November 1, 2015 at 9:15 a.m.“Elements of Honor” – Swil Kanim

“Elements of Honor” – Swil Kanim

Swil Kanim is a classically trained violinist, native storyteller and actor. Separated from his parents and the Lummi tribe at a young age, he spent the remainder of his childhood in foster care. After one of his teachers encouraged him to enroll in a school music program, the violin became his passion and he found his path to healing and personal honor.


The Elements of Honor Workshop is an interactive group discussion facilitated by Swil Kanim. He will lead participants through processes and exercises that demonstrate how honor can work in everyone's life. Specific questions the workshop will address:

·      What are the four Elements of Honor?

·      How can social change be ignited through Honor?

·      How can the presence of Honor be increased in your life?

·      In what ways do you see yourself as an agent of social change?

·      How do you plan to recognize and acknowledge Honor in your relationships?

This event is followed by the BUF worship service at 10:30 a.m.

October 25th: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Katie Rose will talk about issues of Domestic Violence, including between LGBTQ couples.She will address questions such as, How do you talk to someone who is experiencing DV? What are the signs? Why do victims return to abusers over and over? What is the cycle of violence?   The agency takes a leadership role in providing collaborative ways to engage the community in becoming active participants in ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

Oct. 18, 2015 9:15 a.m. World Food Day

 In honor of World Food Day Adrienne Renz, Outreach Manager for the Community Food Co-op, will be our presenter. Whether your interest lies in culinary delights, water quality, small farm development or anywhere in the diverse food system there will be something to explore as we look at the current state of our local food system and discuss how to keep it  moving in the right direction for our community and future generations. Meeting may be moved to BUF's Social Hall for better sound. Please check when you arrive. 

October 4, 2015  – “Concerns & Solutions for Incarceration in Whatcom County” – Irene Morgan of Restorative Community Coalition

Irene Morgan, founder of Restorative Community Coalition, will discuss the work of RCC in advocating for wholesome alternatives to incarceration that can bring harmony to our community with greater public safety. RCC is an action-oriented coalition advocating for restorative, economic, systemic and social change. Ms. Morgan has worked with and for many nonprofits in our community for 30 years. She has a broad understanding of the structures of the social service system and how alternative solutions can be implemented.

More information at www.restorativecommunity.com.

October 11, 9:15 a.m. – Transylvania: Keeping Faith Traditions Alive

Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Partner

Church Council, has helped support a Hungarian Unitarian ministry in the village of

Magyarszovat, Transylvania, whose religious traditions began 450 years ago in the 16th

Century. Panelists Bev Smith, Rev. Bill Haney, Carl Nyblade, Anastacia Lundholm, and

Betty Scott will discuss the culturally-rich relationships established between BUF and

their partner church, since the early 1990s. Whether you’re an armchair or traveling

adventurer, learn what exciting opportunities await both congregations.

September 13, 2015:  Rosalinda Guillen, Exec. Dir., Community to Community (C2C)

Speaker Rosalinda Guillen, Executive Director of C2C, and a widely recognized farm worker and rural justice leader. The stated goals of C2C are to:

• Empower under-represented peoples to have an equal voice in decision making processes
• Develop cross-cultural awareness
• Restore justice to our food, land and cultural practices
• Promote community relationships towards self-reliance
• Work in solidarity with those that strive towards human rights for all 
• Rescue the value of feminine intellect and leadership

September 27, 2015:  Festivals of Mabon: Autumnal Equinox

Ashley Benem, minister and pagan priestess will talk about the history of the festivals surrounding the harvest season and the autumnal equinox. She will discuss how these celebrations were once practiced across most European countries and how they are applicable here and now in our beautiful, bountiful Bellingham. 

October 4, 2015:  “Concerns & Solutions for Incarceration in Whatcom County”

Irene Morgan, founder of Restorative Community Coalition, will discuss the work of RCC in advocating for wholesome alternatives to incarceration that can bring harmony to our community with greater public safety. RCC is an action-oriented coalition advocating for restorative, economic, systemic and social change. Ms. Morgan has worked with and for many nonprofits in our community for 30 years. She has a broad understanding of the structures of the social service system and how alternative solutions can be implemented. Find more information at www.restorativecommunity.com.

Adult Sunday Forums for May 2015

May 3                   “Interfaith Coalition” with Janie Pemble, Outreach Director

Jame will be sharing some information about Interfaith and it's work and mission to address the needs and fill in the gaps in service for the homeless and vulnerable in Whatcom County, and how BUF is a part of this vital effort.  Interfaith provides a significant way for faith communities to work together in solidarity for the benefit of our community.  We are 41 congregations strong, and we believe that together we can do more.

May 10             “Saving the Future” with BUFster Ron Quinn

What must we change to create a future that provides for the inherent worth and dignity of every person, everywhere? Just about everything. Western models of sustainable development are insufficient. Two new models, regenerative development and eco-modernism, suggest other ways to take better care of everyone.

May 17                 “Bringing Compassion When Tragedies Occur” with Barb Skudlarick, Community Care Crisis Responders and Victim Support Specialist

Serving as a Support Officer since 2000, Barbara will explain the needs of people who receive news of a sudden death by accident, suicide, or homicide. A former flight attendant and nurse, Barb belongs to two aviation organizations and was deployed to assist the Pentagon after 9/11, Sen. Stevens' Alaskan aircraft crash, and Malaysia Airlines Fl #370, as well as coordinating Lummi Nation’s 3-week trip to deliver The Liberty and Freedom Poles to the Pentagon. Barb will describe what happens to people emotionally and physiologically after a tragic event, explain how we can validate people experiencing these responses, and how to phrase verbal support. She will also update us on resources and agencies available to assist with recovery.

May 24                 “Activism on Campus” with Esther Magasis, Community to 
                              Community

Esther will be holding a conversation regarding the difficulties involved with getting students involved with activist work in the current financial climate of academia.