Beacon Weekly News

Submissions must be in by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to be included in the newsletter.

Heather Thornton, Beacon Office Manager

~ Monthly Worship Theme ~

Mi Casa Es...How open is our house?

~ This Sunday's Service ~

Mi Casa es - Beacon!

This morning Rev. Kevin will offer reflection and recognition of the year that was, sharing events in the life of our community over the past church year, August 2016 thru today. This morning we will also recognize those who have given the gift of time in support for our Religious Exploration program. Directly after the service, we will hold our annual congregational meeting.

Notice of Annual Beacon Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 11:30 am

Childcare will be provided.

The Congregation (members in good standing) will vote on:

- Approval of the minutes from the June 2016 meeting

- Approval of the budget for fiscal year 2017-2018

- New Board of Trustees members

- Leadership Succession Team members

- Proposed By-Laws change to section 3 of Article VIII (in italics):

ARTICLE VIII. Duties of Officers

In addition to the following duties, all officers are encouraged to further and promote positive communication between the Board and the members of Beacon congregation.

Section 3. The Secretary shall keep a record of minutes at the Beacon office of all meetings of the Board and all called meetings of Beacon. The time and place of each meeting, whether regular or special, the notice thereof given, the names of those present and the proceedings thereof shall be included in the minutes. In addition, the Secretary shall arrange for publication of the minutes of all the meetings of the Board either by posting at a conspicuous place at Beacon or made available to members through other means. The secretary is also responsible for maintaining the Bylaws and Policies, making changes to the Bylaws that are approved by the Congregation, making changes to the Policies that are approved by the Board, and ensure that the latest versions are posted on the Beacon website.

If you will be using a proxy, please notify Theresa deBoer, Secretary of the Board, with your name and the proxy's name by June 9.

~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.

~ Ministers Musings ~

My, Oh My! We are at the concluding Sunday of my first "church year" with you as your new called, settled and installed Minister. It has been an eventful year! I will address more specifics in my Annual Minister's report, which will be referenced on Sunday and available in hard copy or electronically next week.

For this week's musings, I offer the following reading by Elizabeth Tarbox, "All is Dukkha."

"Dukkha," they say. The Buddhists say, "All is

dukkha." It is hard to translate, they tell us. It means literally "suffering" but the feeling of

dukkha is closer to impermanence. The fact of impermanence is central to the Buddhist path to nirvana, enlightenment.

Dukkha . All is impermanence. Nothing lasts. I thought of that yesterday, watching leaves come down in a shower, and the smell of the rotting ones going back into the earth. Leaf to humus and back to earth to nourish the roots of the mother tree. The crows crying as the leaves fall and their nests are exposed: dukkha...all is impermanence.

And life goes on, and people who were with us last year at this time have died, all souls pass on, all is dukkha, nothing lasts.

The path to enlightenment is understanding, accepting impermanence to the point where we no longer struggle against it. That is the way of the Buddha. But here in the West we search for that which is permanent, even as we live with the death of all things, all people. We search for a sure footing on the path strewn with fallen leaves; we notice the buds of next year's growth tight-curled and waiting; we hold on to the things we can count on-our church, our community, our memories of those who died before us, our love and hope, and the search for certainty in a world that is dukkha.

God of creation, God of today-let us find each other in a changing world; let us experience love as something which exists, a possibility which is. Let us know that we are alive and being renewed miraculously each second; that the impermanence gives to life its freshness and surprise; that our memories of yesterday and our expectations of tomorrow make now a cherished, precious, eternal moment."

I find myself thinking in these terms of change, adaptability and impermanence as we close out the "church year." We have experienced personnel, technological and scheduling changes within the Beacon system this year. We continue to experience, and will continue to experience such changes, for this is the nature of living, growth and change."

One key change is the return this week and through the summer of our children and youth in weekly service. Our RE Committee had offered a trial of one Sunday per month as "Together Sunday" during the winter and spring. This trial has run its course and with current change in our Religious Exploration program staffing and our shifting to "one room schoolhouse" for the summer months. It seems the best opportunity to reintegrate our children and youth to weekly participation in full community. We will be exploring differing options of what Time For All Ages includes: story, conversation, exploration, other.

