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We're Gonna Keep On Movin' Forward
Rev. Katie's Animas View
I love the words and music from the song by Emma's Revolution, "We're gonna keep on movin' forward-never turning back. Never turning back."
I felt what it was like to move from a deep-felt sadness on the day a respected, thoughtful President left office, and the next day, in a big, bad blizzard, people from the Four Corners came out to march all the way down Main Avenue-so many people that we couldn't figure out how to get them all to fit into Buckley Park. I wasn't surprised that so many travelled to Washington, D.C. I was expecting that the crowd there would be large. But I didn't imagine that right here in Durango we'd have so many people coming out to share their values, to be a part of community, to tell all of us how much women matter, that black lives matter, that climate change is real, that good schools for our families is essential, that healthcare should be available for all, and that we continue to stand on the side of love.
We didn't solve all the nation's problems by our gathering, but what we did do was harness a great deal of energy and enthusiasm in our community, and we did feel that our faith community can be a welcoming place for people to bring their hopes for their lives and the lives of the world to be.
I am grateful to all of you. Grateful for the leadership of the Social Justice Team of Bonnie Miller, Betty Schwartz-Bozeman, and Charlie Clements who have provided the framework within which we can make good things happen, for all the wonderful people like John Schiffel and Hannah Dzubinski who stepped up to the logistical pieces so that our event was seamless, and especially to Melissa Stacy whose passion, leadership and drive made certain that the march happened (we'll hear her profound words again from our pulpit in March), even when so many barriers kept jumping in the path.
This event was a full out success. It shows me the substantial need for our spiritual community here at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango. Let's do what we can to continue to make room for people to join us, to create space for them to help us refine our vision, to do all we can to build the Beloved Community.
I love this place. This congregation is a gem. It's a great people and place to show the world by our word and our deed how we stand on the side of love. Let's do it!
With love,
Rev. Katie
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February Sunday Services
Theme:
There is More Love Somewhere
Concepts: Respect, Love
February 5
Bringing the Good News
-Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris
How do we talk about the meaning of this place to other people in a time where going to church doesn't feel popular? Can we create an "elevator speech" to share the good news?
February 12
Fortification for the Days Ahead
-Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day launched 30 days of love through the "Standing on the Side of Love" advocacy campaign. What sustains us, and how might we demonstrate this sustenance?
February 19
Longing for Belonging
-Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris
On this day where we honor our newest members, we'll consider what it means to belong. Why are Universalists the love people?
February 26
Beyond Voting and Black Lives Still Matter
-Anthony Nocella, II, pulpit guest
Let's consider strategies and tactics to build and participate in a healthy democracy, beyond simply voting, for the purpose of creating a just and peaceful community. The acknowledgment of Black History Month provides the backdrop for discussing the importance of Black Lives Matter and how we can work toward racial justice and equity.
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President's Message
Teresa Jordan
Would you make a sacrifice for a larger cause or a greater good?
-Michael Durall in
The Almost Church Revitalized: Envisioning the Future of Unitarian Universalism
Quartile Analysis of Pledged Giving
Your Board of Trustees was so impressed with the UUFD Pledging Unit Quartile Analysis by Finance Chair Tim Miller, we decided to share it with the congregation as a way to start a conversation about the financial health of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango (UUFD).
This quartile analysis illustrates how well we share the distribution of gifts among the congregation. Ideally, the graph should look like a gradual set of stair steps. Some are able to give more than others, and quartile analysis takes that into account by providing a model of healthy distribution to compare to our profile of giving.
Each quartile, or step, shows the percentage of total pledging units (think households) that contribute one-fourth of the total amount of pledges.
A healthy distribution would have 10% of pledging units contributing to Quartile I, 15% contributing to Quartile II, 30% contributing to Quartile III, and 45% contributing to Quartile IV. This ideal distribution is shown with the green bars on the graph.
Let's compare this ideal to actual UUFD pledges for July 2016 - June 2017, our current fiscal year. Only 2% of our pledging units comprise Quartile I, 5% make up Quartile II, 16% comprise Quartile III, and 77% contribute to Quartile IV. The purple bars on the graph represent UUFD's current pattern of giving.
Why is there such a difference between UUFD's purple bars and the healthy green bars? The obvious answer is that too few donors make major contributions and too many contribute at the lower end. UUFD's pattern of distribution of gifts suggests our congregation may be financially vulnerable.
Let's get the conversation started about what each of us can do to help create a healthier distribution of giving at UUFD. Together we can continue the work of building our beloved community for ourselves and for the future.
