This Sunday, September 9
The Eternal and the New
Service Leaders: Rev. Margret A. O’Neall & others
Sunday, September 9, 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary
Water is universal, eternal, ever-changing. Each year we celebrate a new program year with the ritual of Water Communion. Flowing in continuity and change, returning to familiar spaces, we welcome the new into our lives. Bring water to share from home or summer travels, or use water we provide here.
Green Sanctuary Table
Back of Sanctuary
Come pick up a blue flier at our table to learn how you can support HB2581 to keep rivers flowing and ponds and lakes from drying up here in AZ and postcards to protest the new, concrete Border Wall which is both absurd and wildly expensive. Please join our meeting in Office 2 or the Johnson Room on Tuesday, September 11 at 6:30 PM to discuss how to ban single-use plastic water bottles, and inventorying our trash and recyclables to identify the most frequent sources of plastic waste. 
New Inquirers Series at UUCP
Every Sunday 11:45 AM in Annex B or Sanctuary
Inquirers is a series for anyone who would like to meet others and learn more about UUCP. Each week after service join other newcomers, members, lay leaders and the membership team for a half hour of building connections and growing relationships. The second half hour explores changing topics each week, that go deeper into an area of ministry within our congregation. Inquirers topics include  Leadership, Children’s Ministry, Unicare, Social Justice, Membership, Congregational Tour and History, Small Group Ministry, Unitarian Universalism 101  and  Inside Worship Services. Coffee and treats provided, no sign-up necessary!
 
This week:   Music Ministries. Found out how music is chosen for service by our very own talented maestro, Benjie Messer. 
Coming Sunday September 9, the Ministerial Search Survey!
On September 9, after our “Ingathering Service” we’ll be “going live” with our Ministerial Search Survey. The survey will provide insight into who we are as a congregation, with questions about you, your views on various topics and the qualities you see in a successful minister for UUCP. Prospective ministers look at our survey results and also how many of us participated. We want to see 100%! The survey will run from September 9-30, and be sent to all members and friends of UUCP via an email link. The survey is anonymous; we neither ask your name, nor can we track your response. If you want help taking the survey online, we can arrange for you to receive assistance or access to computers at UUCP. Ministerial Search Committee members will be available at a table in Johnson Room between services throughout the survey period. Paper copies of survey will also be available upon request.  Your voice is important--be heard!
Children's Ministries Registration Now Open!!!

Visit PhoenixUU.org/re to register your children today!!!
Next Sunday, September 16
The Beauty of Community
Service Leader: Anthony P. Johnson
Sunday, September 16, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM in the Sanctuary
Asking for what you need is the beauty of community. Needing one another is the beauty of community. Bringing your gifts is the beauty of community. Sharing your weaknesses is the beauty of community. Anthony shares his spiritual journey and addresses the question, who is that new dude in the pulpit?
New Inquirers Series at UUCP
Sunday, September 16, 11:45 AM after service in Annex B
Next week's topic : Unicare
Board Chat on Social Justice
Sunday, September 16, Between services, in the Sanctuary
UUCP aspires to be a congregation Centered in Justice, This June, three Actions of Immediate Witness were approved by delegates at GA: " End Family Separation and Detention of Asylum Seekers and abolish ICE "; " Dismantle Predatory Medical Care Practices in Prisons and End Prisons for Profit "; and " We are all Related: Solidarity NOW with Indigenous Water Protectors ."  Background on these issues is available at the Social Justice table in the sanctuary. The Board of Trustees invites you to explore: the commitments made to those three important justice initiatives at General Assembly, how they intersect with social justice initiatives at UUCP, and what actions the congregation should support going forward.
Upcoming Events
Two Service Schedule Starts on September 16!
Starting on Sunday, September 16, we will move to our two service schedule. We will have a service at 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM. Children’s Ministries will have programming during both services, and high school will meet at 10:30 AM.
Calling All Singers
September is a perfect time to join the UUCP Choir, and we welcome new singers! The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, from September through May and sing at two Sunday services each month. All ages are welcome, and childcare is available during rehearsals. The ability to read music at an elementary level is helpful but not required.

If you would be interested in singing with the choir for a single rehearsal and service, but can't commit to our full season, you're in luck! Our fall kicks off with a single rehearsal (Wednesday, September. 5, 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM) and service (Sun. Sept. 9) that are open to anyone, with no expectation of joining the choir. Please contact Music Director Benjie Messer with any questions at BenjieMesser@phoenixuu.org
Audio/Visual Team
Our sanctuary Audio/Visual team is expanding to make sure that all of our Sunday services sound and look great. If you'd like to help run the sound system, prepare slides for projection, and edit service recordings for posting online, contact Music Director Benjie Messer. A/V Technicians need to have excellent hearing and vision and the ability to walk up and down stairs. Previous experience with A/V equipment and confidence with computers is helpful but not required.
Find your connection in reflection and discussion with a small group -- see the options and sign up after service at the back table, or on line at phoenixuu.org/smallgroups
Course for Caregivers of Someone with Dementia
Sundays, September 16 - November 18 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM in Annex B
This discussion series offers real promise to reduce stress and build resilience. It’s for you if you’re caring for a loved one...whether across the living room or across the country. Based on the groundbreaking book Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief by Pauline Boss, Ph.D., this workshop is for any caregiver who struggles with the complex grief and stress of care giving.  There is no cost to participate, but registration is required so that we can plan. To register please visit  phoenixuu.org/duet  or email  duet@phoenixuu.org. There is just 1 space left so register today!!
Thursday Community Night & Faith Development

