Visitor Info Form We are excited to have you visit and would love to get to know you better. Click the link to complete a form to tell us about yourself. 

10:30 am - Sunday, April 20, 2025

“What We Raised Together”

Presented by Amy G.S.A. Brooks

Join us for this Easter Brunch Church celebration as we conclude our Pledge Drive. This is a multigenerational service.

To join the worship service on your computer or smartphone click here to start Zoom or enter Meeting ID: 966 3267 0535 then passcode: 712244. To join via your phone only: dial 1-646-568-7788, enter Meeting ID 966 3267 0535, then passcode 712244. If you are from another region, find your local number.

Transcripts of several past reflections are available in this linked Google drive for anyone who missed part or all of the service, or who would like to revisit the topic.

To support our congregation's mission, please contribute to the operating fund and Woven Basket via Give. The Woven Basket recipient for April is Animal Allies.

9:30 am Forum

No Forum Today

To join the Forum presentation on your computer or smartphone, click here. You can also type in the following info to join: Zoom Meeting ID 985 3565 2576 Passcode 123 or to join by phone call 1-646-568-7788 then enter ID 985 3565 2576 (no passcode needed).

Previous forums can be viewed here.

Religious Exploration News

Opportunities for all ages and stages

to grow in spirit, connection, faith, and justice-seeking

Gathering Explorers, Guides, and Supplies!

We are delighted that we have had more children attending our Religious Exploration classes each Sunday! It is a JOY to see kids share their enthusiasm, energy, and empathy during class while they discover new things about their world.

RE needs a few more volunteers to guide our class or provide nursery care just a few Sundays each semester. Please contact Kate Alworth at dre@uuduluth.org to learn more.

Through April, RE is collecting donations for our Woven Basket recipient, Animal Allies. They need fleece to comfort lonely cats and stinky treats to reward patient dogs! Please leave your donations in the large basket under the RE table in the narthex. And thank you for helping our kids support their greater community.

Read the April newsletter or check our online calendar.

To submit information for future issues of the Connect: click this link.

Coffee with the Board this Sunday

Stop by after service in the social hall for coffee and conversation this Sunday, April 20th. Occurring the third Sunday of the month, your Trustees would love to know what’s on your mind, and share what they are working on. Not sure who’s a Trustee? Look for the small candle and adjacent smiling board member! See you soon!

May Newsletter Submissions

Friendly reminder that submissions for the May paper newsletter are due by noon on Saturday, April 19. Please email articles in Word or Google Doc format (no PDFs please) to Beth at office@uuduluth.org. Thanks!

Get Your Pledges In!

Since our Kick-Off on April 6th, we’ve received dozens of pledges, and we still need YOU! This Sunday we wrap up our 2025-2026 Pledge Drive with our Brunch Church Celebration (10:30 am in the UUCD Sanctuary April 20th). Get your pledge submitted to be entered for some excellent treats:

• Raffle Prizes include: Art, books, gift certificates, some fun incentives for submitting your pledge during the Pledge Drive (see the pics).
• Want to get in on the raffles, but can’t commit financially? The Time and Talent Pledge Form is now available on UUCD's Giving Page, and pledging your energy puts your name in the raffle drawing.
• FIRST TIME PLEDGES GET FIVE ENTRIES!

Volunteers are still needed for Brunch Church set-up, food serving, and clean up. Call or email Sarah Monahan if you can lend a hand Saturday or Sunday. 612-205-7794 sarahcmonahan@gmail.com

Resilience Group

The Resilience Group is a weekly group (starting April 21, meets every Monday, 6–7 pm, in the Social Hall) where folks can strengthen their ability to cope and thrive in times of adversity. Each session includes guided conversation, space for shared experiences, and a weekly mantra. One can expect to learn DBT skills in a group setting and practice applying it to their own specific circumstances. The group is peer-led and not facilitated by a licensed mental health professional. Please reach out to Wes Samuelson at Wes.Samuelson10@gmail.com with any questions.

IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING MEMBERSHIP AT UUCD . . . 

. . . please be in touch. The next WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS CEREMONY will be during the Sunday service on April 27. It will Include a lovely ritual—signing the Membership Book, which dates back to 1887!

There’s a sign-up sheet on a clipboard at the Visitors’ Center. Or—contact our minister, Amy, or our Office Administrator, Kathy, at uucduluth@gmail.com. You may also track down any Membership Team member—Mary, Marj, Lorraine, Star, Kate W., Alison, or Molly. They will (try to) answer questions to help you discern the next steps on your spiritual journey.

GEMs (“Gathering of Elder Members” )

Please join us for our next GEMS meeting Monday, April 28 from 11 am to 1 pm.

Therese Presley will be doing a presentation on Hospice Care and dying.

A light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Doug Stevens at dugkirtevens@hotmail.com or Mary Lou Donovan at mldonovan55@gmail.com.

