UUFD Newsletter, April 2021

April 2021

Circle 'Round for Justice, Healing, Courage

Rev. Katie's Animas View

Dear Ones,

I have just registered for the 2021 General Assembly to be held virtually in June. Last year’s quickly organized online gathering of our faith movement proved to be an extremely valuable experience. This year, the whole Assembly will again be online and will offer an opportunity for more UUs to take advantage of the accessible venue.

Here’s the description of the event as presented on the UUA website:

General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. Although we give up the face-to-face interaction and hugs that are prevalent when we meet in-person, we retain our dedication to community and make our experience more accessible and more environmentally sustainable.

If you were considering attending, I’d love to talk with you. Our congregation is allowed four delegates to vote on business and the UUFD Board of Trustees may be able to pay for some of your registration if you serve this way. There is also other financial help available.

If we gather a team from UUFD to attend, we will be able to bring back programs and ideas to our congregation to serve our mission in our coming congregational year.

See here to learn more.

Always in the Love,

Rev. Katie

April Services (all services held online)

To join a Zoom worship, look for the link on the UUFD website. Need help learning to use Zoom? Try this video tutorial or this FAQ.

MARCH THEME: Becoming

April 4

The Willing Suspension of Disbelief

-Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris

Hallelujah, it’s Easter! What does that represent for us as Unitarian Universalists? Can we find miracles in this day? Wear your Easter bonnet.

April 11

Poetry and Not Theology

-Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris

Early 20^th century Unitarian minister John Haynes Holmes wrote, “When I Say God it is poetry and not theology.” Let us discover the language as April is Poetry Month. We’ll create our own haikus today.

April 18

The Earth is our Mother; We Will Take Care of Her

-Environmental Justice Team

As the climate crisis continues, we will address issues of appreciation for and stewardship of our one home.

April 25

The Virtue of Wu-Wei

-Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris

What does the world look like when we shift focus to the Taoist principle of non-striving? Can we be counter-cultural by taking it easy?

COVID

Message from K Redford, UUFD Board President

It has been a remarkable year in so many ways. While grateful for change in our national leadership that has allowed the recent progress made in fighting this terrible disease, I am so ready to be with people -- to see the smiles of friends and family and hug strangers on the street!

The board has established a COVID Task Force charged with making recommendations for the eventual opening of our UUFD campus. Guidelines from the CDC, San Juan Basin Health and UUA will be followed. The exact timeline will be determined by the progress of the virus and is therefore not totally predictable. We can be certain that we will be able to be together again inside our buildings– just not exactly when.

We can meet outside now, although you may need to bundle up or wait for a warm sunny day! Last fall the board passed a policy to allow limited, small group outdoor gatherings, and our staff established the procedures for reserving the outdoor spaces. The policy and procedures are still in effect. Reservations can be made through the UUFD office at 970.247.1004 or information@durangouu.org.

Restrictions will be relaxed as soon as possible. In the meantime, wear your mask, keep your distance, and get your shots as soon as you can. Stay Safe!

Easter Sunday Egg Hunt and Bingo

...virtual edition!

This Easter Sunday we will once again be exclusively on Zoom. In response, we will be reprising our virtual egg hunt and bingo for the children.

Members of the congregation will have colored eggs and other Easter items in their windows for children to search for. Find four in a row and it’s an Easter Bingo with prizes for all participants. Get your Bingo Card by clicking here.

Join us on Sunday, April 4 at 10:00. And parents…watch your mail boxes!

Should UUFD endorse the Carbon Fee and Dividend (CFD) Act?

Sense of congregation's desire needed

The impacts of climate change are real. In our area alone, we've seen the effects of years of drought, rising temperatures, increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, and so much more! With a new administration in Washington willing to face the challenges of climate change there is real potential for meaningful change.

The Citizen's Climate Lobby is a non-partisan regional, national and international grass-roots organization advocating for a Carbon Fee and Dividend Act. In a nutshell it works like this:

A fee is placed on carbon (oil, gas, coal) at the point of extraction, with that fee increasing annually until greenhouse gas emissions are substantially reduced. All of the revenues collected are returned to the American people in the form of a monthly dividend allowing consumers to meet rising costs, while businesses compete to reduce their carbon footprints.

