HEADWATERS UNITARIAN
UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
The Church that Seeks Truth,
Practices Love and Celebrates Life Welcomes YOU!!
216--3rd Street, Senior Center
2 blocks west (perpendicular) from Paul Bunyan statue on Lake Bemidji
Bemidji, Minnesota
10:00 A.M. for Service and children’s Education/child care
Meets every Sunday from first Sunday after Labor Day to the
Sunday before Memorial Day
Questions??? Updated 5/1/08
Ask Neen by e-mail neen@paulbunyan.net
or call 218-224-2145
President --Alan Goldberg
About Us--Who We Are
We are a lively, enthusiastic and growing congregation eagerly inviting you to visit us and join with us in our spirited journey (our Vision) to Seek Truth, Practice Love and Celebrate Life!! Come as you are. We dress comfortably and casual and always have food and drink following our services. Bring your children and friends.
We are welcoming to all regardless of your beliefs. We are a creedless religion searching for truth wherever it may be, practicing love among ourselves and the greater community, and celebrating life through our weekly services. We are happy to discuss with you performing individualized rituals such as weddings, memorial services, funerals, child naming, house blessings, and other life passages or healing ceremonies.
Our MISSION
As a liberal religious community seeking spiritual growth through diversity and respect for honesty and difference, practicing love as a model of supportive care to children, youth, families and individuals through personal and congregational social responsibility, we join together to build bridges with the community.
Our COVENANT with each other
As a lay-led congregation, we share the work of maintaining a Unitarian Universalist presence in the community to provide a safe place for nonjudgmental, challenging discussion and action. We resolve to care for and love our children, youth, families and individuals celebrating with and supporting them.
CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEWSLETTER
COMMITTEES
HISTORY
MEMBERSHIP
SOCIAL ACTION/ENVIRONMENT
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RITUALS & CEREMONIES
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION (UUA)
PRAIRIE STAR DISTRICT (PSD)
SUNDAY PRESENTATIONS
STORY TIME
MEMBER ART
CHRISTMAS MUSIC
CARLOS NAMING
UU TRAVEL
Past Newsletters
Announcements, News and Events
Soup Kitchen--Tuesday, May 6
HUUF hosts the soup kitchen in Nymore the first Tuesday of each month. There are two "shifts" folks can help with, either 3-5 pm or 5-7 pm. Contact Terry-Anderson Weir at 444-4377 ahead of time if you plan to be there. Children, families and teens are also welcome, no experience necessary
HUUF Spring Highway Clean-Up begins 2:00 PM, lunch at 12:30
Potluck (open to all!) at Kivi’s place around 12:30 to 1. Directions to Kivis: Highway 2 west to Solway, turn right on County 5 in beautiful downtown Solway, go 1/2 mile, then left on Old Jefferson, go 1/2 mile, then right on Lammers Road, go 1 mile on Lammers until you see a big house on the left, fire number 7609.
The Clean-up should take an hour and a half or less if we get 12 people or more which is this year's goal. Bags provided, bring your own gloves (we'll have a few extra pairs.)
May 18: Goods and Service Auction and Potluck, 10: 00 AM
Everyone is invited. Bring your money!! Coordinator--Marcy LaCroix
SUMMER POTLUCKS--
June 29--Karen Kimbrough @ 4:00 pm--2902 Bixby Ave NE, turn towards the lake on 29th Street at the Lutheran church.
July 20--Neen Lillquist, 1:00 p.m.--45724 County 45, Laporte
Hwy #2 east towards Cass Lake for 7 miles. Turn right on Hubbard County #45 for 5 miles with one stop sign on #9. Curve to the left for 1/2 miles. Turn into long driveway on next curve. Mailbox with name and fire # 45724.
August ?--Dann Siems, 2403 La Terra Lane SW (TBA)
SAVE AUGUST 29-30-31 FOR OUR FIRST LUNETARIAN WEEKEND
Camping at Lake Bemidji State Park sponsored by Ellie and Bill Nelson
PRAIRIE START DISTRICT, 2009
April at Duluth
General Assembly Dates and Places
June 2008, GA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
June 2009, GA, Salt Lake City, UT
June, 2010, GA, Minneapolis, MN
UUA ON-LINE MAGAZINE
"uuworld.org: liberal religion and life," is now live at www.uuworld.org
Visit every week -- or sign up for the e-mail newsletter, uuworldWeekly, by clicking the "e-mail updates" link near the top of the screen. And when you find a story you especially like, click "Email this article" and send the link to a friend or colleague.
