This Sunday, January 13, 2019
Leadership in Unitarian Universalism
Service Leader: Anthony Johnson
Sunday, January 13, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM in the Sanctuary
William Ellery Channing (April 7, 1780 – October 2, 1842) was the foremost Unitarian preacher in the United States in the early nineteenth century. Channing said, “No preaching, I believe is so intelligible, as that which is true to human nature, and helps men (and women) to read their own spirits.”
Companions – A Pet Blessing Service for All Ages and Species
Sunday, January 13, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Johnson Room
This special Sunday evening all-ages service honors the pets in our lives. Pets are welcome on leashes or in terrariums or carriers. Photographs of pets are also welcome, including beloved pets you hold in memory.
New Inquirers Series at UUCP
Every Sunday 9:45 AM in Annex B
Inquirers is a series for anyone who would like to meet others and learn more about UUCP. 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's Inquirers will be Music Ministry - Join Benjie Messer, Music Director, to go behind the scenes in the process of choosing music for services and events at UUCP.
The "ACLU Smart Justice Campaign," presented by Khalil Rushdan
Sunday, January 13, at 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM in the Sanctuary
Open to all with no RSVP
Mr. Rushdan will present ACLU’s Smart Justice Campaign ( phxuu.org/ACLU ) to end mass incarceration and its current focus on reforming systems of cash bail, sentencing and prosecution. His stories are about incarcerated persons, their re-entry into society, and their advocacy. Then, together, we will have open discussion about how others may support the campaign. UUCP members are also studying and taking action about other aspects of the criminal justice system, most recently police-involved violence and private prisons. 
Advancing Justice Table
Sunday, January 13, at the back of the Sanctuary
  • The Arizona Legislature begins Monday, January 14. The decisions they make in the next few months will impact many lives in our state. Come to the AJ table to find out who your legislators are and send postcards that highlight your concerns. 
Stay after 2nd service for a presentation in the sanctuary by the ACLU Smart Justice campaign. Learn more about reforms needed related to bail, sentencing, and prosecutions. There will also be personal stories related to mass incarceration. Q & A will follow. Details at the AJ table, more info on Smart Justice at phxuu.org/ACLU
Next Sunday, January 20
Ages of Discord
Service Leader: Benjie Messer and team
Sunday, January 20, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM in the Sanctuary
The late 1960’s, when Dr. Martin Luther King was at his most influential, was a turbulent, polarized period in the U.S., and the 2020’s are likely to be even more so. In this service, we’ll consider how Dr. King's prophetic words and deeds can continue to guide us.
New Inquirers Series at UUCP
Sunday, January 13
Next week’s Inquirers topic is Leadership
Share the Plate with The Promise and the Practice
Sunday, January 20, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM in the Sanctuary
Today’s share the Plate is The Promise and Practice of Our Faith, supporting Black Lives UU in the work to dismantle white supremacy and support Black Lives within our Association. We join with the UUA in this time to connect our finances with our theological values as we enter a new chapter within our faith.  There will be three collections over the coming months contributing to this important initiative to nurture a radically inclusive, justice centered, multiracial and multigenerational religious faith! Please make all checks out to UUCP; all donations not clearly marked as pledge payments will be sent to the UUA for The Promise and the Practice.
Donate now at phxuu.org/BLUUSTP
Upcoming Events
Traveling 2nd Friday
Friday, January 11, 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary
ECUADOR, ON OUR OWN by Laurel Hardin
In spring of 2016, Laurel went to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands. As she spoke Spanish, she and her husband made their own travel, tour and residential arrangements. We found warm, happy people, a variety of micro-climates and exotic animals as we wound our way around this colorful country.  MARK YOUR CALENDAR the 2nd Friday of each month.  It is held at the U-U Congregation in the sanctuary from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. All welcome & no charge. Questions, call Barbara at 480-994-1452
UUCP Drummunity
If you’ve always wanted to make music and connect with others, the UUCP Drummunity is for you! We play drums and create rhythms, but most importantly, we have fun! Currently, the group is learning West African djembe rhythms, but we will expand to include other styles and explore ways to play and perform. Drummunity meets every other Monday in the sanctuary. Our next meeting is January 14. Please contact Carol at  cebenwell@gmail.com  for more information.
Green Sanctuary Group
Green Sanctuary  will continue collecting art supplies and recycle items (including bottle caps and single-use water bottles) for the Art Resource Center through the month of January. This extends your time to clean out drawers and closets. 
Coming Soon: Neighborhood Connections
Members at UUCP come from all over the Valley. Soon, you may receive a phone call or email from someone in your neighborhood, looking to get together with others in proximity to make connections and get to know each other. What will this look like? You get to decide! Have a potluck, meet at a local coffee shop, picnic in the park, it's up to you. These neighborhood groups move us toward a radically inclusive community, provide a familiar face on Sundays, and can be a source of support when your car won't start, or you need to borrow a cup of sugar!
Sanctuary Art
You may have noticed we have new art hanging in the sanctuary. The works are by artists in the Diversified Artist Collective of Arizona (DACAZ). The DACAZ is a group of artists who produce work, either collaboratively or as individuals, for exhibition in gallery shows or public spaces and promote multicultural visual arts/programs to educate the community about diversity. The Sanctuary Art Team hung biographies of each of the artist and some descriptions of the works. We invite to enjoy the art and the bios and descriptions.
Women’s Ritual
Thursday, January 17 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the Sanctuary
Facilitator: Pat Reed and others
Join a group of women for earth-centered rituals that honor the season, the phases of the moon and personal spirituality. Each month a different participant will plan a ritual for everyone to engage in.
Open Drop-In Group
Thursday, January 17 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Annex B
Facilitator: Joan O’Connor
Drop in to experience the connection, and to see what Small Groups are all about.
Outdoor Group
The Outdoor Group offers exercise combined with a healthy dose of connection to fellow UUer’s who love being outside and having fun. January 12 we will be hiking Meridian Saddle to Pass Mountain Trail Loop in near Apache Junction. Please go to  phoenixuu.org/outdoor-group  for full details.
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 January 17 - April 25, 2019. 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. 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 .
 
