June 2: Origins of Christianity

Duke Mertz explores the religious and philosophical trends that gave birth to the early church.

June 9: What is our role in healing the world?

Violence continues in Israel and Palestine as I write this. The headlines warn of unspecified attacks and unknown dangers. Other than develop ulcers, what can we do? What should we do? And are there limits to forgiveness? This Sunday we will explore the deeper meaning of the Hebrew word "Tikkun" to heal the broken world.

June 16: Father's Day: Words I wish I had said

This Sunday we will go to one service and celebrate Father's Day.

June 23: Sudan "Lost Boys"

Sudanese "Lost Boys" will be coming to our Sunday service to sing for us and tell us of their experiences. In 1988 they left their homes and families as war was swiftly approaching their villages in southern Sudan. The boys were 5 to 10 years old at the time and thousands of them walked across the Sudan and ultimately to a refugee camp in Kenya. Most of them fought in the war as young teenagers. Now they are living in our community and learning the ways of America. Three of them will tell their personal experiences of the great trek, fighting in the war, and growing up without parents in a refugee camp. They are delightful young men, joyous and proud. A group of them will sing songs of their homeland.

June 30: Summer Solstice

Come celebrate with ritual, information, and talk back as we celebrate this ages-old "Turn of the Wheel." Presented by the Pagan/Ritual Group.

Minister's Dusty Desert Corner

On "Staying Cool"

Once when we were very young most of us knew what to do with the long summer days. We used every minute of precious freedom to explore our world, play, swim, read, find secret and sacred places and occasionally get into trouble when we in our exuberance went too far. Time itself had a different quality then and was measured not in minutes and hours but in really important ways. Like the day we built that wobbly tree house or took a trip to the beach in the rain or got stuck in the thorny blackberry vines and returned home bloody and wounded but triumphantly with a basket and our bellies full of berries.

Now this was not in Phoenix and the East Valley where the main preoccupation seems to be on "staying cool," both physically and mentally as the golden sun beats down upon us. But even here, I bet, children used to measure time differently, maybe in dips in irrigation canals. My point is that summer is such an opportunity to remember when time was not divided into daily tasks and priorities but ours for the taking, to spend in ways that nurtured our spirits and gave us pleasure. What would you do if you had all the time in the world? What is your soul thirsty for? What will help you keep your cool?

This summer do some of that. We have had a wonderful year together in this congregation but it has also been one where we worked very hard and overcame crisis and adversities of all kinds, from the tragic to the annoying, September 11 to plumbing problems. Life has shown us more contrast this year than usual and we have been reminded of the preciousness of life again and again as we held 8 memorial services. But this coming Sunday we welcome a new child into the congregation. And we have now collected much information for our five-year plan so this parade will soon know just where it is going!

I do have high hopes for our future.

Stay Cool!

VUU Church Mission

The Mission of Valley Unitarian-Universalist Church is:

To be a welcoming religious community that nurtures and supports individuals and families in their exploration of spiritual growth and their celebration of life's journey.

To create an environment that fosters respect for cultural, religious, and intellectual diversity.

To pursue opportunities that express social responsibility in the service of the broader community.

Board Bits

By Debbie Dinyes,
Board President

Our Search for the Future weekend was a big success. About 180 people were involved with the mission statement and goals. The facilitators are working on getting 18 mission statements down to one. When we have the one it will go to the board for their inspection and then be voted upon by the congregation. The statement will be presented for a straight up or down vote and be adopted for one year. The meeting to approve the mission statement will be mid to late June with 8 day notice as required by our by-laws. The goals will be worked into a long-range strategic plan to be presented at a congregational meeting on Sept. 21. The long range plan will be reviewed on an annual basis along with the mission statement. After the September meeting we will actually put the strategic plan into action by forming whatever committees we need to carry it out. Thank you to the facilitators, hosts and all who participated in the process. The goals list will be made available to everyone as soon as it can be typed up.

On May 18 I had the pleasure of attending the Coming of Age dinner for our jr. high-early high school young people and their families. This was a program I knew almost nothing about, and I came away impressed by the youth, their families and the outstanding program. My hat is off to the committee, the mentors and the youth themselves for undertaking such a focused, rigorous program of personal growth and church and community service.