If you would like to come but do not have transportation, please call or text Betty Helstrom as soon as possible: 218-464-7967.

Threads of Tradition: Art Reception at UUCD

May 1, 5:30 pm

In partnership with the Twin Ports APIDA Collective (TPAC), UUCD’s Arts Council is proud to host a reception commemorating "Threads of Tradition: A Celebration of Cultural Textiles," an immersive art exhibit. Join us for a short program and light refreshments. Please pre-register by April 21 to help us plan the food.

The exhibit showcases the rich and intricate textile traditions of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) communities. The exhibit is in the Sanctuary and will be up through the end of June. Feel free to visit when the building is open. Outside the Sanctuary, there is a sensory book with samples to touch and feel, and a coloring book to apply your own colors and patterns. Please don’t touch the fabrics in the exhibit.

*SAVE THE DATE*

Turnout for our Game Night was great, so we’re expanding!

“Come Out & Play Night”

Connection is the bridge between you and everything!

Friday, May 9, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, UUCD’s Social Hall

• Social space to spend plenty of time with friends!
• Table top games begin at 6 p.m. Simple games, easy to learn! Feel free to bring your favorites
• Bring snacks to share (please label potential allergens).
• BYOB. Water will be provided.

Join us and have fun together!

Donations Needed for the UUCD Rummage Sale

Please keep your donations coming for the annual rummage sale, June 19 - 21st!

Acceptable items include furniture, bedding & bathroom linens, fabrics, decor, duffle bags & purses, kitchen items, sporting equipment, gardening supplies, games, children's toys, art supplies, and more.

Do not bring exercise machines; electronics such as speakers, monitors, and televisions; clothing; dirty or broken items, flammable materials, or chemicals—these will just have to be disposed of by the volunteers.

Clean, gently used items in good repair may be left on the tables just inside the garage entrance on the left at any time. We are also in need of old sheets to use as covers—any size, any condition accepted.

Thank you for your support for the best rummage sale in Duluth!

From your rummage sale team leads Blake Traylor, Nancy Grace, Julie O'Leary

Questions? Want to get involved? E-mail Blake at blake.traylor@gmail.com

Report of Board of Trustees Meeting on March 25th

Follow the link if you would like to know what topics were discussed and what decisions were make by your Board of Trustees at their March 25th meeting.

Updates from the Program Council

The Program Council plans to provide monthly updates on its activities.

At our most recent Program Council it was decided, after a thorough investigation of needs, to proceed with the installation of an electronic bulletin board. TV screens can easily be adapted for use as bulletin boards with the use of auxiliary electronic devices at minimal cost. The most flexible, and lowest cost, is a ‘firestick’ type of device, which costs less than $100. This can receive our events calendar via Wi-Fi and be started, programmed, or loaded remotely. This leaves a few open items that need to be solved:

1. The receipt of a congregant-donated screen, ideally 24” × 36”.
2. The location (mounting) of said device.
3. Volunteers to place an events calendar into the system.

The second item is planning for an Opportunity Fair after the 18 May service. We think this would be a good match as the subject of the service is Volunteer Recognition. Hope to see you there.

First Steps Toward Our 2025 Annual Membership Meeting

This year’s Annual Membership Meeting will be Sunday, June 8, after the service and coffee break.

According to our UUCD By-Laws, our first step is to identify those Members of the Congregation

who the Nominating Committee has offered as candidates for election to the Board of Trustees.

These candidates will provide a written summary of qualifications and objectives that will be

available at least twenty-five (25) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting.

This year the Committee nominated candidates for election to the Board of Trustees are:

Claudia Faith (current Trustee, to continue with a second 3 year term)

Jane Gilley (a former Trustee, to begin a new first 3 year term)

Sarah Guritz (to begin a first 3 year term)

The Nominating Committee is also directed to submit a nomination for a candidate, from among the Board of Trustee Members, to serve as Board President or two candidates to serve as Co-Presidents. This year the Committee nominated Blanche Ebert as a candidate for the President of the Board position.

Also specified in the By-Laws, "In addition to the candidates offered by the Committee,

nominations may be made by petition. Any Member may nominate another Member for a

position on the Board by petition..." The Petition for Nomination is linked here, and paper copies of the form will be available from the Congregational Administrator.

The petition shall include the following:

1. The name of the Member submitting petition, but in no case may a Member nominate themself,

2. A statement of consent signed by the nominated Members,

3. The signature of at least five Members of the Congregation.

Petition nominations shall be delivered to the Secretary (through the Congregational

Administrator) with the candidate’s written summary of qualifications and objectives at least

twenty-five (25) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting.

COMMUNITY NEWS

EARTH DAY RALLY & MARCH

This Tuesday, April 22, 4 - 6 pm, Leif Erikson Park

Join with people from across the community in this year's Earth Day Event celebrating our common home and the ways we can care for it to benefit all life.  We will meet at Leif Erikson Park, gathering to Anishinaabe drummers, then hearing from a variety of speakers who will briefly share their perspectives, before we set out singing on our way via the Lakewalk to Gichi-Ode' Akiing (Lake Place Park). We will be greeted by music and tables from community groups sharing ways to get active and involved in environmental and climate work and advocacy. Family friendly; Earth day-related posters and banners welcome. 

