The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church
14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282 • Fax: 303-279-2535 November 17, 2014 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014, Issue 20 Sunday, November 23 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Helen of Joy presented by Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister
Long before grace came to be understood in the context of Christianity, a grace was one of the sisters of Splendor, Mirth and Good Cheer. What grace will it take for you to hold onto your mirth and good cheer as we head into a season of holidays and holy days, where many of us are called to do and be many things we manage to avoid the rest of the year? Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Sunday, November 30 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
You Know It When You See It presented by Beckett Coppola, Intern Minister
Think about a moment you experienced something you might call grace in your life—a moment you were surprised by it, perhaps caught off your guard. How, ultimately, can we take this serendipitous experience and transform it into a life intentionally seeking and creating grace? Music: The EverHopefuls; Adam Revell, piano. ☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, Dec. 7: Reverberating Wonder presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. Albert Einstein claimed that one could approach life as if nothing were or a miracle or as if everything were a miracle. In this month of celebrating and exploring wonder, we begin by looking at Hanukkah and other stories which open the way for miracle and wonder. Music: Worship Band; Adam Revell, piano.
Evergreen Campus Sunday, Dec. 7 • 4 p.m. New Location! 2981 Bergen Peak Dr.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 5-6 HELP WANTED! Volunteer for the Craft Faire
Reverberating Wonder presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister
See sermon description above. Worship Associate: Patti Stone. Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. 2981 Bergen Peak Dr. (Congregation Beth Evergreen) If you wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).
☛ Holiday Healing Service: Monday, Dec. 8, presented by Rev. Wendy Williams and Rev. Keith Arnold. Read more about our Holiday Healing services on p. 4. 1
The 19th Annual JUC Holiday Craft Faire is less than a month away, and we need your help to make it happen. In particular, we have two volunteer roles that are currently understaffed: • Customer Assistants: Greet customers at the door, offer them a shopping basket, and help them navigate the Craft Faire to find the products they’re looking for. Two-hour shifts on both Friday (12/5) and Saturday (12/6) are available. • Children’s Market: Help younger shoppers select, purchase, and wrap presents in the separate Children’s Market on Saturday morning. Also includes set-up. We need volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday (12/6). There are also a few slots for cashiers and packers at the finance table if that’s your preference. Please stop by the Craft Faire table on Sundays after both services to sign up for any of our volunteer opportunities. Thanks for helping us make this annual fund raiser a reality! Contact: Martin Garnar (720-5606004; martingarnar@gmail.com).
Lighting the Path
my ministry with you. And, as we all know, in this unpredictable situation, the exact time frame of everything is unknown. I will remain on the preaching calendar for the coming months while I am in treatment, and be in the office or at home tending to my work as much as possible. There may be a time when you come to the office or to worship expecting to see me, and I simply can’t be there with you that day. Please know that I am with you in spirit even then, and be sure to welcome the kind person who has stepped up that day. This new landscape which I am traversing has been a place of rich insight, and my spiritual practice has been of unexpected and profound benefit. Just the simple exercise of taking three slow and gentle breaths, like I asked you to do a moment ago, can completely reset things in a way that has been supremely helpful. My mom has been able to come out two times from Cape Cod to assist me with the business of getting strong and getting ready for treatment. My colleagues in ministry have guided, supported, and advised me generously and without hesitation. I would also share with you that up in Boulder, where I live, I have an unparalleled care team filled with joy, compassion, and love who have actively companioned me every step of the way, and will continue to do so. Please know that I love and have missed JUC terribly. I am also aware that I stepped back for good reason and will continue to do so as necessary. Your prayers and healing thoughts are welcome, as are cards if you are so moved. I’m looking forward to returning to my ministry, and to having some fun with hats & scarves!
Beckett Coppola, Intern Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 31; beckettcoppola@jeffersonunitarian.org)
Grace… and Ovarian Cancer
A month ago I found myself in the unenviable position of having to take time away from my ministry to tend to some medical issues. While the prospect of this was initially heartbreaking for me, I have in return learned more about ministry than I ever dreamed. My journey began with urgently scheduled, and unexpected, major surgery in early October after a series of tests in late September. It came to light during surgery that I had early stage ovarian cancer. My surgeon is exceptional and the surgery was very successful. Despite those facts I entered 18-24 weeks of chemotherapy treatment on Monday, November 10, and am happy to share with you that the prognosis is excellent. Please pause to take a gentle slow breath. Now repeat. And, humor me—do it a third time. I am stepping back into work part-time over the coming weeks, and hope to return to my ministry full-time as I am able. My ministry will not now, as a minister in formation, or later, when I am an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, be defined solely by my medical journey. My ministry will, without doubt, be informed by this experience, but it is only one of the many aspects of my evolving ministry. I look forward to continuing my formation and reveling in all of the elements of
2nd Tuesdays
Light Dinner • 6 p.m. (commons) Worship • 6:30 p.m. (chapel) If your small group meets on this night, you’ll be able to attend dinner, the worship service and your group meeting. Worship will be led by one of our ministers; soup and bread will be available for a modest donation. Sign up at the Sign Up Site or online (tinyurl.com/ToGatherTuesday) to donate a crock pot of soup/stew or bread. Cooks can be reimbursed up to $25 for ingredients if requested. Next ToGather Tuesday: Dec. 9.
