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January 19, 2025
your weekly newsletter of events & issues
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You are welcome here.
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OUR MISSION:
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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, January 26, 2025 at 10:30am
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Intergenerational Connections and Understanding
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- “I don’t understand what kids these days are saying.”
- “My parents just don’t get it!”
- “Okay, Boomer!”
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Have you ever found yourself thinking (or saying) any of these statements?
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No matter our age, we’ve probably all had interactions with people older or younger than us where something was lost in translation—
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we felt misunderstood, or just didn’t get how an elder or young person could think the way they do. Even within a community of like-minded individuals, generational truths and experiences shape people’s perspective of the world, influencing language, political views, and personal values, and can lead to misunderstandings between loved ones. But there is also a beautiful opportunity to exchange wisdom between generations, and broaden our view of the world when we look at it through the lens of another who may have grown up in a time very different from our own. This Sunday we’ll be exploring “Intergenerational Connections and Understanding.” A panel of BUUFers from various generations will do some Q&A to give us all a little insight into growing up in different times, and Gloria Weberg, Rich Hoffman, and Holly Garces will share some personal stories of how the time in which they came of age shaped their view of the world. Please join us for some stories across the decades as we explore generational thinking, and consider how we might move forward in the world with a greater understanding of each other.
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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. We use the same Zoom link every Sunday.
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We must accept
finite disappointment,but never lose infinite hope.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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COME PLANT SOME HOPE & JOY!
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This Saturday
January 25
10am-1pm at BUUF
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We will be preparing winter seeds for sowing for our May Market. This was a resounding success last year—and lots of fun being together coaxing these native seeds to life.
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Come have some fun
getting your hands
in the dirt in January!
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In and Out of Dreams
Musical Arts Indiana, Laurie Myers
Dreams are among the most fascinating aspects of being human, offering glimpses into our psyche through thrilling, exotic, or even terrifying experiences. They can linger in our minds, vanish upon waking, or profoundly shape our emotions. We also use dreams as a metaphor for our deepest hopes and desires. Vesper Chorale delves into these themes with a captivating concert featuring diverse choral settings. Anchored by Eric Whitacre’s "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine" and Joel Thompson’s "Hold Fast to Dreams," this mesmerizing performance invites you on a journey In and Out of Dreams through the power of choral music.
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Gather at BUUF this Sunday, Jan 26th
from 2:00-4:30 pm for
January’s New Moon Women’s circle.
After our check-in and discussion Katharine Lion
will have a creative activity for us.
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Bright Blessings, Lisa Fuller 269-470-7379
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Clare, Mary Lou Elson's sister, could really use a ride to Kalamazoo to see Mary Lou. Please contact Clare directly: Home: 269-429-8449, Cell: 269-930-5235 Email: rutlins45@gmail.com
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Janice Zerfas and Leanne Thomas 407-488-4057 can help answer questions if you have any.
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- Julia Ryan: Nicholas Kristof has written "Even This Year is the Best Time Ever to Be Alive" in the New York Times. He tells of good things that have happened in 2024. It is well worth reading if you want to cheer yourself up.
- Jim Fuller, BUUF Treasurer: We just finished our calendar year, which means we are halfway through our fiscal year. I've printed a financial report, and it will be on the kiosk by the kitchen. If you have any questions, take a look.
- Harvey Johnson: I will let you know when the conditions improve for sledding at my house :)
- Leanne Thomas, BUUF Office Admin: will be out of town visiting family & friends in Florida January 19-30. She will be available by phone and text 407-488-4057 (either preferred) and email.
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The Social Justice Committee (SJC) is helping bend the arc toward justice:
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- Our priority this year is to help the fellowship be well aware of all that is happening, especially regarding immigration. Celia Barnes and the Gipins are involved with BISN Berrien Immigrant Solidarity Network.
- We are working on a contact list for politicians which we will make available in the Announce and here at BUUF. This will make it easy to use your voice to tell your representatives what you are calling them to do and holding them accountable.
- LMC is holding MLK events all this week. And the Berrien Dems have a lot going on right now too.
- Look for an upcoming Social Justice corner as a regular feature in the Announce.
contributed by Laurie Myers, SJC Chair
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Thank you to Laurie Myers and all members of the SJC for your superb work.
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The Work of Christmas
Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
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The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
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Thank you, Julie Williams, for your beautiful reading.
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"Joy builds the energy to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice."
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paraphrased by Julia Ryan
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Joys & Concerns
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Available to subscribers. You can 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 Women'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
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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
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. Call or text Leanne at the number above.
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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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