BlueWolf is an artist, poet, author and storyteller. He was Poet Laureate of Lake County from 2000 through 2003.

His presentation will look at the similarities and differences between formal religion and spirituality from a native family point of view.

The service will include BlueWolf’s original poems, a story for all ages and an American Indian prayer song.

The service begins at 10 a.m. at the Kelseyville Senior Center. All are welcome. A children’s religious education program is offered during the service.

Unitarian Universalists encourage freedom of religious expression and the authority of reason and conscience. The Unitarian Universalist Community of Lake County welcomes guests and those who wish to learn more about this denomination that “affirms the worth and dignity of every person.”

For more information, visit www.uuclc.org or call 278-0254.

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The church has begun a food distribution program each Monday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The effort is coordinated by Pastor Wanda Celli and her husband Ken Celli.

Wanda Celli also leads Wednesday Bible study, which is held at 3 p.m. each week in the church's social hall.

The start of Lent will be celebrated on Feb. 25 with a 5 p.m. Ash Wednesday service.

The first of March begins a free community dinner will be served at 11:30 a.m. after the 10 a.m. church service on the first Sunday of the month.

For information about programs or services of the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, call 987-3379.

Whoever you are and wherever you are in your journey of faith, you are welcome to join the family of the Middletown Community United Methodist Church at 15833 Armstrong St. in Middletown.

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Kerry Braider tells the “Children's Story” during a recent UUCLC service. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY – Kerry Braider has recently been appointed as the religious education director for children at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Lake County (UUCLC) which meets at 10 a.m. every Sunday at the Kelseyville Senior Center on Third Street.

Braider has been a public school teacher for 12 years and is currently teaching at the Mountain Vista Middle School.

As religious education director, she will set religious goals and develop curriculum for children of all ages – preschool to high school.

Braider will work with a committee from the congregation, composed of adult members from various professional fields, active and retired, who will be supported by Braider as they share in teaching the children, and assist her in planning.

Braider has been a contributing member of the UUCLC's religious education program for five years and positively and enthusiastically agrees with the UU principles and traditions. Braider will work with the parents who wish to support the UU's seven principles, paraphrased for children as follows:

Unitarian Universalists believe:

1. That each and every person is unique and to be respected.

2. That all people should be treated equally.

3. That our churches are places where everyone is accepted and where we learn together.

4. That every person is free to search for truth and meaning.

5. That all people have the right to think for themselves and vote on issues that concern them.

6. That we must work for a world in which there is peace, fairness and freedom.

7. That we should respect and care for all parts of our planet Earth.

All children are invited to attend the UUCLC's children's religious education classes even if their parents do not attend the Sunday service. Parents are invited to contribute their ideas to the program.

As a part of the religious education program, Braider has already set up some community service projects. The children will serve when the UUCLC adults volunteer at Free Kitchen Project dinners held monthly at the Kelseyville Senior Center. The children have also been asked to serve at the NAACP meeting on Feb. 28.

For more information about the UUCLC or Unitarian Universalism, visit www.uuclc.org or call 278-0254. Everyone is welcome. Childcare is provided.

The UUCLC is a part of the Unitarian Universalist Association (uua.org).

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LAKE COUNTY – Lake County ministers will be treated to a very special event on Feb. 19.

The first-ever “Love Is More Than a Valentine” Conference for Clergy Who Love Lake County is being offered free of charge to any pastor, and/or pastor’s spouse, who serves a church in Lake County.

What is “Love Is More Than a Valentine”? It is inspiration, education and collaboration among other things.

Ministers will have the opportunity to hear powerhouse speaker Ted Cunningham, who speaks with Gary Smalley at his national "I Promise" Conferences and with The National Institute for Marriage.

Cunningham writes and has worked with Smalley on projects such as “The DNA of Relationships, Your Relationship With God, Food and Love,” and the latest work by Smalley called I Promise, which is a partnership with Purpose Driven Ministries.

Cunningham has co-authored two books with Smalley, “From Anger to Intimacy” and “The Language of Sex.” All clergy at the conference will receive a free copy of “From Anger to Intimacy” and Cunningham will be available after the conference to sign books for those who wish it.

In addition to being inspired by Cunningham, participants also will have an opportunity to be inspired by one another as they hear what other churches in Lake County are doing in their ministries for the homeless, hungry and hurting; and how we can coordinate some of our efforts through referrals.

There will be a variety of free resources for pastors as well, including but not limited to marriage counseling materials, a copy of Cunningham's book and a catered lunch.

“Love Is More Than a Valentine” is sponsored by the Lake Ministerial Association, Innisfree Now and the Lake Family Resource Center. It is being offered free of charge – but only to those who pre-register by Feb. 11.

To get a registration packet please call United Christian Parish at 263-4788.

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