UUFB NEWS February 2018
February Sunday Services
February 4, 2018 Rev. Duffy Peet Mark Your Calendar The Search for Truth and Meaning for February… It has been asserted that as human beings we must make meaning of 4th, 11th, 18th ~ Mission/Vision what we encounter and experience if we are to thrive or possibly even Focus Groups survive. In the process of making meaning we seek to discover what is 6th ~ Support Group for Caregivers true and what may not be true. Within Unitarian Universalism, it is generally recognized that truth and meaning do not reside within a 7th ~ Talking with Neighbors single book, one area of knowledge, or any particular religion. Instead, 8th ~ Sharing the Journey Unitarian Universalism af irms that each person must search and discover for himself or herself where truth and meaning may be found. 8th, 10th, & 11th ~ Family Promise We will consider the search and where it may take us as we seek to ind 12th ~ UU Humanist Group truth and meaning. 13th & 27th ~ UU Buddhism Group February 11, 2018 Stephen Guggenheim & Laurel Yost 14th ~ UU Men’s Group The Power of Music Lay Presenters The power of music is in its incredible ability, through the use of 18th ~ Food Bank Sunday sound and vibration, to reach into our hearts and brains and bodies, 18th ~ New Member Orientation putting us in touch with our deepest emotions and memories as well 18th ~ UU Earth-Based Spirituality as connecting us with one another. Simply put, we are hardwired for Group music. In exploring this amazing power of music, several musicians from our Fellowship will share their music and what it means to them. 18th ~ Family Day Event Please join us for this shared musical experience. 21st ~ Women’s Group February 18, 2018 Rev. Duffy Peet 22nd ~ Fork & Spoon The Right of Conscience The irst portion of our Fifth Principle lifts up the “right of conscience.” 25th ~ Farewell Party for Bill & Jo Mallory There are echoes here of well-known Unitarians such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. But what is meant by the right of conscience? And lest we not abuse this right, when and how shall we act on it in ways that are both itting and bene icial to ourselves and others? February 25, 2018 Eric Bliss, Paci ic Western Region (PWR) UUA Congregational Life White Supremacy: Staff & Youth Ministry Specialist & Rev. Sarah Schurr, PWR A Look in the Mirror Congregational Life Consultant, Guest UUA/PWR Speakers As the Unitarian Universalist denomination tackled issues around white supremacy within their of ices in Boston last spring, there was a call from UU s around the U.S. to take a look within ourselves. Billings, Glacier, and Bozeman have jointly planned a “teach-in” on the topic of white supremacy with much advice and input from those who led larger “teach-ins” around the country. We will be mixing up the format of the service a bit to include some experiential activities and video presentations.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman Sunday Service: 10:00 a.m. www.uu bozeman.org 325 N. 25th Ave. 406-586-1368 Bozeman, Montana Rev. Duffy Peet minister@uu bozeman.org Ministerial Musings ~ February 2018
The most popular holiday in February is quite possibly Valentine’s Day. By saying that I don’t mean in any way to disparage Ground Hog’s Day or President’s Day, but they just don’t have the level of appeal that Valentine’s Day does and for good reason. Valentine’s Day recognizes and encourages a person’s passion. It celebrates love, more particularly romantic love, or eros as the ancient Greeks referred to it. This year as I think about Valentine’s Day and how it honors love, I am thinking not just about the romantic love it celebrates, but the many aspects of love that we can, and I believe ought to, honor on this holiday and throughout the year. For example, I recall making Valentine’s Day cards for my mother when I was in grade school. According to the ancient Greeks this type of love was identi ied as storge or familial love. Familial love doesn’t typically get the same attention as romantic love here in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day. In portions of Canada, families receive more focus on the third Monday in February. If this shift in focus appeals to you, I encourage you to check out the “Holidays and Holy Days” event the Religious Education Committee will be sponsoring this month. Philia, or affectionate love, is a third type of love the ancient Greeks identi ied. This type of love is present in close friendships. I recognize it in the connections I witness within our Fellowship. For the ancient Greeks, this kind of love held a higher value than did eros. Eros can come on very rapidly and have great intensity in the short term. Philia, however, develops more slowly and grows over an extended period of time. As I think about philia and eros, Aesop’s tale about the race between the tortoise and the hare comes to my mind and I think of the tortoise as philia. