The Green Basket Charity for October is

Singles Group Starting October 18 at MVUU

 

First meeting will be Friday, October 18th, at 7 PM in the Fireside Room.

 

Meetings will be held the 3rd Friday evening of each month. For all singles:separated and divorced people, widows and widowers, single-by-choice, "still looking."

 

For more info, call Debbi Meyers, 520-867-2518

 

 

Don Gunther has been our Chalice Lighter representative for many years, but now he is stepping down, and we need someone to take over this important job. Chalice Lighters is a PSWD program that makes loans to congregations for development. To get a loan, however, we must have congregational participation. This has slipped lately, and we don't have the required percentage of participants.

 

So if this is a challenge you would welcome, please speak to Ron Meikle or Meg Kidwell about taking it on.

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 Gene McCormick at genemick@comcast.net or phone at 520-297-9498

Diary of a Fall Gardner

By Alberta Gunther

 

Since this will most likely be the last garden that I plant, I'm going all out. But first a recap of the summer. In March I set out 3 tomato plants. In April I planted regular green beans, okra, squash, and cucumbers. The okra did very well. It's about over but still producing. The beans came up, then died. The cucumbers and squash came up, bloomed, and died. The tomatoes did fair.

 

In May I planted the hot-weather green beans. They came up, then died, almost. About 6 revived but seemed weak. I planted some more beans. Two plants grew. They grew very well and are about 4 feet high and I've had 5 beans. The barely survived plants continued to survive and I've had 2 beans but the plants are still only about 4-6 inches high. The beans are longer than the plants are tall.

 

On to the new. I've planted lettuce, radishes, beets, carrots, and spinach, a lot of them. I'm using up some of the seeds as there is no reason to save any for next year.   I'll bring my extra seeds to church sometime for anyone who wants them.

 

Wish me luck on this last great adventure.

Safeway Changes

 

There is a change in the Safeway program.  You can pay for you groceries with a debit card, cash, personal check, Safeway gift card, SmartCheck, WIC, or Snap.  However if you pay with a credit card, the church will not get any money.

 

This new policy starts Nov. 1.  I suppose the fee the credit cards charge is going up or something.  I'm old fashioned and pay with cash or check.

 

Happy eating.  Alberta

President's Message 

 

 

 

Dear Members and Friends,

 

As you may recall, this year's MVUU Board of Trustees developed four goals for 2013-14. The first stated that the board will "develop and implement a process to allow the congregation to decide in early 2014 to remain at present site or move to another location."

 

I think it's important to note one particular phrase in that goal. That phrase is:

"to allow the congregation to decide..."

 

The board has no predetermined views. And even if certain members of the board did have a bias one way or the other, the ultimate decision rests with the congregation.

 

Speaking of the congregation, there are those who believe this goal is unnecessary in the first place because we're going over old ground. Some say that the decision to stay has been made not once, but several times

 

There is merit to that view. Remember, the congregation developed plans to build a sanctuary and meeting hall for 300 members more than ten years ago, and a capital campaign was initiated. Purchase of our north property was one result of the money raised in that campaign. Since then, we've had various plans for the property. Isn't all this proof enough we wish to stay?

 

It is powerful evidence, indeed. And what this board would like to do is present that evidence, along with many more facts about staying or leaving. For example, being it's ten years later, let's see what the cost will be to build now. And what size sanctuary and meeting hall? What does land cost elsewhere in this post-recession climate? What can we get for our land? In other words, as we did in last year's task team presentation, let's examine as much as we can and present factual, not emotional, data to make a decision. Thus, our decision can be based on what the congregation believes it can afford-how much are we willing to contribute to staying and perhaps building here, or perhaps buying elsewhere and building.

 

A final voiced concern: Didn't we already have a congregational vote with a survey taken after last year's task team presentations? And wasn't that vote overwhelmingly in favor of staying? Yes it was, by a 29-3 margin. But this was a very brief survey. It was, in other words, not a truly legal and binding representation of the will of the entire congregation. For that, we need a congregational meeting and vote.

 

A task team is being formed to begin collecting information and facts. The team hopes to present its findings on this very important issue, as well as recommend an inclusive and comprehensive congregational process to discuss the findings in January.

 

Sincerely,

 

Larry Jagnow

President

 

P.S. In subsequent letters, I will be addressing the three other goals the board is attempting to accomplish this year.  

 

A-V Report

 

In May 2013 the Board approved funding for an upgraded sound and video system. Since then Wally Gerrard and I have spent about 120 hours putting both systems into place. Instead of purchasing a package from one source, we shopped around to find the best prices for components and thereby saved a lot of money. We bought some equipment locally; we got good deals from bidding on eBay; we used other Internet sources as well. Wally is extremely knowledgeable about sound, and I know quite a bit about video.