Tuesday, Nov. 18 • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. • chapel Need a chance to unwind, settle down, go deeper? Evensong services at JUC are opportunities to employ singing and silence as a Unitarian Universalist spiritual practice. We reconnect with our breath, listen to ourselves and one another with compassion, and become more aware of our connectedness with all things. If you’re having a tough week or are in difficult circumstances, Evensong is a super way to let go. If you are feeling in good harmony, this hour of intention will magnify your well-being. Gather with other spiritual seekers and be prepared to exhale and energize. Evensong services are held monthly on selected Tuesdays, and are led by Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music (keitharnold@ jeffersonunitarian.org).
1 Visitors' Circle • 2nd & 4th Sundays
5 minutes after each service (Meet @ the Welcome Table) For newcomers: an informal discussion to answer your questions about Unitarian Universalism and JUC. Next session: November 23.
1 Path to Membership
Saturday, December 13 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (chapel) Designed to familiarize those considering joining JUC with some of our staff, our diverse programs and activities, UU history and the responsibilities and benefits of membership. Sessions include child care and a light lunch. You may RSVP at the Sign Up Site or call the JUC office (303-279-5282). Please call Annie Hedberg, Membership Coordinator (303279-7451), for more information on the joining process.
Theology on Tap
Friday, Nov. 21 • 7 p.m.
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Mountain Toad (900 Washington Ave., Golden) Hosted by the 20s & 30s Group Join our Assistant Minister, Rev. Eric Banner, to dig deeper into the theme of grace. RSVP online (http://goo.gl/forms/ myyfBsaaVF).
Family Spotlight Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x18)
First Sunday Children’s Worship Sunday, December 7: Wonder
What Does Grace Mean to a Young UU?
1st - 3rd Grades, 11 a.m.: Bob Clemans and Sandy Sugerman Bob is a 67 year-old father of three grown boys with 5 grandchildren (2 to 13 years). Bob and his wife Tori joined JUC in 2005, and Bob has been teaching 1st - 3rd grades here since 2008. He taught 1st - 3rd graders at First Universalist Church in south Denver for 15 years and a Coming of Age class there for two years. The children, Bob, and his co-teachers enjoy teaching, learning and discussing life; yes, Bob learns from the children as he teaches them our principles. Bob has enjoyed attending some JUC sponsored campouts, too. He had a great time teaching the kids how to catch fish and prepare them for cooking. This is Sandy’s third year facilitating religious education classes at JUC with Bob. She says the best part of staying with the same kids for two years is seeing the growth that occurs over that time. She’s excited to meet a new group of kids and reconnect with the kids she’s enjoyed being with over the past two years. She enjoys the curriculum for this age group this year, Free To Believe, which explores UU principles and sources while nurturing the social, emotional and spiritual lives of children. The theme for this classroom over the next month is getting acquainted with one another and starting to learn about the UU principles.
by Kate Dixon, Parent and Volunteer RE Writer
The holiday season becomes quite possibly the busiest time of the year between family, work, and school activities, resulting in stress and often unkind words or actions. This offers perhaps the best time to discuss the concept of grace, and to show it by example, long before words of grace are spoken prior to a Thanksgiving or holiday feast. Parenting involves setting boundaries and appropriate consequences for misbehavior, and by allowing disobedience to not personally insult us, we are exhibiting grace. After a conversation about the consequences of bad behavior, granting an occasional grace can sometimes teach a more valuable lesson than dishing out punishment. Another concept that is closely tied to grace is forgiveness. We teach that after a wrongdoing, an apology is the correct action, but often these apologies are never made. Instead of carrying around bitterness or hurt feelings, letting the feelings go is showing grace. Truly forgiving can be a difficult thing for adults to do, and likewise for children, but by leading by example we can develop a foundation of forgiveness and grace in our young UUs.
From Kim Stevens, 1st -3rd Grade Teacher
In a lesson dealing with fairness and sharing, after reading a story involving rice, we were to give all the kids some rice for snack, but one was to receive something better – a bowl of apple slices! The idea was that the kids would notice how unfair this was, and that the child with the apples would offer to share. When the snacks were handed out in this unfair manner, one student asked, “Are you trying to make a point?” We were, but it was made harder by the fact that the kids loved the rice so much they didn’t really care about the apple slices! But the child with the apples did happily share, they all enjoyed their snack, and hopefully took home the importance of sharing with those less fortunate.
Grace Our Children with Your Time Volunteering!
For more info and to claim your position, contact Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@ jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282 x18). Because our youngest children need the most guidance with projects, there is an immediate need for helpers in these classes. We are in need of permanent Toddler and PreK-K assistants, two 1st-3rd grade teachers and three 4th-5th grade teachers. We’re also looking for Our Whole Lives facilitators for K-1st and 4th-5th grades.
