News from UUCNWT

If you know of anyone who is ill or undergoing surgery or has lost a family member or otherwise needs to be remembered, please notify the minister, Rev. Joy Atkinson; or Christiane Heyde, Chair of the Pastoral Care Team; or Donna Pratt, the congregational administrator. Any of them will notify publications so that names will appear in the Order of Service, the Newsletter, and the weekly notes from the office.

TIHAN

TIHAN (Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network) is our charity of the month for July. Your contributions will provide a lunch for clients in September (POZ cafe). Until the end of August Pat Desai will be collecting toiletries, paper products, and cleaning supplies which are not covered by food stamps. So please bring toilet paper, paper towels, detergent, body lotion, etc. Questions? Pat Desai, 577-9642, csdesai@comcast.net

Enough to Eat?

meal Here is a heads up. We plan to have a Thanksgiving Feast in November.

However I have been told that the food banks benefit from a holiday outpouring of help during the holidays and have lean time during the summer months. So maybe we can help by having a non-perishable food drive right now. Even the snowbirds and rainbirds can help by giving to their local food banks. I will appreciate having your thoughts on how we can accomplish this worthwhile project.

Hobie Denny
"Rain Bird"

Let's Feed the Hungry!

A little Hobie bird told me that pickin's are pretty lean at the food banks. If we could each bring in one item to donate, that would help some. Two items would help more. Three even more, and--you get my drift. I know these are hard times for everyone, but if you can spare just one perishable food item, that would be swell! If you need items from the food bank go on down! Tell them you're from the church and that should make them extra eager to help you! It's a win-win.

Greeters Needed

Here's an opportunity to meet a new people. We currently need volunteers to serve as regular or substitute greeters.

If you're interested please contact either Jane Paul at janerpaul@yahoo.com

or Gene McCormick at genemick@comcast.net

Signage for Mountain Vista UU

A team from the 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 .

A Big Thank You!!

Nine of our youth went to our PSWD church camp near Angelus Oaks , CA this July. They spent a week connecting with other UU youth (and adults), being in the mountains and the forest, singing, learning about worship, having a talent show and a dance.....and generally having a fabulous time.

Ashlen said it made him connect with UUism on a deeper level; Ali felt her first camp was a life altering experience; Bibi wants to have youth worship more than once a year and she wants to go to GA and connect more with UUs out in the larger world; Ingo really enjoyed being a counselor to the younger boys (and they enjoyed him too!).

YOU made this possible!! You are helping our youth reach their potential, become more connected as UUs, and become leaders.

THANK YOU to all who brought food, came to eat, and helped clean up after the fundraising lunches this past year. We paid for almost half of the camp registration fee for every youth who needed it!

I believe an added benefit of the lunches is the fun and fellowship opportunities they create.

We will continue our efforts to raise funds for our youth. Not only do they want to go back to camp next winter and or summer (either to volunteer, be trained, or be a camper), but they also want to go to Justice GA 2012 in Phoenix and put their faith into action there. We will need to raise more funds than we did this past year, but we now have the hang of it. We love food! And we will be adding other fun and interesting things to help our efforts.

If you have any good ideas that might help with this, please see one of the youths, parents, or Donna.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Justice GA

For most of you this is just a heads up; keep this in mind for next summer. But for some of you this is a request for time and energy. We only have a scant 11 months to prepare for the very convenient Phoenix GA. I firmly feel that we need a visible presence next summer and we can be as simple or as complicated as we have time and energy for.

I hope the board members will agree to help whatever effort we can give. Karla tells me that there are local people we can tap for advice. Vince tells me that people will be in AZ for a month prior for justice actions (for example, if someone volunteers to be jailed, ten people are needed to support that person from decision to extrication).

So everyone, tell me what you think, anything you think. I am using my own machine and email because I am now checking it every day that I am not competing in the Miss American pageant.

Sincere luv and peas,
Catalina

Interim Minister's Column

Words of Joy

Fare forward, travellers! not escaping from the past

Into different lives, or into any future;

You are not the same people who left that station

Or will arrive at any terminus,

While the narrowing rails slide together behind you;

And on the deck of the drumming liner

Watching the furrows widen behind you....

Fare forward, you who think that you are voyaging;

You are not those who saw the harbour

Receding, or those who will embark.

Here between the hither and the farther shore

While time is withdrawn, consider the future

And the past with an equal mind...

