November 17 Title: “What Curious George Can Teach Us” 

 Coordinator:  Ruth Charles    Speaker:  Pastor Corrine Haulotte  Click here for audio of presentation

While Curious George accompanied many of us in childhood, I believe he has at least as much to teach us now than ever. In holding compassionate curiosity for one another, perhaps it truly is possible to come together despite our differences. 

Corrine has been lucky to be part of the Winona community since 2013 when she moved here to become the campus pastor of the Lutheran Campus Center. She is married to Pastor Greg Schaefer and enjoys life with him, three kids, two dogs, and lots of good coffee, books, and trees. 

November 10 Title: Communicating across divides  Click here for audio of presentation

Coordinator: Steve Bibby   Speaker: Marcia Ratliff 

Engage Winona is a local nonprofit that drives equitable community change. Part of Engage Winona’s work is facilitating conversations that bring people together across dividing lines and create intentional spaces for relationship building. This presentation will outline tools for compassionate listening, healthy dialogue with folks you disagree with, and more.

Marcia Ratliff is the executive director of Engage Winona. She is also a poet and proud mama of a toddler.

November 3 Title:  Meaningful Grief Rituals

Coordinator: Debi Niebuhr Speaker:  Mary Kaye Perrin

As a long time member of Winona Area Hospice and the president of the board, I have helped devise bereavement ceremonies for our community.  I have also been involved in ceremonies in the Native American community as well as in Hispanic communities here and abroad.  I will present several rituals for the dead and ask the UU community to participate.

Mary Kaye Perrin is a retired English as a Second Language professor with 45 years of teaching experience. She formally directed the international program at St Mary’s University.

October 27 Title/topic: Lessons learned from and about grief  Click here for audio of presentation

Presenter: Eunie Alsaker; Coordinator: Ruth Charles

Eunie Alsaker has been the WSU grief counselor for the past 20+ years. She will share some of

the insights she has gained about grief from her students, her training, and her days on this

planet. She hopes that some of these insights will lead to greater self-compassion as well as

acceptance of and support for other.

October 20    click here for audio of presentation

Title/topic: Empowering Ambitions: Uniting for Women’s Education, Mentorship, and Equality

Presenter: Dr. Carolyn Colleen Bostrack; Coordinator: Julia Brekke

As a global community, we must support women and girls in achieving their ambitions by
backing education, mentorship programs, and women’s empowerment organizations. Together,
we can break down barriers and challenge systemic discrimination. By nurturing diversity,
inclusion, and a culture of respect for women and girls, we can create a future defined by
universal prosperity and justice.

October 13 Title/topic: Beyond Polarization: An Activist’s Practices

Presenter: Patrice Koelsch; Coordinator: Emilie Falc  Click here for audio of presentation

One of Patrice’s favorite quotes is “You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” — Angela Davis

Pema Chodron of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition offers insights on how to recognize and dismantle polarization. “We have a tendency to divide people, things, and ideas, into sharply contrasting categories. Consciously or unconsciously, We carry around concepts of us and them, right and wrong, worthy and unworthy. In this framework, there is not much room for a middle ground, everything is at one poll or another….[these problems] have their roots in the subtle workings of our own individual minds.

All of us to our own degree experience some feeling of opposition inside ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us. We are never quite satisfied with ourselves as we are, other people as they are. Often we feel this as an aversion to whatever we are experiencing. We don’t like what’s happening, and we want to get rid of it. This can start out as a subtle level of aversion which can grow into more obvious irritation. From there it may escalate to full-blown anger and hatred.” Coming from a Buddhist perspective, one can practice radical transformation by recognizing our conscious or unconscious tendencies toward division and aversion, and then practice an awakened heart to see others as fully human. (Emilie Falc will also be offering meditation from 9:00 to 9:45 AM in the classroom downstairs.)

September 29, 2024

Presenter: Nikki Civettini; Coordinator: Cole Loniello  Click here for audio of presentation  

The Platinum Rule: Treating Others as *They* Want to Be Treated

Our fellowship prides itself on being a welcoming community for people from all walks of life and with all kinds of differences. Like all humans, we are not perfect at this, and sometimes, we could do a better job of making others feel welcome, seen, and heard. Microaggressions take place in virtually all social contexts, and our fellowship is no exception. It is important to consider the duality of beliefs and actions. Believing with our whole hearts and minds that everyone should be treated with respect and kindness does not guarantee that others won’t walk away from our fellowship feeling hurt or disappointed. Though we never intend to do harm, we can harm unintentionally and even unknowingly, often because our privilege(s) can impede our understanding of others’ experiences.       

