The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church
14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282 • Fax: 303-279-2535
December 2, 2013 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2013 Issue 23 Sunday, December 8 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
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: Julie Excell. 2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Just Neighboring: Meet Joel Newton, founder of the Edgewater Collective sponsored by the Just
Neighboring All-Church Project. More details on p. 5.
Sunday, December 15 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Holiday Music Service: Unexpected Wonder presented by Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music, and Sarah Billerbeck, Director of Music for Children & Youth
Here at the darkest time of year, enter a service that discovers unexpected wonder and joy. JUC’s choirs lead you on a journey that settles into dusk and twinkles with the festivities and starlight of the deep night, eventually culminating in the gentle and glorious dawn. The qualities of the night invite us to find the unexpected in everyday moments. Music: JUC Choir, Children’s and Radiance Choirs; Laura Lizut, piano. Worship Associate: Bev Curtiss.
2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Why JUC Needs an Environmental Group sponsored by the Peace, Liberty & Justice Task Force.
Concerns over the urgency of climate change, and passion and energy to work on related issues, is growing at JUC. A new environmentally oriented group is making rapid progress on becoming an official Task Force next spring. More details on p. 5. ☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, Dec. 22: Long Walks and Hidden Gifts presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. In this season of gifting, we may miss what’s really being given. This service is an invitation to give and receive from a deeper place. Music: Melissa Monforti; Adam Revell, piano; JUC Ringers.
Holiday Healing Service
JUC Evergreen Campus
Monday, Dec. 9 • 7 p.m. (chapel)
Sunday, Dec. 15 • 4 p.m.
The Holidays are here with all their sparkle and celebration, but this time 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. All are welcome to come to this service of memory and hope cosponsored by the Carson J Spencer Foundation.
Long Walks and Hidden Gifts presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister
A reprise of the Dec. 8 service listed above. Worship Coordinator: Nora Flood. 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)
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Mountain UUs who wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).
Chr istmas Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 24 1 p.m. in Evergreen: A joyful, family-friendly service presented by Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Asst. Minister.
Services in Golden :
Come to the Craft Faire This Weekend!
To: Artists and Craftspeople From: Jefferson Unitarian Church Craft Faire Planning Committee th Re: Application for Space at the 17th Annual JUC Holiday Craft Faire Deadline: October 15 for JUC member preference; November 1 for all others The Jefferson Unitarian Church is holding its 17th annual Holiday Craft Faire on November 30 and December 1, 2012. Last year’s faire had over $23K in sales. We will be publicizing the faire heavily within the church, in the Applewood Community, in select newspapers, and social media. However, any postcards you send out or publicity by word of mouth is a real boost! 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. Four important policies to remember: No tables will be confirmed until the table fee and your sales code have been received JUC members get preference until October 15, but non‐members can apply at any time All sales are paid at a central finance table 20% of all gross sales go to JUC This is not a juried show. We will accept vendors on a first come, first served basis. Though JUC members are given preference on applications received before October 15, all vendors are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In order to ensure a variety of options for our customers, we reserve the right to limit the number of vendors with similar products. All donations collected We will confirm receipt of all applications. If you do not get a receipt message, contact Mark Paquette during Christmas Eve services will be given to local charities. Details (720‐320‐2720; comark28@hotmail.com). to follow in the next edition of The JUC Crier. If you have questions, please contact Martin Garnar (720.560.6004; martingarnar@gmail.com).
4 p.m. Family Service presented by Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education. Music: Family Band.
Friday, Dec. 6 • 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Sat., Dec. 7 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At long last, the 18 Annual Holiday Craft is here! This Friday and Saturday, come to JUC and see it transformed into a market of holiday delights! With 50 vendors displaying items ranging from jewelry, pottery, knitwear, florals, art and other fantastic gifts, you’ll be certain to find everything you need for holiday gift giving. Like live music? Join us Friday evening for a reception at 6 p.m. and stay for First Friday Open Mic in the chapel. Have small shoppers in your house? Bring them on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon for the special Children’s Market in the chapel, where all items are under $10 and children will be able to select, purchase, and wrap their gifts all in the same place. Have a hankering for something sweet? Stop by the Bake Sale for holiday treats. Remember, 20% of the purchase price stays at JUC to support our programs and ministries, so you’re helping the church as you shop. Hope to see you at the Faire! Contact: Mark Paquette (720-320-2720; mark@ markchristopherweddings.com).