(Excerpt in The Dry Salvages, from the "Four Quartets," by T. S. Eliot)

Rev. Joy An interim period in the ongoing life of a congregation provides an opportunity to step back and look at where the congregation has been, where it is now and where it may go in its next "era." It is an "in-between time"-a time "while time is withdrawn," as T.S. Eliot says, to look at the past, assess present operations and point toward the future. We have done this together in several venues during the past year, and will continue on this journey in the new church year that is almost upon us.

In dealing with transitions in our own lives and in the lives of our religious communities, we become aware of how what seem like small changes over time can add up to major transformations. We are never the same travelers who first embarked on the journey, nor will we be the same ones who arrive at the next port. As Heraclitus put it, "You cannot step twice into the same river." It, and we, flow inexorably into the next phase. Nor can we step into quite the same congregation twice. Although there is continuity with the past, a congregation will transform itself from week to week and year to year as its people and its identity shift and readjust to changing times.

And so we begin our second interim year together-a time to examine these changes and to plan for the future. I look forward to returning to Tucson and to seeing you all again after some weeks away-weeks spent in the San Francisco Bay Area helping my sister recover from surgery and a serious post-surgical infection (she is doing much better), as well as tackling innumerable projects in my home in Berkeley-I never seem to step into the same HOUSE twice, let alone the same the flowing river!

Speaking of flowing rivers: don't forget to bring some water from your summer activities to add to the communal bowl at our Homecoming Water Communion service on September 11^th.

See you all soon. May we fare forward together in this next interim year.

Joy

Your Help Is Needed

Your congregation needs a bit of volunteer time from each of our members! Please complete the Survey Monkey survey by the deadline of August-14th-- so we can develop a picture of "who we are" to present to ministers who may be interested in coming to us.. If you think you did not receive the survey in your email, please check your spam folder. Some people have found it there. If you cannot complete the survey on line, call or contact Betty Meikle or Sybelle van Erven. They can make arrangements to get a paper survey to you. You can contact them at mscmountainvista@gmail.com.

The survey asks questions about what you want in a minister serving UUCNWT and you. It also asks some questions about who you are and some factual demographics. You will even have opportunity to comment in some sections.

The survey is anonymous, so feel free to have your say. As with voting, we check who has completed it to avoid duplicates. We estimate the time needed to complete the survey is 40 to 45 minutes . A fuller explanation of the survey appears later in this newsletter.
THANK YOU!
The Ministerial Search Committee

Survey
If you need to have a survey link sent to an email address other than the one it has already been sent to, or you did not receive one, or you accidentally deleted it, please email mscmountainvista@gmail.com by August 1st. No further corrections/additions will be made following this date.

Ministerial Search Survey FAQ

Q: When and how will the Ministerial Search Survey be done?

A: The survey will be available between July 17 and August 14 through an online service called Survey Monkey. The reasons for offering it in this format are as follows:

it allows for snow/rain birds and others unable to be at church to participate in the process
it is fast
mistakes are less likely than with paper surveys
it allows us to use the analysis tools provided in the program
the UUA recommends using this format.

We really prefer the survey be filled out electronically for all the above reasons. We will provide help on one of the computers at church on Sunday for those who need help with the process. One of the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) members (or anyone, really) may be able to come out to your home and assist you also, if you own a computer. Since the program is set up for analysis and avoids us having to input lots of data, we ask that you use the electronic form if at all possible. However,we understand that computers are not for everyone! It possible to fill out a paper copy of the survey. Just make sure to let one of the Survey Team members know that's what you prefer.

Q: What is the purpose of the Ministerial Search Survey?

A: The survey is aimed at helping the Ministerial Search Committee identify "best fit" ministerial candidates for MVUU's new called minister. In order to accomplish this goal we gather information on the make-up of our congregation, how our congregation sees our future and our future minister's role. Information from the survey will be included in MVUU's Congregational Record and the Congregational Packet, which will be submitted to the UUA.Searching ministers use this information to decide whether they may be a good fit for us.

Q: Will the congregation get to see the results of the survey?

A: Yes! Statistical data from the survey and a summary of answers will be available when we are done analyzing the information. We anticipate this will be by mid October (our Congregational Packet's Draft is due no later than September 30^th). Individual responses will not be shared with the congregation.

Q: Why is the survey period so short?

A: The survey is one of the ways the committee gathers input from the congregation. The July 17-August 14 survey period was set to capture responses from as many members and friends as possible, before analysis of the results and assembling materials for the Congregational Record.We will also add information gathered through focus groups held between now and the end of August to prepare a current and dynamic image of MVUU to attract potential ministerial candidates.

