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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Sunday Morning Experience
Join us for Worship Online at 10:30 am
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Sunday, May 16, 9:30 am
Kids (and their grown-ups), join us this Sunday for our K-5 religious education program! All through the month of May, we will be exploring the theme of Story. 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, May 16, 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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Soul Matters Small Group- Adult LifeSpan
Sunday, May 16, 11:45 am
All are welcome. It is helpful to do one spiritual exercise from the monthly packet, prior to the group meeting so you can share your experience. Here are the Story spiritual exercises:
What’s Your Sentence?
Zoom Your Story
Have the Stories that Shaped America Shaped You?
Imagine the Story Re-Written
Find Insight About Story in the Recommended Resources
If you have an active PrairieUU Gmail account click on this link (to the May small group packet).
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Ralph Waldo Mouse Says:
"Love is love!"
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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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Over the years since Deirdre’s and my return to Prairie, I have heard concerns and complaints firsthand, secondhand, and at least once publicly that Prairie has become too political. Often the concern was voiced with a yearning for Prairie to re-focus on “the spiritual”.
I came upon this statement recently in the margin of a page where I was looking up a poem by a Muskogee singer. It is by an author I don’t know on a site I have never visited, but it speaks directly to me in my desire for peace-and-quiet:
“I want my friends to understand that ‘staying out of politics’ or being ‘sick of politics’ is privilege in action. Your privilege allows you to live a non-political existence. Your wealth, your race, your abilities or your gender allows you to live a life in which you likely will not be a target of bigotry, attacks, deportation, or genocide. You don’t want to get political, you don’t want to fight because your life and safety are not at stake.
“It is hard and exhausting to bring up issues of oppression (aka ‘get political’). The fighting is tiring. I get it. Self-care is essential. But if you find politics annoying and you just want everyone to be nice, please know that people are literally fighting for their lives and safety. You might not see it, but that’s what privilege does.” / Kristen Tea, motherwiselife.org
My soul has repeatedly nudged me out of my place of comfort, thankfully, because it could not long endure my just going along with unjust and untrue things. I would try to convince my soul that these injustices are remote, and I can influence them little, and it takes so much effort. And, being nudged, I have detested the process, every time! But it has also bought me just a tiny bit closer to liberation every time as well.
Uncannily, the letter from UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray in the Spring 2021 edition of UU World is titled, “Our Commitment to Democracy is Theological”. She reasserts that UU’s affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person IS spiritual. She says, “Living the values that Unitarian Universalism calls us to is not easy. They call us to audaciously imagine a world where no one is disposable and where everyone can thrive. They also call us to the struggle that brings these ideals to fruition.”
Being “woke” and working toward parity and equity are only steps. The goal, I heard at a talk nearly four years ago, is justice. I will add that the goal is also liberation.
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From Leadership Development Committee ... |
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COSM election results
Congratulations to Margaret DeLeon and Maurice Murray for being elected to the Committee on Shared Ministry. Their terms will begin now and run through June 2024. Thirty-five percent of Members voted in this on-line election, which exceeded the twenty-five percent required for a quorum. They will join existing COSM members, Susan E., Jan C., Alyson G. and Deidre T.
Leadership Development Committee needs additional members
The Leadership Development Committee, formerly the Nominations Committee, is responsible for Prairie's election process and for coordinating Leadership Development opportunities for current and aspiring Church leaders. The election process includes: publicizing openings for elected positions, providing applicable committee/position descriptions, developing statement of interest questions for each type of position, supporting members in developing their statement of interest, presenting the election slate and candidate information and election follow-up. The Leadership Development piece is new and we need to identify how we want to do this. There is a lot of good information on the UUA website that could be a starting point.
The Leadership Development Committee is usually elected members. At this time the only two members are Mollie M. and Janet S. New Members will be elected this May/June. In the meantime, the Prairie Board has asked that any interested members join this Committee to help us work through new processes. It is a chance to be involved for a little bit, before deciding if you wish to be a candidate for the Committee! Of course, you can be a candidate without joining now. If you are interested in joining the Committee or want more information, please contact Janet S., Mollie M. or Jen S.
Chair, Leadership Development Committee
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Soul Matters Adult Small Group
May Theme is Story
When: May 16, 2021
Time: 11:45-12:45 online, after Candles of Community. To get on the meeting go to the Prairieuu.org calendar and click on the Learning Hour - LifeSpan Adults or click here.
All are welcome. It is helpful to do one spiritual exercise from the monthly packet, prior to the group meeting so you can share your experience. Here are the Story spiritual exercises:
What’s Your Sentence?
Zoom Your Story
Have the Stories that Shaped America Shaped You?
Imagine the Story Re-Written
Find Insight About Story in the Recommended Resources
Below you will find information to get the monthly Soul Matters small group packet.
If you have an active PrairieUU Gmail account click on this link (to the May small group packet).
