Sunday August 24, 2025
“Water Communion Ingathering - All Community Worship”
Every year we celebrate our community and a return to the program year at VUU with our fountain, drops of water, music, readings, and activities to help us re-connect and re-commit. Rev. Sarah with Worship Associate Amanda Schneider.
Beth leads the VUU Voices and Ensemble singing 'Coming Home' by Jay Althouse, 'Home'. The band will also play.
The VUU Board will covenant with our community, and we will recognize VUU volunteers and teachers working in Faith Formation this year.
| |  | IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS |
Faith Formation
Faith Formation Classes:
- Preschool (3/4 yr olds)
- Kind/1st Grade
- 2nd/3rd Grade
- 4th/5th Grade
- Middle School (6-8th)
- High School (9-12th)
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DALAI LAMA AND FRIENDS
8:30a Meditation
9:00a Discussion
In person, in the board room, and
Via Zoom here
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All Community Picnic with Water Fun (Slide)!
Saturday, August 23, 4:30–7:00p, VUU Courtyard
Celebrate a New Program Year!
Meet other VUUers!
Bring friends, family members, and something to share!
Click here to RSVP.
| | Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | | | | |
Calendar
Thursday, August 21
Friday, August 22
Saturday, August 23
Sunday, August 24
Monday, August 25
Tuesday, August 26
Wednesday, August 27
Thursday, August 28
Friday, August 29
Saturday, August 30
Sunday, August 31
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:
126 in person, 24 online
Weekly Pledge/Plate Collection:
$3,868 actual, $9,181 budget
August Pledge/Plate Collection to date:
$38,270 actual, $36,724 budget
July Pledge/Plate Collection:
$39,268 actual, $36,224 budget
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Jesus on the loose
Jesus was found and rehidden by Ryley! If you find him, send a photo to Rev. Sarah and place where he's hidden (but can be found).
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Abbreviated information about upcoming events
more than two weeks out or without an article below
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Game Lounge - Sep 3
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Resistance Fair - Sep 6
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Singles Lunch - Sep 12 (please note corrected date)
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Parents & Pastries - Sep 7, Oct 5
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EastVUU - Sep 11, 25 (no online meeting in August)
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Singles Dinner - Sep 26
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Congregational Conversation - Oct 5
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| |  | Last Friday I spent the day with the Azcend board, planning our upcoming year and learning together. Saturday I spent the day with the VUU board (also on Sunday afternoon) doing the same. About twenty people came to learn a little about safety planning for our campus on Saturday, and then on Monday I met with the outgoing Committee on Shared Ministry and the incoming group. I am excited about this year for us as an organization and concerned about this year for us as a country. We need to tend our relationships with each other so that we are ready to tend to the needs of our struggling democracy–we need our organization to be robust and committed to working together and with the larger community to slow down, stop and reverse authoritarianism. There are so many ways for you to be involved in the community and also many ways I hope we are tending to our spiritual and emotional health individually and as a community. Keep showing up!: To Sunday services, to events, to meetings, to social gatherings, to conversations and protests. See you out there!
SCAM alert: Just a reminder that I will never ask you to buy something like gift cards for me out of the blue and ask you to “keep it under wraps.” These are scam artists. Remember–it will be similar to my email but never my actual email. Report it and don’t respond. They can sometimes escalate, and you don’t need that in your life.
In gratitude, Rev Sarah
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It's a Breeze...
Breeze is VUU's membership database. It's where we keep all of your contact information, pledges and donations, and track who does what and when.
We're making it a focus this year to get all members logged in to Breeze so you can find each other, like you would use a directory. If you are a Friend or a Visitor, we keep your information there also, but you are unable to login to search information - it's one of the perks of membership, and a way that we help safeguard our member data.
We'll be sending login information to you if you're a member and you haven't accessed Breeze lately. And we'll hold a few trainings via Zoom to make sure you know how to move around in there, update your own information, and find other people.
Join us on Saturday August 23 or Tuesday, September 2 to learn "how to Breeze"!
Sat. Aug. 23 10:00a Link to Training
Tues. Sept. 2 5:00p Link to Training
Contact DeeAnne, Rev. Sarah, or Doug N. with questions.
--Submitted by DeeAnne McClenahan
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Help Wanted - Safety Projects
As we begin work on multiple projects to make our campus more safe, we need someone to help manage the work being done by different contractors. If you have a flexible daytime schedule and some experience working with contractors for physical plant improvements, we need YOU! Contact Debbe Simpkins or Rev Sarah.
—Rev. Sarah
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Fragrance Free
Members and friends, this is a reminder that we have a fragrance free policy at VUU and appreciate anything you can do to reduce fragrance. If you are buying items for VUU (like hand soap or dish detergent) and getting reimbursed, please remember to make fragrance free choices for the congregation. We are renewing our efforts to make the sanctuary fragrance free, to be as welcoming as possible to all! Thanks in advance for your help!
--Rev. Sarah
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EastVUU
Please Note: The EastVUU Online session that would normally occur on August 28 has been canceled. Enjoy summer break! See you back on Thursday, September 25.
