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Sunday, April 28
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Rev. Sarah, Nancy Wittenberg, and Joyce Donahue (co-chairs of Caring Neighbors team) lead a service about building community through our Caring Neighbors program and about the power of leaders who are helpers whose approach is centered on authenticity, vulnerability and presence.
They invite VUUer’s to consider volunteering as a caring neighbor, a neighborhood coordinator, or a neighbor who needs caring.
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IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS | |
FAITH FORMATION
- Preschool (3/4 yr olds)
- Kind/1st Grade
- 2nd/3rd Grade
- 4th/5th Grade
- Middle School (6-8th)
- High School (9-12th)
Haven't registered yet this year? Use this link
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DALAI LAMA AND FRIENDS
8:30 am Meditation
9:00 am Discussion
In person, in the board room, and
Via Zoom here
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NEXT SUNDAY MAY 5
Congregational Conversation immediaterly after service. Join the Board and others to hear what's going on and be part of the planning for our next program year!
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Upcoming Memorial Services
We have some upcoming memorial services and need some help with setting up and cleaning up, if you have some time available:
On May 11, 2024 for the service celebrating the life of Erik Gajate from 11:00 am-12:30 pm (set up at 10:00 am, clean up at 1:00 pm). This is a rental and will be officiated by another UU minister. Nick Carr will be leading the set up.
On May 17, 2024 for the service celebrating the life of Rachel Smith from 1:00-3:00 pm (set up at 12:00 pm, clean up at 3:00 pm). Please reach out to Rev. Sarah if you can help.
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Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | |
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Calendar
Thursday, April 25
- Peter Bollenbacher Memorial 1p
- Board Meeting 5:30p
- East VUU Social 6p
- Facilities Committee 6p
- Ukester Friends 6p
- VIP Leaders Training 6:30p
Friday, April 26
Saturday, April 27
Sunday, April 28
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- UU The Vote 9a
- Pygmy OWL class 8:45a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation Classes 10:30a
- VUUJAZ Coffee Convo 11:45a
- Caring Neighbors Social 12p
- Voices Lifted 12:15p
- Burrowing OWL class 12:45p
- Parents of Burrowing OWL 12:45p
Monday, April 29
Tuesday, April 30
- EastVUU Women's Group 1p
- Board Meeting 6p
- Men's Group 7p
Wednesday, May 1
- DnD game 5:30p
- VUU Voices Choir 6p
- Policy Group 6:30p
Thursday,May 2
- Ukester Friends 6p
- Spirit of Life Reading Cir 7p
Friday, May 3
Saturday, May 4
Sunday, May 5
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation Classes 10:30a
- Cong Convo 12p
- Burrowing OWL class 12:45p
- Parents of Burrowing OWL 12:45p
Click here for the most current calendar, to view locations, contact information details for above events
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Desert Notes from Rev. Sarah | |
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Last weekend I was excited to join many VUU families and members (over 50 of us!) at CampWay in Prescott where we spent a couple of nights and a day enjoying the trees, the breeze, the squirrels and many activities including several cool art projects, zip lines, team building, an un-talent show, and a giant swing. We shared meals, walks, conversations, fireside s’mores and telescope views of the moon. We made new friends, rekindled old friendships, and remembered the magic of being at camp together. I am so glad I could be with these fine folks!
I also attended the installation of Rev. Matthew Funke Crary, minister at Mountain Vista UU in Tucson. I was lucky to have a driving partner in Rev. Christine Dance, minister at UU Congregation of Phoenix. It was a weekend packed with rich relationships and celebration, and I am so grateful for the people and places that share our values and help us connect.
As we move toward the end of this program year, I am also grateful for the 30+ people who have been participating in the Spirituality of Conflict Program with Rev. Sam Wilson and who have been working in the background to learn, grow, and lead as we address change, conflict and compromise in our congregation. We are discovering more and more about who we are, where our challenges are, and what we need in order to thrive as a community.
May we find ourselves “open and willing,” as Holly Near’s song suggests, to all that is calling us into deeper relationship and healing opportunities.
Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan
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Director of Faith Formation Interim Committee
As our current Director of Faith Formation, Marci Beaudoin is retiring, Rev. Sarah has created a committee to select an Interim replacement who will fill the position for 2 years.
