Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN October 22, 2015
Greetings! The Planning Meeting was held on October 19th at Mary's house, to set the calendar for the next year, through May 2016. Please keep in mind that there may be circumstances where change is needed.
October 25: Joyce and Warren will present the program on pagan celebrations.
November 8: Pat will do a presentation on Native American Month. RE available.
November 22: Barb will do a presentation on Hannakah.
December 13: Melissa will present on Chalica. RE available.
December 19:Solstice Party at Barb's
2016
January 10: book Review, "Being Mortal", Pat and Mary A.
January 24: "Quality of Spiritual Maturity", Barb
February 14: Climate Change, Melissa
February 28: MUUSJA tba
March 13: Sex Trafficking, Pat
March 27: Ostara, Warren
April 10: Flower Service, MaryD
April 24: Nature and Earth, Alison
May 8: Book Review, MaryA.
May 22: Annual Business Meeting and Elections
We are meeting at Tiny Sprouts Day Care south of Pequot Lakes at 10:30 two Sundays per month.
This seems to be working well, as we can accommodate children on the first Sunday of the month for RE.
For questions, please feel free to contact us on our webpage, or call....
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair 218-587-2543
NORTHWOODS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
POST 74
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River September 24, 2015
Greetings! Some time off line for this blog....we aborted Video Conference for September 1st, due to the unavailability of several of the participants...just an unfortunate series of circumstances. The intent was to discuss further plans for celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day on the day set aside as Columbus Day. However the clock does not stop, and we now have available bumper stickers that say, Goodbye Columbus Hello Indigenous Peoples Day for a dollar donation to cover the printing. Please see our webpage.
And news from Fargo; the city commission is considering the change after being approached by the Native American Commission, and will vote tomorrow. So inch by inch, as they say. It would be great if our Governor would make the proclamation that we have asked for two years in a row, and just do it. No news on that front.
Truth and Reconciliation meetings are resuming in Bemidji this coming Monday. Melissa and I will attend, as well as members of the social justice team from Union Church in Hackensack. They have some innovative ideas to share, one of which is to do radio spots on a regular basis...pretty cool! I am quite certain KAXE in GR would be open to such discussions on race relations.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. Also our webpages have contact information. mnnuuf.org.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung Social Justice Chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! Some time off line for this blog....we aborted Video Conference for September 1st, due to the unavailability of several of the participants...just an unfortunate series of circumstances. The intent was to discuss further plans for celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day on the day set aside as Columbus Day. However the clock does not stop, and we now have available bumper stickers that say, Goodbye Columbus Hello Indigenous Peoples Day for a dollar donation to cover the printing. Please see our webpage.
And news from Fargo; the city commission is considering the change after being approached by the Native American Commission, and will vote tomorrow. So inch by inch, as they say. It would be great if our Governor would make the proclamation that we have asked for two years in a row, and just do it. No news on that front.
Truth and Reconciliation meetings are resuming in Bemidji this coming Monday. Melissa and I will attend, as well as members of the social justice team from Union Church in Hackensack. They have some innovative ideas to share, one of which is to do radio spots on a regular basis...pretty cool! I am quite certain KAXE in GR would be open to such discussions on race relations.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. Also our webpages have contact information. mnnuuf.org.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung Social Justice Chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Post 73
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship August 15, 2015 Brainerd/Pine River MN
Greetings! NUUF met yesterday to discuss the video conference scheduled for September 1 at 2pm, to work on Goodbye Columbus strategies to change the holiday in MN. Due to the unavailability of several of the panelists, we decided to cancel this event for the time being. Perhaps the timing was off, but in any case, because we want to have major representation by native people, and were not able to achieve our goal in this respect, it seems better to find other ways to dialog and work on the issues, at least for now... As you may know, NACDI was instrumental in changing the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day in the city of St. Paul, very recently. That group, headed by Jay BadHeart Bull, was also the leader in the City of Mpls' change on their stationery. We are in contact with him on the possibility of going statewide, as has been our focus, and see how we can support this. We did write the legislators who sponsored the bill that failed last spring, without response as yet; so we do not know if the bill will be resurrected or needs to be reintroduced next session. We are again writing a proposed proclamation for the Governor to designate Indigenous Peoples Day in October.
Garage sale to be held as a fundraiser, at Melissa's Sept. 4&5, 8am to 5pm. Her address is 30755 Old Hwy 371, Pequot Lakes.
Honor the Earth events and fundraisers Aug 27 6pm Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes; and Hackensack Union Church August 28 at 6:30. These are dinner meetings, to coincide with the Horse Rides Protests of the Enbridge pipeline proposals.
