September 2012 - Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship

LUF NewsLetter
Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship
SEPTEMBER 2012
“An inclusive spiritual community promoting a compassionate, just, and sustainable world.”
SUNDAY SERVICESS at 10:30 am at 129 S. Algoma St.
Children’s Religious Exploration Classes (Child Care Provided)
BLUES SESSION #2
The second in a series of Blues concerts with Southern Comfort featuring Dave Jonasson with Ted Hamel was held on
June 8th. The successful event saw all proceeds being donated to the Flood Relief. Thanks go out to Fred Upshaw for
organizing and participating in the event and we look forward to Blues Session #3 on October 26, 2012.
UPCOMING SEPTEMBER SERVICES
Sept. 2 - Labour Day:
No service
Sept. 9 - Title:
In-Gathering and Water Service
Service Leaders:
Sept. 17 - Title:
Speaker:
Sept. 23 - Title:
Del Dickey
TBA
Volker Kromm
USC & Fellowship Life
Page 2
President’s Letter & Rev. Suz- Page 3
anne’s Update
LUF Events & Meetings
Page 4
Children’s Religious
Exploration
Page 5
Supportive Announcements
Page 6
Lynda Lahteenmaa
LUF Interests
Page 7
(Master Gardener)
LUF Contacts
Page 8
TBA
Speaker:
Rev Suzanne Wasilczuk
Service Leader:
Meaghan Malashewski
Sept. 30 - Title:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
As the Leaves Turn:
Reflections on Changing Seasons
Speaker:
LUF ABROAD
PAGE 2
USC CANADA - Del Dickey
If we put a price tag on nature’s many services, would it force us to realize the value of biodiversity and the real cost
of the things we buy? Would it help stem our over-consumption and waste? This was a major – albeit underreported – issue at the Rio+20 conference in June, 2012. The
Perhaps we will be more aware of the value of the natural world when we see food prices rise - and the possibly scarcity of food in some parts of the world - because of the severe drought in the USA. Should all the corn be used for
food? Should any corn be diverted to ethanol production? Read more about the ethics of the market in What
Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets written by Michael J. Sandel of the New York Times. What is the
proper role of markets in a democratic society — and how can we protect the moral and civic goods that markets
don’t honor and that money can’t buy?
NOW TO THE FUN STUFF. USC Canada keeps us up to date on the serious issues of food security, seed saving,
ecological practices etc. - and here’s how the city of Kamloops found a ‘green’ solution to a weed problem - especially the Dalmatian toadflax, a weed that chokes native grasses and wildflowers. Goats love to eat it. The park managers brought in 440 ravenous goats to munch their way across the parkland. The weed didn’t stand a chance - and
the goats did not eat everything else in sight. - not even the grass. The park was saved from chemical sprays and the
previous unsuccessful attempts to weed by hand - and at half the cost. It’s been a public relations success. One
drawback - not enough goats to do this in very many cities!
JOURNEY TO ARGENTINA
Take a Mindful Journey with UUs to Argentina - Buenos Aires and moonlight at Iguazu Falls! We leave time for
serendipity to happen, take time to soak it in, and be mindful of what we are experiencing. February 23 - March 3,
2013. www.nuuc.ca Neighbourhood UU Congregation's journey for UUs everywhere.
PADDLE THE RIDEAU - RON AND FRANCES - CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
The Kingston Unitarian Fellowship (KUF) has completed a bold move to a larger and more suitable building
( http://www.kuf.ca/facilities.shtml ) and has consequently embarked on a necessary, extensive, long-term plan for
renovations and improvements to accommodate our Services and programmes and to facilitate our ambitious plans
for membership expansion. In support, The KUF Board of Directors has approved a proposal for Members to organize a canoe and kayak trip August 10-18, 2012, along the length of the Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa. The
purpose of this innovative project is to raise pledge money from sponsors specifically to help fund the construction
in our new building of three washrooms (one to be handicapped accessible) and a children's nursery. The response
has been very encouraging and we are moving ahead with vigour and determination. At the urging of Rev. Frances
Deverell, interested folk from LUF sent along $22.22.
