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Sunday, October 27, 2024
Ritual of Remembrance
A multi-generation ritual to honor those loved ones who have died (people and pets) and to share some ideas about how we take care of each other in times of need. We’ll build an altar together with pictures and memorabilia of those we’ve lost. Bring your own decorations, too. We’ll have stones you can decorate or put the names of loved ones on and place around campus, and some stories to hold all of us in love and care.
After service the Pastoral Care team will invite you to fill out a Life Crisis form and to consider your own Living Will or advanced directive. Led by Rev. Sarah and Interim Faith Formation Director Sara Sautter (Other Sara!)
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IN THE EDUCATION BUILDINGS | |
FAITH FORMATION
All month long we have been exploring Deep Listening. This Sunday our classes in Faith Formation will explore it through the lens of listening to the un-listened to. When we think of who falls into the un-listened to category, we could name tons of people and groups that have been ignored, silenced, and not listened to. But in honor of Indigenous People’s Month, our wisdom tale, the lead-in to our classes, comes from the Lakota.
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
8:30 am Meditation
9:00 am Discussion
In person, in the board room, and
Via Zoom here
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Love is our doctrine · Service is our prayer · Justice is our calling | | |
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Calendar
Thursday, October 24
- Ukester Friends 6p
- EastVUU Meeting 6p
- Facilities Committee 6p
- VIP Assembly 6:30p
Friday, October 25
- Singles Dinner 6:30p
- FLP Film Viewing 6:30p
Saturday, October 26
- Canceled! New Participant Class
Sunday, October 27
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation 10:30a
- House Meeting 12p
- Voices Lifted 12:15p
- OWL Class Grades 5/6 12:45p
- Parents for OWL Group 12:45p
Monday, October 28
Tuesday, October 29
Wednesday, October 30
- No Choir
- Board Meeting 5:30p
Thursday, October 31
Friday, November 1
Saturday, November 2
- New Participant Breakfast 9:30a
- Social Suppers 5p
Sunday, November 3
- Dalai Lama and Friends 8:30a
- Sunday Service 10:30a
- Faith Formation 10:30a
- Congregational Conversation 12p
- OWL Class Grades 5/6 12:45p
- Parents for OWL 12:45p
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 that are further than two weeks out. Events that occur sooner may have a full article below.
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AZCEND Foodbank with Rev. Sarah - Nov 1, 15, 22; Dec 13 Sign Up
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New Participant Meal - Nov 2, Feb 1, Apr 5 RSVP here
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Congregational Conversation/Committee Fair - Nov 3
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FLP Events - Nov 8, Dec 13
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Game Night - Nov 8
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Brown Bag Lunch with Rev. Sarah - Nov 12
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EastVUU Post-election Huddle & Eat - Nov 14
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Page Turners Book Club - Nov 21 See the book here
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New Participant Classes - Dec 7, Mar 22, Jun 7 RSVP here
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Senior High Winter Camp at de Benneville - Dec 28 - Jan 1 Register here
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Ethics for Unitarian Universalists - begins Jan 8 Sign Up
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VUU Retreat - Apr 11-13 at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott
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Desert Notes will return soon.
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Adult Faith Formation Classes
Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting with Sara Sautter, CRE
This adult class for parents and guardians of children of all ages, invites parents not just to do Unitarian Universalist parenting, but to be Unitarian Universalist parents. It is an invitation to a style of parenting which is values-based and values-sharing. We will explore ways in which parents can help Unitarian Universalism guide children in their development. In so doing, we will also find ways in which Unitarian Universalism deepens for ourselves as well. The class is based upon the work of Michelle Richards and provides practical, empowering and grace-filled resources for parents who yearn to support their children in deepening and living out their Unitarian Universalist faith.
The group will meet for three evening sessions at 6:30 pm on November 6, 13 and 20 both in person and online. Enroll here.
Ethics for Unitarian Universalists with Sara Sautter, CRE
Development, clarification, refinement, and expansion of our ethical thinking often occur in the midst of crisis or in response to an event or relationship that calls our world view into question. However, this program offers an intentional process of engagement with others in examining ethical concepts, dilemmas, and questions to help participants clarify and expand their ethical understanding independent of a personal crisis. Participants examine how they have arrived at ethical positions that they hold dear. We will explore new perspectives, identify areas for further questions and exploration, and perhaps more fully embrace ethical positions they reach through careful discernment. This program will deepen and expand participants' knowledge and skills for a process of ethical reflection that is central to living our Unitarian Universalist faith.
This adult class will meet (online and/or in person) for four sessions at 6:30 pm beginning on January 8. To enroll click here.
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Upcoming Congregational Conversation
Join us on Sunday, November 3 immediately after service for a Congregational Conversation. We'll have pizza and cover the following topics:
- Launch of the Congregational Survey
- Principles and Sources Amendment Update
- Mortgage Refinance
- Committee Interest Fair
We'll see you there!
-VUU Board
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Looking Ahead
Read with Sarah: “Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil” by Terasa Cooley. (UU Minister and leader). I will schedule a time to discuss this book later in the year. I am inviting VUU leaders, members and friends to read it with me as we continue the work (and play!) of building our shared future. Our first November Sunday service will be related to the first book I invited you to read with me - "On Repentance and Repair" by Danya Ruttenberg.
