Submissions must be in by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to be included in the newsletter. 
Caleb Alexander, Beacon Office Manager
~ Sunday Service, May 13 ~ 
"Beloved Community, The Quest for a Better Way"
With Rev. Kevin Lawson

Rev. Kevin will reflect on the work of Melvin Bray in his book, 
Better: Waking Up To Who We Could Be, "What if we could actually change the world by telling better stories? What if the world we have-with its racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, religious hatred, ecological disregard-is exactly the 
world we have spun into existence through the stories we have told?" 

J oin with us as we explore the world we know and the world we 
long to create and envision for ourselves and our future.

~ Touchstone Theme: Beloved Community ~ 
~ Labyrinth Service, May 27 ~

Walking the Flagstaff Community Labyrinth
May 27, 2018 10:00 am 
Lone Tree Road at Brannen Circle (not at Beacon) 
For centuries, labyrinths have been part of many cultures around the world. Walking a labyrinth in community with music, as we will do May 27, is a special shared meditation. The Flagstaff Community Labyrinth, perched on the edge of a small cliff, is made of fifteen tons of lichen-covered lava boulders. It has a path length of a quarter mile; its wide lanes allow you to walk at your own pace. Children are welcome to walk the labyrinth with a spirit of reverence, or to enjoy the nearby play structure with supervision provided by RE (parents, show up and follow the signs). Please arrive between 9:50 and 10:15; staggered entry will allow those who arrive early to leave early. Wear good walking shoes (no high heels). 

Park near the intersection of Lone Tree Road and Brannen Circle (three blocks south of REI). The Arizona Trail/Rio de Flag Trail crosses Lone Tree road there. From Lone Tree-Brannen, walk the Arizona Trail east (toward the sun) for 800 feet (about four minutes) from Lone Tree Road, then turn left on the well-marked path to the labyrinth. You can also park on the streets across sawmill, but not in the covered parking. Then, walk past the playground to the Labyrinth. 

There are public restrooms nearby. Sorry, the labyrinth is not wheelchair-accessible. Questions? Just call Maryann 

Thank you,
Nancy Paxton and Maryann van Drielen (928) 606-5115
~ Beacon Annual Yard Sale ~

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Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 7:00 am
If you haven't already started your spring cleaning, snap to it! Beacon is collecting donation items for our upcoming Yard Sale to sell and raise funds. Keep Beacon in mind and drop off donations before June 2!
~ Barry Brenneman
~ Town Hall Summary ~

Highlights from Town Hall Meeting, May 13
Repair, Expand, Improve Project Budget (REI)
The results of the combined Stewardship Campaign and Capital (REI) Campaign were presented to the members by Steve Zeldes and Rich Clark. The pledges from the Stewardship Campaign, which are the biggest source of funding for our operating budget, fell short of our goal of $150,000. However, the Finance Committee, represented by Holly Taylor, presented a balanced budget by not completely funding the Fair Share and the minister's sabbatical fund. If more pledges come in, then those line items will be fully funded.

The 2018-2019 Beacon UU Budget
Theresa deBoer gave an update on the REI Building Project and Carl Taylor presented
on the project budget. The Capital Campaign pledges did not meet our goal of $450,000, so we would have to finance the rest of the costs. The contractor's cost will be about $460,000. The total cost of the project, including insurance, fees, and permits, (and excluding the items that Beacon members would provide) will be approximately $513,276. This includes many "guestimates" that could actually be less than budgeted. Kevin Parkes talked about various revenue streams, and both Kevin and Carl stressed that even if we raised all the money we needed, we would still have to have a loan to cover the three years while pledges are still coming in. We had a lively discussion about other ways to finance the project, ideas to cut expenses, suggestions to do a phased approach, and why we are doing the project. Dora reminded us that we need to think of things other than money. This project will make our building accessible, provide the space to do the programs we want to do, and provide more revenue. 