Menu for Thursday, January 17 at 6:00 PM
Chef Leslie Stallcop will be making Yellow curry with or without chicken.
Living Our Vision Everyday
Faith Development Schedule January through April 2019

Radically Inclusive - Pillar One Focus: Gender Expansiveness

In-Person Classes at UUCP
  • Transforming Hearts Collective - Alex Kapitan and Mykal Slack on Sunday, February 3
  • Philosophy of Sex - Len O’Brien - Mondays, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. March 7 - April 11
  • Inclusion Ministry Team meetings (1st and 3rd Saturdays at 12:00 PM
  • “Transgender Inclusion in Congregations” Webinar Viewing - Optional and additional group viewing and discussion with the Inclusion Team and fellow congregants. Wednesdays, February 6 - March 13
On-Demand Classes
Six video lectures, with questions and resource links
This course was purchased by UUCP for congregations who want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level in terms of trans identity and how to create congregations that are fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity. Over six sessions you will deeply explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community, and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform yourself and your congregation. Each session includes a 45- to 60-minute lecture by Rev. Mykal Slack and Zr. Alex Kapitan, reflection questions, and resources that take the conversation deeper.
Available in print or download
Advocating for oneself in an uncertain climate is not sustainable. Allies are needed to help further the efforts of transgender people already fighting for their lives.
There are lots of great ways to be an active ally to transgender and gender non-conforming communities. We want to make sure that you have the right resources to best help the trans community. This Trans Ally Toolkit, from the ACLU of Missouri, is a community-backed action guide for cultivating a world that is safe and welcoming for all genders. This kit is also available in print in the foyer at UUCP.
Book
Debunks the twenty-one most common myths and misperceptions about transgender issues.
Article, videos, podcasts and social media will be on the website soon.

