White Bear THE NEWS Unitarian Universalist WEEKLY Church March 15 - 21, 2020

328 Maple Street | Mahtomedi, MN 55115 | Phone: 651.426.2369 | wbuuc.org

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE We are carefully watching updates from the MN Dept. of Health, local school districts, and other sources, and we are committed to best practices for individual and community wellness. Let’s stay healthy by refraining for now from handshakes and hugs here at church. A warm and friendly smile will welcome visitors wholeheartedly, and greet old friends just fi ne. Many in our community are holding concerns not only about the virus itself, but about travel, work, sick leave, childcare and more. As ever, our Pastoral Care team, RE staff, and ministers are available for support in these uncertain times. Stay Safe! If you are sick, stay home. Let us know and we will reach out to you. ~ Rev. Victoria Safford, [email protected], 651.426.2369 x101

FACING RACE UPDATE EARTH MINISTRY UPDATE Westminster Forum Ice Out—Coming Soon to a Lake Near You Tuesday, May 12 at 12pm A sure sign of spring is open water on lakes. Data Eddie Glaude, Jr.: ’s (1950 to present) tells us to expect ice out of Lessons on Race in America area lakes during the fi rst week of April (yellow Westminster Presbyterian Church points on the map). Minnesota ice out dates in 1200 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis other regions vary between May 5 (dark pink) and Eddie Glaude, Jr. is a Professor at Princeton March 25 (orange points). University and chair of the Department of African Ice melt is effected by the jet stream’s infl uence American Studies. His forthcoming book, Begin on temperature and precipitation, snow Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent accumulation, and ice depth. But when is ice on Lessons for Our Own, will be published in April a lake “out”? The DNR says the defi nition of lake 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political ice out can vary from lake to lake. For the citizen science from , a master’s in observers reporting data, ice out occurs when African American studies from , the lake is completely free of ice. Or, it may also and a Ph.D. in religion from . be when a lake is 90 percent free of ice. Each His scholarly pursuits and public service were observer uses consistent criteria from year to year, shaped by his years growing up in the coastal town but criteria may be somewhat different between of Moss Point, . This is a free event. observers. Volunteer to be a citizen observer at: Poor People’s Campaign Mass Assembly dnr.state.mn.us/climate/index.html & Moral March | June 20, 2020 poorpeoplescampaign.org/committee/minnesota SPRINGTIME ICE OUT Rev. Dr. William Barber urges us to get on buses this third week of June, singing and riding our way to the Mass Assembly and Moral March in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Visit the Minnesota chapter page on the National Poor People’s Campaign website to sign up and receive info. The local Minnesota PPC chapter will be releasing more information soon about buses leaving from the Minnesota area. and spend their shift (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) Social Justice inviting friends and family to their restaurant, Another Chance to Promote Gun Safety Laws greeting and thanking diners, passing out “I ate” Wednesday, Mar. 18 at the State Capitol stickers, and collecting donations. Additional WBUUC’s Gun Sense Action Group invites volunteers are also needed to assemble packets you to the Moms Demand Action Advocacy ahead of the event. To learn more or to volunteer, Day at the State Capitol. Start at 9:30am for go to diningoutforlifemn.org. training and a rally. After that, meet with your representatives to discuss sensible gun laws. Go to Adult Spiritual Development momsdemandaction.org/events and enter your zip code to get details and to register. Your legislators Shamanic Drumming and Journeying need to hear from you. Tuesday, Mar. 17 at 7pm Choose Either or Both Times to Attend! LOVE LIVES HERE: IMMIGRATION & SANCTUARY Explore ancient shamanic practices for spiritual St. Paul Area Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant guidance, healing, meditation, peaceful loving Justice Community Book Discussion personal power, spiritual adventure, and fun! To gain new understandings of and deepen our Bring your drum/rattle, or borrow one of ours. work on immigrant justice, all are invited to read We meet twice monthly: fi rst Mondays at 10am and discuss the book Dear America, Notes of an and third Tuesdays at 7pm. No experience Undocumented Citizen, by Jose Antonio Vargas. necessary. Newcomers welcome. Contact Nancy, Books are available in local bookstores and from 651.426.4917, or wbuuc.org/churchlife. some local member organizations. This is not a book about the politics of immigration, but rather Third Thursdays: Welcoming All Adults 60+ about homelessness, not in the traditional sense Thursday, Mar. 19, 11am-1pm—Sanctuary but the unsettled, unmoored psychological state A monthly daytime group for those who are experienced by some undocumented immigrants seeking additional connections and stimulating coming to America. Anyone from any congregation conversation around the spiritual and social is welcome to attend any of the book discussions aspects of aging and living purposeful lives. This listed below. Each discussion will be facilitated by a one-hour program is followed by a light lunch in the member of the congregation holding the discussion. Social Hall (suggested donation $5.00). Assistance Wednesday, March 18 with chalice lightings, cooking, or clean up always 5:45 dinner; 7:15 conversation appreciated. Contact Victoria Safford with questions Unity Church-Unitarian (651.426.2369, [email protected]). 733 Portland Ave., St. Paul Sunday, March 22, 1-3pm Lecture, Discussion, Book Signing for Mount Zion Confl agration: How the Transcendentalists 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul Sparked the American Struggle for Racial, Gender, Monday, March 23, 7-9pm and Social Justice Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Monday, April 20 at 7:00pm—WBUUC Sanctuary 700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul Rev. John A. Buehrens, Author and Presenter John Buehrens was the president of the Unitarian The Aliveness Project: Serving People Universalist Association of Congregations from Living with HIV | Volunteers Needed 1993 to 2001, and has served several thriving Since 1985, Aliveness has been helping people congregations, including All Souls in New York City. living with HIV lead healthy, self-directed lives. His previous books include Understanding the On April 30th, the organization will host the 26th Bible: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and annual Dining Out for Life event, partnering with Religious Liberals; A Chosen Faith: An Introduction area restaurants who agree to donate 20-100% of to Unitarian Universalism; and with Rebecca their profi ts for the day. Volunteer Ambassadors are Ann Parker, A House for Hope: The Promise of needed. They are matched with partner restaurants Progressive Religion for the Twenty-fi rst Century. found at mncontemporaryquilters.net. Contact the Religious Education artist directly if you would like to purchase a quilt. Volunteer with Children and Youth Contact Karen Dahl with questions. Dive into our monthly worship themes through stories, games, crafts and more as a volunteer Call for 7th Principle Art Show Entries in our religious education program! Prep time Stop by the Call for Art table between services every is minimal and volunteers are provided with Sunday through March 29 to fi ll out an entry form everything they need to help guide our children and for the 7th Principle Art Show sponsored by Earth youth as they explore and learn together on Sunday Ministry. Opening on Earth Day, April 19, this show mornings and Wednesday evenings. Volunteering will feature works by WBUUC adults, children, and with our children and youth is a rewarding way youth. Entries should refl ect experience with the to Grow and Serve in community! Interested in natural world and Earth Ministry themes: Notice. learning more? Send an email to Amy Peterson Cherish. Protect. Entries are to be left at church on Derrick at [email protected]. April 5 and April 12.

