2025 through the lens of Martin Luther King, Jr. Marlise Riffel

Discussion circle: King lived and died during a time of great turmoil in the United States. We will ponder his words for insight into a way forward through the turmoil we face in this country today.

Seeing the Forest --- for the Trees                                                                     Jack LaMar

Inspired by the UU value of honoring the Earth, Jack will share an overview of human assisted forest migration and the effect of climate change on an already migrating biomass, and how we can apply the 7th UU Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence.

Right Here, Right Now                                                                                     Bob Ivanca

Spiritual awakening or the road to enlightenment is the theme of Bob’s message. Bob is an addictions counselor with focus on the work of Eckhart Tolle.

Mr. Ivanca attended Gustavus Adolphus College studying biology, geology, addiction studies, and has been a self-employed building contractor for 38 years. He loves motorcycles, motorcycling and has been on a spiritual journey for the past 13 years.

In with the Old as something New Annette Kahmann and Mary Erickson

An interactive and fun program explore ways of repurposing, giving new life to an old sweater … and more.

The Magic of the Winter Solstice Ellie Larmouth

Together we celebrate the magic of the winter solstice, the shortest night of the year, the darkness before the dawn. Together we celebrate the miracle of light, a sign of new birth as darkness turns into light, a new source of hope. We sing the songs, we read the poems, we hear the stories. We welcome the light. Together we celebrate the solstice.

Discussion Circle: “Carpe Diem”                                   Gretchen Wright and Siyanda Elizabeth

Although “Seize the Day” might be interpreted as a call for self-indulgent power, it can also be seen as the mantra of several spiritual traditions that advise living in the present moment. What does seize the day mean to you? How and why do we choose to seize the day? We will share our thoughts and stories in this discussion.

As Education Evolves  Steve Johnson

Education has changed over time. Today we will experience learning from different perspectives. I hope to challange thinking and expand understanding of testing and measuring success. Come prepared to engage and learn!

Interdependence           Adam Tritt

We are here for each other, to serve, delight in, help, and protect, befriend, feed, listen to, and walk along with on the many paths. Stop seeing ourselves as a collection of individuals who see each other once in a while; instead, see the connected, loving community.

Adam Byrn Tritt is the Executive Director of Foundation 451, dedicated to getting Banned Books into the hands of kids. He is a Jewatarian Buddhaversalist Pagan, a UU for forty years, certified by the UUA in Lay Pastoral Care and certified for hospice care. He teaches high school and college English.

A Native American Perspective on American Thanksgiving                              Chaz Wagner Bois Forte member

Chaz Wagner - Bois Forte member, Indigenous Language and Culture teacher, musician - will present a Native American Perspective on American Thanksgiving

Emotionally and Spiritually Preparing for Death Noelle Reed

Certified death doula Noelle Reed explores with us the role that a death doula can play in assisting us to confront the process of death that we each will experience.  Unlike the general emphasis on estate planning and funeral planning, this conversational session will invite us each to focus on our personal thoughts and expectations of our individual end of life process.

What’s Next? Rev. Ted Tollefson

Following the election, we will all be living in a new era. What is required of us?

The Gift of Being Unmade                                                                  Rev. Leslie Mills

As our planet tips us firmly into autumn, many people recognize this time of year as a natural opportunity for contemplation of the questions of life, death, and the choices we make in between the two. From ancient Jewish traditions to Celtic shamanism, there are deep spiritual gifts available to us when we pause to reflect on the year that is closing, and take stock of what kind of person we want to be. Why is it worth our time to cultivate a spiritual practice? Join us as we dive beneath the surface of this holiday season.

Nurturing Our Spirits                                                             Sara Softich Alexander

Sara, from “ Northland Sound Bath” will join us. A sound bath is a peaceful and meditative experience. The vibrations of crystal singing bowls will bring us into a deep state of relaxation, allowing us to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Come feed your spirit!

Unleashing the Power of Neighborly Love                                                   Rev. Ted Tollefson

In a time of deep divisions in politics and religion, being a "good neighbor" offers a way to become a force for reconciliation. But how?

Reverend Ted Tollefson has served UU congregations in the midwest for over 40 years. He lives with his wife Kristen and their good dog Boomer in Frontenac, MN. He teaches psychology at Metro State University and taught World Religions for 20 years at United Theological Seminary.  "Make tea, not war"

I Will Remember You                         Rev. Suzanne Wasilczuk                      

We Unitarian Universalists are said to be a people of memory and hope. A people of a living tradition. Today let us remember, parse out, knit together, so many memories.

Reverend Suzanne Wasilczuk is a 2007 graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. Her previous career was as a registered nurse, primarily in Sitka, Alaska. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota, and has recently [semi-] retired, but continues to preach in the area. Following a large patchwork of volunteer activities, she now serves as a Senior Companion and as a Foster Grandmum with AmeriCorps-Seniors.

