Volume 14, Number 2 – August 2012

We Are a Welcoming Congregation

Upcoming Services

August 12 - 10 am James Galasinski

August 26 - 10 am Mary Forrester

September 9 - 10 am Rev. Erv Teichmiller

September 23 - 10 am Rev. Phil Sweet

Events

Virtual Walk for Alzheimers, date TBD

August 11 - 7 pm Celia Faye Jazz Trio

Adult R.E.

August 5 - 10 am  Justice RE Days

August 19 - 10 am  Justice RE Days

A Note from the President

Time really flies. It’s hard to believe it is August already. The family has been to visit or we have been to see them. The lakes and forests have been explored. The BBQ grill and fire pits have seen use. Maybe there are one or two adventures left. We will soon have children back in the classrooms and nature will be getting prepared for the winter season.

Let us take a cue from nature and prepare. Please think about what you can do to help others. There are needs all around our communities. There are many worthy causes looking for volunteers and donations. We are actively involved with some through our fellowship—NATH, Food pantry, Warm for Winter, community dinner, Freedom Fund, Kids Against Hunger. . . . There are so many ways to help. It doesn’t have to be an extensive commitment. It can be in the form of a donation of money, time or skill. We are all busy, but take the time to look and see the need.

I saw a newspiece on homelessness in the rural environment. One of the statements was, “It must not be too bad, because I don’t see them on the streets.” The answer to this was you won’t see them on the streets. This is a rural area, not an urban environment. Homeless people can’t survive on the streets in Northern Wisconsin. There aren’t large heat vents, public transportation, 24-hour shelters. Fund drives for the homeless shelter are ongoing. The fill the backpack campaigns are starting. Food pantries are collecting. Warm for winter needs clothes to distribute. Please pick a cause and support it.

Social Justice RE August 5 and August 12

On August 5th and 19th, adult RE will focus on what happened at General Assembly in Phoenix in June. Pat, Laurie, Tom and Elinore will talk about what they learned. The first session will be a discussion of immigration issues, particularly as they impact US citizens, 21st century slavery in the US, including Wisconsin, banned books and the Doctrine of Discovery (What’s that? Come and find out.) On the 19th, we will show the Ware Lecture, given this year by Maria Hinojosa, followed by a discussion of what NUUF might do with this information. There will be a lot of material presented, much of which may be uncomfortable for you. But it will be worth your while.

After the session on the 5th, please join us for a potluck lunch. Since we are a country of many cultures, please bring a dish that reflects your heritage.

For more information, please contact Laurie or Elinore. We hope everyone can attend.

Excerpt from a letter to UU General Assembly 2012 delegates from Tony Morales, UUA President:

“. . . The success of this GA will be measured in large part by what we are doing five years from now. How are we taking the work home and engaging in human rights issues in our local communities? . . .

No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice

Throughout the rest of the summer, our undocumented brothers and sisters will be traveling by bus from Phoenix to Washington DC as part of the “No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice.” These courageous people are coming out to challenge anti-immigrant policies that are being promoted across the country.

I am proud that UUs all along this route will be providing housing and meals for the riders and that we are joining in worship and witness together. We are cheering on this effort with our presence and our resources.

As part of the lead up to the bus tour, four undocumented members of Puente were arrested in Phoenix earlier this week while engaging in civil disobedience at the racial profiling trial of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

I am asking you to do what it takes to support these people, especially those who are risking deportation and tremendous change to their lives in the weeks ahead to confront fear-based legislation and to take a stand for human rights.

Here’s what you can do:

Donate to this cause. NDLON is raising money for bail.

Follow along as photos, videos and stories from the road are posted.

Show up if the bus comes to your area—provide a meal, a bed, take part in the activities that will be planned during their visit, offer words of encouragement.

Spread the word in your local and online communities.

Todos somos Arizona.”

Jazz at NUUF Saturday, August 11 — The Celia Trio

Jazz musicians, the Celia Faye Trio, will perform at the Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Woodruff on Saturday, August 11, at 7:00 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share and BYOB.

Featuring James Galasinski, returning as part of Celia’s trio. We all had a great time with James last fall, so this should be a wonderful evening of music.

Celia Faye is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer whose roots are firm in Southern Blues and all facets of Jazz. Originally from the South, Celia relocated to the Midwest in 2005 to pursue a Masters of Music degree from Northern Illinois University. While at NIU she had many opportunities to perform around Chicago leading her own groups and working as a side-woman. Since 2008 Celia has lived in Southeastern Wisconsin teaching and performing professionally with her husband and their band the Meisel Music Collective.

For more information contact Elinore at 715-385-2407.

