April 28: The Eighth Principle, Article II, and Being a “Good UU”
Presenter: Phil Lund; Coordinator: Gail Opatz Click here for audio of presentation
Since its introduction over a decade ago, the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism has been adopted by almost 300 UU congregations in North America. Also, for the last five years the UUA’s Article II Study Commission has been working on changes to the Association’s bylaws, changes that could ultimately replace our current Seven Principles. This morning we’ll explore how these two initiatives intersect and what they say about the future of our faith and what it means to be a “good UU.” Phil Lund’s bio is in the April Newsletter.
April 21: What will we UUs covenant to, Principles or Values? You’ll have a vote!
Presenter: Margaret Kiihne; Coordinator: Columba “Cole” Loniello Click here for audio of presentation
In the Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws, Article II covers the Principles and Purposes of the Association. You know, those familiar 7 Principles we’ve been talking about over the past two years. Members covenant to pledge themselves to those Principles. But ours is a “living tradition,” and after two years of work, the Article II Study Commission has proposed a Values Approach rather than those Principles as the touchstone for our faith. With the help of handouts and a Q&A, Margaret will explain the changes and present the pro’s and con’s. The final decision will be made at the UUA General Assembly in June where our Fellowship has one vote, so we will poll everyone in order to cast a vote accurately reflecting our congregation. I think it’s very interesting and hope you’ll come on in on the process. (Margaret and her husband Ray have been UUs for about 50 years and were two of the founders of this, the fourth—and longest surviving—generation of a UU Fellowship in Winona).
April 14: My Journey as a Black Man
Presenter: Gilbert Jordan; Coordinator: John Collins Click here for audio of presentation
Gil Jordan is the proprietor of Uncle Gil’s Cutz barbershop in the Kensington. He agreed to tell his story as an African American man, from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to living in Minnesota.
April 7: Stop, Look and Listen – There is Beauty All Around Us
Presenter: Donna Smith; Coordinator: Ruth Charles click here for audio of presentation
Donna Smith – Horticulturist, Fly Angler, Outdoors woman and Nature Lover. Donna has spent many years enjoying the outdoors: from a young girl at camp to working at an Arboretum and now in the fly fishing industry. She will speak on how our lives are interconnected with the natural world around us.
March 31: An Immigrant’s Journey from the Sudan to Winona
Presenter: Becry Abdel-Magid; Coordinator: John Collins Click here for audio of presentation
3/24: The Relationship between Earth and Human Beings and the Need for Reciprocity
Presenter: Tracy Littlejohn; Coordinator: Lynne Rabuse Click here for audio of presentation
Ms. Littlejohn will be speaking based on her experiences and teachings as a Hoocak woman.
3/10: A Resource in Crisis: Groundwater Contamination in SE Minnesota
Presenter: Kelley Stanage and Cherie Hales; Coordinator: Jack Hedin Click here for audio of presentation
Kelley and Cherie will share information about water quality in Winona County, health impacts of drinking contaminated water, and talk about what the Coalition has accomplished and future plans.
3/3: Care for the Earth and Right Sharing of Resources.
Presenter: Dan Wilson; Coordinator: Gail Opatz Click here for audio of presentation
Winona Friends will discuss Quaker’s belief in the “Divine Light” in all things and their testimonies of Care for the Earth and Equality
2/25: More Musings of a Gay Man, Part 2 1975-1990 VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE: CLICK HERE
Presenter: Steve Bibby; Coordinator: Julia Brekke Click here for audio of presentation
Steve hails from South Dakota. He received a BS degree from Mankato State in Urban and Environmental Studies in 1974. He spent his career in various capacities of the construction industry. His last gig was running his small remodeling business for 19 years in Texas. After retiring, he moved to Winona in 2019 and joined the UU Fellowship. Steve reports, “I just love Winona!” In 2021, he gave a presentation on his experiences growing up – “First Inklings Through Coming Out.” The upcoming talk will be his gay experiences in young adulthood while living in Minneapolis. This presentation may be filmed but only his image will be captured.
