WEST VALLEY UU TIMES
December 2015 • West Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
about us
GAVELTALK
West Valley Unitarian
Universalist Church
5904 W. Cholla St.,
Glendale, AZ 85304
(623) 846-6004
[email protected]
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President:
Onna Johnson
[email protected]
Vice President:
Judy Armstrong
[email protected]
Secretary:
Roz Cook
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Kathy Dugan
[email protected]
At-Large:
Diana Barker
[email protected]
Noel Johnson
[email protected]
GO-TO PEOPLE
Facilities:
Noel Johnson
Social Action:
Valerie Lynch
Worship Services:
Dorothy Ward
Membership:
Elizabeth Skinner
Caring:
Elizabeth Skinner
Stewardship:
Judy Armstrong
Religious Education:
Shannon Bailes, children
Circle Suppers:
[Need coordinator]
Hospitality:
Kimberly Escalante
Leadership Development:
[Need Chairperson]
Office Administrator:
Shannon Bailes
Taken on December 12, 2010 by Last Minute Linda. [Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/87526933@N02/8281549287/in/photolist-nDhz1a7AHKB5-7ADZ7v-7AHKBC-7ADZ64-dBP75x]
Good news of
the season
S
ome inspiring words
from Thandeka, a
UU minister: “So if
someone tells you
that she or he knows pain,
loneliness, loss,
fear and dismay,
but does not know
the feeling of
being sustained
by a love that is
wider, deeper
Onna Johnson and infinitely
vaster than the
sorrows, hear those words
as a commission. Hear
your commission to love,
to create community, and
to heal. One at a time in
personal relationships, ten
at a time in covenant groups,
hundreds at a time in our
congregations, hundreds and
thousands at a time as we
take our commission deeper
and deeper into humanity’s
heart as a justice-loving
people who will transform
the world. This is the Good
News of our faith.”
December brings us back
to the Holiday season where
we hear about “glad tidings,”
“good news” and “tidings of
joy.” May the Good News of
OUR faith be evident in every
season throughout the year.
It is our commission, it is
our opportunity, it is what
Unitarian Universalism is
all about regardless of the
season.
Respectfully,
Onna Johnson, Board
President
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InPhotos
It’s the
little
moments
in life
(Above) "Out with the old 400 amp electrical service" "In with the new 1000 amp electrical
service". You will be able to tell the difference I'm sure! (Right) Noel Johnson, our Facilities
Chair, dances to music on the new sound system when he finally got it working.
2
Speakers&topics
Editor’s
Notes
December’s theme is “Service is our Prayer”
December 6
Rev. Susan Princehouse, "Love is an Action; Use the Servant's Entrance."
December 13
Rev. Christiane Heyde “Light in the Darkness”
In the middle of celebrations of Light across cultural and faith barriers, we are challenged
to find ways to find ways of remembering our humanity, seeking to lead and serve with our
vulnerability, and to resist the materialism around us.
December 20
Rev. Christiane Heyde, “The Essence of Christianity,”
In this pre-Christmas time, where we are bombarded with holiday messages, we will have
an opportunity to look at the core of what Christianity was about, and how we can be
inspired to live a meaningful life in this season, regardless of our faith or lack thereof.
SPECIAL SERVICE: Thursday, Christmas Eve, December 24 7:00 p.m.
December 27
Kenna Anduha Young, "The sacred in the Ordinary,"
As the year comes to a close, we can reflect on the thousand sacred moments found
in our every day lives.
Worship
Associate
Training
After the service on Sunday,
Dec. 13, Valerie Lynch and
Maryke DesChamps will
present a Worship Associate
Workshop. If you are
interested in being a Worship
Associate, or even if you would
like to know more about what
it entails, please plan to meet
with us at noon. Past Worship
Associates and people who
have attended the training in
the past are urged to attend.
We will go over any changes
and new equipment which
are pertinent to the new
sanctuary. We will also try
to answer any questions you
might have.
Being the Worship Associate
is a wonderful way to
volunteer your time and be of
service to our congregation.
Please give it some thought.
Thanks, we hope to see you on
the 13th.
Valerie Lynch and Maryke
DesChamps
FillingtheVacUUm
Last month's discussion: What are you thankful for?
Thomas John Begush: As cliche as it sounds....
Everything. My wife, son, and job. I have plumbing,
electricity, and food. I have health care, and a car, and
dogs. :)
Emily Whitmore: I'm thankful for my coworkers
who invite me to eat lunch with them every day.
