SUNDAY SERVICES

10:30 am

Children & Youth

Religious Education

10:30 am

Minister

Rev. Joy Atkinson

revjoy@aol.com 

262-8480

Office Hours:

10 am - 3 pm, T, W, Th
 
Director of

Religious Education 
Donna Pratt  406-5121

mklo@earthlink.net   

Choir Director

Lyle Brown

579-7094

lbrownvh@yahoo.com 

Congregational

Administrator

Donna Pratt  579-7094,
 406-5121

office@uucnwt.org  

Office Hours:

8 am - 1 pm  MWF

Newsletter Editors  John and Margaret Fleming
888-7059

margefleming@earthlink.net 

Deadlines: 12th & 24th

Board of Trustees

President:

1st Vice President:

Treasurer:

Jim Gessaman 

Grocery Gift Cards

EASIEST way ever to help our church!!!! Just see Alberta Gunther and let her know which store you frequent. She will explain how each time you visit the store can result in MONEY to MVUU! She has accounts set up with Albertson's, Fry's, Basha's and Safeway. It is quick and easy to get started. Help our church each time you shop! Please sign up today!

Tucson Chamber Artists October 29 

Southern Arizona's professional chamber choir and orchestra presents Urah Hanevel: Jewish Music Comes Alive! Saturday, October 29, 7:30 pm, and Sunday, October 30, 2:00 pm at Temple Emanu-El and Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church, respectively. Works by Mendelssohn, Copland, Bernstein and others will be performed. For tickets: www.TucsonChamberArtists.org or 401.2651.

PRIDE in the Desert

UUs had a strong presence at the annual PRIDE parade and celebration during the week of  October 8-15.   

Many of our members took part in the parade, the service, and the other activities of the week.  

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

Guest at  Your Table

Look for Guest at Your Table (GAYT) information table outside the Goldblatt Building early in November and in all UUCNWT publications. GAYT begins Sunday, November 20 (Thanksgiving week), runs through the holidays, and ends January 1, 2012.

Holiday Cards

UUSC holiday cards are available for purchase on line. I am not ordering any to sell here at church this year. A color brochure of the designs will be on display in one of the glass display cases on the Goldblatt building and also at a table I will set up outside Goldblatt Building early in November.

Emily Ricketts, UUSC Rep

Aluminum Cans Needed

Please bring your empty aluminum cans to church and place in the special bin. The price of aluminum is currently 81 cents a pound. Proceeds from cans go to the Camp de Benneville Pines Scholarship Fund. Thank you to Emily Ricketts for sponsoring this worthwhile project.

General Assembly 2012 Yahoo Groups

For anyone who is interested in finding out more about General Assembly, June 20-24, 2012 in Phoenix, a Yahoo group was set up. This group is specifically for any UUs in Southern AZ to exchange information, ideas for fundraising, housing options, ride sharing, discussions of programming, asking questions, etc. It is not too early to start planning now. If you are thinking about going, even if you are not sure, join the group to stay in the loop.

Find the group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GA2012_for_Southern_AZ/ and ask to join. Or send an email to Sybelle at UUSybelle@gmail.com to be added.

After the UUA GA Planning Committee's meeting in Boston later this month Carolyn Saunders from UUCT (who is on that committee) will come and speak to us about what is being planned.

MVUU Connect

A fun and easy way to stay connected to your UU Friends!

MVUUConnect@yahoogroups.com is our Electronic Community Bulletin Board. Use it to share short messages. 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.

If you have not received your invitation, and would like one, please let Donna know in the office, 579-7094, or email her at office@uucnwt.org

Name Tags Need Names

We currently have a huge surplus of name tags with no names on them. You don't have to be a member of our congregation to wear one of these beautifully crafted tags.

Whether you're a member, friend, visitor, or have an old blurry tag, just ask one of the greeters for a form, fill it out, and turn it in to a greeter. Then in a week or two you should find your new tag hanging on the wall.

