The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church 14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282
September 21, 2015 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2015, Issue 17 Sunday, September 27• 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Waiting for an Invitation presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister
In this month in which we have explored what it might mean to be a people of invitation, we pause to ask if there are ways in which we are waiting for an invitation. What might it be if we imagined there are ways in which we could live more fully? What if we cultivated lives that reflected not only outward ambitions and goals, but the invitations of our hidden hearts? Music: JUC Choir, Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Dindy Fuller. Sunday, October 4 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Come ‘Round Right presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister
Often in autumn, we speak of turning: the leaves turn colors and the nights turn colder. Sometimes turning is about forgiveness. Music: Worship band. Worship Associate: Julie Excell.
Looking ahead to… Sunday, October 11: Strength in What Remains presented by Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister. None of us make it out of this world without the scars that show where we’ve been. And sometimes those injuries leave permanent marks behind, but the strength to carry on come not from what we’ve lost, but from what remains.
JUC All-Church Workshop Saturday, September 26 9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. 8:30 a.m. continental breakfast, lunch and Children’s Program provided. Suggested donation $5
Evergreen Campus
MISSION AND MINISTRY EMPOWERMENT: PARTNERING WITH POLICY Three things determine a congregation’s power to transform society: • A clear and compelling sense of mission • A leadership devoted to this mission above all else • An organization designed to accomplish this mission Without this organizational design, the mission and the leadership will make no difference. The way in which a congregation organizes is critical to its destiny.
2981 Bergen Peak Dr.
(at Congregation Beth Evergreen) Worship services: first, third and fifth Sundays at 4 p.m.
Sunday, October • 4 p.m.
Come ‘Round Right presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister Often in autumn, we speak of turning: the leaves turn colors and the nights turn colder. Sometimes turning is about forgiveness. Worship Associate: Kim Hassinger
During this workshop we will look at why JUC has chosen a policy oriented governance model as its organizational focus and how this will determine the congregation’s destiny.
If you wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).
Register by calling or emailing the JUC office at 303-279-5282 or office@jeffersonunitarian.org 1
Racism is the foundational wound in this country. Its brokenness has birthed conscious and unconscious biases and systems of oppressions. We may wish it weren’t true, but it is. And while, we did not create any of it, healing this rift and creating new systems will take all of us.
Fanning Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister 303-279-5282 ext. 13 wendywilliams@jeffersonunitarian.org
Naturally, some of the opposition is that all lives matter. Of course, that is true. However, notably it is also true that when the option to choose a “Kids First” license plate arose, there was no outcry about the elders, middle agers, and young adults who were seemingly being shunned.
A few years ago, JUC’s sign at the street was starting to break down. More than a little weatherworn, the wood was rotting where it met the ground. There were also functional challenges. If you recall, there was a large frame in which you would find that week’s sermon title only after our caretaker placed it there standing out in all kinds of weather having retrieved it from a commercial printer on a large enough sheet of paper.
Black Lives Matter raises the profile on work that must be done and offers a portal into that work. The goal is not to prioritize one group of people over another, but rather to shine a light on the reality that currently not all lives matter. If they did, homelessness wouldn’t be a crime, all schools would be funded well rather than the predominantly white ones, and voting rights legislation would not be gutted while corporate personhood was recognized and enhanced through Citizens United.
Our current sign, however, has truly become a wayside pulpit. A visitor who has since become a member, once shared that on a hard day she needed to be reminded that “Hope is the thing with feathers,” as Emily Dickinson once wrote. I felt proud that between Sundays, without ever entering our building, people could still be lifted by our message.
There is little question that this is a challenging time. For those of us that identify as white, it can be easy to feel blamed and shamed. For those of us of another minority identity, it can be easy to feel invisible yet again. For those of us who identify as black, it can be easy to feel exhausted from needing to explain. And yet, this is the time we live in. We are asked to open our hearts, cross borders, and work toward realizing the notion of equality upon which our country imperfectly imagined itself to be founding itself upon.
We continue to garner attention from our sign. This month alone we have had phone calls and a few people stopping by to express disagreement with Black Lives Matter appearing on our sign. As you may have heard, we even received a comment on Facebook asserting that this was a political comment for which our non-profit status should be removed.
