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Mountain Vista UU News Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northwest Tucson
3601 West Cromwell Drive, Tucson, Arizona.
520-579-7094 AUGUST 2010 office@uucnwt.org
Living Green / Reaching Out |
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10:30 am
Children & Youth
Religious Education
10:30 am
Minister
Rev. Susan Manker-Seale
877-8961
Director of
Religious Education
Donna Pratt
867-1400, 575-1992
Choir Director
Lyle Brown
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Congregational
Administrator
Dorothy Fausey
579-7094
Newsletter Editors
John and Margaret Fleming
888-7059
Deadlines: 12th & 24th | |
Rev. Susan Manker-Seale is in transition. She will not be in the pulpit, but can be reached if needed until August 15.
Our new minister, Rev. Joy Atkinson, will be joining us on August 24 and will preach her first sermon on August 29. |
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Board of Trustees
President:
Conrad Paul
1st Vice President:
Betty Meikle
2nd Vice President:
Chuck Tatum
Secretary:
Debbie Gessaman
Treasurer:
Bill Casey
Membership Auditor:
Charlotte Engvall
Trustees:
Ann Ellsworth
Keith MacLoughlin
Lisa Ponder-Gilby |
| Circle of Life
We send healing thoughts and wishes to:
* Faith Matievich;
* Ruth Knittel, as she continues to recover from chemotherapy.
* Jayne Ann Pillman;
* Leah Brown.
All expressions of care are welcome unless otherwise noted. If you have a pastoral care need, please contact Rev. Susan Manker-Seale (203-4291) or Christiane Heyde (744-1755). If you would like to apply to be a pastoral associate, or help with visits, please contact Christiane. |
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Green Basket
The Green Basket donation for August will go to TIHAN, the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network. |
Water Harvesting
Catalina has started an online forum for the topic of water harvesting. A number of people have contributed comments already. To join the conversation click here.
If you have not already registered, you will need to do that. Once the registration is approved, subscribe and receive an email as soon as someone adds to it.
To go to our online forum for topics of general interest click here. |
Oneness Deeksha Aug. 1
Third Class on August 1, at 12:30 PM in the Small RE Room:
Oneness Deeksha is a transpersonal energy based process administered at the gathering. It balances the activities of the mind, physical and energy body. This brings a peace and sense of well-being to the recipient. Led by Jon Michael; call for info 498-0511 or © 869-4982 |
| Water System for Community Garden
A water system has been installed by Gene Zonge of the Community Gardens of Tucson. This metered watering system, using the latest technology, will make it possible to keep water use to a minimum.
John and a local rancher are processing a dump truck of horse and cow manure for the garden.
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Monday Dinners Out on August 2
Come join the Monday night dinner out group at 6:15 pm on August 2 at Lovin' Spoonfuls. The restaurant is located at 2990 N. Campbell. RSVP to Kay Richter (h) 299-5272 (o) 318-1301 |
RE Supplies
This is the time for buying school supplies. If you happen to see any good bargains, remember that RE is always in need of Pens
Pencils
Scissors
Glue Sticks
Markers
Notebooks
Poster Boards
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FREE COMMUNITY SING
OUR IMMIGRANT NATION
ST MARK'S - CALVIN HALL
3809 E 3rd ST
7 PM
As the legal winds whirl about and we wonder what will be left standing in the flurry, I convene this community sing and theme it "Immigrant Nation."
All are invited. Refreshments provided.
Let's sing our hearts together.
Ted Warmbrand
ITZABOUTIME
call with questions? 623 1688 |
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Interim Minister's Column
Words of Joy
 The time is nearing for our interim work together to begin. Just one month from this writing, on August 24th, I will spend my first day in the office at UUCNWT, unpacking the books and files I will have stuffed into my old Volvo station wagon before the trip down to Tucson from my home in Berkeley.
