Our Proud (and Not Quite so Proud) History
Rev. Katie's Animas View
 
In 1993, our UUA General Assembly (GA) was held in Charlotte, North Carolina in what was called the Thomas Jefferson district. Although Jefferson never officially signed the membership book at any Unitarian church, we tend to claim him for some of his UU ideas and proclamations.
 
The planning committee for that particular GA decided to hold a Thomas Jefferson Ball, inviting the delegates to come in period costumes. You might imagine there were some African-American UUs that wondered if they should attend in rags and chains.
 
At the first plenary session of the GA, these African-Americans and their white allies read a statement informing the entire delegation how this event felt to them. Conflict ensued, and ripples went out across Unitarian Universalism raising awareness that this same event could be perceived differently amongst differing groups of people.
 
As we near the anniversary of our nation's birth, I am grateful that every year, our awareness of differences seems to grow. Despite the tragedies and instances of racism that still occur, our faith takes steps to see more clearly our part in historical missteps and ways that we currently continue to create pain.
 
May we persevere in finding ways to name our complex history, to accept the ambiguity of our past, knowing that our heroes are always flawed, especially when we look from history's perspective. 
 
May we honor our nation as we continue to bend it toward justice.
 
With love,
 
Rev. Katie


June Sunday Services

SunburstSUMMER SERIES 2016
Stories of Transformation
Join us as we explore various ways that stories have played a transformative role in life. 
 
Stories can conquer fear you know. They can make the heart bigger. -Ben Okri
        
July 3  
The American Blues Resurgence   
Bob Griffith, pulpit guest, Lawrence Nass, pianist
Consider the story of the marriage that created an amazing transformation and social justice for both genres and the remarkable success for our American Music.We'll look at how American " Blues" Music begat "Rock n' Roll" and how "Rock n' Roll" repaid the debt by actually saving "Blues" Music.
 
July 10   10:30 am Worship at Pinesong (There will be no worship this morning at the Fellowship. You are welcome to join us at the Four Corners Retreat at Pinesong, near Vallacito Reservoir.)
Saved by Surprise
Rev. Marlin Lavanhar, pulpit guest, Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris, worship associate, Lawrence Nass, pianist
Sometimes it is when we least expect it and in places we would have never imagined and with people we do not know, that we can find a deeper truth.   How can we stay open to the moments and the people who might just surprise us with a saving hand or an unexpected act of human connection?

July 17  
Transformation on Trial            
Judy Hook, pulpit guest, Lawrence Nass, pianist
In a first-person recounting of some of her cases and decisions which advanced the cause of gender equality in U.S. law, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will ask the congregation not only to celebrate the victories, but also to remain vigilant against efforts to turn back some of these advances.
 
July 24
The Process of Personal Transformation 
John Lyons, pulpit guest, Marilyn Garst, pianist                                                            
Transformations seem to fall into two groups: almost immediate episodes such as Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the slow moving kind. The latter are slow because they often present a challenge to our core beliefs. These beliefs are so integral to who we think we are that a painful grieving process occurs. The nature of this grieving process is crucial to a successful transition. 
 
July 31  
The Transformative Power of Family    
Vanessa Self, pulpit guest, Marilyn Garst, pianist                                    
What does it mean to belong in a family? In what ways are we transformed when we feel like we belong? Through bio, adoptive, and foster parenting, our views on family, love, parenting, and life can evolve. Explore the heart of what family means and how it changes based on time, circumstance and life stage.  


President's Message
Teresa Jordan

Greetings, dear ones. I am preparing to depart to my first-ever UUA General Assembly. This year the event is in Columbus, Ohio, so I find myself returning again to my childhood state after just being there two weeks ago.  All these trips to Ohio present a challenge for me to write a monthly newsletter message, and yet, there is much to write.

