Upcoming Sunday Services on ZOOM
Make sure you have a Chalice available to light before the Service begins.
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Services can be seen on Zoom every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Our Touchstones The theme for February is mercy.
February 28th:
Sunday Service with Rebecca Riggs, Marci Beaudoin, Melanie Cloonan-Schulte, and Lora Gustafson
Sermon: After Being Broken
Join our Service every week at this link: Zoom Worship Service
Find previous services here.
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In the Meantime,
Remember that ‘move the cheese’ thing from last week? Well, I am about to move it again. But first, some context.
The staff meets weekly and often our conversation is about priorities. Who does what, what comes first, and so forth. The demands of a community are almost as many as there are members of the community. VUU is among the kindest when it comes to this, and I salute you for that. Still, there are more things to do than we can do in a week, so we make choices.
One reason for this - just one of several - is because staff is limited. Two places, in my estimate, will need more staffing in the future - music and tech support. Let me tell you why.
Our Music Director is 3/4 time right now. That is lower than before. VUU prizes its music ministry. It is a key to your spiritual life and identity. Restoring its full capacity will be both welcome and invigorating. But until that time, we have to reckon the reality that she works only 30 hours a week for a ministry that has been and deserves to be full-time. Part of my job is to remind you of that and to remind her as well. One of the rules of church life is that part-time staff are often de facto full-time staff because they want to do more and those they serve want to do more. But it is wrong to ask more from her or to allow her to do more. That makes me the “Dr. No” of VUU, a role I do not cherish but accept.
In terms of tech support, we have a very committed and competent team of volunteers who have heroically stepped in during the pandemic to make virtual church possible. But volunteers cannot be asked to be there every week, or to submit to supervision, which in the long run is essential to maintaining consistency and quality. That’s why I decided to enlarge the 2 hour a week position to 10 hours, with the hope that this position will grow over time. One thing I know for sure about our post pandemic world - it will be both actual and virtual. You need a Tech staffer who can assure that happens for worship but also for Faith Formation and more.
Is this about money? Yes, but also no. First it must be a commitment of vision. This spring I will be inviting you to take part in reviewing and renewing your vision as a community. First this will involve your active leaders, but on April 25th it will involve all of you as we take the worship hour to engage you in a process based on “Appreciative Inquiry” to elicit your values and vision for the future. Please save that date to be in worship. Your presence then will have a direct and lasting impact on where you are going and who will help you get there. - FW -
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Happenings Announcements
Want an announcement in Happenings? Fill this out.
Questions about Happenings email Happenings@vuu.org
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Help Wanted
Can you help? VUU has as many needs while virtual as ever … in fact, perhaps more! All safely, socially distant, and many from home.
Thank you for how many of you have responded so far. We still have some positions to fill.
IHelp Coordinator – Organizer needed to coordinate communication between IHelp and VUU. Oversee volunteers handling specific functions (sheet cleaning, food contributions, etc.) From home – phone and email communication. Contact admin@vuu.org.
Membership Team – Members wanted to greet newcomers, connect members, facilitate Journey to Membership classes. Contact minister@vuu.org.
Caring and Concerns Coordinator – Organizer needed to coordinate neighborhood caring and concerns volunteers, set up meal-train, transportation and other help needed by members and friends. Contact deeannemcc@gmail.com.
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Congregational Conversations 3/7/21
Directly after service Sunday March 7th the Board will be holding a Congregational Conversation.
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Change is Good! - VUU Directory
We want to update the database before we send out a new directory for this year. If your information has changed please email the updates to office1@vuu.org. We appreciate the chance to correct your information before it is sent out. The Deadline is March 1st. Thanks!
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Survey
VUU’s Environmental Action Team (EAT) is comprised of committees and special projects that focus on climate change issues. The Team would like to know what areas of environmental action are of most interest to you. Please complete the quick survey. This information will inform future educational, motivational, and social activities for the entire congregation. Your feedback is very important to us! Thank you.
