Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth

Unitarian Universalist News of the Twin Ports 

November, 2006 

Sunday Services for November 2006 

9:00 am to 10:00 am First Service 10:00 am to 11:00 am Fellowship and Music Rehearsals 

11:00 am to 12:00 noon Second Service and Religious Education for Youth 

(Sunday School) for Pre-K through Eighth Grade Nursery offered during both services 

Sunday, November 5 – “In Support of Free Association and How It Makes Us Closer” 

The Rev. Michael Nelson, Minister UU Fellowship of Manhatten, Kansas and Consulting Minister 

to the UU Fellowship of Salina Kansas and Co-Chair of SCORE 

(Southern Cluster Outreach and Extension Ministry). 

Congregational polity is one of the central tenets of Unitarian Universalism. In contrast to hierarchical governance, 

congregational polity allows each congregation to own its own property, call and ordain its own ministers AND to enter into 

free association with other congregations. Free association means that we are not compelled to associate ourselves with other 

UU congregations but that we recognize the value of sharing our resources so that we may all benefit from the gifts of this 

important faith tradition. We have invited representatives from the small congregations in our region to come to to hear how 

the small Fellowships of the Southern part of our Prairie Star District have with the support of the congregation and the Prairie 

Star District Board, created a ministry that is supporting the growth of Unitarian Universalism. Can we help this happen for 

the northern cluster of small congregations? 

Sunday, November 12 – “Supporting Right Relationship and the Language of Reverence Part I” 

Rev. Karen Gustafson 

This will be the first of two sermons in November that will look at how we talk about what we believe in the context of a 

pluralistic faith community and how the language that we use and accept from others advances or inhibits a “free and 

responsible search for truth and meaning” and affects our ability to remain in “right relationship.” 

Sunday, November 19 – “A Harvest of Gratitude” 

Rev. Karen Gustafson and congregation 

This is our annual celebration of thanks giving. We are privileged in so many ways. This is our annual opportunity to give 

thanks and give back. Please come with non-perishable food items and cash for the CHUM food shelf and expressions of thanks 

to be offered during the service. In preparation for this service you are invited to think deeply and carefully about the blessings 

in your life and accept this opportunity to share with an open heart into the open hearts of each other. 

Sunday, November 26 – “Right Relationship and a Language of Reverence, Part II” 

Rev. Karen Gustafson 

Article Page Article Page Article Page 

Dear Ones 2 UU Young Adults 8 Simple Living 12 

Under Construction 3 Music Notes 8 CHUM Assembly 13 

Board Report 4 About Our Name 9 Transition Council 14 

Staffing for Growth 5 Welcoming Congregation News 10 Deep Appreciation 14 

Green Corner 6 Women's Moon Group 10 First Lesson (poem) 14 

Caring Corner 6 Distributive Justice 11 Canvass Update 14 

RE News 7 Pooley Bookstore 11 Book Club 15 

YRUU 8 Forums for November 12 Nov Calendar/Bake & Craft Sale insert 

November 2006 

Dear ones, 

145 West Winona Street Duluth, MN 55803 218/ 724-0308 http://www.UUDuluth.org



In mid October I made my semi annual trek to to serve with the Mid-West Regional Sub-Committee on 

Candidacy. For seminary students aspiring to become Unitarian Universalist ministers, an interview with this 

committee is the first of a number of steps in the credentialing process. It is the job of this body, made up of 

four ministers and three lay people, to review students’ career assessments, essays on ministry, academic work, 

personal history etc in an attempt to help students to make the most of their education and, in some cases, to 

counsel them to take a different career path. If their paper work and their interviews present clear ministry 

potential, we make a few observations and declare them to be candidates for the UU ministry. If we are unclear 

about some aspects of their potential, have some difficulty imagining them as able to withstand the rigors of 

ministry, we delay candidacy, make some serious recommendations and ask that they come back to see us 

when those recommendations have been addressed. 

One of the things we ask them to do is to give us their “elevator speech,” how they would define Unitarian 

Universalism in the time it takes to ride three floors in an elevator. I can say that most of the time I am 

inspired by the thoughtful way in which they describe our shared religious tradition. 

Here is a sampling of UU elevator speeches taken from the UU World magazine. 

In Unitarian Universalist congregations, we gather in community to support our individual spiritual 

journeys. We trust that openness to one another's experiences will enhance our understanding of our own links 

with the divine, with our history, and with one another. — Rev. Jonalu Johnstone, Oklahoma City, OK 

We believe that your spiritual life is personal -- a relationship between the individual and deity, 

however you define it. Rather than choose your path for you, we provide a safe place for you to discover and 

pursue your own path. — Lyn Worthen, Salt Lake City, UT 

Unitarian Universalists believe that all life is sacred, all existence is interconnected, and that justice 

and compassion must be the foundation of our thoughts and deeds. — Ann Creech, Roswell, GA 

Most Unitarian Universalists believe that nobody has a monopoly on all truth, or ultimate proof of 

the truth of everything in any one belief. Therefore, one's own truth is unprovable, as is that of others. 