Three ways to reflect and discuss
  • Reflective Symposiums at UUCP (Tuesday, March 14, from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Thursday, April 4, from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Sunday, February 24, from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
  • Neighborhood group
  • Facebook discussion group
 
Justice Centered - Pillar Two Focus: Racial Justice
In-Person Classes at UUCP
Racial Justice Collaborative - Anthony Johnson. 1st Monday of the Month 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM in Annex B
 
On-Demand Classes
  • Allies for Racial Equity Getting at The Root: Webinar Series
  • BLUUbox monthly subscription
Book
 
Article, videos, podcasts and social media will be on the website soon.

Four Ways to Reflect and Discuss:
  • Reflective Symposiums at UUCP (Tuesday, February 14, from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 7, from 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM, Sunday, April 14, from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
  • Neighborhood group
  • Facebook discussion group
  • Racial Justice Collaborative - Anthony Johnson, 1st Monday of the Month 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM in Annex B
 
Theologically Diverse - Pillar Three Focus: Indigenous Spirituality
In-Person Classes at UUCP
  • Long Strange Trip: a Unitarian Universalist History.      
Facilitator: Roy Miller        
Mondays 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, six sessions January 17 - February 21
We will review the six DVD series "Long Strange Trip: A Journey through Two Thousand Years of Unitarian Universalist History." We will review one DVD at each of our six sessions. We still stop frequently during each DVD to discuss issues raised and, therefore, we will not likely finish each DVD. My goal is to explore the issues and motivate class members to go back and view the DVDs completely at their own pace
On-Demand Classes
  • Earth Based Spirituality: An Indigenous Paradigm
  • Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous Peoples (NAFNI)
  • Building Respectful Relationships with Indigenous People
Books
  • African Traditional Religions In Contemporary Society, Jacob K. Olupono
  • God is Red: A Native View of Religion, Vine Deloria Jr.
 
Article, videos, podcasts and social media will be on the website soon.

Four Ways to Reflect and Discuss:
  • Reflective Symposiums at UUCP (Thursday, April 11, from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 7, from 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM, Sunday, March 24, from 12:30 PM-2:00 PM)
  • Neighborhood group
  • Facebook discussion group
  • Racial Justice Collaborative-Anthony Johnson   1ST Monday of the Month 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM in Annex B
Construction Update
You can get the most up-to-date construction information by calling 602-840-8400 and choosing option 8. Starting January 7 the upper parking lot is closed and the handicapped spots are no longer available up there. The accessible entrance will be the center door that you get to by going down the path on the left side of the building from the main parking lot. You can also still get through the back glass door. You can park along 40th place, and in the closest lot of our neighbor church just on the other side of 40th place. The path is currently available for people to come in from 40th place.
An Invitation to Current (and Former) Members and Friends.
 
As UUCP commits to being a radically inclusive, welcoming community and a “spiritual community for our time,” how can we assure that all feel truly welcome? How should we change, and how should we stay the same?
 
The UUCP Inclusion Team invites you to join a vital and ongoing conversation about these questions. In coming months, we will be exploring how congregants come to feel included and excluded based on gender, race, ability, mental health, age, religious background and other factors.
 
As a first step, we are seeking your stories of gender inclusion and exclusion at UUCP. As a person who identifies as trans, gender nonbinary, gender nonconforming, or gender conforming -- what experiences have led you to feel welcomed, or not, at UUCP? As an ally, how have you witnessed gender inclusion or exclusion?  
 
How will these stories be used? First, your experiences will help us educate ourselves and other members. Your responses will be discussed by the team as we assess UUCP’s status as a welcoming congregation. Second, your stories will inform the design of welcoming spaces, services, rituals, and social activities. Third, with your permission, and only with your permission, we will work with you to share some of these stories in written or multi-media messages designed to foster understanding and gender inclusion at UUCP. Please join the conversation by sharing your own experiences on this brief (10-15 minutes) survey. Use the link phxuu.org/GenderInclude
 
The UUCP Inclusion Team (Amanda Rogers, Anthony Johnson, Ashley Perez, Courtney Flanagan, Jonny Lifshitz, Katie Quinn, Larry Reed, Margret O’Neall, Vince Waldron)
UUCP | 602-840-8400| Info@PhoenixUU.org| PhoenixUU.org