News from UUCNWT

Join us on Thursday, June 30, at 1:30, for lunch at New Town Buffet, 8500 Cracker Barrel Drive, to say good-bye to Dorothy Fausey, our retiring congregational administrator, and hello to Donna Pratt, our incoming one.

To get there, take Cortaro west to I-10, go under the freeway and turn right on Cracker Barrel Drive.

Summer Changes

July brings with it a number of changes around here.

Rev. Joy is on vacation. She has had a family emergency and will be dealing with it until she returns in the middle of August.

Dorothy Fausey is retiring after three years as our Congregational Administrator. She will be doing traveling and pursuing various hobbies. We wish her well.

Our new Administrator is Donna Pratt, who will devote half her time to R.E. and half to the office. It should be an easy transition for us, since most of us know Donna already. For her, it may be a bit harder, having to learn the routines, the software, and where everything is. But we are confident she will learn fast.

Our new Board takes office July 1. This should also be an easy transition since 4 of the 7 members were on the Board last year.

We now have new window air conditioners in the two R.E. rooms, as well as in Joy's office. Thanks to Olegario Morales and John Fleming for putting them in. The existing air conditioners have also been serviced, so we should be more comfortable and more energy-efficient than we have been for a long time.

Volunteer Opportunities

What you give comes back to you in multiple ways. Your involvement in our congregation helps you connect with others and enhances your experience with MVUU. There are many ways you can offer your talents. Whenever a need arises, we will offer ways to become involved. Please step forward to help us fulfill our mission and to enrich your own spiritual journey.

Opportunity: SIGN SUPERINTENDENT

Tasks: Place 2 signs out on Thornydale Rd. before the service and take them in again afterward. This could be a shared duty--perhaps different people on alternate Sundays. See John Fleming.

Opportunity: PUBLIC RELATIONS LIAISON

Tasks: Receive announcements from congregation members, edit for length and clarity, and send out to identified local media via e-mail. Also post on Facebook.

Time involved: Takes about an hour several times a month. Elizabeth Reed will help you get started.

Contact: Larry Jagnow to apply. 544-6094 or aljagnow@msn.com

Alternative Exercise Program Available

Social Action/Justice and RE would very much like to participate in a highway litter pickup program. This might involve getting a sign advertising our church. The conundrum is that the Highway Department wants the litter picked up four times a year. So we need volunteers from the congregation to help us pick up trash on the side of the road. This is a great alternative exercise program. There is no charge to participate! Please speak to Emily Ricketts (795-2153) or Tom Blackburn (544-9509) if you are interested in this alternative exercise program.

Signage for Mountain Vista UU

A team from Building and Grounds Committee will be planning signage to go outside our sanctuary. We need an identity sign that indicates our name and can help direct the newcomer toward our entrance areas.

Anne Tatum, Anne Leonard, John Fleming and Connie Armstrong will be sharing ideas, but we need input from YOU. To date, we are considering a worded sign, either attached to the north side of the sanctuary, or one standing alone in that area, a pergola type of structure through which we would enter, and a flaming chalice as part of the sign.

If you would like to share an idea, please write a description, draw it, indicate rough measurements, where it would be placed and send that in writing to B&G committee member Anne Tatum, ahtatum@mindspring.com .

The Way of Mastery

Jesus, or Jeshua as I know him, stands waiting for you to look his way.

He beckons you to come closer, so that he can tell you his life story, a story, for the most part, that you have never heard.

Listen to him, as he tells you in his own words, how he grew from being as human as you and I, to be The Master.

He will explain the real meaning of our journeys and the lessons he learned, which you each also can learn, growing toward your own Mastery.

We will meet once each week for 6 weeks, studying the material in the book, The Way of Mastery. This is a book you will treasure for your life time. All you require is an open heart and open mind.

Let me know of your interest. There is a nice $5 discount per book for a group purchase

of 5 or more books. Books can be ordered from Shanti Christo.

