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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northwest Tucson
3601 West Cromwell Drive, Tucson, Arizona
Living Green / Reaching Out
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December's Liturgical Theme: GIFTS
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SUNDAY SERVICES
10:30 am
Children & Youth
Religious Education
10:30 am
Minister
Ron Phares
rdphares@gmail.com
579-7094
Office Hours:
M,T,Th -- 1:30 to 4:30
Director of
Religious Education
Donna Pratt 441-0870
mklo@earthlink.net
Choir Director
L. H. Brown
579-7094
lbrownvh@yahoo.com
Congregational
Administrator
Donna Pratt 579-7094, 406-5121, (cell) 441-0870
office@uucnwt.org
Office Hours:
8 am - 1 pm MWF
Newsletter Editors John and Margaret Fleming
888-7059
margefleming@earthlink.net
Deadlines: 12th & 24th
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Board of Trustees
President:
Betty Meikle
1st Vice President:
Sybelle van Erven
2nd Vice President:
Jan Anderson
Secretary:
Elizabeth Reed
Treasurer:
Larry Jagnow
Trustees:
Jim Gessaman
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Circle of Life
Our thoughts and prayers go out to:
Paula Trahan, whose mother died December 11, surrounded by her family.
Jean Kratsch and Roy Powley, who are both battling cancer again.
Doreen Randall and Harry Randall have both passed on. Services will be in spring in Northern California. Donna has their daughter's address for anyone interested in attending.
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Readers, Take Note
It really is there.
Certain software programs often cut off the end of the newsletter, which is not displayed unless the user clicks a button at the bottom of the first posting that says,
"SHOW ENTIRE MESSAGE"
This month there are a number of full-width articles at the end, including the President's Column. So be sure to read them all.
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Greeters Needed
Here's an opportunity to meet a new people on Sunday mornings. We currently need friendly people to serve year-round or part of the year as regular or substitute Greeters. Don't worry that our standards might be too high. A few minutes of training is all that's needed for you to join the ranks of the GREETERS.
To explore further please email Jane Paul at janerpaul@yahoo.com or phone at 520-572-2011.
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Charity of the Month
The Green Basket Charity for December is the Pima Council on Aging.
PCOA's mission is to promote dignity and respect for aging, and to advocate for independence in the lives of Pima County's older adults and their families now and for generations to come. www.pcoa.org
Please remember to make checks out to MVUU and put the name of the charity in the memo line.
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Announcements
If you would like to submit an item for publication
in the Newsletter, Friday eFlash or the Sunday Announcement Sheet, please send it to Publications@uucnwt.org. (We are no longer using the oos@uucnwt.org address.)
Announcements for the eFlash and Sunday Announcement Sheet should be submitted by 12 noon on Wednesday.
The Newsletter deadlines are the 12th and 24th of each month.
Pulpit announcements will be limited to activities taking place that Sunday.
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Guest at Your Table
The UUSC traditional holiday fundraiser Guest at Your Table (GAYT) is in full swing. Envelopes, boxes and informational materials will be available at the Social Action and Justice Corner, west side of the Goldblatt building.
The GAYT fundraiser will end on December 31st. All GAYT boxes should be turned into Emily no later than Sunday, January 6th.
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Time and Talent Team
Please visit the new info booth!
Please visit Stewardship's Time and Talent Team on Sunday. The table will be filled with information for persons wishing to learn about MVUU and all we have available to offer. The table will be by the entrance to the Goldblatt Building.
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Café Justo 
Order your Café Justo--the Coffee for Social Justice and Ethical Drinking too!
This coffee is fair traded plus shade and organically grown. To learn more about Café Justo and view what's available, go to http://justcoffee.org
To place your order, contact Elizabeth at 520-269-3414 or reedeliz@gmail.com
Once you order, you will be contacted each month for your next order.
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Social Action Corner Relocated
Social Action/Justice Information Corner has relocated to the west side of the Goldblatt Bldg. Please stop by to engage in conversation, get news, pick up free handouts, flyers, materials, buy UU books, and items relating to worldwide social action justice issues. Learn what we are doing here at MVUU, the UUA, UU churches elsewhere as well as in the Tucson community re these issues. Looking forward to visits from every one of you from time to time.
