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.
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We are dedicated members who make hospital visits, provide meals, send cards
and notes, make phone calls and provide rides to church and doctor’s appointments.
If you have a need
please let us know.
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You are invited to share with us anything that is bringing you personal joy or sorrow such as a new addition or loss in your family, or a life transition.
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If you have a kudos, suggestion or concern. Please let us know.
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Join Us for Worship Online at 10 a.m.
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May 3 – Amazing Grace
Join us online! What does it mean to receive Grace? Pastor AJ will be exploring how we can receive and give grace in new and exciting ways in community.
Join us for conversation:
Beginning at 9:45 via
Google Meet
or
by phone @ 1-361-360-8585 PIN: 992 842 341#. 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.
Watch the Worship Service:
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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.
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Fellowship
Join us after our Service for small group discussion and gathering online on our
Calendar at PrairieUU.org There you will find five general small group Fellowship areas available and three identity small groups for Parents, for People of Color, and one for Middle and High School Youth.
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Looking Forward - Townhall
Sunday, May 3, 11:45 pm
857-285-5012 PIN: 421 855 292#
Looking forward, please join us as we begin visioning about what PrairieUU will look like as we emerge from the pandemic.
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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.
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Ralph Waldo Mouse Says:
"Creativity is intelligence having fun."
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Join our Discussion Groups on
Facebook
.
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Get the most out of G Suite in your workplace with training guides, tips, customer examples, and other resources.
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Notes from Pastor AJ
I want to invite you to join me for Morning Meditation at 10:00 am every weekday. You can join via
Facebook
and
Youtube
.
Each morning there is an opportunity to reflect on words from Ralph Waldo Emerson, share an intention and send good will into the world, and sit in community. Throughout the week, there will also be mindfulness exercises, guided meditations, UU history, music, art, poetry, and reflections from other UU ministers from all over the US. I would like you to join me and share in this time together.
During these exceptional and unprecedented times, we are doing our best to connect with you on a variety of levels and using a variety of methods. Our Caring Circles have reached out to all over members over the last few weeks on average of 3-4 times. If you are a member and have not received a phone call from our Caring Circle please let us know in case we have an incorrect phone number. We have also set up a number of Google Meets during the week. Beginning next week, we have shifted some of the times and focus of our meets. We invite you to join us at all of these meetings. If you are not able to connect with us online via Google Meet. Please
contact
Rhonda W
or myself.
I would like to remind you that if you are having any financial or other difficulties to please let me know. I am here to help. I am available from M-Th for video and phone calls from 10 am until 9pm. You can schedule a time via my
Google Calendar
or
call/text me at 720-549-0531. If you are not able to meet during these hours please let me know and I will be happy to schedule a time that works for us.
In Service,
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From the Committee on Shared Ministry...
The Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM) wants to make sure PrairieUU is aware of the PrairieUU Community Fund, a discretionary fund with money available to members of our congregation. Please contact
Pastor AJ
or a member of the COSM if you need assistance. Examples of the use of these funds include paying an energy bill, buying groceries, or fixing your car.
In Faith,
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From the Board...
Members of PrairieUU currently have the opportunity to support PrairieUU financially with pledges for the upcoming fiscal year. In your planning for how to support Prairie financially, we ask that members who qualify, consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from their traditional IRAs. When taking the required minimum distribution from an IRA, which everyone age 70.5 or older must do, one option is to have the check for the distribution made out to and sent to a non-profit organization, such as PrairieUU. One cannot take the distribution personally and then try to give it to the organization. The transfer of funds done in this manner is tax-free. Since most tax-payers can no longer deduct charitable donations from the adjusted gross income of federal taxes, this is an easy way to avoid paying taxes on a required distribution from a traditional IRA and to support PrairieUU. If any member of PrairieUU has any questions about a QCD, communicate to a member of the Board.
In covenant,
Prairie UU Board of Trustee
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Prairie UU Stewardship Pledge Drive
As identified in our
Appreciative Inquiry
visioning process, we identified a desire to have a robust youth program. Our goals for this year’s pledge drive are to maintain the vibrant programs and staff we currently have as well as to hire a part-time staff person and subscribing to a new congregational curriculum to assist in growing our youth religious education programs.
April 19th we officially kicked off the Pledge drive for the budget year July 2020 to June 2021. As of April 22, we have received $66,070 in pledges! This is 49% of our $134,080 goal! Thank you for your generous support!
We are asking that you maintain your current pledge but do recognize that due to the virus, many of you may be in a difficult or unknown financial situation at this time. Please pledge what you think is realistic. If you find that your situation changes, in either direction, you can adjust your pledge in the future.
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The first 10 people to pledge in the Breeze system will win gift certificates, we still have 2 gift certificates for those who are the next to pledge!
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If you would prefer to speak with someone about your pledge drive please contact
Bill Baird
or myself.
