The theme for this Sunday April 18th is “The Path to Loving-Kindness.” In his sermon, “Fake it ’til You Make It,” Rev. Jim McConnell will discuss how acting in a loving and kind way towards others can actually lead to genuine empathy and happiness. Lisa Quinlan and Dennis Higdon, our readers for the day, will bring their own experiences on the path to loving-kindness. Additionally, Katharine Lion will have another great Story for All Ages, Les Rorick and Kristina McCloskey will share some of their music, the BUUF Musicians have more great hymns and meditation pieces, and Julie Williams will do our Chalice work. Zoom in this Sunday!
Those on our Order of Service distribution list will receive an Order of Service email on Saturday with the Zoom login details. If you are not on this list and would like to attend, please email office@berrienuu.org for Zoom information.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
– The Dalai Lama
We will be talking about how we’ve incorporated environmental challenges in our towns. Learn more about building sustainably by watching some of the resource videos.
Environmental Challenge:
The earth is experiencing many environmental problems which have resulted from human activity. Some of these problems include global warming, air pollution and loss of habitats. How we build & rebuild our cities can address these issues & hopefully, help to make it better.
Things to Keep in mind when building your town:
- What is your climate like? Jungle, desert, moon-scape?
- Does your town have any environmental catastrophes from the past and if so how does your utopia address that?
- How does your town handle waste (human, animal, garbage, recycling)?
- Where does your water come from?
- What kinds of energy sources does your town use, how are they helping or hindering the environment?
- How do people in your town use resources wisely?
- Do people in your town have access to nature, what kinds?
- What is your town doing to address climate change?
Resources:
How to take care of the Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2YgM1Zw4_E
*Sustainable City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCKz8ykyI2E
*Green City: Clean Waters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ98limHhw8
When Trees Meet Buildings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w7lsydq8ks
Japan’s Town with No Trash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS9uhASKyjA
Environmental Science for Kids: https://study.com/academy/lesson/environmental-issues-lesson-for-kids.html
Join Co-chairs Harvey Johnson and Diane Gibbons for the Spring Green Sanctuary Committee Meeting April 15, 2021, 7pm-8pm via Zoom. Everyone can be a member and attend. Here is the link:
Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/95354122429?pwd=bGxJM09OSVZvNEtlaExxOUthaklaUT09
Meeting ID: 953 5412 2429; Passcode: 682490
Find out:
- What is UUA Green Sanctuary?
- How to join Green Sanctuary causes at BUUF
- Sustainability (building, grounds, food, sewage, electric)
- Environmental Justice (EJ films, partnership with Fresh Start Children’s Garden)
- Worship (Solstice/Equinox services, other earth-based services)
- Religious Education (Environmental Challenge curriculum, Three Sisters garden)
Learn about current and future projects and how to get involved.
BUUF helps sustain several Gardens on the BUUF property and the Fresh Start Children’s Gardens in Benton Harbor under the longtime leadership of Emma Kinnard.
The Sunday Service Committee requests that the Green Sanctuary Committee help lead a service May 16, 2021. Help us decide what to present. A Sustainability or Climate Action or Extinctions or Butterfly/Bee habitant theme? Please direct questions to Harvey at vp@berrienuu.org or 269-470-1470 or Diane.
Pictured below: Hilary and Harvey Johnson with Emma Kinnard at the Fresh Start Children’s Garden
The Racial Justice Discussion Group will meet in April to listen & discuss podcasts on racial justice issues.
April 15th & April 22nd – Brené Brown with Dr. Yaba Blay on One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race.
This 1hr & 20 min podcast will be broken into 2 nights. “This is an honest conversation on identity, grief, transformation, history, colorism & taking responsibility for change.”
April 29th – The Experiment – Confronting the Legacy of Robert E. Lee
What does it take to overcome one of the oldest disinformation campaigns in American history? The Experiment talks with historian, Ty Seidule about his book, Robert E. Lee and Me which deconstructs Lee’s legacy & unpacks the “Lost Cause” ideology.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96533542977?
Meeting ID: 965 3354 2977
Passcode: 231981
Too often we find the need for perfectionism in our lives. But perfectionism i.e.: the fear of failure keeps us from true self expression. Mindfulness teaches us that it is each step that’s important, not actually reaching our destination. This week we focus on the fun of self-expression and not on finished products.
You will need: whatever crafty materials you have on hand!
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/98703590273?pwd=WlhCRTNKY1l0cm1IVWZtTDZYZmNrQT09
Meeting ID: 987 0359 0273, Passcode: 877357
The theme for this Sunday April 18th is “The Path to Loving-Kindness.” In his sermon, “Fake it ’til You Make It,” Rev. Jim McConnell will discuss how acting in a loving and kind way towards others can actually lead to genuine empathy and happiness. Lisa Quinlan and Dennis Higdon, our readers for the day, will bring their own experiences on the path to loving-kindness. Additionally, Katharine Lion will have another great Story for All Ages, Les Rorick and Kristina McCloskey will share some of their music, the BUUF Musicians have more great hymns and meditation pieces, and Julie Williams will do our Chalice work. Zoom in this Sunday!
Those on our Order of Service distribution list will receive an Order of Service email on Saturday with the Zoom login details. If you are not on this list and would like to attend, please email office@berrienuu.org for Zoom information.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
– The Dalai Lama
We will be starting a new challenge for our towns this week: Housing Affordability & Accessibility. The kids will learn what housing challenges exist in the real world and how they can attempt to accommodate those challenges in the building of their town.
RE kids are invited to join after the service (approximately 11:30 AM on Sunday).
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/98173952952?pwd=MzhDT2YweC9xQkU4a3Q0WTBLckNYQT09
Meeting ID: 981 7395 2952; Passcode: 302679
