Spiritually Open, Intentionally Inclusive since 1958
510 N Leroux
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-4492
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- This Sunday at Beacon -
September 13th, 2020

Virtual Service

"A Day in the Spiritual Life"

Brushing your teeth, sweeping the kitchen floor, a bedtime story, swimming, bringing in the mail, driving the car, meeting on Zoom (!) - when done mindfully, each of our "run-of-the-mill" daily activities can be small spiritual practices. In this Reader's Theater presentation , we'll share short readings by well-known authors, haiku, meditation and music to take us through A Day In the Spiritual Life.

A Reader's Theater Service with Rev. Robin and the Worship Associates. 
Music from Roomie Wood and Rebecca Prizznick.

For Ingathering Sunday, we'll also share a virtual Water Communion Ceremony. 
TAKE A SELFIE of yourself with a jar or glass of water and send it to 
minister@beaconuu.com with a brief description of what that water represents. Deadline is Friday, September 11 at 5 PM

Tune into the Service via the  "Beacon UUC" Youtube Channel.

~ Please join us after the service ~

Special Ingathering Social Hour on Zoom at 11 AM.
click this link to join:  https://zoom.us/j/675489291 
Or call +1 669 900 6833 and enter Meeting ID: 675 489 291

Next Sunday
September 20th - "Jewish High Holidays - 
"A Tale of Two Tattoos: A Sermon Towards Forgiveness" "
Rev. Robin preaching, Roomie Wood and Rebecca Prizznick. 
Please note: We recommend that you donate to Vanco directly from a bank account to save us the fees associated with credit and debit card donations.
More for us to sustain our congregation.

Chime In!!

Starting in the August 23 service, Rev. Robin will include short Zoom- recorded snippets with congregants, "chiming in" on a centering question, such as "What sustains you?" "Where do you find hope?" "What brightens your day during this murky time?" Joys and Sorrows welcome, too! Let Rev. Robin know you'd like to "chime in" and she'll schedule a short zoom session with you.
Porch Visits with Rev. Robin
Who is that masked minister in her "Soul" mobile? It's Rev. Robin! - ready to come by for a socially-distanced visit on your porch, patio, or deck. Trailhead meet-ups and easy hikes, we could even meet at a park, or walk in your neighborhood. You decideJust give a shout-minister@beaconuu.com or 978-505-7245
Caring and Connected Team Calling!

We have created a "Caring and Connected" Team to keep us in touch during this time of virtual church and physical distancing. Members and friends of Beacon will be receiving a phone call and/or an email from one of our team leaders to chat about how you've been these past months and share some news about upcoming plans and activities in the "Zoom Room" at Beacon. As always, Rev. Robin is here to talk with you, come by for a masked porch visit, and help you with pastoral or practical needs. minister@beaconuu.com or call 978-505-7245.


Spotlight this Week!
 
Free lecture by noted scholar Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Author of "How to Be An Anti-Racist" at 
St. Louis University School of Social Work.
Registration is required, September 10th at 4 PM Arizona time on Zoom.
Click Here to register.


Religious Exploration

We encourage Beacon families to continue Religious Exploration at home!  



Imaginative and Inspiring Religious Exploration Programs starting soon!

We're excited to announce that we have formed a Religious Exploration collaboration with the Granite Peak UU Church in Prescott, AZ. This is an experiment we hope will succeed as we seek ways to move through our virtual church reality and support one another with strong programming.  You can learn about both of the programs we're offering here

Religious Exploration for Children
~Beacon at Home~

CARTUUNS


For our younger kids (K-5, and younger as appropriate), we have chosen CARTUUNS, which explores UU values and principles through Disney and Pixar short films, such as the award-winning "La Luna."  We'll be screen sharing through ZOOM with families from both churches. The time and details are being finalized, but we hope to start this program on September 27th.   

The lessons are stand-alone and can be joined from week to week. Please take a look at the link and let us know if you'll give it a try. There are supplies we'll need to buy for some projects and would need to know who is participating so we can deliver them.  Contact Stephanie Van Belle at fabarette@gmail.com

Religious Exploration for Middle/High School Youth

The Fifth Dimension 


For Middle School/Junior High(and older or slightly younger, as appropriate), we'll be collaborating on another Imagine-RE program called The Fifth Dimension. Through classic Twilight Zone episodes (created by Unitarian Rod Serling), we'll explore social and political issues relevant to youth. Students become deeply engaged in the topics and engrossed in the storytelling and "sci-fi" twists in episodes like "Eye of the Beholder" and "Enough Time At Last." 

