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Beacon Spiritual Theme of the Month
~ Beauty ~
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Submissions must be in by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to be included in the newsletter.
Heather Thornton, Beacon Office Manager
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~ Sunday Service ~
Beauty and the Common Good - "The common good is not the mere aggregation of private wants; rather, it is an expression of our common humanity." -Rev. Richard Gilbert. This morning Rev. Kevin will conclude our September theme of Beauty with reflections upon our common humanity, our common call to goodness, our shared understanding of living within the interconnected web of all existence of which we are a part.
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~ Board Games with Beacon ~
THIS SATURDAY!
1:00 - 5:00 pm,
S
aturday Se
pt. 23rd
$10 per adult, free entry for children with an adult
50% of the proceeds to be donated to ACLU of Arizona
On Saturday the 23rd, Beacon will be hosting an all ages tabletop gaming event with Vault: Bringing Back Game Night. Tabletop gaming includes board, dice, dexterity, card, and party games. Vault's mission is to help you find and play your new favorite game. Vault does the work of finding great games and brings a little something for everyone, so unplug from a screen and drop in. Game Master Caleb will be there to get you playing a great game straightaway!
Board Games with Beacon is a community-building event of face-to-face fun! We're looking for monthly community partners to invite to Beacon and receive proceeds from future events. Have an organization in mind? Let us know so we can start planning for October's event!
50% of the proceeds will be donated to the ACLU of Arizona.
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~ Touchstones Journal ~
Click here to read the September Touchstone Journal
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~ From the Ministers Desk ~
This week I offer and share some sensory opportunities to explore our monthly theme of Beauty. Not surprising the materials share the beauty of our neighbor the Grand Canyon, whose timeless and ageless beauty hold wonder beyond words or images to fully convey. Please follow this link to a page of readings and online meditations to further explore and enjoy moments of beauty.
Thank you for the emails, cards and outreach in support for Gary and I with the unexpected death of my mother last week in Phoenix. We are doing well, however, as one can never fully prepare for the death of a loved one, and when this comes unexpectedly it brings additional emotions. As I was scheduled to be out of the office next week for the fall minister's gathering in Long Beach, CA, I will be taking these days to return to Phoenix and working with my sister, we will begin to address mom's home and affairs. I believe an announcement was made in service last Sunday regarding the Celebration of Life service for my mother; the service will be Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Orangewood Presbyterian Church, Phoenix. It will be a Joyous service of music and sharing to recall the life of one who carried the name of Joy and shared this throughout her life. Thank you again, for your caring and support during this transitional time for Gary and I.
Grateful to be on the journey with you,
Rev. Kevin
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~ Music Box ~
#1014
Standing on the Side of Love
(
Answering the Call of Love
) by Jason Shelton. Reverend Shelton addressed the subject of officially changing the text of his song in a sermon he delivered to his Nashville congregation November, 2016. He says, "
What I love most about this change (which I really do love, and am quite convinced that the new metaphor is more theologically useful and accurate) is what happens after singing the new words in the first chorus, we sing verse two: "Sometimes we build a barrier to keep love tightly bound..." It has yet to fail to make me cry.
Questions of language and inclusion are always sure to ruffle some feathers, but why? Why is it so hard to let go of words which so clearly cause harm to others? Perhaps the process of adapting our language to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible is, indeed, a spiritual practice."
#1064
Blue Boat Home
by Peter Mayer
This song was born from the composer's explorations on the guitar with Hyfrodol, one of his favorite melodies that he grew up singing in church. Being primarily a contemporary folk artist, he took some rhythmic liberties with the melody, and then added his own text that refers to our life on this earth as a grand seafaring journey. From his original recording, Jason Shelton created the score, and this wonderful piano arrangement.
#1018
Come and Go With Me
Traditional Spiritual.
African American spirituals were primarily expressions of religious faith. Some may also have served as socio-political protests veiled as assimilation to white American culture. The genre is considered a unique creation born from the experience of African staves in America. "The Blues" were born of the Spiritual with the distinction that Blues have secular text. Lyrics of the Spiritual are centered around Christian traditions and teachings. The sentiments often speak of hope for a better day or, as in this example, looking for a "promised land".
