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Key calendar items from this newsletter:
- Sun., March 1: Rev. Katie returns to pulpit
- "White Fragility" book discussions: March 8, April 19, May 31, June 14, 12:15 - 2 pm
- March 13, 7 pm: Recital Series
- Sat., March 21, 6 pm: Stewardship Celebration Feast at the Fairgrounds
- Sun., March 22: Coffee Hour to be held in Columbine House
- UU Parenting Book Series: Four Sundays at 11:15 am beginning March 22
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A Sabbatical Heart
Rev. Katie's Animas View
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Emerson described the sermon as “life passed through the fire of thought.” That, and the relationships developed in the congregation the minister serves, create an ongoing conversation that moves the community to deepen and broaden their most cherished values.
The sabbatical time offers room and space for thought, for reflection, for catching up. It offers precious hours for renewal and new learning. I am so grateful to have this sabbatical interval to bring this element more fully into my ministry.
I’ll be returning on Sunday, March 1. I’m in the pulpit that day, so I’ll be in preparation the week before. I’m looking forward to seeing you, to hearing from you, and to discovering what you have learned while I’ve been away. And while I have always been able to go from zero to 60 pretty quickly, the sabbatical time has slowed me down. It’ll take me a bit longer to catch up now, to know and review all that has occurred.
On that first Sunday morning back, we’ll include index cards in the bulletin so you can tell me what’s happened in your life, and what has happened at UUFD of which you think I need to be aware. I will review those messages in the first weeks I am back and take some time with them, which will allow me to speak to the themes I hear, and experience them as a gift to me.
Although it is somewhat countercultural in these days, I want to keep the gift of “slow ministry” this year. Let’s slow down together!
I’ve missed you. I love you. I continue to send my blessings to you.
Always in the love,
Rev. Katie
P.S. My UU study group happens to be in the days immediately following my return, so I’ll be traveling during the first week in March. I will have access to email and will return ready to see you again on Sunday, March 8th.
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Theme:
Wisdom
Spiritual Practices:
- Trusting One Step at a Time
- Wedding Cleverness with Compassion
March 1
These Are The Days of Miracles and Wonder
–Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris
UU ministers and congregations together exercise the practice of renewal through the ministerial sabbatical. What learning did we experience? How might that wisdom be extended in the months to come? Post-worship reflection time will include a slide show of the sabbatical trip.
March 8
Happy Money
-Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris
It’s listed as one of the things we don’t talk about in church, but developing a healthier relationship with our money can be a spiritual boon. The choir will sing inspired by the theme of wisdom.
March 15
We Are Glad to See You
-Julie
Jordan & Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris
Covenant Groups are small groups designed to build and deepen relationships between us and help us find what we believe is most important, finding intimacy and ultimacy. As we grow our covenant groups at UUFD, we’ll save a chair for you.
March 22
Celebration Sunday: Growing Our Generosity
–Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris
What does it mean to celebrate together, to grow together, to appreciate the many values we share together? On the Sunday morning following our special Celebration dinner (join us on Saturday evening, March 21
st
), let us reflect on the power of this shared community. We’ll joyfully offer our completed pledge cards today. Our movement choir will bring embodiment to our joy.
March 29
My Story
-Jared Maiers, pulpit guest
We have a beloved tradition of learning about each other and offering our spiritual odyssey to our congregation. What might we learn from growing up UU and continuing that devotion? This Sunday, we’ll hear how those experiences have shaped choices to become a medic in the Air Force, a medical student and finally a physician.
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Stewardship/Pledge Q&A
Do you have your pledge information yet, and do you know what to do with it? Read on!
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Growing Our Generosity
is this year's Stewardship/Pledge Campaign theme. If you haven't picked up your information yet, check at the back of the Sanctuary after Sunday's service. Generosity is one of the hallmarks of this fellowship's values. We commit our gifts to increasing love and justice, expanding our beloved community within and outside of these walls, and sharing the positive effects of that generosity.
