JUC Crier 11 18 13 by Jefferson Unitarian Church

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 18, 2013 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2013 Issue 22 Sunday, November 24 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

The Wisdom of Letting Go presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

Imagine all the things we hang on to. Family and friends, doors in the wind, abilities and capabilities, children’s hands as we cross the street, and grudges. Most of the world’s spiritual traditions lift up life’s impermanence, and yet few among us let go of anything without leaving claw marks. What might the wisdom of letting go teach us? Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Dindy Fuller.

Sunday, December 1 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

Discoveries, Epiphanies and Spiritual Wisdom presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

We pride our faith as being one where intellect and reason cross the threshold to the sanctuary with us. Yet, is reason and intellect incompatible with spirit? Admiral Richard Byrd wrote of a feeling that transcended reason. Could we be missing something? Music: David Burrows and Ivy Hartfield; Adam Revell, piano; Worship Band. Worship Associate: Julie Excell. 2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Welcoming 101: Opening Your Heart, Overcoming Shyness sponsored by the Membership Group. If you

would like to overcome your shyness with strangers and improve your communication skills, make others feel more welcome at JUC, and help support our mission to nurture our community and grow Unitarian Universalism, this is the class for you! Presented by Annie Hedberg, Membership Coordinator. ☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, Dec. 8: Holy Ground presented by Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant Minister. During this holiday season, we wish for peace for all, yet the clashes between individuals, groups and countries don’t even slow down during this time of year. This service is an invitation to risk stepping onto common ground with those who think and feel differently than we do. May this be one more step toward creating that which is most precious and holy: peace. Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Gail Abbott. JUC Evergreen Campus Sunday, Dec. 1 • 4 p.m.

Annual Holiday Gifting Project

JUC continues its long tradition of giving by adopting 20 families for the holiday season through our partner, Family Tree. Sign up to adopt an entire family or donate a gift card and make the holidays a little brighter for a family in a difficult time! Join us as we kick off the season on Sunday, Nov. 24 with a Holiday Food Drive. Bring non-perishable and protein-rich foods to be delivered as part of a nutritious holiday meal for a family in need. In the coming weeks, look for the gifting project tables in the commons where you can sign up to donate a gift card or adopt an entire family for the holiday season. Contacts: Diane Tiberi (dftiberi@comcast.net), Heather Hagemann (heather.hagemann@gmail.com); Dave Gallagher (dmgallagher@yahoo.com).

The Gift presented by Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant Minister

What are the most important gifts you have ever received? Often those gifts are not material, but gifts of experience. We will reflect on the meaning of those significant moments that make us who we are. Worship Coordinator: Kim Hassinger. Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. ★ New Location! 28628 Buffalo Park Rd. ★ (The church up the hill from the Evergreen library)

Mountain UUs who wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).

Fanning

animates or gives life to the doing. It is more than a list of skills. It is the quality of personhood. This distinction is quite alive for me these days. Our Leap of Faith team’s visit to the First Unitarian Church of Portland gave us a chance to witness another congregation’s system, as well as the distance useful in considering JUC afresh. Our attention was drawn most by ways in which team and mission were present. That’s true here at JUC as well. There is a great sense of excitement and energy around the new Just Neighboring project in Edgewater. It is indeed an invitation to form team— to utilize individual skills and passions for a greater shared purpose. None of this is easy, of course. To have a shared mission with depth is to invest ourselves in the quality of nobility. That sounds big, and it is. Nobility asks most essentially that we tend to that which transcends our birth and our death. That calls for intentionality and commitment at a level that is different from same old, same old. And that’s tough. Witness the way in which our political system is mired in both political parties being more devoted to sameness than to embracing new ways of being which actually allow their constituencies to be served. May we continue to deepen in our commitment to serve a shared purpose that we may go from church to team to Beloved Community. See you on Sunday.

~ Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 13; wendywilliams@jeffersonunitarian.org)

What makes a team? When do you know if your group of people has become a team? These questions were posed recently to our Recruitment Team at a retreat facilitated by Rev. Robert Latham, a former senior minister at JUC. He recalled for us the 1980 Olympics and the unlikely gold medal won by the USA Hockey team. That was in the era of the Cold War, and Russia had taken the gold for years and years with a team of professionals. Team USA was filled with rank amateurs and college students who didn’t know each other. As a matter of daily routine, Coach Herb Brooks asked each player two questions: What is your name? Who do you play for? In response, each player said his name and his home team. Day in and day out, the same questions were asked and the same answers given. Without warning, one day, players began following their name with, I play for the U.S. Olympic Team. And in that moment, Brooks knew they had become a team. They were on a shared depth mission. In short, Latham shared that numbers of people go from a group to a team when they have acquired a common soul that reflects a deeper meaning underpinning the task at hand. Soul, in this case, is not meant as a theologically divisive word. Rather, soul is simply (and not so simply) the force that

~Blessings,

Wendy

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: Nov. 24.

~ Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music (303-279-5282 ext. 17; keitharnold@jeffersonunitarian.org)

1 Path to Membership

Sanctuary Projection and Auction Special Appeal

JUC is three-quarters of the way to funding an elegant, permanently installed sanctuary system to project images, video, and song lyrics, thanks to generous donors during the Auction Special Appeal on November 9. Thank you to all who donated! At this time, we are seeking $4,350 in order to complete the $18,000 needed to move ahead on the project. A broad base of support underscores this project. The Business Council solicited proposals for the special appeal, and then recommended this project to the Board of Trustees. Prior to that, the sanctuary projection project was endorsed by the Chancel Guild, the Video, Sound and Light Technician, the Video, Sound and Light Team, Worship Group, Music Ministry Group, and Strategic Planning Group. Furthermore, extensive input was given by staff and ministers. As for myself, when I am leading congregational singing, I sense an immediate change in the energy on those occasions when the congregation looks up and out of hymnals, singing with one another in community. When we are looking up,

Saturday, Dec. 14 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (chapel)

Led by Membership Coordinator Annie Hedberg, this class is 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 @ 303-2797451 for more information on the joining process.

there comes over the room a feeling of power, connection, and even transcendence. It is towards this vision of communal and energized congregational singing that I am called, and in that direction that I wish to help us move. To those who have already contributed to this project, thank you! To those who wish to bring us one step closer to this vision, please make checks payable to JUC and indicate special appeal in the memo line, drop them in the offering basket or bring them by or mail them to the church office.

Put Some Jingle in Your Jingle Bells! Sunday, December 1 • 6:30 p.m.

No list-making, no shopping, no assembly required! Just get yourself to JUC for a care-free helping of holiday spirit!! You’ll hear some of your favorite folks perform and lead sing-alongs in our fifth annual I Heart Xmas concert. Check out this lineup: the cheekpinchingly cute mother/daughter Love Notes and Grace Notes (Rona and Cecilia Bradley, Shann and Anna Jeffery, Sarah and Hannah Billerbeck), the songbird-with-the-radiant-smile Melissa Monforti, the you-can’t-believe-how-really-good-they’re-getting Fisher girls (Harmony, Cadence and Aria), JUC’s own incarnation of Barry Manilow, the dreamy Todd Leblanc, our off-the-charts favorite musical duo, Keith Arnold & David Burrows, the multitalented actress Marion Rex, and your hosts, the EverHopefuls. This family-friendly evening begins early so we can all have a great time and still get home for children’s bedtimes. We’ll have cider and cookies at the halfway point to keep us all singing! And in the spirit of the season, knowing how incredibly lucky we are to live in this place and be part of this community, we’ll pass the hat for the hard working high school students in Guatemala who are supported by the UUSC Task Force.

Family Ministry Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x18)

Connect with YRUU

Do you have a kid in the Young Religious Unitarian Universalists group (YRUU)? Are you feeling disconnected from what’s going on in the group? Are you getting weekly emails from Andrea Aikin? If you aren’t, please email Andrea (pivoaiki@sprynet.com) to be added to the distribution list. You’ll get the latest news on what’s happening this coming Sunday and when the next youth Con is happening.

Part-Time Nursery Position Available

JUC’s Evergreen Campus seeks a Nursery Attendant to care for infants through age 4 during Sunday services. We seek a warm, mature, dependable individual with a love for young children and a commitment to safety. Background in early education or child care preferred, especially Waldorf, Montessori or Regio Emilia, with training in First Aid/CPR. Ideal applicant will have a vision and desire to develop our nursery into a child’s first classroom space, focused on love, safety and acceptance. Background check is required. Hours: 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. on first and third Sundays. Additional hours may be scheduled for events and meetings. To honor and nourish the connections between children and caregivers, please only apply if you are able to commit for an extended time period. Send résumé and cover letter to Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@ jeffersonunitarian.org).

✪ SOUPS ✪ (Support of UU Parents)

2nd & 4th Mondays

9 to 11:30 a.m. (chapel) Need a break?! Could you use a break from parenting in a warm, supportive and creative atmosphere? Would you like to build friendships with other UU parents, learn new things and actually start and finish a craft project in one morning? It’s time to nurture yourself with… Support Of Unitarian ParentS (SOUPS)! Monday, Dec. 2: Power Struggles. Child care begins at 8:45 a.m. for babies to kindergartners, or older kids willing to be mentors. Contact: Lori Gray (303-945-5873).

Young Adult Ministry: College Care Packages

Nothing says love to a college student like receiving a package. If you know a college student with connections to JUC, stop by the Young Adult Ministry table Nov. 24 with his or her current address (or email to the address listed below). We also need people to bring healthy treats or fun items, and volunteers to stuff packages on Dec. 1. Stop by to sign up for a donation and/or write an encouraging note. Let's show our college students that no matter how far they travel, they have a support system here at JUC. Contact: Jill Armstrong (303-420-5052; jarm444@gmail.com). 3

News from the Ministerial Recruitment Team The Recruitment Team has been hard at work to bring JUC a new assistant minister. We have created the Congregational Record (CR), a description of our congregation and the minister we are hoping to find (see the last edition of the Crier for the profile of the congregation from the CR). The CR will be posted on the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) website for ministerial settlement at the end of November. Soon after that, we will start receiving names and profiles of ministers indicating interest in JUC’s position for review. Last week, the Recruitment Team participated in a team building workshop led by Rev. Robert Latham. Rev. Latham challenged us to explore how to be a successful team with a shared purpose, vs. just a group of people working together. It was such a privilege to meet him and participate in a workshop led by him—what an inspiration he was! Some pearls of insight

he shared with us: • The difference between a group and a team is partnership. • What binds and drives a team is purpose. • Soul is the secret of a team’s success. (Kidder) • Change may not bring growth, but all growth brings change. The Recruitment Team’s goal is to bring our new assistant minister to JUC ready to begin ministry in the summer of 2014. In the weeks and months ahead as we go through this process, we will be updating you on our progress, here in the Crier, so it will be understandable and transparent. In that endeavor we always welcome your questions or feedback. Thanks in advance for your trust.

~ Recruitment Team: Jim Matera (chair), Shane Bower, Judy Gangloff, Paula Menten (pmenten@comcast.net), Rev. Wendy Williams

Dances of Universal Peace

Popcorn Theology: Saved!

Saturday, Nov. 23 • 6 p.m. (M3/4) The 20s & 30s Group. This curriculum from the UUA is designed for exploring issues of theology and ethics for Unitarian Universalists—but using R-rated movies! A guided discussion will follow. The evening will start with a potluck, and all young adults are invited. Our potluck theme is Mock Thanksgiving: it’s the perfect chance to do a test run for a new Thanksgiving dish. Contact: Brittany Flood (brittanyflood@aim.com).

Monthly on 2nd Sundays Next Dance: Sunday, Dec. 8 • 6:30 p.m. (chapel) All ages welcome!

Dances of Universal Peace is a simple, meditative practice of singing and dancing sacred songs from all over the world. All are welcome! No dancing or musical experience or skill required. We ask for a donation of $8 to compensate our dance leader, Gayan Gregory Long. Only give what you can.

Join the Chancel Guild

Do you enjoy the chancel while you take in the message on Sundays? Would you like to help make it special? It’s not a big time commitment—only an hour or two in the week(s) you choose, and you decide which and how many weeks. If you are going to be at JUC for a meeting or activity, you can fit this in when you’re there. During the holidays we’ll need help setting up and maintaining the many poinsettias that make JUC festive. Please sign up at the Sign Up Site or contact Sandy Early (info below). We are also looking for people/groups to assist the chancel guild starting in January. In the past, Habitat for Humanity provided pumpkins during their pumpkin sale, Cheryl Ames brought back native foliage from her trips to Utah and the four corners area, and Harri Collins contributed grasses from her yard to offset the fall colors. The Piecemakers group has assisted this month by sharing baby quilts they make as an ongoing activity for babies born at Denver Health. Does your group have an activity coming up to which you would like to bring awareness? We want to weave your service into our service! Contact: Sandy Early (303-653-2066; earlyclay@comcast.net).

From a Pagan Perspective... by Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com)

In November, the Mourning Moon is upon us. This month’s full moon is also known as the Snow Moon or the Hunter’s Moon; Hunters relied on the moon’s light to track the herds of deer, elk or buffalo, and a successful hunt ensured the survival of the clan for another season. This time of year is really a time for going inward, rest from summer labors and preparing for the cold, bleak days ahead. We must be wary of getting caught up in the coming holiday frenzy, which seems to start earlier and earlier each year. Most importantly, this is a time to cleanse away the baggage of the past and simply let it go. Once we’ve done that, we’ll be in the ‘now’ as well as have a better focus on the future. From the Mourning Moon we have an opportunity to say goodbye to bad habits or toxic relationships so we can have a fresh start for the New Year.

Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at JUC Thursday, Nov. 28 • Gather at 3 p.m. • Dinner at 4 p.m. Families and friends are welcome to gather for a festive holiday meal. Turkey, coffee and cold drinks will be provided. If you’d like, bring wine to share. All who plan to attend are asked to be sure to sign up so we know you are coming and to bring a potluck dish. Sign up at the Sign Up Site. The Fellowship Group will provide turkeys, but cooks are needed to get them roasted and ready for dinner. The event will be facilitated by those attending. Contacts: Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com), Doug Leber (bdleber@gmail.com; 303-886-3996).

For general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals, visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src. JUST NEIGHBORING

http://jeffersonunitarian.org/All-Church-Project

Sharing Our Gifts

It’s time to begin the work of educating ourselves about neighboring with a series of events: Foundations in Neighboring. The first was held on Sunday, Nov. 17, when we discussed class divisions. Please mark your calendar for the next two events. In addition, we hope to include Edgewater families in our annual gifting program. Family Tree, our partnering organization, will provide us with recipients that live in the Edgewater community if at all possible.

Sunday, Nov. 24 • 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (chapel) We will discuss how we can share both material and nonmaterial gifts in a neighboring way. A light lunch will be served. Explorations! The Edgewater Collective Sunday, Dec. 8 • 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Meet Joel Newton, founder of the Edgewater Collective, and learn more about how we can work together in the community. . . Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force . .

. . . Peace, Liberty & Justice Task Force (PL&J TF) . . .

Connections with JUC’s Guatemala Partners

PL&J Meets 4th Tuesdays • 3 to 5 p.m.

Two months ago at the Guatemalan Fiesta we initiated pen pal connections with our Guatemalan Scholarship students and a book donation project to enhance the library available to them. Thank you to all who participated to make both a success. We’ve made a good start collecting books for the library, and we will continue the project after the holidays. JUC members have purchased 42 books for donation! In addition, we received donations from personal libraries, Denver Public Library, and from Capstone Publishers through the daughter of a JUC member. They will be carried to Rabinal by members of the Arlington, Virginia UU church in December, and by members of Friendship Bridge in January when they travel to Guatemala. Many JUCers of all ages wrote pen pal letters to the students, which were translated and sent to them in time for their end-ofyear Assembly last Sunday. We hope that through these initial connections relationships will develop. Be aware that the news that we are receiving from Guatemala indicates that conditions are deteriorating for Rabinal and other communities. Our support for the students and their families is more important than ever under these uncertain and frightening circumstances. Visit the UUSC table November 24 for more information. Contacts: Gretchen May (303-233-6113; maygwinQ@ centurylink.net), Margie Robinson (303-278-0786; mcrobins@jeffco.k12.co.us).

At the annual retreat held in August, PL&J members affirmed the following imperatives for the coming year: Environment, World Peace, Education, Healthcare, Raising the minimum wage, Jefferson County issues, and Economic Justice. Committees have formed to work on these issues. For further information, contact Bob Hofmann (303-642-0338; hofmannr@earthlink.net). . . . Eating Ethically Task Force (EETF) . . .

EETF Meets 3rd Mondays • 6:30 p.m.

We are actively exploring a name change due to misconceptions about who we are. Are we Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten free? Dairy free? Hunters? Gatherers? Gleaners? Do we eat wieners? Are we judgmental or critical? ...Or are we truly a resource for healthier food, healthier people, and a healthier environment? Suggestions include Healthy Connections: Discovering healthy connections to our food, our environment, and our community. Share your thoughts and suggestions with our group and enjoy lively discussions.

Nourishing Connections Luncheon

Sat., Nov. 23 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (commons) EETF sponsors the Denver Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Local farmers, nutritional resources, organic lunch and a keynote speaker. All are welcome at no cost. Contacts: Gilla Lachnitt (lachnittg@gmai.com; 303-216-9674), Carol Kolesnikoff (eatingethically@gmail.com; 303-588-9198).

Pastoral Care

Croning Workshop and Ritual

Workshop: Friday, Nov. 22 • 7 p.m. Ritual: Saturday, Nov. 23 • 7 p.m. Are you a woman of a certain age? Your body is changing and you are changing. The workshop is designed to help you decide if you are ready to acknowledge this time of your life and to recognize the challenges and excitement it can bring. We will have a question and answer format and lots of laughter. The ritual is to celebrate the mature woman you are becoming, and is open to all women who attend the workshop and their invited guests. It is important to RSVP for both workshop and ritual so that we have supplies and refreshments for everyone. Contact: Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com).