THE CHURCH OF THE LARGER
LARGER FELLOWSHIP (CLF)
(CLF)
The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) offers a free UU iPhone and Droid app that allows you to
light a chalice, share joys & concerns, read and listen Quest, CLF’s monthly worship publication, read the Daily Compass, words of reflection and meditation.
For more information, go to www.QuestForMeaning.org, or call 617-948-6150.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER & REV. SUZANNE UPDATE
PAGE 3
Hello! Welcome back for a busy year at Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship. Sunday Services has been working
hard to provide a good program for the coming year. Reverence Suzanne Wasilczuk will be joining us again.
We are lucky to have her contribution. Her first weekend will be September 22- 25. We will be having a potluck lunch after church to welcome Suzanne and all of us back. Suzanne will be joining the Board for the
Board meeting on the 24th and the Sunday Services on the 25th. She is also available for pastoral care during
the afternoons. Please contact the fellowship if you need to book a time.
The Board retreat will be held September 8th. We will be joined by the Sunday Services in the afternoon to
discuss our vision for the coming year. We look forward to working together to provide our fellowship with the
services, fellowship, and opportunities for growth and sharing that make our church home a place to flourish.
My personal goals as President are to ensure an ongoing and vital fellowship that reaches into our hearts and
minds, while it inspires and supports. All of the members of the Board are committed to our fellowship and
welcome any concerns or suggestions as we move forward into 2013. Our board still needs one more committed person to get involved. It's a great group and if the idea of working with a friendly group of your peers
sounds interesting, let us know and we can get you on board.
Have a great year fellow LUFers. Let's work to make our church the hub of liberal religion in Thunder Bay.
Marsha Reinikka, President
REV. SUZANNE IS WITH US IN A BIGGER WAY!
It is great news that Rev. Suzanne Wasilczuk will have a slightly expanded role with LUF this church season. For example, as well as preaching on Sunday, September 23, Rev. Suzanne will be here on Monday evening for a meeting with the
Board and Tuesday evening for a meeting with the Sunday Services Committee. Both of these sessions are intended to
help us launch the church year. Other committees who can meet on those days are welcome to arrange for Rev. Suzanne
to work with them. There is time set out for individual pastoral care appointments on Sat., Sept 22 and Sun., Sept. 23
in the afternoon as well as Mon., Sept 24 and Tues., Sept. 25 throughout the day. The appointments will generally be
home visits and can be arranged in advance by calling the office during office hours at 344-5980.
Lets not forget some social time, like "Lunch with the Minister". This may be a lunch at the church, or it might be at a
restaurant, or maybe one of each - details to follow. If you have ideas about any aspect of Rev. Suzanne's visit please
contact me so that we can come up with a workable schedule of events - [email protected]. Margaret Wanlin
Do you have some life problem that is causing you undue anxiety, inordinate bewilderment, unusual sadness? Are
you sick in body or sick at heart? Is life somehow too complicated? Are you grieving? At a loss?
Pastoral care is the gift of being listened to, supported, gently guided, encouraged in your efforts toward healing and
wholeness.
In Faith Rev. Suzanne
ENGLISH CREAM TEA SERVICE
On June 30th, Paulene McGowan and Jane Crossman hosted an
English cream tea at their home. The happy attendees gathered
together for an enjoyable service auction offering.
LUF EVENTS & MEETINGS
PAGE 4
CELEBRATION TIME - IT’S OFFICIALLY FALL!!
Our first social event of the church year will be held on Sun. Sept. 23rd to welcome Rev.
Suzanne Wasilczuk back to the fold. Following her first service we will share with Suzanne one of our delectable Pot Luck Luncheons. Bring your tasty finger food offering to
the kitchen before the service and Siobhan will receive it. Everyone is welcome !!
FELLOWSHIP LIFE/MEMBERSHIP MEETING
If you are wondering what the Fellowship Life/Membership committee does for LUF, please come to our
meeting at 5pm on Sept. 24. We would welcome your input and love to have you as a member.
It time once again to get back to work on our next Empty Bowls event on Oct 21 at the Moose hall.