A long busy summer is coming to a close...have a safe and wonderful Labor Day celebration!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! NUUF met yesterday to discuss the video conference scheduled for September 1 at 2pm, to work on Goodbye Columbus strategies to change the holiday in MN. Due to the unavailability of several of the panelists, we decided to cancel this event for the time being. Perhaps the timing was off, but in any case, because we want to have major representation by native people, and were not able to achieve our goal in this respect, it seems better to find other ways to dialog and work on the issues, at least for now... As you may know, NACDI was instrumental in changing the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day in the city of St. Paul, very recently. That group, headed by Jay BadHeart Bull, was also the leader in the City of Mpls' change on their stationery. We are in contact with him on the possibility of going statewide, as has been our focus, and see how we can support this. We did write the legislators who sponsored the bill that failed last spring, without response as yet; so we do not know if the bill will be resurrected or needs to be reintroduced next session. We are again writing a proposed proclamation for the Governor to designate Indigenous Peoples Day in October.
Garage sale to be held as a fundraiser, at Melissa's Sept. 4&5, 8am to 5pm. Her address is 30755 Old Hwy 371, Pequot Lakes.
Honor the Earth events and fundraisers Aug 27 6pm Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes; and Hackensack Union Church August 28 at 6:30. These are dinner meetings, to coincide with the Horse Rides Protests of the Enbridge pipeline proposals.
A long busy summer is coming to a close...have a safe and wonderful Labor Day celebration!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Post 72
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship July 23, 2015 Brainerd/Pine River, MN.
Greetings! This summer has turned/is turning out to be full of activites. Several meetings on Goodbye Columbus plans have taken place, working on the upcoming video conference Sept 1 at 2pm. Invitations have gone out to several interested UU congregations, as well as others working on this issue in other churches and community entities. We are happy that Anton Treuer, at BSU has agreed to participate; he has written extensively on native history, language, culture preservation, and is currently involved in the Truth and Reconciliation effort in Bemidji. Becky LaPlant, human resources director for Blandin Corporation, and activist on the name change in Grand Rapids, is putting together a site and participants in that area. We have invited Jay Bad Heart Bull, NACDI, one of the persons instrumental in the city of Mpls stationary change, and active on the bill that failed in the legislature to establish American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day this year. There will be others.
One of the tasks is to frame the conference so as to discuss steps to take this next year to effect the change. We will be setting up loose guidelines to forward the discussion. Ashley Horan, MUUSJA, will be sending details on the mechanics and will host the program from Mpls.
On another front, Honor the Earth is beginning plans and activities on the Sandpiper pipeline protests, and we will participate as this years' ride comes through the state along the proposed routes set up by Enbridge corporation, and now approved by the MPUC as to their certificate of need. The next step for Enbridge is to decide the route and be approved by the PUC. Of course, coming through the watershed and native American reservations is where the controversy lies, and we ask that persons interested in this vital environmental concern, join efforts to combat further action by Enbridge.
LOCATION: We are going to begin meeting at Tine Sprouts Day Care, beginning with the Sept 13 service. This is just south of Timberjack, where we were meeting, on 371 south of Pequot Lakes. Please check the webpage for the latest information. We will schedule RE for children, the second Sunday of each month, and this location lends itself to such activities very well.
New member orientation folders are being developed, with the "who are we" questions addressed, bylaws, expectations, rights and responsibilities. This should be completed shortly.
Feel free to explore mnnuuf.org, and contact us if you are interested in any aspect of the ongoing work in which we are involved.....we welcome inquiries!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Greetings! This summer has turned/is turning out to be full of activites. Several meetings on Goodbye Columbus plans have taken place, working on the upcoming video conference Sept 1 at 2pm. Invitations have gone out to several interested UU congregations, as well as others working on this issue in other churches and community entities. We are happy that Anton Treuer, at BSU has agreed to participate; he has written extensively on native history, language, culture preservation, and is currently involved in the Truth and Reconciliation effort in Bemidji. Becky LaPlant, human resources director for Blandin Corporation, and activist on the name change in Grand Rapids, is putting together a site and participants in that area. We have invited Jay Bad Heart Bull, NACDI, one of the persons instrumental in the city of Mpls stationary change, and active on the bill that failed in the legislature to establish American Indian and Indigenous Peoples Day this year. There will be others.
One of the tasks is to frame the conference so as to discuss steps to take this next year to effect the change. We will be setting up loose guidelines to forward the discussion. Ashley Horan, MUUSJA, will be sending details on the mechanics and will host the program from Mpls.
