~ 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, MARCH 5TH, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

“ALL HUMAN, ALL EQUAL” with the Rev. Anthony Mtuaswa Johnson  

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

This Sunday is a pulpit exchange with the Sedona UU Fellowship. The sermon honors the day that the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document and the most translated document in the world today. As we endure these current times of tumult, and arguably the worst assault on human dignity in recent history, we will reaffirm our belief in and our commitment to the fact that we are ”All Human, All Equal.” The Rev. Anthony Mtuaswa Johnson, preaching with Worship Associate Andy Hogg. Music from Andrez Alcazar and Austin Shaw.

REV. ROBIN’S STEWARDSHIP SERMON, “Good Gifts Keep On Giving,” IS AVAILABLE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND AS A TEXT ON THE SERMON ARCHIVE PAGE.

KIDS AT BEACON - ALL ARE WELCOME!

Children and youth are always welcome in worship!

There are activity packets available for children during the service.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION IS BACK IN THE BUILDING!



There will also be weekly in-person Religious Exploration for young children (newborns to 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:

UUA PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UPDATE (FROM THE UUA HQ) 

This is a truly momentous year in Unitarian Universalism. As current UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray winds down her six-year term, delegates from UU congregations will elect a new UUA President in June. After the Presidential Search Committee nominated the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, the UUA Board of Trustees invited other potential candidates to run by petition, but no new candidates emerged. Now the campaign and election continue with Rev. Dr. Betancourt as the sole nominee. We hope you’ll learn more about the candidate in one of the upcoming presidential forums, to be held in March through June at congregations across the U.S. More details to come. Learn more about Rev. Betancourt here.

SPLINTERS FROM THE BOARD 

Beacon’s Board met on February 22, 2023. The following members were recognized for their work for the success of our congregation: Roz Clark and Maryann Vandrielen for their work  with the Happy Hour; Joan Dewey and Gini Kelly for their work with assembling care bags;  Joan Dewey for her work to obtain an intern social worker; and Linda Ochi for her organization  to provide child care during church services.  

The Security policy has been revised and points of contact were established. Finance issues -  treasurer; administration issues - vice-president; and personnel issues - president. Discussion was held on the transition for treasurer with the finance committee overseeing the bookkeeping. 

Stewardship will be led by Lynda L. Dorweiler and volunteers are requested to help with follow up if needed.  The board approved an agreement with NAU to sponsor a social work intern, who can help with social issues that the church supports.  An assistant, Sophia Lyn, has been hired to help Linda Ochi with child education. 

CARE BAGS FOR THE UNSHELTERED

After the service on February 12th, members of the Beacon congregation assembled Care Bags for the Unsheltered. Later, some items were delivered to the Community Assistance Teams (CATs) of Flagstaff bus, which directly serves the unsheltered in town.

The photo above appeared on the CATs Facebook page with the following message: "What a great early Valentine's Day gift from Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation! Yesterday, they dropped off sleeping bags and kits they put together with socks, beanies, food, hygiene, and other items! Thank you on behalf of CATs of Flagstaff and our unsheltered relatives!"

Member Joan Dewey assisted with outreach at the CATS Bus on Monday 2/20 and reports that she "listened, responded and supported ten individuals, all very different in health, age, and unsheltered status (some had more than others) but all in temporary situations at shelters or.....The care bags that GINI helped organize were quickly picked by visitors to the outreach bus."

The CATS Bus can really use the following items:

• Small backpacks
• Winter coats/jackets all sizes of adults
• sweatshirts
• men's shoes, 
• snacks like granola or protein bars
• AND the care bags contents.

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.

REGISTER NOW FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2023!

Join us June 21 - 25, 2023, online or in-person, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for General Assembly 2023, a multiplatform event.

In-person registration includes access to events scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh, as well as everything available to virtual registrants and is $400 for adults and $300 for high school youth, emerging adults (18-24), and retired and candidate ministers. Full virtual registration includes access to the GA app, as well as all on-demand programming, live webinars, and live-streamed events and is $250.

Watch this video for an in-depth explanation of the 2023 GA registration options.

Register Now! By registering now, you can save some money and use the payment plan to pay over time. Financial support is also available.  In-person registration rates will increase on March 1 and again on May 1.