Additionally, please know that the Worship Associates Team, Music Director and I will be sampling, trialing some new set-up formats, chairs and pulpit location, worship experiences during the coming summer months. As well, we will be sampling and trialing some minor modifications to our weekly liturgy, order of service. Please be willing and feel welcomed to share what you like, and perhaps what is challenging for you as we enter into a period of some creativity and exploration. Reach out to me, Adrienne, any of our Worship Associates: Andy Hogg, Nancy Paxton, Jack Doggett, Carleton Sheppard, and Mark James.

Here is to honoring the wisdom of the Buddha "The path to enlightenment is understanding, accepting impermanence to the point where we no longer struggle against it."

~ ~ ~

During June, July and August, both Heather and I will be maintaining regular office hours, however, please contact us before stopping by to be sure we are available for any needs or communication. I am available for pastoral care, and emergencies. I will be in and out of the pulpit in the coming weeks, and look forward to every Sunday I am to be with you. Lastly, if you have not yet, please mark your Calendars for Ingathering / Homecoming Sunday September 10^th. We will again gather for service and potluck at Bushmaster Park, the same ramada as last year, adjacent to Thomas School, off Lockett Rd.

Thank you for a wonderful first year in ministry with you here at Beacon; I look forward to year two and many more to follow! May you each and all have a blessed and safe summer season.

Blessed Be,

Rev. Kevin

~ Religious Exploration ~

Dear Members and Friends,

Please join us this Sunday, June 11th as Beacon's Religious Exploration Program recognizes its amazing volunteers with a brief ceremony to be held during morning worship.

The Religious Exploration program is appreciative of the devotion our members & friends demonstrate throughout the year with their support of our various programs.

This is our chance to say "Thank You" for all you've done and will continue to on behalf of our children & youth.

Kindly,

Sakenya McDonald, Director of Religious Exploration

~ Music Box ~

I am still riding the awesome wave of synchronicity from last Sunday's service "adaptability". The readings, Kevin's words, the singing, coupled with a sense that EVERYONE in the room was fully engaged, left me wanting more. With enthusiasm, I have selected songs for this coming service centered around my feelings of appreciation for you at Beacon. I bear witness of your generosity, compassion, cheerfulness, helpfulness, dedication and willingness.

In a book titled Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom, neuropsychologist and author Rick Hanson teaches about seeing the good in others, avoiding criticism and taking the time to celebrate others unique abilities. He says, "Seeing the good in others is thus a simple but very powerful way to feel happier and more confident, and become more loving and more productive in the world." I appreciate the opportunity to choose the songs we sing together as little stand-alone sermons, this week all centered on seeing the beauty surrounding us in fellowship at Beacon.

#403 Spirit of Truth, of Life, of Power Words by Horace Westwood

Spirit of truth, of life, of power,

we bring ourselves as gifts to thee:

oh, bind our hearts this sacred hour

in faith and hope and charity.

#123 Spirit of Life by Carolyn McDade

Spirit of life, come unto me

Sing in my heart, all the stirrings of compassion

Blow in the wind, rise in the sea,

Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.

Roots, hold me close; wings, set me free

Spirit of life, come to me, come to me.

#1008 When Our Heart is in a Holy Place Words by Joyce Poley

Chorus: When our heart is in a holy place,

When our heart is in a holy place,

We are bless'd with love and amazing grace,

When our heart is in a holy place.

1. When we trust the wisdom in each of us,

Ev'ry color ev'ry creed and kind,

And we see our faces in each other's eyes,

Then our heart is in a holy place.

2. When we tell our story from deep inside,

And we listen with a loving mind,

And we hear our voices in each other's words,

Then our heart is in a holy place.

3. When we share the silence of sacred space,

And the God of our Heart stirs within,

And we feel the power of each other's faith,

Then our heart is in a holy place.

Rick Hanson says "Recognize that the good you see in others is also in you. You couldn't see that good if you did not have an inkling of what it was. You, too, have positive intentions, real abilities, and virtues of mind and heart. Those qualities are a fact, as much a fact as the chair you're sitting on. Take a moment to let that fact sink in. You don't need a halo to be a truly good person. You are a truly good person."

~ SJA UPDATE ~

Special Guest at Beacon Sun., June 18

On Sunday, June 18, , Rev. Lisa McDaniel-Hutchings, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona (UUJAZ) network, will be in the pulpit and will also meet with SJA following the service! Rev. Lisa was a key leader in planning and implementation of the rich Justice District Assembly: "Migrants and Borderlands Justice" in early April, in which 20 Beacon folks-including 8 Beacon youth-participated. Her sermon on the 18th is titled, "Building the Beloved Community in Arizona."

