Spiritually Open, Intentionally Inclusive since 1958
510 N Leroux
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-4492
|
|
- This Sunday at Beacon -
E-news for January 31st -February 11th, 2021
|
|
Sunday, January 31st
"Nevertheless, She Persisted"
In the Purim story from Jewish tradition, Queen Esther risks her life to save her people. She does this by harnessing her courage and breaking her silence to speak a dangerous truth about her own identity. In this sermon following the inauguration of Kamala Harris, our new VP, we’ll connect Esther’s story to contemporary examples of confronting power abuses, including the Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and “I’m Speaking” movements. How might this “Bad Girl of the Bible,” among others, help us find our voices across racial and gender identities?
Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker preaching, with Worship Associate Nancy Paxton. Music By Roomie Wood and Stephanie Galloway .
Watch Parties have been Discontinued.
Come to the Post-Service Gatherings at 11!
Our watch parties at 10 am were an interesting experiment, but they will be discontinued for several reasons, including technical difficulties for those watching (video lag, freezing screens, poor audio quality). So, here’s a great alternative. Watch the service on YouTube on your own schedule (maybe even at 10 Am on Sunday!) and then come to the weekly Post Service Gathering on Zoom at 11 am to connect, share joys and sorrows, and reflect on the service.
~ Please join us after the service ~
Join our post gathering discussion by clicking the link below
Passcode: 968647
Or call +1 669 900 6833 and enter Meeting ID: 733 037 203
|
|
Sunday, February 7th
"Planting Seeds in the Hard Ground: A Sermon Towards Hope ”
The writer Zora Neale Hurston wrote: “Oh hope, you fall on soft ground.” because she had heard seeds saying that to each other as they passed. How many of us wait for "soft" ground or just the right conditions before we plant our faithful seeds? As we close in on the one-year anniversary of COVID descending on us, we’ll explore the crucial role of Springtime optimism as we plant seeds of hope in the hard ground of our weary, wintery, (but still wonderful!) world.
Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker preaching. Music from Roomie Wood and Stephanie Galloway
Watch Parties have been Discontinued.
Come to the Post-Service Gatherings at 11!
Our watch parties at 10 am were an interesting experiment, but they will be discontinued for several reasons, including technical difficulties for those watching (video lag, freezing screens, poor audio quality). So, here’s a great alternative. Watch the service on YouTube on your own schedule (maybe even at 10 Am on Sunday!) and then come to the weekly Post Service Gathering on Zoom at 11 am to connect, share joys and sorrows, and reflect on the service.
~ Please join us after the service ~
Join our post gathering discussion by clicking the link below
Passcode: 968647
Or call +1 669 900 6833 and enter Meeting ID: 733 037 203
|
|
Please note: We recommend that you donate to Vanco directly from a bank account to save us the fees associated with credit card donations. More for us to sustain our congregation.
|
|
Share Your Joys and Sorrows- Chime In!
One way we can sustain connection during this time apart is by sharing our personal joys and sorrows. These can be small things or large things that effect your life. Please send these to Rev. Robin by Thursday night each week at minister@beaconuu.com Or,be in touch and we can record a short Zoom- recorded snippets to include in the service.
Only first names will be used. Or, you can share your joys and sorrows live at our
Post-Service Zoom Gatherings, Sundays at 11.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Porch Visits with Rev. Robin
(Weather Permitting)
Who is that masked minister in her "Soul" mobile? It's Rev. Robin! - ready to
come by for a socially-distanced
visit on your porch, patio, or deck.
Trailhead meet-ups and easy hikes, we could even meet at a park, or walk in your neighborhood. You decide! Just give a shout-minister@beaconuu.com
or 978-505-7245
|
|
|
|
Spotlight This week
We’re hiring!
Part-time Office Manager position to begin as soon as possible. Please pass on the posting and job description to potential interested candidates.
|
|
|
Caring and Connected Team Calling!
We have created a "Caring and Connected" Team to keep us in touch during this time of virtual church and physical distancing. Members and friends of Beacon received another phone call and/or an email from one of our team leaders to connect in early December. As always, Rev. Robin is here to talk with you, come by for a masked porch visit, and help you with pastoral or practical needs. minister@beaconuu.com or call 978-505-7245.
|
|
|
|
Beacon Buzz meetings will be discontinued until we can meet back together in the fall! |
|
|
|
Small COVID-Safe Soiree Circles have formed. Signs Up still open. |
|
Remember Circle Suppers - the popular program offered at Beacon where each circle was semi-randomly assembled, and the members took turns hosting the gatherings?
