Sunday August 3, 2025
"Returning to the Center: Spirals of Love and Connection"
Rev. Sarah returns to the pulpit after professional and personal travel and study leave. Reflecting on the cycles and seasons of our shared community and lives, she shares her own experiences of leaving, returning and the transformations experienced along the way. Relationships are the constellations that remind us where and when we are and shape who we are–something we can celebrate, grieve and honor no matter where we are in the cycles of life.
She is joined by worship associate Obi Duru and music leader Lynn DeMuth with the Spirit Choir.
| |  | IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS | |
FAITH FORMATION
JET PIG helps us learn about our UU value of Interdependence this week. What is interdependence? Imagine you and your friends are playing together building a tall tower out of blocks. If everyone works on their own and only cares about their own blocks, the tower might not be as tall or strong. But if you all depend on each other and help each other out, like one friend holding the bottom while another adds more blocks, you can build a really amazing tower! That's a bit like interdependence – it means that people or things need each other and rely on each other to succeed or to be healthy and happy.
| |
DALAI LAMA AND FRIENDS
8:30 am Meditation
9:00 am Discussion
In person, in the board room, and
Via Zoom here
| | | Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | | | | |
Calendar
Thursday, July 31
Friday, August 1
Saturday, August 2
Sunday, August 3
Monday, August 4
Tuesday, August 5
Wednesday, August 6
Thursday, August 7
Friday, August 8
Saturday, August 9
Sunday, August 10
Click here for the most current calendar, to view locations, contact information details for above events
| |
LAST SUNDAY'S PARTICIPATION
Worship Attendance:
149 in person, 30 online
Weekly Pledge/Plate Collection:
$12,066 actual, $9,956 budget
Month to Date Pledge Collection (July):
$39,015 actual, $36,224 budget
| | |
Abbreviated information about upcoming events
more than two weeks out or without an article below
-
Congregational Conversation - Oct 5
| | |
As I return to the desert after being on both off the coast in Baltimore and also along the coastline of Oregon and Washington, I am arriving feeling both more settled and less certain. I’ve always said that it takes three years to make most major life transitions–to live into them and begin to feel a sense of solidity and capacity. I have completed three years with VUU, and I do feel a deeper sense of belonging here as well as a sense of deeper connection to and understanding of VUU and my role as your minister. However, we are still experiencing transitions both in our organization (and in our larger world.)
Our Interim Faith Formation Director, Sara Sautter, returns to her home in Taos, and while we had hoped to be hiring a settled full time faith formation director, we are facing two challenges. One is that our income over the summer dipped (it usually does) leaving monthly bills like payroll more vulnerable than usual. As a result, the VUU board has decided to place a temporary hiring freeze until we are back on track. The second is that our approved budget for this year has the Faith Formation Director position at half time. We have basically shifted from 60 hours of Faith Formation leadership staff (this does not include teaching staff) to 25-28 hours.
The consequence of these two realities, when we have 40+ families and 100+ children being served by youth faith formation, is that my time and tasks will be shifted to carry some of the needs and leadership of the faith formation program for children and youth. We also have been working on developing our adult faith formation offerings. All of this means we have a greater need for volunteers to pick up some tasks. I would love to have many of you sign up to help in some way–we can meet these needs together! This also means that how I spend my time on Sundays and during the week will be shifting. Until we can hire someone to fill the PT position, I will need to make sure our teaching staff and their students (our children and youth!) have what they need. This means planning for and running some staff meetings and trainings, helping volunteers get set up to do their work, and communicating with parents. I am still working on what this will look like, but I think it’s important for you to know what’s happening “behind the scenes.”
August is a time of preparation and planning–I meet with committee and project leaders, plan out our calendar and, yes, I still preach and plan worship! In addition, my own 16 year old begins his junior year of high school, which brings its own set of tasks and responsibilities. Adaptation and patience are the key to all of this! I hope you will lean into and share with me the opportunity to try things in new ways, with new leaders, and learn together. Thanks for being part of this community–I look forward to our shared work, commitment and growth. I know we will find joy, laughter, and rest as well. These are the key ingredients for any successful endeavor.
–Rev. Sarah
| |
VUU Board Election Results
The VUU Board would like to announce the following election results from our first meeting of the new congregational year on July 24th:
President: Mark Foote
Vice President: Nancy Egly
Secretary: Dan Sapakie
-Submitted by Mark Foote
| | |
Get in the Know with FUUNd's VUUniversity!
VUUniversity: for a modest fee of $20, you can attend one of the expert-led workshops listed below AND support VUU’s vital mission and programs. Space is limited so get your seat now! Classes that will be offered in August and September:
Homeopathic Remedies for You & Your Family (Saturday, 08/09/2025)
Abbott and Costello Re-visited (Saturday, 08/23/2025)
How to Sing in a Choir Even if You Don't Read Music (Saturday, 09/13/2025)
SoulCollage® - A Personal Practice for Spiritual Growth (Saturday, 09/27/2025)
The Let’s Have FUUNd Together Auction is VUU’s largest annual FUUNdraiser. After the auction closes in February, this column keeps you informed about FUUNd events as they are held and advertises FUUNd events you can still get in on via the Last Chance Auction.
All Last Chance Auction items are being offered at a “buy-it-now” price. Payment must be made at the time of purchase. You can view the items, make your purchase(s), and pay via credit card at www.Auctria.Events/VUUFUUND2025. Email fuundtogether@vuu.org for questions or other assistance.
| | |
Registration for Fall Our Whole Lives (OWL) Classes Is Here – Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Empower your teen with skills for life. Our Whole Lives (OWL) is more than just a sexuality education program—it’s a chance for youth to grow into thoughtful, informed, and confident individuals. Grounded in respect, responsibility, and relationship-building, OWL provides accurate, inclusive information in a supportive and values-based environment.
