Sunday September 14, 2025
“Building A Shared Future, Together”
Rev. Lydia Ferrante Roseberry of Stewardship for Us and Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan complete a weekend of learning about Stewardship with a shared worship service.
They are joined by Music Coordinator Meg Palermo and the VUU Band.
| |  | IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS |
Faith Formation
Enroll your kids in Faith Formation!
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
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VUU's Next Steps Weekend starts Now
The VUU Board has contracted with the UUA’s "Stewardship for Us" program to help us strengthen stewardship and generosity at VUU by developing a long-term plan for financial resources that supports our mission and vision. This process will begin with a Next Steps Weekend scheduled to take place at VUU on September 12, 13, and 14. The entire Congregation is invited and indeed encouraged to participate in this important event, which will include a series of small group meetings and a special service on Sunday, September 14. Click here to view the agenda for the weekend and register to attend.
Let’s all demonstrate that at VUU, we are unafraid to talk about resources and money, and that we are all able to support our values in tangible, empowering ways. We can begin by completing a brief survey prepared by our consultant, Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry. The information gathered in this survey will help Rev. Lydia get to know who we are in preparation for her visit. Please click here to complete this survey! Thank you in advance for taking the time to ensure that your voice is heard.
Questions? Please email stewardship@vuu.org. We look forward to seeing you at the Next Steps Weekend!
| | | | Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | | | | |
Calendar
Thursday, August 11
Friday, August 12
Saturday, August 13
Sunday, August 14
Monday, September 15
- I-HELP Shelter 5p
- Env. Action Team 6:30p
Tuesday, September 16
- I-HELP Shelter 5p
- Lead. Dev. Comm 6p
Wednesday, September 17
Thursday, September 18
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VUU Ensemble 3:30p
- Finance Committee 5:30p
- Page Turners 7:00p
Friday, September 19
Saturday, September 20
Sunday, September 21
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:
121 in person, 29 online
Weekly Pledge/Plate Collection:
$8,220 actual, $7,241 budget
August Pledge/Plate Collection:
$55,839 actual, $36,724 budget
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Abbreviated information about upcoming events
more than two weeks out or without an article below
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Singles Dinner - Sep 26
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I-HELP Meal Prep - Sep 29
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Parents & Pastries - Oct 5
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Congregational Conversation - Oct 5
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This week as I was talking to some of our members in a committee meeting, I said “We have to err on the side of community because that's what's going to save us from the BS.” DeeAnne said, "I want a sermon or a Happenings article about that!" I was talking about how right now we need to deepen relationships and connections with each other because many of the governmental and non profit structures designed to help us/support us and to help our neighbors are under attack.
I was moved to be part of the Resistance in Action Fair last weekend on our campus and see so many people and organizations encouraging us to stay engaged and not lose hope. Some of these organizations could not have had this kind of outreach (over 350 came through our fair!) safely on their own–but with 34 organizations representing different issues and communities, we were able to get the word out and get folks in the room. I was talking to a member this week about costs related to urgent medical care that many can’t afford without a “go fund me” or personal fundraiser. This isn’t OK–health care in this country is broken. And, people still need care!
We can’t wait for the system to be rebuilt in some cases–we need help now. The idea of mutual aid is one that helps us understand this gap. Offering our talents, time and skills to one another and receiving from one another is a beautiful way to work around systems that are harming us. We have a pastoral care team and caring neighbors team, but the piece we need to build out is what we each are willing to offer that someone else might need. For example, maybe you can offer tutoring for kids and what you need is help getting to the grocery store. Or maybe you’re great as a handyperson but you need help with your taxes or training your dog. Stepping out of our silos of homes and work into a web of interdependence is what I am talking about. This month we are talking about building belonging. We build belonging when we open ourselves up to each other.