In addition, a carbon border fee adjustment is placed on carbon-intensive goods that are either imported or exported. This will discourage businesses from relocating where they can pollute more, while encouraging other nations to join efforts to price carbon. Because the steady increase in fossil energy fees are predictable, it would incentivize investments and innovations in renewable energy technologies and foster the creation of new well-paying jobs in the clean energy market.

From a social and environmental justice perspective, low-income households would stand to benefit the most from a CF&D act. Wealthier households that tend to consume more, have a larger carbon footprint, and would incur the larger financial burden. Because all individuals receive equal dividend amounts, economically vulnerable households would be spared from bearing the brunt of decarbonizing the economy. The CF&D is revenue neutral, meaning that it doesn't grow the size of government, an appealing idea to conservatives and liberals alike. Successful climate action policy will be far more durable with bipartisan support.

More information can be found on the Citizens Climate Lobby website. Our local Durango chapter welcomes anyone who would like to learn more and lend a hand.

The EJT has endorsed this bill formally, but we would also like to endorse this as a church. In order to do this, we would need a “sense of the Congregation.” Many UU congregations have done this. Please take a look at the CCL website where you can find more detailed information about this action. At the Earth Day service, led by the EJT, we will conduct a straw poll to assess the Fellowship’s willingness to be an endorser of the CF&D Act.

We are burning brightly! Thank you!

2021 Pledge Campaign

Keep Our Chalice Burning Brightly has truly been a wholehearted pledge campaign. A great big thank you to everyone who participated in the Dazzle Drive-Through, including the Floozies and our own window washing brotherhood! Reverend Katie gifted everyone her new beautiful book, This Day in Recovery. Not only did people drop off their pledges, they also came by to chat and socialize - the beginning of a new year! If you have not done so yet, please mail in your pledge card to: UUFD, 419 San Juan Drive, Durango, CO 81301 to avoid follow-up phone calls. Thank you! Contact Kathleen or Sherrod with questions.

Immigration Reform

Social Responsibility and Justice (SRJ) Special Feature

The national news abounds about the challenges of our immigration system in the U.S. and its impact. Our UUFD Immigration Team is following the news closely and the efforts to address the difficulties and the opportunities. The team encourages each of us to be aware of these efforts and to contact our legislators to let them know your views about passage of important legislation.

The administration of President Biden has made their plan to manage Immigration more humanely and orderly. Recall that this is the first attempt by the Federal Government to address the entire U.S. Immigration Program since 1986 - it is an extremely complex issue! The bill is entitled the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. As a team we support this bill and its provision of hope for immigrants.

The bill provides an eight-year path to citizenship for most of the undocumented population, a border management approach that includes a focus on addressing root causes of migration from Central America, a series of legal immigration reforms, a number of humanitarian provisions and additional protections for immigrants at the worksite.

This bill establishes an expedited path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children (Dreamers). These individuals could be eligible for green cards immediately if they meet certain requirements. The bill would address the root causes of migration from Central America by implementing a "4-year strategy" to address violence, crime, poverty and economic instability in Central America.

The UUFD Immigration Team aids and supports immigration organizations in our community. Currently we are supporting a family of asylees from Cuba. If you would like to join our team, please contact Barry Devine by email at anzacsma@hotmail.com.

Ready to join a Covenant Group?

Groups offer spiritual and emotional connection

You know you’ve been thinking about it. Now is the time to join one of our most important ministries at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango.

What are Covenant Groups?

Covenant Groups are deep listening groups where topics are explored in a safe and intimate environment. As stated in our recently adopted new procedures, “Covenant Groups are intentional lay-led small groups that deepen and expand the ministry of the congregation. Covenant Groups offer the gifts of spiritual and emotional connection. We listen to each other. We listen to our lives. We listen to our deepest selves.”

Why are they called Covenant Groups?

As a covenantal faith, our UU covenant groups are guided by a covenant created by each group. The covenant states how members “will be” with each other and offers other guidelines.

What do Covenant Groups talk about?

The topics discussed are chosen by the groups themselves and range from small group ministry resources and books to Soul Matters themes. The Soul Matters themes are the monthly themes used in worship and in faith formation. These groups go deeper into the monthly theme.

How many people are in a Covenant Group?

Covenant Groups are comprised of at least six and no more than ten people. As a new person just joining the program you may choose to join an existing group with less than ten members or wait until a new group of six can be formed.

