The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is pleased to welcome Dr. Colin Johnson, assistant professor of political science at Idaho State University. Colin will speak about self-expression and politics, drawing on his personal experience of exploring his identity as a gay man while living in Russia and other places in the former USSR. His title, “Our Past Is on the Horizon,” comes from Osip Mandelstam’s 1921 essay, “The Word and Culture,” which questions the contradictions inherent to culture and to politics as we collectively work to redefine our common futures. Reflecting on his own experience of these contradictions, Colin will offer his perspective on perseverance in the midst of political exhaustion and tumult.”

Don Morishita is Worship Associate

Brian  Attebery, Professor Emeritus of English at Idaho State University will speak on the 1939 L. Frank Baum’s movie The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with Judy Garland. The story of Oz began in 1900, with L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

In that book and 13 sequels, Baum developed the idea of Oz not only as a place of magic but also as a utopian space of freedom, equality, and justice. He included powerful female figures, reflecting the influence of his wife’s mother, suffrage leader Matilda Joslyn Gage. Oz offered a refuge for everyone, no matter how eccentric or unusual, and, in the second volume, The Marvelous Land of Oz, he created one of the first transgender characters in children’s literature. Recent tributes to Baum’s vision include the book, stage, and movie versions of Wicked. 

Dave and Chris Woodhead are the owner/operators of The Lamphouse Theater in “Old Town Twin Falls.” This Sunday, Dave and Chris will give us a fascinating look at the history of The Lamphouse and how the establishment has come to be a community treasure. From free flicks to book swaps; from first run movies to camp favorites;  from Chautauqua talks and poetry readings to stand up comedians we’ll learn why The Lamphouse is the place to be for a plethora of reasons.

Perri Gardner will speak.

On this first Sunday in September, the Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will celebrate the beginning of the new church year by presenting the traditional Water Communion service, moderated by Anne Martin.
Members and guests are encouraged to bring a small amount of water which represents an experience with water in the last year which holds special importance to that person.  The water will be poured into a large bowl and that person will share why the water is so special.  At the end of the service, the combined water, symbol of a shared faith from many different sources will be taken outside to water and sustain the life of plants around the fellowship.

In celebration of the 7th Principle of the Unitarian Univeralists “Promoting respect for the interdependent web of all existene of which we are a part,” let’s share with each other how animals have touched our lives.

This service will be a potluck at Meloday and Charlie Lenkner’s home.

Please email mvuuf83301@yahoo.com for location and additional details.

Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is one of the greatest whitewater boating adventures in America.  The journey includes 225 river miles through one of the great natural wonders in the world.  Rock layers of many kinds become visible, the oldest about 2 billion years old.  In addition to fascinating geology, flora and fauna, flat water and huge rapids, the Canyon provides sufficient time to leave behind the usual constraints of society. 

With 18-21 days on the river, there is an opportunity to find your own natural rhythms and get in touch with who you really are.  There is ample opportunity for meditation and self-exploration both during and separate from the group chores.

There is magic in every direction.  The trip takes planning, commitment, teamwork, toil, the requirement to meet many challenges and to improvise.  The opportunity for personal growth there is greater than any other trip I have been on.  And even when it has been a difficult day, all you have to do is open your eyes, look anywhere, and enjoy some of the most spectacular views anywhere.

Join us as we discuss what is involved in such a trip, and some of the growth you can experience.

Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. Unitarian Universalists believe in the dignity of every person regardless of race, creed [or none at all], immigrant status or sexual orientation. 

Presented by Aurora Bolt

Worship Associate Michael Becerra

Contentment is often defined as a sense of happiness and satisfaction with one’s current circumstances. It is often associated with achievement of personal goals or having pleasurable experiences. Yoga teaching considers contentment or Santosha as an inner sense of ease that is not dependent on life circumstances. Contentment is having a calm and grateful heart and not desiring a certain outcome. This discussion will explore these ideas further and the practice of contentment.

“A contented heart is a calm sea in the midst of all storms.” Anonymous

“Contentment is the only real wealth.” Alfred Nobel

Presented by Collete Hogland

Worship Associate is Melody Lenkner

We depend on the efforts of insects for about 1/3 of the food that we eat. Bees and man have been connected historically almost from the beginning of written history. What is it about these stinging insects that inspires both fear and amazement?

Please join us as Kirk and Heidi Tubbs from Tubbs Berry Farm share their knowledge of bees and our connection to them.

Worship Associate is Melody Lenkner

From the time we were children, telling the truth and not lying are values that are ingrained in us. Telling the truth is probably one of the most difficult values to adhere to, but as we grow up, most of us understand the consequences of truths and lies. What is the impact of dishonesty by individuals in power have on us and our society? Is it okay to lie for “the good of the people”? Our fourth principle of Unitarian Universalism is a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Not only is this important in our spiritual journeys, but also for the health of our society. Join us as Don Morishita leads an exploration of the consequences lying has on society and what we as everyday citizens can do about it.

Associates are Aurora Bolt and Pam Blankenheim