2/18: Death, Community, and Social Justice click here for audio of presentation
Presenter: Colette Hyman; Coordinator: Emilie Falc
Colette Hyman is an MSW student at Winona State University, preparing to work in the field of end-of-life care. As part of this process, she is exploring intersections of care, community, spirituality, social justice, and her own Jewish traditions and teachings.
2/11, 10:30 AM in Wesley Sanctuary: “Two hearts and four hands” click here for youtube link to service
Presenter: Deanne Mohr and Eric Brisson; Coordinator: John Collins
Pianists Deanne Mohr and Eric Brisson will perform works for piano solo and piano four hands,
including excerpts from Beethoven’s Sonata op.81a (“Les Adieux”), Mozart’s Fantasia/Sonata in C minor, K.475/457, Brahms’ Intermezzi op.117 and Ravel’s “Ma mère l’Oye”. They moved from Montreal to Winona very shortly after getting married in 2002, having completed their doctoral studies in piano performance at the University of Montreal. They are both professors at WSU and currently Co-Chairs of the Department of Music. Additionally, Eric is Director of Music at Wesley United
2/4 The Global Ethic & Pope Francis’ Laudato Si click here for audio of presentation
Presenter: Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, Ph.D; Coordinator: Lynne Rabuse
The Global Ethic, the signature document of the Parliament of the World’s Religions since 1993, and the Roman Catholic Encyclical, Laudato Si & #39; – On Care For Our Common Home, promulgated by Pope Francis on May 24, 2015, are two landmark statements on care for the Earth. In 2018, after a lengthy process of consultation with scholars and leaders from various religions and regions, language elaborating a commitment to a culture of sustainability and care for the Earth was added to the Global Ethic. Laudato Si & #39 critique consumerism and irresponsible development, warn of environmental degradation and climate change, and call for spiritual and moral conversion to sustainable lifestyles, as well as ecological education. Pope Francis’ October 4, 2023, Laudato Deum, published prior to and COP 28, will also be included. Dr. Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, an expert on Laudato Si & #39; and the Global Ethic will compare and contrast the two documents in light of the UU Principle 7
1/28: No More Deaths and Border Issues click here for audio of presentation
Presenter: Dan Wilson; Coordinator: Columba “Cole” Loniello
Dan Wilson is a Quaker and farmer south of Winona. From 2013 to 2015 he provided humanitarian aid in the deserts of the U.S./Mexico border and continues to stay involved and connected to those groups. He will talk about the work of No More Deaths and other humanitarian aid groups, provide updates on militia activity on the border, and talk about the work we can do here in Winona.
1/21: What Happened to Democracy Around the World? click here for audio of presentation
Presenter: Yogesh Glover; Coordinator: Columba “Cole” Loniello
Yogesh Grover is a professor of Political Science in the Department of Global Studies and World Languages at Winona State University. His teaching includes courses on international relations – such as International Political Economy, Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism, Issues in International Politics, Democracy and Its Challenges, and Global Studies.
1/7: Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative? click here for audio of presentation
Presenter: Cole Loniello Coordinator: Julia Brekke
Cole Loniello is a social services worker for Legacies, a position he has held since May 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (with a minor in Philosophy) from Winona State University and a Master of Arts in Sociology from Sam Houston State University. A well-read individual, he will be speaking on the late Mark Fisher’s 2009 book, Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?. He will be summarizing the three-hour tome in a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation and its connections to the Fifth Principle.
12/10: The Chronicles of Narnia and the Sixth Principle.
Coordinators: Charlie & Gail Opatz; Presenter: Corrine Haulotte; click here for audio of presentation
One of Corrine’s favorite parts of The Chronicles of Narnia comes to mind as she reflected upon the Sixth Principle. Though it may seem naïve to imagine and work for a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, she would rather be a fool trying to bring about that than throw up her hands and give up. Or, as Puddleglum put it, ‘Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things – trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have…We’re just babies making up a game, if you’re right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That’s why I’m going to stand by the play-world. I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Aslan to lead it. I’m going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn’t any Narnia.’
