Newsletters, Calendars, and Journals

Tucsonitarian: January 2020

Rev. Bethany Russell-Lowe

Start close in,

don’t take

the second step

or the third,

start with the first

thing

close in,

the step

you don’t want to take.

Excerpt from “Start Close In” by David Whyte

I’ve never been one for New Year's Resolutions. I’d sooner make a dramatic life change on January 2ndsimply for the sake of being nonconformist. Maybe I’m missing out. Or maybe not. I might never know.

I understand the impulse behind New Year’s resolutions. As much as we humans fear change we also know it is necessary. If we can contain change, control it with measurements of time or scale, it makes the change just that little bit easier.

The trouble I see with New Year’s Resolutions is the social pressure to feel we need to make a BIG change, ALL AT ONCE or we have failed. And that...well that just isn’t healthy or true for most of us.

So what if this year you start by taking one movement forward, today. You get to choose how small or big that movement is. Because only you know how big or small that movement will feel. And then tomorrow make another movement. Bigger or smaller this time. Or maybe, you spend day 2 recovering from the impact of day 1's movement. Maybe you turn one way on day 3 you couldn’t see from your perspective on day 1. Day by day, on and on.

What if, this year, you resolve to follow your own path? What if you resolve to find your own health? What if you resolve to follow your own journey to wholeness, dodging that which is preventing you from being you along the way? What if you commit to let one piece of transformation unfold in your life across 2020?

Or maybe, last year was enough. And this is the year when you rest your body, stretch your change muscles, and get ready for 2021.

The beauty is you choose. It’s your path. Your transformation. Your rest.

David Whyte’s poem, excerpted from above this article, is a good start if you’re feeling stuck. You can read the full poemhere.

Happy new year, beloveds. What ever this new year brings you, or whatever you bring to it, we’re here for you always.

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SAVE THE DATE – Healthy Congregations Workshop on March 21^st

Interested in investing in the long-term relational health of our congregation? Save the Date for our Healthy Congregations Workshop on Saturday, March 21^st. More details forthcoming. (See more below)

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

Worship Schedule

January 2020

January 5 - Rev. Bethany, WA Howard Tolley.

The Magi in You [Intergenerational]

January 12 - Janine Gelsinger, Executive Director of UUJAZ, WA Brenda Lundt.

Justice As A Spiritual Practice

January 19 - Rev. Bethany, WA Josue Ortiz.

Ella Baker: Leader of Leaders

January 26 - Rev Bethany, WA Preston or

Betsy McMillan.

Pleasure Activism: The Joy of Resistance

Jamili Omar

Director, LFD

2nd Hour

January 12 12:30-1:30pm

In this year of experimentation, 2nd Hour is one way that Rev. Bethany and I want to answer the call to offer more opportunities for adults to learn, grow, and deepen in understanding, community, connection, and service.

From 12:30-1:30pm, one Sunday per month, we will offer opportunities for people of all ages to participate in community-led activities or classes. Offerings will vary every month, so watch the weekly email for details including descriptions and age restrictions.

…Deepen faith …Strengthen connections …Serve community

ContactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to brainstorm ideas.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Up in the Sky! It's a Bird?

It's a Plane? No... It's OWL!**

Spaces are Still Available!

**Our Whole Lives (OWL), comprehensive education for children and youth!

January 2020 | Sundays | at UUCT

All people deserve accurate, sensitive information about their bodies and relationships! OWL provides this and so much more from trained educators in age-appropriate ways.

We will be offering classes for K-2 grades, 4-6 grades, and 7-9 grades. If you know a young person who is ready for this program contact the OWL Team:

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Check out our website for more details on the program:

https://uuctucson.org/education/our-whole-lives-owl.html

UUCT Care Team

Need a 'Virtual' Hug?

Do you know someone who is ill, alone or would appreciate

a visit or call?

Contact Aston Bloom at:

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Board of Trustees

Mike Greenbaum

A Different Worship Experience:Streaming Our Services to Goddard

Although it has been operational for several weeks now, the streaming broadcast of our Sunday morning service from Holland Sanctuary to Goddard Hall will have its official opening on Sunday, January 5, 2020.

This option provides a different kind of worship experience, one where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea during the service if you wish. Many people who find it difficult to sit through the entire service will be able to stand up and walk around without disturbing others. Families may want to come to a place where the children can work quietly on what interests them while their parents are able to concentrate on the service. And those who arrive late can be sure of finding a seat in Goddard.

