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October 27, 2024
your weekly newsletter of events & issues
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You are welcome here.
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OUR MISSION:
For every individual searching for spiritual meaning, Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship provides a welcoming and caring religious community dedicated to diversity of thought, social and environmental justice, and peace for all.
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Your donations help us build a loving and just community.
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Coming up: Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 10:30am
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One Simple but Kind of Hard and a Little Bit Surprising Thing You Can Do to Save Yourself, the Planet, and Maybe Your Relationship with Your Crazy Uncle Bob
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This Sunday, November 3rd, join us for a thought-provoking exploration into some of the profound mysteries of the natural world. In his sermon, Rev. Jim McConnell will take us on a journey through questions science has yet to answer—like how ants instinctively know their roles, how some birds fly in perfect synchronization, or how a single cell knows how to differentiate into an elephant or a human being. Drawing from the ideas of biologists like Brian Goodwin and Stuart Kauffman, who explore the possibility of biological field theories, and physicists like Stephen Hawking and Jacob Bekenstein, who suggest that life patterns may be informational and perhaps eternal, we’ll reflect on how our actions and thoughts may resonate far beyond the present moment. What we think and do matters deeply, not only for today but also for generations to come. (Universes to come?) There will also be a time in the service where everyone can share what they are doing to save the world. We’ll also have Rachel Reed, DRE sharing another great Story for All Ages, Steve Whalen reading our Opening Words, Gretchen Ohmann guiding us in our Chalice Work, and Beth La Fleur bringing us some wonderful music. Join us in person or on Zoom for a meaningful and mind-expanding morning!
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Birds in coordinated flight How do they do that? We have all seen pictures of iron filings conforming to nonmaterial lines of flux in a magnetic field. Are these birds conforming themselves to a nonmaterial biological field of some kind?
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What is that One Simple but Kind of Hard and a Little Bit Surprising Thing You Can Do ?
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To join BUUF’s Sunday Service via Zoom, please click this link; Meeting ID: 973 1741 4085; Password: 354882. If you have trouble getting connected please contact Beth LaFleur (269-932-8598). To minimize background noise, please mute yourself unless you are speaking. Please leave your camera on; we love knowing you are there.
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SOUP KITCHEN THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 2
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9-11 to make pizza • 11-1 to serve • come for all or part
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Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, Benton Harbor
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TODAY: Immigration Rally – Benton Harbor, MI
Stories From the Borderlands + Live Music + Short Films
To cut through the soundbites and misinformation, Vote Common Good rode bicycles along the entire U.S.-Mexico border to hear and share the stories of asylum-seekers, migrants and those who serve them. Through a series of short films and TED Talk-stye presentations you’ll learn why some people risk everything in search of the American Dream, how our border policies harm the most vulnerable, and what we can do to reform an immigration system designed to fail.
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Adding to the evening’s energy, enjoy live music from Southwest Michigan’s own Daniel Deitrich, the singer-songwriter behind the viral “Hymn for the 81%.” You’ll also be captivated by the spoken word performances from activist and artist Genesis Be, whose powerful artistry brings urgent social issues to life. Singer-songwriter and activist Brandon Pfeiffer asks the haunting question, “where is the justice?”
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Join us as we stand together to champion the common good and advocate for change.
Let us know if you need a ride. Clark Gilpin
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Our lineup of speakers includes:
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- Doug Pagitt, Executive Director of Vote Common Good, who will share insights on civic engagement and the importance of compassionate policies
- Jaime Cervantes, Pastor and migrant advocate, who will speak about how faith communities should engage in the immigration conversation.
- Christy Berghoef, an author and civil discourse consultant, who will address the power of dialogue in fostering understanding and change.
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TODAY: SUNDAY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING ON ZOOM AT 7PM
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All are welcome to attend and share ideas. Beth La Fleur
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Fresh Start Children's Garden
BUUFers please join the
BUUF Green Sanctuary team on
THIS SATURDAY November 2 from 12p-2pm
to winterize the FSC Garden
Join us to provide support for Emma Kinnard's Fresh Start Children's Garden. At the corners of May and Pearl in Benton Harbor. This is a beautiful place and Emma is an amazing lady. Come and connect with the earth!
