February 2020
Key calendar items from this newsletter:
  • Wed., Feb. 12, 10 am - 2 pm: Kitchen Deep Cleaning Party
  • Sun., Feb. 16: Stewardship campaign info available at service
  • Sat., March 21, evening: Stewardship Celebration Feast at the Fairgrounds
  • June 15-20: WUULF Retreat at Ghost Ranch, NM
In the Midst of Sabbatical
Rev. Katie's Animas View
I’m continuing my sabbatical this month. The practice of sabbatical offers ministers a time to rest and recover from the ongoing demands of ministry. It allows time to deepen into scholarly work, to travel for learning and rest, or to complete a project. 

This is the third sabbatical I have taken during my entire ministry. For the first, my children were still young, so I stayed at home and engaged in volunteering at the high school, meeting parents and staff, joining committees and engaging in diversity efforts in our district. 

The second time, I attended and completed a class on staff supervision in Boston and I participated in an ecumenical conference for justice and anti-racism. 

For this sabbatical, the first at UUFD, I will be visiting historic social justice sites, reflecting and writing about my visit with a concentration on pilgrimage. When I return, I will bring you some of my reflections. I aim for my entire ministry to be infused with this new learning from time away. My experience has been that the minister comes back changed—for the better. 

Also, a colleague and I are finishing writing a book, a daily reflection manual especially for folx dealing with many kinds of addiction, or who have a family member in active addiction or recovery from addiction. Skinner House, an arm of the UUA publishing works by Unitarian Universalists, will produce our book. I am looking forward to its completion. 

You are held in my prayers. 

ALWAYS in the love,
Rev. Katie 

P.S. If you have questions about governance, please talk to our Board President, Frank Lockwood; questions about worship: Mary Ocken, Worship Arts Team Leader; questions about pastoral care: Susan Koonce, Caring Team leader. 
February Services
Theme: Resilience
Spiritual Practice of: Trusting One Step at a Time

February 2 
Candlemas and the Work of the Soul  
-The Rev. Christine Robinson, pulpit guest
February 2 has had many names in the history of the northern European and then North American peoples, most lately, “Groundhog Day,” before that, “Candlemas,” and before that, a day honoring the nature goddess. It is one of the oldest of the special days we celebrate, and in all of its incarnations, it is a holiday which takes its cues from the sun…now exactly 1/8 th  of its way around the cycle of the year, and nature, which is moving inexorably towards Spring.  It’s a good time to notice the part that the natural world plays in our spiritual lives.  
 
February 9  
The Practice of Trusting One Step At a Time 
-Interim Faith Formation Advisory Team
*Multigenerational service* No faith formation classes, but preschool and nursery will be open   
During this interim faith formation year we have been dreaming, experimenting, and testing. What have we learned? And how does trust and resilience guide it all? 

February 16 
Making Space for the Mess 
-Emily Thompson, Nicci Unsicker, pulpit guests
As part of the larger Social Responsibility and Justice Team, we have made a commitment to Healing Racism. Recently reconstituted, let’s consider why this responsibility is critical to our mission.  

February 23
Unitarian Universalism and Resilience
–Jane Davis, pulpit guest
How does Unitarian Universalism support individual and group resilience through a holistic approach to building and living a personal theology?
Grow YOUR generosity!
Stewardship/Pledge campaign kicks off Feb. 16
GROWING OUR GENEROSITY is this year’s Stewardship/Pledge Campaign theme. Our UUFD “ancestors,” living and past, planted our seeds of hope with their gifts of heart and dollars. By continuing to financially support UUFD now, people are not only promoting the growth and evolution of our fellowship but allowing Unitarian Universalism to be deeply rooted in the Four Corners for generations to come. Generosity is one of the central values of this fellowship, and we commit to using these gifts to make a difference in the world: to increase love and justice, to decrease hatred and oppression, to expand beloved community, to share, and keep sharing as long as ever we can.

Watch for this year’s campaign information to be available at services beginning Sunday, February 16. And mark your calendars for our Celebration Feast at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 21!
"Love will guide us"
Social Responsibility and Justice special feature
This song from our hymnal proclaims that “love will guide us through the dark night,” and we “can change the world with our love.” It does feel as though we are deep into a dark night and it can be confusing, discouraging and exhausting. It is good to have resources such as the songs we sing together to lift our spirits and remind us that we still have great power to do what matters. Our social justice ministry is committed to acting with love as we struggle against injustice and ills in our world. What have we done recently?

