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Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship ~ BUF.org
Community, Compassion, Commitment
April 29, 2020
New Perspectives on Time and Space
I’m not attuned to the clock and the calendar in the same way I was “pre-
pandemic.” One might argue that this is an opportunity, now, for healthy
withdrawal from the brutal artificiality of 21st century timekeeping. Or
that, at least for a moment, we might engage/observe/live life from a more
natural perspective.
Sunup and sundown are beginning to compete with the clock to mark each day’s beginning and end.
Hungry/not-hungry can more appropriately direct our consumption habits. We haven’t yet passed
through an entire season and into the next, but I’m much more conscious than usual of the status of
the things growing in my yard and garden…such subtle changes day by day.
There’s so much less than usual to indicate the passage of time. But maybe modern life was going that
way anyhow. I mean: info, shopping, and entertainment have been on-demand 24/7 for ten or twenty
orbits. I’ve already gone a quarter of my life without a haircut. Hurting my shoulder last week has
actually provided a benefit in that I can use this to distinguish one period from another. Dare I
speculate that the previous week was “early pandemic,” and now we’re in “late pandemic”? Or at least
“mid pandemic”?
Funny how much we take for granted about time. And space, too, I suppose. I walked through the
empty sanctuary yesterday and thought about what “full” used to feel like. I’m confident that we will
get back to having a full house, but I guess that’s going to be a gradual transition. This is surreal. First
we’ll have ten of us get together, and that will be an officially full house. Then fifty will be a full house.
Sixty will be “standing room only.”
A poem we’ll be sharing this coming Sunday is called, “My Shoulder Misses You.” It concludes with
these words:
When we find each other again, and we will,
let us not go back to sleep;
let us take every chance to pull close, to pat each other’s backs,
shake each others hands, embrace.
When all of this is done,
let us crowd into the smallest church, or temple, we can find,
until there is barely enough room to move, or breathe–
And then let us lift all our voices in one cacophonous chorus;
let us sing songs of gratitude for this sacred moment
of flesh to flesh, breath to breath–
as if we were Adam and Eve, dropped down from the heavens,
seeing each other for the first time.
Until the first time, then,
Paul
Sunday Services Upcoming
Sunday May 3 Healthy Relationships during a Pandemic
Unusual stressors call for expanded relationship tools for each of our unique circumstances...and a
clear sense of priorities and commitments. This service will be led by the BUF Healthy Relationships
Team
Sunday May 19 Mothers and Mothering from Afar
Even if your identity as a mom, or as the child of a mom, changed long ago … being a mom, and
having a mom, this year, may feel quite different. We’ll reflect today on how our perspectives on
parenting and being parented change due to physical distance, or the passage of time.
Sunday May 17 Blessing of the Animals
Everyone’s invited to this service, regardless of species, size, texture, or location – even if you’d like to
join us from Tasmania with your little devil. “Blessing” in this context will mean re-committing
ourselves to these and to all creatures great and small.
We have increased our Zoom capacity to 300! Join us at 10:30, here:
https://zoom.us/j/738363620
Meeting Number 738-363-620
Join us also for Milestones every Sunday (Join URL: https://zoom.us/j/764741525) from 10-
10:25am. Milestones is an opportunity within a small group to share about the significant joys and
challenges of our lives.
BUF Year to Date Financial Report
BUF is 75% into the 2019-2020 budget year. The good news is that our
income and expenses are close to what we budgeted.
These numbers (following below in snapshot) only reflect our financial
status at the end of March, just a few weeks after BUF's Pandemic shutdown.
BUF will lose our rental income for the coming months, as well as income
that we would have received from MayFaire.
We are deferring our mortgage payments for three months, and we expect
our utility bills will decrease.
On the plus side, in April, we were approved for a Payroll Protection Plan
loan. This infusion of money into the budget will help us pay our staff for the
next sixty days without having to deplete our Emergency Reserves.
I extend my gratitude to our loyal congregation who continue to pledge and support BUF at this
difficult time, as much as you are able. Together, we will weather this storm.