Would you like to learn collaboratively and think about how to treat others the way they want to be treated? Are you a bit confused about gender pronouns? Want to learn more about microaggressions and how you might be committing them unknowingly?  What groups experience microaggressions? Have you wondered what terms are appropriate to use when talking about people in the disability or neuro-divergent communities?  Do you have other questions or issues on this general topic that you’d like to discuss? Join us for a presentation and Q&A session about how we can continually work toward practicing the “platinum rule.” 

Nikki Civettini, a UUFW member for 13 years, is Professor of Sociology at Winona State University. She accepts the pronouns she/her or they/them. She teaches classes on gender, sexuality, physical and mental health, and family studies, highlighting the intersectionality of these topics with race and social class. Nikki earned her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 2009 with emphases in family sociology and social psychology and has published articles and books on the intersection of sexuality and gender, the division of household labor, religious conservatism and father involvement, emotions and task group efficiency, and labor history. She resides in Winona with her two teenagers and dog Bo

September 22, 2024                An Evolving UU

Presenter and Coordinator: Margret Kiihne 
 This Sunday, I’ll present an overview of our Fellowship and Unitarian Universalism with an emphasis on how the faith has evolved—and continues to do so with the new UUA Values approach. I hope also to give each of you in the room a framework to look into your own, evolving, spirituality. 

 Margaret and her husband Ray are founding members of this the fourth generation of a UU presence in Winona.  She is a retired middle and high school English teacher, born in Canada, raised in California, and interested in travel, collaging, and driving—anywhere!

September 15, 2024  Presenter: Michael Krueger; Coordinator: Jack Hedin  Click here for audio of presentation

Spiritual growth is often seen as an internal journey, but unless we choose to encounter others, the journey may be limited to our own narrow reflection.

Michael Krueger works in La Crosse as the Director of Affiliation for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Affiliation is a program that allows people to more actively participate in the mission, values, and outreach of the FSPA. Prior to starting this position in July of 2022, Michael worked as a social worker for Inclusa in Vernon County.

Other work experiences have included organizing volunteer/service opportunities for students at Edgewood College in Madison, working for Catholic Charities in La Crosse as the coordinator for the Place of Grace Catholic Worker House and later directing The Dwelling Place (an adult family home serving four residents with developmental disabilities).

September 8, 2024 Presenter: Paul Wotzka; Coordinators: Emilie Falc  click here for audio of presentation  

Water Service/ The Hydrologic Cycle here in Karst Country – what makes us so special!

Paul Wotzka is the Co-Founder of MNWOO (MN Well Owners Organization) My talk will cover a short overview of the components of the hydrologic and how they function in our unique landscape with special emphasis on the dominant influence of land use practices and how they affect the quality of our water upon which all life depends.

May 19: In Defense of a Search for God Presenter: Jac Miller; Coordinator: Jack Hedin   Click here for audio of presentation

Is God there? Will God come? How Will God show up? These have been important questions for Jac as they have navigated the last few years as a student of theology and religion. Jacob will give a talk on their seminary experience at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, and how it has shaped them as an artist, an academic, and as a person in an everlasting search for God. 

Jacob Miller (Jäc) is a very recent graduate of United Theological Seminary, where they received two Masters of Arts Degrees in Theology and Religion and Theology and the Arts. There, they focused on constructive and historic theologies, and the arts as a spiritual and devotional practice. Jäc has been a touring and teaching theatre artist in Minneapolis since graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2013.