I am proud of this church and the way in which we work toward putting more hope in the world.
So why do we post Black Lives Matter? We cannot live in this time in this country, amid all the gun violence, the tensions, the blacks be shot by white police, the white police being shot by blacks, the black worshippers being shot by a white man who presented himself as a fellow bible studier—we cannot live here in this country and not understand that we have work to do.
See you at Rev. Robert Latham’s workshop on Saturday, September 26th and then at church on Sunday.
work that no longer has the energy needed to have a robust engagement with our community and partners. As you probably know, our Board of Trustees has charged our ministry team and staff to help us live out our mission and vision, to help our members Deepen to our truest selves, to Connect authentically with others and Engage with needs beyond our own, in all the things we do as a church.
On Fire Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister 303-279-5282 ext. 28 ericbanner@jeffersonunitarian.org
This charge means that it is time for us to evaluate how best to manage our social justice engagement, and I’ve been reaching out to the members of our Social Responsibility Council, and colleagues at other large Unitarian Universalist churches around the country to find out what they know about being connective and effective in our work for justice. And I want to hear from you, as well. What challenges do you know we face when it comes to our justice work? What keeps you involved in our justice work, or keeps you from being involved in our justice work? What would it mean if we could say all of our members see their participation in our church as transformative not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those beyond our walls?
For many years now, at least since Rev. Dick Gilbert was our interim senior minster more than a decade ago, our church has used a social justice model developed by Rev. Gilbert during his many years of ministry at Rochester, New York. In the last year, as I’ve worked closely with our social justice teams, I’ve been asking a lot of questions about what we do, how we do it, and why we do it in the ways we do. And I’ve received a lot of answers, and had a lot of new questions. And first and foremost has been the question of whether how we structure our justice ministries is the best way to support our congregational commitment to being agents of good in the world.
Part of this is structural, the often boring work of governance that calls on us to establish systems that will guide us in our work. But it’s also about the kinds of one-on-one conversations that call on us to speak honestly and sometimes frankly with each other about what’s succeeding, what’s not, and what we’re being called to in this time. Watch for my column next month, when I’ll let you in on an exciting new opportunity coming in early 2016 for you to help shape the future of justice ministry here at Jefferson Unitarian Church.
A few years ago our church adopted a series of five strategic objectives to best live out our mission and vision in our community and in the world. One of those objectives was to promote a robust social justice program. It went on to say we want a “robust engagement with our community and partners putting us in the forefront on social justice issues, increasing our ability to transform lives.” And we’ve made important progress on this measure, but we haven’t gone far enough. Firstly, we have not yet re-evaluated our structure for adopting new social justice work, evaluating the work we do, and formalizing processes to bring to an end justice
In Faith,
Eric
Blessings,
Wendy OFFICIAL NOTICE: Fall Congretional Meeting Sunday, Oct 18 • 12:30 p.m. • sanctuary Absentee Ballots will be available from the church office by Sunday, October 4 and are due back no later than 9 a.m., October 15. A quorum of 113 is necessary to conduct the business of this meeting; absentee ballots will not count toward this quorum.
Congratulations Eliana Okeson Luminary Leader
Please plan to attend! Child care provided. Agenda items will include: • State of the Church (Rev. Wendy Williams) • Year-end Financial review (Jef Fugita) • Year Round Pledge Campaign report (Marci Sontag) • Website report (Gary Feder) • Together Colorado report (Jill Armstrong) • Board Update (John Hambright) • Vote to name Rev. Robert Latham as Minister Emeritus (Minister Emeritus Commitee)
Eliana, a JUC youth active in our high school youth group (YRUU) was recognized as a Luminary Leader by the Unitarian Universalist Association this past August. The Luminary Leaders program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership in Unitarian Universalist communities. Recognized Luminary Leaders have devoted tremendous time and energy to youth communities, congregations, district leadership teams, boards, committees, and more. We are proud of Eliana’s accomplishments! 2
Friends and newcomers are welcome to attend and will be given the courtesy of the floor, but only members who have signed the Membership Book no later than Fri., Sept. 18, 2015 may vote.
Touching the past, bring it here to this place, We chart our course into the future. Strength from the past deepens our moment now, Take flight and soar into the future.