The 75-inch large-screen TV provides an excellent picture. The cameras have been set up to allow viewers to see the speakers on the chancel as well as to see the choir, when it is singing, or the pianist, during the prelude and postlude. Jamili, as she delivers the Message for All Ages, is much more visible onscreen in Goddard than she is for many people sitting in Holland.

This streaming broadcast offers a full-service experience. There will be an usher present to hand out the Order of Service, help with seating, and take the offering. The chalice which had previously been used in Holland will be lit. Just as in Holland, a ritual bowl and stones are available for the joys and concerns part of the service. Hymns will be projected on the screen, and hymnals will be available as well.

This project has been ongoing since last August, and is the work of a committee brought together by our Board president, Frank Valdez. We also wish to especially thank Kassandra Klein, Cynthia Johnson, and Larry Newhouse for the many hours they spent installing the system, testing and trouble-shooting its various components, and coordinating it with our existing video projections in Holland. Byron Skinner built the case for the TV so that it will be secure in Goddard when others are using the facility, and Margo Newhouse provided the curtains to cut down on the glare.

We hope that at some point in the next few weeks you will take the opportunity to watch all or part of the service in Goddard.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Healthy Congregations Team and Workshop

Save the Date!

March 21, 2020

In the Congregational Forum on November 17th, we introduced the newly

formed Healthy Congregations Team (HCT).

The HCT’s primary role is to facilitate conflict resolution/transformation between members of the congregation. They willnotfacilitate conflict between members and staff.

The members of the HCT are:Aston Bloom, Bob Gordon, Burt Meek, Carolyn Cooper, and Marsha Newcomb.If you experience a conflict with another member and want assistance engaging in this conflict in a healthy way you can reach out to any of these team members directly.

You can also get in touch with the team over email at:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(this will send an email to the whole team, as well as Rev. Bethany).

More information will be available as the date gets closer. Mark your calendars now!

TBIRDS Potluck and Sign Up!

Jan. 13. TBIRDS Potluck + Sign Up

Winter members + visitors share a 6 pm meal Monday 1/13 in Goddard.

RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or bring a dish unannounced. Please provide your own plates and utensils so that we do not need volunteers to do cleanup of the church’s place settings.

TBIRD new member sign up forms are at Goddard Welcome Center. The Spring 2019 TBIRD Who’s Who Directory, posted on the UUCT website indicates arrival and departure dates, two addresses, and identifies personal interests for joint activities with others at UUCT, such as books, dining, theatre and volunteer service.

For more information go to:

https://groups.google.com/d/forum/tbirds-uuct and subscribe if interested in regular announcements.

Our Kitchen MinistryNeeds Help!

Kitchen crew will now be serving lunchonly on 2nd Sundaysdue to lack of volunteers.

Please remember we need enhanced donations to keep this going forward and still need kitchen volunteers.

Social JusticeCorner

Minister's Discretionary Fund

Thanks to the generosity of those attending Christmas Services we raised over $1,000 to support the Minister's Discretionary Fund.

There is no other regular source of funding for this important fund.

If you were did not attend the Christmas Service, feel free to write a check to UUCT, memo line: Minister's Discretionary Fund at any time.

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Save the Date!

Social Justice Council Meeting will be held February 5 at 12:15 in Holland Sanctuary.

For more information, contact

Kate Schleinkofer or Sue Watts at

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or

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Don't miss the

'Soul Collage'Class

Saturday, January 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Goddard Hall.

The New Year brings hopes, fears, and so many questions. This New Year join me, Wendy Annis, for a collage class filled with fun, relaxation and maybe some answers to your coming year.

You will make two unique and personal cards which will explore your inner self and nourish your soul.

The $15 fee (sliding scale) includes lunch and all supplies.Also, please let me know if you have any dietary restrictions.

Let's get together and start 2020 with creativity, reflection, and friendship!

Please RSVP to Wendy at:

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Sunday Morning Discussion Group

Join us for Conversation Among Friends, 9 a.m. every Sunday in the Servetus Room, UUCT Campus. Ronna James, facilitator.All adults welcome.

For more information call

Gilbert Moore 520-790-7568 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SAZCUUPS

EJ Millstone

What Is Waning

We enjoyed a relaxing board gaming Sunday together, which was really fun and everyone decided we should do it again.

We also had a lovely Yule ritual led by Julie.

What Is Waxing

Our Second Sunday class offering this month is Paganism 101! On January 12th starting at 12:30, we will talk about all things pagan (this class is in two parts, continuing on February 9th). This is a child friendly event, but childcare is available by emailing Jamili at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request it.

Join us for Imbolc Ritual on Saturday, February 1st at 6 pm. Ana Ortiz will lead us in this cross-quarter ritual. Bring a snack to share (carpet-friendly, please). This is a child friendly event, but childcare is available by emailing Jamili at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request it.

