Submissions must be in by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to be included in the newsletter. 
Heather Thornton, Beacon Office Manager
~ Monthly Worship Theme ~ 
Summer Imaginarium

"Democracy Through Singing: Co-creating worship" Join with us for the second Music and Worship service this summer. Service will be led by our Music Director Addrianne Anning.
~ Ministers Musings ~  

It is with great pleasure and excitement I announce our new DRE for Beacon UU Congregation!
Amy Huntereece, has accepted the position after a strong interview and the unanimous choice of the DRE Interview Panel and with full support and backing from our Board of Trustees.
Amy previously served in this role in 2011 - 2013, she brings a passion and love for teaching, a visionary and creative outlook, a caring and engaging outreach to children and youth.  I believe we are all excited for the next steps in our Religious Exploration program.  Amy and I have begun conversations for continued support of the strong program development, which occurred under our recent DRE Sakenya McDonald.  We will be continuing with our High School Youth Group, and looking at new and exciting opportunities to engage with and support our Middle School Group.  In addition, Amy will be creating vibrant weekly programming and classroom experiences for all our children and youth in preschool and grade school.
Please join with me in welcoming Amy to her new role.  In the coming weeks we will have a special service of DRE Installation, an opportunity for us to covenant with Amy, and she with us in this new role.  It is said that "it takes a village to raise a child," well it takes a congregation in total to support and engage with all our children and youth for a successful Religious Exploration Program.  Here's to the next steps in our work together in building a brighter beacon for our children and youth!
Welcome Amy!  A Blessing from the gifted poet, author and mystic, John O'Donohue on this new opportunity for you and for us here at Beacon.
Blessed Be, Rev. Kevin
For a New Beginning
By John O'Donohue
"In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
where your thoughts never think to wander,
this beginning has been quietly forming,
waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you."
~ Music Box ~

Singing together is an opportunity to co-create our worship experience.   Sunday we will explore the deeper impact singing, sharing ourselves and our voices, can make in ourselves and our community.  For now I would like to share this quote by the incredible modern mystic, John O'Donohue. 

"If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times. In the kingdom of love there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have." 
- John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

#318 We Would Be One was selected for us by Lynda Dorweiler.  

#1064 Blue Boat Home will be introduced by Dennis Spurlin.

#121 We'll Build a Land will close our  Sunday Service with this song selected and introduced by Anne Cotten.

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!
Choir season commences  Thursday, August 17th ,7:00 - 8:30pm @Beacon!!!!!  Can't wait to see you there!

In Community
During my first year with you, I have come to understand that we are a busy and mobile community.  Often there are several of our members and friends away for a season, or for an extended trip.  Sometimes just the events of a given month or a week preclude being in attendance on Sundays for a few weeks.  To support our knowledge and caring of one another in community, I am working with Heather and our Greeting team to establish this section of our Weekly E-news; whereby we might share some of the spoken Joys and Concerns on a Sunday with others who are not in the Sanctuary on Sunday morning.  
Nancy Paxton - Sorrow shared in the moving of Marcia and Dave Lamkin to California, but Joy in their safe arrival to new home.

Dora Harrison - shared Joy in introducing international student Sal, living with her for several months.

Paul Beier - shared Sorrow in the news of death of former student Brad McCray. Offered reminder to us all to share love and appreciation for those in our lives, while still with us.

Jeannie - shared Joy in daughter Cathy's eyesight going to be all right after some health concerns and medical testing.

~ In-Gathering Sunday! ~


 Join us September 10, 10:00 am at the BMP Community Ramada at Bushmaster Park, adjacent to Thomas School, off Lockett Rd. Potluck picnic to follow! 

~ Social Justice Allies ~

This has been a great summer for SJA: (1) Chuck Tatum has favored us with an enlightening four-session series on Literature of the Borderlands (culminating this Saturday) and (2) several new people have joined our social justice conversations.
This latter development prompts us SJA long-timers to feel the need to fill in background of SJA's story, including our take on community organizing. Our goal, of course, is to work toward changes that help create a better life for more of our residents.