TAKE NOTE Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music 303-279-5282 ext. 17 keitharnold@jeffersonunitarian.org
Lean in to hear all the ancient drums Reverberate now and forever. Those yet to come have a home in this place, As, hand in hand, we make our promises.
Sankofa - Bringing the Past Forward Those who were present in the service on Sunday, September 13, experienced the debut of a new choral anthem as part of launching our church’s annual theme of Sankofa. “Sankofa” is an Akan word from Ghana that literally means, “reach back and get it.” The choral piece written for the Celebration Sunday service - a service which included all ages, had processionals, and invited us to participate in making the world more welcoming - had music by me, and words by the members of the JUC Choir, including Linda Ropes, Tom Reilly, Julie Excell, Lu Horner, and Kerry Pettis. I have had many requests for the words in writing, so - to give us courage for the year ahead of us - here are the words to “Sankofa.”
Spirits yet call, our souls lay open. We shall not fall, but rise, strive, and seek them. Ancient, our paths lead us past night. Yesterday’s sun still sheds light! Difficult times have made us stronger, Together now, we live our mission, Build our vision of the world we can sustain. Pay attention, the past is throbbing With the subtle beat of future time to come. Look back wisely! Go forth boldly!
Yesterday’s sun still sheds light On our todays and our tomorrows. Harken the souls whose voices still linger. Trees sway, grass waves. Love wafts as they mingle. Open your hearts, the past is our teacher. Love is our start in our race as seekers.
Keith 3
JUC FAMILY CORNER
News for Families About Programming at Jefferson Unitarian Church I waited with nervous anticipation for the 23 volunteers, on two different Saturday mornings, to arrive for this year’s Religious Education Teacher Orientation & Training. We began in a circle for worship. Each person was invited to share about an adult from their childhood who had positively impacted them. They told stories about adults: who had who made them feel special; gave them a sense of belonging; were role models; and who taught them important skills. We closed the worship with the idea that each of them can make a similar difference in a young person’s life this year.
Upcoming Events:
Sun., October 4 (First Sunday) - Children begin in sanctuary Sun., October 18 (Third Sunday) - Children’s Chapel
Big Thanks to Our 2015/16 RE Volunteers & Staff! Golden Campus 9:15 Nursery Vickie Weingardt & helpers Toddlers Megan Pearce & helpers. (Jack Dale, Pearl Wilson, Lindsey Young, Eli Norton-Blue & Lace Grills) Preschool Leah Reed & Barb Bailey Pre K & K Lee Conley, Bettina Huber + 2 1st - 3rd Alastair Huber, Tina Yoder + 2 4th & 5th Kristine Mathiasen, Deborah Andrews, Clare Dibble +1 Golden Campus 11:00 Nursery/Toddler Megan Pearce & helpers Preschool-K Leah Reed & helpers 1st-3rd JoAnne Grady, Bob Clemans Rhiannon Gallagher, Sarah Davidon 4th & 5th Elizabeth & Julie Duhegraham, Scott Crowder, Thomas Goodreid
Then we moved on to fun and games. I emphasized the importance of learning and calling people by their names. It is the primary way to let people know they belong - simply remembering and calling them by their name. A simple yet important act. Then we played games they for use in their RE groups; games that build community, cooperation, leadership and followership skills and help people take risks while they help create a safe environment. Then we talk nitty-gritty details. Our goal for each RE teaching team is to have four people for two main reasons. First, we want the program to be child-centered and have consistent leadership so the kids know who will be leading them and so the adults and children can develop meaningful relationships with one another. And secondly, we want the adults to find support and wisdom from one another and to give each team member flexibility in their teaching schedules. There was a lovely buzz of joy and anticipation, with a bit of nervousness thrown in.
6th grade
We are building a Learning Community among the RE teachers and advisors: a learning community that supports each other taking risks: reflects on the experiences; makes mistakes; has successes; and celebrates and grows together.
Gillie Bishop, Sandra Fisher, Mike Kramer, Judy Douglass DeDe & Mike Cross, Fred Wilson, Ashley Armstrong, Jessy Hennesy Sue Parilla, Debbie Klisis, Christian Houdelette, & mentors Kelly Thomas, Emily Voytek, Margie Biblin
7th grade 8th grade
As I write this we still have 5 openings during the 9:15 hour. We have monthly teacher’s meetings to learn, support and develop the program together. The first one is October 4 at 12:15. Give me a call if you want to discuss how you can join this joyful and supportive Learning Community.
