Spiritually Open, Intentionally Inclusive since 1958
510 N Leroux
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-4492
Like us on Facebook

- This Sunday at Beacon -
Sunday, January 5, 2020


Sermon 
"Letterboxing: Getting Lost and Found in the New Year"
Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker
Letterboxing is a quirky hobby combining orienteering, puzzle solving, journaling, and treasure hunting, dating back to the 1850's in Dartmoor, England. As we begin 2020 with our well-intentioned resolutions in tow, we'll explore Letterboxing as a spiritual metaphor for getting lost (in healthy ways) -- stepping off the well-worn paths of getting from here to there in our lives, and getting "found" in unpredictable territory. For those feeling lost in a murky moor, this sermon will  offer some  compass points for blazing new, intentional  trails into the clearing.

Religious Exploration
Worship for all Ages, children in the Sanctuary. Childcare for the youngest.

Following the Service
Connect with Rev. Robin, 11:30 am in the sanctuary.

  

~ Monthly Touchstone Theme: Authority and Leadership ~ 
Spotlight this Week!



Religious Exploration for Middle Schoolers - Building Bridges continues. Join us as we explore and learn about the world religions and then visit different houses of worship in the Flagstaff area. On January 12th we will begin discussing the LDS (Mormon) Church.

~ Community Connections ~
Conflict Zen workshop with Rev. Robin  
Sunday, January 12, 11:30-1:00pm


"Conflict" is an inevitable aspect of human interactions and relationships, but many of us avoid all conflict or stumble around in it with any guideposts. This workshop will explore the landscape of conflict, ways to sit out the "conflict dance," and how to use various frameworks for resolving conflict thoughtfully. BRING A BAG LUNCH. Help Rev. Robin prepare by letting her know you will be attending. minister@beaconuu.com

 Social Justice Allies (SJA) 
                    
Join us at Beacon UU to watch a live stream of the launch event
introducing UU the Vote! Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.

Progressive people of faith can be powerful and prophetic without being partisan. We can engage our neighbors, educate our communities, mobilize voters, rally around ballot initiatives, and more broadly shape the public discourse with values-based framing, rooted in our theology and principles.

Starting January 12, 2020 at 2 p.m. and beyond, UU the Vote will support congregations to form volunteer teams (or empower current justice leaders) to lead the work in ways that make sense for your community. Learn more:  https://www.uua.org/justice/vote2020

Chalice Circles
January 26 & 28

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. 

Chalice Circle continues to meet on the 4th Sunday & Tuesday of each month. 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. 

For further information contact Char Tarashanti or Lynda L. Dorweiler at  ChaliceCircles@Beaconuu.com
Religious Exploration


January 5, 2020- 10 a.m. Worship for all Ages, children in the Sanctuary . Childcare for the youngest.
 
January 12, 19, and 26, 2020 - 10 a.m. Children go directly to Religious Exploration in the Multipurpose Room.
 
Grades K-5, beginning January 12, 2020. Join in anytime.
"Horton Hears A UU: Life Lessons From Dr. Seuss"
Although they were written to young children, Dr. Seuss' books contain powerful messages and important themes. In this creative, interactive program, we'll explore life lessons such as protecting the planet with "The Lorax," honoring differences with "The Sneetches," generosity and greed with "Gertrude McFuzz," cooperation with "Yertle The Turtle," and regret/apologizing with Bartholomew and the Oobleck." Children will hear stories, watch videos, engage in art projects and reflective conversations about each story.
 
Grades 7 and 8 - "Building Bridges" resumes on January 12, 2020, 10 a.m.
Stephanie and I are excited to be offering the study of Islam in January!  Our next class will be on Sunday, Jan 12 at Beacon at 10am.  We are working on additional education opportunities for Islam next month. If you see Stephanie, please thank her for her wonderful contributions to this program!  She has been serving as the lead curriculum developer for Building Bridges and the kids educational experience is vastly improved as a result of her efforts!