Consequently, we should respect the beliefs of others, as well as their right to hold those beliefs. Conversely, 

we expect that others should respect our right to our own beliefs. Several UU's then, would likely hold as many 

different beliefs. Other beliefs they may hold in common are a respect for others, for nature, and for common 

decency, leading to a particular caring for the poor, the weak and the downtrodden. As a result, issues of 

justice, including social justice are held in common among most. — Gene Douglas, Harrah, OK 

If our congregation is to grow, we all need to be able to articulate who we are and what we stand for. You don’t 

need to be an aspiring minister for this to be important. Do you have an elevator speech? If not, please 

consider framing one for yourself. 

Happy autumn. 

Love, 

Karen 

Under Construction 

A column to answer questions about our new home 




We’re Learning… 

One thing your Task Force (TF) has learned during this process of building a new home for our spiritual 

community is to avoid leading all you to believe that decisions are absolute. A recent example was the building 

footprint. Initially we had our new building all over the College Street hillside. Then when we REALLY 

thought we had figured out the exact position, we had our minds changed for multiple reasons and moved it 

west, seemingly at the 11 th hour. The decision, however, was not made lightly. It was made with the “big 

picture” in mind. 

What you need to realize is that the TF is learning new things every day from subcontractors, city engineers, 

and the State of Minnesota that affect what we may and may not do on our site. Sometimes rapid changes 

make it difficult to keep you informed. We never intentionally withhold information to “get something past 

you.” 

A more recent example we learned is that we cannot connect to city sewer directly across College Street. We 

have to use the Missouri Avenue sewer line either at Chester Way or along College Street. Permitting could 

possibly delay construction until spring, but we have been assured by our architect that footings can be dug, 

poured and covered under pretty severe conditions. Our architect is also exploring the option of using preconstructed 

concrete walls (manufactured locally) which can be used any time of year. We’ll have to remain 

flexible. 

The TF welcomes your ideas and your concerns. But please, we need to know and we need to know in a timely 

manner so that we have enough time to implement changes. Don’t suffer in silence. We recommend that you 

contact any TF member. That TF member will weigh your idea/concern and either handle it directly with you 

or place it on a Monday TF meeting agenda. Folks bringing concerns will be expected to participate in a 

process to arrive at solutions. 

The TF strives to follow your vision for this beloved community as outlined in the Architectural Program 

Statement. We are doing our best to represent you. Remember, we are all volunteers and we are all in this 

together. Be respectful. Be responsible. Building is a creative process and is built on mutual trust. 

College Street Project Task Force members are Lori Bauman, Alisa DeRider, John Evans, Ann Fryberger, 

Richard Fryberger, Warren High, Dave Stinson, Beth Travis-Betts, and Geiger Yount. Please call us if you have ideas or concerns. 

AN OPEN INVITATION TO BECOME A MEMBER OF FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH 

New members will be welcomed into membership in our congregation during the 11:00 service on Sun., Dec. 

3. Those who join will be recognized during a brief ceremony which includes signing the same book signed by 

all members since 1887. If you'd like to formally enter into membership at this time (or if you'd prefer to 

"sign the book" privately) please contact our Office Administrator, Kathy Stinnett (724-0308). If you have 

questions or would like to further explore the significance of membership, contact our minister, Karen 

Gustafson (724-6084) or Molly Benson (724-2724). 

We respect the complexity of your decision should you choose to remain a "friend." Our activities and 

services are open to both members and friends alike. 

Board Report 

Your Board of Trustees met on September 26, 2006. Some of the items discussed 

or approved include: 




� Authorized some Special Program Fund requests 

� Discussed the YRUU access to the Special Program Fund 

� Discussed the “wants and needs” approach being used by the College Street Project Task Force 

� Received a status report regarding the congregational survey 

� Discussed the UUA Health Care benefit offering 

� Discussed the time line for the Operating Budget Canvas 

� Received a Building Fund Appeal status report 

� Discussed staffing for growth and follow up from retreat presentations 

� Discussed the time line for the organizational name forums 

� Discussed the timing of congregational feedback forums 

� Received an update on the Flu Pandemic educational offerings 

� Discussed and voted on the signature process for paying College Street Project invoices approved 

by the architect 

The Board is very interested in your suggestions, comments and concerns. Please feel free to call 

us or talk with us when you get a chance. 

Board of Trustees 

Please bring issues, compliments and complaints to any of the Board members. We welcome your input. Feel 

free to contact board members with questions, concerns, or compliments. 

President: Dan Burrows 728-2405 dburrows@d.umn.edu 

President-Elect: Ann Fryberger 525-3818 ann@thefrybergers.net 

Secretary: Katie Neff Dawson 721-3065 knd55803@cpinternet.com 

Treasurer: Paul Borrmann 525-5407 kdonn@cpinternet.com 

Administration Trustee: Bev Sturgis 525-1006 bsturgis@uwsuper.edu 

Membership Trustee: Dodie Bertilson 715/394-3902 dodie@chartermi.net 

Outreach Trustee: Paul Eckhardt 724-0820 paulxdoug@charter.net 

Worship, Religious Education and the Arts Trustee: 

Kathy Heltzer 724-3228 kheltzer@charter.net 

Planning Trustee: Malcolm McCutcheon 727-5842 mmccutch@chartermi.net 

WANTED: Volunteer Audio-Visual Technician 

To oversee the AV equipment in the church, train users of the 

equipment, help establish policies concerning equipment use, and help 

plan for future needs and uses of equipment by church programs and 

potential rentals as we think about life in our new building. 



