Circle of Life

 

Our healing thoughts and wishes go to:  

 

Roy Powley, who is battling cancer and is now recovering from pneumonia at Health South. 

  

Preserve Our Ambience

 

 

Now that we have new carpeting and chairs, we ask you to refrain from bringing food or drink into the sanctuary.

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.

Thank You

 

The Ambience Team would like to thank our Mountain Vista UU community for putting up with mess, relocations, and rearrangements while we remodeled our sanctuary -- we know it wasn't easy! We now truly have a cared-for sacred space evoking feelings of warmth and coming home.

 

The creative crew of the A-Team deserves a huge thank you: Anne Leonard, Charlotte Engvall, Cheryl Hiller, Connie Armstrong, Emily Ricketts, Sher Hakes, and Steven Ballesteros. Members who helped in the past are Catalina Hall, Christiane Heyde, and Donna Francis.

 

We couldn't have done it without the strength and smarts of the Buildings & Grounds guys: Jim Gessaman, Jim Sauer, John

 

Tom Bunch, Ron Phares, Betty Meikle and our Board kept us going through thick and thin with encouragement and support -- thank you!

 

With help from all these people, MVUU now has a beautiful worship space - we are blessed!

The Newsletter deadlines are the 12th and 24th of each month.

 

On March 23 at 8:30 p.m. local time, hundreds of millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour, the world's largest collective display of commitment to protect the planet.

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

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!

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.

Minister's Column

 

I am writing this month immediately after downing three apple pancakes in the Paramount, a diner on Beacon Hill in Boston, Mass. So if this newsletter article is rotten, you can blame the apples. It only takes one.

 

I am in Boston to attend the First Year Minister's Seminar. There will be lots of worship, lots of bonding, lots of sharing, lots of information. It will be another incredibly profound and important moment in a year that is chalk full of them.

 

Indeed, at this point, that is the great challenge of ministry for me: handling the intensity. Handling? No. Reveling maybe. How does one revel in intensity? Is that the question?

 

At any rate, there are many challenges to my role. There are many areas where I am learning where I can improve. Many of these have to do with the craft of ministry. Ministry is very much a trade. And so many of the tasks and skill that I can improve upon are somewhat technical in nature: "how to" stuff. That may take some time and experience, but I feel good about my ability to learn "how to."

 

The part that is more questionable is the part about reveling in the profundity and importance of many of my encounters in this role. I am not sure whether this is a question of career or personality. It may be that whatever career I pursued would include this puzzle of reveling in intensity. Perhaps that is just the lens through which I view the world. Or, perhaps it is this particular job description. Both?

 

Whatever the case is, I want to be clear that I am not complaining here. I love my work and I love the people (you) I work with. I love this operational frequency. I feel tremendous honor and responsibility in being asked to earn your trust. And there is a whole bunch of laughter too. But as I reflect on what has been the greater portion of a year that I have spent as your called minister, I am conscious of the rather constant level of intensity in which it has proceeded. Love is intense after all. As is honor. And responsibility. Etc.

 

There's a pastoral call, a board meeting, writing a sermon, attending an event in the community. This isn't about being busy, though. It is about each experience on its own being incredibly important to me.

 

It occurs to me though that this is a beautiful opportunity. Here is an opportunity to maintain that intensity (the intensity implies the meaningfulness of it all) and LEARN how to be at ease in the intensity. I guess that is another "how to," perhaps and, like the other "how to's," will be tackled with experience and time. In fact, experience and time may be the "how to," in this case.

 

Be that as it may, it is my intention to pay attention to the intensity and to find a way to be at ease in it without losing it. That is my spiritual task for now. Thinking about it excites me. It seems meaningful and important and... well, intense. Oy vey.

 

So this is what your minister is thinking about ministry after three pancakes on a cold and beautiful Beacon Hill morning. Perhaps your life has led you down similar paths of thought. Perhaps you've never had the kind of experience I am describing, but are curious about the experience of others. Perhaps you think this is informative. Or maybe you think this is self-important drivel. In that case, blame the apples.

