Author: Blue Hills UU

The Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalists once again welcome Lay Leader Dennis Peterson November 8^th to conduct Sunday Services.   Considering “Life and What it Means”, Peterson makes the observation “I was born just a little while ago.  It won’t be too long before I die. In between those two events – being born, and dying – we have what is called “a life.”  What does this mean within that human-framed question?  We’re invited to explore with him the meaning of our existence and where this leads us in our brief sojourn on this earth.

Our Blue Hills UU fellowship continues to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays via Zoom – the link will be sent to members on Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in.  Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to attend service are invited to meet IN the church at 230 W Messenger, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

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One of the tools human beings share that defines us from the animal world is language.

But are there some words you stumble over?   Words that make you flinch when you hear others use  them, or some you ban yourself from ever uttering?    What prohibits use of certain words in particular circles?  What is the baggage they carry that initiates responses stronger than others? 

BHUU member, the good Doctor Mark Van Etten will share his personal vocabulary proclivities this coming Sunday, November 1^st .  Be with us as we consider the strength of language, and what gives it the power to provoke or trouble, comfort or inspire us.  

Our Blue Hills UU fellowship continues to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays via Zoom – the link will be sent to members on Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in.  Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to attend service are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

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We’re pleased at Blue Hills UU to once again welcome Richard Terrill and Larry McDonough to provide Sunday’s Service through music and contemplation.   October 25^th brings the jazz duo to us via Zoom, blessing our time together with their original compositions and a description of their creation process.  

Terrill explains the methodology, noting “Much as UU’s credit a wide range of sources for their spirituality, creative artists “borrow” from those who have come before.  We will describe and demonstrate the process used in our own creative work, linked as it is to our spiritual concerns.” 

The Zoom link will be sent to members by Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in – visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to attend service are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

We are often reminded while traveling this bizarre passage of 2020, to TAKE HEART!  Our Service on Sunday, October 18^th at Blue Hills UU will underscore that mantra, when member Judith Barisonzi shares with us “A little science and a little of the personal” as she seeks to uncover the mysteries of the human heart.   Be with as we consider “What makes us human?” and help us delve into these most important questions.  

We begin at 10:00 a.m. The Zoom link will be sent to members by Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in. Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to join in, are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

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Sunday, October 11^th brings WOJB community radio host Eric Schubring to the Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist fellowship, along with guest authors Phil and Kathy Dahl-Bredine of Oaxaca, Mexico.   Schubring’s recent review of their text, “The Insurrection of the Common Good”, inspired him to share with listeners the qualities of life indigenous cultures celebrate, and the ways in which they are changed by capitalism, bringing insight and awareness to these pressures.  

Through real life experience, and as residents of the area, the Dahl-Bredines writing focuses on the impact 21^st century practices, especially those of our nation, have on neighboring countries.  They share their experience and concerns in a call for better understanding, through the writing of this book.  The book may be found at Northwind Books in Spooner, or on Amazon;  there will be time for Q&A and a short discussion period during Eric’s Service.  

Our service begins at 10 a.m. each Sunday as we continue to meet through ZOOM technology;   the Zoom link will be sent to members by Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in – visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to attend service are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

A welcome feature of our Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist tradition is the arrival of the “In-Gathering” service at the end of summer.   In-Gathering marks a time of return to our fellowships and churches, normally after a busy season of travel and vacations when time with family and friends interrupt our normal weekly habits.  

BHUU’s  In-Gathering service was moved to October, not only to accommodate guest speaker Services, but to allow time needed for consideration of proposed changes to our committee structure.    September’s “Mission & Goals” service spawned suggestions for changes we will consider in depth during In-Gathering this coming Sunday, October 4^th at 10 a.m.  Be with us as we propose to strengthen and deepen our fellowship in purpose and inclusivity.

The Zoom link will be sent to members by Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in – visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to attend service are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

BHUU’s LITTLE FREE LIBRARY -VALUE ADDED!

