Copy
View this email in your browser

Happenings At A Glance

Upcoming Sunday Services on ZOOM

Make sure you have a Chalice available to light before the Service begins.
Services can be seen on Zoom every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Our Touchstones The theme for March is respect.

March 14th: 
Sunday Service with Rev. Fred Wooden, Hayley Wynne, Katie Seiferth, Barbara Face 

Sermon: "Standing in Need"

Join our Service every week at this link: Zoom Worship Service

Find previous services here.

VUU News

In the Meantime,

 

It’s time to start planning.  Spring is when clergy begin thinking about the next ‘church year.’ Our Music Director, The Worship Associates, and I met this week to begin doing that for our worship ministry.  Summer was foremost of course, but the big question - when will we resume in person  worship - hovered over all our plans. 

Let me state right now that in person worship as it used to be will not happen before September.  Yes, the numbers are trending down and vaccinations are going up, but our Covid team has set very high expectations, or rather very low rates of infection, before large groups can meet again.  

That said, there are two things worth mentioning.  First, is that we will be using the sanctuary for virtual worship more often.  The I Help community will be in residence only half of each month, the first half, which means we can use the sanctuary during the second half.  You’ve seen me in the space, but as many Worship Associates are now fully vaccinated you will see them in there with me more often.  You may also see our Music Director, Katie, and perhaps a second musician.  Note I said ‘may’ not will.  Everyone who takes part must feel safe in being there.  

Secondly, a goodly number of virtual attendees would like us to keep our virtual presence as well.  This I heard both from our own people and from comrade clergy at another meeting. This is perhaps the more daunting challenge, because it will be more than broadcasting like a TV ministry.  Somehow we need to make those who are virtual as visible as those who are in person, and create a genuine connection where those at home and those at the sanctuary are one community.  

Earlier, I said that the future of church life will not be physical and relational.  How that works no one knows yet.  It will be as profound a change to spiritual communities as the advent of the automobile, and the eventual result will be years in arriving.   - FW 

Happenings Announcements
Want an announcement in Happenings?  Fill this out.

Questions about Happenings email Happenings@vuu.org
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.
 
Choir
If you love to sing and miss singing with others, especially with a choir, I invite you to join in the fun and attend the virtual choir experience I am co-leading with Benjie Messer, the Music Director from UUCP. We will be meeting on zoom next Wednesday from 7-8pm, learning Handel’s iconic "Hallelujah Chorus" to debut on Easter morning. All are welcome. For more information email me at musicdirector@vuu.org.

Blessings,
Katie Seiferth, Director of Music Ministries
Stewardship

We're all celebrating the passage of the Covid Relief Bill by Congress.  

For in our VUU Community, the new direct payments mean that we can finally feed, clothe, and otherwise provide for ourselves and our family.

For others of us, this income is not so essential. We may even use it to buy something we wouldn't otherwise have bought. If you are fortunate enough to be part of this group, there is another possible use for this new “disposable” income: Make a one-time extra donation to VUU, beyond your current pledge.  

VUU’s leadership has been extremely diligent in monitoring expenses this year, but adopting a bare bones budget only goes so far. Unmet needs and expenses are on the horizon, including the search for and settlement of a new minister.

By donating your stimulus check to VUU, you can help to ensure our congregation’s future as well as stimulate the economy, which supports the intent of the Relief Bill. 

If you would like to share any (or all) of your Relief Bill income, please send a check or payment to VUU. What a generous and thoughtful way to express our gratitude for all that is our life here at VUU.

Youth Programs

FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMMING THIS SPRING 

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.
EASTER
Registration link
Hi Families, 
I just CAN'T do another Easter without having a party for the children of VUU. [Party might be an ambitious description...event describes it better.]
Everyone will be masked, we will keep our distance from those not living in our households BUT we will have the opportunity to see one another! And there is a goodie bag....and drawing in the VUU parking lot...WHAT COULD BE BETTER??!!
(Teens who want to assist with the parking lot art activity should contact Marci)

Details:
Sunday, April 4th, 12 - 4 pm (after the virtual worship service)
In the VUU parking lot (use entrance on McKemy, exit onto del Rio. Entrance near the Education complex will be closed)

2 activities, registration required:
1. Drive thru visit with Marci and Hayley - an Easter goodie bag for each registered child
2. Parking lot art - 15 min time slot, sidewalk chalk provided (1st time slot: 12:15 pm, last time slot: 3:45 pm)
     Max of 6 families per time slot, be prepared with your 2nd choice. 

