Sunday May 4, 2025
"May the Fourth Be With You: How Science Fiction Opens Our Imagination"
Rev. Sarah with Worship Associate Obi Duru
Beth & Lisa. The VUU Spirit choir with Lynn. How Can I Keep from Singing duet.
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Find Jesus Game
On Easter I hid an action figure Jesus and invited the person who found him to take a picture, send it to me, and then rehide him on campus. The game is afoot! *No burials. Jesus has risen;-) No dangerous locations. Plain sight is fine…Let those who have eyes…note where you’ve left him in case it’s too hard to find
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FAITH FORMATION
Our theme this month is The Practice of Imagination. All month long, we will be looking at and celebrating the many ways we can use our Imagination. For this first session, May 4, we begin by exploring how we can use our imagination to have fun!
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That’s right! Coming of Age youth will once again serve soups and salads on Sunday, May 4 following worship. Enjoy homemade soups (vegetarian and vegan available), bread and salad for a minimum donation of $10.
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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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Roommate Meeting!!!
AKA Congregational Conversation May 4 after service (COA youth will serve a meal for donations again!)
A Conversation about VUU’s future has been under way! We’re so glad so many of you (about 50!) signed up to be in small group conversations about VUU’s future–which includes our financial needs, staffing, and visions for who we are and how we are growing. May 4 we will be hosting a post service conversation about our visions and the resources we need to see them to fruition. We don’t vote at this meeting, but the conversation is VERY IMPORTANT–we listen to each other and share ideas so that we can make changes to the proposed budget BEFORE our congregational meeting in June. We need you–all of you. Childcare available.
| | Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | | | | |
Calendar
Thursday, May 1
- VUU Ensemble 3:30p
- Ukester Friends 6p
- VUU Band Rehearsal 6:30p
- Page Turners Book Club 7p
- Spirit of Life Reading Circle 7p
Friday, May 2
Saturday, May 3
Sunday, May 4
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- Parents & Pastries 9:30a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation 10:30a
- Congregational Convo & Lunch 12p
- Adult OWL 12p
- Coming of Age 12:15p
Monday, May 5
Tuesday, May 6
- EastVUU Circle of Friends 1p
Wednesday, May 7
- Game Lounge 6p
- Policy Group 6:30p
- VUU Voices 7p
Thursday, May 8
Friday, May 9
- Singles Lunch Bunch 1:30p
- Paz de Cristo Meal Prep 4pm
Saturday, May 10
Sunday, May 11
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- Parents & Pastries 9:30a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation 10:30a
- Aesthetics Meeting 11:45a
- Adult OWL 11:45a
- Immigration Action Team 12p
- Coming of Age 12:15p
- Voices Lifted 12:15p
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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Janey Marquez Celebration of Life - May 23
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Pacific West Region Meeting - May 29
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New Participant Class - Jun 7 RSVP Here
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Congregational Annual Meeting - Jun 8
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UUA General Assembly - Jun 18-22 Register Here
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New Members that were recognized in April, your books are in the box next to the door of my office–stop in and get yours!
Last weekend I had the chance to visit Beacon UU in Flagstaff and to hear guest speaker (via zoom) CB Beal give a sermon. CB developed an idea called pre-emptive radical inclusion, an idea I think we all need to learn more about to build the world we dream of. It was great to be with UU’s, and I enjoyed meeting folks and seeing what their building is like. When you travel, I encourage you to check out the UU congregations you are near, so you can see what is “VUU” and what is “UU.”
May is a busy time of year in the life of most congregations, and in the life of anyone who is living on an academic calendar! As school terms wind down and summer plans begin to emerge, we prepare for transitions not just in the season but in our institutions as well. I am preparing to join the Coming of Age teens and chaperones for their visit to Boston, and then we will be headed into a congregational meeting in June where we will vote on a budget and new leaders for some of VUU’s work groups. I will attend our annual Ministry Days and General Assembly in person (which you can also attend online or in person) in Baltimore as well as meet up with the seven other ministers in my weekly preaching group of the last four years. Then, I’ll take some of my vacation and study leave. This summer I hope to travel some with my family and to escape the heat at least a little. In July we’ll begin youth faith formation alongside the beginning of the school year (which is now a modified year round schedule in most districts) and in August we’ll begin with an ingathering service called the Water Communion. I hope you are also planning some rest, reflection and recreation.
—Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan
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Roommate Note from VUU Staff
Hello, roomies. Sometimes we need to touch base about how we are keeping up with our chores and its impact on other roommates. In addition to our 300+ members and friends, we share our campus with Adobe Montessori, Nefesh Soul, and many other renters/organizations. Some of our FUUnd events are on campus, too, and many special events, classes, small group meetings.
