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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Sunday Morning Experience
Join us for Worship Online at 10:30 am
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Sunday Worship
Flower Festival
Sunday, June 20, 10:30 am
Please join us for our Sunday service. We will be celebrating a plethora of virtual celebrations – Summer Solstice, Juneteeth, Fathers Day – all to be encompassed in a Flower Festival, a treasured tradition of many UU communities, celebrating beauty, uniqueness, diversity and community – and a recommitment to our Sixth Principle: We covenant to affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all! In the spirit of play, we will also honor the BEE!
Please attend the service adorned in flowers, dressed as a bee, or whatever you’d like to do as we welcome this month’s theme: PLAY. IN ADVANCE – please send Kim M. photos of your favorite flower and/or father/father figures for collage purposes by 6/18.
Join us for Conversation:
Beginning at 10:15 via Google Meet. 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.
Stay with us after the service:
There will be conversation via the same Google Meet after the service and Candles of Community for coffee hour and fellowship.
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Ralph Waldo Mouse Says:
"Play is not a luxury...it is a necessity."
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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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Announcement from the Board of Trustees... |
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Appreciative and Grateful
Prairie UU members in Covenant: After our congregational meeting discussing the 2021/2022 Budget in detail and with concern for our decreased income I said I felt appreciative when asked for one word of how I was feeling. This is because I appreciate those of you who are staying in covenant, willing to make things work and guide the Prairie UU leadership to a positive future, despite our current challenges. There were concerns about how Prairie UU could handle worship and other responsibilities for Pastoral Care and "running the church" with just a 50% minister. Prairie UU has always been resilient, I think we can do that now. I and the Board are certainly going to try!
Sarah Millspaugh, PWR consultant shared that there are ordained ministers available in the Denver area. At least two of these are looking for part-time positions. Seeking advice about the UUA guidelines for what a 50% minister can do, we learned that It can be more flexible than a minister at a greater percent. We can define responsibilities with the person we select. We plan to ask members specific suggestions at our June listening circles.
Although concerned about the number of Prairie UU members who voted no on the budget, I believe we can continue to resolve the different views. I will offer opportunities to discuss your ideas about the use of restricted funds like the Barr money and Building fund. The Board was following long established practices about the use of these funds. To change these past Board directions. the current Board would need wide agreement from members. We can offer opportunities for that discussion and advice. We can also be more focused on fundraising. A meeting will be scheduled for later in June to brainstorm about the ideas that have been suggested and are ongoing.
Again, my gratitude and thanks for all you do. I am looking forward to our summer get-togethers and a party to thank Pastor AJ.
See you in the park!
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From the Personnel Committee ... |
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Contract Minister Search Team is gearing up
Interested in being on the Team?
The Contract Minister Search Team will be appointed by the Board. The Team will come up with a candidate(s) to recommend that the Board hire. This process follows UUA guidelines.
The Board has appointed Janet S, who chairs the Board Personnel Committee to be the Team Lead. Janet has led a prior Minister Search team at Prairie UU and at another UU Congregation. There will be one representative from the Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM) on the team. Three other positions will be for congregational members.
A description of the Team duties and statement of interest questions can be found at this link. If you are interested in being on the Search Team, please submit a statement of interest based on the questions by Sunday, June 20. The goal is to hire a half-time minister to start in September 2021.
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Justice League and M2A take a summer break!
Please note that the Justice League and M2A will not be meeting over the summer UNLESS something happens in our community and/or our world that “MUUves” you to action, in which case, please reach out to Kim M. to call an impromptu M2A meeting.
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Habitat for Humanity Build Days are Back!
As part of our affiliation with Habitat Interfaith Alliance, Prairie UU has secured TWO build days this summer. The June 5 build date is now full. Thank you to the four Prairie volunteers who will be helping build a Habitat home that day!
There are still two open slots for the August 21 build day.
To sign up to build on August 21, click here.
7:45 am- 3:30 pm
Minimum age is 16 years old.
Prairie members, spouses and friends of Prairie are all welcome to sign up.
Questions? Never built before? Call either of Prairie's liaisons to HIA for more info: Deena 303.809.0661 or Jim 720.320.1636
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Reading Material
Need some reading material to get you through these next few months? Want to educate yourself on anti-racism and white privilege? Check out the new Justice League reading list here.
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If you are looking for more racial justice information see the following:
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Colorado UU's for Racial Justice - click here
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The UUA - click here
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Bill's Be-Cyber-Safe Box - Episode 15
Why should I back up my important files? How often should this be done?
