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Worship & Celebration
"In these challenging times,it is especially important to consider
our spiritual connection with natureand how that relationship nurtures and sustains us as we seek to
heal the brokenness of the world. We are not called by an external authority, but by an increased
attention to our own inner truth. A healthy Earth-based spirituality is a way to be fully at home in
our lives and on this earth. A strong spirit helps us to weather the storms of life. For many, that
spirit is nurtured by an intimate connection with nature." ~ Green Sanctuary Program Manual
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Past Events
August 22, 2010 - Animal Blessing
The wild, wooly, beloved and surprisingly meaningful service for
all ages and species returned and congregational members were invited to bring along their
significant animal companions. This service honored the importance of the animals in our lives
and offered them blessings in return. As has been our tradition, we had a remembrance portion
in the service for animals that have died, and members were encouraged to bring along a photo or
other object for inclusion in the service. Members were also encouraged to bring along pictures
of their favorite wildlife for blessings as well. All species of the earth need our attention, support
and prayers.
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August 8, 2010 - "Circle the World" with singer-songwriter Dana Lyons
Dana shared stories about some of the activists who have most inspired him, he mostly of
his work with Jane Goodall. In 2005 they collaborated on a CD called "Circle the World" which he taught the
congregation. As one reviewer said: "Few people on earth top Jane Goodall for having both an important
message and the scientific and moral authority to command attention and assent; few musical stars write or sing
or live with the committed passion of Dana Lyons." The children's circle this service was an enactment of an
interview between Jane Goodall and a reporter from Animal Planet. Celebrant Barbara Gilday played the role of Ms.
Goodall, while Keyboardist Melanie Rieck played the Animal Planet Reporter.
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June 2, 2010 - Vigil for the Earth
The world has watched the recent events in the Gulf of Mexico and the
terrible damage of the oil spill with horror. Even if the flood of oil into the gulf were to
end today, the damage that has and will occur is incredible. Speaking recently with clergy that
serve congregations on the shores of the Gulf, there is an overwhelming sense of despondency and
near hopelessness in the face of these events. Religious leaders around the world, but particularly
here in the United States, have asked for gatherings to acknowledge this atrocity. BUF members
gathered for a time to mark this period of great sadness, to support one another, and to decide
what we are called to do in response. We began our time with some silence, some readings, a time
of reflection, music and the healing and hope of being together. There was some time to talk about
feelings and share what we felt called to offer as our response. It was a simple but meaningful
gathering led by Rev. Doug Watkins.
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March 9, 2010 -"Renewal" Film Showing with RE Sources
The Green Sanctuary team was invited to attend RE Sources showing of the film
"Renewal." RE Sources is currently launching an effort to engage the interfaith community of Whatcom
County and has asked BUF's GSP team to participate in the effort. A panel after the film was available
to answere questions. It included Katie Fleming of RE Sources, Alex Ramel of Sustainable Connections
and Linda Fels BUF's GSP co=chair. BUF's GSP had already shown the film to its congregation in December
2008 and again in February 2009.
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January 31, 2010 - “The Man Who Planted Trees: A
BUF Community Worship” service
Join Crystal Neva, Andy Marshall, BUF's Chamber and Children's Choirs in a
Unitarian Universalist celebration of the Jewish holiday Tu B' Shevat. It was a lively morning
of creativity, communion, and storytelling; honoring our sacred connection with trees and our earth.
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September 13, 2009 - “Building a Home, Finding a Faith” -
The Rev. Douglas Wadkins, Crystal Neva, Andy Marshall - a Whole Community service
This was our annual Ingathering service where we all gathered back together from our summer
breaks and activities. This service also included our Water Communion, which was a time and ritual to reflect on those
special moments that occurred over the summer. That moment is symbolized in a small amount of water, reminding us our
not only of special moments, but our connection to and dependence on a life-giving and transformative source of
power.
To participate in the ritual, one brings a small amount of water that symbolizes an important
moment their summer or their gratitude for the gifts which for which this source offers up to us so freely. All
offerings are added together and the blessed water will be used for various rituals and celebrations throughouth the
year. This service also kicked off our new church year with a service for all ages, recommitting ourselves to our
congregational family and principles. It set the tone for the year as one of seeking, finding and building.
