The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church 14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282
December 15, 2014 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014, Issue 22 Sunday, December 21 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
In the Deep of Night presented by Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister
In a world filled with light it can be hard to see the power of the darkness. But it is often in the deep of night, the dark times, that questions like I wonder what would happen if...? begin to take form. What wonderings are nestled in the ground of your being, and what will it take to sustain you until they begin to show themselves for all to see? Music: JUC Ringers; Rev. Keith Arnold, piano.
Chr istmas Eve Services: Star of Won der Wednesday, December 24 In Evergreen: 4 p.m. Candlelight Service suitable for families In Golden: 4 p.m. “Candlelight” Service for families with young children (nursery care available) 5:30 p.m. Candlelight Service suitable for families with older children (nursery care available) 8 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service (Music starts at 7:30 p.m.) 10 p.m. Meditative Candlelight Service * Special Christmas Eve Collection: All donations collected during Christmas Eve services will be given to The Action Center. * Parking shuttle from the golf course to JUC and back! From 4:45 - 9:45 p.m., look for the van with holiday lights on it and Santa’s Elf, Doug Leber in the driver’s seat! * Donations of cookies or other holiday treats to share are welcome after the 4, 5:30 and 8 p.m. services!
Sunday, December 28 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Transcending Mystery and Wonder presented by Ruth Rinehart
Our first Source is Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life. How have you directly experienced that transcending mystery and wonder? How has your spirit been renewed? How open to the forces which create and uphold life are you? How do you experience the difference between your inner life and your outer life? Music: Sophia’s Journey; Adam Revell, piano. ☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, Jan. 4: Recovering presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. Recovering is a word of many meanings. Surely, it is a laudable goal for after the holidays. Yet, it is also a call to find what may be lost. How might this second definition help us understand this month’s theme of integrity? Music: Rev. Keith Arnold, piano.
Holiday Poinsettia Fund For years, it has been a tradition for many of us to memorialize a loved one or to celebrate a milestone by donating to the holiday poinsettia fund. These special flowers are used to decorate the sanctuary and chapel throughout our widely attended holiday services. If there is a person or event you wish to remember this year, please consider a donation. Donations will be listed in our holiday orders of service. You may make a donation at the office: drop by or mail it along with the information you would like included. Thank you in advance for making JUC a beautiful place during the holidays. 1
Evergreen Campus
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: December 28.
Sunday, Dec. 21 • 4 p.m.
2981 Bergen Peak Dr.
(at Congregation Beth Evergreen)
The Night Joy Snuck In
1 Path to Membership
presented by Beckett Coppola, Intern Minister
Saturday, February 21 • 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.
Experiments in wonder are about embracing joy and curiosity. Rev. Rebecca Parker offers us a call when she writes, Let this be the time we wake to life, as spring wakes, in the moment of winter solstice. As we honor the passing of the longest night, let’s watch together in wonder at life. Worship Associate: Kim Hassinger. Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. 2981 Bergen Peak Dr. (at Congregation Beth Evergreen)
Covenant of UU Pagans Winter Solstice Ritual
If you wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).
Saturday, Dec. 20 • 7 p.m. • chapel
A Musical Family Christmas with the Family Band Saturday, Dec. 20 • 1:30 p.m.
The Wheel of the Year has turned once more; the nights grow longer and colder. We rejoice in the longest night, and we rejoice in the darkness that enfolds us. We know that the spark of life lingers on, lying dormant, waiting… ready to return when the time is right. Join us as we welcome the returning sun! Ritual begins at 7 p.m. Please bring a snack to share after ritual and we invite you to stay and get acquainted with others who have come to honor the returning sun. Contact: Mari Cowley (celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com).
The Family Band is a five-decade Christmas tradition at JUC for instrumentalists of all ages. For the last several years we have played at the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service, but this year our plans got bigger! We will perform an entire interactive Christmas concert with and for the families of our congregation and their guests. The Family Band, consisting of around 20 instrumentalists, will play for you to sing-along to both popular and sacred carols. Songs sheets will be available. So grab your kids, friends, guests, some cookies to share, and we’ll have a great time singing and playing our hearts out. After our party we plan to go caroling in the neighborhood near JUC. We’ll be back by 4 p.m. Contacts: Erika Sueker (720-849-3708; ESueker@gmail.com), Margaret Bakker (303-986-0769).
