Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River, MN
December 15, 2013
On December 11, the Fellowship held a planning meeting at Lakes Latte in Pequot Lakes. The next few months calendar was discussed and set up, with allowances for flexibility. We discussed several matters in connection with this. One was to keep our contacts open with the Union Church in Hackensack; they are continuing with native American outreach projects, with which we could partner in some manner. Mary will keep in touch with them. In this season, they, with other local churches, participated in a shoebox gift collection for families in need. We could add to that. Also there is a person on the Leech Lake reservation interested in providing wild rice for resale; we do not really have a venue for sales like that, but file it away for sometime later, or individuals can follow up.....The UUA has suggested action on the Standing on the Side of Love issue (marriage equality) in the 30day campaign, Jan 18 - Feb 16; we will bring ideas on this to the December 21st meeting.....We did followup on the UU workshop ideas from the November 9th meeting in Underwood, and decided to ask a traveling UU minister to do a program for us in May, on spirituality. We also decided to make a goal for each us to find a new person to invite into the fellowship in the coming year.....We are also contacting Happy Dancing Turtle to partner with them on food issues in the spring, probably a series of programs, and this is already in the planning stages.
The tentative calendar looks like this:
Jan 18 "Spirit of Life" from the UUA Tapestry website.
Jan 25 Martin Luther King Jr program.
Feb 1 Back to Basics at PRB School. All day workshops. General public.
Feb 8 Standing on the Side of Love program.
Feb 22 Sermon from Tapestry.
Mar 8 Sprout and CSA talk by Arlene Jones.
Mar 22 National Alliance on Mental Illness speaker.
Apr 12 Flower Service.
Apr 26 Annual Meeting (elections).
May 10 STOP program on sex trafficking.
May 17 or 31, guest minister.
June/July/Aug, second Sunday picnics, possibly attending a powwow...
Message from Pat: Save the date for a presentation at CLCC from 6:30 - 8:00, Monday January 27, on the Minnesota Safe Schools (anti-bullying) Act; HF 826, SF 783.
Our meeting on December 14 was held at Arbor Glen; Alison presented a talk on atheism, sharing a reading list from various writers on this topic, from various points of view. In the gradations of this philosophy, there are many on the continuum from the absolutists to the more agnostic humanists in definition. Deciding where one fits along this line, if at all, requires some self examination of beliefs and values. This was an interesting and enlightening talk; Alison will put out the reading list for us. We followed up with a concert by the local Legacy Chorale in downtown Brainerd with seasonal music and singalongs. Thanks to Luann Rice for hosting once again.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director ......Happy Holidays.....
NORTHWOODS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Post 25
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
December 6, 2013
This evening we held the last of our gas/oil educational meetings, in partnership with Happy Dancing Turtle here in Pine River. It has been slightly below zero all day, so it was gratifying to have people turn out. The movie "Gasland" was the featured film, about the proliferation of gas wells all over the US, and attendant environmental hazards to land, air, water, and people. This particular film does not leave much to be optimistic about. While Minnesota and Wisconsin do not have large gas pools from which to extract energy, Wisconsin does have the optimal kind of sand for fracking, and Minnesota is a corridor to the Dakotas where it is used most heavily. No one escapes the impact of these industries.....on the Enbridge front, the public comment period by letter has closed (on Dec.5), but there are still public meetings to be scheduled where citizens can testify in person. We feel continuing to write political incumbents is still worth while.....I received a reply from Joshua Stevenson, Cass County Land Commissioner to a letter about the county possibly passing a moratorium on pipeline expansion. In it he says that on September 9, there was a CC Board Meeting, in which a motion passed to "respectfully decline endorsing any pipe line routes and report the same to Carlton County and Enbridge Energy, LLC." We think this could be overridden by the State....Meantime, the plot thickens: On December 5, the last day for written comments, Kennicott filed a holding request, as they say they have some prior leases on land Enbridge is negotiating for.....now that calls up some pictures! It would be funny if it didn't affect all of us one way or another....There is another film available on hydraulic fracturing and natural gas, called "Split Estate." It is available to netflix users for instant viewing; we will soon have a copy to share as well.
Next meeting is a planning meeting on December 11 at Lakes Latte in Pequot Lakes at 11:30. The next service will be on December 14 at Arbor Glen at 11, followed by a seasonal concert in Brainerd. The annual Solstice Meeting will be on December 21st at Barb's home in Pine River. For questions or comments, contact Pat or Mary.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
December 6, 2013
This evening we held the last of our gas/oil educational meetings, in partnership with Happy Dancing Turtle here in Pine River. It has been slightly below zero all day, so it was gratifying to have people turn out. The movie "Gasland" was the featured film, about the proliferation of gas wells all over the US, and attendant environmental hazards to land, air, water, and people. This particular film does not leave much to be optimistic about. While Minnesota and Wisconsin do not have large gas pools from which to extract energy, Wisconsin does have the optimal kind of sand for fracking, and Minnesota is a corridor to the Dakotas where it is used most heavily. No one escapes the impact of these industries.....on the Enbridge front, the public comment period by letter has closed (on Dec.5), but there are still public meetings to be scheduled where citizens can testify in person. We feel continuing to write political incumbents is still worth while.....I received a reply from Joshua Stevenson, Cass County Land Commissioner to a letter about the county possibly passing a moratorium on pipeline expansion. In it he says that on September 9, there was a CC Board Meeting, in which a motion passed to "respectfully decline endorsing any pipe line routes and report the same to Carlton County and Enbridge Energy, LLC." We think this could be overridden by the State....Meantime, the plot thickens: On December 5, the last day for written comments, Kennicott filed a holding request, as they say they have some prior leases on land Enbridge is negotiating for.....now that calls up some pictures! It would be funny if it didn't affect all of us one way or another....There is another film available on hydraulic fracturing and natural gas, called "Split Estate." It is available to netflix users for instant viewing; we will soon have a copy to share as well.
Next meeting is a planning meeting on December 11 at Lakes Latte in Pequot Lakes at 11:30. The next service will be on December 14 at Arbor Glen at 11, followed by a seasonal concert in Brainerd. The annual Solstice Meeting will be on December 21st at Barb's home in Pine River. For questions or comments, contact Pat or Mary.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Post 23
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River, MN
November 24, 2013
Before too much more time passes in this busy season, today's report has to do with the second Gas/Oil meeting in the series, held at Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River on Friday, the 22nd. There was a light attendance. Marty Cobenais, MN Sierra Club board member, gave a Pipeline 101 slide presentation on the history of Enbridge's operations in our area, plans for expansion into northern Cass County, record of leaks and damage, and potential for adverse impact on the land, air, and water. He answered questions on his thoughts about how to try to protest and take action; basically, if one is a land owner whose property would be in the planned corridor, and you objected, banding together and hiring a lawyer skilled in environmental law and eminent domain would be the only way to stop Enbridge's approval to go ahead at the Public Utilities Commission. The public has only until December 5th to register opinions with the PUC, when the public comment period closes. There is scarcely time to organize the citizens who attended this meeting, much less be able to find an attorney who could take it on pro bono, and whether standing would be an issue would need to be addressed. Unless just as citizens is enough....it should be, in this democracy.....our suggestion is, get informed and write letters. To the County Commissioners. To your legislators. To your Senators. To your Congressmen. To your local papers. At least, don't let this slide into inevitability go down without giving voice to your concerns. If you listen at all to the Indigenous Environmental Networks postings on facebook, you will see that people just like us here in Cass County, are speaking up against the power of large corporations like Enbridge, who do not seem to answer to anyone......
