Apr 2022
Claudia Schmidt and Sara Thomsen
The singer-songwriters perform.
Find out more »May 2022
UUCD Art Show and Reception
An open house from UMD and St. Scholastica, featuring 30 artists. A chance to mingle and meet Unitarian Universalist artists which range from ages 10 to 80. Painters, jewelers, photographers, potters, fabric artists and three-dimensional art.
Find out more »Jul 2022
CarFit Checkup
Hosted by the St. Luke's Nursing Trauma Prevention Program. Reservations requested at 218-249-3020. CarFit is a free, interactive and educational 20-minute program that teaches participants how to make their personal vehicle “fit” them to increase safety and mobility when they hit the road.
Find out more »Sep 2022
UUCD Forum: Setting Sail to End Nuclear Weapons
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, Helen Jaccard and David Logsdon will speak about an upcoming voyage of The Golden Rule to raise awareness and support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. The Golden Rule, a 34-foot ketch, is slated to set off on its voyage this fall from Minneapolis down the Mississippi, along the Gulf Coast, around Florida, up the intercoastal waterway and back to…
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Forests and Climate Change
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, Meredith Cornett will address climate solutions and the northwoods. Cornett is the climate change director for the Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Cornett’s expertise lies in climate change, forest ecology, restoration and science communications. Her current work at the conservancy is focused on nature-based solutions and resilient and connected lands and waters.
Find out more »Oct 2022
UUCD Forums: Q&A with New Interim Minister
Interim Minister Reverend Peter Farriday leads a conversation. In general, interim ministers collaborate with congregations to deeply discern their main needs, goals, challenges, and to imagine and lay the foundations for future thriving.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Clean Energy Economic Development Opportunity for the Northland
Citizen's Climate Lobby Minnesota Northland is a community-based group of concerned northern Minnesotans working to address the problem of climate change. Russ Mattson and Brett Cease will help present this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, along with local CCL leaders Mike Overend and Eric Enberg. The forum will focus on how northern Minnesota iron mining and steel industries can play a role in addressing the climate crisis as they search for win-win solutions that both decrease carbon emissions and…
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Candidates for St. Louis County Sheriff
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, hear from St. Louis County Sheriff candidates Jason Lukovsky and Gordon Ramsay as the Nov. 8 election approaches.
Find out more »Nov 2022
UUCD Forum: Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank
This Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum is focused on Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief organization in the region. Each year it distributes more than 7 million pounds of food -- enough for 5.6 million meals, feeding approximately 44,000 people in need. The distribution occurs through a network of regional agency partners and through direct-service programs like the food shelf, mobile food pantry and the Nutrition for Seniors and BackPack programs.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Climate Action, the IRA and You
This Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, "limate Action, the IRA and You: Rebates and Incentives for your Home, Community and Planet," is lead by Bret Pence. He is the Greater Minnesota Director of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL) and focuses on faith-based action on climate change. He has advised the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth on energy-related topics including the upcoming solar project.
Find out more »Cabaret Night
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth presents an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $5 at the door. Social justice is the theme for this party.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: The Final Exit Network & Expanding Our Options at the End of Life
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, The Final Exit Network supports individuals who elect to manage their own end-of-life experience, including selecting the time and method of their own “self-deliverance.” Charles Gessert, an MD with a master's in public health is a local member of the Final Exit Network. He reviews the principles and methods of the FEN and provides opportunities for questions and discussion. Participants are encouraged to share their families’ and friends’ end-of-life experiences and concerns.
Find out more »Dec 2022
UUCD Forum: Family Freedom Center
Family Freedom Center seeks to empower the black community by reconstructing socio-cultural narratives and unapologetically embracing what it means to be black, both historically and in the present day. At this event, the public can join us to hear from those involved with the Family Freedom Center about current projects and how UUCD might support these efforts.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: The Victory Chorus
The Victory Chorus is back with Program Director Candy Winkler giving an update on this unique Dementia | Inclusive chorus. At this event, the public can learn about the two chorus programs, the “Community Chorus” and the newly launched “Benedictine Chorus” as well as how the UUCD community can help support these projects.
