Sunday August 31, 2025
“Labor in the Pulpit”
We are joined by guest speakers Laura Perez, an organizer with Unite Here Local 11 and Eric Cadman, a union member who works with Aramark at ASU. Ken St. John will be their worship associate and convener.
Meg leads music. Guest musician Igor also joins us as we celebrate Labor Day.
| |  | IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS |
Faith Formation
Faith Formation Classes:
- Preschool (3/4 yr olds)
- Kind/1st Grade
- 2nd/3rd Grade
- 4th/5th Grade
- Middle School (6-8th)
- High School (9-12th)
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DALAI LAMA AND FRIENDS
8:30a Meditation
9:00a 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, August 28
Friday, August 29
Saturday, August 30
Sunday, August 31
Monday, September 1
Tuesday, September 2
Wednesday, September 3
Thursday, September 4
Friday, September 5
Saturday, September 6
Sunday, September 7
Click here for the most current calendar, to view locations, contact information details for above events
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LAST SUNDAY'S PARTICIPATION
Worship Attendance:
122 in person, 24 online
Weekly Pledge/Plate Collection:
$14,411 actual, $9,181 budget
August Pledge/Plate Collection to date:
$52,650 actual, $36,724 budget
July Pledge/Plate Collection:
$35,747 actual, $36,224 budget
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Abbreviated information about upcoming events
more than two weeks out or without an article below
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Singles Lunch - Sep 12 (please note corrected date)
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Parents & Pastries - Sep 7, Oct 5
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EastVUU - Sep 11, 25 (no online meeting in August)
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Singles Dinner - Sep 26
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Congregational Conversation - Oct 5
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Thanks to everyone who came to our first annual All Community Water Party and Picnic! A continuous line of kids made use of the giant water slide and ensuing puddles, adults enjoyed conversations, refreshments, air conditioning, and watching the fun. I made it down the slide a couple of times, as did Obi (who was helping his little one). Big kids were great at watching out for littler ones, and I am pretty sure everyone slept well afterwards. To everyone who helped me set up, clean up, and who made new friends, THANKS!!! (Maybe next time we should get a band to play?!)
If you came to our annual water communion, you know we had amazing music, a meaningful ritual–with water dancers– a poem about Monsoons from Alberto Rios, and a river of artwork. If you were waiting for a great Monsoon, you’re welcome! I think we called the Monsoon that came Sunday night and the Haboob that arrived Monday night. 😅
I will be taking Labor Day off this year, but I wanted to share with you some thoughts I wrote for a sermon on Labor Day a few years ago that still feel very relevant to me, especially as we witness the abduction of immigrants from their places of work. Once imprisoned, a private corporation makes money off of “housing” and feeding them, and can also find ways to profit off their labor if they so choose. Fighting for labor rights means also fighting for the rights of immigrants who come here to provide their labor in exchange (they thought) for safety and the pursuits of life and liberty. Here is the excerpted sermon. Cheers, friends. See you at the Resistance in Action Fair on Sept 6!
In gratitude, Rev Sarah
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SCAM Alert
Just a reminder that I will never ask you to buy something like gift cards for me out of the blue and ask you to “keep it under wraps.” These are scam artists. Remember–it will be similar to my email but never my actual email. Report it and don’t respond. They can sometimes escalate, and you don’t need that in your life.
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New to VUU Class
Want to know more about Unitarian Universalism?
Thinking about joining VUU?
Want to get involved in VUU activities and programs?
Come to our New to VUU Class (even if you’re not NEW, maybe there are things you wish you KNEW about VUU?)
Sept 14 and 21 12:30-2:30p VUU Board Room (2 Part class). Bring a lunch or something to share. Click here to RSVP.
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Office Volunteers Needed
Each week, a team meets to prepare VUU's weekly bank deposit. This small but mighty group needs more folks. If you can spare an hour on a Monday morning, please contact Lynn DeMuth at 480.345.2626. Training will be provided, and you will work with an experienced partner to start.