The Pacific Southwest District meeting in Tucson was a huge success with over 300 attending. One of the bright stars was our own Kellie Walker. Not only did she lead a workshop, she directed the ministers' choir, led the Saturday worship service in Lone's stead, directed the pick-up choir and led the music for the Coming of Age ceremony.

June 16 marks the change to one Sunday service at 10:00. This will continue until August 4. On August 11 we will return to 9:30 and 11:15.

Raise money for VUU with no effort on your part other than grocery shopping! Stop by the grocery certificate table this week and every week to get same-as-cash certificates or a shopping card. Safeway is joining Albertsons with the shopping card. If you already have a Safeway card you can fill out a form to register it with the program. Certificates also make a good gift for a graduate starting out on their own.

Another reminder that although we go on vacation our financial obligations do not. The plate revenues fall off in the summer and folks may be a bit erratic with their pledges due to vacation. To avoid a cash flow crunch please pay your pledge in a timely manner and if you are able, pre-payment is big help.

Valued Volunteers: Thanks to the brave men tackled tree cutting and grounds clean-up on May 11, a hot and dusty task. Hats off to all who participated in Coming of Age. Many thanks to the facilitators and hosts of Search for the Futureas well as the Long Range Planning Committee who set it up.

VUU was honored with two awards, one for making a commitment to move toward fair compensation for employees and one for paying our fair share to the UUA program fund (our "dues").

LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

By Marilyn I. Huerter, Director of Religious Education

TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
What a nice celebration for our teachers on May 19th! Many thanks to all who came to the service, brought food (delicious), and participated in recognizing and expressing our appreciation to our teachers. A special thank you to Bruce Broussard, puppeteer extraordinaire (and Lone's husband),who entertained the children during both services. It was a happy occasion for all. Don't forget, however - the regular Sunday School session is not over yet! Our last double service is on June 9th, so the classes remain the same until then.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
On June 16, when we go to a single service, the children will be divided differently, so make sure you check the sign-up sheets for your child's correct class. Classes go only through Middle School, so the older youth have two options: attend the service or assist with a younger class. Summer classes are generally less structured, more experiential, and lots of fun. And each one is unique.

SHARE YOUR PASSION
Speaking of summer Sunday School, we need YOU!! Do you have a hobby, job, craft, talent, interest? How about sharing it - on one Sunday, for one hour - with a group of very interested and enthusiastic kids? It's a great way to get to know some of our bright, cute children! And they're very non- judgmental when they're having fun. If you are even thinking about the possibility, please give me a call. I'll be happy to talk to you and help you in any way that I can.

Warning: without people leading classes, there will be no summer program, and the children will have to attend the service.

FALL TEACHER SIGN-UP
Here's your opportunity to really get involved with our young people - teach a Sunday School class. We have a variety of options and time commitments, from one Sunday a month to three, from regular "teacher" to assistant, and at all age levels. We offer lots of assistance, with teacher training workshops, all supplies, and easy-to- follow curricula. And we have some of the greatest kids in the world! Just ask our teachers! They are in the classrooms because they love being there. And it's a very good way to learn about and develop your own personal faith, as well. Please give me a call to find out more about these opportunities. We need your participation.

RECRUITING FOR RE COMMITTEE
Do you know that our RE Committee has only 7 members that run a program for about 120 children and youth? They select curricula, recruit teachers, buy supplies, plan events, and much more. If you have some talents that you'd like to share with this dynamic and caring team, we'd love to have you sit in on a meeting, to see if you'd like to join us. Call me for more info!

ADULT RE PROGRAMS
Two exciting classes are being offered this summer: "Wrestling With God, a UU Guide for Skeptics and Believers" will be led by Kat Henderson on three Wednesdays in July. Look for sign-up sheets soon. Part I of the "Parent Trilogy", a guide for raising UU children, not just for parents, but all adutls interested int he future of our childrean, will be led by Marilyn Huerter in August. Watch for dates. Have a great summer.

♫ Music Notes ♫

Kellie Walker is on vacation. No column this month.

VUU Community Milestones

For those of you interested in joining our church, the next four-week New U.U. class will begin the second week of July. This is a wonderful chance to meet others who are new to the church, learn about Unitarian Universalism, and find out the pathway to membership. The course will end with an evening reception on Friday, August 9th. Then new members will be recognized during the service on Sunday, August 11th followed by a potluck luncheon.