We'll be screen sharing through ZOOM with families from both churches. The time and details are being finalized, but we hope to start this program on September 13th.   The lessons are stand-alone and can be joined from week to week. Please take a look at the link and let us know if you'll give it a try. Contact Dru Munroe at edrumunroe@gmail.com

September 13 at 11:30am: The Twilight Zone Season 1, Episode 22 entitled The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.  Theme:  the dangers of prejudice and hysteria.  
 
September 27 at 11:30am:The Twilight Zone Season 2, Episode 6 entitled Eye of the Beholder  Theme:  prejudice and social conformity
 
"No preparation for the class is required!  Youth can just join the meeting at the scheduled time and you are ready to go!" 


In light of the cancellation of our spring in person OWL classes, Beacon's OWL facilitators are offering"Parents as Sexuality Educators" classes to interested parents. This
program is up and running, so let us know you're interested in joining us at 
 OWLFlagstaff@gmail.com 

Religious Exploration for Adults

Have you checked out the website: communitynowuu.org ?
It is overflowing with opportunities to connect with UUs all over the country in virtual gatherings- worship, discussion groups, social events, adult and children's religious exploration.

Gathering of the Week: Dream Group at the UU Church of Montclair, NJ
Monday, September 14th, 4:30 - 6 PM Arizona time
Are you interested in learning more about what your dreams can reveal about you and your life? The UUCM Dream Group meets on the second Monday of the month from 4:30-6PM via Zoom. Bring a brief written description of a recent or past dream to share. Feel free to bring in a snack as well (which is optional). Instructions for new members will be provided. Please email admin@uumontclair.org for Zoom link.

The Touchstone Chalice Circles We celebrated when man first stepped on the moon. But the view back to earth brought a vision that showed what an incredible planet we live on. We call this Mother Earth. In August we can explore the Creation of this planet and our relationship to it. Creation requires imagination, intention, compassion, courage, discipline and power. Join in the Chalice Circle discussion on September 27th at 12:00 noon or September 29th at 6:30 PM by Zoom. Zoom links below.

~ Beacon Connections ~

~ Monthly Touchstone Theme: Worth & Dignity ~
ChaliceCircles
Touchstone Chalice Circles 
Sunday, September 27th at 12:00pm
Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30pm
Zoom links to come mid September!

"Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature.  This is not just a dream, but a necessity."   - Dalai Lama XIV
 
Come and share your ideas of how we can make this necessity a reality and not just a dream.

Touchstones Chalice Circles are designed to meet our needs for belonging (intimacy) and meaning (ultimacy) by building friendships and providing opportunities to ponder life's questions, small and large, with others who share the common values of our UU Principles.  All are welcome.

Discussion examines subjects as provided in the monthly journal of Unitarian Universalism, Touchstones.  To meet the needs of the congregation, we have made attendance open. 
 
Beacon Buzz

Beacon Buzz's next date is October 4th 12 noon 

Join Rev. Robin and Board President Wendy Bruun on the first Sunday of the month at 12 noon to ask questions, voice concerns, offer ideas, and learn more about Beacon in the "Zoom where it happens".

Step Up to Leadership at Beacon!

The Leadership Succession Planning Team (LSPT) 
met in August to discuss expansion of the team's functions. The report of the meeting can be seen by clicking here.
The LSPT is primarily tasked with the annual slate of elected members of the Beacon Board of Trustees. 
The LSPT is in the process of updating its charter and brainstorming ways to recruit and develop leaders for other important functions specified in the bylaws. Functions currently being considered by the LSPT are congregational vitality and membership.
Please contact the LSPT Chair, Dennis Spurlin, with comments or questions.
Go Ahead - Fence Me In!
Thanks to all who have done so much to bring the backyard to life. It is truly a wonderful functional space, and the congregation should take pride in what it has enabled the team of volunteers to create.
Social Justice Allies

Call to Join Beacon's Activate Teams

Beacon's mission and our UU faith call us to work together towards the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.  In order to keep our Beacon community on that track, we are seeking motivated volunteers to join two Beacon teams with a social justice orientation:
  • Activate Team for Electoral Issues (3 or more people)
  • Activate for BIPOC Allyship Team: (3 or more people)
Teams work together to decide their agenda's.  If you are interested in joining either of these teams, please contact Rev. Robin.


