~ SUNDAYS AT BEACON ~

WE’RE BACK IN THE SANCTUARY FOR WORSHIP! PLEASE JOIN US.

Masks are optional. (Special seating area for mask wearers is available.)

ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon.

Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958.

SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18th, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.

“Antisemitism and the Meaning of Hanukkah Today”

Antisemitism has never truly been dormant in Western society, but now it has landed center stage again throughout the world. A popular rapper praises Hitler, a former President dines with a notorious white supremacist, synagogues are mass murder sites, a neo-fascist group plots to overthrow the German government, Twitter abounds with the conspiratorial trope about Jewish global domination, and pedestrians are assaulted on Brooklyn street corners. How can we grapple with and fight antisemitism in our personal and communal lives? And how might the ancient heroic story of Hanukkah inspire us in 2023? Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, preaching with Worship Associate Nancy Paxton. Music from Austin Shaw, Andrez Alcazar and members of the Beacon Choir. 

AT HOME AT BEACON THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON--

COME WORSHIP AND CELEBRATE! 

Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve – "Wrapped In Wonder” – One family-friendly service at 5:30 p.m. Readings, reflections, carols and our choir singing a marvelous seasonal selection of pieces. Led by Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker and the Worship Associates.

Annual Cookie Swap after the service! To participate, please bring a dozen cookies to share after the service. For swapping, please bring as many plates of a dozen cookies (saran wrapped or otherwise secured) that you’d like to take away. Please be sure to include a list of ingredients so that folks can avoid allergy or other food issues.

December 25 – No service, church closed. Links to livestreamed services at other UU churches will be publicized. 

January 1 – “The Spirituality of Cats and Dogs”  This is a service for pet lovers. People can learn a great deal about love and spirituality from their pets. Please bring photos of your pets on your cell phones. Andy Hogg will be preaching with music from Kim Angelo and Andrez Alcazar. This will be an entertaining and fun service for the first day of the new year.

~ THIS WEEK AT BEACON ~

See details for all events here in the e-news.  

You can keep up with future Beacon events by checking out the Beacon calendar!

MAKING MUSIC AT BEACON

Lift up your voice…It's going to be a fabulous year for music at Beacon! All are welcome to join the choir. And it’s a great way to introduce friends who like to sing to Beacon. 

Choir Rehearsals will be held on TUESDAY nights at 7 p.m. 

Questions? Email our Choir Director Andrez Alcazar. 

BEACON SPOTLIGHT:

COOPERATIVE BOOK GROUP MISTAKES AND MIRACLES

DATES TBD, RESERVE YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK NOW.

The Monthly Cooperative Book group, which launched at Beacon in November, continues in January. A Lunch and Linger program…bring a bag lunch. 

With the adoption of the 8th Principle, Beacon enters into a journey to covenant with those who are oppressed and suffer from racism. Adult RE will focus on a study of the book, Mistakes and Miracles, which is a review of how five congregations implemented the 8th Principle. Certain Common Threads are found in the UU congregations, and discussed in the book and can become a starting point for how Beacon can proceed forward. 

The church has ordered 8 books for those who want to participate in a three-session discussion held on alternate Wednesdays from 12:00-1:30 PM beginning at the end of January 2023. These books are on back-order, but we would like those who are interested to register by emailing either Lynda L. Dorweiler, who will lead the discussion, or Paula, Beacon office manager. 

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD

The Board met on November 21st, 2022, and recognized the following for their work for the  congregation: Barry Brennemen, Steve Zeldes, Anne Wittke, and Dennis Spurlin for their work  to replace the financial computer; Katy Grant, Eric Burns, and all the volunteers who helped with the auction; Andy Hogg for stepping in for the worship service when Rev. Robin became  ill. 

Work still continues on the Security Policy. The Endowment Team developed a gift policy for all  gifts to the church, and this policy will be combined with the previously approved securities  policy. Wendy Bruun has joined the Congregational Vitality Team. This team has met and is developing strategies to make newcomers welcome as well as encouraging participation in  congregational life. Paul Beier is organizing social soirees.  

Board meetings will be by zoom from January-March 2023.  

Lynda L. Dorweiler, Board President

BEACON BOOK SALE

There will be an ongoing book sale in the corner of the Social Room until we deplete the supply of books left over from the yard sale. This is part of the yard sale fundraiser. We will be adding a new selection each week, so be sure to browse through and leave a donation for whatever books you’d like!

Thanks,

Dennis

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FOR KIDS

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (GBU):

RE FOR 5TH GRADE THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH

GBU meets remotely on the first and third Sundays of each month.

On December 18th, 2022, at 11:15 a.m., GBU will celebrate the December holiday season with a fun filled class of remote games. This is always a favorite class for our remote class. Come join in the fun!

January 1st, 2023: A Sunday off to enjoy with your family!

