2024

December 29 – Loving Where We Live, with Upstream Minnesota Executive Director Andy Goldman-Gray
Our Speaker this Sunday, Andy Goldman-Gray, a member of Unity Unitarian in St. Paul and the Executive Director of Upstream Minnesota, has spent his career helping connect people with their passion for community service. He has led campaigns that have raised billions of dollars for community issues such as his involvement in helping start GiveMN, and he takes pride in his ability to connect with people from across political, racial and geographic differences. As stated on the Upstream web site, “Living Upstream” means sharing a common love of our state’s natural places, and demonstrating our way of caring for it. Expect to hear… a daily dose of optimism, hope and connection in his talk with us.
Video link
https://youtu.be/AsyiIPUXDd8

December 22 – Pilgrim House Holiday Celebration
Please join us for our always-special intergenerational Pilgrim House holiday program, complete with group caroling, favorite holiday readings, seasonal music, a performance by the Pilgrim House Chorale, a special guest (possibly from the far north) with a story to read and a big red bag, favorite foods, and more … plus don’t forget to bring your favorite holiday food for our traditional potluck finger foods feast after the program.
Video link
https://youtu.be/068eiAP-nwM
https://www.pilgrimhouseuua.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241222-PhCC-HolidayProgram.txt

December 15 – Broadway tunes for the Holiday Season with Kate Beahen & Bradley Beahen
Many will remember the powerful PH performance of actress and singer Kate Beahen several years ago. Various PH members have also attended her performances at Crooners and other venues in the Twin Cities. Kate returns to Pilgrim house this Sunday for a special program of Broadway and Jazz music for the Holiday season. On this visit she’ll be accompanied by her brother Bradley, who has national and local credentials in performing and directing. For a morning to remember, don’t miss this very special performance on the 15th!
Video link https://youtu.be/M6qbnN22LUs

December 8 – Future Of Food Production
Our speaker, Mary Rogers, is a University of Minnesota horticultural entomologist. Her research focus has been integrated pest management, plant‐insect interactions and biological and environmental strategies to manage invasive insect species and improve the production of vegetables and fruit for organic and local markets in the upper Midwest. We anticipate that we’ll all be benefiting from the fruits of her compelling research.
Video link
https://youtu.be/anRFJ4XInPs

December 1 – Stories from the Rez
Mel Aanerud
Many of you know that PH member Mel Aanerud managed an electronics plant on the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation in the 1970’s. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is a federally recognized American Indian tribal government whose members have lived for generations in east-central Minnesota. In Sunday’s presentation Mel will share personal stories and observations from his time working on the Reservation for an inciteful look inside one of Minnesota’s largest reservations.
Video link
https://youtu.be/Onh6a0ynqOA

November 24 –
Pilgrim House Thanksgiving Celebration
Join us as we come together to celebrate Thanksgiving in advance of Thanksgiving Day this coming week! With special focus on our younger members, music, a performance by the Pilgrim House Chorale, seasonal readings, poetry, and more, you won’t want to miss this very special program. And for those participating live at Pilgrim House, don’t forget to bring a dish to pass to accompany the provided ham, scalloped potatoes and pecan pie for our traditional pot luck feast immediately after the program.
Video link
https://youtu.be/vxz6teI6v6g
https://www.pilgrimhouseuua.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/241124-PhCC-Thanksgiving.txt

November 17 – On Being Human Part 2 – Rev Leslie Mills
Rev Leslie Mills continues her series from last month.
It can be argued that religious community is where we come together to figure out what it means to be human. What might this mean following the election? Drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophy, we will explore different concepts of what it means to be an individual in relationship, perhaps even elevating our experience of our daily life from mundane to mythic.
Video link:

November 10 – Medal of Honor with Doug Ohman
Do you know how many Minnesotans have received the Medal of Honor? Why they were awarded? Join author and photographer Doug Ohman, our friend and annual presenter, as he honors many of the brave Minnesotans who earned this highest military distinction. Hear some of the incredible stories from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. We present this timely program the day before Veterans Day – Inspirational and instructional.
Video link https://youtu.be/lfqmI40XmpU

November 3 – Ramsey County Recycling 101, Mariah Quick, Environmental Health Educator and Ramsey County Recycling Ambassador Coordinator.
The EPA says 75% of our waste stream is recyclable, but many have little understanding how recycling actually works, which products can be recycled, and which cannot. It’s no wonder that “wishcycling” is one of the biggest challenges facing the recycling industry to date. It only takes one non-recyclable item to contaminate an entire load of recyclables and force recyclers to send them to a landfill. This Sunday we’re pleased to welcome Ramsey County Recycling Ambassador Coordinator Mariah Quick to help us all become better, more responsible and effective recyclers.
Video link https://youtu.be/fvOq4X7RkRs