Virtual Walk for Alzheimer’s

As a volunteer for Alzheimer’s, I want to thank Bev and all the “NUUF Trotters” who worked so hard to gather signatures and funds for Alzheimer’s in the past! What a great team! I know most of you don’t care to travel to Rhinelander (on Sept 15th), so why not do a VIRTUAL walk in late August? This means that anyone wishing to donate can do so, on paper (checks) or on the internet. Of course, you do not have to give to participate. Then we can choose a date and perhaps a quiet, peaceful place where we could have our own walk. The Walk for Alzheimer’s usually offers a short walk (half mile) as well as a longer one (3 mile) so everyone will be happy, but we could do wherever & whenever. I could even get you an XL purple T Shirt if you wish!!! I would be happy to be the team captain, and Barbara Logan has offered to help! If you think this would be fun and worthwhile (for a good cause), be sure to grab and fill out an Alzheimer’s flyer which is on the right ledge just as you enter the fellowship building. I would appreciate any suggestions, ideas, etc. —Marti Hall, 715-588-7959, jmhallbone@gmail.com

Please Help with a Meal at NATH

We need volunteers to serve August, September and months ahead.

If you are willing and able to serve a meal at Frederick Place and/or can contribute staples to the kitchen, please contact Laurie Figueroa or Jana Mirs (janamirs@frontier.com or 715-356-4746) to let one of them know what you can do. All efforts are appreciated.

Meals in July—Sunday, July 22: We had build-your-own tacos buffet, with peach cobbler for dessert. We also had watermelon, ice tea, and lemonade. The buffet has meat, cheese, shells, tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, onions, olives, jalepenos, refried beans, and salsa. Served by Laurie, Stephanie and Gary.

Monday was sub sandwiches, onion & brown rice pea soup (Zoars donated 5 qts) and 7 layer salad. For dessert, choc chip cookies and rice-crisp bars.

Warm for Winter

Warm for Winter is gearing up for its opening on Saturday, September 29. Warm coats, hats, boots, -mittens and -bedding will be available for families in need at the Friendly Village in Rhinelander. Last year families came from five counties in need of these items. No questions are asked.

The greatest need is for children’s clothes, bedding, shoes, boots and especially children’s jeans. There’s one more month of rummage sales—think about donating 5-10-20 dollars for children’s items.

Please bring contributions to the -fellowship. We’re also looking for volunteers to help with sorting and overseeing the rooms on open days. Please contact Laurie Figueroa to get in touch with this organization.

Growing Your Congregation Workshop

From Dori Davenport Thexton, Faith Development and Growth Director, Central Midwest District-Unitarian Universalist Association, Direct line/Cell: 708-805-1866:

We have an outstanding speaker coming to our district this fall and I hope you and others in your congregations will join us to be energized by Rev. Victoria Weinstein. Victoria is a delightful and engaging presenter and she wants to help us grow our congregations! She will work with the membership professionals on Friday, November 2 and conduct a daylong workshop open to all on Saturday, November 3, at Countryside UU Church in Palatine, IL.

Here is an excerpt from her most recent blog at peacebang.com/

“…. if I have come to a church service on a Sunday morning, I am specifically looking for an experience that confirms my spiritual longings, that connects me with people who also long for a deeper life, who ask big and serious questions, and who take the inner life absolutely seriously. I will be looking for a minister who has serious, learned and heartfelt reflections on serious topics. I will want to feel as though I am among deep and reverent people. I will want to feel touched and awakened as a deep being who takes the project of life seriously.

I expect these people to be serious spiritual seekers whose activism comes out of their deeper lives. If I want passionate activists with no particular spiritual quality or identity, I can join up with dozens of organizations.”

Vegetarian Corner

Taboulleh (Parsley Wheat Salad)

A delicious, refreshing and super healthy salad. It can be served as a side dish, or in pocket bread for a portable, light lunch. Makes 12 servings.

2 C fine to medium grade bulgur

water

3 C finely chopped fresh parsley

1/4 C chopped freshmint or 2 Tbsp crushed dried mint leaves

1 Tbsp minced fresh dill or 1 tsp dill weed

1 C chopped green onions

4 medium tomatoes, diced

1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped

1/2 C olive oil

1/2 C fresh lemon juice

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Romaine lettuce leaves

black marinated Greek olives for garnish

tomato wedges and mint sprigs for garnish

Place bulgur in a large bowl. Add water to cover and let stand about an hour or until bulgur has doubled in size and most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain well and squeeze dry. Add parsley, mind, dill, green onions, tomatoes and cucumber. Toss gently. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. toss to mix well. Refrigerate. To serve, line a salad bowl with lettuce leaves. Mound salad on lettuce leaves. Garnish with olives, tomatoe wedges and mint.

MILESTONES

NUUF and NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

P.O. Box 1881
Woodruff, WI 54568-1881

https://nuuf.com/joomla4

Laurie Figueroa, President
president@nuuf.com

The NUUSLetter is published monthly.

Next Deadline: August 27, 2012 Please send submissions to Pat Bickner at bickner@gmx.com">bickner@gmx.com. Please put “NUUSletter” in the subject line.

For distribution of announcements between newsletters or email/address corrections, contact Candy Sorensen at sorencan@yahoo.com.