A “Little Free Library” with an added feature has appeared at 230 W Messenger St in Rice Lake.   The Blue Hills Fellowship of Universalist-Unitarians have installed their own version, which includes a shelf for use as a “Little Free Pantry”.   In an effort to reach out to the community in this time of limited access, members have committed to keeping a small pantry available for those who might need access to food staples.

Besides stocking a variety of children and adult books, the UU’s will attempt to keep the pantry shelf supplied with rice, beans, lentils, pasta, dried fruit or vegetables, and perishable items and produce as weather permits.  Those in need are invited to access the Little Free unit. 

Noting that hours when other sources of food offered to the community are as limited as they are, the BHUU’s saw a need for people to be able to access food at all times of the day.   Donations to supply the pantry may also be received by dropping a note to the fellowship at 230 W Messenger, or noting on their website:  bluehillsuu.org.

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Blue Hills UU’s look forward to the return of Rev Suzanne Wasilczuk on Sunday, September 30^th, to conduct the service at 10 a.m. via Zoom.   Rev Wasilczuk addresses “A Leap of Faith” and what faith means in a Unitarian-Universalist context:  “We gather together.  We gather to discover, to discern, to remember, to shape that which is of worth to us.  We may speak of faith – or some may discard the concept of faith altogether.”   

Rev. Suzanne Wasilczuk is a 2007 graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, now of Duluth, Minnesota, preaching at the Mesabi UU Church in Virginia MN and serves as part-time consultant to the Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The Zoom link will be sent to members by Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in – visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to attend service are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

A group discussions regarding Racial Justice will take place on September 30^th at 6:30 p.m.  Based on the book “White Fragility”, April Neilsen serves as facilitator, encouraging those interested to take part whether the book has been read or not.  A link will be sent to members the day before, noting the time of meeting. 

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On Sunday, September 20th, as part of our Blue Hills UU service, fellowship member Jude Genereaux will share with us the ways she finds “Sanctuary in the Natural World.”   As we continue our journey in this strange time zone , we seek ways to cope with changes in our lives and gatherings.   Fortunate as we are to live in the northwoods, the many ways to seek understanding and peace for the soul are abundant.   Sometimes one just needs to hold still to recognize them.

What do you find in the out-of-doors that brings you solace?   Be ready to share an experience or solution to the claustrophobia that comes when life feels limited.

We begin at 10:00 a.m. The Zoom link will be sent to members by Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in. Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to join in, are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

Several group discussions regarding Racial Justice will take place on September 21st and 30^th at 6:30 p.m.  Based on the book “White Fragility”, April Neilsen serves as facilitator, encouraging those interested to take part whether the book has been read or not.  A link will be sent to members the day before, noting the time of meeting. 

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There is “Power in Small Congregations” and our guest, Rev Phil Lund will share this perspective with the Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalists at our 10 a.m. service,  Sunday, September 13^th.  

In recent discussions, our fellowship has affirmed the esteem and satisfaction we find in our small fellowship, which Rev Lund describes as “Intimate, Nimble, Authentic, and Effective.”   Lund expands his observance: “We’ve learned ways the COVID-19 pandemic has forced congregations of all sizes to find new ways of doing church. While larger congregations may seem to have more resources to make the changes needed to adapt, smaller congregations have their own strengths. We’ll explore the traits that make small congregations particularly well-suited to thrive in these trying times.”

The BHUU Board members will meet after the service concludes;  all are invited.

We begin at 10:00 a.m. The Zoom link will be sent to members by Saturday, although all interested are invited to sign in. Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed to join the service.

Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation and want to join in, are invited to meet IN the church, masked and distanced ~!~ to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

Several group discussions regarding Racial Justice will take place September 9 at 10 a.m., and on the 14, 21, and 30^th, at 6:30 p.m.  Based on the book “White Fragility”, April Neilsen will serve as facilitator, encouraging all who are interested to take part whether the book has been read or not.  A link will be sent to members the day before, noting the time of meeting.