Events and Updates
Buxmont Events: Upcoming activities at Buxmont
Other Events: UU events beyond Buxmont
Groups at Buxmont: See what's happening in the many interest groups at Buxmont
Note: It is our policy not to provide e-mail links or phone numbers unless specifically authorized by the persons involved.
The EE&EJ Task Force met in late January and began the process of deciding BuxMont’s approach to studying and taking action on this issue. The group felt it should focus on educating the fellowship about the issues surrounding the way Americans eat. The showing of Food, Inc. in January was a good start. Plans to start a book club, bring in speakers, show more movies, and promote discussion were all proposed. It was also suggested that we distribute information on buying local, hosting cooking workshops, and coordinating special Circle Dinners. Won’t you please join the EE&EJ Task force at their next meeting on March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the fellowship?
MARCH MADNESS AT BUXMONT ADULT ED
Feeling energized by the increasing hours of daylight? Ready for the vernal equinox approaching? Join our three new Adult Education offerings this month:
Margaret Fuller: Transcendentalist, Critic and Foreign Correspondent presented by Michael Barnett on three Wednesdays, March 17, March 24, and March 31, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ichabod Toward Home offered by Jerry Johnson the third Mondays of March, April, May, and June, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. UU History and Theologies with Rev. Schatz, March 9, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Seven ongoing classes are:TIME, March 21, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday Book Club, March 5, 1:30 p.m. Spirituality Study, March 4, 7:30 p.m. Explorations on alternate Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Meditation – Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Parents as Resident Theologians with Rev. Schatz Women of Wisdom, March 28, noon
SI KAHN “STANDING FOR JUSTICE” CONCERT: SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 8 P.M.
On Saturday, March 13, BuxMont will welcome the internationally acclaimed songwriter, singer, and community organizer Si Kahn to our Little Neshaminy concert series. One of folk music’s most respected songwriters, Si’s songs have been recorded by John McCutcheon, Robin and Linda Williams, June Tabor and the Oyster Band, and Laurie Lewis, among many others. The concert will take place at BuxMont on Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 for students and senior citizens.
CREATIVE COMMUNITY ORGANIZING WITH SI KAHN: SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 1–3 P.M.
Of course all good people are concerned about discrimination and violence against immigrants in this country. But is there anything that people and communities of faith can actually do about it—or does the scale and scope of the issue render us essentially powerless to change federal policy for the better? If you’re looking for inspiration and hope, join us at this workshop to learn how a handful of determined young activists in Texas got 150 immigrant children and their parents released from the notorious for-profit private T. Don Hutto “family residential facility,” and got the Department of Homeland Security to change its policy on “immigrant family detention.” Please come prepared to be moved, and to leave believing that you, too, can make a difference. The workshop will include screening of the 17-minute film Hutto: America’s Family Prison.
BUXMONT'S NOT-SO-TRADITIONAL SEDER GOES GREEN!
This year’s Passover Seder is on Tuesday, March 30th, the second night of Passover. This family-friendly not-so-traditional Seder starts at 6 p.m. in the social hall. Good food deserves real plates, so bring you own dinner plate and utensils (knife, fork, soup spoon); soup bowls and cups will still be provided. Signup sheet is in the social hall. Please feel free to invite family and friends. Questions? Contact Nancy Taylor
PLAN YOUR OWN MEMORIAL SERVICE
This gives “Advance Planning” a new twist. Join us on April 25 at noon in the social hall when we turn a workshop on a serious topic into an afternoon of fun with a spiritual touch. Whether you want to ensure some personal flair to your memorial service, relieve your family of difficult decisions at a later date, or are simply a control freak, join us for outlining some final arrangements. We will discuss the many possibilities and brainstorm ideas on music, poetry, flowers, readings, food, etc. to create our farewells. You will leave with lots of ideas and an outline which will allow you to further examine your feelings and prepare your final requests. Organized by Donna Spangler with input from other BuxMonters, you are invited to bring recollections of memorable services you have attended along with any thoughts or dreams that you wish to share about your departing ritual.
BUXMONT BUILDING & GROUNDS FUN DAY: SATURDAY, MAY 8
OK, it’s really a “work” day, but would you have read this with a title like that?
