Sunday September 28, 2025
“The Spirituality of Asking for Help ”
So many of us find it difficult to ask for help - yet asking is one of the most human, most vulnerable, and most courageous things we can do. In this service we’ll explore why it can feel so hard to reach out when we most need it, and how spiritual practice and community can support us in giving and receiving help. Together we will lift up the ways our congregation offers care - through Caring Neighbors, Lay Pastoral Care, Building Relationships house meetings, and one-on-one conversations - and practice new ways of helping each other. In asking for help, we deepen our sense of belonging, compassion, and shared strength.
Amanda Schneider is the Worship Associate and various members of Caring Neighbors, Lay Pastoral Care and Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) will share their perspectives during the service. Plan to stay after service to meet some of the Caring Neighbors team and/or attend a Building Relationships House Meeting in the Flex Room.
| |  | IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS |
Faith Formation
"Building Belonging"
Faith Formation Classes:
- Preschool (3/4 yr. olds)
- Kinder/1st Grade
- 2nd/3rd Grade
- 4th/5th Grade
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Middle School (6th–8th)
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High School (9th–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, September 25
Friday, September 26
Saturday, September 27
Sunday, September 28
Monday, September 29
Tuesday, September 30
Wednesday, October 1
Thursday, October 2
Friday, October 3
Saturday, October 4
Sunday, October 5
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:
125 in person, 30 online
Weekly Pledge/Plate Collection:
$8,483 actual, $7,241 budget
September to Date Pledge/Plate Collection:
$25,497 actual, $28,964 budget
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Abbreviated information about upcoming events
more than two weeks out or without an article below
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Congregational Insight Survey - during October
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New to VUU Class - October 12
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Page Turners Book Club - "Olga Dies Dreaming" - October 16
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NO KINGS National Day of Mobilization - October 18
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Cabaret - February 13
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This weekend was another busy one! Katie Hurstwicker trained several VUU folks who serve in the nursery and faith formation in CPR, as well as a member interested in the training. We appreciate the donation of her time which saved us money. We currently don’t have an AED on either side of campus, and we are going to look at using this savings to purchase at least one (but hopefully two!) As I continue to learn about safety and security, I am aware that we need to be prepared for medical emergencies, weather emergencies, and security emergencies. We have a team working on improvements to our campus, but I also need a team working on improvements to our procedures. If you are interested in helping me think about and plan for these, please let me know!
On Sunday, we had a fun All Community worship with 125 people in attendance and 30 online for a total of 155! The music and art projects were fun and inspiring, and the stories you all shared definitely helped build a bridge of belonging. In the afternoon, I enjoyed leading a New to VUU class with some other VUU members. After class I drove to Surprise to participate in the installation of their new pastor and teacher, Karen Richter. With other UU and UCC colleagues we celebrated her installation and their 50th anniversary as a congregation. Working with other UU congregations is important to me. I’ve also recently re-convened the religious professionals gathering for our cluster. Next week I will be attending a regional UU ministerial retreat in CA as a way to renew and develop deeper connections for myself. Ministry is a complex network of people and organizations and ideas–and I am grateful for all of the ways we create a robust experience of Unitarian Universalism for each other.
Something I listened to this week that I wanted to share with you all. The podcast “Pod Save America” had a really interesting interview with a professor who studies political violence. I wanted to share it with you because it was thought provoking for me.
…Rev. Sarah
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Join Rev. Sarah at AZCEND's Annual Gala!
Spirit of AZCEND Gala & Casino Night
Dinner, Drinks, Live Auction, Casino Games
Friday, October 10, 6p
Marriott Phoenix Chandler
Visit website for tickets
Let’s celebrate the lives that have been changed at AZCEND!
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"Whole Church" Faith Formation
Hello VUU! Please read this article. We’re in a place of reckoning around how we create community and grow Unitarian Universalism. Let’s have a conversation about how we bridge generational differences and what this model offers/doesn’t offer us.
-submitted by Rev. Sarah
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Save the Date: Saturday, October 11, Program Committee Meeting
Calling all leaders of committees and project leads at VUU, as well as all elected VUU leaders! The Committee on Shared Ministry and the Board would like you to save Saturday, October 11 for a meeting of the minds, the “Program Committee,” which is a chance for us to communicate and strategize together. We will meet via Zoom; the hours need tweaking, but assume about 3 hours with a break between 9:30a-12:30p or 10a-1p. If your team doesn’t have a “lead” please identify at least one person to represent your group! RSVP here.
-submitted by Rev Sarah
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EastVUU Online: "Building Belonging"
Thursday, September 25, 6:00p. Author Brené Brown says “True belonging is a spiritual practice--the ability to find sacredness in being a part of something but also the courage to stand alone.” How does that show up in your life?