We need your help!!! If you are the last group on campus, especially in the Education and Office side where there are many doors, we need you to be sure the front doors and gates and classrooms you’ve been in are locked. If you’re not sure what the procedure is, please ask before you are scheduled to use the space. We have had several days when doors and gates were left open. This is a security issue for all of us! We also need you to empty the trash in the rooms you are using and make sure the spaces you’ve used are ready for the next day–which is frequently a transition from our use to the use of the Montessori school. Bathrooms, floors, and trashcans in spaces we share need to be double checked before you leave campus. If all of us do this, there will be less likelihood that Todd’s first task on Monday is emptying trash and replenishing bathroom tissue. We have cleaners once a week–on Wednesdays. They clean the bathrooms, the sanctuary and alternate cleaning classroom 5 and classroom 1-2 each week. So Mondays can be challenging for Adobe if we don’t clean up after ourselves. Nick does most of this for sanctuary, but there are many different uses and groups on the other side of campus. Regular renters know the routine–but infrequent users sometimes don’t realize how important it is to double check. Check in with other groups when you’re leaving so they know they are the last ones and what you have/have not locked up. If you are hosting a FUUnd event on campus, please plan ahead for this!
Thanks, roomies. I see us having a lot of fun together, which is truly wonderful! I love a house with a crowded table, as the song goes. We just need to clear the table!
—Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan
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Finance Committee Opening!
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title Position: Finance Committee Member
Goal of Position: To monitor and control the finances of the congregation Qualifications:
- Member of congregation for at least one year
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to understand financial information and explain same to congregants
Benefits: Develop a thorough understanding on how the congregation functions
Sample Activities:
- Audit and review congregation’s financial records (including limited purpose and protected funds) and communicate the same to Board of Trustees;
- Develop the annual congregation budget for presentation to Board of Trustees Promulgate and recommend congregation’s financial policies and communicate the same to Board of Trustees.
Time Frame
Length of commitment: Two-year term
Estimated hours: 2 to 4 hrs/month. Meetings that last for two hours at most, plus additional home review time Report to: Chair of Finance Committee and Board of Trustees.
—Submitted by David Sheh
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FUUNd Never Ends at VUU
Did you know that the FUUNd never ends at VUU? For those of you who are new to VUU, the Let’s Have FUUNd Together auction takes place every February and offers members/friends a chance to bid on FUUNd activities and services hosted by others in our community. For example, 20 guests recently enjoyed laughing and playing cards together at the FUUNd Hand and Foot Tournament pictured here.
| | Every year when the “live” FUUNd auction closes, whatever has not sold is offered on a Last Chance Auction that stays open on-line year round. If you’re looking for a way to have FUUNd with new and old friends while supporting VUU, please take a minute to look at the Last Chance auction at www.auctria.events/vuufuund2025. | | |
Also, be sure not to skip over FUUNd’s new VUUniversity -- a fascinating series of talks and workshops given at VUU by 18 of our innumerable subject matter experts. See more details below.
Questions? fuundtogether@vuu.org or text Debbe at 480-244-6570.
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Let's have FUUNd Learning Together at VUUniversity!
VUUniversity is a series of 18 talks and workshops being offered by subject matter "experts" on a wide range of FUUNd subjects. Beginning May 10, talks are held at 1PM on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in the VUU Board Room unless otherwise noted. Meet your presenters, see details, and purchase your tickets today via FUUNd 's Last Chance Auction at www.Auctria.Events/VUUFUUND2025
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- The Art of Storytelling (5/10/2025)
- From Grave to Coffee Table -- Archaeological Resource Crime (5/24/2025) - Sold-out!
- Retire Well! (06/14/2025)
- Practicing Joy (6/28/2025) - Sold-out!
- Dance Performance Screening and Discussion - Alvin Ailey's "Revelations" (7/12/2025)
- Sharpen Up Your Scrabble Game (7/26/2025; 6:00-7:30 PM)
- Homeopathic Remedies for You & Your Family (08/09/2025)
- Abbott and Costello Re-visited (8/23/2025)
- How to Sing in a Choir Even if You Don't Read Music (9/13/2025)
- SoulCollage® Workshop with Rev. Sarah (9/27/2025)
- "We are called to preach!" Early Unitarian and Universalist Women Ministers Challenge Their Faiths 10/11/2025)
- How Green is Your Garden? The Art of Home Composting (10/25/2025)
- Do YOU Have a Last Will and Testament? (11/8/2025)
- Put That Cookie Down! Living a Healthier Life by Lowering Your Blood Sugar (11/22/2025)
- Exercises to Improve Balance and Help Prevent Falls(1/10/2026)
- Re-Visiting Folk Music of the '60s and'70s (1/24/2026)
- Creating a Connected World with Empathy Circles (2/14/2026)
- Everything (Almost) You Need to Become a First Time Home Buyer (2/28/2026)
—Submitted by Tricia Merrill
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The Future of Faith Formation at VUU
Part Two: Parents and Grandparents
We will continue our discussion of The Future of Faith Formation at VUU with a special focus session on Sunday, May 4 for parents and grandparents whose children are enrolled in VUU. With this focus group we will do a quick review of our learning at the first workshop and then move on to how to make our dreams for the future come true.
Plan to start out in the sanctuary. The workshop will take place in Rooms 1&2 during the worship service.
Melissa James of the UUA will be with us once again, this time on Zoom!