UU Winter Solstice Celebr ation Sunday, Dec. 21 • 7 p.m. • chapel During this family friendly, participatory service, we’ll sing songs and hear stories of the season. Decorate tokens of your intentions for the coming year and tie them onto our Solstice Wheel. We’ll then burn the Wheel to release our intentions to the Universe and symbolize the return of the sun. This is an eclectic UU service, not a traditional pagan Yule, but we will honor the pre-Christian origins of the season. Please bring holiday goodies to share after the service. Contacts: Pat Emery (stardustpat@ gmail.com) and Kalin Baker (kalin@kalinartandspirit.com).
From a Pagan Perspective...
by Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com) Not all gifts come wrapped with a bow and a candy cane. While it is fun to share in the presents and parties that seem to define this month, there is also a need for introspection – pulling back and making space for the gifts that come from the Sacred which are always unexpected. Perhaps in the midst of frantic shopping, something funny happens that you’ll remember years from now, or maybe your tired feet and weary soul find an unexpected place of solitude and sanctuary. Being in the right place at the right time during the holiday rush just might lead us to find a new passion or endeavor. Yule or Winter Solstice has much to give us, but we must allow ourselves to be open enough to receive. Somewhere in all the activities is a gift of the spirit waiting for you. Step up and claim
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your blessings, hold them securely in both hands. Now’s the time to let go of the frustrations and irritations of the old year that is passing away and make room for the new year’s blessings to fill. With that being said, it is time for John and me to make room for new endeavors and challenges. This will be the last Pagan Perspective article for me. I thank you for allowing me to share some of myself and hopefully some new insights into what being pagan in a modern world means. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, It behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming. I’ve chosen this quote for my mindfulness moments as we move forward into the New Year. What have you chosen for 2015?
Family Spotlight Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x18)
Children’s Worship: First Sundays in the Chapel Sunday, January 4: Integrity An Introduction to Our Whole Lives (OWL) at JUC To wonder is to be filled with amazement or awe, and there are few things that might incite wonder in a young UU than learning about human sexuality, and how it relates to our spirituality. Our Whole Lives (OWL) helps our religious community and parents face the challenge of creating environments that support and nurture sexual health. The overall goal of OWL is to create a positive and comprehensive lifespan educational program that helps participants gain knowledge, values and skills to lead sexually healthy, responsible lives. The OWL program offers ageappropriate information on not only the physical, but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of sexuality. The curricula are published by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in conjunction with the United Church of Christ. Authors include religious, health, education, and sexuality professionals. It covers topics that parents and students wish to know but public schools are less likely to cover. The facilitators are specially trained to teach these topics and create a safe and supportive peer group.
Meet the Leaders and Facilitators Jill Pond, 4th - 5th Grade OWL Facilitator This will be Jill’s third time co-teaching the 4th - 5th grade OWL class at JUC. Her goal is for your kids to feel comfortable learning about these exciting topics and to grow in confidence with each passing week. She enjoys camping with her husband and two little girls, and enjoyed a trip this year to Jackson Hole, WY. Jill teaches sexual health education for a living and owns a business called Girls’ Rite that offers workshops for adolescent girls about health and development as it pertains to puberty. Teaching people about the physical, social and emotional realms of sexual health is so important and she feels very lucky to be doing it for a living! Mike & DeDeCross, 7th Grade OWL Facilitators This year some of Mike & DeDe’s goals include integrating a new curriculum, welcoming new facilitators to join the team, and enhancing spiritual focus within the class. They have worked with UU kids for seven years: they taught a sixth grade RE class, facilitated a high school youth group and have facilitated middle school OWL for the last five years. Their favorite activity over the past year was a family golf tournament and party. Another interesting fact is that Mike was born in San Diego, and despite years and years of disappointment, continues to be a Chargers fan. DeDe married into this Chargers allegiance and continues to love Mike despite this. Ashley Armstrong and Fred Wilson, 7th Grade OWL Apprenticing Facilitators Ashley Armstrong has been teaching Religious Education (RE) for about 6 months. She works for Planned Parenthood
and is very excited to use the knowledge she’s gained on the job to teach OWL to our 7th graders. Ashley has also traveled all over the world and learned some very interesting insights about health and sexuality that she looks forward to sharing. Fred Wilson offers approximately 10 years experience teaching RE. He has mentored six youths through the Coming of Age program since 2007 and taught several sessions for younger students prior to that. He enjoys spending time in the mountains with friends and family and just received Keelboat Coastal Cruising certification from the American Sailing Association. The first weekend of December, Ashley and Fred successfully completed OWL Facilitator Training for the 7th - 9th and 10th - 12th grade curriculum and will be official facilitators when returning to classes in January.