Besides making sure current programs run seamlessly, the Interim will help us evaluate the entire Faith Formation program and prepare us for our next permanent Faith Formation Director.
The committee is currently taking applications and will begin interviews in the latter part of April to fill the position for our next fiscal year. Please feel free to contact any of the committee members if you have questions.
Committee Members are:
Chris Sar
Janet Nash
Sophia Peñate
Katie Hurstwicker
Carl Anderson
Rev. Sarah
Nancy Harrell (representing the Personnel Committee)
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Let's Spruce Up our Sanctuary!
Join the Facilities Committee on Saturday, May 11, at 8am to freshen up our Sanctuary and grounds. There will be treats! We hope to see you there!
Sign up here
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VUU Scouting
The VUU scouts had an amazing camping experience at Riparian Park on April 6th and 7th alongside their families. We spent quality time bonding, cooking camp meals, sharing stories around the campfire, indulging in delicious s'mores, and sleeping under the stars in tents. Surrounded by lush wildlife, we savored an "unplugged" weekend with fellow campers. To learn how you can get involved, email [email protected]
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New Participant Class Change
Canceled on April 20 due to the Congregational Retreat; new meeting date is May 8, 6-8p
Meet in Classrooms 1/2. Register here.
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Ain't We Got FUUNd
The emphasis this April has been on having FUUNd creating! Here are a few pictures of VUU members and friends enjoying workshops on fused glass, torn paper collage, and reading an artwork.
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Wish you could have been there? Well, you can still get in on other FUUNd events scheduled in May and June. Click here for details and to place your “buy it now” bid.
The Golden Girls Do Europe (May 3; 6p) Take a European adventure through the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom to see the sights with Sandy and her “Golden Girl” friends.
Walking Tour of Phoenix’s Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District (May 18, 9a-2-p) Hosted by history buffs Tricia and Bobbi; lunch included.
Healthier Living Through Chair Yoga (June 1, 11a) Join yoga instructor Noell H. online for a relaxing one-hour chair yoga class.
And especially for younger VUU’s -- VUU Chooses You! Pokemon Party (June 2, 2-4:30p). Join Maria, Amanda and their children for an afternoon filled with Pokemon games, activities and snacks. Children of all ages are welcome. Everyone will leave with Pokemon loot and some new trainer friends!
Email [email protected] for questions or assistance.
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Money Matters
Based on March financials, it has become clear that contributions are significantly down in the first quarter, and we may be facing a cash crisis. Many members and friends have not made their 2024 pledges, and some have not been paying based on last year's pledge.
If you have not made your pledge, please do. We can't create a budget without you in it!
If you are able to make some catch-up contribution in April, please do. Our staff, our campus, and our programs depend on you. The operating budget makes it possible for us to support our mission of love, justice and service!
You can review this month's financial report here.
Submitted by DeeAnne McClenahan, Financial Analyst
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Special Funds Committee
The Special Funds Committee still has approximately $500 available for small grants this fiscal year ending June 30. Please contact Rick Hinrichs (480-888-6656 or [email protected]) for more information. You can also reach the Special Funds Committee at [email protected].
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VUU Preliminary Draft Budget
There have been many requests for more detail on our FY 2024-25 budget since our congregational conversation of 17 March.
Finance is providing a preliminary draft that contains 2 budgets, minimum and aspirational. These preliminary budgets are working tools not usually released beyond Board/Staff/Finance. As such they represent where we are, are frequently updated and are works in progress. The final budget presented to the congregation in June WILL BE DIFFERENT.
With these understandings please examine the budget numbers in detail here. Contact any Finance or Board member if you have questions or concerns.
Also please note: Our pledge year is the calendar year, 1 Jan to 31 December. Our Fiscal year is 1 July to 31 June. This operational year is what the Budget and most volunteer positions are aligned to.
The Final budget will not be available until the Board approves it. The congregation will discuss the budget again at the May 5th Congregational Conversation. The budget vote will occur at the June 9th annual meeting.
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VUU Voices Choir - Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm (childcare available)
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One Hour Choir - First Sundays 9:00-10:00 am
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Chalice Ringers - contact Katie Sieferth if you are interested.