Provided by Theresa deBoer
~ Upcoming Events ~

Beacon @ Buffalo Park
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 9:00 am
Join with Rev. Kevin for social time and a walk in the fresh air with  this new monthly event for spring and summer!  Rev. Kevin will meet up with those interested for a walk and talk at the Park Ramada just inside the main gates at 9:00 am. We will gather and then head out to walk and explore the Park by 9:10 am. Looking forward to this new spring and summer outdoor opportunity for out of office-office hours! 

I'll be the one in the Bright Yellow Side of Love t-shirt, see you Saturday, 
Rev. Kevin.

Humanist Discovery: The Ethics of Building Bridges Beyond Belief
Sunday, May 27, 4:30 pm at Beacon
Humanist Discovery continues!  This Memorial Day weekend  we have something for you on the  Sunday  evening of your extended weekend. Kile Jones is an Atheist that has been engaged in outreach and bridge building with faith communities for years. His "Interview an Atheist at Church" initiative has had him in front of congregations across the country. Kile will share what drives him to engage in this work, its challenges and rewards, and participate in a discussion/Q&A. ~ Brian Wallace

Pride in the Pines
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Beacon participates annually in this community event.  Please see the volunteer sign up sheet near the Kitchen door.  Join with Rev. Kevin and our amazing volunteers as we share our support for the sexual orientation/gender identity communities of Northern Arizona. The list of individual letters is ever increasing. This is always a fun and festive way for Beacon to affirm our welcoming and open congregation for all.

Flagstaff Fourth of July Community Parade
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Plans are underway for Beacon to participate in Flagstaff's 4th of July Parade.  If you would like to participate please email Rev. Kevin , orDRE Amy
. W
e're building a list of those interested. We will be developing our entry and the event falls in the middle of Chalice Camp, so our kids will be with us for this festive outreach opportunity!

Beacon Summer Day Retreat
Save the Date: Saturday August 4, 2018
Stayed tuned for upcoming information on Beacon Day Camp for all ages (our summer day retreat is  August 4, 2018). This event is being developed by Rev. Kevin and Char Tarashanti and will be a summer followup to our exciting Winter Retreat Day.
~ Religious Exploration ~

PreK-Grade 4 -  Our May theme is Beloved Community. We will hear the story Lizard's Song. In this session, participants will observe the natural world close to them, learning how some animals and plants aid in the functions of our homes. Please check out the preparation activities in our Google Group for grades 3 & 4! These are some suggestions of things you can do for our lesson Sunday. Activities are appropriate for younger children as well. 

Grades 5-8 -  This week we will discuss Evangelical Christianity and our visit to Church of the Nations last week.
 
And we are looking forward to...  Chalice Camp!
Our theme this summer is Gather in Spirit, a program that teaches stewardship with a focus on water.  Through a lens both scientific and spiritual, using activities a wide range of ages can do together, this program addresses the importance of water, the inequity of access to clean water, and actions we can take as Unitarian Universalist stewards. Tell your friends! All are welcome! 

Amy Huntereece
Director of Religious Exploration
~ Social Justice Allies (SJA) ~

Regular SJA Meeting
Sunday, May 20, following service (about 11:15).  Agenda items include:
  • Conversation with Sammi and Ariana...How might we connect with millennials
  • Advocacy, lobbying and elections--legalities and best practice guidelines
  • Update on our SJA budget request for the 2018-19 fiscal year
Members, friends, and visitors are always welcome! Snacks provided.

Peace & Peace-Making in Our Time with Flagstaff Friends (aka Quakers)
Monday, May 21, 6:30 pm at Flagstaff Public Library, East
Flagstaff Friends (aka Quakers) are hosting a conversation with Quaker Peacemaker Nadine Hoover, an innovator in creating cultures of peace in some of the world's most difficult and conflictual situations.  Click for the poster and please join the discussion.  
 
SJA Film Series & Discussion: Freedom Riders, our final film in the series
Monday, June 4, 7:00 pm at Beacon
Freedom Riders is  the last film in our series focusing on democracy and public engagement. This events is co-sponsored by Beacon Social Justice Allies (SJA) and The Flagstaff Reading Group.