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, I am also thinking about a fourth kind of love the ancient Greeks held in high regard, what they called agape or sel less love. This is the kind of love that is referred to in the Fourth Source listed in our Principles and Purposes. This Source refers to “Jewish and Christian teachings, which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.” The Buddha also encouraged his followers to develop and practice this kind of love. I believe this was the kind of love that Martin Luther King, Jr. held as the foundation of his message of hope for a better world for all. While civil rights typically seems to be the primary focus on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, I would suggest that the holiday ought to also remind us of the power and the importance of love. Not of eros or romantic love but of agape or sel less love and what can be done with that kind of love when it is put into action. Here is an MLK quote on love that re lects what I am referring to: But I want to tell you this evening that it is not enough for us to talk about love, love is one of the pivotal points of the Christian faith. There is another side called justice. And justice is really love in calculation. Justice is love correcting that which revolts against love. It would seem that Cornel West was rephrasing King’s message when he wrote, “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” So as February begins and Valentine’s Day approaches, I am thinking about love and the important work that lies before us. The work needed to manifest justice in our community, in our country, and in our world as we develop and practice love in public. ~ Rev. Duffy Peet (minister@uu bozeman.org)
2 Mission & Vision Focus Groups ~ February 4, 11 & 18
During 2018, the congregation will be involved in updating our long-range plan, last done in 2005. As part of that process, we need to look at our Mission and Vision Statements.
February 4, 11, & 18, you will have the opportunity to participate in a focus group after a Sunday service to give your ideas about our mission and vision. (We used this same process in planning for getting a new home for the UUFB). In light of our new building, both of these efforts are extremely important and we hope that we will have at least 80% of our Members and Friends participating.
Stay tuned for more information!
~ Tonya Stevens ([email protected]), Sue Slade ([email protected]), & Amanda Cater ([email protected])
New Membership Orientation
If you are considering becoming a member of the UUFB or would just like to learn more about this Fellowship and the Unitarian Universalist Association, we encourage you to attend an Orientation Session at 11:30 a.m., following the service on March 18. If you would need child care in order to attend, please contact Susan Backer ([email protected]).
M Valet Service
The new Valet Service, which can assist Members/Friends from their car to the building each Sunday, is very successful. Many users of the service have expressed very positive comments and great appreciation for the help they have received. Thanks and much appreciation to Bill Goold, Dan Sweeney, John Berg, and Jim Gaffney who have volunteered as valets in December and January. Now, in order to continue the service, more volunteers are needed. If you are willing to volunteer your services on Sunday(s) between 9:40-10:00 a.m. and 11:00-11:20 a.m., please contact Beth D’Atri ([email protected]).
QACC Box
The Committee on Ministry (COM) has installed a suggestion box for our Fellowship. We call the box our "Questions/Appreciations/Comments/Concerns" box—QACC for short. This will be another way to give everyone an opportunity to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and questions with the minister and leadership of the UUFB. The box is located on the table in our Fellowship Hall. Details are on the form on the side of the box. Members of the COM will be happy to answer any questions you may have. ~ Jack Fisher ([email protected]), Elizabeth Rose ([email protected]), & Rose Toth ([email protected]), COM Members 3 Religious Education Corner
February Holidays/Holy Days Event: Celebrating Family Day Family Day is a Canadian holiday that is observed on the third Monday of February. We will be celebrating Family Day on Sunday, February 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. As we have done in the past, we will enjoy a sit-down meal, have a variety of activities for all ages and then come together in the Sanctuary for a brief worship service. We hope to see you there!
Infant-Toddler Nursery Our new nursery is open for business! We cordially invite parents of children ages 3 months to 3 years to bring your little ones to services. Our Nursery Caregiver, Hannah Chawngte, is available to care for your infants and toddlers.
Children’s RE Classes All children from preschool to middle school are welcome to join our multi-age RE classes. We are currently offering Children’s Chapel on the irst Sunday of the month, Music Day on the second Sunday, a lesson from the Miracles curriculum on the third Sunday, and Art Day on the fourth Sunday. Whenever we have a ifth Sunday, the children will sit in the service with their parents. Marie will send out weekly e-mails to remind families.
