to know that she is now home with the prognosis for a strong recovery!!  If you wish to make a donation to the ICU, or to the Transplant Unit you can make a check out to UUCB with the notation on the memo line that it is for Deborah.  Martha Kappel, Jenny Fitt-Peaster’s mother and Becky Martin’s grandmother, died December 13, 2014 at her home near Longmont.  She was 90 years old with a mind sharp as a tack.  A memorial service to celebrate Martha’s full, feisty and exciting life will be held April 17, 2015, 7 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  The third candle was lit for Amanda Riggers, our lovely pianist, and “sexy” (my nickname for him because of what he can do on his saxophone, and he is handsome!) Sam Williams are engaged to be married!  Ask to see her beautiful engagement ring.

On March 11th I received the last UUCB Young Adult mass-produced Email …saying that their focus will now be on their YA Facebook page for communication.  I want to give thanks for this incredible YA Newsletter, and to Kelsie Kline, and Suzy Belmont who have continued to keep the YA group on track, and a force in our congregation.  All of YOU have made us proud.  The YAs have become a bit spread thin, as members have become more involved in the important work of our Congregation serving on the Board, Worship Council, Search Committee, other Committees, providing music — and Yes, they do coffee once a month.  They are a blessing and deserve our thanks. Unfortunately, as we celebrate the arrival of summer in Boulder we will be losing several of these fine Young Adults to their future opportunities.  They will make a difference in the next UU congregation they enter — wherever they go.

It has also been my pleasure to work with David & Lisa Hughes who have produced this Clear Light Messenger for more years than I can remember.  Judith King is now assuming this editorial role, as part of her Office Administrator responsibility.  Also to Karen Morgan who produces the Midweek Messenger.

Lastly, a special thank you to all the “bakers and buyers” who participated in this year’s Ninth Grade Trip Cake Auction.  The creative cake-making talents which appear are always amazing!  Kudos too — to our intrepid auctioneer, Bill Belew, and to Lisa Hughes (with help) who organized the activity.  In total we raised $2400 for this very important program, benefiting our youth.

We honor members, friends, visitors

 Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  During December we received a card and letter from former longtime member, Vic Barnard’s family in Florida.  He has relocated from his Son’s home, into a care facility.  They were able to secure respite care for Vic while they were on a vacation.  Upon their return, they found Vic had adjusted well to his new surroundings, taking on a “leadership” role among his peers.  Victor is now a resident of Emeritus Senior Living (ESL).  It has worked out well for the three of them.  ESL is located 1 1/2 miles from their home so they are able to spend time with him almost every day.  He will celebrate his 92nd birthday April 2015.  He loves to get mail:  Lt. Col. Victor Barnard, Emeritus, Rm 121, 150 Mariner Health Way, St. Augustine, FL  32086.  For all the other thoughts that are left unsaid, and unknown to me, but are being held in hearts.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Kristyn Christman-McCarty graduated from CU with her Masters of Music the end of December.  She was invited to sing the Alma Mater at her commencement exercises!  Jenny Fitt-Peaster celebrated her 65th birthday on Sunday, December 21st, and her family called her our “Winter Princess”.  Darla Anderson, daughter of Lois and Dan Anderson, is now a Full Professor of Geography, at The Ohio State University.  Heather Ogren who received her Masters of Library Science, from Emporia State in Kansas. 