 
Anti-Harassment Training

Hollaback is a nonprofit on a mission to end harassment - in all its forms.  They provide free trainings throughout the year to give people the resources to respond to, prevent and intervene in instances of harassement.  If you are interested in participating in a training or learning more, please visit the following link:

YOU ARE INVITED to 
NAIC's (No. AZ Interfaith Council's)*
(Zoom) Accountability Session 
Thursday, September 24, 6:30pm
(Please note this date change)

Each election cycle, NAIC presents an Accountability Session, featuring candidates for 
Flagstaff Mayor, City Council, County Supervisor, and AZ State Legislature. Following research of each candidate's background, priorities, endorsements and funding sources, this carefully structured event will provide participating candidates' positions on issues that affect the Flagstaff community. In preparation of the September 24 event, NAIC's Electoral Strategy Team is wrapping up the second round of candidate interviews, focusing on education, lack of housing options, immigration and the Covid-19 response. 
 
Because this will be a Zoom event, please RSVP to our invitation (below) to receive the link to this important meeting.
 
*NAIC is a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization
 
Feel free to contact me if you have questions (by phone-audio or text--928-380-6502, or email-rozrich41@gmail.com).

Click here to see our flyer
 
In order to participate, please RSVP to receive more details:

Just to remind you of the purpose and process of this important event 
in preparation for the November election...(RC)
What: NAIC (No. AZ Interfaith Council)* Accountability Session (AS) for candidates for
Where: From the comfort of your home, i.e. on Zoom!
Why: To provide you with information on these candidates' positions on issues 
that affect the Flagstaff community
How: Based on...
  •  In-depth research of each candidate's background, priorities, endorsements and funding sources.
  •  Interviews (in advance) by the NAIC Accountability Session Electoral Strategy Team**
  •  Access (in advance) by all participating candidates to the specific questions to which they will be expected to respond (briefly!) in the Accountability Session.
  •  Ongoing work by local NAIC teams on these issues: Immigration, education, and lack of housing options.
*NAIC is a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization
**Of which Roz is a member


GETTING OUT THE VOTE IN COCONINO COUNTY

In the face of voter suppression efforts, especially recent attacks on the US Postal
System, it is important for all of us to educate ourselves on our options for
voting.  The following is information that will be useful:

       Monday       Wednesday        Friday            Friday             Tuesday
     OCTOBER      OCTOBER         OCTOBER       OCTOBER      NOVEMBER
           5                      7                      23                  30                     3
    Last day to           Early            Last day to        Last day to     Election Day   
      register             voting           request early      vote early           VOTE
       to vote             begins          ballot by mail      in person         6am-7pm
  
Because of mailing delays, if you have not yet registered to vote, please contact
the Coconino County Elections Office immediately to get a form or you can find all
the information you need and register on-line at
(https://www.coconino.az.gov/195/Elections). Phone: 928-679-7860.
UU The Vote Arizona seeks Beacon UU Liaison

Casey Clowes from UU The Vote Arizona has reached out to connect Beacon UU to the statewide effort. Interested in being our liaison for this important push for electing candidates aligned with our principles? If so, please contact 
UUJAZ Beloved Conversations 
Register now until September 20th!!
Beloved Conversations curriculum developers at Meadville Lombard Theological School have responded to the needs to learn how race and ethnicity shape our personal and collective lives and practices, in a virtual format. UUJAZ has partnered with Meadville to offer a 20% discount for AZ UU participants, and scholarships for anyone who needs one.

The first phase Within is open for registration now, and focuses on the internal work that each of us needs to do as we engage racial justice. This work is different for White folks and for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and will be done entirely in race-based caucuses.  

Within work will include individual Lessons, using videos, music, and readings, accompanied by reflection prompts and suggested conversations with Critical Friends chosen by the participants; bi-weekly small group conversations in a Learning Pod; and larger, monthly, facilitated Meaning-Making Sessions on Zoom.   

We hope you join us to embody racial justice as a spiritual practice, to heal the impact of racism on our lives, in order to get free together.

