MVUU Newsletter
May 13, 2022
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Weekly Calendar
Sunday, May 15
Sunday Book Group
Sunday Service: Be Still: A Good Goodbye
led by Rev. Dr. Samantha Wilson
Tuesday, May 17
Laughter Yoga
MVUU Annual Budget Q & A
Men's Night Out
Wednesday, May 18
Book GroUUp
MVUU Choir on the Patio
Thursday, May 19
Laughter Yoga
Saturday, May 21
Games In Real Life
4 pm at UUCT
Beginning of Summer Celebration
6 pm at UUCT
Sunday, May 22
2022 MVUU Annual Congregational Meeting
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MVUU's Current COVID status is Low Risk:
Our building is open. Sunday services are in-person and online. We do request that attendees continue to wear masks until we have finalized new guidelines for MVUU.
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President's Column: The Business of Church
I am hoping that you all have participated in the recent services led by Rev. Wilson, the practice associates and our music minister, Chris Tackett. They have been extraordinary in their inspiration. We have had increased attendance and many visitors during these services-- we welcome you all.
In order to support these activities, we need to be reminded of all the work that goes on behind the scene to ensure that these inspiring events in this beautiful building can happen. That is what I call the business of the church. Our Finance Committee and Board have worked especially hard this past fiscal year to address a number of key financial issues that will put MVUU on a firm financial footing for several years to come.
On Sunday, May 22, we will hold our annual congregational meeting to vote on the budget and slate of officers for the next year. In preparation for this vote, there is a email blast that provides the budget along with a summary of the year’s financial activities. You may review the information and have the opportunity to attend a question and answer session on Tuesday, May 17, 5-6 PM by clicking on Join Zoom.
Absentee Ballots
If you are unable to be either physically present or present by Zoom on Sunday, May 22, you may vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots may be obtained upon request from our Administrator Erin at administrator@mvuu.org and must be received at MVUU 12 pm on May 20, 2022 to be counted.
Your support of the work of the finance team and the board gives us a roadmap for guiding the business of the church so that we may continue the support of this community and its mission.
Tom Sawyer, MVUU Board President
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Note from the Minister: Reproductive Justice
I wanted to thank you all for your reception of our Mother's Day service, dedicated to the complexity of mothering and to the Unitarian Universalist history of reproductive justice. Many of you shared your own stories after the service: stories of abortion, stories of accompanying loved ones across state and national borders to seek access to an abortion, and your own complicated feelings about mothering and parenting. Thank you.
Some of you are curious about local efforts that support reproductive justice, specifically supporting pregnant people seeking access to abortion. One local option is the Tucson Abortion Support Collective. TASC provides emotional, informational, material, financial, and logistical support to people seeking abortion care in Arizona. I also encourage you to be connected to our state-action network, UUJAZ, which partners with Planned Parenthood for legislative action statewide.
If you are interested in future actions related to reproductive justice in Arizona, email me. I will note the people who reach out and connect you to one another. If you are needing to share more about your feelings about our service or this topic -- no matter what that feeling or opinion is -- you are also welcome to email me. I would love to listen to you.
With care,
Rev. Sam
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Hospitality Team News
Dear MVUU Family,
What an amazing experience for the MVUU Hospitality Team this year! With the many generous donations of goods, cash and the hands-on support of the Welcomer's Team, Hospitality was active in the celebratory use of the Oasis Room and Patio space SEVERAL TIMES this last month. Thank you all! It sure was FUN!
Now with the increasing heat, we are mindful of Covid Carefulness and our Creature Comfort needs while providing cool beverages. The current Hospitality team of both snow and rain birds have returned to cooler climates until the fall with the last several leaving in two weeks.
You are needed!
Sundays, May 15 & May 22, 9:30 am – 10 am, and 12:15 pm - 12:30 pm. I will train ANYONE who can donate 45 mins.
You will learn:
1. To prepare cool beverages,
2. To safely use the beverage cart stations, and
3. To load/start the dishwasher.
You are done by 12:30 PM when the building is locked!!!
Elizabeth van Horn
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Thank You for Supporting School Partnerships
The School Partnerships team at MVUU was elated by your generosity in the month of March through the Woven Basket donations. The team stands poised to purchase needed backpacks and school supplies, and sometimes, clothing and equipment, for students at Laguna and Hendricks elementary schools in the Flowing Wells District. Both schools have a Title I designation, with a majority of their pupils (90% and 70%) who qualify for free breakfast and lunch.
Your March 2022 contributions of $2,460 and the remainder in the School Partnerships account, will insure that MVUU is able to meet many of their needs for the upcoming fall semester. THANK YOU!
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Book GroUUp Spring 2022
Wednesday, May 18 , 6:30 pm
Join UUJAZ each month for a justice centered book discussion from the perspective of our Unitarian Universalist values. This month we will be discussing Defund Fear: Safety Without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment by Zach Norris. To join us, Register HERE.
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Games IRL (In Real Life)
Saturday, May 21, 4:00 pm
Who says that game play ends when you’re an adult? Not us! This game day is geared to those ages 12+ who want to play a variety of table-top games. Wingspan? Yes! Azul? Yes! Century Spice Road? Yes! Bring your favorite and come teach it to us.
Kids younger than 12 are more than welcome to attend, but we don’t have child care for this day. We do have access to the playground, so we can work together for some time to play with the kids and time to let them play.
