While I was taking Spanish classes in Costa Rica during my sabbatical, I was reminded of how awkward conversations about history can get, and how quickly. One of the teachers was a woman from Spain, and she had recently been in the capital. When I asked her how it was, she spoke of her disappointment, the way that it wasn’t as rich or interesting as the European cities she was accustomed to, places like Barcelona and Madrid. In English I might have had a few more words to soften my remarks, but as a language learner I didn’t have at hand the keys to invite a deeper engagement. “¿Sabes que esos ciudades fueron construidos con el oro de los países de los américas, no?” You know that those cities were built with the gold from here, right?

The silence that followed made it clear that I had gone somewhere that had crossed a boundary, a social expectation. The history of colonialism is present all around the world. In our country, and the rest of the continent, but also the hidden kinds of history, the buildings and wealth that make Europe that incredible place to visit, filled with buildings and art and markets, while so much of the heritage of the indigenous peoples here was melted down and carted off centuries ago. It’s like this, the awkwardness, for many of us when we start to have conversations about race and history. Things we didn’t know, or don’t know what to do with when we find out. We weren’t there, we didn’t do it ourselves, and we often feel shame or guilt or personal judgement. And that is a hard place to move forward from. The temptation is to leave the past in the past, except we can’t.

Our partners in Guatemala, ADIVIMA, have a book they published years ago about the violence that happened there, that left their community so impoverished and beaten. The internal armed conflict they call it, though I think genocide fits better. They have spent years reckoning with the past, and with the cultural imperative that came from the massacres, the thousands of dead, some 20% of their community killed in just a few short years in the 70s and 80s, and trying to build a better future for themselves, and especially their children. But they also believe that their ancestors will remain rootless, stuck, if the right rituals aren’t done at the right times, where their loved ones are buried. This is made harder by the large number of them that were never found, the clandestine graves designed to hide the past. They know that history is present, and they teach me, time and again, why it matters.

In the book, Estamos Vivos (We Are Alive) they quote from the Italian philosopher Primo Levi, an Italian Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, who said “It is neither easy nor agreeable to dredge this abyss of viciousness, and yet I think it must be done, because what could be perpetrated yesterday could be attempted again tomorrow, could overwhelm us and our children. One is tempted to turn away with a grimace and close one's mind: this is a temptation one must resist.”

This, too, feels like our work, in this time, in this place. Wherever you are on the journey, I invite you to keep your mind open, to not turn away, and to remember what has been done, so that it may never happen again.

Holding history can be complicated. I know there are parts of my own and my family’s history that is retold, over and over again, at every family gathering we have. Every telling reminds us of our shared history. We love these stories. And then there are the other stories. The ones that are not shared quite as freely or with the same lightness of heart and laughter. These stories also hold our history, but they include mistakes, loss, disappointment, and even failure. All of these stories have shaped our shared history, individually and as a family. They reshaped us into who we are becoming. 

November welcomes us into how we hold history, all of it. What we celebrate, and the learning we connect to. The people we have lost that we remain connected to by our love. The courageous stories of those who have come before us and have left meaningful learning in our care. The powerful truth-tellers who have created pathways to our future and an invitation to explore our own unique stories and who and what has formed our histories.

As we embark on a journey of holding the history, let us find joy in the history we celebrate and learn from the history that is shaping us as individuals and as a faith community. 

Welcome Denard Thomas -

Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Coordinator

Denard comes to us with years of experience in youth ministry at his home Pentecostal church, where he developed leadership skills, a deeper love for church family, and an understanding of community. In 2016, he was introduced to Unitarian Universalism by his partner, Pastor AJ Blackwood, where he discovered a LGBTQ welcoming faith community. He has continued his calling in youth ministry at Prairie UU, the Mountain District cluster developing collaborative youth programming, the Mountain Top UU, and Colorado’s UUs for Racial Justice. Denard is looking forward to working with Jefferson Unitarian Church’s staff, children, youth, and families as we continue to create a program that engages the entire family. 

Singing! What is our current plan and how did we get there? 

With the resuming of in-person worship, there are ways in which Sunday morning gatherings are the same, and other ways in which the experience is very different. 