A good rule of thumb for when to make backups of files is to ask, “How much can I afford to lose?” If you think all your files will be intact and where you left them when you look again, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise someday. Computers get lost or stolen, files get corrupted, lightning strikes, and the critical stuff you need is lost. Unless you have backed it up onto an external drive or in the cloud somewhere. Then you can restore your entire system onto the replacement computer – or just find the missing/corrupted file on your backup drive. So, save yourself the stress of losing critical things (family photos, financial records, personal documents, etc.) by performing regular backup of them. Think of your backups as an insurance policy against the painful loss of important stuff on your computer.
Why and how to perform backups. Read this description of backup from Kaspersky ™ https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/backup-files
When you buy a computer, you can check on available methods of backup provided as part of its operating system. Ask about external devices that can be connected for backup. My Mac uses Time Machine ™ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250 and all I have to do is click an icon on my desktop to back up all files I selected to be copied and stored there. I can set a schedule to have this done automatically for me. Your computer may use a different system.
The next episode will summarize what we’ve learned from Episodes 1 – 15 and begin closure.
You can get help with Prairie related tech issues by joining “Tech Talk” on Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. with Rhonda. Check the church calendar for connection details using Google Meet. © 6/14/21
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PrairieUU High School Summer Camp 2021... |
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Prairie High School Summer Camp 2021
PrairieUU high schoolers just got back from the 13th annual summer camp. It was obvious to the staff that the campers were hungry for social interaction. Isaac McCorkle Jr. said on the first day of camp “I’ve done more socializing today than in the last three months.” Whether it was a structured group discussion or hanging out, they cherished being together.
The program for the week focused on ways to support teens as they come out of the COVID-era. Sessions included learning about personality types (True Colors), presented by former Camp Program Director, Lycee Botello. Ray Merenstein of the National Alliance of Mental Illness visited and presented on mental health and ways to destigmatize the language around mental health. Joe Francis (Camp Director) and Izzy Schneyer (Arts & Crafts Director) presented on healthy and unhealthy relationships. They were also joined at camp by Darren Peterson, cabin counselor and camp photographer, and Coni Francis, the camp cook. Overall it was a very successful camp. Everyone came home happy and tired.
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The message below is from Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President
I am thrilled for this year’s Ware Lecture, featuring Stacey Abrams and Desmond Meade. After the largest election in U.S. history, with unprecedented access expanded under the pandemic, there has been a swift and severe backlash of even more extreme voter suppression laws sweeping across states. Stacey Abrams and Desmond Meade are on the front lines of this struggle to build the democracy we deserve—one that includes everyone.
General Assembly (GA) will also include opportunities to explore how we articulate our highest covenantal aspirations as Unitarian Universalists with the Article II Study Commission. The UUA Board of Trustees created the Study Commission in response to growing efforts to revise our Principles, including the work in congregations to adopt an 8th Principle. This Commission has been charged with engaging our whole Association in a multi-year process of review and study of Article II of our UUA bylaws, which includes our Principles and Purposes and our Inclusion and Freedom of Belief sections.
It is an incredible gift of this virtual format to be able to join in a common worship across our Association.
There will also be many wonderful opportunities for worship! I am excited to hear Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore at the Service of the Living Tradition and the youth-led Synergy Bridging service! Last year, well over 10,000 UUs joined the virtual GA Sunday morning worship! This year, Sunday Morning Worship will be led by the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis and will be streamed on uua.org and on the UUA’s YouTube channel at noon EDT. It is available to everyone. I hope you and your congregation will consider using the service for your Sunday service.
There is so much happening at General Assembly, and the virtual format makes attending more affordable and accessible. As an added bonus, your registration gives you ongoing access to the workshops and events, so you can revisit these offerings, share them with your congregation, or listen to ones you missed that week.
Yours in love,
Susan
P.S. If your congregation meets/streams earlier than our Sunday worship broadcast time but you want to participate, complete the form at the bottom of the Sunday Morning Worship page to request a private web link to stream the service at the best time for your congregation.
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Tech Talk
Tuesday, June 15, 4:00 PM
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 a 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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Finance Committee
Wednesday, June 16, 5:30 pm
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.
Agenda items this month will include the current state of Prairie's finances, potential ways to generate additional income, and a discussion of initial plans for the preparation of a draft budget for the next fiscal year.
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, June 16, 6:30 pm
This Board Meeting is now from 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm. The Board will open the meeting to members/friends at 6:45 pm. All are invited to attend the entire meeting.