—Submitted by Janice Miller
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Check out FUUNd's Last Chance Auction Today!
The Let’s Have FUUNd Together Auction is VUU’s largest annual FUUNd raiser. 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.
One of the events available in Last Chance is the course: Mindfulness Foundations for Living and Being (Wednesdays, September 17 & 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22 - 6:00 - 8:00p). In this time of change and concern, how can we learn to meet intensity and uncertainty with some degree of ease and steadiness? Mindfulness is the awareness that comes from paying attention to present moment experience (sensations, feelings, thoughts) with kind, warm, receptivity in order to reduce habits of reactivity and enhance our capacity for wise, caring response.
This 6 week Introduction to Mindfulness course, offered online over Zoom, blends Buddhist teachings on the four foundations of mindfulness with research supported practices for cultivating mindful awareness and a greater sense of ease and well-being. Each class will build on the previous one so it is important to be able to make a commitment to attend regularly.
We will practice a variety of mindfulness meditations and explore practical ways to integrate mindfulness into daily activities at work, home and in relationships. All are welcome, whether you are a beginner or just want to refresh or deepen your practice. The course will be taught by Ann Sebren, Ed.D., Certified Mindfulness Teacher - Professional. Ann has been teaching mindfulness for 15 years and has decades of university experience teaching courses related to health, wellness, and stress management.
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.
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VUUniversity: for a modest fee of $20, you can attend one of the expert-led workshops listed below AND support VUU’s vital mission and programs. Space is limited so get your seat now! Classes that will be offered in August and September:
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How to Sing in a Choir Even if You Don't Read Music (Saturday, September 13)
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SoulCollage® - A Personal Practice for Spiritual Growth (Saturday, September 27)
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Looking For Something FUUNd To Do Indoors This Saturday?
This Saturday (8/23 1-3p) VUUniversity presents: Abbott and Costello Re-visited in the VUU Board Room. Bill Haskell will review the lives of William Alexander "Bud" Abbott and Louis Francis Cristillo, better known as Lou Costello. As a comedy team they were stellar in comic routines and movies during the 1940's and early 50's. We will enjoy several of the most familiar routines as well as some that weren't quite that familiar. We also will learn a little about their personal lives. Who can forget one of their most famous routines: - "Who's On First." Come join in on the FUUNd!
No Need to purchase tickets ahead of time, just pay at the door. Email fuundtogether@vuu.org for questions or other assistance.
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Faith Formation Enrollment for 2025–2026
It's time to enroll your children in Faith Formation classes at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation for the new school year. Please click here and complete the information in the enrollment form.
In 2025–2026 we will explore our Unitarian Universalist values through the lens of the following themes:
- September: Building Belonging
- October: Cultivating Compassion
- November: Nurturing Gratitude
- December: Choosing Hope
- January: Practicing Resistance
- February: Embodying Resilience
- March: Paying Attention
- April: Embracing Possibility
- May: Awakening Curiosity
- June: Flourishing Together
Once your enrollment form has been received you will then be sent sign up forms for volunteering in Faith Formation. As you know, VUU has reduced staffing for faith formation from 55 hours to 25 hours, a reduction of 60 percent. That means we need many people to keep our programs robust while we push through this funding challenge.
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Sign Up to support Faith Formation
We need your help volunteering to support faith formation. This isn’t just a classroom need! Without a director, there are many tasks that need to be done outside of the classroom. Take a look and sign up here.
—Rev. Sarah
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Help Needed for Crossing Paths
Crossing Paths is a Middle School Curriculum that engages youth in multi-faith learning and includes visits to congregations and communities different from ours.
We need support from a couple of extra adults for this curriculum two times a month, particularly in helping plan and organize trips to other faith communities and leading modules in areas where you may have more experience or training (i.e. you grew up with or studied other faith traditions). Please contact Rev. Sarah ASAP if you are interested in this. We begin with Yom Kippur (Judaism) which begins Wednesday, October 1 at sundown and ends nightfall on Thursday, October 2.
—Rev. Sarah
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Registration for Fall Our Whole Lives (OWL) Classes Is Here – Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Considering OWL for 8/9 Graders? Register today! This is the last week before Parent Orientation. Visit vuu.org/OWL today to sign up!
Empower your teen with skills for life. Our Whole Lives (OWL) is more than just a sexuality education program—it’s a chance for youth to grow into thoughtful, informed, and confident individuals. Grounded in respect, responsibility, and relationship-building, OWL provides accurate, inclusive information in a supportive and values-based environment.
This fall, VUU is offering two dynamic OWL programs for youth:
Spectacled Owls (8th–9th Grade) – Yearlong Program
Sundays, 12:45–2:15p | August 31, 2025–May 10, 2026
- 26 sessions filled with conversation, connection, and growth
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Parent Orientation: Sunday, August 24,12:45–2:45p
- Cost: $55 ($40 for pledging VUU Members & Friends)
Burrowing Owls (10th–11th Grade) – Fall Program
Sundays, 12:45–2:15p | September 7, 2025–January 25, 2026
- 13 sessions focused on identity, values, consent, and communication
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Parent Orientation: Sunday, September 7, 12:45–2:45p
- Cost: $55 ($40 for pledging VUU Members & Friends)
OWL helps teens build confidence, ask big questions, and explore their values in a setting that encourages curiosity and self-respect. Families often tell us OWL opens up powerful conversations at home and strengthens community connections.
