VUUPOINT October 2016

Transcription

1 VUUPOINT October 2016 Sunday Services 10:30 A.M W. Del Rio Street Chandler, AZ

2 Sunday Services 10:30 A.M. Emotional Intelligence October 2: What is church for? The Reverend Earl Holt Borrowing from a poem by British poet Philip Larkin, a reflection on religion in an era of spirituality (the two are not the same), and the future of what Eliot called the Permanent Things in an age of anxiety. The Bell Choir will play. October 9: These are the days of miracle and wonder: don t cry baby, don t cry. presented by Mary Rothschild The Worship Band will perform. October 16: Unitarian Presidents (and a few Also-rans) The Reverend Earl Holt In an anticipation of Election Day (which now runs for about a month) I ll share some fun facts and some things you probably don t know (along with some you do) about a few of our ecclesiastical forbears. Along with some life lessons. The Adult and Children s Choir will sing. October 23: Potpourri: More love, more beauty, more joy The Reverend Earl Holt My last Sunday as your interim preacher, and I really have no idea what I shall have to say, except to thank you for granting me for a second time the privilege of the pulpit. Music features Michael Lewis, our new Collaborative Pianist. October 30: IN REMEMBRANCE: Rev. Kellie shows how the rituals we create can help us deal with loss and create a place in our hearts & memories for our loved ones who have died but continue to be part of our lives. All are invited to bring a photo or other small memento of a special person no longer living in this world. We will build an altar of memory together & the Adult Choir will sing. OCTOBER EVENTS AT A GLANCE 10/02 Chalice Circle Final Sign up 10/21 Wayfarers Happy HoUUr The Board Room 10/22 VUU Singles Kayaking 10/04 Movie (Defying the Nazis-The Sharps War) 10/23 Journey to Membership 10/07 UUJAZ Immigration Action Team Event Great Books Discussion Group 10/09 Young Adult Lunch 10/28 VUU Singles Monthly Dinner 10/14 Paz de Cristo 10/29 UUJAZ Issue and Action Day 10/16 Newsletter Deadline RE Halloween Party 10/20 N.S.G. Book Club Sundays Dalai Lama & Friends Wednesdays Adult Choir, Bell Choir & Chalice Singer Rehearsals 1

3 IN THE INTERIM A word from Earl NOT BY THINGS. BUT BY THE MEANING OF THINGS Religious education for our children is one of the most important ministries at VUU as it is of almost all churches. Just as a family passes down a heritage -- generation to generation -- its stories, its lore, its wisdom, whether expressed deliberately through words or more subtly by the accumulated sharing of a common life together, so a congregation, through the bonds and relationships formed in the Sunday school, nurtures both its children and its own future. Antoine de St. Exupery, author of one of my favorite books, The Little Prince, described the process in these words: In a house which becomes a home, one hands down and another takes up the heritage of mind and heart, laughter and tears, musings and deeds. Love, like a carefully loaded ship, crosses the gulf between the generations. Therefore, we do not neglect the ceremonies of our passage: when we wed, when we die, and when we are blessed with a child; when we depart and when we return; when we plant and when we harvest. Let us bring up our children. It is not the place of some official to hand them their heritage. If others impart to our children our knowledge and ideals, they will lose all of us that is wordless and full of wonder. Let us build memories in our children, lest they drag out joyless lives, lest they allow treasures to be lost because they have not been given the keys. We live, not by things, but the meaning of things. It is needful to transmit the passwords from generation to generation. A new year in the VUU Religious Education program for children has just begun. In Marci Beaudoin you are blessed with a devoted, experienced and multi-talented Director. But she can t do everything (at least not all at the same time). So like most of our congregations we entrust much of this passing on of our heritage-- giving the keys, transmitting the passwords -- to volunteers, members of the congregation. You, maybe? The next time you hear Marci asking for volunteers, as surely she will, consider it seriously, whether you have children or not. I can almost guarantee that you will be glad you did. It s important. Think about it. - EKH P.S. October is my last month here at VUU. Andy will return to the pulpit on November 13. Currently, for a number of reasons, we are running closer to the edge financially than we should be. If you re behind a bit in your pledge, or are just feeling generous, please consider making a contribution to VUU during October, so the coffers will be full upon Andy s return. Thank you for your consideration. LOVE IS OUR DOCTRINE SERVICE IS OUR PRAYER...JUSTICE IS OUR CALLING 2