October 27 – United Church Of Christ, Potential Partner for Social Issues
Rev T. Michael Rock, Adjunct Faculty, United Theological Seminary
Since its founding almost 70 years ago as a liberal Christian denomination, like the UUA, the United Church of Christ has long been a strong proponent of social action. Historically the UUA and UCC have frequently joined forces to that end. Many of the UU ministers and ministerial interns who have spoken at Pilgrim House were ordained at the UCC’s United Theological Seminary, originally in New Brighton and now in St. Paul. To quote from the Seminary’s mission statement … “United Theological Seminary prepares innovative and compassionate leaders for the equipping of churches, other faith communities, and society toward justice and peace.” Many of you may also know that the UUA and UCC jointly operate Star Island, which offers an all-inclusive summer camp experience for families, themed conferences and personal retreats off the New Hampshire Coast . Given our congruent goals, the UUA has suggested that its congregations may find leverage and advantage in partnering with UCC congregations in potential social action initiatives of common interest. With that in mind we have invited the Reverend T. Michael Rock, an instructor at the United Seminary, to share with us information about the UCC’s activity in that area.
Video link https://youtu.be/tKtJxB-d6KA

October 20 – What Does it Mean to be “Human?” Leslie Mills, 1 of 4
We’re pleased to welcome Rev. Leslie Mills back to Pilgrim House for a four-part series on a topic that has intrigued scholars, mystics, and theologians across continents and cultures ever since our species was able to differentiate itself from other animals. The question leads to other questions: Are we born human or do we become human? How does our definition of being human influence how we treat one another? In what ways does our understanding of our humanity inspire growth in our personal lives and relationships? What sorts of communities do we create when we share an understanding of our humanity?
As we deepen our own understanding of these answers we are left with a profound opportunity to grow into our own humanity, and provide space for others to do the same. Join with us in this lively conversation on Sunday.
Video link https://youtu.be/2i4D-dyRkWE

October 13 – Alexandra House, Mission and Programs, Amanda Fulk
In recognition of Domestic Violence Month in October, this Sunday we’ll be exploring the mission and impactful programs of Alexandra House, with which Pilgrim House has a long history of engagement and support. Alexandra House provides critical services to abuse victims, including in part a safe place to stay and emotional assistance. Amanda Fulk, Community Engagement Coordinator for Alexandra House, will share details about the organization’s important mission and programs, and their positive results.
Video link https://youtu.be/tZ8n6cYNCpo
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October 6 – Start of the Night – the Nicholas Winton Story, Caren Stelson, Author
During this time of Rosh Hashana we are pleased to have author Caren Stelson share her book on the courageous children of the Czech Kindertransport. This story may be one of the few hopeful stories emerging from the Holocaust, celebrating the humanity of Nicholas Winton who saved over 600 Prague children from the Holocaust by arranging their transport to England during the war. We’re sure you’ll be deeply touched by this emotionally powerful story, as presented by the author herself who wrote the book about it.
Video link https://youtu.be/gWthVlOQbtQ

September 29 – Doug Wood Stories, Books, and Music with Steve Borgstrom
Doug Wood has long been a favorite at Pilgrim House. Author, illustrator, musician, naturalist, wilderness guide, and more. This Sunday he again brings his talents to Pilgrim House along with his musical partner Steve Borgstrom. And just a few days ago Doug’s latest book, “A Wild Path”, received one of the most prestigious awards in the nation – a first-place Gold Medal from the Midwest Book Awards. Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to hear the music of Doug and Steve plus help celebrate Doug’s recent prestigious award!
Video link https://youtu.be/TlJbgfR5vXE

September 22 – Minnesota County Commissioner of the Year Victoria Reinhardt
Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt was first elected to the District 7 seat in 1996. After 28 years of consequential service, particularly to her Pilgrim House constituents, she has chosen to retire. In addition to being Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners and its Budget Committee, she serves on multiple local, state and national boards and committees, and has presented internationally on environmental issues. Commissioner Reinhardt will talk about the development of Rice Creek Commons, the expanded services at the Recycling and Energy Center, and other issues such as transportation, housing, health and social services, including prevention of domestic abuse, and libraries. She has received many awards in recognition of her service, including being named Commissioner of the year in 2012 by the Association of Minnesota Counties.
Commissioner Reinhardt earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1996, a M.B.A. in 1999 and a Doctorate of Public Administration in 2007.
Video link https://youtu.be/7KzCrlNnquw

