This Sunday, December 10
The Mountain, Hope and Joy
Service Leader:  Rev. Margret A. O'Neall
Sunday, December 10, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
When challenging times leave us stony and closed, joy may not find a place to nest within us. Opening our hearts In this season of hope and love, we seek to deepen our capacity for emotional response to welcome all that life may offer.
Share the Plate with Peer Solutions
Sunday, December 10, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM 
Peer solutions was founded in 1996 with the mission Kids Teaching Kids to Make the World a Better Place. UUCP supported activities are youth-led and developed, open to all identities and include:  Weekly lunch meeting and after-school and summer peer training. Monthly coalition meetings and campus-wide outreach campaigns, quarterly service projects and bi-annual days at the capital, annual events and local/national workshops.
Starting Point Tour
Sunday, December 10, at 10:40 AM in the Foyer
Meet Janine Gelsinger, our Membership Coordinator and a member of our Children's Ministry program, in the front foyer at 10:40 AM for a brief tour of our campus. You will have a chance to learn about our programs and ask questions in this informal introduction to UUCP. No sign up. Just show up! 
Poetry Coffeehouse
Sunday, December 10, at 11:00 AM, meet outside near the Annex building. 
Poetry Coffeehouse is a forum for congregation members and friends who write and or enjoy poetry. Our purpose is to read, encourage and appreciate poets and other writers. It is a small group ranging from 4 to 8 in attendance. Contact Tish Gauntt at 602-544-8330 for additional information.
Next Sunday, December 17
The Longest Night
Service Leader:  Rev. Margret A. O'Neall
Sunday, December 17, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM
Human communities throughout the northern hemisphere celebrate the winter solstice as a reawakening of the light - here in the desert, the quality of the light is subtly different as the longest night approaches. Together let us celebrate this ancient recognition of light returning to a darkened world.
Auditions for Spring Cabaret show
Sunday, December 17 at 12:45 PM in Annex B
Would you like to be in UUCP's spring Cabaret show? Auditions are on Sunday, December 17 at 12:45 PM in Annex B. Come with a song prepared and bring sheet music; piano accompaniment will be provided. The show itself, on Saturday, March 3, will focus on the spiritual side of music from Broadway shows, but any song is fine for the audition. Contact Benjie Messer below with any questions.
CONTACT BENJIE
Upcoming Classes & Events
Christmas Gift Collection for Eritrean Refugee Family
Check out the Christmas tree on the back table in the sanctuary and take a numbered gift tag.  Sign your name on the list next to the number on your tag. Then go shopping for Nebiat and her kids aged 4-19.  Return the gifts by Sunday, December 17, and make this Christmas special for a very deserving family. Please contact Bobbi McGinn at 541-815-5518 or by email via the link below. 
CONTACT BOBBI MCGINN
Green Sanctuary Group 
Tuesday, December 12, 6:30 PM in the Johnson Room
The Green Sanctuary Group works in partnership with local faith-based organizations and individual organizations to involve our congregation in environmental justice efforts. The group works on projects within our congregation and out in the community to increase our own knowledge and to increase the impact of current environmental campaigns.
Sangha Buddhist Group
Tuesday, December 12, 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary
We will start the meeting with 30 minutes of meditation followed by a dharma reading and discussion. You need not be a Buddhist to attend, just interested in your spiritual growth. If you have questions, contact Donna Featherston at 602-997-7996.
Traveling 2nd Fridays
Second Fridays of the month starting in January
We are beginning our new series of Traveling 2nd Friday on January 12, Friday with Joan Gale. Join us for a free one-hour presentation of TAI CHI CELEBRATION IN CHINA in the sanctuary. Bill and Joan's trip was unlike anything you would find in a travel brochure. Our Tai Chi instructor, Master Tung Kai Ying, had been invited to the opening of a new town square in his home village. His students from all over the world accompanied him to demonstrate Tai Chi forms he learned in China and had been teaching since he left in the 1960's. We also were able to see many stunning and famous sites. Our photos show these sites as well as the practice, demonstration, communist influence, banquets, celebrations and Tung family lore. Any questions, call Barbara Cawthorne 480-994-1452. Click the below link to see all this year's offerings.
TRAVELING 2ND FRIDAY INFORMATION
Campus Work Day and Potluck
Saturday, December 16, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
There will be indoor, outdoor and kid-friendly projects around the campus. For every project we will have supplies here at UUCP ready for you. Bring a potluck dish to share, a water bottle for while you work, and some thick work gloves. Please let Heidi know if you plan on attending as we need at least 10 volunteers to RSVP for the work day to happen. Email Heidi below or call 602-840-8400 ext. 202 
CONTACT HEIDI
Christmas Caroling
Saturday, December 16, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
UUCP's afternoon of Christmas caroling is set for Saturday, December 16! If you enjoy singing Christmas carols and spreading cheer, please join us. We'll meet at UUCP at 1:00 PM, sing a few carols together and then spend a relaxed afternoon visiting and singing to UUCP elders who are rarely able to attend services. If you'll definitely be attending let Benjie know below!