It’s still quite some time away, but our somewhat annual building and grounds work day is scheduled for Saturday, May 8. These days typically include minor maintenance and heavy-duty cleaning, and results in a more attractive and welcoming facility for all. It’s also a good way to get to know some of your fellow BuxMont members. No special skills are required! Look for more info in next month’s Liberal Voice. In the meantime, if you have suggestions for tasks that should be included—related either to the building or the grounds—send them to Howard Barkan or Susie Hook
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT MURRAY GROVE
Monthly Services and Celebrations To Welcome and Support Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Intersex People: Dates, but not topics, have been decided for the start of 2010: Sunday, January 24, 2010, Sunday, February 14, 2010, and Sunday, March 28, 2010.
Services will take place from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. with a potluck social following the services (salads and desserts suggested) from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Contact Murray Grove: 609-693-5558 or murraygrove@murraygrove.org for more information.
COALITION-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANIZING WORKSHOP
Do you want to know how to work in your community to transform it? Do you want to know how to partner with others outside of your faith community to do this work? If so, CBCOs may be a good opportunity. The Joseph Priestley District is offering training and networking opportunities for congregations involved in Coalition Based Community Organizing or those who are interested or curious about how CBCOs can help your congregation to do the greater work of transforming the society at a larger level by working in a diverse, interfaith organization
This free workshop will take place on Saturday, May 15 at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, 730 Halstead Rd. Wilmington, DE. For more information and to download a registration form, go to www.jpduua.org and click on the box at the bottom of the first column.
IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT: ETHNICITY/RACE, GENDER, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION WORKSHOP
An Identity Development Workshop for High School Age Youth and those adults who work with them will be hosted by the UU Church of Rockville (100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850) on March 20, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This daylong workshop on Identity Development is a response to findings in the Youth Working Group Recommendations for Youth Ministry Report and the Mosaic Project Report. The morning will be spent discussing the meaning of gender and sexual orientation. The afternoon will consist of filling in a family tree, personal identity map and learning about the stages of ethnic/racial identity development.
Registration Deadline: March 15 to Deborah Kahn at dkahn@uucr.org.
"DRUM FOR JOY" WORKSHOP
Attention, all BuxMont drummers: There will be a “Drum for Joy” Workshop at Main Line Unitarian Church (816 Valley Forge Road, Devon, PA 19333) on Saturday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop—led Jaqui McMillan of “Drum for Joy!”—is suitable for all levels of drummers. The cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. There is a $10 discount for drummers 16 years old and under. (Drinks and dessert will be provided with your own bag lunch.)
Questions? Look on the web at www.mluc.org.
HOW FAR DOES YOUR FOOD TRAVEL TO GET TO YOUR TABLE?
Find out on March 21 when Joel Salatin—of Polyface Farms, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Food Inc. and now FRESH (the movie)—will speak at the UU Church of Annapolis (333 Dubois Rd. Annapolis, MD). And watch FRESH, the movie. There will be two showings with FRESH director, Ana Sophia Joanes at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. There will be a Vendor/Exhibitor Fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Meet with local farmers, enjoy samples of local shrimp, oysters, beef, bison, milk, wine, cheese, and more! Also, learn where to eat out and shop for local food. (This will be a no trash/waste event. Please bring your own cup, fork/spoon, and plate.) In addition, there will be gardening classes: Gardening 101: Getting Started at 4 p.m. and Advanced Gardening and Composting at 5 p.m. Each class costs $5; pay at the door. Spaces are limited to 25, first come, first served. To reserve your spot, email replytofresh@gmail.com. Doors Open at 2 p.m. The cost is $12 per person. Please carpool! Sorry, no childcare available.
UUMAC: UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST MID-ATLANTIC COMMUNITY 2010
July 18–24, 2010, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA
Since 1982, UUMAC has been offering UUs in the Joseph Priestley District a vibrant multigenerational community experience. Our theme this year is “Global Citizenship: UUs and the United Nations,” featuring Bruce Knotts, Executive Director of the UU United Nations Office. Daily worship will be led by Rev. Addae Ama Kraba of First Unitarian Church of Southold, Long Island. We offer a half-day children’s program, an array of workshops for youth and adults, river rafting, contra dancing, music, games, and more. Brochure and registration forms are available at www.uumac.org and registration is now open. The early bird deadline for reduced registration and scholarship requests is April 1, 2010.