Random Thoughts:  Recently I talked about many changes that have occurred — as I am also a member of our Search Committee — I understand full well that soon real change will happen at the UU Church of Boulder.  For a short walk through my history at UUCB (starting in 1982) I want to explain why I call myself an Institutional Unitarian Universalist.  I became President of the Board, for the first time, in June 1993 after the departure of our Minister (Forrest Whitman).  Our congregation and my Board were split down the middle, and it is safe to say that emotions were high!  It was during this period that I was struck with the importance of UUCB, and what it has meant to my life, and why!  I realized that as much as you love, or dislike. a Minister — they are not the Church!   I have already experienced eleven different Ministers in my life as a UU.  Following Forrest’s departure, Fred and I committed ourselves to “keeping these Church doors open”!  To keep this community functioning, and to be open and welcoming for everyone who stayed, who returned, or has joined since — now and into the future.  Rev. Stan Stefancic stressed, to us the importance of  “staying at the table” when conflict or change arises.  Through the years people have left, but others have returned.   Fred and I always try to greet everyone warmly at our Greeter’s Table, and extend a true and sincere “Welcome”.  We have all worked hard to become the Church we are today.  We have “walked the walk” with Rev. Howell K. Lind, and I will be forever grateful to him for what we are today! When I was on the last Search Committee I knew in my heart that he had the skills to move us forward. Being on the current Search Committee, I hope I will again know in my heart, who can take us beyond our wildest dreams.  We have “Broken Through”, and I am excited to see what is next to happen.  It is up to all of us!

With Love & Care, Barb

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our Thoughts and Good Wishes continue to be with:  Rosemary Lohndorf and her parents John and Lilo Fowler.  Her Father is recovering from knee surgery done in November, and her Mother is dealing with health issues as well.  Jean LaDue and Betty Skipp as Jean’s Mother, Marjory LaDue, age 99 died November 25th.  Jean and Betty spent several days in Wisconsin attending to her funeral and other matters.  Jenny and Hilton Fitt-Peaster, Becky, Thad and Fox Martin, and all the rermaining family on the death, December 13th of Jenny’s Mom, Martha Kappel, age 90.  She had been in hospice care, for over 14 months, with the continued support of Ed Baker, her partner for over 20 years.  A Celebration of her Life will be held April 17, 2015 at UUCB.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Last month Josie Heath, President of the Community Foundation Serving Boulder County, and a member of UUCB, gave the closing remarks at a White House ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of Community Foundations in America.  Recent new members, Emily Valerio and John Bertin became engaged (ask to see her ring, John designed it)! Steve and Heidi Todd are delighted and proud that their oldest granddaughter Lauren, a Senior at the University of Colorado, was awarded her Phi-Beta-Kappa key, last month.  Karen Morgan has downsized, having recently moved into 795 square foot condo. Karen is especially proud that she has reduced her own carbon footprint.

Random Thoughts:  When you are re-thinking your New Year’s resolutions, hopefully volunteering at your/our Church will be on your “To Do” list.  Have you noticed that families with children have been greeting you on Sunday mornings?  My special thanks to The Martin Family, The Wheeless/Rowe Family, The Hughes Family, The Weinstein Family and The Raschke Family as they have been covering the same Sunday every month since September.  They made this commitment, as a result of their participation in Family Matters.  The Young Adults are the awesome Coffee Hosts the first Sunday of every month!  Last, but far from least, Ellen and Don Lilley have committed to be our Ushers the first Sunday of each month.  Julie and Bob Ford, have said they will Usher, every fourth Sunday, of the month.  A pledge of service can be as satisfying, as a pledge of money.  We always need 6-8 volunteers each Sunday for Ushering, Coffee set-up, Coffee clean-up and Sound (Caitlin Moore is terrific in coordinating these people) for our services.  The training and procedures (or as Dan Anderson says “the Methodism”) are in place to make it really easy for YOU.  Please find something YOU want to do, can commit to doing regularly, and that is comfortable for YOU to do.  Then say “YES” to that — or at least say “YES”, when asked!

With Love & Care, Barb

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  Joyce Perata on her upcoming surgery and wish her a speedy recovery.  Hilton Fitt-Peaster who is recovering from shoulder surgery last month.  He went into it not knowing if it would be minor or major.  When his doctor got inside, via arthroscope he realized that only some small cleanup was required so no open surgery.   Minor it was!  Here’s hoping that his golf swing may even be improved! Joyce Perata is now at Boulder Community Hospital.  Her surgery went well and she is in rehab.  She can and wants to have visitors.  Susan Riederer’s brother, Greg Shannon, died this week of a long-term illness.  Kitty Turner’s mother died last month.  Hilton Fitt-Peaster’s sister, Jeannine, died on November 22nd.  Susan and Tim Bailey flew to Chapel Hill, NC on Sunday, November 23rd, as their son Justin was admitted through the ER on Saturday.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Suzy Belmont shared that last month Neil DiMuccio and all her friends and family gave her the most amazing 30th birthday, for her to always remember.  Ginny Wright has returned sporting her new knee replacement — she is indeed an “Energizer Bunny”!  Judith King, Ellen & Don Lilley, Julie & Bob Ford always deserve my special thanks, and they know why.  If you have thought about being an usher, but feel like you need to know more we plan to have training in early December.  Please sign up at the office counter. The Mazzola’s welcomed their first grandchild, a girl named Isabelle, on November 4th, in New Jersey.