UU Justice Arizona Network (UUJAZ) Guest, Rev. Lisa McDanial Hutchings
Sunday, June 10 during service  
UUJAZ Executive Director Rev. Lisa McDaniel Hutchings will speak from the pulpit during the service, then meet with SJA following the service.

In community,
Roz Clark, SJA Journalist
~ Community Action Committee ~

Our Share the Plate partner is The Flagstaff Family Food Center! The Family Food Center sponsors eight programs that provide Flagstaff families hunger relief and children's literacy programs. This is the final week to support the Family Food Center.  To nominate an organization as a community partner, pick up an application in the CAC folder or click here.  

~ ~ ~

Stick around after church this Sunday, May 20, and join in a conversation about Flagstaff Co-Housing. A group of local people are working to create a unique housing alternative in Flagstaff.

A quick overview: A)  An inter-generational community, B)  Social and economic diversity, C)  A balance of community and privacy, and D)  Sustainable design.

Interested? Learn more after the service this Sunday, May 20, for about an hour.

Rich Clark, (928) 255-2515
CAC Chair
~ In Community ~

Becky shared a tough week or so: She was in Seattle when Bruce took ill and had to be hospitalized with blood clots affecting stomach and GI tract. He is doing well with treatment and expected to be released the first part of this week. Cards, calls and short visits are fine and appreciated!

Dora shared sorrow with the recent death of her brother-in-law. He and Dora's sister had been married 58 years, thus a brother to Dora for 58 years, please hold her sister in your thoughts.

Maryann shared awareness Paul is in Indonesia for four weeks, and is grateful for safe travels there and hope for good visit overall.

Rev. Kevin shared mention of the recent attacks on Christian Churches in Indonesia, violence in the name of faith or religion is never an acceptable event, and certainly sorrow at the outcome of numerous deaths.

Terry asked for thoughts and awareness of Gus Millor (his partner is Douglas) and Gus's sister Magda, as she is on home hospice and Gus is primary caregiver.

Roseanne Fulcher and Dorothy Rissel shared joy of their recent vacation trip on the Colorado River, the beauty and wonder of nature and appreciation for the confluence of little Colorado River into the main river and that it has not been commercialized.

Marty Manning and Andy Gould each shared joy at return to Flagstaff for the upcoming months.
~ Beacon Calendar ~

Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 17
7:00 pm
Cheap Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, May 23
11:30 am at Wildflower Bakery
Flagstaff Folk Project
Friday, May 18
7:15 pm
Kadampa Buddhist Teachings
Wednesday, May 23
6:30 pm
Beacon at Buffalo Park
Saturday, May 19
9:00 am
Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 23
7:00 pm
Worship & Religious Exploration
Sunday, May 20
10:00 am
Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, May 24
7:00 pm
Social Justice Allies Meeting
Sunday, May 20
11:15 am
Beacon Labyrinth Service
Sunday, May 27 at  10:00 am 
~ See special note above! ~
Co-Housing Meeting & Discussion
Sunday, May 20
11:30 am
Humanist Discovery Discussion
Sunday, May 27
3:30 pm
Yoga Practice
Tuesday, May 22
11:00 am & 5:00 pm
Yoga Practice
Tuesday, May 29
11:00 am & 5:00 pm
RE Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 22
3:30 pm
QiGong
Tuesday, May 29
5:00 pm
QiGong
Tuesday, May 22
6:30 pm
Touchstones Chalice Circle
Tuesday, May 29
7:00 pm

If you would like to submit a calendar event, send an email to  office@beaconuu.com . 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 

Tues: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Or by appointment
Director of RE, 
Amy Huntereece

Sun: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Tues:  12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Wed:  4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
 
  Office Manager, 
Caleb Alexander

Wed: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thurs: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Or by appointment
Office Phone (928) 779-4492
~ Website Members and Friends Access ~

Interested in accessing the directory and board documents on the Members and Friends page on BeaconUU.com? Register on the website by clicking here!  Call or email Caleb ( office@beaconuu.com ) 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 Caleb, our Office Manager, at  office@beaconuu.com.