—Submitted by Sara Sautter
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Spirit Choir This Sunday
The VUU Spirit Choir sings this Sunday, May 4! Please arrive at 9:30 am at VUU ready to learn a song which we will sing at the service. If you can carry a tune, come join us!
—Submitted by Lynn DeMuth
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Janey Marquez
Longtime member Janey Marquez passed away last month and we will celebrate her life with her family and friends on May 23 from 2:30-4 p.m. (final time TBA, plan for late afternoon). Janey had alzheimers and had been away from VUU for a few years, but her heart was always with VUU. If you are able to help me with setting up or wish to share something about her time at VUU, please let me know. The family is planning a reception at their home afterwards, so our hospitality will be simple.
--Rev Sarah
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Update from Zach, Sandy Whitley's Son
Thursday [May 1] is Mom’s last day at Sante. We’re moving her to a residential group home in south Chandler that is closer to where we live. The house can hold 5 residents and it’s in a very nice neighborhood.
Mom still needs pretty intensive therapy to try to continue her recovery, so we’ll be bringing in home health therapy. Once we’re settled in and have a schedule, we’ll post it. Visiting hours at the house are 10-6 seven days a week. Once we have her therapy schedule, we’ll have open visitation outside those therapy sessions.
More soon!
--Submitted by Janet Cantley
| | | | Fellowship and Social Activities | |
VUU Game Night Lounge
Our recent VUU Game Night Lounge was a vibrant gathering of 23 participants spanning all ages, from toddlers to teens and adults. The evening buzzed with activity as we dove into Dungeons & Dragons adventures, played Exploding Kittens, created unique artwork, shared delicious food, and enjoyed quiet moments reading books. Laughter and lively conversation filled the room, and our furry friend Ella the dog brought extra smiles to everyone, especially the youngest attendees. 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. Next night May 7.
--Submitted by Doug Nintzel
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VUU Singles Pop Up Event
WHEN: Thursday May 1 at 6:00 pm
WHERE: Pita Jungle, 1949 W Ray Rd, Chandler
Every Thursday night, Pita Jungle has some great soft jazz to listen to while we eat. This is a special event we’re trying on a Thursday night. We may not have reservations, but we will watch for you if I know you are coming. Meet at the front of the restaurant.
RSVP to Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047. (Texts strongly preferred.)
—Submitted by Claudette Wassil
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VUU Singles Lunch
Friday, May 9, 1:30 pm
Floridino’s Pizza and Pasta, 590 N Alma School Rd, Chandler
Pizza and traditional Italian food with specialties like Pepperoni Pizza Muffins, Butternut Squash Raviolis and Wing Calzones. RSVP to Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047. (Texts preferred.)
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Chips & Sips for Change
Sunday, May 4 | 7:00 PM | The Wright House
Join VUU community members Missy Mackelprang and Allison Wright Robinson for an evening of margaritas, community, and meaningful conversation! Hear from guest speakers Michael Soto (Equality Arizona) and Rachael Clawson (Save Our Schools AZ) as they share how we can support LGBTQ+ rights and public education in Arizona.
Free event — limited spots available! All are welcome!
Reserve your spot here: bit.ly/chipsandsip
--Submitted by Kate McGee
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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 May 15 at 7:00 PM, we will meet at the home of Johnnie Godfrey in Tempe (near Baseline Rd. and the 101). The book is The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi.
Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, the novel opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.
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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Paz de Cristo
Volunteers needed this month!
Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles
April date: Friday, May 9, 4:00-7:00 pm
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 the month, May 9. 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.
—Submitted by Joanne McGrath
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Last week’s Valley Interfaith Project’s Delegates Assembly / Medicaid Civic Academy was a great success!
- More than 120 people attended the Assembly at PVUMC—the room was packed!
- Twenty-three people from VUU were there!
- Two of the seven Medicaid storytellers were from VUU or related to VUU members—their stories were originally shared at one of the three house meetings the Core Team hosted on the VUU patio over the last month.
At the end of every VIP meeting or assembly, we agree to Next Steps. Whether or not you attended the Assembly, here’s what you can do now:
- Call your U.S. Congressional Representatives and ask them to oppose any cuts to Medicaid. We especially ask anyone who lives in Congressional District 1 to call Rep David Schweikert. 202-225-2190
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Attend Arizona Interfaith Network’s meeting in Tucson (Rep Ciscomani’s district) on Thursday, May 15, 6:30-8:00 PM at St Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, 4725 E Pima St, Tucson 85712. VUU members are organizing a carpool. Contact Eileen Garces for more information.
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Learn more about how cuts to Medicaid and AZ AHCCCS will affect Arizona’s healthcare system, citizens, and economy by attending the VUU VIP Core Team’s Civic Academy on Medicaid in the VUU Sanctuary after the service on May 18.
Questions? Contact VUU’s VIP Core Team at vip@vuu.org
For more information or to get involved, contact the VIP Core Team,
vip@vuu.org.
--Submitted by Barb Quijada
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Paz de Cristo
April Donation of the Month:
Canned Beans and tuna (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 | | | | |
