Sunday April 27, 2025
Can you Imagine?
Rebecca Riggs is our Worship Leader. The ability to creatively imagine the possible, the improbable, and even the impossible, is a gift that gives humanity boundless hope. This service will be an opportunity to explore how our imaginations can help us create the world as we want it to be.
Mary Rothschild is Worship Associate, and the the choir performs.
| |  | IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS | |
FAITH FORMATION
This is our fourth and final week of exploring The Practice of Joy. So far, we have explored how joy can be found in foolishness, music, and hard times. Today, we turn to how joy can be found in nature, with a special nod to Earth Day.
When we focus on Earth Day, we often focus on how we can save the Earth. In this session, we explore the other side of the coin, focusing on how Earth can save us with its deep and simple joys. To help us get at that, we will be taking inspiration from the well-loved and widely-used sayings, “Stop and smell the roses!” and “Nature is the best medicine.”
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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, April 24
- Board Meeting 5:15p
- EastVUU Online 6p
- Facilities Committee 6p
- VUU Band Rehearsal 6:30p
Friday, April 25
Saturday, April 26
Sunday, April 27
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation 10:30
- Adult OWL 12p
- Coming of Age 12p
- Voices Lifted 12:15p
- Grief Group 1p
- Empathy Circle 1p
Monday, April 28
- I-HELP Dinner/Shelter 5:30p
Tuesday, April 29
Wednesday, April 30
Thursday, May 1
- VUU Ensemble 3:30p
- Ukester Friends 6p
- VUU Band Rehearsal 6:30p
- Page Turners Book Club 7p
Friday, May 2
Saturday, May 3
Sunday, May 4
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation 10:30a
- Congregational Convo 12p
- Adult OWL 12p
- Coming of Age 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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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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 | | I hope that you all had as much fun as we did on Easter! Our Spontaneous Pageant was funny, moving, and theologically very UU! Our volunteers had fun with costumes and signs and our musicians shared a wide range of music. Coming of Age kids served us a wonderful brunch and many of us stayed for good conversations and a large egg hunt that we all got to see! Later in May you'll hear these students share what they’ve been learning in COA and their first expressions of a credo, or set of beliefs. This year’s group is quite large–13 kids! And we have five adults including me joining this group in Boston. It costs a lot more to send this many people to Boston, and while we plan to save some money by cooking some meals at the hostel and doing as many free activities as we can, we still need some help paying for this trip. This trip is about learning about the history of Unitarian Universalism, connecting with contemporary UU’s, and seeing how the history and values of the US are connected to our tradition. At a time when democracy is under attack, this is an important opportunity to make our next generation understand what is at stake and what is beautiful about being UU!
This weekend I am off, and looking forward to some time in the mountains with my spouse. It’s been a complex year three with you, VUU. We’ve been through some big changes, and we’ve learned some new skills as a community. I look forward to planning our fourth year together and figuring out how to match resources to our visions!
—Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan
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The Future of VUU Small Group Conversations–please sign up!
On Sunday, May 4 we will host a congregational conversation about our budget, among other things. This is one of the ways we prepare for our congregational meeting on June 8, where we will vote on a budget and elected leadership positions. (Perhaps more! But definitely these items.) This month we invite you to engage in small group conversations where you can share and listen to others share visions for VUU's future and consider how we will support VUU with the resources we have as costs grow and our income resources change. Please register for a small group conversation using this link.
The purpose of these conversations is to give us time to approach these challenges thoughtfully and creatively, while understanding what is most important to each of you. We hope that this approach will help us decrease anxiety and increase our commitment to solutions that we can agree on when the time comes.
What we really want to center are our hopes for VUU. We know that talking about money can be difficult—we come from different backgrounds and experiences and therefore see abundance and scarcity differently and respond to challenges around resources differently. We hope this will be the beginning of a fruitful conversation that holds each of you with love and respect and invites us to be excited about the possibilities in our future instead of fearful. We're in this together!
Thanks in advance for attending a session and for considering our shared future! Check your email for more information including slides with budget information.
—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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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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EastVUU Online: The Gift of Presence
Thursday, April 24, 6 pm
During these chaotic times, community is essential for our well-being. Know that we've got each other’s backs! In this meeting, we'll explore the many meanings of “presence” and how it can be a nourishing practice for our well-being. Barbara Face leads this session from the UUA Soul Matters curriculum.