Emily Ricketts & Susan Glen
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Media Matters
Our media team is shaping up. Mike Brennan, Jim Gessaman, Wally Gerrard, and Darcey Spears are all on board. If you need media services for recording or projection, see John or one of them well in advance.
Sher Hakes is a website apprentice, but we could still use one or two more. If you would like to learn how to create, edit, and maintain a website, contact John Fleming at 888-7059 or elfuturo@earthlink.net.
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Spiritual Exploration by Sybelle van Erven
Here are some coming offerings for adult religious education.
"Doctrine of Discovery and Corporate Prisons," planned by Chuck Tatum. It will be offered on Wednesday evenings. "Issues of Reproductive Justice." Look for more information in the near future.
I hope to hear from many of you with ideas and plans and questions. I can be reached by phone (471-3557) or email (UUSybelle@gmail.com).
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High Tea Feb. 23
High tea anyone? This was sold as part of the auction and there are still spaces available. For $10 per person (payable to MVUU) you can join in this fun event, which will feature small sandwiches, sweets, scones, etc. and of course a variety of teas. This event is put on by Bibiana and Ali. If you want to come send an email to Bibiana at UUBibiana@gmail.com.
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Aluminum Cans
Please bring your empty aluminum cans to church and place in the special bin. Proceeds from cans go to the Camp de Benneville Pines Scholarship Fund. Thank you to Emily Ricketts for sponsoring this worthwhile project.
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Did You Know?
There is a Global Chant Group, Crones of the Northwest Group, AA group, Wise Women Drummers, and a Tucson Women's Chorus Group that meet regularly in the Fireside Room? The groups rent our facility, but the events are open to anyone. Please check the MVUU calendar for dates and times, or email office@uucnwt.org for more info.
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Immigration Justice
Immigration justice is complex and multifaceted.
In order to help us better understand and engage it, the UUA and UUSC have supplied print and video resources as well as organizing tools. We also participated in a tremendous range of workshops and presentations during our Justice General Assembly in Phoenix, Ariz.
All of these have helped us deepen our work for immigration justice, as individuals and congregations. And yet sometimes the most powerful thing we can do to strengthen our own justice efforts is to go and see for ourselves.
The UU College of Social Justice [UUCSJ] offers two BorderLinks journeys this year: February 1-4 and May 24-27, 2013. These explorations are grounded in spiritual reflection and our Unitarian Universalist commitment to the long work of justice. Join us on a BorderLinks journey. Inspire yourself for the work of immigration justice.
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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
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WhaleCoast Alaska Summer 2013
Have you always dreamed of visiting Alaska? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2013 is for you! Four Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer! See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka with friendly homestays and unique tour activities.
See wildlife, including moose, bear, whales, bald eagles, seals, and caribou. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer. Programs led by Dave Frey, a member of the Fairbanks, Alaska UU congregation, an expert in Alaska travel.
To find out more about your Alaskan trip of a lifetime, visit www.WhaleCoastAK.org, email dfrey@whalecoastak.org, or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaska with you!
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Save the Date: April 26-28
This year we will experience another new way of meeting as UUs, April 26-28 we will go to San Jose for the first Regional Assembly for the Pacific Western Region. Our PSWD/deBenneville Pines annual meeting will be held as part of this event. So save the date to join with Unitarian Universalists from across the west.
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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.
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School Tax Credit Time--NOW
Since 2008, members of the Congregation have pooled their Arizona School Tax Credit entitlements and contributed them to two elementary schools in the Flowing Wells School District. The two schools are Davis and Laguna which are located south of the Church. The contribution limits are $200 for a single person or $400 for a couple. These contributions will entitle you to an Arizona tax credit, not just a deduction, to apply to your 2012 Arizona tax liability.
If you would like to participate, please give your check to Steve Weatherspoon at the 12/16 service. Checks need to be made out to "Flowing Wells School District," and Steve will fill out the necessary form and provide a copy of that to you for your records. Since 2008 these contributions have totaled more than $16,000 to these two schools. The money is used to support various extracurricular activities that would not be possible without these contributions.
