Sunday June 15, 2025
"Freedom"
This Sunday, we will focus on the topic of freedom, and the true meaning of liberation. We will also celebrate Father's Day together.
This week, we will have a special guest speaker, Dr. Matthew Whitaker, an award-winning educator, author, community engagement specialist, motivational speaker, and founder and CEO of Diamond Strategies, an award-winning Minority Business Enterprise. Dr. Whitaker will share a sermon on the historical context of Juneteenth, describing all that this holiday symbolizes, the struggle against oppression, and the fight for equity and liberation.
| |  | IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS | |
FAITH FORMATION
Continuing our theme for this month, The Practice of Freedom, this Sunday we will focus on Freedom and The Summer Solstice. Our lesson highlights how the Summer Solstice is a reminder that having fun and engaging in play is an important way we experience a sensation of freedom—joy, free time, a time to connect with nature, and a time to honor—through rest and play—all the work we have done.
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DALAI LAMA AND FRIENDS
8:30 am Meditation
9:00 am Discussion
In person, in the board room, and
Via Zoom here
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Find Jesus Game
Ryleigh found his hiding place, and he has been rehidden!
| | Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | | | | |
Calendar
Thursday, June 12
Friday, June 13
Saturday, June 14
Sunday, June 15
Monday, June 16
Tuesday, June 17
Wednesday, June 18
Thursday, June 19
Friday, June 20
Saturday, June 21
Sunday, June 22
Click here for the most current calendar, to view locations, contact information details for above events
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Abbreviated information about upcoming events
more than two weeks out or without an article below
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Parents and Pastries - Jul 6
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Singles Lunch - Jul 11
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Paz de Cristo Meal Prep - Jul 11
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Page Turners Book Club - Jul 17
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VUUJAZ Coffee Conversation - Jul 20
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I-HELP Meal Prep - Jul 28 sign up here
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Traveling to Boston with the Coming Age youth and other parents was an honor. I enjoyed getting to know twelve of our youth (the thirteenth lives with me) and also getting deeper time to talk with parents. So much of the early history of our country overlaps with Unitarianism and its history—it’s always exciting to share this with our youth and to see them learning to navigate the city and work together as engaged in our planned activities. Our kids (some of them, anyway!) expressed an interest in being more involved in the life of the congregation. I am looking forward to exploring what that might look like for each of them.
Our Annual Meeting last Sunday marks three years that I have been here at VUU. Our road ahead is far from easy—with less staff time serving music and faith formation I will need to prioritize my own tasks differently next year. I will be working with Sara Sautter to plan for a transition from her leadership to a new part-time Faith Formation staff leader, with hope that we will pull more money together over this next year to pay for a full-time staff leader again in the future. I was asked whether this position will be an interim position. In essence it will be because moving from a full-time staff leader to a part-time position means we are making a large program transition. This means the position will be transitional. So, even if I don’t name it “interim,” it will live like an interim position because of this. I will be putting together a job description and hiring team in July and hope to be filling this position quickly, knowing that it may take longer.
I hope that you have read the Annual Report for this year. It helps give a balcony view of VUU and who has been serving in different capacities. It can also give you a sense of where the gaps are. In July I will be on study leave, which is a time I use to read, learn, and plan for the coming program years. In August I will be back in the pulpit and on campus, finishing the planning and preparation. It’s a great time to consider how you may want to contribute to the life of the congregation and also to consider what you need from VUU in order to be engaged and to feel a sense of belonging.
—Rev. Sarah
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UUA General Assembly
At the UUA General Assembly on Wednesday, June 18–Sunday, June 22, the delegates will be voting on proposals for Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs) and Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAIs). The links below will take you to the UUA Discussion forum for these items, where you can see the proposals in full as well as discussions about them.
