Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship The MidWeek Update

June 7, 2017

Not Just Pilgrims...Partners

You who are traveling to Transylvania later this month will be

ambassadors representing our PARTNERSHIP with the Unitarian

congregation in Magyarszovat. While much of our recent focus around

the trip has been about PILGRIMAGE (which is vital) the partnership is

how it all started.

And so, travelers, as we wish you bon voyage, we charge you to open yourselves to the possibility

of profound internal experience. AND we ask you too—in this fleeting whirlwind of glorious

sights and singing—we ask you to deepen BUF’s connection with our partner congregation.

Come back with energy and insight, but come back as well with a tangible connection that BUF

can build upon ... relationships that you can pass along to BUF children, and future members.

If, during this pilgrimage, you become more grounded, grateful, and openhearted, BUF as a whole

will benefit. If you strengthen relationships among yourselves, BUF will benefit. That’s a lot to

accomplish in less than two weeks. And yet, we ask you to make this more than personal, more

than even an interpersonal adventure. As you sing and share, as you indulge your senses and

endure inconvenience, please take time to initiate, in some small way, some tendril that might

continue to grow in the years to come ... even without you.

Bring back relationships; bring back facets of partnership that

we haven’t yet imagined. The BUFsters bound to Bellingham

will not be waiting passively for your return. We’ll be doing our

own internal and external pilgrimages, making other

connections in the great web. We’ll be studying* to give context

for further conversation. And we’ll be following your progress

(we understand you’ll be sending photos and reports for the

MWU) so we can be prepared to rejoin hands—not just with

you, but through you, to our partners in Magyarszovat.

Blessings on the journey,

Paul

*Study Materials

More on Magyarszovat:

https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magyarszov%C3%A1ti_unit%C3%A1rius_templom

On Unitarian history in Transylvania:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitarian_Church_of_Transylvania

Overview of Congregational Partnerships in Transylvania:

http://www.uupcc.org/partnerships/country/transylvania

Romania

What is Unitarianism about in Transylvania?

http://www.icuu.net/node/74

Video: The History and Modernization of the Transylvanian Unitarian Church:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUHmTBqLvDM

An In-Depth History linking Unitarianism in Transylvania, England, and America:

https://www.sksm.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/historyunitarianism2.pdf

Adult Education Committee Kick-off for Fall

2017 Planning on June 11th

Are you interested in working with adult ed? would you like to facilitate a class? would you like input on the classes offered? Join me at the first meeting of the Adult Education Committee (a sub committee of Lifelong Learning) June

11th at noon in Classroom 4!

We will be putting a plan in place for Fall 2017! Some possible classes to be discussed:

• Building your Own Theology

• Articulating Your Faith

• Building the World We Dream About (Race)

• Be the Change (Race)

• Becoming together (Young Adult)

• Adult/Senior OWL

• You The Creator (art!)

• Makers Space (art!)

• Writing your Story

I have many of these curricula in my office, if you would like to look through it before the meeting. Please come and add your ideas, share your knowledge, and volunteer to facilitate a class!

Blessings,

Jennifer Smith

Director of Lifelong Learning / Jennifer@buf.org

I teach because I believe connecting

with children is like connecting with

families and connecting with

families is like connecting with the

overall community, building trust

and creating a village. I teach

because I hold strong to the value

and principle, "If a child feels good,

they do good." Children are good. I

teach because White children (and

all children) need to experience

multiculturalism and have a

positive connection with a person

outside of their race/culture, thus

encouraging their ability to be

sensitive and humble when

connecting outside of the dominant

culture. I teach because I recognize

the significance of inviting families

to BUF and not just welcoming

them.

~Exquisite Erika

May Faire 2017 Report – by Rick Steele, Chair

The May Faire Team is happy to report that the event was a resounding success on many levels.

The main purpose was to raise funds for BUF and we exceeded our goal. This is due to a

concerted effort of all involved. The Paddle Call provides support for our Transylvania partner

church and our BUF Pilgrims tour as well as purchasing a washer and dryer! Auction item and

ticket sales help us finish our fiscal year in good shape. And we had so many items that we will

have another informal silent auction in the early fall. Click on this link to see a slideshow of the

event with a special video clip at the end: https://youtu.be/_3E8CGvrdts

We want to thank all those responsible:

• Auction item donors and procurers

• Bidders – winning or not

• Paddle Call donations

• Food and wine donations (including yummy desserts!), preparation and serving

• Beer donation by Chris Sorich – including the “Mayveissen” beer

• Decorating, setup and breakdown

• Dishwashers, clean-up, launderers

• Entertainment coordinated by Kevin Allen-Schmid

• Lastly, to all on the May Faire Team who put in serious time, effort and their considerable

talents to make this so special.

