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Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
 

September 2, 2026

The Mid-Week Update has morphed into the BUF Weekly. The regular edition will continue to be distributed on Wednesday in the early afternoon, On occassion. additional emails may be sent regarding time-sensitive information and important updates. For questions and inquiries, please contact communications@buf.org. See the bottom of this email for details on submissions. And you can always access the most recent edition of the BUF Weekly at buf.org/calendar.

Note: On some devices, for better readiability choose the “view in browser” option at the top of the newsletter. Also, your email program may cut the email short: to view the full newsletter click the “view entire message” option at the bottom of your email or the “view in browser” option.

Upcoming Services

Sunday, September 6. 10:30 AM, Sanctuary & Zoom

Rest and Its Rewards

Rev. Sunny McMillan and Rev. Tessie Mandeville, worship leaders, and Rev. Marsha Vollkommer, celebrant

The familiar UU hymn For All That Is Our Life speaks of "work and its rewards," and many a UU congregation has held a Labor Day Sunday service on the theme of "Work and Its Rewards." This year, however, we are flipping the script.  Inspired by the work of theologian and community organizer Tricia Hersey, founder of "The Nap Ministry" and author of Rest Is Resistance, on Sunday, September 6, we will celebrate rest and its rewards.

Monday, September 7, 7:00 PM, Sanctuary & Zoom

Taizé: Learning from the Natural World

This month’s Taizé service is on Labor Day. All are invited to our soothing meditative service at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary or on zoom. The theme this time is Learning from the Natural World. 

Sunday, September 13. 10:30 AM, Sanctuary & Zoom

Let Us Gather Again

Rev. Sunny McMillan, worship leader; Ben Workman Smith, choir director; and Steffany Raynes, celebrant

Time to celebrate the start of a new congregational year!  Join us on the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13, for BUF’s annual Ingathering Service.  From a Water Communion ritual to a Backpack Blessing, it will be a meaningful acknowledgement of our return from summer and reconnection with BUF and this community.  Don't forget to bring a small container of water to pour out during the collective Water Communion ritual (for those new to Water Communion, you are invited to bring water from a meaningful source or place).

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/94745290274

Password: BUF

Sunny Notes

Hellooo BUF!

Following several weeks away for study leave and vacation, I officially returned to the office on August 17, although you will not see me in the pulpit until this Sunday, September 6. A huge thanks to Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove who led and/or oversaw all services from July 19 through August 30, and all the Celebrants, participants, and musicians who contributed to a wonderful series of summer services!  

Other than a week in Fredericksburg, Texas visiting my parents, I spent my time away mostly in Seattle with my partner, Chase.  I caught up on inspirational reading, did a bit of writing, swam in Lake Washington with our dog, Movy, and had moments of much-needed stillness.  After pushing hard through my summers during divinity school and following graduation, filling each and every moment with internships, hospital chaplaincy, and the UUA's fellowship and ministerial application process, my body and being were so grateful for this summer's break.

The return from summer break often looks like a ramping up of pace and schedules, a return to school for the kiddos and a return to myriad commitments (and overcommitments) for the adults—which is why we're kicking off the new congregational year with a Sunday service on "Rest and Its Rewards" on September 6.  I spent my drive time from Seattle to Bellingham this week re-listening to Tricia Hersey's revolutionary book, Rest Is Resistance.  This Sunday, I look forward to exploring what it might be like to make the turn into fall with an intention toward creating a culture of more rest and less grind.

Looking ahead to the coming weeks and months, I also hope we can increase connection around the congregation.  Last year, I heard from quite a few folks that it can be difficult and daunting to figure out how to find your people and get more plugged in at BUF—there's a lot going on, but how to join in may not be obvious.  Accordingly, I hope you will come to the Connection Carnival in the Social Hall following our Ingathering Service on Sunday, September 13.  Groups and teams from around BUF have been invited to table at the event, making it an easy way to meet folks and sign up where you feel called. 