I am looking forward to attending and representing the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango at the General Assembly. Those of you who have been before have raised my expectations for the experience. I am especially interested in those sessions on governance and leadership development as well as the worship services. I hope to gain good ideas to share with the board and the congregation when I return.
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Annual Meeting in May. We did good work in amending the bylaws, approving the budget, and electing officers and Nominating Committee members. Thanks and congratulations to Tom Miller and K. Redford for their willingness to join the board this coming year. Thanks and congratulations to Maureen Maliszewski and Susie Francis for standing for election to the Nominating Committee. Thanks to my fellow members of the bylaws task force Lois Carpenter, K. Redford, and Rev. Katie for their careful and considered review of that foundational document. Thanks to Finance Committee Chair Tim Miller for his help in developing the budget. Thanks to the Stewardship Committee chairs Bonnie Miller and John Schwob for the successful pledge campaign. Thanks to Membership Committee Chair K. Redford and those who assisted with registration. Thanks to my fellow board members and everyone who helped to plan and run the meeting.

As we transition from one church year to another, your board has begun a process of self-evaluation to identify our accomplishments and ways we can improve. Later this summer, the board will hold a retreat to consider a vision of ministry and set some goals for the coming year. If you have ideas to share about the future of our fellowship, please contact any of the board members. We are listening to the congregation.

Meetings of the Board of Trustees are scheduled for the second Tuesday each month at 3 p.m.  You are welcome to attend. Agendas and minutes of board meetings are posted on our website durangouu.org under About>Our Governance.

Thanks to my fellow board members who are continuing on the board: Jim Dahlberg, Donna Nelson, Susan Koonce, and Rev. Katie.  Thanks, also, to retiring board members Tom McCampbell and Graham Smith. I am so grateful that our fellowship had such dedication and talent on the board this past year. Collectively, these individuals helped shape the future of our fellowship. Please, join me in thanking each of them for their service.

I am so excited to continue to build on the good work of the board as Tom Miller and K. Redford join the board beginning July 1.  With the combined efforts of such a committed board, minster and staff, and congregation the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will continue to build our beloved community. I've come to accept over this past year that we're not there yet, but we're workin' on it!

Consider "workin' on it" with us by joining a committee, team, or task force during this new church year.

Teresa Jordan
Board of Trustees President



Your generosity at work: Social Justice and Responsibility News  
Coordinators:  Charlie Clements, Bonnie Miller, Betty Schwartz-Bozeman
 
For the fiscal year that ends June 30th, the Social Justice and Responsibility Program of UUFD is allocating the remaining disaster relief and development funds - approximately $3500 -- equally between three urgent needs:  1) the Syrian refugee crisis; 2) families caught in the water crisis in Flint, MI; and 3) victims and families of the recent tragedy in Orlando, FL.  Support for Syrian refugees will be served through the UUA-UUSC Crisis Refugee Fund.  The water crisis in Flint has been part of UUSC's Human Right to Water Program since 2015, which has partnered with two Michigan-wide NGOs.  Crisis counseling assistance to victims, families, and friends of the shootings in Orlando is being provided through the Pulse Tragedy Community Fund.  Brief descriptions of these efforts follow, as well as more information about each of the organizations involved.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis: Five years into Syria's devastating civil war, the situation for refugees is worse than ever. Half the country's population remains displaced from their homes, with over 4.8 million Syrians forced to seek refuge abroad. Fighting continues, and hundreds of thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire continue to flee atrocities committed by state and non-state actors and the constant threat of violence from extremist groups.

UUSC is committed to the principle that migration is not a crime, seeking asylum is a fundamental human right, and is addressing the crisis at home and abroad through:
  • Emergency aid and resettlement support in Greece, Croatia, and Serbia: offering medical aid, mental health support, resettlement support, and additional assistance to long-term refugees.
  • Legal access in Hungary, Jordan, and the United States: providing legal assistance and awareness training, reunifying family members and assisting refugees in navigating the resettlement processes, including how to challenge discriminatory treatment.
  • Advocacy in Europe and the United States: raising public awareness and sensitivity around refugee issues, challenging xenophobic sentiments and legislation, and upholding the inherent dignity of immigrant communities.
 