Interim Minister's Column

Words of Joy    

If we could distill our liberal religious tradition down into one word, one likely candidate would be the word "freedom." In our Unitarian Universalist congregations, we offer freedom from creeds and dogma, so that we can be individually free to make up our own minds about religious questions. We also want freedom for ourselves and all people-freedom from poverty and oppression, from fear and discrimination, from a religious tyranny that seeks to impose a particular set of beliefs and values on everyone. We Unitarian Universalists cherish the freedom to speak out, to express ourselves, to dissent. Fortunately, we enjoy religious freedom in this country, thanks in large part to early visionary Unitarians and Universalists like Thomas Jefferson. John Adams, and Universalist physician Benjamin Rush-a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

We need to remember that, within our own religious institution, our freedom is not free--it has a price. In order to carry on the legacy of individual religious freedom that our religious forebears struggled for, Mountain Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation needs the support of everyone involved in this religious community--support with your time, your talents, and your treasure. As you think about the friendships, the fellowship and the freedom that this congregation offers, you may find that you want to support it as fully as you can.

The late UU minister John Wolf expressed some of the reasons why we want to support a Unitarian Universalist congregation:

You want to support it because it has a free pulpit. Because you can hear ideas expressed there which could cost any other minister his or her job. You want to support it because it is a place where children can come without being saddled with guilt or terrified of some 'celestial peeping-tom,' where they can learn that religion is for joy, for comfort, for gratitude and love...You want to support a Unitarian Universalist church because it is more concerned with human beings than with dogmas. Because it searches for the holy, rather than dwelling on the depraved...You want to support a Unitarian Universalist church because it can laugh...You want to support it because it insults neither your intelligence nor your conscience, and because it calls you to worship what is truly worthy of your sacrifice.          

For these and so many other reasons, we who enjoy this great heritage of religious freedom need to support our religious communities as generously as we can, so that we can continue to sustain vital and healthy UU congregations that embody our values, care for and serve our members, and bring our message to the larger world. 

All-Congregation Halloween Social Hour Sunday, October 30

11:30 am. For all ages. Please wear a costume to church and bring a carved pumpkin to church that day. Join us after the service for a Halloween Social Hour in the Fireside Room. There will be a prize for the best adult costume and the best kids' costume. and for the best jack 'o lantern . Please, if you'd like, bring a special goodie to add to the Treats Table.

Roaring '20's Service Auction November 4

It's going to be a roaring good time when Mountain Vista UU Goes Back to the Roaring '20s on Friday, November 4, 2011. Doors open at 5:30 pm with wine to purchase and a silent auction. At 7 pm, the Silent Auction ends and the Live Auction begins. The menu will be wonderful and art deco desserts. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door. Call Catalina for more info, or for donation ideas, 572-1881.

Movie Night November 6

"Liar Liar," 7pm, Sunday, November 6 at Dick and Marge Brown's, 13611 Tom Ryan's Way, Sun City Vistoso. Rev. Joy called this Jim Carey movie "funny and poignant" about the man who couldn't tell a lie. Please bring a snack to share. We are limited to 12 persons by space considerations. Look for the poster, a review, directions and a signup at Mountain Vista. john.wilcox2008@comcast.net 531-1413

Talent Show November 12     

If you think America's got talent, you should see our church! The young people led by Ashlen Brennan want to hold a talent show and we need you. We need talent; singing, dancing, acting, singles, duets, groups and novelty acts. We need help; ticket sellers, ushers, stagehands, and an audience. Ashlen will be signing up talent, and the kids will be selling tickets very soon. Look for them and support this fundraiser for the kids' Camp DeBenneville fund. The show will be held on Saturday, November 12th at 7 pm.

Bookaholics Unanimous November 16

For November 16th read two short but powerful memoirs by Jeannette Walls: "The Glass Castle" and "Half Broke Horses."  

Contact: Elaine azbooklover@comcast.net 290-1026

Religious Education News   

Sunday, October 30: Halloween Service and Social Hour.

