Church guide

During today's service on "The Importance of Goofing Off," Rev. Roger Brewin shared the difference between how he and Rev. Jim McConnell have "fun." Rev. Jim enjoys sewing stoles with surprising, non-traditional images (like humans dancing around a chalice or playing fetch with a dog), while Rev. Roger has fun selling the stoles to conference-goers who don't know that they want to buy one. Together, Reverends Jim and Roger use this project to raise money for the American Humanist Association.

Great fun at today's drumming circle led by Berrien UU fellowship member and musician Gretchen Ohmann! We celebrated the upcoming spring equinox with drumming, singing, meditation and by honoring the four directions.

Our hearts are heavy with grief for New Zealand, and for humanity everywhere. To paraphrase Dr. King, a threat to worship anywhere, is a threat to worship everywhere. The people of Berrien UU Fellowship hold space in our hearts for today's sadness.

At Berrien UU fellowship, we take pride in our occasional lay-led services. Yesterday's service was a perfect example of the talent and passion that shines through on these occasions. Tracie Crenshaw and Dave Sarra explored the spiritual aspects of a past musical era, the 60's. Through song, dance, words, meditation and symbolism, they reminded us of the struggles and achievements of a generation. For those born after the 60's, they shed light on the era's influence, the meaning of the music and the lingering cultural and spiritual influence. And they inspired us to continue to work toward the vision of equality, peace and love embraced by a generation and its music.

To help celebrate BUUF's 60th Anniversary, all former members and friends are invited to join the festivities and reconnect with the Fellowship. If you are not in BUUFs current directory of members and friends and would like to receive a special commemorative invitation by mail, message us here with your home address or email [email protected]. In the meantime, save these dates, and feel free to stop in any Sunday at 10:30 am: Anniversary Dinner Celebration, 5:30 pm Saturday, April 27 Special Sunday Service, 10:30 am Sunday, April 28 Pilgrimage to former Berrien UU locations of worship, date to be determined

Thanks to the many speakers at today's Sunday service who remembered the poet Mary Oliver with poetry readings and personal tributes: Charles Long, Mary Lou Elson, Harvey Johnson, Gloria Weberg, Nan Lundeen, Joan Guilfoyle and Rev. Jim McConnell. Not all are pictured here but all made an important contribution by sharing how Mary Oliver spiritually touched their lives (and the lives of others).

Many thanks to BUUF member Nico Rojas, who delivered a highly informative presentation on the political instability and human suffering in Venezuela and what other nations are doing to help or hinder progress toward a solution. Nico shared three videos from differing perspectives and also shared his personal thoughts on the situation, based on growing up in the neighboring country of Colombia. Join us each month for Creative Conversations, where you'll learn about a current and likely complicated issue, then engage in respectful, thoughtful conversation around that topic.

Rev. Jim McConnell, with support from others in our fellowship, delivered today's message on "Love's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me." Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

#HumanistJesus

Here's a link to Rev. Jim McConnell's latest Insights column in the Herald Palladium... https://www.heraldpalladium.com/features/hate-cannot-drive-out-hate-only-love-can-do-that/article_2c51d3e2-31da-521b-a645-acc5e36a6b0a.html

Berrien UU Fellowship is a Welcoming Congregation, supporting and affirming those who identify as LGBTQ+, and honoring all who serve in our nation's military. #FirstUUprinciple #theinherentworthanddignityofallbeings #loveislove

This Sunday's topic was "the Strange Power of Kindness." The overriding message from all our speakers was that being kind is a risk and you'll never know the exact impact of your kind actions on others. You can bet, however, that the biggest and best impact will be on yourself. David talked about his experience standing up for a classmate being bullied when he was young and the true meaning of the Christmas Carol as it relates to kindness. Candace shared some simple, practical tips for showing kindness, like smiling, making eye contact, acknowledging others and complimenting them. She compared kind actions to planting seeds: some will take, some won't. She finished with a lovely poem written by her husband. Rev. Jim McConnell talked about kindness as a spiritual practice. "The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to be kind and most of them are very inexpensive. One of the best ways to be kind is to just listen. Many of us are heavily burdened by life. I find that if one can ask the right question or make the right observation that most people will share a bit of their life burden and in so doing lighten their load." And finally, Mary Lou shared some poetry reflecting on this topic. Thank you to all our excellent speakers!

View from our office window this morning...

Berrien UU Fellowship promotes social and environmental justice and peace for all. US immigration issues are in conflict with our UU principles. Our neighbors at Pilgrim Congregational UCC shared info on this important series to be offered in St. Joseph.

Berrien UU member Lisa Marie Fuller shares a bit of this opening prelude from the Unitarian Church of Quincy, Quincy, IL. Built in 1891, the organ is played here by Quincy UU Carol Mathieson.

Lovely day for a picnic ! BUUFs annual summer picnic, this year hosted by Mary Lou. Thank you Mary Lou for a lovely day!