Jolie Hoskkin
520-303-6705
jhoskkin@msn.com

Immigration as a Moral Issue

The UUA has developed a course called Immigration as a Moral Issue. We will be offering this course at our congregation, starting November 7, 2011. It has already been taught at the Sierra Vista Church and the UU Church of Tucson, where several members of our congregation took it. The course contains a lot of excellent and informative reading material, as well as several field trips for first-hand observation of the situation.

Following is a brief outline of the course.

Week One: Understanding the Causes of Migration

Week Two: History of Immigration in the U.S.

Week Three: Economics of (Im)migration

Week Four: Security, Enforcement, and Human Rights

Week Five: Who Benefits from a Broken System?

Week Six: Seeking Solutions

General Assembly in Charlotte

The following article appeared in the Charlotte Observer on June 25.

First, they honored the imam who's in the middle of plans to build an Islamic center near ground zero. Then they rallied in uptown Charlotte to support gays, lesbians and same-sex marriage.

And that was just in the first 48 hours or so after they got to town.

The 50th annual General Assembly of Unitarian Universalists will, among other things, spotlight a human rights activist who rescues immigrants illegally crossing the border by giving them water and getting them to hospitals.

The country's most liberal collection of congregations--with no creed, but a long history of social activism - is meeting this weekend in the Bible Belt, better known for a Christian church on nearly every corner.

The 4,000-plus UUs, as they often call themselves, are in Charlotte from around the country to attend workshops, mingle with fellow delegates, listen to nationally renowned speakers.

And stand up for their causes - especially the controversial ones.

Words of Joy

Rev. Joy I had just been thinking, as I drove along a stretch of I-10 heading toward California--an expanse of desert with no road signs, no electrical wires, no visible cell phone towers, no mark of civilization within sight save the road itself--how difficult it would be to get stuck in this area at high noon (which is almost was) in 110 or more degree heat (which I later learned it was), when my car sputtered and died.

But even in this beautiful, uncultivated desert, miraculously, my cell phone worked! I called my road service company, tried to describe where I thought I was in reference to anything recognizable, and hunkered down in a hot car for the long wait. I regretted being so "zoned out' during the drive that I neglected to notice how far I was from anywhere or anything I could describe. I almost got out to walk along the freeway, in search of a milepost, but the sun was so hot and relentless, with nothing around tall enough for shade, that I decided to sit tight.

Around 45 minutes later, I managed to start the reluctant car, and chugged along a mile or so to an exit ("To where?" I wondered). I called Triple A again to pinpoint my location. Waiting there with all my windows down and a sunshade propped around me, I was grateful for each big rig that passed, because it stirred up a little breeze as it rumbled by.

Meanwhile, a couple of Good Samaritans stopped and backed up toward me, to ask if I was OK (I was, though HOT), if I would be getting help (I would, I said) and if I had something to drink (I did). The tow company found me after a while and towed me 60 miles to Blythe, California-the nearest place where I could get service for my old Volvo.

This misadventure on my way home to Berkeley to care for my ailing sister for part of the summer made me think of migrants crossing the border on foot and wandering in the desert, with no roads, no help, and often no water, and of the Good Samaritans who have been arrested and charged with "littering" just for leaving water along certain immigrant trails for them. I was on a major road, and in no real danger, but I could almost begin to imagine the plight of those who risk their lives in search of a chance for a better life, or to be reunited with family members separated from them by the legalities and technicalities of citizenship.

I know I probably don't have to remind you Arizonans to make sure you have plenty to drink when you set out for a long desert drive, or walk. I know I will pack even more water the next time I attempt this-when I return to serve you for a second interim year in mid-August.

Have a safe and restful summer.

The View from Mountain Vista UU Community Garden

The Community Garden at Mountain Vista UU has expansive views of the mountain ranges all around Tucson. At night I imagine the stars and city lights compete for attention from our vantage point. To me, it is a magical place. While I was in the garden a few days ago one of our gardeners arrived with her 3-4 year-old granddaughter. The bond between them was immediately visible. Granddaughter clung and shyly hid behind her grandma when I said hello.

