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A musical Sunday service at Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist fellowship will be offered through the talents of FEBRUARY SKY, folksingers Phil Cooper & Susan Urban. “Hearken Now, the Darkness Comes”, a celebration of the last-harvest holiday of Samhain will begin at 10:00 a.m., October 13^th.  In the course of the service, ancient traditions are observed in reflection of their significance in our modern lives.

The Celtic word “Samhain” means “summer’s end”, a holiday noting the beginning of winter and a time for giving thanks for a good harvest, and also the time of year when the veil between the worlds of the living and dead is said to be the thinnest.  The dead are invited back for loving remembrance, so all are invited to bring a photo or memento of a departed loved one to place on our Samhain altar.

Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalists welcome the Rev. Julie Lepp, Lifespan Minister for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Eau Claire, to Rice Lake October 6^th .  Rev Lepp asks the fellowship “Mirror, Mirror On The Wall – What do we see each time we gaze into the mirror?

Taking from the work of Roger Housden, we’ll ask ourselves to consider “What does our familiar face reflect of the heart and soul of our life?” Are you the same person deep down that you see in the mirror?  Come join us on Sunday as we reflect on “Self Portrait” by David Whyte.

Located at 230 W Messenger St, the Blue Hills UU is a welcoming congregation, inviting all to visit and stay for a time of light nourishment and fellowship after the 10:00 service.

A two tiered effort takes place Sunday Sept 29^th at the Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist fellowship. 10:00 a.m. brings Kent Shifferd to the podium in Rice Lake with his message as to “The Future We Can Have”.  Professor Emeritus of Northland College and member of BHUU, Dr. Shifferd is well versed in, and deeply concerned over the environmental challenges we now face. His sermon will focus on critical solutions to the global ecological crisis needed and the extensive changes we need to make now in our beliefs, values and social institutions.  “This includes the economy and technology if we are to continue as a successful species on this beautiful planet.” Shifferd draws on many sources to describe what a successful world could look like and how we might get there.

A “talk-back” session following the service will consider “What do we do here and now?” and offer time for those attending to share thoughts and concerns. All are welcome to attend Blue Hills UU, located at 230 W Messenger in Rice Lake, and invited to stay for light nourishment and fellowship after the 10:00 service.

A new addition at BHUU is the creation of a “Drum Circle”; a brief first meeting will be led by Brian Rude this same Sunday at 12:00 noon.  Together we will beat out exciting rhythms like “Peanut Butter Sandwich” and “Mac & Cheese.” It’s community building and lots of fun!

This “Fifth Sunday” of a month also marks the time several northwestern UU fellowships congregate as one. The River Falls Unitarian-Universalist Society will host representatives from St Croix Falls, Menomonie and Rice Lake at their service 10:30 a.m. located at N8010 HWY 65 River Falls. 

Our Blue Hills U-U fellowship enthusiastically welcomes once again Rev Phil Lund of St Paul, MN to conduct the service on September 22nd.   A member of the MidAmerica Region of the UUA, pastor Lund holds a Master of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, a certificate in InterSpiritual Counseling from One Spirit Learning Alliance in New York, and has completed a wealth of additional training in counseling and meditation arts.

Rev Lund’s sermon will address the topic of “(W)hol(e)iness”.  In explanation, Lund points out that both wholeness and holiness are about relationship—a living relationship to all things.  “When we find what is holy in ourselves, in others, and in creation, we find ourselves in relationship with the whole.”  His service  will explore how nurturing that relationship can be a path toward wholeness and holiness.   A short talk-back session after the service will enable the congregation to ask questions and share observations.

Please remember that Service now begins at 10 a.m. on Sundays; we welcome everyone to Blue Hills UU, and to stay for fellowship and light nourishment after the service.

September 15th brings member Ginny Gelineau of the Rice Lake Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist fellowship to lead the service; “In Defense of Anger” will be the focus of her message. Do we too often try to silence anger? Or should we pay attention to this important alert system to danger, which can often be a healthy reaction to intolerable conditions. Anger also helps us identify our own boundaries, so while holding onto it can be harmful, it may also be lifesaving. 

A short talk-back session after the 10:00 a.m. service will give us time to explore and share thoughts this coming Sunday morning.

Everyone is always welcome at the BHUU, located at 230 Messenger St in Rice Lake. The Third Sunday of the month is “Pot Luck”, so plan to stay and visit awhile after the service.

On Sunday, September 1^st., the Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist fellowship of Rice Lake will host “Soapbox Sunday” – a favorite gathering for UU’s when everyone is given opportunity to share topical concerns regarding our culture and society at large.  This Forum on the First will be led by member Carlin Stelzer beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Following all gatherings, the congregation invites those attending to join them for light nourishment in the fellowship hall.

Member and well known UWBC faculty member Linda Tollefsrud will lead a forum simply entitled “Trees”, at the Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist fellowship, Sunday August 25th. Especially in summer, with its Robin Hood deep forest greens, we take time to consider the importance “trees” are to each of us and the roles they play in our lives.

What is you favorite type of tree? Do you have a favorite tree story?  A favorite book about trees? Who among us have shared the delight of building and hanging out in a tree house? Do they provide a spiritual element to your life? Then comes the essential role they play in storing carbon and providing the very oxygen we breathe–how deeply important are trees in our life?  

The forum begins at 10:30 a.m. at the BHUU fellowship located at 230 W Messenger Street in Rice Lake; a time for nourishment and togetherness always follows the forum, and all are welcome and invited to attend.

Drumming & Poetry … rhythm and rhyme?   Prepare to participate and enjoy both ! as the Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalists bring Don Karsky of St Croix Falls to teach us a few things about drum circles.  Mr Karksy is well known on the western edge of the state for leading an uplifting spiritual experience through hand drumming and the power of the spoken word. 

All are invited to attend Blue Hills UU services, and this particular morning, are encouraged to bring a drum;  if you don’t have one Mr. Karsky will have extras to share.  And if you have a favorite poem focused on the spiritual or natural world, bring it to share during this service.

Participate or observe:  it’s your choice – but we’re certain you will be engaged by the energy of this morning service which begins at 10:30 a.m., Sunday August 18^th.   And who knows?  Those interested might establish a drumming circle of their own, as the beat goes on.

This being “third Sunday” of the month also means there will be a Pot Luck luncheon following the service;   all are welcome to join in.  

Waldo Asp will be leading the 10:30 Service at the Blue Hills Unitarian-Universalist fellowship in Rice Lake on August 4th.  In tandem with Jill Forster, Mr Asp will broach the realm of “forms of belief”, provocatively entitling their presentation as “God Spelled Backward”.   Knowing of their interest and history with the canine world, the morning promises to bring some surprises to the congregation and a lively session.

After the service, all are invited to gather for light refreshments in the fellowship hall.