Meet Our 1st - 3rd Grade Teachers
1st - 3rd Grades, 9:15 a.m.: Kim Stevens This is Kim’s third year teaching at JUC, previously teaching 1st and 2nd grades, and this year 1st through 3rd. One goal she has for the class is for them to feel that JUC is a place where they belong, are valued, and where they have friends to look for at church. There have been many great experiences over the past couple of years, but she especially remembers making kites to fly outside on a beautiful spring day, and, on a Sunday in December, directing a spontaneous re-enactment of the Christmas story with co-teacher Lee Conley. She’d like parents to know that she starts each class with joys and sorrows, so it would be helpful for them to have a conversation with their children before class about what joys and/or sorrows they might like to share with the group. Kim needs a teaching partner! Please consider helping in this class.
✪ SOUPS ✪
(Support of UU Parents) 2nd & 4th Mondays • 9 to 11:30 a.m. (chapel)
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For parents of pre- and school-aged kids, daily living is always full of adventures. Take a break with us! Nov. 24: Zumba! Just in time for Thanksgiving, get a little workout in before your turkey and fixin’s. Dress comfortably and dance at your own pace in a safe and supportive environment. Child care begins at 8:45 a.m. for babies to kindergartners, or older kids willing to be mentors. Contact: Lori Gray (jucsoups@gmail.com; 303-945-5873).
Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at JUC: Thursday, Nov. 27
Gather at 3 p.m. • Dinner at 4 p.m. Families and friends are welcome to gather for a festive holiday meal. Coffee and cold drinks will be provided. If you’d like, bring wine to share. The Belonging & Connection Team will provide turkeys, but cooks are needed to get them roasted and ready for dinner. All who plan to attend are asked to be sure to sign up at the Sign Up Site or online (tinyurl.com/JUCThanksgiving14). The event will be facilitated by those attending.
I Heart Xmas Concert and Sing-Along! Sunday, December 7 • 6:30 p.m.
Can we hear a fa-la-la-la-la??? Start warming up your voice for the 6th annual I Heart Xmas concert and sing-along! We’ll wait all the way until the first Sunday in December to properly get into the spirit. Your hosts, the EverHopefuls, will be joined by the fabulous Fisher girls (Harmony, Cadence and Aria), the Golden Bells, a trio featuring Melissa Monforti and Sarah Billerbeck, and JUC friends Bettman and Halpin. You’ll hear holidays songs both traditional and new, sing along with some of your old favorites, and hear endearing holiday stories and poetry from our favorite actor, Marion Rex. You’ll also have the chance to do your heart some good by donating to JUC’s scholarship program for high school students in Guatemala. All this, plus cookies and hot cider from the UUSC task force, plus good fellowship — what could be better?! Bring kids, bring neighbors, bring yourself and bring your voice for I Heart Xmas! ~Steef & Chris Sealy, Bob & Dea Brayden, Bill Mangham, The EverHopefuls
College Care Packages
Remember the stress of finals? How good it felt to get a package from home? Each semester the Young Adult Ministry Team sends Care Packages to college-age UUs (even those living at home) to show that we are thinking about them and wishing them well. Each Sunday in November, we will have a table in the commons to collect addresses and donations for care packages for college-age UUs. We gladly accept goodies, gift cards, quarters, or encouraging notes. Drop by to: 1. provide names, addresses of students with JUC connections; 2. donate a healthy treat or fun item (we usually assemble about 40 packages); 3. donate change or money for postage; 4. write a note to a student; or 5. volunteer to assemble the care packages at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. You can also e-mail addresses to Jill Armstrong (jarm444@ gmail.com). Thanks so much for helping us show that JUC cares.
First Friday Open Mic Resumes in December We know, we know, it’s late this year….but there’s so much happening at JUC that Friday, December 5, is our first chance to start the 7th season of JUC’s monthly open mic. Come early to check out the Craft Faire, then join us for our adventure in music at 7 p.m. in the chapel. Performers must arrive by 6:50. Admission is free. Child care provided, beer and wine for a modest donation, and there’s always chocolate!
Board Blog Morgan Davies, Secretary 408-839-1497; morganmdavies@gmail.com
Holiday Healing Services
Something to wear, something to read, something you want, something you need. It’s holiday shopping season and I bet you’ve started to contemplate where you might buy gifts. Will you knit a scarf for the baby, imitate some fabulous Etsy craft for your niece, or buy some delicious coffee from one of our local coffee shops in Golden for your Aunt? And for that person who is so hard to buy for? Might you consider buying Scrip? If you buy Scrip for Barnes and Noble, the church will receive 9% of your purchase - Starbucks 7%. Buy Scrip for Amazon or Whole Foods and the church will receive 3% of your purchase. In addition, if you choose JUC at smile.amazon, Amazon will donate .5% of your purchase to the church. Every little bit counts. Scrip orders will be November 24, December 8, and December 15. Use Scrip to buy gifts directly or to buy your holiday food purchases.