This particular gardener has abundant growth on her plot, which newer gardeners sometimes envy. She is obviously a seasoned gardener, but not in Tucson - so she is learning to garden in the desert while others are learning gardening basics.

The grandmother settled in to weed a bit, clear rotting fruits, and harvest some of her crops. Young granddaughter showed interest for at least a minute, then in an almost pleading voice asked when they were going to eat. I hadn't noticed the picnic lunch they brought into the garden, but obviously there was one. Grandma tried to extend her gardening time, but was not very successful. Soon they were sitting at one of the new picnic tables near the small fish pond, in the shade of a palo verde. Picnic lunch was served.

I must admit I felt some envy. It wasn't the grandmother's gardening expertise necessarily, but the opportunity to share part of a day in a garden with a grandchild. I was struck by the life-affirming activities that surround our gardening practices. A community garden offers ample opportunities to share with our families and friends. It is a place to make new friends and share what works and doesn't work in our harsh climate. It is a place to satisfy primal needs to put our hands into dirt, plant small packets full of miracles, and participate in the renewal of life's energy over and over again.

Seeing the grandmother and grandchild prompted me tie together experiences in my life. I remembered being in another garden long ago with my grandmother. I remembered listening to her as she told me the various needs of the plants. I remembered how she nurtured the plants and how my grandparents had raised 6 children from its output. Then another garden came to mind, the one in Virginia I visited earlier this spring. There two of my granddaughters, 4 and 7, helped plant seeds and starts of vegetables and melons. The joy of gardening is something we pass on; it seems to increase as we share it.

Gardening is a holistic endeavor. It involves all our senses. It engages our intellect, our creativity and ingenuity, our physicality, our heart-felt connection with others and helps define our place in the universe.

May we all garden in good health for a long, long time.

Religious Education News

RE Summer Program: "Share Your Passions"

Each Sunday, a member of the congregation will meet with the children to share a hobby/topic they are passionate about. Topics will include drumming, jewelry-making, birding, cooking, and more.

The Tigers and TAMS will meet together in the large RE Room. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, the students will start off in the sanctuary for a "Story for All Ages".

July classes:

July 3 Marion Erickson Birding

July 10    Margaret Fleming    Cooking
July 17    Emily Ricketts        Chair massage
July 24    Lara Brennan          Jewelry-making
July 31    Paula Trahan          Scrapbooking

RE Committee Meeting: Tuesday, July 5th, 6:00 pm in the Goldblatt Building. All interested persons are invited to attend.

The Ministerial Search Committee would like to encourage all RE Parents to attend a meeting on:

Tuesday, July 19th, 6:30-8:30 pm, in the Sanctuary.

Your input is valuable. Please come share your vision of our RE Program. Information and ideas obtained will aid the search committee in finding the best ministerial candidate for our congregation.Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!

Wish List:

Persons interested in helping with the RE Program during the 2011-2012 school year should see Donna. We are especially in need of teachers and substitute teachers for the Middle School class, and facilitators to help with the High School Youth Group (YRUU). No experience necessary. Training and guidance provided.

Upcoming Events

Our OWL course for kids in grades 7-9 is scheduled to begin with an overnight the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 1 and continue until the week before Thanksgiving.

There will be an all-congregation Halloween Party on October 29. Fun, games, and prizes. Mark your calendar.

Activities and Events

Movie Night July 10

"Skin" 7 pm, Sunday, July 10, at Mountain Vista in the Goldblatt Bldg. A colored girl is born into a white family in 1965 South Africa, based on a true story. The film is about the troubles that ensue. Please bring a snack to share. Look for a poster, a review and a signup at Mountain Vista. jgwilcox@comcast.net 531-1413

Bookaholics Unanimous June 29, July 27

Author Jane Hamilton is our focus for the month of June. Come tell us what books by her you've read: June 29th at 6:45 pm in the Fireside Room.

