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PAST SERVICES
2006-2007 CHURCH YEAR
Sunday, September 10, 2006, 10:30 AM The Rev. Mary Samuels "Water Celebration Sunday"
SEPTEMBER
Welcome back from our summer hiatus! Bring water from whatever corner of the world you visited-symbolic or actual to our intergenerational service. It will be good “to be back home again” as we gather again in community
The Social Justice Committee will present an opportunity for Fellowship members to study “Water as Sacred" .
This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
Community News: International Day of Peace & Womens Retreat
Sunday, September 17, 2006, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Five Smooth Stones"
James Luther Adams is widely considered to be the most important Unitarian theologian of the 20th century. Forty years ago, he listed “the five smooth stones of religious liberalism” as guideposts as to what constitutes liberal religion. In MVUUF’s 40th Anniversary year, let us consider if these guideposts still speak to us.
Community News: Kathy Allen, Membership Chair & Kathy Park,Communication Committee Member
Sunday, September 24, 2006, 10:30 AM Rebecca Janke, Director, Growing Communities for Peace "Co-Creating a Culture of Peace"
Explore the hidden culture of peace on an everyday basis and apply your skills and life stories to make it visible beyond measure. Rebecca, co-author of The Compassionate Rebel, will share strategies, techniques and stories that reveal new, ingenious, intriguing ways to make a difference in the world while honoring your own individuality.
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Karen Olson: 40th Anniversary Celebration
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Sunday, October 1, 2006, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels Oral History Sunday
OCTOBER
Founder's Day: Speakers: Al Hyman, Louella Newstrom, Ellie Morton, Betty Gutmann
Come hear some of our founding members describe the founding of our fellowship! Lots of music and reminiscing for all.
Fireside Chat after the service with the Founding Members.
Sunday, October 8, 2006, 10:30 AM Rev. Mary Samuels "MVUUF’s 40th Anniversary Celebration:From Roots to Branches"
This is our big event Sunday! We will begin with an intergenerational service, followed by a tree planting to mark the event, a potluck and a children’s carnival.
This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
Sunday, October 15, 2006, 10:30 AM Dale McGowan "Personal Journey of a Non-Believer"
Dale is a humanist author and critical thinking educator who is passionate about the importance of religious freedom of thought and acceptance of differing opinions. He says his father’s death when he was 13 was the beginning of his fascination with questions about the existence of God and the survival of the personality after death. Dale will recount his journey of study and reflection and share insights about existence and life.
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Linda Hayen: Program
Sunday, October 22, 2006, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "What Is Faith?"
Is the word ‘faith’ an outdated concept that has been usurped by conservative religious groups or can it be reinvigorated for religious liberals in our postmodern age? This Sunday is the introductory sermon for a series on faith. There will be dialogue.
Community News: Lisa Herschberger: Green Sanctuary
Sunday, October 29, 2006, 10:30 AM Richard Terrill "A Free and Responsible Search: UU Principles and the Creative Process"
The poet William Stafford writes, "A writer is not so much someone who has something to say as he is someone who has found a process that will bring about new things he would not have thought of if he had not started to say them." What can we as UUs learn about ourselves from the work that writers, musicians and artists do?
Author of Coming Late to Rachmanioff, winner of the Minnesota Book Award for Poetry. Books will be for sale in the lobby.
Fireside chat after the service.
Contact Linda Hayen if any questions or if you need any more information.
Community News: Paula Nania: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
Steve Danko, Long Range Planning Committee
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Sunday, November 5, 2006, 10:30 AM .The Rev Mary Samuels "Ordinary Heroes: UUSC Sunday"
NOVEMBER
Founding members of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), Waitskill and Martha Sharp, were named Righteous Among the Nations this year by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel. Come hear their story.
We will have a Ritual of Remembrance to remember our own ordinary heroes, parents, friends, and spouses who have died in the past year.
There will be a special collection for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. The service is followed by the UUSC Luncheon, prepared by our children.
Community News: Sonja Johnston, Music
Sunday, November 12, 2006, 10:30 AM Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman "Interfaith Connections"
More than ever, we are challenged to create and sustain communication amongst religions and faith organizations. Rabbi Zimmerman will speak about the Jewish teachings on dialogue, respect for diversity, and reconciliation. She will share her experiences in dialogue with local clergy from other faith traditions.
Community News: Steve Danko, Long Range Planning Committee
Fireside chat after the service.
Sunday, November 19, 2006, 10:30 AM .The Rev Mary Samuels "These Are My People"
The Holidays are coming! Are you ready to be with your people? Come for both a lighthearted and serious reflection on how we might enter the holiday season in a spirit of love.
The children will be present the first 15 minutes.
