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
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