“Without community there is no liberation, only the most vulnerable and temporary armistice between an individual and her oppression.” Audre Lorde
“I was so shocked to learn that the opposite of belonging is fitting in. Because fitting in is assessing a group of people and changing who you are. But true belonging never asks us to change who we are. It demands we be who we are.” Brené Brown
–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
October 10, 6pm
Marriott Phoenix Chandler
Visit website for tickets
Let’s celebrate the lives that have been changed at AZCEND!
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Board Sets Annual Goals
As VUU begins a new congregational year, the Board would like to announce the FY25-26 goals we've set for ourselves:
- Improve financial health by modernizing and expanding VUU's stewardship to ensure sustainable operations
- Strengthen leadership and deepen trust by developing and maintaining an holistic assessment of leadership and ministries
- Strengthen leadership and deepen trust by modeling engagement as board members
- Lay the groundwork to update VUU's Vision/Mission/Ends with the Congregation
- Prepare for the creation of a new strategic plan for VUU
As we work towards these goals, we ask for your support in making VUU the best it can be. Help us by contributing in whatever way makes sense for you. Say yes when you see a need, and join us in working toward a bright future!
Submitted by your Board: Mark Foote, Nancy Egly, Dan Sapakie, Katie Hurstwicker, David Sheh, Lisa Bonine, Paul Schneider, Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan
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July Finance Report
July was the first month of our fiscal year and overall things look good. Between one time income and some prepaid pledges cash flow was $30K above budget. However baseline giving remains below budget. This means we all need to keep current on our giving and those of us who watch the money need to pay attention to cash on hand and upcoming expenses. Cash on hand looks good at the moment, but whether this continues or not is entirely up to us.
Note that this weekend is the Stewardship for Us Workshop. This Saturday there will be opportunities for everyone to address stewardship more broadly. We will learn how to help VUU prosper in years and decades to follow. Please attend if you can!
The full July Financial Analyst report can be found at:
Analyst Reports - Google Drive
Submitted by Davis S., Financial Analyst
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Help Wanted!
We need volunteers to help with several roles at VUU. If any of these look like YOU, let us know so we can support our staff during this reduced staffing period.
Handy with a toolbelt? If you are even just a little handy, we sure could use your help fixing and maintaining things on our campus. You don’t need to be an expert electrician or plumber, just a general handy person who can wield a screwdriver, paintbrush, and maybe a drill. If this is you, contact admin@vuu.org to let Todd know you can help. Even an hour or two every week or two will go a long way towards making sure things are maintained in useable condition, and small fixes are made without paying for outside services.
Know your way around a balance sheet? The Finance Committee is looking for someone with an accounting background to join the team. If you are–or have been–a bookkeeper, accountant, or related profession, contact Jim Horton to ask about joining this critical team as we manage the finances of the congregation. The Finance Team meets once a month during the year by Zoom, usually for an hour, with some additional meetings around budget time, and some offline review time between meetings. About two hours a month total commitment.
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It's a Breeze...
Breeze is VUU's membership database. Have you logged in?
There are two ways to access the Breeze membership directory:
- Watch your email for login instructions, or
- Email DeeAnne for a link to Breeze, along with instructions.
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 using a directory. You can update your own contact and address information, upload or change your photo, and see your giving information (no one else can see yours, though!). 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.
—Submitted by DeeAnne M.
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New to VUU Class
Want to know more about Unitarian Universalism?
Thinking about joining VUU?
Want to get involved in VUU activities and programs?
Come to our New to VUU Class (even if you’re not NEW, maybe there are things you wish you KNEW about VUU?)
Sunday, September 21, 12:00–3:30 pm *reflects a schedule change
in the VUU Board Room
Bring a lunch or something to share. Click here to RSVP.
Led by Rev. Sarah and Membership Team
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What does it mean to Light a Chalice?
Chalice Lighters (CL) is a Pacific Western Region (PWR) program created to help fund the growth of the member congregations of the region. CL provides grants to congregations to help them cross a major threshold towards growth:
- Facility improvements, such as buying land, rebuilding, accessibility and inclusion, furnishing or enlarging facilities or signage.