12/3: Director; Advocacy Center of Winona, speaking on the Sixth Principle,
Presenter: Crystal Hegge Coordinators: Charlie & Gail Opatz; click here for audio of presentation
“The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.” The ACW empowers victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence. It began operations in 1978 as the Women’s Resource Center when there were no services for women who wanted to protect themselves or their children from a violent spouse or father. These were issues that were not brought up in polite conversations. In 2019 the Women’s Resource Center changed their name to the Advocacy Center of Winona to be more inclusive to the individuals we serve. The ACW provides services to individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. The ACW’s vision is to create a safer community by ending domestic and sexual violence. The ACW exists to create a reality which affirms the dignity of all people, and the rights of all to freedom from violence, economic independence, and access to political power. We advocate for an individual’s rights to self-determination and self-direction and the end of all forms of oppression.
11/5: Armenia, Justice, and Compassion. click here for audio of presentation
Presenter: Sarah Dixen; Coordinator:Gail Opatz
How a denied genocide has continuing repercussions and how using the power of critical thinking we can address wrongs of the past and have compassion towards current conflicts.
10/29: The Cultivation of Conscience (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Rick Kyte; Coordinator: Karen Linn
The Fifth Principle talks about a commitment to “cultivate our own conscience.” But how are we to do that? And how do we know when our conscience is providing good guidance rather than bad? The key, it turns out, lies in friendship. Without friends, there is no conscience, there is only opinion.
10/22: The Road to Conscientious Objection; What Does It All Mean Anyway? (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Bob Redig; Coordinator: Karen Linn
How do you turn 180 degrees in two years?
10/15: Why I Think the UU Fifth Principle (“The Right of Conscience” and “The Democratic Process”) is the most Important UU Principle and How This Principle Has Affected My Life Choices (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Brian Pruka; Coordinator: John Collins
What do we do when our moral or ethical “conscience” conflicts with “democratically derived” laws or “emergency rules?” What if our conscience conflicts with the majority opinion of our peers or work colleagues? What exactly is “The Democratic Process?” Is there only one Democratic Process, or are there numerous democratic processes, with some being “more democratic” than others? Winona UU friend and attendee Brian Pruka will share how these questions have directed some of his life choices.
10/8: Right Relationship as Right Belief & Right Action (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Dr. Je Hooper; Coordinator: Karen Linn
Examination and reflection of the principles of democracy in congregational formation. What voice is missing at the table for change?
10/1 The Fifth UU Principle (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Matthew Bosworth; Coordinator: Columba ‘Cole’ Loniello
The fifth UU principle is ‘The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.’ This principle notes two very important values, both for UUs and our broader society. What happens when these values are in tension, though – can they be reconciled? Professor Matt Bosworth, Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Winona State (and UU member), will address these questions through a look at some recent U.S. Supreme Court cases where one side claims rights of conscience, and the other stresses the democratic will of the public. Hopefully, these issues will provoke some debate.
9/24: The Right of conscience and the Importance of a Democratic Process as Seen Through the Eyes of Joe Morse and Loretta Frederick (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Loretta Frederick; Coordinator: John Collins
People who are engaged in social change work, especially that which is focused on promoting justice, undermining oppressive social structures, and improving the lives of the least privileged among us, often disagree on which strategies to employ
May 21: A Shift from Head to Heart: A New Game in the 4th Quarter (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Randy Schenkat; Coordinator: Karen Linn
Stan Pollock Lecture: In pursuit of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, Randy Schenkat will chronicle the dilemmas that drove his near 50-year search for a more just, empowered community through his work with the College of St Teresa, the Winona Public Schools, and the Winona Council for Quality. These efforts called for change in the workings of organizations. He will shift to an inner lens and share his current personal journey in finding a deeper sense of the peace that passes understanding. Finally, he will blend the inner and outer areas in a prototype learning program that could find a home in Unitarian Universalist and other churches as they quest for a fairer world.