~Sky Hedman, BUF Treasurer
Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
Summary Income & Expense Report
As of 31 March 75 % of budget
Actual to
Date July Fiscal
2019-Mar Year % of
INCOME 2020 Budget Budget
Pledges, Donations & Fundraising $301,695 $393,999 77%
Rental, Special Collections & Programs $63,550 $88,980 71%
Interest Income and Misc Income $2,165 $19,714 11%
Total Income $367,410 $502,693 73%
EXPENSES
Denominational Dues & Fundraising Expense $19,472 $25,616 76%
Facilities, Utilities, Administrative & Program
Expense $108,559 $166,351 65%
Staffing Expense $225,391 $298,126 76%
Reserves and Contingency Expense $13,568 $12,600 108%
Total Expenses $366,990 $502,693 73%
NET OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) $420 $0 0%
NON-OPERATING YTD CHANGES
Mortgage Principal ($12,035) $0 0%
Endowment Income $25,454 $0 100%
Unrealized Gain/Loss Endowment Fund ($14,434) $0 0%
This information is provided regarding our annual
budget only. For full information on BUF's
financial status, see the Treasurers' Reports,
available for review as part of the Board of
Trustee's monthly meeting minutes, available in
the work room.
From the Board of Trustees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the Budget
1) What do you mean by the “operating” budget?
A: The operating budget is our financial plan for operating BUF for the coming fiscal year. It identifies
our projected income and expenditures. To create a budget, the Board prioritizes goals, so we can best
carry out BUF’s mission.
2) What are the major line items for income and expenses respectively?
A: Our major sources of funding include donations, such as annual pledges and non-pledge offerings,
fundraisers, rental revenues, and interest income. Our expenses include UUA dues, staffing, program
funding, building maintenance and utility payments.
3) Who is in your budget team? What are the steps?
A: Our budget is a result of teamwork between the Operations Team, the Financial Oversight
Committee and the Board. The steps consist of analyzing the previous year’s budget, making
necessary adjustments, and setting realistic goals. Before adopting a new one, the final budget is
presented at the Congregational meeting and voted on by our congregation.
4) The COVID-19 pandemic: do you expect fluctuations in “giving?” What about the loss of rental
revenues? Do you have reserve accounts you can count on for these and other unexpected expenses?
A: Yes, to all these questions. With the building closed, BUF has lost revenue from rental income and
cash donations. We also have not been able to hold MayFaire, our major fundraiser for the year.
Although we anticipate some decline in the fulfillment of pledges, at this time we are still receiving
pledges and donations to meet our needs.
We’ve worked with WECU and been approved a sum of money as a Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP)
loan. We’ve received this money. The PPP loan will be forgiven as long as we maintain our payroll
during the eight-week period following the loan. The funds can be used for payroll and utility
payments.
Other actions we’ve taken: A temporary suspension of contributions to our Reserves. WECU has also
granted us permission to suspend mortgage payments for three months. We anticipate reduced utility
costs. If necessary, we can draw from our Emergency Reserves to cover our upcoming expenses.
We remain committed to retaining our permanent staff and hourly workers.
Our greatest resource during the COVID-19 pandemic is the support of our congregation, for which
we are very grateful.
5) How can I get answers to other questions I have? Who should I contact?
A: You may contact BUF's treasurer by email at Treasurer@buf.org. Any member of the Board of
Trustees will also be able to help.
Fund-Raising for BUF
Earlier in April we made the decision not to have the MayFaire Gala this
year. There was a brief discussion about moving it to online only. The software we
use does have that capability, but we don't have much experience with how it
works. But our auction focuses on events and services that bring us together. Since
we do not know at what point anyone will feel comfortable being in small group
house settings - we opted to cancel it for the year and hope that we can do
something in the Fall.
It's important to note that the MayFaire Gala raises funds that our budget plans for
us to receive. Moving this to the Fall does not help our current fiscal year
budget. The Financial Oversight Team and Operations Council have been re-working this years
budget to adjust for the rapid loss of income (from rentals and events). These folks have been giving
an amazing amount of time and creative energy to keep our beloved community financially afloat. My
thanks to everyone involved.
And my thanks to our extended members and friends community as well. Some folks have had to
adjust their pledge intentions due to their suddenly changed financial situation. But some of you have
increased your generosity to BUF at this time and that is making it work. I believe UU's
fundamentally believe in the sliding scale of life - pay less if you can't, more if you can; take less if you
don't need, more if you do need.