YRUU Evergreen Campus Nursery/Preschool 4 yrs and up
Annie
Rise Robbins, Aja Joseph, Justin Kraus Sara & Tom Kresse
Time In! Having Fun With Your Child
Facilitated by Bob Brayden, pediatrician Saturdays, October 17 & 24, 10 a.m. to noon
Get Connected with JUC’s Religious Education Ministry!
Play is the work of childhood. Focus on having fun with your child, so as to eventually shape behavior. Play a game, prepare snacks, make giant bubbles and chalk art drawings, and discuss screen time, outside play, pets and nutrition. For families with children birth to 3 years. Sign up at the Sign Up Site.
Annie Scott, Director of Religious Education (DRE) anniescott@jeffersonunitarian.org, 303-279-5282, x18 Like us: Facebook.com/groups/JUCFamilies Yahoo group: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/jucfamily/info Religious Education: jeffersonunitarian.org/ChildrenYouth Family Connections: jeffersonunitarian.org/Families
All Call for Halloween Party Organizers!
Teachers Needed!
Would you consider pitching in? Positions in the following groups are still available: • Pre-K & Kindergarten @ 9:15 • 1st - 3rd Grade @ 9:15 • 4th & 5th Grade @ 9:15 4
The annual JUC Family Halloween Party is scheduled for Fri., October 30, 5:30 - 10 p.m. If you would like to help make that happen, contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x24). An organizational meeting will be planned around the schedule of the ghostly crew responding.
Visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src for general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals. . . . All Church Project - Just Neighboring . . . . . . Unitarian Universalist Service . . . Edgewater Senior Clean-up Day Committee (UUSC) Task Force Sat., Oct. 3 • 8 a.m. - noon
UUSC Equal Exchange Coffee Project
Help Colorado Senior Connections with their 3rd Edgewater Day of Service Senior Yard Clean-Up. After a morning of basic fall outdoor chores we’ll share a BBQ lunch. Contact Jill Armstrong, Just Neighboring Chair (Jarm444@gmail.com).
The UUSC Task Force is selling Equal Exchange Fair Trade coffee, chocolate and other edibles again this year, with one small hitch. We will be selling between services only on 2nd and 4th Sundays beginning September 27. Please think of us before making your purchases at the grocery store, and if you normally attend the 11 a.m. service, arrive a little early so you don’t miss us! Contact: Lynn Gedvilas (lynngedvilas@gmail.com; 303-6182042).
Lumberg Reading Club Help a child improve reading skills by signing up for the Lumberg Reading Club. Spend time reading with one to three 1st, 2nd or 3rd graders from 2:45 to 4:00 on two days of your choice Mon.-Thurs. Sign up for a training on Tues., Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at Lumberg (6705 W. 22nd Ave.) Contact Jill Armstrong, Just Neighboring Chair (Jarm444@gmail.com).
Guatemala Trip Medical Donations Welcome If you didn’t have material to donate to the Women’s Sewing Group in Rabinal, you can still contribute by making a monetary contribution toward medical supplies for the community midwives. We’re hoping to take 10 medical supply kits which cost about $25 a piece. Please make checks to JUC with “Guatemala medical supplies” in the memo line. Contact: Gretchen May, UUSC Task Force Chair (maygwinQ@ centurylink.net)
. . . Green Task Force . . . Energy Efficiency in Colorado Thursday, Sept 24, 2015 • 7 p.m. Howard Geller of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) gives an overview on existing efficiency programs and policies in Colorado, addresses the impact of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan and what we should focus on next. Dr. Geller is the author of “Energy Revolution: Policies for a Sustainable Future”. Contact: Martin Voelker (303-215-1110; mv@martinvoelker.
Join us for a Civil Rights Pilgrimage!
JUC’s First Friday Open Mic
Rev. Wendy Williams, Betsy Brown, and the UUSC Task Force invite you to join us on a journey to the south in which we will be introduced to some of the sites and veterans of the Civil Rights movement.