I don't believe I have ever set foot in Tucson before, although I have been to other parts of Arizona a few times. One of the things I enjoy about interim ministry is getting a chance to live in different communities for a time, as well as the opportunity to get to know a new congregation. This time, it's "newer" to me than usual, since I have never served a congregation in Arizona and have never served as an interim outside of California. I am looking forward both to becoming acquainted with you all and to exploring your part of the striking beauty of the southwest a bit.
In the meantime, before I set out for Tucson, I am spending a couple of days in New York City, my original home town, and then taking off for a sixteen-day boat tour in Greece and Italy on an archaeological adventure, through the Archaeological Institute of America. After that, I will participate in some training over the weekend of August 13th in Marin, California, for the Pacific Central District's Healthy Congregations Team (I have been on that team, formerly dubbed the PCD Conflict Management Team, for many years). Needless to say, I am taking a leave from that District Team while I am in the PSWD, but I am happy to be able to participate in this continuing education event before setting out for Arizona.
Sometime during the week of August 16th, when my Volvo is stuffed to capacity, I will l be heading down your way, perhaps stopping briefly to visit my nephew and his family in Phoenix. Then it is on to a new adventure in the beautiful desert, among all of you.
May the remainder of your summer be restful and renewing.
See you all very soon.
Joy
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President's Column
The summer at MVUU is not an active time for the new board. Some have left for the summer, and we do not meet to agree on board goals until the end of August. We will be joined in our retreat this year by our interim minister, Joy Atkinson, who has already agreed to facilitate some of the goal setting work. I have already spoken to the committee council and one of the orientation classes about my personal goals for the next year. They are broad goals, but very important. In short, they are as follows.  - A successful interim period.
- Transforming our organization from one run by personalities, to one that is run by process.
Both of these are vague and in need of some clarification. The first goal is that at the end of the transition period, we know who we are as a congregation and have selected and secured a contract with a settled minister who fits who we are. The second goal is based on my observation that we need to be consistent in how do the work of the church, and not have it change every time there is a leadership change in a committee. The changes lead to difficulties in transition, and undermine a congregation's efforts to grow. One of the most difficult transitions that takes place in the life of a congregation is the transition from a small to a mid-size congregation. If the work of the congregation, i.e., the work of the committees, is not performed with consistency, a growing congregation will see its membership ebb and flow around the cusp between small and midsized. It is more than structure. It requires the consistency of process as well.
If you have any ideas about how to achieve these goals, or do not agree that they are the right goals, please let me know. You can email me at president@uucnwt.org .
Conrad Paul |
| Quieter Hearts than Mine
The Wednesday Morning 2010 Finding Heart (FH) group decided that their ongoing project would be to gently encourage those members who have a difficult time speaking up, in public, in front of people, or in a group. On August 8th the service will include a test project to add a Unitarian twist to Joys and Sorrows. In groups of four or five we will listen to each other. Each person will have the opportunity to share a joy or sorrow with the others in their group. Then, one member from each small group can quickly share one joy or sorrow with the entire congregation. If you have any questions about this pilot test program please call Catalina as soon as possible, 572-1881. Members of the Wednesday morning FH group will be there to facilitate. And please be in church August 8th.
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Septuagenarian Work Party
On July 17, a work party organized by Ron Brumshagen and John Fleming worked on shoring up the foundation of our sanctuary building and redirecting water away from the building instead of underneath, where it has been going.
Besides Ron and John, the workers were Robert Brewer, Levi Dungan, Gene McCormick, Stan Mitchell, Catalina Hall, and Matt Diamond. Five of the eight were over seventy; the youngest of the men was 55. Obviously there's life in the old boys yet.
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All-Church Potluck Supper on August 14
Come to Jane and Conrad's home on Saturday, August 14, to celebrate our community with a potluck supper and pool party. We'll provide and grill veggie burgers, brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
Come at 6 p.m. for supper at 7. Your contribution of chips-salsa-dips, salad, vegetables, buns, dessert, or cold beverages is needed. Bring your whole family, swimsuits and towels. Newcomers are especially welcome. This is a good opportunity to widen your circle of friends in the church.