Monday, December 8 • 7 p.m.
Evergreen Campus: 2981 Bergen Peak Dr. at Congregation Beth Evergreen
Tuesday, Dec. 9 • 7 p.m. Golden Campus
The holidays are here with all their sparkle and celebration, but these days can also intensify feelings of loss and grief. This service honors the experience of loss of all kinds and gives us a time to gather in the soft glow of candlelight and the warmth of community. In honoring our sorrows we can experience the blessings of life more fully. If you have a friend who is experiencing a difficult time this season, consider accompanying them to this service. Presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister, and Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music.
JUC Board of Trustees Next meeting: Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. jeffersonunitarian.org/Board-of-Trustees
All are welcome. 4
Visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src for general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals. JUST NEIGHBORING http://jeffersonunitarian.org/All-Church-Project
Just Neighboring: Volunteers Needed
Feeding the Homeless at Sloan’s Lake Community Church by John Bunting
Gingerbread House Making Event: Friday, Dec. 12 Setup at 2 p.m. • Event Starts at 4:30 p.m. Edgewater Fire Station (25th Ave. & Gray St.)
I volunteered through Just Neighboring to help with the Homeless Breakfast at Sloan’s Lake Community Church on Sunday, Nov. 2. Many of the 60 homeless men and women started lining up for showers and haircuts at 7 a.m. before breakfast at 9 a.m. Shirley Pierce cut fruit and I cooked sausages. One Sloan’s Lake church member scrambled eggs in a small skillet, and another cooked hash browns, stacked more than a foot high, again in a small skillet. Although the Sloan’s Lake kitchen does not have as many ovens or facilities as JUC’s kitchen, their church members are enthusiastic and committed to feeding the homeless a breakfast every Sunday. Outreach includes a van to bring in the homeless from convenience stores and other gathering spots in the neighborhood. Meals are also packed up for regulars that did not make it to the church. After all are fed and meals packed, seconds are available and there is very little food wasted. After food preparation, I stayed to eat breakfast and chat. All three men that I talked to at the table had done day labor jobs, but work had not been steady enough to provide food to meet the needs of two of the men. The third man had just gotten a shared apartment after three years on the streets. He came back each Sunday to provide support and encouragement, to show the others that there was hope of a better life. Two JUC volunteers are needed each Sunday at Sloan’s Lake and the breakfast conversation can be inspiring. To volunteer, sign up at the Sign Up Site or contact Jill Armstrong (jarm444@ gmail.com).
JUC’s all-church Social Action project is gearing up for the next exciting event in the community of Edgewater, and we need your help. Colorado Senior Connections, the organization we partnered with for Edgewater Clean-up Day, is holding a Grandparents Must Be Supervised gingerbread house making event on Friday, December 12. This fun event draws children, parents and grandparents from within the Edgewater community. Volunteers are needed for set-up, assisting with registration, handing out supplies, and clean-up. There will also be a Holiday Lighting event starting at 6 p.m. JUCers will provide music for a portion of the evening. You can volunteer by contacting Jill Armstrong, SRC Chair (jarm444@gmail.com), or Felicia with Colorado Senior Connections (720-763-3042). Please tell Felicia you are with Jefferson Unitarian Church if you volunteer directly through her. . . . Green Task Force . . .
Climate Change: Why It’s Serious and What We Can Do About It
Thurs., Nov. 20, 7 p.m. Chuck Kutscher, chief scientist at NREL and internationally known expert on climate and energy, updates us on the science of climate change, explains why the Pentagon says it will cause global destabilization and cites studies showing how the costs of tackling climate change are money well spent. Co-sponsored by the Green Task Force and Colorado Renewable Energy Society. Contact: Martin Voelker (mv@martinvoelker.com; 303-215-1110).
. . Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force . .
Thanks to all who attended the Skype session to applaud our graduates in Guatemala. We had 6 students graduate from high school! Look for the Maya Women Art booth at the holiday craft faire, Dec. 5 and 6. We’ll be selling items from our Guatemalan women partners. Donations of cookies are welcome for the I Heart Christmas program Sunday, December 7: a great chance to sing Christmas carols and support our Guatemalan scholars at the same time. Contact: Margie Robinson (margie.robinson7@gmail.com).
. . . Housing & Poverty Task Force (H&P TF) . . .
Annual Food Drive to Benefit Family Tree’s Homeless Services Programs Sunday, November 23 • before both services
Each year, we collect non perishable and nutritious foods for our neighbors in Family Tree’s programs to recover from homelessness. - Traditional holiday foods suitable for holiday food baskets. - High protein/nutritious food for the food bank. Foods can be placed in the JUC donation cabinet at any time. Volunteers are needed to guide JUCers to the chapel to donate, help sort and pack food during the second service and to help deliver to Family Tree’s office in Wheat Ridge at 12:30 p.m. A great family volunteer opportunity! Info and volunteers contact: Judy Douglass (bjdouglass@gmail.com; 303-232-1142).
. . . Eating Ethically Task Force (EETF) . . .
