NUUSletter
Newsletter of the Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Volume 13, Number 9 - March 2012
We Are a Welcoming Congregation
Upcoming Services
March 11 - 10 am Rev. John McFadden & Dr. Susan McFadden
March 25 - 10 am Rev. Dr. Bobbie Groth: Change, Chains—Charge! The Spirituality of Life Passages
April 8 - 10 am Dennis Hawk Kirtan
April 22 - 10 am Rev. Dr. Bobbie Groth
Events
March 31 - 6 pm Passover Seder Dinner at NUUF
Adult R.E.
March 4 - 10 am Masada—Herod’s Desert Palace and the Siege, Flavius Josephus and the Mass Sicide
March 18 - 10 am The Second Jewish Revolt against the Romans, Roman Jerusalem—Hadrian’s Aelia Capitolina
April 1 - 10 am Christian Emperors and the Pilgrimage Sites, Judaism and Synagogues under Christian Rule
April 15 - 10 am Islam’s Transformation of Jerusalem, What an How Archaeology Reveals
Message from the President
Last month, we reported 76 members to the UUA for the annual national census. We actually have 78 members, but two hold dual membership and the other congregation reports them. That number is important because that it’s the basis for how much we pay the UUA in dues ($58/member) and CmWD in dues ($12/member). So it’s important we get the number as accurate as possible. It’s also important for you to remember when thinking about your annual pledge that $70 of those funds go for national and district activities, not NUUF. OOOPS! Sorry, I’m talking money again.
We welcomed three new members to the congregation last month with the new member ceremony and dinner. I think Barb, Karin and Rich will be great additions to the congregation as they settle in and find their place in our community. If you haven’t had a chance to introduce yourself and talk to them yet, I encourage you to do so.
Last year, we had 77 members at this time. An increase of one doesn’t sound like much, but when you consider we had a number folks moving out of the area even a small increase is meaningful. A friend of mine, a long-time UU minister and retired Dean of Students at Meadville-Lombard, one of the two UU seminaries, has commented that just replacing ourselves in this day and age is an accomplishment. Most mainline Protestant churches continue to lose significant numbers of members. While the US population continues to grow, the population of the Northwoods remain largely stable. So, we are holding our own and just a bit more. Sure, I’d love to see us with 80 or 85 or 90 members, but I’m not disappointed in the least to be stable and up just a tick.
So, how have we done this and how to build on it?
• At the November 2010 retreat we talked about putting our resources into more publicity and better ads to raise our public visibility. And we have done that. I sometimes get calls or emails from folks who have seen our ads and who have questions. I don't know if any of those inquiries have turned into new members yet, but it takes time.
• Twice a year, I get to write a piece for the Lakeland Times Faith and Values column. The piece I wrote last summer was the catalyst for one of our newest members to brave walking through our doors for the first time.
• I was certainly pleased to see all the local coverage we got for our MLK Day celebration in January. And as many of you noticed, the Lakeland Times changed my name to Mary Bell. Gotta love the Times. But we were the big story, front page above the fold. That's good stuff. It was just great to see the event on a local electronic bulletin board!
• Recently, the Board voted to join the Minocqua and Lac du Flambeau Chambers of Commerce. This gives us numerous other opportunities to increase our visibility in the community at a very modest cost.
• Our web site also heightens our visibility. Members may not use it that much, but I can tell you that visitors certainly do. One of our newest members had been going to Wausau, but did a search of the web and found us. I get inquiries all the time from folks who have visited the web site.
Much work has gone into this increased, positive visibility and I thank all who have worked on it, particularly the publicity committee and web master.
But do you know how most new members find us? Through friends who are already members here. Yes, lots of folks visit our web site. But what most likely brings them through our doors is the encouragement of you. You are the best recruiter of all. Think about how you found NUUF and it may well have been via a member. So, now it’s time to pass on the favor and invite someone you know, who you think shares our values, to come check us out.
And let’s think about how we take that next step in building membership numbers. Do we run ads this summer and issue press releases about our Children RE program? Do we have a “bring a friend” Sunday, with a service specifically designed with visitors in mind? Do we revisit calling a minister? As always, your thoughts and ideas are welcome. —Elinore
Annual Pledge Drive
As many of you already know, the annual pledge drive is upon us. The Finance Committee is in the process of developing the budget for 2012-2013, having presented the operating committees’ requests for the next fiscal year at our first annual “Pledge Drive Kickoff Potluck” luncheon on February 12.
What remains now is to determine whether we will have sufficient income to meet our goals. While we do get income from our Sunday morning collections, renting our facilities to Nicolet College for conducting yoga classes and the occasional fund raiser, well over 90% of our income comes from the members, associates and friends who pledge their annual support. It is by far the most reliable income source we have. The Finance Committee will soon be mailing out the pledge cards to members and associates as well as to friends who have previously made pledges. If you are a friend who has not pledged to our fellowship but find that you are in sympathy with our principles and that we provide a meaningful place in your life and would like to support our efforts to provide you a place for your spiritual journey as well as our efforts to have a positive impact on our community, please contact the committee chair, Alan VanRaalte at vanraalte@klinktech.net and ask for a pledge card.