This fall, VUU is offering two dynamic OWL programs for youth:
Spectacled Owls (8th–9th Grade) – Yearlong Program
Sundays, 12:45–2:15pm | August 31, 2025–May 10, 2026
- 26 sessions filled with conversation, connection, and growth
-
Parent Orientation: Sunday, August 24, 12:45–2:45pm
- Cost: $55 ($40 for pledging VUU Members & Friends)
Burrowing Owls (10th–11th Grade) – Fall Program
Sundays, 12:45–2:15pm | September 7, 2025–January 25, 2026
- 13 sessions focused on identity, values, consent, and communication
-
Parent Orientation: Sunday, September 7, 12:45–2:45pm
- Cost: $55 ($40 for pledging VUU Members & Friends)
OWL helps teens build confidence, ask big questions, and explore their values in a setting that encourages curiosity and self-respect. Families often tell us OWL opens up powerful conversations at home and strengthens community connections.
Learn more and register here. Questions? Reach out to Molly McNamara.
-Submitted by Molly McNamara
| |
Spirit Choir
The VUU Spirit Choir sings this Sunday, August 3! Please arrive at 9:25am at VUU ready to learn music that we will sing at the service. If you can carry a tune, come join us!
-Submitted by Lynn DeMuth
| | | |
Update on Sandy Whitley
Update from Zach Green, July 28, 2025:
Mom seems to be settling into her new norm under hospice care. A couple adjustments to the medication plan were made and the group home staff has been great and helpful with everything.
There is a lot more sleeping, as expected, and she still doesn’t seem to be experiencing any discomfort. She’s still eating well, but she’s having a harder time feeding herself.
We continue to appreciate all of her friends’ support and visits.
Here is the link to the full update in Caring Bridge:
Sandy's CaringBridge | Monday, July 28
In gratitude, Janet Cantley
| | Fellowship and Social Activities | |
|
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 August 21 at 7:00 PM, we will meet at the home of Johnnie Godfrey in Tempe (near Baseline Rd. and the 101). The book is Prequel – An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow.
Rachel Maddow traces the fight to preserve American democracy back to World War II, when a handful of committed public servants and brave private citizens thwarted far-right plotters trying to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis.
For the meeting address or questions, please contact Johnnie at 480-231-8381 or email: membership@vuu.org.
—Submitted by Amy Monahan
| | | | |
Game Night Lounge
Our recent VUU Game Night Lounge was a vibrant gathering of over 20 participants spanning all ages, from toddlers to teens and adults. The evening buzzed with activity as we dove into and played fun games, created unique arts and crafts, shared delicious food, and watched the children play in delight. Laughter and lively conversation filled the room, and our furry friend Ella the dog brought extra smiles to everyone, especially the youngest attendees, who again, took it on to teach her good manners. It was a wonderful night of connection, creativity, and fun—thank you to everyone who joined and helped make it special!
Join us the first and third Wednesdays of each month, 6-8p, Rooms 1-2. The next game night is August 6th.
--Submitted by Doug Nintzel
| |
Attention Chandler Residents
Next VUU VIP Core Team Meeting:
Friday, August 1, 9:00am in the VUU Office
VIP Call to Action: The Chandler VIP strategy team continues to organize to
influence local government to increase affordable housing in Chandler.
Currently we are using opportunities for community input into the next
Chandler General Plan, particularly the Comprehensive Housing Plan
component. This plan will guide Chandler’s development for the next 10 years.
You can provide input by attending a Chandler Listens Workshop on Tuesday,
August 5 at 5:30-7:30 or Saturday, August 9 at 11:00-1:00. The workshops are the same, both held at 300 S Chandler Village Dr, Chandler, AZ 85226.
We strongly urge VUU members and friends who are residents of Chandler
to participate. For more information, contact Barb Quijada or Nancy
Wittenberg.
Coming Soon:
VIP Leaders Meeting August 26, 6:30pm
Shepherd of the Hills UCC, Phoenix
Join us as we welcome our new VIP organizer and begin planning strategies for 2026.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
—Submitted by Barb Quijada
| | | | |
Paz de Cristo
Volunteers needed this month!
Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles
June date: Friday, August 8th, 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, August 8, 2025. Volunteers gather at the Paz kitchen/dining room from 4 to 7 pm to prepare several meal items and then serve the evening meal. Additional tasks include cleanup of dishes, sweeping and mopping of floors and taking out the trash. 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. Have questions? Contact Joanne at 602-620-3100. Please sign up for this rewarding experience at www.vuu.org/paz.
--Submitted by Joanne McGrath
| | |
Paz de Cristo
Donation of the Month:
Hamburger Helper and Macaroni and Cheese
Paz Donation List
Please leave donations in the "Paz de Cristo" box in the sanctuary foyer.
Contact: Paul Reed
| | |
Immigrant Support
Donations gratefully accepted:
- Small handheld fruit cups
- Small handheld juice
- Veggie cups or squeezies
- Used clothing (all sizes, all seasons)
Please drop donations in the "Refugee Aid" box in the sanctuary foyer.
Contact: Randall Casillas
| | |
Partners in Education
Adams Elementary appreciates your TAX CREDIT donations. Get dollar-for-dollar credit to offset AZ tax liability for 2025.
Contact: Adrienne O'Donnell
| | |
Unitarian Universalist Congregation | vuu.org | | | | |