Join Zoom Meeting
Save the Date: EastVUU Social, Thursday, October 9, 6:00pm. "Day of Remembrance"
-submitted by Janice M.
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Another Great FUUNd University Event Happening this Saturday!
This Saturday, September 27, 1pm - 3pm, Rev Sarah presents: SoulCollage® - A Personal Practice for Spiritual Growth in the VUU Board Room.
Are you motivated to do self-discovery? Does the opportunity of doing so in community with like-minded people appeal to you? Then prepare to fall in love with SoulCollage®, a creative method of self-discovery wherein anyone can make satisfying, meaningful personal art and use it to answer their own life’s questions. Rev. Sarah was introduced to this practice by a spiritual director at General Assembly, and she has been using collages to guide her own personal growth. She will share her journey and help you begin your own as you create your very first soul collage in this two-hour workshop. Materials will be provided. The workshop is suitable for both adults and teens. More detailed information on this practice can be found online.
No need to purchase tickets ahead of time, just pay at the door ($20). Email fuundtogether@vuu.org for questions or other assistance.
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Upcoming Faith Formation Activities
All of our classrooms except middle school will complete the Building Belonging theme in their classes this week. We hope that we can get painted tiles from as many kids as possible, and these will be available for classes. They will be included in a display in our front entry to the Office building which has recently had a makeover!
What is Middle School doing?? Our 6-8 graders are learning about Judaism. They will be preparing to attend Kol Nidre, a service of Yom Kippur, with Congregation Nefesh Soul right here on our campus Wednesday, October 1 at 6:30pm We invite parents to join their children–I will be attending as well. We encourage more formal dress than a UU service as a sign of respect for this important Jewish holiday/holy day.
Next week, all of our classrooms will engage the next lesson in the MOSAIC curriculum for their age group. At a time when our country is divided over race and identity, this is an important moment to learn about how to be anti-racist and to celebrate each other’s unique identities and experiences.
October: The rest of October will be dedicated to the theme of Cultivating Compassion, and the Middle School kids will begin to learn about Unitarian Universalism. Our All Community worship will be on Sunday, October 12, and the Middle School kids will also attend our service on Sunday, October 26 so they can talk more about what a UU worship service is about and what it means to be a UU.
The High School class (9th-12th grade) is also following the themes, and trying to create a schedule that works for them. I know many are in OWL. Please have your High School student complete our survey to see what they want from time together and at VUU.
Please enroll your kids and bring them to Faith Formation classes! We are working on hiring a new director, and we have teachers committed to leading your kids in class to learn together and build friendships with shared values.
With gratitude and faith,
Rev. Sarah, Senior Minister and Acting Faith Formation Director
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Want to join the VUU Ensemble?
This group rehearses the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 3:30–4:30p in the Sanctuary. If you have an alternative work schedule or aren't able to commit to weekly evening choir rehearsals, please join us. We rehearse two three-part choral pieces and sing one Sunday each month. Some musical experience is helpful but not a must. Contact Lynn DeMuth for more information.
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Quarterly New Member Class
On Sunday, September 21, VUU held its quarterly new member class. The event began with delicious food and light conversation, setting a welcoming tone for the afternoon. Sean, Stacey, Megan, Jim (to Rev. Sarah's left and behind her) and Ashley (far right, front row) were our guests.
As an ice-breaker, Rev. Sarah had participants pair up to discuss the values they are letting go of and the values they are carrying forward. After this activity, the group reconvened and shared their conversations, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn more about each other.
Rev. Sarah then led the group in the "spectrums" activity, a popular exercise at VUU. For this outdoor activity, she created a space of about 20 feet, with each end representing an extreme of a particular belief or value. Participants then chose a spot along the spectrum that best reflected their own views. This exercise was not only a great way to contemplate personal values but also a fun and insightful way to get to know one another better.
The class also included a brief history of Unitarian Universalism, followed by a Q&A session. The event concluded with a tour of the VUU facilities.
-submitted by Doug N.
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Dorothy Meek
We learned last week that Dorothy Meek died recently. She and her husband, Reverend Alexander (Scotty) Meek, were long-time members of VUU until he died and she moved to Texas. Scotty was one of our interim ministers in the 1990s. Members and friends who want to express support may contact Linda H. by email.