4 Friends of VUU, BOARD HIGHLIGHTS Fall is in the air the cooler nights are so welcome! Our sanctuary will soon be filled with everyone who escaped the summer heat. The VUU leadership team is busy preparing for an exciting new program year! Reverend Andy Burnette will be returning to the pulpit at our Homecoming service, November 13. He will be fresh from his sabbatical and ready to bring us new spiritual challenges as a Doctor of Ministry. Upon his return, Andy will initiate planning to implement the new Vision & Ends developed by the board and congregation. Our community dialog will continue through February as we define the actions and resources to realize the vision. In the meantime, staff and ministry leaders are moving forward on innovative initiatives: Religious Education Our Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Marci Beaudoin, has hired 4 paid lead teachers to add consistency and professionalism to our classrooms. September registration in Sunday classes has grown! In addition, the OWL program for 5 th & 6 th graders has doubled classes. And the 9 th - 10 th graders in Coming of Age class are preparing for the Boston Heritage Trip in June. Music Music Minister Kellie Walker has hired two amazing pianists (who also sing!) to job-share rehearsals and services. This gives added flexibility and coverage potential for future growth. Social Action Volunteer Kathy Miller has three new community partners to assist with the I-HELP Program, including the American Muslim Women s Association, NefeshSoul Jewish congregation, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On alternating Monday nights, we collectively provide 25+ homeless people a dinner, a safe place to sleep, breakfast and a sack lunch. Cheers for interfaith ministries! Volunteers John Wurm, Carter Rogers and Beverly Rogers are working with Valley Interfaith Project to hold a Civic Academy on Prison Reform in November. Willa Cree is planning a VUU/UUJAZ workshop for state UUs on prison reform in March. Volunteers Beverly McCormack and Barb Quijada lead our Black Lives Matter movement, and are working to offer programs for local high schools discussing issues of race and related challenges facing young people. Justice District Assembly (DA) On March 31-April 2, our UU denominational friends will honor immigrants by participating in Immersion Experiences near or across the border with Mexico, culminating in a Sunday worship service at the border. These are only a few of the exciting things happening within our UU world. We are making a difference investing in the faith formation of the next generation, enhancing the depth & joy of worship services, engaging in partnerships for a just society, and growing the UU community. Your personal involvement and generous financial support enable this progress thank you! Yours in covenant, Janice Miller President VUU Board of Trustees If you haven t yet taken the annual survey, we want to hear from you! Just click this link: 3

5 What guides us? Our Mission Love is our doctrine, service is our prayer, and justice is our calling. Our Vision & Ends We are a vibrant, inclusive community, inspired by many spiritualities and theologies, caring for one another through life s challenges, and bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice. 1. We challenge each person to discover, experience, and be transformed by the deep and mysterious. 2. We cultivate our inclusive community through radical hospitality and nurturing. 3. We prioritize intergenerational experience through increased investment in the faith formation of the next generation. 4. We engage in partnerships to counter systems of oppression and create a just, sustainable and healthy world. We are an innovative congregation, growing Unitarian Universalism in covenant with our UUA partners UU Principles We covenant to affirm and promote: 1) The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 2) Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 3) Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth; 4) A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 5) The right of conscience and use of the democratic process; 6) The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; 7) Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Our Covenant Love is the doctrine of this congregation; The quest of truth is our sacrament And service is our prayer. To dwell together in peace; To seek knowledge in freedom; To serve humankind in friendship; Thus do we covenant. 4

