September 30, 2026

Sunday Service, October 4

10:30 AM, Sanctuary & Zoom

Spirituality and Prayer 2.0

Rev. Sunny McMillan, worship leader and Steffany Raynes, celebrant

The Sunday service on August 23 explored prayer, looking at it with fresh eyes, and asking about its forms and ability to build community. On Sunday, October 4, we’ll pick up that thread, looking at spirituality and the spiritual practice of prayer through the lens of science and the research of Dr. Lisa Miller at Columbia University.

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

Password: BUF

A Few Friendly Reminders About Being Together In Our Building

Parking: Members and friends, please reserve use of our parking lot for new visitors and those with mobility challenges. Parking is available in the North Coast Credit Union lot (Sundays only) as well as available around Fouts Park and the former school administration building. Note: Fencing around the school building will be in place along the Ellsworth Street, but you should be able to parallel park along it as well any available spots between the school building and the fire station.

Fragrance-Free Facility: BUF strives to be a fragrance-free environment for those in our community who have fragrance allergies or chemical sensitivies. Your care and consideration are deeply appreciated.

Alison, Congregational Administrator, bufadmin@buf.org.

In my own learning journey around anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism (often abbreviated as AR/AO/MC), one of the most impactful books I have read is Mistakes & Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism—a book that happened to be the UUA’s Common Read in 2023, and a book that the BUF Board is now reading as a group.  

In it, authors Nancy Palmer Jones, a white minister, and Karin Lin, an Asian American lay leader, not only detail the Unitarian Universalist history around race, racial equity, and racialized resistance, but also share five detailed case studies of UU congregations from across the country as they attempt to build the Beloved Community of which Martin Luther King, Jr. so eloquently spoke during the 1950s and 1960s.  The journey to building such anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and multicultural community is long and bumpy, however—as one congregant at UU Church Annapolis said, “it's stumbling in the right direction." 

On Sunday, I shared in my Reflection several examples of my own stumbles in the right direction—of "loving corrections" (a term coined by adrienne maree brown) that increased my awareness, allowing me to know better, and do better, Maya Angelou-style. This year, with the UUA's rollout of the MOSAIC framework, we now have an opportunity as a congregation to increase our AR/AO/MC learning and awareness together.

Similar to the LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation or Green Sanctuary programs, the MOSAIC framework emphasizes a congregational commitment to lifespan learning in diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-oppression. MOSAIC is not just an educational curriculum; it is “the architecture for building Beloved Community.” (Rev. Michael Crumpler, LGBTQ and Multicultural Programs Director) Learn more at www.uua.org/mosaic, and see the attached illustration of the MOSAIC framework overview. 

Our MOSAIC journey begins on Sunday, October 4.  If you are interested in being on the Mosaic Team, join us following the service in the Library. At this meeting, we'll explain more about the MOSAIC framework, what being on this Team will entail, and how we'll be moving forward in the coming months to build understanding within the Team, set our priorities, and prepare the wider congregation for meaningful action. We also will be moving at our own pace—this framework was intentionally designed to be implemented slowly, recognizing that change is progressive, over generations.  

At various moments throughout our UU history, our faith tradition has been at the leading edge when it comes to many justice issues—abolition of slavery, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, environmental justice, and so much more.  The MOSAIC framework is our opportunity to go further, to again be on the leading edge of this important work of anti-racism and anti-oppression in our country at this crucial moment in human history. I hope you will join us on October 4 to learn more!

Stumbling in the right direction, Rev. Sunny, minister

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

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)

Parent's Night Out

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!

Due to unforeseen circumstances we will no longer be able to run both a K-2 and 4-6 class this fall from 9/27-11/22 as planned. We will still be running the OWL K-2 program during that date and have delayed the 4-6 program till the new year.

New dates for the OWL 4-6 are 1/10 parent/youth orientation 1-3pm and class 1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 2/28,3/7, 3/14, 3/21 and 3/28. Classes will be during regular RE time (10:30-11:45) except for the last 2 sundays where youth will need to come at 9-10am for class with a 30 min break and then 10:30-11:45. If you signed up for the class for 4-6 and these new dates DON'T work for you and your family please let us know and we can refund your registration money back to your.

Sign ups for both classes are still available and open ifor BUFsters and the whole community if you have a child going into K-2 or 4-6. Our Whole Lives (OWL) is an award-winning lifespan sexuality education program providing honest, accurate information that dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. 

REGISTRATION CLOSES for the K-2 class Sunday, September 13.

Any questions email us at owl@buf.org

Our auction is Saturday, November 7th from 4:30-7:30pm. Have you bought your ticket yet? As of Sunday, we have sold half of available seats. Don’t miss out - get your ticket today!

We’re also looking for volunteers to help pull off this amazing event. Find an auction team member in the social hall (next to the Fair Trade table) on Sunday to sign up for a shift. Many roles are available and shifts do not last for the entire event, so you can still enjoy the party! Please note: volunteers will still need to purchase a ticket so that we can cover the cost of your meal. If you are in need of a discounted ticket, please reach out to auction@buf.org.

Purchase event tickets, browse the catalog, and get raffle tickets Here. If you have questions, please email auction@buf.org.

BUF’s LGBTQ community/advocacy group meets this Sunday, October 4th, at 12:15 in the Board/Conference room. We meet on the first Sunday of every month. Uplift includes Queer folks and Queer-adjacent folks of a variety of stripes. All who come in the spirit of goodwill are welcome!

Uplift has been responsible for earning and maintaining BUF’s official status as a Welcoming Community within the Unitarian Universalist Association guidelines. In the past this has included sharing “pulpit moments” about important days in the Queer calendar, offering classes such as “Welcoming Trans Communities,” planning and presenting Sunday services including BUF’s Pride Sunday, and best of all planning and participating in BUF’s contingent in Bellingham’s Pride Parade (with rainbow umbrellas twirling!) As we are beginning this new church year, we have a lot to talk about and decide - will we have more emphasis on social events this year? Work more to collaborate with other BUF groups? Connect more with Queer groups in Bellingham? Please come be part of those decisions!

Also - we need a new volunteer to be the Uplift secretary. Wendy is stepping down after three years, and is ready to help transition a new secretary into the role.

Pathways for Newcomers

Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Flex Room

Open to all those new to BUF, Pathways is a Unitarian Universalist tradition for adults to get to know others in a small group setting and to learn about our church and UUism. The session features a Q and A with our minister, Rev. Sunny McMillan. Fun and Informative! Partial lunch provided!! Sign up with Felice Davis via tbw@buf.org.

Indivisible Bellingham Presents

Mayor Kim Lund

Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00 PM

Sanctuary

Indivisible Bellingham will host Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund speaking on “Protecting the Rights and Dignity of All” with a focus on the City of Bellingham responses to ICE Overreach.

Mayor Lund’s presentation—followed by a Q&A session-- will be on Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00 pm in the BUF Sanctuary. There will be a Q&A section following Mayor Lund’s talk.  This is a free event open to the public and does not require preregistration. Questions to Michael Berres

Community Night Dinner

Every Wednesday Night at 6:00 PM

Social Hall

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.

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 tbw@buf.org or keep an eye out for the sign-up on the bulletin board in the Narthex .

As India becomes more connected to the global world, both as a people and for commercial reasons, it is necessary to recognize the values that drive its people. Those values come from this epic. So, it is extremely relevant now that we at this spiritual institution understand the sacred text of the Hindus,

If you are interested, join Debu on Zoom – BUF Sanctuary link on buf.org homepage – on Tuesday, October 6 at 6:30PM for an introductory meeting. We will decide future meeting times during this Zoom conversation. Email Debu at debumeister@gmail.com for more information.

[image: Ravana, the evil king of Lanka, fights the vulture Jatayu to protect Rama’s wife, Sita. Painting by Raja Ravi Varma, Jatayu vadha, 1906.]