Also, much like these Sunny Notes appear most weeks in the BUF newsletter, this year, you will also see Board Notes from time to time, where the Board will share what it has been up to.  Finally, the Board and I intend to increase connections with our fellow UU congregations, our Pacific Western Region, and the UUA.  I love our little pocket of the Pacific Northwest and our unique fellowship...but operating in isolation, as individuals or a congregation, can be lonely and exhausting.  This year, let's see what connections and resources are available as we gather at BUF to engage in what nourishes us, from spirituality to justice work to music to community and more!

It's good to be back!  Rev. Sunny, minister

Welcome to Religious Explorers

Backpack Blessing

Sunday, September 13

10:30 AM, Sanctuary

Kids are invited to come get their backpack blessed for the new school year at the J.E.T.P.I.G. second annual Backpack Blessing. 

Students of all ages are welcome. Bring your (empty) backpack or just yourself!

We’re so glad to have you with us! This guide is meant to provide basic information about our programs and events from September to December 2026. Contact DRE (Director of Religious Education) Lis Epperson at BUFReligiousEducation@buf.org for more information.

Sunday RE (Pre-K through High School)

Begins in the Sanctuary at 10:39 AM. Classes end at 11:45 AM,

PreK -5th graders need to be signed out by their parents/guardians.

Youth Group

6th - 12th grade: meets during Sunday RE as well as other special events.

Building Bridges and Coming of Age require Registration (contact the DRE)

OWL - Our Whole Lives

Sexuality education for K-2nd and 4-6th starts Sept 22 and goes to Nov 22. Registration, a fee, and regular attendance required (contact OWL@buf.org)

Parent's Night Out - Friday, September 25th and Friday, November 13th, arrive at BUF at 5:15 PM

Children arrive with their own dinner/having eaten for a craft, popcorn, and a movie. Parents walk to Elizabeth Station for a night out together. RSVP Not Required.

Other Special Events

Halloween Party - October 30th

Arrive in costume for a potluck and party celebrating Halloween! It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown will be playing, and there will be some themed games and crafts.

Solstice Party - December 19th

Let us gather for the third annual chili dinner as we celebrate the longest night of the year. Please bring along a topping and a side to share. Lantern making and an interactive Solstice Spiral!

Adult Religious Education

Fall Courses

UU101

Facilitator: Rod Haynes

Sunday, October 4, 11, and 18

12:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Flex Room

The history of Unitarian Universalism is a continuing story of questioning inherited beliefs, expanding the sources of religious truth, and translating belief into ethical action and beloved community. Facilitator Rod Haynes will pose questions, lead breakouts, and examine key UU historical leaders and events back in time.

Register for the course: https://buf.breezechms.com/form/d21057

Exploring Your Religious Journey - Past and Present

Facilitator: Kathryn Allen and Bonnie Phinney

Sunday, October 25, November 1 and 8

12:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Flex Room

What is the story of your religious journey that brought you to UUism, and what about that journey keeps you here? Our minister, Sunny McMillan, several celebrants, and other members of the congregation have shared their religious journey story from the pulpit. It has been fascinating to hear. Come share your story in community, and tell us how it informs your being here now. This is an opportunity for you to share your story and learn about others’ as we continue to walk the path of growing, learning, and discovering.

Register for the course: https://buf.breezechms.com/form/e42611

BUF Events & Meetings

Join us for a BUF Connection Carnival!

Sunday, September 13, after service

Social Hall

In an effort to showcase all the various ways to get involved at BUF, from being on a committee or team, to joining an affinity group or Chalice Circle, to getting on an SEJC Action Team, to volunteering around the building or grounds, we will be holding a Connection Carnival in the BUF Social Hall where each team or group has been invited to table with information on what they do and how to get involved.  Join us to make connections and get plugged in at BUF!  Questions or want to make sure your group has a table?  Email Rev. Sunny at BUFminister@buf.org.

BUF Auction: Call for Donations

Donation submissions deadline: Sunday, September 6

Our auction is Saturday, November 7 and we need your donations!

