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Sunday Services Sunday presentations are always followed by discussion. Please join us for coffee and treats.   Sunday, September 07, 2008 Mingling of the Waters Presented by Darr Schreurs We start the new church season with the traditional Mingling of Waters. During your summer adventures, remember to gather some water to bring. As we mingle the waters from all of our travels, we'll share our summer tales and reunite with old friends.   Sunday, September 14, 2008 Heresy Moves West: Liberal Religion in Minnesota - Part 1 Presented by Charlie Ellis Moderated by Ken Yoder Theological controversy begun in Boston, Unitarianism, and rural New England, Universalism, followed the frontier. We will investigate the founding of churches in Minnesota that carried these two strains of American heresy. Heretics even disagree with each other and there were conflicts both within the liberal community in the West as well as between the Western liberal churches and the more orthodox liberals in the east. The Civil War's immediate aftermath and reconstruction affected liberal church development in Minnesota; the founding of many Minnesota churches occurred in this period. The West's tilt toward heresy and controversy continued into the early 20th century as John Dietrich took the pulpit at First Unitarian. Humanism became a 20th century struggle in both Unitarian and Universalist churches directly as a result of Dietrich's very popular sermons and the work of Curtis Reese who served First Unitarian in Des Moines and later the Western Unitarian Association. This is part 1 of a 2-part series, to be completed on October 12.   Sunday, September 21, 2008 Will Your Vote Count? Presented by Jenny Thomas Moderated by Lois Hamilton Jenny Thomas, co-chair of Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance's Voting Integrity/Voting Rights Working Group, will speak about the present voting system, and ways to make sure every vote is correctly counted.   Sunday, September 28, 2008 Building Your Own Theology Presented by Wendy Jerome Moderated by Lois Hamilton A central purpose of our gathering together as Unitarian Universalists is to support and challenge one another in discovering, exploring, articulating our individual religious systems and in expressing them actively in the way we live. We revel in the variety of views among us, and we count on this very variety to awaken and sharpen our thinking and feeling. The Building Your Own Theology seminars offer a UU group a good way to be about intentionally doing exactly this sort of discovery work. I look forward to sharing my experiences with "BYOT" and inviting you to try some beginning thinking about your own theologies. Wendy Jerome is a half-time interim minister at the UU congregation of Eau Claire, Wisc. and recently was full time interim minister at the UU congregation of Winnipeg. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, October 05, 2008 "Growing Up White" Presented by Julie Landsman Moderated by Lesley Guyton Local author and educator, Julie Landsman, will share her thoughts and insights from her newest book, "Growing Up White."   Sunday, October 12, 2008 Heresy Moves West: Liberal Religion in Minnesota. - Part 2 Presented by Charlie Ellis Moderated by Pat Walker Theological controversy begun in Boston, Unitarianism, and rural New England, Universalism, followed the frontier. We will investigate the founding of churches in Minnesota that carried these two strains of American heresy. Heretics even disagree with each other and there were conflicts both within the liberal community in the West as well as between the Western liberal churches and the more orthodox liberals in the east. The Civil War's immediate aftermath and reconstruction affected liberal church development in Minnesota; the founding of many Minnesota churches occurred in this period. The West's tilt toward heresy and controversy continued into the early 20th century as John Dietrich took the pulpit at First Unitarian. Humanism became a 20th century struggle in both Unitarian and Universalist churches directly as a result of Dietrich's very popular sermons and the work of Curtis Reese who served First Unitarian in Des Moines and later the Western Unitarian Association. This is part 2 of a 2-part series, begun on September 14.   Sunday, October 19, 2008 Emerson’s Harvard Sermon Presented by Larry Herbison Moderated by Virginia Bergman   Sunday, October 26, 2008 Nurturing a Sense of Wonder Presented by Fran Kiesling Moderated by Maisie Wolszon Fran is an Environmental Praxis Coach (one who helps individuals and groups to live in friendship with nature and to consider sustainable living strategies). Fran's talk will be on how experiences with nature can help us strengthen, or rekindle our sense of wonder and awe, and how this can be psychologically restorative. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, November 02, 2008 Day of the Dead Presented by Michael Sorrell Moderated by Sandy Lucas Michael Sorrell is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota studying mortuary science from the perspective of an "alternative after-life care" advocate. The issue of grief is one all of us deal with at one time or another. Join us for an interesting look at grief and the role it plays in our lives.   Sunday, November 09, 2008 Where am I? - My Religious Journey Presented by Martha Anderson Moderated by Lynne Biddle-Walker A brief overview of where my religious education started and how it seems to be winding down. Martha is one of Groveland UU's founding members.   Sunday, November 16, 2008 Positive Childhood Religious Experiences Presented by Lois Hamilton Moderated by Ceile Hartleib Unitarian Universalists often were members of other faith traditions in their childhood. Many times I have heard UU's say that their reasons for joining a UU congregation have to do with negative experiences. But I wonder, if I choose to join this new religion, is there something from my childhood religious experiences that was positive, that I wish to find again? What were those positive childhood religious experiences?   Sunday, November 23, 2008 Gratitude, Miracles and Worshiping the Lesser Gods Presented by Sara Leiste Moderated by Lynne Biddle-Walker Can gratitude make us better people? In anticipation of Thanksgiving, Sara Leiste will revisit the topic of gratitude, focusing on how gratitude changes our outlook on the world around us. She will describe a practical, although wacky, way to cultivate a gratitude practice. Sara Leiste is a member and current co-chair of Groveland UU Fellowship and is trying very hard to practice gratitude in her daily life. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, November 30, 2008 NO SERVICE   Sunday, December 07, 2008 Shaminism: Basic Principles and How These Practices have Enriched My Life Presented by Laurel Sandberg Moderated by Maisie Wolszon Shamanism is practiced by indigenous cultures around the globe as a means of understanding and working with the powers and mysteries of life - in order to bring human beings into harmony within themselves, with each other, and with their surroundings. It is thought that all of our ancestors viewed the world from a shaman perspective. Laurel will briefly discuss some basic principles of shamanic practice and how these practices have enriched her spiritual life. Laurel Sandberg, retired nurse practitioner and current energy healer, has spent the last ten years on a spiritual quest for a deeper sense of peace, wholeness and purpose. In the spring of 2008 she completed the four year "Cycle of Transformation" with shaman Christina Pratt.   Sunday, December 14, 2008 Creativity: Or Muddling Through to Something New Presented by Maisie Wolszon Moderated by Martha Anderson Groveland UU member, Maisie Wolszon, will share some of her experiences in taking a class entitled, "The Artist's Way" and her discovery of blocks and openings in the path of creativity. Maisie has been an educator for over 35 years. She has taught in schools to support children with learning disabilities and has worked for non-profits to advocate for families in need. She has a Master's degree in Human Development from St. Mary's University where her area of specialty was educational needs for children who have been abused or neglected.   Sunday, December 21, 2008 Solstice Celebration Presented by Kari Tauring Moderated by CeCeile Hartleib Kari Tauring, Performance and Ritual Artist, will lead the Winter Solstice Ritual. Call in the directions, sing her original solstice songs, hear stories about the theft of the sun, and light a candle to the new year! Kari Tauring received a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul in 1996 and a Bachelor of Arts Double Major English and Philosophy, also from the University of St. Thomas in 1990. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, December 28, 2008 NO SERVICE   Sunday, January 04, 2009 Marking the Passage from the Age of Experience to the Age of Wisdom Presented by Virginia Bergman Moderated by Martha Anderson It's been said that human beings typically pass through three stages in their lifetimes: the age of innocence, the age of experience, and the age of wisdom. How will we know when we've passed over the threshold from experience to wisdom? Virginia Bergman, a member of Groveland UU Fellowship, received her master’s in divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1990 and continues to pursue interests in theology, spiritual growth, depth psychology, politics and writing.   