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Life in the desert has its own moments of grace and beauty. The hot breath of the merciless sun bakes you, dries you, and wears you out until your very being cries out for cool shade and water. Sensible members of the congregation escape to colder climates and the hardy ones left hunker down, slather on sunscreen, go walking at midnight or before dawn and turn into true nocturnal animals. And then just as you are about to get cabin fewer and your patience has worn paper-thin here comes the monsoon. Dark clouds gather, hot winds blow in golden dust and twirling, swirling dancing dust devils (or are they angels?) herald the miracle: behold thunder, lightening and rain! Parched earth and withering plants drink in every precious drop and the desert is given life again.
Life in the desert, even daily life in a Desert Suburb, can teach you much about living on the edge and not take blessings for granted. There is a subtle beauty in the grays and pinks and dark green of the desert shrubs, a fragile beauty a balance in which animals and plants survive against the odds. So I think it is with us, transplants or natives, people of the Valley who live in our own fragile balance. If we are to flourish, we too learn gratitude --a toughness. So it is also with this congregation.
We thrive and grow because of the deep commitment in time and money, creativity and resources of our members. For which I am deeply grateful. As I told our leadership, the other night we begin our second year together and I feel a bit like we are waiting at the starting line.
We have ahead of us a great race and this minister and the leadership are ready to run as soon as we hear the words: ready, start the race, go! Which has to come from each of you. Our race will not be against each other but together as we move into the future. Ours is indeed no "caravan of despair" but a creative, energetic, and largely joyous parade. We have covered quite a distance already and now we have a map, a Long Range plan that will help us get to where we, as a congregation, want to go.
The Planning Committee have taken all the feedback from our visioning weekend and distilled it into a solid, well thought out plan. Wisely, this plan keeps the focus on our mission and on our programs that are at the heart of our growth. The new building, as exciting and energizing as that vision is, is after all only a container for our dreams and a place where we do the work of the church, it is not the church. We, its members, are!
So put on some good shoes and let us walk in beauty together!
Lone |
Board BitsBy Debbie Dinyes, |
The summer is over in many parts of the country, but ours drags on toward the end of one of our two seasons, SUMMER, the other season being NOT SUMMER. Teaching about four seasons to our children can be a challenge. School has started, we are back to two services. Life at VUU continues to thrive. Services have been well attended. We will soon get a look at our long-range plan. The VUU Humanists are starting up a group and there is an exciting new worship service being planned for youth on a monthly basis Sunday evening. The VUU Church board has resumed its regular schedule as of August 20.
Due to the change in our fiscal year, we will be conducting our canvass and budget in a different way. In December, we will need to support and approve a 6-month budget to bridge to the new fiscal year. A small canvass will take place by mail in which you will be asked to maintain your current pledge or increase it if possible, for January through June of 2003. A more extensive canvass will take place in March and April for the year starting in July 2003.
In addition to helping people be generous with their money, we want to encourage them to be generous with their efforts on behalf of the church and with their support of each other. All of these fall under the term "stewardship," a term which you will hear used more around here.
Imagine having so much money given that we can use funds from Montessori and Heart and Hand for extras in the budget, such as support for social action projects. Imagine every person feeling that they have a place and a purpose here. As a member of the goal weekend facilitators group, I can tell you that this is what people want. We saw this over and over on the charts.
I hope that we can move toward our goals. There is no reason to think that we can't do whatever we set out to do. That is why I continue to be president, why our other officers signed on again and why we had so many people interested in serving on the board this year. We are ready to go!!
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Lifespan Religious Education NewsBy Marilyn I. Huerter, |
Great things are happening! We are planning regularly scheduled Worship Services geared especially toward High School and College age youth. These will be held on the first Sunday of each month, starting in October, at 5:00 PM in the Sanctuary. They will be coordinated by adults, with lots of participation by the youth, discussion time, and music by our VUU Band. The service will be followed by social time and food. Look for details about the October service in next month's newsletter.
