Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund Helps Marginalized Groups
Sunday, May 3
With Nepal's record of poor infrastructure, relief and recovery efforts are certain to face significant challenges. That is one reason that UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) and the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) are launching a special joint  appeal for Nepal relief work. As is their practice with international disaster relief, UUSC will take the lead in distributing funds where they can do the most good, directing support toward people who are left out of mainstream relief efforts.
 
People and communities whose rights will be most at risk in the wake of the disaster will include people living in remote areas; women and children; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; people who do not have recognized citizenship; indigenous people; Dalits; elderly people; and people living with disabilities and HIV/AIDS. UUSC and the UUA are already establishing on-the-ground partnerships and projects to support these communities. All undesignated offerings in Sunday's collection benefit the UUA-UUSC Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.
11 More Days -- Can We Make It?

On May 11, next year's budget will be revised based upon the final results of the 2015-2016 Stewardship Campaign.  We are 97 % of the way to our goal with only $13,325 left to raise.  If we raise this amount, we will have what we need to hire an Assistant Minister and increase Religious Education staffing for next year. 

 

If you can make a one-time gift or if you can increase your previously submitted pledge to help reach our goal, please email Heidi Parmenter.  If you would like to make a financial pledge starting July 1 to support next year's ministry, pledge online below.
This Sunday at 10:30 AM
May 3:  All Music Sunday
Service Leaders:  Benjie Messer, Music Director and UUCP Musicians
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UUCP's music program joins forces to create a musical meditation on romantic love and how its hopeful spirit can be an example for us in all of our relationships.

Following All Music Sunday:  Ensemble Open Strings Performance
Sunday, May 3, at noon in the Sanctuary
Want more great music on May 3? UUCP's bowed string ensemble, Open Strings, is presenting a free, informal recital in our sanctuary from 12:00-12:45 PM. Anne Lackey, Sandy Weir, Susan Morris, Marge Modell, Michael Relland and Janet Williams will be performing Telemann's "Trio Sonata in D Minor," Williams Grant Still's "Danzas de Panama," and the first movement of Schubert's final chamber work, the "Cello Quintet."

Vision Conversation
Sunday, May 3, at 11:45 AM in Annex B
The Vision Taskforce is on the path toward defining a vision of who UUCP wants to be in the future. The next phase in this process is to distill the thoughts, feelings, hopes and aims that we have heard from you, and turn it into the language of our vision statement. We invite you to attend one or more of the following open meetings to share your thoughts about the draft or drafts we create: 
Sunday, May 3 at 11:45 AM 
Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 AM 
Sunday, May 17 at 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM
Next Sunday at 10:30 AM 
May 10:  Love, Family and Meaning
Service Leader:  Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
In honor of Mother's Day, we explore how love, not just as parents, but in the con-text of relationship and family, can lead to greater meaning in our lives.  

Starting Point
Sunday, May 10, at 9:45 AM in the Lobby
Meet a Welcoming Ministry representative Kristina Benner and our Children's Ministry Director, Anne Byrne, in the front foyer at 9:45 AM for a brief tour of our campus. You will have a chance to learn about our programs and ask questions in this informal introduction to UUCP. No sign up. Just show up!

Upcoming Classes and Events
Take Our Annual Congregation Survey
Please complete the survey by May 17
enterkey.jpg We are excited to once again present to you the Annual Congregational Survey. We would love to hear from you! This survey provides valuable feedback and reflection about the ministries at UUCP. The Annual Survey is a tool we are using to evaluate our Strategic Ends as well as create a baseline to track changes and improvements over time.

The survey should take 10 - 15 minutes to complete. Thank you very much for your time and your input! The deadline for completing the survey is Sunday, May 17, 2015.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the office at 602-840-8400 x200.
Traveling 2nd Fridays Visits Rwanda
Friday, May 8, at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary
Dave Bellma and a Traditional Kings Cow
Join us May 8 at 7:00 PM to hear Nancy McCharen and Dave Bellama explore Rwanda. You will see  Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, a modern, well-run African city where the entire country stops and works together in community service, and the tributes to the victims of the 1994 genocide, reminders to all that must never happen again. Call Barbara Cawthorne at (480) 994-1452 with questions. Everyone is welcome. 
The Generosity Path:  Finding the Richness in Giving
Sundays, May 31 - June 28, 2015 at 9:00 AM
"Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know that I am moving from fear to love."  - Henri J. M. Nouwen 
Throughout April, we explored the concept of generosity. Now, facilitators Diana Ashley and Heidi Parmenter offer the opportunity to explore your own spiritual practice of generosity with your time, talent, and treasure through small group discussion. 
Memorial Day Camping Weekend at SAWUURA
Friday, May 22, to Monday, May 25
SAWUURA is our own UU 100-acre woods in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness near Young, AZ (about 4 hours drive from Phoenix). Join dozens of other UUs Memorial Day weekend for a relaxing weekend under the stars. Disconnect from your phones, computers and TVs and share meals, hikes, music and laughter with other nature-lovers. Meals are provided with the cost of registration, just bring snacks, drinks, and camping gear. Registration Fees:  $45 per adult ($35 for SAWUURA members) and $25 per child. Registration Due Date:  Monday, May 18. Registration forms available online. For more info please email Heidi or call 602-840-8400 ext. 202.
General Assembly
June 24-28
UUA General Assembly 2015 "Building a New Way" will be in Portland, OR  on June 24-28. An application for anyone interested in serving as a delegate from UUCP is available below.