Stewardship/Pledge Q & A
- How much is our budget, and how much should I pledge? Our approximate budget is $310,000, based on last year's numbers. If we have 120 pledging units, that would come out to $2583 per unit. Obviously, everyone is welcome to do whatever is best for their individual situation and household.
- The budget lists "dues" in its Administrative line item. What are they, and what do they cover? UUFD pays approximately $100 per pledging unit per year - about $8 per month - to the UUA. This includes search costs for ministers and Faith Formation leaders, webinars for our various teams and committees, Healthy Congregations tips and advice, best practices for all of our components, stewardship/pledge campaign ideas, and materials for individuals/groups looking for meditations, readings, discussions and reading suggestions for every piece of our ministry and outreach. The UUA website is a rich resource.
- I am on a limited budget, but I still want to contribute/be involved. How can I do that? The "going rate" or value of volunteer hours is approximately $20/hour. We could not function without our many valuable volunteers. Consider being on a team or committee - helping out with Faith Formation, Hospitality, Buildings and Grounds, Membership, Social Justice, Environmental Justice, Immigration, Healing Racism, and/or so many more! Your time is valuable, and it is SO appreciated!
- What/When is the Celebration Dinner? Saturday, March 21, 6 pm at the Fairgrounds, for all Members and Friends. Free, catered by Manna, entertainment, fun fun fun! Bring your Pledge Card.
- Any Other Questions? Call Sheryl Guy, 509-991-5640 or email her at ptepte@hotmail.com.
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Brave Souls Wanted
Social Responsibility and Justice special feature
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“We have to stop thinking about racism simply as someone who says the N-word.”
-Robin DiAngelo
Robin DiAngelo is the author of “
White Fragility: Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk about Racism
,” which debuted in June 2018 and has continuously been on the
New York Times
bestseller list. DiAngelo is an academic, consultant and trainer who has worked for over 20 years on issues of racial and social justice. UUFD is hosting a series of four discussion sessions of DiAngelo’s book, beginning on March 8.
Sociologist Katy Waldman reviewed DiAngelo’s book saying “Much of Robin DiAngelo’s book is dedicated to pulling back the veil on so-called pillars of whiteness: assumptions that prop up racist beliefs without white people realizing it.” She relates DiAngelo’s experience with how difficult it is for white people to discuss racism, finding “…predictable patterns: they will insist that they ‘were taught to treat everyone the same,’ that they are ‘color-blind,’ that they ‘don’t care if you are pink, purple, or polka-dotted’ and pointing out they have friends and family members of color.” Why, DiAngelo wondered, did her feedback generate so much resistance?
DiAngelo coined the term “white fragility” to describe the “disbelieving defensiveness that white people exhibit when their ideas about race and racism are challenged—and particularly when they feel implicated in white supremacy.” It is complex hard work to learn to recognize the roots of our own racism and its influence on our thinking and actions, even when we are fully committed to anti-racism. Our Healing Racism Team believes that we have the courage to do this work together and support each other in making progress toward racial equality. Our spiritual grounding and commitment to our first Unitarian Universalist principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person both sustains and motivates us. Please join us in this important work.
DATES
: March 8 (chapters 1-3), April 19 (chapters 4-6), May 31 (chapters 7-9), June 14 (chapters 10-12)
TIME
: 12:15-2:00
LOCATION
: UUFD, Bowman Hall
DETAILS
: Light lunch provided. Children, youth and adults will join in lunch and conversation until 12:45 and then children will go to supervised activities in Columbine House. Youth may remain for book discussion with adults or assist with children’s activities.
