Spiritually Open, Intentionally Inclusive since 1958
510 N Leroux
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-779-4492
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- This Sunday at Beacon -
September 6th, 2020

Virtual Service

"The Healing Power of Plants and Poetry"

Worship Associate Mark James and Rev. Robin walk the Flagstaff Arboretum, exploring the healing power of both plants and poetry. Music from Roomie Wood and Rebecca Prizznick.

Tune into the Service via the  "Beacon UUC" Youtube Channel.

~ Please join us after the service ~

Virtual Social Hour on Zoom at 11:00 am
click this link to join:  https://zoom.us/j/675489291 
Or call +1 669 900 6833 and enter Meeting ID: 675 489 291

Next Sunday
September 13th - "A Day In the Spiritual Life "
Rev. Robin with the Worship Associates, Roomie Wood and Rebecca Prizznick. Spoken Vignettes of everyday spiritual activities, a slideshow of our drive-by water communion, and a special in-gathering social hour at 11. Stay tuned for details.

Splash! We're having a Drive-By Water Communion!

Creating ritual in the virtual realm is a challenge, but we're giving it a go with a Drive-By Water Communion. Rev. Robin and Linda Ochi will be masked and outside at Beacon on Sunday, September 6, from 9:30-11:00 AM and on Tuesday, September 8, from 5:30-7. Please drive by with a small container of water that represents a place that is sacred to you, whether it's your garden hose or the Colorado River. Please bring an index card or a piece of paper with your name and a brief  description about the water's symbolism. We'll be taking pictures and videos and including the write-ups in our September 13th recorded service.
Chime In!!

Starting in the August 23 service, Rev. Robin will include short Zoom- recorded snippets with congregants, "chiming in" on a centering question, such as "What sustains you?" "Where do you find hope?" "What brightens your day during this murky time?" Joys and Sorrows welcome, too! Let Rev. Robin know you'd like to "chime in" and she'll schedule a short zoom session with you.
Porch Visits with Rev. Robin
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 decideJust give a shout-minister@beaconuu.com or 978-505-7245
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 will be receiving a phone call and/or an email from one of our team leaders to chat about how you've been these past months and share some news about upcoming plans and activities in the "Zoom Room" at Beacon. 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.


Spotlight this Week!
 
Beacon Buzz starts September 6th at 12 noon! 

Beacon Buzz starts September 6 at 12 noon 
Join Rev. Robin and Board President Wendy Bruun on the first Sunday of the month at 12 noon to ask questions, voice concerns, offer ideas, and learn more about Beacon in the "Zoom Where it Happens.
Religious Exploration

We encourage Beacon families to continue Religious Exploration at home!  



Imaginative and Inspiring Religious Exploration Programs starting soon!

We're excited to announce that we have formed a Religious Exploration collaboration with the Granite Peak UU Church in Prescott, AZ. This is an experiment we hope will succeed as we seek ways to move through our virtual church reality and support one another with strong programming.  You can learn about both of the programs we're offering 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'll be screen sharing through ZOOM with families from both churches. The time and details are being finalized, but we hope to start this program on September 20th.   

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. There are supplies we'll need to buy for some projects and would need to know who is participating so we can deliver them.  Contact Stephanie Van Belle at fabarette@gmail.com

Religious Exploration for Middle/High School Youth

The Fifth Dimension 


For Middle School/Junior High(and older or slightly younger, as appropriate), we'll be collaborating on another Imagine-RE program called The Fifth Dimension. Through classic Twilight Zone episodes (created by Unitarian Rod Serling), we'll explore 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'll be screen sharing through ZOOM with families from both churches. The time and details are being finalized, but we hope to start this program on September 13th.   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. Contact Dru Munroe at edrumunroe@gmail.com

In light of the cancellation of our spring in person OWL classes, Beacon's OWL facilitators are offering"Parents as Sexuality Educators" classes to interested parents. This
program is up and running, so let us know you're interested in joining us at 
 OWLFlagstaff@gmail.com 

Religious Exploration for Adults

Have you checked out the website: communitynowuu.org ?
It is overflowing with opportunities to connect with UUs all over the country in virtual gatherings- worship, discussion groups, social events, adult and children's religious exploration.