Sunday, January 11, 2009 Heresy Moves West: Homecomer Presented by Charles Ellis Moderated by Ceile Hartleib Heresy Moves West, Part III As we saw in parts I & II of this series, the movement of the liberal faith tradition into what is now the Midwest created its own conflicts: the radical Western controversy and the development of humanism in the early 20th century. Now, in part III, we look at yet another controversy being bred here in the Midwest, a faith focused on the cosmos as original revelation and the body of mother earth as our most intimate testament to that revelation. How will we interpret and reverence the book of nature? Now, heresy will move out from the West again, as it did with humanism. Rev. Ellis, a former Presbyterian minister, became a member of Groveland UU years ago when our organization was in its infancy. Because of his participation with Groveland he decided to transfer his credentials to the UU ministry. He has continued to be involved with GUUF as a Sunday speaker, presenter of workshops, special courses, and as a retreat speaker.   Sunday, January 18, 2009 Animal Communication Presented by Lena Swanson Moderated by Maisie Wolszon Lena Swanson serves both people and animals in a variety of ways as a professional animal communicator, a shamanic practitioner, a past life regression facilitator, a Reiki Master, and a flower essence and essential oil consultant. Her purpose is to work with entire families to provide services that best meet the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of each family member, both human and animal. Join us in exploring the world of animal communication. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, January 25, 2009 Mandalas - Circle Prayers Presented by Chillon Leach Moderated by CeCeile Hartleib "Mandalas - Circle Prayers". While studying the mandala shape as a prayer form, the artist's prayer life opened as did the mandala curves. Please join Chillon Leach in the making of mandalas with prayerful intent. Chillon Leach is a St. Paul artist, showing in local religious and secular art shows. She is a 1983 graduate from the U of M/Twin Cities with degrees in painting/drawing and illustration. Currently teaching art and spirituality at Catholic Eldercare in NE Mpls., she is also developing forum speaking and artist-in-residence programs at churches.   Sunday, February 01, 2009 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do Presented by Pat Walker Moderated by Sandy Lucas The martial art of Tae Kwon Do combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy. The five tenets of Tae Kwon Do include: Self Respect, Integrity, Courtesy, Perserverance, and Indominatable Spirit Groveland's Pat Walker will reflect on the principles as they reflect, and perhaps complement, Groveland's own principles and practices. Mr. Walker has practiced Tae Kwon Do for over 20 years, and is a third degree black belt. He practices at the Sound Mind and Body School of Tae Kwon Do in St. Paul.   Sunday, February 08, 2009 Personal Reflections on Tobacco as a Human Rights Issue Presented by Alan Lando Moderated by Lois Hamilton If present trends continue there will be one billion tobacco related deaths in the 21st Century. Harry Alan Lando, Distinguished International Professor, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, has spent most of his career researching methods to help people quit smoking. In recent years he came to realize this was not adequate to address the global tobacco epidemic and that tobacco is a human rights issue.   Sunday, February 15, 2009 Hosea Ballou and Ultra Universalism Presented by Darr Schreurs Moderated by Martha Anderson "Hosea Ballou and Ultra Universalism" Hosea Ballou, the "father of American Universalism" was a 19th century Universalist preacher. He preached and wrote about "Ultra Universalism" - a radical idea even for the Universalists of that time. Just what is Ultra Universalism"? Does it mean anything to us today? Darr Schreurs, a born and raised Unitarian is currently enrolled at United Theological Seminary. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, February 22, 2009 Ways of Being Agnostic Presented by Peter Wahlstrom Moderated by Pat Walker Guest speaker Peter Wahlstrom has an eclectic bio. He began training in Taekwondo in 1979 under Master Kun Y. Park of Park Institute in Rochester, Minnesota. He earned his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1984 and in the same year began teaching Taekwondo for Master Il K. Kim. In 1995 Mr. Wahlstrom earned his 4th Dan Black Belt from Kim's Taekwondo Center. In 1996 he founded his own school, The Sound Mind and Body School of Taekwondo, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and has been enjoying his role of owner and Master Instructor since that time. In addition to his Taekwondo career, Mr. Wahlstrom is an Instructor in Philosophy, Humanities, and Physical Education at the Cambridge Campus of Anoka Ramsey Community College in Cambridge, Minnesota. There he teaches courses in Ethics, Logic, Introduction to Philosophy, World Religions, Heritage of the Western World, Taekwondo and Wilderness Challenge, which involves guiding students into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Mr. Wahlstrom has also taught Latin at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.   Sunday, March 01, 2009 Mental Health Parity - From Bumper Stickers to Pharmaceuticals Presented by Abby Struck Moderated by Trescia Dunn An exploration of how the church, the state, and the economic system have determined how care for mental health is distributed, and how science is improving treatment and reducing stigma. Abby Struck is a founding member of Groveland UU Fellowship and has been active in the organization for many years.   Sunday, March 08, 2009 Inefficiency Training Presented by Darr Schreurs Moderated by Lois Hamilton Does EFFICIENCY bring peace, happiness, or adventure to our daily life? Probably not. Join me in an exploration of the surprise and wonder of INEFFICIENCY. Feel free to arrive late and leave early. Darr Schreurs, a born and raised Unitarian, is currently enrolled at United Theological Seminary. You can't get more inefficient than that.   Sunday, March 15, 2009 American Identity in the Time of Obama Presented by Rev. Charles Ellis Moderated by Darr Schreurs Since the time of Emerson and Channing, the question of American identity has aroused passions and controversy. What is American identity today? What does it mean to be an American? What does it mean to see the world through American eyes? These issues were important to the first generation of Unitarian thinkers and they are important now. Come consider this important matter with us. Rev. Charles Ellis received his Masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. Ordained in 1976, as a Presbyterian minister, he worked as a community organizer and later as a church executive responsible for justice work and congregational development. After leaving the Presbyterian Church in 1991, Charlie began attending Groveland UU. As a result of this participation he transferred his credentials to the UU ministry. He has continued to be involved with our congregation in many ways – a Sunday speaker, presenter of workshops and special courses, and as a featured speaker at our retreats. He has presented several Sunday services here at Groveland UU this year. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, March 22, 2009 Focused Appreciation Presented by Dan Dunn Moderated by Lesley Guyton An exploration of the practice of focused appreciation, as described in the book "Immortal Increate." Dan explains what focused appreciation is, and how it has affected his life. A brief introduction to the practice itself is included, with examples. Dan Dunn is the author of "Immortal Increate" and a member of the Groveland UU fellowship.   Sunday, March 29, 2009 Be Earth Now Presented by Jamie Meyer Moderated by Lynne Biddle-Walker So much of our turmoil is out of our control. How then do we respond? By staying grounded. This Sunday morning will focus on grounding with the help of group drumming, poetry and helpful earth-based meditation. Jaime Meyer is a playwright and drummer, who holds a masters' degree in theology and the arts from United Seminary of the Twin Cities.   Sunday, April 05, 2009 Playback Theater Presented by Claire DeCoster Moderated by Sandy Lucas Playback Theatre is an original form of improvisational theatre in which audience or group members tell stories from their lives, and watch them enacted on the spot by an ensemble of actors. Unlike classic comedy improvisation, Playback doesn't aim strictly for laughs: A story may be funny, thoughtful, sad. Playback Theatre is now performed on seven continents in more than 50 countries. In Finland ,for example, 13 nationally subsidized professional Playback companies work in prisons, schools, hospitals, senior homes, public theatres, corporations, and on the streets. Originally a professional actress and dancer, Claire DeCoster was more and more drawn to issue-oriented, educational theatre and psychodrama, when she discovered Playback. She started River's Edge Playback Theatre in the fall of 2000. She holds an MFA in Acting, BFA in Dance, and an M.Ed. in ECFE Parent Education. She works at Family & Children's Service for The Family Project, a family centered community organizing model based in Minneapolis.   