NUAGES PERFORMING AT FINALE OF GYPSY JAZZ CONCERT SERIES JUNE 10TH

Nuages will perform in concert on Saturday, June 10, 7:30pm, at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship as the final installment in the Manouche NW jazz concert series. Enjoy a fun night of swinging gypsy jazz by local band Nuages in celebration of their upcoming CD! Nuages is made up of saxophonist Michael-Paul Gurulé, guitarists Zach Zenovic and David Campbell, and bassist Sarah Yates. Silk Road Swing will open the night and the BUF will serve beer, wine, and concessions, with proceeds funding the choir’s Transylvania Pilgrimage later in June. Admission is $15 / $10 students. More info: (360)-961-1559, nuagesjazz@gmail.com, www.manouchenw.com.

GOING TO THE 2017 UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY?

Great. If so, let me know so that we can get together in New Orleans. GA is the ultimate UU revival. Let's make the most of it. At this site there are several links to important GA events: http://www.uua.org/ga/program/highlights If you're not going to GA that's OK, you can still participate -- yes, from a distance. You can log on the UUA web site:

• listen to many of the speakers,

• if you're a congregational delegate participate in the debates during general sessions and vote on the issues,

• listen to the many outstanding worship services,

• appreciate the beautiful music, ah yes, the beautiful music particularly on Sunday morning and the Service of the Living Tradition on Thursday night.

• particularly if you're a delegate you'll want to watch the Candidates Forum on Friday night so that you can vote on Saturday. Umm, delegate or not, watch the Forum. The three candidates will be discussing the issues facing the Association and their plans for the future. Read about the candidates at: Unitarian Universalist Association Elections: President. Yes of course, I have a recommendation, but we'll save that for another time or catch me at coffee hour. I've met and talked with all three; glad to share my thoughts.

Issues facing the Association -- there are many, but that's also a topic for another time. If you're already a delegate or might want to become a delegate, let's talk (preferably at: lew@usa.net). Most important, HAVE A GREAT GA! ~ Lew Phinney

UU JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS TO

APPEAR AT SUNDAY FORUM AND

RECEIVE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

OFFERING SUNDAY, JUNE 11TH

BUF’s selection committee has chosen two grassroots UU organizations to receive our generous support. The Sunday’s offering supports UUs working for a more just government in our State (WA UU Voices for

Justice), as well as those UUs here and throughout the Northwest who pursue environmental, social and economic justice work (Northwest

UU Justice Network). Checks should be made out to BUF with Justice Collection in the memo line.

WA UU Voices for Justice exists to inspire Unitarian Universalists to act together for justice in our State, especially in the legislative process. Central to its mission is advocating for the kind of laws and budgets that are consistent with our Unitarian Universalist seven principles and that will make the world a more just and sustainable place to be. Washington UU Voices is part of the national Coalition of UU State Advocacy Networks (CUUSAN) that works collaboratively across our nation to support each other’s work and issues. The next big event for WA Voices will be its cross-state virtual legislative conference on Sunday afternoon, November 12, next fall. Like UU Voices, Northwest UU Justice Network (the Network) is all about helping UUs and their allies to build a more just and sustainable world. The Network supports all flavors of UU justice work, including education, standing witness, direct action, direct service, community organizing, community and small group ministries, and government advocacy. The Network connects UUs and their justice allies to others that are working toward the same goals. The Network also offers publication, social media, conferencing, coaching, justice interest surveys, and group facilitation services to UUs and their allies who are working for a better world. The next big Northwest UU Justice Network event: 2017 Northwest Justice Summit which will be held Saturday, Oct 7 at University Unitarian Church in Seattle, Washington. Homestays will be available.

BLACK LIVES MATTER RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY BUF ( 5 June 2017 Press Release)

Discussions on race are never easy. On May 21, 2017, the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship (BUF)

in Washington overwhelmingly passed a congregational resolution that commits to confronting

unconscious racial bias and the oppression of black people. The resolution expresses the values

and ethical identity of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) membership that has taken

positions on social justice issues for over 55 years.

