Sunday September 21, 2025
“Building Belonging Through Peace and Gratitude” An All-Community Worship Sunday
The Soul Works table will include a couple of projects: 1) painting a tile to add to a display for our front entry vestibule that combines the Adobe Montessori community with ours and 2) Mabon Seed Sharing Blessing packets. As we celebrate Mabon (Autumn Equinox) and the International Day of Peace, both of which fall on Sunday, September 21, we consider the mysteries of life, equality and balance, and how to develop practices of peace and gratitude. We’re never too young or too old to develop these and to bring them to our relationships with each other.
As always, preschool age children are welcome to stay in worship or leave after the story to be in class.
Snacks invitation: If you’d like to bring a harvest snack made of apples or other fruits and vegetables to share, we’d love to celebrate the equinox after service.
We need some youthful helpers for different tasks this Sunday–email me if yours might be interested (4th grade-HS).
Rev Sarah is joined by Music Coordinator Meg Palermo.
| |  | 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
| | | Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | | | | |
Calendar
Thursday, September 18
Friday, September 19
Saturday, September 20
Sunday, September 21
Monday, September 22
Tuesday, September 23
Wednesday, September 24
Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 26
Saturday, September 27
Sunday, September 28
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:
124 in person, 35 online
Weekly Pledge/Plate Collection:
$3,618 actual, $7,241 budget
September to Date Pledge/Plate Collection:
$17,013 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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Singles Dinner - Sep 26
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Parents & Pastries - Oct 5
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Congregational Conversation - Oct 5
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NO KINGS National Day of Mobilization - Oct 18
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Cabaret - Feb 13
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Last weekend we welcomed Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry to campus to begin our work with Stewardship for Us, a UU consulting agency that works on….you guessed it….Stewardship!
Debbe Simpkins has been spearheading this work, and we were both very energized by how many people attended small group conversations, the workshop on Saturday and lunch together afterwards, worship on Sunday, and the summary report she gave after service. We will receive a detailed report (as visual slides!) that we will be sharing with all of you in a couple of weeks.
I want to thank all of you who attended or watched online for your participation. We are always engaged in shared ministry, and Stewardship is a key program in our shared work. Something that stood out for me was the distinction she made between transactional and transformational stewardship. Her emphasis on building relationships and conversations that lead to Stewardship and financial contributions–including volunteering your time and talent–reminded me that the tools of stewardship are more effective when they are engaged in a manner that brings us together. I am excited to see what we can do together this year!
The hiring committee for our new Director of Faith Formation has begun meeting, and the board has lifted the hiring freeze with caution. I am eager to bring someone on board to help us navigate a new program year and support our wonderful teaching staff better. I hope I can continue to count on your support for this work–in funding and in volunteering, both of which will help us sustain a community that is returning to growth.
In deep gratitude, 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, 6p
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 VUU Board of Trustees: 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.
The full July Financial Analyst report can be found at: Analyst Reports - Google Drive
--Submitted by Davis S., Financial Analyst
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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 needs 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!
--Submitted by Rev Sarah
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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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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, 12:00–3:30p *reflects a schedule change,
in the VUU Board Room. Bring a lunch or something to share. Click here to RSVP.
Save the Dates: The next New to VUU Class will meet on Sunday, October 12, for Part I and Sunday, October 19, for Part II 12:30-2:30p.
--Led by Rev. Sarah and Membership Team
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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?
Save the Date: EastVUU Social, Thursday, October 9, 6:00p.
—Submitted by Janice M.
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Have FUUNd at a Karaoke Party the Saturday!
Karaoke Party (Saturday, September 20 7:00-10:00p) Come sing your heart out with Janet N. and Ken S. at an evening of Karaoke. Your hosts will offer beverages and snacks, and they will be happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions with a little advanced notice. Whether you can sing or you just enjoy hearing others perform, this promises to be an evening full of fun, laughs, and memories! Location: Ahwatukee in an accessible, pet-free home.
No need to register, just pay at the door. Email fuundtogether@vuu.org for directions or questions.
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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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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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Dorothy Meek
We learned this 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 | |
Interreligious Communities Project Invitation
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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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 Reed
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Chronicles of How My Brain Shapes the World
October 4, 4-5:30p. “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 bring 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 Oglesby-Dunegan
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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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iHelp
Come join us around 5:20p to setup, serve, and cleanup, or bring a food item or both, at VUU IHELP night Monday, September 22! IHELP is where we serve up to 25 unhoused folks who spend the night in our sanctuary, with access to showers, a hot meal, and a sack lunch for the next day. Every 4th Monday we provide food and helping hands. Click here to sign up.
--Submitted by Adrienne O.
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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 | | | | |
