Bring a flower to share at our annual
Flower Communion ceremony on Sunday, March 17

MARCH 17, 2019
Growing in Spirit - The Garden We Create
Growing in Spirit-The Garden We Create
March 17th, 2019
Service Leader: Rev. Margret A. O'Neall

As the northern hemisphere turns the corner into spring, all are invited to bring a flower to share for Flower Communion. Growing our garden of community, we consider the commitment to covenantal relationship, and all the ways our covenant shapes the hopes, dreams, choices and actions of our lives. Remember to bring a flower to share!
Inquirers for March 17 is participating in the service in the Sanctuary  as we explore what it means to live in covenantal community.
Mark your calendar now for the annual Sunday schedule change!!
As of Sunday, March 31, UUCP will switch to our “summer” schedule, with one Sunday service at 10:30 am.  
Board Chat: Sunday 10:30-11:15
Stop by for coffee, tea and informal conversation with your Trustees.  The Board has been working on such matters as financing our construction, next year’s budget, and proposals for inclusive bathrooms and signage.
Share the Plate with Voices for CASA Children
Sunday, March 17
Children who are removed from their home due to abuse or neglect are most in need of a dedicated and consistent adult in their life to ensure that their best interest is protected. That is the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). With a CASA volunteer in place, children in foster care do better in school, spend less time in foster care, and are less likely to re-enter foster care. Voices for CASA Children is dedicated to giving every lost and voiceless child a brighter future through the CASA program. Your gift today will go towards the Hope Bag program, which provides a comforting tote bag, handmade blanket or quilt, and age-appropriate gift or toy for the CASA volunteer to take as a gift when meeting their appointed child for the first time.
Social Justice Opportunities
Advancing Justice
March 10th, at the back of the Sanctuary
We are in the second half of the AZ Legislature session and many bills - some worthy, some truly unhinged - are moving at a rapid pace. Be sure to come by the Justice table Sunday to take action protesting or supporting bills that align with our UU principles. 

On Sunday, March 24, plan to stay after 2nd service for a 25-minute video called "Teaching in Arizona" and a short discussion.
Green Sanctuary/Environmental Justice Ministry
Next Meeting Sunday April 14
Green Sanctuary has changed its name to Environmental Justice Ministry. Our meeting date, time and place have also changed to every second Sunday of the month after the service; next meeting is April 14. We are looking for volunteers to act as liaisons to our many partner organizations: UUMFE and UUA Green Sanctuary, UUJAZ' Water Team, AFN's Social Justice Commission, and CHISPA, as well as AZIPL and the Sierra Club. If you are interested, please contact laurelbhardin@gmail.com. Donations for the Art Resource Center are still being collected. Please find a list of desired items on our table.  
NEXT SUNDAY - MARCH 24, 2019
Mission and Commitment
March 24th, 2019
Service Leader: Rev. Margret A O’Neall

Why am I a Unitarian Universalist, and how does that identity shape my life?  What does it mean to live into a faith that is founded on covenantal relationship and commitment to community?  How do I create new possibility?  As we open these deep questions, all answers are questioned and explored.
Inquirers for March 24th
Inquirers is participating in the service in the Sanctuary as we explore what it means to live in covenantal community .  
SUNDAY SERVICE CHANGE
Mark your calendar for the annual Sunday schedule change!!
As of Sunday, March 31, UUCP will switch to our summer schedule, with one Sunday service at 10:30 am
Opportunities to Serve
Lay Pastoral Associates
UUCP is creating a Lay Pastoral Care Associate (LPCA) Program. Members of the congregation will be trained as skilled listeners and resource guides for people experiencing life transitions. The program will complement the support offered by our minister and the Unicare Committee. LPCAs are the BEING arm caring, Unicare is the DOING arm of Lay Pastoral Care. To learn more, contact Rev. Margret at minister@phoenixuu.org .
The Property Team is Back- And We Need You!
We have a new Property Team starting up. So far we have a small core group but we need YOU! It does not matter if everyone knows the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver, there are lots of other tasks besides fixing stuff that you can help with. We need long term planning, supervision of small projects, maintaining and enhancing our 9 acre property, working with the new Congregational Safety Team, with the EEC and DVLC and other groups and lots more that you can probably help us think of.
To find out more contact Dale ( dalefisher@mac.com ) or Jake Danforth ( count.on.Jake@gmail.com ).
Neighborhood Connections
Neighborhood Groups gather members of UUCP where they live to make connections and get to know each other. If you want to be a Lead Connector, please contact Cherie Stafford cheriecs@gmail.com. Each neighborhood group can choose the activities best suited to you. Connect with neighbors in this radically inclusive community. 
Are you interested in volunteering in the office?
As we identify our most pressing priorities, your participation can make a lasting impact toward our success. Some work takes place in office, some from home with a computer. You can attend an orientation session in Office 2 today at 11:15 am for a description of the duties and responsibilities or check in with Lora to learn more.
Upcoming Events
Thursday Community Night - March 21st
Menu for Thursday March 21: Chicken or Veggie Enchilada Soup with toppings, Salad and Rice from chef Carrie Lifshitz and friends.