Raffle tickets have been printed and we have some sale dates lined up. Anyone who can help for a few hours on
the following dates, please contact myself or Karen Smude 626-6365. I am organizing the Labour Day raffle sale
and Karen will work on the rest.
The exact hours for each day will depend on the number of people willing to work a 2 hour shift. I can always do
2 hours at the beginning and end of each day.
Georges Market: Labour Day Sept 3 (9AM-7PM)
LCBO: we need 30 people!! Sat Sept 8 all 4 LCBOs stores (Noon- 6PM or Noon-8PM)
Superstore: Thurs., Fri., Sat.,Sept 13, 14, 15 (9 AM-7PM) -- Golf dome: Sunday Sept 30: (11AM-4 PM)
Superstore: Oct 4, 5, 6 (9AM -7PM) -- Georges Market: Thanksgiving day Oct 8 (9AM -7PM)
We sold 40 books of tickets last week in Superstore. It is a great place to sell tickets!
Our first big meeting will be Tuesday, Sept 4 at 5PM in the Shelter House boardroom. Thanks Nelly Reedhead
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS/MEETINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2012
Every Sunday at 9:00am,
Non-Violent Communication-LUF Basement
Every Sunday at 10:30am,
Sunday Service at LUF
Every Sunday at 7:30pm,
Meditation - LUF Hall
Every Tuesday morning,
Cleaning of the Church
Every Wed. at 5:30pm
Yoga with Sarah, $6LUF Hall
Every Wednesday at
7:30pm Mindfulness Practice - LUF Hall
Every Thursday at 4:00pm
Tai Chi - LUF Hall
Sun., Sept.9, 55th Wedding
Anniversary (Wahl)
Sun., Sept.23, LUF Potluck
following service
Sun., Sept.10, Student Recital 2pm - LUF Hall
Mon, Sept.10, 24, 7:30pm
Men’s Group - LUF Kitchen
Mon., Sept.24, 4 pm Finance Sat., Sept.29, 8am - ARE
Mtg. -LUF Kitchen
Presentation- LUF Hall
Mon., Sept.24, 7pm LUF
Board Mtg. - LUF hall
Mon., Sept.24, 5pm Fellowship/Membership 5pm Boardroom
Tues., Sept.11, 7pm Evening
Chalice Circle-LUF Hall
Thurs., Sept.13, 7pm NuuMoon - LUF Hall
Thurs., Sept.27, 6pm,
ARE Meeting - LUF Hall
CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION
PAGE 5
WELCOME BACK TO RELIGIOUS
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION!
I am looking forward to seeing all the new and familiar faces at the Unitarian House this fall! I hope you have all
enjoyed a safe and relaxing summer! I will be working as the Director of Religious Exploration (DRE) for the month
of September and will then step down while I adjust to the expected birth of my partner Dan and my third child.
Stay tuned to see how that all goes! We will definitely have our hands full!
I am thrilled to announce that Shona Beattie (mom to Avery) will be filling in for me as DRE during my maternity
leave. I cannot think of anyone better suited to run the Religious Exploration Program for the Fellowship. Shona is
warm and loving, and already has a strong relationship with many of our LUF families. She really has a natural way
with children, which is will help the them feel comfortable and happy in the program. Thank you very much to
Shona for taking on the task, and for keeping things afloat while I am away. Please lend her any support and help
that she may require as she settles into the position!
We will be working with two wonderful curriculums this year, one of which I have taught previously. The Primary
class will be learning with “Chalice Children” written by Kate Tweedie. These lessons are based on the philosophy
that a child’s spiritual development is related to the child’s own direct experiences. I have found them to have a variety of hands on activities and a strong incorporation of discussion and stories. The Junior class with use another
curriculum by Kate Tweedie called “Traditions with a Wink”. I really enjoy the fact that it includes several ideas for
regular social nights to help children develop friendships with each other and enjoy their time and LUF. I hope that
this may help to revitalize our Junior program!
Thank you to all who attended and supported our plant sale by buying perennials!
