This Sunday, September 23
How to Empower Your Mind
Service Leader:  Bhante Sujatha
Sunday, September 23, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM in the Sanctuary
The ancient texts of the Buddha tell us that no external condition can be the cause of our happiness; only the mind has that ability. When people understand the root causes of struggle and what we can do with our minds to make things better, sustainable happiness and radiant joy are the result. 
Green Sanctuary Table
Please come to our table to pick up information about HB2158, a bill that defines and protects ecological water, and why it's so important. We also have information on the Clean Energy proposition and postcards to request legislators to stop the building of the Border Wall.  
New Inquirers Series at UUCP
Every Sunday 9:45 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:   Leadership
It's Here--the Ministerial Search Survey!
We are now well into our  Ministerial Search Survey and we need you! 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 through Sept 30th. Members and friends have been sent an email link to the survey--look for it in your inbox.  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 a computers at UUCP. Ministerial Search Committee members will be available at a table in Johnson Room between and after services throughout the survey period.  Paper copies of survey will also be available upon request.  Your voice is important--be heard! If your household shares one email address, please be sure that all members or friends in the home take the survey.
Advancing Justice
This week's Advancing Justice action will address our objection to private prisons. This is in anticipation of the September 30 Share the Plate, which will help fund the non-profit Abolish Private Prisons.
Next Sunday, September 30
Congregation On the Cusp
Service Leader: Rev. Margret A. O’Neall
Sunday, September 30, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM in the Sanctuary
Transitions raise many questions about how we live into our potential, learning to respond to changing times. This is especially true as this congregation articulates your dreams for the future ministry here. What does it mean to be on the cusp of change, living a liberal faith responsive to our time?
Share the Plate with Abolish Private Prisons
Sunday, September 30, 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM
Abolish Private Prisons (“APP”) is dedicated to criminal justice reform, particularly the abolition of incarceration-for-profit. APP will challenge the constitutionality of prison privatization in federal court.
APP will use donations from UUCP to educate the public about: government’s abdication of its essential role in criminal justice; what segments of the public are impacted most by mass incarceration; and how profiteering drives mass incarceration and violates human dignity. Most immediately, UUCP’s donations will help APP launch a grassroots crowdfunding campaign and secure fundraising expertise to support our efforts.
New Inquirers Series at UUCP
Sunday, September 30, 9:45 AM in Annex B
Next week's topic : Membership 
Upcoming Events
Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, September 25, 6:00 PM in the Johnson Room
Break bread and socialize with us starting at 6:00 PM, and the meeting begins at 6:30 PM. Guests are invited to address the board during the guest comments at the beginning and observe the remainder of the meeting. Please contact board President Mary Dawes at president@phoenixuu.org or 602-761-2741 if you have any questions.
Sangha Buddhist Group
Tuesday, September 25, 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.  
Poetry Writer’s Workshop
Monday, October 1, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM in Annex B
Mary Oliver wrote, “Poetry isn’t a profession, it’s a way of life. It’s an empty basket; you put your life into it and make something out of that.” The Poetry Workshop is the place and opportunity to let your creativity flow - a forum for all those writers who have been looking for a place to interact with like spirits and creators. For more information contact Rosemary Roenfanz at poetry@phoenixuu.org or please register at  phoenixuu.org/poetry
Membership at UUCP
Have you been considering membership here at UUCP? Do you feel ready to make a commitment, to move from an observer of the congregation, to part of its fabric? Do you want to have a voice and a vote when we choose to call our new Minister in the spring?
 