Rev. Robin plans to talk with the kids in January about what they have been learning in Building Bridges.  The hope is that this will develop into a service with Rev. Robin where the kids share their thoughts and feelings sometime this spring.  Stay tuned for  details  as they unfold.  Happy New Year, Dru Monroe ( edrumonroe@gmail.com )
 
OUR WHOLE LIVES (OWL) IS COMING IN MARCH AND APRIL for our 7th and 8th graders. Stay tuned for details about the parent information session and scheduling for the program (4 Saturdays from 12:30-5 p.m.) OWL is a widely- acclaimed sexuality education curriculum, developed jointly by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. OWL provides accurate, developmentally- appropriate information for youth. Topics include self-respect, relationships, gender identity,  sexual orientation, healthy sexuality, consent, and cultural influences on sexuality. Classes are facilitated by dedicated Beacon members who have received training and certification through the UUA. Parents are the primary sexuality educators for their children, and this is a way our faith community supports parents in that effort, serving as a catalyst for healthy conversations at home. OWL is open to the broader Flagstaff community (parents are required to attend an information session. Although developed  by two progressive religious organizations, Our Whole Lives contains no religious references or doctrine.
 
Questions? Contact Rev. Robin at  minister@beaconuu.com
UUA General Assembly
 Providence, RI. June 24-28, 2020

Rooted, Inspired & Ready! 
We are in touch with our theological roots, we are engaged in transforming our faith and we are fired up to take action in the wider world. 

Early Bird registration by Feb 29. We have funds designated to help send Beacon congregants to GA! Speak to Rev. Robin

money_piggybank_money.jpg
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. 
      January Share the Plate Partner  


Beacon's community partner for January 2020 is The Literacy Center. The Center aims to increase the basic English language and literacy skills of adults, teens, and families in order to improve the quality of personal, economic and community life for all. Programs offer one-to-one tutoring, drop-in tutoring, classes at the center and in the community, and Partnership for Literacy Rehabilitation (jail program). The Center serves 250-300 adults, teens, and families.
Beacon's Share the Plate presents undesignated Sunday morning offering money beyond $350 to the approved community partners.
Members are encouraged to nominate an organization and can pick up an application form in the CAC folder located in the office.
The Community Action Committee (CAC) is composed of Susan Patrick, Steven Patrick, Joanne Parkes and Lynda Dorweiler.  Contact:  Office@beaconuu.com
Our Caring Connections

Confidential Pastoral care is available to all members and friends, new and longstanding. Our Caring Circle works with our minister to offer support, practical assistance, and companionship. Please let us know (through our team, staff, musical or affinity groups) of needs for a listening ear and caring connections. Contact Rev. Robin or Dorothy Rissel at  dorothy.rissel@gmail.com
Beacon is Hiring
Please share with your community

There are two positions currently available:   
  • Office Manager, 15 hours per week
  • Custodian, 5 hours per week
~ This Week at Beacon  ~


Worship & Religious Exploration
Sunday, January 05, 2020
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Finance Committee
Wednesday, January 8, 2019
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Connect with Rev. Robin
Sunday, January 05, 2020
11:30 am - 12:30 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* & Contacts  ~
Office Phone (928) 779-4492

Minister,
Rev. Robin Zucker

Mon: 11:00 am - 4:00 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,
April Yax

 No office hours at this time, but happy to hear from you at:

 

~ 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!


Website Updates ~
 
Dear Members and Friends,
 
Public users of the Beacon website see only the public facing information.  There are many pages of additional information available to those who have registered and are assigned the role of "Member" or "Friend" by the webmaster.  To get started click register.   


Be sure to record your username and password somewhere safe. If you are listed in the Beacon directory send an email to webmaster@beaconuu.com to set your role for access to information about what the leadership is up to, minutes of meetings, decisions of the Board, projects planned by the Core Leadership Council, as well as contact information for members and committee chairs. Your Beacon website is the place to go for copies of the bylaws, policies, and other documents that establish the business of Beacon.

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