Rev. Robin has registered for this program.
        Upcoming UU the Vote Events:
  • UU the Vote with UUJAZ: This November, we have an opportunity to reflect our UU values in local policy more than ever. Can we ensure free and safe elections? End cash bail and contracts with private prisons? Hold police accountable? Empower those most vulnerable to pandemic and racism? Fund education? None of this will happen without you. We have less than a month before ballots drop, so NOW is the time to have conversations with people you know, or join a phone or text bank. Don't wake up in November wishing you did more. See all UUJAZ/ UU the Vote opportunities here.
  • Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Candidate Forum: The interdependent web of connection is central to Unitarian Universalist principles, and we know at UU the Vote, what happens at the county level affects us all. Did you know your access to a safe and accessible election, the budget for the 4th Ave jail, and even the air you breathe in the Valley is regulated by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors? Learn from the Sunrise leaders in Maricopa County more about this powerful position we don't often hear of!
     
    Join us on Tuesday, September 15th, on Facebook Live at 6pm, for a conversation with community members of Maricopa County, Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona, Sunrise Movement, and the candidates for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
     
    Confirmed attendance: Jevin Hodge, candidate for District 1 and Whitney Walker, candidate for District 3. Hosted by UUJAZ, UU the Vote, and Sunrise Tempe
  • Conversation with the Candidates: Homelessness and our FaithAs Unitarian Universalists, we honor the inherent worth and dignity of our unsheltered neighbors. We are called to work for a just, equitable, and compassionate world, where everyone has the resources needed not just to survive, but to thrive. These beliefs push us beyond serving folks in need, to advocating for policies that eradicate homelessness altogether.Join us Tuesday, September 22nd, on  Facebook Live at 6 pm, for a conversation with community members of Surprise and Sun City, candidates running for LD22, and guest speaker Sophia of Unsheltered Phoenix, hosted by Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona.
  • Book Group 3rd Fridays 12-1:30pm: On September 18th, we are discussing 
    Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements by Charlene Carruthers. This 21st-century activist's guide to upending mainstream ideas about race, class, and gender carves out a path to collective liberation. Drawing on Black intellectual and grassroots organizing traditions, including the Haitian Revolution, the US civil rights movement, and LGBTQ rights and feminist movements, Unapologetic challenges all of us engaged in the social justice struggle to make the movement for Black liberation more radical, more queer, and more feminist. This book provides a vision for how social justice movements can become sharper and more effective through principled struggle, healing justice, and leadership development. It also offers a flexible model of what deeply effective organizing can be, anchored in the Chicago model of activism, which features long-term commitment, cultural sensitivity, creative strategizing, and multiple cross-group alliances. And Unapologetic provides a clear framework for activists committed to building transformative power, encouraging young people to see themselves as visionaries and leaders. 
    Book GroUUp is free to all our monthly sustaining donors. If you wish to join but aren't a donor, you can contribute a suggested donation of $10 by clicking here. If you aren't financially able to donate, join us anyway! Sign up here for your Zoom link.
  • Night at the Muuvies 2nd Saturdays 6pm: September 12th, join us to watch and discuss the film Free Cece. On her way to the store with a group of friends, Chrishaun Reed "CeCe" McDonald was brutally attacked. While defending her life, a man was killed. After a coercive interrogation, CeCe was incarcerated in a men's prison in Minnesota. An international campaign to free CeCe garnered significant support from media and activists, including actress Laverne Cox. Cox signed on as executive producer of FREE CECE!, committed to exploring the role race, class, and gender played in CeCe's case. In the end, CeCe emerged not only as a survivor, but also as a leader.
    Documentarian Jac Gares pushed past the everyday narratives of victimhood surrounding the lives of transgender people, to spotlight the way CeCe and other trans people are leading a growing movement fighting for the rights of transgender people everywhere. CeCe's powerful story highlights the groundswell of voices questioning the prison industrial complex and calling for its disassembly.
    FREE CECE! is directed and produced by Jac Gares and executive produced by Laverne Cox. Slobodan Randjelovic also served as producer. Original music is by Jordana LeSesne with editing by Erik Satre.
    You'll be given access to watch a film either on your own, or on the evening of the screening, you can join a watch party. Then everyone will be invited to participate in a Zoom call to discuss the film, moderated by Emrys Staton. 
    A $15 donation from those who are able is received with gratitude, to cover the cost of the film rights and compensate our discussion host. Donate hereSign up here for your Zoom link.
A Special Message from Rev. Robin about BIPOC Allyship
 
Dear Beloved Community,

America is on fire with rage, weary from a pandemic, and aching with despair. Along with the rest of our country, we've read and heard so many devastating accounts over the past week, the most heart-rending from people of color coping with another case of murderous systemic racism in our country. I do not need to (nor, am I entitled to) add anything to their experiences or parse what they have to say about racism. They live it. 