BUF has supported social justice issues locally, nationally and globally; however, the fellowship

has attracted few persons of color and only recently added one black member.

The resolution was proposed through a democratic process by its BUF Black Lives Matter

Ministry Action Team, co-chaired by Exquisite Erika, the only African-American BUF member,

and Laura lee Carbone. The team was formed in response to the police shootings of black men

Alton Sterling and Philando Castile last summer and inspired by the UUA's Standing on the Side

of Love campaign and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The team meets twice a month (2nd and 4th Mondays at 6 p.m.) and also holds educational

forums at the Fellowship, located at 1207 Ellsworth Street. Meetings and forums welcome the

public and provide an opportunity to study, reflect and advocate for change on the local, state

and national levels. Call 360-733-3837 for more information.

BUF Calendar-June 7th to June 18th, 2017

Wednesday, June 7th

Event Time Location

Humanitas 10:00 AM Sanctuary

Writers’ Group Noon Library

FINAL COMMUNITY NIGHT DINNER (until fall) Chili, tortillas, refried beans, cornbread

as well as appetizers and desserts from the Gala!

6:00 PM Social Hall

All Church Retreat Planning 6:00 pm Library

BUF Touring Choir Rehearsal 6:45 PM Sanctuary

Thursday, June 8th

Event Time Location

Flowering Cherry Sangha Mindfulness Meditation Group 2:00 PM Meditation/Meeting Room

Immigration Rights Activist Team 4:00 PM Conference/Flex

Saturday, June 10TH

Event Time Location

12 Step Back to Basics 9:00 AM Flex

Dragonfly Quuilters 9:30 AM Social Hall

BUF RPG Dungeons & Dragons 10:00 AM Library

Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Sanctuary

Gypsy Jazz Concert Series Finale—Nuages 7:30 PM Sanctuary

Sunday, June 11TH

Event Time Location

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast 8:00 AM Library

Sunday Forum-UU Justice Organizations, with DD Hilke and Bill McPherson, exploring

ideas on how to amplify your justice work across our region and our state.

9:15 AM Conference Room

Worship Transylvania Pilgrims & Choir 10:30 AM Sanctuary

Coffee Hour 11:30 AM Social Hall

Adult Education Committee Discussion- planning for 2017-18 12:00 PM Classroom 4

Sunday Brunch at the Hearthfire 12:00 PM

Men’s Group—meeting for friendly, fraternal conversations that provoke reflection,

insight, humor and enduring friendships. For more info contact Ron Quinn at

rdquinn@cpp.edu or Mike Brunt at rc11492cc@gmail.com

12:15 PM Conference Room

YRUU (High School Youth) 4:30 PM Classroom 4

Sunday, June 11TH

Monday, June 12th

Event Time Location

Life Exercise 4:30 PM Flex

Black Lives Matter Ministry Team 6:00 PM Conference

Wednesday, June 14th

Event Time Location

Humanitas 10:00 AM Sanctuary

Thursday, June 15th

Chalice Circle with Alice Litton 10:00 AM Conference

Flowering Cherry Sangha Mindfulness Meditation Group 2:00 PM Meditation/Meeting Room

BUF Book Club Bel Canto by Ann Patchett 7:00 PM Off site

Saturday, June 17th

Event Time Location

BUF RPG Dungeons & Dragons 10:00 AM Library

Sunday, June 18th

Event Time Location

Worship Service Flower Communion 10:30 AM Sanctuary

Coffee Hour 11:30 AM Social Hall

���� Events and Activities

HUMANITAS—HELPING PEOPLE IN A PINCH ON

WEDNESDAYS

Caroline is staying at the Mission and is looking for help with over-the-counter medication. She has some problems with her memory, borne out when she was talking with us, and claims that the medication helps. In addition, she is dealing with a recent sexual assault.

We called a number of pharmacies but none of them carried what she wanted nor was the medication familiar to them. She is getting assistance from Opportunity Council and Northwest Youth Services, but she is 24 years old and worries about ageing out. We gave her some daily bus passes and as we were unable to help her with the over-the-counter medication, we gave her a voucher for some clothing instead. We sincerely hope other resources can do more for her, including our partners in the Community Resource Network: St. Paul’s Episcopal, Hope House, St. Vincent dePaul, Faith Lutheran, Love INC, Hillcrest Chapel and the Salvation Army.