Gathering of the Week: The Condor and The Eagle Film Screening and Discussion
Sponsored by UU Ministry for the Earth
About The Condor and the Eagle: Indigenous environmental leaders embark on an extraordinary trans-continental adventure from the Boreal forest to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of "Climate Justice". More info here
When: Friday September 4th, 3pm-5:30pm  Arizona time

The Touchstone Chalice Circles We celebrated when man first stepped on the moon. But the view back to earth brought a vision that showed what an incredible planet we live on. We call this Mother Earth. In August we can explore the Creation of this planet and our relationship to it. Creation requires imagination, intention, compassion, courage, discipline and power. Join in the Chalice Circle discussion on September 27th at 12:00 noon or September 29that 6:30 PM by Zoom. Zoom links below.

~ Beacon Connections ~

~ Monthly Touchstone Theme: Worth & Dignity ~
ChaliceCircles
Touchstone Chalice Circles 
Sunday, September 27th at 12:00pm
Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30pm
Zoom links to come mid September!

"Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature.  This is not just a dream, but a necessity."   - Dalai Lama XIV
 
Come and share your ideas of how we can make this necessity a reality and not just a dream.

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. 
Step Up to Leadership at Beacon!

The Leadership Succession Planning Team (LSPT) 
met in August to discuss expansion of the team's functions. The report of the meeting can be seen by clicking here.
The LSPT is primarily tasked with the annual slate of elected members of the Beacon Board of Trustees. 
The LSPT is in the process of updating its charter and brainstorming ways to recruit and develop leaders for other important functions specified in the bylaws. Functions currently being considered by the LSPT are congregational vitality and membership.
Please contact the LSPT Chair, Dennis Spurlin, with comments or questions.
Social Justice Allies

Call to Join Beacon's Activate Teams

Beacon's mission and our UU faith call us to work together towards the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.  In order to keep our Beacon community on that track, we are seeking motivated volunteers to join two Beacon teams with a social justice orientation:
  • Activate Team for Electoral Issues (3 or more people)
  • Activate for BIPOC Allyship Team: (3 or more people)
Teams work together to decide their agenda's.  If you are interested in joining either of these teams, please contact Rev. Robin within the next week.


 
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:

ALERT! CHANGE OF DATE FOR NAIC ACCOUNTABILITY SESSION TO SEPT. 24, 6:30

Due to a scheduling conflict with the AEA's (Az Education Association's) statewide
Town Hall focusing on Proposition 208, the Invest in Education Act, NAIC (No. AZ
Interfaith Council) is re-scheduling our Accountability Session to Thursday,
September 24, at 6:30pm.
Just to remind you of the purpose and process of this important event 
in preparation for the November election...(RC)
What: NAIC (No. AZ Interfaith Council)* Accountability Session (AS) for candidates for
Flagstaff Mayor, City Council, County Supervisor, and AZ State Legislature
Where: From the comfort of your home, i.e. on Zoom!
Why: To provide you with information on these candidates' positions on issues that affect the
Flagstaff community
How: Based on...
  •  In-depth research of each candidate's background, priorities, endorsements and funding sources.
  •  Interviews (in advance) by the NAIC Accountability Session Electoral Strategy Team**
  •  Access (in advance) by all participating candidates to the specific questions to which they will be expected to respond (briefly!) in the Accountability Session.
  •  Ongoing work by local NAIC teams on these issues: Immigration, education, and lack of housing options.
*NAIC is a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization
**Of which Roz is a member
Roz Clark, Social Justice Allies (SJA) Interim Chair
GETTING OUT THE VOTE IN COCONINO COUNTY

In the face of voter suppression efforts, especially recent attacks on the US Postal
System, it is important for all of us to educate ourselves on our options for
voting.  The following is information that will be useful:

       Monday       Wednesday        Friday            Friday             Tuesday
     OCTOBER      OCTOBER         OCTOBER       OCTOBER      NOVEMBER
           5                      7                      23                  30                     3
    Last day to           Early            Last day to        Last day to     Election Day   
      register             voting           request early      vote early           VOTE
       to vote             begins          ballot by mail      in person         6am-7pm
  
Because of mailing delays, if you have not yet registered to vote, please contact
the Coconino County Elections Office immediately to get a form or you can find all
the information you need and register on-line at
(https://www.coconino.az.gov/195/Elections). Phone: 928-679-7860.
UU The Vote Arizona seeks Beacon UU Liaison

Casey Clowes from UU The Vote Arizona has reached out to connect Beacon UU to the statewide effort. Interested in being our liaison for this important push for electing candidates aligned with our principles? If so, please contact 
        Upcoming UU the Vote Events:
  • Beloved Conversations Registration begins Sept 1, beginning in October: Beloved Conversations curriculum developers at Meadville Lombard Theological School have responded to the needs to learn how race and ethnicity shape our personal and collective lives and practices, in a virtual format. UUJAZ has partnered with Meadville to offer discussion groups for AZ participants, and scholarships for UU's in AZ who enroll. More details are emerging in the next month. Fill Out this interest form for more details. 
  • UU the Vote with UUJAZ:This November, we have an opportunity to reflect our UU values in local policy more than ever. Can we ensure free and safe elections? End cash bail and contracts with private prisons? Hold police accountable? Empower those most vulnerable to pandemic and racism? Fund education?
     