Random Thoughts:  Do you feel that change keeps happening?  That is because it is happening, and it is all to make your church community a place you want to be.  Past President Whitney Wheeless, and President Jennifer Skiendzielewski have been convening Strategic Planning sessions around our goals.  Some of the ideas are already being put into place.  Others will roll out later.  “Tweaking” can and may happen.  Sunday morning we are no longer ringing the entry bell to begin church, but Deborah Berioli is coming to the Sky Room and, front hall playing her beautiful sound bars, while leading us into the sanctuary to begin Worship.  The sound is very pleasant. 

Families with children are encouraged to sit up front until after the first hymn, when our youth and teachers leave for their morning.  The Earth Room doors will now close when the Service starts.  Latecomers are being directed to enter the sanctuary via the Sky Room/Listening Room as they arrive.  Also our Ushers will be encouraging you to “schooch” toward the center on the benches, providing additional seating.  Our Music Director, Instrumentalists, Pianist and Choir now have their own “nook” on the West side of the sanctuary.  Yes, these changes came about, from those of YOU who participated during the Strategic Panning sessions.  We take Worship seriously, and want everyone to have a great experience.

Caitlin Moore, shared the following at the end of the Strategic Planning session, which I attended (Hospitality and Community).

Yearning for a new way will not produce it.  Only ending the old way can do that.

You cannot hold onto the old, all the while declaring that you want something new.

The old will defy the new;

The old will deny the new;

The old will decry the new.

There is only one way to bring in the new.

You must make room for it.

…by Neale Walsh

May all of YOU and YOURS enjoy a safe and satisfying Holiday Season from now and into the New Year.

With Love & Care,

Barb

PS: Fred has a suggestion for New Year’s Day — “I hereby resolve to attend the 2015 General Assembly —Building a New way — to be held in Portland, Oregon, June 24th thru 28th!”

We honor members, friends, visitors 

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  our Ministerial Intern Diana McLean,  whose father died on October 4th. Beckett Coppola who is now the Ministerial Intern at Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC) is recovering from recent surgery, as is our former Assistant Minister, Amy Rowland who recently had a meniscus tear repaired. Our son Brandon is recovering from an arterial condition which required emergency surgery, originally thought to be a bleeding ulcer. The Fitt-Peaster & Martin family asked us to help them commemorate the 20th anniversary of their daughter/sister Rachaell’s death on October 19, 1994.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings and Thanks to:  On October 6th, Rev. Gretchen Haley our former Ministerial Intern, and wife Cari Ratazzi, were the second couple to receive a marriage license issued by the Larimer County Clerk.  Later in the day, Rev. Nancy Bowen married them at Sunrise Ranch near Loveland.  The event was witnessed by 20 UU Ministers from Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming who were gathered for their annual fall retreat.  Laura Upham who created our very attractive Ministerial Search committee logo, and to Hilton Fitt-Peaster who presented us with business cards for YOU with our website address.  Nancy & Peter Holt announced with joy the birth of their grandson, Charles Otis Holt at 4:12 AM on Sunday, October 12th in Boston. Parents are son Brian & wife Kelsey!   Happy birthday to Janen Wright on Sunday, October 19th.  Kate & David Weinstein shared that they celebrated their 25th anniversary on October 14th. Suzy Belmont said “Yeah!”  her brother Nick is engaged to be married!.