I look forward to seeing you all on the first regularly scheduled Sunday Service on September 9th! If there are any
friends our members of LUF who are interested in teaching or helping with the program, please let Katie or Shona
know!
Cheers, Katie Hughdie (Director of Religious Exploration)
VISIT TO HUMANE SOCIETY
During the month of August, the children were invited to attend the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society to
present our cheque for $100 raised from our Spring Plant Sale. We were given a tour of the facility and spent time
in the cuddle room with friendly cats waiting to be adopted. We also talked about why the organization is so important, and how it relates to one of our principles (the inherent worth and dignity of every living thing).
#3
#4
SUPPORTIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS
PAGE 6
RODNEY BROWN—CD LAUNCH
October 19 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium—8:00 p.m.
With ten albums and over thirty years performing his songs across Canada and the UK, award-winning singersongwriter Rodney Brown remains committed to his Northwestern Ontario roots and is currently getting ready to release his new CD, “Songs of Fort William”. A special CD Launch Concert on Friday, October 19, 2012 at the Thunder
Bay Community Auditorium will showcase his latest efforts. Accompanied by Music Director, Arthur Post and the
Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, this celebration with feature Rodney's historical songs, orchestrated by composer
Lise Vaugeois. Other performances will include ceremonial songs by Thunder Mountain Singers, fiddler Pierre
Schryer and piper Ryan Moore.
“Songs of Fort William” is an evocative follow-up to Rodney's well-received recordings “North Land” and “The Big
Lonely” and is his most ambitious project to date. Rodney’s new release will detail the legacy of Canadian explorers,
fur traders, country wives, voyageurs and First Nations peoples at the North West Company's headquarters on the
Kaministiquia River dating back 200 years.
Rodney Brown’s new CD and this special Launch Concert will mark a significant milestone in Rodney's career and will
be a wonderful way to celebrate our community and our unique historical roots.
Tickets are $30 - $45 and are available through the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Box Office.
GREAT STRIDES WALK
As many of you may know, on Mother's Day, every Cystic Fibrosis chapter in Canada has an annual walk for CF. My
daughter Carla, who has cystic fibrosis planned to walk around Boulevard Lake, and had requested people to sponsor
her. This year was special, as she was doing it in honour of the memory of her friend Carla Long Stamp, who lost her
battle to cystic fibrosis a year ago on September 20, 2011, at the age of 35.
The day had started out grey and cloudy, and before long it was raining and pouring. The rain died down to a drizzle, so
we decided to walk. Although my husband and I did not complete the walk, Carla and her sister, Amma decided to continue on around the lake. It took them about an hour and a half and no rain. The skies opened up and blasted us with
rain again as we were about to leave! We like to think that it was our daughter's dear friend keeping the skies clear so
we could complete our walk. Carla's grand total was $1, 640! These funds go to the clinics and research, giving hope to
people like my daughter, who, at age 31 is living well! To all of you I extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude. Thank you!
Heidi Wahl
DYING WITH DIGNITY CANADA THUNDER BAY
Sept. 6, 2012 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm 55 Plus Centre, 700 River St.
Sept.24, 2012 Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pM Herb Carroll Centre 1100 Lincoln St.
Straight Talk on End of Life Rights and Options
Do you know all your rights and options when it comes to end of life health care?
Do you know how to make sure that your wishes for end of life treatment are followed?
Learn your rights; learn your choices. Make the decisions that are best for you!
In this session you will learn about the landmark legal decisions in Canada around end of life healthcare and how those
decisions impact your rights today. In the crush of today’s medical system, sometimes individual’s rights are not upheld. Knowing all your rights and options will help you secure the end of life treatment that you want.
The session will also address the importance of completing an Advance Care Directive (also called a Living Will or
Advance Care Plan).
Join DWD Board Member and Past President, Sheila Noyes when she presents this critical information. More information? Please contact Sheila Noyes at 807 767 2142.
follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend
Copyright © 2012 Dying With Dignity Canada, All rights reserved.