Organizational sponsors and tables include local environmental, climate, indigenous and non-profit groups. Contact: Brett Cease of our Climate Action Team.

Dinner to Support Migrant Justice!

Please join us for a fundraising dinner on Thursday, April 24th, at Peace Church (1111 North 11th Avenue East). Our own Koresh Lakhan is the chef! Proceeds go to support two funds: the Interfaith Migrant Justice Committee (ICMJ) and an Afghan refugee support fund (at Peace Church). 

The event runs 5:15 pm until 7:30 pm. It's $25 per person. For ticket reservations, email: kdokhanc@gmail.com or telephone 715-392-4751.

2nd Halfers Afternoon Break

On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 2nd Halfers meet at Evergreen Senior Center Conference Room from 3-4:30 PM. Looking for a social group? This is an informal get together to grow connections and friendships. Enjoy discussions on many topics. Coffee and tea will be served. You do not need to register, you can just drop in. More information at Duluth Parks and Rec Senior Programs or contact 1915tootsie@gmail.com

Victory Chorus Celebration of Song

Join us for this Celebration of Song with the Victory Chorus. This is a choir for those experiencing dementia, volunteer singers, and care partners.  

Sunday, May 4th @ 2:00PM, Peace Church, 1111 N 11th Ave East

T-Shirts for Democracy

If you would like to order a MAKE AMERICA A DEMOCRACY AGAIN t-shirt, sweatshirt or cap, please contact Kathy Peterson 218-343-4382, kpeteduluth@gmail.com or go to the MADA + Defend Democracy Apparel page of Big Frog Duluth.

In an effort to help Sandy Grandmaison, Betty Helstrom's sister, get this project under way, I'm hoping you all might want to join in on the joy of solidarity by wearing one of these articles to your next Defending Democracy event. Sandy has partnered with the local Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More of Duluth, so the purchase money stays local!!

Extra Grace by Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Stevens

For many years, I served on a healthy congregations team in the Pacific Northwest District. Our task was to support congregations in engaging conflict in a healthy way. Because I’m someone who tends to see patterns, it didn't take long for me to realize that when hard and heartbreaking things were happening in the wider world, conflicts erupted more often and people were less able to be creative and compassionate as they sought reconciliation and resolution.

Read the rest on the UUA's Braver/Wiser page (it's worth subscribing!).

Seniors in Cohousing

April 19, 10 to 11:30 am

What differentiates senior cohousing from other kinds of “senior living”? Does it exist in Minnesota? How does it work? Who might like it and who might not? With the help of some video clips, nonprofit Twin Cities Cohousing Network (TCCN) will be your guide for questions and conversation on this topic on Saturday, April 19, from 10:00-11:30 am. Join with TCCN for an introduction to and discussion about Seniors in Cohousing. Zoom free and open to all.. Register today to receive the Zoom link.

Established in 1991, all-volunteer TCCN Cohousing Network works to educate Minnesotans about cohousing and connect people who are interested in it.

What YOU Can Do

Saturday, April 19: "Defend Liberty" sponsored by 50501 at the corners of Lake Ave and Superior St from 4:00-5:30. Bring your signs!!

Friday, April 25: "Duluth Defends Lake Superior" with Senator Jen McEwen at Zeitgeist Atrium from 5:00-7:00.

Stories shape worlds. Futures are built in the telling.

Join us at The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) for a two-part gathering where storytelling and worldbuilding become tools for justice, governance and collective thriving. Part of the Alworth Center's 2024-2025 Peace & Justice Series, this offering invites participants to weave narratives, kindle imagination, and move with the principles of WeGovern to imagine futures rooted in mutual care, equity and connectedness.

Thursday, April 24, 7:30 - 9 pm, Mitchell Auditorium, CSS Campus

Mending the Arc: Storytelling and The Futures We Weave **Free and open to the public**

Friday, April 25, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, Student Center, CSS Campus

Intro to Wordlbuilding Workshop **By registration through this link, participation costs covered by the CSS Alworth Center for the Study of Peace & Justice

The Call to Sanctuary for MN UUs

Join MUUSJA for a 2-part webinar on how Minnesota UUs can act in solidarity with those under threat and how we can fight against efforts to target and deport our neighbors.

Part 2 - Tuesday, April 22 from 6–7:30 pm (link to register here)

We'll expand our understanding of sanctuary and how it includes not only physical shelter, but also public advocacy, community support networks, rapid response, legal knowledge, and more. 

                                                           MUUSJA Newsletter

This edition is titled Purpose Defeats Despair—and we can all use some of that!

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth

218-724-0308

Board of Trustees