Newsletter--Current Ripples
CURRENT RIPPLES
HEADWATERS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
THE CONGREGATION THAT SEEKS TRUTH, PRACTICES LOVE AND CELEBRATES LIFE!!!
May 2008 PO Box 1906, Bemidji, MN, 56619
www.paulbunyan.net/users/neen/
WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM
BEMIDJI SENIOR CENTER, 216 THIRD ST NW
May 4: Pilgrimages: Tapping Spirituality through Travel: A Guided Meditation--Janie Franz, freelance writer and Guest Minister ordained through the Universal Life Church. Janie's singer/songwriter husband will bless us with special music. Janie has done presentations throughout the region on Faith/Religious Traditions, MindBody or Complementary Practices , Spirituality and several other topics.
Snacks--Nina Rudnick Coordinator--Susan Nokleby
May 11: What I Believe: A Cross Section of HUUF Members
This service is the culmination of our Articulating Our UU Faith Serie. Please join a penel consisting of several memers of HUUF as they share what they believe for an intersting and rewarding discussion.
Snacks--Marion Janikowski Coordinator--Paul Kivi
HUUF Spring Highway Clean-Up begins 2:00 PM, lunch at 12:30
Potluck (open to all!) at Kivi’s place around 12:30 to 1. Directions to Kivis: Highway 2 west to Solway, turn right on County 5 in beautiful downtown Solway, go 1/2 mile, then left on Old Jefferson, go 1/2 mile, then right on Lammers Road, go 1 mile on Lammers until you see a big house on the left, fire number 7609.
The Clean-up should take an hour and a half or less if we get 12 people or more which is this year's goal. Bags provided, bring your own gloves (we'll have a few extra pairs.)
May 18: Goods and Service Auction and Potluck, 10: 00 AM (see article below)
Everyone is invited. Bring your money!! Coordinator--Marcy LaCroix
SUMMER POTLUCKS--see detailed directions on web site
June 29--Karen Kimbrough @ 4:00 pm--2902 Bixby Ave NE, turn towards the lake on 29th Street at the Lutheran church.
July 20--Neen Lillquist, 1:00 p.m.--45724 County 45, Laporte
August ?--Dann Siems, 2403 La Terra Lane SW
SAVE AUGUST 29-30-31 FOR OUR FIRST LUNETARIAN WEEKEND
Camping at Lake Bemidji State Park sponsored by Ellie and Bill Nelson
Thank You HUUFers
2008 Annual Meeting Closure
by Co-President, Barb Houg
Leading services that touch our souls
Launching projects, based on our goals
Sending cards and giving hugs
Sweeping floors and washing mugs
Moving tables around and around
Sorting chairs – orange, black and brown
Giving children kernels of wisdom and truth
Making truffles and taking trips with youth
Keeping track of dollars and cents
Appeasing those from whom the fellowship rents
Playing songs that reach our heart
Dreaming dreams and then helping them start
Sharing our feelings, our sorrows, our views.
Month after month, publishing our news
Organizing ways to care and give,
To help the community in which we live
Making visitors feel that they fit in
Greeting all who come with a name tag and a grin
Giving the wee ones what they need
Providing goodies on which to feed
All these things and so much more
That keep open the Headwaters UU door
So thank you for your time, money and talents
That gives us all the opportunity for balance.
Hmmm wish I could think of a more profound way to end
Think I’ll give this to Alena to mend.
Dan Houg Cameo
Life takes many twists, turns, and loopbacks and it is with pleasure I find myself returning to the HUUF. My religious background was as a fallen Lutheran after graduation from BSU and most recently my spiritual U-Turn was as a fallen Unitarian, if one can even fall off the floor. I'd joined HUUF sometime in the late 80's, served a stint on the Board as a terrible secretary, and enjoyed the fellowship of many of the still present folks.
As job stresses increased and my own ability to contribute waned, I attended less and eventually asked to be taken off the books of HUUF, not through any dissatisfaction with philosophy or direction but merely wanting to save the annual national (and district) dues my name was costing HUUF as an official but largely absent member. So the journey of life continues and I now find myself in a job I enjoy as the station Engineer for KAXE, the kids are growing and have turned out cool, and in what can only be explained as a reverse-Sampson complex, I have more energy for the good things in life as my hair continues to fall out.