Sacred Garden Restoration

This past week Gardens and Grounds began the restoration of Courtyard outside the Social Hall. 

Phase one of our Sacred Garden transformation started with cleaning by pressure washing retaining walls and walkways, weeding garden beds and grass. Extensive pruning of Conifer trees was done to create space for plantings of shrubs, ferns and perennials under the tree canopy's. Volunteers also cleaned and planted the garden bed on the south facing courtyard with Evergreens to provide screening off neglected decking and further planting of ground-covers will begin shortly.

The garden and grounds has had many work teams over the past 8 months and we have completed the restored gardens around our building, our parking lot parking lot and courtyard.

A special thank you to our Saturday 26 volunteers; Todd Jones, Lisa Moss, Rod Haynes, Doug Branson, Deborah Wessell, Steve Bieler, Robin Brown, and Haven Silver.

Postcard Writing for UU the Vote

BUF Black Lives Matter invites you to write nonpartisan postcards in community after the next two Sunday services encouraging and giving information to Black voters. Come write postcards- scripts and supplies will be provided. Monetary donations for stamps are greatly appreciated. If you have questions, email tbw@buf.org.

Dining with Friends

Dining with Friends is a program of small groups that gather around food and conversation once a month from October through May. All ages are welcome. For more information go to Learning and Connections on the BUF website, then find Dining with Friends under Affinity Groups. If this looks like something that you would like to participate in, then fill in and submit the Interest Form at the bottom of the web page.

Lunch For All

Lunch For All is a bring your own lunch every Tuesday at 12 Noon.

Everyone is welcome to join the conversation. We are in the Social Hall or the Library.

I am the host.

Thank you, Mark Allyn

Singing Resistance

Every Wednesday, starting at 4:30 pm

Sanctuary

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."

Fellowship Request

Dear BUF Community,

A refugee family that BUF sponsors needs extra volunteer support to deal with a difficult housing situation that involves homelessness.  One of the Refugee Action Teams would welcome your involvement, particularly in the next three months or so.  Helpful skills would include research ability and assistance with administrative type tasks such as applications, among others.

If you can help, please contact Kara Black via tbw@buf.org.

A Humanitas Story: Leilani

Leilani makes too much money to qualify for financial help but not enough money to live on. That sure sounds familiar. She has been paying as many bills as she can while still feeding her children.  

She worked as an x-ray technician for 12 years but had to flee because of domestic violence. She found a job in Bellingham but it obviously doesn't pay enough to live on so, in her sparse time off, she is looking for another job. Good paying jobs are really hard to find. There are plenty of minimum wage jobs out there but you can't live on minimum wages. Not in the Bellingham area you can't!  

In the meantime her water bill is sky high and she can't pay it. The water dept is now threatening to shut off her water.

Humanitas helped Leilani with the bill and, believe me, she was grateful. This is only possible because of the generosity of people like you at BUF who contribute to Humanitas.  

Mahalo Nui Loa BUFsters

SAVE THE DATE

BUF Women's Retreat 2027!

April 30- May 2, 2027

Where:  Samish Island Campground and Retreat Center (new location! pictured above)

Who:  All BUF affiliated women identifying as she/her or they/them

Why:  To share stories, play, relax, reflect and be creative together 

More information about this special event will be forthcoming!

SEJC Collection for October 11, 2026:

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)

The drop in salmon populations (some by 90%) threatens salmon-dependent economies and cultural traditions, tribal treaty rights, and our entire ecosystem. By working to recover wild salmon for future generations, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) contributes to a positive future for Whatcom County communities.  NSEA is a volunteer-powered program that improves habitat and water quality across the County, which in turn, saves salmon.  