On another front, Honor the Earth is beginning plans and activities on the Sandpiper pipeline protests, and we will participate as this years' ride comes through the state along the proposed routes set up by Enbridge corporation, and now approved by the MPUC as to their certificate of need. The next step for Enbridge is to decide the route and be approved by the PUC. Of course, coming through the watershed and native American reservations is where the controversy lies, and we ask that persons interested in this vital environmental concern, join efforts to combat further action by Enbridge.
LOCATION: We are going to begin meeting at Tine Sprouts Day Care, beginning with the Sept 13 service. This is just south of Timberjack, where we were meeting, on 371 south of Pequot Lakes. Please check the webpage for the latest information. We will schedule RE for children, the second Sunday of each month, and this location lends itself to such activities very well.
New member orientation folders are being developed, with the "who are we" questions addressed, bylaws, expectations, rights and responsibilities. This should be completed shortly.
Feel free to explore mnnuuf.org, and contact us if you are interested in any aspect of the ongoing work in which we are involved.....we welcome inquiries!
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair NUUF 218-587-2543
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Post 71
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN July 4, 2015
Greeetings! and happy fourth! this is an update of July events of interest, and late summer plans.
"Why Treaties Matter", the travelling interactive exhibit, will be on view at the Northern Lights Casino through August 28th.
A group is forming called the Northern MN Water Alliance, including watershed associations, to address water issues and pollution. More on this later.
On July 15, the Union Church in Hackensack is hosting an event called Love Water Not Oil, with Winona LaDuke; singer Annie Humphrey; The Goodsky Boys; this starts at 7pm, with light refreshments. The emphasis is 'no pipelines, no fracking, no tar sands.' Gather your friends and support this kickoff for summer protests on the pipeline issue. Suggested donation, $10....Honor the Earth is planning another horse ride along the proposed pipeline routes, and there may be canoe-ins as well, around August 28.
Leech Lake Area Watershed /foundation is hosting a fundraiser, "Jazz in August at Arthur's" August 27th, tickets $40 per person. Cash bar, silent auction, great music!
Kathy Kelly, peace activist, is presenting two programs in July: Little Falls, July 8 at 6:30, St. Francis Convent, 116 8th Ave, Little Falls, And on July 9th at 7pm, at Community Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, which is at 703 N. Pokegama Ave. Grand Rapids.
Truth and Reconciliation: Becky LaPlant posted an entry today on facebook, which is a presentation on KAXE of a Special Edition of Minnesota Native News: Bemidji, Rocking the Boat, Part 2. About a half hour long, it features Anton Treuer and Noreen Hautala among others, talking about racism and its effects, the new statue of Chief Bemidji, and efforts to bring truth and reconciliation to the community in a spirit of healing.
Work proceeds on the Sept. 1st video conference on Goodby Columbus. Watch the website for more news....mnnuuf.org......
3rd Annual Onigum Pow-wow participation July 25. Union Church plans to travel as a group in support of Leech Lake tribal observances at this annual event. I believe that is also the date for a Pow-wow at Mille Lacs reservation.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair; 218-587-2543
Greeetings! and happy fourth! this is an update of July events of interest, and late summer plans.
"Why Treaties Matter", the travelling interactive exhibit, will be on view at the Northern Lights Casino through August 28th.
A group is forming called the Northern MN Water Alliance, including watershed associations, to address water issues and pollution. More on this later.
On July 15, the Union Church in Hackensack is hosting an event called Love Water Not Oil, with Winona LaDuke; singer Annie Humphrey; The Goodsky Boys; this starts at 7pm, with light refreshments. The emphasis is 'no pipelines, no fracking, no tar sands.' Gather your friends and support this kickoff for summer protests on the pipeline issue. Suggested donation, $10....Honor the Earth is planning another horse ride along the proposed pipeline routes, and there may be canoe-ins as well, around August 28.
Leech Lake Area Watershed /foundation is hosting a fundraiser, "Jazz in August at Arthur's" August 27th, tickets $40 per person. Cash bar, silent auction, great music!
Kathy Kelly, peace activist, is presenting two programs in July: Little Falls, July 8 at 6:30, St. Francis Convent, 116 8th Ave, Little Falls, And on July 9th at 7pm, at Community Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, which is at 703 N. Pokegama Ave. Grand Rapids.
