A religious community concerns itself not only with spiritual development; it also invites all people into a circle of connection, caring, fun, and friendship.  We value and support each other through opportunities to both give and receive care and we develop treasured connections by gathering together for celebration and fun.

 

Upcoming Leadership Meetings…

Board of Directors: Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 pm
(meets 3rd Wednesdays)

Program Council: Wednesday, May 23, 7:15 pm
(meets 4th Wednesdays, every other month)

 

Upcoming Events…

First First UU National Beer Day Celebration!
Saturday, April 7 | Church Commons | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Join fellow UU’s in a craft beer tasting (a 21+-year-old event). Bring a six-pack (or the equivalent) of your favorite craft beer (or one you would like to taste) and an appetizer or dessert to share that goes well with or is made with beer. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Commons. Hosts: Sarah & Jason Hayes, Margo & Mike Stich, and Jodi & Dave Edmonson

New Discussion Series: “Turning Point – A New Unitarian Universalism”
Sundays, April 8, 15, 22, 29 | 12:30-2:00 pm
Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer will facilitate a conversation focused on the book, “Turning Point: essays on a new Unitarian Universalism.”  We will discuss what the author calls the trinity of errors in our tradition (individualism, exceptionalism, and anti-authoritarianism) and the trinity of promises (generosity, pluralism, and imagination). You can purchase the book at www.uuabookstore.org or contact Luke about borrowing a copy.  All are welcome.

Intercultural Competency Workshop: Who Are Our Neighbors?
Friday, April 13 – 7 pm – 9 pm | Saturday, April 14 – 9 am – 5 pm
A MidAmerica Region Workshop facilitated by Rev. Lisa Presley
Hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato
This 9-hour workshop will train participants in competency across “differences that make a difference” by gaining new insights and skills in a developmentally based understanding of competency. Intercultural Developmental Continuum (IDC) builds on our natural way of understanding the increasing complexity of living in a multi-cultural world, and helps individuals understand their own cultural outlook, and how to see beyond the “water” in which we swim.

Registration Fee:  $25.00 after March 30th (make checks payable to UUFM)
(507) 388-5022 | uumankato@gmail.com | 937 Charles Ave., Mankato, MN
Overnight home hospitality offered with UUFM families: Contact UUFM or Tricia Nienow to request hospitality at a UU home. tnienow@hickorytech.net, (507)340-7263

Armchair Travelers – A Japanese Wedding…and More!
Friday, April 13 | 7 pm | Commons
Penpals since 1990, Heidi Shriver and her friend Yoko promised to be there for each other’s weddings.  In March 2016, the promise was fulfilled in Japan for Yoko’s wedding. The bullet train, mountain hot springs spa, Japanese culture, the Shinto shrine wedding, and fabulous food made it the trip of a lifetime. Bring a little snack to share; the Fellowship Committee will provide tea and juice.

1st UU Church Spring Rummage Sale
Sponsored by the Clara Barton Guild
Friday, April 20 – 6:30-8:30 PM – Member Pre-Sale Event
Saturday, April 21 – 8:00 AM–1:00 PM – Sale Open to Public

Setup starts MONDAY, April 16th at 5 pm – We will need help from those who can lift heavy racks on Monday evening (not Tuesday evening as in previous years).

Those who can lift, carry & set up heavy racks & tables:
Mon, April 16: 5-8 PM

Help us sort, price items for the sale! Many Shifts Available:
Tues, April 17: 5-8 pm
Wed, April 18: 9 AM-noon / 1-4 PM / 5:30–8:30 PM
Thur, April 19: 9 AM-noon / 1-4 PM /; 5:30–8:30 PM
Fri, April 20: 9 AM-noon / 1-4 PM

Help shoppers during the Pre-sale Event for Members!
Friday, April 20: 6:30-8:30 PM
Event includes refreshments, community, & a chance to browse & collect new items to take home.

Rummage Sale – Open to the Public! Help shoppers, be a cashier, keep items where they belong. Help with clean up.
Sat. April 21: 7:30–10 AM, 10 AM–1 PM
Sat. April 21: 1-3 PM Clean-Up Crew

SIGN UP IN ONE OF THESE WAYS:

Fellowship Event: “The Danish Girl”
Sunday, April 29 | 5:30 pm | Rochester Civic Theatre
The Welcoming Congregation Task Group invites you to join us for the viewing of “The Danish Girl” at Rochester Civic Theater. A panel discussion will follow the film. This event is free and open to everyone. Please meet Patty Trnka & Paulette DeMers in the lobby of Civic Theater at 5:15 pm if you wish to sit with other UUs.

Fellowship:  “Suite Surrender” at Rochester Civic Theatre
Saturday, May 5 | 7 pm performance | Rochester Civic Theatre
“It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas (one played by Laurie Helmers, who is also directing) have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Hotel – assistants, luggage and legendary feud with one another in tow.  Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance (show includes singing) until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and a live lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious, fast-paced 90-minute farce!”