Call Lauree Perry for details and to register for the class.

Happy Anniversary Wishes to Long-Term Members!

VUU would like to recognize the people who celebrated their 10 Year (or more!) anniversary as a Member of VUU. We appreciate everything they have contributed over the years to help make this a welcoming and growing community.

In June 2002 Jack Ripple will celebrate his anniversary: When you see him, tell him "Congratulations!" and "Thanks for being a part of our Community!"

June VUU Events

U.U. WOMEN'S CIRCLE
Extends an invitation to all
VUU Women to attend the
Annual Luncheon
June 13, 2002
The Landmark Restaurant
809 W. Main Street, Mesa
11:30 a.m.

June Dykstra is in charge of reservations. Please phone June by June 10th.

Like it or not, much of the way we view and think about the world has been shaped by the great thinkers of Western Civilization.

Whether you are motivated to overcome or just want to be more aware of the presuppositions and foundations of western thought, a good way to do so would be to read the works of the people who shaped that thought.

We hold a discussion the second Sunday of every month at our house at 7 P.M. We follow the Great Books Curriculum, as mapped out by the Great Books Foundation.

In the past months, we have read Plato, Aristotle, Marx, and Freud, as well as others. In June, we will read Darwin.

If you are interested in joining the discussion, please contact the church office to find out more about the group.

Shoebox Ministry
Official Deodorant Sunday
June 2

In March, I delivered 22 shoeboxes of personal hygiene products to Paz de Cristo. Your donations have made this possible. Also, thanks to several volunteers and Janice (Never-A-Grumble) Pittsley who have helped me during work sessions!

Now we need your help in stocking up for several R.E. work sessions during the summer as I share my passion for this cause with our youth. Deodorant Sunday will be June 2nd. On that Sunday, please bring donations of deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and socks to my information table or to the bin in the church foyer. Let us help the homeless who are really feeling the heat!

The Queen of Shoeboxes,
Karen McBeath

Summer Awakening
A Zen Retreat by the Lake
John Tarrant and Desert Lotus Saga

Zen meditation retreat is a time when we refresh ourselves through spiritual practice. It is a time to touch the heart-mind. Although sometimes difficult, a relentless retuning to one's self, free from thoughts and the pursuit of ideas, is a centuries old method that works. In this retreat we will move toward awakening with meditation instruction, silent meditation, walking meditation, and private talks with the teacher. We will use work practice to teach and experience meditation in action. Each of us will help with the work of the community. We will further deepen our attention to the moment while eating vegetarian meals in silence with the community.

All levels of meditation experience are welcome!

DATES: June 13 - 16, 2002 EMAIL: desert_lotus_sangha@hotmail.com
WEB: http://www.vuu.org/zen

Youth Visioning Process

As part of the VUU Visioning process, a mini-focus group for students in 6-12 grades will meet June 2nd from 12:45 to 2:15 in the Sanctuary. Pizza will be provided. We want your input as how VUU should develop over the next five years. Please try to attend.

VUU Community Bulletin Board

Yoga at The Church Now on Mondays AND Wednesdays!!
A gentle form of Hatha Yoga is now being offered at VUU. Each Monday and Wednesday evening from 7 - 8:15 PM in Classroom B (downstairs), Linda Martin, registered and certified yoga instructor, is teaching the classes. All are welcome--it is beginning level class.

Please bring a pillow, small blanket, and/or any form of mat that you might have. Classes are $10/class, drop-in, or $36/4 classes.

FITNESS AT HOME with Bob Beck
Ace Certified Personal Trainer, Nationally Certified Kickboxing and Yoga Instructor.

Mighty Trinity
The first part of "The Parent Trilogy: Three Programs for UU Parents and Other Adults" will be starting in August. This has been requested by many parents, but you don't have to be a parent to attend. We All raise our UU kids, so put it on your calendars.

UU Day at the Legislature Needs Helpers
Early every year here in Arizona, we have a UU Day at the Legislature with all congregations involved. To promote our interests and to have an effective influence, well advanced planning is necessary.