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Environmental Justice Team to use Green Sanctuary Model
Team will be seeking projects that fit UUFD
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The newly formed Environmental Justice Team (EJT) has agreed to use
UUA's Green Sanctuary (GS)
as a model for their work. The GS program provides a comprehensive and flexible structure that will help UUFD to bring more energy and focus to our environmental efforts. The GS program was created in 1989 as a path for UU congregations to facilitate action in response to environmental challenges. The EJT will use the GS model to help identify and implement intentional work to address climate change, with the aim of more fully living into UU's 7th Principle and Goal X of our Strategic Plan.
The Green Sanctuary process will promote education and create projects in four main areas:
- Environmental Justice – Congregations shift from charity work to working in solidarity
- Worship and Celebration – The collaborative efforts of the fellowship to create a more sustainable world
- Religious Education – Shaping attitudes and practices of the entire congregation
- Sustainable Living – Being mindful of our footprint with the goal of using fewer resources
Since the Green Sanctuary Process in intended to be a whole fellowship endeavor, the EJT will be looking for projects that fit our Fellowship in each of these areas over the next years. There will be opportunities for you to participate in this work in multiple ways. Your involvement in the creation, development and implementation of these projects will be both encouraged and welcomed.
Some work has already begun. We have completed an environmental audit of our three buildings and have initiated changes to improve energy efficiency. We are a co-sponsor of Durango's Earth Day event on April 18. And, thanks to a very generous donation, we will be installing solar panels this spring.
The work of the EJT is just beginning. We are committed to lead UUFD in clarifying and deepening our Fellowship’s commitment to environmental improvement and climate justice. You can
find more detailed information here
or talk to SueB Earl or Tom Miller, EJT co-leaders.
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Caring Team
Could you use assistance, or provide care?
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If you or anyone you know could use assistance with transportation, meals, community resources, a visit or card please
email The Caring Team
.
Would you like to occasionally help the Caring Team provide assistance? For example, could you:
- Provide meals on a short-term basis
- Send a card or make a phone call to someone in need
- Visit where needed: shut-ins, hospital/rehab/nursing home
- Provide transportation: appointments, errands, Sunday fellowship
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Open House and Coffee Hour to be held in Columbine March 22
See how our children's spaces have changed!
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Please join us for coffee hour in the Columbine House on Sunday, March 22.
This will be a chance for you to see the changes that we've made in the
children's faith formation spaces and a time for the children and youth to
show off both their spaces and creations.
We'll have the goods - coffee, tea, treats and conversation - and time for
connections, just over in the faith formation spaces in Columbine. We look
forward to seeing you there!
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Hey! Where are the kids?
Children to be invited into fellowship during last fifteen minutes of coffee hour
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Much of the time our children are at UUFD they are either seated with their parents or in their faith formation classes. Much of the time, there is a physical and cultural separation of the kids from the general membership.
The Interim Faith Formation Advisory Team understands that children too need to be held in beloved community. They have set a goal of bringing the children into community with church members on a regular basis. One way to assist this relationship is to provide a time when children and adults are together in relaxed social spaces.
Toward that end we will experiment with inviting the children into fellowship during the last fifteen minutes of coffee hour during the month of March.
Children will be escorted to Bowman Hall by the Faith Formation staff and released to their parents at 11:15. Then when the chime rings to announce the reflection time, parents may sign their children back into child care if they wish. Please look for faith formation staff members (wearing staff name tags) located at the entrance door to sign your child back into care.
Staff will escort the children back to the Columbine House and provide child care there from 11:30 to 12:15.
We hope this few minutes of all-community fellowship will provide a time for adults and children to exchange names, grow friendships and more!
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"Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting"
Discussion of classic UU parenting book will take place over four Sundays at 11:15 am beginning March 22
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"Sharing our personal religious and spiritual beliefs with our children is ...offering the wisdom and insight that they eagerly seek from us-just as they look to us for guidance when choosing between right and wrong courses of action. If we are vague and ambiguous when our children ask us theological questions, we lose our opportunity to have a positive influence on them. Eventually, they'll stop asking us religious questions and look for answers elsewhere." -Michelle Richards in
Tending the Flame
As parents, you are your child's primary religious educator. We're here to help you! Join Sara Sautter and other UU parents for a discussion of this classic UU parenting book.