Stewardship Committee Co-Chairs
Kathleen Adams
and Lisa Govreau will serve as co-chairs of the Stewardship Committee. They are planning and will conduct our Pledge Campaign this spring. Contact them to volunteer with the campaign. Thanks to Kathleen and Lisa for their willingness to serve.
Many, many thanks go to John Schwob and Bonnie Miller for their service as past chair and past co-chairs of the Stewardship Committee. They deserve a large part of the credit for the successes of UUFD.
Teresa Jordan
Board of Trustees President
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Justice is what Love looks like in Public
Social Responsibility and Justice News
"Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public. " Cornel West
The "Standing on the Side of Love" march on Jan. 21 ended with a rally at Buckley Park.
Coming from a place of deep love for our fellow beings and the earth gives us the fire and determination to create a more just world. Our
Standing on the Side of Love community march is a testament to that belief and intention. Durango police estimated 1000 people participated in the January 21 march, and words of appreciation from the community continue to come in. The march allowed us to connect with others in publicly taking a stand for fairness and justice. Let's use that energy to sustain us in taking actions which move toward justice. Stay informed, pay attention, contact your legislators, talk with others, support worthy causes. All of us are needed, so do whatever you can do. Many, many thanks to Melissa Stacy and to Hannah Dzubinski for their leadership to bring the march to such a successful reality! An untold number of hours and attention to detail, as well as courage, were required to make this happen. Please personally thank them for their gifts.
The new
Immigration team continues to do advocacy training and provide documents that explain the significant issues for immigration:
Immigration as a Moral Issue and
Federal Immigration Policies at Risk. You can get on their email list to receive notifications of when critical events are happening and what help is needed. Mo Maliszewski is the team facilitator, and more information is available at the SRJ table.
The
Healing Racism team's discussion of the film "White Like Me" included considering ideas for being better advocates for racial justice. The team will be learning more about the possibility of starting a Four Corners chapter of SURJ - Standing Up for Racial Justice. In addition, yard signs about human rights may be purchased and made available to interested members of the Fellowship.
 As part of our continuing commitment as a Welcoming Congregation, the
LGBTQ team is sponsoring a
Transgender 101 presentation on February 19 from 12:00-2:00 in the Sanctuary.
Click here for a printable flyer. Light snacks will be provided, or bring your own lunch. Everyone in the Fellowship is encouraged to come to this very interesting and informative session with Adrien Lawyer, from the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico. Free and open to the public.
Coming up:
If you haven't yet gotten a copy of the UUA Common Read book,
The Third Reconstruction, pick one up at the SRJ table so you are ready for a book discussion this spring. Date to be determined.
Saturday, January 28, from 1-4 at John Redemske and Susan DeCloedt's house...Snowdown float construction. The theme fits our social justice commitment to the principle of inherent worth and dignity of all beings, even extra-terrestial!
Social Responsibility and Justice Coordinators: Bonnie Miller, Betty Schwartz-Bozeman, Charlie Clements
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Faith Formation
Children's, Youth and Adult Education
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Alex O. with his peaceful protest sign (and cookie) Jan. 22. |
UUFD is building a Faith Formation Team to support programs, including adult education.
The team will meet quarterly.
There will be additional responsibilities ranging from light commitment to leadership level commitment.
Contact Lisa at re@durangouu.org or
Rev. Katie at minister@durangouu.org
to get involved.
Thank you to all who taught with the children and youth in January. Your presence and practice is vital to our community.
Teachers and volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated in our children's and youth programs.
Here is a virtual sign up link. You may also contact me directly with available dates.
Snowdown Parade! UUFD is building a float for the parade again. All ages are welcome to ride on the float
Friday evening,
February 3rd. Contact John Redemske.
UUFD is, once again, forming its Passover Seder team and seeking potluck volunteers.
It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 12.
Contact
re@durangouu.org
.
NEW:
Kid care is now offered at the Fellowship during Circle Suppers, third Saturdays. Next circle supper is February 18th. Contact Nancy Fisher.
Childcare is generally available upon request for activities such as choir rehearsals, committee and team meetings, spiritual practice offerings, CUUPS or covenant groups. Contact
re@durangouu.org.
