Dear LFFU Members and Friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s already October and we’re starting our second program theme of the year: Courage. Our programs on September’s theme of Beginnings gave me lots to ponder and our Coffee & Snacks Klatsches afterwards gave me lots of time to connect with some of my very favorite people!
Dear LFUU Members, Friends, and People Checking Us Out,
Our 2026-27 program year begins on Sunday! Although I saw most of you over the summer at our Annual Picnic, Canoe Trip, Book Club, and auction events, I’m looking forward to gathering with everyone to begin again at our beloved A-Frame in the woods. I do like the idea that coming back to the A-Frame is beginning again. It’s an opportunity to renew our commitment to this community, our UU principles and values, and to ourselves and the reasons we chose LFUU. (FYI: Beginnings is our theme for this month.)
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
Sometimes I feel that being a UU offers too many possibilities. Yes, our April theme is Embracing Possibilities, but having seemingly infinite possibilities can stress me out!
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
I asked myself, how do we as a congregation embody this month’s theme: Paying Attention?
My first thought was of my conversation with a visitor after the program last Sunday. She had visited large churches, and everyone left right after the program. She liked that we stayed after ours, so she got to talk with people.
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
I have been so inspired by the resilience of Minnesotans! Those targeted and those supporting and standing up for them. For not giving in or giving up. Just giving. I’ve read that that’s what resilience is.
Minnesotans exemplify this month’s theme: Embodying Resilience. We GIVE! We are usually first in the nation for philanthropy, volunteering, and civic engagement. The federal administration didn’t do its research when it chose to target Minnesota.
Dear Lake Fellowship Members and Friends,
Let’s take a moment to pause:
Notice, name, and feel your emotions in this moment.
Take three deep breaths. Picture someone or something that brings up what you’re needing right now: care, love, calm, joy, etc. Send those feelings to yourself . . . then out into the world.
-- my variation of HeartMath's Heart Lock technique
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
A friend posted on Facebook: OMG. There is so much hate in the world. How do you all deal with it!
I commented: I remind myself that it was even worse in the past. So despite backlashes and setbacks, humans are becoming more conscious and compassionate.
She replied: But are they? This doubt is part of the despair.
I replied: The more I learn about the past, the more convinced I am . . .
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
November’s theme is Nurturing Gratitude. So much to be grateful for!
I’m grateful for YOU! For being part of this Fellowship! For coming to programs, celebrations, and meetings. For sharing your passions, skills, and resources. For making this place possible.
Dear LFUU Members and Friends,
Our program theme for October is Cultivating Compassion. How do we as a congregation cultivate compassion amongst ourselves? How do we become what we want to see in the world? To be the light?
Welcome to LFUU's 2025-26 Program Year! My first instinct was to say, “Welcome HOME!” After 35 years as a member, the beginning of our program year feels like a homecoming to me. But if you haven’t been coming to Lake Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists for very long, maybe it doesn’t yet. My second instinct was to say, “Welcome BACK!” But perhaps you’ll be visiting us for the first time . . . I’m excited for you and us!