Staffing for Growth 


I bet you've heard this phrase a few times if you've been to services lately. You likely are curious about the 

why and the when of this recent emphasis. If you attended the first budget hearing on Oct 1 you were given 

several handouts which detail numerically what this is all about. Read on for additional background and an 

overview perspective. 

Two groups of congregational members attended conferences this year. Several individuals went to the “Midsized 

Church Conference”, and several individuals, myself included, went to the “General Assembly”. The 

Board, the Program Council, and many of the individuals who attended the conferences recently spent four 

hours reviewing materials and discussing what they learned at the conferences. A common theme at both 

conferences was that those congregations that were most successful in improving program and growing in size 

restructured and added staff who were directly responsible for coordination, communication, program and 

growth. 

Our congregation has pledged strong support to move ahead with building at the College Street Site. This new 

building will give us room to grow our programs. We will have more space and more options for services, 

religious education, social justice programming, social events, transition events, and much more. The 

congregation has responded to this project with strong support and energy. We need to build on this energy in 

several important ways. 

Your Personnel Committee has worked hard on a “Staffing for Growth” proposal that would both add staff and 

restructure responsibilities. This proposal, I believe, will foster program and growth. This proposal provides 

salary and benefit plans that match UUA guidelines. We need to treat our employees responsibly, as we expect 

to be treated, and this proposal works towards that end. Copies of the proposed budget are available in the 

outer office counter top in the R. E. wing. 

A quick look at our budget shows that the bulk of the pledges you contribute to our congregation are used to 

provide salary and benefits for our paid staff. Your Operating Budget pledge for 2007, along with others, will 

determine whether we can proceed with this proposal. An important commitment our congregation should 

begin now is to plan for growth both in size and in our programs. The Staffing for Growth proposal is one of 

several steps that will help ensure our success as a congregation. 

Implementing the Staffing for Growth proposal will require increases in pledges. Packets have been mailed out 

with pledge materials inside. I ask you to review the chart that is labeled “Fair Share Giving Guide”. To succeed 

with this proposal we need many of you to take a “Leadership Level” perspective when making your pledge. 

Thank you for your support for our organization, whatever level you choose. We appreciate your financial 

support and value you as a part of our congregation. 

Yours in peace 

Dan Burrows 

Board President 



Green Corner 


By now you have probably heard that soil conditions and site lines along College Street have led to a shift in 

the initial footprint of the new building. The shift affects one of the unique features of the site: a pair of 

ephemeral ponds. Ephemeral ponds (also called spring ponds or vernal ponds) dry up each summer, making 

them ideal breeding grounds for certain macroinvertebrates (tiny critters) and some vertebrates, including frogs 

and salamanders. 

We never made a formal assessment of what was living there, so it is hard to say just what we are losing. The 

Green Sanctuary Committee has decided to try to save as much of the ponds as possible. The westernmost of 

the ponds will be expanded, and in places deepened, to give a range of conditions that will hopefully lead to a 

greater biological diversity. The muck soils of the pond will be preserved and will speed the process of 

recovery. The new pond will be visible from the driveway as people exit the church, and will change with the 

rhythm of the seasons. 

The Task Force, the architect, the contractors, and the Green Sanctuary Committee have worked together to 

preserve as much of the integrity of the original site as possible. Of course, the site has already seen its share 

of use and abuse over the years. We are working to minimize any further impacts. White and red pine trees, 

some of them planted as an Eagle Scout project, will be preserved and moved to the berm along College Street. 

Wood from the large white pine and perhaps black ash as well, “casualties of construction”, will be used on the 

site and in the building. With careful stewardship, the construction process can be the first step toward creating 

and maintaining a beautiful and ecologically sound natural sanctuary. 

Erik Hahn, for the Green Sanctuary Committee. 

CARING CORNER 

A BIG THANKS to all of you who have signed up for the Caring Committee. We hope we 

won’t be busy this year, but if the need is there, it is great to know that all of you are there as 

well! Didn’t sign up yet? Just give us a call! 

We have ordered several new books that will available to you in the church library: Life Prayers (for all stages 

in life), What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? (for use with children) and Talking About Death (also 

for use with children), Poems to live by in uncertain Times, and Who Will Remember Me? (elder care). 

We also have a wheel chair and walker available for short-term use. We can arrange for most sermons to be 

printed and mailed to anyone who cannot come to church. Assisted Hearing Devices are available for those 

who need them during services. 

Please continue to contact us, if a need occurs. We would also like to inform the Community about life 

changes, births, deaths, illnesses, so we can rejoice or comfort one another. 

Warren High 722-9409 and Julie Morgan 525-3220. 

CARING NOTES 

Condolences go out to Michelle Fitzgerald and family at the death of Michelle’s sister. Cathy Jo Fitzgerald. 

Cathy Jo died on September 18 th, after a month-long illness, from cancer. She lived in Prior Lake, Minnesota 

where she was a member of the Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Her husband, two 

children and other family members survive her. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS 




Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten & First Grades: 

We've gotten off to a good start. Our youngest of UUers are fortunate to have Peg Brown, Katie 

Sandell and Julie McDonnell as their teachers. Children are learning what it means to be responsible members 

of our congregation; they've taken tours of our church and identified our denominational symbol: the flaming 

chalice. 

Each and every child has an innate sense of awe and wonder: building upon this, your child is being 

taught that the Unitarian Universalist Church is a haven to safely explore bigger questions, i.e., a safe place to 

freely and responsibly search for truth and meaning. Be sure to marvel at the clay chalice fashioned by your 

little one's hands. 

Second & Third Grades: 

Your Second and Third Graders are fortunate to have Lori Bauman, Cindy Christian and Judy Gitar as 

their teachers sharing Judeo-Christian traditions. 

This past month, students were read the Biblical Creation Story and created seven corresponding 

drawings to match. They have also learned about the Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Lori 

Bauman read the story of Jonah and the Whale, which is significant to Yom Kippur. 

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grades: 

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Graders are currently learning about Islamic Traditions. 

This semester, Jennifer Ringdahl will be teaching your nine through twelve year olds about the Five Pillars of 

Islam. Students have also had a lesson on writing Asalam Alaikum, i.e., May Peace Be Upon You in Arabic 

Script. Next semester, Deb Johnson will be teaching the basic tenets of Buddhism. 

On October 29 th , RE students participated in a Halloween Party based upon the Seven UU Principles. 

They concocted UU Brew, fished Seven Principles Booklets from the Seven Seas and played Seven Principles 

Toss with bean bags sewn by our multitalented office administrator, Kathy Stinnett. 

LOOKING AHEAD: 

November 5, 10:00am: FLAMES REHEARSAL 

November19, 11:00am: HARVEST OF GRATITUDE (Intergenerational Service) 

FLAMES will sing 

December 3, 10:00am Look for UUlahoops at the Craft Sale! 

December 17, 11:00am SOLSTICE CELEBRATION 

December 24, 11:00am FAMILY CHRISTMAS SERVICE 

If You Are Leaving . . .If you are moving away from this our beloved community, we'd like an 

opportunity to bid you farewell. Please call Kathy at the church office and she will pass this 

information on to members and friends through the newsletter and Order of Service (unless you request 

otherwise). Also, please attend the Sunday service and stay for coffee hour on the third Sunday of the 

month before you leave. We have a tradition of designating this Sunday of each month as a time to say 

goodbye. 

YRUU 




On September 30, seven of our YRUU youth, along with Deb Johnson, participated in A Night 

Without a Home. Spending the night at Concordia Lutheran, UU Youth raised $448.00 and collected personal 

care items to benefit Project Homeless Connect. Youth Group leader, Brian Barber, stayed till the wee hours as 

well. 

Happenings over the course of the past month: 

•Heather Rappana and Shane Erickson facilitated a series of (truly fun!) community building activities 

•Brian Barber shared his phenomenal art and did an art lesson with youth group. 

•The youth group made UUlahoops with the intention of selling to raise funds (look for them soon at the 

Social Hall nearest you!) 

•On October 7, fourteen youth (chaperoned by Liz McPeek, Brian Barber, Tad Johnson, Kathy Heltzer, and 

Deb Johnson) participated in the YRUU Sleep Over Retreat at Janette Pollay Camp. There were meals shared, 

an impromptu talent show, an outdoor scavenger hunt, little sleep and lots of laughs. I have it on good 

authority there was waltzing around the campfire, truly bad jokes shared, and dance moves that Brian Barber 

had never seen before. 

FROM THE MOUTHS OF OUR YOUTH: 

Sleep in a Box made me realize there is nothing cool or fun to live like this: I was hungry and cold. One thing 

that made it easier was knowing that this was just for one night. It would be especially hard if I were alone. 

One of the speakers, Tyrone, who used to be homeless, spoke honestly and with a lot of emotion. He didn't 

sugar-coat his story. He brought to life for me the ugly reality of what it's like to be homeless. 

Owen Downs 

UU-YA! Gathering (UU Young Adults) 

The UU-YA’s will gather at Sir Ben’s on Thursday, November 9 th , at 7:00 pm. Children are welcome! UU- 

YA is a group of First Unitarian Church that focuses on the interests of young adult members and friends, ages 

20- to 30-something. We are age-centered, but not age-exclusive – please join us! Questions? Contact 

Heather or Shane at 525-4472. You can also check out or join our Yahoo! Group at 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/duluthuuya/ 

Drum Circle 

An open drum circle will be held in the church basement on Friday November 3 and the first 

Friday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. This is open to all ages and any skill level. 