Lisa McCorry, Director of Faith Formation
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SAVE THE DATE
MARCH 12 at NOON
Bowman Hall
S
tewardship Celebration
Sunday
with Luncheon Potluck to follow
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Members and Friends Urged to Attend Summit March 3 - 4
Help determine our common ground and vision for the future
As the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango approaches its 50th anniversary, there is much to celebrate. We acknowledge all the ways that we have made "breakthroughs" in what we are as a community to one another and what we have come to mean to more people in our greater community. Our decision to call our first minister has contributed to the quality of our worship and programming, our membership growth and our presence in the community. At the same time, we as members have stepped up in various ways to provide care and support to one another, help new members find a place in our congregation, and become a significant presence for social justice and prophetic witness in our broader community.
UUFD's vision for the future (aka Strategic Planning Process) will start coming together beginning with a large-group, inclusive Summit on March 3 and 4. The sessions of the Summit will be guided by Reverend Larry Peers, a consultant who has deep experience facilitating Future Search efforts with congregations, especially UU congregations, and various religious organizations across the country. His experience suggests that, to be most effective in identifying the key issues, this process needs as many different voices as possible to be in the room - our Sanctuary - at the same time. So, to ensure we hear the views of the many constituencies in the Fellowship, about half the members of the Fellowship will receive specific invitations. This by no means excludes those who do not receive initial invitations from attending the Summit. On the contrary! We want all members and friends who feel a stake in our Fellowship's future and who want to participate to attend the Summit. The invitation list is simply a mechanism to ensure, up front, that we have a broadly representative group. If it turns out that we are short of committed attendees in a particular group, additional specific invitations will be offered.
The Summit will include a variety of individual, small and large group processes that build upon each other over the course of Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. It is important for this reason that if you plan to attend, you make plans to be there for the whole event. Childcare will be provided. If you do not receive an invitation in the next week or so and want to attend the Summit, drop an e-mail to
tommiller1945@gmail.com
to get on the attendee list. Click here for a "Framing Statement" that will become the basis of our Summit planning sessions.
We are at a significant threshold in our life together and our role in the broader community as we approach this 50th anniversary. With some of the social uncertainties and perceived threats to our liberal values on the horizon, the UU Fellowship of Durango is called to be engaged as a refuge, a support and advocate in new pronounced ways. In what ways will we respond to that call?
The active membership of our fellowship has grown significantly, by approximately 30% in the last three years. At the same time, our attendance at worship on Sunday morning has increased as more visitors are discovering UUFD and exploring Unitarian Universalism. This provides both celebration and challenge as we consider options for our space, worship services and other ways to respond to those who want to be part of what our fellowship has to offer to them in their lives.
Our members seek to engage with one another in support, learning and community and in service to the broader community. A growing congregation means that we have to be more intentional about coordinating with one another and more deliberate about knowing our capacities to not just do more but to do what we do well and with impact.
As we embark on this engaging process to determine the strategic directions for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango, we are particularly interested in determining our common ground vision and commitments. Some of the critical topics we will address at the Summit include:
- Engaging and equipping our membership for our common work
- Welcoming visitors and newcomers as they seek a spiritual community
- Building on our current strengths even as we imagine expanding what we do
- Refining our mission for the years ahead of us
- Determining ways to plan for, accommodate, and encourage growth of our membership
- Listening intently to our deepest aspirations for ourselves and this Fellowship
- Discerning how we might best respond to the needs of those in our broader community and to our common call for social justice and prophetic action
- Determining how we might resource ourselves, mindful of both the limits and the strength of our capacities
- Continue building our capacity for spiritual growth
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Life After 50 Workshop
Wednesday, March 1, 6:30 pm - space is limited
On
Wednesday, March 1st
from
6:30 to 8PM
in Bowman Hall, Allison Andersen, Kathy Turner and Liza Tregillus will be offering another "Life After 50" workshop. This interactive workshop gives participants an opportunity to reflect on their mindset regarding advancing age and retirement. Whether you are excited or apprehensive, join others to develop a "growth mindset," discover your "money habitudes" and set goals based on the areas of your life you prioritize (health, family, spirituality--you will name what may need more attention). Space is limited to 20 participants, so email
Allison@debtfreedurango.com
if you would like to reserve a spot. The workshop is free, although a tip jar for facilitators will be available!
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To read right now: Immigration 
Educate yourself on this critical issue
UUFD's Immigration Team has prepared two documents about the issue of immigration in America that they'd like to encourage us all to read. Please take a moment to become educated.
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 Don't take a seat - GIVE one
Will you please help sponsor a chair for our sanctuary?
Ten additional chairs for the sanctuary are on order, and you can help purchase one. Each chair costs $150, but donations of any amount are appreciated. Please write "chairs" on the memo line of your check, and drop it into the collection plate, or mail it to UUFD, 419 San Juan Dr., Durango, CO 81301.
A Place for Me
-Ralph Blanchard
A special Sunday morning
And the congregation was gathered
To honor children of all ages
Fingers swept across the piano keys
And swelling music filled the sacred space
Not a seat had gone unfilled.
The program had begun
When the heavy doors at the back
Pushed slowly open and
A shy young face peered in
The face of a stranger
Perhaps a college student
New to the community.
In his mind he mused:
"I don't think there's a place for me."
A younger youth sitting
On the back row looked up,
Then quietly rose and went
To the newcomer
"You can sit with us,"
she whispered
He cautiously nodded "yes"
And squeezed in between
His greeter and a friend.
Three smiling faces
Sharing two sanctuary chairs.
They listened to the music
The young guest smiled and thought:
"I think this is a place for me."
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Recital Series continues Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 pm: Quadrivium
The third recital on
Friday, Feb. 3, at
7:30 p.m.
will feature Quadrivium, an ensemble of 4-5 singers who came together in 2016 to bring world-class vocal chamber music to Durango and the surrounding region, showcasing infrequently performed vocal repertoire at the highest level of artistry. The name Quadrivium reflects the importance of the ensemble's location near the Four Corners, as well as its singers' interest in the intersection of music and education. The following five singers will participate in the performance: Dr. Charissa Chiaravalloti, soprano, Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Fort Lewis College; Dr. Kerry Ginger, mezzo soprano, Assistant Professor of Voice at the college; Erik Gustafson, tenor, Adjunct Faculty for Voice at the college; Cory Klose, tenor and nationally active soloist and ensemble performer; Dr. Michael Hix, baritone, Associate Professor of Voice and Voice Area Chair at the University of New Mexico.
Join Quadrivium on a dramatic journey through Orazio Vecchi's L'amfiparnaso, a 1594 comedy about young lovers told through a series of beautiful, funny and even raucous madrigals. Vecchi (1550-1605) believed that the highest peak of expression is reached by combining music, laughter and seriousness. The audience will be charmed and delighted by the many misadventures of Vecchi's singing characters-from the pining lovers to the bumbling Pantalon, clever Hortensia, and flamboyant Capitán. The singers and two Durango actors will bring the texts of this late-Renaissance comedic masterpiece to life. Vecchi's timeless music will be interspersed with three modern madrigals written in 1947 by American composer Ned Rorem (b. 1923), offered as a commentary on the story.
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 CUUPs Corner
Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans
Greetings all. The first stirrings of Spring are beginning, even in our mountain stronghold. Hope is rekindled. Come join us as we celebrate Imbolc, which is very sacred to our community. CUUPS of the Half Moon honors and celebrates on Thursday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. in Bowman Hall. Childcare is available with advance notice. We hope that you will join us! Contact cuupsdurango@gmail.com.
Sliabh Anam Druid Grove Study Group Meets February 9
Join our study Group Meeting, affiliated with CUUPS, on Thursday Feb 9 at 6:30 pm in Bowman Hall. We continue our study of Druidry in general with a discussion of divination and how it fits into the art and practice of Druidry. Contact cuupsdurango@gmail.com.
Please come and join CUUPS of the Half Moon as we continue this month to explore ritual. We began on Jan 19 by discussing the
structure of, and preparing, meaningful ritual;
and at this meeting we will discuss preparation, planning, and leading. This session is on Thursday Feb 16 at 6:30 p.m. in Bowman Hall. Look forward to seeing you there! Childcare provided on advance request. Inquires to
cuupsdurango@gmail.com.
-Sam Foster
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Join the Equal Exchange Action Forum
Protect our food sources
Please take the time to read this. Now is a good time to work together to protect our food sources. Janice Taylor
Equal Exchange is taking a powerful, new step in building a democratic brand that connects small farmers in the South to citizen-consumers in the North, and we need your help. Our vision is of a vibrant community of citizen-consumers, working together to deepen our collective understanding of these issues and taking actions where strategic. We imagine a focus on learning and sharing in the first year as together we give this initiative more form. Over time, we will take actions that challenge the corporate control of food, increase the market viability of small farmers and their co-operatives, and reshape our food system in ways that benefit all of us. Please join us in building this dream. Learn more and join the movement online.
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Pause for Poetry
The Poetry Circle welcomes visitors to its
Monday, February 13
session and refreshments in Bowman Hall,
6-8pm
. The group is reading from
Staying Alive
, an anthology collected by N. Astley. Contact
durangofolk@frontier.net
for details.
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