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~ Monthly Worship Theme ~
Justice Can't Wait
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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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A Path to Membership Class is scheduled for this coming
Sunday, May 21, 11:30 to 1:30, in the Beacon sanctuary. A light lunch will be provided. Child care is also provided, if needed. The class is for people who want to know more about Unitarianian Universalism and Beacon in particular. Please let Dora Harrison know asap if you will be attending. She may be reached at
dhharrison@aol.com or 928-913-0813 or by text at 928-699-9020.
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~Proxies for the Congregational Meeting ~
Very Important! If you will not be able to attend the meeting on
June 11, please designate someone as your proxy. In order to ensure we have a quorum of members to approve the budget and other important items at our annual meeting, we need your proxies. A proxy has the authority to be your voice and vote. Please send an email or letter to Theresa deBoer, Board Secretary, by
June 9, with the name of your proxy.
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~ Ministers Musings ~
I have been pondering this message deeply upon my heart this week, for Sunday afternoon the blunt reality of its meaning arrived out of the blue. Shortly after arriving home from our wonderful shared morning of community and worship together, recognizing the annual remembrance of Mother's Day, as I was changing from church clothes to afternoon home duds, Gary came into the bedroom with "that look."
"That look" of your partner or spouse that you know and recognize to mean the world has changed! Full stop.
As he was holding his phone, I understood, this was to be news of a rather dramatic nature. He shared that we had just received word our Niece Tiarra (Tia) in Pendleton, OR and her husband (Shawn) has been in an automobile accident late Saturday afternoon returning home from a family memorial in Prineville, OR. Our nephew Shawn did not survive the accident.
Yes, they were indeed returning from a family memorial, Shawn's mother had died from cancer just last week and that memorial was Saturday.
Today is a gift. As we live through these days of political uncertainty, concerns for global climate change, and the quite lengthy list of true and real concerns, may we not forget that it is our human connection, which is the core of our being.
We are all human, we will each most certainly have better days and joyous days and days in which we would just rather pull up the covers, snuggle in and read a book. Nevertheless, know that it is within our human connection that we share and support one another. It is within our human connection that we as UU's recognize and affirm one of the principles we live by, "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." This is why as people of a liberal and progressive faith, we still find strength and nurturing in coming together at least weekly to be with one another. To be witness to and to witness to others, that you journey not alone.
When moments of the journey call us to stop, to see and to recognize "that look" from our loved ones, when death and when grief arrive unbidden, it is good to be reminded we are a community. It is within these connections and the interdependence that we experience grief, and we may process towards new wholeness. For what was once a part within us, filled and shared by the other, becomes initially a void. Together let us be there for one another, "
I need you to survive
" and "
All of us, need all of us, to make it!"
While it may be a bit of pop-culture and a gross over-simplification of theological intention, the quote shared within the picture speaks volumes - Today is a gift. So, please if you are having a joyous day, share your smile with others, that they might be encouraged. If your day is more the snuggle and covers type, perhaps be mindful and look to the smiles of others and know you are not alone. For those with hearts that grieve may we know that death is but also a part of the human journey and experience, look to others for their caring intention. May we not dwell on a past that is done and gone, may we not stress and guess a future not yet here, but truly practice a mindfulness to be present to today, which is the gift.
Blessed Be,
Rev. Kev
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~ Beacon Social Justice Allies (SJA) Update ~
Beacon's Public Stances, Part III: Non-violence
This week's SJA article wraps up a three-part series that provides a review and an update of three social justice issues on which Beacon members have voted to take a "public stance."
This means that we have decided-as a faith community-to focus on these issues:
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Immigration,
by supporting families of undocumented immigrants (approved 2013).
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Living wage
, in support of efforts toward reform that provides a living wage for local workers (approved 2016).
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Non-violence
, in support of local efforts toward non-violence (approved 2016).
Non-Violence
Following the tragic shooting at NAU in the fall of 2015, in which one student died and two others were injured, the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council (NAIC) gathered to begin to explore how we might collaborate to help prevent such heartbreaking events in the future. As NAIC participants, several Beacon people collaborated with representatives from eight other faith communities to create a weeklong series of events in mid-February, 2016, titled "The Courage to Make Peace: Diverse traditions respond to violence in our community." In addition to a "Preach-in", Beacon hosted a potluck and community-wide discussion of our local response to violence. The thirty-five people who gathered shared concerns and formed four task forces-which have since been consolidated-to create preliminary plans for how we might proceed.
