~ 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.)

SERVICE FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

“THINKING INSIDE THE BOX ABOUT HOMELESSNESS”

ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon. Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958.



Why are there so many unsheltered people in America and what are the factors that have led to this epidemic? How do NIMBY attitudes, callous politicians, and deep-pocket developers impact the availability of affordable housing? What stereotypes and unconscious biases do we possess about the unsheltered and how does this impact our empathy and advocacy? With the recent “Point in Time” count of the unsheltered in our town completed and with dinner guests at the Flagstaff Food Center and occupancy at local shelters at an all-time high, we’ll think “inside the box” together about homelessness. Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, preaching, with Worship Associate Linda Ochi. Music from Austin Shaw and the Beacon Choir, under the direction of Andrez Alcazar. Social Justice Witness from Kelly Wells, Manager of Sharon Manor. After the service, we will give Barry Brenneman a big send off. Please bring something to share with everyone. At 11:30 a.m., we will assemble Care Bags for the Unsheltered - you can still bring items. See the related article in this week’s e-news. 

KIDS AT BEACON - ALL ARE WELCOME!

Children and youth are always welcome in worship!

There are activity packets available for children during the service.

Starting February 19th, there will also be weekly in-person Religious Exploration for young children (infants through sixth grade) in the Rainbow Space during the service. See the longer article about Religious Exploration below.

~ 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:

CARE BAGS FOR THE UNSHELTERED PROJECT

Once again we will be collecting items for bags to be given out to the unsheltered in Flagstaff. The last time we did this, the project was very successful. Let’s try to do this again with the emphasis on winter items.

On February 12th, Rev. Robin will be preaching on issues related to our unsheltered neighbors, and we’ll hear a Social Justice Witness from Kelly Wells from Sharon Manor. Following the service would be a wonderful time to assemble bags.

Items to be considered for bags:

• Gloves/mittens
• Hats
• Socks
• Soft snack
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Bar of soap
• Tissue packets
• $1 bills

We don’t want to stuff too much in the bags to make them too heavy. The goal of the bags is for you to hand one out when you see an unsheltered person. You can say something like “My name is __. What’s your name?” I can tell you from experience that this is appreciated, that someone sees them.

I have put together a list of resources of shelters and food to include in the bags.

We will have a box in the lobby for you to deposit items for the bags or just bring them to the service on February 12th, and anyone interested can help assemble bags.

Gini Kelley, Social Justice Allies

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD

On January 25, 2023, the Board met and recognized the following for their service to Beacon: Kim Angelo, for her recognition of the needs of the unsheltered; Dennis Spurlin, Bill Towler, Barry Brenneman, Mary Poore, Kay Johnson, for their efforts to keep snow removal current; Paul Beier for his organizing of the Social Allies team.

The Endowment team gave its quarterly report with $20,000 in the Endowment fund. Since Barry will be leaving Beacon, they will be nominating a new member for approval by the Board and congregation.

Security Procedures regarding keys, pass words, etc. have been revised and were approved. The Board recommended cottage meetings to address the 8th Principle and supported the book discussion of Mistakes and Miracles, which will start in February, 2023. The Annual Certification of Beacon was completed and sent to UUA. Upcoming events are the Stewardship Drive, Candidating Week, and Congregational Meeting to call a new minister.

Board meetings will continue by Zoom through the winter months.

Lynda L. Dorweiler, Board President

READ THE FULL ARTICLE II TEXT

On January 29th, Rev. Robin preached about Article II: the revised language reshaping our Principles.



The full text of Article II can be found here.

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

KIDS ARE BACK IN THE RAINBOW SPACE FEBRUARY 19TH!

It is with great joy and thanksgiving that we announce the return of Sunday morning Religious Exploration Classes for infants to 6th grade beginning on February 19th. The class will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Rainbow Space.  

In our first class on February 19th, we’ll be reading “Whoever You Are” by Mem Fox. We will talk about the earthquake in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria and what humanitarian aid is. Our craft for that day will be writing letters of support and encouragement to rescue workers who help in times of crises.

Religious Exploration Classroom Assistant Volunteers Needed, Sunday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

We will need an adult to assist our lead teacher each Sunday. It’s a great chance to enjoy spending time just hanging out with some kiddos. If you are available to help, please email Linda Ochi at Lindaochi31@gmail.com.

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.

The next BGU will meet on February 19th, 2023, at 11:15 a.m. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly topic is Toxic Masculinity Part 2. We’ll be looking at a variety of clips that consider influences on gender expression through social media and advertising and the results of these influences. We will then consider what can be done to help us all become a more balanced and complete human being! Please join us to discuss this important topic. 

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

OWL WEEKEND MARCH 3RD-5TH, 2023

IT'S ON! We currently have ten registered participants!

After a great response to registration requests, Beacon will host an Our Whole Lives (OWL) weekend for 7th-9th grade youth on March 3rd-5th. If you have a youth in this age group and want to sign them up, please contact Dru Monroe at edrumonroe@gmail.com as soon as possible! 

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

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS

COOPERATIVE BOOK GROUP MISTAKES AND MIRACLES

RESERVE YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK NOW.

START DATE: FEBRUARY 15TH

We now have 16 people signed up for this discussion group! Thank you.

We still have two copies of Mistakes and Miracles. If you’d like to reserve one, please email the office.

The Monthly Cooperative Book group, which launched at Beacon in November, continues in February. 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 books for those who want to participate in a three-session discussion held on three Wednesdays--February 15, March 1, and March 15, 2023 --from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. If you'd like a book, please register by emailing either Lynda L. Dorweiler, who will lead the discussion, or Paula, Beacon office manager. 

