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Sunday Services Sunday presentations are always followed by discussion. Please join us for coffee and treats.   Sunday, September 11, 2011 Mingling of the Waters - 10:15 am Presented by Maisie Wolszon and CeCeile Hartleib We will begin the church year with our traditional Unitarian Universalist Mingling of the Waters ceremony. Each person brings water from a vacation, weekend away, from the Mississippi or just from the home tap to combine in a large bowl symbolizing our separation during the summer and our reuniting again in the fall as we talk about our adventures.   Sunday, September 18, 2011 Human Trafficking Victimization in Minnesota - 10:15 a.m. Presented by Linda Miller Moderated by Alan Lando Linda Miller will talk about case histories showing the broad scope of human trafficking victimization, especially of children in Minnesota, and what is being done to deter human trafficking in Minnesota. Linda Miller is the executive director of Civil Society, Minneapolis. Linda has recently been awarded the Soroptimist Ruby award which honors those who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of women and girls.   Sunday, September 25, 2011 Trying Too Hard" and "Self Reliance - 10:15 am Presented by Darr Schreurs Moderated by Lois Hamilton Presented by Darr Schreurs, a born and raised Unitarian, and student at United Theological Seminary. Unitarian Universalists often "try too hard." Join Darr as he tells a humorous story of trying too hard, interwoven with Ralph W. Emerson's essay "Self Reliance." Emerson's words will help us to "try soft."   Sunday, October 02, 2011 Marathon Sunday - No Service at Groveland UU Fellowship Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, October 09, 2011 Spiritual Resources for the Humanist - 10:15 am Presented by Rev. Charles Ellis Moderated by Ceile Hartleib What resources do we have, those of us no longer in the Christian faith? Or those of us never in it? What resources do we have to replenish the spirit and feed the Self? The Western cultural tradition, a great river of classical literature and fine arts has enough nourishment for several lifetimes. We'll explore works like the Bible, Ovid's Metamorphoses and Dante's Inferno and how to use them for our personal growth. Rev. Charles 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, October 16, 2011 Icon Sunday - 10:15 am Presented by Maisie Wolszon and Abby Struck Sacred objects and images surround us and influence us our daily lives. What objects and images do you venerate? Whether it is an image of what you consider to be divine or a sacred rock you carry in your pocket, come share the object or image with us and discuss how the symbol(s) that are important to you enrich and strengthen your everyday, spiritual life. Maisie Wolszon has been an educator for over 30 years. She presently practices as a life coach. Maisie received her training from the Coaches Training Institute and she specializes in supporting clients to make decisions from a spiritual perspective. Abby Struck is a founding member of Groveland UU Fellowship and has been active in the organization for many years. Her presentations are always interesting and thought provoking.   Sunday, October 23, 2011 Are We Overlords of the Animals - Or Siblings? - 10:15 am Presented by Wendy Jerome Moderated by Maisie Wolszon A short tour of philosophers and natural historians shows that even we homo sapiens have questioned our Western assumed role as overlord of the other animals. In important ways we gain by seeing ourselves as siblings to our fellow animals. Rev. Wendy Jerome has served as minister and interim minister in several Unitarian Universalist congregations since the 1980s. She has Master's degrees in psychology, divinity, library science, history of religion, and Greek, and a B.A. in French. Rev. Jerome has always been active in social justice issues and community involvement including serving on the boards of the ACLU of N.W. Ohio, Planned Parenthood in N.W. Ohio and the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance.   Sunday, October 30, 2011 At Home in God’s Meadow: a Spirituality of Body and Nature - 10:15 am Presented by David Rothstein Moderated by Maisie Wolszon The presentation will focus on how our bodies (whether human, animal or plant) are portals of the Divine spirit. To be at home in our bodies, and at home in nature, is to be fully alive and open to divine relationship. David Rothstein is a spiritual director at the Loyola Spirituality Center in St. Paul. He is also beginning training to become a hospice chaplain, and is forming a small contemplative Benedictine community. Note: There will be a congregational meeting following this service. After the congregational meeting, those interested are invited to car pool to the Sea Salt Restaurant at Minnehaha Park for lunch. Following lunch, we plan to take a walk in the park, using the setting to reflect on the content of the morning service. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, November 06, 2011 Musical Tour: Renaissance, Baroque and Contemporary Music - 10:15 am Presented by Circa 1550 Recorder Trio Moderated by Martha Anderson Take a musical tour through the ages with the Circa 1550 Recorder Trio. Beginning in Medieval times, we will journey through Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary music. Find out how music has evolved over 800 years and changed in structure and style. The members of Circa 1550 Recorder Trio, Jean Allison Olson, Lynn Oyanagi, and Cathy Spengler, are in their 12th year of playing together. As their name suggests, the group's favorite time period is the Renaissance, although they enjoy playing music from all different eras.   Sunday, November 13, 2011 The Work of Our Hands - 10:15 am Presented by Jim Foti Moderated by Maisie Wolszon There is much work to be done, in our lives and in the world, and sometimes our humble hands seem inadequate to the task. But we've all seen the good that we can do, and an array of saints, from Catholic to humanist, challenge and inspire us to keep pushing ahead. Jim Foti is a second-year seminarian at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago and a ministerial intern at Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul. He and his partner live in Minneapolis   Sunday, November 20, 2011 Drumming - 10:15 am Presented by Jamie Meyer Moderated by Lois Hamilton Jamie Meyer will lead us in spiritual reflection and drumming. Jaime Meyer is a playwright, drummer, father, husband and gardener who holds a masters' degree in theology and the arts from United Seminary of the Twin Cities. Twenty of his plays have been produced in various cities across the USA . He co-founded the first theatre in the world for the Hmong community (a refugee population from Laos and Vietnam ) and managed it for ten years, mentoring dozens of writers and actors, and playing to over 100,000 people, most of whom had never seen live theatre before. Since 1984 Jamie Meyer has studied cross-cultural shamanism, mysticism and the spiritual uses of drumming from many cultures. He has been leading drumming sessions in the Twin Cities for several years as well as solstice ceremonies and workshops on shamanism.   Sunday, December 04, 2011 Spiritual Musings From A Triceratops fossil - 10:15 am Presented by Dick and Maisie Wolszon Moderated by Maisie Wolszon Dick and Maisie Wolszon will co-create this service as we focus on a fossil Dick found in eastern Wyoming. Dick Wolszon will lead us to consider some fascinating stuff about a Triceratops coracoid (one of the bones that made up the glenoide fosa or shoulder joint.) Dick graduated from the Institute of Technology from the U. of M. He worked for 26 years on aerospace and defense projects, starting with Project Apollo and ending when the Soviets collapsed and his work on submarines was no longer needed. He reinvented himself as a fossil preparatory and Paleo-rodie and works as a lab volunteer at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Maisie is a life coach who works with clients to make decisions from a spiritual perspective. As Dick shares his love and passion for fossils, Maisie will invite us to use centering prayer to help us open to a deeper understanding of what this Triceratops fossil means. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, December 11, 2011 Drinking the Silence - 10:15 am Presented by Nancy Torarp Moderated by Maisie Wolszon Learning to live a more contemplative way of life. In the midst of today’s world – what could be more simple or more difficult? Simple in that we are called to sit and be, to slow down and settle in to the precious giving-ness of who we are right now, just the way we are. Difficult in that it is so painfully elusive. Nancy Torarp has worked for 20 years in the field of addiction, both in the US and in Sweden. Leaving that … she has spent time exploring the inner world becoming a spiritual director for the last 10 years. She continues to be passionate about the mystery of life.   Sunday, December 18, 2011 Is Unitarian Universalism Enough? 10:15 am Presented by Abby Struck Moderated by Ceile Hartleib Many Unitarian Universalists know well what we no longer believe. But do the Affirmation and Covenant of the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association fulfill our spiritual needs? While we Dare Not Fence the Spirit, can we find a spiritual home? A discussion of our explorations and where they take us. Abby Struck is one of the founders of Groveland UU Fellowship. She has been a UU all her adult life after having been brought up Lutheran. She has been married to Cliff Watson for 34 years. They have 2 amazing daughters and an even more amazing granddaughter. Abby has a Masters in Organizational Leadership from College of Saint Catherine, and currently works for Wilder Research.   