The Water Crisis in Flint, Michigan:  Flint residents knew there was a serious problem with their water when it came out of the tap brown and foul-smelling after the city of Flint changed its source from Lake Huron to the Flint River two years ago. They didn't know, however, that lead levels were so high that the Environmental Protection Agency could classify it as hazardous waste. It took Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality more than 17 months to acknowledge the problem. As a result, tens of thousands of Flint residents have been, and continue to be, poisoned.
The Michigan Welfare Rights Organization is one of UUSC's partners addressing the issues of race, poverty, and mismanagement by water utilities that have resulted in water crises for tens of thousands of families in Flint, Detroit, and other cities in that state. For further information download   The Invisible Crisis: Water Unaffordability in the United States, a research report by UUSC that has been nearly two years in the making, or go to http://www.uusc.org/campaigns/the-human-right-to-water .

The Tragedy of the Night Club Attack in Orlando, Florida:  Following the largest mass shooting in the United States at the Pulse night club in Orlando, FL that took the lives of 49 people and wounded more than 50 others, the Mayor announced the formation of the OneOrlando Fund, which quickly raised several million dollars. However, a coalition of community-based LGBTQI organizations (The Center, MBA, Hope and Help, Two Spirit Health, Zebra Coalition, Rollins, and others) are jointly providing immediate crisis counseling to the victims, families of victims, and friends funded separately through a gofundme campaign of the Pulse Tragedy Community Fund. The crisis counseling is being provided every day at The First Unitarian Church of Orlando located at 1901 E. Robinson Street between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.  UUFD funds will support this smaller, less visible campaign. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/OrlandoUnited or http://www.thecenterorlando.org/ for more information.

The Social Justice and Responsibility Program is grateful for both the budgetary contribution of the Fellowship to our Disaster Relief and Development Fund and for the generosity of individual members of the congregation. We will continue to monitor disasters, natural and man-made, and development needs to find opportunities that link with our own ongoing programmatic priorities in meeting basic needs, supporting the LGBTQ community, and Black Lives Matter.
  


Faith Formation News 

In these hard times, let us look first to the response of love.
In the midst of challenge, may our chalice flame bear witness to the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.
In the midst of uncertainty, may our chalice be a beacon of encouragement, that our values may guide our choices.
Let us look first to the response of love.
-Maureen Killoran

UUFD and Durango celebrate diversity

We are called by our faith to show up, stand up, and Stand on the Side of Love.

Young Adult Brewing Spirituality group gathered for the Durango Pride Festival's kick-off event at The Animas City Theatre. The event included the movie   Boy Meets Girl and the short film,  Transgender, at War and in Love. Both are on YouTube.  

Many from the Fellowship walked in the annual Pride Procession on Main Avenue and attended the Pride Festival. 

The UUFD Social Justice and Responsibility team hosted a booth at the Pride Festival in Buckley Park.  

We are grateful to the Durango Community, Four Corners Alliance for Diversity and local sponsors for an amazing five day Pride Festival. 

Four Corners Unitarian Universalist 
Summer Retreat on the Pine River

Calling all Four Corners UU's, Parents, Guardians, Grandparents!
You are invited to The Four Corners UU Summer Retreat.
Located in Vallecito, CO on the Pine River,  Friday, July 8 - Sunday, July 10.

Come to connect. Come to relax. Come to deepen spirituality. This annual camping retreat is transformative and fun for all ages. 

Children 12 and under are free*. There is children's programming as well as infant and toddler childcare during adult programming on Saturday and during worship  on Sunday.

*small kids fee for Zia taco bar dinner  Friday night, if you plan to camp  Friday

Early registration is encouraged.