Plans for NUUF's next meeting have changed. On the 14th of December, we will meet at Arbor Glen at 11am, and after, attend a Legacy concert at Tornstrum Hall in Brainerd.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
November 24, 2013
Before too much more time passes in this busy season, today's report has to do with the second Gas/Oil meeting in the series, held at Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River on Friday, the 22nd. There was a light attendance. Marty Cobenais, MN Sierra Club board member, gave a Pipeline 101 slide presentation on the history of Enbridge's operations in our area, plans for expansion into northern Cass County, record of leaks and damage, and potential for adverse impact on the land, air, and water. He answered questions on his thoughts about how to try to protest and take action; basically, if one is a land owner whose property would be in the planned corridor, and you objected, banding together and hiring a lawyer skilled in environmental law and eminent domain would be the only way to stop Enbridge's approval to go ahead at the Public Utilities Commission. The public has only until December 5th to register opinions with the PUC, when the public comment period closes. There is scarcely time to organize the citizens who attended this meeting, much less be able to find an attorney who could take it on pro bono, and whether standing would be an issue would need to be addressed. Unless just as citizens is enough....it should be, in this democracy.....our suggestion is, get informed and write letters. To the County Commissioners. To your legislators. To your Senators. To your Congressmen. To your local papers. At least, don't let this slide into inevitability go down without giving voice to your concerns. If you listen at all to the Indigenous Environmental Networks postings on facebook, you will see that people just like us here in Cass County, are speaking up against the power of large corporations like Enbridge, who do not seem to answer to anyone......
Plans for NUUF's next meeting have changed. On the 14th of December, we will meet at Arbor Glen at 11am, and after, attend a Legacy concert at Tornstrum Hall in Brainerd.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Post 22
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, November 10, 2013
Brainerd/Pine River MN
The first of three meetings on gas and oil exploitation was held on Friday, this week, at 5pm at Happy Dancing Turtle here in Pine River. About 20 people attended, with a great potluck supper to start. We viewed "Dirty Oil", the film about the tar sands development in Alberta, Canada, and its effects on the environment and the people living in the region. This is an eye opener for anyone who is not aware of the predominance of Canadian oil in our economy, and the costs to the planet of these demands by US consumers. Discussion followed, along the questions: ?is nuclear energy an option (not mentioned in the film); ?are biofuels sufficient for our needs; ?is there will to change; ?Political will; ?is there energy resiliency; ?enough emphasis on restoration farming; ?what about grain-based ethanol; ?what about combining alternative energies.....this conversation will continue in two weeks, on November 22, when Marry Cobenais will talk about pipelines, etc. Again thanks to Barb Beck of HDT for partnering with NUUF to bring this to our area!
On Saturday, November 9th, NUUF was invited to Underwood UU Church to participate in a day-long series of workshops on growing congregations. They are a small church, but full of lively interesting engaged UUs in all aspects of their community. Other congregations came from as far away as Bismarck ND to join in the day's discussions; we came away energized to rethink our goals and begin a fresh start! One great thing, we presented on the TTTT (Travelin Truth Telling Tour), and Underwood UUs asked to have it placed in their library for a time. Sure! We had brought it along, twenty +- books, and left it in the capable hands of Mary Anderson. The best thing was meeting all those other UUs, realizing that we are all in the work together, and finding support together....
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director NUUF
Brainerd/Pine River MN
The first of three meetings on gas and oil exploitation was held on Friday, this week, at 5pm at Happy Dancing Turtle here in Pine River. About 20 people attended, with a great potluck supper to start. We viewed "Dirty Oil", the film about the tar sands development in Alberta, Canada, and its effects on the environment and the people living in the region. This is an eye opener for anyone who is not aware of the predominance of Canadian oil in our economy, and the costs to the planet of these demands by US consumers. Discussion followed, along the questions: ?is nuclear energy an option (not mentioned in the film); ?are biofuels sufficient for our needs; ?is there will to change; ?Political will; ?is there energy resiliency; ?enough emphasis on restoration farming; ?what about grain-based ethanol; ?what about combining alternative energies.....this conversation will continue in two weeks, on November 22, when Marry Cobenais will talk about pipelines, etc. Again thanks to Barb Beck of HDT for partnering with NUUF to bring this to our area!
On Saturday, November 9th, NUUF was invited to Underwood UU Church to participate in a day-long series of workshops on growing congregations. They are a small church, but full of lively interesting engaged UUs in all aspects of their community. Other congregations came from as far away as Bismarck ND to join in the day's discussions; we came away energized to rethink our goals and begin a fresh start! One great thing, we presented on the TTTT (Travelin Truth Telling Tour), and Underwood UUs asked to have it placed in their library for a time. Sure! We had brought it along, twenty +- books, and left it in the capable hands of Mary Anderson. The best thing was meeting all those other UUs, realizing that we are all in the work together, and finding support together....
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director NUUF
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Post 20
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
October 27, 2013
NUUF met today at Arbor Glen in Brainerd. The scheduled service was to feature a speaker on sustainable gardening and foods. Instead, we heard a sermon given by Kathleen Rollings, UU Pastor, on Stealing Jesus, about how the historical Jesus was coopted by other religious groups and symbolized. Potluck lunch followed, and discussion of ideas on increasing visibility in the community.
The next event is on November 8, the showing of Dirty Oil at Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River, at 5am, potluck; and on November 9, some members are traveling to Underwood for a workshop on building congregations. We will be presenting on the Resolution and Travelin Truth Telling Tour. On November 23rd there will be a meeting at Mary's house for the harvest season.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
October 27, 2013
NUUF met today at Arbor Glen in Brainerd. The scheduled service was to feature a speaker on sustainable gardening and foods. Instead, we heard a sermon given by Kathleen Rollings, UU Pastor, on Stealing Jesus, about how the historical Jesus was coopted by other religious groups and symbolized. Potluck lunch followed, and discussion of ideas on increasing visibility in the community.
The next event is on November 8, the showing of Dirty Oil at Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River, at 5am, potluck; and on November 9, some members are traveling to Underwood for a workshop on building congregations. We will be presenting on the Resolution and Travelin Truth Telling Tour. On November 23rd there will be a meeting at Mary's house for the harvest season.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Post 19
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River, MN
October 13, 2013
As things are progressing on the NUUF/HUG presentations on gas and oil development, the dates have been fixed. First, November 8, the film Dirty Oil. Secondly, November 22, Marty Kobenais' slide presentation on tar sands. Third, on December 6, Gasland. These are all on Friday nights, starting at 5; please bring a dish if you can (my experience at these things is that there is always too much food, so don't worry if you cannot oblige, come anyway!) We are hoping to expand information on these topics. The matter of Enbridge pipeline expansion into Cass County is getting close to decision time; the Public Utilities Commission will decide on the application by Enbridge for approval shortly. The more citizens know, the better able we will all be to talk about and bring actions appropriate to the concerns.