Join us in building a “Spiritual Community for our Time” every Thursday at 6:00 PM in the Johnson Room September 13 - November 15, 2018. Each week features the culinary talents of the members of our congregation: two entrees (one vegetarian), as well as sides, salad and bread. A donation of $6 per adult, $3 per child under ten, or $12 per family, covers the cost of the meal (those experiencing financial hardship can receive a payment waiver). In the spirit of Radical Inclusion, there are vegan and gluten free options, and food served is labeled for the top nine common allergens. If you’d like to join but have additional dietary restrictions or preferences, you are welcome to bring your own meal.
Following the meal, Thursday evenings are an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of what it means to be Theologically Diverse, Radically Inclusive, and Justice Centered. A diverse offering of adult faith development classes, small groups, justice experiences, and guest lectures help us to live into the congregation’s vision. Children build community too, in Chalice Kids, free childcare between 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
If you have any questions about Community Night or you’d like to contribute as a Sous Chef (sides, salad, or bread), please contact communitynight@phoenixuu.org .

Upcoming Events September 13, 2018
 
Spiritual Practice
Anthony Johnson, In the Sanctuary
intentional pause in our lives at regular intervals so that we may better know the contents of our souls. It is a way to meet the self and learn about our deepest longings. It is also a way to draw into closer relationship with that which is larger than us. The objective of these sessions is to help you deepen your spiritual life by engaging in a daily practice, weekly worship, monthly service, yearly retreat, and one-time pilgrimage. Attend all 13 sessions, or choose the practices that appeal to you. Today’s session is “Defining Spiritual Practice.”

Parents With Young(er) Children – drop - in friendly
Rev. Margret A. O’Neall, Annex C
J oin with others who are in a parenting role to little ones for a group discussion that engages adults in quiet reflection while the small people are cared for in a loving space nearby.
 
Turning Judgments into Questions
Trudi Murch, Annex F
For this session we will discuss a collaborative problem-solving process which is helpful for addressing complex situations. This process is based on the Experience-Based Case Discussion format which was first developed for use by an Early Intervention team in their work with young children and families but has application in many other settings. It can be used by teams or in individual consultation. The process encourages broad exploration of the situation at hand, promotes self-reflection and focuses on identification of strengths and resources which can serve as the basis for a plan for moving forward.
Radically Inclusive Yoga Movement Class - new time and day!
Tuesdays 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Join long-time yoga instructor Lora Gustafson for an all-ages, all-abilities yoga session. Sessions will cater to who shows up. Goals include building a greater mind/body connection through breathing, increased circulation, stimulation of the nervous system, greater range of motion and sense of peace. Extra mats available. 
Kidult Kamp
September 29, 10 AM - 2:30 PM

Get ready for some fun! Help make Kids Kamp 2019 the best ever! Our Kids Kamp counselors will lead a day of games, craft, drumming, cooking, and competition. It will be wild, wet, and definitely wacky.
Please be sure to send your adult with:
-bagged lunch
-water bottle
-a change of clothes
-A little spending money for a silent auction at the end (counselor babysitting packages are some of the options)

Make sure to come sunscreened, and in clothes that can get wet.
3$0 for individual Kidult Kampers and $100 for a team of 4. Register below
Poetry Writer’s Workshop
First and Third Mondays 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM in Annex B
Starting Monday, September 17 at 1:00 PM

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.  -  Robert Frost
Poetry is an echo asking a shadow dancer to be a partner  -  Carl Sandburg
Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary . -  Kahlil Gibran
Poetry is all that is worth remembering in life . -  William Hazlitt

The Poetry Writer’s Workshop is a space to read your poems, short stories, to give and receive feedback on one another’s work. If you ever wonder how a sonnet, a sestina or any other form can be used to tell your story, this is the place and opportunity to let your creativity flow. This forum is for all those writers who have been looking for a place to interact with like spirits and creators.
Opportunities to Serve
  • Seeking members and friends to create a new Racial Justice Task Force. For more information, see Anthony Johnson.
  • Seeking members and friends to create a new Universal Access Team to expand our awareness and capacity to include those of all abilities. For more information, see Rev. Margret.
  • Interested in the ways UUCP organizes for excellence, or how we measure progress toward our strategic ends? See Rev. Margret to learn more about the Board-appointed Governance Committee, or the  Measurement Task Force now getting started.
  • Seeking members and friends to expand the A/V team to support our new projection resources. See Benjie Messer or email at benjiemesser@phoenixuu.org for details.
 

Calling all UUCP Artists, Crafters, and Lovers of “Arts and Crafts” - SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, November 11, 2018, Before and After Sunday Services
Reserve your calendars for our UUCP Arts & Crafts Fair, a fundraiser to benefit UUCP!
UUCP | 602-840-8400| Info@PhoenixUU.org| PhoenixUU.org