Q: Is the survey anonymous?

A: Yes. The survey is constructed to keep responders' identities confidential. Its per-person codes allow the committee to know only who has completed the survey and who has not so that follow-up emails can be sent to those who have not responded.

Q: Can the committee identify responses from specific individuals?

A: No. No one can identify a response unless a name was given in the answer to the last survey question.

The main thing is that we hear from everyone in our congregation. This includes active members, youth, people with varying reasons for not being at the service on Sundays, and all others. Only then can we paint an accurate picture of who we are and who we aspire to be and find the minister that will fit us best on our journey into the future!

One caveat: Focus groups are not a replacement for the survey. We will not be asking the same questions! Information gathered from the focus groups will be in addition to the Survey information, to broaden and enlighten the picture.

So please fill out a survey and attend one of the focus groups.

Survey

If you have not received the link to our Congregational Survey in your email inbox, please check you Spam folder! If it is not there, please email Sybelle and Betty at mscmountainvista@gmail.com with your correct email address (and name) so we can resend it to you.

If you do not want to or cannot fill out the survey on the computer, please contact Sybelle at 471-3557 or Betty at 990-4663 or see one of the Ministerial Search Committee members at church (we have a table after the service), to get a paper copy to fill out.

We really need your help with this!
THANK YOU for participating.

Activities and Events

Ice Cream Social July 31

Join us in the Fireside Room after the service for another cool ice cream social. A perfect lunch for a hot summer Sunday. Proceeds will benefit the Camp de Benneville Pines Scholarship Fund.

Movie Outing Sunday, August 28

"The Help," time and place to be announced. This is the movie of the much-heralded novel. It is a look at what happens when a southern town's unspoken code of rules and behavior is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship.We will aim for an afternoon showing with supper after the show at a nearby restaurant. Look for a poster, a review, a signup, and directions at Mountain Vista. john.wilcox2008@comcast.net 531-1413

Bookaholics Unanimous Wednesday, August 31

August 31: The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen;

September 28: A Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank;

October 26: Freedom by Jonathan Franzen.
Contact: Elaine Harris, azbooklover@comcast.net
290-1026

Upcoming Events

Rummage Sale Changes FYI

We are cleaning the barn floor as we go this summer, so let Catalina know if you can help. New name is CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE, thanks to Karan Hahn for the great idea. We will again sell from the back door of the barn, thanks to Christiane Heyde for the great idea. We want to have two days next spring, a Friday and a Saturday, so speak up to help set the date and volunteer. Catalina 572-1881 or catalinahall_9@msn.com

Service Auction November 4

Oh, so much fun is coming up. Our very important annual service auction is set for FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4^TH IN THE EVENING (time - tba). Our theme this year is going to be about Prohibition and Speakeasies. Please notice the Friday date and we will have an array of sumptuous deserts. Ask yourself now, what can I donate. More information to follow.

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.

July 31 Paula Trahan Scrapbooking. Kids, bring a photo of yourself for this activity.

August 7 Mike Brennan Drumming

August 14 Catalina Hall Dancing

August 21 Eb Eberlein Mountain Climbing

August 28 Matthew Klass Italian Experience

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".

RE Committee Meeting: Tuesday, August 9^th, 5:00 PM Goldblatt Building

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.

Revised OWL Schedule

Here are the changes in the schedule for OWL 7-9.

Parent Orientation will be Sunday, September 18, 1-3:30 pm and Tuesday, September 20, 6:30-9:00 pm (we're starting a little earlier than we originally said). At least one parent of each child must attend.
The first overnight will be Friday-Saturday, September 23-24, 5:00 pm-1:30 pm
Sunday afternoon sessions will be 12:45-4:00 pm.

Sign up for MVUU Connect!

MVUUConnect@yahoogroups.com is ready to be our Electronic Community Bulletin Board.

Use it to share short messages. Examples of postings are:

Volunteers needed
Help wanted
Job needed
Rides needed or offered
Outside events that YOU will be attending like concerts, ball games, lectures, movies, plays, denominational meetings, SAWUURA, etc.
Housing needed or offered
Childcare needed or offered
Lost and found items
Yard sales
Recommendations for professional or trade services

Post any notices of interest to our community that would not be official MVUU announcements, newsletter articles, or posted on our website. This group is not intended for discussions on religious questions, church practices or policies.