Our meeting on October 12 was a showing of a DVD on the history of American Unitarianism, borrowed from Fargo-Morehead UUs. Part III of a six-part series, it traced the development of Unitarians from late 18th C into mid-19th. The founders of the movement of the time included Joseph Priestley, William Ellery Channing, Theodore Parker, Margaret Fuller and RW Emerson. The evolution was tracked in New England from the Congregationalists through the Socian and Arian ideas that branched to form two ideas about Unitarianism, which finally resulted in the Socian view in major adoption to this day, which propounds a human prophet in Jesus, and repudiation of the Trinity. We will see if more of these DVDs are wanted for programs; this one was surely well done in lecture form, very instructive.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
October 13, 2013
As things are progressing on the NUUF/HUG presentations on gas and oil development, the dates have been fixed. First, November 8, the film Dirty Oil. Secondly, November 22, Marty Kobenais' slide presentation on tar sands. Third, on December 6, Gasland. These are all on Friday nights, starting at 5; please bring a dish if you can (my experience at these things is that there is always too much food, so don't worry if you cannot oblige, come anyway!) We are hoping to expand information on these topics. The matter of Enbridge pipeline expansion into Cass County is getting close to decision time; the Public Utilities Commission will decide on the application by Enbridge for approval shortly. The more citizens know, the better able we will all be to talk about and bring actions appropriate to the concerns.
Our meeting on October 12 was a showing of a DVD on the history of American Unitarianism, borrowed from Fargo-Morehead UUs. Part III of a six-part series, it traced the development of Unitarians from late 18th C into mid-19th. The founders of the movement of the time included Joseph Priestley, William Ellery Channing, Theodore Parker, Margaret Fuller and RW Emerson. The evolution was tracked in New England from the Congregationalists through the Socian and Arian ideas that branched to form two ideas about Unitarianism, which finally resulted in the Socian view in major adoption to this day, which propounds a human prophet in Jesus, and repudiation of the Trinity. We will see if more of these DVDs are wanted for programs; this one was surely well done in lecture form, very instructive.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Post 18
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
October 9, 2013
Today we met with Barb Beck, on the HUG campus, regarding partnering on presentations of Dirty Oil and Gasland in the coming weeks. These two DVDs will go along with a presentation by Marty Kobenau on oil exploitation and environmental issues. We are thinking about three separate meetings, starting on November 8 with Dirty Oil. A potluck dinner at 5 will be followed by the film and discussion, at the HUG campus.
Marty is a member of the Indian Environmental Network and on the board of the MN Sierra Club, a member of the Red Lake Tribe. Tentatively, he would be speaking on November 29. The third meeting will be on Gasland, tentatively December 13. Notices will go out locally and by press release.
Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
October 9, 2013
Today we met with Barb Beck, on the HUG campus, regarding partnering on presentations of Dirty Oil and Gasland in the coming weeks. These two DVDs will go along with a presentation by Marty Kobenau on oil exploitation and environmental issues. We are thinking about three separate meetings, starting on November 8 with Dirty Oil. A potluck dinner at 5 will be followed by the film and discussion, at the HUG campus.
Marty is a member of the Indian Environmental Network and on the board of the MN Sierra Club, a member of the Red Lake Tribe. Tentatively, he would be speaking on November 29. The third meeting will be on Gasland, tentatively December 13. Notices will go out locally and by press release.
Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Post 17A
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
September 29
This is really the 17th post, as there was no 16th. My error, sorry.
NUUF met at Arbor Glen in Brainerd on Saturday, to continue the discussion on the film Dirty Oil, viewed on September 14th. We did research on the history of pipeline development in MN as part of the distribution system for the tar sands oil originating in Alberta Canada, and from North Dakota oil shale fields. Since there is a current proposal before the MN Public Utilities Commission to expand Enbridge's lines over several of our local counties, we are thinking informed opposition would be advisable. Several actions were discussed. First, to promote education on the environmental impact of this expansion (was there an environmental impact study?); secondly, to contact local officials and politicians, asking for their position on this issue; thirdly, finding out just which townships the proposed pipeline will cross, and contacting persons in those townships to attend the local meetings where this will be discussed with the public; mount a letterwriting campaign to elected legislative and congressional people and in the local papers pointing out the hazards to air, water, and land of excavation and spills.
We shared Winona LaDuke's paper called "Certificate of Greed: PUC should not grant Enbridge permit," written on July 13, 2013, as well as other printouts from the PUC and Star-Trib. Other resources mentioned were: Bold Nebraska; Idle No More; and Marty Kobenais, activist from Red Lake. We encourage folks to become knowledgeable on these issues, continue the conversation, and take such actions as you can.
September 29
This is really the 17th post, as there was no 16th. My error, sorry.
NUUF met at Arbor Glen in Brainerd on Saturday, to continue the discussion on the film Dirty Oil, viewed on September 14th. We did research on the history of pipeline development in MN as part of the distribution system for the tar sands oil originating in Alberta Canada, and from North Dakota oil shale fields. Since there is a current proposal before the MN Public Utilities Commission to expand Enbridge's lines over several of our local counties, we are thinking informed opposition would be advisable. Several actions were discussed. First, to promote education on the environmental impact of this expansion (was there an environmental impact study?); secondly, to contact local officials and politicians, asking for their position on this issue; thirdly, finding out just which townships the proposed pipeline will cross, and contacting persons in those townships to attend the local meetings where this will be discussed with the public; mount a letterwriting campaign to elected legislative and congressional people and in the local papers pointing out the hazards to air, water, and land of excavation and spills.
We shared Winona LaDuke's paper called "Certificate of Greed: PUC should not grant Enbridge permit," written on July 13, 2013, as well as other printouts from the PUC and Star-Trib. Other resources mentioned were: Bold Nebraska; Idle No More; and Marty Kobenais, activist from Red Lake. We encourage folks to become knowledgeable on these issues, continue the conversation, and take such actions as you can.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Post 17
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, September 24, 2013
Brainerd/Pine River, MN
We viewed Dirty Oil on September 14th at the Nisswa Library, a film on the tar sands development in Alberta, Canada, from which the United States gets most of its oil. It paints a dark picture of damage and environmental devastation to the air, water and land, and health risks to the native population of the area. Since it took up the hour of our service time, another meeting is scheduled for discussion. Why should we pay attention to this problem, how does it affect us, and what can we do in response, are a few of the questions raised. Some resources were recommended, but here are a few more where one can start educating oneself. Google 'tar sands' and several sites will appear, including some for The Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, and others. If you check Wikipedia, there are also links to follow. Bring in your questions and thoughts; we hope to continue the great start made at the last meeting.
Time is 11 am; date is: September 28; place is the Hearth Room, Arbor Glen, 14177 Broadmore, Brainerd. This is a multiapartment building, across from Super One grocery. We will have a pot luck lunch following.
Check out our website at: mnnuuf.org and watch this space for updates from time to time.
Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
Brainerd/Pine River, MN
We viewed Dirty Oil on September 14th at the Nisswa Library, a film on the tar sands development in Alberta, Canada, from which the United States gets most of its oil. It paints a dark picture of damage and environmental devastation to the air, water and land, and health risks to the native population of the area. Since it took up the hour of our service time, another meeting is scheduled for discussion. Why should we pay attention to this problem, how does it affect us, and what can we do in response, are a few of the questions raised. Some resources were recommended, but here are a few more where one can start educating oneself. Google 'tar sands' and several sites will appear, including some for The Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, and others. If you check Wikipedia, there are also links to follow. Bring in your questions and thoughts; we hope to continue the great start made at the last meeting.