Address: Dying With Dignity Canada,55 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 802.Toronto, ON M4P 1G8
LUF INTERESTS
PAGE 7
INGATHERING: RENEWING OUR COMMUNITY – Sept. 9th
Share a symbol that represents a meaningful event from your summer. Will it be water from your travels, or
from a local pool? Might it be a pebble from a beach or a leaf or flower from bush or garden? Perhaps you’d
rather share a concern about events in places that do not enjoy our bounty of water, forest and farm. Each person’s contribution to the service will help to symbolize both the unity and diversity of our lives.
CARE COMMITTEE NOTICE
Carol Ann Brumpton has decided to step aside from co-ordinating care at LUF. Requests for care will be handled through the Church office until a new co-ordinator steps forward. We will still continue our successful
team approach following this shift in responsibility. Thanks to all who have been so appreciative over many
years.
BASIC TRAINING LAY CHAPLAINCY
The Lay Chaplaincy Committee invites expressions of interest from individuals interested in attending the Basics Training Workshop, sponsored by the CUC, to be held in Winnipeg, November 2 - 4, 2012 Attending this
event will afford an opportunity to see whether one is well suited for the challenges and rewards of serving as
a lay chaplain. Costs will be nominal because car pooling and billeting will be available. Those interested
should phone Carol Ann Brumpton, Chair of the Lay Chaplaincy Committee at 577-1466 by October 1, 2012

APPRECIATIONS to LUF highway cleanup this
past June. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed!
CONGRATULATIONS HAZEL
Family members join Hazel Wohni when she received a
Lakehead Unitarian Honourary Membership in June.
LUF CONTACTS 2012
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
President:
Marsha Reinikka
344-9998
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Sandra McIvor
475-3497
Bert Blaauw (acting)
Bert Blaauw
Brenda Gillespie
Rob Van Wyck
Margaret Wanlin
Elaine Foster-Seargeant
Fred Upshaw
344-4052
344-4052
983-2758
344-7845
767-1939
933-4845
768-2413
Treasurer:
Past President:
At Large:
STAFF AND APPOINTED OFFICERS
Administrator
Coordinator of Religious Exploration
Bookkeeper
Lay Chaplains:
Director of Music :
Endowment Fund Directors
Elaine Sombrutski
Katie Hughdie
Nadia LaRussa
Rob Van Wyck
Susan Tiura
David Belrose
Susan Patterson-Gulka
Heather Morrison
Tony Carfagnini (Chair)
Christine Meronyk
Wayne Hill
344-5980 (0ffice)
344-5980 (0ffice)
344-5980 (0ffice)
344-7845
346-4223
623-3347
626-8149
767-8233
[email protected]
[email protected]
Library:
Mindfulness:
Siobhan Malashewski
David Belrose
Men’s Group
Newsletter
Nominating:
Property:
Jim Bishop
Elaine Sombrutski
Bert Blaauw
Bert Blaauw
Sanctuary Coordinator:
Social Responsibility:
Sunday Services:
Tai Chi:
Del Dickey
Ahti Tolvanen
Hanusia Tkaczyk
Sita Holland
COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND CONTACT PEOPLE
Adult Religious Exploration
Archives:
Bylaw & Policy
Care Committee:
Children’s Religious Exploration:
Fellowship Life/Membership
Finance:
Green Sanctuary Committee:
Kitchen:
Lay Chaplaincy:
Susan Patterson-Gulka
Trudi Jones
Del Dickey
Ellen Taylor
Katie Hughdie
Bev Leaman
Bert Blaauw
Erin Beagle
Alice Neudorf, Audrey Saxberg
Carol Ann Brumpton
AFFILIATES AND ASSOCIATES
-Canadian Unitarian Council Board (cuc.ca)
-Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice
The opinions expressed in this newsletter may not
necessarily reflect those of the newsletter editor or
the Board of LUF.
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LAKEHEAD UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP
129 S. Algoma St., Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3B7
Phone: (807) 344-5980
LUF Email Address : [email protected]
Website: www.luf.ca
[email protected]
Deadline for submissions: 20th of the month
The newsletter is usually distributed by the first Sunday
of each month from September to June inclusive, via
LUF website www.luf.ca, surface mail or hand delivered.