Order of Service

What’s UU to You?

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 10:25 am

Online on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/738363620
Passcode: BUF

Zoom by phone, for audio only: (346) 248-7799
Meeting ID: 738 363 620
Passcode: 306220

Gathering Music                        selections by Haydn; Andrea Rackl, piano

Welcome                                     Rev. Paul Beckel

Prelude                                       A Little Joke, by Kabalevsky

Chalice Lighting                        #443, led by Gayle Tillis

Covenant

Singing Together                       #23, Bring Many Names

A Testimonial                             “Cause I’m a Unitarian” by Kjerstie Nelson

Elevator Speeches                     Gayle Tillis, Diane Harrington, Bryce Vining,

Catherine Crawford, Kjerstie Nelson

Welcoming Members                 Caroline Staton, Jim Staton, Caroline Hardin,

Grant Dobbe, Nancy Braun, John Braun,

Connie Murphy, Catherine Crawford, Gayle Tillis

Charge to congregation: Will you embrace this new group of members who have pledged to support the work of this community both financially, and in their own unique ways … always discovering new intersections between their gifts and fresh opportunities for BUF to grow into its mission? Will you make room for these people, and look for ways to include them in our caring community?

Response: We will, joyfully. We will strive to be our best selves with you, while listening closely to know who you are. We will offer you here a place of rest and solace … and endless opportunities to learn and to serve. We will accept responsibility for our own actions, strive to practice forgiveness, and expect you to do the same.

Social & Environmental Justice Collection  for JUUstice WA, Deb Cruz, president

Sharing our Gifts                        improv

Benediction                                 Catherine Crawford

Singing Together                        #155, Circle ‘Round

Afterward

If you’re with us on Zoom today, please stay after the service for our online coffee hour. If you’re here in person, please join us downstairs for coffee and conversation.  

If you’re new, we’d be grateful to have you provide us with contact information so we can let you know what’s happening here. There are buff-colored visitor contact cards in the pew racks, and in the entryway, that you can drop in the collection basket. Or provide your contact information HERE. 

We love having children with us in the sanctuary — their noises and wiggles are welcome too. There’s a table up front with materials for drawing and a little more space for moving. And if at any point you’d feel more comfortable, we have a nursery space at the back with toys, where you can see and hear what’s going on in the sanctuary.

Contributions payable to “BUF” may be sent to:
1207 Ellsworth Street, Bellingham 98225
For info about donating online (credit card or PayPal), by automatic bank transfer, or via phone apps, see the “give” button in the upper right-hand corner at buf.org or contact the office: (360) 733-3837 / admin@buf.org

Announcements

Easter Potluck for All
Sunday April 9th at Lake Padden Playground Shelter.  Fun activities, capped off by the traditional egg hunt! More info in MWU and via genia@buf.org

 

2023-24 Budget Update
We’ll present the current draft of BUF’s 2023-24 at a Zoom meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, March 28th. Please come and offer feedback. Use the regular Sunday service Zoom link. In April, the Board of Trustees will create its final draft for presentation and vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting following the service on Sunday, May 21.

 

NEXT Year’s SEJC Collection Recipients
Applications Due May 3, 2023
The application process for next year’s Social and Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC) collections has begun. The SEJC team is asking BUFsters to seek out and encourage non-traditional groups in the community, sometimes under the radar, to apply for the BUF special collections. Questions: please contact Kara Black, Team Coordinator at kara@cedartreellc.com

 

BUF Night In and Game Night
Every Wednesday at 6 pm
Join our weekly supper in the Social Hall, with games and childcare until 8:00. It’s a simple dinner of soup and salads, with vegan and gluten free options as well. Just $5 a person, and kids under 12 are free. After dinner stick around to play Code Names or a rousing card game of “Dutch”!

 

Photography Exhibit in Entryway and Narthex
These photos are from local conservationist Rich Bowers. They are for sale, with a commission going to BUF. The exhibit runs through March.

 

Writing Classes
A seven week workshop being held at BUF on Saturday morning, beginning on March 25th.  More info from the teacher, Philip Damon: 360 303-4266. BUF members and students receive a 20% discount.  More details in the MidWeek Update.