Most of Beacon's efforts toward non-violence have continued to be in collaboration with
NAIC Public Safety Team. We are currently investigating the feasibility of arranging for three programs: Mental Health First Aid (a promising free training option), de-escalation training (offered by the Flagstaff Police Department and County Sheriff's Department) and anti-bullying coaching.
Formed over a year ago, the Police Community Liaison Committee is another impressive local resource, with representation from Flagstaff's diverse population (including several NAIC activists). It has been responsive to community concerns and has contributed to increasing residents' trust in local law enforcement.
Potential solutions to reducing violence are complicated and challenging and progress has been slow. However, we persist, believing that that we are called to do all we can to make a difference-individually and collectively. The stakes are too high to not do so.
In community,
Roz Clark, SJA Journalist
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May 21
Rev. Kevin
Borderlands Justice - reflections from Justice District Assembly 2017, Rev. Kevin and others who attended Justice DA will offer thoughts on their experiences and their direct excursions in the Sonoran Desert lands of Southern Arizona.
May 28
Labyrinth Sunday
Please Note: Service will not be offered at Beacon! Service will be held at the Flagstaff Community Labyrinth.* Every walk will feel different. Some visitors bring beads, seashells, or other bling to leave at the labyrinth. You can do so if you wish. If you feel a trinket (smaller than your pocket) was left there especially for you, please take it. Children and Youth - There is an adjacent park / play area, so all ages are welcome, Please not the labyrinth is not wheelchair accessible at this time.
*Labyrinth location: "From the Sinclair Wash Trailhead on Lone Tree Road (at Brannen Circle, 3 blocks south of REI) walk about 3 minutes northeast on the trail until you see the word "labyrinth" painted on a rock on the north (left) side of the trail. Follow the arrows for 1 minute up the short steep trail to the Flagstaff Community Labyrinth."
~ Special Note! ~
Walking the Flagstaff Community Labyrinth - Lone Tree Road at Brannen Circle
Service will not be offered at Beacon
Paul Beier, Maryann van Drielen
For centuries, labyrinths have been part of many cultures around the world. Walking a labyrinth in community with music (as we will do
May 28
) is a special shared meditation. The Flagstaff Community Labyrinth, perched on the edge of a small cliff, is made of 15 tons of lichen-covered lava boulders. It has a path length of a quarter mile; its wide lanes allow you to walk at your own pace. Children are welcome to walk the labyrinth with a spirit of reverence
, or to enjoy the nearby play structure under the supervision of Sakenya MacDonald (parents, show up and follow the signs).
Please arrive between 9:50 and 10:15; staggered entry will allow those who arrive early to leave early. Wear good walking shoes (no high heels).
Park near the intersection of Lone Tree Road and Brannen Circle (3 blocks south of REI). The Arizona Trail/Rio de Flag Trail crosses Lone Tree road here. From Lone Tree/Brannen, walk the Arizona Trail east (toward the sun) for 800 feet (4 minutes) from Lone Tree Road, then turn left on the well-marked path to the labyrinth.
There are public restrooms nearby. Sorry, the labyrinth is not wheelchair-accessible.
Questions? - Call Maryann at 606 5115.
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~ Adrianne's Music Box ~
#1031
Filled With Loving Kindness
#1027 Cuando el Pobre (When the Poor Ones)
#1057 Go Lifted Up
May 21, 2017
#1031
Filled With Loving Kindness
Traditional Buddhist Meditation set to music by Ian W. Riddell, adapted by Mark Hayes.
This song from our hymnal is a sung expression of the Buddhist prayer known as the
metta sutta.
Metta
means loving kindness, and the prayer is an expression, a visualization and an openness to loving kindness toward ourselves, toward another, and toward us all. In other words, it is a prayer for loving kindness to be the experience of all beings.
#1027
Cuando el Pobre (When the Poor Ones)
by J.A. Olivar and Miguel Manzano, trans. George Lockwood
(Translated from the original Spanish)
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1. Cuando el pobre nada tiene y aún reparte,
cuando alguien pasa sed y agua nos da,
cuando el débil a su hermano forta lece,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar;
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.
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When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving;
when the thirsty pass the cup, water to share;
when the wounded offer others strength and healing:
we see God, here by our side, walking our way;
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
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2. Cuando alguno sufre y logra su Consuelo,
cuando espera y no se cansa de esperar,
cuando amamos, aunque el odio nos rodee,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar
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When compassion gives the suffering consolation,
when expecting brings to birth hope that was lost;
when we choose love, not the hatred all around us;
we see God, here by our side, walking our way,
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
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3. Cuando crece la alegria y now inunda,
cuando dicen nuestros labios la verdad,
cuando anoramos el sentir de los sencillos,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.
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When our spirits, like a chalice, brim with gladness,
when our voices, full and clear, sing out the truth,
when our longings, free from envy, seek the humble,
we see God, here by our side, walking our way,
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
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4. Cuando abunda el bien y llena los hogares,
cuando alguien donde hay Guerra pone paz,
cuando "hermano" le llamamos al extraño,
va Dios mismo, en nuestro mismo caminar,
va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar.
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When the goodness poured from heaven fills our dwellings,
when the nations work to change war into peace,
when the stranger is accepted as our neighbor,
we see God, here by our side, walking our way,
we see God, here by our side, walking our way.
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Based on a parable found in Matt. 25: 31-46, "Cuando el pobre" speaks of the plight of the poor and marginalized. Influenced in part with the early movement of liberation theology, this hymn seeks to name the many ways humanity is oppressed and how God is on the journey with all people-the oppressed, the liberators, and those seeking to promote peace and justice. The tune EL CAMINO is reminiscent of a Latin ballad with its gentle, undulating rhythm in 6/8 that so beautifully fits the word stress of this text. It screams, "play me on a soft stringed guitar!" Both rhythm and harmony are unhurried and full of beauty.
#1057 Go Lifted Up
by Mortimer Barron, The composer writes, "When I was music director at Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, Attleboro, MA, Natalie Sleeth's
Go Now in Peace
was often sung at the end of the Sunday services. Whereas I liked its words but not its music, I composed new music for this sung benediction. The congregation loved this new version and continues to sing it to this day. This new "
Go Now in Peace
" also became the traditional sung benediction at my present church, First Unitarian and Universalist Society of Middleboro, MA."
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~ Yard Sale ~
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With just over two weeks to go...
Three things to remember
about the Yard Sale!
Saturday, June 3
1. DONATE
furniture, working appliances, gardening tools, housewares, linens, art/craft materials, holiday decorations, books, kids' toys and more. The "cottage" will be open after church each Sunday, or call Heather at the office (779-4492) on Tues., Wed. or Thurs. afternoons.
New departments this year:
2. SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR SET-UP FRI., JUNE 2, beginning at 3:30, continuing until dark.
- For a mere $5 per person, we'll deliver pizza and salad.
- Take advantage of the opportunity for early shopping while you're working.
3. SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER SAT., JUNE 3, with choices among three shifts:
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- 7:00a - The busiest
- 10:00a
- 11:50a - Clean-up
Questions? (
E.g. To request pick-up of too-heavy/large items, arrange for "cottage" to be open), contact Rich Clark: 255-2515 (Rich), 380-6502 (Rich's administrator) or
clarkrr@q.com
.
PS
Thank you to Anne Cotten for arranging for Sharon's Attic (a Beacon Community Partner) to pick up and take away all leftover merchandise)!
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~ SIGN UP Time for Circle Suppers at Beacon ~
Break bread with a few other Beaconites
How it works:
Any Member or Friend of Beacon signs up (with your partner and family, if you wish)
by May 31
. You are signing up to participate in 3-5 potluck Suppers (or brunches or whatever) during June-August. Each Supper is held in the home of one member of the Circle; nobody hosts more than 1 Supper.
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Paul Beier assembles participants into "Circles" of ~6-8 adults (plus kids in kid-tolerant groups), notifies you of the Circle to which you have been assigned, and assigns one person to be the Ringleader of each Circle.
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The Ringleader of each Circle works with Circle to set the date for the first Supper at the Ringleader's home. At each Supper, the Circle selects a date & host for the next Supper. Continue until everyone has had hosted.
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Is your home too small to host? No problem! We can work it out...
"Why so soon? My current Circle won't finish until July!" You can be part of two Circles that overlap in time, or you can wait for Fall Circles. The "Summer Circles" are popular with our snowbirds, so they really gotta start in June.
"A Beacon tradition for 30 years"
What to do:
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Name
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Email
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Phone (gotta have it! I promise not to share it beyond your Circle)
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Names of other adults who will attend Suppers with you
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Names and ages of kids who will attend suppers with you
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Are you willing to have babies (kids <36 months) old in your Circle? Yes/No
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Are you willing to have kids
>
3 years old in your Circle? Yes/No
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Any other information, such as: "only Sunday brunches" or "house too small for me to host" or "please put in circle with Barack."
If you can't remember if you already signed up for Circle Suppers, just sign up again - I will find the duplicates.