Friday, October 2 • 7 p.m. Whether you’re a performer or just want to relax and enjoy an evening of free music, laughs, prizes and general entertainment, you are welcome! Performers should arrive at 6:45.
Save the Dates: March 18-25, 2016
Make a special point to reach out with your thanks and congratulations to Chris and Steve (a.k.a. Steef) Sealy, who created and sponsored this event for many years. They have decided to “pass the baton” of First Friday Open Mic leadership and work on other projects. Contact: Rick Fisher (rickfisher21@ yahoo.com)
All are invited, including those 13 and over (accompanied by a parent or guardian). We are hoping to fill a bus. With only 42 seats available, you will want to sign up early. This pilgrimage (facilitated by the UU College of Social Justice and the Living Legacy Project) will begin and end in Birmingham, Alabama. Anticipated cost for housing, meals, transportation, and admission fees during the week is $1,200 per person. Airfare to and from Birmingham is not included. Scholarships are available through the UU College of Social Justice. Watch for study groups, which are strongly encouraged for all JUC members, especially those joining this pilgrimage.
Adam Revell Quartet
Saturday, September 26 • 7 p.m. “Adam Revell is one of Colorado’s best keyboard players.” - Westword
WHO CARES? We do!
Adam Revell has been active on the Denver music scene since 2002. In addition to performing, he also teaches piano at all levels and is the pianist for Jefferson Unitarian Church. Revell is in high demand in Colorado’s expanding music scene. The Adam Revell Quartet explores his diverse library of original music and popular songs, keeping in step with the tradition of personalizing, re-harmonizing, and re-interpreting music from the pop culture.
We are the Pastoral Care Team at JUC, and our mission is to provide temporary assistance to members of our congregation going through difficult, challenging times. Some of the ways in which we help are preparing meals, giving rides and running errands. This coming year we will host a table offering information about what we do during coffee hour, once a month, between services. Stop by our table to find out how you might join us in helping your fellow congregants! Contacts: Deda Nelson (deda. nelson@gmail.com) and Beth Finnell (silverbeth2@msn.com)
$17 pre-sale / $20 day of show. Tickets are available at the JUC office or at westsidelivepresents.org. 5
Board Blog
S ue ' s N ews
Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (303-279-5282 x24; sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org)
Elaine Zerger 303-279-7459; elainezerger17@gmail.com
Getting Connected Sunday Info link: http://goo.gl/gL4Yok
Do you remember learning to ride a bike? You had to let go and trust yourself as you balanced, learned to brake and learned to turn. In Caroline Oliver’s book, Getting Started with Policy Governance, Ms. Oliver uses a bicycle as a metaphor for policy governance.
Deepen, Connect, Engage. After you have been around JUC for a while, you notice that there is quite a bit going on. There is a place for you. Do you want to deepen your understanding of what you love about life? Are you searching for people to be in relationship with you, and to connect in meaningful ways? Will you take the chance to participate in worship, actions and relationships that engage you within our community, with others, and possibly with the world outside our church walls? How will you live out your Unitarian Universalism?
Policy governance is a vehicle, a means of getting where we want to go. The parts to our vehicle – mission, values and strategic outcomes - require maintenance and monitoring to keep us upright and moving in the right direction. All of the parts are mutually-interdependent upon one another for proper functioning.
On Sunday, September 27, leaders from our Program Ministry Teams: Being UU, Belonging & Connection, Pastoral Care, Religious Education, Small Groups, Social Responsibility Council (including: Food & Nourishment, Housing & Poverty and UUSC) and Young Adults, plus the Auction and our many affinity groups will staff tables after each worship service to make themselves available to you. Talk to fellow JUCers and find your way to a stronger and more meaningful connection within our spiritual home. There truly is a way for everyone to deepen, connect and engage at JUC.
While riding a bike, one is concerned with safety. Obeying traffic signs, using arm signals and riding on the right side of the road, help us avoid danger. We, the Board of Trustees, are establishing reasonable bounds of safety called executive limitations. We are continuing to produce written policies that provide comprehensive direction and accountability within a clear policy framework. We will keep our eyes on the changing terrain and adjust speed when necessary.