Learn more and register here. Questions? Reach out to Molly McNamara.
—Submitted by Molly McNamara
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Level Up - Ages 17-24
Young adults are invited to attend the Level Up Young Adults Leadership Conference, a powerful one-day experience designed to equip the next generation with tools to lead with confidence and purpose. Registration here.
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Virtual Programming
Greetings from Meadville Lombard Theological School. MLTS is a theological school grounded in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, preparing leaders ready to inspire and guide the work towards building a better world. Here at Meadville Lombard, we have wonderful resources to share – and we want to share them with you!
Our virtual programming is free and registration is open to all ~ our lectures, vespers, and presentations are wonderful hours of learning and community. We would be very glad to have new friends join us from VUU. What’s coming next?
We welcome you and can’t wait to see new friends!
Our virtual public programming invitations are issued by email from our MLTS News ~ we invite VUU friends to sign up to receive. We welcome VUU into community with MTLS. Here is the link to sign up to MLTS News.
We’d also like to share our LIGHT programming – our continuing education courses – with you. There are many learning opportunities to explore and we hope this resource will be found meaningful.
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Caring Neighbors Meetup
Two Caring Neighbors neighborhoods recently came together for an ice-cream potluck, and it was a blast! It was a fun-filled afternoon of sweet treats and great company. Be sure to keep an eye out for future invitations from the Coordinator assigned to your area—you won’t want to miss the next one!
--Submitted by Nancy Wittenberg
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Sandy Whitley Update
Long-time friend, Greg, visits Sandy. And on July 30th a small group of the Voices Lifted choir visited and sang for Sandy. Usually, Voices Lifted is on break during the summer, but Lynn D., Mary R., and Rebecca R. made an exception to perform at Sandy’s bedside, after her recent placement in hospice. Visits between 10a and 6p to 4820 S. Robins Way, Chandler are welcome and appreciated. Thank you Voices Lifted!
Click here for the the latest activity on Sandy's CaringBridge
--Submitted by Janet Cantley
| | | | Fellowship and Social Activities | |
Labor Day UU Campout
- Labor Day UU Campout at SAWUURA
- 100 acres of mountain forest near Young, AZ
- August 30 - September 1
- Family-friendly outdoor weekend for UUs and friends
- Campsites, group kitchen, water, latrines, and playground
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Registration and information at sawuura.org
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Singles Dinner Out
When: Friday, August 22 at 6:30p
Where: Chompies, 3481 W Frye Rd, Chandler (Located in Chandler Village Center. 480-573-2603)
It’s a New York style Deli with all day breakfast and a very extensive menu where everyone can find something.
RSVP to Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047. Texts are strongly preferred.
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Partners In Education (PIE) Back to School
Adams Elementary opened its doors on July 31. Our after-school bilingual program, Rumbo al Éxito, started on Monday, August 18.
Volunteers are needed to provide one-on-one and small group mentoring. Some knowledge of Spanish is desirable, but fluency is not necessary. Contact Randall Casillas.
Our congregants donated close to $7,000 to Adams through the ECA tax credit program. These funds will be used to support our Rumbo program, Science Camp, field trips, and much more! Thank you!
For more information and donations, contact Perii Skolnick.
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Recycle Opportunity
Once again, I am collecting block styrofoam for recycling. Let me know if you'd like me to meet you at VUU some Sunday to pick up yours. Or, I might be able to arrange a pick up from your house.
Click here to send me an email or text or voice message at 480-839-1764.
Yours for Climate Justice, Linda Stenholm
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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 in 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.
Sunday, August 24, 12:15p in the VUU Sanctuary Flex Room. Building
Relationships House Meeting. A time for talking with other members of VUU about the challenges facing all of us. No need to RSVP—all are welcome!
VIP Leaders Meeting (All Are Welcome)
Tuesday, August 26, 6:30p
Location: Shepherd of the Hills UCC, Phoenix
Join VIP leaders and clergy for this important VIP meeting. The theme will be "finding hope in difficult times." We will be focusing on building the relational power we need for action in 2026, and will be welcoming new organizer Cameron Conner! Please RSVP here so we know who will be attending. Reach out to a member of the VUU VIP core team with questions.
Join us as we welcome our new VIP organizer and begin planning strategies for 2026. ALL ARE WELCOME!
For more information, contact Barb Quijada or Nancy Wittenberg.
—Submitted by Barb Quijada
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I-HELP invites YOU...
... to sign up to support our unhoused overnight guests with a Nacho Bar Dinner August 25. Bring a food item, or come help setup, serve, and clean up - it's easy, fun, and a great way for families to serve together. Our guests appreciate your efforts SO MUCH! Sign up here.
--Submitted by Adrienne O'Donnell
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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: Adrienne O'Donnell
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation | vuu.org | | | | |
