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Sunday Services for December 2002

 

Sunday Services are at 9:30 and 11:15

December 1:   The Unitarian Hadj: A Journey of Discovery

Our Religious Cousins in Transylvania, Janice Brunson, Guest Speaker

      Glenn and Elliot Stallcop will provide music on piano and violin

 

December 8:     Candles of Hope

This is the season where we light candles against the night.  We cherish the candle’s glow every year.  But this year we wait anxiously to see if our country will go to war.  How we need hope, peace, and candles to get us, not just through the holidays and holy days, but also through this waiting.  For this our Hanukkah service, Adult Choir sings at the

2nd service, the Children's Choir at both, and there will be a story for all ages.  Minister led.

 

December 15:   Rumors of Angels: A Christmas Service for the Faithful and the Skeptics among Us.

Angels are old news.  They have their own TV show and most of this country’s population believe in their existence.  But what or who are these messengers, avengers, bringers of good tidings?  Why do we seem to need them?  Come and sing the old carols with us as we explore the meaning of angels and of Christmas.  Minister led.

 

December 22:   Celebration of Light:  Our Christmas Pageant for All Ages

An exploration of five cultures and the holidays they observe during the winter season.

Adult Choir and our brass group perform at both services. 

 

SPECIAL Christmas Eve Service 5 PM and 9:30 PM

December 24.  At the Heart of this Season: Our Christmas Eve Services.

Our early service will have stories for all ages, carols, music, and much joy.

At the second service, families are also welcome but it will be a quieter and done in a more contemplative mood.  The Adult Choir will sing at the second service. We will all light candles at both services.  Minister led.

 

December 29:     On the Importance of Ending Well or: Carrying Out the Holidays and the

 Christmas Tree in Style

This is our Twelfth Night celebration, a little ahead of schedule.  It is also our end of the year, take stock, and say goodbye to the old service.  Join us for this informal gathering and if you have some left over cookies or other goodies bring them for the coffee hours.  Minister led.  John Metz will provide special music.

 

 

Minister’s

Dusty Desert

Corner

 

 

C
 

By Lone Jensen                      

 

 

 

Glowing with Green and Red and Golden Hot Pepper Lights!

 

 

             Christmas in the Desert has, I am discovering, its own traditions.  Luminaries, pepper lights, Mexican cut out metal stars and ornaments and down the street from my house a 25 feet saguaro carefully outlined and hung with stands of bright lights.  Next to it a stands an also lit, nodding, red nosed, glowing Rudolph, no doubt shaking his head in wonder.  What feats of courage humans will perform to have a shining bright holiday!  My neighbor braved sharp thorns and heights and who knows what else to let there be lots of lights.  And I shake my head but I do not say too much.  Next year, who knows, we have a saguaro too and it is a little bigger.  Next year who knows what we might do. 

 

          Yes, I know it may be a waste of electrical resources.  Yes, I know it can get completely out of hand so that one yard becomes a blaring testimony to all that seems wrong about this season.  Such as commercialism and competition: my lights are bigger than your lights!  Out there in the gravel yards of my neighborhood secular and sacred stories mix and match without much attention paid to their meaning.  I have yet to see a nativity scene that has Santa coming down the stable chimney but I am sure it won’t be long.  If we can have a green Grinch of Dr. Seuss fame next to Angels and Shepherds and the Holy Babe oh, then anything is possible!

 

          Anything is possible.  Oh, how I wish it were.  Behind the holiday trappings, from the glorious to the awful there is still an ancient, haunting hope.  Peace on Earth and among men (in these days women too) Good Will.  How impossible that hope seems this season.  Especially in the land where Jesus was born.  Joy shall be ours in the morning?  This season is filled, as Santa’s sack with expectations, memories, and high hopes:  Our own hopes shaped by how we know these holidays should be like -- colored by the six year old within us who remembers the joy.  And, then there are all the other wishes.

 

         My wish for us in these tender holy days is that we will light candles of defiant hope in a turbulent, violent world.  And I also wish that we will take the time we need to tend out souls.  There is something magical about a candle flame.  Sit quietly and gaze at the warm glow.  May you find in such moments your own heart’s meaning.