'A Discussion Circle on Global Warming' Tod Swenson

In groups, we will talk about what global warming is, its causes and effects, and what we can do about it personally, locally and nationally. This topic relates to Mesabi UU 's mission to 'Honor the Earth' and the 7th Unitarian Universalist principle 'Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.'

Embracing the Wind                           Rev. Leslie Mills

In Unitarian Universalist congregations, our theology leads us to answer the call of love. We do this within our own walls with a shared understanding of covenant, and we do this beyond our walls by "building for tomorrow a nobler world than we have known today." But what does membership in this kind of community ask of us spiritually?       It takes courage to build up the Beloved Community, often asking us to run right up to the edge of our comfort zone. Join us as we explore the ways our longings help us heal the world together.

Reverend Leslie Mills (she, her) is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has offered sermons across the country since 2010. In her role with MUUSJA (Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance), she is currently producing the "Sparks of Justice" podcast on Spotify. She focuses her work through the lens of non- dissention and connection with the world around us. She lives in St. Paul.

Traditional Water Ceremony                                                         Gretchen Wright

At this service members may bring a small amount of water from a place that is special to them. Each person shares why this water is special and pours it into a large communal bowl. Members may also share photos of favorite water scenes as well as reflections as to what water means to them from a spiritual perspective.

Coming Back Together                                                           Rev. Siyanda Elizabeth

On this first Sunday after the summer break, we have a special service that includes a wedding! Members Tiffany Halverson and Tod Swenson cordially invite you to attend their marriage ceremony that will be the focus of today's service.

Note: The bride and groom invite the congregation to potluck and cake following the ceremony at Olcott Park in Virginia.

Flower Ceremony         Ellie Larmouth and Mary Erickson

Join us in celebrating spring with our annual flower ceremony. We celebrate ther burst of color in plants and flowers as spring emerges. Please bring a flower or seedling/plant to share in our ceremony.

Jefferson’s Bible                                 Rev. Ted Tollefson

During a cold winter in the White House, Thomas Jefferson took a razor to the New Testament and started to cut out all supernatural references. The resulting testament show us a very human Jesus who attempts to use reason to persuade his listeners to lead more righteous lives. The trouble begins….

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, APPROVE BUDGET, ELECT OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS, RECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS

A Life in Service for Public Good—One Person’s Journey     Lorrie Janatopoulos

Learning from Lichen                  Sue Okerstrom

Sue found inspiration in an everyday organism, the lichen.  Covering 8% of the terrestrial surface of the earth, even on tombstones in Virginia, MN,  lichens are miners and can absorb and concentrate minerals from the air. This ability to uptake and accumulate heavy metals from nature may be a way to reclaim valuable metals from waste electronics. We will explore the fascinating lives of lichen and the lessons we may learn from them.

Sue Okerstrom is a certified biomimicry professional and founder of Lichen Labs LLC, a microscope lab, biomimicry research and consulting business. Sue follows her curiosity in the North Woods, and is a lifelong Minnesotan and UU.

The Art of Dreams                              Rev. Ted Tollefson

What if our dreams hold the key to a more creative life? This service will examine practical tips to remember, record and explore your dreams. Rev. Ted Tollefson has served congregations in Minnesota and Wisconsin since 1980. He teaches a class on dream work at Metropolitan State University.

Season of Rebirth: National Poetry Month      DyAnne Korda

Sacred is the new beginning and sacred is our journey through life.  During April, we acknowledge a world that is fresh and full of promise.  Come and celebrate the season of rebirth through the richness of poetry.  DyAnne’s two poetry books, The Earth Woman, and  The Shore’s Absolute Edge honor our northern cycle of seasons.  “As in folktales, we can learn something about ourselves by entering the forest.”  DyAnne frequently offers writing workshops at the Ely Folk School.  Please join us in this celebration of the beauty of words and the north woods.

“Lift Every Voice in Spring” Siyanda Elizabeth

This morning, a talented array of MUUC musicians lift their instruments and voices in song as we celebrate the Spring Equinox, Easter, and the Earth’s cycle of rebirth.

“On Being Human” Rev. Leslie Mills

Religious community is where we come together to figure out what it means to be human. How are we in relationship with the world around us? How do we know who we are as individuals? Drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophy, we will bring depth and meaning to our understanding of our essential nature, perhaps even elevating our experiences of our daily lives from mundane to mythic.

The Healing Power of Water, the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto Siyanda Elizabeth

Cultures around the world equate water with healing. Dr. Masaru Emoto’s groundbreaking research on how water responds to human thought and intention offers inspiration for reclaiming health and balance on the planet. Dramatic images of water crystals tell the tale.