I am so grateful to have this community to provide such emotional support for me at this time. I hope
you are feeling it as well - be attending virtual church services (Sunday and Taize), virtual chalice
circles, virtual birthday month celebrations, virtual book clubs. I know many of us have Zoom fatigue
but I so appreciate all of the individuals contributing to this range of connection opportunities.
Thank you for your support of MayFaire in the past and looking forward to celebratory fundraising
with you in the future.
~Debbie Boots
Want to Join a BUF Zoom
BUF AT LARGE Sunday Service or meeting?
PAUSE, CONNECT, REFLECT AND Sunday worship on Zoom means you see and hear
REJUVENATE what’s happening— a lot like watching video on
YouTube or Facebook. But other people get to
This is a place for you to take a breather: to read a wise hear—and hopefully see—YOU. That can be fun,
saying, a joke, or a longer piece. Please feel free to though you can also choose to block your video.
share any comments with me. If you need to set up Zoom on your computer,
follow the instructions for Zoom Setup here. No
“Change the world by being yourself.” Amy Poehler need to sign up for a free Zoom account, but you
“If you propose to speak, always ask yourself: Is it true? will need to have the zoom app downloaded onto
Is it necessary? Is it kind?” Buddha your device
Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be
Test Your Computer: Hopefully, your computer has
crumbled, so wildflowers will come up where you are.
a built-in camera and microphone. If you aren’t
Rumi sure, please give yourself time to test it before the
meeting you hope to attend.
From the Atlantic: The late Robert R. Provine, a
professor at the University of Maryland who became one You will need a microphone. Most laptops and
of the world’s leading experts on laughter, came to the tablets have a built in microphone but most
conclusion, after a decade of studying how and why desktops don’t. The headset that came with your
people laugh, that it was actually a way of bonding. phone likely has a microphone on it. You can use
the headset for the meeting.
‘Most people think of laughter as a simple response to
comedy, or a cathartic mood-lifter Instead … I
When you log onto a Zoom meeting, you can choose
concluded that laughter is primarily a social vocalization
to “test speaker and microphone.” Give yourself a
that binds people together.” We laugh with others to few minutes to do this before the meeting starts.If
give us “the pleasure of acceptance,” Provine argued—to you don’t have a microphone, read down the page
show that we are the same. to learn how to call into a meeting with your phone.
To read the entire piece, go to the following URL. You will need a camera. (Actually, you’re okay if you
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/202 don’t have a camera, but it’s nice to see old and new
0/04/humor-laughter-coronavirus-covid19/609184/ friends.) Most laptops and tablets have a built in
camera but most desktops don’t.
Brain Teaser: A boy walks down the road with a
doctor. The boy is the doctor’s son, but the doctor is not All phones have a camera. If you are planning to use
the boy’s father. Then who is the doctor? your phone you might want to purchase or create a
stand for your phone so you can prop it up in the
right place for your call. When you enter a Zoom
meeting, you will see what you look like on camera.
How To Call Into A Meeting With Your Phone if
you don’t have a computer or don’t have a computer
(The answer will be provided next week.) with a microphone. You will need the meeting
Answer to last week’s Brain game: It is a perfect circle. ID, so be sure you have it before you dial.
You’ll see so, if you cover the outer circle completely
with pieces of white paper. Another solution has been Call any of these numbers:
provided by Tom Kirchner. He drew a perfect square +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
around the smaller circle. +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Seen on a T-Shirt: “I’m already out of my quarantine +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
snacks.” +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Be well, +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
Bharti Enter the meeting ID when
prompted.
We asked author Bharti Kirchner, a board member, to pen
a column containing both inspirational and light-hearted
Want more assistance? Call BUF office at
words. (MWU Edit Staff)
360 733-3837 and we will help set you up!
UUA General Assembly will be entirely virtual Excerpt from UU World Article written by Elaine McArdle. The annual General Assembly, which had been scheduled for June 24–28 in Providence, Rhode Island, will take place entirely online. Registration for virtual GA 2020 is $150. In-person registrations, which cost $400, have been converted to virtual registrations. The UUA is offering registrants options for handling the $250 cost difference, including a refund. Visit UUA.org/ga/registration. GA will acknowledge the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival in what is now Massachusetts with programs highlighting the ongoing violence of colonization and the powerful legacy of 400 years of Indigenous resistance. Native scholars, leaders, and activists will be major presenters. And the Commission on Institutional Change will present its final report on systemic racism in Unitarian Universalism, including recommendations for countering white supremacy. Read the rest of the article here: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/2020-general-assembly-virtual Note: Deb Cruz and Beth Brownfield are working to provide members of Lummi Nation a time and space with a workshop and access to other events during GA.