Belonging and Connection
Remember those feelings of liberation and empowerment that you felt when you learned to ride? We predict that policy governance will provide opportunities for our ministry, staff and congregation to experience those same feelings. New possibilities lie ahead. We invite you to pedal along with us as we move forward with this vision - driven governance model.
Golden Circle Luncheon
Mon., Oct. 26 • 11 a.m. worship 11:30 a.m. punch & conversation • 12 p.m. lunch Exclusively for JUC members, friends and their partners who are 70 (or better). Look for your invitation in the mail - RSVP needed by Monday, October 19. $7 suggested donation. Contact: Sue Parilla (303-279-5282, x24; sueparilla@ jeffersonunitarian.org)
JUC Board of Trustees Next meeting: Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m. jeffersonunitarian.org/Board-of-Trustees
SOUPs: Support of Unitarian Parents
Being UU
Monday, Sept. 28 • 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. • chapel Want to volunteer with your young family but don’t know where to start? Or does the thought of another “wonderful thing to do” make your head spin but yet you crave connection and community? Come to our next meeting to listen to speakers talk about meaningful family volunteer opportunities and successful experiences near and far, while participating in small group discussions about developing family values that will create a desire to give back and get connected without sacrificing our sanity and inner peace! As always, come for the fellowship with other parents, a delicious brunch, and soulful nourishment for body and spirit. Child care begins at 8:45. Contact: Lori Gray (lorimgray@gmail.com)
Building The World We Dream About The challenges and opportunities of privilege
Alternate Sundays Sept. 20 - Nov. 15 • 9:15-10:15 a.m. These five UU workshops seek to interrupt the workings of racism and transform how people from different racial/ethnic groups understand and relate to one another with the goal of creating opportunities for participants to practice dreaming our world otherwise and then commit to new, intentional ways of being. This includes an exploration of multiculturalism in America through a brief study of poverty and privilege using the book Privilege: A Reader by Michael Kimmel and Abby Ferber. Facilitators: Emily Conger, Intern Minister (emilyconger@ jeffersonunitarian.org) and Ed Cecil (303-552-6060; fcecil@ mines.edu).
Affinity Group Highlights Science & Spirit
Spirit in Practice Workshop # 3: Communal Worship Practices
Sunday, Sept. 27 • 9:00 – 12:30 p.m. The Science & Spirit Affinity Group is gearing up for another great year. Each month, JUC members will present on one of the many different satellites, solar system probes or robotic missions that have been deployed. Please come to the meetings to learn about a mission or astronomical object. We will also discuss how space travel news effects our views of spirituality. Joe Kraus will present on the Rosetta mission to Comet 67P with Philae the lander.
Sunday, Oct 4 • 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Whatever we call it, communal worship is a valuable part of one’s spiritual growth. Time spent alone in nature can be transformative; time spent meditating or in prayer is valuable; time spent in service to and with others is important; but none of these can replace the act of coming together in community with others on a regular basis. Contact: Pam Bond (303-238-4743, pbond830@gmail.com) 6
JUC Affinity Groups Affinity Groups are volunteer-directed groups which bring people together around a common interest in a social setting sponsored by the Belonging & Connection Team. All are open to newcomers. Meeting locations are posted in the common areas of both church buildings. Quuilters' Group: 1st Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon • Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@Q.com) Call for meeting details.
Blue Mountain Meditation Group: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. • Annie & John Hedberg (303-279-7451) For those practicing Eknath Easwaran’s Eight-Point Program for living a spiritual life in the everyday world. If you wish to join without the introductory course, read Passage Meditation by Easwaran and meditate 30 minutes daily for a month.
Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch: 1st Fridays, 11:30 a.m. • Betty Halladay (303-274-9144) Bring your lunch; join us for conversation. Anyone welcome. Roving Readers: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Mike Foster (303456-2647) Open to anyone who reads the monthly selection. Books selected by group participants. Sept. 27: The Prime Minister (Trollope)
Buddhist Sangha: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. • Doug Anderson (dca-crm@hotmail.com; 720-474-6723) The Buddha was a highly unorthodox person. His teachings are not sets of dogma but rather propositions for people to investigate and validate for themselves. No experience necessary. Child care upon request.