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July 12, 2009 - "Providing for the Common Welfare" with Robert Lester
We are living in uncertain times; however, we also know the power of spirit to manifest our necessities. The Elders
spoke about how to assure our well being by valuing the importance of self, family, and community in relation to our
Common Welfare. Robert Lester, internationally known teacher and healer, will help us look at the medicine of our
essential needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Robert's native background is Ojibway/Huron and his understanding
of traditional medicine culture gives a unique and powerful perspective. Robert, seeing the need to connect cultures,
develop understanding and respect the divergent nature of other peoples, has recently founded One People Foundation.
He will continue to teach from the purity of the cultures that have entrusted themselves to him, but will begin to
reach out to other people, finding similarities and respecting the differences. For more informatin on Robert, visit
his website at http://www.rblester.com/workshops.html
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June 21, 2009 - Flower Communion with Rev. Doug Watkins
This service is our transition into our summer season, and an extended family celebration of
the UU tradition of Flower Communion. In order to celebrate our flower communion one need only bring a flower that
one connects with. You will leave the service with a different flower that another member of the congregation has brought.
Doug shows off his new stole made from recycled blue jeans!
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May 3, 2009 - Celebrating Pete Seeger's 90th
Birthday
On Sunday, May 3rd 2009, Bellingham joined cities around the world celebrating Pete
Seeger's 90th birthday with a concert entitled, For Pete's Sake, Sing! Seeger was being nominated for a Nobel
Peace Prize. Bellingham's event, sponsored by the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, included an open mic hosted
by Kevin Murphy, a Seeger- inspired singalong with Laura Smith, Richard & Helen Scholtz, and Flip Breskin, and
individual acts including Tom Rawson, Linda Allen and Kamalla Rose Kaur.
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April 12,2009 - “Easter Sunday” - The Rev. Doug Wadkins, Barbara Cornell, Andy Marshall
and the BUF Choir
Once again we explore the ancient themes of Easter, but this year with a very contemporary twist.
We explore the deeper possibility of hope found in the intersection of spiritual fulfillment with a passion for justice
for the interconnected web. Thank you, Doug!
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April 2009 and Earth Day
During the month of April, the Green Sanctuary Program team celebrated the completion of
the twelve (and many more!) projects that lead us to our accreditation as a Green Sanctuary by the UUA. Linda Fels
worked diligently completing the application package and made it available to the congregation. As part of the
accreditation application process, the congregation voted to approve and forward the application on for review
by the UUA. For Earth Day, GSP had a table available during the Social Hour with information on all the various
projects the GSP has been involved with over the past two years. Surveys were also handed out to the congregation,
giving members a chance to let us know what GSP programs they had attended or projects they had been involved with
during the two-year program period as well.
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February 8, 2009 -"Renewal" Encore Showing
The Green Sanctuary and Lifelong Learning programs sponsored an encore viewing of the film
"Renewal" shown on December 11, 2008.
December 11, 2008 - "Renewal"
The Green Sanctuary and Lifelong Learning programs sponsored a viewing of the film "Renewal" on
December 11, 2008. "Across the nation, people of faith are standing up for the environment. Evangelical Christians are
fighting mountaintop removal, a coal mining process that is decimating Appalachia. Muslims are supporting sustainable
farming. Jews are helping children experience the bond between nature and spirituality. Interfaith Power and Light is
mobilizing people of all faiths in a religious response to global warming." Invitations were sent not only to the
congregation, but other area churches as well for this event. The film included eight segments:
1) A Crime Against Creation: Evangelicals bear witness to mountaintop removal and the destruction of Appalachia;
2) Going Green: GreenFaith helps congregations take the first steps to environmental action;
3) Food for Faith: Muslim tradition and charity forge bonds between urban communities and sustainable farms;
4) Ancient Roots: The Teva Learning Center and Adamah bring environmental education together with Jewish tradition;
5) Compassion in Action: Green Sangha, a Buddhist community, leads a campaign to save trees;
6) Eco-Justice: The Holy Spirit inspires a battle against industrial contamination in small town Mississippi;
7) Sacred Celebration: Catholics and Native Americans embrace religious ritual in their struggle to protect land and water;
8) Interfaith Power and Light: Across America people of all faiths mount a religious response to global warming . . .