I have long understood the positive aspects of congregational singing: breathing together, connecting through music, singing our history and hopes and values. So I’m longing for the day that we can sing together, in person, with one another. As JUC puts our toes back in the water of in-person gathering, our practice of communal singing on Sunday mornings is guided by advice from aerosol studies of singing and music, as well as the UUA’s Guidance for Singing Together as the Pandemic Evolves. For us, right now, that means no indoor congregational singing at this time. There are a few exceptions or variations that we are practicing:

• a single song leader, or a group of 2-3 singers with our JUiCe band
• no in-person choir in worship, however our choir of fully vaccinated adult singers is regularly rehearsing and recording (and if you are fully vaccinated, you are welcome to join!)
• we are invited to hum with one another during our chalice lighting song, and during our closing hymn

How else might we engage in a safer participatory musical experience during worship? Clapping, moving your body, dancing! If you feel like moving, there has been no better time to do so! 

I know that one day we will sing together again, and I will have a new appreciation of the experience of being swept up in a moment beyond myself, resting in the power of raised voices, together.

Opportunities for Smaller In-person Gatherings

As the JUC community returns to the building, there may be some folks who wish to be together, but in smaller groups. We have created more opportunities for those of all ages to return to one another’s presence! We are Family, led by Jules Jaramillo, is back in the JUC chapel monthly. Growing Resilience, an in-person experience aimed at strengthening balance and sharing joys and sorrows during trying times, is on second Wednesdays at noon. And Evensong (accessible in-person and online) is has returned after a summer hiatus, on Wednesday evenings. Details about times and locations are in each week’s Weekly Connection. Know that there are many ways to connect in-person with one another.

Remembering those who have Passed

Once a year, JUC sets apart time to sing the names of those in our community who have died in the last twelve months, as well to sing the names of those friends and family who our members wish to honor. This year, on Sunday, November 7 in our month of “Holding History,” we will tenderly remember those who have passed. If there is a name that you wish to be sung, please send it to Keith Arnold by Wednesday, November 3.

Hello Beloveds! One of my tasks here at JUC is to put together the twice-monthly packets for the Circles of Connection. If you haven’t heard about the program, the Circles of Connection are a small group ministry with the goal of really digesting a new theme every month. As UUs, sometimes we get stuck in our heads and forget to take lessons into our bodies, to connect with our learning in vital ways.  

With the Circles of Connection program JUC is trying to bring together people in the church who may not already know each other, to learn about their faith and beliefs through twice monthly meetings. 

The second packet in October featured the spiritual practice of coloring mandalas. The word “mandala” means “circle” in the ancient Sanskrit language. The dot in the center of the mandala represents the self, with the patterns radiating outward as the self moving into the world, then the world moves back to the individual and the cycle continues. The mandala represents the oneness in the universe. 

Mandalas are a tool used in many world religious and cultural traditions. Some of the most obvious uses of mandalas are found in Buddhism, however they are also observed in Christian stained glass art, Hindu paintings, Islamic tile work, and in the practices of ancient world civilizations. I don’t know about you, but doesn’t Stonehenge look like a giant mandala?

I’m raising the subject of mandalas because I’d like for you to consider what mandalas are all around you in your life that you never noticed before. Nature brings us examples of mandalas as well, from the rings inside of trees to the shape of celestial bodies. If mandalas are circles that represent the oneness of the universe, how do you fit into that picture? How are you a part of the everything that is, and how is everything that is a part of you? How are you a part of the cosmic mandala?

Just some food for thought going into the festive holiday season, when sometimes it can be common to feel like the world is celebrating, however we can feel left out of the revelry. 

Recalling the lesson of the mandala, that we are a part of everything, and everything is a part of us, can help us to accept life and go forward in the surety that all our emotions are held by the Spirit of Life. 

Case Collard, President

Our Board of Trustees takes turns writing articles for our newsletter. This month was supposed to be Craig Williamson’s first article. As a Board, we were shocked and saddened to hear the news of his passing.  