Join us in building a “Spiritual Community for our Time” every Thursday at 6:00 pm in the Johnson Room through April 25, 2019. Each week features two entrees (one vegetarian or vegan), as well as sides, salad and bread. Donation: $6 per adult/teen, $3 per child, or $12 per family (or pay what you can!). Food is labeled for the top nine common allergens. 

Following the meal, children go to Chalice Kids while adults join in for activities that help us to live into the congregation’s vision. Questions about Community Night?  Want to cook, help or contribute?  Contact communitynight@phoenixuu.org.


Classes and Activities for Thursday, March 21st
Reflective Symposium:Radical Inclusion 6:45pm - 8:15pm in Annex C
Open Drop-in Group 7:00pm - 9:00pm in Annex B 
Women's Ritual 7:00pm - 8:30pm in the Sanctuary 
Search Committee Meeting 7:00pm - 9:00pm @ Minister's Office 
Chalice Kids 6:45 pm, sign in Office 2, meet in Annex E  

outdoor group
Outdoor Group - Saturday, March 23rd
The Outdoor Group invites you to join us on a beautiful hike, Saturday, March 23, around Granite Mountain in the McDowells. The wildflowers are spectacular right now, and this hike is not a difficult one. Click on the link below to see the details for the hike.
Join the Dance! Traditional Community Dance at UUCP
Saturday, April 20th
Doors open at 6 pm for socializing. Dance instruction and action begins promptly at 6:30. Professional caller Peg Hesley's skills have been warmly appreciated at the previous two dances. Come Join the Fun!  Bring Family and Friends. Childcare will be available for the youngest dancers-to-be.Donations at the door accepted to cover the evening's expenses for the caller and her musicians and childcare.
Bring your water bottle, and optionally, finger food to be shared at the mid-evening break. Questions: Carolyn.allenby@gmail.com
Passover Seder - Thursday, April 25 at 6:00 pm
Mark your calendar for this important celebration of Jewish heritage, led by Jonny and Carrie Lifshitz and Benjie Messer - details to follow.
Living Our Vision... Everyday
This year, Faith Development offers many ways to learn beyond the traditional classroom. Listen to a podcast, read books and articles, watch a Ted Talk, or check out a packet of printed articles from the welcome desk, or come to office 2 and access the curriculum on the computers. Choose one focus that interests you, or move through all three, whatever works best in your life.
Come together for a Reflective Symposium on a Thursday morning, Thursday evening, or Sunday afternoon to discuss the topic we've studied. Regardless of whether we read a book, participate in a webinar or attend an in-person class, we can share our learning in community.
Come get a ribbon for your name tag from the Welcome Desk. Have questions? Visit the website,  phoenixuu.org/LOVE .

Radically Inclusive —focus on Gender Expansiveness
Reflective Symposium  Thursday, March 21 6:45-8:15 pm, Annex C
 
Justice Centered —focus on Racial Justice
Racial Justice Collaborative with Anthony Johnson  
Monday, April 8, 6:30-8:30 pm
Reflective Symposium Sunday, April 14 11:45am - 1:15pm in the Sanctuary
 
Theologically Diverse —focus on Indigenous Spirituality
Spiritual Practices gathering Thursday, April 11, 6:45 – 8:30 pm in the Sanctuary
Reflective Symposium Sunday, March 24 12:30-2:00 pm, Annex B
UUA General Assembly
June 19-23, 2019
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix will be represented by 8 delegates at General Assembly (GA) 2019 in Spokane, Washington.
All members in good standing are encouraged to apply today. Send your application to Sarah Moore at sarahdmoore@gmail.com , pick up a flyer with an application at the back table and drop off your application at the office to become a credentialed delegate. Registration is now open for GA, and we still have delegate slots available for anyone who is interested in attending.