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~ Religious Exploration ~
Largest Ever OUR WHOLE LIVES Classes Begins!
Beacon is abuzz with sexuality! In this ever expanding program that was first offered at Beacon six years ago, TWENTY-THREE BUDDING AND BLOOMING ADOLESCENTS are exploring all the issues related to sexuality this fall through the UUA's OWL curriculum. Two classes started last week and will run through early November, one for
5
th
and 6
th
graders, and one for 7
th
and 8
th
graders. These highly interactive and broadly scoped sessions are taking place on five Sunday afternoons for the elementary-level kids (with the first session including their parents), and all day on four Saturdays for the middle schoolers. In both classes these youths are learning the facts and openly exploring their own values and experiences at age-appropriate levels of topics rarely included in public school discussions. The adult leaders, all trained and certified by the UUA, are Mary Poore, Joe Wegwert, Kay Doggett, Cassie Dakan, Dee Wegwert, Nora Timmerman, and Andy Hogg. About half of the participating families are current or past members of Beacon; the others are experiencing Beacon's offerings for the first time.
High School Youth Group meeting at Jim Cullen Park (the tree park) on
Wednesday September 27 at 5:00 PM for pizza and planning.
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Are you passionate about peace?
Do you enjoy working with children?
This opportunity is for you!
The children in grades 3 & 4 are learning about peace and justice issues in Flagstaff and beyond this fall for a short 6 week block. Curriculum, activities and materials are already developed. We need you to help introduce these important issues to the children.
They will meet 10:15-11:15, Sunday morning during service, beginning September 17.
Please contact the Director of Religious Exploration, Amy Huntereece,
[email protected]
, if you are interested in volunteering, even for just one Sunday.
Thank you!
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~
S
ocial Justice Allies
~
SJA will meet this Sunday, Sept. 24, following the service (about 11:30). We changed our usual 3rd Sunday date to accommodate the Building Expansion Town Hall. Beacon members, friends and visitors are welcome to meet with us this Sunday to learn of our current activities and plans. Snacks provided.
UUJAZ (UU Justice AZ) Issue and Action Day
Saturday, October 14, 9:00 - 4:30
Early-bird registration rate ends this Fri., Sept. 22!
To register, go to uujaz.org, then Events
Please let me know if you want to go. I'll work on carpooling arrangements. Roz Clark, 380-6502 or [email protected].
Join UUs from around the state to gain insight and take action. The day will include a panel of speakers offering updates on the state of UUJAZ's five issue areas, workshops on key issues, and the opportunity to connect with other UUs active in social justice across Arizona.
UUJAZ is also hosting a series of webinars for Arizona UUs, designed to encourage, support, and strengthen us for justice work. Register for the next webinar below! Connect from wherever you are to strengthen your justice muscles with UUJAZ!
Justice Strength Training 2: Sanctuary Beyond Buildings
September 24, 2017, 4pm
Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Saturday morning, September 30th at Buffalo Park.
Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (rated 90% by Charity Navigator) Flagstaff's 2-mile walk begins at 10:15, with registration 9 - 10:00 that day.
One of Beacon's public stances, approved in 2016, is to "support local efforts toward non-violence." Many of us have been touched in some way by the factors that contribute to this awful outcome that impacts entire communities.
Roz Clark, SJA Journalist
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~ In Community ~
lore dickey shared thanks for support from Beacon during his surgery.
Kay Doggett shared joy for OWL participation.
Don shared sorrow for relationship troubles and mental health concerns for his wife.
Becky shared concern for Chuck Gillick regarding his recent knee surgery.
Anne Cotten shared concern for a friend.
Reverend Kevin's mother, Joy Smothers Lawson, R.N., 77, of Phoenix died peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. She is survived by her daughter, Shawn Lawson, of Phoenix, son, Kevin Lawson and his husband Gary Burnett, of Flagstaff, son Shannon Lawson and his wife Emily, two grandsons: Luke and Keegan, of Phoenix, and her brother James Smothers and his wife Mary, of Ringgold, GA, her brother Marion Smothers and his wife Marilyn, of Pinson, TN, and her sister Beverly Smothers of Paris, TN. A "
JOY
"ful Celebration of Her Life will be held on
Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM
in the sanctuary with a catered luncheon following in Page Hall at Orangewood Presbyterian Church, 7321 N. 10
th
Street, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orangewood Presbyterian Church - Missions or Arts Alive funds.