If you do not have a PrairieUU Gmail account, or can’t access it, please contact Rhonda to get this set up.
If you are unable to get the documents and want to start using them, email Janet S.
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Habitat for Humanity Build Days are Back!
As part of our affiliation with Habitat Interfaith Alliance, Prairie UU has secured TWO build days this summer. August 21 is our official day (there are 5 slots) plus we were able to get 4 slots on June 5. Due to Covid protocols we won't all be building together, but these extra slots will give more people a chance to participate in this rewarding activity.
7:45 am- 3:30 pm
Minimum age is 16 years old.
Questions? Never built before? Call either of Prairie's liaisons to HIA for more info: Deena 303.809.0661 or Jim 720.320.1636
Deena will be leading the Prairie contingent on June 5, and Jim will head the team on Aug. 21
Note: please allow Prairie members first dibs. Beginning May 1 if there are still openings, spouses and friends of Prairie are welcome to sign up.
To sign up to build on June 5, click here.
(Since this isn't our official day, we will not be able to see who's registered. Please let Deena know if you sign up for June 5 and she'll coordinate carpooling.)
To sign up to build on August 21, click here.
(We can see who's registered for August 21. Jim will coordinate carpooling as the date gets closer.)
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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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Colorado UU's for Racial Justice - click here
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The UUA - click here
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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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Committee on Shared Ministry
Monday, May 10, 6:30 pm
The COSM is dedicated to growing our Vision, ensuring we live together in Right Relation, and conducting ministerial oversight and connection. All of our PrairieUU community members are welcome to join us for the first 30 minutes from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. If you are unable to make it to our meeting, you can always leave a message in our Suggestion Box.
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Tech Talk
Tuesday, May 11, 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, May 11, 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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Life-Transitions Support Group
Wednesday, May 12, at 6:30
This new Prairie online support group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. You can access this meeting from the Prairie Calendar, on our website.
If you, or a friend or relative of yours, would like to attend our support group, please contact either Fran or me, before the group's normal meeting time, so that we know how many attendees to expect. If we don't hear from anyone by the 2nd Tuesday of the month, we won't bother to initiate the online meeting for that month. Thank you for your understanding.
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LifeSpan Meeting
Thursday, May 13, 5:30 pm
Join us each month as we engage in planning education for all ages at PrairieUU.
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Healthy Living Small Group
Friday, May 14, 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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Jen Simon's Ordination
Saturday, May 15, 3:00 pm
Join us for a virtual celebration as Prairie Unitarian Universalist and the First Unitarian Society of Denver ordain Jen Simon into UU ministry.
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MUUved to Action
Tuesday, May 18, 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, May 19, 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, May 19, 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, May 21, 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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Spring Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 23, 11:45 pm
This is an important meeting. We will be approving the 2021/2022 budget. Additional agenda items include: approving the slate of candidates for Leadership Development Committee members as presented by the Nominating Committee.” The agenda is below.
Please let Vivian L or Susan know if you have additional items to add.
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Colorado UU's for Racial Justice Educational Series
June 4-6
Please join us for the kickoff of the Colorado UU's for Racial Justice summer educational series, Reaching Deeper: Building Relationships at the Speed of Trust. This series is open and without cost to ALL congregants of the sponsoring UURJ congregations, and it is the first step in a summer that will focus on building a Front-Range wide, non-hierarchical, relationship-based coalition among UU communities. The series will explore what centering marginalized voices actually looks like in practice, with the goal of building the relationships among congregations that are crucial to an effective and unified Colorado UU anti-oppression, anti-racism coalition.
We need YOU in this series.
Contact Jen S for questions.
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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 11
What are common computer mistakes that lead to trouble?
These are the some of the most common computer mistakes made by users. Details at the link above.
TOP 8 COMPUTER MISTAKES USERS MAKE
- Turning computer off improperly : (shut down checks all unsaved work and saves files).
- Not using backup power : (a surge protector on your power strip is a good investment).
- Downloading software from third-party websites: (dangerous as you may pick up a virus).
- Installing unverified software: (check your source before installing new applications).
- Removing external devices unexpectedly: (eject the external device and wait till it disappears).
- Failure to backup important data: (always back up your files to avoid loss of your work).
- Not keeping operating system or software up-to-date: (this is to use latest protections).
- Clicking Next or OK without reading: (you may have agreed to install or buy something)
I might add “sending an email before reading it carefully” to this list. Painful results can follow and feelings be hurt if you said something that you didn’t even realize sounded bad.
The next episode will explore risky behavior you will probably want to avoid.
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. © 5/10/21
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Hi Prairie!
High-level vaccine talking points
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As of 5/4/2021, 657,905 individuals (53.8%) have been vaccinated with at least 1 dose in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. Of those, 458,207 (37.5%) have had all the doses needed to be fully vaccinated. Of all individuals who have had at least one dose, only 21.7% are Hispanic and 35.3% are African American or Black, emphasizing the need to continue to promote the vaccine in our communities of color.