Nourishing Connections Luncheon
Sat., Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local foods from trusted farmers/ranchers; potluck lunch (newcomers don’t bring food, you are a guest!); food related presentation.
Slow Soup Group
Sun., Nov. 23 • 12:30 to 4 p.m. We’ll prepare two seasonal soups in the JUC kitchen. Learn to make a great stock, cook and eat together, then divide extras among the cooks. No experience necessary; all materials provided; do bring several containers for your soups. Cost: ~$10. Sign up at the Sign Up Site. Contacts: Carol Kolesnikoff (303-588-9198; eatingethically@gmail.com), Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; lachnittg@gmail.com).
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Join our team! Job Openings in Golden & Evergreen!
Pastoral Care
Apply online (tinyurl.com/jucjobs) or send resume and cover letter to Ashley Johnson (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org).
How JUCers Care for Each Other
Youth Ministry Coordinator Help sustain and build upon our strong and vibrant youth program. Keep the calendar, coordinate and schedule awesome workshops and activities for (and by) the youth, and create communications strategies. $12/hour; 8-flex hours per week, 40 weeks a year (August - May). Some weekends and nights may be required. Ideal candidates are familiar with UU principles, have awesome organizing skills and a passion for empowering youth! Lead Nursery Attendant - Evergreen Care for babies and young children during our adult worship services. Help our kids feel loved, safe and comforted. This includes playing, reading, holding and comforting children plus feeding bottles and changing diapers as needed. Supervise and schedule nursery attendants and help them learn to create a loving and warm environment. Other responsibilities include ensuring the space is cleaned and cared for (trash taken out, supplies put away, etc.). $10/hour; 1st & 3rd Sundays: 3:45 - 5:15 p.m.; 1 flex hour per month for managing attendants. Location: 2981 Bergen Peak Dr., Evergreen, CO 80439
We Hold in Our Hearts… ❦ Gretchen May, as her mother, Vicki Winston, recovers from a fall and hospitalization;
❦ Chris Gallup & Crystal Kreitzer, as Chris’s brother Allyn suffered a stroke recently;
❦ Darcy Donaldson, who had abdominal surgery earlier this month;
Trudy Roth, who has served as our nursery attendant at our Evergreen campus, as she quits working to focus on her health; Emily & Bill Marquis, as Bill recovers from back surgery;
❦ The family and friends of former JUC member Jerry Bowles, as he has passed away. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wind Crest (3235 Mill Vista Rd., Highlands Ranch), on Tues., Nov. 25, at 1 p.m.
Nursery Attendant - Evergreen Help care for babies and young children during adult worship services. Includes playing, reading, holding and comforting children. Take instruction from the lead nursery attendant and perform duties as assigned. This may include taking out trash, putting away supplies, cleaning up, etc. $8/hour; 1st & 3rd Sundays: 3:45 - 5:15 p.m. Location: 2981 Bergen Peak Dr., Evergreen, CO 80439
We Celebrate with… ❦ Bettina Schaden, as she received her green card last month.
Backup Nursery Attendant Periodically help care for babies and young children during adult worship services. Includes playing, reading, holding and comforting children. Take instruction from the lead nursery attendant and perform duties as assigned. This may include taking out trash, putting away supplies, cleaning up, etc. $8/hour; as needed on 1st & 3rd Sundays: 3:45 - 5:15 p.m. Location: 2981 Bergen Peak Dr., Evergreen, CO 80439
New Year’s Eve Concert with Westbrook
Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 7 p.m. Ring in the new year! Experience the unique jazz/funk/ blues ensemble, Westbrook (featuring Julia Wilson) and enjoy dancing, drinks, appetizers and a champagne toast. Tickets available at westsidelivepresents.org or in the JUC office. $25 pre sale / $30 day of show
Stone by Stone – Year Round Pledge Challenge Every JUC member and pledging friend receives a notice to renew their pledge once a year. Each of us in a different month, and with little fanfare. The pledges are steadily coming in, most members renew their pledge, and a few raise their pledge. At the congregational meeting we heard from Lisa Bickford, Financial Officer of the Board of Trustees, about JUC’s financial status, and we heard that in order to live into the JUC we want to be, we need a stronger financial future. You will receive your pledge request in the next 12 months. Please consider raising that pledge. The figure here displays the pledge income that is currently expected in our budget, projected forward for 5 years. We are currently experiencing little to no growth in our pledge income. Projecting forward, in 2019, we will still expect a pledge budget around $800,000. Extending that to a cost of living increase each year (assuming 3%), we see modest improvements, however to really be able to reach our vision of the JUC of tomorrow, we need to reach for an average 10% increase each year.
With 5 years of average pledge increases of 10% each year, we can reach almost $1.3 million dollars of pledge income, allowing JUC’s leadership to enact our shared vision. Not everyone is in a position to increase their pledge by 10%. If you can give a little extra this year to help out your neighbor, please do. Let’s join together support JUC. Please consider a 10% increase when it is your turn to pledge. JUC needs you.