Mark your calendar to Respond by August 9 so we can get a count and plan the meal. To RSVP and get directions, call Jane at 572-2011 or e-mail membership@uucnwt.org.
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Activities and Events
Movie Outing August 15
"The Kids Are All Right," Sunday, Aug. 15, time and place to be announced. Supper before or after at a nearby restaurant. The two teenagers of a lesbian couple (Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) want to track down their anonymous sperm donor father. The New York Times calls it "outrageously funny" but "heartbreaking" as well. Rated R. Look for a poster, review, directions and a signup at UUCNWT or contact John at jgwilcox@comcast.net or at 531-1413 to be notified of the times and place.
Bookaholics Unanimous August 25
While Medgar Evers and Martin Luther King Jr. were making headlines elsewhere, the white community in the South was paying little attention. Their lives were filled with good deeds, bridge games, and social events, while their black maids were raising their children and managing their homes. Sharing bathrooms with their "help," however, was inconceivable; some lines were not to be crossed. Read the story of social awakening as seen from both sides in The Help by Kathryn Stockett, then join our discussion on August 25th in the Fireside Room at 6:45pm.
Future books: September 29th: Sarah's Key by Tatianna de Rosnay; October 27th: Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke; and November 17th: Little Bee by Chris Cleave. Here are the reading suggestions you've been wanting. Contact: Elaine Harris azbooklover@comcast.net 290-1026
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| RE's Summer Culture Camp
The RE kids have had a series of wonderful presentations this summer from visitors representing other cultures: Jyotsna Taggarse from India; Nayel Badareen from Palestine; Evalyn Bennet-Alder, who was born in China; Meg Kidwell from England; Romy Fouad from Switzerland; and David Hatunen, whose family is from Finland.
And there are more to come. In upcoming weeks we will have Peter Becskehazy telling us about Korea; Sybelle van Erven from Holland; and Chuck and Anne Tatum, who have spent time in Turkey.
We thank all these members and friends for their contributions to a memorable summer for our young people.
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Kick-off Breakfast Sept. 11
What: Greeter and Membership Committee breakfast/meeting
When: Saturday morning, September 11, 2010. 9-11 a.m.
Where: Jane Paul's home. 3 miles northwest of the church near Camino De Oeste and Linda Vista. Directions provided on request.
Who: All Greeters, all Substitute Greeters, all those considering Greeting, and all those who would like to participate in the Membership committee. The Rev. Joy Atkinson will be joining us.
Why: Greeting and Membership roles are rewarding. You are the first to meet and get to know newcomers. Also, this is an opportunity to get to know Rev. Joy in a small group setting.
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New Lighting in Sanctuary
The grant for our Gateway Project to enhance our use of technology to expand Unitarian Universalism has made it possible to install softer lighting in the sanctuary. This will have several advantages. In addition to its main purpose of making photography and videography more effective, it will provide a warmer and more welcoming ambience for visitors and create an atmosphere better suited to worship than the harsh white lights formerly in place.
 Thanks to Gene McCormick, Jim Gessaman, John and Margaret Fleming, and Lincoln Statler for installing the lights and to Mark Toth for advice and help in preparation.
 How many UUs are needed to change a light bulb?
We choose to decide neither in favor nor against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own life's journey, you have found that light bulbs work for you, that is good. You may write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship with the light bulb and present it at our future Light Bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-life, and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence. [Thanks to Dorothy Fausey for the above insight.]
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Welcome Our Newest New Members
Mike Lichtenstein and Marzena Sienkiewicz
Mike and Marzena first heard of UU from a casual comment made by a musician on an NPR broadcast.
 Mike grew up in the Washington D.C. Area. His parents were of the counter-culture generation, providing an interfaith environment including Native American traditions. He started playing electric bass guitar when he was nine and played for many years in rock bands. In addition to music, Mike enjoys basketball (playing or watching on TV) and building and fixing computers. Mike is now working as a draftsman for Structural Grace, a local engineering firm. He is studying engineering at Pima CC and expects to earn a degree in structural engineering in about five years from UA.