Random Thoughts:  The  past three weekends I took a walk down memory lane at First Unitarian Church in Denver where I first became a UU in 1963.  The first time was to attend the installation of the Rev.  Julia McKay as Minister of Columbine UU. The following week Fred and I attended the celebration of the UU Ninth Grade Trip — “50 Years Goin’ Down the Road”.  On Saturday evening, 70 former Trippers, RA’s (Responsible Adults), and parents gathered at Govnr’s Park to socialize.  Then on Sunday afternoon 100+ gathered at the church for a special service honoring Rev. Betty Pingel who started the Ninth Grade Trip, as we know it today, in 1963-64.  My final visit was Saturday, October 18th when I attended a special luncheon with about 24 other people — where we discussed the history of the Civil Rights movement and FUSD’s involvement.  Their then Minister, Dick Henry, was a driving force behind establishing a CORE chapter in Denver.  My former husband, Dick Richards, and I were on a committee made up of black & white members working on race relations.  We all donated monies toward the purchase of Point-Of-Pines Camp in Allenspark.  At the end of our time together we gave the facility to the black members of the church to operate. One hope was to bring inner city youth into the mountains.  Unfortunately that dream did not materialize, and they gave the property back to the church.  Later the camp was sold  to the Presbyterians, who were the next door neighbors, at what is now Highlands where UUCB goes for our retreat weekend.  My old friends said, “…please come back to 1st Unitarian”, but I told them I was really quite happy here at UUCB! 

It was nice to visit with Paula Baase, who was in Denver for the Mountain Desert District Board of Trustees meeting.  Paula was recently appointed as the Board Secretary.

I’ve been getting some questions on what happens when members have not come to church in awhile. If a member has not attend for six months or so and we don’t know why, someone from the membership committee contacts that member to follow-up with them.

With Love & Care, 

Barb

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with: Hayden called from Maine before church last month to report that Jonathan was in rehab at their complex (Quarry Hill) after his surgery.  He had color again, was feeling great, and was eating everything allowed.  Francesca Howell said blessings for moms, here & passed on; Francesca’s mom who had visited here various times at UUCB, would have celebrated her 100th birthday on September 7;  Peter’s mom of 93, who also has visited UUCB various times, has moved back to Denver CO.  Rosemary Dineen has moved back to Boulder from Ajiuc, Mexico and is settling in at Golden West.  She was at church with her family last month.  Laurie Mazzola and family on the sudden death of her dad last month.  Ginny Wright joined the “socket sisters and brothers” last month with a knee replacement on September 16.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to: Robley Williams noted with joy the visit of his daughter Ruth and her daughter Ella to Colorado, and with him in church.  Ruth attended UUCB years ago.  A huge thank you to all those men who helped out on the Homecoming BBQ, September 7th. Everything was perfect, even the weather held out.  Clint Brown and Patricia Kay Youngson came this year as roving troubadours.  Special recognition and thanks to Jon Bond, Bob Ford, George Brandon, David & Evan Harrington, Norm Taylor, George Wolf, Tim Bailey, Don Lilley, Ron Cotts, Jack Grundmann, Tom Denkenberger, Jim Hester, Philip Wittmeyer, Bill Belew, Reed Bailey, Alan Davis, Fred Cole, Henry Kroll, and Hugh Matheson.  These are the ones who contributed food and helped prepare/cook/serve the food.

Special Welcome to New Members:  Laura Maguire, Mary Pierce, Kendall Richards, Joan Scott, Saphia Yonkers and her sons.  We are pleased you have joined with us.

Random Thoughts:  Want to be involved?  In early November we will be offering usher training. Next month there will be a sign-up sheet on the office counter.  You will be appreciated, and it is a great way to “get your feet wet”!