    None of this will happen without you. We have less than a month before ballots drop, so NOW is the time to have conversations with people you know, or join a phone or text bank. Don't wake up in November wishing you did more. See all UUJAZ/ UU the Vote opportunities here.
  • Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Candidate Forum:
     
    The interdependent web of connection is central to Unitarian Universalist principles, and we know at UU the Vote, what happens at the county level affects us all. Did you know your access to a safe and accessible election, the budget for the 4th Ave jail, and even the air you breathe in the Valley is regulated by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors? Learn from the Sunrise leaders in Maricopa County more about this powerful position we don't often hear of!
     
    Join us on Tuesday, September 15th, on Facebook Live at 6pm, for a conversation with community members of Maricopa County, Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona, Sunrise Movement, and the candidates for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
     
    Confirmed attendance: Jevin Hodge, candidate for District 1 and Whitney Walker, candidate for District 3. Hosted by UUJAZ, UU the Vote, and Sunrise Tempe
  • Conversation with the Candidates: Homelessness and our FaithAs Unitarian Universalists, we honor the inherent worth and dignity of our unsheltered neighbors. We are called to work for a just, equitable, and compassionate world, where everyone has the resources needed not just to survive, but to thrive. These beliefs push us beyond serving folks in need, to advocating for policies that eradicate homelessness altogether.Join us Tuesday, September 22nd, on  Facebook Live at 6 pm, for a conversation with community members of Surprise and Sun City, candidates running for LD22, and guest speaker Sophia of Unsheltered Phoenix, hosted by Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona.

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.

 ~ Wider Community ~

Big Brother Big Sister Flagstaff

Is looking for New Volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Virtual Big Brother or Sister, please email their Relations Specialist Austin Laster at austin@flagstaffbigs.com or follow the link below to their page for more information.
Flagstaff Food Center Seeks Volunteer Office Assistant

If you are interested in doing administrative volunteer work, our "Office Assistant" positions may be the right fit for you.

Office Assistant duties:
volunteers answer phones, schedule food box deliveries, and perform other duties that allow the Food Center to share food with more people. 

We ask that our volunteers wear masks or cloth face coverings and maintain a
distance of 6 feet between themselves and others whenever possible.
If you are interested in these or other volunteer opportunities, you can
visit hotfood.org, or call (928) 526-2211.
Camp De Benneville Pines Fundraiser

De Benneville Pines has captured the hearts of thousands of campers for nearly 60 years. it is a place of kindness, friendship, and beauty. Now they need your help to keep their doors open because of Covid-19 pandemic.To donate click Here 
Arizona UU Camp SAWUURA

Flagstaff friends! Your Arizona UU camp SAWUURA is open for limited camping. Enjoy a most diverse ecosystem, without noisy neighbors. more information here or contact Eb Eberlein for reservations at 520-622-6966. You can also mor infomation on our facebook page.
~ This Week at Beacon ~


Worship
Sunday, September 6th, 2020
10:00 am - 11:00 am
"The Healing Power of Plants and Poetry"

Virtual Social Hour
Sunday, September 6th, 2020
11:00 am
https://zoom.us/j/675489291
Beacon Buzz
Sunday, September 6th, 2020
12 noon
Drive-by Water Communion
Sunday, September 6th, 9:30-11:00 AM 
and on Tuesday, September 8th, 
5:30-7. 


 
If you would like to submit a calendar event, send an email to office@beaconuu.com. With all requests, please indicate the following: proposed start and end time of the event, the space/room preferred, and a rough group size. On the occasion of a cancellation or rescheduling of an event, please let the office know in a timely fashion to ensure that your event is correctly represented in the newsletter and order of service. Thank you!
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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.comOnce 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) 
Get to know Rev. Robin at www.uurobinzucker.com
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

~ Beacon Google Group ~

If  you are not on Beacon's exclusive 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 to  office@beaconuu.com in order to be included in the newsletter.