Our Mission:
“We gather as a welcoming, caring community to nurture mind and spirit, celebrate diversity, and work for justice.”
Have a friend who would enjoy our community? Invite them to join our mailing list.
|
|
Sunday Morning Experience
Join us for Worship Online at 10:30 am
|
|
Sunday Worship
The Struggle of Community
Sunday, February 21, 10:30 am
Was Malcolm X correct? On this anniversary of the death of Malcolm X, we reflect on the message of Malcolm X in the modern context of liberation, building the beloved community, and defense of human rights in post-Trump USA.
Join us for Conversation:
Beginning at 10:15 via Google Meet. This will be our space to chat and socialize before and during the service. We will also share Candles of Community immediately following the service in this same meet.
Stay with us after the service:
There will be conversation via the same Google Meet after the service and Candles of Community for coffee hour and fellowship.
Watch the Worship Service:
Our Sunday morning service will be available live
|
|
Sunday, February 21, 9:30 am
Kids (and their grown-ups), join us this Sunday for our K-5 religious education program! All through the month of February, we will be exploring the theme of beloved community. Our Soul Matters curriculum is specifically designed to keep kids engaged and curious over an online platform. So come along for stories, activities, and fun!
|
|
Sunday, February 21, 11:45 am
Welcome to our Middle and Senior High Youth from our PrairieUU and the local community to gather together. Join us for conversation, spiritual growth, and social activities.
|
|
Sunday, February 21, 11:45 am
All are welcome! The February theme is Beloved Community.
It is helpful to do a spiritual exercise from the monthly packet, prior to the group meeting so you can share your experience.
Exercises this month that you can choose from include:
- What is your Fig Tree (Beloved Community) Story?
- Allow a movie to become a meditation (with suggested movies)
- When our Backpacks get in the way of the Journey. This utilizes Peggy McIntosh’s articles on White Privilege. She writes “White privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools, and blank checks” …[So] I decided to try to work on myself at least by identifying some of the daily effects of white privilege in my life”.
- Find Beloved Community in Recommended Resources
Below you will find information to get the monthly Soul Matters small group packet.
If you have an active PrairieUU email account click here t o access the February packet.
If you do not have a PrairieUU email account and or cannot find the packet, please contact Rhonda.
You may also contact Janet S with any questions.
|
|
What You Missed:
If you missed Worship over the last few weeks, you are invited to visit our Facebook page, YouTube or on our website to view our services.
|
|
Ralph Waldo Mouse Says:
Malcolm X says: "Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world."
|
|
Hello Fellow Shoppers - Sign up for Scrips NOW!
Shop with Scrip’s gift card program makes earning money for PrairieUU easy! You buy full value gift cards, and the retailers give a rebate of 2-20% back to PrairieUU.
With over 250 brands that offer gift cards, that can be sent right to your email INBOX or right to your home, this is a great way to purchase gifts for others, staying out of stores completely! Click here to sign up!
Sincerely,
|
|
From the Board of Trustees... |
|
Greetings:
It was wonderful seeing so many at our Winter Congregational Meeting! I especially appreciated the important ideas and conversations about rethinking Prairie UU Thanksgiving Celebrations and a new way to conduct Nominations to be more inclusive and supportive of members who want to share their time and talent for service to Prairie UU's work to support our faith community. I am appreciative of Jen Simon's willingness to share her expertise in guiding our learning as our new Diversity and Inclusion Advocate.
And of course, it was helpful to dream about a new year where we might come together for services, small groups and meetings. To dream about increasing our talented and professional staff. We have more discussions and planning to decide, not only on finances but how we want to be and where, when the pandemic ends. I noted that some of us were hopeful, but we know things are not always predictable.
To maintain a safe community, we are appreciative of our new Safety Advocates, Calisse Weidner for the Pandemic, Bill Baird for Cyber and Personal Safety. Y
So all could share ideas, we moved the discussion by the COSM on connecting our Vision, Widening the Circle of Concern (WCC) and the Associate's Program to February 7 during the new UU discussion during learning hour.
Please contact Clark H or me if you have questions about the proposed budget or Prairie UU finances. The members of the COSM will be glad to answer questions about the Nomination Committee's new process and Visioning and WCC.
In covenant,
|
|
Calling All Youth and Grownups!
Your LifeSpan and youth staff and volunteers are, as you read this, planning a summer program for middle and high schoolers with our counterparts at First Unitarian, Jefferson, Columbine, and First Universalist! This program in June/July will allow our youth to form teams with each other and their friends from school for friendly competition, games, and fun!