President's Column

 

At a meeting this past week, a congregant who rarely makes it to 3601 W. Cromwell on Sunday morning, but nonetheless provides much support to our congregation, was quite impressed with the new look of our sanctuary. I'm sure many of you have a warm feeling as you walk into the newly painted and decorated place for us to be together on Sunday mornings. The sanctuary and other rooms are being used all week long to hold classes, workshops, discussion groups and other events some might call holy gatherings and others would just call meetings. Our space is enjoying a great deal of activity. It is possible to be at the church every weekday joining one activity or another. Sometimes it is a gathering of just a few, sometimes a meeting of many and sometimes a group so large it threatens to outgrow our space.

 

The ability of our sanctuary to support special gatherings and Sunday services may become a "problem" in the not too distant future. Or should we say it most surely will become an opportunity to use our current facilities wisely and to start planning for 2 services on Sunday mornings and other accommodations for our growing community. Perhaps, in the not too distant future we will begin the dream of additional facilities and ways to hold our energy and joy.

 

Our minister has been with us since August of 2012. I'm tempted to call Ron our "new" minister, but believe as a congregation we are coming to know one another better and beginning the process of trusting one another - so we can dispose of "new." Most of what has taken place during the 6 months Ron has been with us involves change. A word that slides off the end of the tongue very easily; but, one that can make grown men and women shake in their boots, or at least shake fingers and tongues at one another because we are afraid that something we place great value on will go away or may never be accomplished. We've shared stories about the difficulties of this time of changing. Some difficulties have been overcome, there may be more. But right now, Ron is learning to trust this congregation more and we are learning to trust him more. We are investing in one another and a future together. We are growing in understanding, compassion, deep-listening, wisdom and ability to care and share honestly. We are becoming connected.

 

I've recently become aware of a connection, a creation and a "first" I would like to share with you. The connection: Several of the "snow birds" and "rain birds" who grace our congregation during winter months are meeting together in something akin to a Birds Finding-Heart Group. The creation: There is a Finding Heart Group that is completing its time together and as its service project is creating a labyrinth on the north property, west of the barn. It will be completed sometime mid-March. The first: On March 23rd beginning at 8:30 there will be a half-day silent retreat. All these happenings lead me to believe we are finding more and more meaningful connections here at MVUU. Thank you for your participation, energy and enthusiasm.

Adult Religious Education

Death and Dying March 20

 

Presented by UU friend and certified Fellow in Thanatology John Abraham, M.Div., F.T.
Contact John for more questions: 520-235-5646 or jlavet@earthlink.net or www.DeathAndDyingHelp.com 

 

March 20: Learning to Live with Loss

Loss is inevitable. Death is a natural, normal part of life. One may deal with death constructively and positively, or in ways detrimental to oneself and to loved ones. What is normal and not normal in grieving? How long? How can I help others? What is the one major exception to healthy bereavement? How will I know when I'm doing better? Are there different types of grief? We'll learn about complicated grief, anticipatory grief, disenfranchised grief, the five tasks of healthy mourning, and the "stages theory." We can learn how (and how not) to respond to those who have lost someone.  

  

To sign up send an email to UUSybelle@gmail.com.
A $2 donation per session is requested, but if this is a hardship, please attend anyway!
Childcare will be provided if needed. Let Donna know a week before the class.

Social Action Movie March 23

 

5:00 pm, Social Action & Justice's "4th Saturday Movie Night" for March is Interweave-themed. The movie will be "Edie & Thea: a Very Long Engagement", a documentary directed by Susan Muska and Gréta Olafsdóttir. After 42 years, feisty and delightful lesbian couple Edie and Thea are finally getting married. From the early '60s to the present day, the tireless community activists persevere through many battles.

It's one hour long, then finger food dinner, then Q&A and guest speaker (TBA). This is open to ALL, so please plan on coming, and bring anyone you'd like!

Path to Membership Classes Begin April 1

 

Our Path to Membership classes will be held for three consecutive Monday evenings: April 1, 8 and 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be plenty of stimulating conversation and good company.