-submitted by Linda H.
| | | | Fellowship and Social Activities | |
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Camp de Benneville Pines
Save the dates for UU youth and family camps:
- UU Elementary Family Winter Camp - February 14-16, 2026
- UU Middle School Family Spring Camp - March 27-29, 2026
- UU Elementary Summer Camp - July 6-11, 2026
- UU Middle School Summer Camp - July 12-18, 2026
- UU High School Summer Camp - July 19-25, 2026
- UU Family Summer Camp - July 26 - August 1, 2026
Scholarships are available! Have you or a family you know been affected by the fires in LA? Did you know that Camp de Benneville Pines has scholarship funds available to those who lost their homes or jobs due to the fires? Camp is here to support you!
We aim to make the possibility of Youth and Family camps open to all who feel the need to spend time at camp, regardless of your financial circumstances. Please reach out to us so that we can help get you to camp! For more information contact us at registrar@uucamp.org.
-submitted by Patricia R.
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Singles Dinner Out
WHEN: Friday, September 26 at 6:30pm
WHERE: Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, 440 W Warner Rd, Tempe (480-785-0522).
Gluten free and Vegan dishes available—what more could you ask for? Come join us for food and conversation and let’s get this new church year started right!
RSVP to Claudette by phone or text at 973-768-6047 (Texts preferred)
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Chronicles of How My Brain Shapes the World
Saturday, October 4, 4-5:30pm. “Chronicles Of How My Brain Shapes My World” is a poetry/short stories event that celebrates the beauty of neurodivergence while also acknowledging the struggles that come from living in a world shaped to fit neurotypical minds. We are looking for a collection of poets and storytellers from different walks in life who are willing to share their stories with others. The first step in change comes from those who aren’t afraid to speak up for themselves and their community. We hope that this event will unite the community together and remind us that even in the darkest times, light can still be found in each other. Email Sol with your submission.
-submitted by Sol O.-D.
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Trans Inclusion in Congregations
It’s not too late to join us for lunch after service this Sunday, September 28 in the boardroom! We are beyond excited to share this EXCELLENT UU curriculum in our beloved VUU community! As we learn more about deepening our welcome of transgender people, it helps send positive ripples of change into the broader community in ways that are critically needed in the world today. Let’s deepen our knowledge of transgender issues together and in so doing, connect more in community! Friends beyond VUU welcome!
This course is being offered FREE of charge in a number of flexible ways to hopefully make participation possible for every adult and middle school age and older youth at VUU! Join us for our in-person kick off lunch this Sunday, September 28 after service *IN THE BOARDROOM* for a video and discussion. Then opt to do the full workshop series via Tuesday evening virtual discussion groups, as a small group discussion, or independently watch the video series from the comfort of home.
This 7-session course provides participants with skills to move to the next level of congregational welcome, deepen understanding of current political attacks and misinformation against trans people, and to create safety and belonging for trans people in UU congregations. The series counters mainstream narratives about who trans people are, supports understanding of the diversity of non-binary identities (such as genderqueer, agender, gender fluid, and Two-Spirit), and employs a deeply intersectional approach to understanding transgender matters.
The series will be offered virtually and facilitated by VUU members Carrie Smith-Hardee (she/they), Christine O’Donnell, Ph.D. (she/they), and Rowan Evans (they/them).
We’ll wrap the whole experience up with our ✨🌈True Colors Ice Cream Social! Join us! 🌈🍦🍧🍨🏳️⚧️✨
Details & Registration Here!
-submitted by Carrie S.-H.
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Paz de Cristo - Volunteers Needed
Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles
October date: Friday, October 10, 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, October 10. 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.
-submitted by Joanne M.
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On Sunday, September 28, the VIP Core Team and Caring Neighbors will present the Sunday morning service based on the theme: The Spirituality of Asking for Help. Core Team member Amanda Schneider is the Worship Associate guiding the planning. Come and be inspired.
Every 4th Sunday after the service, VIP and Caring Neighbors facilitate a Building Relationships House Meeting. All are welcome to participate in these small group conversations centered around the question: “What is a challenge you or someone you care about is facing right now?” Average attendance is ten—some come every month, others just once, for a chance to listen, feel heard, and get to know others in the VUU community.
The next House Meeting will be in the VUU sanctuary Flex Room after the service on Sunday, September 28. If someone from the VUU VIP Core Team contacts you and asks to meet, this is a part of our ongoing mission to build relationships across the VUU congregation. We call these meetings One-On-Ones, and use them as a way of getting to know you on a more personal level than a too-brief, Sunday morning after-the-service chat.
Please reach out to us at vip@vuu.org if you’d like to meet up or just have a question.
-submitted by Barb Q.
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Partners in Education (PIE)
Call for volunteers! Even if you have limited Spanish, you are needed! We now have a cadre of wonderful students from Westwood High School who provide backup for our volunteers. Please get in touch with Randall Casillas, for more information.
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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: Perii Skolnick
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation | vuu.org | | | | |