Science and Spirit: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net; 303-933-4399); Pat Emery (stardustpat@gmail.com) Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. More info at http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com
Charla! 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. • Carol Drew (303-422-5977) Discuss important topics in Spanish. Intermediate level recommended.
Slow Soup Group: 1st Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; lachnittg@gmail.com), Carol Kolesnikoff (303588-9198; eatingethically@gmail.com) We’ll prepare soups together to take home and to donate. Ingredients provided; cost is $10/person.
Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS) • Angela Priest (angelapriest30@gmail.com; 303-877-6055) We hold open public Pagan rituals each Sabbat. All are welcome. Dream Study: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 9:15 a.m. • Marie Schottler (303-278-8035; mschottler@comcast.net) Based on the writings of Jeremy Taylor, in this gentle group process questions are asked of the dreamer leading to an aha! about his or her own dream. Please call before attending.
Story Circle: 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. • Lev Ropes (303-2780177; levropes@comcast.net) A gathering to foster the traditional art of storytelling for adults. Tell a polished story for fun, or one you’d like to polish up in front of a forgiving and friendly audience. Receive help from other tellers, or come to listen. All are welcome.
Duplicate Bridge: 2nd Fridays, 7 p.m. • Vince Todd (vincent. todd@coloradowrits.com; 303-989-2568)
Thin Air: Tuesdays, 1 p.m. • Carole Montfort (303-279-1343) An informal group of folks who wish to keep up their musical skills as well as have fun. Repertoire consists of traditional, folk, instrumental and vocal music. Please call for more details.
Great Books Discussion Group: 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 p.m. Dona Chilcoat (303-989-6945) By reading from the great books of our civilization and discussing them with others, sharing insights and questions, you can reach a fuller understanding of these works than you could on your own. Sept. 28: The Odyssey (Homer)
Travel the World: 2nd Mondays, 7 p.m. • Barbara & Ernie Werren (720-524-3794; werrenskis@comcast.net) View travelogues, have discussions, and share your experiences with others who love to travel! Bring an open mind, questions, suggestions, favorite destinations, ideas. November date change: 1st Monday, November 2nd
Issues in Aging: 4th Mondays, 5 to 7 p.m. • Jim Mayer (303431-1740; jimmayer.colo@gmail.com) Sessions cover nutrition, security, loneliness, finances, exercises, and activities of interest/ concern of folks as they age or care for the aging. The goal is to help make the golden years an exciting and fruitful period of our lives.
Understanding the Heart of Buddhism: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m. • Doug Anderson (dca-crm@hotmail.com; 720-474-6723) Meditation and discussion presented online by Rodney Smith, author of Awakening; founder of the Seattle Insight Meditation Society.
JUC Knitters: 3rd Fridays, 7 p.m. in members' homes • Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@Q.com) All knitters and crocheters are invited to join in making hats and blankets for Denver Health.
UU Humanists • Jim Bole (randjbole@q.com; 303-968-9198) Working to help members become informed about Humanism as one of the Unitarian Universalist sources from which we draw an understanding of who we are.
Nature’s Keepers • Christine Leahy (natureloving_gal@ yahoo.com) Pre-teens (9-12) learn to connect, respect, and earn badges in this action-oriented, co-educational group. Meets once monthly for nature-based excursions and activities including camping, hiking, service work, and fun!
UU Liberal Christians: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. • Sara Lohaus (pslohaus@comcast.net; 303-432-3149), Crystal Kreitzer (kieris@ sbcglobal.net; 720-442-5448) Connect with Christianity from a fresh, open-minded perspective.
Non-Violent Communication: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Dindy Fuller (720-402-4099; dindyfuller@gmail.com) Offers actual practice for nonviolent communication skills. Preferred prerequisites: Marshall Rosenberg’s book, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life and at least one 5-week introductory class (or similar experience).
UU Piecemakers: 3rd Fridays, 9:30 a.m. in members' homes Edna Mae Miller (303-989-4793) Work on personal projects as well as quilts donated to charities selected by the group. WomenSpirit: 2nd Fridays, 6:30 p.m. • Kalin Baker (Kalin@ KalinArtAndSpirit.com; 720-253-6561) A lively community of women 18+ who playfully reflect and share interactive programs based on participants’ interests.