 

Sound

Wally and I removed and moved many of the ceiling speakers, added new ones, and totally rewired the audio system. This has enhanced the quality of the sermons. The two large speakers provide a resonance for theater-quality stereophonic sound. We also installed four studio microphones in the ceiling for capturing ambient sound and the choir.

 

Recording

We are now able to capture the choir, the pianist, the band, and the minister. He now has a lavaliere mike, which makes it possible for him to move around as he speaks.

 

Video

We've been recording sermons for the last two years with an Internet web camera and putting them up on YouTube and FaceBook, and we have over 90 sermons on YouTube. With our upgraded production video system, using four cameras, we are now able to video-record the choir, the sermons, the pianist, and the band. These recordings can be passed on through the network or put on DVDs.

 

In the future we hope to get two robotic cameras which could follow the minister as he moves and not detract from the sermon. It would be much more efficient, requiring only one operator.

 

Media Team

The following persons have been trained to use the equipment: Ron Bishop, Mike Brennan, Braden Gerrard, Jim Gessaman, and Chuck Tatum.

 

Where are we going with all this?

We can record not only sermons, but also weddings, memorials, recitals, conferences. Some of these could be fund-raisers. We can have a coffee house where musicians and other performers can demonstrate their talents. We can show films for social justice events and for entertainment. And all the sound and video can go on the web-good public relations and outreach for the church. Our policy is that when we have such events, half of the fee charged goes to the church and the other half to the media operator.

 

Appreciation

Thanks are due to the UU Funding Program, which funded some of the original equipment; to the generous congregation members who provided both moral and financial support; to the Buildings and Grounds Committee, chaired by Jim Gessaman; and the previous Board, under the leadership of Betty Meikle, which approved $5500 for this project.

 

John Fleming

 

http://www.playabonitaresort.com/rv.html
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico

 

The weekend of October 18th - 21st, 2013 (we'll be there Friday - Monday). Sites are $22/night & reservations can be made by mail, but they say they'll have plenty of sites if we just show up.  MVUU members who are not camping can coordinate with Jan Hatunen (520-245-4377 jhatunen@cox.net) for hotel, car pooling, etc. You may camp or stay in  a very nearby hotel for a nominal fee.   

Friends of Animals Pot Luck Luncheon October 27

 
Mountain Vista UU Friends of Animals will host a pot-luck luncheon at 12Noon sharp on Sunday October 27. This is in honor of national Food Day and Food Day week,

 

This will be a plant-based menu and we would love to have  dishes from members and friends of the congregation in addition to Friends of Animals members.

 

 A small donation in support of the luncheon will be requested. Please tell me know what you are able to bring at tjboothroyd@gmail.com.

 

We also need volunteers to set up and clean up. There is another group entering the premises for an event slightly before 2:00PM, so we definitely need to be speedy. 

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls...

A Fistful of Dollars!

 

Our Western-themed Service Auction annual fundraiser, will be held Friday evening, January 10, 2014.  Start thinking about what you could donate to the cause.  Perhaps you can provide a service, host a dinner, lead an outing, or fill a basket of goodies. 

 

Auction info and donation forms will be available outside on Sundays starting October 20.  Contact Anne Tatum (742-4007) ahtatum@mindspring.com, or Michelle Vedus-Deeney (638-7516) mvedusdeeney@comcast.net, if you have questions or want a donation form sent by email.  They will gladly help with ideas for donations.

 

Happy Trails!

Jane Paul, Chair

Service Auction Committee

janerpaul47@gmail.com  

Cholla Chowtime Winter 2013-14

The Interconnected Web of Dining Together

 

Cholla Chowtime provides an opportunity to get to know each other over a simple potluck dinner for eight. Four dinners will be held in homes on December 7, January 4, February 1, and March 1, 2014.

 

Those who will commit to these dates and can host at their home (or who pair themselves with someone who can host) can be Regulars. Substitutes are also needed.

 

On one of the four months, Regulars will host the dinner in their home and provide the entrée and beverages. The host will ask their assigned guests to bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert.

 

You must sign up to participate in Winter Cholla Chowtime. Jane Paul will assist after the Service on the next three Sundays - October 13, 20, and 27. The rotation schedule of hosts and their guests will be issued to the Regulars by mid-November.

Religious Education News

 

 

Upcoming Schedule

 

**October 20    Regular Class

**October 27  Halloween Service (students will be in the service the entire time)

 

**Students will meet in Large RE Room at 10:25 and process into the sanctuary with Rev. Ron.  After the story, they may process to their classroom during the 2nd verse of the hymn.

 

ASSISTANCE WITH WINTERFEST

The students will be performing a Winter Solstice play for the congregation on Sunday, December 15th.  We need help!!!  If you can help us create costumes and props, please let Donna or Margaret know.  Also, if you enjoy working with children and can help with the directing of the play, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

THANK YOU

Special thanks to Marc Callis, Craig Pratt, Alana Wyatt and Peggy Zeramby for driving/chaperoning for our recent field trip to Tohono Chul Park.  