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Drum Circle - contact Katie Sieferth if you are interested.
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Play with the Band! - contact Katie Sieferth if you are interested.
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Ukester Friends - Thursdays 6:00 pm
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East VUU Social Night - NEW LOCATION!!!
Save the date: Thursday, April 25, 6p
NEW LOCATION: Change of Plans! We will be meeting at P.F. Chang's. 6610 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. Mesa, AZ. Reservation under EastVUU. (480) 218-4900.
Join us for delicious Chinese meal and good company. All Are Welcome!
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East VUU Meeting
Save the date: ZOOM meeting. Thursday, May 9, 6:00 pm. Join Zoom Meeting
Join Melissa Bush, Hospice Nurse Practitioner, in a discussion of what to expect when a dear one approaches the end of life. Hopefully, this will help us all in times of distress and confusion as we support our loved ones and family. All are welcome.
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Food for Life and The Planet
Brown Bag Lunch: Make a Pinky Promise
“As soon as we admit that humans possess the enormous power to change the climate
of the planet, we automatically own the enormous responsibility to stabilize it and
maintain it on behalf of all creation.”
-Dr. Sailesh Rao
At the VUU service on 4/21, Dr. Rao provided a sermon that extolled the enormous,
time-sensitive crisis of our planet, while humbly presenting a solution within reach of
every single one of us: to recognize the impact of our eating habits and to go vegan. He spoke of a “pinky promise” he made to his granddaughter to make the world vegan by 2026 in order to save us from six “fires” that may ultimately lead to the demise of life as we know it.
The time is NOW for all of us to make a Pinky Promise to someone we love—a
child, a grandchild, a spouse, a friend. We need to promise that person that we are
going to do everything in our power, including changing our eating habits, to save the
earth and the beautiful creatures we share with her.
Please join FLP to learn how to transition to a vegan lifestyle. Joan Dickason, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, will discuss ways to transition to optimize success and FLP members will share practical personal experiences.
Date: Friday, May 3
Time: 12 Noon
ZOOM Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82076144778
This meeting will be recorded.
In preparation for the meeting, please revisit Dr. Rao’s VUU sermon.
Additional viewing/reading:
This Speech Will Change How You See Everything
How To Go Vegan: Getting Started
How To Go Vegan: 5 Lessons from a Meat-Eating Midwesterner
Hope to see you then.
Denise McLeod and Linda Ruehlman
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Sr. High Bridging
Sunday, May 19th the High School seniors in our congregation will be celebrated as they Bridge into Young Adults.
Anyone who identifies as a Young Adult is welcome to be on the receiving end of the bridge as the youth cross.
As is our tradition, we will end the ceremony by singing "The Circle Game" by Joni Mitchell (there are dance steps included!) Please plan to join us for this celebration!
All High School seniors should be in touch with Marci to be added to the schedule.
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Prescott Retreat
We had a great time at the 2024 Valley UU Prescott Retreat this past weekend. Over 50 people from VUU made the trek to Friendly Pines camp. Former nursery provider, Reba Hagen-Ashe and her family came for a day visit (they now live in the Prescott area.)
We kicked off the weekend with a roaring bonfire and s'mores on Friday night. Saturday we Ziplined, shot arrows, had team building activities, played at a playground, created cyanotype prints, made Galaxy bandanas, molded pinch pots, and so much more!
Saturday after dinner we had an outdoor worship service followed by many talented folks entertaining us in the UN-Talent show. Great Fun!!
Megan Kimball and Chris Sar have already begun the process to reserve space for the 2025 VUU Retreat, watch for news in early 2025!
-Submitted by Marci Beaudoin
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Fellowship and Social Activities | |
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Singles Dinner Out
WHEN: Friday, April 26 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: Joe’s Farm Grill, 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert. (2 miles east of Lindsay) It’s in the area called Agritopia, and we’ll be eating outside while the weather is still nice at night. There’s plenty of parking in the back. We’ll be saving a table, so get in line to order.