Parent Helpers Early Childhood and Elementary classrooms are in need of parent helpers. Find out what your kids are experiencing and learn more about being a UU. Contact Sara Covington (thenannysara@gmail.com) or Leah Reed (pictwii95@gmail.com) for more information. A huge shout out to the following individuals who spent time helping out in the Nursery and Sprouts room over the past weeks: Ayrolyn Keady, Trinity Saffer, and the Vaughan family. Sign up to help out online (http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c0b44afa92da6f58-nursery).
From the Classrooms
Kelly Thomas (Lead Volunteer Youth Advisor) - I would like to express how grateful and excited I am about the expanded support and participation of other wonderful adult allies in the high school youth ministry program here at JUC known as YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists). So far this year, we have had support from many JUC members including Andrea Aiken, Martha Eastman, Pat Emery, Mike Foster, Peggy Gates and our own recent YRUU alumna, Tessa Hennesy. One goal of youth ministry is to build meaningful connections with adults in our community, and when you share your faith and passion with our youth, you are demonstrating what it looks like to be an adult UU. People tell me all the time that I am brave to work with youth. I think it’s easy to look back on your teenage years and remember the negative stuff and let that color your perception. However, I tell them that our youth are brilliant, kind, loving and interesting people and working with them is something I look forward to. I’m so thrilled that other adults in our congregation are getting the chance to share in this gift and share their gifts with us. We need more of you! If you’re interested in leading a workshop or being an “awesome adult”, email coloradokelly@gmail.com.
Holiday Shopping Procrastination Blues? Take the Easy Way Out with Gift Cards from JUC! Have you procrastinated enough to need an easy answer for holiday shopping? Come to the Scrip (gift card) table in the commons this Sunday, Dec. 21, and select from the hundreds of great gift cards we have in stock, including popular retailers like Amazon. com, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and REI. Purchase not only physical plastic gift cards, but e-scrip which you can email to friends and family far away. Contacts: Pat Emery (stardustpat@gmail.com), Lauren Wilder (lolo.wilder@yahoo.com). 3
Holiday Party and White Elephant for College-Age Young Adults and High School Seniors
Tuesday, Dec. 30 • 6 p.m. Got a gift that needs to find a new home? Perfect! Wrap it up and bring it for the white elephant gift exchange. The Young Adult Ministry group will provide dinner. Catch up with old friends and make new ones. Parents, grandparents, family and friends: help us get the word out! RSVP to Lee Conley (lee_ conley@ymail.com; 303-940-1425).
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
College Care Packages While our college students were thinking about finals, we were thinking about them. Thank you for your donations of snacks, money, gift cards and swag. We mailed 29 care packages to JUC Young Adults, plus packaged 8 for the Spiritual Free Thinkers at the Colorado School of Mines.
What Difference Does My JUC Donation Make? Don’t we love it when we donate to JUC’s monthly special plate collections? The money goes directly to the budgets of our local community partners addressing social issues important to us, and we get a clear sense of the effect our donation will make. Though we all make pledges to the operating budget of the church, it is harder to get the same clear sense of the effectiveness of those donations. Also, it is easy, in a church as large as JUC, to assume the facilities will be there with the lights on when we arrive, and staff services will have made things happen in the background. That is our experience, after all. I, for one, am glad this is so, but unfortunately, this makes it harder to see the effect of our pledge donations, and translates into less enthusiasm for this form of giving. The secret to the clarity of the impact of our special plate donations is that the recipient organizations have missions focused on limited, specific areas of human need, such as homelessness, hunger, or suicide prevention. As a church, however, JUC’s operating budget must serve our members as whole human beings. Whole human beings need things that are diverse, and not so clearly defined. They need beauty and inspiration in music, art, and word. They need opportunities to get together, for fun and for deep explorations. They need a safe and nurturing environment for their children. They also need messy things, like toilets, and need them to be kept clean. They need a caring community for a helping hand now and then, and with whom they can celebrate life’s passages. They need opportunities to make a difference in the world without having to start from scratch on their own. In order to provide for those needs, JUC must have a building with a caretaker, ministers for worship and leadership in ministry, staff for publications, event organization, and … the list goes on. Over the next several months, your Year Round Pledge team will be trying to more clearly articulate the connection between your pledge donations and the direct effect they have in producing everything we love about JUC. In the meantime, though, please understand that ALL of the resources JUC needs to serve over 750 whole human beings comes from those very same humans, you and me. For several years, due to the recession and slow recovery, JUC’s income, from a buying power perspective, has been shrinking. We need as many of the 750 who possibly can to increase their pledges this year by 10% so that we can reverse that trend. If 10% is out of your reach, then 3%, or even just $5 per month increase will make a difference. What difference does your donation to JUC make? All the difference in the world! ~ Pat Emery, Co-Chair, Year Round Pledge Campaign