Volunteer Monday, October 28 with I-HELP 5:30-6:45pm. (VUU Sanctuary) Help set and serve a meal. Join Adrienne and Rev. Sarah as we begin to transfer this work from Laura Rohlfing to a new team.
Post Election Care: I know many of you may want a safe space to connect after the election. No matter the outcome, many have expressed concern to me about what will be happening in our communities and in our country on the other side of it. We are looking at setting up some online and in person opportunities for us to gather. We’ll send an email with some offerings next week. minister@vuu.org
–Rev. Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan
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New Participant Class
The New Participant Class scheduled for Saturday, October 26 has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a future date.
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New Participant Breakfast
Saturday, November 2, 9:30am -11:30am in Classroom 1/2
Come meet other newcomers and members and enjoy some time learning about each other. RSVP Required.
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EastVUU Zoom: Meet Sara Sautter, VUU Director of Faith Formation
Thursday, October 24, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Meet Sara Sautter, VUU Director of Faith Formation. Come share in a discussion about what’s on Sara’s mind: faith formation, change, and Right Relations. Enjoy this opportunity for Q&A with Sara.
Join Zoom Meeting
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FLP Social/Film Viewing: "Generation Growth"
Date: Friday, October 25, 6:30 pm
Location: True Garden
5949 E University Dr. Mesa 85205
The Food for Life and the Planet Committee (FLP) is changing up our social this month for a unique opportunity in Mesa: a free viewing of "Generation Growth," an in-depth look at how health and educational outcomes in low-income areas across America can be changed. Click HERE for the trailer.
We’ll arrange where to meet, and events before or after as we get closer to the date, so please email Denise McLeod if you plan to attend so we can inform you about the details.
A special thank you to Jen Hofmann for bringing this important film to our attention!
Doors open at 6:30pm.
Reserve Your Seat Here
Tickets are limited so don’t wait if you plan to attend. Please be sure to select October 25 as the date option. Hope you can make it!
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Found Inspiration at Voting Forum
There was a Native American Voting forum held at Talking Stick a couple weeks back, and I was able to attend with my parents (Phillip and Louise). We heard from voting activist Stacey Abrams. She was inspiring and focused on how minority communities can come together and make a difference in voting.
–Submitted by Sheila Lopez
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Good News from Unite Here
Unite Here, the Union that presented to us on Labor Day weekend, reports great news:
“It is official!!! SSP has signed the contract, and we got everything we wanted. Plus, Jasmine got her job back. Thank you all so much for what you have done! We will continue the fight to make sure they keep in line and that they don't go back to their old ways.”
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Fellowship and Social Activities | |
Singles Dinner Out
When: Friday, October 25 at 6:30 pm
Where: The Perch Brewery, 232 S Wall St, Chandler (Just east of downtown Chandler. Parking is tight, so get there early.)
Come join us for a delicious meal among the birds at this peaceful outdoor restaurant.
RSVP to Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047. (Texts preferred.)
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Assembly of VIP Member Institutions, Public Officials and Candidates for Office
When: Thursday, October 24, 6:30-8:00 pm
(plan to arrive by 6:00 to park and sign in)
Where: Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Church
5524 E Lafayette Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85018
Explaining VIP’s work for affordable housing, behavioral health services,
and neighborhood safety and seeking commitments from city, county and state officials to do that work with us.
VUU is a dues paying member of VIP.
Come see what it’s all about!
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Building Relationships in the VUU Congregation
VUU’s Caring Neighbors and VIP Core Team invite you to attend a small group “house meeting” conversation this Sunday, October 27 after the service. Join other VUU members and friends to discuss the topic: What is a challenge you personally or someone you care about is facing right now? We’ll meet in the flex room starting at noon. All are welcome!
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Partners in Education (PIE)
Join our volunteers at Adams Elementary School, helping disadvantaged kids get an educational boost!
After School Tutoring: “Rumbo al Exito” Do you speak Spanish or know someone who does? We are seeking volunteers to tutor English learners at Adams Elementary School in Mesa on Mondays or Thursdays. If you don’t speak Spanish, we could use your help with recruiting and fundraising. This is a
very impactful way to be an ally to disadvantaged kids who need a good start on their education. For more information contact Randall Casillas. Photo shows Rumbo al Exito tutors working with English-language learners.
Classroom Instruction: Art Masterpiece Program
We are looking for volunteers to teach the Art Masterpiece program and Arts and Craft projects. LOTS OF FUN! You don't need any art experience, but must attend one district training class, offered next at these times:
Tuesday, November 5, 9:00-10:30 am
Tuesday, November 12, 7:00-8:30 pm
Thursday, November 14, 9:00-10:30 am
Contact Adrienne O'Donnell.
–Submitted by Janice Miller
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Paz de Cristo
October Donation of the Month:
- Stuffing Mix
- Canned Cranberries
- other non-perishable Thanksgiving food items
Paz Donation List
Please leave donations in the "Paz de Cristo" box in the sanctuary foyer.
Contact: Megan Kimball
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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's after-school support group for English learners (Rumbo al Exito) and their Art Masterpiece program need:
- School supplies
- Art Supplies
Bring donations to the Welcome desk after services.
Contact: Adrienne O'Donnell
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Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation | vuu.org | | | | |