Adults and children are invited to wear a costume to the service this Sunday. Children will start out in the sanctuary for a processional and Story for All Ages before being dismissed to the classrooms.  

Following the service, there will be a HALLOWEEN SOCIAL HOUR in the Fireside Room. Prizes will be awarded for the best adult and the best child costume, as well as the best carved pumpkin. (Please bring a pumpkin you have already carved). If you would like, please bring a goodie to share at the Halloween Social Hour.

Also, for the service, please remember to bring photos of loved ones who have died to add to the El Dia De Los Muertos altar.

Monday, November 7   

RE Committee Meeting: 5:00 pm, Fireside Room. Please note time change. All interested persons invited to attend.

Sunday, November 11: Connection Sunday:  

We will be working on Public Speaking skills and making ornaments for the "Youth on Their Own" holiday tree for the sanctuary.

RE Classes: 10:30 on Sundays. Students report to the sanctuary for a Story for All Ages on the 1st and 3rd Sundays each month. Once dismissed, Tigers (K-5th graders) will meet in the Small RE Room. TAMS (6th-8th graders) will meet in theLarge RE Room.

Thank You: The RE Department would like to thank the Secret Friend who added some Goldfish crackers and other snacks into the RE Snack Closet. It is greatly appreciated!!!!

If you have any questions, please email me, or call me anytime, (520) 406-5121. 

UU Gateway Update

At UUCNWT we have set up six computers that are available for education and training programs, and have repaired and updated two more. Our plan is to use these for technology workshops for youth and adults. Courses are being created in web design, film editing and production, conferencing, YouTube, Facebook, and desktop publishing. This could be a way to raise funds for our congregation.

Since there seems to be a shortage of young people (millennium generation, those from 18 to 29 years of age in our congregation (we have only 2), we feel that these technological workshops and social networking will attract more of them.

Our own teens are engaged in filming, editing, and producing a documentary on immigration, with the intention of showing it at GA next June.

We are working with Sandy Weir, Director of the Arizona Immigration Ministry, who is a member of the UU Church of Phoenix. We've been using GoToMeeting software for conferencing. Two statewide video conferences are planned to take place during the next three months. We've been using the conferencing software in-house also, to show members how to use our congregational website. John has also been able to hold video editing classes on line. There will be more of these in the future.  

The UU Gateway grant was $5,000, with an additional challenge grant if we could raise $5,000 in matching funds. To date, we have been able to raise $1,000 in contributions from the UUCT and from some of our own congregation members, and have received $1,000 in matching funds. That leaves $4,000 still available until Dec. 31, 2011. Contributions must be in increments of $500.  

For an investment of $1,000, we could set up a low-cost media center to link any church with other UU churches in Arizona. Another $1,000 would come from the challenge grant. Total cost would be $2,000 for a computer, a projection system, a large drop-down screen, and a web camera. So if we could get 4 other congregations to contribute $1,000 each, we could establish a whole state-wide network. Now is an ideal time to make this investment, with the Justice GA coming in June and the state-wide focus on immigration issues. Congregations could show videos on site, record sermons, show Power Point presentations, conduct workshops, and do conferencing between large audiences. The system is up and running at UUCNWT. The money is available. All you have to do is ask-and supply $1,000. For more information, call John Fleming at (520) 888-7059.

Thanksgiving Feast at MVUU November 24

November 24 at 2 pm we will have a feast to celebrate the joy of living. We will offer our thanks for the good things in our life, especially our UU fellowship. The event will be open to all of you, and please invite friends. If weather is good, it will be outdoors. If not, it will be in the Goldblatt Building.

We will provide two roasted turkeys. If the response is large, we may call on you for more turkeys.

In order for it to come together properly please send an email to me indicating:

1. How many people will be in your party?
2. What you are bringing: side dish, salad, dessert, (including vegetarian dishes).
3. Are you willing to work on set up? Clean up?