Our fellowship generously dedicates $5000 in its budget each year for Disaster Relief and Development . This allows us to send help to crisis-stricken areas, or areas where development of human capacity to better care for their communities is occurring. For example, in the past we’ve sent money to help with relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Baton Rouge, Haiti and Houston after natural disasters; Black Lives Matters and the Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church after the white supremacist attacks; Flint, Michigan to help families impacted by the lead water crisis; refugees in Syria; and numerous other locations and organizations.  This month we are sending $1000 to each of two organizations working on the fire tragedy in Australia.   Fire Relief for First Nations Communities is providing specific direct support to some of the First Nations communities with critical costs of relocation, basic care needs, medical costs, and refurbishment of damaged property where applicable.  Seed is Australia’s first Indigenous youth-led climate network and it is working both on immediate recovery from the fires and on longer term climate action that will protect their country. Our donations alone cannot solve any crisis, but we know that our contributions joined with that of other caring peoples provide critical support in repairing pain and loss.

We also are diving into the UU the Vote campaign which calls us to “live our faith out loud: to be our bravest, our boldest, our most loving selves in our community, in the streets, in the halls of government, and in the voting booth,” as expressed by UUA President Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray. With policy assaults impacting immigrants, black lives, healthcare, LGBTQ peoples, voter rights and access, people living in poverty, gun safety, climate change…and too many other areas where our values are concerned…we need to not only show up but get others to be informed and turn out the vote. Churches are not called to help particular candidates get elected, but we are called to advocate for moral action and to protect our democracy. Whether it’s actions like showing up to march at the Women’s March or the Climate March, participating in rallies like Moms Demand Action, having values-based conversations with friends and neighbors, volunteering for a phone bank, or helping with voter registration, UUs can make a powerful difference in the engagement of citizens in the electoral process. Stop by the SRJ table to learn more and see how you can help in this critical year.

Our 7 th principle, recognizing the interdependent web of all existence, continues to frame our view of acting in the world. We fully believe with Helen Keller that, “Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained.” We will act in love for justice for all.
WUULF Retreat June 15-20
Week-long camp for UUs hosted by UUFD member Bobbi Maiers
The yearly Western Unitarian Universalist Life Festival (WUULF) will place this June 15-20 at Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center in Abiquiu, New Mexico. It’s a week-long camp for UUs offering adult and kids’ programs, classes, workshops, lectures and outdoor excursions. Each year there is a community minister as well as many UU volunteers offering programs. The 2020 theme is  Passing the Torch: Sharing Stories and Wisdom through Writing and Memoir , led by UUFD member Bobbi Maiers. For details or questions, see Bobbi or Jarrad Maiers, or visit  https://wuulf.org
Columbine House changes and summary of Interim Director's mid-year report
News and Notes from Faith Formation
Changes at the Columbine House

Yes, indeed! It’s an interim year for faith formation at UUFD. We changed rooms in the Columbine House to make space for our growing attendance. 

The Chalice Room was changed to accommodate our growing preschool and kindergarten class. The larger room provides space for our youngest children to have a cozy reading spot, a table-based activity area and an open free play area. 

In the living room area, a second table was added for our elementary school class, providing additional seating and working space for this growing class. We have had over 15 students in this room on many Sundays. 

For those of you who use the Columbine House for adult meeting space, you will now be meeting in the living room area. We think you will enjoy the closer proximity to the kitchen as well as the larger meeting space. The padded adult chairs are stored in the kitchen for easy set up. A chalice and alter space is located in an alcove space.

And finally, the small room previously used as the preschool room is now being used as our storage area. All supplies previously spread between three separate closets have been combined into one storage area. All supplies are inventoried and listed on an alphabetized list. Yeah. We LOVE that part! 

Watch your Friday email for an invitation to an open house in early February. We will proudly show you our new spaces!

Mid-Year Interim Faith Formation Report

Sara Sautter, our Interim Director of Faith Formation, filed her mid-year report with UUFD leadership at the end of January. Sara began her interim term in August 2019 and will conclude in July 2020 once a settled, permanent director is hired.

Here are several highlights from her report: 

Faith Formation Workshop – A workshop was held in early October, facilitated by UUA staff. The workshop identified goals for the interim year. These goals include: 

  • Becoming radically welcoming to children, youth and families, 
  • supporting parents of the 21st century by listening to their challenges, 
  • and creating and supporting relationships between non-parents and children and youth. 

Workshop attendees also created an Interim Advisory Team to work with Sara on these goals.

Teachers and Volunteers – Following the stated goals of the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan to increase the number of paid and consistent teachers in each classroom, teachers were hired for two additional classes. There are paid staff teaching at all age levels. Church volunteers are also present in each class to fulfill best practices for safety as well as to provide a connection to the congregation. Teachers meet monthly with the DFF to discuss programs, procedures and how to best serve our children.