May 14: Un/masking: Portraits of post traumatic growth and resilience (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Joy Davis Ripley; Coordinator: Karen Linn
Joy Davis Ripley, a professor, community artist, and mother, is originally from Tennessee, where she took the comparatively mild winters for granted. She has made her home in Winona for nearly 20 years, yet she continues to be amazed by the beauty of the natural world and the kindness of the community. In her most recent projects, Joy has explored mental illness and trauma. Her current work focuses on strategies of resilience and hope.
April 23: Heartstrings
Presenter: Matt Hoarn; Coordinator: Jack Hedin (click here for audio of presentation)
The topic this Sunday will be on music and its effect on the life journey of four members of our congregation. Each member will play some music and speak a bit. We will be hearing from musicians spanning across several generations and varying interests.
April 16: Spiritual Growth: It’s Not Just for Individuals Anymore click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Phil Lund; Coordinator: Karen Lin
Phil Lunn is a representative of our Unitarian Universalist MidAmerica region. When our 3rd principle says “encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations,” what does it mean? Does it apply only to individuals, or to the entire congregation? If Unitarian Universalism is to remain relevant, perhaps it’s time for us to move from a spirituality of “me” to one of “we.”
April 9: Truth According to Plato (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Rafael Narváez; Coordinator: Cole Loniello
This presentation focuses on Plato’s ideas about truth as a path to the divine, which for him is the domain of transcendent beauty.
April 2: Truth and Meaning: The Search Continues (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: John Chernega; Coordinator: Gail Opatz
In The Divine Comedy, Dante says, “Consider your origin. You were not formed to live like brutes but to follow virtue and knowledge.” In Kevin Smith’s Clerks, Dante says, “I’m not even supposed to be here today.” Thinking about UU’s fourth principle (A free and responsible search for truth and meaning), our speaker John Chernega will consider questions about which virtues to follow and where, if anywhere, we’re supposed to be.
March 26: Exploring tools of discernment for truth and meaning in the tradition of the Society of Friends (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Quakers; Coordinator: Jack Hedin
Discernment is a process dear to Quaker hearts, and an important tool in figuring out the proper path for both the Meeting and ourselves as individuals. Friends will discuss the processes and tools used to create a path forward lived with Integrity and informed by Truth.
March 19: What I’ve Learned from Listening (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Eunie Alsaker; Coordinator: Cole Loniello
To accept another person, it is helpful to understand them. And to understand, we must listen. Eunie Alsaker has been a professional listener for 25 years. She will share what she has learned about listening well and striving to take the perspective of another. How might things shift if listening becomes a spiritual practice?
March 12: The Miraculous Life of the Living (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Zil Ricker; Coordinator: Gail Opatz
Struck by Art and opened by clown in her twenties. Liz (Zil) Ricker will continue to talk about her spiritual journey, focusing on the awakenings she had after a visit to the Guggenheim. With short readings from A Course in Miracles, this talk will focus on how clown, an art piece, and an opening perception led her to a whole new understanding of what is around us all the time.
March 5: CANCELLED
Feb. 19: The journey of a lifetime (click here for audio of presentation)Presenter: Debi Niebuhr; Coordinator: John Collins
In my reflection on the people and forces that have shaped me over the years, I have found some surprising threads to share with my fellow spiritual seekers. The reflection of many years seems diverse and yet, simple principles remain true throughout my life.
Presenter: Tori Hicks; Coordinator: Gail Opatz
Rev. Tori Hicks is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, currently serving Homer United Methodist and as Pastor of Worship and the Arts for Social Healing at Wesley United Methodist alongside her amazingly brilliant and handsome (in her opinion!) husband, Dr. Robert Hicks. Rev. Hicks will be speaking about the necessity of forgiveness, especially forgiving yourself and God, in order to live a life with integrity and meaning.
Presenter: Liz Ricker; Coordinator: Cole Loniello
Liz will speak to us about how meditation helped her overcome autism and ADHD.