 

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. Additionally we will touch on Unitarian Universalist history (which really is fascinating), theology, and the concept and practice of covenant.

 

Please come if you are...

• Curious about the Unitarian Universalist faith, its history, and this congregation
• Considering becoming a Member (there's no obligation)
• Unitarian Universalist, but new to Mountain Vista

April 1 and 8 sessionswill be led by Ron Phares. On April 15, 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. To participate, email Jane Paul or just come.

 

Questions? Contact Jane, Chair of Membership, at janerpaul47@gmail.com. Come to 9922 N. Sumter Creek Place, (near Linda Vista and Camino D'Oeste). Mapquest http://mapq.st/R4hZA8

Religious Education News 

 

Sunday, March 3-- Regular RE Classes

YRUU Meeting, noon

Tuesday, March 5--RE Committee Meeting, 4:30 PM

Sunday, March 10-- Connection Sunday: "Service Dogs" by Bibiana van der Heiden

Thursday, March 14-- YRUU Meeting, 6:00 PM

Sunday, March 17-- Regular RE Classes

YRUU Meeting, noon

Sunday, March 24--Regular RE Classes

Sunday, March 31--Students in service entire time

Wish List

 

We need SNACKS!!!!! If you can, please donate some small easy-to-serve snacks. Suggestions include Goldfish crackers, Teddy Grahams, raisins, etc. All donations are greatly appreciated!!!!

 

Special thanks to Elaine Harris for recently donating some books and supplies to our nursery!

 

If you have any questions, please call Donna, the Director of Religious Ed, at (520) 441-0870 or e-mail her at cdpratt1@live.com

 

Wednesdays, 9:30 am, Writers' Workshop

1st and 3rd Mondays, 6:30-8:00 pm Growth Discussion Group

Next Monday (the 18th) we'll begin a 2-session exploration of MVUU that will be centered around the extensive survey that was taken in 2011.

"Why Stop Now?" 7 pm,at Jim and Debbie Gessaman's, 8822 N. Sky Dancer Circle. We are limited to 15 persons by space considerations. Please bring a snack to share. Roger Ebert calls this film a charmer that escaped notice under the radar. It is a bright screwball comedy about one fraught day in the life of a piano prodigy, his crackhead mother and her drug dealers. Please sign up with John at john.wilcox2008@comcast.net or at 531-1413.

"Sacred Poetry as Spiritual Practice" March 27

 

Wondering for 40 (almost) Years and then Hallelujah--Unitarian Universalism!

 

by Jan Anderson

 

I had a profound religious experience when I was 4 years old. My family attended an Episcopal church and the age-appropriate activity I engaged in was playing in their sand box, which was indoors. I loved the sand box. I played until the place emptied out after service and I was always the last to leave.

 

There was only one problem with the sand box. Above it was a wooden carving of a man hanging uncomfortably from a cross. It distressed me, but not enough to halt my play. Maybe someone tried to explain it to me, I don't recall. That image and my discomfort with it discouraged me from attending Sunday school when I outgrew the sand box. No amount of teaching could make me accept it.  

 

When I was a teenager I tried again. I went to the adult services where we recited the same prayers every week, including the Apostle's creed. I didn't believe anything we spoke. Nothing the minister said had meaning for me, so I quit again. In later years I enjoyed reading the teachings of Jesus but could never become a Christian.  

 

I grew up in Alliance, Ohio (population 29,000) where the town elders referred to us as "the heart of industrial America." We were surrounded by corn fields, but we had some steel foundries and the largest rubber band factory in the world. The high school football team was the most important thing in the community. At age 14 I decided that I would have to figure "it" out when I left Alliance. I wasn't going to get "it" there.

 

I went to 5 colleges and graduated in 6 years. The first one was a small liberal arts school whose campus life centered on sororities and fraternities. My parents met that way and wanted me to have the same opportunity. Nope, not for me.

 

The next school was Ohio State. There I met the first Jewish person I'd ever known. Her name was Adrian. She had a New York accent (also new to me) and called me her Goya. We got to be friends. I also met people who wore turtle neck shirts instead of buttoned ones, an Army veteran with one leg. I worked as a waitress across from the dental school and met lots of people who sat around and drew teeth on their napkins.

