Jefferson’s Bible                                 Rev. Ted Tollefson

During a cold winter in the White House, Thomas Jefferson took a razor to the New Testament and started to cut out all supernatural references. The resulting testament show us a very human Jesus who attempts to use reason to persuade his listeners to lead more righteous lives. The trouble begins….

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, APPROVE BUDGET, ELECT OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS, RECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS

A Life in Service for Public Good—One Person’s Journey     Lorrie Janatopoulos

Learning from Lichen                  Sue Okerstrom

Sue found inspiration in an everyday organism, the lichen.  Covering 8% of the terrestrial surface of the earth, even on tombstones in Virginia, MN,  lichens are miners and can absorb and concentrate minerals from the air. This ability to uptake and accumulate heavy metals from nature may be a way to reclaim valuable metals from waste electronics. We will explore the fascinating lives of lichen and the lessons we may learn from them.

Sue Okerstrom is a certified biomimicry professional and founder of Lichen Labs LLC, a microscope lab, biomimicry research and consulting business. Sue follows her curiosity in the North Woods, and is a lifelong Minnesotan and UU.

The Art of Dreams                              Rev. Ted Tollefson

What if our dreams hold the key to a more creative life? This service will examine practical tips to remember, record and explore your dreams. Rev. Ted Tollefson has served congregations in Minnesota and Wisconsin since 1980. He teaches a class on dream work at Metropolitan State University.

Season of Rebirth: National Poetry Month      DyAnne Korda

Sacred is the new beginning and sacred is our journey through life.  During April, we acknowledge a world that is fresh and full of promise.  Come and celebrate the season of rebirth through the richness of poetry.  DyAnne’s two poetry books, The Earth Woman, and  The Shore’s Absolute Edge honor our northern cycle of seasons.  “As in folktales, we can learn something about ourselves by entering the forest.”  DyAnne frequently offers writing workshops at the Ely Folk School.  Please join us in this celebration of the beauty of words and the north woods.

“Lift Every Voice in Spring” Siyanda Elizabeth

This morning, a talented array of MUUC musicians lift their instruments and voices in song as we celebrate the Spring Equinox, Easter, and the Earth’s cycle of rebirth.

“On Being Human” Rev. Leslie Mills

Religious community is where we come together to figure out what it means to be human. How are we in relationship with the world around us? How do we know who we are as individuals? Drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophy, we will bring depth and meaning to our understanding of our essential nature, perhaps even elevating our experiences of our daily lives from mundane to mythic.

The Healing Power of Water, the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto Siyanda Elizabeth

Cultures around the world equate water with healing. Dr. Masaru Emoto’s groundbreaking research on how water responds to human thought and intention offers inspiration for reclaiming health and balance on the planet. Dramatic images of water crystals tell the tale.

“Connecting with Spirit” Marlise Riffel

What facilitates that for UUs? We will explore what spiritual practice means for UUs and how well we fulfill part of our mission that says “Nurturing the Spirit.” Special guests Sara Alexander and Micah Banks of Northwoods Sound Bath will share the magic of singing bowls.

“One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, UU Fish” Steve Johnson

An intergenerational Dr. Seuss service for all ages: the principles that we each see, and what they mean to you and me. Join in and have a little fun, Have a different perspective when we are done!

Habitat for Humanity.  Tucker Nelson will share and explain the mission and impact of housing people, the effect on community, and how we can help.

Myers-Briggs Personality Types                                                          Tod Swenson

Knowing one’s Myers-Briggs personality type can provide understanding of self and others. Together we will find our Myers-Briggs personality type in order to gain insight into our own personality, communication, and problem- solving styles as well as how to better manage conflict.

Voices for Ethnic and Multicultural Awareness Nathaniel Coward and Seraphia Gravelle Co-Executive Direcctors of VEMA The mission statement of VEMA is “to lift up voices of all people in our communities that experience discrimination, injustice and/or prejudice. To enact change, educate, and provide cultural experience. To provide resources to community members who are affected by issues of racism, discrimination, and injustice. Through education, not only of members of VEMA but also the community surrounding them…” The work of VEMA is closely aligned with the 8th Principle of the Unitiarian Universalist Association….”working to build a diverse and multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism other and oppression in ourselves and in our institutions.”    Learn about VEMA and how each of us can become involved in understanding and combating racism in northern Minnesota.

Understanding Domestic Violence Melissa Scaia, Domestic Violence Trainer and Consultant

Teaching Peace: an intergenerational service Annette Kahmann

Based on the song by Red Grammer, in this interactive service for all ages, we will explore ways of sharing peace with the world.