SIGN UP by contacting helmers.laurie@gmail.com or calling 533-8265 by Tuesday, May 1.  Meet the Helmers in the lobby by RCT’s box office at 6:30 pm to receive your ticket. Attendees can reimburse the Helmers the night of the show.

Clara Barton Guild Spring Luncheon
Tuesday, May 8 | 11:30 am | Charter House
The Clara Barton Guild will celebrate spring with a luncheon at 11:30 on May 8.  It will be at Charter House on the 22nd floor in the room with the wonderful view of Rochester.  The menu will be a Polynesian chicken salad with coconut and dressing on the side, followed by a dessert.  Wine, coffee, and soft drinks will be served. Different dietary requirements can be accommodated with some advance planning.  Any contribution below or above $12 is welcome. Look for a signup sheet in the Commons. Call Jessie Finch, 280-8986 or Laura Lukes, 282-9274 with questions or dietary requests.

Armchair Travelers – A Taste of Tahiti, New Zealand & Australia
Friday, May 11 | 7 pm | Commons
Jim & Judy Jensen will share highlights from their 28-day excursion to the island of Moorea (north of Tahiti), Auckland, Sydney, and all stops on their way to Melbourne to visit their Aussie friends. Please bring a snack and a mate, and the Fellowship Committee will provide the beverages.

 

Sharing | Volunteering | Social Justice…

Community Food Response
Friday, March 30 | Shifts 1:30-4:00 pm and 4:35-6:40 pm | Bethel Lutheran Church
Help sort or distribute food recycled from hospitals, restaurants, and bakeries for families in need. Contact Ella VanLaningham   Sign up and a fuller description are available at CFR Volunteers

Hawthorne Helps Project

Spring Blue Barrel Collection:  Baby Wash/Shampoo, Dish Soap, Hand Pump Soap or $5 Dollar Tree Gift Cards to buy Spring Cleaning items

Mini-Store – Contact Sandy MacLaughlin for more information or sign up here: Hawthorne Helps

Saturday Noon Meals
April 28, June 23, August 25, October 27
Christ United Methodist Church (400-5th Ave. SW)
Volunteers of all ages are welcome and are needed in two shifts. A signup sheet is available in the Commons or sign up at: Saturday Noon Meals. Questions? contact Roxanne Schlasner, 289-3959.

 

Groups…

UU Horton Bridge – Generally 3rd Saturdays
We will play on Saturday afternoons this winter, rather than in the cold, dark evenings. Contact: Joyce Lewis

Clara Barton Guild 
Will not meet – Organizing for the April 21st Spring Rummage Sale

UU Book Club – 3rd Tuesdays at 6 pm
Tuesday, April 17 | 6 pm | Nancy Grubb’s home (Potluck supper at 6 pm)
Book: The Life We Bury, by Allen Eskins; hosted by Nancy Grubbs; reviewed by Diane Closson

Great Books Club
1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 9:30 am | Chapel
UUs and the community at large are welcome. For information about upcoming readings, contact Sandy Ramage.

 

Classes | Study Groups | Interest Groups…

Aging: The Journey – Elders Discussion Group
3rd Wednesdays | 12 pm | Hearth Room
Sign up is not required. Simply bring a sack lunch, a beverage, and engage in conversation with others who, like you, have embarked on a new adventure. Contact: Pat Calvert or Darrel Waters 

Myths of Life Discussion Group
3rd Thursday evenings through May 18 | 7 pm | Chapel
The book, “What if This is Heaven,” by Anita Moorjani explores how the cultural rules and beliefs are fear based and lead us away from our most inner true self, unconditional Love.  We will review one chapter at each gathering and discuss the questions in a circle format. Contact: Roxanne Schlasner

Racial Justice Task Group (RJTG) Book Group
2nd Sundays | 2 pm | Clara Barton Room
Books relating to race and economic justice topics will guide our discussions.  Contact: Paulette DeMers 

Class: “The Bible as a Historical Document”
2nd Sundays | 7 pm | Conference Room
Lecture and discussion facilitated by Frank Druktainis & Jim Olson. All are welcome!

Study Group: Principle 4
4th Sundays | 7 pm | Hearth Room
The Principle 4 Study Group is centered around a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Contact: Anne Black-Sinak

Study Group: Chosen Faith
4th Tuesdays | 7 pm | Hearth Room
Contact: Anne Black-Sinak

Interest Group: Humanism
3rd Mondays | 7:00 pm | Hearth Room
Contact: Pat Calvert

Interest Group: Buddhism
1st Wednesdays | 7:00 pm | Clara Barton Room
Questions? Contact Frank Druktainis