They're hilarious!
This month’s discussion: All I want for Christmas
is...
Join the conversation on Facebook now!
Religious Education
Thanks again to
Nancy and Jim Stier for
making the RE Building
a welcoming place for
all RE programs. And
thanks to Valerie Lynch
for donating picture
frames for the behavior
guidelines given the
children to follow
during Sunday classes.
They soften the stern,
authoritarian look of 8½”
by 11” sheets of black and
white paper previously
stapled to the wall.
During November, the
children learned about
the Hindu religion. This
month, we’ll look at
how Christians prepare
for Christmas, and
learn about Kwanzaa, a
cultural celebration by
African Americans which
starts on the day after
Christmas and ends on
New Year’s Day.
Happy holidays,
everyone! How do you
celebrate this time of
year?
I’d be interested to hear
your thoughts on Chalica.
If you’re not familiar with
it, I included a description
of the celebration on
page 5.
I kinda love that, true
to UU form, there’s no one
way to celebrate Chalica.
Even the most official of
blogs and Facebook pages
include mere suggestions
of what to do each day, or
not, I don’t know whatever
you want to do is fine.
That being said, I think
it’s a fabulous idea for a
holiday. I love focusing
on one principal each day
and really acting on it, in
whatever way you see fit.
Are you willing to try to
fit one more week-long
celebration into your
busy holiday schedule?
If so, let me know! I’d
love to include how you
celebrated each day in the
next newsletter.
Stories, announcements,
photos, links and
comments are accepted
any time. The deadline
for the next newsletter
is Sunday, December
27. Getting material in on
time is critical!
Thanks,
Emily Whitmore
3
Link on
Facebook
SpecialThanks
If you have not yet joined
up with the West Valley
UU Facebook page or
group, you are missing
out on a little fun, some
sharing and the quickest
communication medium
around.
Join Facebook, then
search for the terms
below:
Facebook group: West
Valley UU Curch - open
to all - https://www.
facebook.com/groups/
wvuuc/
Facebook fan page:
West Valley UU Church https://www.facebook.
com/WestValleyUnitarianUniveralistchurch
We’re also on Google+,
although that seems to
be less of a thing.
Pay Pal
Make contributions to
West Valley UU via Pay
Pal to wvuumembers@
gmail.com, or at westvalleyuu.org.
4
THANKS TO MEMBERS WHO SPONSORED IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR CAMPUS:
PAVERS AROUND THE CANOPY AREA: Mark Ohlerking and Jim Reay
OFFICE FURNITURE DONATION: Terry Mead
CONCRETE & TILE TABLES in PAVER AREAS: Onna Johnson
PROJECTOR: David Moore
10 ROUND TABLES for HOSPITALITY: Noel Johnson
NEW MICROPHONES: Doug Pope
STAINED GLASS WINDOW: Jim Reay sponsored the project, Onna Johnson crafted
the window
REPLACE DAMAGED COUNTERTOP IN HOSPITALITY: Anonymous donor
SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR TIME AND TALENT:
BARRY LINDEN has done to improve our speaker system
LON CURTIS for installing the SANCTUARY, HOSPITALITY AND RELIGIOUS ED letters
on the buildings, for installing the trellis fence and for building a second door in the
Hospitality building.
NANCY STIER for planting the vines for the trellis fence and plants around the
buildings.
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES:
DISHWASHER FOR HOSPITALITY
PAVERS FOR EXCESS DIRT AREA IN FRONT OF NEW SANCTUARY (to within 1 ½ feet
of building)
BOULDERS & STEEL PLANTS FOR 2 ½ FOOT BEDS IN FRONT OF THE SANCTUARY
AND R.E.
SHADE STRUCTURE OVER THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF NEW SANCTUARY
1 OR 2 LIVE OAK TREES FOR PLAYGROUND AREA on WEST END OF NEW
SANCTUARY
ASTROTURF FOR PLAY AREA
PLAYGROUND STRUCTURES & EQUIPMENT
ADDITIONAL ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE SECURITY SYSTEM
Construction&Facilities
Sandra Mahoney is coordinating the effort to meet on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. to
reconstruct the labyrinth in the areas East of the canopy. Please donate your time and
effort for this long awaited occasion. That day is also campus cleanup, if you can show
up at 8 a.m. for an hour of cleanup before the labyrinth reconstruction, it would be much
appreciated!