BUF Spring Fling,
another creative
gathering for these
times
So Calling All Creative
BUFsters!
The BUF Spring Fling will be a week
from Saturday, starting at 7pm on
May 9 via Zoom.
(See the information sheet below.)
- - - - Deadline for submissions is THIS FRIDAY, May 1 - - - -
Please email your Art Re-Creations to Genia genia@buf.org
Please email your Entertainment videos to Kevin kevin@buf.org
Please phone in your One-Minute Poetry to Patricia (360) 393-2371
So far we have received a few knock-out entries in each category, but we are hoping for oodles more.
Let’s make this a fun event for all, full of laughs, sighs and inspiration for all.
Regards,
Kevin, Genia and Patricia
See all the Spring Fling details on the last
page of this newsletter…..
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AT BUF
Mother’s Day Service – May 10th
We are asking people to send in pictures of mothers to show during our
service on Mother’s Day. What a great way to show your mom how much you
love and appreciate her! Please send pictures of your mom, grandma, you
and your kids, your partner and her kids, etc., along with names and
relationships, to genia@BUF.org by Wednesday, May 6th.
.
RE Lessons for children
This month our theme is curiosity. There are different types of curiosity, and we will be exploring the
type of curiosity which is purely about our own enjoyment as well as the sort of curiosity about that
changes us. This Sunday we’ll look at all sorts of curiosities which make up our world and universe,
including some that remain a mystery to scientists. Come venture with us into the unknown through
TEDTalks, videos clips and science experiments you can conduct at home.
Our RE program is not limited to Sunday mornings, but is geared for exploring values and spirituality
every day of the week. RE lessons for the week are sent out on Sunday morning with activities to keep
your child hopeful, curious and engaged in the world around them. If you wish to receive these
lessons and aren’t on the mailing list please contact Genia, the Director of Life Long Learning, at
genia@BUF.org. They are geared to 2nd-to 6th graders but can be easily modified for all ages.
Wednesday Night Children’s Chapel
Join us for our Children’s Chapel tonight at 7:00. Just click on the zoom link below and follow the
easy directions. We’ll light our chalice together (don’t forget to have yours ready!) and share joys,
concerns and about what we’ve been up to. Amy VanAuker will be there to lead us in some fun songs,
and Lisa Kusick will tell us the inspiring story behind the song “This Little Light of Mine”. Drew Betz
is back again to read “Chandra’s Light” about a Nepalese girls who helps her family improve their life
through her hard work and belief in what science.
Join URL: https://zoom.us/j/97864122863
Youth Group
We have two zoom gatherings a week for our YRUU Group. We have a casual chat time Wednesdays
at 4:30. Sunday’s we meet at 4:00 for a more structured conversation. If you aren’t on the zoom invite
list please let Genia know. We would love to have you there.
ADULT PROGRAMMING
Birthday Month Zoom Meetings
Birthday month groups are holding meetings offering
support and connection via zoom. If you haven’t been
contacted by your birthday month facilitator and would
like to be added to these gatherings, contact Genia at
genia@BUF.com .
FOR ALL AGES - ART THERAPY AT HOME
During times of stress many people find relief and joy
through creating art. Each week Jayme Curley will
present a fun, and easily doable, art activity for you to
enjoy over the next few weeks. She gets her ideas from
Lynda Barry’s book, "Making Comics". Next
Wednesday at 1:00 we’ll have a quick share on zoom where people can show what they came up with!
The link is: https://zoom.us/j/99272694939
Week #1. Triple-fold Weirdness
Everybody starts with a regular-sized piece of paper folded into 3 more or less equal sections so
that when you unfold it, you have a top, a bottom & a middle.
