To help with Sunday morning hospitality, click here.

Abbreviated information about upcoming events

more than two weeks out or without an article below

EastVUU Dinner - Apr 10

• Page Turners Book Club - April 17 Find the book here
• Pacific West Region Meeting - May 29
• New Participant Class - Jun 7 RSVP here
• UUA General Assembly - Jun 18-22 Register Here

March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility. Over the weekend many organizations, including ours, will be marking this day with celebrations and solidarity events. Many of you may not know as much about the “T” in LGBTQIA++. Last year I shared a couple of stories with you about elders I knew from my ministry in Kansas who were transgender and who led in their communities by example–sharing who they were, including their generosity, telling the story of the journey and gently reminding us that humans have the same basic needs. I often tell people you don't have to understand someone to treat them with kindness and respect. When someone tells us how they want to be known–their pronouns and name–there is nothing more complicated to do than to receive that gift and return it. Right now Trans and Non-Binary folx are being scapegoated in order to distract us from the planned theft happening in our government of funds and functionality. Being under threat looks like: being targeted by anti-DEI strategies; losing access to health care and spaces that were once safe (bathrooms, sports teams, student organizations); being targeted by harassment and physical violence; being criminalized for existing. When the same person also carries other identities under attack (immigrant, Black or brown, non-Christianity) the level of harm they experience is so much greater.  

This weekend I am inviting you to proclaim your solidarity and willingness to learn and lean in.  We have a Community Resource Fair for Trans/Non-Binary community on Saturday March 29 from 10-2:50 designed to build community for trans/non-binary folx and their allies/accomplices and to share resources. I hope it will be an opportunity to plan both how we will fight back against the rhetoric of hate but also how we will experience joy, connection, and hope. This event includes a potluck, too. RSVP and if you can help clean up or can offer some other help–we’d love that, too.  

Changing Hands–a favorite bookstore of mine and I imagine for most of you, is also hosting a “Transgender Day of Joy” Event starting at 5 at their Camelback location. And our Sunday service, as you’ve read, will also focus on this topic. I’ve been asking folks to read the book “Authentic Selves: Celebrating Tran and Nonbinary People and Their Families.” (This is the UUA Common Read this year and is published by Beacon Press.) Read it, and let’s talk!

As a parent watching my kid’s identity be erased, maligned, and watching him be denied access to things he needs, I have been really struggling. Kids need to be kids. They need to be able to socialize, play sports, engage in learning, have friends, explore, be in public spaces, without fear of being bullied, rejected, or denied access just because they don’t fit a neat box of “male/female.” Adults need full access to human activities, too. Let’s show up for each other! Love is at the center, always.  

—Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan



Would you like to represent VUU at General Assembly in June?

The VUU Denominational Affairs Committee (DAC) is looking for candidates to become VUU delegates to the UUA General Assembly (GA), which will be held June 18 - June 22 in Baltimore, MD. We are looking for interested members who are willing to represent VUU, make connections among GA attendees, and to learn and bring ideas back to our Committees and the Congregation. They will need to represent the diverse perspectives of VUU members and congregational opinions in discussions and voting matters.

This year, GA will be held in person and virtually. Delegates must attend the Business Sessions at a minimum, but ideally they would also attend the workshops and lectures, where many of the ideas to be brought back to VUU will be found.

Details about GA can be found at uaa.org/ga. Please reach out to us at dac@vuu.org with any questions, or to let us know you are interested in becoming a delegate.

2025 FUUNd Last Chance Sale is Open

The Last Chance Sale for the 2025 FUUNd is open. All 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 here.

Here are a few events coming up in April. (See the website for additional items.)

Beginner Line Dancing Lesson (Saturday, April 5, 1:00-2:30 pm) May pay bey cash or check at the door

Tie-Dyed Easter Eggs (Saturday, April 12, 1:00-4:00 pm)

EFT Workshop: Tapping Away Undesired Emotions and Pain (Sunday, April 13, 1:00-3:00 pm) In this self-help workshop, you will learn about the benefits of using the Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) to release undesired emotional attachments of your past.

Hand And Foot Card Tournament (Saturday, April 19, 5:00 pm) The hand and foot card game is a fun and exciting card game that is played with multiple decks of cards. It’s great for family gatherings or friendly competitions.

Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament & Dinner (Saturday, April 26, 5:00 pm) Bid for your seat at a Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament with a $750 prize pool (1st Place: $400, 2nd Place: $200, 3rd Place: $150, 4th Place: A commemorative mug. ALL PRIZE MONEY GENEROUSLY DONATED BY YOUR HOST, JOEL S. Your bid serves as your buy-in, and keep in mind that your evening includes dinner (bar snacks) and beverages. We’ll play fixed-bet Hold’Em with progressive blinds until 4 players remain—then it’s No Limit Hold’Em to the finish. New to poker? No problem—a beginner-friendly tutorial will be held 1 hour before the tournament begins.

Workshop on Creating a Connected World with Empathy Circles (Sunday, April 27, 1:00 - 2:30 pm) Join us for a supportive practice to strengthen your social engagement nervous system and deepen connection—with yourself and others. Guided by Teri McGovern-Nintzel, you’ll pair up to share and listen to stories using empathic listening and attunement. Teri will also lead vagal toning neural exercises to activate your natural capacity for connection. This practice opens space around your stories, allowing new insights and deeper resonance to emerge. About Teri: A survivor/thriver of C-PTSD, Teri is a vagal toning instructor, empathy circle facilitator, and writer passionate about fostering meaningful connection and well-being through empathy practice.

Email fuundtogether@vuu.org for questions or other assistance. Come join the FUUNd! Get your bids in today!

EastVUU Online: "Where is Your Faith?"