6 Religious Education October 2016 Our Sunday morning Religious Education classes are off to a great start. Take some time to meet our 4 wonderful lead teachers: preschool - Nhu-Mai Simon Kimble, kinder/1 st grade - Teri McGovern-Nintzel, 2 nd /3 rd grades Sharon Hagen, and high school Rebecca O Rourke. Traditionally we host a family Halloween party and potluck dinner the Saturday before Halloween. Please contact me if you are interested in helping to plan and run the party on October 29 th, 5 8 pm. Thank you for your continued support, Marci Beaudoin, Dir. Lifespan Religious Education Tuesday, Oct 4 th, 6:30 8:30 pm watch and discuss: DEFYING THE NAZIS: THE SHARP S WAR hosted by Marci Beaudoin and Willa Cree in the education complex room 5 (1 & 2 depending on the turn out!) A story of historic courage! Martha and Waitstill Sharp, two young Unitarians, stood up against injustice to defy the Nazis and rescue dissidents, Jews, and other refugees during World War II. Their bravery and sacrifices have inspired a new Ken Burns film, Defying the Nazis: The Sharps War. All ages are welcome - no information is given on the rating of this movie. We will show the DVD on Tuesday, October 4 th at 6:30 pm, followed by a free flowing discussion. For more information and to view the trailer: (PBS aired the movie on channel 8 on Tuesday, September 20 th ) Also: Beacon Press is publishing an accompanying book by the same title. Now that the story of the Sharps example will be widely shared for the first time, our faith communities have a unique opportunity to advance UU values of justice, compassion, and equity in the world. Expected publication date: September 6, Questions; contact Willa Cree, wkcree@gmail.com or call Spirit of Life reading group Facilitators: Rebecca Riggs, Mary Rothschild, Anne Schneider All are welcome to this theologically-oriented reading group led by Mary Rothschild, Rebecca Riggs and Anne Schneider. We meet once a month, we will meet on Thursday, Oct. 20 th this month, 7 8:30PM in Rm 1/2. For each month, we choose a couple of on-line readings and then discuss them during our session. Theologically, we range from atheist/agnostic to Christian-UU and everything in between. Our purposes are to deepen our spiritual life, enrich our philosophical reflections, and connect with each other in a meaningful way. Contact maryloganrothschild@gmail.com to be on the mailing list! 5

7 The N.S.G. (Not So Great) Book Club The N.S.G. Book Club is open to all members, visitors, and friends of VUU who enjoy reading and discussing a variety of books. We meet once a month at the home of Johnnie Godfrey in Tempe (near Baseline Rd. and the 101). The next meeting will be on October 20 at 7:15 p.m. The book is Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. This novel is based upon a true story. The President of Peru and many of his guests were taken hostage and held for months in Among the guests were an American soprano and an assortment of diplomats. If you are interested in discussing this book, please join us. For the meeting address or questions, please contact Johnnie at , Amy at , or agmonahan@gmail.com. Great Books discussion group The Great Books Discussion Group is excited to take a brief break from our Great Books readings to read and discuss a new novel, "Fade Out" from VUU's very own Laurie Fagen. Laurie will join the discussion. We will meet on October 23 from 7pm to 9pm in room 5. All are welcome to join us. Contact Kevin Erdmann at kebko@yahoo.com if you have any questions. Laurie's book is available at: Amazon: Barnes & Noble at Amazon Author page: amazon.com/author/lauriefagen Also, she has a prequel novella to Fade Out: "Equalizer : All are welcome to join us for either. Contact Kevin Erdmann at kebko@yahoo.com if you have any questions. The Dalai Lama and Friends Workshop An opportunity to learn from the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan and modern Buddhist teachers is offered each Sunday from 9-10AM in the RE complex, room 5. There is a reading or recorded audio or video teaching, then group discussion. Everyone is welcome! Various topics are discussed, such as 'how to be more compassionate' or 'dealing with anger' or 'how to meditate'. If you come early there is also meditation from 8:30-9. Done at 10 - plenty of time to get to the VUU service!...questions? Just DavidBlackDLF@gmail.com Child care is available at 8:30 am in the room next door, #6 6

