Dear Ones, Last weekend we explored together how we might move through bystander paralysis and step more fully into compassionate action to support immigrants in our community who are facing real and immediate threats. Our guest speaker chose a bold and provocative way of engaging us, and I recognize that her approach landed differently for…
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One way you can help support immigrants now is to order tortillas and candles from two immigrant families whose breadwinner was taken. Please fill out this order form and I will take payment this Sunday and deliver the orders so that you may receive them on Sunday, December 14 or 21. I will have some with me on…
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This month we welcomed a new Faith Formation Director, Wilbliss Kim (they/them). Wilbliss describes themselves as “grounded by values for spiritual reclamation of ancestral heritage through collective liberation for all beings. My life’s work includes extensive experience in administrative responsibilities and developing spiritual and empowering healing arts for children, youth, and oppressed people with love as…
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Last weekend we had a table at Chandler Pride. This event has a great “small town” vibe, and is set up as a free and open fair in downtown Chandler. Area organizations, businesses, faith communities and City of Chandler services attend and offer fun activities in a family friendly space. We had so many people visit our table! Adrienne…
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I had a busy weekend and enjoyed seeing some of you at Satang America, the Peter Mayer concert, and the Gratitude Gathering in Gilbert. This next weekend we will have a table at Chandler Pride from 4–8 pm (if we’re not rained out!!!). It’s really great to be out in our community together! This weekend we begin…
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Rev. Sarah will be on a short sabbatical from January through mid-March. Her contract allows her to accrue one month of sabbatical per one year of service and to take these after three years of service. We have been working behind the scenes to prepare for this, planning guest speakers and worship leaders both from within VUU and…
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This week I am traveling to NYC with other faith leaders for the “Freedom Rising Conference.” You can attend online if you want to join me! One of my professors from Iliff School of Theology is a headline speaker — Miguel de la Torre. I am excited to go and be inspired and I look forward to coming…
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This weekend I attended both the “No Kings” Protest in Chandler with VUU members, which had about 5,000 estimated in attendance, and also attended the Phoenix Pride Parade with Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization. (AZTYPO.) Our sibling congregations in Surprise and Phoenix marched in the Pride parade with their ministers and members with decorated vehicles. It was…
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Last weekend our Program Council meeting had 28 participants who spent three hours looking at what’s going well at VUU, what needs attention, and what we want VUU to know. Look for an article with more information! I really felt good about the conversations we had and ideas we shared, and I am grateful for the leaders…
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After a week of restoration, I was glad to be back in the pulpit this weekend. I know many families were still on fall break–I wish my kid’s school was on the revised year round schedule, too! In any case, a number of you commented on the service as especially moving, from the music to the readings…
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