Time is 11 am; date is: September 28; place is the Hearth Room, Arbor Glen, 14177 Broadmore, Brainerd. This is a multiapartment building, across from Super One grocery. We will have a pot luck lunch following.
Check out our website at: mnnuuf.org and watch this space for updates from time to time.
Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Post 15
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River, MN. September 11, 2013
Our latest update of the Travelin' Truth Telling Tour's list of native American books are available, with new additions and corrections. We are in need of some titles as indicated on the 'wish' list, and also solicit new titles as they become known, particularly as they might relate to the Anishinaabe tribes in the north central part of the United States. Any ideas or donations can be given to any member of NUUF, or you can contact us through the website, mnnuuf.org.
Mary DeYoung, News Director
Our latest update of the Travelin' Truth Telling Tour's list of native American books are available, with new additions and corrections. We are in need of some titles as indicated on the 'wish' list, and also solicit new titles as they become known, particularly as they might relate to the Anishinaabe tribes in the north central part of the United States. Any ideas or donations can be given to any member of NUUF, or you can contact us through the website, mnnuuf.org.
Mary DeYoung, News Director
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Post 14
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
September 8, 2013
Just a reminder that our next meeting is on September 14, at a little before 11am, at the Library in Nisswa. We will be viewing the film, "Dirty Oil", about the tar sands development in Alberta, and effects on the environment and native people living in the region. It may not be well known that Canada is the United States' major supplier of oil, and that this exploitation is creating irreversible damage where it is unchecked by regulation or oversight. Hope you can attend. The film is an hour and 12 minutes in length, so it may start a little earlier than 11. A pot luck lunch will follow. Because there will be little time for discussion, our next meeting, at Arbor Glen on September 28, will focus on questions raised by the film.
Melissa forwarded an email on the concerns of the northwest tribes of the Lummi Nation on the Pacific Coast, about the increase of rail traffic through their homelands, carrying coal to a proposed new export terminal, with potential harm through air pollution and accidental spills. They have carved a traditional totem Pole, which they will take along the intended route of the coal trains, to communicate their concerns and opposition to the project. For more information, look up totempolejourney, and find out more.
More Washington State news: the First Nation's Community of Bella Bella BC library burned down on July 12, with a loss of some 3000 books. Village Books has a list of 70 books on their website, that have been requested. You can go to bellabellalibrary.com for more information if you would like to help. Thanks to Beth Brownfield, Bellingham UUs for this news.
Part of this email included book recommendations for the history of the Northwest native people on the coming of the Europeans. No different than the stories here and just as heartbreaking...."The Bitter Waters of Medicine Creek", by Richard Kluger, Pulitzer Prize winner....and "Indians of the Pacific Northwest", by Vine Deloria Jr. Reprint from original 1977 edition.
Our new website is nearly up and running; it will be at mnnuuf.org. Check it out soon!
Submitted by Mary DeYoung
September 8, 2013
Just a reminder that our next meeting is on September 14, at a little before 11am, at the Library in Nisswa. We will be viewing the film, "Dirty Oil", about the tar sands development in Alberta, and effects on the environment and native people living in the region. It may not be well known that Canada is the United States' major supplier of oil, and that this exploitation is creating irreversible damage where it is unchecked by regulation or oversight. Hope you can attend. The film is an hour and 12 minutes in length, so it may start a little earlier than 11. A pot luck lunch will follow. Because there will be little time for discussion, our next meeting, at Arbor Glen on September 28, will focus on questions raised by the film.
Melissa forwarded an email on the concerns of the northwest tribes of the Lummi Nation on the Pacific Coast, about the increase of rail traffic through their homelands, carrying coal to a proposed new export terminal, with potential harm through air pollution and accidental spills. They have carved a traditional totem Pole, which they will take along the intended route of the coal trains, to communicate their concerns and opposition to the project. For more information, look up totempolejourney, and find out more.
More Washington State news: the First Nation's Community of Bella Bella BC library burned down on July 12, with a loss of some 3000 books. Village Books has a list of 70 books on their website, that have been requested. You can go to bellabellalibrary.com for more information if you would like to help. Thanks to Beth Brownfield, Bellingham UUs for this news.
Part of this email included book recommendations for the history of the Northwest native people on the coming of the Europeans. No different than the stories here and just as heartbreaking...."The Bitter Waters of Medicine Creek", by Richard Kluger, Pulitzer Prize winner....and "Indians of the Pacific Northwest", by Vine Deloria Jr. Reprint from original 1977 edition.
Our new website is nearly up and running; it will be at mnnuuf.org. Check it out soon!
Submitted by Mary DeYoung
Friday, August 23, 2013
Post 13
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, August 23, 2013
Today something has come up regarding the efforts we were making on repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery some time ago. As you may recall, as part of the Resolution activities on native American issues and DOD, we worked with Wayne Leeds at GRUUF on an educational CD on the history of DOD to be presented over station KAXE in Grand Rapids. This was last fall, a year ago.....now the Mesabi UUs have requested from the author, Gail Forsyte-Vail, permission to use it at a service up in Virginia. Gail works at the UUA in Boston, and prepared this video for the general assembly in Phoenix. She kindly gave us permission to use the audio part of this on our CD. But now, as a result of Jeanne's request for use of the CD, Gail sent us a link to the new revised video they are just making, and gave Jeanne at Mesabi, permission to use it. I will try to get a direct address for viewing this, and think the UUA will be putting it out either on their website or youtube very soon.....this whole project of ours had sort of faded from notice and was on the back burner; but like the pebble dropped in the pool, the ripples continue....
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director
Today something has come up regarding the efforts we were making on repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery some time ago. As you may recall, as part of the Resolution activities on native American issues and DOD, we worked with Wayne Leeds at GRUUF on an educational CD on the history of DOD to be presented over station KAXE in Grand Rapids. This was last fall, a year ago.....now the Mesabi UUs have requested from the author, Gail Forsyte-Vail, permission to use it at a service up in Virginia. Gail works at the UUA in Boston, and prepared this video for the general assembly in Phoenix. She kindly gave us permission to use the audio part of this on our CD. But now, as a result of Jeanne's request for use of the CD, Gail sent us a link to the new revised video they are just making, and gave Jeanne at Mesabi, permission to use it. I will try to get a direct address for viewing this, and think the UUA will be putting it out either on their website or youtube very soon.....this whole project of ours had sort of faded from notice and was on the back burner; but like the pebble dropped in the pool, the ripples continue....
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Post 12
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
August 21, 2013
The planning committee met to discuss past events and future plans for NUUF, for the next few months, up to the new year.