Each person starts with their folded-up piece of paper, so that they only see the top section. In
that section, they draw a head with a neck. Before passing their paper to the next draw-er, they
extend the neck lines just a little bit over the crease so that the next draw-er can see where to
begin drawing the torso from neck down to legs in the second section of the paper. (The second
draw-er must not see the top section drawing. No, no, no!)
When done with the torso, draw-er #2 draws the bottom leg-top lines a little bit over the crease
so that draw-er #3 knows where to start the third section which is legs on down to the feet.
When everyone's done, it's Art Show Time!!
Unfold your crazy masterpieces!!
Is it important that your drawings be "realistic", or even human?
Nooooooo, no, no, No! They might be inhuman, monstrous, fantastical, mechanical, slimy,
obnoxious, or adorably sweet......or edible. Each person's style is unique. You can indulge in
details: Sox, hats, strange or glamorous clothing, wild hair-do, buttons, tentacles, appendages,
expressions, pets, friends, backgrounds. Or, you might prefer straight-forward, or very simple, bold
or delicately sensitive.
Let your imaginations take off! Enjoy your joint creations!
__________________________
BUF’s (SEJC) Social and Environmental Justice Committee Collection
recipient for the month of April is Northwest Youth Services.
Northwest Youth Services is a non-profit serving young
people ages 13-24 who are experiencing homelessness in Whatcom
and Skagit Counties. Our priority is to focus on the most
vulnerable youth—at-risk, runaway and homeless youth—to foster
in them a sense of self-reliance. We do this by helping them
identify goals to work towards and to build the skills necessary to
reach their own sense of stability.
We believe change is needed within society to create a safe and healthy environment for children and
youth a so we offer housing, street outreach, help finding a job or enrolling in school, connection to
mental health services, support for LGBTQ youth, restorative justice for juvenile offenders, and
referrals to other services in the community.
Our vision is that all young people have a place to belong: to be safe, heard, and valued. Adolescence is
an important time of transition and youth need and deserve compassion, encouragement, and support.
We also honor the unique process of each individual and family to meet their challenges and make their
own choices for creating health and well-being. We meet people “where they’re at”, listen with
compassion, honor differences, and build on those strengths. We strive to provide an environment that
actively embraces diversity and differences and look for innovative solutions and take initiative to
provide and promote quality services.
For more information check their website at: https://www.nwys.org
Eracism Minute of April 26, 2020
I am Claire Lending. I participated in Beloved Conversations last
year and I am here to present the Eracism minute.
As bad as the medical situation currently is for African Americans
in this age of Covid-19, it is vastly better than it would have been if
not for a heroic doctor, Dr. Montague Cobb. I first heard of Dr.
Cobb when listening to the 1619 project podcast “Bad Blood”.
Hospitals were all segregated in 1947 when Truman gave his
“State of the Union” address saying health care was the most
pressing problem in America and proposed National Health
Insurance-- the first proposal for universal healthcare. At first it
was widely supported. However, the all-white American Medical
Association lobbied against the act as they were afraid it would
hurt their profits. AMA’s ad campaigns said “Keep Politics out of
Medicine” and called Truman a communist. Truman’s initiative
failed.
In the early 1960’s Kennedy and then Johnson tried to pass Medicare. This is where Dr. Cobb used his
influence.
Dr. Cobb earned his medical degree at Howard University then earned a Phd in Physical
Anthropology at Case Western Reserve University in 1932. He taught approximately 6000 medical
and dental students over his 37-year career at Howard University. Dr. Cobb’s research showed the
impact of racism on the health of African Americans. He believed in applying his research findings to social activism. Dr. Cobb became the president of the National Medical Association; this organization was formed as the American Medical Association would not admit black doctors. In 1963, the National Medical Association under the leadership of Dr. Cobb testified in Congress and lobbied for Medicare (while the AMA opposed it). Dr. Cobb viewed Medicare as a way to fund healthcare and desegregate hospitals. The segregation of hospitals had caused vastly inferior health care for African Americans. In July 1964, the Civil Rights Act passed making “separate but equal” hospitals illegal. Many white hospitals ignored the law. However, once Medicare passed a year later, only desegregated hospitals could reap the Medicare money so within three months all hospitals were desegregated. Dr. Cobb’s vision and efforts to establish a more equitable healthcare system have helped not only African Americans but those of all races to access healthcare. Medicare might not have become law without the strong support of a group of physicians led by Dr. Cobb. Kevin Allen-Schmid, Music Director for Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, invites you, your choir members and students, and singing friends to participate in Whatcom Sings, a one-time virtual choir project on the song “Bright Morning Stars.” All the information that you need to participate, including a score, instructional and recording videos, helpful links and contacts for assistance, can be found on the Choir of the Salish Sea website. Participant videos are due on Friday, May 8 and a $20 donation to Interfaith Coalition is encouraged. Please spread the word among Whatcom County singers and encourage them to join you in this inspiring and worthy endeavor. Thank you, Kevin, for this fun, clever way to bring our community together in support of Interfaith Coalition!