Classes – At the start of the church year three classes were meeting: nursery, elementary and secondary. A preschool and kinder class was added, and the nursery capped at age 35 months. A Coming of Age program was added to the secondary school group. Coming of Age is a capstone program for most Unitarian Universalist congregations, creating a launchpad for a lifetime searching for truth. This will be the first year that UUFD has added this important program.
 
Curricula – Our elementary class is using Soul Matters resources, coordinated with the church’s theme-based ministry. We began the year using Soul Matters for our preschool and switched to Chalice Children , a well-tested and beloved UUA curricula. Chalice Children provides a sound exploration of Unitarian Universalism and our rituals designed specifically for our youngest UUs.

Connections – Connections between the faith formation program, parents and the congregation have been enhanced. Our current Friday email continues to keep families and the congregation updated on upcoming lessons and news. A new Parent Connector email sent on Sunday afternoons provides additional information about the lesson taught that morning. In addition, parents are provided with Soulful Home , curated resources for exploring the monthly themes at home. 

To support improved connections between children and the congregation, the Faith Formation Team organized several fellowship activities, including a Halloween celebration and a Valentine program. In addition, Coming of Age youth will be matched with adult mentors to assist them as they explore faith topics, culminating in the creation of a credo, a snapshot of the youth’s beliefs from which to grow. 

Systems – As a growing program, UUFD needs tighter procedures that ensure safety in our programs. New parent sign-out and attendance taking procedures have been implemented. Updated safety policies are being reviewed by the Interim Advisory Team for adoption by the board of directors. 

You may request the entire report here .
Leadership opportunities at UUFD
Can you serve?
Did you know that UUFD offers many opportunities for leaders in our fellowship to contribute their time and talents? As our church grows, we find ourselves in need of congregation members willing to serve in leadership positions on our Board of Trustees. Right now, fewer hands than usual are doing the work of many — and while longstanding member-leaders continue their devoted service, our fellowship requires more active participants on our Board. Currently, we seek those interested in serving as board members-at-large, as well as an individual for the treasurer position, which has been revamped in scope so that any person with a knack for basic budgeting can handle the tasks. 

Our board is a team of diverse, creative UUs who are wholeheartedly committed to our church’s mission and practice intentional leadership in action. Now is an exciting time of growth at UUFD—could  you  find a willingness to serve and contribute vision, ideas and enthusiasm for the benefit of our fellowship? See K Redford (Leadership Development and Nominating Committee) or UUFD Board President Frank Lockwood to learn more. 
Hospitality needs you!
Become a Coffee Wrangler or come to kitchen cleaning party
Are you interested in a fun way to become integrated with the UUFD community and to provide a much-appreciated service? Then serving on a Sunday coffee team may be just the right volunteer opportunity for you. 

If so, check out a new way to volunteer for a Sunday coffee team. The UUFD website now has an on-line signup sheet for Coffee Wranglers . It’s convenient and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide.

  1. Click here to go to our section of the UUFD website
  2. Enter the Sunday you want to volunteer
  3. Enter your name
  4. Enter your email address
  5. Enter submit
  6. Remember to update your personal calendar

That’s all there is to it. However, if it’s more convenient for you to sign up in person, the paper signup sheet will be available in Bowman Hall on Sundays.  Kathy Devine and Ilona Hruska will coordinate the on-line and paper signups to avoid confusion. Regardless of how you choose to sign up, you will receive a confirmation note and reminder of your Sunday coffee team shift.
KITCHEN DEEP CLEANING PARTY
Whether or not you volunteer to serve as a Coffee Wrangler, there is another one-time, fun volunteer opportunity: If you like to clean and organize, join us for a kitchen deep cleaning party on Wednesday, February 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are looking for 8 or 10 folks to come out for this fun event. Snacks will be provided! If interested, please email or talk with Ilona or Kathy

With deep appreciation for all who help with Hospitality!
-Ilona and Kathy
Contact Us

Newsletter Editor: Shanan Orndorff
Please submit items for this newsletter by the 25th of each month to  shananyo@gmail.com

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
419 San Juan Drive, Durango, CO 81301
970-247-1004
SUNDAY SERVICE 10 AM: 
Religious education & child care provided
__

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. 

Ministry & Staff 

Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris, Minister
Tu/Wed/ Th 9-2 *  minister@durangouu.org

Jeanne MacKenzie, Office Administrator
Tu/Wed/Th 9-2 *  information@durangouu.org  

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
Board of Trustees

Frank Lockwood, President:  president@durangouu.org


Mark Swanson, Treasurer:  treasurer@durangouu.org


Becky Malecki, Member-at-Large:  mal2@durangouu.org

 
Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month from 4-6:30 PM.