The High School class will meet on the second and third Sundays of each month, in their classroom in the cottage. YRUU is being re-organized. Times will be announced soon.
We hope all high school youth will participate in these great activities!
We are initiating a "parent assistant" program for our younger classes. We are asking EVERY parent to volunteer periodically in their child's class. There's no planning involved; all you have to do is be there to help the teacher with crafts, cleaning up, playground supervision, etc. This is a great way to see what's happening "back there" in RE, and it will be very helpful to our teachers. Some classes are huge, and they really need help. Sign-up sheets will be on the RE table or in the classrooms. Non-parents are invited to participate, as well. Join us! The kids are fun!!
No, we don't need more! We HAVE more! We had some openings last month that are now filled. These teachers are in addition to last month's list, and rounds out our roster of great teachers!
All you children who would like to light the chalice in the worship service, we will have sign-up sheets in your classrooms. Put your name on the list, and we'll check the date with your parents. We'll also tell a little something about you when you're introduced as the chalice lighter. And, your name will be in the order of service as the chalice lighter!
Once a month, we'll be having a children's story during the worship service. This will be the second Sunday of each month. At this service, we'll also be having the children stay for the offering. Please make sure they have some money for the offering. We feel that giving enables the children to feel more like they belong to the church. You may want to encourage them to bring their own money!
Please REGISTER your children for Sunday School, even if you did last year.
MarilynPlease join us for songs and candles
as we remember September 11, 2001.
The service will last about 45 minutes.
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Music NotesBy Kellie Walker, |
Please note a change in the Children's Choir start-update! In the last newsletter, it was announced that our Children's Choir would start rehearsing again on September 11. However, due to the Service of Remembrance, that evening at 7:00 at the church, we will not start until September 18. Rehearsals will again be in the sanctuary from 6:30 -7:15 PM on Wednesdays for 1st-5th graders. We emphasize fun as well as building music skills, and will sing about once a month on Sunday mornings.
The short-term Youth Choir mentioned in the last newsletter is temporarily canceled, due to a change in the Sept. Sunday services schedule. There will be another time, probably later this fall, for a Youth Choir, so check this column for details.
Our Adult Choir has started rehearsing again, but it is not too late for newcomers to join us! Come Wednesday nights from 7:30 -9:00 PM in the sanctuary. We sing a variety of mostly 4-part music, and sing about twice a month for church services. On Sept. 11 the choir will rehearse only from 8-9:00 PM, after our Service of Remembrance.
This fall the Adult Choir will mostly be singing at the 2nd service. We hope to provide some small groups and solo performers for the first service, and perhaps make it a more meditative service as well. If you come to the 1st service and miss hearing the choir, please feel free to stay between services on days the choir will sing, to listen to them practice. On special occasions, the choir will still sing at both services. This fall will be kind of a trial period for this change, so please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns.
Please let me know if you play an instrument or like to sing solos or in a small group, (this includes youth)! There will be more opportunities this year for smaller groups and solos and if you don't tell me, I may not know that you have such skills! We also have a recorder group and an intergenerational VUU House Band. So don't be shy, there are many ways to get involved in music-making here at VUU. Also, anyone still wanting to perform at our annual Cabaret (western-style this year) on Sat. Sept. 21 should contact the church office for details: 480-899-4249.
Kellie Walker,
UU Director of Music Ministries
Focusing on the six major goal identified from the visions listed during the focus groups held on May 18, the Long Range Planning and Growth (LRPG) Committee has developed a draft of the Five Year Strategic Plan The draft will be presented to the congregation for review and input on September 15. The final plan will be voted on at a special meeting of the congregation later in the fall.
Representatives from the Committee met with VUU Staff on August 14 to present the draft plan. The staff was very enthusiastic about the plan and gave some excellent suggestions for objectives from their perspective. The plan includes forming Covenant groups to provide opportunities for spiritual growth, increased social action, training lay members to take an active part in worship and caring aspects of the ministry of the church, increasing membership, and increasing staffing levels to serve the members.
