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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21/22 PrairieUU Pledge Drive |
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Prairie 21/22 Pledge Drive: Nurturing Our Roots: Rebirth and Renewal
We need to have our financial roots nurtured to keep our Prairie Community going strong. If you have already pledged, Thank you so much. If you have not pledged, please do so by clicking on the pledge form here. Our Pledge drive is wrapping up on April 23rd. Thank you.
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Special Election for COSM Members |
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Dear Members,
We currently have two vacant positions on the Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM). This is a very important Committee that is responsible for our Mission and Vision; Right Relations and Ministerial support and evaluation. The Prairie Board has asked that there be a special election to fill these vacancies as soon as possible and that these positions would then continue (starting in July) into the three year terms for COSM that were recently approved by the Congregation.
The Leadership Development Committee (formerly the Nominations Committee) has publicized that these positions were open and have received Statements of Interests from two candidates. We are pleased that Margaret deLeon and Maurice Murray have expressed their interest in being candidates for these positions. Please click on the links below to see/hear their Statements of Interests.
Click here to view Margaret de Leon's statement of interest.
Click here to view Maurice Murray's video statement of interest.
(you will need to be logged in to your PrairieUU email to view the video)
You may also access the video here, it will require you to download.
To vote please click here by Sunday, April 25th.
Thank you for voting for Prairie's leadership.
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Sunday Morning Experience
Join us for Worship Online at 10:30 am
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Sunday Worship -
Reflection on Trust and Continuing Conversation
Sunday, April 25, 10:30 am
Please join us for our Sunday service as we have a Reflection on Trust as well as continuing conversation. In April, we are exploring our monthly theme, becoming.
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.
Watch the Worship Service:
Our Sunday morning service will be available live
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Sunday, April 25, 9:30 am
Kids (and their grown-ups), join us this Sunday for our K-5 religious education program! All through the month of April, we will be exploring the theme of becoming. Our Soul Matters curriculum is specifically designed to keep kids engaged and curious over an online platform. So come along for stories, activities, and fun!
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Sunday, April 25, 11:45 am
Welcome to our Middle and Senior High Youth from our PrairieUU and the local community to gather together. Join us for conversation, spiritual growth, and social activities.
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Ralph Waldo Mouse Says:
"No fixing, no advice giving, no correcting one another."
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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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Beloved Prairie Community,
Candles of Community is one of our most sacred and cherished rituals. To be held in one another's hearts deepens the comfort and celebrations we feel both individually and collectively. We want to let you all know that Prairie's Board of Trustees will be discussing policy regarding how we share Candles in written format with members of our larger community. They will be discussing a potential policy at their meeting on April 21st and presenting policy considerations to the congregation during our Congregational Meeting on May 30th. Until then, we will be suspending sending out the regular weekly candles email. Please consider sharing what candles means to you with Prairie's Leadership and participate in upcoming discussion.
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Together Colorado Legislative Action
Together Colorado is a faith-based community organization seeking to promote participatory democracy that works for everyone. Our congregation works with Together Colorado. We are seeking as many of us as possible to sign up for action alerts for the next 3-4 weeks of the current Colorado legislative session. The emphases for this year are affordable housing and putting an end to an ineffective and discriminatory policing practice called "show-ups". (You can listen to the powerful showups testimony of Together Colorado leader Sharon Battle here.) It would be so helpful for our local legislators to hear from us about our support for these justice-oriented issues that are before them. Sign up here: https://www.togethercolorado.org/legislation#alerts.
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Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition (DCHYC)
Community members and Partners,
The Douglas County Healthy Youth Coalition (DCHYC) is excited to announce our upcoming webinar! On the evening of May 5th 2021, 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Registration link
How To Have Hard Conversations and Create Inclusive Communities.
How do we make an inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging? How can we have honest conversations about discrimination, bias and bigotry that brings us closer as a community? How do we integrate the principles of dignity with members of our community, as well as further anti-discrimination work? While this topic for many can be uncomfortable, it is efforts like these that build our capacity to be a place of dignity for all. This is a solution focused learning opportunity and is not geared toward shaming dominant cultures or races.
Increased knowledge and skills to support school and community’s efforts to promote diversity and equity by covering the following topics:
- Bridge understanding about forms of discrimination/bias so that various community constituents feel heard and acknowledged
- Support anti-discrimination and inclusivity in all expressions of sexual orientation
- Facilitate conversations by defining the difference between a curious question that brings people of different experiences and opinions together, rather than a question that reinforces bias and alienation between individuals in our community
- Develop parents’ and other trusted adults’ skills to contribute to a culture of dignity in schools and the community
We intend to provide ongoing learning opportunities like this one over the coming months and years that focus on building the knowledge, skills and abilities of our families, trusted adults and our youth.
We will be working collaboratively with our members and organizational stakeholders; Tri-County Health Department, Mental Health professionals, Douglas County School District Health Wellness and Prevention (HWP) and Counseling department teams, Douglas County Mental Health Initiative, Faith community and countless others to deliver valuable ongoing learning opportunities that focus on health and well-being topics.