Pagan tip of the month

I like to use Imbolc as an opportunity to do some early spring cleaning, and cleansing my space of unwanted or old energy is no exception! You can do the same, if you desire.

Ring a bell in the corners of your home, smudge with local dried herbs, spritz some salt water, use your besom (or any broom) to sweep the dog hair and the stale energy out the front door, and say an incantation to your own house spirits!

As you're cleaning, be mindful to invite in what is welcome and block out what is not. And consider donating any clothing or items you don't need to a local shelter.

Have a pagan tip to share? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All traditions welcome!

Southern Arizona CUUPS: A Chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans

Mail: Southern Arizona CUUPS c/o UUCT, 4831 E. 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85711

Web: http://uuctucson.org/worship/sazcuups.html | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAZCUUPS/ (FB messages can be sent to m.me/SAZCUUPS)

Chat group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/190164578242015

Welcoming and

Membership Team Report

Beth Britton

Kurt Reuter joined the church this month. Please welcome Kurt and all newcomers to our church.

One way to do this is to read the biographies on the bulletin board in the foyer of Holland when you come to church on Sunday. Then start a conversation with a new member based on the information gleaned.

On December 8, we welcomed all new members (42 of them) who joined the church since the end of April. New members received a newcomer packet and a rose.

Please remember we are all ministers when welcoming others. Help us create Sundays of Hospitality and Grace!

Tucson UU Younger Adults(TUUYA) Meet Ups

Do you identify as a young adult (generations X, Y, or Z)? Would you like to meet up with other UU young adults? TUUYA regularly hosts events and meet ups.

To stay in the loop make sure that Janice (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Jamili (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) has your email or join us on Facebook: by searching Tucson UU Younger Adults (TUUYA).

There is POWER in thoseFlowers!

Do you enjoy the flowers on the chancel on

Sunday morning?

Volunteer to bring them!

Contact Nancy at:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call her at 301.802.4683

Save the Date: NMD Fundraiser

February 13, 2019

No More Deaths/No Mas Muertes is excited to announce that critically

acclaimed author, Luis Alberto Urrea, is once again coming to Tucson to

host a fundraiser to support our work.

Mr. Urrea is the author ofThe

Devil's Highwayand 16 other books, which reflect his cross-cultural

experiences as a Mexican-American. Born in Tijuana, Mexico to an American mother and a Mexican father, Urrea is best known as a "border writer."

Mr. Urrea was recently named a Guggenheim Fellow and is a

distinguished professor of creative writing at the University of

Illinois-Chicago.

The event will take place at the El Casino Ballroom, 427 E 26th Street,

on Thursday, February 13th, 2020. A reception with the author at 5:30 p.m.

precedes the main program, which will begin at 7:00 pm. Tickets are

currently available at

NOMOREDEATHS.BROWNPAPERTICKETS.COM at two levels: reception and program ($60) or for the program alone ($40).

UUCT BOOK CLUB

The UU Book Book Club will meet Thursday, Jan. 23rd at 9:30 AM

Linda French. The group is readingThe Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Everyone is welcome to attend. Questions?

Contact Linda at:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 520-299-1014.

Come Join the

UUCT Happy HourGroup!

When: Fourth Fridays of the, month 4-7 pm

Date of Next Gathering: January 24. 2020

Where: On the Border, at north side of Broadway between Swan and Craycroft.

Cheap prices for food and drink. We may try other places eventually. Just show up and ask for the UU's (if questions, email

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

https://www.ontheborder.com/happyhour?loc=broadway-tucson-az

New! UUCT Creative Corner

This space is reserved for

YOU!

Do you write poetry, prose (one page, please) take photographs, or just have an experience you wish to share, send it toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for publication right here!

(At the discretion of the Board of Trustees)

LGBTQIA Group

TiHAN ChristmasDinner

Wednesday,

December 18

was a HUGE Success!

Great Thanks to Ray VanHoosear, Jerry Cuffe and Bob Lane for organizing our participation.

Volunteers for the event were Margi Magruder, Georgia Conroy, Gail Ringer, Marjorie Stark, Bob Lane, Jerry Cuffe and Jim Armstrong (not a UUCT member.)

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NEW: Our monthly meetings are changed from the second Sunday to accommodate Second Sunday opportunities. We now meet theTHIRD Sundayfrom 12 - 1 p.m. in the Blackwell room. Next meeting, January 19.

All are welcome!

Pronoun stickers available at Welcome Table in Holland. Questions?This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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