Board Blog John Hambright, Trustee 303-456-5921; johnhambright@Q.com
I was watching It’s a Wonderful Life the other night (it never fails to get to me) and, that same evening, I also happened to page through the family photo roster from JUC (circa 2009 or 2010). As I looked at the faces of those who have departed – either having moved away, passed away, or turned away – I was sad to see so many who had made a difference in the life of JUC in so many ways who are no longer with us. Many of them touched my life personally. So with apologies to Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra – I wonder what our church would be like if these people had never been a part of it? There may not have been a Green Task Force (Version 1.0), and no Green Sanctuary certification nor solar panels on the Mills building roof. Political candidate and issue forums, as well as insightful talks on the Middle East and other global issues, might never have happened. My kids would not have had the benefit of the insights of various wise adults, including those who accompanied them on their 9th Grade Trip (shout out to John Ray!), and they would have missed out on lasting connections with some of their peers. Many pints of blood would not have been donated. I would not have been a witness to the heroic spirit of some who had life-ending conditions. What would the church be like if you were not a part of it? Each of us matters here, just like George learned in the movie. We all need to keep seeking connection, working on projects together, and sharing our spirit with one another. We can be with each other and sing together in times of celebration and challenge. Life doesn’t always feel wonderful, but it’s better with our JUC community – and it’s better with you in it.
JUC Board of Trustees Next meeting: Thursday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m. jeffersonunitarian.org/Board-of-Trustees 4
Visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src for general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals.
Chr istmas Day Potluck Din ner at JUC
JUST NEIGHBORING
Thursday, Dec. 25
http://jeffersonunitarian.org/All-Church-Project
Gather at 3 p.m. • Dinner at 4 p.m. Make festive dinner and fellowship part of your holiday plan this year. Gather with JUC friends on Christmas day for a community potluck meal. All who plan to attend are asked to be sure to sign up so we know you are coming and to let us know what dish you’ll bring. Sign up at the Sign Up Site. There is no deadline since the meal will be 100% potluck. Contact: Sue Parilla (303-279-5282; sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).
Would you like to help with the Lumberg Elementary Reading Program, but can’t make an ongoing commitment? We are looking for folks who could substitute for our current mentors when they are out of town or unable to mentor. We would call you with a specific time and you would only volunteer if you were available on that date. If you’d like to give this a try, please e-mail Jill Armstrong (jarm444@gmail.com). Jay Wilsey and his reading buddy recently made the front page of the Lakewood/Edgewater YourHub in The Denver Post. Jefferson Unitarian was also mentioned in an inside article about the Edgewater Collective. You can read the article at tinyurl. com/kpstg2e. The student pictured next to that article is being tutored by Betty Lynn Ferguson. Jay’s photo isn’t online, but you can see both his photo and the article on the SRC bulletin board in the south commons.
JUC Joins the Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition The Board of Trustees recently voted to join the Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition (MDSC) and serve as the Fiscal Sponsor. You may have seen in the news that First Unitarian Society of Denver (FUSD) currently has Arturo Hernández García in sanctuary, preventing his deportation as he seeks a stay of removal. This action is the first in Denver of a New Sanctuary Movement supported by several front range Unitarian Universalist congregations as well as the American Friends Service Committee. The Mountain Desert District’s Beloved Community Coordinator, Kierstin Homblette, is also very active in support of MDSC. JUC was approached by MDSC leaders to serve as Fiscal Sponsor because they do not have the resources to easily do the direct service work they are engaged in, and adequately manage the financial activities. As a large church, JUC is well-positioned to handle the needs of the coalition under Administrator Carol Wilsey’s supervision. We are currently in conversation with MDSC to come to a signed agreement regarding our role with them, as well as to iron out the details of the day-to-day transactions. MDSC leaders are very grateful for our participation. If you are interested in learning more about MDSC, a good place to start is at their web site (metrodenversanctuary.org). Carol Wilsey (carolwilsey@jeffersonunitarian.org, 303-279-5282 x11) is also available to answer questions about our relationship to the project.