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Ongoing Affinity Groups Groups on this page meet on a regular basis and welcome new members. Meeting locations are posted in the common areas of both church buildings. Blue Mountain Meditation Group: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. • Annie & John Hedberg (303-279-7451) For those practicing Eknath Easwaran’s Eight-Point Program for living a spiritual life in the everyday world. If you wish to join without the introductory course, read Passage Meditation by Easwaran and meditate 30 minutes daily for a month.
Roving Readers: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Mike Foster (303456-2647) Open to anyone who reads the monthly selection. Books selected by group participants. Nov. 23: Spoon River Anthology (Masters) Science and Spirit: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net) Nov. 23: We’ll wrap up our discussion of The Long Summer: How Climate Changed Civilization (Fagan). You don’t have to read the book to attend the discussion. Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. More info at http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com
Buddhist Sangha: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. • Doug Anderson (dca-crm@hotmail.com; 720-474-6723) The Buddha was a highly unorthodox person. His teachings are not sets of dogma but rather propositions for people to investigate and validate for themselves. No experience necessary. Child care provided.
Slow Soup Group: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; lachnittg@gmail.com), Carol Kolesnikoff (303588-9198; eatingethically@gmail.com) We’ll prepare soups together to take home and to donate. Ingredients provided; cost is $10/person.
Charla! 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. • Carol Drew (303-422-5977) Discuss important topics in Spanish. Intermediate level recommended. Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS) • Mari Cowley (303-4204139)
Spiritual Healing Circle: 2nd Saturdays, 10 a.m. (6620 Quitman Ct., Arvada) Joyce Thiessen-Barrett (joycebarrett@comcast. net), Emily Townsend (emily.townsend@gmail.com) Weaving together practices from shamanism, energy healing, and music healing to create sacred space, offer prayers, and send/receive healing energy. RSVP requested. Next mtg. Dec. 6.
Dream Study: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 9:15 a.m. • Marie Schottler (303-278-8035; mschottler@comcast.net) Based on the writings of Jeremy Taylor, in this gentle group process questions are asked of the dreamer leading to an aha! about his or her own dream. Please call before attending.
Story Circle: 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. • Lev Ropes (303-2780177; levropes@comcast.net) A gathering to foster the traditional art of storytelling for adults. Tell a polished story for fun, or a story that you’d like to polish up in front of a forgiving and friendly audience. Receive help from other tellers, or come to listen. All are welcome.
Great Books Discussion Group: 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 p.m. Dona Chilcoat (303-989-6945) Based on the idea that by reading from the great books of our civilization and discussing them with others, sharing insights and questions, you can reach a fuller understanding of these works than you could on your own. Nov. 24: The Illiad, Book 16-22 (Homer, trans. Fagles)
Thin Air: Tuesdays, 1 p.m. • Margaret Bakker (303-986-0769) An informal group of folks who wish to keep up their musical skills as well as have fun. Repertoire consists of traditional, folk, instrumental and vocal music. Please call for more details.
Issues in Aging: 4 Mondays, 7 p.m. • Valerie Stone (vestone@ gmail.com; 303-669-8528), Jim Mayer (303-431-1740; jimmayer. colo@gmail.com) Information and education on issues related to healthy aging and dementia, to include lectures, panels, and discussion. Next mtg: Jan. 26. th
Understanding the Heart of Buddhism: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m. • Doug Anderson (dca-crm@hotmail.com; 720-4746723) Meditation and discussion presented online by Rodney Smith, author of Lessons from the Dying, Stepping Out of Self-Deception and Awakening; founder of the Seattle Insight Meditation Society.
JUC Knitters: 3rd Fridays, 7 p.m. in members' homes • Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@Q.com) All knitters and crocheters are invited to join in making hats and blankets for Denver Health.
UU Liberal Christians: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. • Sara Lohaus (pslohaus@comcast.net; 303-432-3149) Connect with Christianity from a fresh, open-minded perspective. Nov. 4 & 18: The Gospels: Origins and 21st Century Reflections.
Memoirs: 3rd Sundays, 7 p.m. • Len Wheeler (303-467-3342; lenkt@earthlink.net) We’re gentle, we laugh, and we’re serious about commenting on ways to improve our non-fiction writing. No prior experience is needed.
UU Piecemakers: 3rd Fridays, 9:30 a.m. in members' homes Edna Mae Miller (303-989-4793) Work on personal projects as well as quilts donated to charities selected by the group.
Non-Violent Communication: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m. Dindy Fuller (720-402-4099) Anyone who has previously taken NVC training is eligible to participate. A great way to practice and improve your skills.
VAGUE: Visual Artists Group of Unitarians Extraordinaire! 3rd Fridays, 2 p.m. • Emily Townsend (emily.townsend@gmail. com) Work on visual journals and learn some new techniques; bring a blank book and all other materials will be provided. Please RSVP to Emily so we have supplies for everyone.