It all started in the summer of 2012, when Justice General Assembly (the UU Association's annual conference) was held in Phoenix. Almost 40 Beacon folks participated, returning to our mountain community fired up to get to work for social justice!
We learned about Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO), beginning in the fall of 2013 and renewed our engagement with the No. AZ Interfaith Council (NAIC). NAIC is an affiliate of a broader non-partisan community organizing group that is grounded in those same CBCO values and processes.
So we were on our way, getting ourselves trained in one-on-one relational conversations. We started within our congregation, then extended that process out into the larger Flagstaff community.
Soon we were making our way into an approach for deciding how to determine which-of the many-potential social justice issues on which to focus our efforts. (Our took first Beacon "public stance" in early summer, 2013, voting unanimously to "support families of undocumented immigrants."

So, here's what Terry White and I propose: That as part of our next SJA meeting (following the service Sunday, August 20), we dip our toes back into a foundation of CBCO-one-on-one relational conversations. We'll do a demonstration-maybe by Rich and I-and follow-up with reactions: What made that conversation different than a typical chat about social justice ideas? From there, in subsequent meetings, let's get ourselves up-to-speed on the whole concept and applications of Congregation-Based Community Organizing.

Beacon members, friends and visitors are welcome to participate with us, whether or not you've ever participated in previous SJA meetings.

The next SJA meeting will be after the service Sunday, August 20, (about 11:30). All are welcome! Snacks will be provided.

In gratitude for our faith community and its commitment to social justice,
Roz Clark, SJA Journalist
~ Beacon Community Action Committee ~

August Share the Plate Partner: The Full Circle People's Pantry

The People's Pantry is a mini-grocery store that offers convenient hours, meat, dairy items, eggs, produce and dry pantry goods for people who need these items. They can shop once a week and choose what they like from the shelves.
  ...In addition to our Share the Plate contributions, Full Circle Charities' Barbara Packard will join us Sunday to launch a food drive. On Sunday, August 27, Bill Packard will bring the Full Circle truck to Beacon pick up our food contributions.

Items the Pantry always needs: Canned items such spam, chili, tamales, tuna, chicken: pantry items such as peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, jams and jellies, cooking oil; condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup.
Not so much: soup, ramen and canned vegetables.

The People's Pantry is !00% volunteer-operated and all the food is free!
From Building and Grounds Chair, Theresa deBoer:

Thanks to all who helped out at the recent B&G workday! We did a wide variety of tasks, including gutters, cobwebs, weed pulling, tree trimming, electrical, playground drains, front yard drainage, floor registers, and furniture moving!  Thanks to Dan Davis, Anne Wittke, Barry Malpas, Terry White, Dennis Spurlin, Maryann vanDreilan, and Kevin and Gary!  
Next workday will be a  Saturday in October to be determined soon.
~ Beacon families at Camp de Benneville Pines ~

Last week six Beacon folks took part in PSWD Family Camp amongst the pines of the San Bernardino Mountains. Isaac Godwin and Alisa Ashley, who "adopted" Chloe Wall for the week, and Sophie, Elise, and Laura Lyn spent a week with other UU families from the Pacific Southwest District making new friends, attending worship and workshops, making crafts and tie dyeing, practicing archery, tea dueling, dancing, singing, swimming, hiking, and making indoor canoes (it's a long story--ask one of us or see the 8/3/17 issue of the PWR newsletter forwarded by email last week to Beacon by Rev. Kevin). While the kids were swimming, hot tubbing, and having sleepovers with new and old friends, Alisa and Laura spent time chaperoning these events. This exhausted, but happy crew encourages all Beacon families to consider attending family camp next year or sending their children to one of three UU camps for kids at Camp de Benneville Pines (I.e., elementary, junior high, or high school). All camps occur in the month of July each year. Registration usually opens around  March 1st. Senior High and Family Camps fill up very quickly. This year Family Camp filled in record time--six hours! Camp de Benneville is located a few miles from Angelus Oaks, CA, approximately a 7 Hour drive from Flagstaff. Accommodations are in rustic cabins with bunks and mattresses as well as complete bathroom facilities.  For testimonials about any of the four camps, all of this year's Family Campers from Beacon have attended one or more of these four camps. Just catch them after service some time to hear about it from somebody who knows.  

