. . . Housing & Poverty Task Force (H&P TF) . . .
Family Promise Host Week: December 21 – 28 Christmas is just around the corner – what a wonderful time to share our good wishes and compassion with our less fortunate neighbors. Our next Family Promise Host week will be December 21 – 28. This is a marvelous opportunity for us to help our neighbors that find themselves without housing during these festive times. We need approximately 80 volunteers to make our host week a success. Most of the tasks require only 2 to 3 hours, and yet mean so very much to our guests. Contact: Pat Nickel (303-670-0145; georgenickel@comcast.net). . . Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force . .
Great news! We raised over $2,700 at the I Heart Xmas concert for the scholarship program. Thank you for your generosity. Our church supports 40 students in Guatemala with scholarships. These are extremely poor students whose families were affected by the building of the Chixoy hydroelectric dam. It’s construction in the 1980’s injured 11,833 residents and resulted in the massacres of 424 people, with the survivors remaining in poverty. But there is good news! In November, the president of Guatemala, Perez Molina, visited Rabinal to offer a public apology, and to announce an agreement with the communities affected by the construction of the dam to pay reparations, including construction of housing, schools, health centers, and bridges, and ponds to raise fish. Individual families will also receive compensation. Agreements of this sort have been made in the past, but this time the United States passed an act stating that the U.S. will not vote for loans from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank to Guatemala if it doesn’t show progress on the agreement. Reparations are to begin in 2015. Visit www.uuguatemalascholarship.com for more information.
19th Annual Craft Faire a Great Success!
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This year’s JUC Holiday Craft Faire set another record for sales and income, with an all-time high of $30,282.28 (including crafter sales, food sales, and booth fees). After expenses, we expect the church will receive close to $6,500 toward the operating budget. With help from 50+ volunteers, this truly was a group effort, and we also want to thank all of you who came out to support our crafters by shopping at the Faire. As you may know, this was the last year for Mark Paquette & Martin Garnar to coordinate the Craft Faire, and we are still looking for volunteers to take over this event. The 20th Annual Craft Faire will happen only if the community wants it to continue, so please consider getting involved. It’s both a fundraiser and a chance to make connections within JUC, so if you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to run this event, please contact Martin Garnar (martingarnar@gmail.com).
Pastoral Care
Calling All Young Singers and Actors! Musical Rehearsals Begin Tues., Jan. 13 Performance Sunday, March 15
How JUCers Care for Each Other
It’s time once again to think about participating in our annual Children’s and Youth Musical. This year we will present Roots and Wings: Digging Deep So We Can Fly, which will feature songs and stories about kids finding the courage to make it through the tough times and finding a way to shine in the good times. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:15 p.m., and selected Sunday mornings from 10:20-10:50 a.m. Open to all JUC kids in kindergarten – 8th grade. Note that the musical takes place of choir for the duration of this project and ALL kids will rehearse during the 6:30-7:15 p.m. time. For more information, please contact Sarah Billerbeck, Director of Music for Children and Youth (Billerbeck@comcast. net; 720-855-8584).
We Hold in Our Hearts… ❦ Theresa Tomich, as she mourns the loss of her mother, Anne Tomich, who died at the age of 92 on December 7;
❦ Wendy Carlson and her family as Bob Carlson died last week after a brief hospitalization. A memorial service will be held at JUC on Friday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m.;
❦ Vicki Girdziunas and her family as Vicki’s husband Mike Hosbein died December 12 after a brief hospitalization. A small memorial gathering will be held at JUC Sat., Dec. 20, at 9 a.m.;
❦ The family of Jessie Davis, who died Dec. 3 at the age of 91;
Community Events
❦ The family of Jody Lilliequist, who passed away recently. A memorial service was held at Columbine UU Church on Dec. 13.
Community Carol Sing
Fri., Dec. 19 • 6 p.m. Potluck Supper • 7 p.m. Carol Singing First Unitarian Society of Denver (1400 Lafayette St., Denver)
We Celebrate with…
‘Tis the holiday season – time to join together and sing! For the potluck supper, we’ll provide chili and drinks, you bring the side dishes. Carol singing will be accompanied by our majestic Hook & Hastings pipe organ, plus our adorable Children’s Choir. Bring your family and friends. Everyone is warmly welcome to this joyous holiday celebration.