Please join us in this collective effort while at the same time giving you a tax credit. Thank you very much.
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New Year's Goals Workshop Jan. 3-4
Thursday, January 3, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday, January 5, 10 am - 4 pm
Let this first time in Tucson New Year's Goals Workshop give you what it has given hundreds of others: a personal mission statement to which participants say they constantly refer, New Year's goals flowing from your mission statement, and daily practices to help you meet those goals.
Explore integral personal development in inner, outer, personal and social areas, and on four levels: needy responder, successful conformist, reflective individualist and spiritually mature conscient.
Purpose and goals flow easily from this encompassing vista!
The workshop is dynamic and rich, with time for both serene, personal reflection and engaging group interaction. Sharing is voluntary. A detailed workbook is included. Bring your daily planners.
For more info, please email office@uucnwt.org
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Family Friendly Dinner January 5
 At the auction a dinner was sold that still has space available. Many of our families with younger children were not at the auction, which is why we are letting you know here. We will have Greek and Italian food (and kid- friendly food for sure). Childcare, if needed, will be provided by Bibiana, Ali, and Shaylor. After we eat, we will play board games and we may have karaoke. It is sure to be a fun time! If you'd like to join us, please contact Sybelle UUSybelle@gmail.com or Lara Larabuggy3@gmail.com. The price is $10 for persons over 12. Those younger eat free. This is payable to MVUU (as part of the auction fundraiser).
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MVUU Adult RE Discussion Group: "Race and Ethnicity" Begins Jan. 9
Monthly from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday for the next several months beginning on January 9. In addition, Anne Leonard will lead a discussion of the book, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, on Saturday, February 16 from 9 -11 AM in the Sanctuary. Facilitated by: Anne Leonard, Ron Phares, Chuck Tatum, Sybelle van Erven. For more information contact Chuck Tatum (ctatum@email.arizona.edu)
Drawing a wide range of sources (books, book excerpts, videos, articles), this adult RE discussion group on "Race and Ethnicity" will focus on the ways of categorizing people and populations along racial, ethnic, and cultural lines. Traditionally, race has been used to designate genetically related human groups whose physical characteristics are inherited and transmitted physiologically, while ethnicity has been applied to shared cultural practices and customs that are learned and acquired socially among people living in identifiable human groups. Also learned and acquired through human interaction, culture refers to such learned and socially constructed systems as language, religion, food and cooking, clothing, arts and crafts, sports, etc.
The group will begin with a discussion of "Race: The Power of an Illusion," a three-part documentary series produced by California Newsreel and shown on PBS several years ago. Some of the broad topics that we are proposing to discuss are: the history and evolution of the concept of the "savage" in Western civilization; the Doctrine of Discovery that the recent GA in Phoenix has identified as a study topic for UU congregations during the current year; popular--and highly erroneous--myths about the New World prior to the arrival of the Portuguese, the Spanish, and other colonial powers; the social construction of "blackness" in U.S. society; the new Jim Crow and our massive prison population; the rise of the privatized prison industry in Arizona and elsewhere; and negative attitudes towards immigrants as a manifestation of racial and ethnic prejudice.
A special session will be held for the book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander, which has been selected as the 2012-13 Unitarian Universalist Association Common Read. We are forming a group to discuss this book following the UUA discussion guide. Anne Leonard will be the discussion facilitator. This is a very thought provoking book. Ms. Alexander explores the use of the drug war and imprisonment as an instrument of maintaining an "underclass" of primarily African Americans, but others as well, in poverty. For more information contact Anne at anne@alartworks.com, or by phone: 825-3449.
Other suggested readings:
- excerpts from Savage Anxieties: The Invention of Western Civilization by Robert A. Williams, Jr., a professor of law in the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program at the University of Arizona.
- documents related to the Doctrine of Discovery such as papal bulls and decrees, the Treaty of Tordesillas, U.S. Supreme Court decisions heavily influenced by the Doctrine
- excerpts from 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann
- the Monroe Doctrine and the concept of Manifest Destiny
- excerpts from The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America by Khalil Gibran Muhammad who is Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library.
- excerpts from Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America by Juan González.