Upcoming Wednesday Forums Community Announcements Wednesdays | Supper at 5:30 | Forums at 6:30 Email Scammers Posing as Congregation Leaders Mar. 18 | Drop-In Theme Circle WBUUC staff, members, and friends have been Join a small group of people to explore the theme experiencing another wave of email scams from of the month in depth, the theme for March is people impersonating ministers and church Attention: The Practice of Centering. staff. These emails often request money, contact information, gift cards, or ask you to click on a Mar. 25 | Unrestrict Minnesota link or attachment. PLEASE NOTE! Our ministers Most Minnesotans have no idea what the abortion and staff will NEVER ask you for money, gift cards, laws are in our state, and Unrestrict Minnesota or assistance in this way. When in doubt, check has undertaken a public awareness campaign to the sender’s email address carefully, and contact educate people about these laws. Learn more from church staff in a separate email (offi [email protected]), our special guest speaker, the Rev. Kelli Clement, or by phone (651.426.2369). who serves First Unitarian Society and the St. Croix UU Fellowship, and who, some years ago, was an Front Desk Volunteers Needed intern at WBUUC. WBUUC is seeking temporary volunteers for Wednesday mornings 10am-1pm and Thursday afternoons 1-4pm. If you think you might be Music and Arts interested, please contact Anna for more Current Art Show: March 15–April 12 information: [email protected]. Minnesota Contemporary Quilters—Songspiration Each year, Minnesota Contemporary Quilters (MCQ) Contact Information—Response Needed challenges its membership to create small quilts Please help us ensure that our records are up-to- based on a selected theme. “Songspiration,” MCQ’s date with your latest contact info (including your 2019-20 Challenge Exhibit, features imaginative pronouns and your birthday) and a recent photo. If interpretations of songs or music that inspire the you’re not sure how to log-in to ChurchLife to check artists’ textile creations. We hope these quilts en- and update your profi le, please contact Rev. Jack. courage you to think about the music in your world. He will walk you through the log-in and updating MCQ is a creative group of amateur and profession- process. Alternatively, you could always just send al quilters and fi ber artists who use original designs an email to him with the necessary information and a variety of techniques to create wall art, 3-D (and a photo), and he will gladly update your record pieces, bed quilts, and more. The group meets on for you. We are looking for: name, address, phone the fourth Monday of each month at the Textile number, email address, pronouns, birthday (or birth Center of MN. More information about MCQ can be year), and an updated photo of good quality. Mick Caouette’s Latest Documentary Film Will Air This Week Sunday, Mar. 22 at 5pm on Channel 17 (TPT/PBS) In Summoned: Frances Perkins and the General TODAY: Sunday, March 15 Welfare, Caouette tells the story of Frances Perkins, 9am & 11am Religious Education—RE Wing the fi rst woman to serve on a Presidential Cabinet 9am & 11am Worship Service—Sanctuary as Labor Secretary under Franklin Roosevelt. She 10:15am Sitting Meditation—Quiet Room was the driving force and author behind Social 12:30pm Gallery Committee—Ballou Security, child labor laws, a 40-hour work week, 12:30pm My Grandmother’s Hands—Wheatley eight-hour days, workplace safety, minimum wage, unemployment compensation and more. 250 Monday, March 16 stations nationwide are now airing this important 10am Theme Circle—Jones documentary. Victoria Safford narrates. Corinne & Tuesday, March 17 Carol Caouette recorded for the soundtrack. 12:30pm Men’s Group—Wheatley 1pm Theme Circles—Jones, Iowa Sisterhood Request for Used iPads 7pm Adult Children of Alcoholics—Ballou WBUUC is in need of iPads that support iOS 10 or 7pm Shamanic Drumming—Wheatley higher. If you have one you would like to donate, please contact Anna at offi [email protected]. Wednesday, March 18