For July, it's a thriller, a suspense story that weaves its way between tragedies and generations. Pick up this book and disappear for hours into sheer enjoyment: The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman. No need to say more, except that we meet to share our thoughts about the book on July 27th at 6:45pm in the Fireside Room, and we'd love to have you join us. We also offer a perfect way to chill out during the furnace we desert rats call summer.

August: The Snow Leopardby Peter Matthiessen. This is nature writing at its best; the tale of a hike into the heart of the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard. For Matthiessen, a student of Zen Buddhism, this is also a spiritual journey, a quest to find the Lama of Shey. That's awaiting us on August 31st. For September 28th: A Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishingby Melissa Bank. Give yourself the gift of good reading.

Contact: Elaine Harris azbooklover@comcast.net 290-1026

Fire Danger

Friends,

Fire danger is at an all time high. Due to state law, cities can ban the use of fireworks but cannot stop the sale. It is up to us to put pressure on retailers to stop the sale of fireworks until rain arrives.

I fought wild fire in my younger days. 4 of my friends died on a fire in Colorado. Do we have to wait for a million acres burned, more homes destroyed, or fatalities before businesses do the responsible thing?

Please let the markets you shop at know that fireworks sales at this time are irresponsible. Please help stop fireworks sales in Arizona immediately. A ban on use is NOT sufficient!

Here are customer service numbers for Arizona grocers and elected officials.

Fry's 1-800-828-5235
Safeway 1-877-723-3239
Albertson's 877-932-7948
Bashas' (800) 755-7292

Tucson City Council

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/mcc

Pima County Supervisors

Ann Day, District 1
(520) 740-2738

Ramón Valadez, Chairman, District 2
(520) 740-8126

Sharon Bronson, District 3
(520) 740-8051

Ray Carroll, District 4
(520) 740-8094

Richard Elías, District 5
(520) 740-8126

Thank you,

Eb Eberlein

Diary of a Confused Gardener

By Alberta Gunther

This is my third year of having a garden. Therefore, I should know what I'm doing. Right? Wrong! In April I bought three tomato plants. I've never had tomatoes that did so well. They're covered with big green tomatoes. Only they've been covered with big green tomatoes for about six weeks. It would be nice to see some red. Last night I picked two of the biggest and fried them. I've never cooked or eaten fried green tomatoes before. I was surprised that they didn't taste the least like tomatoes and actually had a lemony taste. I think the next time I'll try some herbs. I just dredged them in flour and salt and pepper. If anyone knows how to cook them, let me know.

Also in April I planted okra. Last year I had a lovely row and even took some to my mother. They didn't come up. So I planted some more seeds. They didn't come up. So I planted some more seeds. They didn't come up. In May I planted the hot weather green beans. They came up and looked lovely. I sprayed them with soap suds from the beginning. When they got to about three inches, the damage appeared. First something was nibbling on the leaves of one plant. Then they started turning brown as if the juice was being sucked out. Lastly the new leaves were curling into a fetal position, Do Plants have fetal positions? Then they died.

On a brighter note. The one store-bought cucumber died but the two that I planted from seed are still with us. Also two zucchini are still alive although one is looking poorly. So I guess I'll have to be happy with cukes, squash, and green tomatoes.

A History of Primavera's 5 Points Dinners

Our participation in the 5 Points dinner meal program is an outgrowth of a long ago dinner meal program at the 22^nd St. church, sponsored by its Social Action Committee. At the time the NW congregation had not yet been established, and some of us who are members now of NW were members there. A few of these members, as I recall, were Hutsy Contractor, Clare Toth, and yours truly. We participated, from time to time, in the dinner meal program, which was a Sunday evening meal serving 100 men living at the Primavera homeless men's shelter near the VA hospital. The meal served was from food donated by the community and/or purchased with funds from the Social Action Committee. We ate the meal, socialized with the men, and did the cleanup together, then returned the cooking utensils to the church in readiness for the next scheduled dinner.

