EUUF Info ..................................... 2 Connection Page ........................... 3 From the Minister ......................... 4 News From the Board ................... 5 Evergreen's Offerings ..................... 6 Children & Youth .......................... 7 UUA, Holidays and Days of Observance .................................... 8 Anti-Racism Learning Circles..........9
Late Autumn 2021 | Covers November 8th through December 20th, 2021
please e-mail newsletteR@evergreenuu.org for a print copy
from the minister - on page 4
UUA Common Read
Newsletter
UU Common Read Announced - Defund Fear: Safety Without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment is the 2021/2022 UU Common Read. Published by Beacon Press, this title by Zach Norris shifts dialogue about public safety away from fear and punishment, toward growth and support systems for our families and communities. It is a blueprint for how to hold people accountable while still holding them in community. For resources to guide your engagement with this important book, we encourage you to visit the UUA's Common Read page at uua.org/read. The Common Read builds community in our congregations and our movement by giving diverse people a shared platform for reflection and a shared focus for action. Further, a Common Read can take us on a powerful faith journey as we explore—individually and together—what it means to be human and accountable in a pain-filled world.
When the pandemic initially started at the end of 2019, most if not all of us did not hear about it. When the pandemic alarm bells started going off in the US in the Spring of 2020, we weren’t really sure at first how to react. When governmental restrictions on our accustomed activities started being implemented, we could tell that it was serious - (Continue reading on page 4...) Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking virtual congregational field trips on Sunday mornings
Evergreen
Table of contents
Pastoral Associates are available by phone or e-mail, or zoom. Contact them at pastoralassociates @evergreenuu.org Resources and Needs Survey
UUSC's virtual human rights leadership celebration
Please save the date for UUSC’s virtual Human Rights Leadership Celebration on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT. We hope you will join us for an evening of inspiration and hope in advance of Human Rights Day. Spotlighting human rights and social justice work around the world, the event will feature a keynote presentation, musical performances, and appearances by special guests. We also want to include you in our celebration! We invite you to share a photograph illustrating what you feel is important about human rights work. If you are interested in participating, please visit this page to learn more about the process.
Our Sacred place
connection page
Submit Something For the Weekly Update, Newsletter or Sunday Announcements! Check out the form for submissions for the Weekly Update, Newsletter, Sunday Announcements and more! You can choose what the title will be, in which publications you'd like the announcement to run, how long it will be publicized, and what images will be included (if any.)
Late Autumn 2021
Newsletter changes
Starting at the Winter Solstice on December 21st, the newsletter will shift to one edition per season, instead of 2 editions per season. Each newsletter going forward will span 12 weeks and will line up with the changing of each season.
In April, we gathered to talk about, “In what ways are our current facilities well-suited to fulfilling our Mission? And what challenges do our current facilities pose to fulfilling our Mission?” Please join us on Sunday, December 5th to continue the conversation. Last year, the Facilities Analysis Task Force did a wonderful job of researching and gathering information to support our wrestling with these issues - and this month a report based on that data will be released to the congregation, detailing some specific options for us to consider. We hope that you will read and reflect on it (and attend the upcoming worship services) as we consider for our 12/5 conversation: “Which option should we pursue regarding our facilities that will fulfill our mission?”
GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity that will take place on November 30, 2021. Even in times of economic uncertainty, we each have a deep reserve of generosity, which we can deploy in myriad ways to make a difference–your time, your kindness, your skills, your voice are all things you can give in addition to charitable donations.
November 8th - December 20th Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am Join Zoom Meeting Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1607 4th St., Marysville, WA 98270 www.evergreenuu.org 360-659-6621 Office Hours Please check with the Office Admin via email for in-person office hours MINISTER the Rev. Tom Bozeman BOARD PRESIDENT Ann Kelleher boardpresident@evergreenuu.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES board@evergreenuu.org OFFICE ADMIN Alli Curtis administrator@evergreenuu.org RELIGIOUS EDUCATOR JW Wenzel redirector@evergreenuu.org NEWSLETTER newsletter@evergreenuu.org
Members of the Board:
To schedule a phone/virtual meeting, go to calendly.com/therevtombozeman. Or, if something urgent comes up, you can always call/text him at 774-353-0523.
