To help with Sunday morning hospitality, click here.

Abbreviated information about upcoming events that are

further than two weeks out.

• New Participant Meal - Feb 1, Apr 5 RSVP here
• VIP Leaders Retreat - Feb 1
• Soup Lunch Fundraiser - Feb 2
• FUUNd Auction - Feb 2-16
• Grief Covenant Group - Feb 9-March 23
• EastVUU Buffet Dinner and Bingo at Tempe’s Friendship Village - Feb 13
• Page Turners Book Club - Feb. 20 Read the book
• VIP Documentary Film Screening - Feb 22
• Congregational Convo - Mar 2
• New Participant Classes - Mar 22, Jun 7 RSVP here
• VUU Retreat - Apr 11-13 at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott
• UUA General Assembly - Jun 18-22

This short video addresses a potent idea for us as we move forward together to build resilient communities that grow and thrive and support all of us–soil versus seeds?

How are we creating a rich soil in which our seeds can grow? What beliefs, ideas, and stories can we tell that will create a context that supports us–all of us–as we find ways to act and learn together in support of these? 

This weekend I spent all of Saturday at the Chandler multicultural festival with other VUUers at a table where we interacted with many parents, grandparents, kids and leaders of other organizations in a vibrant festival honoring new citizens, many different cultures and their artistic expressions as well as religious beliefs. There were a wide range of foods, music, dance, art, crafts, and organizations supporting our community. 

On Monday I spent half the day with VUUers in the Phoenix MLK March and festival as well. We talked to many different people about who we are as a congregation and learned about other organizations and people who share some of our core values and commitments–especially anti-racism and anti-oppression. Both days were energizing for me in the face of the inauguration of our 47th President and his largely antithetical view of our communities, diversity, and democracy. 

Friends, we will need to be ready to show up for those being attacked in our communities. It's important that we keep developing relationships with other faith communities and organizations because we cannot do this work alone–will need “many Martins” as the Poor People’s Campaign says.  

One way to engage this work is to follow 30 Days of Love, a program of the UUA Social Justice arm, Side With Love, beginning January 20 through February 14. Visit this website for more information on how we can support our beloveds–immigrants, trans "folx," indigenous peoples and our environment, and Black folks. Each week has a theme and resources for us to engage.

-Rev. Sarah

ADULT OWL Introduction Workshop Session Sunday Feb. 23

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a program which recognizes and respects diversity of all involved while offering a series of sexuality education classes to address sensitive topics and supports open communication within families. Every question is welcome.

An introductory session is being offered Sunday, February 23 at 1:00 pm. This is a 12-week class with a 1-2 hour introductory workshop session used to determine the customizable content and time commitment for the remainder of the sessions. For example, in the introductory workshop session, participants may decide to do all 12 workshops or to do only some workshops. If doing only some workshops, the participants decide which ones. Participants are not required to attend or belong to any particular group or faith.

Adults – Recommended age groups for each adult age range are listed. Register for the one aligned with your needs and interests!



Young Adults: 18-35

Adult: 36-50

Older: 50+

Tell us which group suits your needs! 

Email faithform@vuu.org for details!

Get Ready for the 2025 FUUNd Auction - February 2nd

The Let’s Have FUUNd Together auction is VUU’s largest annual fundraiser and one of the best ways members can spend time having FUUN celebrating old and making new friends. This year’s auction opens at noon following the service on February 2nd. There will be tables set up on the Sanctuary patio displaying pictures and descriptions of all the fantastic opportunities you can bid on this year. We guarantee you will be amazed at the depth and breath of what has been donated!

Be ready to bid the minute the clock strikes 12pm by pre-registering at www.auctria.events/VUUFUUND2025. (You will be asked to provide a credit card number on our secure website in order to bid.) Bidding will take place entirely online. Place your bids via your cell phone or computer.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the 2025 FUUNd and to all of the volunteers who are working overtime to make this year’s FUUNd auction the very best ever! Please join us on February 2nd – THERE WILL BE CAKE!!!