We are looking for a diverse range of items, including:

  • Gatherings: Host a tea party, instructional class, wine tasting, ot themed dinner. It doesn’t need to be fancy, and you don’t have to host a lot of people! Some of the most popular events have been small, simple meals.

  • Tours: Offer tours of interesting locations, a guided mushroom hunt, or hike with a picnic.

  • Services: Provide services such as portrait photography, childcare, music lessons, yard work, pet-sitting, or IT assistance.

  • Meals: Donate a dining experience at a restaurant, a home-cooked meal, or a monthly pie subscription.

  • Trips: Contribute travel packages, weekend getaways, house swaps, or other unique experiences.

  • Fine Crafted Items: Are you a woodworker, fiber artist, jewelry maker? Share your handmade, high-quality crafted goods. 

We kindly ask that all contributions be new individually created items or experiences rather than previously loved belongings. 

Return of Community Night Dinner

The new BUF year is upon us and that means cozy soups with Community Night Dinner (CND)! CND is a tradition here at BUF for Wednesday evenings where a low cost dinner of soup, salad, and a simple dessert is offered to BUFsters. Before we can begin, we need the most important ingredient: YOU!

CND is run by volunteers. We operate with a 3-4 person crew in the kitchen, 2-3 people for setup, 2-3 people for cleanup, and building stewards for cleaning the dishes and shutting down the kitchen. The crew in the kitchen follow a kitchen lead to make a pre-determined soup and salad. Jobs include cleaning produce, chopping ingredients, and stirring the soup. It is a 2-hour commitment. The Setup Crew is typically arrives about 30 minutes before dinner. These folks setup the tables, put out cups and pitchers of water, and make sure the social hall is ready to serve dinner. The Cleanup Crew helps to reset the social hall directly following diner for the next group that may use it and the time commitment is about 20 minutes. Tasks include wiping down the tables and putting them away, putting the salt and pepper shakers back in the cupboards, and sweeping the floor.

If you would like to participate in any of these roles, reach out to Jen Villalva-Cheap at jennifermvillalva@hotmail.com or keep an eye out for sign-ups on the bulletin board in the Narthex in the coming weeks.

Yeah Birthdays!!!

Carl Nyblade is turning 80.  Come celebrate with us.  All are welcome.  Bring a main dish to share.  Salad and cake provided.  5 pm on Wednesday Sept 2nd.  Choir rehearsal will start at 630 pm.  Questions reach out to Grace Nyblade 360-545-3265 cell.  Come celebrate the original GOAT ( "Greatest of All Time")

Uplift

Uplift, a BUF LGBTQIA2SNB+ (and allies!) group, will meet this Sunday, September 6th, at 12:15 in the Board Room. Uplift is responsible for BUF earning and maintaining our status as a UU Welcoming Community. All are welcome as we plan our upcoming year’s activities. Will we have Social events? Community education within BUF? Community events/celebrations? Connecting with other Queer groups in Bellingham? Learning about other groups of Queer BUFsters? Come share your ideas, input, and willingness to make it happen!

Board Game Night

Social hall from 5 pm to 9 pm

Beginning Wednesday, August 26

Hello BUFsters,

Hoping you have time to come to BUF on Wednesday night for Board games, card games and socializing.  Bring a snack to share if you can.  Find Grace at gnyblade@gmail.com or Emory emorymeyerloewen@gmail.com

Volunteering at BUF

Opportunities

Grass Mowing & Trimming

Buildings and Grounds seeks additional team members to mow and trim our grass. Both mower and trimmer are electric and work well. This is a great opportunity to co-volunteer and work as part of a team.

Approximately one time per month depending on growth rate. It takes about 1.5 hours to mow/weed/trim. Asking for a commitment: through June 2027. Contact building-and-grounds@buf.org

Hospitality Committee Members

Are you passionate about making everyone feel at home in our church family? We are still looking for friendly faces to join our Hospitality Committee.

What you'll do:

  • Be part of creating BUF's beloved community

  • Help in organizing special events and fellowship activities such as after-service potlucks, building tours, socials, Pathways to membership classes and more

  • Work together on how to help newcomers feel welcomed and valued

  • Serve as a Greeter or Usher, if you wish

Time commitment: a few hours a month, including a meeting at BUF.