Sunday, April 12, 2009 Interplay Presented by CathyAnn Beatty Moderated by Ken Yoder CathyAnn Beaty will guide us in a BodySpirit Celebration, creating ease, awareness, and community. Be prepared to feel spiritually refreshed through individual and group forms using body, voice, story and stillness. CathyAnn Beaty is an ordained UCC minister and nationally recognized InterPlay leader and teacher. She directs SoulPlay Performance Ensemble using InterPlay forms to create dance, song, and story in the moment. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, April 19, 2009 Healing Racism in the Body Presented by Tommy Woon and Thea Mashino Lee Moderated by Lesley Guyton While our society has made many strides since the days of the Civil Rights Movement in opening people's minds and hearts and reducing discrimination and conflicts, we are still stuck and grinding away at the same time. What is the missing link that could potentially propel us to the next level of understanding and healing? Tommy Woon, Dean of Multicultural Life at Macalester College, and his partner, Thea Lee, a somatic therapist and yoga teacher specializing in trauma, believe that the missing link lies in our bodies. They will explain the role of body in our response to stressful and threatening situations, and how it can be applied to understanding the etiology as well as the effects of racism in both individuals and society. They will also share how the somatic therapy techniques can be used to heal the effects of racism and other forms of oppression.   Sunday, April 26, 2009 Poetry/Music Cafe Presented by Sandy Lucas Moderated by Maisie Wolzson Share your favorite poems, sing your favorite song, bring a musical instrument and play a piece, or just come enjoy the offerings at our annual "Poetry Cafe" (we're adding a little music this year, as well).   Sunday, May 03, 2009 May Day Celebration Presented by Kari Tauring, with Robyn Reyburn and Karin Odell Moderated by Lois Hamilton May is the month of enlightenment. The tree sap reaches the crown of the trees forcing blooms and leaves. Buddah put his back against the bodhi tree, feeling his sap rise to his crown with the tree, he attains enlightenment. All over the globe the full moon of May is his honored day. Mary the mother of Jesus is honored in May, crowned "Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May". May was dedicated to goddesses of fecundity and blossoms like Flora and Artemis. Join us as we celebrate the coming of May and the rising of our own sap towards the crown. Learn the lessons of braiding your own May crown, sing and chant, dance the spiral dance and celebrate! Kari Tauring, a frequent presenter at Groveland UU, Kari's twenty plus years of spiritual study and practice combine with her performance and teaching skills to create moving, globally reaching and intensely personal ceremonies. Kari Tauring   Sunday, May 10, 2009 Does Our Relationship with Food Matter? Presented by Trescia Dunn Moderated by Maisie Wolzson If we are what we eat, then what are we today? Our ancestors once had an intimate and sacred relationship to food that often evolved around the rhythms’ of the Earth, tradition, thanksgiving and community. Today, most of our food is raised and produced in ways that most of us are unaware of. The many choices at the supermarket have in some ways, further disconnected us from the origins of our food. When we lose this intimate connection with our food, the consequences can be great. Our relationship with food matters deeply in regard to our health, the health of our loved ones, the community, the farmer, the animals, the earth and our future. How can we return to a relationship with food that is nurturing, sacred and sustainable? Trescia is a food educator and has worked in the Natural Food Industry for over 15 years. She has a deep love for our Mother Earth Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, May 17, 2009 Flower Communion Moderated by Sara Leiste Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year Following our Flower Communion Service, we will break for the summer. Services will resume on the first Sunday after Labor Day with our traditional Mingling of the Waters. Have a great summer!