Contact the Board: via Slack on the #board-buzz channel via email at board@evergreenuu.org
As the weather is rapidly changing and heralding the approach of the holiday season, the Board is in the midst of holding small conversational meetings with the Congregation to discuss the first Open Question, How do we need to change to increase our financial stability? We are examining both existing challenges that have been magnified during the Pandemic years as well as those that are unique, as a result or an impact of the experience that we are confronting. In our personal lives, we have learned to be more flexible, more tolerant, more creative; our priorities have shifted or come sharply into focus during this period of crisis. We are more reflective about the future and our expectations of what is important to us. We are hoping that those same resilience skills and thoughtful introspection will inform our discussions about Evergreen’s financial stability and what new ideas we might develop together for Evergreen’s future. Your input is valuable to this process. We will finalize these conversations at the end of October and summarize the results in early November to share with the Congregation. This information will be an important companion to the second Open Question regarding the future of the building. During November and December, the various options/possibilities for a decision on the building will be presented and discussed and will set the stage for the Congregation to determine next steps… Which option should we pursue regarding our facilities that will fulfill our mission? At the same time, we will be receiving the joint recommendations of the Safety Team and the Re-gathering Readiness Advisory Task Force (RRATF) in December regarding a possible timeline/ procedures for return to the building for in-person services and gatherings. That group of very dedicated folks is also working with members of the Congregation to seek their input and involvement to ensure their concerns are addressed in this process. It will be a very busy two months but very important to the future of the Fellowship. We invite you and strongly encourage you to participate in the opportunities offered for discussion, both online meetings and via Slack, e-mail and Web, so that you stay informed of the latest information. (#board-buzz for the Board; #regathering-task-force for the RRATF) Ann Kelleher President Board of Trustees
When the pandemic initially started at the end of 2019, most if not all of us did not hear about it. When the pandemic alarm bells started going off in the US in the Spring of 2020, we weren’t really sure at first how to react. When governmental restrictions on our accustomed activities started being implemented, we could tell that it was serious - and many articles started coming out counseling how we might prevent being infected. Tips sometimes included multiple stages of sanitization and garment changes whenever we reentered our homes from outside. And we trundled along, uncomfortable but adapting. The dissemination of more tips - these about being patient with ourselves and others or being sure to attend to our self-care or finding our second wind. With widespread vaccination and the whiff of possibly “going back to normal,” many of us started to heave a sigh of relief at the anticipated freedom and reconnection with friends and loved ones. But the pandemic persists, and the virus keeps mutating. Whereas once many were assiduously wiping down containers of food upon entry to the kitchen, now many are just feeling worn out from it all. How long can one maintain such a high degree of caution, after all? Not eighteen months for most of us, surely. Our nervous systems only have so much surge capacity. This new landscape has shaken much of our society. In the midst of all this, can we: make room for lamentation, for the deep sorrow at how many have been lost, remember that we are still beautiful and loved and enough, and maintain our contact with one another, so that we can continue to exchange that nourishment of connection? Please reach out to me if you’re having a rough time. None of us should go through this alone. You can reach me easily: by messaging me through our Slack workspace or by calling or texting me at 774.353.0523. In faith, Pr. Tom
NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
from the minister
Meet with Pastor Tom
Ann Kelleher, President Desmond Smith, Vice President Skyler Malan, Secretary Ray Mutchler, Treasurer Fred Haist, Past President Tom Gaskin, Member-at-large Marilyn Bosckis, Member-at-large The Rev. Tom Bozeman, Ex-Officio Member
In lieu of our usual Greening of Evergreen event, we will have an online gathering to play games, share some festive songs, and more! RSVP Requested; more information coming closer to the date. December 5th 2pm
1. Video chat with friends and family. 2. Volunteer together. 3. Start a new tradition. 4. Look through old photos together. 5. Take a hike. Bundle up and plan for a hot drink afterwards! 6. Say no! It is ok to not do everything. 7. Create a list of traditions or memories you want relive. Think about the feeling you want to create. Are you hoping for a sense of wonder? A connection with your religious beliefs? Or maybe just happy connections with the people you love – if you know what feeling you’re going for, you can focus on that.
Sunday, November 28th This month's recipient of our Split Plate Offering is The Communities of Color Coalition (C3). C3 is a non-partisan group of citizens who meet on behalf of the people of Snohomish County to discuss, problem-solve, and advocate for social justice, cultural and religious respect and human rights, especially for people of color and other under-represented groups. Their major areas of concern include but are not limited to the elimination of personal and institutional racism; equal access to and opportunities in education; equal access to and opportunities in economic development and employment; and fair and equal treatment under the law and in our society. Check out their latest newsletter here to learn about ways to get involved with C3. Or head over to their website here.
Family Fellowship
EUUF Writer's Night - Nov. 10th & Dec. 8th (2nd Wednesdays), 6:30 - 8 pm Welcome all writers and listeners. You may share if you chose to, otherwise just listen and get inspired. Join Zoom Meeting. Contact Jen Broadway for more information. WISE - Nov. 17th & Dec. 15th, Noon - 1:30 pm (3rd Wednesdays) If you will be 60 or older this church year, please join us for lively conversation and lots of laughter! Throughout the year we will explore topics and activities pertaining to this age and stage of our lives, so join in when you can. Be ready for reflection, learning, growing, and FUN! Contact: Sarah Taylor. Cedar Covenant Circle - Nov. 17th & Dec. 15th (3rd Wednesdays), 7 pm This Covenant Circle has room for new members, so anyone who would like to give us a try will be welcome. If you have any questions please contact Sandie B. skbigg@live.com. Book Discussion Group - Last Wednesday of the month 7:15 - 8:45 pm Nov. 24th - "The Riches of This Land" The untold, true story of America's middle class, by Jim Tankersley, 320 pages Contact Michelle Valentine for more information. Men's Circle - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, from 7-9 pm We are a group of men who gather to share with each other our authentic joys, challenges and insights, with the goals of personal growth and mutual support. We pledge to create affirmative, compassionate gatherings through heart-felt sharing, deep listening, honest communication, and confidentiality. We currently meet via Zoom. Contact Dan Hall for more information. Big Questions - Nov. 19th & Dec. 10th, from 7 - 9 pm Join here to discuss fundamental questions in philosophy. The questions take the Socratic form, “What is …?” What is justice? What is truth? What is it to be spiritual? All are welcome. Contact Desmond Smith for more information. EUUF Walking Group - Fridays, 1:30 pm @ Ebey Waterfront Park The Walking Group meets at 1:30 on Fridays to walk the Ebey Waterfront trail that begins from the Marysville Park located at 1404 1st St. Contact Sandie B to get on the Group mailing list to keep up to date on any changes to this schedule.