The NUUF Finance Committee
Power Shop for a Cause
This would be a good time to purchase items for donation, since you can find deep discounts currently on offer at department stores. Warm blankets and comforters and children’s winter outerwear and boots are particularly in demand. Save your receipts for the charitable giving tax deduction. They are collecting year-round in preparation for the next cold weather season. The program operates 100% on a donation basis and serves folks from four counties. They do not support overhead or pay an administrator. Laurie Figueroa will collect your donated items and get them to the right place.
The Joy of Cooking NATH Dinners
On Sunday, February 26, my friend Diane, myself, and Cathy Peterson, made dinner for the 15 residents at Frederick Place (and ourselves). We served White Chicken Chili, cornbread, a tossed green salad, and fruit fluff. Laurie and Sophia stopped by to eat with us, too. We also brought along Monday’s meal—pulled pork with BBQ sauce, buns, another tossed salad, and Cathy made brownies to go with that.
At the January 22 meal, Candace and Judi made Chicken with Brown Rice and Cranberry Cobbler for dessert and Patty made lasagna for Monday’s meal.
Facing Aging Talk and Luncheon
The Pastime Club Adult Day Center will host John and Susan McFadden on March 10 at 10:30 a.m. for a luncheon and talk, titled Friendship & Community in an Aging Society. The luncheon will be held at Reulands Catering at AmericInn, Minocqua $10 admission; everyone is welcome to attend. Learn about the many forms of dementia, treatments, and how people can retain and even create meaningful relationships throughout the course of dementia. The McFaddens, who are also presenting our service on March 11, are the authors of the book, Aging Together: Dementia, Friendship & Flourishing Communities.
RSVP to the Pastime Club Adult Day Center by email: pastimes2007@yahoo.com or call 715-358-3404. www.pastimeclub.org
Clarence Darrow (almost) Live
UUWausau will be the scene of a theatrical performance on the life of Clarence Darrow, “Naked Darrow.” Darrow is known for his legal work for unions, against capital punishment, and in defense of the teaching of evolution in public schools. This biographical piece also explores his struggle with dementia at the end of his life.
Performances on March 9 and 10 at 7:30 pm and March 11 at 2 pm. Special reception with Darrow 6:30 pm before the opening show (Friday, March 9) At: First Universalist Unitarian Church of Wausau, 504 Grant Street / 715-842-3697. For Mature audiences. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door / $25 for March 9 Special Reception.
Passover Service and Seder Dinner
Please join us at the Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Saturday, March 31, 6 p.m.
Help us celebrate the liberation of the Western world, complete with the story and songs of Moses and The Exodus, accompanied with traditional foods: unleavened bread, horseradish, chicken soup with matzah balls, gefite fish, and all the trimmings. Sponsored by the NUUF for the past fifteen years and directed by Jerry and Tara Woolpy this is an invitation to everyone.
Join us completely free of charge. Let us know how many in your party and RSVP: jerryw@earlham.edu
Vegetarian Recipe Corner
Moroccan Tagine
Hearty and slightly sweet. 6 Servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (14 ounce) can vegetable broth
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 dash cayenne pepper
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken, onion, and garlic about 15 minutes, until browned. Mix the squash, garbanzo beans, carrot, tomatoes with juice, broth, sugar, and lemon juice into the skillet. Season with salt, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, and continue cooking 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
Variations: The original recipe called for chicken, but it’s delicious without. One of the many times I’ve made this, I used a leek rather than onion and it was wonderful.
Nutrition Facts: Per Serving — Calories: 265; Total Fat: 4.3g; Cholesterol: 20mg.
Please send your favorite vegetarian recipe to
bickner@gmx.com, and I’ll try to include it in a
future NUUSletter.
Milestones
03-02 Tom & Elinore Sommerfeld
03-02 Jan Anderson
03-09 Tony Zoars
03-10 Iris Linder
03-11 Ed Semon
03-12 Dick Fields
03-12 Nancy Junkermann
03-12 Sally Back
03-13 Charles Reed
03-13 Dick Pantalone
03-19 Kayla Norris
03-21 John Viste & Elaine Strite
03-22 Sophie Singleton
03-22 Connie Downey
03-23 Lara Tenório
03-23 Jason Orloff
03-24 Sally O'Brien
03-24 Dan Rondello
03-27 Terry Hoyt
03-29 Pat Bickner
03-29 Sophia Figueroa
04-03 Tara Reed
04-08 Joyce Barnes
04-13 Steven Cyra
04-13 Trish Kirk
04-14 Joe Strauss
04-14 Jessica Reupert
04-15 Laurie & Nestor Figueroa
04-16 Doris Eberlein
04-19 Tony Dallapiazza
04-20 Aaron Rusak
04-20 Matthew Rusak
04-22 Stephanie Perkins & Gary Pajonk
04-23 Barbara Logan
04-23 Paul & Betty Frisbie
04-28 Annamarie Beckel
Please send errors or omissions to bickner@gmx.com
NUUF and NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
P.O. Box 1881
Woodruff, WI 54568-1881
https://nuuf.com/joomla4
Elinore Sommerfeld, President
715-385-2407
esommerf@aol.com
The NUUSLetter is published monthly.
Next Deadline: March 27, 2012 Please send submissions to Pat Bickner at bickner@gmx.com.
For distribution of announcements between newsletters or email/address corrections, contact Candy Sorensen at sorencan@yahoo.com.