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~ Volunteers Needed for Beacon BnB ~
June Fundraising Effort
Please Join Rev. Kevin, Kay Doggett and Board President Carol Hixson as we offer a new take on an older fundraising idea! We will offer limited, one weekend/two night Flagstaff BnB hospitality to fellow UU's in the State to come north to Flagstaff for Pride in the Pines and Flagstaff Folk Festival the weekend of June 23rd and 24th.
Can you share your guest room (or two) with other UU's? Would you like to help Beacon
raise funds from outside our own pockets? Only two night's hospitality (
and the opportunity to make some new friends!) can make a big difference here at Beacon, and in the greater Arizona UU community!
Please contact the office,
office@beaconuu.com, provide us with your contact info, what the guest options you have are (i.e. queen bed with a shared bath, or two twin beds and separate Bath, etc...). Your input will help us determine if this event is a real possibility! We will be in touch in early May to fine tune options and to coordinate promotion to other UU Congregations. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality!
The Summer BnB Task Group,
Rev. Kevin, Kay and Carol
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~ 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.
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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
office@beaconuu.com.
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Save the Date!
Path to Membership Class
Sunday, May 21, immediately following the service.
Flagstaff Family Food Center
Wednesday, May 31, 3:30 pm
We serve at the Flagstaff Family Food Center.
Volunteers will be needed. Call Sue Strobel if you'd like to help at 526-5156 or 699-1966.
Beacon Annual Yard Sale
Saturday, June 3rd
With the Yard Sale coming up in June, it's not too early to begin to ponder which items around your house you are ready to have live somewhere else. You can either save those things at your house or bring them to the "cottage" in the Beacon back yard. Contact Heather at the office (779-4492) Tues., Wed. or Thurs. afternoons to be sure you'll have access to cottage storage.
Please note: we don't sell clothing or electronics.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Friday, June 2, 5:30 pm
WEAR ORANGE! Please join us as we gather on the City Hall lawn from
5:30 - 7:00. Moms Demand Action is sponsoring the gathering and will host speakers.
Please come and show your support for reducing gun violence!
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 11th, immediately following the service.
Pride in the Pines
Saturday June 24, 2017
Watch future Weekly News editions for details!
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~ This Month's Share the Plate Partner ~
The Hozhoni Foundation is a leading provider of services and advocacy for people with disabilities. Residential, Vocational and Educational services are provided to assist individuals in achieving their maximum potential.
Undesignated contributions to this month's
Sunday
service offerings
above $300 (which goes to Beacon's operational budget)
will be presented to Hozhoni Foundation.
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Classifieds
Beacon Custodian -
3 hours per week, $13.00 per hour, check list of items, general cleaning and custodial care of our Beacon Building. Preferably to be Sunday late afternoon, evening, but we can possibly coordinate other times. If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them email Rev. Kevin,
minister@beaconuu.com
to schedule an interview.
Pride in the Pines - Saturday June 24, 2017
We have some volunteers for scheduling recruitment during the event we are seeking set up and tear down help. Can you sign up to pick up and take the Beacon Sun Shade and leg weights to set up in our space, and then pick up end of day? Or perhaps you can do one and find a friend to do the other? We have reserved space and they will provide table and two chairs. We are providing our own sun shade, but need support team for set up and tear down. Please email Rev. Kevin,
minister@beaconuu.com
if you can support Beacon Pride.
Used Book Sale? -
Rev. Kevin is seeking one or more volunteers who would like to explore
a Beacon Used Book sale Fundraising opportunity. If you have experience and or interest in non-profit used booksale events, please be in touch with Rev. Kevin,
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Beacon Calendar
Beacon Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 18
7:00 pm
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Yoga
Tuesday, May 23
11:00 am, 5:00 pm
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Flagstaff Folk Project
Friday, May 19
7:00 pm
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Qi-Gong
Tuesday, May 23
6:15 pm
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Sunday Service & Religious Exploration
Sunday, May 21
10:00 am |
Beacon Youth Group
Wednesday, May 24
5:30 pm |
Path to Membership Class
Sunday, May 21
11:00 am |
Beacon Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 24
6:00 pm |
Social Justice Allies
Sunday, May 21
11:15 am |
Beacon Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 25
7:00 pm
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Religious Exploration Meeting
Monday, May 22
6:30 pm |
Sunday Service & Religious Exploration
Sunday, May 28
10:00 am |
If you would like to submit a calendar event, send an email to
office@beaconuu.com
. 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!
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Beacon Office Hours
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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
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DRE,
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
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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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