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FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMMING THIS WINTER
Registration link
 ELEMENTARY:
2yr olds - 5th graders, Sundays 1-2 pm: CartUUns, Unitarian Universalist values through the animated short films of Pixar and Disney.
Please note:
1) Monthly "take home" bags of supplies will be created for each participant. Please indicate (on registration) if you can pick up bags at VUU, help deliver, or need delivery.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: 6th-8th graders, Sundays 2-3pm : Crossing Paths, Exploring the World's Religions using a UU theological framework. Virtual visits will enable youth to experience our "neighboring faiths.”
Please note:
1) Classes will be recorded and uploaded as PRIVATE to the VUU YouTube channel. Families will receive an email with the link to view the videos.
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Thirteen Connection Circles are meeting twice a month for small group connection. Groups are 5 -10 in size and meet at various times during the week. Please email deeannemcc@gmail.com to join a Connection Circle. Members, friends, and visitors are welcome – it’s a great way to meet new friends and develop deeper connections to some you already know.
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The Page Turners
 The March book is The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes. This is a novel based upon a team of women who deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library which became known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.
The meeting will be on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in discussing the book is invited to participate. If you would like to receive the Zoom link, email Amy at agmonahan@gmail.com
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EastVUU Meeting Thurs. March 11, 6:30-8:30pm
 We welcome Atty Mary Miller, Executive Director of Refugee Aid, which is a project of the 501c3 Southwest Heritage Foundation. These past 4 years Refugee Aid has acted as an umbrella nonprofit, distributing needed supplies to the homeless, Navajo nation, church food banks and to the immigration MPP camp in Mexicali. She will update us to the Biden era immigration changes at the border and how these affect the Phoenix area response. All are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/739743734?pwd=MXZST25uRUMvbjUrK0hXVlJWa2VzUT09
Meeting ID: 739 743 734
Password: 920559
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Green Sanctuary Garden Thurs. 8:00-9:30am
 News from VUU’s Green Sanctuary Garden
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” -May Sarton
Please consider helping out with light maintenance at the garden. Our new Work Day hours are every Thursday, 8am - 9:30am and the third Saturday of every month, 8am - 10am. For more information, please contact Kat Karpinen (katkarpinen@gmail.com) or Denise McLeod (dns.mcleod@gmail.com).
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Paz de Cristo
We are looking for volunteers to serve meals at Paz de Cristo. During this time of Covid, we need seven volunteers each month. All precautions are taken to ensure safety and social distancing. Want to sign up? Want more info? Thanks in advance! https://www.vuu.org/paz/
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Valley Interfaith Project
Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) and the Chandler Education Association (CEA) are teaming up to invite the LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICTS 17 & 18 to address important bills that are going to have an impact on PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING (positively and negatively) that are in the works this legislative session. Our hope is that this can be a key step in building out the cluster of faith and educational institutions around public education to support our teachers and students. Join educators and parents for this action by registering here to attend: https://secure.ngpvan.com/TrQSGZnToU-IoJJcrA0iOw2
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Food for Life and Planet
FLP Meeting (3/5): Vegan Sweets for the Sweet How could we ever get through covid isolation without sweets?! On Friday March 5 at 10am, the Food for Life and the Planet committee will discuss vegan sweet treats. Try a recipe or buy a vegan snack or dessert and plan to share your reviews with the group! Please join us for some great ideas to satisfy that sweet tooth! For more information about the Food for Life and the Planet committee, please contact Denise McLeod at dns.mcleod@gmail.com.
ZOOM Information:
FLP: Food for Life & Planet,
Fridays 10-11:30 AM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82566280722?pwd=U3ViaWU0bG5RaDFpMXo4WmxWVVpudz09
Meeting ID: 825 6628 0722
Passcode: FLP
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 Our Dalai Lama and Friends virtual gathering meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. It be will on Zoom.
Here is the link.