We are now offering a new version that we call "Soiree Circles."
Paul Beier is the organizer. Gatherings are COVID-safe due to their small size and will be held outdoors. If you want to laugh together, share stories, deepen old friendships,
make new friends who share your principles and experiences, this is a great way to do it! face-to-face and not on zoom.
To learn more about how the program is organized and how to host these gatherings and to sign up using the online form, click on the links below. So far, we have had 11 families sign up for the program. Members of all ages are welcome to participate. See Flyer here
|
|
Here’s an update on our Holiday Gift appeal from |
We have received 20 gifts totaling $7,290 |
|
|
|
|
Tentative plans are being made to conduct a masked, socially distanced, annual yard sale in the Beacon back yard on the first Saturday in June. Donated items may be stored in the shed in Beacon’s back yard by contacting the Beacon office for the key. Since space is limited in the shed, some of the items already donated for the annual yard sale are being selected for online sale to make room for more donated items. You can shop the items online HERE Type “Beacon” in the search bar at the top to filter the list. Items that don’t sell online will be included in the annual yard sale in June. If you wish to donate large or high value items, it would be best to arrange alternate storage. The Beacon Online Yard Sale can get those items off your hands without waiting until June.
For each donated item not stored in the storage shed, draft an email that includes:
Title: (name, brand, make, model, manufacturer, etc.)
Estimated dollar value: (1/2 new price – condition = estimate)
Description: (dimensions, composition, materials, fabric types, etc)
Condition: (new, like new, excellent, good, fair, salvage - scratches, stains, dents, malfunctions, or modifications.
Pictures: (attach photos from angles that provide a comprehensive visual assessment)
If you require a receipt for your tax-free donation, please indicate so and include your full name and address.
Send the email to Dennis at yardsale@beaconuu.com Dennis will coordinate with buyer and donor to arrange an in-person transaction. He will also coordinate with buyers for items anonymously stored in the storage shed. Any helpful yard sale emails associated with items that have been put in the storage shed would also be appreciated.
Thank you for supporting Beacon!
Dennis Spurlin
|
|
|
Religious Exploration
We encourage Beacon families to continue Religious Exploration at home!
|
|
Our Imaginative and Inspiring Religious Exploration Programs
We're excited to have formed a Religious Exploration collaboration with the Granite Peak UU Church in Prescott, AZ which is going wonderfully well. Read the update in this column. You can learn about both of the programs we're offering, CartUUns and The Fifth Dimension below, on our website, and on the program website here.
Religious Exploration for Children
~Beacon at Home~
Cartuuns
|
|
For our younger kids (K-5, and younger as appropriate), we have chosen CARTUUNS, which explores UU values and principles through Disney and Pixar short films, such as the award-winning "La Luna." We are screen sharing through ZOOM with families from both churches. 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM twice a month on Zoom.
Upcoming classes:
February 14th "Lava"
February 28th "Dug's Special Mission"
|
|
Religious Exploration for Middle/High School Youth
The Fifth Dimension
|
|
For Middle School/Junior High(and older or slightly younger, as appropriate), we are collaborating on another Imagine-RE program called The Fifth Dimension. Through classic Twilight Zone episodes (created by Unitarian Rod Serling), we are exploring social and political issues relevant to youth. Students become deeply engaged in the topics and engrossed in the storytelling and "sci-fi" twists in episodes like "Eye of the Beholder" and "Enough Time At Last." We are screen sharing through ZOOM with families from both churches. The lessons are stand-alone and can be joined from week to week. Please take a look at the link and let us know if you'll give it a try.
5th Dimension 11:30 am-12:45pm
Upcoming classes:
February 14th, 2021 11:30 AM Arizona
Episode: Number 12 Looks Just Like You (Season 5 Ep 16)
Passcode: 510
February 28, 2021 11:30 AM Arizona
Episode: coming soon
Passcode: 510
"No preparation for the class is required! Youth can just join the meeting at the scheduled time and you are ready to go!"
Religious Exploration for Adults
New Programs Coming Soon
“Daring Greatly” was a success and a meaningful experience for participants. Thanks to all who attended. Rev. Robin is working on choosing a new resource for a similar type of reading and reflection format to begin in March. Details and dates coming in February.
|
|
|
|
Evenings of February 13th, and March 26th, 2021
Youth and adult participants will be led to examine different types of leadership, what it takes to be an effective leader, conflict resolution skills, ways you can help foster youth leadership in our communities, and some self-evaluation and insight into the type of leader you’d like to be. We’ll also give you resources for local, regional, and national leadership opportunities including include a panel discussion & Q&A with current UU leaders and interest focused small groups. How to lead during these surreal times and how to spiritually nourish that leadership will also be explored.