❦ Ruth Rinehart, who is thrilled to be the intern minister next church year at Boulder Valley Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship in Lafayette.
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Mindful Journey to Italy: July 26 to Aug. 4, 2015 With the Neighbourhood UU Congregation, Toronto Spend three nights in Florence, and three each in the hill towns of Siena and Assisi. We’ll explore Cortona, see the Renaissance architecture designed by a humanist Pope in Pienza, and meditate to Gregorian chant at the Abby St. Antimo that dates from the 12th century. Because we are booking small monastery guest house accommodation, we need to make deposits by February 1. Please see http://nuuc.ca/spiritualgrowth/spiritual-practice/mindful-journeys/ or email beverlz@ me.com for more information.
2 Tuesdays nd
Light Dinner • 6 p.m. (commons) Worship • 6:30 p.m. (chapel) If your small group meets on Tuesday 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: Jan. 13.
Upcoming Cuba AyUUda Trips Cuba AyUUda, a UU Social Justice Action Group, leads friendship-building small group trips to Cuba. Affordable all-inclusive trips this winter and spring will include visits to a community project for the arts, health clinics, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Please visit our web page (www. cubaayuuda.org) for more information and to apply for this chance of a lifetime.
Birding With Mike Ducks and Winter Residents begins Jan. 7. Two classes, three field trips. Details at www.BirdingWithMike.com; classes offered by Mike Foster.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 • 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. January’s Evensong service will be led by Gail Abbott.
Your Grocery (and Gas) Purchases Can Help JUC! King Soopers, Safeway, and Vitamin Cottage cards are available in the office. When you purchase these cards from JUC, 5% of the face value goes to our operating budget! King Soopers and Safeway cards are now reloadable—fill them back up at the store and JUC still reaps the benefit. Contact: Kristin Miller, Bookkeeper (kristinmiller@ jeffersonunitarian.org). 6
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.
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: Jan. 2. 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.
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 upon request.
Science and Spirit: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net) Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. More info at http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com 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 meeting Jan. 10.
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. No meeting Dec. 22. 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. Note: Dec. 8 mtg. will be held at Dona Chilcoat’s home. Jan. 12: Ransom (Malouf) Jan. 26: Aias/Ajax (Sophocles)
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. 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: 4th 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.
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. 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 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. Dec. 16: What does Christmas mean to you? Bring a favorite story, reading, artwork or musical selection to share with the group. Join us for fellowship and refreshments. All are Welcome!
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.
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.
Origins: 1st Wednesdays, 1 p.m. • Lisa Rountree (lisa.rtree@ gmail.com; 720-273-7511) Discuss literature exploring the origins of our religious traditions. Jan. 7: Film - From Jesus to Christ
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.
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.
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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 and/ 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 Dec. 7 9:15 183 RE: 43 (10 adults) 11 242 RE: 72 (12 adults) Evergreen 4p 29 RE: 4 (4 adults) Dec. 13 4:30p 295 RE: 6 (1 adult) Dec. 14 9:15 310 RE: 31 (7 adults) 11 277 RE: 25 (8 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., Dec. 22 Next publication date: Mon., Dec. 29
Calendar Highlights
(full calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org/calendar) Tuesday, Dec. 16 Wed., Dec. 17 Thurs., Dec. 18 Sat., Dec. 20
1:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:15pm 6:15pm 7:30pm 10:00am 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 7:00pm
MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) LEAP: Story Circle (R6/7) MMG: Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) India Learning Circle (R3/4) LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (Mitchell rm.) LEAP: UU Liberal Christians (M3/4) MMG: Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) JUC Choir (sanc.) Green TF: Climate Change Lobby mtg. (M1/2) Committee on Ministry mtg. (M5) LEAP: JUC Poetry Group (M3/4) LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel) MMG: Handbell rehearsal (Priestley rm.) MMG: Musical Family Christmas (sanc., comm., kit.) LEAP: CUUPS Winter Solstice (chapel)