There is still work to do on getting a native American speaker for PR-B school in the fall, with a couple of possibilities in mind..... The survey from the anniversary picnic was discussed, no real changes anticipated. .....Melissa reported on the website, in its early stages. Alison will check on other websites at other congregations. ....A vote was taken on the use of the UU historical DVDs from Fargo-Morehead, and we will go ahead with one to start. There is a returnable rental fee of $25. Mary to check on use of the Warehouse, as a venue for public showings....... On Sunday, we have been invited to the Union Church in Hackensack forum, featuring Lenny Fineday speaking on native issues. We will plan on picking up the Travelin Truth Telling Tour books that day, or shortly after..... Also there is a UU workshop on November 9th at Underwood, and it was decided to use that opportunity to talk about the Resolution (once again!) and offer the TTTT for a long stay at their church.....Mary will continue to talk to Barb Beck about presenting "Gasland" at the HUG campus in the fall....
The schedule now looks like this:
Sept 14 "Dirty Oil" an hour long DVD on the Keystone Pipeline issues. Mary to open. - Nisswa
Sept 28 Discussion of "Dirty Oil". - Arbor Glen, Brainerd
Oct 12 "Long Strange Trip" DVD on the history of UU. - Nisswa
Oct 26 CSA speaker - Arbor Glen, Brainerd
Nov 9 Field trip to Underwood UU.
Nov 23 Thanksgiving dinner at Mary's house - Pine River
Dec 14 Atheism discussion led by Alison - Nisswa
Dec 21 Solstice party at Barb's - Pine River
People interested in any or all of these programs are invited to call 218-587-2543 for further information. The meeting place in Nisswa is the Library conference room. The meeting at Arbor Glen, Brainerd, is at 14177 Broadmore.
August 21, 2013
The planning committee met to discuss past events and future plans for NUUF, for the next few months, up to the new year.
There is still work to do on getting a native American speaker for PR-B school in the fall, with a couple of possibilities in mind..... The survey from the anniversary picnic was discussed, no real changes anticipated. .....Melissa reported on the website, in its early stages. Alison will check on other websites at other congregations. ....A vote was taken on the use of the UU historical DVDs from Fargo-Morehead, and we will go ahead with one to start. There is a returnable rental fee of $25. Mary to check on use of the Warehouse, as a venue for public showings....... On Sunday, we have been invited to the Union Church in Hackensack forum, featuring Lenny Fineday speaking on native issues. We will plan on picking up the Travelin Truth Telling Tour books that day, or shortly after..... Also there is a UU workshop on November 9th at Underwood, and it was decided to use that opportunity to talk about the Resolution (once again!) and offer the TTTT for a long stay at their church.....Mary will continue to talk to Barb Beck about presenting "Gasland" at the HUG campus in the fall....
The schedule now looks like this:
Sept 14 "Dirty Oil" an hour long DVD on the Keystone Pipeline issues. Mary to open. - Nisswa
Sept 28 Discussion of "Dirty Oil". - Arbor Glen, Brainerd
Oct 12 "Long Strange Trip" DVD on the history of UU. - Nisswa
Oct 26 CSA speaker - Arbor Glen, Brainerd
Nov 9 Field trip to Underwood UU.
Nov 23 Thanksgiving dinner at Mary's house - Pine River
Dec 14 Atheism discussion led by Alison - Nisswa
Dec 21 Solstice party at Barb's - Pine River
People interested in any or all of these programs are invited to call 218-587-2543 for further information. The meeting place in Nisswa is the Library conference room. The meeting at Arbor Glen, Brainerd, is at 14177 Broadmore.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Post 11
Northwoods UU Fellowship, Brainerd//Pine River, MN August 11, 2013
The 30th anniversary picnic was held on August 10 at the Dam Site Park in Pine River, with eight members present plus a visitor, mostly founders. Pat Scott led the memorial service for past members, no longer with us. It was a beautiful day, and a light turnout, as it is a busy time for everyone. Great potluck lunch as always. Alison had made a clothesline timeline of events over the years, and archival photos were on view, as well as our banner. The previous one was stolen after the 20th anniversary get together! Not this time....
Next meeting is set for the 21st, a planning session, at Mary's house at 10am. Several things have been mentioned for programs, including the DVDs on the history of Unitarianism to be borrowed from Fargo-Morehead UU; the showing of Gasland at the HUG campus; some work on child prostitution; and other topics of interest as shown by the survey taken before the picnic. Since only a few were returned, we ask that those interested get their survey back to Pat, and we can make better plans in line with people's wishes. For now, the location is still at the Library in Nisswa on Saturdays, at least for one of the monthly meetings. We are delighted that the garage sale was such a success, and now we can plan for a speaker for PR-B school in the fall. Lots to do!
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
The 30th anniversary picnic was held on August 10 at the Dam Site Park in Pine River, with eight members present plus a visitor, mostly founders. Pat Scott led the memorial service for past members, no longer with us. It was a beautiful day, and a light turnout, as it is a busy time for everyone. Great potluck lunch as always. Alison had made a clothesline timeline of events over the years, and archival photos were on view, as well as our banner. The previous one was stolen after the 20th anniversary get together! Not this time....
Next meeting is set for the 21st, a planning session, at Mary's house at 10am. Several things have been mentioned for programs, including the DVDs on the history of Unitarianism to be borrowed from Fargo-Morehead UU; the showing of Gasland at the HUG campus; some work on child prostitution; and other topics of interest as shown by the survey taken before the picnic. Since only a few were returned, we ask that those interested get their survey back to Pat, and we can make better plans in line with people's wishes. For now, the location is still at the Library in Nisswa on Saturdays, at least for one of the monthly meetings. We are delighted that the garage sale was such a success, and now we can plan for a speaker for PR-B school in the fall. Lots to do!
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Post 10
Northwoods UU Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River, MN August 3, 2013
On Thursday, August 1st, we geared up for the garage sale in Pine River, unpacking, sorting, organizing items, a task of several hours. Fortunately for us, the weather has been absolutely beautiful, a little breeze, sunshine, and 70s. We had a garage full of tables for clothing in all sizes for children and adults, and three tables outside with household items and a few of pieces of furniture. On Friday we opened at 8 and ran until about 5. Since this was part of the city-wide sales, and we had advertising through the Chamber of Commerce in all the local papers, there was a steady stream of visitors all day long. On Saturday, again opening at 8, traffic was steady but lighter. At the end we sold out of nearly everything, reduced our clothing items by a large amount, and made a respectable amount of money for our project. All in all, a real success! Thanks to all the donors of items and to all the helpers, who will be acknowledged more formally very soon.
Next up is the anniversary picnic on August 10, which will conclude our August events. There will be a notice in the papers to all current and past members. Hope to see many there to celebrate 30 years!
Plans are afoot to have a showing of "Gasland", hopefully co-sponsoring with HUG and Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River. Probably in September or October.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director, NUUF
On Thursday, August 1st, we geared up for the garage sale in Pine River, unpacking, sorting, organizing items, a task of several hours. Fortunately for us, the weather has been absolutely beautiful, a little breeze, sunshine, and 70s. We had a garage full of tables for clothing in all sizes for children and adults, and three tables outside with household items and a few of pieces of furniture. On Friday we opened at 8 and ran until about 5. Since this was part of the city-wide sales, and we had advertising through the Chamber of Commerce in all the local papers, there was a steady stream of visitors all day long. On Saturday, again opening at 8, traffic was steady but lighter. At the end we sold out of nearly everything, reduced our clothing items by a large amount, and made a respectable amount of money for our project. All in all, a real success! Thanks to all the donors of items and to all the helpers, who will be acknowledged more formally very soon.