Jan. 29: Hospitality: Radical Acceptance and the Catholic Worker (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenters: Eileen Hanson and Mary Farrell; Coordinator: Lynne Rabuse
The Catholic Worker movement is at its core one of radical acceptance. The tradition of hospitality invites us to welcome the stranger as Christ. This sounds like a lofty ideal, but can be a challenging practice. Mary and Eileen will share how their decades of living in community and welcoming the stranger has been an integral part of their spiritual journeys.
Jan. 22: Law versus Love (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Kathy Redig; Coordinator: Karen Linn
From Catholicism to Christianity. It’s a story about “law versus love.” Catholics are instructed to keep all the man-made laws whereas if being a good Christian is what one is after, love is what it is all about!
Jan. 15: Moments of Awe in Daily Life (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Jenni McHugh; Coordinator: John Collins
“We seek outside the wonders we carry inside us.”—Rumi.
What happens when we allow ourselves to focus on the vast and not easily understandable? This will be our topic for our January 15th service as Jenni McHugh invites us to reflect on what we gain when we intentionally invite moments of awe into our lives.
Jan. 8: Evolving Spirituality (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Dick Dahl; Coordinator: Deb Brekke
If evolution is the essential lens through which to understand reality, this also applies to one’s spirituality. Dick will describe how it has applied to his.
2022
Dec. 11 & 18 (no audio)
Dec. 4: Liberation Struggles—Past and Present (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Mary Jo Klinker; Coordinator: Karen Linn
This presentation discusses the intersection of racial justice and queer liberation struggles both currently and historically.
Nov. 13: THE JOURNEY IS THE GIFT (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Jana Craft; Coordinator: Gail Opatz
Jana will speak on The Intersection of Spirituality with Justice, Equality and Compassion in Business.
Nov. 6: CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Doug Nopar; Coordinator: John Collins
Discontent from a young age with the comfortable surroundings he grew up with in suburban Chicago, Doug Nopar set out on a life that his family did not really understand (even though they profoundly influenced it), yet ultimately grew to embrace and endorse. A longtime community organizer, and a rural Winona resident on a small farm since 1985, Doug will offer perspective on the Unitarian theme of “justice, equity and compassion in our human relationship.” He will share stories of the people that influenced him, the circumstances of life that shaped him, and the friends, family and community members that both challenged and supported him.
Oct. 30: “WALK RIGHT IN, SIT RIGHT DOWN …” (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Margaret Kiihne; Coordinator: Deborah Brekke
Today’s service has been created especially for visitors and newcomers. With the band, we’ll sing our Fellowship song “When I’m With You” and a Gospel-inspired jug band song. The program will cover the history and differences between Unitarian and Universalism, creed/dogma and our 7 Principles, examples of UU social justice work, Religious Education content, and more. The overall theme is one of welcome, so we encourage everyone to invite your friends, neighbors, family—of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, or cultural background—to “Walk, roll, skip right in…”!
Oct. 23: OUR FIRST UU PRINCIPLE (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Karen Linn
The inherent worth and dignity of every person. Our first principle, yet many in our world, continent, country, state, and yes, even next door neighbors hold those rights for some but not all. Who deserves them? Who doesn’t deserve them? More importantly, why is this even a debate?
Oct. 16: WELCOMING THE STRANGER (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Dwayne Voegeli & Hussain Ali; Coordinator: Deborah Brekke
Dwayne Voegeli gives an overview of the Winona Afghan Support Network (WASN) that began just over one year ago. This new community network is currently sponsoring 17 Afghan refugees in Winona. This group was founded on a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. One of the local Afghan refugees, Hussain Ali, shares parts of his story. The WASN Web Page: www.afghanwinona.org
Oct. 9: VOICES WITHIN (click here for audio of presentation)
Presenter: Tony Lawler; Coordinator: John Collins
Tony explores “voices within” and how the voices in his life have built his self-worth and how this connects us to each other. Also, the flip side of negative voices that can damage a person’s self-worth.