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New Moon Women: THIS SATURDAY
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Our November Circle will take place at BUUF Saturday November 2nd from 3:00-5:30 pm. Arrive a little before 3 to settle in before we gather in circle. In addition to our usual check-in and discussion, Robin will talk about essential oils and Katharine and Holly will provide a sound bath.New Moon Women is open to members and friends of BUUF who identify as female or non-binary and feel called to the space. contributed by Lisa Fuller
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The Social Justice Committee will meet in person this month.
It will be on Wednesday November 13th at BUUF.
We will start with a potluck dinner at 6:00 followed by our meeting at 7:00.
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- Janice Zerfas: Our BUUF Writing Group meets every 2nd and 4th Monday "prompt"ly at Noon for one hour at BUUF. You're welcome to join us to work on your own project or work from a supplied prompt.
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- Candace Onweller: My husband and I have a booth at the arts and crafts show at St. Joseph High School this Saturday. Come see us!
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If you need a ride or need assistance voting, please let me know and we will find a way to help you.
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A third of people don't fill in the nonpartisan parts of the ballot for Supreme Court Justices, etc. Please check it out—it's important stuff.
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Available to subscribers. Feel free to subscribe on our homepage.
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Spoken or unspoken, we hold you in our hearts.
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Drum Circle
- Last Sunday of each month from 12:30-1:30 in the BUUF Sanctuary
- All are welcome to join. Feel free to bring your own drum, or share what we have.
All over the age of 8 are welcome to attend and participate.
- There is a $5.00 donation requested to build a drumming fund for special events.
Euchre, Anyone?
- Thursdays at 3:30–5:30pm in various BUUFers' homes
- You do not need to know how to play. Contact Leanne Thomas, BUUF Office Admin, office@berrienuu.org or 407-488-4057
Men's Group
- Second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at BUUF
- If you have any questions, please contact Nico Rojas at lucificador@gmail.com
New Moon Womyn's Circle
- 6:15—9:00pm on or around the new moon each month at various locations
- Contact Lisa Fuller lmfuller0116@gmail.com to be added to our email list.
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor
- First Saturday of the month from 9:00am–1:00pm
- 233 Michigan St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Feel free to come for all or part of this opportunity to help. Contact Leanne Thomas office@berrienuu.org for more info.
Social Justice Committee
- Second Wednesday of the month from 7:00–8:00pm
- We meet via Zoom, and occasionally in person.
For more information, contact Brett Maccani or Laurie Myers ljm1960@att.net.
Small Group Ministry
- First Monday of the month at 6:30pm at BUUF
- The curriculum is always heart and mind opening. This is a friendly way to get to know other interesting BUUFers—as well as yourself! For details contact our DRE Rachel Reed dre@berrienuu.org
Writing Group
- Second and Fourth Mondays at Noon at BUUF
- Bring your lunch, notebook, and favorite pen. Contact Patrice Grant at astilbe531@gmail.com or Leanne Thomas office@berrienuu.org for next meeting date. Janice Zerfas is also a leader.
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Call for Volunteers
There are many ways at BUUF to connect with other BUUFers and serve the fellowship. Scan this list of Volunteer opportunities to find one that fits your interests and skill set. There's truly something for everyone at BUUF.
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For help with any of this, please contact
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Leanne Thomas, BUUF Office Admin,
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Would you like a copy of our Members & Friends directory including our leadership roster? Just let me know.
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BUUF Caring Committee Do you need a call or a card, some food or funds? Application forms for the caring fund are available in Fuller Fellowship Hall behind the visitor's table. Many requests for support can be fulfilled simply by reaching out.
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BUUF on the World Wide Web
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Did you know BUUF has a hearty online presence? BUUF members are invited to visit and become familiar with BUUF's website, facebook page, private facebook group and YouTube channel. These platforms provide information about BUUF governance, upcoming events, discussion of various topics and an opportunity to view previous services and messages.
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Being familiar with these online locations will help you participate more fully in BUUF activities and share information with others who might appreciate our BUUF community.
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For information about upcoming events, visit, like, and follow BUUF on Facebook at
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Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship • 4340 Lincoln Ave, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
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