Examples of appropriate messages:

Help! Who can host Coffee Hour this Sunday, September 18? Call Catalina at ....
I'm going to The Loft this Friday, October 28, to see Halloween VII. Reply to this message if you want to meet me there. Jane Paul
A group is meeting at Pei Wei on University every Tuesday for next 6 weeks before attending the UA Science Lecture. Join us there at 6 p.m. Meg Kidwell
Who wants to car pool to the PSWD meeting on October 2? Conrad Paul
I need a house painter. Any recommendations? Larry Jagnow

It is up to you to email your request to join this group to office@uucnwt.org. Do it now and let's get started!

Adult R.E.

The Way of Mastery

Every Wednesday at 7:00 for six weeks, beginning October 12.

If you are interested please contact Jolie Hoskkin at 520-395-7486 or jhoskkin@msn.com

Immigration as a Moral Issue

Every Monday at 7:00 for six weeks, beginning November 7.

This is a UUA course designed to prepare Arizona congregations for the Justice GA in Phoenix next year. If you are interested, contact Margaret Fleming at 888-7059 or

margefleming@earthlink.net

Another Course

Rev. Joy taught a course on The Transcendentalists in May. It was very successful, and she has been asked by several snowbirds to repeat it so they won't miss out. She will also be teaching Building Your Own Theology sometime after the winter holidays.

Cameras Needed

The following is provided for those interested in the border issues. Jamara Knight is Bill Casey's daughter Shawn's partner. (Whew!) They live here in Tucson. Last year, Jamara's photo exhibit of her 6-month project at a Tanzania AIDS orphanage was shown at the Student Union on U of A campus. Feel free to contact Bill (wcaseyiii@yahoo.com) or Elizabeth (reedeliz@gmail.com) for more information if you would like or contact Jamara directly (see below).

Hello!

My name is Jamara Knight, and I am a photographer and teacher with a B.A. in Spanish and Art. I'm writing to invite to you to help support a community project I'm undertaking this fall. I'll be volunteering with Border Action Network to teach photography classes to immigrant women. The women will need donated cameras and equipment for the project.

Do you have used photography gear (digital or film cameras, 35 mm film, etc.) lying around unused? If you'd like to support a good cause, please consider donating your equipment to this project.

Here's a bit more background on the project and how it came to be. Since the passage of the controversial immigration law, SB1070, Arizona has received national and international media attention. The law's passage has served to highlight the often negative attitudes toward and portrayals of immigrants and immigration issues in the United States. The limited depiction of the human side to these issues is apparent. We are not getting all sides of the story.

This project will bring the voices of immigrant women into the picture. In late August I will teach a month long basic photography class. This class will provide a group of immigrant women with a safe space to meet, socialize, and express themselves through art (photography) and writing. The classes will emphasize self-exploration and self-expression, but will be adapted to the needs and interests of the students. We may focus on themes such as self-portrait, work life, and crossing/immigrating. My goal is to give the participants visibility, a voice, and a sense of agency. The resulting photographs will become part of a collaborative exhibition through which these women's unique experiences and artwork will be shared with the larger Tucson community.

If you have any questions or would like more details about the project or my credentials, you may contact me at (410) 689-8804 or jamara.knight@gmail.com.

Thank you for your consideration!

Jamara Knight

Sunday Services for August

Sunday, August 7, 2011

"Everything Worth Doing..."

Christiane Heyde

Christiane will explore the idiom, "Everything worth doing is worth doing well." When is that true, and when might it actually be quite the opposite? Please join us for this lighthearted and entertaining service. Romy Fouad is Worship Associate.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

"What Good Are Old Sermons?"

John Clark

The office has paper copies of sermons that date back to the beginning of this congregation and even before. Why do we keep them? What did they accomplish when they were given? Can they still fulfill any function decades later? What good are old sermons? Whether or not these great questions still puzzle you, come and participate in some answers. Steven Ballesteros is Worship Associate.

Sunday, August 21, 2011
"Halleluiah, Anyway!"

Rev. Joy Atkinson

Our life journeys present many hardships, especially as we age. How can we face the bumps and potholes, without becoming cynical? How can we celebrate in spite of, maybe even because of, the challenges we must face? Margaret Fleming is Worship Associate.

Sunday, August 28, 2011
"What Should I Do? A Look at Personal Ethics"

Rev. Joy Atkinson

At its annual meeting, this congregation voted to adopt a "Covenant of Right Relations"-a statement containing promises to one another about how we are ideally to behave in congregational interactions. What are the unwritten personal codes of behavior by which most of us live our lives? The sermon will explore ethical codes, written and assumed, which guide our lives. John Clark is Worship Associate.