We were so lucky to have Craig join us on the Board this church year. His deep experience at JUC let him jump right in and contribute from the very first meeting. Many of us on the Board knew Craig well and others of us were just getting the chance. We miss him. We are holding each other, his family and friends, and our entire JUC community in tenderness. 

The Leadership Nominating Committee:

Election by Selection 

Every year, during the spring congregational meeting, JUC members elect volunteer leaders for several key positions at JUC: Board Trustees (BOT), Endowment and Memorial Gift Trustees (EMGT), Leadership Nominating Committee (LNC), Shared Mission Team (SMT), and Auction Chair. Nominees are first approved by the BOT, and in the case of BOT, EMGT and LNC are then also approved by the Congregation.

There is an election and a vote; yet unlike other elections there are no campaigns, speeches, or television advertising. For each position there is one candidate selected and added to the slate. Each candidate has qualified for the position and has agreed to serve. To find out how this happens we look to the Leadership Nominating Committee.

There are five members of LNC, and each of us serves a three-year term. We work to find church members who are interested and qualified for each position. Searching for the right candidates, we look for members who are active in church activities. Some members may be in a leadership role already. Others may have responded on a talent or volunteer survey that they have an interest in church leadership. Last year we made phone calls to try to get to know people we don’t already know. We would usually do some of this in person, but...pandemic! 

Whatever method we use is bound to miss some church members who are willing and able to serve in a leadership role. If you feel such a calling, let us know of your interest. Each year we need to fill about a dozen positions. One of these might be right for you and we would love to talk to you. Contact any of us, or email the entire committee: lnc@jeffersonunitarian.org. Carol Wilsey is our staff partner, and she also will put us in touch with you.

Current LNC members:

Will Cheever, Linda Lauer, Amanda Trosten-Bloom, Brad West, and Katie Wheeler

Pastoral Care: We All Need Somebody to Lean On

Deda Nelson

On Sunday, October 17, Rev. Eric spoke to us about cultivating relationship and how we are called to do this. He spoke directly to our church community about how to be present for each other in challenging times. “We learn to ask for help when we need it and to accept it when it is offered.” His message exemplified our Pastoral Care Mission Statement:

In our pastoral care ministry, we create a caring, equipping, and supportive ministry that enables us to live fully through the cycles of life, give and receive care, and to grow our capacity to face life’s challenges together.

Our team would like to summarize briefly how we support our JUC Community and also solicit your participation in our efforts.

Pastoral Care works to facilitate support for each other in a myriad of ways. We fulfill requests for rides, meals, medical equipment and other short term needs. Members volunteer through our eHelpers mailing list. When Joys and Sorrows are shared, our card writers reach out to those members. Volunteers host receptions following memorial services. There are various support groups where members share, comfort, and learn from their common experiences. Pastoral Care hosts workshops that can help us face the challenges that the cycles of life may bring. We also have a fund for financial needs. Finally, our ministers are here for you, to listen and help when you are facing a trying event or “when meaning is hard to find.” So…

Reach out when things are tough, and we’ll be there for you.

“Watch out for one another, and let the community know… that you’re worried about a friend, that you’re worried about yourself, let the love flow down to and through you.” Rev. Eric Banner

Call 720-CHURCH9 (720-248-7249)

Or email at cares@jeffersonunitarian.org

Be a caring presence. We welcome your help.

If you would like to join JUCeHelpers or receive the Joys and Sorrows email each week, email Rev. Eric Banner, and he will invite you to our email groups. 

There are many ways to watch out for one another and nurture relationships at JUC. If you would like to serve on our Pastoral Care Team, reach out to Rev. Eric or one of us with a blue name tag.  

New Tenant Laws Became Effective on October 1

Kathy Smith, JUC CAN

JUC's Community Action Network (JUC CAN) and Together Colorado are working in partnership with other organizations to pass statewide laws that help members of our community remain housed during the pandemic and in the future. Even as many Coloradans are recovering from the health and economic impacts of the pandemic, many of the most vulnerable among us face a longer road to recovery.