Youth Group Our youth continue to meet outside Fellowship time to explore social justice opportunities, participate in community service activities, and re ine their own beliefs and character traits. The group meets twice a month during the school year—typically one of these times is focused on volunteering. This year the group is open to youth in grades 6 through 12. For further information please contact Ita Killeen at [email protected] or Rebecca Spear at [email protected].
Our Whole Lives Our Whole Lives classes take place at our UCC partner church, Pilgrim Congregational. Please stay tuned for news about which grade level will be offered in the spring. For more information about Our Whole Lives please contact Laura Mentch at [email protected].
Children’s Chapel Children’s Chapel is a participatory gathering for all ages that is held on the irst Sunday of every month. It’s a time for learning about leadership, UU rituals and service etiquette. We look forward to seeing your children at Chapel. Please remember: parents are always welcome!
Lifespan Religious Education Committee Monthly meetings of the Lifespan Religious Education Committee (LREC) are held on the irst Wednesday evening of each month at 6:30 p.m. Presently we are looking for someone to chair the Adult RE Subcommittee. If you have an interest in Adult or Children’s Religious Education, we would love to have you join us!
If you have any suggestions or concerns about our children’s RE classes, our infant-toddler nursery or our UUFB youth group, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to hear from you.
~ Marie Lynn (cre@uu bozeman.org), Coordinator of Religious Education 4 Youth Group News
High School Youth Group will meet February 5 and Middle School Youth Group will meet February 7. Contact Becca Spear ([email protected]) or Ita Killeen ([email protected]) for more information.
Christine Barbachano will host a special activity for middle and high schoolers during the February 18 Family Day Event at the UUFB.
The youth groups would like to welcome Drew Hanes as a new youth group leader. Thank you Drew!
Adult Programming
The Support Group for Caregivers ~ February 6 The Support Group for Caregivers will meet on Tuesday, February 6, at 10:30 a.m., in the Large RE Classroom (2 & 3) at the UUFB. For more information, please contact Jennifer Haukebo ([email protected]).
Sharing the Journey Meeting the 2nd Thursdays of the Month ~ Next Meeting is February 8! We are changing our meetings for Sharing the Journey to the 2nd Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m., in the Large RE Classroom (2 & 3). The next meeting will be February 8. We will continue to discuss the topic: “After the death, what next?” with information from the funeral homes in Bozeman. All are welcome to join this discussion. For information, please contact Edy Harrington ([email protected]).
UUFB Men’s Group ~ February 14 The Men's Group will meet Wednesday, February 14, 6:30 p.m., at the UUFB Fellowship Hall. Mike Clark will be hosting and serving the main dish, which will be croissant sandwiches (I think). The rest of us are to supply appetizers, side dishes, desserts, and/or something to drink. Please let Jack Day ([email protected]) know if you plan to attend. Women’s Group ~ February 21 On Wednesday, January 17, 2018 the UU Women’s Group, hosted by Jane Blair and Beth D’Atri, met for the irst time in our new building. Twenty-two women shared a potluck supper and had the opportunity to get to know a little about each other. For those planning on participating in the Women’s March, Carol Stahl and Janet Lewis provided materials to make signs to carry during the March.
The Women’s Group will continue to meet the third Wednesday of each month. This month the meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 21. Amanda Cater, Rachel Rockafellow and Kitty Donich will be hosting the evening’s potluck and will lead a discussion on a topic of their choosing. For further information about the February meeting, contact Amanda Cater ([email protected]).
UU The World Discussion Group For more information about the UU The World Discussion Group, please contact: Johanna Prindiville ([email protected]) or Jane Blair (see the UUFB Directory for Jane’s phone number).
5 Adult Religious Education
Spiritual Pluralism Project Groups Our Fellowship currently has four Spiritual Pluralism groups. Each group usually has a chalice lighting, a time for check-in, a covenant for how they will be together, and time for sharing on a topic or theme. The existing groups are:
UU Buddhist Group ~ The Buddhist Study Group will meet on Tuesday, February 13 & 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m. For more information please contact Edy Harrington ([email protected]).