Poetry Group: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m. • Julie Excell (julieexcell@gmail.com; 541-778-4724) Explore poetry as an art form and a spiritual practice through appreciation of the work of master poets, and through writing and sharing your own poetry. 7
Calendar Highlights
Office Hours Monday - Friday • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday • 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music Tuesday–Friday • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister Tues., Thurs., Fri. • 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Annie Scott, Director of Religious Education Tues., Wed., Thurs. • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Staff will generally be available according to the schedule above, but it is always wise to call ahead!
Announcements If you would like your JUC event to be announced via our order of service and/ or weekly email notice, please submit 75 words or less to Darcy Stanton (darcystanton@jeffersonunitarian.org) by Wednesday at 9 a.m. on the week you’d like your announcement to appear.
Weekly Attendance Sept. 13 9:15 203 RE: 46 (8 adults) 11 188 RE: 67 (19 adults) Sept. 20 9:15 119 RE: 48 (9 adults) 11 165 RE: 76 (22 adults) Evergreen 4p 22 RE: 2 (3 adults)
The JUC Crier This newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church is delivered electronically to all members and pledging friends. First class mail delivery is available upon request to the church office (303-279-5282; office@ jeffersonunitarian.org). Upon request, visitors may be added to the email list or receive four (4) complimentary issues, after which they may continue receiving the newsletter by notifying the church office. E-mail darcystanton@jeffersonunitarian.org to submit an article. This Issue’s Editor: Darcy Stanton Next deadline: 3 p.m., Mon., Sept. 28 Next publication date: Mon., Oct. 5
(full calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org/calendar) Mon., Sept. 21
Family Promise (entire Mills bldg.) 6:00pm MMT: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm B&C: CUUPS mtg. (patio, chapel)
Tues., Sept. 22
Family Promise (entire Mills bldg.) 1:00pm MMT: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:15pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.)
Wed., Sept. 23
Family Promise (entire Mills bldg.) 6:15pm MMT: JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)
Thurs., Sept. 24
Family Promise (entire Mills bldg.) 2:00pm UUSC mtg. (MGR) 7:00pm B&C: Understanding the Heart of Buddhism (chapel)
Fri., Sept. 25
Family Promise (entire Mills bldg.)
Sat., Sept. 26
Family Promise (entire Mills bldg.) 8:00am All-Church Workshop w/Robert Latham 7:00pm West Side Live! Concert (sanc., comm., kit.)
Sunday, September 27 9:15 & 11 a.m.: Waiting for an Invitation w/ Rev. Williams Getting Connected Sunday 12:30pm B&C: Roving Readers (M3/4) 12:30pm B&C: Science and Spirit (R6/7) 7:00pm B&C: CUUPS mtg. (chapel) Mon., Sept. 28 Tues., Sept. 29
9:00am B&C: SOUPS (chapel, R1/2, R8) 9:15am B&C: Dream Study (M1/2) 3:00pm Newsletter deadline 5:00pm B&C: Issues in Aging (chapel) 6:00pm MMT: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm B&C: Great Books Discussion Grp. (M3/4) 1:00pm MMT: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:15pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.)
Wed., Sept. 30
6 :15pm MMT: JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)
Thurs., Oct. 1
1:00pm Small Group - Chronic Illness (M1/2) 5:30pm Green TF: Solar Home Tour training (sanc., comm.) 7:00pm B&C: JUC Poetry Group (M3/4) 7:30pm B&C: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel)
Fri., Oct. 2
11:30am B&C: Retirees’ Brown Bag Lunch (M3/4) 7:00pm MMG: First Friday Open Mic (sanc., comm.)
Sat., Oct. 3
9:00am F&NTF: Nourishing Connections (comm., kit.) 9:00am B&C: Quuilters Group (so. commons)
Sunday, October 4 9:15 & 11 a.m.: Come ‘Round Right w/ Rev. Williams 9:15am Being UU: Building the World We Dream About (M1/2) 12:30pm F&N TF: Slow Soup Group (kit.) 12:30pm Being UU: Spirit in Practice (chapel) 4:00pm Evergreen Worship Come ‘Round Right w/ Rev. Williams 5:00pm B&C: ¡Charla! (M3/4) 5:00pm B&C: Buddhist Sangha Service (chapel) 8
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