May 12: My Experiences With Autism Presenters: Margaret Kiihne & Lilia Civettini   .Click here for audio of presentation

Lilia Civettini is a graduating senior from Riverway Learning Community. She will be working as a program assistant and unit counselor this summer at Camp Ehawee, and will be attending Winona State University in the fall. Lilia will be speaking on her experiences with autism and how the education system could change to better accommodate those on the spectrum 5/5:

ANNUAL MEETING Presenter & Coordinator: Barbara Hassing Our Annual Meeting is the time that we conduct the business of our Fellowship.  It provides an important opportunity for everyone to have a voice in our Fellowship. This year we will be electing two new board member and reviewing our finances. It is the place you can learn about the various committees and how to become involved in things that interest you

April 28:  The Eighth Principle, Article II, and Being a “Good UU”

Presenter: Phil Lund; Coordinator: Gail Opatz   Click here for audio of presentation

Since its introduction over a decade ago, the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism has been adopted by almost 300 UU congregations in North America. Also, for the last five years the UUA’s Article II Study Commission has been working on changes to the Association’s bylaws, changes that could ultimately replace our current Seven Principles. This morning we’ll explore how these two initiatives intersect and what they say about the future of our faith and what it means to be a “good UU.” Phil Lund’s bio is in the April Newsletter.

April 21: What will we UUs covenant to, Principles or Values?  You’ll have a vote!

Presenter: Margaret Kiihne; Coordinator: Columba “Cole” Loniello  Click here for audio of presentation

In the Unitarian Universalist Association Bylaws, Article II covers the Principles and Purposes of the Association.  You know, those familiar 7 Principles we’ve been talking about over the past two years.  Members covenant to pledge themselves to those Principles.  But ours is a “living tradition,” and after two years of work, the Article II Study Commission has proposed a Values Approach rather than those Principles as the touchstone for our faith.  With the help of handouts and a Q&A, Margaret will explain the changes and present the pro’s and con’s.  The final decision will be made at the UUA General Assembly in June where our Fellowship has one vote, so we will poll everyone in order to cast a vote accurately reflecting our congregation.  I think it’s very interesting and hope you’ll come on in on the process.  (Margaret and her husband Ray have been UUs for about 50 years and were two of the founders of this, the fourth—and longest surviving—generation of a UU Fellowship in Winona).

April 14: My Journey as a Black Man              Presenter: Gilbert Jordan; Coordinator: John Collins  Click here for audio of presentation

Gil Jordan is the proprietor of Uncle Gil’s Cutz barbershop in the Kensington. He agreed to tell his story as an African American man, from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to living in Minnesota.

April 7: Stop, Look and Listen – There is Beauty All Around Us

Presenter: Donna Smith; Coordinator: Ruth Charles   click here for audio of presentation

Donna Smith – Horticulturist, Fly Angler, Outdoors woman and Nature Lover.  Donna has spent many years enjoying the outdoors: from a young girl at camp to working at an Arboretum and now in the fly fishing industry.  She will speak on how our lives are interconnected with the natural world around us.

March 31: An Immigrant’s Journey from the Sudan to Winona

Presenter: Becry Abdel-Magid; Coordinator: John Collins  Click here for audio of presentation

3/24: The Relationship between Earth and Human Beings and the Need for Reciprocity

Presenter: Tracy Littlejohn; Coordinator: Lynne Rabuse  Click here for audio of presentation

Ms. Littlejohn will be speaking based on her experiences and teachings as a Hoocak woman.

3/10: A Resource in Crisis: Groundwater Contamination in SE Minnesota

Presenter: Kelley Stanage and Cherie Hales; Coordinator: Jack Hedin  Click here for audio of presentation

Kelley and Cherie will share information about water quality in  Winona County, health impacts of drinking contaminated water, and talk about what the Coalition has accomplished and future plans.

3/3:  Care for the Earth and Right Sharing of Resources.

Presenter: Dan Wilson; Coordinator: Gail Opatz  Click here for audio of presentation

Winona Friends will discuss Quaker’s belief in the “Divine Light” in all things and their testimonies of Care for the Earth and Equality

2/25: More Musings of a Gay Man, Part 2 1975-1990   VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE: CLICK HERE Presenter: Steve Bibby; Coordinator: Julia Brekke    Click here for audio of presentation

Steve hails from South Dakota. He received a BS degree from Mankato State in Urban and Environmental Studies in 1974. He spent his career in various capacities of the construction industry. His last gig was running his small remodeling business for 19 years in Texas. After retiring, he moved to Winona in 2019 and joined the UU Fellowship. Steve reports, “I just love Winona!” In 2021, he gave a presentation on his experiences growing up – “First Inklings Through Coming Out.” The upcoming talk will be his gay experiences in young adulthood while living in Minneapolis. This presentation may be filmed but only his image will be captured.

