Sunday services take place at SUUF building, 901 Beatrice in Salina, Kansas. Join us for coffee and conversation at 10:00 a.m., prior to the 10:30 service, as well as after the service is over. Dress is casual.
Events listed below take place at SUUF building and are free, unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, July 1, 5-7pm
First Thursday Art Rush. Visual Voices Gallery opening reception for Justin Border. Justin Border is the featured artist during July and August showing a variety of mixed media and assemblage work. Over the past several years, Justin has entertained the challenge of creating works of art from found objects and reused materials – newspaper, fabric, cigarette boxes, found boards, magazines, a broken clock – combined with acrylic paint, ink, glue and paper to convey an idea. His work has been previously exhibited in California, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas and New York, as well as internationally in Denmark, Germany and Iceland. He is currently the gallery manager at the Salina Art Center.
July 3-10
Camp UniStar: Science & Religion: 2 Ways of Seeing the World. Prairie Star District's north woods camp, Camp UniStar, on an island northern Minnesota, may have space available some weeks this summer. Information and registration forms are available at here.
Sunday, July 4
Forum: Partners? In his “Forum” article “Religion and Science Can Be Partners,” Bruce Sheiman argues that religion and science are actually compatible in that they “arise from the same urge toward progress, transcendence, and salvation found within the human spirit.” (UU World, Winter 2009, page 14) If Sheiman’s partnership model were accepted, how might it change religious and scientific institutions? How might atheism be accommodated in this model?
Service: Universalism: Past, Present and Powerful will be presented this morning by Rev. Kalen Fristad, an ordained United Methodist minister. The teaching of universalism has a long rich history, and is growing into a powerful spiritual movement today. This is of enormous significance because it not only relates to people's spiritual journey, but dramatically affects the world.
A bit about Rev. Fristad: after serving churches in Iowa for 27 years he embarked upon an independent ministry which consisted of traveling around the country with his wife, Darlene, countering the teaching that many people will suffer for eternity in hell and instead proclaiming the hopeful message of universalism. He has written a book, Destined for Salvation: God’s Promise to Save Everyone and this will be available for purchase after the service. Our convener is Myrna Spicer.
Sunday, July 4, 3-5pm
Drumming Circle. Celebrate your independence with a drumming circle! Joe and Carol Rubino are coordinating this monthly event at our Fellowship. Outdoors on the labyrinth, if the weather permits and indoors, if not. This event will take place on the first Sunday of each month from 3 to 5 pm. Bring your own drum, chair, and water. It is free-form drumming, no musical skills required. Bring your beat and drum with intention.
Sunday, July 11
Forum: Childhood symbols. In Geoffrey Koetsch and Jeremy Chu’s art work (“In/Between,” UU World, Summer 2010, page 20); two seated figures hold objects in their laps that symbolize childhood memories. What objects would you choose to symbolize your childhood?
Service: Our House. Rebecca Parker & John Buehrens believe that we would do well to remember that liberal religion is not something new to be built by each passing generation and seeker, but rather a house already built that we inhabit. For those of us in the Great Plains their call seems even more poignant, as so many of our houses of worship are being rebuilt after failing in the 20th century. What is this house we call home, and how shall we inhabit it? This will be presented by Eric Banner, Starr King School for the Ministry student, and Candidate for Ministerial Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our convener is Sara Banner.
Sunday, July 11, 2pm
UU Book Club: The Book Club will meet on the second Sunday in July with the two short stories, The Spare Room by Helen Garner (this short book can be checked out at the library) and The Red Convertible, you can download a Word.doc here. For more info and location, ask by email. The Book Club book for August is a long read, so if you want to get a head start, pick up the book, Under the Dome by Stephen King.
Thursday, July 15, 7pm
Relay for Life event at Mokas Downtown. Need a night out on the town? The Saline County Relay for Life Team has just the thing for you! Kylie Morgan, a 14 year old singer/songwriter from Oklahoma will be performing a concert at Mokas. The cost is $3 per person. All proceeds will go to the Saline County Relay for Life.
Saturday, July 15, 7pm
An evening concert with Dada Nabhaniilananda. Dada plays melodic folk rock in the style of Simon and Garfunkel or Cat Stevens. He sings about spiritual experiences and ecological or human rights issues and derives many of his ideas from myths and legends of different cultures. His early musical influences include folk singers Donovan and Don McLean, and the 70s bands Yes, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Genesis and Santana. Dada’s immersion in eastern mysticism adds a deeper dimension to his music, giving it a lasting quality. Learn more at his website.
Sunday, July 18
Forum: Does humanity have a Collective Place or Purpose? Does each of us need to find our part in a collective purpose? Or are we each on our own, seeking our own individual place and purpose?
Service: Our service this morning is coming to us from Dada Nabhaniilananda, a monk, musician, writer and a mediation teacher with the spiritual movement Ananda Marga, “The Path of Bliss”. He will be focusing on his own spiritual journey, with music included. While he is in Salina, our fellowship will be hosting other events. See further down in the newsletter and be expecting an email with more details. Our convener is Diana Tarver.
Sunday, July 18, after the service
Board meeting: All members and friends are welcome.
Sunday, July 18
An afternoon workshop with Dada Nabhaniilananda. The Heart Circle Kiirtan is all about experiencing spiritual bliss first hand through chanting and spiritual communion. Dada will explain the science of sound, chakras and mantra and then workshop participants will practice a special circle chant which Dada describes as “pretty much a guaranteed
July 23-27
UU General Assembly in Minneapolis, MN
MUUSA will take place July 4-10, 2010, near St. Louis, Missouri. For more information go here; for a video, go here.
Sunday, July 25
Forum: Comedy Central recently censored an episode of "South Park" which attempted to depict the Prophet Mohammed. It’s been a few years since the Danish comic scandal sparked interest in this issue. But now it appears to be back. Is there a double standard on depictions of religious figures? Should there be one? Does satire help or hinder religion?
Service: Justin Border is the featured artist in the Visual Voices gallery and will share with us this morning about his influences and his process. Read more about his artwork under Visual Voices in this newsletter. Our convener is Willow Leenders-Weaver.
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The main speaker for Camp StarTrail in 2010 will be UU minister, singer, songwriter, and humorist Meg Barnhouse. Meg is the author of a number of books and has released two CDs of her music. You can read some of Meg's musings and listen to her songs at her website. After hearing Meg at a religious educators conference, one participant said, "Meg told great stories, sang wonderful songs and taught us some southern manners. My advice to all, if you have a chance to hear Meg Barnhouse, don't hesitate. I never will again." There will be plenty of room for friends old and new to attend Camp StarTrail. Watch the District's website for more information. Camp StarTrail is only one of several summer camps open to UUs.
Sunday schedule: