All Souls Unitarian Universalist E-Letter
November 29, 2018
Sunday Service Time: 10:30am

This week's editor:
Tamsin Cowdery
 


 
 
 
office hours
 
Administration office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm.  
 
Minister's office hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-3pm and evenings and weekends by appointment.
in this week's issue
service   service this week
 
12/2 ~ gratitude in the midst of suffering 
According to a survey done in 2014 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, every year, about 42.5 million American adults (or 1 in 5) suffers from some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Yet still our society stigmatizes people dealing with it. Join us today as a panel of people from our own congregation share their personal stories of dealing with mental illness in their families or their own lives and how gratitude is one of the most powerful antidotes to the despair it can often bring. You will be awed at the resilience and dedication of these amazing people.

Click here  to see upcoming service themes. 
asnews all souls news
 
date change for december's tuesday with nori 
Rev. Nori will be out of town on 12/4, so the Decemeber Tuesday with Nori will be held 6:30pm on 12/11 instead. Join her that evening for a special holiday Tuesday with Nori.
 
auction payments due
Payments for Auction winnings are due by 12/2 (we extended the deadline to Sunday.) You can pay by cash, check or credit card during church office hours or after Sunday service. To make other arrangements, or if you have questions, please contact Rick Schwarz by email or call the church office (719-633-7717). 
 
members web page access
In our newly redesigned church website, the Members page is full of useful info. It is also password-protected for security. All Souls members and friends will soon be getting an email with an access password and a guide to accessing and using the Members page. If you haven't received this email by the next e-letter, please contact the church office by email or by phone (719-633-7717). 
 
pledge status letters are in the mail
Each household that made a financial pledge for the 2018-19 fiscal year will soon get a letter summarizing your pledge total and your total payment thus far toward that pledge. Please take a few moments to read that letter. It is the first of four quarterly status reports you will receive between now and 6/30/19. 
 
annual asuuc work day 
9am-1pm on Saturday, 12/1 is our annual All Souls Interior Work Day. We will be spiffing up the interior to welcome in the holiday season. Later that evening, All Souls serves the community as an official warming station for the Annual Parade of Lights and we want to provide a great impression for the guests who stop by to warm their bodies while enjoying a warm drink in our beautiful building. This is a great opportunity for us to show our community that we are a open and welcoming faith presence. 
Chores can be chosen to address your skills and interests. Dusty light fixtures, messy refrigerators, fuzzy cushions, creaky chairs and disheveled book cases are all fair game for the intrepid volunteers that show up. Is there something that drives you buggy during Sunday service? You can tackle that project as well! There will be coffee, juice and homemade coffee cake to entice you even more.
Come and share an hour or two with your fellow members and friends. You will be helping to create an inviting and warm atmosphere at All Souls. This is important as we enter the season where many people search for a church to help them with important questions. If you have quetions, please email Becky Harrison or call her at  719-540-9072.

free scottish dance lessons
We are lucky to have Scottish dance master John Crumlin return again to All Souls to teach a free session of easy dances that can be done at our Solstice Party later in December. Everyone is welcome on Saturday, 12/15, starting at 1pm in the Small Hall. Wear comfortable, soft-soled shoes. We will be reviewing dances taught last year and adding a new step or two.
 
save the date!
The annual All Souls Winter Solstic e Party will take place 6-9:30pm(ish) on Friday, 12/21. Food will be potluck, so please bring a favorite dish to share. Hard and soft drinks will be provided. Music by the Rare Ould Times, members of the All Souls choir, and other guests will be featured, along with juggling, ritual, and dancing! A donation of $15 is suggested. 
 
affinity groups
our affinity groups are open to all! There is no enrollment period and no fee required. Friends are welcome! These groups share a common interest and provide opportunities to connect and deepen our fellowship outside of Sunday Service. Perhaps one is for you? For more information, please click here.
RE religious exploration
 
shout out
Thank you to the Building and Grounds Team for hanging up our beautifully crafted name tag board perfectly! Thank you to Jay Hatfield for his RE contribution and to Yolanda Fiala for her donation to a charity RE loves to support. 
 
we need you in december and january 
We are in real need of volunteers in the upcoming weeks. We need two Leader Assistants for Contemplate This! - Team Juggling on 12/9, a Teacher Assistant for our younger kids in the Air Element Class - Decomposition on 12/16, a Leader and a Leader Assistant for Contemplate This! on 12/30, a Leader and Leader Assistant for Team Game Day - Ice Skating on 1/6, a Leader Assistant for Contemplate This! - Yoga Day on 1/20, and a Teacher for our older kids in the Fire Element Class - Eyes on the Prize on 1/27. Check out our  Sign-Up Genius  for available slots.  Any size commitment is welcome. Experience not required. Everything provided. Various positions available. Come join in the fun!  Contact Laurie with any questions.
 
re registration 
Have you registered for Religious Exploration (RE) at All Souls? Just check out our on-line registration. We ask that you fill out a new registration form EACH year. Please register your kids (babies through youth group) now so we can better plan, be informed, and keep you updated. There is no charge to register.
 
hope and help 
Guest at Your Table (GAYT) is an annual intergenerational program sponsored by the UUSC to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues. This year's theme is Justice Across Borders, a subject very near and dear to this church. This program is an opportunity to celebrate grassroots partnership, support human rights, and learn about just four of these individuals - the "guests" in Guest at Your Table. The brochures and collection boxes are available for you at the RE table, so pick one up and help us continue this great tradition of hope and help! 
children children 
 
last sunday 
I hope everyone enjoyed their time together during our intergenerational service. Were you able to feel an attitude of gratitude? I am grateful for you all! 
 
12/2
Our Air Element class for younger kids will be exploring lifecycles represented by the quote, "Awaken to the universe's simple gift of the butterfly. Watch with fascination and joy as a jeweled treasure glides by and gently touches your soul." - Kristen D'Angelo, freelance writer, blogger, and photographer. 
Our Fire Element class for older kids will examine the blessings of Imperfection and its quote, "If
you look closely at a tree you'll notice its knots and dead branches, just like our bodies. What we learn is that beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully." - Matthew Fox, theologian. 
 
12/9
Contemplate This! meets Team Game Day as we try our hand at group juggling! No worries if you can't juggle as it is for all ages and abilities. There will be team building and problem solving as we focus in the moment while working together toward common goals.
youthyouth
 
yruu youth group
Be ready to take the next
step on 12/2 as we make a final decision on our next endeavor and how we will move forward. Show up and make it count! 

7th-9th grade owl
Our next session will be 12-1:30pm this Sunday,12/2 in the RE Assembly Area. We will finish our unit entitled You as a Sexual Being with an intriguing workshop entitled Sexuality and Disability. Our next unit will focus on relationships with a workshop on Healthy Relationships on 12/9 and Relationship Skills on 12/16. 
activismlocal activism & awareness

Editors' note: Occasionally, changes are made to these events after publication. Please click on the links provided if you are interested in attending something, to make sure the details have not changed. Thank you!
 
***new*** 
Ongoing, at Colorado Springs Rescue Mission, blankets needed. Colorado Springs City Council recently voted $500k for additional beds at the Colorado Springs Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army RJM Center. This latest taste of cold and snowy weather lends urgency to helping those in our community without shelter from the coming winter.
 
Besides needing beds, there is always a need for blankets. If you would like to donate a blanket, quilt, comforter or throw, it would be much appreciated at the shelters. Besides individual people donating, a sewing or needlework group could also help. Sometimes the shelter sends along a blanket when a homeless person leaves, and they are also given out to those turned away due to lack of bed space. if you have a heart to help a person be warm, please consider donating a new or gently used blanket.
 
The Rescue Mission has a donation warehouse one block west of their campus at 111 West Las Vegas Street. Suggested times are weekdays from 9:30am-4:30pm and Saturday from 9-11am. The Salvation Army accepts donations at their R.J. Montgomery Center, 709 South Sierra Madre Street, near Cimarron, behind the power plant. Best time to donate there is 9am-12pm on weekdays. 

11/29, 6-8pm, at Penrose Llibrary, " Refugee 101." This training is for all new volunteers. In addition, volunteers must view the film "The Island of All Together." During this session you will learn about the current refugee situation, what it takes to get involved, the application process, and about advocacy. We strive to stand in solidarity with refugees using patience, resilience, and compassion. There is a need for Cultural Mentors, ESL tutors, Donation and Move Assistance, Job Development, and more. This training is part of the Pikes Peak Library District yearly "All Pikes Peak Reads" cultural event. Registration required.