Thursday, March 27, 6:00pm

Where are you placing your faith in these difficult times? How do UUs bolster their faith when shared values and institutions seem to be crumbling? Let’s talk about what faith means to us individually and what works to keep our spirits whole.

New(ish) Zoom link: Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 812 3702 9733

Passcode: 597613

—Submitted by Janice Miller

Parents and Pastries

Our next Parents and Pastries will be held on Sunday April 6 at 9:30am on the playground. We will be hosting this event monthly on the Second Sunday of the month. Is your family new to VUU? Join us and get to know other parents while your children make new friends. 



—Sara Sautter, Interim Director of Faith Formation

Need to rehome a pet

We are looking for a new home for our beloved orange tabby, Catrick Swayze. We adopted him before we were married and he is truly a sweetheart, but our lifestyle has changed a lot and he has been unhappy for a long time. We’re traveling more, we work more, and we now have a toddler and a second baby on the way. He needs more attention and a slower pace of life than we are able to give him and he has been acting out because of it (sulking, crying, and going everywhere but the litter box). It’s especially bad when we go out of town, which we do somewhat frequently. This has been an extremely difficult decision for us, but he is clearly stressed out, not getting what he needs, and is not able to adjust to our life changes. It’s only about to get worse with a new baby. This is the right decision for Catrick and one we should have made a while ago. Catrick takes fondly to older adults with calm energy. He is an excellent lap cat and loves gentle play time. He enjoys the outdoors for short periods and rarely leaves the yard. He would love to just spend quiet time with you in the garden.

Catrick does not have any interest in children, he runs and hides from them. He would do best in a home free of dogs, young kids, and other general chaos. He’s okay with certain other cats, but is easily bullied and overwhelmed by bigger personalities. He needs consistent attention, cuddles, and play time. He would do best with someone who is home a lot and does not travel much, or who is willing to take him with them when they do travel. We have taken him on road trips in the past and he enjoys them.

Catrick is about 7 years old. He is microchipped, neutered, vaccinated, physically healthy, and has had annual checkups at the vet.

You can reach out to his family here.

Update on Sandy Whitley

Sandy with her sons Zach and Jeremy.

If you could join Sandy at Sante of Chandler at mealtime, it would be wonderful.

You can sign up for a meal here.

Thank you for your care and concern.

—Submitted by Janet Cantley and Sandy's son Zach Green

Trans and Non-Binary Community Resource Day

Saturday, March 29 at VUU, on west side of campus

RSVP Here

View Flyer Here

10:00-10:30 am: Opening Ceremony in the Courtyard, led by Indigenous leaders

10:30-11:00 am: Welcome and Itinerary in the Courtyard

11:00 am-12:00 pm: Potluck & Resource Fair, Classrooms 1&2

12:00-2:50 pm: Workshops

For Questions contact minister@vuu.org.

Singles Dinner

When: Friday, March 28 at 6:30 pm

Where: Ryu Sushi and Teppanyaki,

2512 S Val Vista Dr #101, Gilbert

(near Val Vista and Williams Field)

This was described to me as the inexpensive Benihana, with the same quality at much lower prices. Lively chef performances as he prepares this 5-course meal including vegetarian choices.

RSVP to this email, or contact Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047

—Submitted by Claudette Wassil

Resilient Relationship Team Training

Interested in Resilient Relationship Team Training?

A group of us will be gathering for potlucks and training starting in April, using this UU Institute Tending Covenant training resource. In a low pressure, no homework, no deadline environment with yummy foods to share, we will explore how to weave ourselves into a community that practices conflict as learning, growth, and faith formation opportunity. Want to join us? Contact Teri McGovern-Nintzel.

VUU Green Sanctuary Garden Seeking a Co-Chair

Four years ago, FLP assumed responsibility for VUU’s Green Sanctuary Garden. Kat Karpinen and I became co-chairs, and along with Ken St. John, numerous gardeners and volunteers, and grants from Special Funds, we made many significant improvements and successfully provided vegetables to the community and to our members.

Although we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the garden, Kat and I feel that it is time to hand the responsibility over to the next garden leaders. Krista Zabor has graciously stepped up to be a chair. We would like to have a co-chair to assist.

If you love gardening, won’t you please consider joining us to bring the garden to its next phase? Kat and I will be available to provide direction and Ken is remaining actively involved. Please contact Kat Karpinen and/or Denise McLeod if you have an interest and would like to learn more. Thank you!

—Warmly, Denise

Paz de Cristo

Volunteers needed this month!

Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles

April date: Friday, April 11, 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 of April, 4/11/25. 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 here.

Volunteer at the AZCEND Food Bank with Rev. Sarah

Date: Friday, March 28

Meet at 8:30 am at 345 S California St, Chandler, AZ 85225. Go inside to the Food Bank area, sign in, and make a name tag. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

Email me if you’re planning to come: minister@vuu.org. This is a great way to learn more about this organization and also help out.  

—Rev. Sarah

Support My Fundraising Efforts for AZCEND!

Did you know I have the honor of serving on the Board of AZCEND? AZCEND provides food, housing support, and essential services to families facing hunger, poverty, and homelessness. I’ve seen firsthand how this organization transforms lives, and I’m reaching out because you have a unique opportunity to make a direct impact—and also earn a valuable Arizona state tax credit. 

As a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO #20491), AZCEND is eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. This means your donation—up to $470 for individuals or $938 for couples—can be claimed as a dollar-for-dollar credit on your 2024 Arizona state taxes when you give by April 15. Learn more about the tax credit from the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Every dollar helps local families in need and can reduce what you owe in state taxes. I’d love for you to join me in supporting this mission, and if you can, please share this with others who may want to give.

Make your tax credit donation today.

Thank you for being part of something that truly changes lives! For more information about AZCEND and our campaign, please click here.

—Best, Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan, AZCEND Board Member