For additional information about camps please visit  www.uucamp.org


~ A new way to deepen your Beacon experience. ~

Chalice Circles are an Adult RE component of the Touchstone program of themed ministry that Beacon is initiating in September. Each Circle will consist of 8 participants an a facilitator, meeting once a month for approximately 90 minutes. Topics will follow the monthly Touchstone theme. 

Chalice Circles are not study groups, or support groups. They are designed to foster introspection and deep listening as participants respond to topic questions from their personal perspective and life experience. Chalice Circles provide;
  • A way to foster friendships and caring connections
  • An avenue for personal growth and spiritual exploration
  • An opportunity to strengthen the fabric of our church community. 
As your Chalice Circle facilitator, Char Tarashanti is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all participants and guiding the process with the framework of the Chalice Circle format. Char had 5 years of Chalice Circle experience  in her previous congregation in MN. 

Sign up sheets will be available in the lobby on Sundays and in the office during the week. Char will be happy to answer any questions in person or by phone. 
Call (507) 990-3888 or email [email protected]
~ Literature of the US Borderlands ~
 


~ Journey of the Universe ~

 

                 
Presents  Singer/Songwriter 
Aaron Howard
On  Friday August 18, 20 17

Sponsored by and held at  
Beacon  Unitarian Universalist Congregation
510 N. Leroux Street, Flagstaff, AZ  (Between Elm and Fine Avenues)

Growing up in rural Montana, Aaron found himself in a complicated relationship with music from a very young age. His Dad played '60s and '70s folk songs from the likes of Paul Simon, Kris Kristofferson, and Bob Dylan. These iconic artists moved Aaron deeply and defined the direction of his life. He became obsessed with everything related to music, and started spending hours a day learning to play the violin. "I didn't grow up with great records." Howard said of his formative years. "I wasn't allowed to listen to rock n' roll." Ironically, the absence of such music from his early life, was likely a powerful factor in the transformative effect it had on him later. "When I discovered rock 'n roll, everything changed. There was something about a three minute song that made sense of my life in a way nothing had before. It was like the world had gone from black and white to color." 
 
Aaron excelled as a violinist and appeared to have a real future there. He rejected the conservatory route, however, in favor of taking his first handful of songs on the road. After a lot of big dreams and empty shows, Aaron found himself in Phoenix, playing hotels and wine bars while writing songs on the side. It was an apprenticeship of sorts. He learned to be an artist during those years. He made several records that ended up being more meaningful in terms of experience than having something to say. He apprenticed in a studio. He 
produced a couple of records for other artists. He lived in Chicago and played on the street. He composed music for two short films and a shoe commercial. He wrote well over a hundred songs. Somewhere in all the chaos of those years, he found a sound that brought his work to life. Audiences started to respond. 

  

              Aaron Howard 

He was a 2014 finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting contest; and the winner of a national competition to become a "Music Groundbreaker" at HATCHfest. He performed with UK film-composer Philip Sheppard at Sundance; shared the stage with legendary Songwriter and Producer, Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Jewel, Fleetwood Mac); landed a spot on the radio show, 'Live from the Divide: A Celebration of the American Songwriter'; a as well as opening slots for Trevor Hall, Shawn Phillips, and Timothy Schmit of the Eagles. 

Please join us in welcoming Aaron to the Flagstaff Folk Project.
You can find him on the Internet at:  http://www.aaronhowardmusic.com
We need more Open-Mic'ers
One of the enjoyable and special things at the Flagstaff Folk Project is the first half Open-Mic, where local musicians get to play in front of a safe audience for a 10 minute gig (usually 2 songs). We set up this format so folk musicians can get some experience in front of an audience and to show the variety of talent that exists in and around the Flagstaff area. So bring an instrument and a couple songs you've been practicing with you and sign up for one of the 6 slots.

Format:           
7:15 - 8:15 p.m. - Open Mic
                        
8:15 - 8:30 p.m. - Refreshment/Coffee Break
                        
8:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Featured Performer

Admission:    $5.00 (all proceeds go to the featured performer)

Up-Coming Featured Performers:

September      15        Carol Markstrom - Tucson Area Singer/Songwriter
October           20        Ed kabotie - Hopi Singer/Songwriter
November       17        Tony Norris and Bill Burke - Old Timey folk music
~ Classifieds ~

Volunteers!
New  Sunday Morning Volunteer opportunity!  You've been looking for how you can help out at Beacon, here's your chance!  We're seeking to build a pool of cash count volunteers to work in teams of two, for one half hour after service to count the offering and prepare cash count sheet.  Please contact the office with your interest.