Bring your drums, shakers or other percussion, bring friends and bring enthusiasm. This is a 

great way to close a busy week and start your weekend. 

For more information contact Bruce Holmen email: bholmen@chartermi.net 

Guidelines for Newsletter Submissions 

The newsletter for the First Unitarian Church of Duluth is produced monthly and released by the 1st of each month. It is 

available online at www.UUDuluth.org 

The deadline for newsletter submissions is the 17th of each month preceding publication. 

Priority will be given to items received on time; late submissions may not be included due to space constraints. Submissions should 

be directed to the Office Administrator. 

If at all possible, please email newsletter submissions (firstuu@cpinternet.com) rather than handwriting them or 

leaving a print copy in the church office. When emailing, please both embed and attach submissions, and write “Newsletter” 

in the subject heading. Be sure to include a contact name and phone number or email address. Please note that flyers for the 

newsletter with special artwork and/or formatting, that are submitted ready for print, must have a minimum of 1/2 inch margins on 

all sides. 

Music Notes 

October was brightened by some really great music offerings during Sunday services. What 




especially touched you? Consider thanking one of the many First UU musicians the next time you connect! 

Here's who helped make it happen in October: 

Maree Seitz, Joyce Kunz, Dan Burrows, the Choir, the Flames, director Cyndi Gritzmacher, Strings Attached, 

Paul Wartman, Molly Benson, Cins and Hell (Cyndi G., Hella Wartman, Cindy Edwardson)Tim Stratton (on 

the marimba no less!) 

The Choir and Flames will sing at the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Nov. 21 at Temple Israel. Watch for 

information in your order of service! 

Rehearsal Schedule for November: 

November 5 Flames 10 am 2 nd & 3 rd grade room 

Strings Attached 10:15 am Sanctuary 

8 Voice Group 8:30 am Sanctuary Loft 

November 8 Choir 7 pm Sanctuary 

November 12 Choir 10:15 am Sanctuary 

(No 8 Voice Group) 

November 15 Choir 7 pm Sanctuary 

November 19 Flames rehearsal 10:30 am Sanctuary 

Choir 10:15 am Sanctuary 

Flames 11 am Sanctuary (sing during service) 

8 Voice Group 12 noon Sanctuary 

November 21 Choir and Flames 7 pm Temple Israel - Interfaith Thanksgiving 

About Our Name 

There will be an open forum to discuss the name of our organization on November 5 at 12:15 

following the 11am service. Names suggested on October 22 are 

(in no particular order): 

Congregation of Lake Superior UUs Unitarian Church of Duluth First UU Church of Duluth 

Paper Birch UU Congregation UU Fellowship of Duluth First UU Congregation of Duluth 

UU Congregation of the White Pine UU White Pine Congregation First Unitarian Church of Duluth 

Spirit of the North UU Congregation of Duluth First Unitarian Congregation of Duluth 

Duluth Spiritual Growth and Action 

Community 

Duluth Spiritual Growth and Action 

Congregation 

UU Congregation of the Arrowhead 

UU Congregation of the Northern Waters UU Congregation of the Twin Ports UU Congregation of Lake Superior 

White Pine UU Congregation Lake Superior UU Lake Superior UU Community 

White Pine Meeting House UU Welcomeship Northshore Unitarian Universalist 

Congregation 

WELCOMING CONGREGATION NEWS 

Interested in Joining the Welcoming Congregation Committee?? 




We’d love to have you join us. Watch in the Sunday service brochure for the date of our next meeting. We are 

planning a busy year and would love to have some new members. Call Karen B. (525-4119) or Julie M. (525- 

3220) for more information, or just show up! 

What we’ve been up to: 

Members of the Welcoming Congregation and others from this church were involved in the following events 

in October. 

On the 2 nd , we participated, with SSL, in a discussion between the GLBTA community of district 6A and Rep. 

David Dill. Karen Gustafson facilitated the conversation. When all was said and done, an ad hoc group formed 

to write a bill that Rep. Dill will sponsor when the legislature convenes in January ’07. 

On the 7 th several UU-ers crossed the bridge to Superior to talk with residents about Wisconsin’s Marriage 

Amendment (on the ballot on Nov. 7) door to door. Many did not understand how this amendment would 

discriminate against families. They actually thanked us for coming! 

On the 8 th members of our church attended a service at Gloria Dei “Honoring Our Spirit Inviting All to the 

Table.” Karen Gustafson gave a great sermon “Do It With Love” and it was a great coming together of the 

faith/GLBTA community. 

What is coming up: 

November will be a quieter month for us. (Whew!) We will be keeping you informed about legislative issues. 

Be ready for action! 

OutFront Minnesota, our state’s GLBT advocacy group, is sponsoring training on December 9 th at Peace 

Church, from 11 am to 2 pm. Come and find out how you can work for civil rights for all. 

Hope to see you at our next meeting. 

Women’s Moon Group 

The Women’s Moon Group is meeting again and is open for all women to attend! The 

meetings consist of a ritual, socializing, spiritual growth, and fun. If you are interested or 

curious, come and join us for rituals near the full and new moons! 