Wednesday, December 21, 2011 Solstice Celebration - 10:15 am Presented by Abby Struck & Ceile Hartleib Our annual Solstice Celebration will be held at Ceile Hartleib and Terry Kayser's home. We will begin with at potluck at 6:00 p.m. then will have a reading by 4 members of Groveland UU of the book, "A Child's Christmas in Wales," a 1950's era story by Dylan Thomas. (NOTE: this service is on the 21st, not Sunday, the 25th). Call Ceile at 651-647-6078 for more information   Sunday, December 25, 2011 No Service Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, January 01, 2012 No Service   Sunday, January 08, 2012 Women's Empowerment in Africa: Empowering Africa's Farmers and Their Husbands - Presented by Steve Clarke Moderated by Maisie Wolszon Steve is an international consultant and Senior Technical Advisor for the Millennium Challenge Corporation presently working in Morocco and Senegal. He is trained as an agronomist and worked at the University of Minnesota for many years. For the last 15 years Steve has supported local African communities in various aspects of food production. Steve will share with us some of the challenges, and some of the good news, particularly in Morocco and Senegal, and tell us about what is happening for women there as well.   Sunday, January 15, 2012 Healing, a Transformation of Mind/Body/Spirit - 10:15 am Presented by Becky Rice Moderated by Abby Struck Becky Rice is a recent graduate of St. Catherine's with a Masters Degree in Holistic Health Studies in Energy Healing. She has a private practice in healing using Reiki, Qigong and healing touch. In her presentation, Becky will explain health, healing and well being through energy healing practices and philosophy. There will be a congregational meeting after this service. Members, please plan to stay for this important meeting.   Sunday, January 22, 2012 Losses, Grieving and Honest Hope - 10:15 am Presented by Ted Bowman Moderated by Maisie Wolszon Ted Bowman, an educator, author and consultant who specializes in change and transition, whether it occurs in families, an organization, or the community, will share his knowledge on grieving and loss. His emphasis is on aiding people in utilizing their strengths and the resources of others in facing change and transition. Ted Bowman has taught Family Education courses at the U of M since 1981. In addition, he has taught, directed and has done training for other universities and organizations. He has published many articles, chapters, booklets, and poems. He is or has been a member of several national organizations involved with arts therapy. Ted Bowman is a trainer, consultant, and speaker with groups throughout Minnesota, across the United States, and other countries. In addition to regular trips to England where he has worked since 1989, Ted has also spoken or led workshops in Uruguay, Taiwan, Russia, Moldova, Ireland, Lithuania, and Canada. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, January 29, 2012 Leadership and Spirituality - 10:15 am Presented by Mike Schwab Moderated by Lois Hamilton All congregations are living, breathing, intentional communities that serve their members and their faith. The emotional systems in a congregation have a language: a vocabulary and conceptual framework that can be understood and used. Congregational leaders who learn the language and manage themselves can cause healthy growth in their spiritual home. Mike Schwab has served Unitarian Universalist camps, conference centers, and congregations across the nation for the past twenty years. His consulting focus is in healthy leadership, governance, and organizational systems.   Sunday, February 05, 2012 Corporations and Unitarian Universalist Principles - 10:15 am Presented by Alan Lando Moderated by Moderated by Lois Hamilton Mitt Romney said "corporations are people, my friend." How well do corporations do in abiding by Unitarian Universalist principles? Might they be influenced to do better? Dr. Harry A. Lando is Distinguished International Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. He has for many years focused on strategies to combat the global tobacco epidemic and currently is teaching a course on corporate responsibility and public health.   Sunday, February 12, 2012 Self Expressison and the Creative Process #1 Presented by Don Struck Moderated by Abby Struck Don's presentations on February 12 and February 19 will be discussions about the subject of self expression and the creative process, specifically, Don will discuss the phases in the achievement of creative work. Don will then turn to what he believes to be critical factors as they impact the separate phases of creative work.   