“Autumnal Equinox Celebration”
September 23, 10:30am – 11:30am

This Sunday, September 23rd, we will be celebrating the Autumnal Equinox. Gretchen Ohmann, Beth La Fleur, Connie De Graaf, Gloria Weberg, and others will provide an inter-generational service where we celebrate the rhythms of life through song, dance, and ritual. Come. Bring the kids. Get in touch with your inner Pagan and prepare your soul to harvest the ancient meanings of Autumn.

 

Creative Conversations: “Turning Negative Online Comments into Positive Offline Conversations”
Wednesday, September 19, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

After taking a month off of Creative Conversations, we’re excited to be back Wednesday, September 19th, from 7-9pm watching Ted Talk, Dylan Marron: “How I turn negative online comments into positive offline conversations.” We invite you to join us for the short video and a lively conversation that never disappoints! Potluck snacks & BYOB. Here’s what TED says, “Over time, he’s developed an unexpected coping mechanism: calling the people who leave him insensitive comments and asking a simple question: “Why did you write that?” In a thoughtful talk about how we interact online, Marron explains how sometimes the most subversive thing you can do is actually speak with people you disagree with, not simply at them.”

Any questions can be emailed to Katharine (dre@berrienuu.org).

BUUF Potluck Brunch: Small Group Ministry
Thursday, September 20, 11:00am – 1:00pm

BUUF Brunch is back this month on Thursday, September 20th, from 11am-1pm. We hope you join us for a yummy potluck brunch and something brand new we’re trying out, Small Group Ministry. The time together will be a structured, respectful and caring conversation on a significant life topic.  All participants will have an opportunity to share their perspectives, tell their stories and listen deeply. “In time, we discover that to be listened to is a way of being loved, and that listening is a way of loving.” C.Robinson & A.Hawkins  

Any questions can be emailed to Katharine (dre@berrienuu.org).

Environmental Justice Film Series: “Being the Change”
Thursday, September 20, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

On Thursday, September 20th, the Environmental Justice Film Series presents: “Being the Change: A New Kind of Climate Documentary.” This film is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 and the show begins at 7 PM. Bring a beverage and enjoy some free popcorn! Your event host is Harvey Johnson, Berrien UU Board Member and Social Justice Committee Chair.

This 2018 documentary complements the book Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution. It delves into the life of atmospheric scientist Peter Kalmus, who cut his fossil fuel use to 1/10th of the average American, all while boosting his happiness and raising a family in a typical California suburb. The film is 56 minutes, and after we watch it we’ll discuss what actions we can take on this and other environmental justice issues.

Gardening with Harvey at Fresh Start Children’s Garden in Benton Harbor
Saturdays, 10:00am – Noon

Thursday Gardening has come to an end with the start of the school year. Thank you to all who helped with this weekly event.

BUUF Green Sanctuary volunteers will continue partnering with the Fresh Start Children’s Garden for a few more Saturdays. The garden is located at the corner of Pearl and May Streets in Benton Harbor. Click here for a map.

Stop by and see Harvey Johnson (269-470-1470) who will try to make it to all sessions.

Berrien UU AllComers Dinner and Discussion
Saturday, September 29, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

You are invited to attend our biannual UU AllComers event on Saturday, September 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  UU AllComers is a special evening of dinner, fellowship and discussion, where we will officially welcome and honor our newest members. The Rev. Jim McConnell will share the foundations and history of Unitarian Universalism, with a focus on the meaning of the chalice. Berrien UU President Lisa Fuller will present a short history of BUUF and an overview of ways to be involved in the fellowship. Katharine Lion, Director of Religious Education, will discuss Berrien UU’s religious education plans for this church year.

UU AllComers is a great opportunity to:

• Enjoy a prepared meal with Berrien UU friends

• Hear more about Unitarian Universalism in general and BUUF in particular, including our history, values and 5-Year Plan

• Engage in small group discussion

• Learn how to be more involved in BUUF

All are warmly invited to attend this event! Child care will be provided.

October Book Club Meeting
Friday, October 5, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Gloria Weberg will host the next book club meeting on Friday, October 5th, at 7:00 PM. We will be starting the series of books chosen for the PBS/New York Times Book Club: “Now Read This.”  The first book will be their January 2018 selection, Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.

…When the children’s father is released from prison, Leonie packs her kids and a friend into her car and drives north to the heart of Mississippi and Parchman Farm, the State Penitentiary. At Parchman, there is another thirteen-year-old boy, the ghost of a dead inmate who carries all of the ugly history of the South with him in his wandering. He too has something to teach Jojo about fathers and sons, about legacies, about violence, about love.  Rich with Ward’s distinctive, lyrical language, Sing, Unburied, Sing is a majestic and unforgettable family story and “an odyssey through rural Mississippi’s past and present.”(The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen
Saturday, October 6, 9:00am – 1:00pm

The mission of the Soup Kitchen is to provide a nutritious daily meal to the hungry of the area. The Soup Kitchen also provides a safe and sheltered place for social gathering during the hours of its service. Most of the days at the Soup Kitchen are steadily staffed by volunteers from organizations (churches, businesses or charitable groups) who volunteer on a monthly or semi-monthly basis. Berrien UU serves lunch the first Saturday of every even-numbered month (February, April, June, August, October and December). Our next scheduled day is Saturday, October 6.

Berrien UU volunteers will provide the food, cook and help clean up the kitchen. This is a terrific opportunity to serve the greater community, support our Social Justice mission and enjoy the company of fellow BUUFers and guests at the kitchen. Rev. Jim McConnell generously leads the group in planning the meal and dessert and he will gladly find a role for all volunteers, whether they’ve helped dozens of times or this is their first time. Please consider coming to the Soup Kitchen to help, even if it’s only for an hour or two.

The Soup Kitchen is located at 233 Michigan Street in Benton Harbor.