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Jim Scott to Be Featured on January 13
Jim Scott, a UU composer, poet, performer and activist, will be featured in the service on January 13, and will give a concert after lunch. The concert is free, but donations will be welcomed.
Jim has brought his contemporary and multicultural music to more than 500 UU Churches over 27 years. His much loved "Gather the Spirit" and a number of others are included in the UU hymnbooks. Former Co-chair of the UU Ministry for the Earth, Jim was involved in creating the "Green Sanctuary" program. He was awarded a grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism to compile and arrange the Earth and Spirit Songbook, a collection of over 100 songs of earth and peace that has been acclaimed as a great resource for worship and RE programs.
In concerts and Sunday services, Jim speaks with passion on ecology, justice and peace. His lyrical poetry and stories are calls to action, full of hope and gentle wit. In his years with the Paul Winter Consort, Jim co-wrote their celebrated "Missa Gaia/Earth Mass" and sang their signature song, "Common Ground." His eco-anthem, "A Song for the Earth," was recorded at the United Nations.
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Path to Membership
Our next Path to Membership classes will be held for three consecutive Monday evenings: January 14, 21, and 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be plenty of stimulating conversation and good company. We will learn about Unitarian Universalist history (which really is fascinating), theology, and the concept and practice of covenant. And most importantly, true to the Unitarian Universalist way of doing things, these classes are in large part based on the participants. We hope to learn something about ourselves and each other.
Please come if you are...
* Curious about the Unitarian Universalist faith, its history, and this congregation
* Considering becoming a member (there's no obligation)
* A committed UU, but new to Mountain Vista
Ron Phares will lead the group on January 14th and 21st. On January 28th, leaders will answer your questions and also provide overviews of activities, church operations, stewardship, and membership.
Participating is an enjoyable way to meet other newcomers, form friendships, and learn. All are welcome. Those who may choose to join our congregation at this time would join us at a new member ceremony and signing of "the book" on Sunday February 10.
The first two sessions will be held at Jane Paul's home at 9922 N. Sumter Creek Place (near Linda Vista and Camino de Oeste). The last session will be held at the church.
To participate, or if you have questions, contact Jane Paul, Chair of Membership, at janerpaul47@gmail.com or 520-572-2011.
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Primavera Homeless Memorial December 19
Hello Volunteers and Partners,
Every year too many members of our community living on the street die. They die of cold, of ill-health, or they are murdered in unprovoked hate crimes. Their deaths go unmarked by society. Many local organizations work to give voice to those who live on the streets and in our desert washes.
Primavera Foundation's 2012 Homeless Memorial will be held close to the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Join us on Wednesday, December 19, 4:00 - 5:30 pm at Evergreen Cemetery County Plot at Oracle and Fort Lowell.
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Religious Education News
Sunday, December 16th-- Regular RE Classes
The Tiger Class (K-4th grade) will be exploring UU principle #1, the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The teacher is Anne Tatum, with Robyn Pratt assisting.
 The TAMS (5th-8th graders) will be exploring Hanukkah. Margaret Fleming will be assisted by Erica Ponder-Gilby in the classroom.
YRUU students will be doing a service project at Pima Animal Care Center
Sunday, December 23rd-- Regular RE Classes
Monday, December 24th-- Christmas Eve Service, Nursery care provided
Sunday, December 30th-- Regular RE Classes
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If you have any questions, please call Donna, the Director of Religious Ed, at (520) 441-0870 or email her at cdpratt1@live.com
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Weekly Activities
Sundays, 8:30 am, Book Discussion Group
Through January 20 we will be discussing The Righteous Mind, a new book by moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In this book Haidt explores the origins of morality and how they lead to our political and religious divisions. He also points the way to mutual understanding.
Please join us. For more information contact John Clark at alvinjclark@aol.com.
Mondays, 6:30 pm, MVUU Growth Conversation and Bookclub
You are invited to a conversation/book group, MVUU Growth Conversation and Bookclub (MVUU GCB). Our aim is continued learning in subjects that enhance congregational vitality. Subjects include stewardship, leadership, membership, community building, development (strategic) planning, ministry, or--in two words--institutional growth. We see this group as leadership training but it is also aimed at members who are not yet leaders but are interested in growing, and cultivating MVUU as an institution and understanding more deeply what it means to be a member of this community.
