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Spiritually Open, Intentionally Inclusive since 1958
510 N Leroux
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-4492
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Submissions must be submitted by Wednesday at 4:00 pm to office@beaconuu.com
in order to be included in the newsletter.
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- This Sunday at Beacon -
Sunday, December 08, 2019
Sermon
All Around Us Is Shekhinah
Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker
Like many other holiday classics, there aren't a lot of female standouts in the Hanukkah story. As far as we know, there were no Lady Maccabee warriors (although, they could have been in disguise). Nevertheless, as they descended from the hills to wage battle and reclaim the Temple, the guys at the center of the Hanukkah saga were surrounded by the divine feminine in Judaism known as "Shekhinah." This morning, we'll meet a number of the feisty female role models in Judaism (some of whom are affectionately known as "the bad girls of the Bible"). We'll also explore the naturalistic and mystical origins of Shekhinah, and how it/she can inspire and support us spiritually, regardless of gender or religion.
Children will decorate cookies in anticipation of the Cookie Swap and Carol Sing - a fun all-ages event happening following the service. Bring cookies, good cheer and your voices to carol with Beaconers in our new space.
Following the Service
Cookie Exchange at 11:15
Bring 2 dozen cookies to swap. We'll have hot chocolate, cider, and bags available to take home your exchanges cookies or bring your extra cookie jar or Tupperware.
Alternative Giving Market at 11:15
We will have informational displays and volunteers from local charities to share with us ways to give to those in need in honor of loved ones.
All Congregation Carol Sing at 11:30
Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with music and voices raised in good cheer.
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~ Monthly Touchstone Theme: Compassion ~
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Spotlight this Week!
Cookie Exchange
Sunday December 8, following the service
Bring 2 dozen cookies to swap
We'll have hot chocolate, cider
(bags available to take home your
exchanged cookies )
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Rev. Robin's Bird's Eye-View
I'm Not The Radical Left, I Am The Humane Middle
Pastor and Activist John Pavlovitz (from his blog, "Stuff That Needs To Be Said")
Apparently, I've been radicalized and I wasn't aware.
Certain people call me the "radical Left" all the time.
I never considered myself radical before.
I just thought I was normal, ordinary, usual.
I thought equity was important to everyone.
I imagined America was filled with people who took that Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness stuff seriously-for all people.
I thought the Golden Rule was actually mainstream.
Recently I took an inventory of my positions, screening for the extremism:
I believe in full LGBTQ rights.
I believe we should protect the planet.
I believe everyone deserves healthcare.
I believe all religions are equally valid.
I believe the world is bigger than America.
I believe to be "pro-life," means to treasure all of it.
I believe whiteness isn't superior and it is not the baseline of humanity.
I believe we are all one interdependent community.
I believe people and places are made better by diversity.
I believe people shouldn't be forced to abide by anyone else's religion.
I believe non-American human beings have as much value as American ones.
I believe generosity is greater than greed, compassion better than contempt, and kindness superior to derision.
I believe there is enough in this world for everyone: enough food, enough money, enough room, enough care-if we unleash our creativity and unclench our fists.
I'm not sure how these ideas became radical, though it seems to have happened in the last few years.
I grew up being taught they were just part of being a decent human being.
I grew up believing that loving my neighbor as myself, meant that I actually worked for their welfare as much as my own.
I was taught that caring for the least in the world, was the measure of my devotion to God.
I thought that inalienable rights of other people were supposed to be a priority as a decent participant in the world.
I don't think I'm alone.
In fact, I'm pretty sure that most people reside here in this place alongside me: the desire for compassion and diversity and equality and justice; that these things aren't fringe ideologies or extremist positions-but simply the best way to be human.
I think most people want more humanity, not less.
I think the vast middle is exhausted by the cruelty of these days.
That these aspirations seem radical to some people, is probably an alarm that they've moved so far into the extremes of their fortified ideological bunkers and been so poisoned by the propaganda, that normal now seems excessive, that equality now seems oppressive, that goodness feels reckless.
Maybe the problem is, these people are so filled with fear for those who are different, so conditioned to be at war with the world, so indoctrinated into a white nationalistic religion of malice-that they've lost sight of what being a human being looks like anymore.
I am pretty sure that I don't represent the "radical Left," but the vast, disparate, compassionate, humane Middle; people who are not threatened by someone else's presence, who do not see another person's gain as their loss, who don't worship a Caucasian, American god.
I suppose humanity feels radical to inhumane people.
In that case, I'll gladly be here in my extremism.
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~ Community Connections ~
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Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona Network
Climate Strike -
Dec. 6th, in Phoenix
The next Climate Strike with our partners Sunrise Movement and AZ Youth Climate Strike. Join us at Phoenix City Hall, 200 W Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003, from 2-6pm.