November meeting dates are: 

Full Moon: Sunday, November 5 th from 5-7pm in the Youth Room at church 

New Moon: Monday, November 20 th from 7-9pm in the Youth Room at church 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Larissa at 218-348-7359 or 

larissa.schmitt@gmail.com 

Distributive Justice Youth Subcommittee Report 

October 1st saw about 12 people gathered in the Church basement for Circles of Support training 




presented by Maggie Kazel. There was no agenda delineating the objectives of the training. Each person had 

his/her own learning. For me, I had two new insights. First, some of what " white privilege" really means. 

Second, the fact that distributive justice is about how I relate to those different than I am, whether because of 

race, economic advantage, age, gender, etc. Circles of Support are imperative to keep all of us on track as 

we come to grips with distributive injustice. 

UU folks continue to be active in the Spirit Valley YWCA Young Mom's program. Rita Bergstedt, Ruth 

McCutcheon and Dawn Stevenson are offering Barbara Weller assistance with the parenting group. Rita B. is 

also offering cooking classes to the Moms. She recently arranged to buy a freezer for the program with 

money donated by the church. The Moms can then buy healthier food more economically. 

CURRENT NEEDS: The Moms are asking for lotions for their babies and themselves. (Please give new, 

unopened bottles). They can always use bath towels and sheets. One person is moving out soon and would like 

a full sized bed. If anyone has a blender or food processor collecting dust that would also be appreciated. 

It is expected that the parenting group and the cooking classes will continue. The Moms have voiced a big 

desire to be able to have a few baby free hours once a month. In order for this to happen, people would need 

to volunteer to provide child care or a ride to the Canal Park area. Your services would probably be needed 

twice a year. All are welcome to our meetings. If you can't make our meetings and would like to volunteer, 

please contact Barbara Weller at wellfran@msn.com. Thanks. Marg France 

From the Pooley Bookstore 

Expedition Home: Journey to Safety from Pandemic Influenza 

Karen suggested we have this book available in our bookstore. This is following up with Karen‘s September 24 

sermon: "Religious Community Responding to Community Crisis." We have five copies for sale at this time. 

Faith and Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience 

This is another book referred to in the above service. Karen HIGHLY recommended. We currently have 

three copies. 

Maggie Kazel (Distributive Justice and Circle of Support Training) suggested these two books: 

The Color of Water (We have two used copies for $2.00 each) 

Original Fire: Selected and New Poems by Louise Erdrich (powerful and grateful writing) 

New titles were added near the start of summer, so if you haven’t browsed the offerings, do so. 

Also, a HUGE order will be arriving any day now from the UUA Boston Bookstore with some "tried and true" 

Beacon Press and Skinner House selections, plus some new books to our shelves; among them you will find: 

The Universe Story by Brian Swimme, The Great Transformation by Karen Armstrong, Losing Moses on the 

Freeway (a Traci recommendation), The End of Faith by Sam Harris (a pretty "hot" book now). 

Come by and peruse the selections and if you want, share your ideas for new books. This is your 

bookstore. 

Submitted by Diana Moore 

Forums for November 

The forums are informal discussions about local and denominational issues of social justice. The forums are held on the first 

and third Sundays during the coffee hour between services. 




November 5 at 10:10 AM in the Board Room. Stand Up for the United Nations Human Rights Council. UUA General 

Assembly passed an Action of Immediate Witness resolution reaffirming our commitment to the United Nations Human 

Rights Council. Hal Bertilson will lead this discussion. 

November 15 at 7:00 PM in the Social Hall. How to Write Congress. 

A presentment conversation about the internal constraints and external barriers that keep many of us from following 

through with our impulses to let our legislators know about our wishes, desires, dreams and values. 

The example used will be the Prescription Drug Benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part “D”) as established in law by 

the Medicare Modernization Act. 

Any issue is welcome, although the focus will be on actionable input on public policy development. 

A presentment by David Ross Backstrand, Working as Citizen Disability Lobby to represent persons with disabilities 

on legislative issues. In cooperation with the Distributive Justice Committee and the Peace and Justice Committee. Curious? 

Contact David at 218-348-8023, or by e-mail at davidrings@hotmail.com. 

November 19 at 10:10 AM in the Board Room. Starfish Childrens' Fund. Each Sunday we pass the basket and give to 

the Starfish Children's Fund, but where is that fund of money going? Judy Gitar will give a report on how that fund is helping 

people in our community. 

Midwest Conference of Spiritual Progressives 

The Midwest Conference of Spiritual Progressives will be holding their conference on November 18 starting at 8:30 

AM at the Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Minneapolis. Rabbi Michael Lerner, in his book The Left Hand of 

God, has documented a vision of a society devoted to love, peace and justice instead of money and power. The conference will 

give participants a chance to hear Rabbi Lerner present his vision for a "new bottom line." The Rev. James Gertmenian and 

social activist Farheen Hakeem will offer two powerful voices from their own diverse spiritual perspectives. 