SUPPER & SOULWORK: A Note on Politics, Courtesy and Right Relations 5:30pm Supper | All Ages—Social Hall The 2020 election season is heating up, and 6:15pm Choir Rehearsal—Sanctuary many of us are passionately involved in work for 6:30pm Art & Soul—Ballou candidates and issues. As a tax exempt religious Earth Ministry: Notice and cherish our earth organization, our congregation is committed by helping to create a work of art that will be to best practices in political engagement. If displayed in the 7th Principle art show in honor you have questions about what’s permitted of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This and what’s not here at church, here’s a ready intergenerational, participatory art work, called reference: bit.ly/UUA-elections. Beyond what’s “Sacred Site” will be made up of single paper legally required of us, we are committed also tiles created by individuals or small groups, and to covenantal relationships with one another, will be put together into a larger composition of respecting the right and responsibility of each a map of the earth. Led by Jonee Brigham and person to discern their own beliefs and choose Judy Fawcett. their own actions. 6:30pm Movement—Alcove Deep Relaxation Yoga: Join Kirsten Lakso, Please respect this space and one another. founder of Peace Welling Studio, for an hour of Consider, when you wear that shirt with your yoga for all abilities and ages. Bring a mat, towel, candidate’s name emblazoned on the front, what and block if you have one. Chairs and a limited messages you are sending, even inadvertently, number of mats are available on site. about our congregation as a whole; think twice, 6:30pm Forum—Wheatley in that hallway conversation, about courtesy and Drop-in Theme Circle: See inside for details. respect. Our congregation has always taken an active, courageous and prophetic role on issues 7:30pm UU Voices—Alcove in the public square, but we are mindful, too, that 7:30pm Youth Group—Iowa Sisterhood people come to church on Sundays and all week 7:30pm Young Adult Group—Whitney Young long for other reasons, also, including a blessed Thursday, March 19 break from non-stop political noise. Thanks for 11am Third Thursday 60+ Group—Sanctuary your care. Friday, March 20 – Victoria Safford Church Closed What’s the pledge PLEDGE FAQs goal for WBUUC?

Did you know that pledge income is WBUUC PLEDGE INCOME: 90% of the yearly budget for WBUUC! $955,000 $1,020,000 6.8%

PLEDGE GOAL FOR PLEDGE GOAL FOR INCREASE FOR CURRENT YEAR (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020) NEXT YEAR (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021) NEXT YEAR (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021)

OVER THE PAST 6 YEARS THIS FIGURE HaveHave wwee mmovedoved tthehe nneedleeedle AN AVERAGE OF REACHED A HIGH OF oonn new members partparticipatingicipating in pledge their firstfirst year? 70% 85% NEW MEMBERS IN 2019 HAVE PLEDGED

HowHow mumuchch ddidid wwee increaseincrease the base ooff pledgingpledging households 80%% with last year's campaign?campaign? Pledging Households UP 4 PERCENTAGE POINTS FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR

How many members and friends increased their pledge 120 10 by at least $360 last year? + MEMBERS FRIENDS

ONG E L •T B O MEMBERS RESPONDING TO ALL-IN WITH $360+ INCREASES • G E T E

T

RAISED THEIR PLEDGES A H

E

E

R

AN AVERAGE OF 43% R C • 2 • 0 E 20 G -21 PLED

[email protected] or (651) 426-2369 | Pledge today! wbuuc.org/pledge How does the second week of pledging compare to the second WE ARE week of last year’s campaign? 69% TO OUR GOAL!