 Marzena (pronounced Ma-zhen-a) grew up in Catholic Poland; coming to New York City with her family at the age of 16. Speaking no English, she was submerged in high school ESL and learned quickly enough to earn a Bachelor's degree in Biology at SUNY-Stony Brook. She worked as a clinical lab technologist, conducting patient-donor matching for bone marrow transplants at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. Marzena enjoys reading non-fiction, cooking, yoga and gardening. Currently, she works as a membership assistant at the Center for Biological Diversity, a non-profit organization which works to protect endangered species and their habitats through science and law (go to www.biologicaldiversity.org to find out more!).
Coming from two different cities, they met on a tour of a New Orleans cemetery on the day after Mardi Gras! They suffered a long distance relationship for two years before making the move. Married just four years, this is their first home together. They have both been vegetarians for 5 years, for health and ethical reasons. They love to hike with their two dogs and to spend time at home with them and their two cats, watching movies, cooking and just hanging out.
Mike and Lara Brennan
 Mike is a music teacher & working musician. He teaches private students in drums, bass, and guitar for the past 20+ years. He also currently plays in two different country bands. Mike was raised near Santa Rosa, California, which is where he met Lara in high school. He has played in bands at other churches, though never affiliated with any particular denomination. Mike would love to form a Sunday morning band here at Mountain Vista.
Lara was born and raised in Tucson and as a teen moved to Santa Rosa where she lived for 20 years before moving her familiy to Tucson 7 years ago. She has always homeschooled their three children Ashlen 15, Ali 12, and Shaylor 9. She learned about UU first on a TV interview program about 10 years ago, then through her homeschooling contacts (including member Sybelle van Erven) once she got to Tucson.
 She's always considered herself "church averse" but knew there was a fit with our tradition, and has finally made the full commitment to become a lifelong active member. She has participated for a few years in the online UU Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnitarianUniversalist/ .
Lara has an online jewelry store thru E-bay, selling her handcrafted creations made mostly with Swarovski Crystals and Tibetan Silver. She is interested in contributing to the RE program and the Camping board group. |
EXCERPT OF UUCNWT BOARD OF TRUSTEES' MINUTES Tuesday, April 27, 2010
1) Review/Approval of Minutes of March 23, 2010 Meeting: The March Minutes were approved as submitted. Seconded, none oppose, one abstain.
2) Matters arising from April 6, 2010 Minutes:
a. Report on roofing repair--Meg reported that roof repairs on both the triple-wide Sanctuary and the barn have been completed. There is no estimate of additional costs as of now, but she does not expect them to be high.
b. Review and approval of 2010-2011 Budget--This matter has been moved to later in the Agenda.
3) Matters arising from March 23, 2010 Minutes:
a. Request to Finance Committee to propose a policy for how 2220 monies are disbursed and authorized, which the Management Committee can then bring to Board--Bill responded that the Finance Committee did not meet this month, so this matter was tabled to next month to consider who signs on restricted accounts.
b. Follow-up on wording changes for the Policies and Procedures Manual--Because the Management Committee met just today, revised wording was tabled to the May meeting. The Communications Committee Policies and Procedures are still pending review at the next Board Meeting.
Board Reports:
1) Membership Auditor's Report--Anne reported one resignation, no new members, plus one Life Member = 152 members. Following discussion, it was decided that we need an accepted procedure for counting church service attendance, which Meg and Anne will bring to the May meeting.
2) Treasurer's Report--Bill reported that, due to a persistent error that will be corrected next month, we have $5000 less in expenses than we thought we had. The Operating surplus is $1000, and the Operating deficit is $2000 for year to date. The Green Basket collection for Emerge is $684.90.
3) Minister's Report--Susan has been visiting two members for pastoral care. She shared with us a copy of the Resolution of delegates to the 2010 Assembly of the PSWD concerning Arizona's recently adopted anti-immigrant legislation. A confidential matter was discussed by the Board, after which an action by the Board was seconded, none oppose, none abstain. Anyone who would like to have further information should contact the Church office.