In the afternoon we'll join in conversation with local progressive thinkers representing the fields of education, health 

care, business, environmental concerns, and contemporary culture. They will explain how Michael Lerner's vision of a society 

based on love and compassion instead of money and power is coming to life in every aspect of our culture right now. The 

purpose of this gathering is to create and sustain a vision of hope for our common future, and to begin building a network of 

people working together to make the vision a reality. For more information contact Hal Bertilson at 

hbertils@uwsuper.edu or register at http://www.nspmn.org/registration 

Simple Living 

On Sunday, November 12, the Simple-Frugal-Responsible Living Group's speaker will be Shaye Moris, Executive 

Director of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. 

In 2005, 74% of households in the Northland reported income of less than $1,000 a month. The percentage 

of monthly income spent on rent or housing (average rural - metro 77% 50%) was 55% in the Northland. 

Everyone is welcome at our "meetings," and we're always looking for ideas on new speakers and meeting topics, so if 

you have one, please tell us! We'd more than welcome the thoughts of others along that line. 

Simple-Frugal-Responsible Living meets the second Sunday of each month, at 12:20, in the Youth Room at the 

Unitarian Universalist Church, at 145 West Winona Street. If you have questions, or want more details, call: Sally at 728- 

2546 or Duane at 525-6450. 

Sally Ann Keyes 

MsSallyAnn@AOL.com 

STICKY NOTES 



ENERGY ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAM 

The Energy Assistance Program helps 

low-income residents heat their homes 

throughout the winter by providing 

help and information needed to manage 

their fuel costs. To receive an 

application in the mail or further 

information, please call 1-800-662- 

5711 or (218) 749-2912. 


Thanks to all who are 

remembering to mark 

your checks 

“Operating Budget” 

CHUM COMMUNITY ASSEMBLY: A LEGISLATIVE AGENDA TO SUPPORT 

On Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 pm CHUM will hold its fall Community Assembly at First United 

Methodist Church (the Coppertop). Guest speaker will be Brian Rusche, executive director of the Joint 

Religious Legislative Coalition of Minnesota , who will highlight the issues facing the Legislature in 2007 and 

present JRLC's legislative agenda. Duluth-area state legislators are invited to the Community Assembly to 

join in discussion of the issues. The assembly will focus on the JRLC agenda points that have the most 

immediate impact on CHUM's work in Duluth. CHUM is an active member of the JRLC and CHUM staff, 

participants and delegates from its members congregations (like First UU) have taken part in JRLC's legislative 

visits and campaigns in the past. 

Members of our Distributive Justice subgroup on CHUM will be attending this meeting together, 

following a brief meeting (and eating) at La Maya Restaurant at 5:00 pm that day. Everyone is invited to join 

in the committee meeting or to meet us at the Coppertop. There will be coffee and goodies at 6:30 pm at the 

church providing a chance to visit with others before the actual event begins. 

Supporting CHUM is a commitment our congregation has made to provide both service and advocacy 

in response to pressing human needs in our community. Besides the Drop-In Center, Emergency Shelter and 

Food Shelf on First Avenue West, CHUM has developed an array of "stabilization services" needed 

by individuals and families to move beyond a state of emergency. These include a family shelter, a family 

advocate, a housing advocate, a nurse, a social worker, and a trained CD counselor (who provides street case 

management for chronic alcoholics). CHUM also provides advocacy to improve the opportunities for 

homeless and precariously housed people through its Gabriel Project, 

The Community Assembly will provide a great chance to learn more about the CHUM services we support and 

to take part in an important event in its role as an advocate for the poor and marginalized in our community 

and state. Join us! 

--the DJ subcommittee: Beth Tamminen, Kathy Heltzer, Tim Stratton, Dawn Bloom & Karen Gustafson 

Transition Council Charge 

145 West Winona Street Duluth, MN 55803 218/ 724-0308 http://www.UUDuluth.org 

or 

“Building Fund”



The Transition Council (TC) is a conduit that gathers, delegates, resolves and communicates issues related to 

the physical, emotional and spiritual move from the Winona Street location to the College Street location. 

The TC is dedicated to helping committees, staff, and congregation maintain the highest level of 

programming at Winona Street while facilitating thought and action towards improving and building 

programming at the College Street site. In this endeavor the TC will pro-actively help committees identify 

issues and prepare for processes and procedures likely to be needed at the College Street site. 

Transition Council members: Karen Gustafson, 724-6084; Karen Bauman, 525-4119; Dodie Bertilson,715- 

394-3902; Dan Burrows, 728-2405; Kathy Stinnett, 724-0308; Carol Turner, 724-0308; and Ann Fryberger, 

525-3818. 

Deep Appreciation 

Perhaps it's when you get sick and dependent that you fully realize how wonderful is our community of love. 

Well, I fully realize it now! Thanks for the out-pouring of love and concern; calls, visits and great dinners. 

They sent my spirits soaring and my recovery racing. 