LAST YEAR: THIS YEAR:

Total Pledged: Total Pledged: AMOUNT INCREASE: $378,984 $701,497 185% vs. INCREASE IN HOUSEHOLDS: from 128 from 271 212% Pledging Households Pledging Households (data as of 3/12/2020) in gratitude... Jean Alm, Roger Alm & Lisa Monzel, Dale & Nancy Anderson, Diane & Paul Anderson, Jerry Andre & Sharon Keyzer-Andre, Jane & Steve Aufmuth, Jane Bacon, Naomi Baer, Phyllis Ballard, Laura Bandt, Mary & Carl Bandt, Katie & Norm Barrett Wiik, Alissa & Alex Bartlett, Teal & Eric Bassett, Carol Bender, Edward Bender, John Benson, Margo Berg, Mary & Paul Berger, Katie Bergman-Baer & John Baer, Terry Bernhardt & Jeanne Laqua, Ingrid Boersma & Ginny Johansen, Pete Border & Barbara Clark, Lisa Borg & David Stevens, Gena & Trevor Borgmeier, Evan Boyd, Dana Boyle, Peg Brown, Cydney Bulger, Reggie Buresh, Ann & Bill Bushnell, Carole Caputa, Kelsey & Mark Carignan, Diane & Al Carlson, Sharon Castle, Elizabeth Cedarleaf, Kathy Ceronsky & Ron Krietemeyer, Kirk Cobb, Megan Coe, Barbara Coffin & Dan Engstrom, Shawn Collins, Sally Colwell & Jeff Janacek, Jerry & Nancy Condon, Mark Conkle & Claire Gilbert, Marc Cooley & Nicolet Lyon, Jim Cooper & Cheryl Riley, Nancy Cosgriff, Marie Cosgrove, Elissa Cottle, Joanna Coyle, Mara Coyle & Joel Hedland, Dan & Jan Crowley, Sue Dallman & John Weiss, Roger & Dawn Day, Ryan Dean, Debra or Dee DeBroux & Mena Hautau, Russell Dedrick & Polly Meyerding-Dedrick, Lori Delahunt, Gail Diez, Cecelia Dodge & Michael Martini, Doris & Bruce Domagalski, Jean & Rodger Doolittle, Gina Dugan & Stan Nichol, Helen Duritsa, Evelyn & Mark Duvall, Rob Dybvig & Bonnie Rohr, Joanna & Klay Eckles, Kate Edwards, Sharona Erickson, Sally Evans, Sheila Faulkner & Russ McPherson, Judy Fawcett, Gloria Ferguson, Darleen & Mark Ferrin, Lois Fleming, Jogn Fortier, Kaye & Dan Freiberg, Leslie & Roger Frick, Ann Frisch & David Hozza, Rosemary Furst, Jack Gaede, Bob Gagner, Helen & Shawn Gallagher, Laurie & Alan Gaschott, Rick Gelbmann, Bob & Ann Gergen, Sharon Gooch & Anh Minh Dam, Steve Goranson & Marcia Jensen, Lori Gordon, Brian & Lori Gould, Beth & Bob Graves, Katie Greene, Sharon Guiser, Harlene Hagen, Barbara Hall, Bob & Janet Hanson, Roxanne Hardy, Jane Harper & John Velin, Ken & Janet Harris, Julie Hartmans, Dick Haskett & Kathleen Keating, Nancy Hauer, Mary Hauser, Dennis Hayden & Dave Prunty, Katie & Adam Heathcote, Dieter & Kristin Heinz, Carol & Dave Henseler, Colleen Herrmann, Sarah & Tom Hietpas, Deborah & Wallace Hilke, Diane & Tony Hilscher, Nancy Hinrichs, Peggy & Dave Hintzman, Matt Hoffman & Sue Cordek, Karin & Patrick Hogen, Kendra & Kyle Holloway, Yasha Horstmann, Jeannie Inglehart, Boni & Dave Iverson, Dana Jackson, Paul & Holly Jacoby, Mary & Gene Janicke, Miriam & Jack JuVette, Steve Kahn & Jackie Metelak, Laura Kalam- bokidis, Barbara & Timothy Kellogg, Jonathan & Laurie Kigner, Mark King & Jonathan Lubin, Annearle Klein, Celeste Klein & Barb