Post 30

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River  Feb.29, 2014

Greetings! the March Newsletter has just been completed, and I apologize for any shortcomings. I have been plagued by printer and computer problems for the whole month of February; now up and running and fingers crossed.

A couple of things; the PUC public meeting for comments on the Sandpiper proposal by Enbridge, is scheduled for March 12 at the PR-B school between 6 and 9pm. Local people who attended our gas/oil films and meetings earlier may wish to come and face these people in the flesh! The latest notices from PUC have Enbridge's whole plan, so you might want to research this ahead of time. Of course, they do not see anything wrong with going ahead, being concerned with the bottom line, always. They see no farther than their noses. Certainly not into the future when more leaks occur and more poisoning of the environment makes life untenable. Thanks to Barb Kaufman, who submitted a well reasoned letter to the editor on this topic recently.

And I did not have room to make comment on our workshop goals and plans, some of which are beginning to start up. Melissa and I met to discuss public relations, and need to develop a source page for newspaper and other media outlets, to use for disseminating information. Melissa and Pat are working on development of music programs by revising and updating the Songbook; Alison is contributing the player and some music, Melissa has purchased some CDs as well. We need to establish this in the budget as an ongoing expense. Also Melissa has started a resource page for the website, on which books and CDs and other items of interest can be listed for lending and program planning. I am sure that as we study the workshop plans, we will see some results develop for positive change and growth of our congregation.

The first of five meetings on food issues will be held on March 6th. This one features the film, The Greenhorns, about beginning farmers, and a discussion with a panel of speakers. At the HUG campus, and in partnership with Happy Dancing Turtle, there will be optional potlucks at 5:30, programs at 6. HDT is located just off Highway2 in Pine River, on the west side. Call for further information at 218-587-2303 or google www.happydancingturtle. org.

Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director NUUF

Post 29

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Branerd/Pine River, MN 2/23/14

 "Feast, Food, and Forum"...

Greetings! We have finally firmed up our plans for five food meetings, with our co-sponsor, Happy Dancing Turtle. As mentioned, we have a schedule to talk about food issues and sustainable food production for local people. To be held at the HUG campus in Pine River, with a potluck supper for those who wish to participate, there will be films, panels, and discussion. The topics and dates are as follows:

March 6: "The Greenhorns" and a panel of beginning farmers
March 20: Local foods and organic producers
April 3: Toxic Taters, and a panel discussion. About the use of chemicals in raising potato crops.
April 17: Bees, film and local beekeepers for discussion
May 1: GMOs; film featuring Jeffrey Smith, acclaimed author of "Seeds of Deception"

More details will be published as time goes on...

Schedules for March include March 8, with Arlene Jones talking about sustainable gardening, and March 29, when a panel of recovering mentally ill persons will talk about their experiences with services and what has helped or hindered their particular situations. To be held at the Nisswa library, 10:30 coffee, 11:00 service.

Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director 218-587-2543

Post 28

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Brainerd/Pine River MN 2/8/14

Greetings! A couple of items to report on today from this week's activity. On Wednesday, Barbara and Mary met with Happy Dancing Turtle folks, Quinn, Jim and Barb to discuss and plan for a series of programs on food issues. This will be a partnered series by NUUF and HDT. Topics will include: a potato panel; GMOs; local organic producers; bees; and young farmers. Dates were set up: March 6 and 20; April 3, 17; and May 1. These are Thursday nights, 5pm potluck dinner; 6pm, program. There will be films and speakers, either or both. We will help with publicity and other aspects as this is in development.

The other very exciting day was yesterday, Friday February 7th, when we met for a day-long workshop to set new goals for the coming year. This will be elaborated on later, via newsletter and website. But basically, we had the services of Barb Mann as facilitator, to help reexamine the mission statement, and set goals for the Fellowship, going back to the UU principles as the basis for programs and activities. Three main ideas were discussed and refined. Paraphrasing; One: practice a nurturing and stimulating format for gathering, to stretch our spiritual growth and strengthen our connections. Two: effectively serve as a catalyst in connecting with the broader community, acting on our principles and increasing our visibility. Three: grow our gathering body as a home for religious liberals. Tasks were assigned and dates for completion developed. Some very concrete 'how-to's' came out of this, concrete directions, which when set down on paper, illustrate a clearer road-map to achievement than we have had. More details will be forthcoming. This was a very inspiring way to look at our problems and figure out practical ways to address them. Many thanks to Barb Mann for guiding us through the process and making this work so rewarding!

Dates for meetings have been problematical. In February, the next date is Feb. 15, at the Nisswa Library. The Spirit of Life program will continue, from the UUA Tapestry series. Melissa will lead. March dates are being changed, so watch the newsletter and the blog for details.

Respectfully submitted, Mary DeYoung, News Director