We continue to be very grateful for your help through our 10-bucks-a-month club and other donations. We could not do BUF's work without you. If you would like to join us, forms are located on the Kiosk in the social hall which includes other information about the Ministry. Please contact Elizabeth Weber, elizweber@msn.com for further information.

~ The Humanitas Team.

LUMMI FOOD BANK NEEDS YOUR HELP

Lummi Food Bank is always in need of food donations. It is also in need of bags, especially paper bags for distributing the food donations received. We know that hunger is an ongoing struggle for many in our and in our neighbor’s communities. Let’s work together to make that struggle a little less burdensome by donating food, personal care items (to the cart in the lobby) or cash donations (submit to the BUF office).

A Miracle of Mindfulness—Meditation on Thursdays at 2:00pm

“Mindfulness is like that—it is the miracle which

can call back in a flash our dispersed mind and

restore it to wholeness so that we can live each

minute of life.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Following the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Flowering Cherry Sangha Mindfulness Meditation Group takes part in meditation,

study, discussion, and chanting. Join us at 2:00 pm on June 8th and June 15th in the

Meditation Room downstairs. Chairs are provided; bring a cushion if you wish. For more information contact David Gillespie at davidgillespie72@gmail.com.

THE NATURAL BALANCE IN ALL THINGS EVERT MONDAY

Join us at 4:30 pm on Mondays for Life Exercise, a program of gentle movement drawn from Chinese Tai Chi and Japanese health exercises. All levels of fitness are welcome. For more information, contact Lee Seaman, (360) 676-8543, lseaman@seamanmedical.com.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF LOVE TO CREATE CHANGE

Black Lives Matter Ministry Team meeting will be held on June 12th at 6:00 PM. The BUF Black Lives Matter Ministry Action Team seeks to nurture the social, spiritual and personal development of congregation members in the exploration of how racism and privilege impact our congregation, our community, and our nation. In particular, we acknowledge the targeted violence which impacts black people disproportionately. We are committed to harnessing the power of love to dismantle racism and white supremacy across our communities and to creating spaces inclusive of people of all races, ethnicities, and cultural

backgrounds. We meet consistently, every second and fourth Monday of the month at 6pm in the Conference Room. So, that’s June 12th and June 26ththis month.

BOOK CLUB MEETS ON JUNE 15TH, WITH BEL CANTO

On June 15th, 2017 at 7pm, we will meet to explore the fascinating elements of Ann Patchett's Bel Canto. Join us at Lauralee Carbone's home, 2212 40th St., Bellingham 98229. Send questions to Jan Cavitt - jadacad@gmail.com. Inspired by a real event in 1996 in Lima, Peru, Ann Patchett enthralls us with a story that takes place in an unnamed south American country. A world-renowned soprano sings at a birthday party in honor of a visiting Japanese industrial titan. His hosts hope that Mr. Hosokawa can be persuaded to build a factory in their Third World backwater. Alas, in the opening sequence, just as the accompanist kisses the soprano, a ragtag band of 18 terrorists enters the vice-presidential mansion through the air conditioning ducts. And thus, from the beginning, things go awry. With the omniscience of magic realism, Ann Patchett flits in and out of the hearts and psyches of hostage and terrorist

alike, and in doing so reveals a profound, shared humanity.

COMING LATER IN JUNE����

Tuesday, June 20 “Fund the solutions, price the pollution: The future of climate policy in

Washington state” Forum

From 6:30-8:00 pm at BUF, join RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, Washington Environmental Council, Washington BlueGreen Alliance, and Community to Community Development for a forum “Fund the solutions, price the pollution: The future of climate policy in Washington state” with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy on a statewide policy initiative for 2018 to reduce carbon emissions and build a clean energy future while supporting impacted communities and a just transition for workers.

The Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy is a statewide coalition of individuals, organizations, and businesses dedicated to reducing global warming pollution, strengthening the economy, and making sure all families have a better future. The Alliance is advancing a statewide policy initiative for 2018 to reduce carbon emissions and build a clean energy future. The initiative would invest in clean energy, clean water, and healthy forests, by implementing a performance-based tax on major polluters, while providing investment for disproportionately impacted communities and a just transition for workers. Forum speakers include:

• Sameer Ranade, Climate and Clean Energy Campaign Associate at Washington Environmental Council

• Steve Garey, Steering Committee Member of the Washington BlueGreen Alliance, and retired refinery worker and union president of the United Steelworkers Local 12-591

• Edgar Franks, Civic Engagement Program Coordinator at Community to Community Development

• Eddy Ury, Clean Energy Program Manager at RE Sources for Sustainable Communities

• Stina Janssen, Field Organizer at Washington Environmental Council For more information about the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy, visit jobscleanenergywa.com.