Join us for four Sundays at 11:15 am, beginning on March 22.
Child care is available.
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Covenant Groups encourage spiritual deepening and connection
More information available at March 15 service
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Are you interested in deepening connections with other UUFD members? Exploring spiritual topics in a small group? If so, consider joining a Covenant Group. Come to the March 15 service to learn more, or contact Julie Jordan at
juliejane@mindspring.com
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Upcoming Art Exhibits
Next exhibit to feature Indigenous Women Artists; fall show titled "Images and Words"
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The next scheduled exhibit in Bowman Hall Art Gallery will feature a small group of contemporary regional Indigenous Women Artists. This show is being curated by Dine painter Kayla Shaggy, who was a featured speaker at UUFD last year. This will be the bridge between our spring and fall shows when many of the Sunday coffee times are spent outdoors on our shaded patio. We expect to have their Opening Sunday inside Bowman Hall and later during the summer months offer an outdoor vendor opportunity where more of their artworks may be offered for sale.
The fall show is open to all UUFD friends and members and will be titled,
Images and Words.
Participants are invited to submit original poetry or prose which they will pair with any of their own visual artwork that can hung or wall mounted. The written word may explain, inspire or somehow relate uniquely to their visual creativity. First time exhibitors most welcome!
Team leader, Art & Aesthetics
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Recital to feature Dunnagan, tenor, and Garst, piano
Performance to be held March 13 at 7 pm
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Wesley Dunnagan, tenor, and Marilyn Mangold Garst, piano, will present the third recital on Friday, March 13 at 7:00 pm, featuring favorites from some of history's greatest art song composers who represent four national traditions. Beginning with early developers of the German lied, we will track the growth of this rich musical and literary culture from W.A. Mozart to Franz Schubert, eventually reaching into the twentieth century. The second part of the program includes miniature masterpieces of French songs by longtime head of the Paris Conservatoire, Gabriel Fauré. We then turn to the great Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini's lesser known songs, completing the program with a group of Benjamin Britten's beloved folk song arrangements from the British Isles and Ireland.
A native of Wabash, Indiana, Wesley Dunnagan has been fortunate to perform across the United States and abroad. He has been heard in major works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Copland. His opera roles include
Hansel and Gretel, Lucia di Lammermoor, Falstaff
and
Cosi fan tutte
among others. A passionate recitalist, he has presented diverse art song repertoire and chamber music from Medieval to contemporary works. Wesley received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice and Opera at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in German Studies and Music from Stanford University and a Master of Sacred Music from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Dunnagan is Coordinator of Voice Studies at Fort Lewis College, where he also leads the Baroque Ensemble and teaches courses in Music History and Performance Practice.
For more information and to buy tickets,
click here
. Admission can also be purchased at the door.
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Contact Us
Newsletter Editor: Shanan Orndorff
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
419 San Juan Drive, Durango, CO 81301
970-247-1004
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SUNDAY SERVICE 10 AM:
Religious education & child care provided
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Our mission at UUFD is to:
Provide a home for liberal religion, spiritual exploration and personal growth.
Provide lifespan religious education that draws on multiple sources and explores religious, spiritual, intellectual and ethical questions.
Work toward a community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
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Ministry & Staff
Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris, Minister
Jeanne MacKenzie, Office Administrator
Sara Sautter, Interim Director of Faith Formation
Marilyn Garst, Classical Pianist & Artistic Director for Recital Series
Lawrence Nass, Contemporary Pianist
Elizabeth Crawford, Acting Choir Director
Shannon Beaver, Connections Coordinator
Tricia Bayless, Financal Clerk
Caesar Sanchez, Sexton
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Board of Trustees
Frank Lockwood, President
Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month, 4 - 6:30 PM.
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