So youth - please start thinking of who you'd like on your team this summer - 5 people on a team, maximum. Registration information is coming soon!
And everyone else? Watch this space for opportunities to volunteer and have a blast with our youth and youth from across the Denver metro area. There will be long term opportunities and one-time opportunities of all sorts. Come and help make this summer a blast for our fabulous youth and their friends - and have a blast yourself!
In Love and Resistance,
LifeSpan Coordinator
|
|
Justice League Dinner and Movie -
Saturday, February 20, 5:30 pm
Join the Justice League for dinner and a movie In celebration of African American History Month, please join us as we watch a movie selected from the Soul Matters curriculum.
Stay tuned for the watch party invite with more details! Be prepared to “show and tell” what you’re eating for dinner that night, too!
On Sunday, 2/21, during the LifeSpan Adult meeting at 11:45 a.m., a conversation regarding this movie will be one of many exciting topics covered. Be sure and attend.
|
|
Get RRRREADY for Service Sunday, February 28!!
BEFORE the 10:30 church service “Creating Right Relationship with Our Beloved Indigenous Community”
Stop by the Open Space parking lot between 8:30 and 9:30 to:
- Clean up!
- Pick up ME postcards to send to your doctors
-
Exchange breads with fellow PrairieUU folks to prep for Soup & Bread Communion following Candles of Community
Mask, gloves, and 6-foot distancing required.
Where’s our Open Space? Baldwin Gulch, trailhead at Twenty Mile Road and Ponderosa Drive.
AFTER Candles of Community
Virtually together, we will partake in a Soup & Bread Communion, as proposed, to consider as a replacement to our traditional American Thanksgiving tradition.
|
|
Service Sunday
Creating Right Relationship with our Beloved Indigenous Community
Sunday, February 28, 10:30 am
Please join us on Sunday, February 24th for Service Sunday. One Sunday a month rather than having our regular Sunday Worship Service after a shortened worship service, we focus on Service and Education to support our community.
As we continue to explore this month's theme of Beloved Community, how do we create accountable relationships that heal the terrible history that sought to destroy our Indigenous Community? We hope to have a special guest from Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples, a program of the Quaker Friends Peace Teams. Come to learn how UUs have a particular responsibility and about steps that Prairie is taking to repair our community.
|
|
Rethinking Thanksgiving
In a follow-up to the Congregational Meeting- be sure to read Melissa’s important message here.
|
|
Anti-racism programs with Dr. David Wiley Campt, offered by the Canadian Unitarian Council
"The Power of Dialogue: How to talk about racism while building deeper connections, greater understanding, and more empathy"
Monday, February 22, 2021 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Eastern
Join Dr. David Wiley Campt in an interactive keynote where he explores race, unconscious biases, white supremacist thinking, and impediments to our ability to become allies. He uses his unique R.A.C.E. method of dialogue in transformative ways.
|
|
Reading Material
Need some reading material to get you through these next few months? Want to educate yourself on anti-racism and white privilege? Check out the new Justice League reading list here.
|
|
The Justice League needs YOU!
With the pandemic continuing to impact unemployment, eviction rates, and homelessness, our community needs information on rights and resources. We’re creating an informational flyer to be distributed at apartment complexes and need volunteers to help distribute. If you are able to help, please contact Kim or Melissa.
|
|
If you are looking for more racial justice information see the following:
|
|
|
|
Support PrairieUU - Amazon Smile
If you shop on Amazon, please remember to use the special link and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchases to PrairieUU! This is through the Amazon Smile program. http://ow.ly/8zJi50BOssx
|
|
Support PrairieUU - King Soopers Rewards Program
Our assigned Non-Profit Organization (NPO) number is UC596.
|
|
|
Tech Talk
Tuesday, February 9, 4:00 PM
During this time that we may not be able to get out and be with our family and friends, communications via Video Conferencing, and social media are needed more than ever. If you have a question or can you help someone else with Tech? Computers, Phones and Tablets? During this hour we work through getting you up and running to be in better communications with our PrairieUU community and your other personal networks.
|
|
MUUved to Action
Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 PM
Join us for our next MUUved to Action meeting. MUUved to Action group is a sub-group of our Justice League that meets weekly as a result of being called by our members to "not sleep through the revolution". We meet to address the urgent and immediate calls for justice action in our community. We are also joined by other Denver Metro UUs and community members.
|
|
Board of Trustees
Wednesday, February 17, 6:30 pm
This Board Meeting is now from 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm. The Board will open the meeting to members/friends at 6:45 pm. All are invited to attend the entire meeting.