UU Earth-Based Spirituality Group ~ We normally meet every third Sunday at 1 p.m. at Judy Marr's home; February 18 is our next gathering. Please contact Dean Littlepage ([email protected]) for information. In January, we said goodbye, for now, and all our best to longtime member and facilitator Jackie Evans-Shaw, who has moved to Missoula and enrolled at the U. of M.
UU Humanist Group ~ The UU Humanist Group explores Humanism and its role in Unitarian Universalism. The next meeting will be February 12, 6:30 p.m., in the Conference Table area at the UUFB. For more information, please contact Sara Williams ([email protected]).
UU Mysticism Group ~ The group explores various strands of mysticism within UUism, world religions, and other sources. For more information contact Sherrill Dolezilek ([email protected]) or Elizabeth Rose ([email protected]).
Searching for Old UUFB Records
Are you one of the UUFB’s old-timers like I am? If so, the Communications Committee is asking you to start your spring cleaning early and check around your house, attic, garage, under the bed, etc. to see if you have been storing any records of committee meetings, annual minutes, photos, and things like that from our “Church in a Subaru” days. You don’t even need to sort it! Just bring it in and we’ll do the rest.
Not only will this help you clean out some stuff from your house, but it will really help the UUFB as we try to get as much of our over 60-year history in one place as we can. Now that we have a permanent home, so will our precious and valuable history. Thanks so much! ~ Susan Backer ([email protected]), for the Communications Committee 6 2018 UUA Paci ic Regional Assembly ~ April 27-29
The four districts of the UUA’s Paci ic Western Region (PWR) will gather April 27-29 in Portland, OR for the 2018 Regional Assembly. Advance registration for the Paci ic Western Regional Assembly is open! Adult registrations received by the January 31 early-bird deadline save 10%. Registration and full details can be found on the PWR Regional Assembly website: (www.uua.org/pwr). Speakers include civil rights activist, the Rev. Dr. William Barber; Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, advocate for women’s, immigrant, civil, and human rights; and the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, newly elected UUA president. Programming includes workshops, worship, district meetings, and an optional social justice activity. A daylong Professional Day designed for religious professionals is planned for Friday, April 27, before the start of Regional Assembly. Discount lodging is available at the Portland DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, site of the Regional Assembly. Childcare and youth programming will be available. Full details can be found on the PWR website.
Regional Mission Trip for Youth and Adults ~ July 14-22, 2018 Throop UU Church, Pasadena, CA
Paci ic Western Region Justice Journey: Roots, Re lections and Relationships— An Environmental Justice Journey.
A week long immersion experience focusing on Environmental Sustainability through service, learning, and through a meditation practice designed to be re lective and to sustain future justice work.
You are invited! Twenty- ive multigenerational participants—youth (rising 9th-rising 12th graders), YA’s, and adults. Families with youth, YA’s, and adults welcome. Cost is $550.00 per person for eight days. All meals, lodging at the church, local transportation. (Air and ground transportation to the Throop Church is not included.)
Staff: Eric Bliss, PWR Youth Specialist; Rev. Jaelynn Scott, Buddhist minister and U.U. Religious Educator; & Katie Covey, PWR Mission Trip Lead.
Scholarships are available! For more information visit https://register.pwruua.org/event- registrations/pwr-mission-trip/ or contact: Katie Covey, PWR Mission Trip Lead at [email protected].
7 Talking With Neighbors ~ February 7
Talking With Neighbors meets on the irst Wednesdays of the month at noon, Temple Beth Shalom, 2010 W. Koch St. Monthly presenters include Rabbi Ed Stafman, Dr. Ruhul Amin, The Rev. Jody McDevitt, The Rev. Leo Proxell, and invited guest panelists. February’s topic is What Does Religion Mean to Me? Young People (20-29) from our faith traditions respond to this question, with LDS and Buddhist representatives.
Feel free to bring your lunch, and please respect the Temple and do not bring pork or shell ish products. Everyone is welcome to attend, listen, and ask questions. For more information visit https://bethshalombozeman.org/ or call 406-556-0528.
GVIA News
The January meeting of GVIA was devoted to continuing the workshop with Deidre Combs on learning the skills of con lict resolution and dialogue. Members shared their ideas about what GVIA has been historically and what it needs to become.