How: Your participation is encouraged at any level. The least involved is to get on our email list and receive emails informing you of our weekly meetings, the books we have read and are reading, and summaries of each meeting. The next step up is to come to the 1 ˝ hour meetings and add your thoughts and questions to the conversation without reading the material. The use of the word "conversation" in the name prior to "bookclub" is intentional. You do not need to read the material in order to show up and add to our continued learning and growth. Want the ultimate experience? Show up and read the books or articles or watch the videos that we as group select. Is it ok to just pop in when you can but not commit to making it every week? YES.
When and Where: Currently we meet on Monday evenings 6:30-8:00 pm at the church.
What: December 3 we will begin our conversation about More Than Numbers: The Ways Churches Grow by Loren B. Mead.
Looking forward to the conversation and growth,
Tom Bunch (797-2725, sparky9132000@yahoo.com)
Tuesdays, 12:00 noon, Bridge Club
Wednesdays, 9:30 am, Writers' Workshop
Anyone interested in writing is invited to join the Writers' Workshop on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 12:00. Participants share their writing, critique each others' work, and offer suggestions for such aspects of writing as plot development, organization, tightening, and word choice. Come any time for one session or a series of sessions. If you have writing to be critiqued, please bring 10 copies--no more than 3 pages.
For more information, contact Margaret Fleming at 888-7059 or margefleming@earthlink.net.
Thursdays, 6:45 pm, Tucson Women's Chorus
Thursdays, 7:00 pm, Choir Practice
Saturdays, 6:30 pm, AA Beginners Meeting
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Bi-Monthly Activities
1st and 3rd Mondays, 6:30 pm, Global Chant Group
1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30-6:00 pm, Grief Support
For members of the GLBTQ Community, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, 4831 E 22nd Street, Tucson. This is an informal and relaxed group for anyone grieving a loss of any kind, no matter how long ago it was. We are sponsored by TMC Hospice. Before attending, please call Karla Brockie 269-9573.
1st and 3rd (and 5th) Fridays, 6:30 pm, Women's Circle
2nd and 4th Fridays, 6:30 pm, Spirit Circle
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Monthly Activities
Bookaholics Unanimous December 19
December 19, the group will meet for dinner at 6 pm at the Macaroni Grill at Ina and La Cholla. All are invited.
In January we'll change our meeting times to the last Monday of each month. Upcoming reads: January 28th: Death Comes to Pemberley by P. D. James; February 25th: Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo; March 25th: Canada by Richard Ford. Naked or not, we've got you covered.
Contact: Elaine at azbooklover@comcast.net or 290-1026
First Friday Hike January 4
We will meet at the Red Hills Visitor's Center in the Saguaro National Park West at 10 am. The park is located near Picture Rocks on Kinney Road. Follow the signs.
If you have a Golden Age passport, please bring it!
We will see a 15 minute slide presentation about the saguaros,
then drive to the trail head, go for a short easy walk at the valley view overlook, then drive to the Signal Hill Trail for a short walk up to the petroglyphs.
We will then have lunch in the adjacent picnic area. Bring your own brown bag. Wear weather appropriate clothing, good walking shoes, water, and bring a snack.Walking sticks are recommended.
If you have any questions, or suggestions for future hikes, please contact Hobie Denny, hobied@gmail.com or 253-857-5171
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Animal Ministry Kickoff January 26
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MVUU'S Animal Ministry Chapter is hosting an exciting kick-off event! On Saturday January 26th we will host a movie at 4:00PM in the sanctuary followed by a pot-luck dinner. The movie is the highly rated "Peaceable Kingdom-the Journey Home." This movie has won numerous awards from the Animal Kingdom including "Best movie in a language of another species" and "Most creative Use of cow chips." Animals themselves give it rave reviews including "Until now I didn't know what a pork chop was" from a pig.
Reviews from the human species are no less laudatory. Janice Stanger, an Amazon reviewer: "The movie interweaves the stories of people who used to raise animals for profit, then were profoundly transformed by the animals themselves. The animal stars can bring you to the realization that the greatest role of chickens, pigs, goats, cows, sheep, and turkeys in your life is as loving companions."