Find out more »Winter Wanderings Concert with Sara Thomsen & Paula Pedersen
This concert, with Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen, is an introspective wandering through the season of winter. Acoustic folk with hot chocolate harmony vocals. Holiday themes sprinkle the path: Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas. Beyond the busy bustle and the wrapping hustle, we are left with a search for deeper meaning, a longing for home, for loved ones here, loved ones lost, for peace, for comfort, for wars to end, for hearts to mend. We light candles, sing songs, celebrate, mourn,…
Find out more »Jan 2023
UUCD Forum: Reparations are the Midpoint Between Truth and Reconciliation
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, Jane Gilley of the racial justice team will facilitate reflection on the covenant to affirm and promote journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse, multicultural community through actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in people and institutions.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Amory Arts History and Future
Armory Arts and Music Center Executive Director Mark Poirier will share an exciting project that will be completed in 2024 in the Historic Duluth Armory. Built in 1915, the Armory is on the National Register of Historic Places as well as right there on the corner of 13th Ave East and London Road.
Find out more »Feb 2023
UUCD Forum: Gender Diversity with Nell Cerar of Together for Youth
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, Nell Cerar of Together for Youth presents on gender expression, gender identity and the current needs of LGBTQ+ youth. The presentation will include a "respecting pronouns" refresher. Together for Youth is the Woven Basket collection recipient for the month of February.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Housing and Climate – Bigger than a House with Rachel Wagner
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum Rachel Wagner, interim executive director of Green New Deal Housing, will present a vision for a sustainable future where access to secure housing, a healthy environment, economic opportunity and dignified work is not restricted by ancestry or zip code. The need for more housing in the region is great, and that need is compounded by a labor shortage in the building trades. The pressing need to create solutions for housing and workforce…
Find out more »Victory Chorus Spring Session
Music has a unique, positive impact on the brain and evokes memories in a way that nothing else can. Victory Chorus is a dementia-inclusive community chorus that brings together people who are living with dementia and age-related memory loss with caregivers and community members from all generations. The focus is on fun, friendship and a sense of belonging. We are inviting singers of all experience levels to join us for our spring session and are welcoming both volunteer partner singers…
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, Rene Ann Goodrich of the Native Lives Matter Coalition, will be speaking about efforts to organize a Feb. 14 annual march and other events surrounding the missing and murdered Indigenous women epidemic. Native American and Alaska Native women, girls, and 2-spirit people make up a significant portion of all people missing and murdered in the United States. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives is a movement in both the United States…
Find out more »Fannie Lou Hamer: Stand Up
Join the League of Women Voters Dultuh to view and discuss the documentary film, Fannie Lou Hamer: Stand Up. Civil rights legend Fannie Lou Hamer is remembered by those who worked side by side with her in the struggle for voting rights. As an African-American sharecropper from Mississippi, Hamer’s difficulty registering to vote in 1962 led to her career as an outspoken activist, congressional candidate and fierce fighter for the rights of all.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Minnesota Legislative Update on Climate Action
This Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum presents an update on recent and pending legislative initiatives in Minnesota related to climate action and how to get involved in supporting those measures.
Find out more »Mar 2023
Beyond the Market: Housing For All Panel Forum
Homelessness is chronic and worsening in Minnesota, yet we have a multi-billion dollar state budget surplus. At the same time, low and middle income people are having an increasingly hard time with housing, with ever rising home prices, rising rents, increasing evictions, and the proliferation of high-cost luxury apartments. Simultaneously, "we are facing a climate crisis, with a need for new homes to meet high efficiency standards, and almost all older homes to be refurbished." The Unitarian Universalist Church conducts…
Find out more »“Stepping On Up” Addressing the Housing Crisis in Duluth
The number of people experiencing homelessness has been on the rise. Chum has been seeing more and more new people every day. In addition to making moves to grow for greater service, Chum has been leading the multi-agency and multi-sector initiative, Stepping on Up, to address the homeless and housing crises in Duluth. The session will include words from CHUM Director of Operations, Amber Sadowski. At this event, attendees can learn more about the change needed, and how we all…
Find out more »Artist Reception for “Binding Particles Across Any Distance” by David K. Austin
Over 30 abstract modern artworks are on display, and on March 5th at 11:45 a.m. there will be an artist reception for David Austin's show that is currently hanging in the sanctuary. The artwork features themes of economic disparity, climate concerns, and the interplay of inner natures and technology.
Find out more »Reflections on Antarctica: Stories from Brett Cease’s Recent Trip
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth member Brett Cease recently traveled to Antarctica on a research vessel, witnessing the Drake Passage, Southern Ocean and South Shetland Island archipelago along the way. Cease shares his reflections on the trip of a lifetime and what we can learn from researchers that have been studying Antarctica’s warming.