Leads: Kellie Burden, MDD youth board & Jessica Laikeman, DRE & Camping Ministries Director.
|
|
|
~ Monthly Touchstone Theme: ~ Mercy |
|
|
|
Chalice Circle Meting
Coming soon
|
|
|
Touchstones Chalice Circles are designed to meet our needs for belonging (intimacy) and meaning (ultimacy) by building friendships and providing opportunities to ponder life's questions, small and large, with others who share the common values of our UU Principles. All are welcome.
Discussion examines subjects as provided in the monthly journal of Unitarian Universalism, Touchstones. To meet the needs of the congregation, we have made attendance open.
|
|
Social Justice Allies
Anti-Harassment Training
Hollaback is a nonprofit on a mission to end harassment - in all its forms. They provide free trainings throughout the year to give people the resources to respond to, prevent and intervene in instances of harassement. If you are interested in participating in a training or learning more, please visit the following link:
|
|
|
|
-
As UUs we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Join UUJAZ to learn more about LGBTQ+ discrimination in employment, healthcare, youth sports, and adoptions and what will happen if Roe v. Wade falls, what anti-abortion laws are currently being proposed in the state legislature, and what laws already exist. Hear from our partners at Planned Parenthood Action AZ and Equality AZ about what you can do to defend LGBTQ+ and gender justice! Register here.
-
Book GroUUp 3rd Fridays, 12-1:30 pm What legacy will you leave your beloved: your children, grandchildren, congregation, community, and/or country about how you worked to dismantle systemic racism during your lifetime? What will you bequeath to your beloved? What is your hope for their future, for Beloved Community? Join Rev. Tina Squire and Steve Kraynak on the third Friday of each month for a justice-centered book discussion from the perspective of our Unitarian Universalist values. Here we will use reading, conversation, and writing to answer these questions. February 19, 2021: Discuss The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin March 19, 2021: Discuss Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates April 16, 2021: Discuss BREATHE – A Letter To My Sons by Imani Perry May 21, 2021: Read aloud our own letters we've written to our Beloved. Register here.
-
Beloved Conversations: Spring 2021 Register on Feb 1st, course begins March 15thThe first phase of Meadville Lombard's Beloved Conversations anti-racism curriculum, Within, will open for registration in February. Within focuses on the internal work that each of us needs to do as we engage racial justice. Within work will include individual Lessons, using videos, music, and readings, accompanied by reflection prompts and suggested conversations with Critical Friends chosen by the participants; bi-weekly small group conversations in a Learning Pod; and larger, monthly, facilitated Meaning-Making Sessions on Zoom. We hope you join us to embody racial justice as a spiritual practice, to heal the impact of racism on our lives, in order to get free together. Registration coming February 1st.
-
Race Matters in the Supreme Court Tuesday’s March 9th, 16th, 23rd from 4-5:30 pm As UUs, we recognize the existence of many realities and even more so, how those realities are interwoven. The connection between law and race is one of these ever-present truths. Join Political Science Professor and UU, Howard Tolley for three 90 minute sessions examining the impact of race, political ideology, legal principles, and personal preference on the selection of Justices and the decisions they reach. Register here.
-
Multikulti: Removing Unconscious Debris From the Soil of the Soul Thursdays, Feb 4th-March 11th, 6:30-8pm In our present Time of Tumult, Rev. Anthony Johnson offers a container and powerful methods for exploring the “Ism’s” of race, gender, class, religion and more, that challenge our culture, our communities, and our relationships. Six sessions of learning, unlearning, feeling and sharing about our differences; moving us toward creating change - in ourselves and the world around us. Register here.
-
Trans Inclusion in Congregations from Transforming Hearts Collective UUJAZ is thrilled to provide access to this online course on radical welcoming for all AZ UUs, thanks to a generous grant from the UU Funding panel. This course on transformational culture shift counts towards your annual Welcoming Congregation renewal. Contact us for your free login code (usually $125 per person) to explore this course at your own pace, or create a group at your congregation to take it together! If you’re interested in taking this course through UUJAZ, Janine Gelsinger is happy to schedule a time to facilitate. Contact her at uujaz.director@gmail.com.
