• February news from Faith Formation
    “Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need.” ― Rick Riordan, The Red Pyramid The concept of fair gets to the heart of proposed Article II values of justice and equity and also to the Golden Rule, which most of us learn soon after we learn to talk – to treat others the way we would like to be treated. Regardless of how we identify ourselves by ethnicity, religion, gender, identity, or any other criteria, we want to be seen for ourselves. It’s so clear, so simple. And yet, granting to everyone the justice and equity that we want for ourselves is at the root of almost every conflict we have with one another. This is true at the personal level and in our larger communities. Since this is true at the personal level, we might be left with this troubling and empowering realization: the change for a more equitable and just world begins with me. Faith Formation in February Sunday Faith Formation Focus February 4 – Equity, equality, and justice February 11 – Building better relationships February 18 – Building a better community February 24 – Living with one another in fairness, love, and joy Faith Formation on February 11 Please join in the fun for a Valentine’s Party after service and before the town hall on February 11.  The children participating in Val Pals will find out who their secret Valentine is. This program is a fun way for children to develop relationships with adults in UUFD beyond their immediate circle.  In a word – new friendships. Then, please join the Faith Formation Team and Staff at 11:30 for a town hall.  This is your chance to find out everything you ever wanted to know about faith formation programs for both children and adults. Bring your questions and your ideas. OWL Plans to offer OWL for elementary students has been put on hold until we have additional trained facilitators.  If you are an OWL trained facilitator for the Elementary Grades and have an interest in this program, please contact the Coordinator of Faith Formation, Sharon Mignerey. Circles of Trust – Exploring “Habits of the Heart” began January 27 If you missed this and are still interested, please contact Rev. Barbara Coeyman at intmin@durangouu.org. Personal Faith Development – the Gifts of Justice and Equity “Suppose you had the revolution you are talking and dreaming about. Suppose your side had won, and you had the kind of society that you wanted. How would you live, you personally, in that society? Start living that way now!”  ~ Paul Goodman This quote from writer and activist (during the 1960s) Paul Goodman directly addresses the affirmation we in UUFD acknowledge each Sunday with being an open and inclusive congregation.  Goodman invites us to walk our talk, and he offers specific suggestions.
    • Write down 8 things that would characterize the revolution and kind of society you dream about.
    • Write down 8 ways you would live differently than you do today in that dreamed of society.
    • Of those 8 ways you’d live differently, pick one and figure out a way to “start living that way now!”
    Many of us in UUFD are involved in social justice—our walking of the talk.  I think Goodman’s invitation encourages us to go deeper into our personal practices and become more mindful in our daily living.  May it be so.
  • Faith Formation News
    Sundays with Preschoolers! You’ve probably noticed the cool room set up for the pre-school children and toddlers by the back door to the Sanctuary.  Every Sunday we have two to four children who use that space so their parents can attend service. We are short of volunteers, and we need you!  The hope is to have enough volunteers that we call on you only once a month and have enough extra to cover for those times when you cannot be there. Nothing special is required.  Hang out with cool kids.  Read a story.  Help them to light a chalice, focus their coloring and playing toward a simple lesson that Faith Formation provides, and build relationships with these youngest members of our congregation. Please volunteer.  We need you!  Questions?  Need more info?  Ready to say yes?  Contact Sharon Mignerey by clicking here.
    Peace, Love, and Snowdown! Tie-Dye Party! Join the fun after the service on this coming Sunday, Jan 28 for a tie-dye party! You can tie-dye your own shirt to wear in the Snowdown Parade or help dye pennants and flags to decorate the UUFD float. We have a few white T-shirts in kids’ sizes and a limited number of adult sizes available or bring your own! Kids and adults of all ages are welcome! Float Help We are also looking for help with the final construction of the parade float at John Redemske’s home (989 CR 252, Durango) starting at 1pm on Sunday. Major pieces have already been constructed, but we still need some helpful hands for installation! Ride the Float on February 2 The UUFD float will be lining up on 5th ST, east of main, at 5:00 on Friday, February 2nd. The parade kicks off at 5:45pm! Help us share the UUFD Love with our community by participating in this fun, all-ages event! Circles of Trust – Exploring “Habits of the Heart” Begins January 27, 2024 Reverend Barbara will be leading a “Circles of Trust” class, Habits of the Heart that begins January 27, 2024. Classes will be every other week through March 9, 2024; they are held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  To see a more detailed description and to register, click here.