- One-time professional leadership expenses, such as the costs of hiring a Minister, Religious Educator, Music Director or paid membership coordinator/professional.
- Starting a new congregation.
- Contributing to other outreach projects within the region.
Or any improvements that would significantly strengthen the scope of a congregation’s ministry.
How can I help?
The funds for these grants come from UUs like you — subscribers who pledge to pay $10/month or more towards Chalice Lighter grants. Sign up to be a Chalice Lighter today!
Click on the link Light a Chalice - Sign Up! and submit the sign-up form. You’ll be added to the list of people who will contribute to Chalice Lighter projects!
Your donation could help a congregation hire its first minister, or build its own worship space, or renovate old, cramped, tired facilities —it might even help your own congregation!
Submitted by David S.
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EastVUU Dinner
Thursday, September 11, 6:00 pm
Want to try some new flavors? Zola Cultural Kitchen serves African and global cuisines from around the world. Join UU friends for a great dinner together! Address is 6209 E Main St, Mesa.
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EastVUU Online: "Building Belonging"
Save the Date: Thursday, September 25, 6:00 pm
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?
—Submitted by Janice M.
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Looking for something FUUNd to do indoors this Saturday (after VUU's Stewardship For Us Next Steps)?
Saturday Sept. 13 1pm
VUU Board Room
VUUniversity presents: How to Sing in a Choir Even if You Don't Read Music
Believe it or not, not everyone who sings in a choir reads music! Do you like to sing? When you sing with other people, do you read the music, or do you focus on the words? If you can't read music, it can be challenging to figure out when to sing, how long to stay silent, when to sing louder (or softer!), or how long to hold a note. Well, don't worry, help is on the way. Linda H. and Lynn D. will help you to decipher music's "code" so you sound like a real musician! This workshop may also be helpful for musicians who want to help others notate the words in their music.
Linda Horton has sung in multiple choirs, sometimes near people who struggle with reading the music and words.. She is an experienced (though not perfect) piano accompanist and loves to share her joy of singing.
Lynn DeMuth is a long-time member of VUU where she currently serves on the music team. She has sung in ensembles and choirs for decades, plays piano, and has both solo and accompaniment experience. Come join in on the FUUNd. 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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Faith Formation Enrollment for 2025–2026
Enroll your kids in Faith Formation! Fall Programming has begun!
It's time to enroll your children in Faith Formation classes at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation for the new school year. Please 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
We will also be exploring anti-racism in our new MOSAIC curriculum the first Sunday of each month. Once your enrollment form has been received you will then be sent sign-up forms for volunteering in faith formation.
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Announcing Cabaret!
We will be hosting our 'Cabaret' on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7:00 pm. It will have a Valentine's Theme, so all music can be about Love (or heartbreak, or loving yourself!). We need 3–4 more people for the committee to plan all of the logistics. We will plan meeting times around your schedule. Please contact Meg Palermo if you'd like to join the committee.
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Want to join the VUU Ensemble?
This group rehearses the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 3:30–4:30 pm 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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Sharing Sacred Spaces
Sharing Sacred Spaces is a ministry trying to bring together congregations of different faiths from an area, to share in their houses of worship's architecture along with a meal for hospitality.
VUU has been invited to participate in this project here in Phoenix. It involves some online training, experiences in different sacred spaces (one of which we would host) and opportunity to share what we learn together with a wider community and ongoing relationships. This is a 10 month program that begins this month. We would need 2 participants from VUU to dedicate about 6 hours a month to this project if we want to participate. You can read more about this here. If you want to participate in this program, please contact Rev. Sarah.
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Women's Support Group Seeking New Members
The Serenity Circle Support Group has a few spots open to women who are affiliated with VUU. We meet every other Wednesday from 1-3pm at a member's home in the Chandler/Tempe area. We meet to offer compassionate support but we are not a therapy group. If you are interested in more info, please email Heather Monk.