The Reverend Lone Jensen was excited about the objective of establishing an Intern Ministry Program because it will be a contribution to the UU denomination, as Valley UU will become a teaching church.
Marilyn Huerter, Director of Religious Education, was supportive of the objective for establishing a meaningful Young Adult Program in addition to maintaining the excellent Life Span Religious Education already in place.
Martha Strogen, Office Administrator, and her assistant, Debbie Porter, were very helpful in setting objectives for increasing the hours of the office staff.
Kellie Walker, Director of Music Ministries, has an exciting vision for creating a music outreach program.
Between the writing and the reading of this article, members of the LRPG Committee will meet with the VUU Board of Trustees to present the draft and get their input. The Committee Council will review the draft on September 14 and the entire congregation will have the opportunity to give their input on September 15. The LRPG will distill all of this information into a Five-year Strategic Plan that will be voted on at a meeting of the congregation later in the Fall.
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UU Day at the Legislature |
On September 10, Help Plan for UU Day at the Legislature. Every year we hold this special day at the capital, when we UUs can get together from all of our churches across the state, in an effort to let our Representatives and Senators know what we expect from them in the coming year.
It first began years ago, at our own Valley UU Church. Jan Christian (soon to be ordained as a UU minister!) and Rich Bitner originated it, and the movement has grown to more than 100 UUs from all over the state! People care enough to get up early and drive all the way to the capital. We are lucky to live so close! This year UU Day at the Legislature will be on Martin Luther King Day, January 20, 2003.
Plan to stay all day and have lunch. Join in, talk to your own Representative or Senator. Make your voice heard!
What do you want done this year? Are you interested in Education issues??? Health care??? Children's issues??? – How can these areas be better funded? If interested, please attend the Social Action Meeting at the Cottage at 7:15PM, September 10. Contact the church office for additional details: 480-899-4249.
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Women's Group of Valley UU |
The Women's Group of Valley UU is holding the first meeting of this year on September 12 in the VUU Church Cottage at 1:00 p.m. This is a long-standing group of caring friends who are looking forward to meet and get to know those of you who have not previously attended. For some, this is their only remaining contact with our congregation, as they are not able to regularly attend services or events.
The September 12 get together is a planning and welcoming back session after not meeting over the summer. We will be deciding on themes for the remainder of the year's meetings. We have a lot of fun. Always a Christmas party, interesting discussions, good sharing, and refreshments too!
We often meet in members' homes, but we are glad to have the Cottage as well, which is centrally located and convenient.
Remember, September 12, 1:00 p.m. – bring yourself. Contact the church office for details: 480-899-4249.
Please let us know if you have any personal life milestones-- births, deaths, graduations, new job, house for rent, or anything else you would like to share with the VUU Community.
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MUUGS Kick Off Party |
All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and their parents are invited to a kickoff party on Sunday September 8th (after second service) to plan the upcoming year of the MUUGs "social season."
Last year's bonding activities included rock climbing, canoeing, a sleepover, a visit to Paz de Cristo, ice skating, and more.
We need YOUR input to help plan another great year with our MUUGs. We'll be meeting at the Bitner's home (thank you Bitners!) just a few miles from the church. Please bring picnic type food to share and a swimsuit. Mary Jo Bitner will provide maps at church on the day of the party. For more information call the church office: 480-899-4249.
Much appreciation to Leslie Stallcop, also, for bravely taking on the MUUG's leadership.
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Save September 21 for Cowpoke Chili RoundUUp at the UU Chorale |
Saddle on up and git ready for the first social extravaganza of the year – our annual Cabaret – on Saturday, September 21 at 7 PM in the sanctuary. Scrape off your boots and git your cowboy and cowgirl outfits ready! This will be a rip roarin' fun time with good ol' western snacks like chili, chips, salsa and sarsaparilla. We'll also be servin' up a hearty helping of music and comedy.