In keeping with the UUAM's "Reverence for Life" we request that your pot-luck dishes be plant-based.
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UUA Common Read February 16
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The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander has been selected as the 2012-13 Unitarian Universalist Association Common Read. We are forming a group to discuss this book following the UUA discussion guide.
The discussion will take place on a Saturday morning, February 16 from 9 to 11 am in the Sanctuary. This date will give ample time to purchase and read the book. Anne Leonard will be the discussion facilitator.
The books can be ordered through the UUA for $19.95. If we can get a group order there will be a discount. Please let Anne know if you want to participate and if you would like to get in on the group order. She will need to know about the group order by December 15. Contact Anne at anne@alartworks.com, or by phone: 825-3449.
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Finding Heart
 New Finding Heart Groups begin in January and February. Signups will be after services in December for these groups or contact Elizabeth Reed at 520-269-3414 or reedeliz@gmail.com:
New Groups Starting in January 2013
- Reflecting on Sunday's Sermon. Tuesdays 10 am to noon. Small RE Room, beginning January 8
- Aging--Friend or Foe. Tuesdays 1 - 3 pm Large RE Room, beginning January 8
- Heart-to-Heart. Wednesdays 10 am - noon. Small RE Room, beginning January 9
- Welcoming Snowbirds. TBD
- Finding Heart and Soul through Dreams and Poetry. Thursdays 6:30 - 8 pm, beginning February 7
- Games-Brain Exercises Thursdays 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Fireside Room
- Women of All Ages Gathering Together. TBD
Right now you may "drop in" to this group--no signup necessary:
- Join in Music--All ages welcome--don't need an instrument or singing ability. Tuesdays 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
These groups provide a meaningful way to get to know congregation members and friends better by sharing and laughing together and working on a small service project to benefit our congregation or community.
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Ambiance Committee Needs Help
The committee is developing an inventory of the artworks, including banners and certificates, that the congregation owns. It turns out that several people have been keeping items for safekeeping. The plan is to gather all the artwork that the church should be responsible for and arrange for their display or safe storage.
We have also published criteria for accepting artwork that members may wish to donate to the church. In the long run we would arrange for their display along two walls of the sanctuary, alternating shows as we get enough items to display.
If you have some item or items that you have been keeping for the church, or if you wish to donate an art item, contact Anne Leonard: e-mail, anne@alartworks.com, or phone, 825-3449.
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Endowment Update
The Endowment Fund received $120 recently in honor of Leon Bennet-Alder on his 90th birthday, gifts from family and friends. Leon was a member of the original committee that founded the Endowment Fund and the Endowment Committee in 2000, so the gifts are especially fitting! Thank you!
The current Endowment Committee, Pat Desai, Gary Kern, Anne Tatum (chair), Clare Toth and David Hatunen, will share more information and details in the months ahead.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund, whether simply gifts, "in honor of" or "in memory of" those who are special to us, can be made at any time. Checks can be made out to "Unitarian Universalist Congregation" with the word Endowment in the memo line.
The Endowment Committee
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MVUU Growth Conversation and Bookclub
You are invited to a conversation/book group, MVUU Growth Conversation and Bookclub (MVUU GCB). Our aim is continued learning in subjects that enhance congregational vitality. Subjects include stewardship, leadership, membership, community building, development (strategic) planning, ministry, or--in two words--institutional growth. We see this group as leadership training but it is also aimed at members who are not yet leaders but are interested in growing, and cultivating MVUU as an institution and understanding more deeply what it means to be a member of this community.
How: Your participation is encouraged at any level. The least involved is to get on our email list and receive emails informing you of our weekly meetings, the books we have read and are reading, and summaries of each meeting. The next step up is to come to the 1 ˝ hour meetings and add your thoughts and questions to the conversation without reading the material. The use of the word "conversation" in the name prior to "bookclub" is intentional. You do not need to read the material in order to show up and add to our continued learning and growth. Want the ultimate experience? Show up and read the books or articles or watch the videos that we as group select. Is it ok to just pop in when you can but not commit to making it every week? YES.
When and Where: Currently we meet on Monday evenings 6:30-8:00 pm at the church.