...To read the full message on our website, please click here
Lifespan Religious Exploration Resources for Learning About and Responding to Racism

This painful moment in time calls us to focus our learning and reflection on allyship to people of color, understanding white privilege, and reflecting on how we can part of a systemic sea change and solution in our society. 

Beacon has provided resources for all ages addressing how we as individuals and as communities can learn about and respond to racism.  For the full list of resources, activities and community meetings, visit Beacon's Religious Exploration pages.

 ~ Wider Community ~

September is Hunger Action Month
 
Take action this month to end hunger! Join the Flagstaff family Food Center in a full month of activities to support the Flagstaff community. To learn more and check out the calendar click here.
Camp De Benneville Pines Fundraiser

De Benneville Pines has captured the hearts of thousands of campers for nearly 60 years. it is a place of kindness, friendship, and beauty. Now they need your help to keep their doors open because of Covid-19 pandemic.To donate click Here 
~ This Week at Beacon ~


Worship
Sunday, September 6th, 2020
10:00 am - 11:00 am
"A Day in the spiritual life"

Virtual Social Hour
Sunday, September 6th, 2020
11:00 am
https://zoom.us/j/675489291




 
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!
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Everyday Ways to Support Beacon UU 

1. When you go to Fry's grocery store, use the Beacon phone number (928 779 4492) as the Alternate ID when it asks for it at the beginning of checkout, and you will get shopping discounts for Fry's members, as well as donating a percentage of your expenditure to Beacon. You can also sign up for an individual account if you prefer that, or want to take advantage of the gasoline discounts. You have to pick Beacon as your beneficiary when you set up your own account.

2. If you shop on Amazon, please use "Amazon Smile" and choose Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation (do not abbreviate UU) as your recipient. We will receive a 0.5%  for every purchase and that can add up!  Remember that you have to start each shopping session at smile.amazon.com for us to receive the donation. 

3. Another online fundraiser is  igive.comOnce again, create your own account with a user name and password, then select settings, my cause, and type in Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation (do not abbreviate UU). Then you can order from any of the hundreds of organizations listed under igive.  There are also coupons listed online you can use when ordering from some organizations.

4. Basha's has a special debit card that you can charge up before shopping, and a portion of  what goes through the debit card gets donated to Beacon because that card is tied to Beacon.  Ask Anne Wittke for further information.

Have other ideas for our income incubator? leave them on a card in the bin in the lobby, or send them to Rev. Robin. 
Beacon Office Hours & Contacts ~
Office Phone (928) 779-4492

Minister,
Rev. Robin Zucker

Mon: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Or by appointment:
978-505-7245 - talk and text (confidential line) 
Get to know Rev. Robin at www.uurobinzucker.com
Director of RE 


Our engaging programs for all ages continue while we search for a new Religious Exploration Director.

Rev. Robin can answer your RE questions.
  Office Manager,
Yeximar L Cramer
 
Mon: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wed: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thurs: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm


 

~ Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles ~

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We live out these Principles within a "living tradition" of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience. Learn more at beaconuu.com!




You no longer need to forward your spam emails to spam@uce.gov, because the Federal Trade Commission is now collecting spam through a honeypot, which is an online trap. This change makes it more efficient for the FTC to collect spam that is deceptive or violates the CAN-SPAM Act. This change saves tax dollars, your time, and helps the FTC collect deceptive and illegal spam.  If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, please report it at ftc.gov/complaint. There, you can also report spam you receive.  Read more about how to limit spam, phone calls, and mail

~ 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 our Office Manager, at office@beaconuu.com or Visit: https://groups.google.com/d/forum/uuflag
Contribute to Beacon's Weekly News

Newsletter submissions must be submitted by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to  office@beaconuu.com in order to be included in the newsletter.