In my heart, i never really left!------dan
2008 Goods and Services Auction
Every week until the final service in May, be creative and offer items/services for the auction. Ideas include poetry, plants, dinners/lunches/food in general, canoeing, lessons, artwork, cleaning, organizing, wine, etc. The popular Bluegrass, Beer and BBQ is returning. Maybe some new ideas will emerge!
On Sundays at HUUF, the auction items will be set out on the tables and people can start bidding. Don't be afraid to out bid anyone! Look for new items to be offered each week. Sign up at anytime with new ideas. There will also be a sheet to sign up for things you would be willing to bid on.
At the last service, Paul will act as the auctioneer, Alan as the clerk, and Sue as a pretty poor excuse for Vanna. Last year, we raised almost $3,000 and had a lot of fun doing it! Don't miss out!
Any questions, contact Sue Nokleby.
Religious Education Fundraiser!
Hanging Plant Sale after service on May 4th!
Come buy a beautiful hanging flowering plant basket for $15 and help support our HUUF children's summer camp. These baskets make a perfect gift for mother's day and add a touch of beauty to your yard! For more information contact Terry Anderson at 444-4377.
Tax Rebate
A lively discussion regarding how other UU congregations have determined special purposes for donations coming from the tax rebate has been taking place on the UUA Leaders site. Have you considered HUUF? I could set up way to account for how much we could collect for our HUUF community. Neen, Treasurer
NEWSLETTER/WEB SITE CHANGE OVER
My thanks to Rebecca Hoffman and Brodie Karger who will begin publishing the newsletter after this my final edition. Please send any materials to them for future issues. brcq@charter.net Thanks, Neen
HUUF Board Mtg Summary, April, 2008
Neen presented the current income and expense report and proposed budget for 2008/2009. Items were reviewed and a few minor revisions suggested. One member had asked if there could be a way to donate to the Food Shelf through HUUF so that recognition could be given to HUUF for those donations. All board members present approved adding Bemidji Food Shelf donations as a line item in the HUUF financial records. Individuals wishing to make a donation to Food Shelf through HUUF can make checks payable to HUUF and specify in the memo area that the money be directed to the Food Shelf. The forms used to record the weekly income will include space for these donations so that they are electronically tracked & recorded for tax purposes.
Annual Meeting – April 20, 2008
President’s Report - Barb Houg
1. Most Goals and Objectives from about 8 yrs ago have mostly been accomplished. We need to continue to sustain these accomplishments.
2. Last summer we had a Strategic Planning meeting. One theme was to keep what we have and go deeper. The main focus was to improve our RE program. We have made good progress on that and need to maintain it.
3. A main goal for the new year will be to make significant progress on obtaining our own space.
4. We need to Improve our responsiveness to each other’s needs during hard times and life transitions.
5. We want to continue to offer quality Sunday services. This came up repeatedly from feedback during Stewardship visits.
Treasurer’s Report (Neen Lillquist)
Neen gave an overview of the current and proposed budget. From now on cash donations to the food shelf can go through the HUUF account.
Jon Seibold asked if could we facilitate donations to other charities through HUUF? Dereck warned that some charities may not be appropriate. Molly/Paul moved that if a member would like to make a donation to an organization in the name of HUUF such an action shall first go to the Social Justice Committee for review and and then forwarded to the Board for approval.
Trish asked about documenting in-kind donations such as time and materials. Neen will work on a form to document this.
The budget for mileage needs to be addressed. Barb asked the Worship Committee to determine a travel expense policy.
Current balances Checking 6,660
Savings 5,000
Building fund 41300
This year we have a programatic budget which was approved as presented.
EXPENSES
Building cost & fund 38%
Education 25%
Worship 15%
Dues 16%
Administration 6%
INCOME Pledges 48%
Building cost & fund 23%
Basket Offering 11%
Goods & Serv Auction 9%
Interest 6%
Donations 2%
RE Camp 1%
Stewardship Committee Report
Last week’s tally totals were $12000 in general fund and $6400 in building fund.
RE Committee--flower sale May 4th.
Membership--–Will combine with Stewardship. Committee needs help and energy, combining may help. Would like to get some activities going next year. This year the committee has focused on greeting and welcoming new members.