 

       And do not forget to laugh.  God, or fate if you prefer, must have a great sense of humor.  This month is a real mixed up nutty fruitcake stuffed with Pagan, Christian, Jewish and all kinds of other traditions.  Honor those in which you find meaning, enjoy the silliness and the whimsy.  Above all else, be gentle with yourself and with others.  For some of us these holidays are hard, if we are ill or mourning or just not in the mood.  Let us respect that.  And remember that we are all a bit more fragile in these hopeful days.    

 

                                    Lone

  

Have a very merry Christmas, a liberating Hanukkah, a luminous Solstice, and a liberating Kwanzaa!  And God willing, a happy and peaceful New Year!

                                                                          

 

 

 
 
BOARD BITS

 

 

 

By Debbie Dinyes,
Board President

 

 

 

We have had some changes on the board.  Lynn DeMuth has stepped down from being Vice-President to use her considerable talents elsewhere in the congregation.  Thanks to her for her wonderful work in this office.  Replacing her is Bev McCormick and the board has appointed Karen McBeath to serve out Bev's term as trustee.  Both these ladies bring great ability and experience to these new roles. 

 

On October 27, we had a lively service and committee fair.  The commitment leaves brighten the room and leaves are available to add until Thanksgiving.  In the meantime, the executive committee (Bev McCormick, Deb Dinyes, and Loyd Means) has been looking at the leaves and sending the names on them to the appropriate committees or people for follow-up.  We are also making a list of folks interested in one-time or short duration tasks, which can be used, as a talent pool for groups planning activities.  My own leaf was to help with Canvass this year and step up to be Canvass chair in 2003-04.  Many of you will be hearing from me soon regarding participation in the upcoming Canvass.

 

Save the date of Friday, February 28, 2003 for our annual Canvass Dinner.  It will be held at the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, where high school students in the Culinary Arts program will prepare and serve the dinner.  We really enjoyed our evening there last year and we will have more of the same this year:  good food, great music, inspiring speeches, good company, and an opportunity to make a financial commitment to our church community. 

 

As we near the end of the year, we need your pledges to be brought up to date.  We keep our doors open based on your pledges, and the bills come in no matter what.  Pledge statements were sent out last month.  Check yours and see where you stand.  Pledges can be mailed or put in the plate.  Be sure to identify any cash pledges.

 

Our 5-year plan was voted in, 96 to 4.  The committee met with the board on November 19 to discuss our next steps.

 

This weekend, I saw the 1968 Stanley Kubrick movie, "2001: A Space Odyssey" for the second time, the first time having been in 1968.  It was a strange and beautiful movie then and it still is beautiful, but now a little less strange.  In 1968, we had no computers, no internet, no moon landings, and no cell phones.  Women were just coming out of the kitchen and girls were still cheering on the athletes, not athletes themselves.  (you should see the women in that movie).  VUU has experienced those changes, been out in front and made changes of its own, successfully.  We will continue to do so because we continue to work together and combine our talents and energy for the good of all.  On to 2003 and beyond.

 

 

Tree Trimming Party

Please join us for the annual intergenerational tree trimming party on Saturday, December 7th from 3:30-5:30 pm in the sanctuary. 

 

Enjoy holiday music and join in song while you make crafts and ornaments from various world cultures.  Bring a treat to share if you wish, drinks will be provided. Come have some fun and help us create a beautiful tree!

 

 

LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

  

 

Casting Call for the Winter Pageant

 

The Religious Education Steering Committee would like to invite parents and their children to participate in this year's winter pageant, entitled Celebrations of Light.  It is an exploration of five cultures and the holidays they observe during the winter season.

The program performances will take place on Sunday, December 22nd, during both services. 

The commitment for the children includes two rehearsals.  The first rehearsal will be on the 8th of December during the second service (10:30-12:30) and the second on the 15th of December from 1:00 until 3:00pm, after pizza, served at 12:30.  With the exception of very young children without speaking roles, it is necessary that all of the children participate in both services on the day of the pageant.

Every child will be required to attend both rehearsals in order to participate in the performance on the 22nd.

Costuming will be minimal and dependent on the child's role in the service.  Specific costuming requests will be made at the first rehearsal.

If you would like for your child to be part of this extravaganza, please fill out a Letter of Commitment available at the RE sign in table before services (and return to the RE sign-in table). If you have any questions or concerns please contact the church office.

 

 

New Religion and Science Discussion Group

.