Truth and Reconciliation: Becky LaPlant posted an entry today on facebook, which is a presentation on KAXE of a Special Edition of Minnesota Native News: Bemidji, Rocking the Boat, Part 2. About a half hour long, it features Anton Treuer and Noreen Hautala among others, talking about racism and its effects, the new statue of Chief Bemidji, and efforts to bring truth and reconciliation to the community in a spirit of healing.
Work proceeds on the Sept. 1st video conference on Goodby Columbus. Watch the website for more news....mnnuuf.org......
3rd Annual Onigum Pow-wow participation July 25. Union Church plans to travel as a group in support of Leech Lake tribal observances at this annual event. I believe that is also the date for a Pow-wow at Mille Lacs reservation.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, social justice chair; 218-587-2543
Friday, June 19, 2015
post 70
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN June 19, 2015u
Greetings! several items today of interest....
Thanks to David Jurgenson and the crew for work on the Pride Picnic for tomorrow, Lum Park, Brainerd. See the Peace Fair booths as well, and we will have a presence.
Thanks to Melissa for her work on outreach to other faith groups on Goodbye Columbus; a great response so far from Catholic sisters groups, Episcopal's Department of Indian Work, and links to other denominations we will follow up. Some surprising information here, and good to know we are not alone in our thinking and efforts!
We received an invitation to participate on a list of UUs working on native issues from Bellingham WA, being prepared for General Assembly by Beth Brownfield. She is hoping to provide links useful to those of us in the field. Bellingham and other UUs of the area are active in working with Lummi tribal members on several issues, including the effects of coal transport through the region.
Union Church in Hackensack will host a meeting with Honor the Earth on July 15 at 7pm. More on this after the social justice meeting on July 1st, I will attend.
The Reverend Suzanne Wasilczuk will present a sermon on September 13; we welcome her back and look forward to her visit, always a joy.
Work continues to develop the video conference on Sept, 1st at 2pm, to follow up on Goodbye Columbus efforts; this will involve knowledgeable people who can talk about strategies for the future. This is coming to be a long term effort; but worth it in the end, if we can achieve the goal of refocusing on the ongoing problems for native people.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair, 218-587-2543
Greetings! several items today of interest....
Thanks to David Jurgenson and the crew for work on the Pride Picnic for tomorrow, Lum Park, Brainerd. See the Peace Fair booths as well, and we will have a presence.
Thanks to Melissa for her work on outreach to other faith groups on Goodbye Columbus; a great response so far from Catholic sisters groups, Episcopal's Department of Indian Work, and links to other denominations we will follow up. Some surprising information here, and good to know we are not alone in our thinking and efforts!
We received an invitation to participate on a list of UUs working on native issues from Bellingham WA, being prepared for General Assembly by Beth Brownfield. She is hoping to provide links useful to those of us in the field. Bellingham and other UUs of the area are active in working with Lummi tribal members on several issues, including the effects of coal transport through the region.
Union Church in Hackensack will host a meeting with Honor the Earth on July 15 at 7pm. More on this after the social justice meeting on July 1st, I will attend.
The Reverend Suzanne Wasilczuk will present a sermon on September 13; we welcome her back and look forward to her visit, always a joy.
Work continues to develop the video conference on Sept, 1st at 2pm, to follow up on Goodbye Columbus efforts; this will involve knowledgeable people who can talk about strategies for the future. This is coming to be a long term effort; but worth it in the end, if we can achieve the goal of refocusing on the ongoing problems for native people.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair, 218-587-2543
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Post 69
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River 6/6/15
Greetings! We are working on Goodbye Columbus, contacting particpants for a video conference September 1, 2 to 3pm +-. This will be hosted by Ashley Horan, MUUSJA director. The discussion will center on strategies for the future change of the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day .
Meantime, the Pride Picnic is on for June 20, and other summer activities will be coming up.
Pat and Melissa and I attended a Gathering in Deer River May 30th with other native friends, and were given an opportunity to talk about GC, with a positive response...
This is a short note today as an interim update....
Respectfully submitted Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair 218-587-2543
Greetings! We are working on Goodbye Columbus, contacting particpants for a video conference September 1, 2 to 3pm +-. This will be hosted by Ashley Horan, MUUSJA director. The discussion will center on strategies for the future change of the holiday to Indigenous Peoples Day .
Meantime, the Pride Picnic is on for June 20, and other summer activities will be coming up.
Pat and Melissa and I attended a Gathering in Deer River May 30th with other native friends, and were given an opportunity to talk about GC, with a positive response...
This is a short note today as an interim update....
Respectfully submitted Mary DeYoung, Social Justice Chair 218-587-2543
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