CONTACT BENJIE
Arts, Crafts and Goodies Fair
Sunday, December 17 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM on the patio 
Please join us for a "holiday treasures" no-frills, low key UUCP Arts, Crafts, and Goodies Fair. Proceeds will go to our UUCP Capital Campaign. This will be a good opportunity to invite a friend to UUCP! Bring lots of cash and checks; there will be no credit card service unless the individual artist offers it. UU Artists and Crafters:  December 10 is the last day for sign-up to participate. Please contact Jan Kaplan below for details. 
CONTACT JAN
Pathway to Membership
Saturday, January 13, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Pathway to Membership is a class that invites you to meet with other folks considering membership and hear more from ministers, leaders and recently-joined members about what it means to be a member of our congregation. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Unitarian Universalism and UUCP, get to know each other in groups and ask questions. The class ends with an invitation to join by signing the membership book and pledging your support. There is no pressure to join. We recognize membership is a commitment, and we hope people will take their time before joining.To register, stop by the welcome table in the lobby and fill out the registration, register on the UUCP website or contact Janine Gelsinger below.
CONTACT JANINE
Blue Christmas 
Saturday, December 23, 6:00 PM 
There is much joy in the holiday season, but it can also be a painful time for those who have experienced loss. This gentle service will offer a space of holding, with music, spoken word and meditative ritual, to provide support in the sadness that can be present among the celebrations of this time. Child care will be provided.
Early Music in the Garden
8:30 AM to 9:15 AM in the Memorial Garden on Sunday
Drop by the memorial garden before first service for a time of quiet meditation and reflection. From 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM guitarist Russ Braman and other musicians will intersperse meditative music with periods of silence. No need to arrive "on time." As long as you avoid distracting others, you are welcome to come, stay and go as you please. The music schedule is below:

December 10:  Russ Braman, guitar
December 17:  Anne Lackey, violin
December 24:   Russ Braman, guitar (9:30 AM, One Service Today)
December 31:   Russ Braman, guitar (9:30 AM, One Service Today)
UU Foundation of Phoenix Annual Reception
Sunday, January 7, 2018, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Jan Kaplan & Helen Walker's Home
You are warmly invited to join us at a special reception of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix's Chalice Keepers legacy society. Come and meet members of the Unitarian Universalist Foundation Board and the Chalice Keepers.  Please let Heidi know if you plan to attend by January 2 via the email below. If you would like more information about the Foundation please contact the Board below.
RSVP FOR THE RECEPTION
CONTACT THE UUFP BOARD
Ukulele and Friends Song Circle
On the patio during coffee hour after first service on most  Sundays
This musical group gathers informally on the patio during coffee hour after first service, most Sundays. Please join us to strum or hum, sing and/or clap and smile! Loaner instruments are available. 
Remember Arizona Tax Credit Donations!
Each year you have the opportunity to direct some of your state tax dollars to BOTH schools AND 501(c)3 or designated community action agencies.  For a list of Qualifying Charitable Organizations click hereFor a link to a form for giving a donation to our partner Maryland School, click here, or pick up a form at the Justice Ministry table on Sunday mornings this month. Look for Maryland School's address on the form. You have until April 18, 2018 to make these contributions. Your help makes a big difference to these groups!
Holiday Wreath Collection
The Sanctuary Team will begin displaying your family wreaths again this year. Do you have a special holiday tradition to show us? Include photos in your wreath and bring them to the lobby each Sunday and drop them off in the office. Please include your name and wire the wreath for hanging. Need more decorating ideas? Call Ann at 480-782-5888 or email her below.
CONTACT ANN BIXEL
Help Build a Better UUCP Library! 
Donations of Books and Shelves needed
Help us expand and upgrade our library to be a better resource for our community. We are seeking donations of matching book cases as well as books (Subjects: Family Life, History, Inspiration, Justice, Religion and Theology). If you are interested in participating in this project, or have shelves or books to donate, please contact Rosemary Roenfanz. 
CONTACT ROSEMARY ROENFANZ
The Power of Forgiveness
Tuesday, December 12 & 19, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at First Church UCC, 1407 N 2nd St.
Facilitated by our own Vince Waldron & Rev. James Pennington, 1st Church UCC
Finding a path to forgiveness promises freedom and empowerment that does not necessarily involve forgetting, condoning, tolerating and/or excusing, but does facilitate an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth that may uncover alternative emotions of compassion, empathy, kindness and grace.
Inaugural Roots Pilgrimage
July 2018
Registration closes April 8, 2018
Join us for this joint inaugural Roots Pilgrimage (8 nights/8 days) with the Hungarian Unitarian Church and the UU Partner Church Council!  Together we will explore our shared Unitarian religious heritage, including spiritual, cultural and theological beliefs, values and traditions. Click below to see more details.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PILGRIMAGE
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