Who is eligible to be in a Covenant Group?

Groups are open to UUFD Members and Friends. The term Friends has been defined by our Membership Team and is understood to mean people who regularly attend worship, pledge and/or give service to the Fellowship.

How often do Covenant Groups meet?

Each group answers this question for themselves. Generally, groups meet once or twice a month for 90 minutes.

How long is the commitment? What if I wish to leave or change my group?

We ask that new members consider at least a year in their first Covenant Group. Annually, each Covenant Group members will be offered the option of staying in their group, trying a different group or leaving the program.

I’m ready to sign up, what do I need to do?

Fabulous! Just click here and we will get you started.

Can I give it a try without a commitment?

Yes! A Covenant Group Test Drive is being offered on Monday, April 19 at 6:00 MST. Click here to sign up.

Covenant Group Task Force clarifies procedures

New guidelines to support new and existing groups

In January 2021, under the leadership of Sara Sauter, Interim Director of Faith Formation at UUFD, a Covenant Group Task Force was established to create procedures for our Covenant Groups—intentional lay-led small groups that aim to deepen and expand the ministry of the congregation. The establishment of the Task Force was in response to the recognition that we lacked guidelines for these groups and that many UUFD members and friends were not familiar with the groups, although they have been in existence for many years.

Members of the Task Force—Nancy Burpee, Jill Bystydzienski, Nancy Fisher, Sheryl Guy, Julie Jordan, Laurie Meininger, and Sara Sauter—conducted research on small group ministries and resources, met five times on Zoom between January and March 2021, discussed what might be included in Covenant Group procedures, and collectively wrote the document that can be accessed here. It is the intention of the Task Force that the Covenant Groups Procedures serve two functions: 1) to provide more clarity to the congregation about Covenant Groups, and 2) to help those who are currently running Covenant Groups, or wish to establish new ones, consider how their groups can function effectively. The Procedures are not meant to be prescriptive; rather, they are offered as a flexible tool that group members can utilize to support group autonomy. The Procedures can be revised periodically as indicated in the Covenant Group Procedures Evaluation at the end of the document.

"Stories of Intersex and Faith"

Film showing coming this month

On April 16 at 6:30 p.m. UUFD will co-host with Fort Lewis College an online showing of the documentary film “Stories of Intersex and Faith.” This professionally produced film provides a window into the world of five intersex individuals who come out of the shadows to share their stories – secret surgeries, medical records withheld, questions of identity, family rejection and acceptance. Viewers meet doctors working to reform medical protocols, lawyers fighting for human rights protections, psychologists illuminating the trauma of medical standards of care, and religious leaders working to integrate scripture, science, and tradition. These stories of discovering and embracing their identities, especially in a context of faith, are deeply moving yet gentle, disarming, and perhaps immensely valuable at this particular time in American culture when many feel confused, conflicted, and contentious about sex and gender. Click here to watch the trailer and to register for the viewing.

"'Stories of Intersex and Faith' does an amazing job of both educating about a confusing medical condition and illuminating the religious questions surrounding these phenomena. My brain was wonderfully engaged and my spirit was deeply moved. I regard this as a ground breaking effort long overdue." –Dr. Timothy Johnson, MD, MPH, Medical Editor ABC News, Retired; Author, “Finding God in the Questions”

Time to grow new UUs in the Faith Formation Garden!

Summer children's Faith Formation moves outdoors

We need each other. And where better to greet old friends and make new ones than outdoors in the garden. With COVID restrictions (hopefully) soon to be eased, we are planning an all-ages summer faith formation program that will bring us together outside…in the garden.

Learning how to grow healthy food while learning to respect our earth is our goal. Working with Aline and John Schwob and John Redemske, we will create a raised bed garden on the church grounds. Watch your Friday emails for our progress and more information on new classes.

Owning Your Religious Past

New class helps UUs reconcile past and present faith

If you came to Unitarian Universalism from a different faith, you may be interested in our upcoming class, Owning Your Religious Past. This three-session, 90 minute class will take place on Mondays, April 19, 26 and May 3 at 6:30.

Many of us come to Unitarian Universalism from other religions; often there have been several stops along the path into our congregations. Some of us bring with them angry and unresolved feelings about experiences in other religious institutions, others have warm memories. Some move easily into an identity as a Unitarian Universalist; others experience a traumatic estrangement from family and from the center of their culture.