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January thru March 09 - Rise Up and Call Her Name: A Woman-honoring
Journey into Global Earth-based Spiritualities
During the winter months, several BUF members attended a course entitled "Rise Up and Call Her Name:
A Woman-honoring Journey into Global Earth-based Spiritualities that was offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
"Rise Up" is a multicultural experiential curriculum that provides participants with a unique view of international
religious imagery and worldviews, including journeys through Ancient Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, African American,
Southeast Asia, China and Japan, Pacific Islands, Mesoamerica and North America. The course is made up of thirteen
2-1/2 hr segments that include a variety of activities such as singing, dancing, rituals, simple art projects, sharing
of information and feelings, storytelling, and more. Thanks to Elizabeth Fisher and company for putting together the
curriculum, it's been an enlightening journey and highly recommended for both men and women. Although the classes have
ended, several of the participants are continuing their journey as a group continuing to explore the goddessess, conduct
celebrations and other activities.
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September 7, 2008
During the Ingathering Service, BUF's children's RE program had an opportunity to add their
support to the month-long Food4Tots program. A food bin was placed in the front of the sanctuary for our children
to bring in baby food as their offering for the service. Adults were welcome to contribute as well.
BUF joined with the Bellingham Food Bank to address a growing concern in our community. For an ever increasing
percentage of new parents, the joy of a newborn has beem marred by stress and fear as they find their scant resources
are inadequate to meet their new infant’s essential needs. In 2006, families with nearly 7,500 infants under the age
of 2 sought assistance from Whatcom County food banks. BFB estimates that 1,000 units of baby food a month is needed
to meet the local needs of Whatcom's infants and toddlers. Through the Lifelong Learning Program, Social Justice Committee
and the Green Sanctuary Program, it was our goal is to collect 1,000 jars of baby food throughout the month of September.
Food4Tots bins were located in the foyer and regular deliveries made to the Bellingham Food Bank of any donations. Although
the jars of food were important, donations of juices, cereals, etc. were accepted. Members were reminded, too, there are
certain brands of baby food that are organic and would be an outstanding way to address a social justice issue as well as
an environmental one.
BUF's Food4Tots drive were:
938 jars of baby food,
5 boxes of cereal,
1 container of Similac,
78 infant/toddler soy drinks,
42 containers of formula (although, 8 of them had past their expiration dates, and
2 boxes of baby cracker/cookies,
plus whatever monetary contributions we had (some sent directly to the Food Bank, and a few to BUF).
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August 10, 2008 - “The Blessing of the Animals” - The Rev. Doug Wadkins
The wild, wooly, beloved and surprisingly meaningful service for all ages and species returns.
You and your significant
animal companions are invited to this service which honors the importance of the animals in our lives and offers them
blessings in return. As has become our tradition, we will have a remembrance portion in the service for animals that
have died, so you are invited to bring along a photo or other object for inclusion in the service. Please bring the
appropriate container or leash for your cherished critter. As always, if it would be a better blessing for the animal
and others for the animal to not attend in person, a photo will do just fine! Come one, come all.
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June 22, 2008 - “Looking for New Paradigms?” - The Rev. Barbara Gilday
Throughout the ages, we have experienced God/Goddess as Gaia, the Supreme Father, and as fertility and various
special interest gods in many religions. We have gone through the segregation of the female-oriented Goddess, the
male-oriented God, and always someone was left out. And now, in this day of sustainability and of voices speaking
from all sectors of the world: What if we and all of creation were a part of God? How would we treat ourselves? How
would we treat each other? Rev. Barbara Gilday taught for two years in Ghana in the 1960s, which led to a lifelong
interest in multi-culturalism. She received a Master of Divinity in 1998, and has served as a pastor and hospital
chaplain. She now engages in ministry as a speaker, workshop leader, officiant (for weddings and other rituals) and
therapist. Journeys to Africa in the last three years have had a great impact on her current life. MUSIC by some of
the members of vocal ensemble Sarabande.