One-time Google Meet Link: (just click on the video link below, it’s easy!)
EVUU Online Link Or dial in using: Dial in using these phone numbers.
—Submitted by Janice Miller
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Don't Forget! New Start Time for Secondary Faith Formation Classes
Remember! Middle School and high school classes now start after the Time for All Ages. All classes will walk to the education building together with their teachers.
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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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Update on Sandy Whitley
Here is a new photo of Sandy with some family members on Easter.
Her sons report they are close to finding the right place for her to relocate when she departs Sante of Chandler. Her PT and other therapies will continue in her new residence. If you would like to visit over a meal,
schedule your time here
--Submitted by Janet Cantley
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Prescott Retreat: Silly Moments, Serene Spaces, Social Connections
What a weekend! The Prescott Retreat over April 11-13 was full of laughter, friendship, and plenty of good vibes. The weather was great, the company even better, and we had such a good mix of relaxing downtime and fun activities.
Whether we were hiking, performing at the Un-talent show, jumping into a workshop, or just enjoying the peace and quiet, there was plenty to enjoy. The Retreat reminded us how special our VUU community is.
Huge thanks to everyone who helped make it happen. We're already looking forward to the next one, and we hope more of you can join us!
—Submitted by Megan Kimball
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Visit from JoAnne Smith's son
I am pleased to announce my son, Preston Smith who grew up in this congregation, will be attending the service this Sunday, April 27 with his wife Emily and their 3-year-old daughter Josephine. I am hoping that those who remember Preston will be at the service and say hello and meet his family.
—Submitted by JoAnne Smith
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All are welcome to attend Pastor Hardy's Celebration of Life Saturday, April 26. | | | | 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 Dinner
When: Friday, April 25 at 6:30 pm
Where: The Guadalupe on Main
1526 E. Main St., Mesa (480-272-7220)
Jalisco-style Mexican food. Very interesting and tasty choices. Adrienne will be your host this evening.
RSVP here or contact 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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Brats PLUS
IHELP Meal at VUU: April 28. Sign up to bring something and/or serve! Please bring food/arrive between 5:15 and 5:30.
Sign up here.
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Building VUU Relationships
VUU’s Caring Neighbors and VIP Core Team invite you to join a small group conversation (“house meeting”) this Sunday, April 27. This is a great way to get to know others in the congregation, share what’s on your mind, and build community relationships. We’ll meet in the sanctuary Flex Room at 12:00. All are welcome.
Organizing Against Cuts to Medicaid
Over the past month, your VIP Core Team has hosted three “house meetings” to talk about the proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Twenty three people joined the conversation, listening and sharing stories about how cuts would affect access to healthcare for themselves or their loved ones.
Gathering and sharing Medicaid / AHCCCS stories is part of VIP’s strategy to fight the proposed cuts. Next steps in the form of educating
(Civic Academies), Action Alerts (to call and write your Congressional
Representatives), and meeting policy makers will be shared following
the April 23rd VIP Delegates Assembly.
For more information or to get involved, contact the VIP Core Team,
vip@vuu.org.
Submitted by Barb Quijada
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May Day Protest
It’s time to show up for our neighbors who are being targeted in cruel and devastating ways–deported without due process and other bully tactics meant to scare and control. The Immigrant Rights and Labor movements, as well as others, have come together to organize for a grand MAY DAY MARCH happening on May 1 here in Phoenix, as part of a Nationwide Movement and National Day of Action. For this march, they are hoping to bring together over 1,000 people on May Day (May 1st), which has historically been known as “International Workers’ Day.” The messaging for the march is honoring the legacy of workers and also speaking out against a “billionaire take over” of our country.
If you can take the day off, invite some friends and spread the word, we need you on May 1! If you’re retired, that makes it easy! Meet at VUU at 8:15 if you want to carpool.
What: March from Arizona State Capitol to Rally at Sandra Day O’Connor United States Courthouse
When: Thursday, May 1, at 9am
Where: Meet at Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
End at Sandra Day O’Connor United States Courthouse, 401 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Why: May Day is a call to action and a stand against billionaire exploitation and corporate domination. Working people, parents, students, and community members will rise in every corner of the country to fight for dignity, justice, and public investment in our lives–not billionaire empires. We need to rally our communities together to turn out BIG and fill our streets. Please help promote amongst your organization membership and socials.
Sign up here!
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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 | | | | |