SURFING THE WEB WITH KEVIN
FOR INSPIRATION AND LAUGHS – April 29, 2020
A weekly BUF Mid-Week Update feature curated by Kevin Allen-Schmid
We’re sharing our favorite YouTube videos. Send me links, and I’ll consider them for inclusion
soon, as guided by UU Principles of course . . .
Here are four inspirational selections from the classical arts, followed by four more to get us laughing
out loud.
INSPIRATION
Erbarme Dich, from Bach’s St Matthew Passion, performed by Nathalie Stutzmann & Orfeo 55
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jeil9S2exIU
German lyrics: Erbarme dich, mein Gott, um meiner Zähren willen!
Schaue hier, Herz und Auge weint vor dir bitterlich.
Erbarme dich, mein Gott.
English translation: Have mercy, my God, for the sake of my tears!
See here, before you heart and eyes weep bitterly.
Have mercy, my God.
Jon Batiste performing Lennon & McCartney’s Blackbird (shared by Patricia Conover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H46yXW4qR_M&feature=youtu.be
Ballet Opera of Paris – present a VIRTUAL ballet from home (shared by Barbara Gilday)
https://www.facebook.com/mathias.heymann/videos/10160725667784572/
Wandl' ich in dem Wald des Abends (When I Wander in the Evening Woods)
German song for treble voices, words by Heinrich Heine, music by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc1O6kADa7s&feature=youtu.be
For German lyrics and English translation, see this site:
https://www.lieder.net/lieder/get_text.html?TextId=7764
LAUGHS
What We Should All Be Doing Right Now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVs5AyjzwRM
Vote Him Away (The Liar Tweets Tonight)
https://www.facebook.com/impeachtrumpasap/videos/236673661013218/?vh=e&d=n
Coronavirus Etude – For Piano and Disinfecting Wipe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whNICyl_et0
Coronavirus Rhapsody – Raúl Irabién (family alert- sexual reference)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Eo9M4-BrJA
Coming in next week’s MidWeek Update:
More information about the May 31st Congregational Meeting and the proposed
budget for 2020-2021
A new kind of MidWeek Update, as we switch to a new newsletter format and a new
(but still free) distribution application. You will still find us under “News” at buf.org.Humanitas: Dear Friends of Humanitas: Motels that rent by the week or month do fill a gap in the
housing shortage, in Bellingham and elsewhere. But our client "Jeff," who lost his job, could no longer
pay his motel rent. He had to leave, as motels are exempt from our state's no-eviction order. Jeff
feared staying at a homeless shelter, as he has chronic pulmonary disease, placing him at high risk if
exposed to COVID. He persuaded us that his best bet was a tent and sleeping bag, so he can "stay
safe."
Jim and Courtney, who have three small children, drove to Bellingham last week after being evicted
from a residential motel in Utah. A bi-racial minority family, they were told they were scaring other
residents. With no practical recourse, they journeyed north in hopes of kinder conditions. Humanitas
offered help with a tank of gas and a grocery voucher. But they didn't have room in their car (where all
five were living) for much food. So we issued two smaller vouchers to use as trunk space permits. We
also referred them to the Family Promise program (full at present) and to a school-district employee
who assists homeless families. She got them onto a wait list for housing. Meanwhile, they are being
housed, once again in a motel. These clients remind us how fortunate we are to be "cooped up" at
home.