Find out more »A Review of the Duluth Racial Bias Audit of the Duluth Police Department with Blair Powless
The racial bias audit of the Duluth Police Department is in progress. An auditing firm has been hired. The auditing firm started their work in November of 2022, and plan to have a full report on their work available to the public in June of 2023. Blair Powless is a core member of the local team that developed the objectives of the audit and that is now overseeing the audit. He will review the process of developing the audit objectives,…
Find out more »Apr 2023
WE Health Clinic Post Roe v. Wade
Having served our community for over 40 years, WE Health Clinic has seen its share of challenges to and championing reproductive freedoms. In this event, folks can hear from WE Health Clinic Executive Director Paulina Briggs and Operations Director Jordan Wigfall about the history, tenacity and future of Duluth's only abortion clinic.
Find out more »Jill and Koresh Lakhan Travel to Egypt
Koresh and Jill will give a presentation on their recent travels in Egypt. Along with photos of the places they visited, they will share what they learned about the people, the culture, the challenges, and the opportunities of this ancient civilization as it finds its place in the modern world.
Find out more »Here Comes The Sun! How Homeowners Can Get Solar Installed
There are more updates to UUCD ‘s Solar Panel program from the CAT team helping coordinate making this possible. First hand experiences will be shared by congregation members that have participated in the Solar United Neighbors group co-op that MNIPL helps coordinate. Information on how folks can sign up to get solar installation will be available.
Find out more »Jun 2023
UUCD Church Rummage Sale
Both the underground garage and upstairs are full this year. Upstairs is jewelry, fabrics, linens of all types, yarn, crafts, pillows, rugs, accessories. Downstairs is household, gardening, toys & games, sporting goods, antiques & collectibles, tools and gardening supplies.
Find out more »Aug 2023
Restoring Peatlands: Lessons from Finland and Minnesota
Tero Mustonen, PhD, 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize Winner and Kristen Blann, PhD, freshwater ecologist, Nature Conservancy will discuss peatland restoration. Coffee and dessert will be available following the presentation.
Find out more »Sep 2023
UUCD Forums: St Mark’s Giving Garden
The St. Mark Giving Garden is a food justice project building intergenerational and community connection, racial equity, healing and empowerment in the Duluth Hillside neighborhood, a partnership between St. Mark AME Church and Health Equity Northland. Interns from St. Mark Giving Garden will take attendees on a virtual tour of the Garden’s herb, produce and pollinator beds, utilities and social spaces, sharing gardening knowledge they have acquired in areas such as intercropping, harvesting and processing of herbs. Speakers include interns…
Find out more »UUCD Forum: The ERA: Forward to Fruition
Hear from the Honorable Betty Folliard, a nationally-known thought leader, political strategist and founder of ERA Minnesota, an organization dedicated to passing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) into state and national constitutions. She will provide an update regarding the ERA in Minnesota and nationally.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: The Beauty and Birds of Hawk Ridge – Past, Present and Future
Each fall, migrating birds concentrate in impressive numbers at the western tip of Lake Superior. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory serves to study and help with bird conservation through its research, education, and stewardship programs. Attendees can join Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory Executive Director, Janelle Long, to learn about its history over the last 50 years, present bird conservation research and education programs, and plans for new facility improvements for education, safety, and accessibility.
Find out more »Oct 2023
U of M’s Climate Adaptation Partnership: Increasing Resilience through Research, Communication and Collaboration
Dr. Nathan Meyer is an acting Associate Director of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP). He has over twenty years of experience with the research-based design and leadership of environment-focused Extension programs that emphasize community-based innovation, effective teaching methods, informative curricula, and civic engagement. Dr. Meyer provides a brief history and overview of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, highlights examples of their ongoing climate work, and previews new directions made possible with funding from a successful 2023 legislative session.…
Find out more »UUCD Forum: How to Help Kids Cope with Climate Change
Charlie Orsak is a retired child psychologist and volunteer with Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light and Citizen's Climate Lobby. His presentation highlights how children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, how to talk with kids about climate change and build their resilience, and steps families can take together. There will be time for questions and discussion. This presentation speaks to parents, grandparents and anyone who cares about kids. Children are welcome, although younger children might not understand…
Find out more »Nov 2023
UUCD Forum: AICHO on Community & Cultural Leadership
American Indian Community Housing Organization hosts a Community and Cultural Leadership (Woven Basket Recipient for November) session. LeAnn Littlewolf, AICHO Executive Director, speaks about the history of community and cultural leadership with the American Indian Community Housing Organization's thirty years of advocacy, services, and community initiatives. LeAnn speaks about what it means to build community capacity to reset the future.
Find out more »ECO Holiday and Book Sale
The ECO Holiday Sale is a boutique of gently used and new items which will be held in conjunction with a Book Sale. Featured shopping includes all things holiday, jewelry, home decor, hand-crafted items, preserves and of course books.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Harm Reduction Sisters
Harm Reduction Sisters is composed of a dedicated team of volunteers, staff, and community members who collectively create a network of harm reduction education, access, and resource sharing across Northern Minnesota. Staff members Kathy Hermes and Sue Purchase give an overview on their harm reduction services including distribution of sterile injection supplies, overdose education, and naloxone to communities in Northern Minnesota.
Find out more »Diwali Dinner
Enjoy an international dinner and conversation at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in celebration of Diwali. Diwali is a holiday that symbolizes light over darkness and is also known as the Hindu festival of lights. Other Indian religions also celebrate different variations of the holiday.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Composting
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth Forum, Dori Decker of Western Lake Superior Sanitary District presents "Composting: Make Green Gold, Not Greenhouse Gasses." Decker will talk about the benefits of composting, including climate benefits and the process, and will be bringing some of the green countertop compost containers and perhaps some compostable bags for attendees to use at their home.
Find out more »Dec 2023
Family Freedom Center: UUCD’s Monthly Woven Basket Recipient
Learn about the programs of the Family Freedom Center and the merger between the Center and Neighborhood Youth Services. Senior Youth Specialist Aaron Gelineau will share success stories and plans for the future. The Family Freedom Center seeks to empower the black community by reconstructing cultural and socio-economic narratives and unapologetically embracing what it means to be black, both historically and in the present day.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Lessons from Cuba
In this UUCD forum, Carol Wallace will talk about her delegation to Cuba this past summer, what she learned about the current situations in Cuba and the impact US policies have there. She will be joined by local delegation members Gretchen Proesch, Barry Anderson, Lyn Kaim and Dale Shimmir.
Find out more »Jan 2024
UUCD Forum: The Duluth Branch of the NAACP
In this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum, attendees can join in conversation about how the Unitarian Universalist Church of Duluth can work alongside the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in building community power to eliminate systemic racism in the Northland. Leaders from the Duluth Branch of the NAACP discuss their work on civic engagement, systemically building racial equity, and supporting policies and institutions that prioritize the urgent needs of Black people, who are most impacted by…
Find out more »Camera Trapping with Ryan Pennesi (Canceled)
This event has been canceled due to poor travel conditions. Ryan Pennesi is a wildlife and nature photographer living on the North Shore of Minnesota, based in Finland. He will share photography stories and techniques from his journey as an artist. Ryan’s specialty is "remote camera trapping" which involves a motion sensor and off camera flashes. He will discuss the history of camera trapping as well as what it can teach us in the modern age. He is most interested…
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Rachel Myslivy of Side with Love
Rachel Myslivy, national climate justice organizer for the Unitarian Universalist Association's Side with Love organizing strategy team, will speak about organizing for justice and mobilizing power and people for liberation during this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum.
Find out more »Miller-Dwan Foundation’s HopeX Campaign
Traci Marciniak (president of the Miller-Dwan Foundation) and Rick Gertsema (senior mental health adviser) present about the HopeX Campaign during this Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum. This past summer, the Miller-Dwan Foundation announced a new, multi-phase initiative to combat unmet mental health service needs in the Duluth area. HopeX, or Hope Multiplied, is an innovative and community-oriented campaign that will include a workforce expansion and create new programs to fill in the gaps of area mental health services. The…
Find out more »Feb 2024
Wild Orchids in Northern Minnesota
Learn about native, wild orchids here in the northland. There are 35 species of orchids in the Minnesota Arrowhead region and they come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, shapes and seasonal blooms. Rubin Stenseng is a Minnesota Master Naturalist and enjoys the challenge and the reward of searching for and finding wild orchids.
