Baja 4: Stronger Together
Unitarian Universalists from across Southeast Arizona
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Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. – Malcolm X | | |
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We are the Baja 4!
Representing Unitarian Universalists across southeastern Arizona, we love beyond belief and find inspiration from a wide array of spiritual, religious, and secular sources. We come together as a Baja 4 because we know we are stronger together.
Learn more about each congregation!
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Celebrations and Special Days
It's always fun to celebrate and at the same time learn about cultures around the world. Here are a few things happening this month.
Interfaith:
National & Cultural:
For Fun and On the Fringe:
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Nobel Prize Day - Dec 10
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas shown for first time - Dec 18, 1966
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Festivus for the rest of us – Dec 23
- Copyright registration of Star Trek theme song - Dec 27, 1966. Fun Fact: Star Trek is credited with the first interracial kiss on prime-time television in the US and the first African American actor in a main character on prime time.
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We Are Becoming
When we think about becoming, we often think first of growing, of becoming more and more. But becoming isn’t always about expanding and adding alone. Much of the time it requires a letting go before we can let in.
Who are we meant to become? What unique gifts can we share with the world? That is for us to find out for our whole lives. Growing into what special and unique about us isn’t always easy. Society is constantly pressuring us to become something we’re not. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us to being a people of Becoming? It tells us, “Resist what others want you to be and become your true and unique self!”
Let's explore!
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Chalice Lighting to Share
Why We're Here
By Erik Walker Wikstrom
Here, today, in this place and with these people,
May we listen so that we can hear;
May we hear so that we can feel;
May we feel so that we can know; and
May we know so that we can change ourselves and this world.
May this chalice we light,
Light our Way.
Find more chalice lightings here.
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Who Are You Becoming? Show and Tell
A lot of us have more family time with winter holiday breaks from school and other activities. This is a great time to slow down and talk about what we've done over the year.
Are there any ways that the children have used their special gifts or discovered new things about themselves?
- What new things have you tried in the last year? A new instrument, video game? Show and share it.
- What new things have entered your life? A new pet? A new family member? Regular family time on Zoom? Show and share it.
- How have you become different than this time last year? How many inches have you grown? Have you changed the way you cut (or don’t cut) your hair? Learned a new skill? Learned a new way to have fun? Show and share it
- How have you discovered and read any great stories and books? Show and share them?
- What do you think the next year will bring? What are you looking forward to?
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Here We Are
by Oliver Jeffers
Our theme this month is “What does it mean to be a people of “Becoming?”” In part, we are becoming people of the earth. Our 7th UU principle inspires us towards “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” Why do we call it an “interdependent” web? What does it mean? (it’s like a spider’s web, all parts are connected.)
Our faith, and many other faiths make taking care of the earth and the natural world, a part of being a religious person. Watch this video and discuss.
Discussion Guidance:
- What do you know about our planet? The land? The sea? The sky?
- People come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Animals do too. What are your favorite animals on earth?
- How will you use your time here on Earth? What will you figure out?
- How will you be kind?
- How will you look after the earth?
- Who will you ask to find out what you need to know?
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Take Care of Your Mental Health
by Mental Health First Aid USA
We all feel stressed from time to time during the holiday season – there is pressure to attend social events, give gifts, travel and more that can take a toll on one’s mental health. In fact, a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that nearly a quarter of Americans report feeling extreme stress during this time of year and 45% of Americans would prefer to skip the holidays entirely to avoid the associated stress.
Another study, this one from from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), found almost two-thirds (64%) of people with mental illness report the holidays make their conditions worse. Stress or anxiety associated with holiday activities can contribute to worsening symptoms.
This year may feel especially challenging, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of loved ones, financial stress from lost jobs, and feelings of anxiety because of the uncertainties associated with the pandemic – these are all impacting the way people feel.
Read more here
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Show Some Love to Casa Alitas
Our LFD Social Justice Project partner is Casa Alitas, also known as the Alitas Program of Catholic Community Services (CCS), a humanitarian aid project committed to providing assistance to asylum-seekers released from ICE and Border Patrol detention into our community. Volunteers offer support by providing hospitality, including housing, food, clothing, toiletries, advocacy, and travel assistance. Our goal is to provide a welcoming, comfortable, safe, and healthy location for the guests to await their journeys, and to prepare them to reunite with family across the country. More at https://www.casaalitas.org/
They are specifically in need of donations of:
- New underwear for men, women, and children
- New sweats and leggings for men, women, and children
- Backpacks of all sizes
Special Service Project
This month we also want to collect and donate lap-blanket sized blankets to send with the guests heading to cold weather. One options is to create a No-Sew Blanket! Instructions for the blankets are here for those with their own fabric or who can purchase their own. Kits will be available by emailing Baja4Sonora@gmail.com.