Sunday, November 26, 2006, 10:30 AM Members of the Congregation " My Religious Journey"
Three members of the congregation will share perspectives on the journey that brought them to Unitarian Universalism and to Minnesota Valley Fellowship. This annual program is a wonderful way for us to take a look at our own spirituality and quest for a community of faith. The speakers will be Karen Olson, Bob Johnston, and Carole Weisman.
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Sunday, December 3, 2006, 10:30 AM .The Rev Mary Samuels "Faith and Mystery"
DECEMBER
Most of us are familiar with the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism, but we don’t often discuss the five sources of our living tradition. The first one reads “Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and openness to the forces that create and uphold life”. Let us reflect on the experience of mystery and wonder. .
The children will be present the first 15 minutes.
Community News: Secret Friends
Sunday, December 10, 2006, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Back to Nature"
The children will be present the first 15 minutes. After their story, Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect by Richard Schneider, there will be a quiet reflection on the renewal that comes in nature and in the story of Christmas every year.
There will be a New Member Ingathering.
Community News: VEAP
Sunday, December 17, 2006, 10:30 AM Sonja Johnston, Minister of Music Music Sunday
Join the members of the congregation as they make music for one another. Great music, some laughs, and a few surprises!
All ages in the congregation are invited to perform; see Sonja to get on the program.
This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
Sunday, December 24, 2006, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "O Come All Ye Faithful"
Using a reading-reflection-carols format, we will tell the story of Christmas. Everyone will receive a booklet to follow along….so bring your singing voices! You may bring a bell for the postlude of Jingle Bells but we will also have many available to ring.
This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
Sunday, December 24, 2006, 5:00 PM The Rev Mary Samuels Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
This is a quiet service where we tell the children’s story, The Blue Angel, everyone lights a candle and sings Silent Night, and the Hayen family provides Blue Angel cookies they have baked..
This is an intergenerational service.
Sunday, December 31, 2006 "Out With the Old, In With the New, Let’s Make a Joyful Noise"
How do different religions and cultures mark the end of one year and start of another, what are the most common new year resolutions, and how did Auld Lang Syne become an integral part of our celebrations? We’ll take a quick look at some history, write some resolutions, make some music, raise a glass to 2006, and maybe even have a visit from the new year baby and the ghost of Guy Lombardo
This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
Fireside chat after the service.Top of Page
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Sunday, January 7, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "The Decades of Our Lives"
JANUARY
In this service, someone from each decade of life from the 10th to the 90th will each reflect for two minutes on the question Mary Oliver asks in a poem. “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
There will be a Baby Dedication.
The children will be present the first 15 minutes.
Community News: Betty Olson: Music Committee
Sunday, January 14, 2007, 10:30 AM Jack Reuler, Founder and Artistic Director, Mixed Blood Theater Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mr. Rueler is simultaneously a former UU and devout atheist. He is also a devout disciple of Dr. King, a sagely theologian. While these may seem paradoxical, he will present Dr. King’s worldview as 21st century wisdom and describe his attempts to use theater as a voice for that worldview, and link all this to UU ambitions.
In 1979 Jack Reuler founded the Mixed Blood Theatre dedicated to the spirit of Martin Luther Kings' dream: to promote cultural pluralism and pursue a culturally rich, culturall conscious America. He and the theatre have received many rewards for this work, and he is also known for his commitment to sports-oriented productions.
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Music Committee
Sunday, January 21, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Loss, Grief and Renewal"
Judith Viorst wrote: “When we think of loss, we think of the loss, through death, of people we love. But loss is a far more encompassing theme in our life. For we lose not only through death, but also by leaving and being left, by changing and letting go and moving on”.
Instead of making resolutions for the New Year, let’s take the time to reflect on what we are leaving behind. It makes the going forward less frenetic and easier.
Sunday, January 28, 2007, 10:30 AM Dale Lewellyn "Keeping the Earth Spinning"
Keep the Earth Spinning, a pdf file of Dale's talk.
Audio File - Listen to the Talk and Listen to the Dialogue
Dale Lewellyn is a member of MVUUF and a life-long environmentalist who is increasingly concerned about how we live on this planet.
The Earth is an amazing place that provides us with sustenance, recreation and incredible beauty. There are now 6.4 billion people living on the sphere is ways our ancestors could never have imagined. This has created demands on the earth’s resources that have never before existed. How do we live on the plant in a way that ensures we will leave it better that we found it?
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Jan Wolff, Laity Caring Network
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Sunday, February 4, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Faith and the God Question"
FEBRUARY
This is the third service dedicated to issues of Unitarian Universalist faith. Four years ago, the UUA President, William Sinkford, challenged our denomination to find a language of reverence to enhance our conversation with other denominations. So how do we approach the God Question? There will be plenty of time for dialogue.