AIWs express the conscience and carry the authority of the delegates at the GA at which it is passed. AIWs are initiated by individual delegates and move through their entire creation and adoption process during a single GA. Five AIWs have been proposed for 2025:
A poll of the delegates will be taken prior to GA to select 3 AIW proposals to be included on the final agenda for further discussion and affirmation.
CSAIs are issues selected by UU member congregations for three years of study, reflection and action. Three CSAIs have been proposed for 2025:
The CSAIs will be discussed during GA and a vote of the delegates conducted to select the CSAI for study.
Please review these proposals. If you would like to provide input to the VUU's GA delegates (Mark Foote and Linda Rand) on any of these items, please email the Denominational Affairs Committee at dac@vuu.org.
—Submitted by Linda Rand, DAC Chair
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Gen XYZ & UU the Vote
No Kings Day Event at VUU
No Kings Day (Saturday, June 14) is coming up, and it's hot out. If you can't protest, come take action with Gen XYZ!
Gen XYZ (in conjunction with UU the Vote) is having a No Kings Day event on Saturday, June 14 from 9:00am–12:00pm inside classroom 5 at VUU. We'll be crafting protest signs, signing up for request to speak, and learning how best to use 5 calls. All are welcome! Snacks, drinks, and A/C provided.
-Submitted by Adrienne O'Donnell
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UU The Vote
“No Kings in America!” Protest on Saturday, June 14
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the current administration. We have 3 locations to protest outdoors, all on Saturday, June 14. Bring water, sunscreen, US flags or signs with very large bold letters, wide-brimmed hats or decorated umbrellas for shade.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Location 1: Arizona Capitol. Sign up here (optional)
Protesters will carpool to the AZ Capitol from VUU (or meet there by sending your phone number to Karen Stucke.) When it becomes too warm, we will leave, taking care of each other’s needs. Showing up is the important part!
Time: 7:30am: Meet in VUU parking lot. (Carpools will leave at 7:40am.)
9:00–11:00am: Family-friendly protest with speakers and drag performance at the AZ Capitol
Contact: Karen Stucke
Location 2: East Valley. Sign up here (optional)
Protest in the East Valley along a busy intersection, East Southern Avenue and South Stapley Drive. More information in EastVUU section below.
Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
Contact: Janice Miller for the details.
Location 3: Tempe Pedestrian Bridge over US-60. Register here (optional)
Let’s make our voices heard while beating the heat.
Time: 7:15am
Location: Meet at Cole Park.
2000 E. Carson Dr., Tempe 85282
Contact: Denise McLeod. Email Denise your phone number, and you’ll receive a text that morning about where to meet.
—Submitted by Karen Stucke
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Webinar on Protest Safety, led by UU Leaders
On Thursday, June 12 at 7:30-9:00pm (Arizona time), there will be a webinar on Protest Safety while on the streets.
It will include:
- What to bring (and what not bring) and what to expect at an action
- What it means that the military has been called in
- How to stay safe in crowds, around police, and during escalations
- Your rights—and how to use them
- Jail self-care
- Mutual aid, buddy systems, de-escalation, and more
- Spreading calm and rumor control
RSVP Here
—Submitted by Rev. Sarah
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Let's SprUUce Up Our Sanctuary!
Join the Facilities Committee on Saturday, June 21, from 8:00–10:00am to freshen up our sanctuary and grounds. There will be fruit and bagels. We hope to see you there!
Sign up here
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Summer Solstice Celebration
Come and join us for a family friendly Summer Solstice celebration on Saturday, June 21. The celebration will be held in the courtyard of the education building with classrooms 1 and 2 as backup if it is too hot. Gathering at 6:30pm, with a start time of 7:00pm. Bring your drums or percussion instruments if you have any. For more information or to help with the gathering contact Lisa.