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Soul Matters Sharing Circle
VUU follows a monthly theme program called Soul Matters. The Sharing Circle complements our worship services, where ministers and service leaders also weave the monthly theme into sermons, music, and rituals. As such, it offers a chance to engage more deeply with yourself, the theme, and our community. At the start of each month, participants receive a resource packet filled with reflections, practices, and readings to explore at their own pace. As the hymn reminds us: “Let it be a dance.”
But the Sharing Circle is about more than conversation. It invites us into a unique way of being together—courageously practicing vulnerability, honesty, and heart-centered connection. Through deep, intentional listening, we create spiritual community that helps us step out of our heads and into our lives. The circle encourages us to disrupt routines, shift perspectives, and open ourselves to new growth. In doing so, we make space for spirit and practice discernment in everyday living.
Come as you are: whether you attend every month or occasionally, whether you engage the materials deeply or simply listen, your presence matters. Unitarian Universalism values the lifelong spiritual journey—and Soul Matters Sharing Circle is a beautiful way to live into it.
For more information and to be added to the email list send an email to soulmatters@vuu.org.
—Submitted by Barbara F.
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Page Turners September Book
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 Thursday, September 18 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 Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
As the novel unfolds, it becomes clear how much the people of Chicken Hill have to struggle to survive at the margins of white Christian America and how damaging bigotry, hypocrisy, and deceit can be to a community. When the truth is revealed about the skeleton, the boy, and the part the town’s establishment played in both, McBride shows that it is love and community—heaven and earth—that ultimately sustain us.
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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CPR Certification Class
CPR certification class on Saturday, September 20 from 9:30 am–12:00 pm to be offered by Katie Hurstwicker, who is certified to teach this. Please RSVP. There are limited spots, so please let us know your reason for taking it. We can set up another class later if needed. Priority spots will go to VUU teachers and childcare providers.
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Singles Lunch Bunch
When: Friday, September 12 at 1:30 pm
Where: Kura Sushi, 1928 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler. (520) 479–2707
This is a delightful revolving sushi bar where the sushi rolls past you and you grab the one that looks good. Drinks are delivered by a robot.
Click here to RSVP by email or contact Claudette by phone or text (973) 768–6047. Texts are strongly preferred.
—Submitted by Claudette W.
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National Drive Electric Month Event
I'm John Martinson and my wife and I are longtime members of UUCP, where our children grew up and benefited from OWL. I now serve as Co-Founder and President of Drive Electric Arizona, a nonprofit promoting EV adoption through education and hands-on experiences.
One of our most effective programs is our Ride & Drive series, where people can test drive EVs, talk with owners, and learn about charging, incentives, and cost savings. These free events reflect UU values of environmental care, equity, and community well-being.
I invite you to join us for our next Ride & Drive
When: Saturday, September 20, 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Where: Mesa Community College
1833 W Southern Ave, South Parking Lot
Mesa, AZ 85202
Come see how EVs are not only cleaner, but also more affordable, fun, and better for our communities!
—Submitted by John Martinson
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You're Invited: A Series on Transgender Inclusion
Education is the grounded thing that helps the world change for the better…
We are beyond excited to share this EXCELLENT UU curriculum in our beloved VUU community! As we learn more ourselves, it sends positive ripples into the broader community and world in ways we may never have imagined. Let’s deepen our knowledge of transgender issues together and in so doing, deepen our own community connections! Friends welcome!
This course is being offered FREE of charge in a number of flexible ways to hopefully make participation possible for every adult and older youth at VUU! Join us for our in-person kick off lunch September 28 after service for a video and discussion. Then opt to do the full 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 to 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 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
A few more volunteers needed!
Continuing the Tradition… Keeping the Commitment… Living our Principles
When: Friday, September 12, 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, September 12. Volunteers gather at the Paz kitchen/dining room from 4:00–7:00 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 here for this rewarding experience.
—Submitted by Joanne McGrath
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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 | | | | |