8 MUSIC NOTES Introducing Michael Lewis and Jill Khaleghi, our TWO new pianists at VUU! They will be jobsharing, with Michael mostly covering Sunday mornings and Jill covering Wed. night choir rehearsals. Michael is in his last year of a master's degree in Collaborative Piano at ASU and Jill is just starting a master's program in Vocal Pedagogy at ASU. They both have broad musical skills and background and will greatly enrich our music programs. Although I may get confused and forget to whom I said what, having two such fine pianists who each also have strong vocal backgrounds will bring wonderful flexibility and creativity to our Music Ministry at VUU. Welcome, Michael and Jill! VUU Choirs have all started up! The Adult Choir meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9 in the sanctuary & the Chalice Singers (for kids in kindergarten and above) rehearse in the sanctuary kitchen from 6:15 to 7 PM on Wednesdays. The Bell Choir also rehearses on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 in the sanctuary. And Voices Lifted Singers (our women's ensemble that sings in community settings and at bedside for people in hospice care) rehearse twice a month on Sundays afternoons 1:30 to 3 in the Religious Education complex (check the calendar at vuu.org). Newcomers are welcome to all of these groups, with no auditions necessary, just a desire to make music in a group setting! Contact me at music@vuu.org for more information on our choir programs. And thanks to everyone who made our annual Cabaret such a blast! Especially thank you to Ken St. John, who was the fabulous Program Director & MC, Jerry Waters & Garry Klepsner who set up all the tables and chairs, Jim Bennett on sound, Mike Anderson & Byon Garrabrant in the Tech Booth, and newcomer MaryElise who transformed the sanctuary into a festive red, white, and blue Cabaret venue. And all the performers were outstanding! The annual Tempe interfaith Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for Tuesday evening November 22 at 7 PM, probably at St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Tempe, although the location is not confirmed yet. Many of our choir singers take part in this meaningful service of gratitude involving different faith traditions. All are invited to attend and usually canned goods are collected for our neighbors who need some extra help during the holiday season. UU Musicians Network Worship Design Team: Some of you know that I was accepted to be on a small worship team that worked with worship expert Marcia McFee at the UUMN conference this past summer. Her recent book Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory-Rich Worship Design for Unforgettable Messages is full of great ideas for creating vibrant & meaningful worship. The UUMN got such great feedback on their worship services this year (many people felt it was the best worship they had ever participated in) that they want to continue some of the concepts of worship design that we implemented. I have been asked to head up the team for the UUMN Conference in Arlington, Virginia next July and train some new people in these worship design techniques. And I'm sure you will notice a few new ideas occasionally slipping into our Sunday morning worship services... :) Young Adults meet Sunday Oct. 9 after the worship service to go out to lunch -meet near the VUU Welcome Table. -Rev. Kellie Walker Hart 7