--Submitted by Lynn DeMuth
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It's a Breeze...
Breeze is VUU's membership database. It's where we keep all of your contact information, pledges and donations, and track who does what and when.
We're making it a focus this year to get all members logged in to Breeze so you can find each other, like you would use a directory. If you are a Friend or a Visitor, we keep your information there also, but you are unable to login to search information - it's one of the perks of membership, and a way that we help safeguard our member data.
We'll be sending login information to you if you're a member and you haven't accessed Breeze lately. And we'll hold a few trainings via Zoom to make sure you know how to move around in there, update your own information, and find other people.
Join us on Tuesday, September 2 to learn "how to Breeze"!
Tues. Sept. 2 5:00p Link to Training
Contact DeeAnne, Rev. Sarah, or Doug N. with questions.
--Submitted by DeeAnne McClenahan
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EastVUU
Please Note: The EastVUU Online session that would normally occur on August 28 has been canceled. Enjoy summer break! See you back on Thursday, September 25.
—Submitted by Janice Miller
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Check out FUUNd's Last Chance Auction Today!
The Let’s Have FUUNd Together Auction is VUU’s largest annual FUUNd raiser. 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.
One of the events available in Last Chance is the course: Mindfulness Foundations for Living and Being (Wednesdays, September 17 & 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22 - 6:00 - 8:00p). In this time of change and concern, how can we learn to meet intensity and uncertainty with some degree of ease and steadiness? Mindfulness is the awareness that comes from paying attention to present moment experience (sensations, feelings, thoughts) with kind, warm, receptivity in order to reduce habits of reactivity and enhance our capacity for wise, caring response.
This 6 week Introduction to Mindfulness course, offered online over Zoom, blends Buddhist teachings on the four foundations of mindfulness with research supported practices for cultivating mindful awareness and a greater sense of ease and well-being. Each class will build on the previous one so it is important to be able to make a commitment to attend regularly.
We will practice a variety of mindfulness meditations and explore practical ways to integrate mindfulness into daily activities at work, home and in relationships. All are welcome, whether you are a beginner or just want to refresh or deepen your practice. The course will be taught by Ann Sebren, Ed.D., Certified Mindfulness Teacher - Professional. Ann has been teaching mindfulness for 15 years and has decades of university experience teaching courses related to health, wellness, and stress management.
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.
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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:
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How to Sing in a Choir Even if You Don't Read Music (Saturday, September 13)
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SoulCollage® - A Personal Practice for Spiritual Growth (Saturday, September 27)
No Need to purchase tickets ahead of time, just pay at the door. Email fuundtogether@vuu.org for questions or other assistance.
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Did you miss the sign-up for 8-9 Grade OWL? Never fear – reach out to Molly McNamara before class starts on 9/7!
Support your teenager to navigate life with confidence, integrity, and compassion. Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education program. Supporting the “three Rs” of sexuality education: respect, relationships, and responsibility, OWL empowers youth with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed, healthy decisions.
VUU is excited to offer OWL classes for both 8th–9th graders and 10th–11th graders this year. Each group receives tailored content that meets them where they are developmentally—creating space for meaningful conversation, peer connection, and personal growth.
Spectacled Owls (8-9th graders):
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26 weeks, starting September 7 – May 10, from 12:45-2:15p Sunday afternoons.
- Cost is $55, with a $15 discount for pledging VUU Members and Friends.
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Parent Orientation has come and gone, so please email Molly McNamara or 515.450.0843 (call or text) to get signed up and ready to go!
Burrowing Owls (10-11 graders):
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13 sessions, starting September 7 – January 25, 12:45 – 2:15pm Sunday afternoons.
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Mandatory Parent Orientation is Sunday, September 7, from 12:45 – 2:45pm.
- Cost is $55, with a $15 discount for pledging VUU Members and Friends.