How JUCers Care for Each Other

We Hold in Our Hearts… ❦ Chris Sealy, as she recovers from hip replacement surgery earlier this month; ❦ Debra Hecox, as her mother, Emma Lee Hecox, passed away peacefully Nov. 10; ❦ Nadine Swahnberg, whose mother, Virginia Swahnberg, died Nov. 3 in New Hampshire; ❦ The family and friends of Liz Moore, former JUC member, on her passing Nov. 13 in Sunnyvale, CA.

We Celebrate with… ❦ Gillie Bishop, on the publication of her article, A Letter about Santa and God, in the most recent UU World magazine.

., Memorial and Celebration Flowers for the Chancel

Each holiday season at JUC, many of us like to memorialize a special someone or celebrate a milestone in our lives by donating to the poinsettia fund. These special flowers are used to decorate the sanctuary and chapel for our widely attended holiday services. Donations will be listed in our holiday orders of service. If there is a person or event you wish to remember this year, please consider a donation. You may make a donation at the JUC office. Thank you in advance!

To:

The Craft Faire Is Almost Here! Artists and Craftspeople th

I Light This Chalice Have you given a Chalice Lighting this year? If you have, we are in need of your words. We are putting together a small booklet called I Light This Chalice to commemorate all the wise words that have been generously shared with the congregation. This was a tradition at JUC for many years and the Worship Group is bringing it back to life. If you are willing to be included in the book, please send your chalice lighting to Sandy Early (earlyclay@comcast.net). The Worship Group is also reaching out to all those who would like to do a chalice lighting or be a reader for a worship service. Our shared worship includes these components and makes every Sunday a reflection of our hearts, minds and values. If you are interested or would like to know more please contact Dindy Fuller, Worship Group co-chair (dindyfuller@ gmail.com; 720-402-4099) or contact the Worship Associate listed for any Sunday morning. We’d enjoy hearing from you!

If you have questions, please contact Martin Garnar (720.560.6004; martingarnar@gmail.com).

Join the Family Band for Christmas Eve! Rehearsals: Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17; Sunday, Dec. 22 • 7 p.m.

Welcome Our Newest Member!

2 Lorian Bartle lives in Wheat Ridge with her husband, Chris. She is a guitarist, vocalist, and guitar instructor and enjoys hiking, skiing, gardening and classical guitar. Lorian sings with the JUC Choir.

Friday, Dec. 6 • 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Sat., Dec. 7 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From: Jefferson Unitarian Church Craft Faire Planning Committee Close your eyes and think back to last year’s Craft Faire. Can Application for Space at the 17 Annual JUC Holiday Craft Faire you Re: hear the holiday music? Smell the freshly-baked treats? Feel the Deadline: basket in your hands as you filled it with jewelry, pottery, October 15 for JUC member preference; November 1 for all others knitted goods,Unitarian fine art, andis other fantastic holiday gifts? Taste The Jefferson Church holding its 17th annual Holiday Craft Faire on November 30 and 2012. food Last year’s faire had over $23K in sales. We will be publicizing the faire heavily the December 1, scrumptious at the Friday evening reception? Do those within the church, in the Applewood Community, in select newspapers, and social media. However, any memories put you in the holiday spirit? Well, in just a matter of postcards you send out or publicity by word of mouth is a real boost! weeks, you can experience it all for real! Your table fee includes the table or table space and electricity and as many chairs as are needed. We will accept applications until all the space is sold so we urge you to get your application in early. This year’s Faire will be the biggest ever, with 50 vendors offering beautiful creations from right here in Golden and Four important policies to remember: No tables will be confirmed until the table fee and your sales code have been received around the world. When you shop at the Craft Faire, 20% of JUC members get preference until October 15, but non‐members can apply at any time your purchase price goes right back to JUC to support our  All sales are paid at a central finance table  20% of all gross sales go to JUC ministries and programs. You’re also supporting local artisans is not a your juried show. We out will accept vendors on a first come, So, first start served basis. Though JUC andThis keeping money of the big box stores. members are given preference on applications received before October 15, all vendors are encouraged making your listapplications and check it at twice—you don’t wantof tooptions for our to submit their as soon as least possible. In order to ensure a variety customers, we reserve the right to limit the number of vendors with similar products. forget anything! Hope to see you at the Faire! We will confirm receipt of all applications. If you do not get a receipt message, contact Mark Paquette Contact: Mark Paquette (720-320-2720; mark@ (720‐320‐2720; comark28@hotmail.com). markchristopherweddings.com).

