OUR MISSION: TO WELCOME, CARE FOR, AND INSPIRE

December 6, 2019

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Upcoming Events

Friday, December 6 Event: First Friday Hike, Time - TBD Sunday, December 8 Sunday Service: Begin Again, Rev. Samantha Wilson, 1 pm Event: Holiday Card Party, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Sunday, December 15 Sunday Service: A Darkness , Rev. Samantha Wilson, 1 pm Sunday, December 22 Sunday Service: A Child, Rev. Samantha Wilson, 1 pm Event: Holiday Celebration at Coffee Hour, 2:30 pm Tuesday, December 31 Event: Mesquite Madness, 7 pm

Spiritual Path

Exploring Taoism and the Taoist Healing Arts Monday, Jan 13, 6:30 pm A six-week class beginning on January 13, 2019 at 6:30 pm. Often called the path to harmony, Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy. We will sample the healing arts of qi gong, tai chi and Taoist meditation. Note: This is not a tai chi class, but rather an introduction to the movements.  We will discuss the history and teachings of Taoism. Participants will consider selected passages from the Tao De Ching and share their knowledge, thoughts, and questions about what the chapters might mean. Links will be provided to pertinent texts. A contribution is per session is requested: $5 members; $10 nonmembers. Your friends are invited too. The class is led by Bill Casey and Elizabeth Reed, a tai chi practitioner and teacher since the 1980's. It meets in the Conference Room of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. To sign up click HERE or for more information, contact Elizabeth Reed at (520) 269-3414 or reedeliz@gmail.com .

Governance

President’s Column - Grateful!        December 6, 2019 Many thanks to all who supported this congregation through the funding, preparation, communication and finally, November 17th’s vote to buy the new property at 3235 W. Orange Grove Road!!! We look forward to our future with enthusiasm and appreciation. So grateful for this Congregation! The Project Management Team did a spectacular job of completing the due diligence reports, and many of you were responsive with your questions, concerns and of course, your votes. Special kudos to PMT Chair Jane Paul and the 11/17 presenters, Jim Gessaman and Jim Donnelly, for many hours of preparation. Other PMT members spent much time on the county requirements, multiple inspections arrangements, communications and the documentation process for the mortgage. The Board officially added Pam Donnelly’s name to the team list. Others are David Greene and Paula Lipsitz.   Much work remains as we start the detailed planning after we close on the property December 16, thus gaining our very own building. We will need all of your help to get settled after the basic remodeling this spring.  Happy holidays to all those in our MVUU community! Best wishes for new adventures together in 2020! Anne Tatum , MVUU Board President      ***IMPORTANT DATES FOR MVUU*** Board Meeting Thursday, December 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Office Holiday Celebration Sunday, December 22 in the social hall following practice! Pi Irwin and Ann Bowling are board members in charge. Cortaro Road Property Closing: Scheduled for January 6.

Fellowship

Sunday Morning Book Group Sunday, Dec 8, 10 am at The Fountains Our new book is The Grand Food Bargain: And the Mindless Drive for More   by Kevin D. Walker. The author points out that “the modern food system depends on endless abundance, but the planet has its limits. So too does a healthcare system that must absorb rising rates of diabetes and obesity…By the end of the [book], we not only understand how the drive to produce even more food became hardwired into the American psyche, but why shifting our mindset is essential.”  We will complete discussing   Blowout by Rachel Maddow on Dec. 8 and begin discussing our new book on Dec. 15. There will be no meeting on Dec. 29. For more information contact John Clark at  alvinjclark@aol.com .

Bookaholics Unanimous  Tuesday, Dec 10, 2 pm In December, we will discuss the final book for 2019,  Things Fall Apart by Chimua Achebe. If you are interested, new to the group, and need directions to the meeting contact  Anne Leonard at  anne@alartworks.com  or (520) 307-8045.