Ron Rutowski and Scott Henderson will facilitate a discussion series on the relationship between science and religion.  The initial focus will be on the interactions between creationist and scientific world views on the origin of the universe and of life on earth.  Kenneth Miller's Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution, will be the first work discussed.

Participants will be responsible for obtaining their own copy of this book.  (Read chapters 1 and 2 before the first meeting.) The discussion will take place from 7-9 PM for four consecutive Thursday evenings, starting January 9, at the church. Everyone is welcome.  To sign up and participate, contact the church office. If interest continues, additional materials will be selected and the series will extend beyond January.

 

 

CANVASS DINNER

FEBRUARY 28, 2003

 

IS THERE A DRUMMER IN THE HOUSE?

 

The VUU House Band is in need of a drummer.  All ages welcome.  For more information, call the church office.

 

 

 

 

 

High School Worship Service

December 1, at 5PM in the Sanctuary

.

The theme, music, and readings are all chosen by our youth.  Everyone is invited to attend this special service.  Don’t miss this opportunity to become acquainted with, and support our older youths. Also, and not least, attend a wonderful service.

 

 

  MUSIC NOTES

By Kellie Walker

 

Please mark your calendars now for our 4th annual

MADRIGAL DINNER! 

 

The date is Sat. Feb. 1, probably at 5:30 or 6:00 PM at VUU 

 

This Renaissance Feast features Hot Wassail, Castle Special Poultry, plus wonderful entertainment including a Humorous Cast of Savory and Unsavory Characters such as recorder players, jesters, beggars, merchants, wandering singers, and maybe even some Royalty.

 

Even the audience comes in costume.  NOT TO BE MISSED!

 

Tickets must be purchased in advance and will go on sale on Sunday Jan. 12 after church services.  We anticipate selling out as we did last year, so mark your calendars now and buy your tickets early.

 

Both baby-sitting and a vegetarian entrée are available upon request.  –

 

Kellie Walker

VUU Director of Music Ministries

 

 

Social Action Committee

 

Guest at Your Table

 

A Family, Sharing Project

Unitarian-Universalist Service Committee (UUSC-the international arm of UU)

 

Every year, at this time of reflection and giving, UUs all over the world, join in sharing their meals with an “unseen” guest.

 

At the Thanksgiving Service, November 24, each family was given a Table Box, to place on their dining table to “feed” it money at each meal.  This guest box is an excellent place to put the loose change from your pockets, the change which lies on the bottom of your purse, or at least a loose quarter, as you “feed” an unseen guest.  Throughout the Holidays, feed it well, until returning the box to VUU the first week in January.

 

A total of $25.00 will make you a member of UUSC.  A total of $60.00 and up will be matched by a sister church, which is luck enough to have income from an oil well!  They do a lot of good with that oil money!

 

This is a wonderful family project, and we would like to involve everyone in this congregation, as we do our share to feed the world

 

For another box (yes, you can fill more than one) please contact the church office.

 

 

A Busy Season for Shoebox Ministry

 

Last month, our church’s Shoebox Ministry gave 15 boxes of toiletries to Paz de Cristo.  Volunteers at Paz have distributed the boxes to needy people during weekly personal hygiene nights. 

This month I would like VUU to give as many boxes as possible.  Especially during the holiday season, we send a strong message of hope and cheer with these small packages. 

Several newcomers have asked me what to give.  I do not expect full boxes to be donated, although several anonymous donors have assembled complete boxes.  For me, opening them through the year is like receiving surprise presents!  Thank you so much, whoever you are!  Also, big thanks to Rey Bergelin (dentist) for donating over 50 toothbrushes!   

What works well for assembling boxes is that folks donate freebies from motels and hotels and then I ask for other items.  Now (and in general), the supplies needed the most are:

Shaving cream, razors, toothpaste,

 Laundry soap tablets,

New or (gently) used socks

 

During December, please bring these items to church and put them in the chest in the entryway.

Lately I have been thinking how our church community is more than the sum of its parts.  Our Shoebox Ministry effort is a concrete example of this.  Thanks to so many for participating and helping the homeless! 

Karen McBeath

 

Environmental Action

 

The Environmental Action group will kick-off in January.  Thank you to all who expressed interest thus far in activities such as political action, nature hikes, environmental education, and more!  Look for date and location information in future VUUpoint and the Sunday Bulletin.