Do you play an instrument? Would you like to make joyful music on Christmas Eve? Join the Family Band to play carols for the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service in Golden. All ages are welcome—particularly children and youth who are starting to play an instrument. It's like a free music lesson! For more information, contact Erika Sueker (720-849-3708; erika@ goldenlearninginstitute.com).

Lifespan Education and Adult Programs 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.

Ongoing Groups 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. Buddhist Sangha Service

1 & 3 Sundays, 5 p.m. Doug Anderson (dca-crm@hotmail.com) 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. This meditation service is open to all: no experience necessary. st

Charla!

2nd & 4th Sundays, 5 p.m. Carol Drew (303-422-5977) Discuss important topics in Spanish. Intermediate level recommended. Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS)

2 Thursdays, 7 p.m. Mari Cowley (303-420-4139) nd

Dream Study

Issues in Aging

Story Circle

4th Mondays, 7 p.m. Valerie Stone (vestone@gmail.com; 303-6698528) Information and education on issues related to healthy aging and dementia, to include lectures, panels, and discussion.

3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Lev Ropes (303-278-0177; levropes@comcast.net) A gathering to foster the traditional, oral art of storytelling for adults. Tell a well polished story for fun, or a story that you’d like to polish up in front of a most forgiving and friendly audience. Receive help from other tellers, or show up as a listener. All are welcome.

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. 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 nonfiction writing. No prior experience is needed. 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. Poetry as a Spiritual Practice

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.

2nd and 4th Mondays, 9:15 a.m. Marie Schottler (303-278-8035; mschottler@ comcast.net) Based on the writings of Jeremy Taylor, this is a gentle group process in which questions are asked of the dreamer leading to an aha! about his or her own dream. Newcomers welcome; please call before attending.

Quuilters' Group

Great Books Discussion Group

Roving Readers

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. 25: The Lifted Veil (Eliot) Dec. 9: The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg (Twain)

1st Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@msn.com) Newcomers welcome! Call for mtg. details. Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch

1st Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Contact: Betty Halladay (303-274-9144) Next meeting: Dec. 6. 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Mike Foster (303-456-2647) Open to anyone who reads the monthly selection. Books selected by group participants. Nov. 24: Plainsong, Eventide, and/or Benediction (Haruf) Science and Spirit

4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net) Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com

Thin Air: An Eclectic Ensemble

Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Margaret Bakker (303-986-0769) An open, informal group of folks who are intent upon keeping up their musical skills as well as having fun. UU Liberal Christians

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Sara Lohaus (pslohaus@comcast.net; 303432-3149) Connect with Christianity from a fresh, openminded perspective. Nov. 19: Christianity from a Universalist Perspective with Rev. Dana Lightsey. UU Piecemakers

3rd Fridays, 9:30 a.m. (members' homes) Edna Mae Miller (303-989-4793) Work on personal projects as well as quilts donated to charities selected by the group. 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. We work in silence after a short demonstration, so please arrive by 2. Drop-ins are welcome, but please e-mail Emily first so we have supplies for everyone. Walking Together

2nd Mondays, 7 p.m. (Crown Hill Park) Tim Brungardt (call JUC office for info) Take a leisurely walk near JUC to learn about fellow JUCers and have friendly conversation without the distractions we encounter during coffee hour, group meetings, shared meals, or while caring for children. All generations and abilities are welcome.

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.

Ministers’ Office Hours • Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music Tuesday–Friday • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant Minister

Tuesday–Friday • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ministers will generally be available according to the schedule above, but it is always wise to call ahead!

Sunday Morning Announcements

To have an announcement made about your church activity, call the corresponding Worship Associate no later than the prior Friday at noon. • Nov. 24 • Dec. 1 • Dec. 8

Dindy Fuller @ 720-402-4099 Julie Excell @ 541-778-4724 Gail Abbott @ 303-277-9180

Weekly Attendance Nov. 10 9:15 178 RE: 47 (10 adults) 11 215 RE: 78 (25 adults) Nov. 17 9:15 203 RE: 64 (11 adults) 11 220 RE: 49 (36 adults) Evergreen 4 38 RE: 12 (4 adults)