WalkingtheTalk
Celebrating Chalica
Chalica is seven days
long and begins on the first
Monday in December. Each
day represents a different
Unitarian Universalist
Principle; a chalice is lit
each day and actions/gifts/
volunteering may be given
and received.
Monday: We light our
chalice for the inherent
worth and dignity of every
person. Give gift(s) to
honor those you do not
understand / agree with /
like.
Examples:
- a thank-you card
celebrating differences
- words of forgiveness /
apology
- a peace offering such as
inviting someone to diner
- help someone in need
Tuesday: We light our
chalice for justice, equity
and compassion in human
relations. Give gift(s) to
honor those in your local
community that are less
fortunate.
Examples:
- spend time in a soup
kitchen
- donate clothes to a
worthy organization
- display kindness and
care to those around you
- take part in a political
demonstration at city hall
Wednesday: We
light our chalice for
acceptance of one another
and encouragement to
spiritual growth in our
congregations. Give gift(s)
to honor fellow Unitarians
and their spiritual journey.
Examples:
- a chalice / book /
hymnal
book
Friday: We light our
chalice for the right of
conscience and the use of
the democratic process
within our congregations
and in society at large.Give
gift(s) to honor democracy
Examples:
- help a political party
- write your government
- help a committee at
church
- host a dinner / party to
celebrate democracy
with your congregation
- church potluck
Saturday: We light
our chalice for the goal
of world peace, liberty
and justice for all. Give
gift(s) to honor our global
community
Examples:
- volunteer with an
organization that has
global influence
- write a letter for
amnesty international
- help your social
justice committee hold a
fundraiser
- donate to a cause
such as UNICEF, Doctors
without Borders, etc.
Thursday: We light
our chalice for a free and
responsible search for
truth and meaning. Give
gift(s) to honor another
tradition, to honor
education
Examples:
- offer / take part in
an event that celebrates
another religion / tradition
- teach someone
something you know and
love
- learn something new
from someone else
- give a book / read a
Sunday: We light our
chalice for respect for the
interdependent web of all
existence of which we are
a part. Give gift(s) to our
earth and/or its creatures
Examples:
- start a compost
- recycle bottles and cans
and donate the money to
an environmental / animal
aid society
- rescue an animal from a
shelter
- hold an outdoor worship
service (dress warm/
bonfire)
- extend words of peace
or forgiveness to a fellow
Unitarian with whom
you may have hurt / not
understood in the past
- offer / take part in an
event at your church /
Taken on February 4, 2010 by Peter Bowden
[Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/47215774@N07/4331047782/in/photolistnDhz1a-7AHKB5-7ADZ7v-7AHKBC-7ADZ64dBP75x]
Source: http://chalica.blogspot.com/p/days-of-week.html
Who
are we?
The West Valley Unitarian
Universalist Church is a
community of seekers.
We come for support
in hiking the UU Path
of Love, Freedom and
Service. We provide a
safe and caring environment where adults and
children can come to
learn about themselves
and the world around
them. Our services focus
on topics of spiritual
and social concerns. Our
Worship is designed
to meet the diversity
of spiritual paths that
are embraced within
Unitarian Universalism.
Sunday mornings offer a
celebration of community, an intellectual
challenge, and a spiritual
engagement.
West Valley UU Church
is a liberal religious
community. Unitarian
Universalism’s greatest
strength lies in its conviction that the journey of
the human spirit is one
that each person must
make for her or himself.
5
What are
all these
holidays?
World AIDS Day is to
remember those who have
died from AIDS and to bring
about awareness of HIV/
AIDS.
Chanukah is an
eight day Jewish festival,
based on the story of the
Maccabees’ battle with
the Greeks. It is told that
one pure bottle of olive oil
lasted for eight days in the
Holy Temple. It should have
lasted only for the first day.
The Feast of the
Immaculate Conception
celebrates the primarily
Roman Catholic doctrine
that the Virgin Mary was
born without sin.
The United Nations
Declaration of Human
Rights was one of their
first declarations and came
about after the atrocities
perpetrated upon humans
during World War II were
brought to light.
The Winter Solstice
marks the shortest day of
the year as the Northern
Hemisphere is angled the
farthest away from the Sun
on this day.
Mewled un Nabil is
celebrated in some countries
as the birthday of the
Prophet Muhammad.