|
|
Healthy Living Small Group
Friday, February 19, 1:00 pm
Join Pastor AJ and others in our community as we engage in a healthy(ier) living time together. We will meet once a week to share ideas, recipes, what works and what doesn’t about exercise. This will be a time to connect Mind, Body and Soul. If you are interested, please join Pastor AJ’s Facebook group UU Healthy Living. Finally, Pastor AJ is also joining Weightwatchers and is inviting you to join with him. If you are interested, there are a couple of special promos that are now running but end tonight. For more information, check with Pastor AJ or sign up with Weightwatchers directly.
|
|
Justice League Dinner and Movie
Saturday, February 20, 5:30 pm
Join the Justice League for dinner and a movie In celebration of African American History Month, please join us as we watch a movie selected from the Soul Matters curriculum.
Stay tuned for the watch party invite with more details! Be prepared to “show and tell” what you’re eating for dinner that night, too!
On Sunday, 2/21, during the LifeSpan Adult meeting at 11:45 a.m., a conversation regarding this movie will be one of many exciting topics covered. Be sure and attend.
|
|
"What to Say to a Loved One Who is Dying"
Hosted (via Zoom) by the Castle Rock UU Community
Sunday, February 21, 4:00-5:30pm
Advance registration is required here.
Special guest Rabbi Rami Shapiro joins Castle Rock Unitarian Universalist Community via Zoom on February 21, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. to explore what to say to a loved one who is dying. This presentation and discussion provides useful tools during a time when words have never been more important, nor harder to find. The event is free and open to all; Registration is required. Questions? Contact Gary Wyngarden 720-584-2600 or gwyngarden@gmail.com.
|
|
MUUved to Action
Tuesday, February 23, 6:30 PM
Join us for our next MUUved to Action meeting. MUUved to Action group is a sub-group of our Justice League that meets weekly as a result of being called by our members to "not sleep through the revolution". We meet to address the urgent and immediate calls for justice action in our community. We are also joined by other Denver Metro UUs and community members.
|
|
Core Team
Monday, February 22, 6:30 PM
Ever wonder how Sunday mornings come together? You are welcome to come and find out and even join our Core Team. The Core Team is a compilation of individuals and representatives from the Justice League, Hospitality, Membership, Communications, and many more. All are welcome.
|
|
Committee on Shared Ministry
Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 pm
The COSM is dedicated to growing our Vision, ensuring we live together in Right Relation, and conducting ministerial oversight and connection.
|
|
PrairieUU Men's Group
Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 pm
The Prairie Men's Group meets monthly online on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Topics vary from month to month. Check the Prairie website calendar to join the discussion.
|
|
Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 PM
This is space for Middle/Senior High Youth and 20something Young Adults from our PrairieUU and local community to gather together. Join us for conversation, spiritual growth, and social activities.
Please join us on Wednesday, February 24 to view: Sister Act 2
Showgirl Deloris Van Cartier returns as Sister Mary Clarence to teach music to a group of Catholic students whose run-down school is slated for closure.
|
|
Membership Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 25, 6:30 PM
Please join up for the Membership Committee Meeting.
|
|
Community
Information and Resources
If you have other community resources that we should share, please let us know.
|
|
UUA Special February Announcement
To view the February special announcement from Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President, click here.
|
|
UUA Guidance on Gathering In-Person When COVID-19 Subsides
The UUA continues to carefully monitor developments with testing and vaccinations. Last May, we recommended congregations plan for virtual operations until at least May 2021. By now, we recognize this timeline will likely be longer. As the Biden administration develops a coordinated federal response, we expect it will be March before we have a reasonable sense of the vaccine horizon and timeline for when we might reach herd immunity. In the meantime, our current UUA Guidance on Gathering offers recommendations for specific metrics to monitor in your own community as you consider decisions about gathering when the pandemic subsides.
The full link to the UUA press release can be viewed here.
|
|
Looking for ways to have some fun with others?
Sign up for one of these two upcoming Auction Events!
Prayer/Meditation Beading Online Workshop with Maurice
$40 per person
Join Maurice as he walks us through the history, meaning, and use of prayer/meditation beads.
Each participating household will receive beading kit(s) in advance and we will make bracelets/necklaces together via Google Meet.
KID FRIENDLY
When: Saturday, February 28, 2021
Jackbox Game Night
$50 per Family
Julie and I will host a night of Jackbox games (see jackbox.tv) on Saturday, March 13th at 7:30 PM until no one is left who wants to play.