We are reading the book Worst Enemy, Best Teacher which lists the steps in constructive dialogue. The next meeting will allow us to practice the skills we are learning around a topic which may have quite differing opinions. ~ Amanda Cater ([email protected])
UUFB Mailing Address
We no longer have a P.O. Box address. Please send all mail addressed to the Fellowship to our street address:
UUFB 325 N. 25th Ave. Bozeman, MT 59718-2688
8 2017-2018 Board Members Spiritual Pluralism Group Leaders The UUFB Board generally meets on the third UU Buddhist Group: Edy Harrington, Contact Thursday of each month at the UUFB Of ice. UU Humanist Group: Sara Williams, Contact President: Dick Young UU Mysticism Group: Sherrill Dolezilek & Vice-President: Tonya Stevens Elizabeth Rose, Contacts Secretary: Janet Lewis UU Earth-Based Spirituality Group: Dean Littlepage, Treasurer: David Andes Contact Member-at-Large: Deanna Dean Member-at-Large: Diane Knipfer Member-at-Large: Susan Slade UUFB Online The UUFB maintains several online resources. An email Committees/Task Force Leaders/Contacts list has been established in order to communicate Adult Religious Education: Currently Open announcements and events of interest to the UUFB. To Building & Grounds Committee: Dan Sweeney, Chair make an announcement to the group, please send an Building Use Committee: Carolyn Boyd, Chair email to: uu [email protected] (you must be Caregivers Support Group: Jennifer Haukebo, Contact subscribed to the list in order to send mail to the list). Caring Committee, Contact: Mattie Whitehouse Mail sent to this address will be delivered to all members Meals and Rides: Mattie Whitehouse of the list, and will also be archived. This is not an Committee on Ministry: Jack Fisher, Chair appropriate forum for political commentary or jokes, so Communications Committee: Peg Wherry, Convener please use discretion when sending email to this Fork & Spoon: Randy Babbitt, Chair address. Environmental Justice Task Force: Currently Open Email the following: Family Promise Task Force: Tonya Stevens, Chair To Subscribe: uu [email protected] Finance Committee: Bruce DePriester, Chair To Unsubscribe: uu [email protected] Email address: admin@uu bozeman.org Food Bank: Norm Eggert, Contact Historian: Currently Open Hospitality/Membership: Carolyn Boyd, Contact In addition to the email group, you can sign up to receive our weekly emails (from late August-June) with Interior Design Working Group: Cathy Cooper, Chair announcements about upcoming services and UUFB Kitchen/Bath Supplier: Suzy Sterling, Contact related events by visiting our website at uu bozeman.org Librarian: Jeanne Moe, Contact and illing out the subscription form on the UUFB Home Lifespan Religious Education: Currently Open page. Men’s Group: Jack Day, Contact Our Whole Lives Interfaith Committee: Laura Mentch, The UUFB Newsletter is published monthly from Chair September to June. The deadline to submit articles is the Personnel Committee: Currently Open third Thursday of the month. Articles can be submitted to our Administrative Coordinator, Program Council: Diane Knipfer & Dick Young, Rilla Esbjornson at admin@uu bozeman.org. Co-Chairs Safety Task Force Committee: Marie Lynn, Contact Sharing The Journey: Ken Pierce, Contact Social Activities: Bonnie Andes, Chair Social Justice/Action Committee: Jesse Eide, Chair Sunday Services Committee: Jan Young, Chair UU the World Discussion Group: Johanna Prindiville, Contact Women’s Group: Beth D’Atri, Contact
Minister: Coordinator of Religious Education: Administrative Coordinator: Rev. Duffy Peet Marie Lynn Rilla Esbjornson minister@uu bozeman.org cre@uu bozeman.org admin@uu bozeman.org 406-586-1368 (UUFB Of ice) 406-586-1368 406-586-1368 Of ice Hours: Sunday: 9:30-11:30 a.m. (UUFB Service) Of ice Hours: Tuesdays, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m-2:30 p.m. Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-Noon Saturday: 10:30 a.m.-Noon (Home Of ice) And by appointment Friday: 10:30 a.m.-Noon (UUFB Of ice)
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman 325 N. 25th Ave. Bozeman, MT 59718-2688 9