Thank you to everyone who attended last Sunday’s worship on our commitment to the earth and who participated in the online poll regarding ways to further UUCM’s climate justice work. Unfortunately, the results of our poll did not save. So we would like to invite all of you to participate, whether again or for the first time! Please follow this link to an online poll, which will take only a few minutes to complete. If you were unable to attend the service, you can view it by clicking here. Thank you for your support in helping the team set future goals for this important ministry.
From the Board: September 2020
Each month, a member of the board will share a reflection on the Soul Matters monthly theme and the state of the church. This month’s post is offered by Betty Hartnett.
The theme for September is “Renewal.” Renewal is an everyday happening in our lives. We renew our prescriptions, our subscriptions, our driver’s license and licenses of all kinds; even girl scout outfits are going through renewal. We also renew our hopes, our dreams, our spirits, our efforts, our energy, relationships, acquaintances, commitments, responsibilities, vows, and so on. The root word, “new,” is an adjective and can be defined as “of recent origin, having but lately come or been brought into being.” The word, “renew,” is a verb meaning to take up again or resume, to restore or replenish. “Renewal” is a noun meaning the art of renewing.
While the idea of renewal is familiar, the process can be elusive and is seldom easy. That is because renewal assumes change is necessary, and change implies loss and also requires imagination, will, ideas, self-searching, sharing, re-building, vision, and more. Typically, many steps must happen in successful renewal. Continue reading →
Social Generosity Offering: September 2020
The September UUCM Social Generosity Offering will go to Water Legacy. Water Legacy’s mission is to protect Minnesota’s water resources and the communities who rely on them. They focus on preventing toxic industrial pollution from the PolyMet/Glencore copper-nickel sulfide mine, protecting human health and treaty resources, and defending Minnesota water quality standards from industry rollbacks. They hold Minnesota state agencies accountable to enforce pollution standards and to operate according to law, science and public transparency. Here is a fact sheet with more information.
How to Donate: You can donate online using a credit card at bit.ly/giveuucm. You may also mail a contribution to UUCM at 2030 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391. Simply make your check out to “UUCM” with “Social Generosity” in the memo line.
Minister’s Message 9/2/20
The start of a new church year is just around the corner! Please check the Friday Update and UUCM Happenings to find out how to participate and stay connected.
This week’s video message explains Developmental Ministry and offers Rev. Lisa a chance to answer some of your questions about it as we begin this new ministry together.
Click on the picture above to view Rev. Lisa’s weekly video message.
(Archive) Update on COVID-19 Preparedness for UUCM
(Archive) Fred Hulting, Board President
As mentioned in my earlier post, the Board of Trustees is developing plans to manage the short- and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activities of the UUCM community. To accelerate this work, the Board created a COVID Task Force led by Cathy Bujold. The members of that Task Force include volunteers and staff with experience in COVID workplace regulations, knowledge of church practices, and expertise with our facility: Shelley Buss, Lisa Stock, Allison Laura, Bob Dachelet, and Rev. Lisa Friedman.
Guided by state regulations, advice from the UUA, and the latest science, the Task Force has initially been focused on the risks of using our building. The recommended approach is to open the building in four phases, gradually allowing more people into the building as we are able to do safely. We are currently in Phase 1, which allows for a small group of four to five staff and volunteers to be in the building for specific needs and purposes. There is no timetable for moving to Phases 2, 3, and 4.
A detailed Phase 1 Preparedness Plan has been created by the Task Force and approved by the Board. The plan’s emphasis is on enabling our staff to do their jobs safely and accommodating necessary volunteer activities. It covers building access and use procedures, health and safety policies for staff and volunteers, and facilities maintenance and cleaning protocols. The Board has also appointed our Minister, Rev. Lisa Friedman, as the Plan Administrator. Lisa will manage the implementation of the plan and she will coordinate training for staff and volunteers who must be in the building at this time. Continue reading →
UUCM Happenings 