By Adam Robersmith

Winter 2006 11.1.06

Consider what is coming and plan for it as best you can, but live in the present moment. Value everyone, because each person matters right now. When we bring our children, our youth, our young adults, our mid-life adults, and our elders all into one community, one body of faith, we embody the hopes and dreams of many, many people who have gone on before us. We become a religious community bound by love. We become a place that can support people in their quest for meaning and truth. We no longer wait for our young people to become the church of the future. We all become the church of the present.

Adapted from a sermon delivered February 5, 2006, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, Illinois; submitted by Susan Crane.

After the Celebration of Life ceremony for Paul Blakely that was held at the UFL last year, people in the Fellowship started talking about having a permanent memorial site on our property. Ideas about a memorial garden, a labyrinth and a photo album were suggested. After much input, thought, and discussion, the Board decided to have a memorial wall in the Fellowship building where pictures could be hung of those members and friends who had died. Bob Winters agreed to make the sign that would designate and identify the chosen space.

As usual, Bob worked lovingly and carefully and produced a beautifully crafted wooden sign for the wall behind the food service counter. After the sign was installed, two pictures were hung on the wall. Betty framed the photographs she made with frames donated by Erika Blakely. It will be apparent to anyone who visits the Fellowship that the people whose pictures are on the wall, Paul Blakely and Marjorie Koehn, were held in high regard by the Fellowship. The sign does honor them well.

(As always: more pictures on our website at uulongview.com)

Children and youth are curious about world religions and frequently ask questions about what others believe. In YRUU, our youth will find an environment in which to freely ask questions. Together, we create a safe environment where we make new friends and grow in a faith community.

This year we are exploring world religions. Come and join us for classes and fun activities. In February we explored Buddhism. Hinduism is on the calendar for March.

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The YRUU will participate in the "CanStructing" A Community without Hunger project sponsored by the Longview Community Ministries.

The YRUU will meet at the Longview Mall from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm for "canstruction" of their project.

The "DeCanstruct" and party will begin at 6:00 p.m.

We will be receiving guidelines and additional information, as well as technical and sculptural assistance. If you would like to participate in the project please let Sheila know.