Task Force and Other Reports:
1) Stewardship Committee update--A written report from Jim Gessaman notes that the updated pledge drive total is $118,280, with an estimate for FY 2010-2011 of $120,000, close to last year's final total but with fewer pledge units giving more. Bill has used the estimated total to consider the FY 2010-2011 Budget.
2) Matching donations update--The original anonymous donation of $2000--to which Meg added $500, for a total of $2500--has now been matched by various congregants to equal a grand total of $5000!
3) Interim Task Force (ITF)--Betty reported that they have received four names of Interim Ministers last Thursday; as of yesterday and today, they have all been interviewed over Skype, allowing ITF members to both see and hear the candidates. Betty says there may be some question whether the money we're offering is sufficient, but the ITF will consider that next week. They did modify the sample contract regarding vacation time, requesting that time away not be taken all at once. A contract offer cannot be made until after May 7. The ITF has discussed their general impressions, but background and reference checks must still be completed. The ITF will rank order the candidates for a proposed May 5 Board meeting when monies in next year's budget will also be discussed.
4) Plans for Minister's Transition Party, Saturday, May 8-Jan has completed most of the plans at this time, and Anne Tatum, along with Connie Armstrong and others, have agreed to oversee coordination of the actual event.
5) Plans for the Congregational Meeting, Sunday, May 2--Meg reported that the presenters (Meg, Conrad, Bill, and Jim Gessaman for PowerPoint) have scheduled a rehearsal for Friday, April 30, at 4:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary. Anne requested and received help with set-up, food and beverages. Conrad has been working on a strategy to present the budget. Debbie will check last year's meeting numbers so correct amounts of food and beverages can be purchased by Anne and Debbie.
6) 2010-2011 Revised Budget review and approval--Bill presented new calculations in several categories of the visionary enhancements budget, which will now be retitled and reprinted for the Congregational Meeting. A short discussion highlighted the importance of engendering trust regarding these decisions for UUCNWT's future, especially after lengthy discussions of a number of contingency plans at the April 6 Board budget meeting. Betty added another important consideration: "Budgeting is a moral issue." It was moved that we adopt the final Board budget for 2010-2011. Seconded, none oppose, none abstain.
New Business:
1) Review of updated descriptions for Policies and Procedures Manual--This item has been tabled to the May Board meeting.
2) Calendaring--Meg.
a. Board Meeting to choose Interim Minister: Board and ITF will meet Wednesday, May 5 at the Goldblatt. Debbie will contact Marge Fleming, a member of ITF, to take Minutes that evening.
b. Transition Interview with Ken Brown (and Exit Interview with Susan): It was decided that these interviews will have to occur before mid-May, but no date was scheduled.
c. June 22 Board Meeting to be held joined with new Board: Accepted as scheduled.
d. Board Retreat: Conrad is considering the latter part of August, following the arrival of our Interim Minister; this decision was tabled to next month.
1) The Mini-Retreat to consider restructuring of UUCNWT Communications will be held between June 22 and the Board Retreat in late August. A Task Force will be appointed to look into information on churches that have effective Communications strategies and systems.
e. Call for Committee's Annual Reports: Meg will email Debbie last year's template for Committee reports. Debbie will write up the request, with a deadline of Tuesday, June 8, and email it to Dorothy, who will email it to all Committee heads.
f. Rehearsal for Congregational Meeting: Calendared for Friday, April 30, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
3) Transition Team--Meg explained that this support group for our Interim Minister will be in charge of setting up times and dates for the IM to meet church leaders and the Congregation. Meg will ask the Nominating Committee to give names to the Board for its consideration of candidates for the Transition Team.