 

Throughout my college years I studied philosophy and history, getting enough credits for minors in each, while my major was economics. Because of my history studies I became a liberal. Because of economics, I went to work in business. But philosophy, mostly epistemology and metaphysics, was pretty abstract. Not the stuff to help me structure my life.

 

After college I started my work life; when I applied for my first job they told me they wanted a man. Thus began my immersion in a new philosophy--feminism. I was the first woman in each job I was promoted to and eventually I was able to help other women (and men.)

 

When I was in my mid-30's my company transferred me to New Jersey, where I didn't know anyone. My sister suggested I go to the Unitarian Universalist church where I would meet "interesting people." I went and left amazed after the first service. The minister, Paul Ratzlaff, actually talked about something useful for living. The second week I signed up as a member.

Paul preached about sex and relationships, about social justice and action, about meditation and spirituality. He led a 7 week study of our principles-2 hours of reflection about each and how it could influence our lives.

 

The congregation's members were inspiring, too. Thanks to others' leadership, I participated in our work to become a Welcoming Congregation and got to know gay people for the first time. I worked for 3 years on our prison ministry, going weekly to the county prison to meet with a prisoner. A group of us went to the Pocono Environmental Education Center, one of the most exciting times of my life. That weekend I identified my life's passion--a love of nature and a desire to protect it.

My sister was right about UU people--vital and caring, motivated to act on their values, good friends.

 

When I came to Tucson 10 years ago, belonging to a UU church was a given. I have come to treasure this community as much as my first one, although the two are very different. It was larger and more formal. The warmth and caring of this church is a unique and wonderful experience for me. Our Sunday services are the highlight of my week.

 

Now I can honestly say I have found "it"--wonderful people, our caring community with its social and environmental action, stimulating services, beautiful music. And I carry the values we share into the rest of my life and work to act on them as best I can. Funding for this bounty is critical to me. It took me years to find this church. I want it to prosper and be here for others. I pay my share and more. Being here is a blessing, but it's not free. 

 

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS--Keeping Everyone Up To Date

Mountain Vista UU BOARD OF TRUSTEES

February 19, 2013

 

NOTE: These Highlights are from the draft minutes. Final minutes in their entirety will be posted outside the Office after approval and include all reports submitted.

 

Approved:

• Revised Building Use Policy
• Revised Membership Committee Description

 Updates on Status of Ongoing Projects:

• A QuickBooks expert has cleaned up our books. The Board has approved approximately $2000 for this necessary project. The functions associated with QuickBooks are being documented.
•  The quarterly statement is being redesigned and will be ready by the end of the first quarter.
• The new lock boxes have been installed at a level to accommodate wheel-chair bound persons. Rekeying is next.
• The Facilities Task Team presented general results from the presentations recently held. The detailed report was also submitted. In addition, the Team recommended the following actions be taken:

1. We immediately begin work to correct safety violations in the two buildings-the Goldblatt Building and the Sanctuary. B&G will estimate the cost to proceed.

 

2. We tear down the barn within six months. Discussion tabled in order to review previous proposals and storage issues.

 

3. We do not invest any more dollars in the Goldblatt Building, other than for the aforementioned safety changes, and that of the two options for the future-build new on our property or move to another location-be left to the long-range planning committee. This committee will be formed as soon as possible.

 

The Task Team was commended for their efforts and dissolved.

 

New Business

• A task force is being formed by Lara Brennan to review the Hospitality Policy and the Potluck/Food Handling Report submitted to the Board by Anne Jagnow in order to update our policy and procedures.
• Concerns: Keith McLaughlin presented three concerns (related to B&G policy on electricians, policy on what's included in Cares and Concerns, and Green Sanctuary policies) to the Board. These were discussed and are also being followed-up.

Next Meeting: 6:30pm, March 19, 2013 Fireside Room

4th Annual Alternative Gifts Market 2012-13 Final Report

 

Once again, MVUU donors supported Alternative Gifts International (AGI, a small non-profit agency) and Interfaith Community Services (ICS) over five Sundays, November 4, 11, 18, not 25) to December 2 and 9, 2012.