Christmas celebrates the
birth of Jesus Christ.
For Boxing Day, many
charitable organizations
practice a form of giving
boxes to the poor.
6
Decembercalendar
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
3
4
World AIDS Day
Drum Circle
6 p.m.
7 p.m.
Worship Services
Committee
9 a.m.
First Friday Breakfast
Brothers Family
Restaurant
8466 W. Peoria Ave.
Peoria, AZ
Saturday
5
8
9
10
11
12
10:30 a.m. Service
11:30 a.m. Fellowship,
Lunch, Social Hour
12:00 Fall
Congregational
Meeting
Hanukkah begins
7:30 p.m.
Men’s Al-Anon
Group-RE
Hanukkah
7 p.m.
Zen Meditation
Service
Immaculate
Conception
Hanukkah
Hanukkah
Human Rights Day
Hanukkah
Hanukkah
7 - 10 a.m.
Campus Clean-up
Labyrinth construction
Hanukkah
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10:30 a.m. Service
11:30 a.m. Fellowship,
Lunch, Social Hour
12:00 Board of
Trustees
Hanukkah
7:30 p.m.
Men’s Al-Anon
Group-RE
Hanukkah ends
7 p.m.
Zen Meditation
Service
23
24
25
26
Christmas
Boxing Day
6
7
20
21
10:30 a.m. Service
11:30 a.m. Fellowship,
Lunch, Social Hour
7:30 p.m.
Men’s Al-Anon
Group-RE
22
7 p.m.
Zen Meditation
Service
Winter Solstice
Mawlid Un Nabi
27
28
29
30
10:30 a.m. Service
11:30 a.m. Fellowship,
Lunch, Social Hour
St. John
7:30 p.m.
Men’s Al-Anon
Group-RE
Christine Carmona’s
birthday
31
New Year’s Eve
Coming up
DRUM CIRCLE: A social collection of people who gather to express music through
rhythm. Research shows that drumming with others can be inspiring, empowering and
healing. In the circle, every individual is an equal and vital part of the whole circle.
Participation requires little knowledge and may include using drums, rattles, bells and any
assortment of rhythm instruments.
Our Drum Circle will begin Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. Bring a drum, rattle, shaker, etc., join us
in the circle and stay for by light refreshments. This first meeting will include a brief
smudging ceremony, some experimenting with our drums or instruments and planning for
the future of the circle.
LET’S BUILD A LABYRINTH: Come on Saturday, December 12 and help us move rocks to
build our labyrinth. We will start at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and help. Be sure
to bring gloves. Juice, coffee, and soft drinks available for all workers. Be among the first to
walk the newly constructed labyrinth!
our Unitarian Universalist principles
There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and
promote:
1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person
2. Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations
and in society at large
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:
• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures,
which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create
and uphold life
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and en which challenge us to confront powers
and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming power of love
• Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our
neighbors as ourselves
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of
science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit
• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life
and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.
Source: http://www.uua.org/beliefs/principles/index.shtml
Common
threads
An excerpt from “Oneness: Great
Principles Shared by All Religions”
Wisdom is more
precious than riches
Riches are not from an
abundance of worldly
goods, but from a
contented mind.
-Islam
How much better is it to
get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding
rather than silver!
-Judaism
The real treasure is laid
up by a man or woman
through charity and piety,
temperance and selfcontrol ... The treasure
thus hid is secure, and
does not pass away.
- Buddhism
Knowledge is the best
treasure that a man can
secretly hoard in life.
Learning is the revered of
the revered. It is learning
alone that enables a man
to better the conditions of
his friends and relations.
Knowledge is the holiest
of holies, the god of gods,
and commands respect of
crowned heads; shorn of it
man is but an animal.
- Hinduism
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West Valley Unitarian
Universalist Church
5904 W. Cholla St.
Glendale, AZ 85304-3205
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
We are a welcoming
congregagtion
Covenant
Love is the doctrine of our church
The quest for truth is our holy rite
And service is our prayer.
To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom,
To serve humankind in friendship,
Thus do we covenant.
mission
The West Valley Unitarian Universalist
Church provides a safe place to:
Celebrate diversity,
Draw inspiration for living better lives,
Foster social and environmental
justice, and
Compassionately support each other
in our spiritual searches.
Services
Our Sunday services begin at 10:30
a.m. followed by a coffee house style
fellowship hour.
Professional child care is available
for children ages 3 and up.