This Sunday, March 13
Give It Up For Hope
Service Leader:  Emrys Staton
Sunday, March 13 at 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
How do we help create the conditions for hope? In the realm of social justice, there are concrete proposals for how things need to change, but these are often held up because of a desire to hold onto certain things the way they are. Challenging this clinging opens a path towards hope.
Share the Plate with International Rescue Committee
Sunday, March 13 at 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
The IRC of Phoenix gives financial, educational and settlement assistance to the refugees in our community. We are all aware of the overwhelming refugee crisis worldwide and here is our opportunity to aid those here in our community. The share the plate funds will go to an emergency fund for refugees who because of medical issues or domestic abuse are not able to work. Join us for the field trip on March 25 to the IRC office.
Q&A with Rev. Susan and Board President Glen Lockwood
Sunday, March 13 at 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary
Our minister, Rev. Susan, is entering the race for President of the Unitarian Universalist Association.  Join Susan and Board President, Glen Lockwood, for this opportunity to ask questions about the process and share reflections. 
Starting Point Tour
Sunday, March 13 at 10:45 AM, Foyer
Meet a representative of our Membership Committee and our Children's Ministry program in the front foyer at 10:45 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!
Next Sunday, March 20
Multigenerational Flower Communion Service
Service Leader:  Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Sunday, March 20 at 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
The Flower Communion is a traditional Unitarian Universalist celebration of life, equality and freedom. Everyone is invited to bring a flower to this service. Celebrate Spring in the desert, UU history and a compelling vision of Unitarian Universalism today.
Upcoming Classes and Events
Landscape Cleanup Day
Saturday, March 12 from 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join Curtiss Manker-Seale, Emrys and Heidi for a morning (7-11 AM on 3/12) cleaning up the landscaping on the north side of the sanctuary and along Lincoln Drive. Please bring yard tools, such as rakes, hoes and shovels. Everyone welcome. 

Questions/Comments: Call Curtiss at 520-982-3984.
Traveling 2nd Fridays
Friday, March 11 at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary
On Friday, March 11, at 7:00 PM come to a 1-hour presentation with Jan Kaplan on ICELAND.  For centuries explorers and adventurers have been drawn to the volcanic peaks, thundering waterfalls, and vast icecaps of wondrous Iceland. Experience the same awe as the Vikings, seeing us hike through the spectacular national parks and dramatic landscapes of this ruggedly beautiful North Atlantic island. Starting in Reykjavik, we  traveled along the southern coast, visiting several national parks. Call Barbara with    questions 480-994-1452.
UUJAZ Border Trip
Friday April 1 - Saturday April 2
This is an opportunity to be led by UU Amado members to visit the Mexico/Arizona border to learn firsthand about the immigration crisis.
Rally at the State Capital
Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 AM
All are invited to the State Capitol (1700 W Washington St) for a rally and protest against a slate of new bills targeting immigrants and refugees in Arizona. A large coalition, including Puente, wants to send a clear message to our legislators and governor: No more hateful and discriminatory laws! 
Open Small Group
Thursday, March 17 at 7:00 PM, Annex H
The Third Thursday Small Group Ministry (SGM) is a drop-in group so that people who are not able to commit to a group all the time can come when they are able. It is also for those who are new to SGMs and would like to try it out. We welcome and encourage newcomers all the time. Some of our participants enjoy coming every session and we encourage this too. For more information, contact Mike Sheffer at 702-353-0980 or email him below. 
We are looking for GA Delegates
You can represent UUCP as a Delegate at General Assembly 2016 "Heart Land: Were Faiths Connect," from June 22-26 in Columbus, Ohio! It is an opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with other UUs, and deepen your spirit. Delegate application deadlines: March 15th for scholarships & April 15th for early registration.

GA Delegate Application
Community Night
Thursday, March 17, at 6:00 PM, Johnson Room
Join us for dinner and conversation starting at 6:00 PM. We will provide the main dish (including a vegetarian option) and a side dish. If you are able, bring a side dish or dessert to share. Chalice Kids will start at 6:30 PM and we have activities planned for all the kids. The suggested donation is $5/adult, $2/children under 10, $10/family. Email Kristina Benner below for more information.

6:00 PM:  St. Patrick's Day:  Corned Beef and Cabbage with Irish Soda Bread and Quinoa Salad
6:30 PM:  Chalice Kids 
7:00 PM:  Drop-In Small Group
ASU Prof. Stephen Marc coming to UUCP
Friday, March 18th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Photographer, author and lecturer  ASU Professor Stephen Marc's photography can be seen at the Tempe Historical Museum as well as in our Sanctuary as part of the Diverse Artists Collective of Arizona show. He has published three photography books and was part of the Network to Freedom project: Passage on the Underground Railroad. Be ready to be entertained, informed, and surprised as Stephen shares slides and stories about the many social action events, places and people he has photographed. From Senators to bikers Stephen manages to get people to talk to him using his wit and gift of gab.  Don't miss this opportunity. 
International Rescue Committee Field Trip
Friday, March 25, Noon
UUCP's Refugee Assistance Program (RAP) has scheduled a field trip to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) office on March 25 from 1:00 to 3:00.
UUCP partners with this refugee resettlement agency to offer assistance to newly arrived refugees. Come see the facility and learn about volunteer opportunities. Carpool leaves from UUCP at 12:00. To ask questions and to sign up, contact Libby Walker below.
2016 District Assembly & Annual Meeting

Theme: Draw the Circle Wider:  The Prophethood of All Believers
Friday, April 29 & Saturday, April 30, 2016 
Registration opens online February 15 at www.pswduua.org  Join 300+ Unitarian Universalists for our annual celebratory gathering. Worship,       workshops, awards, business meeting, bridging ceremony for high school seniors and conversations with UUs from all over the Pacific Southwest District. Bring your congregational banner!
General Assembly 2016
Theme: Heart Land: Where Faiths Connect

Dates: June 22-26, 2016

Location: Columbus, OH
Registration opens online March 1 at www.uua.org.
The faith world is increasingly multifaith. People are crossing borders of religion and spiritual practice to create wholeness in their lives individually and collectively. The labels-Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, theist and non-theist-no longer define who or what we love, or how spirit moves in our lives. General Assembly 2016 in Columbus Ohio will assemble leaders and communities of many faiths to worship together, learn from one another, and create a new vision of faith that no longer divides us, but connects us to an interdependent future that works for all.