What: December 3 we began our conversation about More Than Numbers: The Ways Churches Grow by Loren B. Mead.
Looking forward to the conversation and growth,
Tom Bunch (797-2725, sparky9132000@yahoo.com)
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Welcome Our Newest New Members
Kaaren Boothroyd 
Kaaren, a native Californian, spouse of T.J., mother of Angie and Peter (living in London and California, respectively), took English-Women's Studies degrees from Pitzer College, Claremont, CA, and worked as a nonprofit administrator. She moved to Tucson in 2006 to take a position as Executive Director of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, a professional society that provides education, networking, and advocacy for 2,000 members across the country. Her previous professional life includes serving as executive director in other nonprofits (an arts council, historical society, and Hospice); and owning an export company doing business in the former Soviet Union.
Her interests include all the arts-literature, theatre, visual arts, and music. In her lifetime, she has experimented with writing, sculpture, and paper-making. She loves Tucson for the landscape and weather that allows them to walk, hike, and/or swim almost all year round. In addition to the land, she is drawn to the native cultures and customs of the region; all these connections enrich, comfort, inspire, and ground her in a place that really feels like home.
 Kimberly Brown
Kimberly, who is originally from Rochester, NY, moved to Tucson recently from New Orleans, LA. She is a lover of new beginnings, so after working as a diversity educator and a transformative mediation practitioner, she is happy to continue her life journey as a member of MVUU.
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--ATTENTION--
New Information on
Alternative Giving Project #2 for ICS
1) MVUU volunteers stand ready to help you fill out your Alternative Gifts International 2012 form, choosing from 30 projects that you can donate to that help those in great need, for as little as $1 or as much as $55, if you wish! We will have holiday greeting cards and inserts for you to choose from to honor loved ones with your humanitarian gifts.
2) For Interfaith Community Services (ICS): We've decided to revise our plan for this year. Because the "Adopt a Family" project did not receive sufficient preliminary education at MVUU, we are cancelling that project this year.
Instead, Here Are Two Other Great Ways to Help ICS at This Holiday Season
- For the $20 Gift Card Drive, please sign up at our table for the number of $20 gift cards from Fry's Super Market that you would like to donate. Turn in your check, made out to "Fry's Super Market," to Debbie or Jim through Sunday, December 16. We will call Fry's Corporate Office and request the correct total number of gift cards, along with the "No alcohol, no tobacco" stickers, which we'll pay for with your checks and pick up at Fry's on Ina and Thornydale. Jim and I will attach the stickers and personally deliver all gift card donations to ICS for you, and they will reiterate
to clients the "no alcohol, no tobacco" message.
- New ICS Project Added: We have learned that ICS has great need of female personal hygiene products and diapers of all brands and sizes. If you'd like to choose this new alternative, please purchase whatever you can of these products, and bring them to MVUU by Sunday, December 16. We will then contact ICS for pick-up of your gifts here at MVUU.
Concerning the above changes, feel free to phone Gessamans at 572-6713 with any questions, or email us at gessaman@biology.usu.edu.
"Every great change in individual and social conditions begins small, among simple, earnest people, face to face with the facts of life. Ask yourselves seriously, 'Why should not the coming change begin with us?'" Kevin Baker, from his novel Dreamland (1999)
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Volunteers of the Month
Ron and Betty Meikle 
Ron and Betty have been members of our congregation for years and have served in many different roles. Ron has been Treasurer several different times. He also served two terms as President. Betty has been on the Board and been Vice President for Congregational Life, and now she is President. Is this a good omen for Hillary Clinton?
Betty, a musician with a beautiful voice, organized and directed a Children's Choir soon after she first came. She has been on the Membership Committee, the Communications Committee, the Interim Search Committee, and the Search Committee for our permanent minister. She helped formulate the Covenant of Right Relations, and has been active in several Finding Heart Groups. It was she who started the Worship Associates program, and she served as one for several years, before resigning to go on to one of her many other activities. One of these is the Community Garden, which Betty was instrumental in getting started on our north campus.