These are interactive on-line games appropriate (or perhaps almost appropriate) for all ages.
People participating need one device per household to use for a Zoom call, and then one device per participant to play.
It is super fun and easy
There will be a prize for the highest and lowest score!
Saturday, March 13, 2021at 7:30 pm
|
|
Calisse's COVID Corner:
The TCHD Vaccine Call Center is providing support to help community members find and register for vaccine clinics (303-220-9200). Staff, bilingual in English and Spanish, are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to answer questions and assist in finding vaccination sites.
"VACCINATIONS!" This seems to be the biggest topic of conversation these days. Here are some links to keep you informed:
First, this was an interesting article, reflecting on the difficulty some are experiencing getting the vaccine:
To receive Vaccination/Vaccine updates from Tri-County Health Department, you may sign up for emails to come to you (with just your name and email address):
Tri-County Health Department's direct link to information on COVID-19 Vaccine:
Finally, to get help in finding an appointment location and date for receiving the vaccine, you may reach out to the CO Department of Public Health: https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine
or, by CALLING*
1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Answers available in multiple languages
*I (Calisse) called this number on Monday, 2/1, just to check out the wait time, etc. It said that the current wait time was "216 minutes." They give you the option of waiting on the line--I think--OR, having your number called back, when you are next in the queue. I chose to be called back. I received my call back at 8:50pm (which I didn't answer). So, my suggestion, if calling, would be to make sure that you call early enough in the day, to get a call-back at a reasonable time. However, more staff is supposedly being hired to help with this response. Also, be watching for additional support with this same effort more locally, by Tri-County Health Dept. They should be launching a call center similar to the state-run one listed above, and this should help make response time much quicker. I'll keep you posted! Ok. . . let's GO GET POKED!
- We are adding more staff to our COVID-19 call center next week to help with answering vaccine questions and to assist people with signing up for vaccine waitlists. Our COVID-19 call center number will remain 303-220-9200.
Yours (from at least 6 feet away),
|
|
More COVID19 Vaccination Information
UC Health has additional Covid19 vaccination information, click here.
|
|
Effective coronavirus vaccines are here
Although the work of vaccines specific for the covid-19 began about 10 months ago, the development of the new vaccine technology has occurred carefully over the last 20 years.
The first two vaccines available are based on messenger RNA technology, which accelerates the development of immunity. There is no risk of viral infection from the vaccines. These novel vaccines, created by Pfizer/Biontech and by Moderna, have been approved by emergency use authorization. Both require 2 injections and offer close to complete protection against severe infection. Side effects, most commonly soreness around the injection site, have not been severe. Significant acute allergic reactions are quite rare.
In Colorado groups at greatest risk of severe infection are being targeted first: medical care providers, residents and workers in long-term care facilities, first responders, and people age 70 or older.
The previous public health measures, such as masks and distancing, will still be needed for many months. Widespread participation in the vaccination campaign is critical if we are to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities against severe infection and to allow our society and economy to recover from the devastating impacts of this pandemic.
Submitted by
|
|
Quick Videos on Racial Disparities and COVID-19
|
|
COVID Assistance Funds and Resources |
|
-
Arapahoe County Rent and Mortgage assistance for Covid related loss of income, click here for more information.
|
|
-
Douglas County is offering Covid-19 assistance funds to individuals and families. Please click here for more information.
|
|
-
City of Aurora Covid-19 resources please click here for more information.
|
|
-
Parker Covid-19 information and resources - please click here for more information.
|
|
Support PrairieUU
Click on the images below to learn more!
|
|
Follow and Connect with us! |
|
|
|
Get the most out of G Suite in your workplace with training guides, tips, customer examples, and other resources.
|
|
|
To connect via a computer simply click the links provided.
To connect via a phone or tablet you will prompted to need to download the Google Meet app.
|
|
We Look Forward to Hearing From You |
|
Newsletter & Announcement Contributions
All requests for the Monday newsletter and Orders of Service are due on Wednesday at 12 pm. (PLEASE NOTE: All submissions are subject to editing for content and space.)
|
|
General Office Hours
Mon-Thur - 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Office Hours - M-Th 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Phone/Text: 720-549-0530
Schedule an Appointment via Google Calendar
Office Hours - M-Th 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone/Text - 720-549-0531
Schedule an Appointment via Google Calendar
|
|
Committee Emails
LifeSpan - Religious Exploration for all ages
Membership - Visitors, becoming a Covenantal member
|
|
Mailing Address:
PrairieUU Church
P.O. Box 1684
Parker, CO 80134
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