Worship – passed out survey. Would like to add music coordinator. Number of worship coordinators this year was quite small. Concern about announcements. Maybe new communications team can help with this.
Social Justice--meets every third Sunday. Had to turn down many activities this year due to a lack of member involvement, however, food shelf, highway cleanup, Take back the Nite and peace vigil were well attended.
Leadership – have a great group of candidates for Board and committees. We celebrate the first time that Committee Chairs have been nominated!!
Caring – sent out survey,
Facilities--Have been looking at buildings. Meeting with WeCare from Bagley to look at Anne Street building. We have a realtor looking for us. We have not heard an answer from the Senior Center about next year.
Goods and Services Auction
We broke a record last year. Let’s do it again!! Passed around signup sheets. This takes place at the last service May 18, 10:00 am at Lake Bemidji State Park. Passes will be covered by HUUF.
Election of Board of Trustees
President:Alan Goldberg (1-year term)
Secretary:Luke Rutten (1-year term)
Treasurer:Neen Lillquist (1-year term)
Trustee:Valerie Field (2 year term)
Trustee: Darin Miller (1 year left on 2- year term)
Trustee:Roger Swenson (2 year term)
Trustee:Barb Houg (1 year)
Election of Committee Chairs
Caring: Carol Seibold
Communications: (Newsletter and Web Site) Brodie
Karger and Rebecca Hoffman
Facilities: Sue Nokleby
Finance: Neen Lillquist
Capital Campaign: Neen
Leadership: Jane McKelvy
Membership: Tricia Andrews
Canvass: merge with Membership
RE: Jules Rubey
Social Action/Environment:
Worship: Paul Kivi and Karen Kimbrough
BEMIDJI CHORALE SPRING CONCERT
On Sunday, May 11 at 7 p.m., the Bemidji Chorale will premiere “Yet Again Spring,” an original composition celebrating the community’s excitement when spring comes to its northern lakes each year. The performance, held at the Bemidji High School Auditorium is part of Minnesota Voices, a statewide commissioning project by the American Composers Forum that connects composers with community choruses throughout Minnesota’s commemoration of the Sesquicentennial. The concert will include a wide variety of music, from the Shaker song “A Gift to Be Simple” to Franz Schubert’s “Du Bist Die Ruh. Following the concert, everyone is invited to enjoy an ice cream social provided by the Chorale members. There is no admission charge. A freewill offering is appreciated. For more information see www.bemidjichorale.org
ASTRONOMY DVD COURSE
I have a wonderful course from The Teaching Company www.TEACH12.com of 96 lectures with great illustrations on CDs and accompanying booklet outlines called “Understanding the Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy” by Professor Alex Filippenko, Univ of CA, Berkeley. I have learned SO much to help me understand the most recent discoveries and the powerful reasons why we need to understand the universe. I would really like to share this with anyone who is interested. I have completed over 50 sessions so the first 5 parts are all available. Just let me know.
neen@paulbunyan.net
YAHOO ADDRESSES
All of you who have Yahoo addresses, please be advised that your e-mails always bounce back for several hours or days so you may be late in receiving up-to-date information. Neen
Received from Lynn Baum’s Brother
TIPS ON PUMPING GAS
My line of work for 31 years has been in petroleum, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon of gas.
Only fill up in the early morning when the ground temperature is coldest. Storage tanks are buried below ground and the colder the ground the more dense the gasoline. When it gets warmer gasoline expands. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel, or ethanol play an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal.
When you fill up do not squeeze the nozzle trigger to fast mode. The trigger has three stages: low, middle and high. You should be pumping on low, thereby, minimizing the vapors that are created. All hoses have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate some of the gas becomes vapor. Those vapors are sucked back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less for your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying the empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere so it minimizes the evaporation. Where I work every truck load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount, but the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gas is being stirred up and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.
WHERE TO BUY GAS-- If you may want to know where it is coming from, the information is available from the Department of Energy and each company is required to state where they get their oil from and how much they are importing.
CALENDAR
May 4, 8:15 AM--Board
May 6 --Soup Kitchen, 3-5 & 5-7
Apr, 2009, PSD Conference, Duluth, MN
June, 2008--GA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
June, 2009,--GA, Salt Lake City, UT
June, 2010--GA, Minneapolis