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Submissions must be in by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to be included in the newsletter.
Thanks!
Heather Thornton, Beacon Office Manager
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~ Monthly Worship Theme ~
New Beginnings
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Ministers Musings
January 19, 2017
Friends,
Change is upon us! For some it is welcome, for many it is not the future we would have envisioned, but it is here. I am reminded, via mother nature, that sometimes our pathways and directions are not always clear and easy passage. Gary and I traveled back up to Oregon this week, a short break for me post season of many services, to see his mother and family. Alas, Mother Nature, and ice covered roadways, precluded ease of passage, the primary highways of both Oregon and Washington from Portland to Pendleton were closed. So, we scoped out back-roads, and connections that come from having lived in an area for me over 20 years, and for Gary a lifetime. While these lesser connecting roads, added time, and minor stressors, they did provide unexpected vistas of beauty and the recall of the expression of truth, to have taken the road less traveled.
I share this short anecdote, to remind us all that while we may have envisioned the pathway, and expected the clear journey forward, this is not always what comes to pass. Let us hold out hope and understanding that our principles and values will be our guiding light, and together in covenanted community we may remain strong and resilient to add and support one another on the journey forward. Friday is the Inauguration of our Countries new President, and Saturday is expected to be the day of citizen expression - this is how it should be in a free democracy. I expect to be back to Flagstaff by Saturday afternoon, but yet again weather may preclude our direct return back up from Phoenix. If I am not able to be with many of you for the citizen gatherings in our city, and in solidarity with so many across the country, know I am with you in spirit and intention to rally our democratic right to counter voice.
Blessed Be - Rev. Kevin
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Jan 22
- Andy Hogg -
"Many people are still dealing with presidential election stress. This sermon will offer ideas about coping, hope, and faith."
Jan 29
- Rev. Karla Brockie -
"Sharing the Burdens of the World"
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Religious Exploration
Dear Parents,
Welcome to 2017! The sum of the numerals in 2017 is equal to the number 10. In numerology, the number 10 is often reduced to the singular numeral 1. It is believed that, "The number 10/1 brings all sorts of new changes into your life, and there seems to be an element of luck within those energies. Through this vibration, you have the insight to recognize and understand the needs of humanity, and the ability to bring peace and harmony to all".
What a perfect way to begin a new year of learning, growing, and changing!
The highlighted UU principle for January & February is:
"Acceptance of one another and encouragement to
spiritual growth in our congregation"
January 22, 2017
January 29, 2017: Tales and Myths from Indian Mythology
.
We will be sharing stories and myths from the Indian Tradition, and learning about their pantheon of gods and goddesses, including Shiva, Vishnu, Buddha, and Krishna. We will be exploring sacred ritual, chants, and ceremonies related to the Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
We will be focusing on inclusivity and how Unitarian Universalists encourage spiritual growth welcoming diversity and difference in our congregations.
All classes will be hybridized to include age appropriate discussion and activities.
Volunteers are always welcome! Please email
[email protected]
to find out how you can contribute to our dynamic RE program.
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Adrianne's Music Box
Congregational Hymns January 22, 2017
Louise Ruspini based the text from her hymn
Enter, Rejoice and Come In
on Psalm 100. It grew in popularity in the United States during the 1970s. The opening stanza is based on Psalm 100:4, and the rest of the stanzas invite a willingness to be open to the leading of the Spirit in worship.
(UUA) President Bill Sinkford listed "We Are a Gentle, Angry People" as one of the key songs which have spread through the Unitarian Universalist movement and "speak to our identity."
Harry Belafonte explained the inspiration for "Turn the world around" before he performed it with various Muppets in African garb on the Muppet show in 1979. Belafonte said: "I discovered the song in Africa. I was in a country called Guinea. I went deep into the interior of the country, and in a little village, I met with a storyteller. That storyteller went way back in African tradition and African mythology and began to tell this story about the fire, the sun, the water, the Earth. He pointed out the whole of these things put together turns the world around. That all of us are here for a very very short time. In that time that we're here, there really isn't any difference in any of us, if we take time out to understand each other. The question is: Do I know who you are, or who I am? Do we care about each other? Because if we do, together we can turn the world around."
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LET'S IGNITE OUR BEACON LIGHT!
It's the new year and that means our annual stewardship campaign is just around the corner. Team leaders Trish and Paul Black are enthusiastic, energetic and full of creative ideas for the 2017/18 pledge drive -- and are promising to make it FUN! Look for your invitation to one of three parties coming up, featuring "Conversations with Rev. Kevin," live music and festive food. And keep in touch!
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SJA (SOCIAL JUSTICE ALLIES) UPDATE
The following items come mainly from Beacon's Tory Syracuse, Executive Director of Friends of Flagstaff's Future (F3).
- 1. The second meeting of the newly formed F3 Social Justice Committee meeting will be Thursday, January 26, from 6:00-7:30 pm (please note the time change) at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 423 S. Beaver St. Please RSVP to Tory ([email protected] ) if you plan to attend. She will be sending out a more detailed agenda within the next few days.
- 2. The coalition, Together We Will Northern Arizona, will be organizing several inauguration-related events this week and weekend:
- 3. In response to the desire for social justice-related trainings that we heard at our first meeting in December, F3 is pleased to be offering a workshop, facilitated by David McCain: "We Are Them and They Are Us: Taking the High Road to Social Change" on February 15. Please RSVP to Tory ([email protected] ) if you would like to participate (space is limited and registration is required).
