Soup Kitchen will be Saturday, September 4^th at Grace United Methodist Church.

We will need volunteers to help set up, make deserts (brownies, cupcakes, cookies)

And cleanup. There will be a signup sheet in the Social Room.  Please see Pat Hollinger

For further information.

Dear Ones-.
I’ve come across a wonderful little book entitled Designing Contemporary Congregations by Laurene Beth Bowers.  Bowers is pastor of the First Congregational Church in Randolph Massachusetts and a graduate of Andover Newton School of Theology (I mention these two items to let you know that she is a “close theological relative”).  I’ve not finished the book.  In fact I’ve only gotten to the first chapter, but already I’m hooked.  In her introduction she says this about “worship”:  “Contemporary worship is a transition between celebrating what the congregation has accomplished through its missionary and social justice activities, and praising God for using congregants as the instruments of those activities, and re-energizing those same congregants to go back into the world to engage in ministry again.  Without the opportunity to celebrate the ways that God has worked through the servants, to affirm their gifts and talents and to witness to the presence and power of divine intervention, then we are only do-gooders and do not need organized religion.  Gathering for worship frames the experience of coming into the church and going out with its cyclical movement that has no beginning and no end.”

While we may take exception to some of her language on theological grounds (we‘re UU‘s- you get to choose which language and on what theological grounds), I believe her basic message is absolutely wonderful.

Wishing you peace and blessings,
John

You can reach John at minister@uufs.net

6:00 PM

at UUFS.

SUGGESTED DONATION $2.00;

Discussion immediately following the film;

Pot Luck Pizza, Snacks & Beverages.

LAKE OF FIRE (2006) Using footage of procedures, exploring the murders of doctors and interviewing individuals who represent the gamut of opinion, director Tony Kaye examines the loaded issue of abortion in America in this evenhanded black-and-white documentary. Cultural critic Noam Chomsky, Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry and others lend their voices to the ongoing discussion in this blend of personal stories, political realities and philosophical debate. (152 minutes)

Dear Ones-

Ah- the Congregational meeting- as much a UU ritual as lighting our chalice.  It is part of our “Congregational Polity”- part of who we are as an independently organized institution.  There is no higher authority for our Fellowship than the congregation, and it is at the congregational meeting that our member’s voices can be most audibly heard.

This past Sunday at our congregational meeting, our voices were heard once again.  Among other things, we elected new members to our Board of Trustees.  It always fills my heart with joy to see people “step up to the plate”- people who believe in our Fellowship and  who are willing to work for its success.  To those who will now serve- Naomi, Leslie, Judy, Jeannie, Dottie, Kim and Liz- I offer my deepest “thank you” and “congratulations”.  I look forward to another wonderful year of challenge, growth, opportunities, love and laughter.

And to those wonderful folks who have served so faithfully and who are now leaving the Board – Karen, Mike, Richard, Jackie- I also offer my deepest “Thank you”.  You have guided our Fellowship beautifully, and have served us well.

Finally, I also want to thank the members of our Nominating Committee.  I saw first-hand what a thoughtful, hardworking group you are.  I know the process wasn’t easy.  Clearly, there were challenges.  It is also clear, though, that our Fellowship is tremendously enriched by the dedication to fulfilling your mission that you have shown.   So Seth, Ashley, and Kit- thank you!  Well done!

Wishing you peace and blessings,
John

You can reach John at minister@uufs.net

For additional information, see the flyer below:

Daylong Retreat (SMG) 6-5-10 Flyer

Custodian Greeter Host Volunteers

May 16, 2010

Custodian: Dick & Frann Weaver

Greeter: Dorinda Fox & Andy Pica

Coffee Hour Host: Kit Wright

**If you are unable to serve this Sunday, please refer to the schedule, contact someone that is serving on a Sunday you are available and ask them if they can switch.

*The complete schedule and list of duties is available on the UUFS website.  http://uufs.net/uufs-volunteer-schedules/

Thank you for all you do for our Fellowship!

Fred Peterson has hung four of his paintings in the Social Room. His intention is to sell them and donate the proceeds to the Fellowship, so make him an offer he won’t refuse. The minimum price for each of them is $100. A big UUFS thank you to Fred for his generosity.

All are welcome to attend and contribute to the discussion; however only members are allowed to vote.

Agenda

1. Election of 2010-2011 Board of Trustees
2. 2010-2011 Fiscal Year Budget
3. Bylaw changes
4. Old Business
5. New Business

Adult Religious Education

Cinema Circle

6:00 PM at UUFS on a 5’ x 5’ Screen

SUGGESTED DONATION $2.00

Discussion immediately following the film.

Pot Luck Pizza, Snacks & Beverages.

http://uufs.net/groups-activities/cinema-circle/

Friday, May 14

MERTON: A FILM BIOGRAPHY (2004) Prolific writer and philosopher Thomas Merton‘s work has had a lasting impact on society, inspiring debate over still-relevant social and religious concerns (such as war and faith) for decades. This biography examines the trajectory of Merton’s life, which included a 27-year-stint as a Trappist monk and a vocal opposition to war. Features interviews with singer Joan Baez, the Dalai Lama, publishing magnate Robert Giroux, and others. (120 minutes)