~The Humanitas team, helpline 360-224-5604
Lummi Food Bank: Lummi Food Bank is operated and staffed by members of Lummi Nation’s
Commod Squad. It is a commodity food program for low income Tribal and non-Tribal people who live
on the reservation. BUF collects both financial and material donations (see the red shopping cart in
the foyer); however, a financial donation allows the Commod Squad to purchase needed food items in
bulk, like beans. They also provide food stuffs like milk, cheese, peanut butter and vegetables. When
available, it also provides food for pets. The Commod Squad also provides nutrition educational
activities for LFB clients; including gardening for fruits and vegetables. Each Thanksgiving and
Christmas holiday season it provide food baskets to the Lummi Community.
~ Native American Connections Committee
Family Promise: The BUF Family Promise Team is getting ready to provide food and hospitality
baskets for the two families presently being served. (May 2-9) They are living in longer term housing
offered by 1st Christian Church through September 2020 (due to the virus, no switching beds to other
churches, no face to face hospitality) . One of the families is awaiting permanent housing. We’ve had
our usual BUF Team outpouring of help with 4 meals (thanks Isa W., Barbara D., Claire L, Murray B.,
Erica M. and Bharti K.), generous donations (thanks Cheryl Olson) and lots of snacks and fruit from
Kathy and Jim Fonte. Way to go BUF! To volunteer, contact Ann at ann.v.stevenson@gmail.com
~ Family Promise TeamEVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Summer Office Hours at BUF BUF Board of Trustees and Officers
Building Closed till further notice due to Rory McLeod, President • Murray Bennett, Vice
Covid-19 Emergency President • Melissa E. Swift, Secretary • Sky Hedman,
Treasurer Angie Lindquist, Trustee • David Curley,
Phone messages and emails checked Trustee Rod Haynes, Trustee • Debbie Boots, Trustee
regularly Bharti Kirchner, Trustee • Rev. Paul Beckel, ex officio
Minister’s Schedule
Tuesday through Friday
AT A GLANCE: BUF WEEK ACTIVITIES AND MEETINGS
Wednesday, April 29 Sunday, May 3
10:00 am Staff Zoom meeting 10:30 am Zoom Worship Service
11:30 am Zoom Coffee Hour
Thursday, April 30: 11:30 am Zoom Post Service Reflection
3:00 pm Zoom Craft and Chat Meeting Discussion
7:00 pm Zoom BUF BOT Meeting 12:45 pm Zoom Ramayana Group
Friday, May 1: No events or activities Monday, May 4: No events or activities
6:00 pm Zoom Black Lives Matter
Saturday, May 2: No events or activities Ministry
7:00 pm Zoom Taize
Tuesday, May 5:
12:00 pm Zoom Lunch with Paul
WEDNESDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY DINNER
SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
BUF's website is BUF.org.
Contact us by email at admin@buf.org.
Contact us by phone at 360-733-3837.
Sign up for our online newsletter, the Midweek Update at https://wp.buf.org/news/communication-
sign-ups/ Sign up for BUF News Digest at https://wp.buf.org/news/communication-sign-ups/SUNDAYS, SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Sunday May 3 Healthy Relationships during a Pandemic
Unusual stressors call for expanded relationship tools for each of our unique circumstances...and a
clear sense of priorities and commitments. This service will be led by the BUF Healthy Relationships
Team
We have increased our Zoom capacity to 300! Join us at 10:30, here:
https://zoom.us/j/738363620
Meeting Number 738-363-620
Join us also for Milestones every Sunday (Join URL: https://zoom.us/j/764741525) from 10-
10:25am. Milestones is an opportunity within a small group to share about the significant joys and
challenges of our lives.
Ramayana Zoom Book Group:
12:45 pm
Meeting ID 852 632 743
https://zoom.us/j/852632743
Phone: (669) 900-6833
In the Hindu worldview, the events of the
Ramayana happened at the end of the 2nd
epoch, when humans were somewhat corrupted (had lost a quarter of the awareness of righteousness).
Ramayana dwells in detail on the complex relationship of truth and dharma. The epic revolves around
Rama, the embodiment of dharma, who faces challenges in behaving as dharma because of his many
roles and circumstances in life. Rama has become the Indian ideal of virtues, and Sita, its heroine, is
considered an ideal of Indian womanhood. Diwali, the festival of light, comes from the Ramayana. It
symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance"
and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. If you are interested in reading this epic, please contact
Debu Majumdar at debumeister@gmail.com.