“A Living Golden Rule” Carl Karasti

Statements that are more or less equivalent to the Christian teaching that are commonly known as the Golden Rule can be found in most of the known religions and spiritual traditions. But there are certainly variations, and many people object to perceived limitations of and confusion about any of the various versions. Some have proposed a Platinum Rule as a better statement of a high ideal for us to strive to live by. So let’s consider what the essence of all these rules really is and what this essence really means, as well as considering how to think and feel about the possibility of actually living the Golden Rule full time.

“Separation of Church and State and Freedom of Religion: A UU Perspective” Ellie Larmouth

At a time when democratic principles and the freedom of religion are in jeopardy, the position on religious freedom promoted by the Unitarian Universalist Association as well as the meaning of separation of church and state will be examined. Many of this nation’s founding fathers were Unitarians!

“Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect” Doug Gregor and Tod Swenson With the holidays behind us, it seems to be an appropriate time to reflect on the significance of gatherings of friends and family. Chef and best –selling author, Will Guidara, recently published his book, “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More than They Expect.” Presenters, Doug Gregor and Tod Swenson, will explain Mr. Guidara’s guiding concepts and lead a discussion about how any family or organization, even our own congregation, can choose to be a “hospitality hub” and seek to transform ordinary interactions into extraordinary experiences. Please join us to welcome the new year!

Title:  The New Year, Letting Go and Adding on Ellie Larmouth, facilitator

A new year, a new beginning.  Join us in reflecting on what to let go and what to add on as we venture into the beginning of a new year. POT LUCK TO FOLLOW SERVICE—BRING A DISH TO SHARE!

Christmas Eve

A Christmas Eve morning gathering will convene at 10:30AM. An opportunity to join together for food, song, stories and friendship.

Judaism: ‘On One Foot’      Rabbi David Steinberg, Temple Israel, Duluth

The title is in reference to a classic story told in the Talmud. There was another incident involving one gentile who came before Shammai and said to Shammai: “Convince me on condition you teach me the entire Torah while I am standing on one foot.” Shammai pushed him away with the builder’s cubit in his hand. This was the common measuring stick and Shammai was a builder by trade. The same gentile came before Hillel. He converted him and said to him: “That which is hateful to you do not do to another. That is the entire Torah and the rest is interpretation. Go study.”

(Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shabbat, page 21)

Anishinaabeg Land-Based Education on Nett Lake Reservation

Ryan Bajan (Minisagabo)

Honoring the land and living with the land as our mother and our teacher, the Anishinaabeg of Nett Lake Reservation continue to practice traditional ways of life even at the elementary school. Ryan Bajan, the Ojibwe Language and Culture teacher at Nett Lake Elementary serves the communities of the region using the original language and following the seasonal harvest cycle in helping our young ones gain confidence and empowerment in their identity as Anishinaabeg people.

Mesabi UU: The UN-Church?                                         Marlise Riffel, sociologist and MUUC member

There’s been quite a bit written recently about research showing increasing percentages of U.S. folks indicating “no religion”, whom researchers call the “nones,” who nonetheless long for community.  And commentaries telling stories of a search for a "church that isn’t a church.”  Can we BE the community longed for by those who don’t fit traditional churches? 

Anishinaabe Culture: An Individual Journey Jenny Markwardt Join Jenny Markwardt as she shares her perspective and journey. Jenny will share some traditions and personal stories of her experiences. Jenny is an active member in her community volunteering and serving on multiple boards as she guides some of our most vulnerable youth toward productive and fulfilling lives.

“Chasing Ghosts: One Man’s Remarkable Investigation into the Death or President John F. Kennedy”                                                         Author Jim Koepke

Jim Koepke is a nationally recognized expert on the subject of the Kennedy assassination. He has been studying the death of JFK for more than twenty years and has interviewed persons who hold positions of power including two CIA Directors.

Wellsprings of Wisdom: Our Unitarian Universalist Sources in Word and Song            Rev.Suzanne Wasilchuk Twenty years ago I wrote a reflection piece on our seven principles. Today I reflect on the six sources that inform those principles. From where does our wisdom come?

Recovery                                      Tod Swenson

What does it mean to recover? How does recovery tie into the Mesabi UU church’s mission? How does it tie into the 7th Principle? Tod is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker and an outpatient therapist at Range Mental Health Center.

“Curious & Curiouser” Rev. Suzanne Wasilczuk

Unitarian Universalism is a curious faith, filled with curious, questioning folks. Today we will explore this persistent, courageous curiosity.

“Your Life is Based on a True Story” MUUC member Siyanda Elizabeth

A story told from another point of view can change the beginning, as well as the ending. How we tell and retell our life stories creates the past and the present. YOUR life is unique and remarkable - a true story.