Community News: Karen Schaub, Activities Chair
Sunday, February 11, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Love Puts Everything in Motion"
So what do you do with Valentine’s Day? Do you toss it off as another Hallmark infested cultural icon or do you stop to consider whom you love and who you don’t?
The children will be present the first 15 minutes. There will be a baby dedication.
Community News: Sharon Wildfang: Peace Study/Action Issue
Monica Williams: Energy Challenge
Sunday, February 18, 2007, 10:30 AM Betsy Ellis, Co-Chair MUUSJA "UU Social Justice: Being the Change, Embracing the Challenge"
Betsy is a long time social justice advocate and has chaired and now co-chairs the Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). She will share with us her perspective on faith-based social change, what it looks like with the UU community, and where we go from here. As Thomas Merton says, “Do not depend on the hope of results. Concentrate on the value and the truth of the work itself.”
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Sharon Wildfang/Steve Danko: Prairie Star District information
Sunday, February 25, 2007, 10:30 AM Senior High Religious Education Class Topic To Be Announced
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Sunday, March 4, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Faith and Social Justice?"
MARCH
This is the fourth on our sermon series on faith. Some Unitarian Universalists feel our denomination is involved in too many social justice issues. Do you feel this way? Or does this involvement excite you, wear you out or a little of both? We will consider some of the historical roots of our emphasis on social justice.
Community News: Monica Williams: VEAP
Special Collection: VEAP
The children will be present the first 15 minutes.
Sunday, March 11, 2007, 10:30 AM Sonja Johnston, Minister of Music Music Sunday
Join the members of the congregation as they make music for one another. Great music, some laughs, and a few surprises!
All members and friends of the congregation are welcome to participate, but you must let Sonja Johnston know at least two weeks before the date. Be aware that there will be a time limit on selections. Sonja is happy to accompany participants, but you must let her know early.
This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
Sunday, March 18, 2007, 10:30 AM Sue Schiess, PSD Ministerial Settlement Representative The Search Process for a New Minister
Our minister, Mary Samuels, will retire from active ministry in August of 2007. Sue Schiess, PSD Ministerial Settlement Representative, will talk about the search process for a new minister. We already know this is a long complicated process. A decision this important needs to be taken in a careful, thoughtful manner. Typically this takes a year or more. We all need to be informed about the process. She will meet with the Steering Committee after the service.
There will be a New Member Ingathering..
Community News: Leadership Development, Midwest Leadership School
Sunday, March 25, 2007, 10:30 AM Frank Dreisbach "Skeptics Welcome"
Not all sketpicisms are an anathema to religious belief, nor need churches be disapproving toward those who enter their doors with doubts on their mind. Today's program will attempt to distinguish between a healthy doubt and other forms of skepticism that are less productive. The doubting mind, when it is an open mind, can actually be a prelude to spiritual growth.
Fireside chat after the service
Community News: Finance Committee: Testimony
Special Collection: Darfur
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September || October || November || December || January
February || March || April || May || June|| Summer
Sunday, April 1, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "The Money Sermon"
APRIL
To keep the doors of our Fellowship open, every year the community faces the question of money. The sermon will address some challenging issues about money, based on Jacob Needleman’s book Money and the Meaning of Life. The Finance Chair, Dale Lewellyn will present the proposed budget. There will be time after the service for questions.
There will be a special ceremony of recognition of the Children's Chalice Lighters.
Community News: Long Range Planning Committee, Proposed New Bylaws
Sunday, April 8, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Finding the Living Among the Dead"
The Easter sermon is a challenge for many Unitarian Universalist ministers- but I love it! The title gives the theme away but come anyhow!
The children will be present the first 15 minutes. Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis is the children’s story.
Community News: Nan Corliss, Welcoming Congregation: Shower of Stoles display
Sonja Johnston,"The Big Event"
Sunday, April 15, 2007, 10:30 AM David Lohman, Program Associate, Institute of Welcoming Resources "Shower of Stoles: So Great a Cloud of Witness"
The Institute of Welcoming Resources is a program of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. The service will put the Stoles Project in the context of the greater struggles Gay/Lesbian/Bi-Sexual/Transgender people face, pointing out how far we have come and how far we have yet to go.
Mr. Lohman , besides heading the Stoles Project, is a musician- conductor, pianist, singer and arranger- working mainly in musical theater. Most recently he served as assistant music director and pianist for White Christmas at the Ordway.
The Stoles project is a collection of stoles from gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender clergy, church educators and church lay staff. They include stoles from many countries and many denominations. The stoles are all hand made and truly works of art. Each tells the story of the person from whom the stole came or for whom the stole was made.
The collection of stoles will be on display and open to the public on Saturday, April 14, from 1:00 PM -4:00 PM and Sunday, April 15 during the 10:30 AM service.