September 15 – Beyond Just One Election, featuring Karen Wills, UU the Vote MN
The Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance connects our 27 UU congregations with state and national partners as a trusted guide for statewide social justice and environmental action. Sunday’s program highlights Minnesota UU’s work to preserve and expand the current razor-thin progressive majority in our state legislature in order to protect reproductive rights, gender-affirming healthcare for our residents, and as an enlightened refuge for the upper Midwest. Learn how YOU can make a difference.
Video link https://youtu.be/rOKn7a2o8ms

September 8 – Water Communion
Join us for this Welcome Back from summer break. Youth participation encouraged! Bring some water from a place that you visited during the summer and/or talk about that place. Talk about how water is important to you. Pilgrim House member and former legislator Paul Gardner will bring us water updates from his current position at Minnesota’s Clean Water Council. Paul will share his thoughts on how we can manage our “extra” water, since we had such a wet summer.
Video link https://youtu.be/2evHXiCYidA

August 18 – Norway House
Race Fisher, Development Associate, will give a presentation about the past, present, and future of Norway House. Norway House is a cultural center dedicated to connecting the United States and contemporary Norway through arts, business, and culture.
Video link https://youtu.be/uMmEb6iDDA8
July 20 – Don Allan Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life for former Pilgrim House member Don Allan was held at Pilgrim House. The video includes the full program with about 14½ minutes of the slideshow before the actual program begins.
Video link: https://youtu.be/GcPHqWHIpQY

July 14 – Oliver Kelley Farm with Kelsey Butler
The Oliver Kelley Farm is recognized as “the birthplace of organized agriculture in America.” Oliver Hudson Kelley and his family began farming the land on the banks of the Mississippi River in 1850. Kelley was the founder of the first successful national farming organization, the Patrons of Husbandry, better known as the Grange. The Oliver Kelley Farm is a National Historic Landmark. Kelsey Butler, program supervisor at the Oliver Kelley Farm, will give a brief overview of their programs, seasonal experiences, and annual calendar. She can even bring some of their chickens so folks can meet some of the farm’s animals.
Video link: https://youtu.be/B6_xhiWd8TI

June 2 – Flower Communion & Annual Meeting
Each year at this time we celebrate the conclusion of another program year and the start of the next with a Flower Communion ceremony. Bring a flower from your garden or select a provided flower at the door to add to the fellowship bouquet, reflecting the beauty of our diversity and what each of us individually brings to Pilgrim House. As we conclude Sunday’s meeting, take home a flower from the fellowship bouquet representing what the fellowship gives back to each of us.
Our Annual Meeting and a luncheon provided by the Hospitality Team will follow immediately after Flower Communion. All are welcome.
Video link: https://youtu.be/5YZhtQIUtGo

May 19 – Tiny Fields Project, Emily Organ
Founded in 2013 by our speaker, agricultural educator and North Minneapolis resident Emily Organ, the Tiny Fields Project encourages community gardening on small plots. Over the years this innovative program has connected neighbors to neighbors through agriculture across the Victory, Cleveland, Shingle Creek, Folwell, Near North and Willard Hay Neighborhoods. Participants have reported up to a 30% decrease in dollars spent on groceries as a result, not to mention the community building aspects of the project. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about this amazing grass roots success story directly from the project’s founder!
Video link https://youtu.be/2DmUv4CRIVQ

May 12 – The Natural Connection of Mind and Body
Johathan Poppele, Head Instructor for Minnesota Ki-Akido in St Paul Earlier in this program-year Rev. Leslie Mills spoke to the natural connection of mind and body through the practice of Ki-Aikido, which builds on ancient Japanese traditions and modern thinking along four basic principles: Center, Relax, Settle, and Connect. Head Instructor for Minnesota Ki-Aikido in St. Paul, MN, Jonathan Poppele, helps people connect more deeply to themselves, to others, and to the natural worlds through instruction in meditation, breathing, bodywork, and the peaceful martial art of Ki-Aikido. Here he provides a deeper investigation into the principles and techniques recently introduced by Rev. Mills.
Video link: https://youtu.be/R-Iqc6wD-rA