Tucson Art Tours Coming Up for MVUU! Tuesdays, Dec 10, 1 pm   Join us for a one-hour public tour of the new Tucson Museum of Art Exhibit:  The Western Sublime, on Dec 10, at 1 pm . Meet at the Visitor's Desk.   ABOUT THE EXHIBIT TMA is built within the original territories of the O'Odham people. Ofelia Zepeda, U of A professor and poet, creates conversational moments as her poetry displayed within the exhibit and offers her personal perspective of the indigenous people who inhabited the land we now call Tucson.   The exhibit includes works from European artists active in the late to mid-1800's AND recent works by members of various western tribes. The rich blend of work displayed creates new conversations from diverse perspectives about our contemporary landscapes in fresh artistic styles.    It also raises several questions: What is sublime ? What is our relationship to the landscape we call home? How has it changed over time?   TO SIGN UP Please contact Elizabeth Van Horn to reserve a spot on the tour which is limited to 12 by emailing elizabethvh777@gmail.com or calling (541) 771-9993.    The museum is at 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for visitors over 65 years, $7 for college age and free for all under 17 years and TMA members.   Another Opportunity to EXPLORE Elizabeth will also be giving a one-hour tour of the Corbett House at 1 pm, Saturday, Dec 21 and 1 pm, Saturday, Dec 28. It is a 4,000 square foot home owned by the Tucson Museum of Art and is a living museum of an Arts and Crafts of a home in the early 1900's at Christmas time.

New Years Eve Party! Reserve your place TODAY Tuesday, Dec 31, 7 pm Come to the third annual  Mesquite Madness!   New Year’s Eve Party , at 7 pm at Jane and Conrad's home. If you can , dress as someone from the American Wild West . Watch the shiny ball drop in Times Square at midnight in New York , kiss your partner (or someone), then  say goodnight at 10:30 pm .  Be home in bed by 10:45 pm!    All refreshments are provided. The cost is $25 per person. This is an Auction Item (fundraiser for MVUU), so you won’t be billed until mid-January. Email your reservation to   jane.paul@mvuu.org or reserve your place at the Mesquite Madness Table which will be open on Sundays in December. We are limited to 45 guests and this party. No refunds unless we can sell your place before the party . Bonnie Grant Baird and Chris Baird Jane and Conrad Paul

Mesquite Madness 2020 Sunday, Jan 12 Mesquite Madness will be held after Practice Sunday, January 12 in BSLC Social Hall. This Silent Auction is our largest fundraiser . It lasts about 60 minutes. Admission and refreshments are free to all. Mesquite Madness is quick and easy; Bidders get a number and enter it on Bid Sheets for each item they hope to win. It only takes an hour to fill your calendar with fun events and services for a year.  We Need Donations:  Hosting Meals, Parties or Special Events  Things ( new or like new) Gift Cards (easy!) Services such as garage cleaning, organizing, guiding tours and pet sitting.  Events don’t have to be fancy or unique. The fun of getting together is all we need.  The Donation Table will be open every Sunday in December. Our Team can help make your idea salable. We also manage the event calendar to eliminate conflicts.   The Donation Form is on our website MVUU.org in the Fellowship section, at the top: Download Donation Form. You also can email your idea to jane.paul@mvuu.org. Submitting your donation early helps you and us; you get the date you want and we worry less.  The deadline for donations is December 29. A printed Catalog of Items is handed out January 5 and will also posted be on www.mvuu.org. This way everyone has a week to check their calendars and plan their bidding strategies. Mesquite Madness Core Planning Team   Jane Paul, Deena Gentle, Bonnie Grant Baird, Paula Lipsitz

Pastoral Care Life’s not always easy. Know that you are not alone. Reach Out To Pastoral Care today.

Coffee Baristas Sign Up It’s time to sign up for December Barista Shifts! Help us plan ahead and sign up now. Many thanks! December Sign Up Here Contact Erin Chadwell   administrator@mvuu.org  - Training is available - just ask!