 

WISH LIST 

 

1. Snacks..  Please help by donating some healthy and simple snacks.  Suggested items include raisins, popcorn, pretzels, granola bars, goldfish crackers, teddy grahams, etc.  We also need canisters of powdered lemonade.    We appreciate your generosity!

 

2. Rocking Chair or Glider- our rocking chair recently broke.  If you have a rocking chair or glider you can donate to the nursery, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

3. Toys- the nursery is in need of new toys. If your child or grandchild has outgrown some toys, dolls, dress-up items, etc, please consider donating them to the nursery.  We could also use some sand box toys for the playground.  

  

If you have any questions, please call Donna, the Director of Religious Ed,  at  (520) 441-0870 or email her at 

 

.

 

Are you:

.. a person of color, a multiracial/multiethnic person, and/or someone with racial/ethnic/cultural heritages that are marginalized today?
.. a person whose visual, hearing, mobility, mental health, intellectual, learning/attention, and/or other physical abilities (including chemical sensitivity and food allergies) make it difficult to participate fully in mainstream spaces?
.. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or otherwise have a sexual orientation or gender identity/expression that doesn't conform to cultural norms?

If you have one or more of these identities and are a UU or have a current or former affiliation with Unitarian Universalism, you are invited to participate in the UUA's Multicultural Ministries Sharing Project to help our faith grow and best minister to you and your family in the 21st century.

The Sharing Project Survey is open now and ends October 31, 2013. Learn more and take the survey now!

In Memoriam: Jean Ellen Kratsch

June 27, 1933 - June 25, 2013

 

As a child, Jean Kratsch lived in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Swimming and sailing on Lake Winnebago were some of her favorite pastimes. After graduating from Oshkosh High School in June 1951, Jean attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Dolphin Club (synchronized swimming) and enjoyed playing bridge. She received a B. A. in psychology in June 1953 and an M. A. in psychology in June 1964 from UW - Madison. She married Jim Wolter August 15th, 1953. They had 5 children, Sheryl, Ron, Steven, Lynn, and Andrea.

 

From 1979 Jean worked as a psychologist for 20 years at Shapiro Development Center in Kankakee, Illinois. She and Roy Powley married March 20, 1988. After retiring they spent summers in Illinois and winters in Arizona. Moving to Tucson was a new adventure for Jean and Roy. Not only were they able to escape the snow and cold of the Midwest winters, but they fell in love with the Arizona sky and the beauty of the mountains and desert.

 

Throughout her life Jean was an avid swimmer and gardener and went camping every summer. She also liked hiking, photography, and Scrabble. She took up rollerblading at age 62 and yoga in her 70's. Jean loved visiting friends and family--her brother Walter, sister Judy, 5 children, and 9 grandchildren.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Jean peacefully passed away June 25, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

Being a member of the MVUU Congregation was a big part of Jean's life. We know she appreciated the friendship, comfort, support, and strength that many of you have given her.

Silent Retreats

 

Sat., Oct 19, 2013,     9-2, including brown bag silent communal lunch

Sat, Jan 25th, 2014,   9-noon

Sat, March 29, 2014, 9-2, including brown bag silent communal lunch

 

Come to Mountain Vista for a renewing respite from your daily life busyness.  Simply be with yourself, let the silence, nature and the quiet presence of your fellow retreat members nurture you and your heartfelt intentions.

   

We begin with an opening circle at 9 to hear an inspirational reading and name your intention for this time of personal renewal.

 

The next two hours are yours to be with yourself, in nature, in silence.

 

The last half hour we return to the circle to share how your intention may have been enlivened, and how the quiet time in the company of others was for you.

 

All participation is voluntary.  Brown bag in a meal, if desired.  Reading, but not journaling, may be distracting from your silent retreat process and is discouraged.  No sign up necessary.  Guests are welcome.  Don't forget your water. Note October and March meetings go to 2 p.m.  On these days you might want to have a half hour sharing with one other person on your inner work process after lunch.  

  

Rev. Ron Phares and Kathy Kouzmanoff   

Sunday Morning Book Group, 8:30 

Wednesdays, 9:30 am, Writers' Workshop

Margaret Fleming at 888-7059 or margefleming@earthlink.net.   

 

1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 6:30 pm at the church. We are interested in learning and discussing topics important to MVUU Community growth; Stewardship, Leadership, Membership and Outreach.   

 

1st and 3rd  Mondays, 6:30 pm, Global Chant Group 

 

Movie Outing October 27 

 

"Wadjda" Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Loft, 3233 E Speedway, time to be determined. "Wadjda" is the first film by a Saudi woman; it's about a buoyant young girl facing the Saudi repressive attitude toward women. She wants a bicycle. Supper before or after the film at Fresco Pizzeria, 3011 E. Speedway. Please let John know at john.wilcox2008@comcast.net or at 531-1413 if you would like to attend and to be notified of the exact time.