Tickets for individuals are $6 in advance and $8 at the door and tickets for families are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Lil' cowpokes age 5 and under git in for free. Tickets go on sale Sunday, September 1 and you better snatch 'em up real quick a-fore they sell out. Child care will be provided if needed.
Are you a ham? We still need acts. If you have a Western act, skit, song or something that just can't be described, we need you. The sillier, the wackier, the crazier the better! Contact the church office for details: 480-899-4249.
Upon completion of the last New UU course, ten more members joined our ranks. A hearty VUU welcome to each of our new members.
They are easy to identify with new, round nametags. We encourage you to introduce yourselves to them. May we remain intimate, even as we grow!
If you would like to learn more about our UU faith, our fellowship, and the pathway to membership, consider attending our next New UU class. The 4-week session will begin Thursday, October 11th. After the course is completed, an evening reception will be held. Then we will have a Sunday service and potluck to recognize new members on November the 10th. For details and to register for the class, contact the church office: 480-899-4249.
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Happy Anniversary Wishes to Long-Term Members! |
VUU would like to recognize the people who celebrated their 10-Year (or more!) anniversary of being a Member of this Church. We appreciate everything they have contributed over the years to help make this a welcoming and growing community. When you see them, tell them "Congratulations!" Thanks for being a part of our Community!
On June 23rd and 30th, Sunday school youth in kindergarten through high school organized supplies, then loaded shoeboxes with donations from Deodorant Sunday. Thanks also to the adult volunteers who helped control the chaos. After the second work party, one 5-year-old was enthusiastic. He told his parents, "We worked real hard on Shoebox Mysteries, then we got ice cream!"
Since Salvation Army informed us that they didn't need any more shoeboxes for fire victims, we gave all 42 boxes of personal care products to Paz de Cristo in Mesa. Volunteers we spoke to at Paz were very grateful for our donations. Recently Paz scheduled a weekly personal hygiene night, which is supported by our efforts.
Thanks for everyone's contributions!
Our donations of non-perishable food for emergency baskets at Paz has fallen proportionately with the increase in our Summer temperatures. Please mark your calendars for one Sunday each month that would be most convenient for you to remember to bring canned goods. VUU Church is suppose to help prepare and serve the evening meal every second Friday of the month. Besides the few people who volunteer frequently, we have very little representation. Please make time to participate in this rewarding experience. Additional information and sign up sheets are located in the entry by the donation basket.
The Ad Hoc Education Committee (a subgroup of the Social Action Committee) met on August 1 to review their action plan and timeline for the adopt-a-school project. They will be meeting again in September and talking to the principals of the schools which are being considered for this program to determine how the congregation can help the school.
The date is October 6, 2002. The place is our VUU parking lot. You may have already marked the next visit of the Bloodmobile to our Church if you have given there before. If you have never donated, never ever, and you are interested, we will try to put you in touch with someone who has. One member says, "I'm very new at this blood donation activity and wish I had begun it earlier in my life. Donating has given me a wonderful feeling." Contact the church office for details: 480-899-4249.
Autumn is here and people's lives become busier and fall into a routine of work and school. If something happens and you find yourself needing a bit of assistance to keep up with your day-to-day needs, call your Neighborhood Contact. We'll be 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.
See your VUU Point newsletter for names and phone numbers of your neighborhood contacts, or call the Church Office: 480-899-4249.
VUUpoint is published by:
The Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
1700 W. Warner Rd. Chandler, AZ 85224
Editor: Vicki Kulik
Office Phone: (480) 899-4249
Office Fax: (480) 899-2408
VUU Web page: http://vuu.org
Email: vuu@qwest.net
Church Office Hours:
M 8-3, T 8-3, W 11:30-4:30, Th 10-3, F 11:30-4:30
Rev. Lone Jensen's hours:
M off; Tu works at home, call office; W, Th, F, call office for appointment.
For an emergency, contact the church office (480) 899-4249
Services: 9:00 and 11:15 every Sunday
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.