May 5 – Keeping Minnesota the Sate That Votes, Lori Sturdevant, Journalist, Retired Columnist, Author, and Editor
One of our congregation’s favorite speakers, retired Star Tribune columnist Lori Sturdevant, returns to Pilgrim House to talk about the recent steps made by the Legislature to assure that Minnesota continues to be known as “the state that votes.” She’ll update the case made in her 2020 book, “Turnout”, co-authored with past Minnesota Secretary of State Joan Anderson Growe.
Video link https://youtu.be/S41bWy4s5UY
April 28 – Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), Sarah Martin and Lucia Wilkes-Smith
Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) is a member-based organization whose mission is to oppose U.S. militarism and involvement in wars. In these troubled times, questions regarding US involvement or support of various conflicts has increasingly come to the fore. While all might not agree with WAMM’s stance on some issues, these issues demand our attention and engagement. We’re pleased to welcome WAMM Board Member and advocate Sarah Martin and Lucia Wilkes-Smith to help us explore these questions.
Video link: https://youtu.be/A0MJGGvEsrs

April 21 – Hospice Care & End-of-Life Doulas, Cori Ballew and Dawn Van Camp
Explore innovative ways to care for and honor individuals and their families near the end of life (EOL). One of these ways is through the use of end-of-life doulas. Learn more about what an EOL Doula is, how they are utilized at Ecumen Hospice, and other ways of supporting EOL care for those in our community. Our presenters, Cori Ballew and Dawn Van Camp, an end of life Doula, work with Ecumen Hospice Volunteer Services to connect people in the community with opportunities to be part of the end-of-life care of hospice patients.
Video link: https://youtu.be/pGJT8ZPcTls

April 14 – Pop Wagner and the Hampden Rounders – With Pop Wagner, Adam Granger, Tom Schaefer
As a respite from weighty questions, at PH we periodically reserve a Sunday to simply kick back and enjoy the music and community. This is one of those Sundays. We’re excited to welcome troubadour, guitarist, fiddler, recording artist and cowboy poet Pop Wagner to Pilgrim House along with the Hampden Rounders. You’ve heard them on the radio and seen them in video and film … now you can hear them in person in our intimate setting. We hope to see you there. Don’t miss it!
Video link https://youtu.be/2seTCqYX4oo
These musicians, Pop Wagner, Adam Granger, Tom Schaefer, are world class. We are so fortunate to have them at PH. Just look at these accomplishments:
Pop Wagner has quite the reputation as a singer, picker, fiddler, lasso twirler, poet and downright funny guy. He appeared quite frequently on Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion during the show’s formative years and for the last five decades he has worked his cowboy magic throughout 44 states and 13 foreign countries. https://popwagner.com/
Adam Granger has played the guitar since 1961, having taught himself in his native Oklahoma. He started teaching and performing professionally in 1962. After playing in the obligatory folk and rock and roll groups around the state of Oklahoma, he took up 5-string banjo, which he learned from world-class banjoist Alan Munde in 1967. He played banjo and electric lead guitar in Arkansas, Oklahoma and on the road out of Nashville through 1972. Adam then moved back to Oklahoma, where he played guitar in the infamous bluegrass band The Upper Middle Grass. In 1974, Granger moved to Minnesota, where he became a charter member of the Powdermilk Biscuit Band, the first house band for Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. During that time, he also wrote for the show and, on several occasions, substitute-hosted for Keillor. https://adamgranger.weebly.com/about-adam.html
Tom Schaefer Fiddle As Tom Schaefer entered medical school at the University of South Dakota, he decided he wanted to learn to play the fiddle. With a few years of transferrable music experience – and a whole lot of hard work – he was able to make the instrument sound good. So good, that just three years after learning, he won first place at the 1978 South Dakota Fiddle Contest. After his win, he was quickly scooped up by the Rocky Mountain Oysters, an up-and-coming name in the Upper Midwest music scene. The Oysters played it all – classical, bluegrass, folk, pop, and even the international flavorings of Celtic. Schaefer’s musical style stems from the budding, dynamic music scene that inspired the sounds of the Rocky Mountain Oysters during the late 70’s and early 80’s. The now-retired anesthesiologist – who currently resides in Minneapolis – attributes much of his musical success to his practice in medicine. “Music has given me the sensation of tension and release. I think music and medicine benefit each other, at least for me they have. I like using both sides of my brain.” https://www.tonyrookmusic.com/about

