"Love invites us to recognize all beings as sacred and celebrated. Our differences are appreciated and valued: all are equally sacred regardless of culture, theology, and experience." - anastasia birosh, part-time seminarian and part-time church administrator

Pluralism is not often considered a spiritual value, but for Unitarian Universalists who have long affirmed and promoted the inherent worth and dignity of every person - it is a core value. We cherish and celebrate each and every person's individuality including their unique blend of background, belief, and time on this earth. 

On Sundays in May, we will explore pluralism as a core value of our faith from the fandoms that you have long loved to our many means and methods of creating the future. 

May 4 "May the Fourth Be with You"

This Star Wars Sunday we dive deep into the meaning and lore a galaxy, far, far way to find the spiritual rebellion right here, right now.

Rev. Matthew & Samar Adi

May 11 "The UU Zone"

Does it feel like you are waking up in the Twilight Zone lately? This Mother's Day we recognize National Twilight Zone Day and UU Rod Serling. 

Rev. Matthew & Iris Safehaven

May 18 Joys & Sorrows

As our Pastoral Associates share what the coming Desert Ritual Year holds, they will lead us through our open mic Joys & Sorrows ritual. 

MVUU Pastoral Associates Team

May 25 "Taking Action Now"

We explore even more ways for you to bring our MVUU values to life and take action in the world. 



Dear Mountain Vista UUs,

It is the time of year that many faith based organizations are in deep preparation for their congregational meetings. Depending on the faith and the structure of governance these can range from simple celebrations of gratitude for leaders to full on parliamentary business meetings. MVUU has chosen a format in between these polls for our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, June 8th. When we gather after Sunday worship to express our thanks to leaders for their service this year, vote on our 2025-26 budget, debate making changes to our bylaws, and elect a slate of leaders for next year.

While we might differ from other faiths in our format, we share an unusual challenge that has arisen post-pandemic: finding individuals to serve as executive level leaders. I've spoken to UU and leaders of other faiths for several years now about how hard it is to find individuals who will commit to leadership on Boards, the President and Treasurer in particular.

There's been a lot of speculation why these two positions are problematic for congregations to fill. It could be that the pandemic caused seismic shifts in the systems of congregations which need to be navigated. It could be that technological advances of faith based organizations have surpassed the comfort of potential leaders. It could be that people have put off traveling and now do not have enough time to commit to leadership. It could be all of these, or none of them. As, I say, there's a lot of speculation.

Here at MVUU we have been fortunate thus far, to have individuals step up and take on our executive level positions - until now. We've had leaders step up for all our Board, Nominating, and Endowment leadership position - but we are looking for a new Treasurer. Realizing that this the challenge of filling the Treasurer position could be coming, we've been active in building a strong financial team to adapt to our systemic changes, new technology, and need for individuals to take time away and travel. 

While our Nominating Committee continues to seek out a Treasurer, our Board of Directors, our Finance Committee, our fractional Chief Financial Officer, Reba Kahlil, and our Congregational Administrator, Stephanie Morales, and Chase bank are taking care of our business - and moving our finances forward.

As we come to our congregational meeting, we will not only find time to celebrate and deliberate together, but we will need to address how we engage issues now common to faith based organization. I am certain that we will engage this challenge as only we can - with love and transformation.

In faith,

Rev. Matthew

Program Council Update

Program Council has now been working for about a year in its’ new function as a clearing house for new ideas and programs. We have developed materials, an application form, and funded three programs to date. If you or your committee or program have ideas and would like to investigate how to proceed, please contact Theda Ellis at either thedaellis@me.or or at (302) 388-9798.

The next meeting will be June 7, 2025 at 10 am in the Mesquite Room. The meeting will also be available on Zoom. We welcome those who want to expand or start something new to come speak with us. Part of our function is to provide committees with opportunities to know what is happening across the congregation, and to collaborate on various projects. We have had two collaborations with Adult Education and have folded Adult Education into Program Council itself, and we’ve helped with the collaboration for the quarterly potlucks.

We also have an updated list of Committees and their chairs. You can find that and the application for PC funding on the MVUU google docs page under the folder Program Council.

OWL happening at MVUU!!

Are you or someone you know interested in taking our OWL class? We welcome everyone! Grandchildren, parents, relatives, neighbors, friends, community members, and all others. There is a class for all stages of life.  Our OWL facilitators are working hard to offer classes that is right for you! We will be planning our upcoming OWL classes this summer and need your input!!  Please let us know which classes you might be interested in. Filling out this form does not automatically register you for these classes but we do ask that only those that are seriously interested attending to fill it out. We are trying to gauge the interest in our program, which sections to offer, and when to offer it that works for everyone. 

Fill out this form by May 4th or email Stacie Sosa with any questions. Feel free to share this link with anyone who might be interested.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMJLS1UuXs4W8XgVsXv1j3-AcHX5pjPPd-yuCup6Oukd_nag/viewform?usp=sharing

Thank you!

Bookaholics Unanimous

We are a group of enthusiastic readers who meet the last Tuesday of the month at 2 pm. Our next meeting will be on May 27.  The book will be: Our Missing Heart by Celest Ng.   Leading the conversation Will be Claudia Sillverman. We currently meet by ZOOM. If you are interested and would be new to the group contact Anne Leonard at anne@alartworks.com or call 520-307-8045.  

The Peer Grief Group will meet at 12:30 p.m. in MVUU's Loft on these Sundays in May: May 11, May 18, May 25

Neither Terry nor Ann will be present on May 4.

Hello beautiful UU's!

Our office will be closed on Wednesday, May 7th. Rest assured I will be here Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday.

Thank you,

Your Admin

Stephanie Morales

Treasurer Wanted!

Join our Board and make a meaningful impact as our Treasurer! You'll oversee the financial health of our congregation, working closely with our fractional CFO, and Administrator Stephanie Morales, as well as our Finance Committee to ensure responsible stewardship. This role is perfect for someone organized, with finance and/or accounting experience, and passionate about serving the community. Please contact Mary Nell Hoover, Samar Adi, or Tom Sawyer if interested. 

Some MVUUers who attend Sunday services by Zoom would like to increase the sense of fellowship by remaining online after the service for our Social Hour. Bill Killian has agreed to facilitate a few times a month. Other host facilitators are being sought. Interested? Just stay online Sunday and we'll see what happens. On Zoom you will be able to mingle with others through chat, and we’ll get to wave to the sanctuary congregation. Hope to see you soon.