Contact: Judy Kasper or Felice Davis at hospitality@buf.org, leave a message with Alison in the office, or sign up at the Welcome Table in the foyer. No experience necessary. Just bring your heart for hospitality. Together, let's make BUF a place where everyone feels they belong.

Volunteers and Items for CAST

CAST donations are always needed for our unhoused community: warm socks, gloves, hats can be put in the CAST box in the BUF coat closet.

A team of 50 volunteers serve sandwiches and other food items, four nights a week downtown by the library. At least six BUF members are regular volunteers. If interested in joining the team, talk to Judy F., Beth F., Constance O., Henry O, Ann S., or Linda T.

Thank You

The Inspiration Room has been painted and is available for meetings during the week and for a Kids Quiet Space on Sundays during coffee hour and potlucks.  Thank you Rebekah Paci-Gren, Raya Paci-Green, Natasha Paci-Green, and Kivrin Howard-Collins.

This wonderful painting work that Rebekah and 'Friends' are doing is connected with the BUF Design Committee which is part of BUF Building and Grounds.

A big thank you to Lisa Moss, Joan & Bruce Mackay, Zoe, Beth Beyers, and Rebeka Paci-Green for have been at BUF almost on a weekly bases this Summer working on the BUF grounds around the building. Thank you to Joan & Bruce Mackay for the use of their truck and for the mulch. The grounds look lovely in anticipation of our startup this Fall. truck and mulch.

Doug Branson and David Shirey have been at BUF this past year volunteering as temporary Building Stewards, if not every day, most days being available to help out with just about anything that comes up that needs to be taken care of. Which is a lot. Thank you Doug Branson and David Shirey.

I'd like to make mention of long time volunteers. So many people who have been relied upon over time and/or who step in at a moments notice to help out where needed or get something accomplished. Thank you.

We can't express enough appreciation and thanks to all volunteers from over the years into present time.

We at BUF are quite a Team. Thank you All. Team BUF.

  • Ahwren Ayers

Common Grounds

Gardener’s Circle Potluck

The Gardener’s Circle Potluck is on the second Sunday. Next month, it will be on September 13 directly after the service at 12:30 PM at Pete and Carl Nyblade’s garden..

Social & Environmental Justice

SEJC Collection September 2026: CAST

Imagine a country, with bountiful resources and enough wealth for everyone to live in good health, with nutritious food  available for everyone.  Now, imagine  too much of the wealth stays with the wealthy. Nutritious food is not available for all, including children

Then, imagine that there are compassionate people who volunteer with Community and Sandwiches Together (CAST) to provide soup, sandwiches, fruit, water, coffee and cocoa packs, to all  guests who show up four nights a week, regardless of weather, for a simple meal  at the Arch of Healing and Reconciliation. You don’t have to imagine the reality of CAST, where volunteers act on their belief that no one should go hungry.  

CAST operates from Our Savior Lutheran Church at 1720 Harris Street where volunteers – some of whom are BUFsters--  gather Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday to assemble up to 160 sandwiches, or pack supplies, transport them to the Arch, set up and serve,      

A volunteer Board does scheduling, logistics, outreach, fundraising, etc. There is no overhead with this all-volunteer ministry.  BUF contributions go directly to purchasing supplies. 

Learn more about CAST and volunteering at the Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County’s website. Click on programs/CAST

Postcard Writing for UU the Vote

BUF Black Lives Matter invites you to write nonpartisan postcards in community after most Sunday services through September encouraging and giving information to Black voters. In August we will be writing postcards in the Library or Social Hall to Virginia voters. Come write postcards- scripts and supplies will be provided. Monetary donations for stamps are greatly appreciated. If you have questions, email Claire.lending@gmail.com.

Singing Resistance

Sanctuary, starting at 4:30 pm

Beginning Wednesday, September 2

Beginning September 2nd, BUF Singing Resistance will return to meeting at 4:30 on Wednesday afternoons in the sanctuary. All are welcome to our practices and events, as we develop a community of singers ready to hit the streets on short notice or to show up to events with songs of community, outrage and hope. This is not about singing ability or experience. It is not about performance. It is about joining with our neighbors and letting everyone in earshot know that “Our love for each other will conquer hate."

Community Singing Vigil for Victims of ICE

Sanctuary, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, September 8

There will be a Community Singing Vigil for victims of ICE Tuesday, September 8th at 7:00 PM  in the BUF sanctuary. Join Singing Resistance Bellingham/Whatcom (including. our BUF group) in singing simple, easy to learn resistance songs to show solidarity with our immigrant neighbors, or come to listen and acknowledge their pain. There is no charge to attend the vigil. Donations to Whatcom Faith Community Immigrant Support (WFCIS) are welcome, because somewhere in America a girl is hiding in an attic, writing in her diary about ICE.

Humanitas: Christine

Although it wasn't always easy, Christina's life was comfortable.  She had her own apartment and was working at a good job as a supervisor in a big company here in Bellingham.  She was happy that her life was going along "just fine."  Then the proverbial other shoe dropped.

She began to experience debilitating fatigue and dizziness.  Turns out she needed open heart surgery which she underwent 4 months ago.  Her insurance covered most of it but she could no longer work and her savings were soon gone.  She is now recovering from the operation.  If you've ever had open heart surgery you know that the recovery is very difficult.  Christina was  clearly exhausted and running on steam when she came to Humanitas and her bright red surgery scar was quite visible.  

She is currently unemployed and waiting to see how much SSI she qualifies for.  She needed money for gas so that she could get to her physical therapy appointments.  When we handed her the gas voucher she blurted out, "Humanitas is a life saver!"  She was so relieved that she could now get to PT.

Defend our Public Lands - Special Attention is Needed

There are several actions that need to be taken, but the most critical action is the newly published draft environmental impact statement for the rescission of the Roadless Rule.  This may be our last chance to have input into opposing this rule change through the commenting process.  This particular rule will impact 2 million acres of forestland in Washington State including Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Olympic National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest and others.  This is the rule that was the action item for Se’Si’Le’s Way of the Masks Campaign with the House of Tears Carvers and the core in creating the Defend Against the Assault on Environmental Protections: Public Lands Rules and the Endangerment Finding AIW that was passed at GA this past June.  Links to the information necessary to create comments are listed below.

Comment by September 20, 2026 - Rescission of the Roadless Rule

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wzDr3SFNbpnCzVq3Zj1mWDYG-QZCFT9S?usp=share_link

 

Comment by September 30, 2026 - Blue Mountains Forest Plan (Oregon)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FoJ55UHjXSEPHfav8dElmGFHmd0viU2iQGS24OUY4jc/edit?usp=share_link

 

Oppose the Fix Our Forests Act

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FcA9BaHepvS7nbPUYYUxjpBbE1O51h6o-u3mDnn1QG0/edit?usp=share_link

 

Oppose the Wildfire Prevention Act

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AxH9t3eAS9PaYQ2rMbDFV-XD-es6Nzx3MDoaRnk0ZYQ/edit?usp=share_link

Administrator’s Note

As many of you know, BUF’s partial roof replacement occurred over the summer, and the project is nearly finished. Our roofing company will be on site this week to complete the final metalwork, so you may see crews finishing up around the building. Thank you for your patience this summer with the occasional large trucks and materials in the parking lot. We look forward to confirming that the project is fully completed soon. Phase 2, which will address the remaining half of the roof, is expected to take place within the next few years.

Unitarian Universalist Association

Side With Love

Side With Love is the Organizing Strategy Team of the Unitarian Universalist Association—a network of organizers, leaders, congregations, and justice partners faithfully working to transform our world.

We organize with love at the center. Not love as sentiment, but love as strategy, ethic, and spiritual practice. Love that is bold enough to confront systems of oppression, and grounded enough to sustain the long work of building something better.