Reading Assignments and Discussion Questions are posted here.

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.

SHARE YOUR JOYS AND SORROWS - CHIME IN!

One way we can sustain connection is by sharing our personal joys and sorrows. These can be small things or large things that effect your life. These are spoken during service every Sunday, or you can send them to Rev. Robin by Saturday night each week at minister@beaconuu.com to be shared.

JOYS AND SORROWS FROM FEBRUARY 5TH

Joan S. is elated that the sun is out and the ice is melting and also that the Master Chorale will be having a Baroque music concert at Coconino H.S. today.

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

HAS MOVED TO THURSDAY

The next Cheap Lunch Bunch will meet on Thursday, February 16th, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at Brandy's Restaurant & Bakery.  ALL ARE WELCOME! 

Please plan on doing a bag lunch on the first Thursday of each month and then having lunch at a local restaurant on the third Thursday. 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. 

NEWCOMER HAPPY HOUR AT BEACON!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 5:30 – 7 P.M.

Let’s get better acquainted on Friday, February 17th at 5:30 p.m. at a casual newcomer Happy Hour, hosted by Rev. Robin and the Congregational Vitality Team. Bring a friend!

Please let us know how many people will be attending:

• If you received an invitation through “Evite” (check your spam filter!), RSVP there, or
• RSVP to Office@beaconuu.com

Snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

JANUARY - MARCH 2023 SHARE THE PLATE PARTNER

Beacon’s community partner for January - March 2023 is

SHARON MANOR

For January-March 2023, Beacon UU will Share the Plate with Sharon Manor operating under Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona. Sharon Manor serves “homeless survivors of domestic violence and their children on their journey out of violence and poverty and into economic independence, safety, health, and self-sufficiency.”

Since 1999, Sharon Manor has served over 1500 homeless women and their children. It does not function as a shelter, but offers housing for up to two years. Programs include trauma-informed comprehensive one-to-one case management, housing, credit counseling, pre-purchase assistance for housing, and foreclosure prevention.

Undesignated contributions to the Sunday service offerings above $300 will be presented to Sharon Manor. Nominations for 501c3 agencies can be made through a form located in the office manager’s office. CAC members are Katy Grant, Susan Patrick and Lynda L. Dorweiler

ACTIVATE AT BEACON WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE ALLIES!

The Social Justice Allies meet on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. via 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.

Dear Social Justice Allies,

After Sunday’s inspiring service on the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff, you might want to participate in some or all of the three learning sessions offered by Resources Legacy Fund, a highly reputable NGO that I have known for over 25 years. I will register for the last two. It’s free.

Paul Beier

INDIGENOUS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

ZOOM TRAININGS

Resources Legacy Fund is hosting a series of three online trainings on Indigenous Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Please join us for this series with Tahoma Peak Solutions, an Indigenous woman-owned company. 

PUBLIC LANDS THROUGH AN INDIGENOUS LENS (1 HOUR)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023, AT 11:00 A.M.

This session covers the unique relationships Indigenous people have with their homelands and how that relates to conservation and the management of public lands. This perspective is critical for collaborative working relationships with Tribes. Register here.

INTENSIVE ON INDIGENOUS COMMUNICATIONS (2.5 HRS)

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023, AT 11:00 A.M.

This session is designed specifically for communications professionals to answer questions related to communicating with and about Indigenous people. This session defines commonly used terms, explores how to best communicate with Indigenous people, and what to say and what not to say. Register here.

SIDE WITH LOVE'S 30 DAYS OF LOVE

Side with Love is offering 30 DAYS OF LOVE from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16) through Valentine’s Day (February 14).

Each week will feature a spiritual theme overlapping with one of Side With Love’s intersectional justice priorities and includes an array of offerings to help nourish your spirit and give gratitude and affirmation:

WEEK 4 (February 6-12): Healing :: Decriminalization

BONUS DAYS (February 13-14): Blessings :: Liberatory Intersections 

Each week’s resources will be published by 12pm ET every Monday.

More information can be found here.

REPAIRING THE UUA’S APPROACH TO RACIAL JUSTICE

FEBRUARY 18, 2023, 10:00 A.M. (MST)

A Convocation of the UU Multiracial Unity Action Council will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time). For more information, click here. To register, please send an email to UUMUAC@gmail.com; Zoom codes will be sent on the 17th.

UU DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE 2023

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2023, AT 9AM

AT THE ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL

Save the date for this year's annual UU Day at the Legislature, at the Arizona State Capitol, which has traditionally included lobby training, guest speakers, a capitol tour, and appointments to speak with your legislators.

~ Beacon Connections ~

Volunteer At Flagstaff Food Center With Beacon!

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR

FEBRUARY 22ND.

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, February 22nd 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.

DONATION DESIGNATION

When you make donations by check or cash to Beacon, please be sure to designate whether the donation is PLEDGE or PLATE. Thank you for your continued support!

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. 

OTHER EVENTS IN ARIZONA AND THE SOUTHWEST

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

WESTERN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST LIFE FESTIVAL

JUNE 19-25, 2023, AT THE GHOST RANCH, NM

WUULF, the Western Unitarian Universalist Life Festival, is a week-long, multi-generational camp for Unitarian-Universalists from June 19th to 25th, 2023, at the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. WUULF is a loving, diverse community who gather each year for fun, community, and UU spirituality. The camp includes workshops, music, hiking, and river rafting. This year, WUULF be led in "Creating Theology Together" workshops by the Rev. Bob LaVallee. Registration information can be found here. 

~ 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, submissions need to be emailed to office@beaconuu.com by 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Thank you!