Registration required for participation in either (or both!) activities. 
https://forms.gle/T6D3KSfoTq9ZZfFa9


Registration will close when maximums are reached.

Marci Beaudoin (she/her pronouns)
Director of Faith Formation ministry
Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation

In the Community

EastVUU Meeting Thurs. March 25, 6:30-8:30pm 

Back by popular demand, our own DJ, Jerry Martin will lead us in Name That Tune, featuring female vocalists in honor of Women's Month. This should be so much fun!
ALL ARE WELCOME  
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/739743734?pwd=MXZST25uRUMvbjUrK0hXVlJWa2VzUT09
Meeting ID: 739 743 734
Password: 920559

Save the Date!  April 8, 6:30 p.m.: Zoom with the EastVUU group to hear from our own Sandy Whitley about the intersection of climate change and social justice. Learn easy actions you can take to help the planet! ALL ARE WELCOME Reminder: Refugee Aid is making food bags for asylum-seekers coming through the International Refugee Committee Phoenix Welcome Center on their way to their families. For more information on how you can help, contact Sharon Kopina at Sharon@SomosAmerica.org.

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? Click here. Thanks in advance!
Food for Life and Planet

FLP Meeting 3/26: How Not To Die On
Friday March 26th at 10am, we’ll be discussing How Not To Die by Michael Gregor, M.D. Dr. Gregor authors the popular website NutritionFacts.org and reveals scientific evidence in support of a diet to prevent and reverse the causes of disease-related death.
Please join us as we explore how to eat our way to good health!

ZOOM Meeting Information:
FLP: Food for Life & Planet, Fridays 10:00 - 11:30 AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82566280722?pwd=U3ViaWU0bG5RaDFpMXo4WmxWVVpudz09 Meeting ID: 825 6628 0722
Passcode: FLP

Immigration Team: Donations Needed! 
 

With several centers receiving an influx of refugees and asylum seekers, there are many items that are needed. Due to limited storage space, we are asking for only these specific needed items at this time

Men’s jackets, all sizes 
Men’s pants, all sizes (jeans or other casual pants are preferred) 
Men’s shirts, size small 
Men’s and women’s underwear and socks, all sizes (new) 
Men’s sweatpants, all sizes 
Women’s leggings and sweatpants, all sizes 
Women’s shorts, all sizes 
Men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, all sizes 
Backpacks 
Towels Winter gloves, beanies and scarves, all sizes  

You may drop off items at the VUU office in the foyer. There will be a bin where you may place the items. Drop off times will be from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday starting 3/15 and ending 4/1. If you have difficulty dropping off items, contact Barbara Q. at bflemingq@gmail.com and you may arrange for pick up. If you have any further questions you may contact Barbara Q. as well. Thank you for your generosity!

Register here to attend VALLEY INTERFAITH PROJECT's 2021 (Virtual) Delegate Assembly. Help make VUU's voice heard as these important partners in our Social Justice work sets priorities for the coming year.

Screen reader support enabled.
 
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

Social Distance...But Make it Social Justice


Community Health and Safety Training and Phonebank

Thursday, March 18th, 5 - 7 pm
Wednesday, March 24th,  4:30 - 6:30 pm
Thursday, April 1st, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, April 6th, 5 - 7 pm
Saturday, April 10th, 11 - 1 pm
Thursday, April 15th, 6 - 8 pm

Tuesday, April 20th, 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Wednesday, April 28th, 5 - 7 pm

Hosted by UUJAZPoder in Action AZ, and White PAWS Phoenix.

Anti-racism allies know that 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 ending police violence. Will you join UUJAZPoder in Action / AZ Poder, and White People Against White Supremacy Phoenix. call 24,000 people in March and April? 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.

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.


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!

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.
Black Lives Matter 
Artist: Ashley Lukashevsky, Website, Instagram
YouTube
YouTube
Website
Website
Facebook
Facebook
Email
Email
RSS
RSS
Copyright © 2021 Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp