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 March is respect.
March 14th:
Sunday Service with Rev. Fred Wooden, Marci Beaudoin, Katie Seiferth, and Rebecca Riggs
Sermon: "Last Call"
Join our Service every week at this link: Zoom Worship Service
Find previous services here.
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In the Meantime,
“I wonder, wonder, who…. wrote the book of love.” That was a hit song when I was 5 years old, so I have no claim to remembering it when it was new. But some songs are timeless, aren’t they?
Why mention this? Well, in some ways the question is universal. For lots of people, there is a book that explains it all. Not for nothing did Thomas Aquinas say, “beware the man of one book.” What that means is more complicated than it sounds, but my point is that when we put our faith in one thing - be it a book or a philosophy or a religion or a nation - we cease to wonder. Having found the fabled ‘pearl of great price,’ we no longer need to look further.
For many, that is a comfort. I remember the man who grew up in the first church I served and had become an evangelical Christian. “I needed absolutes,” he said, and we UUs don’t do well with absolutes in case you haven’t noticed. That, too, is a complicated fact which I will address some other time. For folks like that former UU man, ambiguity and uncertainty are so discomfiting that they cannot stand it. They find comfort, but they lose wonder.
A book I have shared with the Board and the Transition Team, written by the church consultant Susan Beaumont, talks about the importance of wondering as a form of leadership. That’s at odds with the usual definition of a leader - someone who is clear, decisive, confident. Those are great traits, but not for all seasons.
The times we are in now are actually not suited to that kind of leadership. So much is in flux, both in VUU as an institution but also in organized religion to say nothing of the nation. What we need is the courage to wonder, to have faith (forgive the expression) that something will emerge from this liminal time, something that is not clear yet and cannot be decided yet.
Waiting is hard. Wondering is hard. They both demand faith, not blinkered faith in a book being right or a church or a nation, but trust that what we value is larger than what we fear. For us it comes down to two things - truth and love. The first is the promise of Unitarianism, that ‘whatever is true is God’s word no matter who said it,’ as Ulrich Zwingli wrote. The second is the promise of Universalism, that love is as universal as gravity and as strong.
Truly, these times test our faith in these things. Wondering and waiting are the spiritual practices we need most. So take the time. “Don’t just do something, sit there,” as the Quakers wryly say. And while sitting, “wonder, wonder, who…. wrote the book of love.”
- 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.
Happenings – Volunteer wanted to help from home with weekly newsletter. We are currently using mailchimp. Experience in an email blast program preferred. Contact admin@vuu.org.
Membership Team – Members wanted to greet newcomers, connect members, facilitate Journey to Membership classes. Contact minister@vuu.org.
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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
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Congregational Conversations - April 11th
Please save the date for the next congregational conversation on April 11th directly after service.
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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.
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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 nearest to the office/education complex, exit onto del Rio. Entrance near the Sanctuary 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
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EastVUU Meeting Thurs. April 8, 6:30-8:30pm
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.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/739743734?pwd=MXZST25uRUMvbjUrK0hXVlJWa2VzUT09
Meeting ID: 739 743 734
Password: 920559
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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? Click here. Thanks in advance!
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Page Turners
The Page Turner’s April book is Tell Me How It Ends – An Essay in Forty Questions by Valeria Luiselli. This is about the author’s volunteer work translating for child immigrants. It confronts with compassion and honesty the problem of the North American refugee crisis. The meeting will be on April 15 at 7:00pm. 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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Food for Life and Planet
FLP Meeting 4/2: The Intersection of Racial and Food Injustice.
On Friday 4/2 at 10am, FLP will explore the interwoven issues of racial and food injustice. Is there a pervasive inequality of access to quality food in our society? What are food deserts and do they exist in the Valley? What is the plight of Black farmers and how is the Biden administration addressing their issues. What is food activism? We will discuss all of these topics and more. A good start is to view LaDonna Redmond’s Food + Justice = Democracy. For all of the readings and videos for this meeting, please email dns.mcleod@gmail.com. Hope to see you then!
ZOOM Meeting (4/2) 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
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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
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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!
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 News from VUU’s Green Sanctuary Garden: A Warm Thank You to Kat and Dick Karpinen
About a year ago, Kat Karpinen enthusiastically agreed to lead FLP’s involvement in the VUU Green Sanctuary Garden. With Dick’s support and encouragement, Kat has been tireless in her effort to ensure the garden’s success by coordinating volunteers, making significant and long-lasting friendships with fellow congregation gardeners and much more. We now not only have a beautiful garden, but one that feeds low income and homeless individuals throughout our community. But there’s more! Kat and Dick also made a substantial contribution by commissioning a custom-built garden shed that is now complete. It’s huge, beautiful and allows all of us happy-but-messy gardeners to stay well-organized. Kat and Dick, thank you so much.
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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
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 UUJAZ, Poder 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 UUJAZ, Poder 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.
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