NSEA collaborates with local tribes, partners, landowners and volunteers to address the degradation of streamside forests -- one of the main issues facing survival of spawning salmon in freshwater --  through its Stream Stewards Program.  Stream Stewards of all ages and backgrounds plant trees, remove weeds, pick up litter at new sites as well as maintain previously restored sites .  NSEA provides tools, plants, restrooms, snacks, gloves—all that is needed -- for each volunteer dependent Stream Restoration event, which   SEJC Collection funds will directly support.  The cost per event is about $3000.

BUFsters are invited to work parties of varying season-dependent tasks on Saturdays and every other Wednesday throughout most of the year.  Other volunteer opportunities include monitoring spawning salmon in local creeks, chaperoning field trips, or working with staff on vegetation monitoring. For more complete information, check out www.n-sea.org; and  www.n-sea.org/volunteer.

Defend our Public Lands

In following through on our collective commitment to Defend Against the Assault on Environmental Protections: Public Lands Rules and the Endangerment Finding, we invite you to join us on taking the following actions and be aware of actions coming up.  Each item has a link to a document with more background information, talking points and instructions on how and where to submit your comment.

Comment by October 6, 2026 (Extended)- Rescission of the Roadless Rule

Link.  This rescission will open 45 million acres of forestland to logging, including 2 million acres in WA State.  This could directly impact Picture Lake and have impacts on Artist’s Point.  Additionally, the Tribes and Nations, particularly from the PNW, are very concerned about the destruction of sacred sites and more.

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

Link.  This Plan is banking on the Roadless Rule being rescinded and intends to eliminate enforceable standards for protecting fish and wildlife habitat and prioritizing extractive industry such as mining, massive logging projects, grazing expansion, etc. in SE WA and NE OR.

EPA Rule Change on Power Plant Emissions Regulation

Link.  Heads up.  A proposed rule change would deregulate greenhouse gas emissions coming from power plants.  This will come open for comment soon and instructions will be available then.

Section 106 Historical Preservation Act Revisions

Link.  Heads up.  Recently, NCAI hosted a webinar expressing concern about proposed changes in Section 106 which specifically allow Tribes/Nations to protect sacred sites and culturally important areas.  Lummi Nation’s invoking of Section 106 was how we defeated the coal port at Cherry Point.  This will come open for comment soon and instructions will be available then.

Oppose the Fix Our Forests Act

Link.  The Act would streamline environmental reviews, reduce Tribal consultation, hamper filing injunctions to stop projects, doesn't address climate change impacts, doesn't address the real causes of wildfires and doesn't account for the cuts in budgets and manpower to implement the projects.

Oppose the Wildfire Prevention Act

Link.  The Act would permanently eliminate the Roadless Rule prevent agency leads and the courts from restoring it.  It would also increase the number projects that will bypass or be streamlined in the environmental review process.  It significantly increases timber harvesting by 40% by 2029, reduces Tribal consultation and does not address climate change or the real causes of wildfires.

Deb Cruz

President, JUUstice Washington

Happening in the Community

Join us at the Chuckanut Center on Saturday Oct. 3rd 10 am - 3 pm for Apple Fest! Want to press apples, volunteer, or show off your apple dessert skills? Sign up here. This community event is fun, family-friendly, and full of fall festivities! There will be a pie contest, apple block printing, and of course our beloved cider pressing! We will also have games and  an apple dessert contest, judging at noon. Kelly Evert, co-owner of Village Books and Paper Dreams, will pick the winner. 

The Chuckanut Center is located at 103 Chuckanut Dr N, Bellingham, WA - across from Fairhaven Middle School, just on the left of the stop lights as you’re turning to go south down Chuckanut Drive. Extra parking is available at Fairhaven Park… it’s a short walk! 

The Chuckanut Center is a non-profit place where community members come together to grow with one another through sharing urban homesteading skills like gardening, cooking, weaving, carpentry, meditation, making music, pruning, herbal medicine, and preserving food. We seek to provide a way for  individuals to become more self-reliant while also bonding  and building networks of support with neighbors, within neighborhoods, and throughout our Bellingham community.

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.