We will stop for a break when we get peckish to order a pizza (vegetarian option available, but not gluten free). Bring a side to share! Join us at UUCT at 4831 E. 22nd Ave.
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Beginning of Summer Celebration
Saturday, May 21, 6:00 pm
Who is ready for summer? We are! Bring your picnic dinner and any games you want to play. When it gets dark, we’ll light up the fire pit and toast some marshmallows! It might even get dark enough for a game of Glow Tag. Who knows what else we’ll think to do! Join us at UUCT 4831 E. 22nd Ave.
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Contigo News!
Dear MVUU,
Well, we are launching our third Asylum Seeker Accompaniment! On Tuesday, May 2, Kesnel (father) and Kerwens (baby) Sylvestre, from Haiti, will move into Christiane and Melva’s apartment at 3410 W. Sophia St! They come to us after a very long journey by way of 5 years in Brazil and then months in Mexico. Kesnel speaks Creole, Portuguese, Spanish and some French.
Kesnel is the father of Kerwens who is 9 months old, just beginning to crawl, and described as “adorable.” Kerwens mother, Guivelnada, is hospitalized at the NW hospital with multiple issues, having been transferred from the Yuma hospital, and before that various hospitals in Mexico for over three months. When asked how they got all the way here when the mother was so ill, Kesnel said he carried her on his back while carrying the baby on his chest! This is is thought to be a short stay for them, hopefully until the mom is released and they are safe to go to Florida where they have family.
We are happily joined in this effort by Casa Alitas who has been housing this small family since they arrived in Tucson. Together we will do our best to provide needed support and transportation daily to the hospital for father and son to see the mom.
Thanks, once again, to Christiane and Melva, for their gracious offering of this apartment to this family at such a critical time.
IF ANY OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN BEFRIENDING THIS FAMILY, PLEASE CALL/TEXT. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
Cheri Desmond May
(612) 750-6747
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MVUU Choir
Wednesdays in May, 6 pm
Would you like to be a part of the choir, perform an instrumental or be a part of an ensemble here at MVUU? You are welcome to join us!
During the month of May, we will be meeting weekly for Choir, two times in person on the patio at MVUU and two times via Zoom. Please make sure to note your calendar. We would love to see you there!
May 18 - In person on the MVUU Patio
May 25 - Join us via Zoom
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Chronic Illness & Pain Support Group
Tuesday, May 24, 3 pm
Join MVUU's Chronic Pain & Illness Support Group every other Tuesday afternoon on Zoom. Come and be in a space of community where there are fresh ears to hear and experiences to share. Join Zoom
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May Woven Basket Partner
Children's Action Alliance
Children’s Action Alliance is an independent voice that identifies and eliminates barriers to the well-being of children and families and creates opportunities through partnerships and policy solutions. We work to create an Arizona where every child is safe, loved, and has access to quality education and affordable health care. We advocate for meaningful legislation and smart policies that improve the lives of Arizona families and children.
2022 Legislative Priorities
Health
Early Childhood
Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice
K-12 Funding State Budget
For more information about Children's Action Alliance Click HERE
Donate via MVUU as the Woven Basket Partner: You can make your donations online at http://mvuu.org/donate/ or by sending a check to the Church Office. The mailing address is: MVUU, P. O. Box 91080, Tucson AZ 85752. Please indicate that this donation is for the Woven Basket in the memo line.
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The Sunday Book Group on Zoom
Sunday, May 15, 8:15 am
On Sunday, May 8, we will discuss Chapter 6 as we continue with The Invention of Science: A new history of the scientific revolution, by David Wootton. We have changed the reading schedule, so, we’ll now be reading this book until June 5. For questions or a Zoom link, Email John Clark.
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Men's Night Out (Virtual)
Tuesdays, 7 pm
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Laughter Yoga
During May, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4-4:30 pm
Ages: Everyone who wants to laugh
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Caring Hearts Circles
Join a Caring Hearts Circle to connect, strengthen, and expand ties within our congregation. Circles meet weekly or bi-weekly via Zoom so that we can be together even as we are physically apart. Got Questions? Email Beth Williams or Email Connie Casebolt
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MVUU's New LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
For those needing to speak to someone from the church about LGBTQ issues, feel free to contact MVUU's affiliated minister, Email Rev. Christiane Heyde or text (520) 393-9960.
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Book GroUUp Spring 2022
Wednesday, May 18 , 6:30 pm
Join UUJAZ each month for a justice centered book discussion from the perspective of our Unitarian Universalist values.
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Bookaholics Unanimous
Tuesday, May 31, 2 pm
We are currently reading Under a White Sky, by Elizabeth Kolbert. If you are interested in learning more about the book group and Zoom, Email Anne Leonard or call her at (520) 307-8045.
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Come Together for Democracy
Please sign the Arizonans for Fair Elections petition,
Sign after in-person MVUU services, or at other locations, which you can find at AZFE.org Email Bob Wallace or call him at (414) 617-3914.
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Children's Action Alliance
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Give your pledge or
Donate to MVUU online
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Send your check to MVUU, P.O. Box 91080, Tucson, AZ 85752, indicating which fund you'd like it to go to (i.e. Pledge, Operating Fund, Capital Campaign, Woven Basket, etc.). |
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Find your Friends in MVUU's Photo Directory
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Newsletter Deadlines: The next newsletter will be published Friday, May 20. Submit articles to editor@mvuu.org by 12 pm, Monday, May 16. No Exceptions. Articles may not exceed 250 words. Thank you.
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