Learn more about Our Whole Lives or email Molly McNamara.
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Faith Formation Enrollment for 2025–2026
Enroll your kids in Faith Formation! Fall Programming begins Sept 7.
It's time to enroll your children in Faith Formation classes at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation for the new school year. Please complete the information in the enrollment form.
In 2025–2026 we will explore our Unitarian Universalist values through the lens of the following themes:
- September: Building Belonging
- October: Cultivating Compassion
- November: Nurturing Gratitude
- December: Choosing Hope
- January: Practicing Resistance
- February: Embodying Resilience
- March: Paying Attention
- April: Embracing Possibility
- May: Awakening Curiosity
- June: Flourishing Together
We will also be exploring anti-racism in our new MOSAIC curriculum the first Sunday of each month. Once your enrollment form has been received you will then be sent sign up forms for volunteering in faith formation.
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VUU Voices Choir
Consider coming back to choir, or joining for the first time! Choir meets every Wednesday at 7p. It's a great way to meet new people, and be around other singers. You don't have to be able to read music, or have any experience. You come to learn, grow, improve, contribute, and mostly to have fun! You can also just stay for the holiday season, or even stay through one performance to try it out. Feel free to bring a friend or family member with you, and all ages are welcome. We will have a cookie break during rehearsal! All new people are starting September 3rd. Email Meg Palermo if you have interest in coming, or just show up Wednesday night :)
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Share Your Musical Talent
Are you interested in performing music during church on Sunday? Maybe you'd like to lead a hymn, or bring a special piece of your own? If you have an interest, and you just need a nudge, or you need help selecting a song, please reach out to Meg Palermo. We can help you pick a date that works for you and works with the topics. We'd love as many people as possible to get the opportunity to share their talents on their own, or in a small group, during the Sunday service.
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Announcing Cabaret!
We will be hosting our 'Cabaret' on Friday, February 13th, 2026 at 7p. It will have a Valentine's Theme, so all music can be about Love (or heartbreak, or loving yourself!). We need 3-4 more people for the committee to plan all of the logistics. We will plan meeting times around your schedule. Please contact Meg Palermo if you'd like to join the committee.
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Caring Neighbors Meetup
Two Caring Neighbors neighborhoods recently came together for an ice-cream potluck, and it was a blast! It was a fun-filled afternoon of sweet treats and great company. Be sure to keep an eye out for future invitations from the Coordinator assigned to your area—you won’t want to miss the next one!
--Submitted by Nancy Wittenberg
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Sandy Whitley Update
Long-time friend, Greg, visits Sandy. And on July 30th a small group of the Voices Lifted choir visited and sang for Sandy. Usually, Voices Lifted is on break during the summer, but Lynn D., Mary R., and Rebecca R. made an exception to perform at Sandy’s bedside, after her recent placement in hospice. Visits between 10a and 6p to 4820 S. Robins Way, Chandler are welcome and appreciated. Thank you Voices Lifted!
Click here for the the latest activity on Sandy's CaringBridge
--Submitted by Janet Cantley
| | | | Fellowship and Social Activities | | |
Empathy Circle
When: Sunday, August 31, 12:30 – 2:00p
Where: Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation — Room 5
Facilitator: Teri McGovern-Nintzel
Topic: What are your intentions in life this fall? (or whatever is alive in you)
Join this Empathy Circle to explore how you respond and relate when you are supported to suspend habitual reactions in group conversation.
Often, the insights that flow in a circle open my heart to a sense of oneness. This shifts how I see our shared challenges—and shows me that healing conditioned divides isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.
Please click here to RSVP.
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CPR Certification Class
CPR certification class September 20, 2025 from 9:30-12p to be offered by Katie Hurstwicker, who is certified to teach this. Please RSVP. There are limited spots, so please let us know your reason for taking it. We can set up another class later if needed. Priority spots will go to VUU teachers and childcare providers.