Beacon Zoom Link:  

Join Zoom Meeting

Please join us by connecting this Zoom link

Meeting ID: 865 1117 5263

Passcode: beacon510

Hope to see everyone soon,

Steph van Belle

Linda Ochi

Dru Monroe

Beacon Religious Education Teaching Team

OUR WHOLE LIVES (OWL) SEXUALITY EDUCATION

REAL WORLD CONVERSATIONS

FOR YOUTH GRADES 7 - 9

SAVE THE DATE: OWL WEEKEND MARCH 3-5, 2023

OWL is a comprehensive course that provides young people with accurate, age-appropriate information and skills to help them lead positive and healthy sexually responsible lives.

For more information, email edrumonroe@gmail.com

or visit https://www.beaconuu.com/our-whole-lives-owl/

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS

SATURDAY SPIRIT

The next Saturday morning Spiritual Growth “retreat” offered by Rev. Robin will be held on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, from 10 a.m. to Noon. Mindful Eating:  Just in time for your New Year's resolutions! 

PATH TO MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

STARTS SUNDAY, JANUARY 15TH, 11:15 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

The Path to Membership series will take place after the New Year. Are you a newcomer, visitor or current friend who would like to consider membership at Beacon? We’d love to have you!  

Three Sundays: January 15, February 12, and March 12 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Lunch will be provided. Please register with the office at office@beaconuu.com.

Led by Rev. Robin with guest Beacon leaders. Come and explore your own spiritual journey, your signature strengths and core values, the history and theology of Unitarian Universalism, and all things Beacon UU.

CALLING ALL FACILITATORS! Would you like to lead an Adult Education program? Bring it On! Contact Rev. Robin to discuss your idea and scheduling possibilities.

BEACON WIFI HAS CHANGED

Thanks to Anne W., Beacon has been gifted with a new WiFi system. If you need access to the Beacon Office WiFi, please contact office@beaconuu.com.  

JOYS AND SORROWS FROM DECEMBER 4TH

Paul was inspired by the Coconino Center for the Arts exhibit "25 Million Stitches" honoring refugees.

Becky shared that Chuck Gullick has been hospitalized for pneumonia and COVID. He had been in the ICU and would appreciate cards of encouragement.

Robin added that Marty Manning would also appreciated cards of encouragement as she convalesces.

Dennis is remembering his grandson who would've been 29 today. He passed away four years ago.

Joan reflected that the music of the season is both a joy and a sorrow.

Anne expressed sorrow for the Flagstaff couple who died in Rocky Point and concern for their surviving children.

JOYS AND SORROWS FROM DECEMBER 11TH

Gini is elated to be back at Beacon after spinal surgery and expressed gratitude to all those who have checked in on her.

Suzanna shared that her next door neighbor had a massive heart attack and is not expected to survive and that a friend's husband had his foot amputated after a serious infection.

Joan enjoyed the sharing of music yesterday by the Master Chorale and many other choral groups. She finds that music expresses our emotions in ways that words alone just cannot.

Andrez is excited about the end of the semester and the upcoming Beacon Christmas service. He has been having fun with the Beacon Choir.

Robin shared that she recently visited Marty. Marty is open to visitors and was happy to see Robin.

AZ END OF LIFE OPTIONS PODCAST: A UNITARIAN PERSPECTIVE

Rev. Robin was recently interviewed on the AZ End of Life Options podcast for the Unitarian Perspective. You can find it here.

CHEAP LUNCH BUNCH

Cheap Lunch Bunch will resume after the holidays on Wednesday, January 4th, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at Beacon.  ALL ARE WELCOME! 

Please plan on doing a bag lunch on the first Wednesday of each month and then having lunch at a local restaurant on the third Wednesday. Doing this at standardized times should make it easier on everyone's calendars, and only doing a restaurant once a month should make it easier on our pockets.

To opine on the time and location of future gatherings and to be included in all the group's emails, please email Anne at wittke.anne@gmail.com. 

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2022 SHARE THE PLATE PARTNER

Beacon’s community partner for October-December 2022 is

SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

For October-December 2022, Beacon UU will share the plate with the Southside Community Association (SCA). The Murdoch Center, intergenerational and multicultural home of the Southside Neighborhood and the SCA, regularly hosts important civic and community meetings and events. The Murdoch Center has been the setting for town hall meetings addressing such important topics as social and criminal justice, Black representation and preservation, and Black economic inclusion and impact. Additional information about the SCA, the Murdoch Center, and the history of the Southside (including the contributions of Wilson C. Riles to end segregation in Flagstaff) can be found here.

Undesignated contributions to the Sunday service offerings above $300 from October through December will be presented to Southside Community Association.

Nominations for future Share the Plate beneficiaries (501c3 agencies) can be made through a form located in the office manager’s office. Community Action Committee members include Katy Grant, Susan Patrick, and Lynda L. Dorweiler.

BEACON'S ENDOWMENT PLAN

The Beacon Endowment Plan, an important step to ensure that Beacon remains a strong and vibrant congregation for years to come, was approved unanimously at a Congregational Meeting on April 24, 2022. For more information about the Endowment Fund, please click here. 

A plaque is now hanging in the Social Hall to honor those who have contributed to the endowment. Your name can be there, too!

