Hello Friends:

 

This was a full weekend of tributes to those killed in wars. We think of those veterans and their continued mourning. We think of those who are veterans of domestic racism—all dealing with post traumatic stress. May we continue to do all we can to make the world a bit safer and just.

 

It was great to have Kevin Branting play piano on Sunday. Thanks to the choir for a fine year and to David Lesniaski for fine leadership.

 

We are approaching June, finally. What will this month hold for us? It’s Pride month at a time when our queer friends are again facing persecution by an administration that seems to need several scapegoats. Is this a misdirection to take attention off of the proposed tax cuts for the wealthy?

 

I’ll be out of town from Wednesday-Friday in order to perform a funeral on the west coast. Rev. Jane McBride has agree to be on call for any pastoral emergencies while I’m out of town. You can reach her 612-598-2432.

 

The UBC Garden Team is going to meet on Wednesday this week. 

 

We’re serving meals again at Loaves and Fishes on Friday. If you can help, please contact Steve Lee at steven.lee@thrivent.net

 

On Sunday, the first in June, we will turn our focus toward the last chapter in the Bible.  Revelation 22:12-14 tells about God’s steadfast commitment to stand alongside the church community, even after all hell breaks loose on earth. How do we celebrate those who stand by us? My sermon is entitled, “We Need You.” We’ll celebrate communion and Violet Butler will be the worship leader. While David Lesniaski continues to recover from a shoulder injury, Kim Donley will be on keyboards.  

 

Many of you picked up copies of the Annual Report on Sunday. We will discuss the report and vote on a slate of officers and a budget at our June 8th annual meeting.

 

Looking ahead, Gayla Marty is starting a new group to discuss the book: The Forgotten Creed: Christianity's Original Struggle Against Bigotry, Slavery, and Sexism, by Stephen J. Patterson (Oxford, 2018). The group will meet on Zoom on Monday evenings starting June 2nd at 7pm. Questions? contact Gayla at 612-845-8417.

 

The memorial service for Roger Johnson will be held at UBC on Saturday, June 7th at 11:30am. The service will not be live-streamed.

 

Check the schedule below for more of what’s happening this week.

 

 

​Blessings and Peace,

 

Doug Donley