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PrairieUU Men's Group
Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 pm
The Prairie Men's Group meets monthly online on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Topics vary from month to month. Check the Prairie website calendar to join the discussion.
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Sunday Worship - UUA General Assembly
Sunday, June 27, 10:00 am MDT
UUA General Assembly Sunday Worship click here for order of worship and additional information.
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Community
Information and Resources
If you have other community resources that we should share, please let us know.
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Monday 6/28 MURRAY MOVING PARTY
The Murrays could sure use your help in moving to their new home of their own! If you can, on Monday, June 28th, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., please stop by their current home, pick up a load of boxes/small stuff, and drive the load three minutes to their new home.
What’s in it for you? Pizza, beer, and homemade Lara Heisler cookies!! Teen helpers are welcome!!
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UUA Pacific Western Region (PWR) - June Newsletter
Click here to read the Pacific Western Region (PWR) UU June 2021 newsletter.
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COVID Assistance Funds and Resources |
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Arapahoe County Rent and Mortgage assistance for Covid related loss of income, click here for more information.
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Douglas County is offering Covid-19 assistance funds to individuals and families. Please click here for more information.
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City of Aurora Covid-19 resources please click here for more information.
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Parker Covid-19 information and resources - please click here for more information.
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PrairieUU Garage/Bake Sale |
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Prairie Garage/Bake Sale
Hi PrairieUU Peeps!
Are you ready to contribute to a Prairie Garage/Bake Sale in a few months?
Thinking middle of August at Vivian Littlefield's home in Stonegate...thank you Vivian! This will be the 6th or 7th one over the years and I'm certain there's some STUFF you want to contribute!
Please find me, Brenda P, at 303-522-7988 by phone or text anytime with your interest and questions. I'll need some helpers in the days beforehand to help sort and price and set up. And I'll need several helpers in shifts during the Friday and Saturday Sale. Sunday is also a big day as I want to make sure to get everything out of Vivian's garage AFTER the sale, so someone willing to help that has an open bed truck is appreciated (and some muscles).
I have a cool Lemonade Stand 'prop' if there is a kiddo or two, with a parent, that would like to partake in keeping everyone cool and refreshed, including our shoppers.
P.S. if you have a large item you'd like sold with proceeds going to Prairie, let me know. I can possibly help.
Again, Brenda P at 303-522-7988. This is really something to look forward to!! Thanks ya'll.
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Hello Fellow Shoppers - Sign up for Scrip NOW!
Shop with Scrip’s gift card program makes earning money for PrairieUU easy! You buy full-value gift cards, and the retailers give a rebate of 2-20% back to PrairieUU.
With over 250 brands that offer gift cards, that can be sent right to your email INBOX or right to your home, this is a great way to purchase gifts for others, staying out of stores completely! Click here to sign up!
PrairieUU's Enrollment Code: 86B6427674556
Sincerely,
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Carpet Cleaning Proceeds Go to PrairieUU’s Duke Scholarship Fund
Long-term PrairieUU member Kimberly Pratt has graciously offered her company’s carpet cleaning services and will donate 100% of carpet cleaning proceeds to PrairieUU’s Duke Scholarship Fund in memory of Alan Duke. Here is how you can get your carpets cleaned and also help fund scholarships for high school summer camp and other PrairieUU youth outings. Phone Kimberly at (303) 718-3959, mention you are with Prairie and set up a carpet cleaning appointment. After your carpets are cleaned, Kimberly will give you an invoice. Simply cut and send a check to Prairie specifying “Duke Scholarship Fund”, or go to the Prairie website and make a donation for the amount of the invoice.
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Support PrairieUU - Amazon Smile
If you shop on Amazon, please remember to use the special link and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchases to PrairieUU! This is through the Amazon Smile program. http://ow.ly/8zJi50BOssx
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Support PrairieUU - King Soopers Rewards Program
Our assigned Non-Profit Organization (NPO) number is UC596.
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Support PrairieUU
Click on the images below to learn more!
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Follow and Connect with us! |
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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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To connect via a computer simply click the links provided.
To connect via a phone or tablet you will be prompted to download the Google Meet app.
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We Look Forward to Hearing From You |
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Newsletter & Announcement Contributions
All requests for the Monday newsletter and Orders of Service are due on Wednesday at 12 pm. (PLEASE NOTE: All submissions are subject to editing for content and space.)
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General Office Hours
Mon-Thur - 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
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Office Hours - M-Th 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Phone/Text: 720-549-0530
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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