1. If you shop at all at Fry's grocery, you can either sign up for your own VIP account (identifying Beacon UUC FE392 as your beneficiary) or use the church phone number (928-779-4492) to get any available discounts AND earn some money for Beacon. Currently, there are 8 households signed up, and Beacon earned $15.30 for this quarter.

If you want to take advantage of Fry's gasoline discounts, you'll want your own VIP account. You can create or edit an existing individual account at www.frysfood.com/account/create/ (Alt ID is typically your phone number.) Within your account settings, just click on Community Rewards and search for FE392 (Flagstaff's Beacon UU) to set Beacon as your beneficiary.

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. You can order from any of the over 2,300 stores listed under iGive with a portion of your purchase being donated to Beacon. iGive.com also has coupons you can use for additional savings. After creating your own account with a user name and password, select settings and "my cause" and type in Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation (do not abbreviate UU). 

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? Please leave them on a card in the bin in the lobby, or send them to Rev. Robin. 

ACTIVATE AT BEACON WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE ALLIES!

The Social Justice Allies meet monthly on Zoom to discuss issues and actions. If you wish to join them, contact the convener Paul Beier.

8TH PRINCIPLE

On November 20, 2022, Beacon UU Congregation proudly adopted the 8th Principle. Further information about the 8th Principle can be found here.

WEAR IT ON YOUR SLEEVE

Social Justice Spotlight:

COATS FOR AFRICAN STUDENTS

Dr. Bernadine Lewis (guest speaker at Beacon on October 9th), as advisor to the NAU African Student Association, is requesting your support for the ASA students as we approach winter and the holidays:  

• The students are in need of winter coats and winter shoes/boots. (They were told not to pack winter clothing because they were heading to Arizona.)  If you'd like to donate, a Go Fund Me page has been established to purchase what they need.

• The students are also Flagstaff-bound for the upcoming holiday break. If you would like to host some students for a holiday meal, please email Bernadine.

LOVE IN ACTION

Our social justice work centers putting our UU values into action… but what do UUs value? In 2020, the UUA commissioned a team to study the principles, sources, purpose, and values of Unitarian Universalism in order to suggest changes to the principles and sources (Article 2) in summer 2023.  UUJAZ has been following the proposed changes, and we want to hold space for a weekly conversation to explore our individual and collective values.  Learn more about the Article 2 Study commission here. To register for the conversation with Rev. Anthony Johnson in Sedona on Wednesdays Nov 9th - December 14th, 10:30am - 12pm, click here.

~ Beacon Connections ~

Volunteer At Flagstaff Food Center With Beacon!

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR

DECEMBER 28TH.

The Flagstaff Family Food Center utilizes small groups of volunteers for their dinner service. Beacon is looking for a group of five (5) to seven (7) volunteers for the 4th & 5th Wednesdays of every month, from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. The dinner service is at the FFFC Kitchen (1903 N 2nd Street) and is a hybrid operation with To-Go meals and Dine-in service.

Beacon's next volunteer date is Wednesday, December 28th from 3:00-6:00 p.m.  If dinnertime service does not interest you, please consider helping with prep from 10 a.m. until noon or pitching in at the warehouse on Huntington.

Volunteer Safety: Volunteers are required to wear a mask, closed-toe shoes, and long pants; regularly wash or sanitize their hands; and practice six feet of social distancing whenever possible. Gloves for food preparation and distribution will be provided at the kitchen to each volunteer. Plexiglass has been installed at the walk-up window as a safeguard against COVID-19. The center has enhanced cleaning protocols.

Sue Strobel is organizing monthly teams of Beacon UU volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering for the above dates, please contact Sue right away at (928) 522-3284 (cell) or (928) 526-5156 (home).

More FFFC volunteer opportunities can be found here.

UU Sr. High School Camp CommUUnity

at Camp de Benneville Pines

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 to Sunday, January 2, 2023 

Are you seeking to connect with other UU youth?

Learn More and Register

SAWUURA, THE ARIZONA UU CAMP

SAWUURA is a sanctuary, and we welcome all. We are hoping to increase youth involvement.

Find us at www.sawuura.org and like us at SAWUURA Friends on Facebook.

Thank you,

Eb Eberlein

Caretaker and campground host

YA New Series – Becoming S.A.G.E. – Spiritual Activists for the Earth

Arizona Interfaith Power and Light is excited to announce the launch of a new interview series called “Becoming S.A.G.E. – Spirited Activists Greening the Earth.” We interview the Sages among us who are engaging in faithful advocacy living out AZIPL’s mission to mobilize people of faith and conscience to care for our common home and work for climate justice. Find out more (including YouTube links) at http://www.azipl.org

~ BEACON OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACTS~

Office Phone (928) 779-4492

Office Manager

Paula Czernicki

she/her/hers

Mon: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Wed: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Thurs: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Office@beaconuu.com

~ 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!

Contribute to Beacon's Weekly News

 In order to be included in the next newsletter--November 17th thru December 15th due to Paula's absence--submissions need to be emailed to office@beaconuu.com by 2 p.m. on Monday, November 14th. Thank you!