9 VUU COMMUNITY Chalice Circles for One Last sign-up day this month! There will be one last chance to sign up for a Chalice Circle on the first Sunday of October. Chalice Circles, VUU's Small Group Ministry program, is set to run once again from October 2016 into May of These twice monthly gatherings of 6 to 10 people allow for reflection on vital issues of faith and life. This cycle of Chalice Circles we are excited to offer participants the opportunity to consider the monthly themed ministry topics from Touchstones in a quiet, listening-based setting. Sessions last 90 minutes and are most often held in members homes. Service projects for our congregation and for the larger community are important components of Chalice Circles. Meaningful connection with others and grounding in our shared values are some of the results of Chalice Circles reached by deep listening and thoughtful sharing. Every member and friend of VUU is encouraged to consider participating in this spiritually deepening program. If you are new to VUU, a Circle is the perfect place to quietly get to know others in our congregation and explore your understanding of UU principles. If you have been in a Circle in the past, you are encouraged to join a current group and connect with some of VUU s newer friends and members. The final day to sign-up for Chalice Circles will be October 2nd before and after service. Plan to stop by the table outside the sanctuary for more information and to let us know a Circle day and time that will work for you. We will try to organize Circles to accommodate as many interested friends and members of VUU as possible. You may also contact the Steering Committee at chalicecircles@vuu.org to sign-up or for more information. Circles will kick off after October 3rd and newcomers are always welcome until a Circle reaches 10 participants. Please consider committing to a Chalice Circle - you will be glad you did!! Chalice Circles Deep Listening Deep Caring Deep Connections The only way to change someone's mind is to connect with them from the heart. Rasheed Ogunlaru 8

10 VUU SOCIAL ACTION MINISTRY Promoting Social, Economic and Environmental Justice Paz de Cristo Serving Meals to People in Need VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED on the 2nd Friday of each month to help prepare and serve the evening meal for homeless and folks in need in the East Valley. Our next dates are Oct. 14, Nov 11 and Dec 9. Check your calendar and sign up now! Families are welcome--children must be 12 or older. The sign-up list is located at the back of the VUU sanctuary next to the events monitor. Focus Charity October Donation of the Month - Shoebox Ministry Components Please support our focus charity, Paz de Cristo, by bringing donations needed to fulfill Shoebox Ministry components. Drop your donation in the designated boxes/crates at the Social Action Ministry table in the foyer of the sanctuary. So we make sure we receive all of the needed components please, purchase the items indicated by the first letter of your last name: A-I J-Q R-Z Deodorant, shampoo & conditioner Wash cloths, razors & shaving cream Toothpaste, toothbrush & Ziploc bags UUJAZ Immigration Action Team Event October 7-10 The UUJAZ Immigration Action Team is urging Unitarian Universalists to come to the Arizona/Mexico border to join the School of the Americas Watch - US/Mexico Border Convergence on October This is a time to show solidarity in protest of the immigration policies and practices of the United States. Please join us! For a complete list of activities, go to: soaw.org/border. UUJAZ Issue and Action Day October 29 th The date for UUJAZ Issue and Action Day has been changed from October 8 th to October 29 th It is being held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Surprise located at Ave of the Arts, Surprise, AZ Mark Your Calendars - Justice District Assembly (DA) March 31 April 2nd 2017 Justice DA 2017 will be immigration themed, and will begin in Tucson AZ with the keynote address Friday evening. Instead of workshops, delegates and attendees can sign up for a variety of Immersion Experiences near or across the border in Mexico. The business meeting will be after dinner Saturday and will be coordinated from several locations. DA will end Sunday morning with a worship service at the border. As you can see, this is not your Grandfather s DA! Questions: contact David Sheh, sdavid471@cox.net. Come to the VUU Garden! We have 2 works days scheduled in the Garden this month: Saturday, Oct. 8, 8AM 10 AM and Sunday, Oct. 16, 8:30AM 10AM. If you have any questions, contact Karen at kjstucke@gmail.com Thank you for Supporting the VUU Social Action Ministry If you have ideas, comments or questions about our Social Action Ministry, please contact Willa Cree, socialaction@vuu.org. 9

11 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES! VUU would like to recognize those Members who are celebrating their 10- plus anniversaries. We're grateful for everything they have contributed over the years to help make VUU a growing and dynamic community. When you see them, please let them know how much we appreciate all they have done over the years! Members who have anniversaries in October 2016 are: 10 to 19 years: Lorraine Doman-Sheydayi Mary Erickson Roy Erickson Robin Richmond Betty Sadowksy Diana Woods 20 to 29 Years: Donna Bennett Jim Bennett Bari Bergelin Melissa Bush Tricia Merrill Janet Nash Sharon & James Osborn-Popp Karen Stucke-Jungeman Charlie & Linda Thomas 30 to 39 Years: Janet & Garry Cantley Bob Clarke 40 to 49 Years: Laurel Hardin JoAnne Smith 50 to 59 Years: Doris Wegner Thank you all so much for being an important part of our Community! 10

