Peace Corps: Life is calling. How far will you go? February 4, 2018

Heather Higgins, longtime BUF member, will share some of her recent 26 months’ experiences and photos as a Peace Corps Volunteer Primary Literacy Specialist in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the West Indies. The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated change makers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle their most pressing challenges. 

Heather will tell of her experiences while being integrated as the “White Lady” in a rural village of 900 people with nine fundamental, conservative Christian churches. She will highlight the joys, the challenges, the warmth and love of the community and the daily learning doing the “toughest job you will ever love!”

Finding Answers to the Question on Death, January 28, 2018

Apologies for the late posting . . .

Jennifer Smith, BUF's Director of Lifelong Learning, will lead us in conversation about how we can approach our own death and those of our loved ones. How can we create ritual to honor our loved ones in the comfort of our own home and in a way that reflects who they were in life? How can we turn the tide of commerce and reclaim a mystery that has alluded us for centuries and helped people heal through their grieving? How can we help other families to be empowered during one of the most incredible and spiritual rites of passage? We celebrate the growing number of people interested in finding relevant and fulfilling ways to answer these queries.    

Sunday Forum: Whatcom County Domestic Violence Commission, January 21, 2018

Melissa Lacki, a representative of Bellingham/Whatcom County Commission against Domestic Violence—will speak about the history and makeup of the Commission, including projects being currently undertaken.  In particular, Lacki will speak about Toolkit for Faith Communities, which was developed when it became clear that most abuse victims, family members and perpetrators seek help from clergy and religious leaders than all other professional providers combined.  Be sure to attend this interesting, educational discussion in the Conference room from 9:15-10:15am 

Sunday Forum, Restorative CommUnity Coalition, January 14, 2018

Irene Morgan is the Founder of the Restorative Community Coalition (formerly Whatcom County Re-Entry Coalition) that supports prisoners and homeless who are striving to return to work. She will discuss the Coalition’s successes, including their recent role in defeating the jail sales tax, and their vision and strategy for the future, as well as current difficulties and needs.