Find out more »Shodo Spring Dharma Talk
Shodo Spring will give a Dharma talk. She has been practicing Zen since 1983 and received the precepts from Dainin Katagiri at the Minnesota Zen Center. She received priest ordination and Dharma transmission from Shohaku Okumura. Currently she offers traditional Zen and earth-based retreats, online classes and Dharma talks. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
Find out more »Mar 2024
WE Health Clinic Dinner and Dessert Auction
WE Health Clinic hosts their annual Spring fundraiser, celebrating and funding abortion access in our community. Schedule: 5:30 p.m. | Beverages, including beer and wine 6:00 p.m. | Dinner is served 6:30 p.m. | Hear from clinic leaders 6:45 p.m. | Live dessert auction Each ticket includes beer, wine, and other canned beverages, as well as a catered dinner, evening with the pro-choice community and live dessert auction. Tickets are available for individuals at $50, half tables (4 seats) for…
Find out more »UUCD Forums: Elder Wisdom, Part 2
UUCD elders Barb Kelly, Charlie Moore, Jan Magree and Sue Dailey will share a brief life story and then share what drew them to Unitarianism, some favorite UUCD memories and why they remain members today. This is the second installment of this topic so if you missed it in February be sure to attend and if you came in February you are welcome to come again.
Find out more »Camera Trapping with Ryan Pennesi
Ryan Pennesi is a wildlife and nature photographer living on the North Shore of MN, based in Finland. He will share photography stories and techniques from his journey as an artist. Ryan’s specialty is "remote camera trapping" which involves a motion sensor and off-camera flashes. He will discuss the history of camera trapping and what it can teach us in the modern age. He is most interested in using the images and the accompanying tales as conservation tools.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Move To Amend and We Choose Us
Barbara Gerten of Move to Amend will speak about how corporations do not have constitutional rights and that money is not free speech. Lilly Sasse from We Choose Us will share information about their campaign coalition of grassroots organizations, labor unions, and advocacy groups fighting for multiracial democracy particularly in St. Louis County during this election year.
Find out more »UUCD Forums: Duluth Folk School
Tim Bates, one of the founders of the Duluth Folk School, will speak about what his organization does and how it has progressed over the years. Explore the vital role that handcrafting provides society and ways that you can get involved.
Find out more »UUCD Forum: Superior Hiking Trail Association
Annie Nelson, the Superior Hiking Trail Association's Development and Communications Director, leads a forum to discuss what the SHTA is up to and how people can get more involved.
Find out more »May 2024
eBird Basics: Exploring an Important Citizen Science Tool
It is hard to find a bird-watcher nowadays who has not heard of eBird. Join Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus for this dive into the functional world of eBird. Discover the basics of using ebird and the many tools the platform offers. During the program, enjoy a dessert potluck. Bring a goodie to share. Remain after the program for the Annual meeting.
Find out more »Jul 2024
HUGE Church Rummage Sale – UUCD (Chester Park/UMD)
Come one, come all for the UUCD Rummage Sale. They have been sorting, arranging and oohing and aahing while preparing for this HUGE (annual) church rummage sale. Share newfound treasures with the Duluth Community and find some life-changing treasures — who can resist such? Books, furniture, household goods, fabrics, linens, yarns; antiques, collectibles, games, puzzles, tools, gardening supplies, sporting goods and more.
Find out more »Huge Church Rummage Sale
The final day of the three-day rummage sale at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation church features half-off deals on most items. Items for sale include books, furniture, household goods, fabrics, linens, yarns, antiques, collectibles, games, puzzles, tools, gardening supplies, sporting goods and more.
Find out more »Oct 2024
UUCD Voter Education: Minnesota Sixth District Judge Election
With the recent retirement of Judge Dale Harris a rare judicial election is on the ballot for Sixth Judicial District State Court Judge. This forum offers the opportunity to hear from both candidates -- Gunnar Johnson and Shawn Reed.
Find out more »Risks of High Sulfide Mine in Tamarack
Tom Anderson, who holds a master of science degree in electrical engineering, will present regarding the risks the proposed Talon Metals/Rio Tinto high-sulfide mine poses to northeastern Minnesota, and potentially the Twin Cities and Lake Superior. From the organizer: Any time a high sulfide mine has been built in a water rich area like ours it has always contaminated the water and surrounding environment. Talon Metals/Rio Tinto is a foreign owned entity and in addition, we have prime wild rice…
Find out more »Nov 2024
Sparky Stensaas and Friends of Sax-Zim Bog
This Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth forum is a chance to hear from the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, recipients of UUCD's November Woven Basket. Long known among serious birders as the place to find northern owls and finches in winter and warblers and other boreal birds in summer, the Sax-Zim Bog is a “magic mix” of habitats across more than 300 square miles of wildlands that attracts a unique array of species not found in other parts of the United…
Find out more »