Read with Rev. Sarah: Transforming Conflict & Authentic Selves

Join Rev. Sarah in reading Rev. Terasa Cooley’s book, Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil. Rev. Cooley believes that it is possible for “conflict experienced in the context of faith [to] transform both us and our congregation.” She says that “today’s world requires all of us to learn new ways of being in relationship to one another that is not just yelling over the fence at each other or running fast the other way.” As we work our way through change and difference, we may observe that when we are dealing with these challenges, it is easy to “conflate discomfort with threat, to mistake internal anxiety for exterior danger, and in turn to escalate rather than resolve.” If these ideas resonate with your experience of conflict, it’s time to pick up this very accessible read and join me in thinking about how we can be a community that transforms conflict into engaged relationships that work together for solutions. 

Soul Matters Monthly Theme Discussion

The monthly theme discussion for January has been rescheduled to Sunday, January 26 on the patio. 

Theme based materials can be found online at Living Love through the practice of Story!!  

Join Rev. Sarah for a discussion of what has been moving to you this month as we have explored the idea of story.

Join Us for the VUU Music Ministry Retreat

Saturday, January 25 | 12:00–4:00 pm

VUU Sanctuary

Discover the meaningful musical possibilities that lie ahead during this season of interim music ministry.

Whether you’re already part of our music ministry or curious about sharing your musical gifts, this retreat is for you.

We’ll:

• Connect with our roots and explore the evolving vision of music at VUU.
• Share stories and practices that ground our visioning—in connection, music, empathy, and embodied awareness.
• Let our roots nourish one another as we harmonize with our community’s rhythm in a drum circle.
• Divine and concur as the future of our Music Ministry unfolds before us.

Bring your curiosity, your voice, and your openness as we co-create a space for growth, connection, and creativity to ignite our vision of our next chapter, together.

Please send an email to Lynn DeMuth to let us know you’ll be participating. Please include whether you’re a new or returning music ministry participant.

Sandy Whitley

Our beloved and active VUU member Sandy Whitley has been in the hospital and rehab center since early this month with health challenges. Her sons Zach and Jeremy have been at her side and keeping her many friends and supporters up-to-date on her status and improvements through CaringBridges. Cards of encouragement can be sent to 765 E Halifax Street, Mesa, AZ 85203.

Photos from Katie's Farewell Party

On Sunday, January 12, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our Director of Music Ministry, Katie Seiferth. The service was a beautiful celebration filled with music, song, and deep gratitude for the time and gifts she shared with us. Katie's dedication and passion have blessed our community in countless ways, and while we will miss her dearly, we send her off with love and best wishes for her next chapter.

Click here to see more photos.

AZCEND Food Bank Volunteering with Rev. Sarah

Friday, January 24, 8:30-11:30 am

Wear closed toe shoes and comfortable clothes. Meet at AZCEND on 345 S. California Street in Chandler at 8:30 am. Sign in and make a nametag at the Food Bank desk inside. Rev. Sarah will be there! Sign up here.   

I-HELP Volunteers Needed - Taco Night

VUU's night to bring dinner for I-HELP is Monday, January 27. Help us make this a great Taco Night! Sign up to bring food here. On-the-job training for new volunteers! Contact Adrienne O'Donnell or Rev. Sarah.

Donation Coordinator Needed to Help Paz de Cristo

VUU collects donations for Paz de Cristo's emergency food box program, and I am looking for one or two people to take over the duties right away.

This is a wonderful way to volunteer if you're busy and don't have much time. The responsibilities are simple:

• Post a suggested donation in the newsletter each month
• Collect donated items whenever you can and deliver them to Paz de Cristo

This is a great opportunity for new families looking to get involved, for those who prefer to work alone, or for someone with a busy schedule! If you’re interested, please reach out. I’ll train you and ensure a smooth transition. Thanks!

Please note that this role is different from the monthly meal preparation that we do on the second Friday of every month at Paz, and which you can sign up for here.

-Submitted by Megan Kimball