The JUC Crier This bi-weekly 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., Wed., Nov. 27 Next publication date: Mon., Dec. 2

www.jeffersonunitarian.org

Calendar of Activities

(extended calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org) Tuesday, Nov. 19 9:30am Yoga (chapel) 10:00am MMG: Handbell rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:00pm LEAP Group mtg. (M1/2) 6:30pm LEAP: Story Circle (chapel) 6:30pm LEAP: Going Deeper (M3/4) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm LEAP: UU Liberal Christians (R6/7) 7:00pm Leadership Nominating Committee (R3/4) Wed., Nov. 20 1:00pm PCG: Training (chapel) 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil (sanc.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (chapel) Thursday, Nov. 21 12:00pm Worship Group mtg. (M1/2) 6:00pm Evergreen Campus Group mtg. (Evergreen Campus) 7:00pm LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (R3/4) 7:00pm LEAP: Poetry as a Spiritual Practice (M3/4) 7:00pm SRC Meeting (M1/2) 7:30pm LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel) Friday, Nov. 22 10:00am MMG: Handbell rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm LEAP: Croning workshop (R6/7) Saturday, Nov. 23 9:00am EETF: Nourishing Connections (so. commons/kit.) 9:00am Auction Event: Pilates Intro. (R3/4) 6:00pm 20’s and 30’s: Popcorn Theology (M3/4) 6:30pm LEAP: Croning ritual (chapel) Sunday, Nov. 24 9:15/11am The Wisdom of Letting Go w/Wendy Williams 9:00am SRC: H&P Food Drive Packing (R6/7) 11:30am Evergreen Campus: Hanging of the Greens 12:30pm LEAP: Roving Readers (R3/4) 12:30pm LEAP: Science and Spirit (R6/7) 12:30pm SRC: All-Church Project Sharing Our Gifts (chapel) 12:30pm Young Adult Ministry mtg. (M3/4) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4) Monday, Nov. 25 9:15am LEAP: Dream Study (M5) 6:30pm Executive Committee of the Board (M5) 7:00pm Covenant Group w/Mike Foster (M1/2) 7:00pm LEAP: Issues in Aging (chapel) 7:00pm Strategic Planning Group (R3/4) 7:30pm LEAP: Great Books Discussion Group (M3/4) Tuesday, Nov. 26 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm PL&J Task Force (M3/4) 6:00pm Business Council mtg. (M1/2) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm Men’s Group w/Bishop (Mitchell rm.) Wed., Nov. 27 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline Thursday, Nov. 28 Office Closed (Thanksgiving Day Holiday) 3:00pm Thanksgiving Dinner Gathering/Dinner (all commons/kit.) 6:00pm Business Council mtg. (M3/4) 7:00pm Strategic Planning (M1/2) Friday, Nov. 29 Office Closed (Thanksgiving Day Holiday) Sunday, December 1 9:15/11am Discoveries, Epiphanies & Spiritual Wisdom 8

Year Round Pledge Program Underway! By now, you probably are aware that JUC has switched to a Year-Round Pledge (YRP) process from our former “all at once in the spring” approach to pledging. You may have even heard rumor of a monthly Pledge Tribe Lunch event, but unless you are one of the lucky ones to have already attended a Tribe Lunch, you probably don’t know much about it. A few more know we are planning a Celebration Gala in the Spring, complete with a Steve & Chris Sealy-written and -directed musical, news of which is enthusiastically applauded when people hear it. It’s understandable that during the first few months of the new Pledge Tribe events, people were not fully aware of them and ready to participate. But now we are gaining steam, and it’s time for folks to listen up so you can get the most from the events as your pledge month approaches. Here is what you need to know: 1. Your pledge month: if you don’t know it, inquire at the JUC office or contact Sarah Reeves or Pat Emery, YRP campaign co-chairs, on Sunday morning or via email. 2. Once you know your pledge month, save the date on the second Sunday of the month before your pledge month for your pledge tribe lunch and program. 3. Four to five weeks before your pledge month, look for a special email, with a link to make your pledge on line, and a link to make your RSVP for the Tribe Lunch. It is vitally important for you to respond promptly. 4. A few days after the email with the pledge link arrives, your pledge packet will arrive in the mail. It is in a 4 x 6 envelope with the Hand in Hand, Stone by Stone logo. It includes an invitation to the lunch as well as a paper pledge form, which you can mail or drop off if you prefer that to the on-line process. 5. Save the date of April 26 for the Celebration Gala, and know that we are we are planning the event with the intention of making it as inclusive as possible, and will do what it takes to get you and your whole family there (and home safely) if you want to go. Last, but not least, you need to know that JUC’s ability as an institution to support all our shared ministry programs is utterly dependent on the financial commitment of its members and friends. We need you not only to pledge, but to pledge as generously as you can, and to increase your pledge if at all possible. Why? If you break it down and look at what the money goes for, it looks rather mundane. You’ve got your normal mortgage and bills, plus the staff salaries, and then a bit of icing with the program council budgets. If you don’t find yourself inspired to generosity by that vision, then imagine this instead. The whole of JUC occupies another dimension far larger than the sum of the parts of the budget. What the flat, institutional budget creates, when you pop it into that next dimension, is your living, breathing community. The warm, cheery, cared for facilities and superbly staffed programs become a home away from home, where you can gather with other like-hearted people to deepen, connect and engage, to create our nourishing spiritual community, and to bring transformation into our own lives and the world. Sarah Reeves (sreeves@brwncald.com) Pat Emery (stardustpat@gmail.com) Co-chairs, Year Round Pledge Campaign