Next up is the anniversary picnic on August 10, which will conclude our August events. There will be a notice in the papers to all current and past members. Hope to see many there to celebrate 30 years!
Plans are afoot to have a showing of "Gasland", hopefully co-sponsoring with HUG and Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River. Probably in September or October.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director, NUUF
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Post 9
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, July 28, 2013
Brainerd/Pine River MN
This week we are preparing for the Garage Sale, Friday and maybe Saturday, here in Pine River at Mary's house, 618 3rd St N. Set up day will be Thursday. Let's hope for a clear warmish day! It has been in the 50s and 60s the last few days.
A couple of items to report. The book Anton Treuer brought to facebook attention is called Indian Nations of North America, a National Geographic production, for which he contributed the chapter on native people of the Northeastern region. Illustrated as NG is famous for, the history and culture of our local Ojibwe is part of this survey over the whole area from the Atlantic coast inland to the Great Lakes. We are happy to include this wonderful book in the Travelin Truth Telling Tour of books on and by native American authors. The Tour will be at the Union Church in Hackensack through the month of August, with books on loan during that time.
News from Elsewhere: The Unitarian Church of Underwood is holding a workshop on November 9, "Building Stronger UU Congregations." Ian Evison from Mid-America Region will be on hand to meet with participants, and other topics, shared best practices, problem solving, and celebration, will be on the agenda. Contact person is Ellen Eastby, President, Unitarian Church of Underwood, 218-730-0803, eastofellen@hotmailcom. Save the date, and registration materials will be forthcoming. I had to look for Underwood; it is west of here (Pine River), over near Fergus Falls.
Have a wonderful week!
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, NUUF news director
Brainerd/Pine River MN
This week we are preparing for the Garage Sale, Friday and maybe Saturday, here in Pine River at Mary's house, 618 3rd St N. Set up day will be Thursday. Let's hope for a clear warmish day! It has been in the 50s and 60s the last few days.
A couple of items to report. The book Anton Treuer brought to facebook attention is called Indian Nations of North America, a National Geographic production, for which he contributed the chapter on native people of the Northeastern region. Illustrated as NG is famous for, the history and culture of our local Ojibwe is part of this survey over the whole area from the Atlantic coast inland to the Great Lakes. We are happy to include this wonderful book in the Travelin Truth Telling Tour of books on and by native American authors. The Tour will be at the Union Church in Hackensack through the month of August, with books on loan during that time.
News from Elsewhere: The Unitarian Church of Underwood is holding a workshop on November 9, "Building Stronger UU Congregations." Ian Evison from Mid-America Region will be on hand to meet with participants, and other topics, shared best practices, problem solving, and celebration, will be on the agenda. Contact person is Ellen Eastby, President, Unitarian Church of Underwood, 218-730-0803, eastofellen@hotmailcom. Save the date, and registration materials will be forthcoming. I had to look for Underwood; it is west of here (Pine River), over near Fergus Falls.
Have a wonderful week!
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, NUUF news director
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Post 8
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, July 21, 2013
Picnic at the Arboretum in Brainerd MN.
A few UU friends met for a picnic today, a gorgeous day in a beautiful place full of woods and flowers.....Discussion on a few topics included information on the KAXE ad running for the UUs of Virginia, Grand Rapids, and us, that we jointly sponsor; now all participants have been heard from and can submit checks........ We talked about the upcoming 30th anniversary picnic on August 10th, program planning, and details; invitations have gone out to past and present UUs. Completed surveys will give us some future direction for NUUF.
The other item discussed was the garage sale on August 2nd. A lot of donations have been made already, and if you have something to add, please call me at 218-587-2543. Melissa has some tables to share, and Barb and Mary will start setting up on August 1. Pat and Melissa plan to share some time as well. We hope this is a rousing success, as the proceeds are to be used to sponsor a native American speaker at the PR-B school in the fall!
Another title will be added to the TTTT (Travelin Truth Telling Tour) now in place at the Union Church in Hackensack. It is an Atlas of native tribes, compiled by Anton Treuer, which he advertised on facebook. More on this when it is reviewed.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
Picnic at the Arboretum in Brainerd MN.
A few UU friends met for a picnic today, a gorgeous day in a beautiful place full of woods and flowers.....Discussion on a few topics included information on the KAXE ad running for the UUs of Virginia, Grand Rapids, and us, that we jointly sponsor; now all participants have been heard from and can submit checks........ We talked about the upcoming 30th anniversary picnic on August 10th, program planning, and details; invitations have gone out to past and present UUs. Completed surveys will give us some future direction for NUUF.
The other item discussed was the garage sale on August 2nd. A lot of donations have been made already, and if you have something to add, please call me at 218-587-2543. Melissa has some tables to share, and Barb and Mary will start setting up on August 1. Pat and Melissa plan to share some time as well. We hope this is a rousing success, as the proceeds are to be used to sponsor a native American speaker at the PR-B school in the fall!
Another title will be added to the TTTT (Travelin Truth Telling Tour) now in place at the Union Church in Hackensack. It is an Atlas of native tribes, compiled by Anton Treuer, which he advertised on facebook. More on this when it is reviewed.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News Director
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Post 7
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN 7/10/13
Planning meeting took place today at Mary's house, to discuss August events. The Picnic scheduled for July 20 has been rescheduled for the 21st, due to location crowding at the Arboretum in Brainerd. All other information remains the same, meet at noon, pot luck.
Garage sale at Mary's on August 2nd, during the citywide sales. Registration is providing us with advertising on the city map with location and hours, etc. We will start at 8am. Proceeds are to fund the native speaker for PR-B school in the fall. If you have items to donate we will feature them in the media. And thank you with appreciation!
Invitations to the 30th Anniversary Picnic on August 10 are in preparation. We will meet at the Lions Shelter, Pine River Dam Site at 11 - 2, pot luck. Swimming is available at the beach ( no life-guard). Welcome to past members, current members, and potential members on this remembrance day. Help us celebrate our liberal religion's commitment to peace, justice, friendship, and love.
Mary DeYoung, News Director
Planning meeting took place today at Mary's house, to discuss August events. The Picnic scheduled for July 20 has been rescheduled for the 21st, due to location crowding at the Arboretum in Brainerd. All other information remains the same, meet at noon, pot luck.
Garage sale at Mary's on August 2nd, during the citywide sales. Registration is providing us with advertising on the city map with location and hours, etc. We will start at 8am. Proceeds are to fund the native speaker for PR-B school in the fall. If you have items to donate we will feature them in the media. And thank you with appreciation!
Invitations to the 30th Anniversary Picnic on August 10 are in preparation. We will meet at the Lions Shelter, Pine River Dam Site at 11 - 2, pot luck. Swimming is available at the beach ( no life-guard). Welcome to past members, current members, and potential members on this remembrance day. Help us celebrate our liberal religion's commitment to peace, justice, friendship, and love.
Mary DeYoung, News Director
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Post 6
July 3, 2013 Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
A planning meeting will take place shortly to gather names and addresses for current and former members, to invite all to the 30th Anniversary Potluck Picnic for NUUF, on August 10. This will be held at the Lions Shelter in Pine River, next to the dam at the Dam Park, at noon. Tentatively scheduled for July 10, we will meet at Mary's house at 10am to go over lists from past years, and add people who have expressed interest, even if they never became actual members.