Contact:
Janine Gelsinger,
Executive Director of UUJAZ,
uujaz.director@gmail.com
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Beacon 2020 brochure
We are putting together a Beacon 2020 brochure to be handed out at the Xmas Eve service. If you have an event, group, or committee that you would like to see on the brochure please write a brief two sentence description with a title and send them to Linda Ochi at
Lindaochi31@gmail.com
by Tuesday, December 10.
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Social Justice Allies (SJA)
For your calendar
Sunday, December 15, following the service: The next SJA meeting.
Rev. Robin, Rich and I have met and explored an assortment of structural shifts in how we do our SJA work, e.g. meeting days/times, communication system, determining Beacon's social justice priorities.
We know that for many of Beacon's members and friends, social justice is a central feature of your continuing goal to live your values. Whether or not you have been active in SJA, we welcome your good heart and creative thinking as we continue to move forward. You are welcome to meet with us Sunday, December 15!
Monday, February 17 (Presidents' Day): UU Day at the Legislature (DATL), organized by UUJAZ (UU Justice Arizona) network.
DATL is a fine opportunity to gather with UUs from around our state, register for "Request to Speak (RTS), and (possibly) meet with our State District's legislators. In addition, there will be 20-minute "Workshops on the Fly" to report on the work of UUJAZ's action teams.
To get a better sense of what DATL is likely to look like, go to UUJAZ.org and click on Events: you'll find last year's schedule.
In community and service,
Roz Clark, Interim SJA Chair
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| Vigil to Remember Victims of Gun Violence |
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Chalice Circles
December 17 <-- Date Change!
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.
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Religious Exploration in December 2019
December will be full of fun, creativity and many
worship experiences for all ages
at Beacon.
December 8: Children will decorate cookies in anticipation of the Cookie Swap and Carol Sing - a fun all-ages event happening following the service. Bring cookies, good cheer and your voices to carol with Beaconers in our new space.
Building Bridges: Catholicism Class, Sunday Dec. 8th
Cookie Exchange, Sunday, Dec. 8th at 11:15
Bring 2 dozen cookies to swap. We'll have hot chocolate, cider, and bags available to take home your exchanges cookies or bring your extra cookie jar or Tupperware.
All Congregation Carol Sing, Dec. 8th at 11:30
Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with music and voices raised in good cheer.
Alternative Giving Market, Sunday, Dec. 8 at 11:15
We will have informational displays and volunteers from local charities to share with us ways to give to those in need in honor of loved ones.
December 15: Children will make a simple UU-themed ornament;
they will also be making holiday cards for service members.
December 22
will be super fun with a service taken from A Charlie Brown's Christmas, with theatric vignettes and lots of singing. We'll even having a replica of Charlie's lovable
little tree with the single red ornament. Rev. Robin will offer a homily called "The Perfect Imperfection of Charlie Brown's Tree". This is a Worship for all Ages service. Childcare is available for the youngest.
December 24
is our festive family Christmas Eve services with readings and carols and candlelight. The theme of our service this year is "Joy to the World". Two services at 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. This is a Worship for all Ages service. Childcare is available for the youngest.
December 29: This is a Worship for all Ages service. Childcare is available for the youngest.
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Connect with Rev. Robin
First Sunday of the Month
On the first Sundays of the month, grab your coffee and come back into the Sanctuary to connect with Rev. Robin, talk about Beacon and your own journey. (No December meeting) See
you on January 5.
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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.
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Building Project Update
The shelves, window shades (heat and glare reduction) and the small meeting table are in place in the new staff office! Check it out - a nice work space for the office manager and bookkeeper.
Subdivision of the old "purple" room into Minister and RE offices continues. Don't check it out yet!
Thanks to Barry Brenneman, Bill Owen, Skip Brimlow and Dennis Spurlin for their continuing work!
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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.com.
Once 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.
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December Share the Plate Partner
Beacon's community partner for December 2019 is Flagstaff Shelter Services (FSS). Established in 2006 by concerned citizens, business owners, and faith-based organizations, FSS provides critical shelter, food, and access to resources for Flagstaff's most vulnerable people. Regardless of faith, mental health or sobriety, the shelter serves any adult experiencing homelessness. In 2014, FSS became a year-round shelter serving those in need every night of the year, providing personal and behavioral crisis response, and helping clients move from crisis toward self-sufficiency. Undesignated contributions in this month's offerings above $350 will be presented to the Share The Plate partner. Nominations for 501c3 agencies can be made through a form located at the top of the stairs in the CAC folder, or contact Office@beaconuu.com
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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
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Please share with your community
!
There are two positions currently available:
- Office Manager, 15 hours per week
- Custodian, 5 hours per week
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Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, December 5, 2019
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Cookie Exchange & Carol Sing
Sunday, December 8, 2019
11:15 am - 12:30 pm
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Worship & Religious Exploration
Sunday, December 8, 2019
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Finance Team Meeting
Wednesday, December 1, 2019
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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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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Beacon Office Hours* & Contacts
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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)
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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.
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Office Manager,
April Yax
No office hours at this time, but happy to hear from you at:
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Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles
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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!
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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
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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
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