—Submitted by Lisa Bonine
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EastVUU Online: Personal Freedom
Thursday, June 26, 6:00pm
Lots of people are talking about Freedom and meaning different things. What does freedom mean to you on a very personal level? Is there something that keeps you caged? Is life trying to offer you a new form of freedom? Join us as we lift our spirits, expand our consciousness, and learn more about each other.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 812 3702 9733
Passcode: 597613
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EastVUU Social Justice Action:
"No Kings!" Rally
Saturday, June 14, 9:00–11:00am
(or as long as you can attend)
Join your UU buddies in this national protest (which coincides with the DC military parade on Trump’s
birthday). The Mesa location is the intersection at Stapley and Southern. We will meet in front of the Los Altos Ranch Market at 8:45 am and then find a place together on the sidewalk. Wear sunscreen, bring a hat or umbrella and water. Make a NO KINGS sign or express yourself! See you there!
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Bring on the Summer FUUNd!
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.
This last week, FUUNd lovers enjoyed a FUUNd-filled evening of Family FUUNd and Games with the Minister.
Why not join the FUUNd yourself by purchasing a bike tune-up, bidding on a week at a rustic cabin in Payson, or by attending one of these summer events:
- VUUniversity: Retire Well! (Saturday, June 14 1:00pm)
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A Screening & Discussion of Alvin Ailey’s Dance Masterpiece, “Revelations” (Saturday, July 12)
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Create an Inspirational Sign with a Cricut Machine (Saturday, July 19, 11:00am)
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How to Play Scrabble Like a Champion (Saturday, July 26)
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Homeopathic Remedies for You & Your Family (Saturday, August 9)
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Abbott and Costello Re-visited (Saturday, August 23)
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.
Check out FUUNd's Last Chance Auction Today!
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Pat Flahart
Pat Flahart had a fall with injuries on Mother's Day weekend. She spent time in the hospital and then rehab. She has been getting stronger with therapy and is grateful for her stay at rehab, as they were wonderful! She is currently living with her son, Kevin, and daughter-in-law, Karen.
Pat would appreciate cards to their home at 3108 W. Wildwood Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85048.
—Submitted with permission of Pat by Melissa Bush.
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Pride in the Community
I had the honor of leading the raising of the PRIDE flag at Intel Corporation, at both our Chandler and Ocotillo campuses. While the company is undergoing significant changes, especially as a federal contractor, and is currently "revamping" its DEI initiatives, I’m grateful that our PRIDE employee group remains intact and that we were still able to proceed with the flag-raising.
In previous years, we displayed the progressive PRIDE flag with the Intel logo, but this time it was "mysteriously" replaced with the older version. Still, I’m grateful that we were able to raise the rainbow flag.
As you can see from the photos, turnout was low, but we remain resilient. Raising the flag symbolizes the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ people everywhere. I’m proud to have been part of this important moment.
—Submitted by Sheila Lopez
| | Fellowship and Social Activities | |
Page Turners Book Club
Thursday, June 19 at 7:00pm
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 June 19 at 7:00pm. We will meet at the home of Johnnie Godfrey in Tempe (near Baseline Rd. and the 101). The book is State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.
A novel replete with poison arrows, devouring snakes, scientific miracles, and spiritual transformations, "State of Wonder" presents a world of stunning surprise and danger, rich in emotional resonance and moral complexity. As Dr. Marina Singh embarks upon an uncertain odyssey into the insect-infested Amazon, she will be forced to surrender herself to the lush but forbidding world that awaits within the jungle.
For the meeting address or questions, please contact Johnnie at 480-231-8381 or email: membership@vuu.org.
-Submitted by Amy Monahan
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Singles Lunch Bunch
When: Friday, June 13, 1:30pm
Where: Macayo’s Mexican Food Traditional Mexican fare, 1920 S Dobson Rd, Mesa
RSVP to Claudette by phone or text (text preferred) at 973-768-6047.
—Submitted by Claudette Wassil
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New Puzzle and Game Library
Are you looking for a way to spend some quality family or individual time inside during the hot summer days? Visit the Flex Room in the sanctuary and look through our new Puzzle and Game library! Take a game or puzzle home and bring it back when you are done. No checking out necessary, we work on the honor system!
