Spiritually Open, Intentionally Inclusive since 1958
510 N Leroux
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-4492
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- This Sunday at Beacon -
September 27th, 2020

Virtual Service

"Vote Love, Defeat Hate"

The UUA UU The Vote Worship with President Susan Frederick-Gray 
In the midst of global pandemic, growing authoritarianism, and political uprising, lives hang in the balance and the future of democracy is on the line. In response, Unitarian Universalists are answering the call of our faith, building powerful partnerships to mobilize our communities to #VoteLove and #DefeatHate in the 2020 elections. Join UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray, the UU the Vote team, and a lineup of powerful, prophetic UU voices as we explore the intersections of faith, justice, and democracy in this collective virtual service of readings, stories, an inspiring sermon and congregational singing.
 
Tune into the Service via the  "Beacon UUC" Youtube Channel.

~ Please join us after the service ~

Social Hour on Zoom at 11 AM.
Passcode: 968647
Or call +1 669 900 6833 and enter Meeting ID: 733 037 2039

Also this Sunday September 27th 
Forrest Bathing
Rev. Robin will lead a community all-ages hike at Buffalo Park at 9 AM. 
A flat and easy route. 

Next Sunday
October 4th - "When We Need Our UU Principles The Most "
Andy Hogg Preaching, hosted by Rev. Robin, music by 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.

 
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.

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. 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM twice a month on Zoom.
Sept. 27 10:00 AM Mike's New Car
Oct. 11 10:00 AM Mater and the Ghostlight
Oct. 25 10:00 AM Jack Jack Attack

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 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: Sunday Morning Meditation 8:15-8:45 AM
Weekly meditation, led by members of the Boise ID UU Fellowship community, starting with a reading and followed by a 20 minute meditation.  
Meeting ID: 874 0348 5585
Passcode: chalice

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 by Zoom. 
Zoom links below.
~ Monthly Touchstone Theme: Worth & Dignity ~
ChaliceCircles
Touchstone Chalice Circles 
Sunday, September 27th at 12:00pm
 
"The primal principal of democracy is the worth and dignity of the individual." Edward Bellamy

Has your inherent worth and dignity ever been dismissed by someone else?  How did you respond?
 
How can we bestow and affirm the worth and dignity of others?  How do we respond when we see that this is not being done, especially by those in positions of authority?
 
Explore these and other questions on the topic with your UU friends and fellow congregants.  All are welcome, no registration required. Just click the links under the dates above to join meeting.

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 Connections ~

B&G Workday on Saturday October 10, 9 - Noon

Save the date! This will be an all outdoor event. We'll be cleaning up the front and side yards, and cleaning gutters and windows, and reorganizing tools and garden materials. Please bring your mask, gloves, water, and snacks.

Open Air Yoga!!

Beacon member (and Yoga instructor) Cassie Dakan invites you to join her open air yoga class in Cullen Park, Fridays at 10 AM.  

The class is free!!! 

End of Life Choices Series

Beacon member Char Tarashanti is part of a team offering a compelling series 
called End of Life Choices: A Proactive Approach to Death and Dying. 
The classes take place on Zoom video conference on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays 
in Sept & Oct and the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays in November due to Thanksgiving, 
from 1-3 PM The next class, as you will see on the flyer is Sept 24
The program is $50.  Recordings will be available for those who cannot attend in person. 
We are invited to an interfaith book discussion on Albert Camus' THE PLAGUE!

Currently, the following communities/congregations are participating: Congregation Lev Shalom, Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, Flagstaff Kehilah Jewish network, Episcopal Church of Epiphany (Flagstaff), Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona, and Flagstaff's Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The Zoom conversation will take place on Wednesday October 28, at 7pm and will last about 90 minutes. There is no cost involved. Preparation and process for being part of this rich conversation here:
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:

Happening Today!!!!!
No. AZ Interfaith Council's (NAIC's)
(Zoom) Accountability Session
Thursday, September 24, 6:30pm


Did you know...
...that Beacon is a member institution of NAIC?
...that NAIC is a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization?
...that NAIC teams have been working on issues surrounding 
   education, immigration, and affordable housing?
...that this is NOT a typical candidate forum (see bulleted list below)?
...that you need to RSVP to receive the Zoom link (Use Link below to RSVP)
 
Each election cycle, NAIC presents an Accountability Session, this year featuring candidates for Flagstaff Mayor, City Council, County Supervisor, and AZ State Legislature.
The purpose of this event is to provide Flagstaff voters with information about each candidate's positions on issues that directly affect our community. This year's issues are education, immigration, and affordable housing-which NAIC's local teams t have been addressing.
 