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Karen Olson: Rummage Sale
Dale Lewellyn, Finance Committee: Budget News
Sunday, April 22, 2007, 10:30 AM Madalyn Cioci, First Unitarian Society "What Will You Hold in the Palm of Your Hand?"
Today is Earth Day, but sometimes we need reminders that what we do every day impacts the environment, as well as our spirit and well-being. Madalyn will help us take time to consider all that our hands touch in a day and our responsibility to the health of our Blue Boat Earth, the life on it, and ourselves.
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Jan Fitzgerald, DRE/Paula Nania, Religious Education Chair: Teacher Recruitment
Sunday, April 29, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Poetry Sunday"
Bring your favorite poem to honor spring, a friend or any other aspect of life. There will be a short sermon on the poetry of Carl Sandburg, a Universalist.
Please email your original or favorite poem to Janet Stevens at the office before poetry Sunday so it can be available for all members.
Community News: Monica Williams, Social Justice: Habitat for Humanity
Dale Lewellyn, Finance Committee: Budget News
Special Collection: Habitat for Humanity
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Sunday, May 6, 2007, 10:30 AM Anita Makar " The Afternoon of Life -- A Bouquet for Longevity"
MAY
May is older Americans month, a good time to look at what’s been called a longevity revolution, with people living longer, fuller lives than ever before.
Life is like a book, believes Professor Emeritus Makar – the more you get into it the more you can enjoy it. She’ll help us explore some myths and wisdoms as well as the values of getting older and how to re-examine our thinking about the years in our life and life in our years.
Fireside chat after the service.
Community News: Karen Schaub, Activities Chair: June Picnic
Long Range Planning Committee, Proposed New Bylaws
Sunday, May 13, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Life’s Longing for Itself "
Today we will focus on parenting, because whether you’re childless, a parent or a grandparent, we were all once a child…..and each one of us caries the blessings and the burdens of that experience.
Community News: Unitarian Universalist Affordable Housing Agency
Women's Group: Clara Barton Awards
Sunday, May 20, 2007, 10:30 AM Jan Fitzgerald, Director of Religious Education Religious Education Sunday
Religious Education Sunday is a special service devoted to exploring some of the topics taught throughout the year. Each grade presents a creative demonstration of some aspect of the Religious Education curriculum. Third and Fourth grade Children Chalice Lighters will be recognized. We also will be honoring our graduating seniors. This is a delightful way to learn about our Religious Education program.
This is an Intergenerational Sunday so the children will join the adults; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
Sunday, May 27, 2007, 10:30 AM Rev. Mary Samuels "The First Season of Peace"
Today we will consider the 2006 study/action issue on Peacemaking by focusing on the deep and persuasive connection between personal inner peace and peace of earth. If peace begins with us, what do we do with our anger?
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Sunday, June 3, 2007, 10:30 AM Rev. Mary Samuels and MVUUF "Flowers and Farewells"
JUNE
Potluck Picnic to follow at Moir Park
At this final intergenerational service of the church year, be sure to bring a flower for every member of your family. We will have our regular Flower Celebration as well as the official farewell from the congregation to the minister (even though Mary will do two more services in June and July).
A Book of Thoughts; will be presented as a thank you to Mary.
The children will join the adults so there will be no RE classes; however, the usual nursery care will be available.
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Sunday, June 10, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Faith and Spiritual Practices"
SUMMER PROGRAMS 2007
Using the UU publication Everyday Spiritual Practice: Simple Pathways for Enriching Your Life we will explore the reasons why increasing numbers of UUs are doing spiritual practices. We will do two different practices during the service. You may share any spiritual practices you do or bring your curiosity if you don’t!
Children are welcome to the service- you can bring crayons etc for them- childcare will be available through pre-school age.
Interim Minister announcement will be made.
Sunday, July 15, 2007, 10:30 AM The Rev Mary Samuels "Kindness"
This really is my last service!
There will be no Religious Education classes. Children are welcome to the service- you can bring crayons etc for them- childcare will be available through pre-school age.
Exit interview with Mary Samuels by Kevin Featherly
Sunday, August 12, 2007, 10:30 AM Welcoming Congregation Forum
Three organizations serving the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual community will tell us about their specific organizations and how the faith community could become involved. Representatives from Avenues, PFLAG and Rainbow Families will discuss the mission of their organizations and how the community can help their efforts of outreach. All are welcome.
There will be no Religious Education classes. The nursery will be open.
- Avenues: A homeless shelter for teens on the North side. 60% of their kids are GLBT. They are beginning a foster program for GLBT teens.
- PFLAG- Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays: PFLAG is changing their focus with the needs of the times and has new programs that are quite exciting.
- Rainbow Families: This group is made up of GLBT families and the children of these families are now telling their stories which are powerful and important.
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