Family Connection During the Holidays
Adult Programs Is there a program you'd like to offer? Contact Desmond at adultprograms@evergreenuu.org. Find more details on our website! www.evergreenuu.org/adult-programs
Split Plate Offering Highlight - Communities of color coalition
evergreen's offerings
Trick or Treat for Change
RE Families with Children and Youth
Thank you to all who donated for our annual Trick or Treat for Change event! So far we collected $96.60 and the kids and youth have decided to donate to the Marysville Food Bank.
How do you fix a broken Jack o' Lantern? Use a Pumpkin patch.
The holidays can be especially painful for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. But there’s hope. Mountain View Presbyterian Church will again be presenting the seminar “Surviving the Holidays” to help bereaved individuals cope with the pressures and demands of the season. This years’ session will be held Saturday, November 20th, 10:00am to 12:00pm at the church. GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays is a Christ-centered, bible-based curriculum used by grief support groups across the country. The two-hour seminar features video interviews with grief experts and ordinary people who have experienced the death of a loved one. In a confidential, facilitator-led setting, participants have an opportunity to discuss their concerns and challenges. Pre-registration is recommended by calling 360-659-7777. Blessings, Rietta Harding, GriefShare Facilitator Mountain View Presbyterian Church, Marysville, WA
November 2021: American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month 1st: All Saints Day 2nd: All Souls Day 7th: clocks BACK one hour 11th: Veterans Day 11th: Remembrance Day (Canada) 20th: Transgender Day of Remembrance* 25th: Thanksgiving (US) 28th: First Sunday of Advent 28th (sunset): Hannukah begins December 2021: 1st: World AIDS Day* 5th: Second Sunday of Advent 6th (sunset): Hannukah ends 12th: Third Sunday of Advent 19th: Fourth Sunday of Advent 21st: Winter Solstice/Yule
When asked, "What wisdom might we offer to one another in this challenging moment?" Let us boldly respond, "Interdependence will guide us onward." And it is truly in one another that we find our compass in navigating the paths towards liberation. All are welcome to gather in community forCompass: Navigating the Paths to Liberation Togetheron December 11-12, 2021, as we discern our way forward. The virtual event series will include invigorating worship, special musical guests, thought-provoking conversations, breakout caucus gatherings, a special presentation from the Article II Study Commission, and much more. Registration is now open. Learn more about Compass here.
Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more within the U.S. is available November 1st, through December 5th. Browse online at uua.org/bookstore.
GriefShare - Surviving the holidays
UUA news, holidays & days of observance
Please check the calendar on the Evergreen website for the most current offerings, activities, events and worship services. New to Evergreen? Please fill out the Guest Card at evergreenuu.org/sunday.
InSpirit - UUA Bookstore
EUUF Calendar
Transgender day of remembrance event
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 7 pm Our PFLAG Whatcom chapter committed to spearhead a 2020 memorial event in Bellingham to honor transgender people who lost their lives to transphobic hate and violence during that year. Our online event last year was well received, and we’ve decided to do it again this year. We are pleased to welcome our co-sponsors this year—the PFLAG Skagit chapter. We’re reaching out to other LGBTQ organizations in our community to invite you to join us in this special event. We welcome your support by sharing this event with your circle of contacts—by email and online. Click here for the Zoom webinar link. Passcode: 119784.
submission deadline for the Winter newsletter: December 13th date range: December 21st through March 20th Send your submissions to newsletter@evergreenuu.org Or submit using this form Send your submissions to newsletter@evergreenuu.org
Chalica is a week-long celebration of our Unitarian Universalist Principles. The holiday first emerged in 2005 out of a wish to have a holiday organized around Unitarian Universalist values. Chalica begins on the first Monday in December and lasts seven days. Each day, a chalice is lit and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of that day’s principle and doing a good deed that honors that principle. Not all Unitarian Universalists celebrate Chalica, but it has a growing following. There is a Chalica Facebook page, blog, and many Chalica-themed videos on YouTube.
celebrate Chalica! - Dec. 6th - 12th