Tuesday Volunteer opportunity! We're seeking volunteers to prepare the weekly deposit and other simple tasks as needed. Please contact the office with your interest.

Photos!
Requesting photos with permission to use them on the Beacon website! Photos can be of congregational events (please make sure everyone in the photo is named so that I can obtain a release to use them!), the church itself, the grounds, or even just of around town! Help us show the public the beautiful community that is Beacon UU!

Beacon Library!
Our Beacon Library is in need of some friends, might you have time to help organize, and to create and review checkout and return of our honor system loaner library?  The library is currently being reset in the upstairs library / DRE office room, so a great time to help with organizing.  Please be in touch with Rev. Kevin.
~ Art Exhibitions at Beacon for July and August  ~

And Now For Something Different - New Art At Beacon

For July And August we are displaying the exciting work of textile artist and man about town Jamie Hasapis. The pieces in this exhibit were created using a technique called "snow-dyeing". Fabric is covered with 8" - 10" of snow and then dyes are applied. As the snow melts the dye is absorbed randomly creating color, design and texture. "I never know what the end result will be....when I open the bundles I have these incredible gifts that I get to share."
In addition to his art, Jamey is a musician, singer and actor. He is also the host of Radio Sunnyside's Community Conversation  on Monday mornings at  10 a.m.
~ Website Members and Friends Access ~

Interested in accessing the directory and board documents on the Members and Friends page on  BeaconUU.com ? You can get the password over the phone (928-779-4492) during regular office hours, or by requesting it from a board member after Sunday Services.We will not be providing it by email. 
Call or email Heather ([email protected]) with any questions!
 
 BEACON GOOGLE GROUP

If you are not on Beacon's exclusive google group, you are missing out on an important communications link within our congregation. It is useful for spreading information about something going on in Flagstaff, informing others of social action activities, offering an item for sale or to give away, sharing enthusiasm about a book or movie, requesting information or recommendations -- and more! It's simple to sign up! Email Heather, our Office Manager, at  [email protected].
Beacon Calendar
Literature of the Borderlands
 Saturday, August 12
9:00 am
Yoga
Tuesday, August 15
11:00 am, 5:00 pm
Sunday Service & Religious  Exploration
Sunday, August 13
10:00 am
Qi-Gong
 Tuesday, August 15
6:15 pm
Congregational Vitality Team
Sunday, August 13
11: 30 am
Core Leadership Council
Wednesday, August 16
6:00 pm
Religious Exploration Committee
Monday, August 14
4:00 pm
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, August 17
9:00 am
Committee on Shared Ministry
Monday, August 14
5:30 pm
Flagstaff Folk Project
Friday, August 18
7:00 pm

If you would like to submit a calendar event, send an email to  [email protected] . With all requests, please indicate the following: proposed start and end time of the event, the space/room preferred, and a rough group size. On the occasion of a cancellation or rescheduling of an event, please let the office know in a timely fashion to ensure that your event is correctly represented in the newsletter and order of service. Thank you!
Beacon Office Hours

Minister, 
Rev. Kevin  Lawson: 

Tues: 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Weds: 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Other times available by appointment
Director of Religious Exploration

Please call the office during regular office hours for DRE needs at this time. 

  Office Manager, 
Heather Thornton

Tues: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Weds: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thur: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

~ Fundraising the Easy Way! ~

We have added new, easy ways to give back to Beacon! 

Do you shop at Fry's? Use the Beacon phone number, (928) 779-4492, at checkout, and Beacon receives donations from Fry's through their Community Rewards program!

Do you shop online? Use www.iGive.com/BeaconUnitarianUniversalistCongregation and Beacon receives donations from the companies you shop with! 
Or, use smile.amazon.com! Just set Beacon as your charity of choice, and when you use the smile.amazon.com portal to shop, Beacon receives donations from Amazon.com!

Do you know of other passive fundraising methods? Let us know at [email protected]!