What is going on at the capitol:
-
HB2291: Comprehensive dental care for pregnant women ages 21+ would become a covered medical service by AHCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid program). Oral health is a part of general health and of even more importance during pregnancy. Neglecting oral and dental health during pregnancy may lead to problems such as premature birth, low birth weight infant, and pre-eclampsia. Scheduled for House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.
-
HB2650: Gives county attorneys power to prosecute people who receive abortions and doctors who provide this healthcare service with “homicide by abortion” with no exceptions for ending a pregnancy including rape and incest. This change severely limits a person's bodily autonomy, ability to plan their family, receive medical care including potentially life saving emergency care, and give medical care as a healthcare professional. Criminalizing abortion makes care less safe.
-
UUs have been courageously voicing their values, and embracing our newfound skills with technology to do so! We can weigh in on legislation using Request to Speak, emailing or calling legislators, or scheduling a virtual meeting with your legislators.
|
|
|
|
|
A Special Message from Rev. Robin about BIPOC Allyship
|
|
Dear Beloved Community,
America is on fire with rage, weary from a pandemic, and aching with despair. Along with the rest of our country, we've read and heard so many devastating accounts over the past week, the most heart-rending from people of color coping with another case of murderous systemic racism in our country. I do not need to (nor, am I entitled to) add anything to their experiences or parse what they have to say about racism. They live it.
...To read the full message on our website, please click here
Lifespan Religious Exploration Resources for Learning About and Responding to Racism
This painful moment in time calls us to focus our learning and reflection on allyship to people of color, understanding white privilege, and reflecting on how we can part of a systemic sea change and solution in our society.
Beacon has provided resources for all ages addressing how we as individuals and as communities can learn about and respond to racism. For the full list of resources, activities and community meetings, visit Beacon's Religious Exploration pages.
|
|
|
Worship
Sunday, January 31st, 2021
10 am - 11 am
"Nevertheless, She Persisted"
|
|
|
|
Post-Service Gathering
Sunday, January 17th, 2020
11:00 am
|
|
|
|
|
Worship
Sunday, February 7th, 2021
10 am - 11 am
"Planting Seeds in the Hard Ground: A Sermon Towards Hope"
|
|
|
|
Post-Service Gathering
Sunday, January 24th, 2020
11:00 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
Everyday Ways to Support Beacon UU
1. When you go to Fry's grocery store, use the Beacon phone number (928 779 4492) as the Alternate ID when it asks for it at the beginning of checkout, and you will get shopping discounts for Fry's members, as well as donating a percentage of your expenditure to Beacon. You can also sign up for an individual account if you prefer that, or want to take advantage of the gasoline discounts. You have to pick Beacon as your beneficiary when you set up your own account.
|
|
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. Another online fundraiser is igive.com. Once again, create your own account with a user name and password, then select settings, my cause, and type in Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation (do not abbreviate UU). Then you can order from any of the hundreds of organizations listed under igive. There are also coupons listed online you can use when ordering from some organizations.
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? leave them on a card in the bin in the lobby, or send them to Rev. Robin.
|
|
~ Beacon Office Hours & Contacts ~
Office Phone (928) 779-4492
|
|
Minister,
Rev. Robin Zucker
Mon: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Or by appointment:
978-505-7245 - talk and text (confidential line)
|
|
Director of RE
Our engaging programs for all ages continue while we search for a new Religious Exploration Director.
Rev. Robin can answer your RE questions.
|
|
Office Manager,
Yeximar L Cramer
Mon: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wed: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thurs: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
|
|
~ 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!
|
|
You no longer need to forward your spam emails to spam@uce.gov, because the Federal Trade Commission is now collecting spam through a honeypot, which is an online trap. This change makes it more efficient for the FTC to collect spam that is deceptive or violates the CAN-SPAM Act. This change saves tax dollars, your time, and helps the FTC collect deceptive and illegal spam. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, please report it at ftc.gov/complaint. There, you can also report spam you receive. Read more about how to limit spam, phone calls, and mail.
|
|
|
|
If you are not on Beacon's dedicated Google group, you are missing out on an important communications link within our congregation. It is useful for spreading information about something going on in Flagstaff, informing others of social action activities, offering an item for sale or to give away, sharing enthusiasm about a book or movie, requesting information or recommendations -- and more! It's simple to sign up! Email our Office Manager,at office@beaconuu.com or Visit: https://groups.google.com/d/forum/uuflag
|
|
|
Contribute to Beacon's Weekly News
Newsletter submissions must be submitted by Wednesday at 4:00 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