Sunday, Dec. 21 9:15/11am In the Deep of Night w/Eric Banner 12:30pm Green TF Meeting (R3/4) 1:00pm LEAP: CUUPS Children’s Circle Yule (chapel) 4:00pm Evergreen: The Night Joy Snuck In w/Beckett Coppola 5:00pm LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4) 5:00pm LEAP: Buddhist Sangha Service (sanc.) 7:00pm WG: Winter Solstice service (chapel, comm., kit.) 7:00pm LEAP: Memoirs (M1/2) Monday, Dec. 22 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:00pm MMG: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm LEAP: Great Books Discussion Group (R3/4) 6:30pm Small Group - Beal (R6/7) 7:00pm MMG: Bell Ensemble rehearsal (Priestley rm.) Tuesday, Dec. 23 1:00pm MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 2:00pm Small Group - Rountree (R6/7) 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., Dec. 24 4:00pm Evergreen Campus: Christmas Eve service 4:00pm Christmas Eve Service (sanc.) 5:30pm Christmas Eve Service (sanc./chapel) 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service (sanc./chapel) 10:00pm Christmas Eve Service (chapel) Thurs., Dec. 25 Office Closed (Christmas Day Holiday) 3:00pm B&C: Christmas Day Potluck Dinner (commons/kit.) Sunday, Dec. 28 9:15/11am Transcending Mystery and Wonder w/Ruth Rinehart 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, Dec. 29 6:00pm MMG: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm MMG: Bell Ensemble rehearsal (Priestley rm.) Tuesday, Dec. 30 1:00pm MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm YAM: Young Adult Party (chapel) Wed., Dec. 31 7:00pm West Side Live! Concert (sanc., comm., kit.) Thurs., Jan. 1 Office Closed (New Year’s Day) 7:00pm LEAP: JUC Poetry Group (M3/4) 7:30pm LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel) Friday, Jan. 2 11:30am LEAP: Retirees’ Brown Bag Lunch (M3/4) Sat., Jan. 3 9:00am Quuilters Group (so. commons) 1:00pm 20s and 30s Retreat (chapel, kit.) Sunday, January 4 9:15/11am Recovering w/Wendy Williams 12:15pm Young Adult Ministry mtg. (R3/4) 4:00pm Evergreen: What You Want, What You Need w/Eric Banner 8
Consider a Year-End Gift to JUC
Pledges are low! Our operating budget for pledges is $806,000 and current projected pledges are $766,000, leaving a shortfall of $40,000. Your year-end gift will help us live into our mission as planned!
Donate online at http://tinyurl.com/JUCDonate or scan the QR code here. It’s quick and easy to check this gift to JUC off your list!
If you would like to donate by check, mail it to JUC, 14350 W. 32nd Ave., Golden, CO 80401. Write Year-End Gift in the memo.
Appreciated Stock: Donating appreciated stock is easy and it’s a great way to maximize tax benefits! Call Carol Wilsey (303-279-5282) for more information.
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At this time of giving, we ask you to include JUC in your year-end gifts. We have a growing vision and big dreams. Your one-time additional donation would help us step further into our dreams together. In this season, it is important to pause and acknowledge the many ways in which our lives have been blessed. Chief among our shared blessings is Jefferson Unitarian Church. The Board of Trustees and staff offers our thanks for the ways you have given your time, energy, and funds to help meet the mission of our Beloved Community. This year we have used your gifts to: Deepen Our worship services continue to provide opportunities to be in community, sing and be sung to, and be challenged to live life with greater intention and attention. After a Sunday service, we routinely hear, “I know you were talking to me.” “That’s just what I needed.” “I feel challenged to live our principles.” Further, we now offer two evening services each month with music, story, and silence. Connect Our theme-based small groups are up and running in Golden and Evergreen. There is even a group composed and facilitated by our newest members. “The opportunity to have conversation about things that matter and to really listen and be listened to is a gift,” said one participant, echoed by others. “I feel like I really belong and know more people.” Engage Unitarian Universalist principles cannot be fully lived into in isolation. They call us to act justly in the world. This is the foundation for the Just Neighboring All Church Project in Edgewater. Whether it is the call for volunteers to do yard work for elders, or for math tutors and readers for grade school kids, our JUC community routinely provides the majority of volunteers. We hope that you are finding opportunities to deepen, connect, and engage with us. On behalf of the Board and Staff, it is our honor to serve you by working together to increase our capacity to effectively live into our vision. Sincerely, Wendy Williams, Senior Minister Lisa Bickford, Finance Officer, Board of Trustees Visit http://tinyurl.com/JUCGiving to see a graph of all the programs your gifts support. Your year-end gift will allow us to continue our strong ministries.
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