In addition, we are gathering items for the garage sale, to be held at Mary's on August 2. The application to participate in the city-wide sales is through the Pine River Chamber of Commerce with a $20 fee, and includes advertising on the city map of sale locations. This is our one and only fund-raiser for the year, and the proceeds will be used to fund the native speaker at the Pine River-Backus school in the fall. We are hoping for a great success with this!
Another addition to the TTTT collection of native American authors has been selected, this time House Made of Dawn, by N. Scott Momaday. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1969, a first novel about a young returning WWII veteran, who as a native American alienated from his home and roots is unable to fit into the life of the dominant culture. There are passages so beautiful in description about the relationship of the native culture with nature, as part of it, that there is no doubt of its' authenticity and truth. Highly recommended.
Mary DeYoung, News Director
A planning meeting will take place shortly to gather names and addresses for current and former members, to invite all to the 30th Anniversary Potluck Picnic for NUUF, on August 10. This will be held at the Lions Shelter in Pine River, next to the dam at the Dam Park, at noon. Tentatively scheduled for July 10, we will meet at Mary's house at 10am to go over lists from past years, and add people who have expressed interest, even if they never became actual members.
In addition, we are gathering items for the garage sale, to be held at Mary's on August 2. The application to participate in the city-wide sales is through the Pine River Chamber of Commerce with a $20 fee, and includes advertising on the city map of sale locations. This is our one and only fund-raiser for the year, and the proceeds will be used to fund the native speaker at the Pine River-Backus school in the fall. We are hoping for a great success with this!
Another addition to the TTTT collection of native American authors has been selected, this time House Made of Dawn, by N. Scott Momaday. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1969, a first novel about a young returning WWII veteran, who as a native American alienated from his home and roots is unable to fit into the life of the dominant culture. There are passages so beautiful in description about the relationship of the native culture with nature, as part of it, that there is no doubt of its' authenticity and truth. Highly recommended.
Mary DeYoung, News Director
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Post 5
Northwoods UU Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
June 25, 2013
Greetings, UUs and fellowtravelers:
Our last meeting was a picnic on the 16th, in the park in Pine River, across the dam. It did turn out to be a gorgeous day for once, clear, and just warm enough. Since we are on the summer schedule, and not much is going on, there are a few items to report. In July, there is a picnic planned for the 20th at the Arboretum in Brainerd, at noon. Hopefully members in Brainerd can attend, as it is not always easy to make the trip out of town.
The newsletter is in preparation, and items should be sent along to Mary for inclusion. I have a couple of notices sent out by Anton Treuer that may be of interest. First there is a new book coming out with children's stories written in Anishiinabe, called Naadmaading; there are several native speakers contributing to this, including Anton. It will be available at Louise Erdrich's bookstore, Birchbark Books and Native Arts, in Minneapolis and online, soon. I do not have a price yet. Secondly, he announced that there will be an Ojibwe Language and Culture Camp for high school students from July 23-27, set up by BSU. The application deadline is July 12. There is a fee, also scholarships are available.
Contact person is Angie Gora, agors@bemidjistate.edu, or 218-755-2851. If you know someone who might be interested, please pass along the info.
Also when this new book is available, I will get a copy for our TTTT collection,
(Traveling Truth Telling Tour), review it first, of course. I have also purchased a book by Gerald Vizenor called The Everlasting Sky: Voices of the Anishiinabe People, to be reviewed for the collection. He is currently a professor of Native American literature at the University of California, Berkeley. MN Historical Society Press, 2000.
The UUA General Assembly just concluded in Louisville, and passed a number of initiatives of interest for all of us on the environment, and other issues. More on this in the newsletter. A quick look notes support of an amendment to the Constitution saying Corporations are not people and Money is not speech; (hurray for that one!) Condemnation of the mass incarceration of young men of color by police; and divestment from the fossil fuel industry. (Again hurray hurray.) They did some good work.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director
Northwoods UU Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN
June 25, 2013
Greetings, UUs and fellowtravelers:
Our last meeting was a picnic on the 16th, in the park in Pine River, across the dam. It did turn out to be a gorgeous day for once, clear, and just warm enough. Since we are on the summer schedule, and not much is going on, there are a few items to report. In July, there is a picnic planned for the 20th at the Arboretum in Brainerd, at noon. Hopefully members in Brainerd can attend, as it is not always easy to make the trip out of town.
The newsletter is in preparation, and items should be sent along to Mary for inclusion. I have a couple of notices sent out by Anton Treuer that may be of interest. First there is a new book coming out with children's stories written in Anishiinabe, called Naadmaading; there are several native speakers contributing to this, including Anton. It will be available at Louise Erdrich's bookstore, Birchbark Books and Native Arts, in Minneapolis and online, soon. I do not have a price yet. Secondly, he announced that there will be an Ojibwe Language and Culture Camp for high school students from July 23-27, set up by BSU. The application deadline is July 12. There is a fee, also scholarships are available.
Contact person is Angie Gora, agors@bemidjistate.edu, or 218-755-2851. If you know someone who might be interested, please pass along the info.
Also when this new book is available, I will get a copy for our TTTT collection,
(Traveling Truth Telling Tour), review it first, of course. I have also purchased a book by Gerald Vizenor called The Everlasting Sky: Voices of the Anishiinabe People, to be reviewed for the collection. He is currently a professor of Native American literature at the University of California, Berkeley. MN Historical Society Press, 2000.
The UUA General Assembly just concluded in Louisville, and passed a number of initiatives of interest for all of us on the environment, and other issues. More on this in the newsletter. A quick look notes support of an amendment to the Constitution saying Corporations are not people and Money is not speech; (hurray for that one!) Condemnation of the mass incarceration of young men of color by police; and divestment from the fossil fuel industry. (Again hurray hurray.) They did some good work.
Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Post #4
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, June 11, 2013
A planning meeting was held on June 5th at Mary's house in Pine River. The summer and fall programs and activities were discussed and plans, even though details are tentative, were set out until January. The schedule is pretty much as follows:
June 16th, noon, picnic at Pine River park
July 20th, noon, picnic at Arboretum in Brainerd.
Aug. 2nd, garage sale at Mary's house in Pine River, to take advantage of the city-wide sales event all over town. Proceeds to fund native speaker for Pine River-Backus school.
Aug.10th, thirtieth year anniversary picnic at the Lion's Shelter, Pine River, 11-2.
For the fall, the first service in September on the 14th, will be the film Dirty Oil, at the library in Nisswa. On Sept. 28 or 29, followup discussion on Dirty Oil. Place to be decided.
Oct. 12/13 Native speaker
Oct. 26/27 Harvest and pumpkins
Nov. 9, UUSC at Nisswa, Pat Scott, leader
Nov. 23/24 Thanksgiving
Dec. 14/15 Atheists in MN, Alison, leader
Dec. 21, Solstice.
Updates will be posted, and also be available in the Newsletter, out shortly. In advance of the anniversary picnic, we will be sending out a survey to past members and others interested in UUs, to encourage participation in the fellowship of this liberal church.
Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
A planning meeting was held on June 5th at Mary's house in Pine River. The summer and fall programs and activities were discussed and plans, even though details are tentative, were set out until January. The schedule is pretty much as follows:
June 16th, noon, picnic at Pine River park
July 20th, noon, picnic at Arboretum in Brainerd.
Aug. 2nd, garage sale at Mary's house in Pine River, to take advantage of the city-wide sales event all over town. Proceeds to fund native speaker for Pine River-Backus school.
Aug.10th, thirtieth year anniversary picnic at the Lion's Shelter, Pine River, 11-2.
For the fall, the first service in September on the 14th, will be the film Dirty Oil, at the library in Nisswa. On Sept. 28 or 29, followup discussion on Dirty Oil. Place to be decided.
Oct. 12/13 Native speaker
Oct. 26/27 Harvest and pumpkins
Nov. 9, UUSC at Nisswa, Pat Scott, leader
Nov. 23/24 Thanksgiving
Dec. 14/15 Atheists in MN, Alison, leader
Dec. 21, Solstice.
Updates will be posted, and also be available in the Newsletter, out shortly. In advance of the anniversary picnic, we will be sending out a survey to past members and others interested in UUs, to encourage participation in the fellowship of this liberal church.
Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543
Friday, May 31, 2013
Post #3
Northwoods UU Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN May 31, 2013
This is an earlier post than planned, but since it is a real start for us participating in the religious column in the Pine River Journal, here is the article:
TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT
This is an earlier post than planned, but since it is a real start for us participating in the religious column in the Pine River Journal, here is the article:
TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT
Of the seven principles of the Unitarian Universalist Covenant, the first is the most difficult and demanding in understanding and practice. It says, "....we covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person."
...In light of the recent senseless bombings and loss of life in our country, it is hard to find within ourselves belief in the worth and dignity of perpetrators of such horrendous acts. How can we defend the notion that a bomber or torturer is such a person? How easy it is to dehumanize those responsible for acts of terror, how easy to say they have forfeited their worth and dignity by their inhuman acts.
...Yet, even in the face of their incredible wrongs, our principles stand. We must grapple with them, wrestle with them and let them guide us.
...Every person has value, every life is precious. This radical idea is the foundation of America; the heart of democracy means every person is important. If even in our terror and anger we continue to uphold life's value, terror has not defeated us.
Inherent worth is an ethical idea. Our principles are not statements of how the world is; rather they are statements of the world we are trying to create.
...So how do you find inherent worth in people who commit evil acts? We believe there is a spark of divine in each of us, and our religious purpose is to grow in love. We recognize people do evil things. But if you cast away your ethical commitment to the worth of a human being, you let them take away the basis of your ethics. All our principles urge us to value life; all life. Denying inherent worth is the first step in evil masquerading as good.
We tend to think of people as deliberately evil.Yet diverse factors, - prenatal alcohol exposure, mental illness, chemical addiction (for which there are genetic presidpositions), and brain injuries - have been linked to people who commit mass shootings and other vuilent crimes.
...Dr. Marsha Linehan, in her text "Dialectical Behavior Therapy Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder," suggests that dysfunctional behavior arises from the confluence of a baby's congenital emotional hardwiring and environmental invalidation. Could it be the "bad" behavior is much more complex than we thought?
...We like to think that we are fundamentally different from them, that we would never do evil. Yet how many people participated in the Holocaust? How many stood by and allowed it to happen? Or a thousand thousand other injustices that have occurred, that occur every day? Just as all of us have committed wrongs, all have inherent worth and dignity, even those who have committed heinous acts.
...What resources do Unitarian Universalists have to deal with human monsters? Belief in man's depravity allows us to feel all too good about snuffing out evil-doers or removing those who are problematical. Belief in worth and dignity of every person forces us to own our violence as evidence of our own failure in the quest for the divine.
...The first principle is really hard. As Rev. David Sargent has written, "It is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. It is not an affirmation that all people are good. But it is a call to make the world better by treating everyone with respect and trying to get others to do likewise, for the sake of all of us."
(Written by the members of the lay-led Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Mary DeYoung, former president.)
Monday, May 27, 2013
Post #2
Post #2 NUUF Brainerd/Pine River, MN
On May 25, NUUF met for service at the Legion in Nisswa; this was a comedy of errors that turned out just fine. The library, our usual meeting place, was locked, so we asked if we could use a room at the Legion, and they kindly gave us space.
Our program was presented by Amanda Schwarzkopf, coordinator/advocate for Sexual Assault Services in Brainerd. She shared information on sexual assault and human trafficking in MN, one of the leading states where this occurs in epidemic proportions. The FBI ranks MN as the nation's 13th largest center for human trafficking of children; between 8,000 and 12,000 women and children of all races are involved in prostitution on any given night. (source: US Dept of State.) There are local agencies working in a multidisciplinary approach to address these problems which encompasses runaways, the homeless, drug addicted, mental illnesses, and an array of problems culminating in this population of vulnerable people. For more information, contact Amanda at North Central MN STOP Coalition, Sexual Assault Services, at 218-828-0494, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 1-888-373-7888.
Here is a thought: The UU congregation in Bedford MA has developed a gun buyback program, along with the local police chief, with a small seed fund, paying$50 for unwanted/unused guns that might cause accidental shootings This was in response to the Newtown incident, and was modeled after other UU programs in New Jersey and elsewhere....
Our next meeting is on June 16, a Sunday, for a picnic in the Pine River park, pot luck....hopefully a sunny day....see you there!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Post #1, May 22, 2013
Greetings, Northwoods UUs and fellow travelers: this is the first message for this blog, to be continued on a schedule to be determined. This month's second NUUF May meeting has to do with Human Trafficking; Nisswa Library at 11am on Saturday, May 25, potluck lunch to follow.
Our Native American book tour is on loan at the Union Church in Hackensack for the summer. If you know of any good current books by Native American authors we should consider adding, please let us know.
We submitted a column recently to the Pine River Journal for inclusion on their religious page, on the First Principle of the UU Covenant. More on this when it appears.
First of the summer picnics is on June 16, noon at the park in Pine River.
Discussion on a 30th anniversary picnic is ongoing for possibly August 10. All old UUs will be contacted and invited!
Garage sale at Mary DeYoung's home is on for August 2. If you have items you would like to get rid of let us know....this is our only fundraiser planned for the year.
Brainerd LWV is sponsoring a speaker on 'A History of Protest in Minnesota' by Rhoda Gilman, at the Lord of Life Church on Thursday May 30 at 7pm.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News director
Our Native American book tour is on loan at the Union Church in Hackensack for the summer. If you know of any good current books by Native American authors we should consider adding, please let us know.
We submitted a column recently to the Pine River Journal for inclusion on their religious page, on the First Principle of the UU Covenant. More on this when it appears.
First of the summer picnics is on June 16, noon at the park in Pine River.
Discussion on a 30th anniversary picnic is ongoing for possibly August 10. All old UUs will be contacted and invited!
Garage sale at Mary DeYoung's home is on for August 2. If you have items you would like to get rid of let us know....this is our only fundraiser planned for the year.
Brainerd LWV is sponsoring a speaker on 'A History of Protest in Minnesota' by Rhoda Gilman, at the Lord of Life Church on Thursday May 30 at 7pm.
Submitted by Mary DeYoung, News director
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