With Love & Care, Barb

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  We become terribly attached to our Young Adults, others as well, but their lives are more transient due to school, jobs, and life.  This goes under two headings because it is sad for us but good for them.  We said goodbye in August to Bridget Hanna & Jesse Coleman-McGill as his job here ended, and her schooling will continue in Boston.  The part we will miss out on is that when they left us “they” were five months pregnant, but promise to send picture of the baby to be.  The good news for them is they will have family close by to assist and spoil the Grandchild!  Judith King, our awesome Church Administrator had a bike accident last month and broke her wrist. John & Barbara Taylor’s son is a guide, living in France.  He was leading a group in Italy and three people, including him, were caught in an avalanche.  One of the men died, and their son was buried face down for an hour.  He is recuperating, and re-thinking his life.  Carol Saunders had hip surgery last month.  Our beloved Johnathan Williamson has lived with Ulcerative Colitis for the past year and none of the medications his gastro doctor has tried have worked.  Wanting to gain back his life he is having Ostomy surgery in early September. Hayden said he told the surgeon I have a Trifecta: Parkinson’s, Gluten free and now this — too much for anyone to deal with so they are both in our thoughts, and here’s to successful surgery.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Our own Amanda Riggers was invited to attend a Chamber Music Festival in Luxembourg for three weeks.  Nice to have Peter Ryan, pianist with us during her absence.  Neil DiMuccio & Suzy Belmont announced that they have decided to share the wonder of daily life together by moving into a new condo at 30th and Colorado. We are invited to visit them!  Ten members of the Fitt-Peaster family (UUCB members Hilton and Jenny), with Arthur, Johann, Jade and Jasmine Fitt (of First Universalist of Denver), plus Becky, Thad and Fox Martin (of UUCB), as well as Mary Peaster, all celebrated the wedding of Violet Fitt (past UUCB member) to Liam Obeidallah, July 29th, on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, surrounded as well by additional friends and family.  Violet and Liam Lawrence, as they are now known, will continue living on St. Martin.

Random Thoughts:  Life.Love.Relationship got pushed to the top of the list at our home.  Fred Cole had emergency surgery on August 1st due to an infection around his hip surgery incision, from two years ago.  Five days in the hospital, and six weeks of daily trips to the hospital for antibiotic infusion.  He is not in pain, and we appreciate all the care and concern, as we look forward to the end of this recent episode!

With Love & Care,

Barb

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

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

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  Kirsten Farnsworth who shared her story, with us last month.  Great to see her back with a clean bill of health from all her cancer treatments.  We will look forward to her “tickling the ivories” on our piano once again. When I was connecting new member Heather Ogren, with Jan Ogren, daughter of former members Ken & Marge Ogren, in California Jan replied back with the news that her mother died in July – very peacefully, just the way she wanted to.  She had not been enjoying life as much, but had a wonderful two weeks prior to her death, including celebrating their 64th anniversary and July 4th concert.  Ken is going to be a delegate at General Assembly from UUCSR (Santa Rosa).  He sounds like an “energizer bunny” as he tries to get out for a 2-3 mile hike a couple times a week.  Speedy recovery to Diana Maiden who had hip surgery in March.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:   We were pleased that the Governor of Arizona did the right thing, and vetoed the bill that would allow further discrimination against gays.  Fox Martin ‘s Pinewood Derby car won second place in a race at North Boulder Park.  Last year he placed fourth.  Last month Dianne Ewing, Karen Morgan, Helene & Jon Bond went to visit former member, Ellen Synder in San Miguel, Mexico.  Jon & Helene Bond welcomed their fifth Grandchild, Dylan Matthew Bond on March 13th.  To the 50 or so who turned out for the dramatic presentation of “Do You Know Who I Am?” on March 16th. These courageous young people, Ana, Juan, Hugo, Oscar and Victor, did an amazing job of transforming our chancel into a real stage!

We had a nice mix of Church members and visitors from the larger community.  Their next public presentation will be during the Conference on World Affairs, watch for it.  Rev. Amy Rowland who we ordained on Saturday, March 22. 2014!

Special Welcome to New Members:  Amanda Alonzo; Phil and Sarah Lieder and their son Henry; Lynisa and David Robinson and their son Isaac.  We are very glad you joined us.