If you would like to learn more, follow us on Twitter@DougCoPrevent, Instagram @DCHYC, Facebook or sign up to receive our monthly newsletter through our website: dchyc.org
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PrairieUU Breakfast for Humanity (benefit for Habitat for Humanity)
Dear PrairieUU friends,
Hope you are safe and well! I believe we all share a vision of a world in which everyone has a decent place to live. I want to personally invite you to join me at Habitat Metro Denver’s virtual Breakfast for Humanity on Wednesday, April 21st.
Hear from health experts—including Colorado Health Foundation CEO and President Karen McNeil-Miller—about how living in a safe, decent and affordable home improves an entire family's health and their quality of life. A homeowner will also share how their lives have been forever changed since partnering with Habitat.
Don't miss this inspiring event!
Breakfast for Humanity
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Livestreamed at 8 am
You can reserve your spot for this free event by registering here: www.habitatbreakfast.org. Please select either Molly Frank or Nancy Green (the two Habitat Interfaith Alliance table hosts) in the drop-down menu. If you wish to make a donation, please note that it is for Habitat Interfaith Alliance.
For 2021, HIA is helping sponsor a Habitat home in the Aria neighborhood located around 52nd and Federal in NW Denver. Thank you in advance for your support!
I hope to "see" you on the 21st!
With Gratitude and Hope,
Prairie UU
Co-Secretary, Habitat Interfaith Alliance
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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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The Justice League needs YOU!
With the pandemic continuing to impact unemployment, eviction rates, and homelessness, our community needs information on rights and resources. We’re creating an informational flyer to be distributed at apartment complexes and need volunteers to help distribute. If you are able to help, please contact Kim or Melissa.
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If you are looking for more racial justice information see the following:
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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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Tech Talk
Tuesday, April 20, 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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MUUved to Action
Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 PM
MUUved to Action is a sub-group of our Justice League that meets weekly as a result of being called by our BIPOC community and members to "not sleep through the revolution". We are joined by other Denver Metro UUs and community members. We currently meet virtually on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8 via Google Meet. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Kim M.
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Finance Committee
Wednesday, April 21, 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, April 21, 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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Healthy Living Small Group
Friday, April 23 1:00 pm
Join Pastor AJ and others in our community as we engage in a healthy(ier) living time together. We will meet once a week to share ideas, recipes, what works and what doesn’t about exercise. This will be a time to connect Mind, Body and Soul. If you are interested, please join Pastor AJ’s Facebook group UU Healthy Living. Finally, Pastor AJ is also joining Weightwatchers and is inviting you to join with him. If you are interested, there are a couple of special promos that are now running but end tonight. For more information, check with Pastor AJ or sign up with Weightwatchers directly.
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Children's Chapel
Saturday, April 24 from 11:00 – 11:30 am MT
Monthly on the fourthSaturday
1st – 7th Grade and Beyond
Every 2nd Saturday through June we/UUCLV/Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey and possibly other UUs will offer a children’s chapel (virtually via zoom). This worshipful time offers our children and youth (maybe other UU congregations kids) a chance to reflect on important life issues, feel uplifted through music, hold others in care, and have time to listen to the still small voice inside. A practice of worship for children and youth grounds them in their faith in such important ways as encouraging religious identity, a sense of belonging in our UU congregation/church community and a space to grow their spirituality.
We will begin our time together with:
Songs/hymns
Chalice lighting
Joys and sorrows
A short meditation
Offertory
A story followed by ritual, meditation, activity or brief sermonette
Closing ritual
The themes for Chapel changes each month. If you are able, please allow your child to have a coin for their collection basket. We, as the Children’s Chapel community, will decide how to share our collection come the end of the congregational year in June.
Please RSVP to The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey at minister@uuclv.org and for the password.
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Rev Gordon Clay Bailey,
Minister (he/his/him)
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas
3616 E Lake Meade Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89115-6306
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Core Team
Monday, April 26, 6:30 PM
Ever wonder how Sunday mornings come together? You are welcome to come and find out and even join our Core Team. The Core Team is a compilation of individuals and representatives from the Justice League, Hospitality, Membership, Communications, and many more. All are welcome.
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MUUved to Action
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 PM
MUUved to Action is a sub-group of our Justice League that meets weekly as a result of being called by our BIPOC community and members to "not sleep through the revolution". We are joined by other Denver Metro UUs and community members. We currently meet virtually on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8 via Google Meet. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Kim M.
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Wednesday, April 28, 6:30 PM
This is space for Middle/Senior High Youth and 20something Young Adults from our PrairieUU and local community to gather together. Join us for conversation, spiritual growth, and social activities.
Please join us on Wednesday, April 28 to view: Maleficent
A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.
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Healthy Living Small Group
Friday, April 30, 1:00 pm
Join Pastor AJ and others in our community as we engage in a healthy(ier) living time together. We will meet once a week to share ideas, recipes, what works and what doesn’t about exercise. This will be a time to connect Mind, Body and Soul. If you are interested, please join Pastor AJ’s Facebook group UU Healthy Living. Finally, Pastor AJ is also joining Weightwatchers and is inviting you to join with him. If you are interested, there are a couple of special promos that are now running but end tonight. For more information, check with Pastor AJ or sign up with Weightwatchers directly.