April 7 – Healing the Earth – A Path to Zero Net Carbon, Professor Kim Stelson
We’re pleased to welcome University of Minnesota Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, MIT and Stanford graduate Kim Stelson, to share his insights into one of our most critical environmental issues. A periodic visitor at Pilgrim House, in addition to his teaching and research Professor Stelson is the founding director of the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP), a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, and has published numerous papers in related fields.
Video link: https://youtu.be/BGPAd2Q88_0
Professor Kim Stelson also provided the following recommended reading list:
- M. Alvera, The Hydrogen Revolution: A Blueprint for the Future of Clean Energy, Basic Books, New York, 2021.
- B. Gates, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solution We have and the Breakthroughs We Need, Alfred, Knopf, New York, 2021.
- K. Hayhoe, Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, One Signal Publishers, New York, 2022.
- M. E. Mann, The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet, Public Affairs, New York, 2021.
- M. E. Mann and T. Toles, The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics, and Driving Us Crazy, Columbia University Press, New York, 2016.
- N. Oreskes and E. M. Conway, Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming, Bloomsbury, New York, 2010.

March 31 – Spring Celebration
Welcome spring and the earth’s re-awakening with a festive morning of music, readings, food and fellowship for all ages, with special emphasis and activities for children, grandchildren, and anyone young at heart! Families and extended families are especially welcome.
Video timings:
14:25-18:50 Kids Entertainment. Nancy Olson "If You Plant a Seed" The kids were interactive! Dick stepped up and did a great job helping with the Mic. Lollie was using her phone in "Share" mode to page the pics on the screen. Terrific! (People may not realize how much is going on in the background.) 22:40-26:24 "Let All the World in Every Corner Sing" Chorale 31:10-34:34 Ellen Shelton Readings 35:48-41:00 "The Parting Glass" Carol Gross 42:50-58:10 Bruce France Readings 59:10-1:01:20 "Rise Up with a Shouting" Chorale
Video link https://youtu.be/E_fSqgAur0Y

March 24 – Living as Transgender, Ellie Krug
Persons who are transgender have become far more visible, which has partly resulted in greater societal acceptance but also greater marginalization if not outright oppression. What does it mean to identify as “trans” or nonbinary, in 2024? Join national speaker, diversity consultant, author, and retired civil trial lawyer Ellen “Ellie” Krug as she shares the current state of anti-trans politics, and how she and every other transgender and nonbinary person has a target on their back.
Video link https://youtu.be/kp5TVksYjgw
Ellie replied to a request for a suggested reading list:
Quick Resources
- Brene Brown on understanding and valuing the power of human vulnerability: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability?language=en
- Tony Hoagland, “The Cure for Racism is Cancer,” The Sun Magazine (September 2018) https://www.thesunmagazine.org/issues/513/the-cure-for-racism-is-cancer
- Rebecca Muller, “14 People on the Moment of Kindness that Changed Their Lives,” Shine (December 4, 2018) https://advice.shinetext.com/articles/14-people-on-the-moment-of-kindness-that-changed-their-lives/?utm_campaign=SMS&utm_medium=BroadcastPopCulture&utm_source=Shine
- National Public Radio, “Study: Poor Are More Charitable Than The Wealthy” (2010): https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129068241
- Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas Kristof, Half the Sky (New York: Vintage, 2010) (a groundbreaking book about the second-class status of women in the world and how women and girls have overcome crushing adversity).
- LGBTQ+ Affirming Books for Christians, Clergy and Churches 2021 https://www.williamsburgbaptist.com/wbcblog/lgbtq-affirming-book-resources-for-christians-clergy-and-churches
- Transgender blogger extraordinaire: Erin in the Morning https://www.erininthemorning.com/
Contact:
Ellie Krug, elliejkrug@gmail.com
www.elliekrug.com
Author, Getting to Ellen: A Memoir about Love, Honesty and Gender Change (2013)
Curator, The Ripple monthly newsletter: https://elliekrug.com/newslettersmedia/
Radio and Podcast Host, Ellie 2.0 Radio: https://www.am950radio.com/events/ellie-2-0/\\

March 17 – Black Pioneers in a White Denomination – Rev Laura Kampa Thompson
Over the past several years Unitarian Universalism has undertaken a major initiative aimed at dismantling white supremacy both within our own denomination and across our broader communities. At the same time we UU’s remain an overwhelmingly white movement, and for virtually all churches, Sunday mornings continue to be the most segregated time in our country. Reverend Laura Kampa Thompson, Minister for the Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship in Bloomington, will examine some of the black pioneers in our movement, perhaps providing inspiration and insight into the important work before us as we move forward.
Video link https://youtu.be/eDTlzWCo67Y

