Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

CONNECTIONS WEEKLY

January theme: Evil January 25, 2015

Thematic reflection:

“The caged bird sings/with a fearful trill/of things unknown/but longed for still/and his tune is heard/on the distant hill/for the caged bird/sings of freedom.”

-Maya Angelou

Next Sunday, Feb. 1: “Love, Reason, and Mission: Across the Generations”

Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry, preaching; Katie Covey and Charlie Hook, Worship Associates

A service for children, youth and adults.

Our Unitarian Universalist heritage overflows with stories of extraordinary people who changed the world through their actions. Please join us as we share three of our “hidden” stories during this engaging service open to all ages. SpiritJam resumes Feb. 8.

TODAY’S HAPPENINGS

SpiritJam(9 and 11 a.m.): “Anne Frank and the Remembering Tree” told by Vivian Hamilton; PatronusJam, where we’ll make a shield of your “patronous” (the mythical protective animal in Harry Potter); and BucketJam—are you a bucket dipper or a bucket filler?

Innovation Conversation: Even if you haven’t registered for the meeting, you are welcome to attend the final Innovation Conversation meeting today at 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Explore the many exciting possibilities for the future of the Fellowship while nourishing your body with delicious soup and sides! Childcare is available.

Please note: Today’s Adult Religious Education class on “Wicked” has been cancelled.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Annual Front Range UU Leadership and Technology Conference: You're invited to attend the second annual UU Leadership Day from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the First Universalist Church of Denver, sponsored by the UU Boulder/Denver Cluster Council. This year's theme "Connect and Communicate"features two speakers and six breakout sessions. Register here: Early bird pricing is available through Jan. 31. ContactStephanie Pachefor more information.

Senior Seekers Meet Up: If you’ve ever wondered about joining our Senior Seekers group, we invite you to join us for a special meeting Wednesday, Jan. 28. We’ll combine our usual stimulating conversation with tea at the community room at the Lydia Morgan Senior Apartments (1450 Lincoln Ave. in Louisville). Feel free to bring your favorite tea cup or tea. For more information, contact Nancy DiLaura at 303-325-5813 or .

New Covenant Group: If you’d like to get to know others in a more meaningful way, going to a Covenant Group may be just for you! Covenant groups are intentional, small groups who gather monthly to deepen relationships, reflect on life issues, and support one another. Please contact Susan Nimmanheminda at if you’re interested in joining the group or in being trained as a facilitator.

Meeting of the Minds and Momentum: Mark your calendars in advance for this engaging continuation of our Vision, Innovation and Action (VIA) team process from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. All are welcome to attend.

Stained Glass Project:Thanks to the talented Loyce Jones, BVUUF will soon have lovely stained glass windows for the front of the sanctuary! We will be accepting donations for the project throughout February – please consider supporting this exciting improvement to our sanctuary. Please make checks payable to BVUUF with “stained glass” written in the memo line;dropinto the offering plate or give it to the office or a member of the Aesthetics Committee (Sheila Brown, Say Hay, WendieHighsmith, or Janet Meyer).

Mini-Care Package Donations: We need donations for the March 1 ServiceJam project – small travel items like toothpaste, soap, combs, tissues, candles/matches, emergency blankets, razors, wet wipes, first-aid kits, hand sanitizer, granola bars, small deodorants, thin gloves, and the like. We will hand them out to congregants willing to keep them in their purses or glove compartments to give to the homeless. To donate, add your items to the donation box next to the Religious Education bulletin board in the RE hallway.

GRATITUDES

From Ellen LaVerdure:Deep gratitude to Carol, Alyse, and the other office workers who produced, with a mighty effort, the Jan. 18 inserts. Thank you for your help and your graciousness in the face of glitches and unsent emails.

From Rev. Lydia: Thanks to the fifteen leaders who gathered last Saturday morning for some time “on the balcony” where we explored the big picture of congregational life. I’m always inspired by our time together.

LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE

9 a.m. service: 48

11 a.m. service: 72

Service participants: 22

HALF PLATE

The Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition (CIRC) is receiving $268.50 from the half-plate collection on Sunday, Jan. 18.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUN JAN. 2510:15 a.m. – Children’s Choir (sanctuary)

12:30 p.m. – Vision, Innovation and Action Conversation (sanctuary)

12:30 p.m. – Coming of Age (Barnum)

MON JAN. 267 p.m. – Fellowship Singers (sanctuary)

WED JAN. 289 a.m. – “Connections Weekly” submissions due

10 a.m. – Senior Seekers (offsite)

THURS JAN. 296 p.m. – Women’s AA Group (Barnum)

SAT JAN. 319 a.m. – Worship Associate Training (sanctuary)