Random Thoughts:  Last month Fred and I had the pleasure of being Opa & Oma to Mercedes’ daughters, Kerry, Wendy and Lupita for two nights.  Mercedes along with two other women from Colorado were chosen to travel to Washington DC to join with 200 people from across the country to testify to their Congressmen about Immigration laws, and keeping families together.  Fred reports it has been over thirty years since he has tutored trigonometry!  He fixed breakfast and delivered the girls to their three different schools.  I had the evening shift doing dinners and bedtime enforcement which was easy.  To those who are new; our Immigration Ministry has companioned this family for three years, and it has been a joyful experience.  Mary Jean & Peter Ewing have been their ride to church, when Mercedes tends our nursery on Sunday morning.  Because Peter’s role as President-Elect of Rotary takes them out of town others have kindly stepped up to to assist with rides as well.  During coffee you will find the family at a table where you may order and pre-pay for Mercedes delicious tamales, burritos and flan.  These items are ready for pick-up the following Sunday!

Trish Judd shared her chalice lighting story last month, and yes I first met Trish in the 1970’s.  At the time I was Director of Religious Education at First Universalist church, and each year we attended a staff retreat at La Foret in the Black Forest.  We were Ministers, Minister spouses, DRE’s, and Office Administrators.  We would break into our small groups but have meals, some workshops, and spiritual time together as well, and many fond memories.  At that time Trish and husband Rev. Al Judd would travel from Lubbock TX (then part of the Mountain Desert District).  It was great to have her walk into UUCB her first Sunday morning, and be able to welcome her warmly!

Love & Care, Barb

We honor members, friends, visitors

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Reed Bailey’s daughter at age forty-five has finished a double major in Sociology and Creative Writing — Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Colorado.  Michael and Diana King are pleased to welcome their second granddaughter, Lamorra Sage Day, born January 21, in Denver.  Susan and Tim Bailey share the joy, at the birth of their new grandson, Owen, on February 3rd, in North Carolina.  We always want to share and celebrate in these special occasions.

Special welcome to New Members: Jesse Colman-McGill, Francis Coverdell, Danielle Fuller, Bridget Hanna, Melissa Kampt, Shawn Lindabury, Lynn Malkinson, Alex Mazzola, Helen McGrath, Kate Monk-McKenzie and her children Demi & Skye (we welcome you back into our community) Heather Ogren, Eva Raschke and her children Linus and Simon, Briana Robustelli, John Rushton, Mark Thompson, and Jane White (another returning member).  We are pleased you have joined us.

Random Thoughts:  Change — what does it mean to YOU?  We have “changed” in the last five years –We have “changed” in the last month — We have even “changed” in the  past week!  Change is hard for many of us, but at age 77, belonging to my third UU Church, I can still honestly say I am here, because of where we are; and what we are about to become. 

Recently Fred and I attended another UU church, where we were not greeted as warmly, as we try to do here each Sunday.  We were not offered a visitor’s name-tag.  Their service included an All-Ages segment, where the children were brought up to the chancel.  They sat there staring, with glazed-eyes, listening to a message which was not really for them.   We were also surprised when the Congregation applauded each musical interlude, which broke the spiritual feeling that we have grown to appreciate.  

Finally, visitors were asked to take a special “colored cup”, during coffee, which did not bring people “running up to us” to introduce themselves.    We are still a work in progress, but in the meantime, let us keep practicing our “radical hospitality”  My Sunday Morning Volunteer Staff: Greeter(s), Ushers, Coffee Set-uppers, and Coffee Clean-uppers continue to do along with Caitlin Moore’s sound crew. YOU are all appreciated, and YES, it takes a church to create community and to make us happen!!

With Love & Care, Barb

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

We honor members, friends, visitors 

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  As a community of faith, we joined with the rest of the world, as together we mourned the loss of Nelson Mandela.  His life and legacy of standing up for freedom is an example of what courageous love and passionate conviction to a cause can mean for humanity.  Our concern, condolences, and caring also goes out to Amy Rowland whose mother, Kate Chason, passed away last month.  Amy and her siblings were with her in Ashville, North Carolina during her final moments.  Many of our older members were saddened by the news that Fritz Claussen died Dec 3rd (age 91) in Clear Lake, Iowa.  He was a former member, and long time friend of UUCB.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Lupita Guiterrez who turned eight on November 19th, and during coffee hour we had cake to celebrate her.  Kay Stevens whose, great granddaughter arrived at 1:15 am on Sunday, December 8th.  Mother and daughter, Irie, were doing fine.  Barbara Molfese’s Aunt Anna Erickson, celebrated her 95th birthday last month.  With a sense of joy and blessing, it is a pleasure to announce that Amy Rowland is no longer our Church’s Ministerial Resident, but is now our Assistant Minister.  On December 7th, she passed (with flying colors) the accreditation process of the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee.