Parent, John & Libby Knapstein, George & Marillyn Knuteson, Cari Koebke, Mark Kotz, Rhonda Kriss & Diane Armitage, Sue Kubik, Michael & Kathy Kullik, Mary Kurth, Larry LaBonte & Kathryn Shaw, Sheila LaBore, Jerry & Kirsten Lakso, Lisa Lamb & Tom Hickson, Jillian & Jay Lampert, MJ LaVigne & Allen Christian, Renee Lemieux & Chris Jordan, Amy & Donald Lemke, Don & Lori Lifto, Heather Logelin, Ann Loper, Ellen Lowery, Katy Lowery, Sarah & Michael Lutz, Julia Lyon, Karen Machlica & Russ Blankenfeld, John & Katie Macke, Cathy & David MacKenzie, Kevin & Kathy Mackin, Jeff & Kathy Macomber, Michele Madigan, Gene Mammenga & Char Brooker, David Manolis, Joyce Marienfeld, Beth Markhart, Jody McCormick & Brett Smith, Leslie McInenly & Paul Smithson, Myrna McInenly, Maureen McKiernan, Mara & Eric Melum, Bob Meyenburg & Susan Warweg, Susan & Brian Mielke, Mark & Nancy Miller, Debra Minlschmidt, Paul Molina, Richard Moskop, Jeff & Jess Muszynski, Carol Nelson, Kellie & Jeff Nelson, Mary & Bill Nelson, Tim Nelson & Margo Melting-Nelson, Sally Niemand, Pete Nord & Janet Kortuem, Pat Nyman, Erica & Peter Oesterreich, Alis Olsen, Kate O'Reilly, Cynthia Osmundson, Gerda Ottman, Judy & Dick Ottman, Becky Pansch & Ron Germundson, Louise Pardee, Ilse Perlich, Karlyn Peterson & Gavin Wilkinson, Doris Petrie, Virginia Podobinski, Claudia Poser & Ron Ofstead, Elizabeth Potter, Carolyn Pozzini, Curt & Beverly Proud, Peter & Linda Quinn, Kathleen & Keith Rainford, Moneer & Marianne Rana, Jeff Ranta, Kim & Carolyn Reiersgaard, Eric Reiner, Steven Rippe & Kathy Woo-Rippe, Mary & Lee Rock, Kaari & Eric Rodriguez, Ellie Rogers & Louis McLaughlin, Marjorie Rogers, Mary & Dick Rogers, Russel Rogers, Jean Rozinka, Victoria & Ross Safford, Claire & Seth Schleicher, Amber & Peter Schletty, Ellen & John Schmidt, Margie & Gregory Schmidt, Joe Schmitt, Erin Scott, Robert & Helen Secor, Kathy Sedro, Jason & Lisa Sem, Bob & Stephanie Shaw, Tony Shostak & Joan Jensen, Ilene & Don Simonson, Susan & Ed Sisola, Diana Smith, Dee Smith, Rachel Snyder, Judith Solarz, Kathy St. Peters, Mary Stefansky, Troy & Jocelyn Stein, Emily & Corlin Stelter, Ken Stewart, Sue Stewart & Scott Lentsch, Melissa Stoddart, Laura Stone-Jeraj, Roxy Stouffer Cruz, Barb Street, Mary Sturm, Robyn Tan, Cynthia Tande, Joan Teppen, Sheila Thomas & John Jensen, Pat Tieskoetter, Kandee Timmerman, Cynthia Tomlinson, Cindy & Rich Tregilgas, Carol & Roger Upham, Janet & Victor Urbanowicz, Jim & Aimee Van Ostrand, Doug & Barbara Van Vreede, Nancy & Jack Ver Steegh, Mary Vidas & Jane Robertson, Julie & Jim Vinar, Brian Wald & Barb Schmid, Julie & Kyle Wallace, Sieglinde Waller, Ann Walton & Paul Hildebrant, Phyllis Webster, Kathleen Weflen & Lou Ferreri, Alan & Laurie Wenker, Carolyn & Ed Wensman, Jon Wentz, Sue Will, Barbara Wilson & Wayne Detmer, Laurel Winsor, Jerry & Marcia Yanz, Ann Zimmermann-Hohn & Jim Hohn, and Jeanne Zlonis (as of 3/12/2020)