- The Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen vaccine is an available vaccine option in Colorado again as of April 23. Colorado has placed additional orders of J&J vaccine and will continue to do so in weekly intervals moving forward to ensure this vaccine option is available. The FDA has determined that the available data show that the J&J vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older.
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Finding a COVID-19 vaccination is easier than ever. TCHD is now offering vaccination by walk-in with no appointment needed. Vaccine scheduling is also more convenient with TCHD and our area vaccine providers offering evening and weekend hours. All state community vaccination sites and equity sites are also offering walk up/drive thru without appointments required.
- The FDA is likely to authorize Pfizer vaccine for people as young as 12 years old as early as next week. TCHD is working with local pediatricians to help support their access to the vaccine in smaller quantities. (Pfizer comes in 1170 doses with time-limited storage in the freezer and fridge, so it poses logistical issues for health care provider offices.)
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CDC estimates we need anywhere from 67 – 79% of the population vaccinated for community immunity. According to the latest Census data, that puts Colorado at about 3.8 - 4.5 million people who need to get vaccinated. Currently, 1.8 million Coloradans are fully immunized and 2.5 million are immunized with at least one dose.
- While most high-risk Coloradans are already vaccinated, we’re starting to see a concerning rise in cases among children — especially among middle and high school students. We want to remind everyone to continue to rely on mask-wearing, physical distancing, and healthy habits like handwashing to control the spread among children and all of our communities.
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Please continue to utilize materials from CDPHE and CDC to promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence.
Statewide mask order talking points
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The Colorado statewide mask mandate has been updated. Masks are no longer required in indoor public spaces if 80% of people in attendance have provided proof of COVID-19 vaccination or by restaurant employees if 85% of staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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In Adams and Arapahoe counties, the TCHD face covering order applies, and does not currently include these exceptions. (Douglas County has opted-out of the TCHD order.)
Thank you! Stay well, stay safe, and stay smiling
~Calisse
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COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
Information from the American Nurses Association from Vivian L.
This COVID-19 video education series will help you learn how to assess your mental health needs during this pandemic, understand the magnitude of challenges you are facing, and determine how to identify mental health support resources.
This video education series is
Immediately accessible.
Click below to access all COVID-19 and your mental health video content:
Topics that can be viewed as quick videos or as one of two on-demand 60-minute webinars include:
Assessing Mental Health
This 4-minute quick video examines various methods of how to assess your mental health.
Identifying Mental Health Support
This 5-minute quick video covers various symptoms of distress and how to know when and what type of help you need -- and how to get it.
How Leaders Can Help
This 9-minute quick video examines several mindful communications to support colleagues in times of need and the role of nurse leaders in helping their staff maintain mental well-being.
Is this normal?
This 5-minute quick video examines what we are experiencing in response to the pandemic and the four domains impacted by distress
The Magnitude of the Problem
This 7-minute quick video examines the magnitude of nurses' distress related to caring for COVID-19 patients and its implications.
Pros and Cons of Stress
This 4-minute quick video covers some of the research on stress, the pros and cons of this common reaction to events in our lives, and how to make it a positive.
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Made possible by the generosity of the American Nurses Foundation.
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UUA Pacific Western Regions
Planning for multi-platform (in-person/online) church: the PWR staff will be hosting a series of conversation groups in May focused on the questions so many of you have been articulating to us and wrestling with about what the coming months will look like for your congregation as Covid restrictions ease. We will use a flipped-classroom model where you are asked to watch the webinars that the Central East Region Congregational Life staff have produced and then come for conversation with us and each other. Here is the registration link: join the conversation. The full description is below my signature.
Regionalization discussions: the journey from districts (Pacific Southwest, Pacific Northwest, Pacific Central, and Mountain Desert) to one unified region (Pacific Western Region) is underway. PWR staff and district boards have been hosting a series of conversations about how various areas of UUism will be expressed as we fully regionalize our governance and operations. This month we’re exploring Leadership--meaning the involvement of UUs in leading the region and UUA--and Programs for Youth & Emerging Adults.
Love Right Through Forum Topics
Emerging Adults (ages 18-25)
May 17th 6:30pm - 8:00pm PT Leadership
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UUA Pacific Western Regions - May 2021
The leading article is 'On the Other Side of the Chauvin Trial Verdict It starts: Finally, we’re on the other side of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. After almost of year of protests and speculations, the jury ruled that the former Minneapolis police officer was guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd.
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!
PLEASE NOTE:
This year, there will be a contested election for a position on the UUA Board of Trustees (3-year term). Polls open June 1 and close on June 25.
Learn more about the candidates in the contested election for Board of Trustees Position #8. The UUA will host two online candidate forums - one in late May or early June (date TBD), and one during General Assembly (June 24).
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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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