 

This year, AGI sponsored 30 hand-chosen, world-wide agencies that give people around the world "Gifts Inspiring Change" through donations of financial support. Thirteen (couples and singles) MVUU members and friends chose 16 different projects for a total of $534 in donations. We are grateful to the following folks-Evalyn and Leon Bennet-Alder, Kaaren and T.J. Boothroyd, Dorothy Jacobs, Meg Kidwell, Anne Leonard, Emily Ricketts, Anne W. Smith, Paula and Charles Trahan, Sybelle van Erven, and the Gessamans-who participated in our market. Each and every gift is deeply appreciated.

 

Our local charity was ICS, a non-profit we already support as a Congregation by donating food, money, and services to the Food Bank to keep Pima County seniors, the disabled, and those in financial crisis to achieve stable and independent lives. We extend heartfelt thanks to Judy Carlson, Tandra Goodwin, Dorothy Jacobs, and Anne Tatum for $20 gift cards; and to Lisa Ponder-Gilby, Elizabeth Reed, and the Gessamans, who donated products in the amount of $80.94 for a ICS total of $180.94. The Grand Total from MVUU for both projects was $714.94.    

 

Note from co-chairs, Debbie and Jim Gessaman: We would be remiss if we did not note a drop by half in this year's number of participants and contributions, and also look for possible reasons. MVUU, as a church community, is experiencing a renaissance of activity and energy due to the arrival of Pastor Ron and his wonderful family. But major changes also mean transitions to new ways of thinking and being together, new experiments being tried, new ideas coming to fruition-all of which is exciting, exhilarating, and essential. This includes rethinking some of "the ways we have always done" Social Action/Justice. Stay tuned for possible innovations in outreach as MVUU moves forward as a community.

 

Perhaps the Alternative Gift Market idea has run its course here, or not. In the meantime, please know that AGI works year-round on its commitment to helping others and can be easily reached with contributions at http://www.alternativegifts.org.

Adult Religious Education

 

 Wednesday evenings are designated for Adult Religious Education

 

In Progress

   

2nd Wednesday of the month 6:30-8:00 pm: "Race and Ethnicity," facilitated by Chuck Tatum and Ron Phares. Discussions prompted by videos, readings, and speak  ers. Will involve learning more about the Doctrine of Discovery and for-profit prisons.

 

3rd Wednesday of the month 6:30-8:00 pm: "Death and Dying" classes by John Abraham, Certified Thanatologist. Coming up: "Learning to Live with Loss" (March 20). A $2 donation is requested for each class, with half going towards the costs and half towards MVUU operating budget.

 

4th Wednesday of the month 7:00-8:30 pm: "Sacred Poetry as Spiritual Practice," facilitated by Bob Wallace and Ron Phares. No need to know or understand poetry.

 

Also (see information elsewhere in the newsletter)

• Wednesday morning writing workshop, facilitated by John and Margaret Fleming
• 1st and 3rd Monday evenings 6:30-8:00 pm-- Growth Conversation and Book Club, facilitated by Tom Bunch.
• 3rd Sunday of the month, 12:00-1:30--"Touched by Adoption,"  facilitated by Sybelle van Erven 

Any of the ongoing classes or groups can be joined at any time, once or every month. All adult classes are open to anyone age 14 and older.

 

Childcare will be provided for any class or meeting, as long as Donna in the MVUU office is notified a week ahead of time. All participants (whether they have children or not) in any class, Finding Heart group, or discussion are asked for a voluntary donation of $1-2 per gathering, to help defray the cost of childcare providers for events. This is without pressure and no one will be turned away for not doing so. No explanations needed.

 

If you would like to teach a class, or organize a discussion group, please feel free to do so. These can be scheduled anytime that is convenient for the facilitator, as long as there is no conflict with other MVUU activities. Please coordinate with Sybelle van Erven. UUSybelle@gmail.com (520) 471-3557