  • Register now for UUA Pacific Western Regional Assembly!
    PWR Regional Assembly Registration NOW OPEN! Registration is open for our Pacific Western Regional Assembly this April 19th and 20th! People can attend either in person, at First Universalist in Denver, or remotely.  We are planning a family friendly event and children are welcome.  This is a great chance to connect with our larger faith and connect with new and old friends. Stay up to date on all the PWR RA Plans here. Click HERE to register!
  • This week’s news from Faith Formation
    Love pulls us toward positive action! Hoo Could Be an OWL (Our Whole Lives) Facilitator? You!  Faith Formation aspires to offer OWL every year, rotating between the elementary and middle school age kids. All teachers for this program must be  trained and certified. For more information about OWL, click here. Contact Sharon Mignerey if you’d like to become a trained facilitator. We are especially looking for trainers whose children DO NOT fall into the age groups being taught, and we especially need Elementary School-Age teachers. There may be financial help available to offset the cost. Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive sex education program for children through adult. Faith Formation Seeks Teacher Are you an active, personable person who likes and relates to kids of all ages? If so, The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango is looking for you. We are seeking a teacher for Sunday programs for elementary and middle-school age children. Prior teaching experience is awesome, but not required. A background or familiarity with Unitarian Universalism and its guiding principles is preferred but not required. Must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. For details and more information, send Sharon Mignerey, the Coordinator of Faith Formation an email. (Feel free to share this notice with anyone you think might be interested.) Circles of Trust – Exploring “Habits of the Heart” Begins January 27, 2024 Reverend Barbara will be leading a “Circles of Trust” class, Habits of the Heart that begins January 27, 2024. Classes will be every other week through March 9, 2024; they are held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  To see a more detailed description and to register, click here.
  • Looking ahead: “Circles of Trust” starting January 27
    Rev. Barbara Coeyman looks forward to once again leading “Circle of Trust,” a spiritual practice program inspired by the writing of Quaker Parker Palmer. This year’s four-session series will focus on Habits of the Heart, a curriculum based on Palmer’s 2011 book Healing the Heart of Democracy¸ where he applies his principles to the public arena. This book is not required, but feel free to purchase your own copy. Dates for our sessions are January 27; February 10, 24; March 9, 2024; from 9:30 –a.m. to noon. The deadline for registering will be Friday January 28. Rev. Coeyman is a credentialed Facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal, the sponsoring institution of “Circles of Trust.” To register, click here. *** “Circles of Trust” is a small group ministry which explores the inner teacher in each of us and builds compassionate relationships with others. Through personal reflection, deep listening, open and honest questions, and clearness committees, we build trust in our authentic selves and in one another. “Circles of Trust” draws from the spiritual writing of Quaker Parker Palmer. This series will focus on Habits of the Heart, a curriculum based on Palmer’s 2011 book Healing the Heart of Democracy¸ where he applies his principles to the public arena. The first session will explain “Circles of Trust” practice; the remaining three sessions will provide spiritual deepening and tips for practical application in our shared ministries. While attendance at all four sessions is encouraged, don’t let unpredictable schedules get in the way of signing up. For additional reading about “Circles of Trust,” see Parker Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward An Undivided Life. For the orientation and content of this particular retreat series, see Parker Palmer, Healing the Heart of Democracy. For lovely holiday reading, see Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak. These titles are also available on Amazon. Rev. Dr. Barbara Coeyman is a UU Accredited Interim Minister and a credentialed Facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal, the sponsoring institution of “Circles of Trust.” For questions and more information, contact Rev. Barbara directly at intmin@durangouu.org.