BE A BEACON DELEGATE!

Beacon is entitled to and has some money within the budget to defray registration costs for two voting delegates. Members who are interested in representing Beacon at GA should contact President Lynda Dorweiler.

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FOR KIDS

RE FOR NEWBORNS TO 6TH GRADE

It is with great joy and thanksgiving that we announce the return of Sunday morning Religious Exploration Classes for newborns to 6th grade.

On March 12th, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., in the Rainbow Space, We will be reading The Pot That Juan Built about Mexican potter Juan Quezada. Our activity will be making clay pots.

Religious Exploration Classroom Assistant Volunteers Needed.

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.

On March 19th, 2023, at 11:15 a.m., GBU will watch The Simpsons “The Way We Was” (Season 2, Episode 12). In this episode, Homer and Marge through a series of flashbacks reminisce about their high school romance and how he won her heart. Our discussion will include the following topics: activism, sexual pressure/consent, lying to make a good impression, honesty, and being yourself.  

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

RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS

COOPERATIVE BOOK GROUP MISTAKES AND MIRACLES

CONTINUES ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15TH

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 continues. 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 final session in the three-part discussion will be held on March 15th, 2023--from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Hopefully  the weather will cooperate and we can meet at the church. Bring a light lunch if desired.

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.

SATURDAY SPIRIT: WRITING WITH REV. ROBIN

HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL MAY

Rev. Robin is offering a series of Saturday morning Spiritual Growth “retreats” this year.

Saturday, May 13th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Please bring a brownbag lunch.

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 MARCH 5TH

Bill T expressed sorrow over the recent passing of his friend Ken Walters. Ken's longitme partner Cathy Borthwick was an active member of Beacon when it was UU Fellowship of Flagstaff. She was board president 1993-1994. Ken and Cathi started their relationship on a 1989 Grand Canyon river trip organized by Bob P, who did over 200 hikes with Ken. Kay and Bill spent a few hours with Cathi on Friday and are joyful that she's going to be okay.

Kay added that Cathi made the chalice at Beacon and contributed to the artwork behind the piano.

Joan truly enjoyed the recent concert with the NAU winds and brass and the master chorale. Jan echoed that joy.

Roz shared her joy that Rich cheered up a bunch of grumpy people at the post office on Saturday.

Anne W was thankful that the Cheap Lunch Bunch was still able to meet--via Zoom--despite the storm.

Andy is elated that the OWL program is happening this weekend. "There are eleven very engaged middle school students and great instructors."

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.

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

CHEAP LUNCH BUNCH

The next Cheap Lunch Bunch will be on Thursday, March 16th, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Brandy's near Cedar Safeway. There should be plenty of parking in the area.

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. 

INTERGENERATIONAL BEACON BOWLING OUTING! 

SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 26TH, 2023,

AT STARLITE LANES AFTER THE SERVICE

Now that we have some families joining us for services, let’s extend the joy and go bowling together on Sunday, March 26th. Our lane reservation (two side-by-side lanes) is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family to cover the lane fee.

If you want to grab some lunch while we’re there, there’s fun food available at your own expense. (The food is surprisingly good.) 

Join us! It’s going to be fun!!

For more information, please contact Dru.

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.

INDIGENOUS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

ZOOM TRAININGS

Resources Legacy Fund has been hosting online trainings on Indigenous Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Please join us for the final session in this three-part series with Tahoma Peak Solutions, an Indigenous woman-owned company. 

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.

~ Beacon Connections ~

Volunteer At Flagstaff Food Center With Beacon!

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR

MARCH 22ND AND 29TH.

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 dates are Wednesday, March 22nd and Wednesday, March 29th 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!

GIFTING SECURITIES TO BEACON

If you have securities held outside of a retirement account (i.e., not from your IRA, 401k, 403b, TSP, or other retirement account) and are interested in gifting some to Beacon, more information can be found here. This can be a tax-efficient way to make a gift to Beacon.

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

CAMP DE BENNEVILLE PINES

SUMMER UU YOUTH AND FAMILY CAMPS

REGISTRATION OPENS MID-MARCH

Camp de Benneville Pines

41750 Jenks Lake Road West

Angelus Oaks, CA 92305

(909) 794-2928

http://www.uucamp.org

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!