The Transformative Community Conferencing process with Rev. Sam is in its final stages of completion. We have two short gatherings to close this work out after six small groups met for 2.5 hours each and then 6 hours with those participants last Saturday. We’ll offer more reflections from this work soon, but I want to say that it…
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There’s a lot going at VUU! I hope a takeaway for you is that we can have hard conversations and share what’s on our minds and in our hearts–and when we listen to each other we have the opportunity to be changed, to see things differently, even if we still disagree. Agreement isn’t a requirement for…
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What does it mean when a position is an “interim” position? Watch this video instead of reading, or while you read. Many people think of interim work as a placeholder while a congregation conducts a search. Nothing could be farther from the case, if the interim work is done right. Interim work is developmental work…
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Last weekend I was excited to join many VUU families and members (over 50 of us!) at CampWay in Prescott where we spent a couple of nights and a day enjoying the trees, the breeze, the squirrels and many activities including several cool art projects, zip lines, team building, an un-talent show, and a giant…
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Rev. Sarah is attending the VUU Retreat in Prescott this weekend.
As some of you learned at service last week, I participated in some civil disobedience last week in support of Unite Here (union) concession workers at Sky Harbor. (Article here) With two NAACP representatives (both pastors, one is a Bishop) another African American Bishop, and 15 other individuals, we helped draw attention to the issues facing these…
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What is International Trans Day of Visibility? This is a day for trans and non-binary folks to celebrate the fullness of their humanity with the larger communities that surround them–friends and loved ones who honor their identity and protect their humanity. The website for GLAAD says that “while only about 30% of the general American public says they…
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Desert Notes will return next week.
I am on a needed study leave break, enjoying books and sunsets! -Rev. Sarah
As I prepare for some time off with my family followed by some retreat time with colleagues, I am also in the midst of many busy preparations. I am officiating a wedding and a baby blessing this month, blessing a house, participating in an ordination, and hopefully publishing an opinion editorial with two Valley Interfaith…
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