2/18: Death, Community, and Social Justice     click here for audio of presentation

Presenter: Colette Hyman; Coordinator: Emilie Falc

Colette Hyman is an MSW student at Winona State University, preparing to work in the field of end-of-life care. As part of this process, she is exploring intersections of care, community, spirituality, social justice, and her own Jewish traditions and teachings.

2/11, 10:30 AM in Wesley Sanctuary: “Two hearts and four hands”  click here for youtube link to service

Presenter: Deanne Mohr and Eric Brisson; Coordinator: John Collins

Pianists Deanne Mohr and Eric Brisson will perform works for piano solo and piano four hands, including excerpts from Beethoven’s Sonata op.81a (“Les Adieux”), Mozart’s Fantasia/Sonata in C minor, K.475/457, Brahms’ Intermezzi op.117 and Ravel’s “Ma mère l’Oye”. They moved from Montreal to Winona very shortly after getting married in 2002, having completed their doctoral studies in piano performance at the University of Montreal. They are both professors at WSU and currently Co-Chairs of the Department of Music. Additionally, Eric is Director of Music at Wesley United

2/4 The Global Ethic & Pope Francis’ Laudato Si     click here for audio of presentation

Presenter: Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, Ph.D; Coordinator: Lynne Rabuse

The Global Ethic, the signature document of the Parliament of the World’s Religions since 1993, and the Roman Catholic Encyclical, Laudato Si & #39; – On Care For Our Common Home, promulgated by Pope Francis on May 24, 2015, are two landmark statements on care for the Earth. In 2018, after a lengthy process of consultation with scholars and leaders from various religions and regions, language elaborating a commitment to a culture of sustainability and care for the Earth was added to the Global Ethic. Laudato Si & #39 critique consumerism and irresponsible development, warn of environmental degradation and climate change, and call for spiritual and moral conversion to sustainable lifestyles, as well as ecological education. Pope Francis’ October 4, 2023, Laudato Deum, published prior to and COP 28, will also be included. Dr. Dawn M. Nothwehr, OSF, an expert on Laudato Si & #39; and the Global Ethic will compare and contrast the two documents in light of the UU Principle 7

1/28: No More Deaths and Border Issues              click here for audio of presentation

Presenter: Dan Wilson; Coordinator: Columba “Cole” Loniello

Dan Wilson is a Quaker and farmer south of Winona. From 2013 to 2015 he provided humanitarian aid in the deserts of the U.S./Mexico border and continues to stay involved and connected to those groups. He will talk about the work of No More Deaths and other humanitarian aid groups, provide updates on militia activity on the border, and talk about the work we can do here in Winona.

1/21: What Happened to Democracy Around the World?       click here for audio of presentation Presenter: Yogesh Glover; Coordinator: Columba “Cole” Loniello Yogesh Grover is a professor of Political Science in the Department of Global Studies and World Languages at Winona State University. His teaching includes courses on international relations – such as International Political Economy, Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism, Issues in International Politics, Democracy and Its Challenges, and Global Studies.