Meeting ID: 388 347 383
Password: 347553
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Social Distance...But Make it Social Justice
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Community Health and Safety Training and Phonebank
TODAY Friday, February 26th, 5-7 pm
Hosted by UUJAZ, Poder in Action AZ, and White PAWS Phoenix.
Safety doesn't start or end with police. It comes from strong communities, supported by affordable housing, mental health care, programs for drug users, job training, and education. We have work to do in Arizona around engaging our peers in discussions about community safety and policing.
Will you join us Friday 5-7 pm?
Let's create community safety in Phoenix together!
Register here.
DACA Clinic: Volunteers Needed
2nd and 4th Saturdays at First Church UCC Phoenix, 12-4 pm
DACA is back! and UUJAZ is proud to be partnering with Keep Phoenix Together to empower Dreamers by assisting them with their DACA application. This life-changing immigration policy was recently reinstated by court ruling, and your support can help give Dreamers the tools to apply for deferred deportation under DACA. Volunteers are needed at the Keep Phoenix Together clinic. Anyone who can spare a few hours on a Saturday afternoon can help, no special language or legal skills necessary.
Sign up to volunteer here.
Book GroUUp
3rd Fridays, 12-1:30 pm
What legacy will you leave your beloved: your children, grandchildren, congregation, community, and/or country about how you worked to dismantle systemic racism during your lifetime? What will you bequeath to your beloved? What is your hope for their future, for Beloved Community?
Join Rev. Tina Squire and Steve Kraynak on the third Friday of each month for a justice-centered book discussion from the perspective of our Unitarian Universalist values. Here we will use reading, conversation, and writing to answer these questions.
February 19, 2021: Discuss The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
March 19, 2021: Discuss Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
April 16, 2021: Discuss BREATHE – A Letter To My Sons by Imani Perry
May 21, 2021: Read aloud our own letters we've written to our Beloved.
Register here.
Race Matters and the Supreme Court
Tuesday, March 9th, 5-6:30 pm AZ time, 7-8:30 pm Eastern
Tuesday, March 16th, 4-5:30 pm AZ time, 7-8:30 pm Eastern
Tuesday, March 23rd, 4-5:30 pm AZ time, 7-8:30 pm Eastern
As UUs, we recognize the existence of many realities and even more so, how those realities are interwoven. The connection between law and race is one of these ever-present truths. Join Political Science Professor Emeritus and UU, Howard Tolley, for three 90 minute sessions examining Supreme Court caselaw involving slavery, native American rights, racial discrimination, segregation, mass incarceration, the death penalty, affirmative action, rights of protesters, and qualified immunity for law enforcement personnel. In this course taught through UUJAZ and UUJO, Tolley considers the impact of race, political ideology, legal principles, and personal preference on the selection of Justices and the decisions they reach.
Register here.
All In For Climate Justice: Food Equality and Sustainability
April 9th - April 11, register before March 18th
Hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for the Earth
This intergenerational seminar is an opportunity to collaborate with others while learning how to be a global activist. Through workshops, peer and expert-led panel discussions, community-building activities, and worship services, you will undergo a transformative process of learning, reflection, and growth while exploring some of the most challenging issues facing humanity today.
Register here.
Trans Inclusion in Congregations from Transforming Hearts Collective
UUJAZ is thrilled to provide access to this online course on radical welcoming for all AZ UUs, thanks to a generous grant from the UU Funding panel. This course on transformational culture shift counts towards your annual Welcoming Congregation renewal. Contact us for your free login code (usually $125 per person) to explore this course at your own pace, or create a group at your congregation to take it together!
Tucson UU - Starts Feb 12th - Learn more here
Sedona UU - Starts Feb 19th - Contact: Carolyn Kavanagh
Granite Peak - Scheduling soon - Contact: Lena Hubin
Valley UU - Scheduling soon - Sign up here
Surprise UU - Scheduling soon - Contact: Juliet Gustavson
Mt. Vista - Starts May 9th - Sign up here
If you’re interested in taking this course on your own, fill out this form.
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