With love and deep appreciation, 

John Langdon 

2007 Program & Operating Canvass Update Our October canvassing has 

wound down. Thanks to all who have contributed so 

generously toward our program goals. The next step is 

our second budget hearing: 

Sunday, November 12 th 

12:00 pm 

in the Sanctuary 

We will provide the status of the canvass and review 

the proposed 2007 budget for the second time. This 

review will be in preparation for the final budget 

hearing followed by the congregational vote on 

December 10 th First Lesson by Philip Booth 

Lie back, daughter, let your head 

be tipped back in the cup of my hand. 

Gently, and I will hold you. Spread 

your arms wide, lie out on the stream 

and look high at the gulls. A deadman's 

float is face down. You will dive 

and swim soon enough where this tidewater 

ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe 

me, when you tire on the long thrash 

to your island, lie up, and survive. 

As you float now, where I held you 

and let go, remember when fear 

cramps your heart what I told you: 

lie gently and wide to the light-year 

stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you. 

, also at 12:00 pm in the Sanctuary. 




UU PRETTY GOOD BOOK CLUB 

Open to all members and friends of First Unitarian of Duluth Meetings as listed 

below at 7:15 p.m. at First Unitarian (Living Room) 

Faithful Readers: In August the book club changed our regular meeting date from the fourth Tuesday of the 

month to the third Tuesday of the month because of conflicts with board meetings and holidays. In October 

we met the third Tuesday of the month on October 17. But wouldn’t you know that in November we already 

have to make a change back to the fourth Tuesday of the month so that we don’t conflict with the 

community Thanksgiving service! In December we will return to the third Tuesday of the month and hope to 

keep that day for future meetings. Sorry for all the changes and hope you are not totally confused. 

NOVEMBER BOOK -- The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, 7:15 on Tuesday, November 28, Living 

Room. From one of America’s iconic writers, a stunning book of electric honesty and passion. Joan Didion 

explores an intensely personal yet universal experience: a portrait of a marriage, and a life, in good times and 

bad that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child. 

Several days before Christmas 2003, John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion saw their only daughter, Quintana, 

fall ill with what seemed at first flu, then pneumonia, then complete septic shock. She was put into an induced 

coma and placed on life support. Days later, the night before New Year’s Eve, the Dunnes were just sitting 

down to dinner after visiting the hospital when John Gregory Dunne suffered a massive and fatal coronary. In 

a second, this close, symbiotic partnership of forty years was over. Four weeks later, their daughter pulled 

through. Two months after that, arriving at LAX, she collapsed and underwent six hours of brain surgery at 

UCLA Medical Center to relieve a massive hematoma. This powerful book is Didion’s attempt to make sense 

of the “weeks and then months that cut loose any fixed idea I ever had about death, about illness . . . about 

marriage and children and memory . . . about the shallowness 

of sanity, about life itself.” 

DECEMBER BOOK -- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston, 7:15 on Tuesday, 

December19. Of Thurston's fiction, Their Eyes Were Watching God is arguably the best-known and perhaps 

the most controversial. The novel follows the fortunes of Janie Crawford, a woman living in the black town of 

Eaton, Florida. Hurston sets up her characters and her locale in the first chapter, which, along with the last, 

acts as a framing device for the story of Janie's life. Unlike Wright and Ralph Ellison, Hurston does not write 

explicitly about black people in the context of a white world--a fact that earned her scathing criticism from 

the social realists--but she doesn't ignore the impact of black-white relations either: Hurston's use of dialect 

enraged other African American writers such as Wright, who accused her of pandering to white readers by 

giving them the black stereotypes they expected. Decades later, however, outrage has been replaced by 

admiration for her depictions of black life, and especially the lives of black women. In Their Eyes Were 

Watching God Zora Neale Thurston breathes humanity into both her men and women, and allows them to 

speak in their own voices. Review by Alix Wilber. 

For questions, concerns or complaints, you may contact Carol 

Michealson at 727-1754, or for questions Dodie Bertilson at 394-3902. 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Permit No. 264 

Duluth, MN 



First Unitarian Church 

145 West Winona St. 

Duluth, MN 55803 

A member of the Unitarian Universalist Association 

http://www.UUDuluth.org 

Return Service Requested 

Our Minister is Rev. Karen Johnson Gustafson. 

Office hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9:30-12 

Available for afternoon and evenings by appointment 

Phone: 724-6084; e-mail: knjgus@cpinternet.com 

Our Director of Religious Education is Carol Turner. 

Office hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10am-2pm 

Phone: 724-0308; e-mail: cgeot@msn.com 

Our Office Administrator is Kathy Stinnett. 

Hours: Mon. 8am-3pm; Tues. 12-6pm; Wed. 8am-3pm; Thurs. 8am-2pm; Fri. 8am-12. 

Phone: 724-0308; e-mail: firstuu@cpinternet.com 

The President of our Board of Trustees is Dan Burrows. 




Phone: (h) 728-2405 

e-mail: dburrows@d.umn.edu 


College Street Project Task Force 

Lori Bauman 525-4119; Alisa DeRider 721-3599; John Evans 722-1724; Warren High 722-9409; Ann & Richard Fryberger 

525-3818; Dave Stinson 724-4622; Beth Travis-Betts 525-6561; Geiger Yount 724-0652.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth

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