Stewardship Chair
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Rhonda’s Ribbons
Did you know:
If you have
Breeze
access to the church website you can upload your picture to the database. If you would like to know how, please attend “Tech Talk Tuesday” via
Google Meet
or 765-481-3221 PIN: 373 097 668# on Tuesday from 4:00 - 5:00 pm or contact me. This week we will have people available to help set up your G-Suite and Breeze accounts.
Sincerely,
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PrairieUU should receive all mail at the PO box in Parker:
PO Box 1684
Parker, CO 80134
The old mailbox on South University will be closed out in June. Since the old box is in a package store, not a post office, mail sent thereafter June will not be forwarded. This change is most important for those members who have checks for pledges sent to the old mailbox; checks for pledges should be sent to the new PO box as soon as possible.
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Tech Help Needed !!!
We are in need of some technical help, conducting our Sunday Services in this new virtual world is quite a task. We need hosts for various spaces, facebook, youtube, and google meet. We are also in need of some help with editing during the week. If you can help us please let us know. We need help throughout the week not just Sunday mornings.
We also have a number of community members who need some help with getting connected online. If you are able to help please let us know.
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Calendar & Upcoming Events
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Morning Meditation
Weekdays, 10:00 - 10:30 am
Join us every morning for a time of reflection and contemplation. Every morning I will be sharing a selection of writings from Ralph Waldo Emerson as well as other opportunities of meditation including guided meditations, stories, poetry, music and art.
All are welcome!
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The Breakroom
M-Th, 10:30 - 10:50 am
636-324-2592 PIN: 888 918 721#
Join us immediately following Morning Meditation because after all, where do the best conversations often happen? In the Breakroom! Let's meet in our PrairieUU Breakroom to have a morning chat and cup of coffee together. No agenda! Let's just get together for casual conversation.
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LifeSpan Team
Monday, May 4, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
620-750-2124 PIN: 741 188 279#
Are you interested in working in our religious exploration program? Please join us.
Our LifeSpan Education Team is composed of two groups of volunteers. Our Team Leads and Team Facilitators. Team Leads - coordinate and support the educational programming for our community. Team Facilitators - support the educational programming by facilitating weekly learning hour sessions on Sunday mornings. All are welcome to join us at any time.
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Tech Talk Tuesday
Tuesdays, 4:00 - 4:40 pm
406-838-3077 PIN: 766 299 180#
Each week we will be having a short tutorial on G-Suite and Breeze followed by a Q/A session.
This week we will be discussing: How to set-up your PrairieUU G-Suite and Breeze Accounts.
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 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.
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Happy Hour
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:00 pm
910-556-3316 PIN: 974 337 181#
Where does everyone know your name? Happy Hour!
This week we will be a hosting:
1970's Pop Culture Trivia
on Tuesday and a game of 2 Truths and a Lie on Thursday.
Let's just share a virtual appetizer and beverage together.
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Dear White People Watch Party & Discussion
Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
720-259-3386 PIN: 891 759 219#
Each week we will be watching two episodes of Dear White People (Approx. 45 min total) followed by a discussion.
Option 1 - Watch with us on Google Chrome
Step 1: Set up a Netflix account.
Step 2: Come to this
Google Meet
on a computer to receive the link.
Step 3: Click the link and watch and chat with us.
Option 2 - Watch on your own
Step 1: You can watch on your tablet or phone on your own on Netflix.
Step 2: Join us in this
Google Meet
at approximately 8:15pm for the discussion.
As UU's, we value and affirm the lives and experience of People of Color of all ages, races, ethnicities, income levels, and abilities.
This is space for People of Color from our PrairieUU and local community to gather together. Join us for conversation, spiritual growth, and social activities.
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Candles and Conversation
Wednesday, 2:00 pm
601-514-2029 PIN: 489 905 600#
You are invited to light a virtual candle with Pastor AJ Blackwood and members of our Caring Circle community. The foundation of our community is built on caring for each other. Candles of Community allows us to share with our gathered community. Join us and share with anything that is bringing you personal joy or sorrow It is a reminder that none of us here walks alone.
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Youth and Young Adult Movie Night
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 pm
601-688-3493 PIN: 132 951 935#
Join us for a Netflix Watch Party of the movie: To Be Announced
Each week the youth and young adults will be selecting a movie to watch and hanging out.
Option 1 - Watch with us on Google Chrome
Step 1: Set up a Netflix account.
Step 2: Come to this
Google Meet
on a computer to receive the link.
Step 3: Click the link and watch and chat with us.
Option 2 - Watch on your own
Step 1: You can watch on your tablet or phone on your own on Netflix.
Step 2: Join us in this
Google Meet
at approximately 8:15pm for the discussion.
This is space for Middle and 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.