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June 15, 2008 - “Flower Communion” - The Rev. Doug Wadkins
As we prepare to move into our summer services, we celebrate the annual Unitarian Universalist tradition of Flower
Communion. This much-loved tradition began in World War II and has grown extremely popular in UU congregations across
the country. The heart of this ceremony is a celebration of the beauty of each person and the unique gifts we each
bring to the world and share with each other. In order to be a part of the service, please bring a flower with you
to share with someone in the congregation. It’s even better if the flower you pick has some personal significance
to you. The service is a great way to kick off a wonderful, meaningful summer at BUF.
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April 20, 2008 - BUF's Second Earth Day Celebration
BUF's Second Earth Day celebration included William Scarvie, a UU member very familiar with David Korten and
his works, conducting a service entitled "We are the Ones We've Been Waiting For." After the service, there
was a delicious Earth Day Potluck. About 1:00 pm, Mr. Scarvie conducted the "Change the Story, Change the
Future" workshop.
"A three-fold crisis looms before us. Today’s parents of young children will almost certainly experience
the effects of global climate disruption in their lifetime. They will also almost certainly suffer the catastrophic
economic consequences of dwindling resources and a possible collapse of the US dollar. Given our grim prospects, is
there any hope? The Chinese ideogram for crisis has two components, the characters meaning danger and opportunity.
What opportunities exist to shape a positive future for our children and grandchildren? What actions can we take
now that will improve the likelihood that their lives will be prosperous, secure and meaningful? What is the role
of religious communities in this great work? Inspired by David Korten’s recent book, The Great Turning: From Empire
to Earth Community, this workshop will explore these questions through introspection, intimate conversation and
group discussion."
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April 13, 2008 - “The Streams of Justice”- The Rev. Doug Wadkins, Crystal Neva, Andy
Marshall, the BUF Adult and Children’s Choir
One of the most integral issues in our lives is water. This is perhaps a little surprising, but few issues have more
implications for our world and our souls. All ages are invited to explore the political and spiritual implications of
our interconnection with water.
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March 23, 2008 - "As Old As The Earth: An Easter Celebration" sermon by Rev. Doug
Watkins
Long before it was known as Easter, there were sacred times in the spring that honored the parallels between the
reawakening of the human spirit and the rebirth we experience in nature. Today's service will look at the ways that
very old, earth-centered traditions might ask us to honor and live those parallels yet again.
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September 9, 2007 - "The Earth, the Water, the Fire, the Air… Return!" sermon by Rev.
Doug Wadkins
Each year at this time, BUF begins its new year. Members return from summer projects and activities, ready to commit
themselves once again. Our Ingathering service includes a traditional water ceremony and this year included music and
a surprise or two. Everyone is encouraged to bring in a small wonderful a small quantity of water that represents
something important that happened during your summer to become part of the "Mingling of the Waters" ceremony. Music
performed by Andrea Rose, Andy Marshall and special guest, Hans York
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August 5, 2007 - "Behold, There Is Magic All Around You: Pagan Practices and UU
Beliefs" sermon by Beth Nyblade
We in the Pacific NW tend to be tree-huggers who find meaning and value in our contacts with the natural world.
Can Pagan metaphors speak to UUs today? This service came four days before the pagan observance of Lughnasa.
Beth Nyblade is a clinical psychologist, long-time BUF member, and a tree-hugger herself.
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July 22, 2007 - Summer Service: "It's Easy Being Green"
Melanie Rieck, Summer Coordinator, presented an earth-based service on July 22. This year's service, revolved
around inspirational readings and personal reflections on being stewards of the earth. UUs Jayme & David Curley
described what they do to make a difference, and music by a local, folk-pop duo, Irthlingz, whose mission is to
use entertainment and fun to ignite love for our environment and inspire proactive care of our world. They are an
internationally active musical duo who are presenting a climate change musical revue at the UN Commission on
Sustainable Development this past spring.