12 VUU EVENTS First Sunday of each month, (unless there is a congregational meeting that same day) stop by "The Board Room sign in the Sanctuary, Sunday Oct. 2 after Sunday service, for an informal chat with members of the VUU Board of Trustees. Your questions and comments are welcome! Wayfarers Happy HoUUr --We will have our first Happy HoUUr of the season on Friday, October 21, at Stone and Vine, 1035 W. Queen Creek Road #103 in Chandler. That s the southwest corner of Queen Creek and Alma School. We will meet beginning at 4:30, so stop by for a drink and/or dinner. Remember that we are all Wayfarers in this life, and all are welcome. This is a good way to get together with old and new friends. The restaurants need a rough estimate as to how many are coming, so please let me know if you plan to attend, or with questions. Jan Waters or watersjj9790@gmail.com NEWSLETTER DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER IS OCTOBER

13 VUU SINGLES UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday October 22, kayaking on Tempe Lake Time to be determined but will be between 5:30-6:00 p.m. Single person kayaks and pedal boats (2 adults) rent for $18.00 for ONE hour and $30 for TWO hours. Stand-up paddle boards rent for $20 for ONE hour and $35 for TWO hours. Awaiting more information from Tempe Town Lakes. Please check your soon for details. RSVP by replying to Cathy Fitzgerald at or text or call Cathy at Friday, October 28th, 6:30 pm: Singles monthly dinner night out! Pier 54 (on The Lakes at Tempe) 5394 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe. Casual outdoor dining overlooking the lake. Join us for camaraderie and conversation. RSVP by replying all or text or call Claudette Friday, November 11, 6:30 pm It s PJ s at MJ s Slumber Party! (47 94 E. Bellerive Dr., Chandler Riggs and Val Vista) Starting with a light dinner, then games, prizes and fabulous conversation. Next morning, after coffee and OJ, out for breakfast! If you cannot stay the night, come for dinner games and fun! Call MJ at with your RSVP. Friday, November 25th (Thanksgiving weekend), 6:30 pm, Singles dinner night out! Perfect Pear Bistro 9845 S. Priest Dr. Tempe (on Priest just north of Ray). A quiet dinner with your VUU Singles family for those not out of town or with relatives. Come ye thankful people, come! Reply all to RSVP or call or text Claudette at Saturday, December 3rd, at 5:30 pm, a night at the Herberger Theater (ATC). We ll see AN ACT OF GOD described as a sinfully hilarious and critically acclaimed new play. God and his devoted angels answer some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation and offer up a new set of 10 commandments. We ll be meeting up at the Starbucks on Elliott and Priest to carpool to a restaurant near the Herberger. Contact Claudette and claim your $45 ticket (special discount and $20 for students?) Reserve by September 30 so I can get a block of seats together. Saturday, December 17th, at 6:30 pm, Singles VUU Holiday Potluck Party at Renee s 4761 E. Pawnee Circle, Phoenix (Ahwatukee) Bring a dish to share and a gift for a Yankee Swap (Value approximately $15) This will replace our monthly dinner out. RSVP to Renee at by text or phone call. Friday, January 27, 6:30 pm, Singles Monthly Dinner La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen, 638 E. Warner Rd, Gilbert (just west of Lindsay Rd). Delicious food New Mexican style (the state). Come taste the difference and share good conversation with friends. RSVP to Claudette by call or text