MARIMBA MUSIC AT BELLINGHAM

UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP-JUNE 25TH

Ruvara Marimba Studio, featuring students of teacher Nancy Steele, play the danceable, joyous, uplifting music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe on marimbas (wooden-key xylophones), hosho (dried gourd shakers) and mbira (African thumb piano) as part of the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship service Sunday, June 25th, 1207 Ellsworth St., from 10:30-11:45am. More info: www.buf.org, 360-733-3837, nancy@ruvara.org or 360-920-6494. Don’t miss this one; you’ll be glad you came!

����COMING IN JULY����INTERWEAVE PRID INTERWEAVE PRIDE EVENTS

Gaymes Night on Friday July 7 5:30-10:00 Details to Come

Bellingham PRIDE Dance Music by DJ Char

Saturday July 8, 6-10 PM

BUF Social Hall $10/door BYODrinks Soda, Ice, snacks provided

Pride Parade Sunday July 9 Noon

RAINBOW Umbrella Drill Team Walkers, skaters, bikers, strollers

COMING IN AUGUST����

Creative Arts Eliot Camp 2017 for UUs and their Friends and Family:

Did you know that there is an arts-related summer camp run by The Eliot Institute for UUs of all ages in our area (Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Alaska, and Western Idaho) and their friends and family? Creative Arts Eliot 2017 will take place at the beautiful Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal in Seabeck, Washington from Saturday, August 12

BUF PRIDE SERVICE Sunday July 9 10:30 Page, Service Pastor Carrie Koehline, celebrant PRIDE PARADE Sunday July 9, noon RAINBOW Umbrella Drill Team Walkers, skaters, bikers, strollers Want to be a part of the Rainbow umbrella drill team Contact Cathy cathy.campbell@siriusbilling.com 360-224-1005 Umbrellas $20

through Wednesday, August 16, 2017, and will offer opportunities for UUs and friends and relatives to enjoy many wonderful aspects of a multi-generational "camp" experience while also pursuing an interest in one of seven artistic or creative endeavors. Talented presenters will inspire and delight during a five-day camp full of creativity and fun with morning workshops in Photography, Writing, Beginning Ukulele, Intro to Puppetry, Colorful Creations, Painting & Collage, and Storytelling. Campers choose one activity to focus on in the mornings, and spend the rest of their time enjoying board and card games, music and singing, walking/hiking through the woods, beach/waterfront activities, UU community, evening programs, and numerous other planned events including Firelight and an "Extravanganza" on the last day to celebrate everyone's creativity. There is still room so join us this summer at Creative Arts Eliot 2017! For more information, please contact the Eliot Administrator at Eliotregistrar@gmail.com or visit our website at www.eliotinstitute.org.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Share News with BUF and Stay Informed

HOW: Send articles to mwu@buf.org

Kudos and Photos: give a shout out about successful BUF events...or catch someone in the act of volunteering by sending us a photo and/or a few good words. Announcements:

• Limit announcements to 200 words, while still o including a contact person’s contact info o limiting the use of insider terms and acronyms o saying enough so that newcomers will know what you’re talking about

• Attach suggestions for graphics

• Announcements will be limited to BUF-related activities

• Announcements will be repeated on a limited basis, and shortened when repeated Deadlines: Items must be received on Monday to be published on Wednesday Editing: all submissions are subject to editing for length and clarity

OTHER WAYS to Share, and to Keep-up with BUF Order of Service: (OOS) a few items from the MWU, often abbreviated, may be printed in Sunday’s oos. Spoken Announcements: a very few items will be announced each Sunday; contact Paul Beckel paul@buf.org by Wednesday for consideration. BUF-news: On BUF-news you can simultaneously email everyone who is subscribed to the list. Sign up here: http://mail.buf.org/mailman/listinfo/buf-news_buf.org. Once you’ve signed up, send messages to buf-news@buf.org Please include your first and last name in BUF-news posts.

Those without internet access aren’t reading this...so please share the following info: Printed copies of the MWU are available at the BUF office....and we’ll mail a copy to those unable to pick one up. To get on the mailing list call us at (360) 733-3837.