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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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Bill's Be-Cyber-Safe Box - Episode 8
Bill’s Be-Cyber-Safe Box, Episode #8. What is suspicious about the invitation below?
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By now you should recognize clues like mis-spellings, strange grammar, etc. So, you will delete this message without clicking on that blue link! I hope you are “SEVER – ALERT” (see subject line above). Security apps do not read your email messages to watch for this stuff. You have to do that yourself. Apps like Antivirus Sentinel Pro just block “behind the scenes” stuff.
The next episode will discuss what to do if you think you may have picked up a computer virus.
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. © 4/19/21
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Boosting Vaccine Confidence in Minority Populations
From Vivian L, important information from the American Nurses Association. Click here to read more. |
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Hi Prairie! Here is the latest Masking ORDER for the Denver/Metro area (and Tri-County Health Department), as of April 5th:
The link to the full order:
Here are the take-aways:
ORDER
A. Pursuant to the statutory authority granted to the Executive Director/Public Health Director of TCHD, and at the authorization and direction of the TCHD Board of Health, the following is ordered:
1. Each person over ten (10) years old, when in Adams, Arapahoe, or Douglas County, must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when entering or within any Public Indoor Spaces. For the purposes of this Order, Public Indoor Space means any enclosed indoor area that is publicly or privately owned, managed, or operated, to which individuals have access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, and that is accessible to the public, serves as a place of employment, or is an entity providing services. Public Indoor Space does not mean a person’s residence, including a room in a motel or hotel or a residential room for students at an educational facility.
2. To protect workers, customers, and the community, owners, operators, and managers of any indoor public space, and those authorized on their behalf, shall deny admittance or service and require the removal of any individual who fails to wear a medical or non-medical face covering as required by this Order.
3. Owners, operators, or managers of the businesses, services, and locations that constitute a public indoor space, and those authorized on their behalf, must post signs at entrance(s) instructing individuals of their legal obligation under this Order to wear a face covering when entering or within the business, service, or location.
4. Parents or custodians or caregivers are strongly encouraged to have their children between two (2) and ten (10) years old wear a face covering in accordance with CDC guidelines. Parents and custodians and caregivers must supervise use of face coverings by children to avoid misuse or unsafe conditions.
5. Face coverings are not a replacement for adhering to social distancing and other public health protocols with respect to COVID-19. All individuals must continue to maintain 6 feet or more of distance from other people, wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and stay home when sick. Face coverings should be worn regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status except in settings designated as not needing such by CDC guidance.
B. The following individuals are exempt from the requirements of this Order:
1. Individuals ten (10) years old and younger; and
2. Individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face covering.
C. Individuals performing the following activities are exempt from the requirements of this Order while the activity is being performed:
1. Individuals who are hearing impaired or otherwise disabled or who are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication;
2. Individuals who are seated at a food service establishment;
3. Individuals who are exercising alone or with others from the individual’s household and a face covering would interfere with the activity;
4. Individuals who are receiving a personal service where the temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
5. Individuals who enter a business or receive services and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes;
6. Individuals who are actively engaged in a public safety role, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel;
7. Individuals who are officiating or participating in a life rite or religious service where the temporary removal of a face covering is necessary to complete or participate in the life rite or religious service; 8. Individuals who are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience; 9. Individuals who are alone in a room.
Colorado extends vaccine availability to everyone age 16 and above The state is now in Phase 2 of the vaccine distribution plan, which allows vaccination for everyone in the general public age 16 and over. Everyone in the previous phases remain eligible, and vaccine providers may prioritize by age, depending on their supply. The state has launched six community vaccination sites across the state to help with vaccine administration and access. Find a vaccine provider near you. The best next step is to sign up on a waitlist at a vaccine clinic or provider near you. You can use the Colorado COVID-19 Vaccine Spotter to find vaccine appointment openings at pharmacies, updated every minute. The vaccine is free and no identification is required. The more people who get vaccinated against COVID-19, the sooner we can get back to enjoying time with our loved ones and helping our businesses recover. If you or someone you know has questions, please contact our call center at 303-220-9200, email us at email callcenter@tchd.org or visit our vaccine webpage. The state’s toll-free COVID-19 vaccine hotline number is also available 24 hours per day every day to answer questions in multiple languages at 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).
If you have questions about these orders, or any other COVID-19 related inquiries, or vaccinations, please call Tri-County Health Department, call center at: 303-220-9200
Option 2, Option 1
Thank you! Stay well, stay safe, and stay smiling
~Calisse
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UUA Special Announcement - April 2021
Moving into the coming year, the UUA recommends that congregations plan for multi-platform operations—a flexible combination of in-person and online engagement based on the needs and risks in your community.
Read more by clicking here. |
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UUA General Assembly
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Participants worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend; congregations must certify annually to have voting delegates
The UUA Board of Trustees has passed a resolution making the 2021 UUA General Assembly a 100% virtual event. Let’s reach record-breaking attendance June 23-27, 2021!
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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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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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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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General Office Hours
Mon-Thur - 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Office Hours - M-Th 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Phone/Text - 720-549-0531
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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