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Living Well with Mental Health Issues
Wednesday, May 6, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
470-248-1902 PIN: 333 304 381#
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm to learn more about Living Well with Mental Health Issues.
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Our UU Ancestors with Kelly
Thursdays, 12:00 pm
417-719-7627 PIN: 622 241 523#
Our UU Ancestors. Gather around the virtual and imaginal fire with Rev. Kelly Dignan to hear stories about our UU ancestors and how they overcame struggle. Then chat about how those folks can support and inspire us today. We’ll engage with some of the well-known historical figures and some that are not so well known. The time will include a chalice lighting and meditation that centers and grounds us.
Kelly is a Unitarian Universalist Community Minister serving our faith tradition through teaching, spiritual companionship, and justice chaplaincy. Her home church is Prairie! Before becoming a community minister, she served three congregations (First Universalist of Denver, Greeley, and Boulder).
More about Kelly here.
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Queer-LGBTQ+ (Identity Space)
Thursdays, 4:00 pm
513-970-0805 PIN: 548 994 360#
As UU's, we value and affirm the lives and experience of queer people of faith of all ages, races, ethnicities, income levels, and abilities.
This is space for Queer (LGBTQ+) people from our PrairieUU and local community to gather together. Join us for conversation, spiritual growth, and social activities.
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PrairieUU Pagans or Curious
Fridays, 4:00 pm
845-293-0667 PIN: 348 096 631#
A place for all our Earth worshipers and Pagans to check-in and find out what's going on in our Pagan world and current events with our Great Mother. We will be chatting how we want our group to look when we are back in a building! Curious? Come ask questions!
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Justice League Meeting
Sunday, May 10, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
470-243-0559 PIN: 557 742 488#
All are welcome to join us after fellowship 1:00 – 3:00 pm. We’ll prep for Service Sunday, share IDP progress, and so much more! Visit
PrairieUU.org
to learn more about our passions and initiatives. Contact the
Justice League
if you have any questions!
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Finance Committee
Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
413-402-0221 PIN: 782 596 897#
Our Finance Committee is vital to the life of the congregation. The committee with the Board of Trustees oversees the overall financial health of the congregation as well as fundraising, canvass (pledge drive), and auction. If you would like more information or to RSVP please contact us.
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Board of Trustees
Wednesday, May 8, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
941-254-3670 PIN: 355 445 884#
The April Board of Trustees' major agenda items will include how we keep the Prairie community connected during these trying times, the budget, the Stewardship Drive (Canvass), and possible changes to the Prairie By-Laws.
The meeting is listed on the PrairieUU
Calendar
and can be accessed by clicking on the event or clicking the link ‘Google Meet' above.
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PrairieUU Exercisers
Hello Prairie Exercisers!
I teach aerobics classes at my local Recreation Center, in my normal life. Because I'm missing people and missing my role in getting people moving and laughing, I wanted to create something that might bring some lightness and movement to your day!
Here's
a little video
that you might enjoy in these later days of sheltering-in-place.
From more than 6 feet away,
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Activity Ideas for Kids - from the Lifespan Team
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Justice League – How To Help
First-Ever Virtual Service Sunday a Big Success!!
- The Justice League would like to give a HUGE thanks to the 18+ people – of all ages - who participated in our experiment for Service Sunday! We successfully gathered virtually in three small groups to create messages of love, hope, inspiration, and comfort across three media – cards for PrairieUU friends, sidewalk art for neighbors, and rock messages for Ready-to-Work/Bridge House! Check out our FaceBook group for more photos!
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The Beloved Navajo Nation Needs Masks!
The Window Rock Wellness Center has a special call for masks if you have any to spare or are able to make some.
Window Rock Wellness Center
PO Box 3748
Window Rock, AZ 86515
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Continued Call for Support
Even though we are now under a “safer at home” order rather than a “stay at home” order, our community needs remain very real.
Please consider supporting our community partners as you are able - needs and links for contributions are located on their websites:
Also, please consider visiting
Help Colorado Now for opportunities to provide service specific to COVID-19. Here is one:
- Kind Connection Telephone Volunteers.
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JL Reminders
- If you are not registered to vote, please do so!
- Participate in the 2020 Census!
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We Look Forward to Hearing From You
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Newsletter & Announcement Contributions
All requests for Weekly News, Sunday Morning Announcements, and Orders of Service are due on Monday at 12 pm.
(PLEASE NOTE: All submissions are subject to editing for content and space.)
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General
Office Hours
Mon-Thur - 10:00 am – 9:00 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 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Phone/Text - 720-549-0531
Schedule an Appointment via Google
Calendar
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Committee Emails
LifeSpan - Religious Exploration for all ages
Membership - Visitors, becoming a Covenantal member
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Mailing Address:
PrairieUU Church
P.O. Box 1684
Parker, CO 80134
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