Justice Outreach

YOU ARE INVITED! HOLIDAY CARD PARTY! Sunday, Dec 8, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm SPEND SOME HOLIDAY CHEER GIVING HOPE TO MIGRANTS     What: Holiday Card Party where we will be sending holiday cards to the migrant inmates in detention/jail in Eloy and Florence, Arizona.   Appetizers and drinks will be provided!   Sample messages will be provided in Spanish, French and English, as suggestions for your holiday messages of hope.   Why: These folks need an uplifting message during a very dismal holiday season in their lives. Also, you will come away moved by the personal stories of what it is like to be in detention and what we can do, on the outside, to be a source of support, hope and strength.   Where: 13956 N. Trade Winds Way, Oro Valley 85755, home of Cheri Desmond May and Allen Desmond.   Bring: Holiday cards that are appropriate—no glitter is allowed in Eloy; no cards with Santa or lots of presents (not helpful for these folks); cards with a religious theme are fine, although not always on target.   Who: Everyone is invited, MVUU folks, friends, others with an open heart, wanting to share a message of hope to those in need of it this holiday season.   There will be a short program 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm given by Cecelia Valenzuela Gee about the realities of detention at Eloy and Florence. Cecelia has been a devoted volunteer with the Mariposa Visitation Project for several years and brings a wealth of information and personal accounts of the many folks she has spent time with. Hopefully Rocio Calderon will also join us. She spent 23 months in Eloy a couple of years ago and her story is very moving. MVUU LAST-MINUTE NOTICE:  URGENT CALL FOR BLOOD DONORS Sunday, Dec 8, 8 am - 2 pm Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church is building a blood program, and the MVUU Board has approved our joining the effort on this coming Sunday, December 8, prior to Practice or just afterward in their Conference Room. Red Cross Representative, Karen Fontes, encourages any prospective donors to to sign up HERE. Just type in BSLC, scroll down to Tucson December 8 to select type of donation (double red or whole blood) and choose the time you prefer. Every unit counts to help reach their goal to provide blood to hospitals to save lives. So far, two MVUU donors have answered the call. Four Sundays in the 2020 Calendar will be advertised in this Newsletter once it’s confirmed by BSL. Submitted by D. Gessaman (email questions to her at deb. gessaman@gmail.com)  Tax Credit Time to Benefit Flowing Wells School District Time is drawing near to make your year-end contribution to Flowing Wells School District and get an Arizona tax credit of up to $400. Since 2008, MVUU has collected checks for the benefit of the Flowing Wells School District. This is a win-win situation. You get a credit for the amount you donate, up to $400, straight off your Arizona Income tax and the school gets money for extracurricular activities. For details see Bill Casey after Practice or contact him at bill.casey@mvuu.org. Interfaith Community Services Food Bank Look for the Interfaith Community Services Basket most every Sunday on your way into services and drop off your donation. MOST NEEDED: Pop-top cans of SpaghettiOs, chili and ravioli Canned meat, tuna and soups (pop-top cans) Instant mashed potatoes, rice, dry pasta Spaghetti sauce in cans, canned fruits and vegetables When you drop off food directly to the ICS Food Bank, please mention MVUU so we get credit. This ongoing activity supports our Justice Outreach focus. Contact Bill Casey at bill.casey@mvuu.org for questions.

December Woven Basket Partner: PIMA COUNTY INTERFAITH COUNCIL (PCIC) PCIC is one of our Strategic Change Agents, a non-profit, non-partisan, interfaith association of some 28 religious and civic organizations, affiliated with the Arizona Interfaith Network. PCIC educates and mobilizes citizens to advocate for systemic change in an inclusive democratic society. They take on local as well as broader issues such as school bonds, Tucson city and Pima County issues and elections. MVUU members have many opportunities to work through and with this broad based faith and non-profit community to carry forward MVUU issues of great concern. --And to influence their choices of issues for action. Learn how to educate others through “civic academies,” and how to support issues, get out the vote and hold public officials accountable. For more information or questions contact Anne Leonard at  anne@alartworks.com  or (520) 307-8045.

MVUU Photo Directory For Login Directions & Information Contact Erin Chadwell at  administrator@mvuu.org.

This Newsletter is published via email every other Friday. Let a Greeter know if you wish to receive it.

Dialing for Dollars!: Text to Give Number (520) 447- 4730 If you are inspired to give for any reason, text the amount (i.e. $25) and a descriptor (i.e.,  Donation  or  Mesquite Madness  or  Wooden Bowl ). The donation will go directly into our Breeze database.

Newsletter deadline: Mondays at 12 pm.  The next newsletter will be published  Dec 20 . Submit articles to  editor@mvuu.org  by  12 pm, Monday, Dec 16.  No Exceptions. Articles may not exceed 250 words.  Thank you.