4) Community Garden--Betty. Gene Zonge of Community Gardens of Tucson (CGT) has painted the ground for 23 plots, eight of which have been requested by church members. The hill will have to be scraped, dug, and have top soil and manure added (estimate of $1000?), as well as more posts, fencing, and baseboards to keep out critters. CGT has some posts and cement. Members of the church will help pay once the garden is in place, and Betty will ask others interested in outreach activities for some contributions once next year's budget has been accepted. CGT pays water bills for the garden and will attach a separate water meter. Permanent access will be needed through the main locked gate, perhaps a split chain with two locks. Both the church and CGT carry the necessary insurance.
5) Green Sanctuary Committee--Keith MacLoughlin, who has just installed our kitchen dishwasher, is very interested to reactivate the Green Sanctuary Committee; however, he cannot chair it since he is running for the Board. Some of the activities he would like to pursue include: 1) ordering a recycle bin from Waste Management; 2) getting recyclable cups, napkins, plates, etc.; 3) getting more mugs and dishwasher rack for mugs; and 4) putting blue tablets in the adult restrooms in the triple-wide, with appropriate signs. Keith will consult Catalina regarding kitchen supplies. Conrad volunteered to help Keith locate a chair for the Committee.
Confirm date of May Board Meeting: May 25, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Goldblatt. NOTE: The May 25 meeting was postponed to June 22 due to considerations about the Interim Minister selection process.
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Sunday Services for August
August 1, 2010
"UU's and Polar Bears: More Alike Than You Think"
Joy Johnson
During her visit to Churchhill, Canada, Joy became keenly aware of many similarities between polar bears and UUs, not only in their behavior and attitudes, but also how they are treated by others. A pictorial and verbal comparison of these beings will be followed by a challenge to keep the best and moderate the worst of both groups.
A long time UU member, Joy Johnson is Associate Professor Emerita of the University of Illinois in Chicago. Her keen sense of humor enhanced her teachings in human behavior and social work as well as her clinical practice with families, couples, and teens. Margaret Fleming is Worship Associate.
August 8, 2010
"Don't Judge--Not Even the Judgmentals!"
Christiane Heyde
Judge not! We are Unitarian Universalists, and we love being tolerant. We may even think of other denominations as possibly judging others or having harsh standards. And yet, we may at times be tempted to judge those who judge us, to be less tolerant of those who do not tolerate us. In this sermon, Christiane Heyde explores the dynamics of judgment and tolerance, even when it comes to accepting those who do not reciprocate. Lincoln Statler is Worship Associate.
August 15, 2010
"Spirit of Life; A Unitarian Universalist Theology for Hospice"
Karla Brockie
Working as a chaplain in the interfaith setting of hospice offers the challenge to, and the fodder for, creating a theology that rises out of Unitarian Universalism and dances with the diverse theologies encountered in the work of spiritual care for dying patients and their families. A liberal religious perspective, seasonings from world religions, and Grandma's apple pies inform my ever-emerging perspective. Romy Fouad is Worship Associate.
Karla Brockie, our Student Minister, is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, and a member of this congregation. She will see the Ministerial Fellowship Committee in December. She works for Tucson Medical Center Hospice.
August 22, 2010 "The Nature of Spiritual Experiences"
John Clark
"Direct experience of...transcending mystery..." is the first source of the UU tradition that is listed in the grey hymnal. Such experiences are often called mystical. In this sermon I want to probe the nature of such experiences and show how they fit into a wide range of the spiritual experiences many of us have had. Christiane Heyde is Worship Associate.
August 29, 2010
"The Third Principle: Growing Souls"
Rev. Joy Atkinson
The late Unitarian Minister A. Powell Davies characterized life as "a chance to grow a soul," and the Third Principle of our faith calls upon us to encourage one another in our spiritual growth. What is "spiritual" or "soul growth," and how can we pursue this growth for ourselves, as well as encourage it within our congregations? Christiane Heyde is Worship Associate.
This is the first service offered by our new interim minister. As part of the service on September 19th, Rev. Atkinson will introduce the congregation to the kinds of activities that take place during the interim period, and will answer questions from the congregation.
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