We are collecting games and puzzles for all ages so if you have any to contribute, please leave them on the shelves in the Flex Room!
If you have any questions, call Carl Anderson.
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You Are Invited!
If you have an interest in working for social and/or environmental justice, please check out our VUUJAZ Coffee Conversation this Sunday, June 15, following the service. We will be in the sanctuary or in the flex room (off the sanctuary). We typically focus on issues at the state level, especially what is happening with the state legislature, but also other areas of need where we can work toward change. It is always a lively and enlightening discussion. We encourage you to join us, and find your place in our fight for social and environmental justice. See you Sunday!
If you have any questions, please call Julia Allison (928) 613-0244.
—Submitted by Julia Allison
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Paz de Cristo
Volunteers needed this month!
Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles
June date: Friday, June 13, 4:00–7:00pm
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, June 13. Volunteers gather at the Paz kitchen/dining room from 4:00–7:00pm 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
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I-HELP Sloppy Joes Dinner on June 23
We're having a fan favorite; Sloppy Joes! Please deliver ready-to-eat food items between 5:15-5:45pm on Monday, June 23.
Sign up to bring an item here. Thank you so much for your generosity!
I-HELP Support Needed Over the Summer
Over the summer both Rev. Sarah and Adrienne O’Donnell have travel plans (and Rev. Sarah will be taking her vacation and study leave time). This will take us away from helping I-HELP guests and dinner hosts get set up. If you have been trained or are willing to be trained to do I-HELP hosting, we need you! This basically is a commitment from 5:15–7:00pm, four or five times a month. The dates we need help are: June 16, 17, 23 and 30; July 7, 15, 21, and 28. Adrienne is available for some of these dates but needs help. The highlighted dates are the ones when we provide the meal and host. Please reach out to Adrienne if you can commit to one or more of these dates.
—Rev. Sarah
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VIP Happenings
The VUU VIP Core Team thanks the VUU Congregation for showing your support of our work to build relationships and leadership at VUU, and for VIP’s organizing for housing, healthcare, mental health, and immigrant rights across Maricopa
County. Your vote last Sunday to approve the 2025-2026 budget, including $4,592 for social justice, means that we will be able to pay 75 percent of our 2025–2026 institutional commitment to VIP. THANK YOU!
VIP Strategy Teams are meeting this summer to reexamine our ongoing work, build relationships across member organizations, and plan research actions and a fundraising campaign to build our power.
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In the meantime, it is URGENT that you continue calling your U.S. Senators and Congressional Representatives to state your opposition to proposed cuts to Medicaid—the funding mechanism for AHCCCS in Arizona. Their numbers are:
(602) 671-7901 Phx Office
(202) 224-2235 DC Office
(480) 697-3600 Phx Office
(202) 224-4521 DC Office
Remind them that AHCCCS covers so many people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to healthcare, including:
- More than 2 million Arizonans
- 40 to 50 percent of all adults in rural areas
- 1 out of 4 adults statewide
- Half of all births in Arizona
—Submitted by Barb Quijada
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Paz de Cristo
June Donation of the Month:
Canned Beans and Chili (pull-tab lids preferred)
Paz Donation List
Please leave donations in the "Paz de Cristo" box in the sanctuary foyer.
Contact: Paul Reed
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Border Support
Donations needed for asylum seekers at the border:
- Small handheld fruit cups
- Small handheld juice
- Veggie cups or squeezies
- Used clothing (all sizes, all seasons)
Please put donations in the "Refugee Aid" box in the sanctuary foyer.
Contact: Sharon Kopina
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Partners in Education
Adams Elementary appreciates your TAX CREDIT donations. Get dollar-for-dollar credit to offset AZ tax liability this tax season!
Contact: Adrienne O'Donnell
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation | vuu.org | | | | |