11/30, 6:30-9:30pm, at UCCS, " Sorry to Bother You." A screening of the film Sorry To Bother You in Berger Hall at UCCS followed by a question and answer session/discussion with the Director, Boots Riley. During this time we will discuss the themes of the movie, which address racism, capitalism, labor organizing, and other timely issues. This event is free to the public and no RSVP is required. The purpose of this event is to engage our local community in conversations that are underway nationally and internationally about racism, capitalism, and revolution. Please be sure to be on time as doors will close right at 6:30pm.
 
12/1, 12-4pm, at Relevate Colorado Springs, "Coat/Pyjama Drive." Please bring new or gently used coats to benefit the Colorado Springs Rescue Mission. You can also bring new kids' pajamas to benefit District 11 schools. Stop by some delicious coffee, snacks and great conversation.

12/1, 4-5:15pm, at Penrose Library, " Nonviolent Night." Join The Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission and RAWtools for a joint Indy Give! event. First Strike Theatre cheers the team with shtick and song. Activate Your Activism, Forge Peace, Disarm Hearts, and support these great organizations! Cookies and cocoa join the warm-up to the Festival of Lights parade happening downtown just after this event.
 
12/11, 7:30pm, at Cinemark Carefree Circle, Encore Presentation of "Allegiance." An encore, big-screen presentation of the Broadway play, "Allegiance," presented by George Takei. Straight from its Broadway run and inspired by the true-life experience of its star George Takei (Star Trek, Heroes), Allegiance follows one family's extraordinary journey in this untold American story. Their loyalty was questioned, their freedom taken away, but their spirit could never be broken. Rejoice in one family's triumphant story of hope, love, and forgiveness in this groundbreaking musical. 
The movie presentation will be showing at the Cinemark Carefree Circle.  This is a reserved-seating event.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $13 for children and must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets,  click here . We are thinking of having a short
discussion session afterwards, but you can come just for the show.  
***new event*** 
12/14, 6-8pm, at ASUUC, "Solidarity Dinner with a Cause." Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission is hosting a dinner with a little bit of fun, a lot a bit of flair! Come on down and have a great meal for a great cause! Help them Activate their Activism! 
community community news
 
Editors' note: Occasionally, changes are made to events after publication. Please click on the links provided if you are interested in attending something, to make sure the details have not changed. Thank you!

34th annual festival of lights parade  
5:30pm on 12/1. The Festival of Lights Parade will be on Tejon St. and will start at St. Vrain St. and proceed south to Vermijo Avenue. There is handicap parking on Bijou and Kiowa on both sides of Tejon and there are 5 parking structures within one block of the parade route.
 
support cos womxn's march 
The 2019 COS Womxn's March serves as an opportunity for Colorado Springs to come together in solidarity, to celebrate, and to keep momentum for progress alive! Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to access a permit to march downtown, insure the event, provide refreshments and portable toilets, and ensure proper clean up. Please consider donating to help cover these costs. Any amount helps! And please, spread the word. More details regarding the event will be posted soon! If you are interested in helping organize or volunteering, please contact Catherine G. via FB messenger.  
 
cheyenne mountain zoo
Children's Hospital Colorado are treating you to BOGO daytime admission on Saturday, 12/1. This is a rare event, so mark your calendars! Just mention this event at the gate for your one free admission with the purchase of a second admission of equal or greater value.  
joys j oys & concerns

joys
None to share this week.  
 
concerns  
My wife, Evonda, has a couple cracked ribs. She welcomes visitors (719-331-1371). -- Mike Lee 
all souls board of trustees

Judie McMath, President
Wendy Mike, Vice-President
Gary Harrison, Treasurer
Kate Harrison, Secretary
Rick Schwarz, Past President
Terry Schultz, Member-at-Large 
Bruce Leeson, Member-at-Large
Jim Michali, Member-at-Large
Shawn Yasutake, Member-at-Large
e-letter deadline

The deadline for each week's e-letter is Wednesday at noon, barring something truly unexpected, such as a last-minute cancellation. Other items submitted after deadline will run the following week. Please help us inform you by honoring the deadline. Thank you -- Tamsin & Shawn
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church | 719-633-7717 | info@asuuc.net  | asuuc.net
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