Sunday, February 19, 2012 Self Expressison and the Creative Process #2 Presented by Don Struck Moderated by Abby Struck Don's presentations on February 12 and February 19 will be discussions about the subject of self expression and the creative process. Specifically, he will discuss the phases in the achievement of creative work. Don will then turn to what he believes to be critical factors as they impact the separate phases of creative work. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, February 26, 2012 You Are a Blossoming Unknown Presented by Heidi Arneson Moderated by Maisie Wolszon A brief workshop that taps our creative spirit and honors our core wounds and core stories as seeds of growth, insight and community. The workshop combines yoga, autobiographical writing, relaxation and performance as tools to share life-stories and build understanding. Heidi Arneson is an interdisciplinary artist. Her work includes play, paintings and performance art. Her focus is using the creative process as a tool for positive social transformation. She has taught workshops since 1994, as a visiting artist for Ramsey County Men's Correctional Facility, the Loft, Augsburg College, MCAD, the College of St Thomas and many other organizations. Ms. Arneson’s most recent play, BLOODYMERRYJAMMYPARTY, produced and performed by Blank Slate Theater in 2011, and directed by Adam Arnold, was deemed, “#3 of the top Ten Plays of 2011” by Jay Gabler of Twin Cities Daily Planet, and “One of 2011’s Outstanding Achievements in Theater” by John Townsend of Lavender Magazine. She is a recipient of numerous awards and grants, including the Bush Artist Fellowship, a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant, and a Loft/Jerome Minnesota Writer's Grant for her workshops.   Sunday, March 04, 2012 The Baha'i Faith - An introduction Presented by Ed Rice The Baha'i Faith, its origin/history, beliefs, and relationship to many of the world's religions will be presented and discussed. Edward (Ed) Rice, a member of the Baha'i Faith for over 36 years, serves on the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Saint Paul Minnesota   Sunday, March 11, 2012 The Four Immeasurables: Meditation Practices to Open the Heart Presented by Therese Jacobs-Stewart Moderated by Sara Leiste Thérèse will talk about a body of ancient meditation practices called the brahmaviharas—also known as the "Divine Abodes" or "Immeasurable Minds." These beautiful meditations from Tibetan Buddhism are said to “water the seeds” of the Divine in ourselves, and “conscious contact” with the Divine between and around us. There are four immeasurable qualities that can be developed with on-going meditation practice: loving-kindness (metta) compassion (karuna) appreciative joy (mudita) equanimity (upekkha) During the presentation, we will look at the history and structure of these practices for opening the heart, and do a mini-guided-meditation together. Therese Jacobs-Stewart has been a practicing psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and international consultant for more than twenty-five years. In 2004, she founded MindRoads Meditation Center in St. Paul.   Sunday, March 18, 2012 Not to Attach is the Way of Peace Presented by Bev Forsman Moderated by Martha Anderson The Buddha realized directly that a distinct, independent self cannot be found. In our confusion we do not yet know this. Each of us has the capacity to realize our identification with this fabricated self and instead, live in open responsiveness to life appearing constantly as this here/now experience. Not t attach to self is exactly not to stray from peace. Bev Forsman (Suvinita) is currently teaching at Dharma Field Meditation and Learning Center in Minneapolis, becoming head teacher June 2012. A student at Dharma Field since 1998, received Dharma transmission from Steve Hagen in 2010. Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, March 25, 2012 Faith, Family and Food Presented by Claire Runquist Moderated by Lois Hamilton Growing up on a sustainable farm in the heart of Iowa has shaped my UU faith in more ways than I can count. The value of food and the human relationship with it is complicated and a central part of my life. Claire Runquist is an environmental studies and political science double major at Macalester University. She works at the Minnesota Children's Musuem, interns at the Governor's office and stays busy at Macalester with Oxfam, Mac UUs, mock trial, and Mac for Obama.   Sunday, April 01, 2012 Reimagining Faith After the End of the Church Presented by Rev. Charles Ellis Moderated by Ceile Hartleib What might faith mean in a post-Christian, post-church society? Rev. Charles Ellis, a former Presbyterian minister, became a member of Groveland UU years ago. He then transferred his credentials to the UU Ministry, and since then, has continued to be involved with Groveland UU Fellowship as a Sunday speaker, presenter of workshops, special courses, and as a retreat speaker.   