The Accountability Session planning team has been preparing for this event by: 
  • Researching each candidate's background, priorities, endorsements, and funding sources;
  • Interviewing each candidate twice prior to the Session;
  • Providing (the week before the event) the questions to which each candidate will present a very brief (timed) response.
I urge you, Beacon members and friends, to RSVP to this Accountability Session, 
so that the Zoom turnout  will demonstrate to candidates for these offices that education, immigration, and affordable housing are important to their voters!
 
In community,
Roz Clark 
Interim Chair, Beacon SJA (Social Justice Allies) and
Member, NAIC Accountability Session Planning Team

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 uuthevoteaz@gmail.com
UUJAZ Beloved Conversations 

Starts October 15th, Registration extended to Sep 25th, 2020 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.
                                                    Learn more and sign up through UUJAZ here.

The first phase Within, 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:
  • Love and Justice: Abolition and Alternatives to Policing First Wednesday of the month, starting October 7th, 6-8 pm UUs proclaim that no one is outside the circle of love, therefore, our goals are also abolitionist goals. Join UUJAZ in actively resisting the systems of policing and incarceration while building relationships and community with other passionate UUs in Arizona. 
  • UU the Vote Action Hour Tuesday, September 29th from 6-8 pm Unitarian Universalism is rooted in community. Not just in our congregations, but in our state. Join UUJAZ for a film screening of ALL IN: The Fight for Democracy and discuss voter suppression with members of your community through the perspective of voting activist and politician, Stacy Abrams. Then, take action to defend our democracy at the polls.  Register here.
  • National UU the Vote Phone Bank for AZ Imagine a swell of 200 UUs coming together across the US, to raise their voices in Arizona to UU the Vote! We have an opportunity to make that happen. What will it take? A commitment from 20 UUs in your congregation to host a national phone bank. You gather your people, we will do the rest! Email Casey Clowes, UUJAZ's UU the Vote coordinator, at  uuthevoteaz@gmail.com 
  • Taking a Collective Breath Love Resists and Side With Love are running their "Taking a Collective Breath" series through mid-October. They've hosted incredible guest speakers from across the country speaking on taking anti-racist action, grounded in UU values. Folks who sign up can still watch all the previous courses in the series.       Learn more here. 
  • Gather the Spirit - UU The Vote Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7:30pm UU the Vote invites you to gather together to be nourished by the abundant, loving spirit of our wider beloved community. Register here 
     
  • Fridays 10-11am Join UUJAZ Executive Director Janine Gelsinger any Friday morning for a casual "office hours" on Zoom. Bring your questions, chat about the social justice news this week in AZ, or suggest what programming you'd like to see UUJAZ do next. Register here.
The Healing Racism AZ Committee  will be hosting its next session!!

My Fragility: Dealing with My Own Sh*t, on Wednesday, September 30, 6-8 PM.  This is the second session of our year-long dialogue series, "Studies on Whiteness." In this workshop, we will identify and reflect upon the actions and behaviors we commit that uphold Whiteness and systemic racism. This dialogue will focus on unpacking the defensive instincts and/or reactions that a White person experiences when attempting to address anything to do with race. We will examine how through our Whiteness practices we derail our own meaningful Anti-Racist efforts. This Healing Racism event will be on Zoom on September 30 from 6PM-8PM. Link here to register
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 27th, 2020
10 am - 11 am
"Vote Love, Defeat Hate"

Virtual Social Hour
Sunday, September 27th, 2020
11:00 am
Recurrent link here
Touchstones Chalice Circle
Sunday, September 27th, 2020
12-1:30 pm

Cartuuns
Sept. 27 10:00 AM
 "Mike's New Car"
5th Dimension 
September 27 at 11:30am
The Twilight Zone Season 2, Episode 6 
"Eye of the Beholder" 
Theme: prejudice and social conformity

 
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 dedicated 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.