When we get your responses we will balance out the menu offerings and make adjustments.

Please bring your own beverage, plates and tableware, and please bring a gift of several non-perishable food items, or a toiletry care package to be given to those in need.

Please contact Hobie Denney at hobied@gmail.com  or 253-857-5171

MVUU's 2011 Holiday Giving Projects***      

WHEN? Sundays after church, 11:30-12:45, November 6 to December 11, 2011

WHERE? At a table set up outside the Goldblatt Building

1. Alternative Gifts International (AGI)--MVUU is in its third year of support for AGI, a small non-profit charity that is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. They are sponsoring 35 hand-chosen agencies that give people around the world "gifts inspiring change" through donations of our financial support. Categories include Hunger, Education, Gender Equality, Child Mortality, Maternal Health, Medical Services, Environmental Sustainability, and others. When you choose the exact project to support, you can be assured that your donation will go there.

Stop by our table on November 6 to December 11 and look at our catalogs. Volunteers will be happy to guide you through the purchasing process. The real beauty of AGI's program is that you can give $1 on up, meaning that MV's children, youth, and all adults can experience the joy of reaching out to others!

2.Youth on Their Own (YOTO)  Their Mission is "to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless youth by providing financial assistance, basic human needs, and guidance." For 26 years, YOTO has been serving eligible teens ("without stable, permanent homes and parental involvement") through referrals by students' school counselors.

3. Teresa, the Executive Director, has decided to streamline and equalize donations by asking donors to purchase individual *** $10 gift cards from TARGET, FRY'S, SAFEWAY, McDONALD'S, SUBWAY, BURGER KING or WALMART. DEADLINE: Sunday, November 27. Return gift cards to Debbie or Jim Gessaman at church. We at MVUU can do our part to help some of the 500 students that depend on YOTO for a happy holiday.

Your outreach is a Gift of Peace, sharing that comes from your abundance to world neighbors in order to create-person by person-a more peaceful, equitable global community.

Sunday Services for November

November 6, 2011

10:30 - 12:00 Special Service/ Congregational Event

"Sustaining the Vision"

Join us for a special hybrid of a Sunday service and a congregation-wide participational information session, during which we will explore the question of how each of us can sustain the vision of Mountain Vista UU as a full service and financially solvent congregation. Presenters will include the Board President, Interim Minister, members of the Ministerial Search Committee and a special appearance by Father Time. Romy Fouad is Worship Associate. The choir will sing.

November 13, 2011

"Carrying the Baby and Plying the Pen-the Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton"

Rev. Joy Atkinson

In this post election day service near the 194^th birthday of Unitarian foremother Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the sermon will focus on her life and contributions-especially her tireless work to secure the vote for women. John Clark is Worship Associate.

November 20, 2011

Intergenerational Thanksgiving Service

"Only Gratitude Helps"

Rev. Joy Atkinson

Gratitude is a deep feeling that can help us get through even the toughest challenges of life. Join us for a celebration of the attitude of gratitude that the holiday of Thanksgiving helps us to cultivate. Children will be present for the entire service. Barbara Gates is Worship Associate. The choir will sing.

November 27, 2011
"Bringing Justice to Phoenix"

Carolyn Saunders

Carolyn Saunders will present a sermon about the upcoming General Assembly in Phoenix in June 2012. Justice GA 2012 will be unlike any other General Assembly. It is a commitment Unitarian Universalists have made to respond to one of the greatest moral issues of our time. But it is first and foremost a religious gathering. You are invited to be there to bear witness, to stand on the side of love and to grow in spirit as well as serve the cause of justice. Come to hear more and get inspired to join us in Phoenix next year! Christiane Heyde is Worship Associate.

Carolyn Saunders is a member and financial secretary of the UU Church of Tucson, vice president of the Pacific Southwest District Board of Trustees, and the District Coordinator for GA 2012. She and her husband, Bruce, have lived in Tucson for the past 12 years.