On December 15th, Hayes De Zengremel, Kendall Richards’ daughter, also turned eight years old.

Random Thoughts:  Last month, I was thinking about many other things.  As a result, I did not leave room to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Joyful holiday season.  May I now extend my heartfelt wishes into the New Year of 2014, and for YOU, YOUR families, and for OUR church community.

With Love & Care, Barb

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  Family and friends of those who have died since our last newsletter:  Ruth Barnard(M), Marjorie Baer(Fr), Jean Haywood(Fr), Carol Seideman(FM), Clara Niemoller(M), Dianne Ewing’s mother at 98 in Maine, and Rev. Brenda J. Stiers a United Church of Christ Minister.  Fred Cole (& 1st wife, Wendy) has known Brenda and husband Tom (also a C of C Minister) for over 51 years.  Rev. Nancy Bowen had Brenda as her Boss & Mentor in the 1980’s-90’s.  Thus, Howell became included in the six degrees of separation because of Nancy.  I joined the group about four years ago, when the Stiers retired to Boulder, and the friendship resumed, right where it had left off.  On October 20th the Fitt-Peaster family lovingly remembered their daughter, and sister, Rachel Fitt who died October 20, 1994.  Sharon Larocque on the death of her Step-Granddaughter. November 20th, marked the third year since the Cole/Richards family lost our youngest daughter Spring.

Key: M = Member of UUCB;  FM = Former Member; Fr = Friend of UUCB

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Phil Wittmeyer and the B&G Committee for our new water fountain which is open for business for both kids and adults in the Sky Room — next to the Listening Room. Virginia Wight is filled with joy in the graduation of her grandson from the Escoffier School of Culinary Art. November 5th Beckett Coppola passed her interviews with the Regional Sub-Committee on Candidacy and is an official “candidate” for the UU Ministry!  With much joy, Marlin Kropp and his Lego robotics team made state finals last month!  An abundant  amount of gratitude to Mary Jean Ewing who as the Volunteer Coordinator for UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) has done an incredible job, and “retires” as she and husband, Peter, begin taking on his role as District Governor with Rotary.  The Lynn Pendleton/Bill Schuler family had birthday joy for sons Ollie on 11/15 and Noah on Sunday, 11/17!!  Victor Barnard has moved to Florida to live with his son Robert, and his wife Beverly.  Their address is: 517 Woodchase Drive, St. Augustine, FL  32086.  I’m sure he would love to hear news from Colorado.  On November 17th Kelly Dignan, our beloved former Ministerial Intern, became Reverend Dignan at her Service of Ordination. She was  surrounded with love and joy!  Check out the snazzy new coffee cart that Judith King found at Ikea for UUCB coffee makers.  Mary Dineen and Sue Masterson, who were married on November 29, 2013 in San Francisco by Rev. Kurt Kuhwald.  Sixteen years ago Kurt presided over their Celebration of Union, when he was our minister. They have been together for 23 years. Kurt said he still had the “words” from that ceremony in his computer.  He also dedicated Elliot Dineen when he was a baby.  The ceremony was performed on the steps of City Hall with only the five of them — Mary, Sue, Elliot, Evan, and Kurt.

Random Thoughts:  If you missed Howell’s recent sermon on “Do No Harm” it has had a lasting effect on me, and David Mendosa.  Why do I know about David?  He has included the statement in the closing of his emails.  For me it was like Wow, our world could be so much better, and different if others lived this way.  The possibilities are endless in how we could all get along, and work together.  The concept is so simple and easy to do on a daily basis.  Religion, politics, and YES, even Congress would be a place where things actually get done with such a simple purpose.