 In addition to his terms as Treasurer and President, Ron has been active in more concrete forms of service. When we were investigating the status of our Sanctuary Building, he actually crawled underneath it to see if the wheels had been left on the modules, a key factor in determining if the building was real estate or personal property. Ron has been a major player on the Buildings and Grounds Committee for years, helping to build and repair fences, install appliances, do maintenance, and repair various infrastructure projects. He can always be counted on to participate in work parties. He was a Mentor in the Coming of Age program two years ago, and has been a facilitator for YRUU.
Betty and Ron often entertain church members and friends at their home with large dinner parties, where fun and fellowship prevail. They contribute so much to our congregation in so many ways. We are fortunate to have them.
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Stewardship Conversations
Vision
The Stewardship Committee's 5-year vision is:
To significantly enhance the appreciation for, and existence of, the connections (heart-mind-actions) that exist between members and friends and this institution, at all levels. In practical, measurable terms, this increase in connections will be at least 50% and will be reflected by our financial giving levels.
The increased heart-mind-actions connections are a definition of growth and loving. These are too numerous and nuanced to list or explore in a vision statement.
The 50% increase in total* annual financial giving levels will empower MVUU to:
1. Be secure in our ability to pay needed staff reasonable wages, thereby giving them the security to focus their energies on fulfilling the mission of MVUU#.
2. Honor our associations with UUA and PSWD, thereby enhancing individuals and our institution through deeper connections with the worldwide Unitarian Universalist Community.
3. Fund our programs so that they are challenged to do important work serving our mission#, rather than urgent tasks required to just scrape by.
4. Be positioned to make mature choices and move realistically and confidently forward to meet the facility needs of our congregation.
* Moneys received from annual Financial Commitments (pledges), Joyful Giving, and bequests.
# To welcome, care for, and inspire those among us and beyond our walls, we
- Encourage freedom of thought and belief
- Respect differences and celebrate diversity
- Promote positive change in the world
We, in Stewardship, look forward to working and connecting with all of you to realize this vision.
Please address comments on this article or contribute your own Stewardship story to any member of the Stewardship committee, or its chairperson, Tom Bunch. Email Tom at sparky9132000@yahoo.com
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Liturgical Theme for December: GIFTS
Sunday, December 16
"Feeling Good: a Gift of the Season to Yourself"
Jeanie Underwood
According to Debra Strangl, founder of Sedona Soul Adventures, you only have to feel good 51% of the time in order to transform your experience of life! Some people don't have any trouble with this; others struggle. In her talk, Jeanie will share information and several techniques to help bring about this state.
Jeanie Underwood returned to her home town of Tucson, AZ, two years ago. Prior to that, she was a psychotherapist in Bakersfield, CA, where she lived for 32 years. Currently, she works under the umbrella of the Institute for Applied Meditation, teaching meditation groups in Tucson and on the web, and she also works as a mentor and retreat guide for the institute. It is there that she learned the practice of Heart Rhythm Meditation. It has profoundly impacted her life, physically,emotionally, and spiritually, and she loves sharing it and the Sufi philosophy associated with it to all types of people, regardless of their spiritual belief.
Sunday, December 23
"Virgin Birth, the Christ Within"
Ron Phares
We carry within us gifts of immense power. Our journey to deliver these gifts into the world is fraught with disappointment, desperation and exertion. But we have come together in a community of faith in order to encourage and assist each other. Here we have hope of discovering the Christ within each of us, that being we may anoint as our gift to ourselves and the world.
Monday, December 24, 6:30 pm
Annual Christmas Eve Service
"A Light in the Darkness"
Ron Phares
What is this holiday supposed to mean to a community as theologically diverse as we? A great deal. We will explore the universal themes of this very human story as we sing and worship together on this auspicious eve. Child care will be provided.
Sunday, December 30
"Our Sacred Home"
Ambience Committee
Our spiritual community welcomes the stranger, cares for each other, and inspires those among us and beyond our walls. How does our sacred space reflect and enhance our mission? The Ambience Team has been working to strengthen the voice of our sanctuary with beautiful new artwork and a soft coat of paint. In this service we will share our spiritual sanctuary connections as we continue on our journey toward a cared-for sacred space evoking feelings of warmth and coming home.
Liturgical Theme for January: CYCLES
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