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In a world filled with the darkness of ignorance, let us bring the light of reason.
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In a world filled with the darkness of despair, may we shine the light of hope.
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In a world filled with the darkness of hate, let us shine the light of love.
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March 9, 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, March 16, 2025 at 10:30am
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Empowering Survivors, Honoring Strength
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This Sunday we welcome a guest speaker from the Cora Lamping Center for Survivors of Domestic Abuse and Violence, brought to us by the BUUF Social Justice Committee and the work of Emilee Avink and Laurie Myer. The Cora Lamping Center offers survivors and their children the essential services they need to build safe, healthy, and meaningful lives through support, advocacy, and empowerment. Survivors are provided with shelter services, a 24-hour helpline, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, case management, and assistance with basic needs—all designed to help them move forward with strength and dignity. In honor of a woman who stood up when others sat down, the Center embodies the spirit of #CoraStrong. Who was Cora Lamping?
Mrs. Cora Lamping served as Michigan’s second State Superintendent (1906–1913) of our founding organization. At a time when few women were given leadership roles, she pioneered Michigan’s foster care system, ensuring that vulnerable children received individualized care before adoption. The Center bears her name as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of courage, compassion, and advocacy. This special service will also feature a wonderful “Story for All Ages” by DRE Rachel Reed and beautiful music from our BUUF musicians. Don’t miss this meaningful gathering—join us in person or on Zoom as we come together to learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with survivors. See you Sunday!
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Melanie Hooker is the Executive Director for the DVC in Van Buren county Michigan and the Director for the Empowerment Center in Berrien County. Starting in 2009, she was a victim advocate assisting victims of domestic violence. Upon becoming director in 2015, she expanded services to include sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, dating violence, DV Offender programing, substance abuse programs, migrant outreach, emergency response teams, LGBTQ+ services, and teen victims of witnessed violence.
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Melanie is the chair of the Local planning body of the continuum of care for van buren and cass county, sits on the dv task force for Kalamazoo and Allegan counties, collaborated to start a task force in Van Buren Co, is a SAS advisory board member, veteran services stand down organizer, and member of both Allegan and Van Buren counties’ victims services unit. In August of 2023, Melanie and her staff attended a round table with attorney general Nessel to discuss address confidentiality and the extreme risk protection orders. Melanie became a certified address confidentiality assistance in October 2023. Melanie is an Expert Witness for Michigan in Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Strangulation. In October of 2024, she was asked to consult in Berrien county’s DV shelter, and became the director in November. The Empowerment Center is a 23 bed domestic violence shelter that houses victims of intimate partner violence and their children. In addition, EC provides free licensed therapy, emergency response, protection order assistance, safety planning, support groups, transportation, and case management.
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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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And Roses Too: A Reflection on International Women’s Day, by Lynn Thompson
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It is a joke in my household that I tend to assign myself homework. I love writing essays, and sometimes I go way too far with it. I recently finished a 5,000 word essay on the Naomi Novik book Spinning Silver. It took me three years. I told Jim I wanted to do a sermon today way back on January …
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"Well behaved women rarely make history." Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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Sign up to visit Patrice Grant after she gets back from surgery.
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Any money donated will be refunded to donors in 60 days. Please no donations.
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DATES HAVE CHANGED
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Click here to participate. There are still dates available. This is the way to support Patrice when she comes back from surgery in early March. She is mainly looking for someone to stop by every day for a couple of weeks to visit, not to bring food. Even though it is organized through MealTrain, this is for visiting and doing some light chores for Patrice as she recovers.
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Thank you to everyone who is participating!
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- Audrey Antosz-Flowers: Rising Kites coffee shop in downtown Bridgman is having a fundraiser through March 21, Down Syndrome day. The funds will go towards operating expenses, sending bags to parents, and paying wages for employees, many of whom have Down Syndrome.
- March is Bisexual Awareness month in the queer community. This month is for you.
- Beth La Fleur: In two weeks we will be having our Spring Vernal Equinox service. I need help putting the service together. If you are interested, please speak with me.
- Julia Ryan: Please join us today for letter writing to our government officials and legislators. Very powerful, in the words of Michelle Obama, "Do something."
- This event was met with much enthusiasm and more events will be forthcoming.
- Laurie Myers: The Social Justice Committee will be meeting this Wednesday from 7-8pm on Zoom. Click here to join the meeting.
- Don Shaffer, Board President: Next Monday, March 17, at 7:00-8:30pm the monthly BUUF Board Meeting will take place at BUUF and on Zoom for those unable to make the drive. Click here to attend on Zoom.