 

Our minister, Lone Jensen, asked whether we should be using paper or styrofoam for coffee and other drinks at Sunday services.  Surprisingly, styrofoam comes out on top for several reasons:

  • More chemicals, water, and energy are used in the production of paper cups than Styrofoam
  • Paper cups take up more volume in landfills than Styrofoam
  • Coated paper takes a very long time to deteriorate in today’s anaerobic landfills
  • Harmful CFC gases that were used in Styrofoam production are no longer used
  • Both are recyclable, though local Styrofoam recycling programs don’t exist yet
  • Although paper is a renewable resource, Styrofoam uses less than 1% of the world’s crude oil supply

 

The ideal of course is to have a washable cup for everyone at church, which is impractical with our current kitchen facility.  Many Social Action committee members are going to start us down this path by bringing their own reusable cup each week.  Please join us if you are able!

 

This holiday season; think about wrapping your gifts in reusable paper or cloth bags rather than traditional wrapping paper!

 

Let’s Help

Habitat for Humanity

 

     Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty and homelessness.  Homeowners are working poor and must contribute about 400 hours of building time and pay back a no-interest loan to Habitat.  Volunteers help to build homes.  Results from our church’s recent Social Action Survey revealed that at least 29 people are interested in volunteering.

     Jeanne Devine Soll has investigated HH volunteer opportunities in the Valley.  Phoenix Habitat for Humanity has no monetary requirement, and is actively recruiting volunteers.  Their newest location for houses is 20 acres at 15th Ave. and Southern.  Volunteers must first attend an orientation.

     The Social Action Committee has decided to encourage volunteers to work at Phoenix Habitat for Humanity.  I (Karen McBeath) will organize UUFTAHH, which stands for Unitarian Universalist Fools with Tools at Habitat for Humanity.  I‘ve been told “uftah” is a Norwegian word for “oops”. 

     However, you don’t have to be Norwegian to join and you don’t need any particular skill, just a desire to help.  I will provide details of upcoming orientation dates in the January newsletter, Sunday service programs, and in emails to those who indicated interest in the survey.  I am making a New Year’s resolution to attend a Habitat for Humanity orientation.  Will you join me?  Contact the church office for further details.

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

We have completed another New UU course.  On Sunday, November 10, five more members joined our ranks.  A hearty VUU welcome to each of our new members

 

We encourage you to introduce yourselves to them if you did not meet them at the potluck luncheon. If you would like to learn more about our UU faith, our fellowship, and the pathway to membership, consider attending our next New U.U. class.  The 4-week session will begin after the holidays on Thursday, January 9th.  After the course is completed, an evening reception is held, followed by.  a Sunday service and potluck to recognize new members on February 9th.  Childcare can be arranged if given at least 48 hours notice. We would love to see you there! For details and to register for the class, contact the church office.

 

 

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES TO LONG-TERM MEMBERS!

 

VUU would like to recognize those who are celebrating their 10 Year (or more!) anniversary of being a Member of our Church.  We're grateful for 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

 

 

Do all the good you can

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can

To all the people you can

As long as ever you can

                                                                                                                                 John Wesley

 

 

WORSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

 

“Joys and Sorrows Continues to Evolve”: 

A New Look for Milestones

Many years ago, Reverend James Norman filled a community void when he performed the first Joys and Sorrows candle lighting service at VUU.  Memorializing our lives, struggles and triumphs, this ritual of sharing our Joys and Sorrows was so well received that we incorporated it into our regular worship services.  Over time, as our church community has grown, we have made various changes in Joys and Sorrows.  First we changed to only two times a month; now we call it Milestones and try to limit the amount of time we spend on the Sundays it appears.  Because of our continued growth and move from a small, intimate community to a mid-size program church, the Worship Committee is continuing the evolution of this important ritual.

Beginning in February, VUU will replace the current Milestones with four new ways to share our joys and sorrows with our community.  This integrated program will help us all get our information out to each other and let us follow up on concerns people have at VUU.

First, there will be three whiteboards set up each Sunday for up-to-the-minute information regarding our community.  The first whiteboard will celebrate the joys in our lives, those important steps in life, such as graduations, new jobs, anniversaries and birthdays.  The second whiteboard will be a neighbor-networking alert, including notices on the business of life, such as job searching, places to rent, and miscellaneous services members can do for each other.  The third whiteboard will detail immediate concerns within our community and give pertinent information that can be followed up on by others, such as who is in the hospital or ill and how they might be reached and helped.