14 Time for a Woman President All three candidates for the next President of the UUA are women. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to get acquainted and chat with them at the Third International Women's Convocation, Asilomar Conference Center, CA, February 16-19, 2017 while networking with women around the globe to build support for the issues that matter to you. Register by September 30 to save $100. An additional $50 discount is available for UU ministers. Young adults aged can register at a special all-inclusive package rate. If you are interested in offering a workshop, please fill out our workshop request form online. Visit IntlWomensConvo.org for all details. Join Congregation NefeshSoul on an amazing tour to Israel: June 10-20, For firsttimers and those who have been before. Explore historical sites along with the beauty and rich culture of Israel. Contact Rabbi Susan Schanerman for full details at rabbi@nefeshsoul.org. 13

15 CARING AND CONCERNS NEIGHBORHOOD CONTACTS With the holidays approaching, our lives will get busier and busier. Family and friends can often fall by the wayside at this time. By making a real effort to stay connected, our community will remain a source of support and stress-reduction for our members. If you need assistance with a situation or want to share a joy, call your Neighborhood Contact. We're here and ready to help. Your Neighborhood Contacts are: Ahwatukee - Zips: 85040, 85044, 85045, 85048, Carl Anderson canderaz@cox.net Donna Bennett donnaben22@gmail.com Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, North Tempe- Zips: 85006, 85008, 85014, 85020, 85021, 85022, 85029, 85034, 85037, 85042, 85066, 85250, 85251, 85257, 85268, 85302, 85339, 85274, 85281, 85282, Lauree Perry lperry98@earthlink.net Tempe South - Zips: 85283, DiAnna Farmer dianna_farmer@hotmail.com Mesa West - Zips: 85201, 85202, Mary Jo Bitner Debbe Simpkins friendsofdebbe@gmail.com Mesa East, including Apache Junction: Zips: 85118, 85203, 85204, 85205, 85206, 85207, 85208, 85209, 85213, 85215, 85217, 85218, 85219, 85220, Betty Barnes bettyjbarnes@cox.net Joel Sannes joelsannes@gmail.com Diana Woods dianawoods@hotmail.com Gilbert, including Higley - Zips: 85212, 85233, 85234, 85236, 85295, 85296, 85297, Amy & Michael Morrison amy_cccslp@yahoo.com Chandler North - Zips: 85224, South, including Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, Casa Grande Zips: 85122, 85222, 85225, 85123, 85131, 85138, 85139, 85142, 85143, 85239, 85242, 85243, 85244, 85246, 85248, 85249, Barbara Face barbara_face@qwest.net Stacey Laughrey staceylrn@gmail.com Jacqui Meriweather jacquelinea.meriwether@gmail.com Jane Murray ellen.bayer47@gmail.com ***We need more Neighborhood Contacts to fully cover all areas. If you would like to help strengthen the bonds of community in our congregation, please contact Lauree Perry. There is a way for your joys and sorrows to be mentioned in the newsletter. Just send an to caring@vuu.org. You can also request to be contacted by the minister, a Lay Pastoral Associate, and/or your Neighborhood Contact this way. 14

16 VUUPOINT is published monthly by the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation. VUUPOINT is distributed free of charge to members and friends of VUU. The newsletter can also be viewed online at the VUU website Articles, announcements and other VUUpoint material may be ed to: Deadline for newsletter submissions is the 3rd Sunday of each month. If possible send submissions as an attachment. VUU STAFF Reverend Andy Burnette, Senior Minister Reverend Kellie Walker, Minister of Music Sue Ringler, Congregation Administrator Marci Beaudoin, Director of Lifespan Religious Education Joe Martin, Maintenance Technician Michael Lewis and Jill Khaleghi, pianists BOARD OF TRUSTEES Janice Miller, President Paul Schneider, Vice President Jess Nierad, Secretary DeeAnne McClenahan, Financial Analyst/Treasurer Cliff Allred, Board Rep. to Finance Committee Barbara Face Musette Steger 15