When she meets with SJA after the service (about 11:15), Lisa will share an update on UUJAZ activity, including the new initiatives that are being launched. And-at our request-she will talk with us about lobbying our state legislators. It is frustrating that in recent years, when we have had sizeable delegations attempt to meet with our District 6 legislators, they have not been available to us.

All Beacon members, friends and visitors are welcome to gather with us after the June 18 service. It won't mean that you're signing up to become a regular member of SJA (although we would LOVE that!), simply that you'd like to know more about UUJAZ and to soak up Rev. Lisa's learnings vis a vis influencing our District 6 legislators. We want to be sure to have sufficient refreshments, so-if you're not an SJA "regular"-it would be helpful if you'll let me know you plan to meet with us ( [email protected] or 380-6502) after the June 18 service.

Keep in mind that you are ALWAYS welcome to drop into SJA meetings,

Roz Clark, SJA Journalist

~ Yard Sale ~

The Bottom Line?

We have set a new record: $3,100!

Thanks to all who contributed-in a variety of ways: donating merchandise, working on set-up, selling, and/or cleaning up and-oh, yes-SHOPPING!

Extra-special thanks to:

Perfect Planning Team: Jeff Pickens, Kathryn Hart, and Dennis Spurlin
Proficient Pricers: Jeff, Kathryn , and Susan Patrick
Computer Rehab: Dennis Spurlin
Book Wrangler: Kay Johnson (and her lovely assistant Bill Towler)
Groundskeeper Extraordianaire: Gus Millor
Recruiter of Sharon's Attic truck and helpful driver: Anne Cotten
Supreme Donator of Fine Furnishings: Former Beacon Member Pat Doman and her daughter Lori. Without their generous contributions, this years proceeds would have been $850 less!

Thank you ALL!

Rich Clark, Chair

~ 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].

Save the Date!

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 11th, immediately following the service.

Building the Beloved Community in Arizona

Sunday, June 18

Rev. Lisa McDaniel-Hutchings, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona Network (UUJAZ)
In our Unitarian Universalist congregations, we often hear calls to build the "Beloved Community," a term popularized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who often spoke of the Beloved Community as his ultimate goal. How do we shift our worldview to accommodate the values of Beloved Community? How might we have the crucial conversations necessary to begin building the Beloved Community in Arizona?

After the Service: UUJAZ Update

Please enjoy some social time, have some coffee or tea, then meet Rev. Lisa back in the sanctuary for an update on our state action network, Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona network (UUJAZ). Come hear what the UUJAZ network is doing about racial justice, economic justice, education, immigration, and water in Arizona. You can take action too!

Pride in the Pines

Saturday, June 24th

Watch future Weekly News editions for details!

Ingathering / Homecoming

Sunday, September 10th

We will again gather for service and potluck at Bushmaster Park, the same ramada as last year, adjacent to Thomas School, off Lockett Rd.

~ This Month's Share the Plate Partner ~

Northern Arizona Pride Association's mission is to educate, celebrate and increase acceptance and awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) community of Flagstaff and northern Arizona.

Through the production of our annual Pride in the Pines festival, we aspire to make a positive difference in the LGBTQ reality while creating a sense of Community. It is our Mission to embrace, promote, and support our cultural diversity, civil, and human rights by fighting discrimination of any kind .

Undesignated contributions to this month's Sunday service offerings above

$300 (which goes to Beacon's operational budget) will be presented to the

Northern Arizona Pride Association.

~ Classifieds ~

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. There is a volunteer sign up sheet by the kitchen door.

Please email Rev. Kevin, [email protected] if you can support Beacon Pride.

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 Calendar

LBGTQI Youth Group Friday, June 9 5:00 pm	Sunday Service & Religious Exploration Sunday, June 18 10:00 am
Sunday Service & Religious Exploration Sunday, June 11 10:00 am	Social Justice Allies Sunday, June 18 11:15 am
Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, June 11 11:00 am, immediately following service	Yoga Tuesday, June 20 11:00 am, 5:00 pm
Qi-Gong Tuesday, June 13 6:15 pm	Qi-Gong Tuesday, June 20 6:15 pm
Finance Team Wednesday, June 14 6:30 pm	Religious Exploration Committee Tuesday, June 20 6:30 pm
Flagstaff Folk Project Friday, June 16 7:15 pm	Core Leadership Council Wednesday, June 21 6:00 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:

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

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

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