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April 22, 2007 - BUF's First Earth Day Celebration
We conducted an annual Earth Day celebration both within our fellowship and with the greater Bellingham
community. This first year, we held an Earth Day Fair after Sunday worship on April 22nd as a kickoff for
our Green Sanctuary Program. Special emphasis was on introducing the 12 projects via a GSP brochure, handing
out personal audit forms, kicking off the transportation challenge, educating the congregation on NSEA and
recruiting task force members for the foodbook project.
In addition, we joined in the Bellingham Multi-Faith Clergy Earth Day service planned for that same Sunday
afternoon. This new event sponsored by Christian, Jewish and Unitarian clergy, is hoped to be a regular annual
event for our community. Our minister Rev. Doug Wadkins planned the music for the event. To make it a full day,
we encouraged participation that same day in the raising of a Lummi Nation Healing Pole to honor three youths
killed in a gasline explosion in June of 1999. The memorial is located near Whatcom Creek Trail at the end of
Racine St.
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April 20, 2007 - RE Sources 5th Annual Environmental Heroes Banquet
Several BUF members attended RE Sources' 5th Annual Environmental Heroes Award Banquet and 25th Anniversary
Celebration. The celebration honored RE Sources founders, past board members, and Whatcom County's first curbside
recycling volunteers. Marian Beddill graciously reserved a table for BUF for the event. It was a wonderful time
with good food, good fun and especially good company. BUF members and friends included Marian Beddill, Ruth Ashworth,
Nancy Grayum & David Marshak, Deb & Ralph Cruz, Christa & Bill Simmons, Leslie Clark & Phil Printz and others.
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March 18, 2007 - "The Blessing of the Animals" sermon by by Rev. Doug Watkins
It's time again for one of our most beloved and interesting services. Every couple of years, we do a service that
honors our interconnected relationship with the animal companions in our lives. You are invited to bring your animal
companions with you to the service, with appropriate cage or leash, please. Or, if it would not be a blessing for
either your pet, you or the rest of the congregation to bring them to the service, then a picture will do just fine.
You can also bring photos of beloved animals that have died; remembering them will be a part of our service, as well.
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February 4, 2007 - "The Spirit of the Earth" sermon by by Rev. Doug Watkins
The Rev. Doug Wadkins, Andy Marshall and the BUF Women’s Ensemble came together for this service. The term stewardship
is a broad one. This month, Doug’s services will explore its many aspects, beginning with our connection to the earth.
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December 9, 2006 - "A Celebration for the Earth" Concert by Jim Scott
As part of the Green Sanctuary's kick-off event, BUF invited the originator of the Green Sanctaury Program
to come and perform. Jim Scott is "one of the rare musicians who have transcended stylistic boundaries, Jim has
recorded or shared the stage with luminaries from the jazz, classical and folk music worlds. From Carnegie Hall
and the Newport Jazz Festival with the Paul Winter Consort; to a concert at the end of the Great Peace March with
folk legends Pete Seeger and Peter Yarrow, Jim’s travels have taken him around the world, including a European
tour with the Griffith Singers performing his choral music; recording in the gardens of Findhorn Scotland with
jazz flautist Paul Horn; touring Nicaragua with Holly Near and performing in Australia for colleges and the Institute
for Earth Education international conference. In his years as guitarist for the Paul Winter Consort, Jim led
thousands in the song "Common Ground" and his own eco-anthem, "A Song For The Earth." He was co-composer of the
Consort's monumental choral work, "Missa Gaia/Earth Mass," and recorded “A Concert for the Earth” in the Great
Hall of the United Nations. While a member of the Consort, Jim also wrote several PBS soundtracks and composed
and arranged an entire concert for the group with the Indianapolis Symphony. Jim has long been active in the
Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church and has visited over 300 UU churches across the country, leading services,
presenting concerts, and offering workshops. Three of Jim's songs are included in the new Unitarian Universalist
Hymnbook, and "Gather The Spirit," has become a favorite across the denomination. Jim has served on the board of
the UU Musicians Network and was Co-Chair of the ecological/spiritual activist group the UU "Seventh Principle
Project. . ." which has now evolved into the GreenSanctuary Program.
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