1/7: Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?            click here for audio of presentation Presenter: Cole Loniello    Coordinator: Julia Brekke Cole Loniello is a social services worker for Legacies, a position he has held since May 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (with a minor in Philosophy) from Winona State University and a Master of Arts in Sociology from Sam Houston State University. A well-read individual, he will be speaking on the late Mark Fisher’s 2009 book, Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?. He will be summarizing the three-hour tome in a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation and its connections to the Fifth Principle. 12/10: The Chronicles of Narnia and the Sixth Principle. Coordinators: Charlie & Gail Opatz;  Presenter: Corrine Haulotte;    click here for audio of presentation One of Corrine’s favorite parts of The Chronicles of Narnia comes to mind as she reflected upon the Sixth Principle. Though it may seem naïve to imagine and work for a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, she would rather be a fool trying to bring about that than throw up her hands and give up. Or, as Puddleglum put it, ‘Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things – trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have…We’re just babies making up a game, if you’re right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That’s why I’m going to stand by the play-world. I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Aslan to lead it. I’m going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn’t any Narnia.’ 12/3:  Director; Advocacy Center of Winona, speaking on the Sixth Principle, Presenter: Crystal Hegge Coordinators: Charlie & Gail Opatz;     click here for audio of presentation    “The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.” The ACW empowers victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence. It began operations in 1978 as the Women’s Resource Center when there were no services for women who wanted to protect themselves or their children from a violent spouse or father. These were issues that were not brought up in polite conversations. In 2019 the Women’s Resource Center changed their name to the Advocacy Center of Winona to be more inclusive to the individuals we serve. The ACW provides services to individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. The ACW’s vision is to create a safer community by ending domestic and sexual violence. The ACW exists to create a reality which affirms the dignity of all people, and the rights of all to freedom from violence, economic independence, and access to political power. We advocate for an individual’s rights to self-determination and self-direction and the end of all forms of oppression. 11/5: Armenia, Justice, and Compassion.   click here for audio of presentation    Presenter: Sarah Dixen; Coordinator:Gail Opatz How a denied genocide has continuing repercussions and how using the power of critical thinking we can address wrongs of the past and have compassion towards current conflicts. 10/29: The Cultivation of Conscience  (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Rick Kyte; Coordinator: Karen Linn The Fifth Principle talks about a commitment to “cultivate our own conscience.” But how are we to do that? And how do we know when our conscience is providing good guidance rather than bad? The key, it turns out, lies in friendship. Without friends, there is no conscience, there is only opinion. 10/22: The Road to Conscientious Objection; What Does It All Mean Anyway? (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Bob Redig; Coordinator: Karen Linn How do you turn 180 degrees in two years?

10/15: Why I Think the UU Fifth Principle (“The Right of Conscience” and “The Democratic Process”) is the most Important UU Principle and How This Principle Has Affected My Life Choices  (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Brian Pruka; Coordinator: John Collins What do we do when our moral or ethical “conscience” conflicts with “democratically derived” laws or “emergency rules?” What if our conscience conflicts with the majority opinion of our peers or work colleagues? What exactly is “The Democratic Process?” Is there only one Democratic Process, or are there numerous democratic processes, with some being “more democratic” than others? Winona UU friend and attendee Brian Pruka will share how these questions have directed some of his life choices. 

10/8: Right Relationship as Right Belief & Right Action (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Dr. Je Hooper; Coordinator: Karen Linn Examination and reflection of the principles of democracy in congregational formation. What voice is missing at the table for change? 10/1 The Fifth UU Principle (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Matthew Bosworth; Coordinator: Columba ‘Cole’ Loniello The fifth UU principle is ‘The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.’ This principle notes two very important values, both for UUs and our broader society. What happens when these values are in tension, though – can they be reconciled? Professor Matt Bosworth, Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Winona State (and UU member), will address these questions through a look at some recent U.S. Supreme Court cases where one side claims rights of conscience, and the other stresses the democratic will of the public. Hopefully, these issues will provoke some debate. 9/24: The Right of conscience and the Importance of a Democratic Process as Seen Through the Eyes of Joe Morse and Loretta Frederick  (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Loretta Frederick; Coordinator: John Collins People who are engaged in social change work, especially that which is focused on promoting justice, undermining oppressive social structures, and improving the lives of the least privileged among us, often disagree on which strategies to employ

May 21: A Shift from Head to Heart: A New Game in the 4^th Quarter (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Randy Schenkat; Coordinator: Karen Linn Stan Pollock Lecture: In pursuit of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, Randy Schenkat will chronicle the dilemmas that drove his near 50-year search for a more just, empowered community through his work with the College of St Teresa, the Winona Public Schools, and the Winona Council for Quality.  These efforts called for change in the workings of organizations. He will shift to an inner lens and share his current personal journey in finding a deeper sense of the peace that passes understanding.   Finally, he will blend the inner and outer areas in a prototype learning program that could find a home in Unitarian Universalist and other churches as they quest for a fairer world.  

May 14: Un/masking: Portraits of post traumatic growth and resilience   (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Joy Davis Ripley; Coordinator: Karen Linn Joy Davis Ripley, a professor, community artist, and mother, is originally from Tennessee, where she took the comparatively mild winters for granted.  She has made her home in Winona for nearly 20 years, yet she continues to be amazed by the beauty of the natural world and the kindness of the community.  In her most recent projects, Joy has explored mental illness and trauma.  Her current work focuses on strategies of resilience and hope.

April 23: Heartstrings Presenter: Matt Hoarn; Coordinator: Jack Hedin  (click here for audio of presentation) The topic this Sunday will be on music and its effect on the life journey of four members of our congregation. Each member will play some music and speak a bit. We will be hearing from musicians spanning across several generations and varying interests.

April 16: Spiritual Growth: It’s Not Just for Individuals Anymore  click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Phil Lund; Coordinator: Karen Lin Phil Lunn is a representative of our Unitarian Universalist MidAmerica region. When our 3rd principle says “encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations,” what does it mean? Does it apply only to individuals, or to the entire congregation? If Unitarian Universalism is to remain relevant, perhaps it’s time for us to move from a spirituality of “me” to one of “we.”

April 9: Truth According to Plato (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Rafael Narváez; Coordinator: Cole Loniello  This presentation focuses on Plato’s ideas about truth as a path to the divine, which for him is the domain of transcendent beauty.

April 2: Truth and Meaning: The Search Continues (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: John Chernega; Coordinator: Gail Opatz In The Divine Comedy, Dante says, “Consider your origin. You were not formed to live like brutes but to follow virtue and knowledge.” In Kevin Smith’s Clerks, Dante says, “I’m not even supposed to be here today.” Thinking about UU’s fourth principle (A free and responsible search for truth and meaning), our speaker John Chernega will consider questions about which virtues to follow and where, if anywhere, we’re supposed to be.

2022

Dec. 11 & 18 (no audio) Dec. 4: Liberation Struggles—Past and Present (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Mary Jo Klinker; Coordinator: Karen Linn This presentation discusses the intersection of racial justice and queer liberation struggles both currently and historically. Nov. 13: THE JOURNEY IS THE GIFT (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Jana Craft; Coordinator: Gail Opatz Jana will speak on The Intersection of Spirituality with Justice, Equality and Compassion in Business. Nov. 6: CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Doug Nopar; Coordinator: John Collins Discontent from a young age with the comfortable surroundings he grew up with in suburban Chicago, Doug Nopar set out on a life that his family did not really understand (even though they profoundly influenced it), yet ultimately grew to embrace and endorse. A longtime community organizer, and a rural Winona resident on a small farm since 1985, Doug will offer perspective on the Unitarian theme of “justice, equity and compassion in our human relationship.” He will share stories of the people that influenced him, the circumstances of life that shaped him, and the friends, family and community members that both challenged and supported him. Oct. 30: “WALK RIGHT IN, SIT RIGHT DOWN …” (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Margaret Kiihne; Coordinator: Deborah Brekke Today’s service has been created especially for visitors and newcomers.  With the band, we’ll sing our Fellowship song “When I’m With You” and a Gospel-inspired jug band song.  The program will cover the history and differences between Unitarian and Universalism, creed/dogma and our 7 Principles, examples of UU social justice work, Religious Education content, and more.  The overall theme is one of welcome, so we encourage everyone to invite your friends, neighbors, family—of any age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, or cultural background—to “Walk, roll, skip right in…”! Oct. 23: OUR FIRST UU PRINCIPLE (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Karen Linn The inherent worth and dignity of every person. Our first principle, yet many in our world, continent, country, state, and yes, even next door neighbors hold those rights for some but not all. Who deserves them? Who doesn’t deserve them? More importantly, why is this even a debate? Oct. 16:  WELCOMING THE STRANGER (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Dwayne Voegeli & Hussain Ali; Coordinator: Deborah Brekke Dwayne Voegeli gives an overview of the Winona Afghan Support Network (WASN) that began just over one year ago. This new community network is currently sponsoring 17 Afghan refugees in Winona. This group was founded on a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. One of the local Afghan refugees, Hussain Ali, shares parts of his story. The WASN Web Page: www.afghanwinona.org Oct. 9: VOICES WITHIN (click here for audio of presentation) Presenter: Tony Lawler; Coordinator: John Collins Tony explores “voices within” and how the voices in his life have built his self-worth and how this connects us to each other. Also, the flip side of negative voices that can damage a person’s self-worth.