You may register online here:


-Lisa McCorry


CUUPs Corner
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans
 
Behind me - dips eternity
Before me - immortality
Myself-  the term in between.
Emily Dickinson

The world is a mirror of our inner selves.  Join us at CUUPS this month as we explore the inner world using the pendulum.  We cover a variety of topics in our monthly meetings and all are welcome! We meet two Thursdays a month for knowledge and companionship.  Also, at the end of the month, we will be celebrating the first Harvest Celebration!  We look forward to seeing you!

-Linda Gumper



Sunday, Sept 25, 4:00 pm
Ceremony of Installation
UUFD Sanctuary

Save the date for this Ceremony of Installation, a celebratory service of formal recognition and covenant with our first minister, Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris. We know it seems like a long way off, but this will be a special time for our congregation and for Rev. Katie, so we'd like to give you as much advance notice as we can. We hope to see you there!


Meet Tekla Miller
UUFD Member Spotlight
 
Tekla Miller
Tekla Miller began attending UUFD several months ago because of her interest in our mission, the "welcoming and comforting" community, and for educational and volunteer opportunities - not to mention joining many of her longtime friends who were already members.

Tekla was born in East Syracuse, New York, moved to Southern California when she was 15, and  lived in Germany, St. Louis and Michigan before moving to Durango in 1995. She has  an undergraduate degree from UCLA in Sociology with a minor in English, along with a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling. She  worked for the army in Germany, but the major part of her adult career was with the Michigan Department of Corrections where she started out as a probation officer and retired as the warden of a maximum security prison for men. Tesla is also a published author and lecturer in criminal justice and women's issues.

Tekla was  baptized Catholic and confirmed Catholic, Episcopalian and Lutheran, though she never felt that any of the traditional religions were for her, as they felt too uninclusive and self-righteous. She had not not belonged to any religious group in over 40 years, until joining UUFD. She  first attended a Unitarian Universalist service in Durango about 20 years ago as a guest lecturer.

Tesla was married to Chet Peterson for 40 years, until his death. Tesla says, "He was the most important part of my life and I was fortunate to have shared so many wonderful years with him. He was a very special and compassionate person." She has three stepsons, one daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren. Her oldest stepson is gay and married to a man Tekla calls "terrific." She walked her stepson down the aisle along with her son-in-law's mother.

Other than her family, Tekla names her major interests as  hiking, reading, Zumba, aerobics, writing, and traveling - mostly hiking adventures.


Plan for Fun and FROLIC!
Co-chairs: Lynn Griffith, Connie Jacobs, Bonnie Miller
 
Yes, we are approaching the time again for our UUFD Frolic...an event where we raise money to support desired projects while having a great time with family and friends!  Please reserve the date of Saturday, October 15, on your calendar so you can join in the festivities. We promise to continue the tradition of yummy food, good drinks, entertainment and enticing items to bid on. 
 
The 2014 Frolic made possible some awesome projects - remodeling the two bathrooms in the main building to attractive gender-neutral facilities, adding fencing to the playground area to make a safer place for our children, upgrading the lighting in our Sanctuary, and providing an extraordinary new pulpit that brings an additional touch of beauty to the chancel area in the Sanctuary.  The Board will soon be considering our next most pressing needs to which we will dedicate Frolic funds.
 
We have an amazing history of success with the Frolic, much of which is due to the generous help of so many folks.  We need you to help us continue this tradition!  If you are willing to work on food for the event, entertainment, catalogue of donations, communications, setup and take down, or any of the assorted tasks for that evening, please let one of the co-chairs know.  We will be scheduling an initial planning meeting soon and hope that you can join us to share ideas for the event and help us get organized with the varying tasks. We are already looking forward to this community-building fun event and the potential of good work it will enable!



Pause for Poetry

Meeting every second Monday evening from 6 to  8 PM in Bowman Hall, the Poetry Circle invites guests to share their poetry and their favorites over light refreshments. Inquire and/or RSVP at  durangofolk@frontier.net.