Secondly, we will begin an entire Milestones Service every month, between the first and second services.  Both services are invited to attend this “overlap” portion of the Sunday worship, where joys and concerns may be voiced to the congregation.  This format will allow for more time and flexibility for this ritual. Lay-led, our new Milestones Service will allow us to grow our Milestones memorial into a strong alternative service in our meditative tradition.  This new tradition will allow for the candle-lighting and vocal remembrance of those whom we care about in a format we can direct ourselves, evolving our own new ritual.

Thirdly, we are introducing a pastoral prayer in each Sunday service.  Before the service, individuals can come to the front of the church and light candles of joy and concern.  At the same time, they can write their concern on a paper collected before the service.  Congregants’ concerns will be included in a pastoral prayer in each service.  Many of us come from religious backgrounds that involve some form of congregational prayer for those within the congregation and the world. As our community becomes engaged in a wider range of activities, as the world continues to surprise us in its humanity and disgrace, we will be able to respond immediately within the service in the form of this meditative prayer.

Fourth, we will have a Tree of Life in the front corner of the church, which we can adorn with prayer flags in the Tibetan tradition memorializing our concerns, joys, sorrows, and simple remembrances.  Personal remembrances of loved ones we wouldn’t necessarily take the congregation’s time with can be signified on this Tree. 

All of these changes will call on us to evolve ourselves.  The Worship Committee is bringing these changes forward to help in the dance between growth and intimacy that is the life of our community. 

Join us for our new Milestones Service and help us integrate our new ways of getting out the information of our lives to our community.  We look forward to your help in our continuing dance toward meaningful community at VUU!


 

 

 

December VUU Happenings

 

J Correction

VUU is responsible for serving dinner at Paz de Cristo on the second Friday of each month, not the third Friday as mentioned in last month’s VUUpoint.

 

Women’s Circle

 

This group, which welcomes everyone, meets once a month on the second Thursday  at 1:00 PM.  The December meeting will be our holiday celebration and the theme is HUMOR.

We share in hosting this meeting by bringing cookies to trade (and eat) and a new toy, which will be donated to Interfaith Co-operative Ministries.  The meeting will be held off site. For further details, contact the church office.

 

December 12, 2002—1:00 PM

 

Do try to join this friendly group for some laughter and sharing. Looking ahead, the January meeting will be jeld on January 9, 2003—1:00 PM—and the theme is Sharing Your Readings.

 

 

— Humanists

The Humanists will not meet in December.

 

Our next meeting will be January 5, 2003

7PM in the Sanctuary.

 

Eleanor Eisenberg, Director of the Arizona ACLU, will speak on the USA Patriot Act,  passed in the aftermath of the 9-11 attack and is a must attend program for all persons concerned about the increasing restrictions on our civil liberties.  If you plan to attend, please let Jim Pearson know so that we can make certain seating will be available.  Eleanor Eisenberg is an interesting and popular speaker---please attend if you can.

 

 

PAGAN BUNCH

We are meeting on Saturday, December 21 @ 6pm in the sanctuary, for Winter Solstice Ritual.

Contact the church office for further details.

 

 

More Opportunities for UUs

Travel with other UUs to Michoacan, Mexico, for a 9 day trip (February 16-24).  We will visit the wintering Monarch butterflies, colonial cities of Urupan, Morelia, significant archeology sites, and artisan villages.  Contact the church office for further details.

 

Elementary Winter Camp
February 15-17, 2003
Spirit-Filled Fun!

Campers will experience Unitarian Universalism through a dynamic program grounded in theater arts. We will explore UU identity through play, arts, and worship. Campers will create personalized altar boxes and chalices. For more information please contact the church office.

 

 

 

Caring and Concerns Neighborhood Contacts

 

Thanks very much to all of you who filled out Volunteering forms at the Committee Fair. We appreciate your willingness to help members of this community when the need arises. If you didn't get a chance to complete a form at the Fair, there are additional ones in the entryway. You can return it to your Contact or the office.

 

Contact the church office for the names and numbers of your Neighborhood Contacts.

 

 

 

 

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.com

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:
Church office (480) 899-4249 
 
 
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Love is the doctrine of this church 
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To dwell together in peace
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Thus do we covenant.