Origins: 1 Wednesdays, 1 p.m. • Lisa Rountree (lisa.rtree@ gmail.com; 720-273-7511) Discuss literature exploring the origins of our religious traditions. st
Poetry Group: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m. • Julie Excell (julieexcell@gmail.com; 541-778-4724) Explore poetry as an art form and a spiritual practice through appreciation of the work of master poets, and through writing and sharing your own poetry.
WomenSpirit: 2nd Fridays, 7 p.m. • Kalin Baker (Kalin@ KalinArtAndSpirit.com; 720-253-6561) A lively community of women 18+ who playfully reflect and share interactive programs based on participants’ interests.
Quuilters' Group: 1st Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon • Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@Q.com) Call for meeting details. Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch: 1st Fridays, 11:30 a.m. • Betty Halladay (303-274-9144) Next meeting: Dec. 5.
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Office Hours
Monday – Friday • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday • 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music Tuesday–Friday • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister Tuesday–Friday • 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Staff will generally be available according to the schedule above, but it is always wise to call ahead!
Sunday Morning Announcements
If you would like your JUC event to be announced via our order of service or weekly email notice, please submit 75 words or less to Rona Bradley (ronabradley@jeffersonunitarian.org) by Wednesday at 9 a.m. on the week you’d like your announcement to appear.
Weekly Attendance Nov. 9
9:15 167 RE: 54 (10 adults) 11 207 RE: 82 (16 adults)
Nov. 16 9:15 148 RE: 57 (11 adults) 11 170 RE: 82 (17 adults) Evergreen 4p 66 RE: 16 (4 adults)
The JUC Crier This newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church is delivered electronically to all members and pledging friends. First class mail delivery is available upon request to the church office (303-279-5282; office@ jeffersonunitarian.org). Upon request, visitors may be added to the email list or receive four (4) complimentary issues, after which they may continue receiving the newsletter by notifying the church office. E-mail ronabradley@jeffersonunitarian.org to submit an article. Editor: Rona Bradley Next deadline: 3 p.m., Mon., Nov. 24 Next publication date: Mon., Dec. 1
Calendar Highlights
(full calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org) Tuesday, Nov. 18 Wed., Nov. 19 Thurs., Nov. 20 Friday, Nov. 21 Sat., Nov. 22
1:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:15pm 6:15pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00am 9:00am 9:30am 6:00pm
MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) LEAP: Story Circle (R6/7) Evensong (chapel) MMG: Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (M3/4) LEAP: UU Liberal Christians (R3/4) Membership mtg. (Mitchell rm.) MMG: Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) JUC Choir (sanc.) Green TF: Climate Change (chapel) LEAP: JUC Poetry Group (M3/4) Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil (sanc./comm.) LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (R3/4) PCG: Webinar (R6/7) LEAP: VAGUE Art Journaling (M3/4) EETF: Nourishing Connections (comm., kit., R1/2) JUC Choir rehearsal (sanc.) LEAP: CUUPS Dark Moon Ritual (chapel)
Sunday, Nov. 23 9:15/11am Helen of Joy w/Eric Banner 9:00am H&P TF: Food Drive (chapel) 12:15pm MMG: Family Band rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 12:30pm EETF: Slow Soup Group (kit.) 12:30pm Small Groups (M3/4, Priestley rm.) 12:30pm LEAP: Roving Readers (R3/4) 12:30pm LEAP: Science and Spirit (R6/7) Monday, Nov. 24 9:00am CURK: SOUPS (chapel, R1/2, R8) 9:15am LEAP: Dream Study (M1/2) 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:00pm MMG: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm LEAP: Great Books Discussion Group (M3/4) 6:30pm Small Group (M1/2) 7:00pm India Learning Circle (R3/4) 7:00pm MMG: Bell Ensemble rehearsal (Priestley rm.) Tuesday, Nov. 25 1:00pm MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 2:00pm Small Group (M1/2) 6:30pm MMG: Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Small Groups (R6/7, R3/4, M5, Mitchell rm.) 7:15pm MMG: Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) Wed., Nov. 26 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Small Group (M1/2) Thurs., Nov. 27 Office Closed (Thanksgiving Day Holiday) 3:00pm B&C: Thanksgiving Dinner Gathering (all commons/kit.) 4:00pm B&C: Thanksgiving Day Dinner (commons/kit.) Friday, Nov. 28 Office Closed (Thanksgiving Day Holiday) Sunday, Nov. 30 9:15/11am You Know It When You See It w/Beckett Coppola 12:15pm MMG: Family Band rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 12:30pm MMG: Worship Band rehearsal (sanc.) Monday, Dec. 1 9:00am CURK: SOUPS (chapel, R1/2, R8) 6:00pm MMG: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm MMG: Bell Ensemble rehearsal (Priestley rm.) Tuesday, Dec. 2 1:00pm MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm MMG: Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (R6/7) 7:00pm LEAP: UU Liberal Christians Advent Service (chapel) 7:00pm SRC Meeting (M1/2) 7:00pm SRC: Housing & Poverty TF mtg. (M3/4) 7:15pm MMG: Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) Wed., Dec. 3 1:00pm LEAP: Origins Book Group (M3/4) 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 8