We all benefit when a system, such as rental housing, is fair for everyone. In Colorado, many of the laws do not provide a level playing field for tenants. Although most landlords do not take advantage of their tenants, some landlords, often large corporations, can misuse the system. As a result, guardrails need to be built into the statewide landlord-tenant laws. Small landlords play an essential role in providing rental housing, and some of the heroes of the pandemic are small landlords who were supportive of their tenants.

Earlier this year, many of you made your voices heard about legislation that impacts the most vulnerable among us. Your efforts paid off! There are new laws that help level the playing field for tenants.

JUC CAN supported Senate Bill 173 (Concerning Rights Related to Residential Rental Agreements), which changed several policies and practices related to rental late fees and evictions. Many of you contacted your legislators in support of this bill. The provisions of this bill became effective on October 1, and some of the changes will give tenants more time to apply for and to seek the assistance that they need to avoid eviction.

• Landlords, including mobile home parks, cannot charge late fees until the rent payment is late by at least seven calendar days.
• Late fees cannot exceed $50 or 5% of the rent amount owed that month.
• Tenants cannot be evicted solely for failure to pay late fees.
• There is at least one week between the date of the eviction filing and the hearing.
• Renters can pay all the rent that they owe and stop the eviction up to the time that the judge issues a judgment.
• Renters can recover financial damages if they are illegally locked out.

Click here for more information about this law.

In addition, a new law that went into effect in June prevents landlords, including mobile home parks, from raising rent more than once in a 12-month period. This law also gives tenants 10 days to vacate their home after an eviction is ordered by a judge (previously 48 hours). Existing laws allow mobile home owners 30 days (extendable to 60 days) to vacate after an eviction order.

Together we CAN make a difference!

There is rental assistance available for both landlords and tenants. Congress allocated $690 million to Colorado just for rental assistance programs. The state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program offers up to 15 months in past-due and future rent payments. Jefferson County administers its own emergency rent, utility, and mortgage assistance programs.

If you would like to be added to the JUC CAN Action Alert list, please send an email to communityaction@jeffersonunitarian.org.

Cultivating Relationship Through Story

Piper Perry

For pagans, Halloween, Samhain or Winternights is the night we remember those that have passed on from this life to the next, whether it is the Summerlands or one of the halls of the gods or Hades or whatever reward or punishment we believe in. More importantly, we remember how those who came before still shape us in the present day. 

For the last two years, this has been a very difficult holy day. So many people have crossed over due to Covid, and the usual rituals of standing together, breathing together, creating sacred space holding hands, hugging, touching, crying together have been unwise during this pandemic. Rituals during which we danced and drummed and sat around the fire and spoke of our ancestors of body and spirit have moved to Zoom practicing together alone in our homes. 

In this time of distance, the most important way we can cultivate relationship is through stories. Stories shape who we are, recall where we have been and project out into where we are going. When we share our stories with each other, we find the places where our experiences are familiar beats in the world song and where there are new notes to learn. 

Our ancestors are only alive through memory. In this season of building relationships, how have your ancestors’ stories shaped you? What values do you hold, what do you find sacred or profane or mundane because of those stories? How do you reflect those values, and how have you rejected those values? How do you build relationships with people who share your values? How do you build relationships with people who don’t? 

This is also the time of year when we engage with our shadow selves. We work on our awareness of the places where trauma and sorrow have dimmed our inner fires and how we can heal those places as the world turns toward spring. What in our stories and the stories we share with others do us harm? What parts heal us? How do we nurture relationships using the awareness we have cultivated during this time of introspection? 

Just as important in our relationship building with story is acknowledging the stories we ignore. Many of us know the stories of our ancestors and our mythologies better than we know the stories of the people that lived here when our ancestors came here or the stories of the people who share our space but not our race, sex, gender, orientation, class, age, ability or religion. Like the dark spaces in a skeleton, those places are dark to us when they should not be. 

We live in an amazing time, when we have access to more stories than we ever have in the history of our species. Through social media, we can see into the lives and learn of the stories of people around the world and right next door. Find the stories that fill in those dark spaces of your awareness, so that you can build relationships in new and different ways, ways that include more of us. 

Happy Halloween!