Monday, May 4
Taize 7:00 pm. Taizé services originated in the
monastic community in Taizé, France in the 1940s.
At BUF, we have created our own UU-style Taizé
service that draws from one of our sources — direct
experience of that transcending mystery and
wonder.
Meeting ID: 753181200
Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/753181200)
Phone: (669) 900-6833Tuesday, May 5
UU Women - Online Minerva Potlucks
Tuesday, May 05, 2020, 07:00pm - 08:00pm
Minerva Potlucks are a time for spiritual renewal and
nourishment. A safe and sacred space for women to connect
with one another in spiritual exploration. A treasured tradition
in some women’s circles that typically takes place at the
beginning of each new month. To help UU Women stay
connected during this time of isolation, in collaboration with
UU Women and Religion we are offering Virtual Minerva
Gatherings via Zoom weekly! (There is no charge to
participate) ❉ These online gatherings will embody the same
elements of conversation, poetry, music, art and ritual as our
in-person Minerva Gatherings have over the years. RSVP for
details.
To RSVP, visit: http://twinklesplace.org/uu-women-
minerva-potlucks/
For more information about online programs: http://twinklesplace.org/UU-Women-Online-
Offerings/
For more information on UU Women and Religion: https://www.uuwr.org
Saturday, May 9
BUF Spring Fling, a creative gathering for these times
What A celebration of the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship community, with fun and fancy for all
When 7pm, Saturday, May 9, 2020 (the day before Mother’s Day)
Where At your house (via Zoom)
All BUFsters and friends are invited to join this social evening online. Please dress up in your finest and have cocktails
and culinary treats ready to enjoy throughout the event. We will be panning people and checking in throughout the
evening, as in a red-carpet event, with the emcee zooming in to spotlight and interview different individuals and
households.
You may perform or share your creativity in three possible ways:
Famous Painting Re-creation Challenge
Talent Show
One-Minute Poetry
Your subject matter may be serious or silly, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. As our party is the day before
Mother’s Day, you might consider dedicating your contribution to your mother, and invite her to attend with us via Zoom.
Deadline for submissions: Friday, May 1The Famous Painting Re-creation Challenge—Looks like Fun, hey?
We are joining the Getty Museum in challenging BUFsters to find a famous painting
and re-create it, using objects found around the home. Check
this link for some ideas:
https://www.sadanduseless.com/recreated-art/
If your garage or workshop is your playground, then scroll to the
bottom to see
“Auto Mechanics Re-creating Paintings” for more ideas.
Please email Genia two images by the May 1 deadline: 1) the
original art and 2) your re-creation.
During the show, we will display your PRE-SUBMITTED images,
and give you the chance to tell us about them.
You will NOT be re-creating your art work live during the
evening.
Prizes will be given in different categories, including a children’s category. Winners will be chosen by the live audience.
Contact Genia at genia@buf.org for more information.
Talent Show
Entries in this category are to be filmed at home and submitted by the May 1 deadline.
You will NOT be performing live via Zoom. Ready-to-show video entries may include musical or dance numbers, comedy
acts or skits, magic tricks or other forms of entertainment. Time limit: 3 or 4 minutes.
Use your own equipment to make your video. Technical gear is not needed; a smart phone is sufficient.
We cannot help you combine performers or sound elements from different locations to make your video.
Choose a piece that allows you to create all the parts yourself, from your home, with the resources that you have.
Choose your number now please, and start rehearsing it. Plan to practice several times before filming, to get the best
take, and submit your finished product to Kevin at kevin@buf.org by May 1.
One-Minute Poetry
Entrants in this genre will perform original or borrowed poems LIVE during the evening show, adhering to a strict time limit
of ONE MINUTE. There will be a special category for original limericks, with a pandemic theme. The limericks will be
presented together in an audience adjudicated contest. For original pandemic-themed limerick ideas, check this:
https://yesterdaysisland.com/nantucket-limerick-during-covid-19/
To be scheduled in the poetry category, please recite your poem in advance OVER THE PHONE, by the May 1 deadline,
to our One-Minute Poetry coordinator, Patricia Conover (360) 393-2371. This is not an audition, if you call Patricia to
recite your poem by the deadline, we will include you in tYou can also read