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~ Auction! ~
Get ready for Beacon's "Everything Flagstaff" 20
th
Annual Silent & Live Auction!
Auction date: Saturday, November 4, 2017ov. 4, 2017
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm- 9pm
Aspen Valley Golf Club, 1855 N. Continental Dr.
Free admission, childcare, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, door prizes, fun!
Examples of donations:
Hosted dinners, certificates to restaurants, hair salons,
experiences like guided hikes, yoga, rock climbing, yard work,
ice skating, yurts, skiing, timeshares, babysitting, etc. and more!
Come dressed as Everything Flagstaff!
(As a hiker, biker, tourist, skiier, tree hugger, student, Fratellis, from Route 66, ...)
Please get your donations rolling in! Click here to view the auction donation form.
Can't wait to see you there!
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Beacon Calendar
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, September 21
7:00 pm
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Yoga
Tuesday, September 26
11:00 am, 5:00 pm
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Games with Vault at Beacon
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Sunday Service & Religious Exploration
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Touchstones Chalice Circle
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Social Justice Allies
Sunday, September 24
10:00 am
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Flagstaff Family Food Center
Wednesday, September 27
3:30 pm
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OWL Event
Sunday, September 24
11:30 am
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Beacon Board
Wednesday, September 27
6:00 pm
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Touchstones Chalice Circle
Sunday, September 24
11:30 am
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Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, September 28
7:00 pm
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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!
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~ Save the Date ~
Saturday, September 23, 2017
1:00 pm
Board Games with Beacon
Saturday, September 30, 2017
10:00 am
UUJAZ Lunch info and Fundraising at Beacon
Saturday October 14, 2017
UUJAZ - Issue and Action Day
Saturday, Oct 21, 2017
9:00 am
Building and Grounds workday.
Breakfast treats provided!
Saturday, November 4, 2017
6:00 pm
Beacon Auction!
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~ Classifieds ~
Sunday cash counters needed! 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. Thank you to those who have expressed interest, we need three or four more people to schedule a training, and are looking forward to implementing this program in the coming weeks!
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!
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.
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Beacon Office Hours
Rev. Kevin
Lawson:
Tues: 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Weds: 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Other times available by appointment
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Director of Religious Exploration,
Amy Hunterreece
Sun: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Tues:
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thurs:
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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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
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~ Art at Beacon ~
BRICOLAGES
For September and October, works by Beacon member Carleton Sheppard will be on view in the sanctuary. They are called "bricolages," a French word for the creation of a work from a diverse range of things that happen to be at hand. "Collages" are two-dimensional works of art made by combining various papers and other flat surfaces; "bricolages" are three-dimensional, made by combining objects..
When she moved to Flagstaff in 1998, she began practicing the Japanese art of
wabi-sabi before she learned what it is: the aesthetic of impermanence and imperfection. She was fascinated by the natural forms and rusty objects she found in the Ponderosa forest, and began assembling them into wall arrangements. According to Wikipedia, characteristics of
wabi-sabi include "asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity... and appreciation of the ingenuous integrity of natural objects and processes."
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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 September 12. You are signing up to participate in 3-5 potluck Suppers (or brunches or whatever) during September-January. Each Supper is held in the home of one member of the Circle; nobody hosts more than 1 Supper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Is your home too small to host? No problem! We can work it out...
"A Beacon tradition for 30 years"
What to do:
- Name
- Email
- Phone (gotta have it! I promise not to share it beyond your Circle)
- Names of other adults who will attend Suppers with you
- Names and ages of kids who will attend suppers with you
- Are you willing to have babies (kids <36 months) old in your Circle? Yes/No
- Are you willing to have kids > 3 years old in your Circle? Yes/No
- 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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~ 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, 4th Sunday at 11:30 am and 4th Tuesday at 7:00 pm. 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.
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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
[email protected].
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~ 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!
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!
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