September asks something different of us than August did. The work we've been building toward all summer starts to show its shape: eleven regional Solidarity Summits, turning this year's urgency into durable, local infrastructure. If you trained this summer, a Summit is where those skills meet your neighbors. If you haven't found your entry point yet, this is it.

We're also heading into election season. Poll worker recruitment is underway, and that urgency was underscored last week when the Supreme Court, in a 6–3 procedural ruling, let parts of Trump's mail-voting executive order move forward — without ruling it lawful. Other legal challenges continue, and mail-in ballots aren't eliminated. But since states and local jurisdictions administer our elections, the fight runs through our communities as much as the courts. UU the Vote is mobilizing voters and recruiting the poll workers and election defenders who make free and fair elections possible — work every Summit connects you to. (Curious how to respond to the news each week? Be sure to check our Weekly Action Center Updates, posted noon ET on Tuesdays, for political education and invitations for action.)

None of this replaces the immigration and detention fights we've been naming all summer; it runs alongside them. TPS, detention conditions, and family separation remain open, urgent fights. This month, that includes Mohsen Mahdawi: the UUA has signed a letter calling for the end of deportation proceedings against this lawful permanent resident, Columbia student, and Palestinian human rights activist, whose UU and Buddhist practice has long shaped his organizing for human rights and peace. His case tests the free speech our democratic tradition claims to protect. Please sign on and share: https://bit.ly/Mohsen-Sign-On

Everything is connected; that's the whole premise. Below find the full slate of Summits, trainings, and program updates.

 

Let's keep building the world we're fighting for.

 

In solidarity,

The Side With Love Team

Alohas

Rev. Jen Miles

Jen first came to BUF in 2023, exploring options after her spiritual journey led her away fromher Christian roots and toward something more open and inquisitive. She's attended as her schedule allows, and has appreciated the openness of the BUF community and the space it offers to keep exploring faith. Jen is a Navy Chaplain serving the Northwest Region, where she leads programs in Resiliency, Leadership, Marriage and Family Enrichment, and Suicide Awareness and Intervention. Jen is a quiet introvert who treasures downtime at home, and enjoys hiking, playing guitar, and reading in her spare time. She lives with her husband, Zac, and their youngest daughter, Alayna (20), who is currently attending school while still at home. She is looking forward to getting to know and connect with the BUF community more deeply.

Pam Ives

For Friends of Pam Ives.

After years of living large, we are sad to share that Pam finally succumbed to lung cancer, which she had so courageously battled for many years. Pam drew her last breath on August 14th, peacefully, in her own bed in the Panorama Community in Lacey, with a friend of 50 years, a Hospice nurse and an End of Life volunteer. Pam was a member at BUF for many years, working on the Auction team, when she first came and later working in finance.  She became a fanatical Mahjong player with friends from BUF, and was a committed puzzler.  Pam loved to cook and try new recipes and together we hosted several auction meals.  She had a passion for travel, France and Ireland being probably her favorites. We will remember her quirky sene of humor, her forthrightness and that she was a thoughtful and generous friend. Friends at Panorama will remember her for organizing social potlucks, and finding quiet and thoughtful ways to support others. We will miss her.

Barbara

Contact Barbara Gilday if you would like more information.
journeys333@comcast.net

360-927-6627

Fellowship Requests

Help with Donated Car That Hit a Deer

Good day BUF community!

Does anyone in the congregation have a bit of car mechanic savvy and a bit of time?  One of the refugee men who received a wonderful donated car from members of the congregation hit a deer in the early morning hours doing deliveries.

It seems that just simple things are wrong (some front lights broken, the hood opening mechanism won’t work—though it can be opened by hand and some cosmetic damage to the bumper), but it would be good for someone knowledgable to take a look and confirm/advise.

Laura Harker from our refugee support team is coordinating this little project, so you are most welcome to contact her directly (laura.harker@comcast.net or 360-920-4548) or me Kara Black 360-676-2300.  Thank you so very much all!