After UUCNWT was founded, Hutsy and others wanted to continue this social action activity here. Hutsy connected with Primavera 5 Points Apartment complex because it was a smaller scale program with only 30 residents to provide a dinner meal for; thus better suited to our smaller church membership. The exact start date of our program isn't remembered by Hutsy or recorded in Primavera Foundation records, but it has been running for close to 20 years.

Hutsy organized and coordinated the program from its inception through 2008, when she retired because of ill health. I became coordinator in January 2009. I have followed Hutsy's plan, based on a team leader concept and volunteer helpers to perform the various tasks needed to serve a nutritious, fulfilling meal. Her system is efficient and easy to work with.

Over the last two years that I have been coordinator, attrition has left only 5 team leaders, which means each one needs to do two or more meals a year. The 5 TLs, Anne Tatum, Gwen Goodman, Pat Desai, Margaret Fleming, and I, have been able and willing to do this; however, ideally I'd like to have 12, so each TL would be responsible for doing only one meal a year.

One suggestion is to recruit church groups as TLs. For example, Anne Tatum's Finding Heart group has signed up for August. It is hoped that with current publicity and the Social Action Committee's decision to fund this worthwhile social action program with the monthly charitable collections, this will encourage more participation on the part of the congregation.

Emily Ricketts

UU Gateway Challenge

computer disk Our UU Gateway Project has completed its 1-year term, but the UU Funding Program has extended the time available for our $5,000 challenge grant. Any money we, or other PSWD congregations, contribute for the purpose, in increments of $500, will be matched by the UUFP. The UU Church of Tucson has already taken advantage of this challenge and will be using the money for a glossy newsletter. It can be used for other purposes, as well, particularly the use of electronic technology to promote Unitarian Universalism.

Take note, members. The money is there. Let's take advantage of it. Contributions can be made by individual members or congregational groups. For more information, contact John Fleming, 888-7059 or www.elfuturo@earthlink.net.

Sunday Services for July

Sunday, July 3

"Democracy in a Religious Community"

Karla Brockie

As Joy has been called away, Karla Brockie will lead the worship, on the heels of the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly and the eve of Independence Day, with reflections on our 5th principle; Unitarian Universalist Congregations affirm the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; with stories of Actions of Immediate Witness, physically and psychologically accessible bathrooms, taking Charlotte by storm and being taken by the storm, another reorganization of the Board, and other humorous tales. Stephen Ballesteros is the worship associate; Bjorn Rowberg is accompanist.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

"Agnosticism: Acknowledging Ignorance"

Thomas Lindell

Humans long for the tranquility of comfort/equilibrium. However, it is only through the breakthrough of learning to confront and ask the questions that we are opened up to new realities. Accepting that we do not, nor will we, have all of the answers is humbling. Why does it take us so long to come to this realization? Thomas Llindell is an Emeritus Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona. John Clark is Worship Associate.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

"Poetry: A Pathway to Awareness"

Margaret Fleming and Romy Fouad

In a recent sermon, Rev. Joy spoke about being aware in the moment. Poetry is something that can help us achieve this awareness. Romy and Margaret will share some of their favorite poems and explain how they are significant for them. Paula Trahan is Worship Associate.

Sunday, July 24, 2011
TBA

Sunday, July 31, 2011

"The Power of Music"

Steven Ballesteros

Steven Ballesteros, our youngest worship associate, will present a sermon on the Power of Music. Music is a wonderful aspect of our everyday life style, whether you are the musician, the composer, or the listener. Music is a beautiful pathway to living and experiencing life fully. The Power of Music service will introduce different styles of music and reflect upon their meaning and valuable uses to enrich our lives. Matthew Klass is Worship Associate, having just returned to us after a year in Italy.