- Inauguration Vigil. Sponsored by Together We Will Northern Arizona, Friday, January 20, 10-11 am AND 5-6 pm, Flagstaff City Hall Lawn, 211 W. Aspen. Please join at 10am-11am to mark the time of the inauguration. Join up again at 5pm-6pm with those neighbors who were unable to leave work at 10am. More information here.
- A March for Love. Sponsored by Together We Will Northern Arizona, January 21, 2-5 pm, Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave. For anyone interested in showing their solidarity with those marching in D.C. We will be marching from Flagstaff City Hall to Heritage Square, to show our support of a message of compassion in place of a message of hate and divisiveness.
We enhance our effectiveness when we collaborate with other groups with whom we share values. Please consider participating in one or more of these events.
Roz Clark, SJA Journalist
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The
Flagstaff Folk Project
Presents Folk Guitarist and Singer/Songwriter
Bob Neustadt
January 20, 2017 - 7:15 pm
Sponsored by and Held at the Beacon
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
510 N. Leroux Street, Flagstaff, AZ
(Between Elm and Fine Avenues)
Robert Neustadt is professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at NAU. In 2010, Bob accompanied a group of students from NAU on a field trip to the Arizona/Mexico border. During the trip they met with deported people in Mexico, attended immigration hearings in the Federal Courthouse in Tucson, played the wall as a musical instrument, hiked on migrant trails, visited places in the desert where migrants had died, spoke with Border Patrol and spoke with migrants at a humanitarian base camp. The experience was so gut-wrenching that on returning from the trip a song emerged. He played this song, called "Voluntary Return," for his friend Chuck Cheesman. Chuck was moved and suggested that they produce an album as a fundraiser for the humanitarian organization No More Deaths / No más muertes.
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
Up-Coming Featured Performers:
February 17 Foxykoshka (Vincent & Annette) - International Guitar Music
March 17 Terry Alan - Flagstaff Folk Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter
April 21 JC and Laney - Folk and Guitar Duo from Phoenix
May 19 Two Hand Union (Kent & Alyssa Simmons) - Flagstaff Folk Duo
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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].
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WE ARE STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE
Be a part of history! Join in Beacon solidarity for the Flagstaff March (NOT JUST FOR WOMEN!)
this Saturday
. We will meet at City Hall (211 W. Aspen) at
2:00
and walk to Heritage Square. This is an INCLUSIVE march for EVERYONE who opposes inequality, injustice, bigotry, hatred and divisiveness. Wear your Beacon shirt over something warm! Look for Gail Lowe, who will proudly be carrying our Standing on the Side of Love banner!
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Path to Membership
A Path to Membership Class will be held on Sunday, February 5,
after the service, starting at approximately 11:30
and ending at 1:30 pm.
It will be held in the Beacon sanctuary. A light lunch will be served, and child care provided, if necessary. People who are interested in becoming a member of Beacon or who are just interested in knowing more about Beacon and Unitarian Universalism in general are invited to attend. It is usually a fun class. The class is required to become a member. There is a sign-up board at the greeter table. If you have questions, contact Dora Harrison at
[email protected]
.
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January Art Display
New art for the New Year!
A big thank you to Leah Mundell for sharing the portrait photography of the last 2 months. This month, we are excited to be sharing art from our very own talented volunteer, Marsha Owen!
"Sunlit Drifts"
Marsha Owen
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January's Share the Plate Partner
Since 2006,
Flagstaff Shelter Services (FSS)
has provided critical shelter, food, and access to resources to those most likely to die on the streets each night. Regardless of faith, mental health, or sobriety, FSS serves any adult experiencing homelessness. FSS's entire strategy is positioned around providing personal and behavioral crisis response for people in need.
Undesignated contributions to December's Sunday service offerings
above $300 (which goes to Beacon's operational budget) get presented to the Center.
Nominate your favorite Non-Profit Group or Agency!
If you would like to nominate a non-profit project or agency whose values are consistent with Beacon's for the Share the Plate Program,
please fill out a
nomination form.
They can also be found on the bulletin board in the foyer.
For more information, contact Community Action Committee (CAC) chairs
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On
Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Beacon will be offering a First Aid/
CPR
Certification Class.
The cost is $20 per person and the class is offered by LP Health Directions.
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Beacon Calendar
Yoga
Thursday, January 19
11:00 - 12:30
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Sunday Worship Services
Sunday, January 22
10:00 am
Children's Religious Exploration
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Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, January 19
7:00 pm
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Yoga
Tuesday, January 24
11:00 - 12:30 pm
5:00 - 6:00 pm
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Flagstaff Folk Project
Friday, January 20
7:00 pm
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Flagstaff Family Food Center
Wednesday, January 25
3:30 - 5:30 pm
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Beacon Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 25
6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Yoga
Thursday, January 26
11:00 - 12:30 pm
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Beacon Office Hours
Minister, Rev. Kevin Lawson:
Monday:
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Tuesday:
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday:
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
*Other times available by appointment
Director of Religious Exploration, Sakenya McDonald
Sunday:
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday -
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Wednesday:
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
*Other times available by appointment
Office Manager, Heather Thornton
Tuesday: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Wednesday:
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Thursday:
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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Last Sunday
Sunday, January 15
Attendance: 60
Plate Donations: $149.70
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