For 2003, the UU Church of Phoenix is organizing the UU Day and leaders from all our church are needed to assist. Also, the state committee wishes to know what we most wish to stress with the legislature this year.

The next planning meeting will be 7 pm, July 9th. Our church needs a leader!! If you can do that and/or wish to express your legislative interests, contact the church office for details.

Women's Circle
We do not meet in July or August.

Also coming in August...
will be "Rise up and Call Her Name," a "herstory" of women and religion all over the world. This is an oldie but goodie that we haven't done in a while, and is definitely worth repeating. Men invited, too!

Camping Possibilities
De Beneville Pines - SWWRA

PSWD/de Benneville YoUUth Camps incorporate all of these into an action-packed week that is bound together by Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes.

Elementary Camp will be experiencing a Forest Adventure; Jr. High Camp will delve into world issues during Global Summit, and Sr. High Camp utilizes youth created and led programming that instills a powerful sense of community and belonging in the participants.

Campers spend mornings in theme activities, and afternoons are spent in a variety of activities such as theater games, arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, and archery. Evenings are spent in special events such as the talent show, dance, campfires, and sleepovers.

Worship experiences are woven throughout the day and focus is put on strengthening campers' self-esteem and understanding of Unitarian Universalism.

Our YoUUth Camps utilize trained program and counseling staff. Campers are housed in comfortable cabins with showers and bathrooms, and each cabin is supervised by two counselors.

Dates for camps are as follows: Elementary: July 7-13, Grades 3-6 Jr. High: July 14-20, Grades 6-8 Sr. High: July 21-27, Grades 9-12. After June 1 the fee is $350.00. There is a $15.00 discount when a sibling registers and a $15.00 discount when you bring a newcomer.

Sound like something your child or youth should not miss out on? Contact the church office for registration information.

Family Camp 2002 at de Benneville Pines - "Stories and Symbols"
Join fellow Unitarian Universalists at PSWD's de Benneville Pines in the San Bernardino Mountains, Sunday July 28th to Saturday August 3rd, for Family Camp 2002. The theme this year is "Stories and Symbols," an exploration of the meaning of our culture's most familiar stories, led by storyteller and myth expert, Jonathan Young and poet, Anne Bach. Our theme is the starting point for adult and children's program and activities.

Join morning adult workshops on our theme while children enjoy camp fun. Afternoons and evenings feature traditional intergenerational activities. Come for singing, hiking, old fashioned fire circles, worship, arts and crafts, music, swimming, and fantastic food. Come for yourself, come for your family, and come for old friends and new. Come for community.

For information on registration and prices, contact the church office.

Summer is here, and people will be going on vacation and reconnecting with friends and family. But if something happens and your family is far away, and you find yourself needing support, give your contact a call. We're happy to help.

If you haven't met your contact(s) yet, introduce yourself at services. If you would be willing to help when the need arises, be sure to call or email and let them know what you can provide.

Your Neighborhood Contacts are available through the church office.

VUUpoint is published by:
The Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
1700 W. Warner Rd. Chandler, AZ 85224
Editors: Vicki Kulik, Karen McBeath
Phone: (480) 899-4249
Fax: (480) 899-2408
Web page: http://vuu.org
Email: vuu@qwest.net
Church Office Hours: M, T and Th: 8-noon
W: 11:00-3:00, Fri: noon-4 p.m.
See Calendar for Summer hours.
Rev. Lone Jensen's hours:
Wed. afternoon and evening, by appt.
Thurs and Fri. Daytime, appointments available.
Monday is her sacred day off.
She will be on vacation in July
Call the Church office for an appointment, (480) 899-4249
Services: 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. on Sunday
June 16-August 4, one service at 10:00

VUUpoint is published monthly by the Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, and distributed free of charge to members and friends. The annual subscription rate for others is an identifiable contribution of $15 or more. Articles, announcements and other VUUpoint material may be e-mailed to vuu@qwest.net. If possible, send as an attachment. Typed, printed or legibly handwritten material is also acceptable and may be dropped off in the VUUpoint box just inside the office door.

Article Deadline is 3rd Sunday of the month.

Love is the doctrine of this church
The quest of truth is its sacrament
And service is its prayer.
To dwell together in peace
To seek knowledge in freedom
To serve humankind in friendship
Thus do we covenant.