If you'd like to learn more, come to the Inquirers "Membership" topic on September 30, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM. Pick up a Pathway to Membership map from Janine Gelsinger, Director of Membership and Welcoming Ministries at the welcome desk, before or after any Inquirers group, or by sending an email to JanineGelsinger@PhoenixUU.org .
In order to become a member you must turn your completed map in to Janine by November 30, 2018. The new member joining ceremony will be at both services on December 9, 2018. This will be the last chance to join the congregation before our ministerial search committee calls the minister... be a part of this step in the future of our community!
Dozens of migrants continue to be dropped off by ICE at the Phoenix bus station with no food or supplies. See the list of needed items at the justice table in the back, to bring in or order through Amazon at phoenixuu.org/prp
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
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 through November 15, 2018. Each week features the culinary talents of the members of our congregation. 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, food is labeled for allergens. If you’d like to join but have additional dietary restrictions or preferences, you are welcome to bring your own meal.
 
Menu for September 27 - We will be getting Costco Pizza and Salad will also be available.
 
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. 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 .
 
Thursday, September 27, 2018

BLUUbox
Facilitator: Janine Gelsinger
9/27, 10/11, 11/15, 12/13
6:45 PM – 8:30 PM in Annex F
The Black Lives of UU (BLUU) Spiritual Subscription Box, and the corresponding group at UUCP, is a one-of-a kind, innovative way for individuals and congregations to inform, grow and deepen their faith. With content grounded in the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of Black Unitarian Universalists, this subscription box is a wholly unique opportunity to connect one’s beliefs to faith – led action while building community with others who are dedicated to justice-making and liberation through our shared faith. The September group is free and open for all to try. For the ongoing monthly groups, please subscribe at  http://www.blacklivesuu.com/bluubox

Jagged Rocks
Facilitator: Mikall Foerster
Thursday, September 27, 2018
6:45 PM – 8:30 PM in the Sanctuary
Jagged rocks give us confidence to face the emotional spiritual and soul prodding challenges/struggles we face. These jagged rocks are saving tools, messages & values that are contextual and particular because our faith is not always smooth going. The rocks give us the assurance we can lean into when facing the challenges that threaten abundance in our lives, and threaten our ability to be present and joyful—our ability to show up for life. Bring the Goliath's of your life community/family to the 5 jagged rocks workshop. With a HOW ( honest, open-minded, willing) spirit, you may discover answers that were already inside of you.


Men’s Group
Anthony P. Johnson, Annex B at 6:45 PM
The primary goal of this men’s ministry is to assist men in our quest to discover who we are as men, as sons, fathers, grandfathers, husbands, partners, friends and brothers. We support and engender a masculinity that is male-positive, pro-feminist/womanist, gay-affirming, culturally and racially inclusive and diverse. A masculinity dedicated to spiritual and personal growth and one that challenges men to confront gender injustice, homophobia, racism, loneliness and the distrust between men and women, children, other men, ourselves, and the earth. We will meet in circles created as sacred spaces by men. Through listening to men’s stories, exercise, process and ritual, men will engage and explore the masculine and feminine energies resident in every man.
We must challenge and support men to “become hunters of a more invisible game.” This group is open to drop-ins.

 
Thursday, October 4, 2018

Parents of Teens Group
Tammy Wheeler-Rhodes , Annex C at 6:45 PM
Join other parents of teens in a space designed for sharing thoughtful discussion and mutual support in this drop-in friendly small group.

 
Welcoming Vs Othering
Janine Gelisinger, Annex F, at 6:45 PM
In Welcoming vs. Othering, we will cover basic intercultural hospitality. Without an understanding of cross-cultural perspectives, a well-intentioned greeting can have the impact of a microaggression. As our congregation deepens in diversity, learn how to truly welcome all, and avoid statements and questions that contribute to a feeling of "othering." Members of the Welcoming Ministries are encouraged to complete this class.


Spiritual Practices: Finding Your Spiritual Practice
Anthony Johnson, Sanctuary, at 6:45 PM
Spiritual practice creates an 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.

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. 
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!
To make a reservation please visit Phoenixuu.org/craftfair
For more information email Katy Boxley or Ruth Pinkus as craftfair@phoenixuu.org
EEC Silent Auction for the Play Structures

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