Blog

If we’ve learned anything at all this past 18 months, it’s that our world is changing rapidly.  Every aspect of social gathering, from merely shopping to school attendance and our individual work situations, social distancing and restrictions on group size has dramatically changed how we do all things in our lives.  Perhaps one of the most dramatic impacts has been to how we gather to accomplish our “work”.  

This coming Sunday, September 5, our BHUU fellowship will consider “The Future of Work”.  This will be a TED Talk with discussion facilitated by member Ken Hood.  Although we’ve resumed gathering “in-person” at the fellowship hall, Blue Hills UU alternates services on Zoom, recording some for access later for those interested.  The internet link will be sent to members, although all are invited to take part.  Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org < for the link needed

Is a house a home?   Is our fellowship hall expected to be one?  To provide shelter from the storm –understanding, compassion?   What do we expect to find here?  What do we want four walls to provide for us?  And how long do we expect it to BE?  

This coming Sunday, August 29^th, the BHUU’s will ZOOM the morning to seek input from the membership on how we view ourselves, and the place of our building in that vision.  Repairs needed … expenses incorporated  —  all opinions are welcome and encouraged as we attempt to foresee what the future holds for us.  Come join the discussion.

We will meet via Zoom at 10 a.m. for this service;  although we’ve resumed gathering “in-person” at the fellowship hall, Blue Hills UU alternates services on Zoom, recording some for access later for those interested.  The internet link will be sent to members, although all are invited to take part.  Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org < for the link needed

On Sunday August 22^nd, we’ll take “A walk in the Wilderness” with two of our leaders, as the Prof’s Robert Hasman and Judith Barisonzi guide us to a finer awareness of the bounty surrounding us in this great northwoods.   Sharing an appreciation they’ve recognized in themselves for the gifts of the forest, the fellowship will be encouraged to “Keep in mind both age-old traditions and contemporary life on Earth” as we consider the value of solitude.

We will meet via Zoom at 10 a.m. for this service;   although we’ve resumed gathering “In-person” at the fellowship hall, Blue Hills UU alternates services on Zoom, recording some for access later for those interested.  The internet link will be sent to members, although all are invited to take part.  Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org < for the link needed.

Rev Suzanne Wasilczuk of the Virginia MN UU will join us via ZOOM this coming Sunday, August 15^th for Service.   Asking the provocative question “Would You Harbor Me?”, Rev. Suzanne uses reflection and music to evince our need for a sanctuary, a “refuge in the storm” of our troubled lives and turbulent world.  We will consider the sacred responsibility to provide a safe haven for others, with time for discussion.   

The 10 a.m. service will be conducted via Zoom this week;  although we’ve resumed gathering “In-person” at our fellowship hall, Blue Hills UU is alternating services on Zoom, also recording some for access later for those interested.  The internet link will be sent to members, although all are invited to take part.  Visitors may contact Ken Hood > ken@bluehillsuu.org < for the link needed.

Chaplain Dennis Peters will delve into the topic “Children” during the Sunday August 8^th  Service at Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 10 a.m.   From our start in life to the time we may (or may choose not to) have our own, “trust” becomes a key pillar in a child’s development.   What happens when that trust is violated?   What does a child need to move on from a childhood that fails them?  Sometimes with the right, and sometimes with no support at all, how does the human spirit rise above a damaged beginning? 

Located at 230 W. Messenger in Rice Lake, all are welcome to attend our Services held at 10 a.m. on Sundays.  In-person gatherings at the church are being alternated with weekly services on Zoom, some recorded for access later for those interested.   All those attending in the fellowship hall are asked to be vaccinated; those who are not, please wear a mask. 

We’ve been advised by Alexander Chalmers there are “Three Grand Essentials” for happiness in this life:  something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.  Member Jude Genereaux will lead the Blue Hills Unitarian Universalists of Rice Lake to consider how each of these play a role in our own lives as we meet in person, Sunday August 1^st 10 a.m.  Discussion, with time for fellowship and coffee will follow.

BHUU has returned to in-person gatherings at 230 W. Messenger, alternating weekly services on Zoom with some recorded for access later for those interested.   All those attending in the fellowship hall are asked to be vaccinated; those who are not, please wear a mask. 

Former resident of Rice Lake and current Board member of BHUU, Jim Bradley, Ph.D professor emeritus of Auburn University Alabama, will conduct the Sunday Service at Blue Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 10 a.m. July 25.

Noting that in 2020, for the first time ever an all-female research team won a Nobel Prize in science – American molecular biologist, Jennifer Doudna, and French microbiologist, Emmanuelle Charpentier, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on a gene-editing technology now known as CRISPR.  This technology is revolutionizing cancer treatment and offering cures for certain genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia. Both benefits and risks of the future use of CRISPR are significant and far-ranging.

Jim invites the fellowship to explore this together and “to contemplate how CRISPR challenges UU principles of respect for inherent, personal, human dignity, respect for the Democratic process, and respect for the interdependent web of life of which we are a part.”

BHUU has returned to in-person gatherings at 230 W. Messenger, and alternates weekly services on Zoom with some recorded for access by members later.  The zoom link will be sent to members; all those interested in attending may contact Ken Hood at ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed.    Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation are invited to meet in the fellowship hall located at 230 W Messenger, masked if not vaccinated, to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

Blue Hills Unitarian Universalists will once again meet via ZOOM at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 18^th, in order to enjoy the Service conducted by the Rev Erin Walter of Austin, Texas.   Rev Walter calls to us to “Dance in the Desert” as we continue attempts to return to normal after the isolation of 2020. 

Drawing upon the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke and scripture, as well as her own spiritual practice of music-making, Rev. Walter will reflect on how we may endure ongoing struggle while embracing joy along the way.  This service will include the diverse musical sources of Rev Walter’s and she encourages those attending to “Bring a tambourine!”

BHUU has returned to in-person gatherings at 230 W. Messenger, and alternates weekly services on Zoom with some recorded for access by members later.  The zoom link will be sent to members; all those interested in attending may contact Ken Hood at ken@bluehillsuu.org for the link needed.    Those lacking cyberlink connection or equipment to enable participation are invited to meet in the fellowship hall located at 230 W Messenger, masked if not vaccinated, to watch the presentation on large screen ZOOM.

On Sunday July 11, Blue Hills UU’s will tackle the topic “Death” during our Service at 10 a.m.  Our visiting Chaplain Dennis Peters of Hillsdale assures us “this will be fun!  It’s summer.  Bright sunshine.  Warm (Hot!) days. Baseball games.  Concerts in the bandshell.  Picnics.  Fireworks—some sponsored, other… spontaneous!  Green trees, lazy hammocks, walks with friends. What better time to talk about death?”  Discussion always follows the Service, with time for fellowship and coffee after.

We will meet in the church, 230 W. Messenger St in Rice Lake;  BHUU has returned to in-person gatherings, alternating weekly services on Zoom with  some recorded for access by members later.  All those attending in the fellowship hall are asked to be vaccinated; those who are not, please wear a mask.  Please see our website at bluehillsuu.org for specifics.

Sunday, July 4^th, the Blue Hills UU”s will gather at Roux Park in Rice Lake for a potluck celebration and picnic.  Time 11:00.  Located at 1129 W Marshall, Roux Park is approx 3 blocks north of RL High School, where Poskin Street dead ends into Marshall.

Like our Memorial Day Picnic, please bring your utensils/plates, beverage and a dish to pass.  We had such a great time then, let’s DO IT AGAIN!