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BUUF Membership: What, Why, How?
Requirements of BUUF membership are simple, but meaningful. Maintaining this liberal religious Fellowship depends on the contributions of time, talent and treasure by those who value it most.
1. Affirm BUUF’s Mission and Covenant Our Mission: For every individual searching for spiritual meaning Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship provides a welcoming and caring religious community dedicated to diversity, social justice, and peace for all.
Our Covenant: We of the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship agree and promise to provide a caring community that nurtures and respects the worth and dignity of each person, recognizes the interdependence of all living things, supports the individual in the search for spirituality and the explorations of the mysteries of life, and extends itself into the world in which we live.
2. Attend BUUF Orientation or meet with a BUUF leader to learn the workings of our Fellowship. BUUF’s Spring Orientation is Monday, March 10th. See below for more information.
3. Sign the Membership book—either privately or as part of BUUF’s semi-annual New Member Ingathering. BUUF’s Spring Ingathering of new members is Sunday, March 30th, during service. See below for more information.
4. Make a Pledge of SupportBUUFers all share in supporting our Fellowship financially . Expenses for staff, building maintenance, etc are roughly $1,000 per member annually. Some give more, some give less. All are encouraged to give according to their means to support the work of the Fellowship.
Click here for the 2024-2025 Pledge form to make a pledge of financial commitment to BUUF for the current church year (July 1-June 30). If you become a member and begin your giving by May 8th you'll have a vote at BUUF’s Annual Meeting of Members, Sunday, June 8th, 2025.
The 2025-2026 Pledge form will be available in April, during BUUF’s annual Stewardship Campaign and Pledge Drive.
BUUF Orientation Interested in becoming a BUUF Member, or just want to learn more about its workings and plans? Don't miss this event!
New Member Ingathering
An Ingathering of new BUUF members will be held Sunday, March 30th, during Sunday Service.
Signing BUUF’s Membership Book is the hallmark of committing more deeply to the Fellowship and congregation.
Anyone who has recently signed the Membership Book or feels moved to do so now is invited to be ingathered as a new member of BUUF.
Ingathering is a congregational ceremony marking the special occasion of becoming a BUUF Member.
Participation in Ingathering is encouraged but not required for membership.
For more information contact Lisa Fuller
Email: lmfuller0116@gmail.com Phone/Text: 269-470-7379
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Leanne Thomas: The March 2025 BUUF Directory is available now. Please let me know if you would like a PDF copy by emailing office@berrienuu.org See me at BUUF on Sunday for a printed directory.
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The BUUF Green Sanctuary Team presents a quarterly Climate Action Potluck and Film the 3rd Thursday of the month. The next one is April 17. Please join us for potluck at 6 pm and film at 7 pm to learn how we can take actions for a sustainable future. Contact Harvey Johnson at johnsonh4@michigan.gov or 269-470-1470.
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Hello from the BUUF Euchre players!
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Join us Thursdays from 3:30-5:30pm at our homes. Whether it's Euchre, Hearts, or Big Horse Little Pony, we always have some laughs. Beginners welcome. Talk to any of us for details.
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Left to right: Pat Littlejohn, Julia Ryan, Barry Kitterman (back), Connie Straight, Amy Ecklund, John (back) & Alana Steffen, Leanne Thomas
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Available to subscribers. Become one on our homepage! Sign up and get it delivered each week.
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Spoken or unspoken, we hold you in our hearts.
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Social
Justice
Committee
SJC Corner
HELPING BEND THE ARC TOWARD JUSTICE
contributed by
Laurie Myers, SJC Chair
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Click the above link for local and federal government representatives. Speak up for what you believe in. Together we can make some good noise. This list is also posted on our website berrienuu.org.
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Our UU Fellowship is creating a shared space for action, learning, and support. This living document is a hub for resources on racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, mental health, and more. Find events, tools, and ways to take action—or add your own! Let’s build this together.
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5calls.org gives you info about current issues, contact info for your reps and scripts for phone calls or letters. There is also an app. Call and write your reps!
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How to Join the Resistance
Without Losing Your Soul
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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
Green Sanctuary
- Climate Action Potluck and Film: Quarterly the 3rd Thursday of the 3rd Month
- Please join us for potluck at 6 pm and film at 7 pm to learn how we can take actions for a sustainable future.
- Contact Harvey Johnson at johnsonh4@michigan.gov or 269-470-1470.
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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