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Coming Events
What's Happening This Month?
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On The Patio
Mondays from 6-8pm,
Tuesdays from 9-11am, and Saturdays from 3-5pm | On the UUCT Patio at 4831 E. 22nd Street
Introducing, Open Patio Hours! Come enjoy some fellowship and community on the patio at UUCT. The focus of these events is mostly social with optional participatory activities and the occasional opportunity for causing some holy trouble. The Saturday event will be created with families with young kids in mind; UUCT will pay for playground monitors so the kids can play while parents and guardians take a break. The first Saturday event will be on December 18th, and then will resume on January 1st. As soon as our policies allow, these gatherings will move indoors into Holland so that all can enjoy some time in our sacred space. Please wear a mask. All are welcome!
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UUCT TBIRDs + MVUU Snowbirds Picnic
Thursday, December 16 | noon | Himmel Park
Fully immunized UUCT and MVUU seasonal members, visitors and friends will gather 12/16 at noon on the east side of centrally located Himmel Park across from 2nd St. Set your GPS for 1000 N. Treat Ave, a block south of East Speedway where you will find ample on street parking. All should bring deck chairs along with their lunch to join the circle. Himmel features many colorful Vermillion flycatchers chirping away and numerous birders with binocs avidly searching for the rare Indigo bunting. Contact Howard for picnic info or to sign up for TBIRD/Snowbird winter 2022 announcements.
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Yule with Southern Arizona CUUPS!
Tuesday, Dec 21 | 6:15pm |Zoom
Yule will be led by attendees of our first ever Build Your Own Ritual classes. Zoom meeting begins circa 6:15 PM MST to socialize, and ritual starts at 6:30. All ages are welcome!
Zoom room is https://zoom.us/j/8239364868
Zoom ID 823 936 4868
What is Waning?
Our Repose ritual at the end of November was full of great moments of inner stillness, as well as soothing music, and we shared laughter afterwards at the bizarre video that didn't quite make the cut.
After Yule, our next planned event is Imbolc on Sunday, January 30th, 2022.
Pagan tip of the month:
What small action can you take to make your everyday life more magical? Looking at a tarot card or rune before beginning your day? Adding shielding techniques to your shower routine? Stirring intentions into your coffee? Magic doesn't have to be on the scale of planned and scripted ritual to be effective!
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UUCT Christmas Eve Services
Dec. 24 | 4 different times available | at UUCT
All are invited to special in-person Christmas Eve services on the UUCT patio on December 24th this year. Because space on the patio will be limited, staff and our choir are hosting four services on December 24th. We will have two pageant services (at 2:30 and 3:30 pm) and two contemplative services (at 4:30 and 5:30 pm).
The pageant services will be just like the pageants you remember with one twist – bring your own costume! Everyone is welcome to pick up a costume to borrow from UUCT (see dates below), or you could wear that shepherd, or wise person, or horse, or flamingo costume sitting in your closet.
The contemplative services will have the same words and music but a slightly different mood. Festive sweaters and/or hats encouraged at the contemplative services, mostly to keep you warm on the patio.
To make sure that we have a seat for you, please sign up each member of your family for the service you plan to attend. If you cannot use the Signup Genius, call the front office.
Read more including options and precautions ...
Sign Up
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Costume Pick Up
Dec. 17 | 4-6pm
Dec. 18 | 3-5pm
If you're attending the UUCT Pageant services on Dec. 24 and want to dress up, come pick up a costume from us! I'll have pieces from past pageants including sparkly stars, wise people, and animals of all kinds. OR come to the pageant in your own costume. ALL costumes welcome.
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2nd Hour **Seeking 2nd Hour Workshop Leaders**
Right now I’m building a schedule of workshops for 2nd Hour and would love to include you in the line up. What do you have to share with the world? Bring me an idea and we’ll work together to develop it! No need to worry about technical support. I’ll have assistants available to manage the Zoom, so you can simply lead.
If you have any questions or want to lead a workshop, please contact Jamili at DRE.UUCT@gmail.com.
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PS. Have you joined the Parenting Club group on Facebook? Everyone in the Baja 4 is welcome!
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