Because we are often more certain of what we left in another religion than what we bring forward from it, some tools are needed to help us make connections and bridges between our religious past and present. This class is designed to help UUs understand and reconcile their past faith with Unitarian Universalism. It is for longtime and life-long Unitarian Universalists and the very newest to our faith.

Enroll here.

Do you know of affordable local housing rentals?

Asylee family seeks housing

The asylee family living in Columbine house have been watching for rental opportunities, but affordable options are few. Please contact Liza Tregillus at lizatrig@gmail.com if you have ideas, know a family that might want live-in help with cleaning and/or child care, or a ranch that might need help in exchange for housing. ¡Gracias!

Your Caring Team is here and ready for you!

The Caring Team meets regularly every month with Rev. Katie. We urge you to contact any member of the team, should you have a question, a concern, or need assistance. We are: Rollie Butler, Sue Eberhardt, Lynn Griffith, Susan Koonce and Liza Tregillus. We can also be reached via email at caringteam@durangouu.org.

Sing with us!

Last chance to join virtual choir

LAST CHANCE to be part of this choir season’s virtual choir! We will provide training, encouragement, and lots of fun! Zoom rehearsals Wednesdays, April 14, 21 and 28, 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Contact Elizabeth, choir@durangouu.org.

Board Bullets

Report from Feb. 23, 2021 UUFD Board Meeting

Call to Order
Lit Chalice
Heard Opening Words
Read Board Covenant
Check-In Practice completed
Accepted by Consent
Board Meeting Minutes for January 2021
Membership Report
Faith Formation Report
Public Comment
Allison Anderson volunteered to work on post-COVID re-opening.
Steve Foster sought support for Black Student Alliance at Durango High School.
John Redemske spoke on behalf of members who want to develop a concept plan for a memorial garden at UUFD.
Minister’s Report
New log-on information for UUFD network was distributed.
Rev. Katie will participate in a UU forum to discuss her new book This Day in Recovery: 365 Meditations.
Treasurer’s Report
UUFD received Payroll Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness documentation that will be stored in church files.
UUFD is strong financially due to PPP forgiveness, property donation, and large annual pledges paid in full.
Finance Committee will consider another PPP draw.
Date for next FROLIC: Board agreed Fall 2021
There will be no FROLIC income for FY2021.
Stewardship Report
Chair Kathleen Adams reported difficulty in recruiting members for Stewardship Committee. She will ask Nominating/Leadership Development Committee to help identify potential committee members.
Pledge Campaign
Good collaboration among Stewardship Committee, Connections Coordinator, and Membership Team
Planning a “Dazzle Drive-Thru” to collect pledge cards
Board members encouraged to turn in pledge cards early
Sherrod Beall is Pledge Campaign Co-Chair.
Shannon Orndorff designed the brochure.
Asylee Family Request
Board approved request for asylee’s cousin to stay with the family in the Columbine House for one month.
Family is given notice to vacate Columbine House by May 1, 2021.
Healthy Congregations Committee (HCC) Follow-Up
Committee members approved by the Board include: Kathleen Adams, Sherrod Beall, Jim Brooke, Mary Hockett, and Laurie Meininger
Committee members will receive training in Healthy Congregations
COVID Planning Update
President read aloud from “UUA Guidance on Gathering In-Person When COVID-19 Subsides”
Board will charge a COVID Task Force to develop policy recommendations for the to Board consider on when and how to safely resume in-person gatherings at UUFD.
Mission/Vision
Board Member-At-Large John Redemske is gathering information from the congregation, staff, committee, and teams, which will be shared with wordsmiths to draft mission/vision statements for adoption by the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
Process Observation Report
Vice President Terri Reherman summarized what worked well during Board meeting and provided an opportunity to identify what could be improved about the meeting process.
Summary of Action Items
Secretary Teresa Jordan will email list of action items to Board members.
Memorial Garden
Board approved by consensus the development of a concept plan for a memorial garden at UUFD.
At least five (5) congregational members have agreed to work on a concept plan including: Judy Hayes, Barbara Hawn, Mary Hockett, John Redemske, and Aline Schwob.
Closing
No closing words due to overtime
Chalice extinguished