Dakota Unitarian Universalist Church

Upcoming Services

Spring 2009

Mar 22
We are excited to have singer and songwriter, Barbara McAfee, return to our church with "Who You Gonna BE When You Do What You Do?". McAfee has been in such great demand in recent years, that we have not been able to get her back for several years. She is well known to deliver programs of music and humor interspersed with a strong message. McAfee can inspire any group to sing their hearts out.
In recent years Barbara has been busy composing music and has recorded five CDs. She is a graduate of Hamline University.

Mar 29
"What would you do with your Last Chance?" by guest speaker, Jonathan Lofgren who will explore the idea of chance, discuss its connection to history, spirituality, personal experiences, and how it influences our culture and our people. In 2007 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bicutan, Jonathan heard a sermon called the Grace of Imperfection. This emphasis on imperfection flies in the face of Christian beliefs in perfection through God's grace. After some phenomenological inquiry, he understands that there seems to be a bit of cause to every lucky thing; that is there may be some form of physics behind our every chance; the concept that humanity seeks a chance when crisis comes up.

Jonathan Lofgren has 21 years of national and international substance abuse, mental health treatment, research, program development consulting, and educational experience. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Human Services/Community Counseling Psychology and is currently writing his dissertation for a doctorate in education. Jonathan is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Board Certified Addictions Counselor, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (I). He is a faculty member of MCTC, and COO of the African American Family Services.

April 5th:
Author Grant Pylkas will share some excerpts from his new novel, "Lucky Lyle Ortiz". His novel is a story about a second generation Mexican American young lad who finds himself in a set of circumstances that would trouble even the wisest of a past sense of sensibilities. Troubled by question of morality, legality and compassion, he must make decisions that affect not only himself be the lives of his two younger sisters. Lyle must navigate the very troubled waters of growing up as a member of a minority group in America.

April 12th:
Easter -- The Awakening Looking at earth's very beginnings to now, we'll explore the renewal that we experience each spring, and discuss the symbols and signs of this vernal beginning that we call Easter. Easter bonnets are optional but encouraged. Facilitated by DUUC member Margaret Kinney.

April 19th
Rev Nancy Holden is returning to DUUC and will be presenting "Varieties of Maybe" about the search for firm belief, which usually ends in agnosticism. Even though we may end up with "I don't know," there is clearly an ethical code that we DO know is right and good. Where does that come from? How do we know that? How can we make peace with our "maybe" and achieve peace and serenity?

Rev. Dr. Nancy Holden lives in River Falls with her husband, Doug. She has been in professional ministry for twenty-six years, as a United Methodist until 2008, when she left the Methodists and was received into preliminary fellowship by the UUA.

April 26th: DUUC Annual Meeting

May 3rd:
August Berkshire, vice president of Atheist Alliance International and past president of Minnesota Atheists, will speak on "Exploring Atheism". As a co-founder of the modern atheist movement in Minnesota since 1984, Berkshire is a regular speaker at high schools, colleges, Christian colleges, Christian talk radio, and the Minnesota Atheists' "Atheists Talk" radio show (Sundays, 9 a.m. KTNF AM 950).

Berkshire will explain the difference between atheism, theism, agnosticism, and apatheism as well as present many of the arguments in favor of atheism. With polls showing an increase in atheism in the United States and several atheist books becoming best sellers, this will be a timely presentation.

May 10th:
Music Sunday: An annual service celebrating the spiritual value of music, lead by Chuck McKown, DUUC's Music Chair. This year we will feature, but not limit ourselves to, humor and social action and music.

May 17th:
Flower Communion Bring a flower, take a flower. We will end this year of services with the celebration of flowers. This service is a tradition started by a UU minister who died in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII and we honor his memory while we remember the beauty and wonders of flowers.

DUUC does not meet during the summer and May 17th is our last service until the fall. Have a great summer!!!

More ways to stay informed

Printed Newsletter- If you would like a newsletter please sign our guest book located at the entryway of the church and one will be sent to you.