RSVP to Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047. (Text STRONGLY preferred. Not all the emails have been getting to me.) But if you must, RSVP to [email protected]
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Page Turners Book Club
The Page Turners Book Club is open to all members, visitors, and friends of VUU who enjoy reading and discussing a variety of books. The next meeting is May 16 at 7:00 PM; we will meet at the home of Johnnie Godfrey in Tempe (near Baseline Rd. and the 101). The book is Fer-de-Lance, a mystery by Rex Stout.
As any herpetologist will tell you, the fer-de-lance is among the most dreaded snakes known to man. When someone makes a present of one to Nero Wolfe, Archie Goodwin knows he's getting dreadfully close to solving the devilishly clever murders of an immigrant and a college president. (This is the first book in the Nero Wolfe series.)
For the meeting address or questions, please contact Johnnie at 480-231-8381 or email Amy.
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Ukester Friends
Join us Thursdays at 6p in a VUU Classroom (usually Room 1) to play your uke, or another instrument with friends (and soon to be friends!) All levels, all instruments, and singers are welcome!
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UU the VOTE: Letter Writing Party this Sunday
VUU’s UU the Vote is organizing non-partisan efforts to get all registered voters out to vote this fall. This Sunday, April 28, we’ll be gathering before the service to write letters to registered voters letting them know the importance of their vote in the upcoming election.
Bring your downloaded list and letters from Vote Forward (see instructions below) or just show up and we will provide you with what you need. Meet Sunday from 9a-10:30 in the VUU Conference Room (across the parking lot from the Sanctuary).
Refreshments will be served!
For more information and to RSVP, please email Denise McLeod.
Our power lies in our right to vote and it is critical that we take action. Please join us!
To download lists and letters: Visit UU the Vote’s letter-writing partner, Vote Forward. Register and download the names of 20 or more registered voters. Print the letters and addresses out and you’re ready to go.
Thank you!
VUU’s UU the Vote Leadership Team
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Immigration Action Team Border Support:
Collecting Donations
Please donate small handheld immediate hydration relief for asylum seekers at Sasabe. Applesauce Cups, Fruit Cups, Fruit or Veggie Squeezers.
Melissa del Bosque, in Border Chronicles:
In January I encountered three masked, armed men while I was reporting on asylum seekers arriving at the border wall near Sasabe, Arizona. The men were filming and flying drones over an encampment where humanitarians had set up food, shelter, and water for asylum seekers, who often wait several hours, or even overnight in very rugged conditions, for Border Patrol agents to pick them up to be processed.
The men, who had covered their faces with neck gaiters, and had pistols strapped to their legs and tactical vests, looked intimidating to say the least. It turns out they were part of a right-wing private security outfit based in Arizona called Mayhem Solutions Group.
Read Full Article Here
-Submitted by Sharon Kopina
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Partners in Education (PIE)
Call for Bilingual Volunteers! Opening of Rumbo al Exito/Path to Success! Rumbo al Exito is off to a running start!!! We have a corps of volunteers from VUU, students from Westwood High School, and volunteers from the community, coming together to provide afterschool homework assistance to the English Language Learners at Adams Elementary. As the word gets out, we have more students so we need more volunteer tutors.
Please let us know if you would like to join in this important effort. Sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm. Participation on one or both days is possible. Contact Randall Casillas, ([email protected]) or Perii Skolnick, ([email protected])
-Submitted by Perii Skolnick
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Paz de Cristo Volunteers needed this month!
Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles
Friday, May 10, 4pm - 7pm
Location: 424 W Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ
Click here for the sign up link
Families welcome!
Please join us as we keep VUU’s 34-year tradition of serving the evening meal to Paz de Cristo guests on the second Friday, May 10. Volunteers gather at the Paz kitchen/dining room from 4 pm to 7pm to prepare then serve the evening meal. Additional tasks include cleanup of dishes, sweeping and
mopping of floors. If you are joining us for the first time, don’t worry, Paz staff and experienced VUU volunteers make the work easy and fun, and the evening goes fast. Seventeen volunteers are needed for the evening and can range in age from 12 on up. Volunteers must be able to stand and participate in tasks during the entire evening. Questions? Contact Joanne at 602-620-3100. Please sign up for this rewarding experience at www.vuu.org/paz.
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Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation | vuu.org | | | | |