March 10 – Coming Out of Our Shell, Sarah Movius Schurr
As UUA Pacific Western Region Congregational Life Consultant Sarah Movius Schurr states: “Life is full of changes of all kinds. But each change includes some form of loss. This includes changes we face as congregations as well as individuals”. Our Pilgrim House Program Committee felt this a particularly timely topic as we’ve been working through listening sessions and meetings toward revised mission, vision and values statements for our fellowship. We anticipate that the ideas and considerations Sarah is discussing will be of value as we embark on the next steps of both our individual and congregational journeys.
Here is a direct link to the UUA video, if interested in seeing that: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DTAf2KTDKqzollHKlMqK7suJrRfCPYVY/view?pli=1
Video link for the PH program https://youtu.be/Cha6Z-w4PbA

March 3 – Best Reads
Each year we set aside time for members to share some of the titles they’ve been reading, briefly describing the top books they’ve enjoyed lately. Whether you’re a book buff or not, you’re sure to enjoy hearing your fellow members talk about books they’re passionate about.
Best Reads from this morning’s Pilgrim House program:
- American Journey by Wes Davis (Mel Aanerud)
- The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies by Jason Fagone (Ellen Shelton)
- The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo (Maya Luke)
- Magic Puppy, #6, A Forest Charm by Sue Bentley & Angela Swan (Lucy Luke)
- Dune by Frank Herbert (Curt Corum)
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (Melanie Magidow)
- Into the Bright Sunshine By Samuel Freedman (Mina Adsit)
Video link https://youtu.be/6xSl5pcw4to

February 18 – Homespun Storytelling, Noel LaBine & Peggy Larson
Noel LaBine has mined his personal life in rural northwestern Minnesota to produce funny, touching, engaging and uplifting vignettes that contain both humor and principles to live by – accompanied by Peggy Larson’s music. Noel is author of three books, the latest being Lessons Learned Through Chaos and Mayhem from Northwest Minnesota.
Video link to PH recording: https://youtu.be/7TN07rXhTkE
We had a request to provide just the music part of this program and fulfilled that request. Video link to just the music and storytelling part of the program: https://youtu.be/XBEfixBR_OQ

February 11 – Telling Good Journalism from Bad
Mary Stucky, International Women’s Media Foundation Director and Veteran NPR Journalist How can we tell the difference between good and bad journalism? To help answer that question we’re privileged to welcome Mary Stucky, a veteran journalist with more than 40 years of national and international reporting experience, primarily for NPR, and founder and director of the Peabody Award-winning Round Earth Media program. She is also a Carlton College Distinguished Alumni award recipient.
Video link https://youtu.be/5WisYxin7Qo

February 4 – Minnesota State Parks, Doug Ohman
Doug Ohman with his outstanding photography and captivating stories has long been a favorite speaker at Pilgrim House. Join us as Doug takes us along on a photographic exploration of Minnesota’s extraordinary state park system while he delves into this aspect our state’s heritage.
Video link https://youtu.be/HuhN2SHxGHM

January 21 – A New Understanding of “Mind” Can Empower Us, 4 of 4, Rev Leslie Mills
This Sunday the Reverend Leslie Mills concludes our four-part exploration of spiritual practices. This week she will be integrating our new understanding of “mind” (attention, intention, and attitude) with the question of how this can empower us in our spiritual life in more meaningful ways — ultimately leading us to cultivate a life that we can look back on with satisfaction and joy.
Video link https://youtu.be/X-EAqLtaB3k Rev Leslie Mills begins at 4:12.

January 14 – Missing Murdered Indigenous Women’s Movement – Senator Mary Kunesh
We’re pleased to welcome State Senator Mary Kunesh, District 39, encompassing all or portions of New Brighton, Columbia Heights, Fridley and Spring Lake Park. Senator Kunesh, the first Indigenous woman in the Minnesota State Senate, also serves as Assistant Senate Majority Leader. In the senate she sponsored legislation creating the first in the nation Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office. Beyond Minnesota, she chairs the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators. Her presentation continues our emphasis on indigenous peoples.
Video link https://youtu.be/tkndm23miBo

January 7 – Songs in the Darkness, Barbara McAfee
The long darkness of winter is upon us. How will we get through this? We’re pleased to welcome Pilgrim House favorite Barbara McAfee again to lead us in answering that recurring winter solstice question. Barbara will bring a nourishing collection of songs (and maybe a poem or two) to hearten us as we travel into this new year together.
Video link https://youtu.be/iv2MhWo75s8