With that statement in mind — I mean no harm, but I have been told by several of us that they are wanting our Sunday morning services to go back to being more spiritual and yes, even religious.  They and I, would prefer that we NOT applaud for everyone during the service. It is usually appropriate for our guests, but most of our musical performances are designed to create a mood, rather than being an entertainment.  In the past, we clapped for everything but in recent years, that has changed.  We have come so far — so please help us return to that place again. When the Central Cluster meeting was here, I noticed that the Youth now just rub their hands together, without a sound, to show their gratitude, or give a silent wave.

Since becoming your UUCB Hospitality Ministry Coordinator your positive responses to my requests for Greeting, Ushering, and Coffee has been so heart warming.  Coffee which requires four people (two to set up, make coffee & bring goodies and two to clean up afterwards) is harder to recruit for — so please check out the sign-up sheet on the office counter every Sunday.  Our Young Adults do this on the first Sunday of each month, and I appreciate them so much! Please tell them you do too.  Don & Ellen Lilley are ushers on the first Sunday of the month, and Bob & Julie Ford are ushers on the last Sunday.  Their commitments make me smile and say THANK YOU!

We honor members, friends, visitors

Our thoughts and good wishes continue to be with:  Family and church member friends of long-time member, Mary Grey a spirited, delightful, independent woman born in Australia died at home on September 20 at age 91. Fern Levin recently had a heart attack and received two stents.  Sunday, October 13th, she was in church and enjoying her new energy!  Martha Kappel, Jenny Fitt-Peaster’s Mother, was in Boulder Community Hospital with an irregular heartbeat, but is now at home in Hospice care with heart failure.  She is loved and supported by Ed, and her very large family, many who are an important part of our church family.

Congratulations, Good Luck, Blessings, and Thanks to:  Ralph Hollingsworth attended the wedding of grandson Douglas in Key West (as Diana Nyad came ashore, about the same time).  Douglas and Brenda live North of Miami.  Bob & Julie Ford thanked all who helped with food, loans of equipment and labor during the high water.  Julie Zielinski and husband Eric Wilson are expecting their first child who is due March 2014. Hilton and Jenny Fitt-Peaster are in Italy for a month celebrating 36 years of love, and successful surgery!  I’m happy to report that after 3+ years daughter, Kendall Richards has a “Big Girl” job in the hotel industry as a Sales Manager.  We rejoice with Steve & Heidi Todd, who celebrated a their 25th wedding anniversary on September 25th in Switzerland.  Bill and Sharon Belew are new Grandparents twice over.  Born three days apart they welcomed Oscar Tennessee Cadava in Chicago, and then flew to Denver to welcome Lachlan Joseph Perry.

Special Welcome to our Newest Members:  Neil DiMuccio, Linda Dixon, Trish Judd, and Kristyn Christman-McCarty & Hannah Jackson.  We are very pleased that you have joined us.

IMPORTANT Random Thoughts:   Since the end of August after returning from Sacramento, CA, Caitlin and I have purposely worn our LEAP of FAITH name-tags to church as a teaser.  When asked I promised that it would all be revealed, and the time is now.  Rev. Howell Lind, Amy Rowland, Caitlin Moore and myself were the UUCB Travel Team as Mentors attending the Pacific Western Region Leap of Faith Launch Conference. Yes, we were the Mentors to Rev. Jeremy Nickel, and seven awesome members from the Mission Peaks Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Fremont, CA.  To be mentors, sharing what we know works, with another church after our five+ years of change and growth made my heart feel very proud.  The program is based on UUA President Peter Morales’ consultation with large and growing congregations, Leap of Faith is more a methodology than a program, inviting congregations into learning communities with larger congregations.  Our church will be involved with their church through 2013-2014.  Their travel team will be here in January so you will get a chance to meet them as well.  There were eight teams attending and interestingly four were from Colorado.  Two as Mentors, and two as Mentees.  For me it was a bit of a full circle as Rev. Nancy Bowen facilitated the first two UUA sessions — one in New Orleans (2010) and one in Minneapolis (2011).  Fred and I were volunteer staff for her not participants.

With Love & Care, Barb