A Caring Fellowship

The Pastoral Care Team and several volunteers recently helped move Jan Cavitt to Brookdale Assisted Living on Fairhaven Parkway. Jan, a longtime member of BUF, is a retired teacher, an artist and a good conversationalist and welcomes visitors, taking drives and seeing friends. Company is always appreciated. Her phone # is in the BUF directory but drop ins are welcome too.

Community Happenings

Indivisible Bellingham Presents Miriam Karamoko

Monday, September 21, 7:00 PM

Sanctuary

Indivisible Bellingham presents Miriam Karamoko, Executive Director of Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC) on Mon, Sept 21 at 7:00 PM at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship.  Miriam will address “The State of Racial Justice: Incarceration in Whatcom County”.  In December 2025, WREC finished an analysis of the racial disparities and offense types in Whatcom County Incarceration programs.  Miriam is a black immigrant passionate about social justice and has worked extensively in racial justice, LGBTQ+, discrimination, intergroup relations, equity, and diversity issues.  Her talk will provide current critical context for the jail/incarceration discussions in our County. The event is free and does not require pre-registration.  Questions to Michael Berres.

Whatcom Faith Community Immigrant Support - Weekly Newsletter - 08.25.26

Special Stories – The Journey’s for Our Neighbors

Our WFCIS focus has been on helping families who are staying in the Whatcom area. Recently, we have been called upon to help families that are moving to other communities due to a deportation of the wage earner. One such journey included a 24-hour bus ride for a family of Mom and 4 children who then would have to walk across the border. Another journey involved a mom and son who moved to Yakima for work. Two of our volunteers went into action and provided blankets, snacks, and activities for young children to pass the time.

A note from our partner, IRIS – “I just wanted to pass along L’s gratitude for the generous care package you provided her. She called this morning to share that it’s very tranquil, has enrolled her son in school, is in the process of looking for childcare and ready to go to work. She wanted to pass along her gratitude for your kindness and generosity (heart/heart). Thank you so much.”

The donations we received that purchased supplies and our wonderful volunteers let these families know they were seen and cared about as members of our larger Whatcom community.

Save the Date Thursday, September 10, 11 – 3:30 p.m.

A Whatcom County Immigration Summit will take place at the Bellingham Ferry Terminal. More details to come.

New Fiscal Agent: Change for Donations

WFCIS has a new fiscal agent: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship. If you would like to support WFCIS financially, you can do so by mailing a check to BUF at 1207 Ellsworth St., Bellingham, WA 98225 or dropping it off Tuesdays-Fridays from 8am-3:30pm. Please note checks must be made out to Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship with "WFCIS" in the memo line. If you donated recently to WFCIS via FCCB and didn't get a personal thank you note from our treasurer, please email WhatcomFCIS@gmail.com and let us know. Thank you for your generous support.

To read the full newsletter, click HERE

 

How to Submit to the BUF Weekly

Submit content via email to tbw@buf.org (submissions sent to mwu@buf,org will continue to reach us). Content must be received by noon on the Tuesday prior to the distribution on Wednesday. If you wish a graphic or photo to be part of your submission, please send it earlier than the deadline (you can send the finalized content later) because of formatting considerations. Try to limit your blurb to 200 words. If you have a submission that is lengthier than 200, please contact tbw@buf.org so a possible accommodation can be made.

Find the BUF Calendar Online

For BUF events and meetings, visit buf.org/calendar. To see whether a room or space is available, visit buf.org/rentals. To reserve a room or space contact Alison, the Congregational Administrator, at bufadmin@buf.org.

Text to Give

You can donate to BUF from your phone by sending a text message to 360-345-3933.

Text “$10” to donate $10 to the collection basket

To give to a specific fund, text the amount followed by the keyword. Example: “$10 humanitas”

Keywords: humanitas, sejc, taize, cnd, fair, retreat, and uplift

You may also indicate the frequency with which your gift is processed. If no frequency is indicated in the text, your gift will be processed as one time gift. The options are: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, yearly. Example “$10 humanitas monthly”

You’ll need to do a little setup and provide your account information the first time you do this, but after that, it’s just a text message. 

You can even scan the QR code to access the phone number.

 
Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States

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