Unsold Auction Items and Events Get ‘Em While They Last! Item Name & Number

Price

Qty

Item Name & Number

#132 Modern Art Painting $175 1 #139 Personal Poem $60 2 #140 Photographs $150 1 #148 Victorian Chairs $250 1 #305 Covelo Jacket $25 1 #329 V’s Village Casuals $25 Gift Card $20 1 #331 Wooden Name Tags $15 15 #407 No Guts, No Glory Dinner $25 8 #510 September Sojourn $25 7 #511 Women’s Ski Retreat in APRIL! $140 2 #608 Guitar and Vocals with Lorian Bartle $100 1 #614 Watch Your Step Dance Group Show $15 88 #615 World Premiere Movie $10 57 #700 Aerobatic Flight $100 1 #702 Colo. Trail Lunch & Trail Maintenance $10 4 #709 Hike to Hell and Back $14 1 #711 Mountain Adventure for Families $25 1 #712 Snowshoe to Butler Gulch $12 2 #713 Tike Hike Take Two $20 1 #801 Imagine...A New Bible $10 1 #802 Mending Our Broken World $15 1 #804 The Power of Appreciative Inquiry $20 1 #807 Appreciative Leadership Workshop $10 6 #809 Build Bridges, Not Walls $10 50 #815 Introduction to Pilates $20 1 #817 Learn to Play “The Bones” $25 1 #820 Museum of Nature & Science Family Day $50 1 #811 Paleo Consultation $50 2 #823 Piano Lessons $50 1 #825 Sacred Unity of the World’s Religions $10 24 #827 Scrapbook Afternoon $8 3 #828 Scuba Training Gift Certificate $120 2 #830 Start a Healthy Habit $10 4 #831 Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong $22 2 #900 70’s Rock Music - Yay or Nay? $20 6 #901 Beerfest 2.0: The JUC Beer Rally $25 11 #904 Best Picture Series (1964) My Fair Lady $25 2 #911 Bowling Together $15 13 #914 Cocktails (or Kool-Aid) $10 5 #915 Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Annie Hall $20 2 #917 Comfort on a Cold Winter’s Night $20 2

Price

Qty

#918 Downton Abbey Tea $16 3 #919 Family Swim Party $20 3 #921 Game Night and Refreshments $25 12 #923 German Style Games & Great Food $25 4 #924 Giant Jenga Tournament $25 23 #926 Harry Potter Party $15 8 #927 Hot Mama’s Pool Party $8 2 #928 Howl at the Moon on Valentine’s Day $25 29 #929 Ice Cream Social $5 51 #930 Kickball in the Park $5 32 #931 Kids Spaghetti Making Party $20 2 #932 Minute to Win It Family Game $35 1 #933 Mom’s Night Out $14 2 #934 My Fair Lady Sing-Along $20 3 #940 Super Bowl Party $20 27 #941 Taste and Create $45 21 #1004 Italian Lunch at Abrusci’s $25 2 #1007 Mother Daughter Tea $20 1 #1008 Pizza Party $35 9 #1009 Spring Garden Party $25 2 #1105 Chiropractic Services $100 1 #1109 Facebook for Unitarians $26 3 #1110 Family Photography Session $80 5 #1112 Financial Counseling $175 1 #1113 French Lessons $150 1 #1119 Inspiring Empowerment $200 1 #1123 Pickup for Hire $60 2 #1125 Resume and Interview $200 3 #1128 Sacred Healing Music Session $30 2 #1132 Business Headshot $60 1 #2000 Special appeal

New Year’s Eve Concert with Westbrook

Tuesday, December 31 • 7 to 10 p.m. Ring in the new year with West Side Live! Presents. Experience the unique jazz/funk/blues ensemble, Westbrook (featuring singer Julia Wilson) and enjoy dancing, drinks, appetizers and a champagne toast. $17 Adult / $15 Senior / $12 Student Tickets are available at the JUC office, at westsidelivepresents.org or in the commons on Sundays. 10