JUC Auction Unsold Items # 101 102 111 122 123 130 142 146 147 157 159 309 313 316 407 409 503 508 510 511 600 605 609 610 611 612 614 700 705 711 713 716 717 719 722 800 801 803 804 807 812 816 817 819 820 821 830 900 901 902 905 907 911 914 915 919 920 925 926 927 930 933 935 936
Item Name "Autumn Grasses" Limited Edition Print "Fishing Boat in Harbor" Antique Fashion Prints Chinese Tea Set Coaster Set English Cottage Watercolor Original Watercolor of Flowers Photo by Alan Anderson - #2 Photo by Alan Anderson - #3 Signed Books by Luis Alberto Urrea Stella and Dot Jewelry Cinderella Slippers Custom Memory Belt Folding Outdoor Dog Kennel Homemade Italian Dinner with a Song July 4th Sticky Bun Breakfast Family Day in the Mountains Scenic Springs Visit and Dip Women's Retreat Women's Weekend Getaway 3 Divas Concert Christmas Carol, The Very Best House Concert by Harmony and Cadence JUC House Concert with Adam Revell and Friends Oliver, The Musical Movie Sophia's Journey Concert and Ice Cream Social Valentine's Day at the DCPA Art's 13er Hike Colorado Trail Picnic Lunch & Trail Maintenance Hike to Hell and Back Kickball in the Park Mountain Adventure for Families Snowshoe to Butler Gulch Twilight Run on Green Mountain Winter Bird Watch Artisan Sourdough Bread Baking Bicycle Safety and Riding Skills Books for the Rest of Your Life Dancing Lesson & Dinner Paddleboard or Kayak Lessons at Bear Lake Software Training Teach Your Dog to Jump Through a Hula Hoop! The Great Courses: How to Become a SuperStar Student The Great Courses: Scientific Secrets for Self-Control The Great Courses: Secrets of Sleep Science: From Dreams to Disorders The Great Courses: The Art of Storytelling: from Parents to Professionals The Last Stand 2nd Annual Caribbean Cruise in Colorado 7/18/2015 14th Annual Beerfest! Accessory Swap Party Best Picture Series (1970): Patton Best Picture Series (1972): The Godfather Bowling Together Disney Musical Sing-Along: Beauty and the Beast Doctor Camp 6/02/2015 Games and Grub German-Style Board Games and Great Food Ice Cream Social Karaoke Party Ladie's Night P.J. Party Nostalgia & Lunch Perfect Picture Puzzles for a Picture Perfect Party Scrapbook Afternoon 9 Ugly Sweater Party
Min Bid Avail $25.00 1 $100.00 1 $160.00 1 $30.00 1 $16.00 1 $100.00 1 $60.00 1 $10.00 1 $10.00 1 $80.00 1 $20.00 1 $25.00 1 $40.00 1 $60.00 1 $275.00 1 $25.00 4 $30.00 3 $30.00 3 $120.00 2 $70.00 1 $10.00 126 $25.00 7 $250.00 1 $20.00 129 $25.00 8 $10.00 147 $150.00 1 $30.00 2 $15.00 2 $14.00 5 $5.00 6 $25.00 2 $12.00 3 $14.00 2 $12.00 2 $16.00 2 $25.00 3 $24.00 1 $35.00 2 $70.00 1 $160.00 1 $14.00 7 $40.00 1 $45.00 1 $45.00 1 $70.00 1 $40.00 1 $50.00 12 $25.00 7 $10.00 5 $25.00 1 $25.00 4 $15.00 45 $10.00 4 $25.00 2 $30.00 1 $25.00 2 $5.00 44 $10.00 5 $60.00 2 $25.00 2 $10.00 5 $10.00 1 $20.0011/18/147
JUC Auction Unsold Items 1006 1007 1008 1009 1011 1012 1013 1014 1100
Inspiring Empowerment Necessary Style Fashion/Wardrobe Consultation Personal Coaching Sessions Pickup for Your Use Rototilling Session of Music for Healing Sports Coaching with Hypnosis Chiropractic Assessment and Adjustment Package Golden Retriever Puppy
$150.00 $60.00 $150.00 $60.00 $60.00 $40.00 $100.00 $300.00 $950.00
3 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1
JUC’s Annual Auction was a great success! A special thank you to all who donated, volunteered to help, and to the Auction Committee members! Do you know there are over 150 volunteer jobs to make the auction happen? And we made it happen with a flourish! The best part is that we raised over $47,000! In addition, the Special Appeal announced at the auction was a new website for JUC. People donated over $9,500! If you didn’t attend the auction or missed the Special Appeal, contributions are still gratefully accepted. Write a check with ‘Special Appeal’ in the memo or call the office to make a credit card payment. Last chance for item purchase! A list of unsold items is above. Also, if you haven’t paid or picked up your items, please do so at the church office during normal business hours. Thank you from your Auction co-chairs, Debbie Klisis and Darcy Stanton
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11/18/14