Sunday, April 08, 2012 Epiphany Moments - Note: Services now begin at 10:00 am. Presented by Maisie Wolszon and Martha Anderson Moderated by Maisie and Martha Martha Anderson and Maisie Wolson, long time members at Groveland Fellowship, will lead an open discussion. Participants will have a chance to share a story about an epiphany they've had in life, when some commonplace occurrence or experience initiated an intuitive perception or insight. Participants will be invited to share how their epiphany affected them. Martha Anderson is one of the founding members of Groveland Fellowship. She continues to be active in the fellowship and has presented many services over the years. Maisie Wolszon, a longtime member of Groveland Fellowship, has been an educator for over 30 years and now practices as a life coach. She received her training from the Coaches Training Institute and specializes in supporting clients to make decisions from a spiritual perspective.   Sunday, April 15, 2012 Immigration Questions - Note: Services now begin at 10:00 am. Presented by Wendy Jerome Moderated by Lois Hamilton Although our congregations have voted US immigration as our Study-Action Issue for 2010-2012 and our national UU Association has for the first time transformed the usual annual conference into a social action and social witness-focused gathering in Phoenix, AZ this June, many of us don't feel we can say clearly where we stand on immigration. I hope I can outline the issues against the background of our UU principles and help all of us feel clearer. Discussion must follow! Wendy Jerome is a UU minister, who has served congregations for 20 years, and is now happy to be an active member of the First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis. She organizes adult programs at FUS, leads a group on 1st century history, and recently completed a thick, 125- year history of the Society. (phew!) Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, April 22, 2012 Exorcism - Note: Services now begin at 10:00 am. Presented by Abby Struck Moderated by Ceile Hartleib Abby Struck is one of the founders of Groveland UU Fellowship. She has been a UU all her adult life after having been brought up Lutheran. Abby has a Masters in Organizational Leadership from College of Saint Catherine, and currently works for Wilder Research.   Sunday, April 29, 2012 Why I Am Pro-Choice: Because of My Faith, Not In Spite of It - Service: 10am Presented by Kelli Clement Moderated by Maisie Wolszon In a polarizing cultural climate it has become important for me to locate and live in the theological grounding for my support of reproductive health and freedom. We will explore what it means to be moral decision makers, the role of Unitarian Universalism in the reproductive rights movement, and the need for love and compassion as an antidote to fear and cynicism. Rev. Kelli Clement, Unitarian Universalist, is the Board Co-Chair of the Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. She has been engaged in the spiritual work of reproductive health for over 10 years. Kelli is a graduate of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, is a member of First Universalist Church, Minneapolis, and makes her home with husband Mike and daughter Fia near Lake Nokomis.   Sunday, May 06, 2012 Poetry Cafe - Note: Services now begin at 10:00 am. Presented by Lois Hamilton Moderated by Lois Hamilton We are asking you to bring poems that resonate with you spiritually, emotionally, humorously or that you just love for whatever reason. Poetry Cafe is an annual event with Groveland Fellowship and is always very interesting and lively.   Sunday, May 13, 2012 The Friuts of Our Roots - Note: Services now begin at 10:00 am. Presented by Leslie Mills Moderated by Ceile Hartleib Leslie Mills will speak on the topic; The Fruits of Our Roots She will show how our Christian roots have influenced our UU heritage. Leslie Mills was a student ministerial intern with Groveland Fellowship from September, 2010 through May, 2011. She is happy to report that she has recently been granted Candidate status with the UUA. Now she is able to apply for fellowship with the UU Ministers' Association. Congratulations, Leslie! Go to... Top of page - Next service - Another year   Sunday, May 20, 2012 Flower Communion - Note: Services now begin at 10:00 am. Presented by Ceile Hartleib & Maisie Wolszon Moderated by Maisie Wolszon & Ceile Hartleib Flower Communion was started in 1923 by Dr. Norbert Capek the founder the modern Unitarian movement in Czechoslovakia. The traditional Christian communion service with bread and wine was unacceptable to the members of his congregation so he turned to the native beauty of the countryside for elements of a communion which would be genuine to them. Please bring a flower/flowers to add to the congregational bouquet which we all will take from during the partaking of the communion. 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!