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Join us for Resistance in Action: A Social Justice Resource Fair!
Looking to get involved, take action, or deepen your commitment to justice? Team Resistance Arizona invites you to a free community event focused on tools, connection, and collective liberation. Whether you're brand new to activism or already deeply engaged, there's something here for you!
📅 Saturday, September 6
🕐 1:00–4:00p
📍 Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Chandler, AZ
💸 Free and open to all!
✨ Featuring:
- Local organizations & volunteer opportunities
- Workshops & education
- Empathy circles
- Food trucks and onsite childcare
- Action items, resources, and community connection
Bring your passion, curiosity, or questions—and leave with ways to plug in, take action, and connect with others building a better world.
Resistance in Action Fair Volunteers Needed for VUU table:
We will have one table for VUU at the Fair. If your committee or project would like to have information to share at the table or a volunteer to help us welcome folks and answer questions at VUU, please contact Rev. Sarah at minister@vuu.org. 12-4p for this table. I can schedule people for an hour, 2 or all four.
📩 Questions? Email us at TeamResistanceAZ@gmail.com.
—Submitted by Amanda Schneider
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Ukesters Group – All Are Welcome!
Come strum, sing, or play along with Ukester Friends on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month! Next meeting is tonight, August 28. We start at 6:00p with easy songs for beginners, then move into less-easy tunes as the evening goes on. All levels are welcome — bring your ukulele, voice, or another small instrument and join the fun.
If you’d like more information or to be on the email list to receive the song sheets, please email Maria.
--Submitted by Maria Wildflower
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Singles Lunch Bunch
When: Friday, Sept 12 at 1:30p
Where: Kura Sushi, 1928 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler. 520-479-2707
This is a delightful revolving sushi bar where the sushi rolls past you and you grab the one that looks good. Drinks are delivered by a robot.
Click here to RSVP by email or contact Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047. Texts are strongly preferred.
--submitted by Claudette
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National Drive Electric Month Event
I'm John Martinson and my wife and I are longtime members of UUCP, where our children grew up and benefited from OWL. I now serve as Co-Founder and President of Drive Electric Arizona, a nonprofit promoting EV adoption through education and hands-on experiences.
One of our most effective programs is our Ride & Drive series, where people can test drive EVs, talk with owners, and learn about charging, incentives, and cost savings. These free events reflect UU values of environmental care, equity, and community well-being.
I invite you to join us for our next Ride & Drive: Sept 20, 2025, 8:00a - 12:00p
Mesa Community College
1833 W Southern Ave, South Parking Lot
Mesa, AZ 85202
Come see how EVs are not only cleaner, but also more affordable, fun, and better for our communities!
--Submitted by Rev Sarah
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Paz de Cristo
Volunteers needed this month!
Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles
When: Friday, September 12th, 4p-7p
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, September 12, 2025. Volunteers gather at the Paz kitchen/dining room from 4 to 7p 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 here for this rewarding experience.
--Submitted by Joanne McGrath
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Recycle Opportunity
Once again, I am collecting block styrofoam for recycling. Let me know if you'd like me to meet you at VUU some Sunday to pick up yours. Or, I might be able to arrange a pick up from your house.
Click here to send me an email or text or voice message at 480-839-1764.
Yours for Climate Justice, Linda Stenholm
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Partners In Education (PIE) Back to School
Adams Elementary opened its doors on July 31. Our after-school bilingual program, Rumbo al Éxito, started on Monday, August 18.
Volunteers are needed to provide one-on-one and small group mentoring. Some knowledge of Spanish is desirable, but fluency is not necessary. Contact Randall Casillas.
Our congregants donated close to $7,000 to Adams through the ECA tax credit program. These funds will be used to support our Rumbo program, Science Camp, field trips, and much more! Thank you!
For more information and donations, contact Perii Skolnick.
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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
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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
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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
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation | vuu.org | | | | |