5:30 p.m. Family Candlelight Service presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. Music: Children’s and Radiance Choirs; Adam Revell, piano; Worship Band. 7:30 p.m. Christmastide Music. Come early for the 8 p.m. service and enjoy the sounds of the season presented by JUC musicians and Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music.
8 p.m. Candlelight Service presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano.
10 p.m. Meditative Service presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister and Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant Minister. Music: Sophia’s Journey; Jono Hofmann, piano. Special Christmas Eve Plate Collection:
Donations of cookies or other holiday treats to share are welcome after the 4, 5:30 and 8 p.m. services! Nursery care available during the 5:30 p.m. service only.
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: Dec. 8.
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!
1 Path to Membership
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.
Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice
Just Journey to Haiti • March 15-23, 2014 Join a team from First Universalist Church of Denver for a Just Journey to Haiti sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) through the UU College of Social Justice. We will partner with Papaye Peasant Movement (MPP) to build Eco-Villages for those displaced in the 2010 earthquake. Total cost of the trip is estimated at $1,900, and scholarships and fundraising opportunities are available. Visit http://uucsj.org/journeys/haiti/ for more information. Contact Dan Moen (dmoe54@gmail. com; 303-489-9436) if you are interested in participating. 2
Join the Family Band for Christmas Eve!
Meet Up at the Movies!
Tues., Dec. 17 • 7 p.m. Cinemark Theatre, 440 S. Teller St.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17; Sunday, Dec. 22 • 7 p.m.
The Nutcracker danced by London’s Royal Ballet Company transmitted live, one night only. No need to sign up: Just show up, buy your ticket and meet other JUC folks in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. Belmar has ample parking and plenty of restaurants nearby. Admission is $15/adults; $14/seniors; $13/children, and tickets can be purchased at the box office or online (fathomevents.com). Sponsored by the Belonging and Connection Group. Contact: Rosie Lewis (303-562-5076; rosie.lewis1248@gmail.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 info, contact Erika Sueker (720-849-3708; erika@ goldenlearninginstitute.com).
Family Ministry Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x18)
Cold Hands, Warm Heart? How about warm hands, warm heart?! The Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) group is collecting mittens/gloves/hats/scarves to support the annual Gifting Project. Donations accepted in the south commons Dec. 8. Thanks for your support!
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. 16: Holiday Cards & Gift Wrapping. Child care begins at 8:45 a.m. for babies to kindergartners, or older kids willing to be mentors. Contact: Lori Gray (303-9455873).
Want to volunteer in the nursery or preschool room at our Golden campus? We’d love to have your
help! Contact Ashley Johnson or sign up online (http://tinyurl. com/JUCnursery). 3
News from the Ministerial Recruitment Team The Ministerial Recruitment Team continues to make progress towards finding a new assistant minister. Good news: Our Congregational Record (CR) was officially accepted by the UUA Ministerial Transitions Office. The CR will be available to ministers in search when the system goes live on December 1. (Recall that the CR is a description of our congregation and the minister we are hoping to find.) The team anticipates receiving responses from interested ministers in early January and expects a very busy spring as we move through the selection process. In support of our efforts to recruit the best possible candidates, the recruitment team is busy putting the final touches on JUC’s ministerial recruitment web page. We are fortunate that JUC has a well-developed public website containing extensive information about our church. The ministerial recruitment web page augments JUC’s public website and provides key information about the assistant minister position. This ministerial recruitment page will only
be available for viewing by ministers who indicate an interest in JUC’s assistant minister position. As we will soon be reviewing potential candidates, it is apropos to discuss the confidentiality needs of this process. While the team can discuss the recruitment process, specific details about the applicants (e.g. who, how many, and from where) are confidential, and this confidentiality must be maintained within the team. Ministers expressing an interest in JUC are relying on their candidacy being held confidential. The team must honor this trust, to protect the well-being of the candidates and their current congregations. We hope that JUC members and friends understand and appreciate this need for confidentiality. We appreciate your trust in us – it is an honor to serve our beloved community in this important work. ~ Ministerial Recruitment Team: Jim Matera (chair), Shane Bower, Judy Gangloff, Paula Menten and Rev. Wendy Williams
20s & 30s Group Events The next gathering of the 20s & 30s Group will be on Sunday, December 8 at 9:15 a.m., to attend Explorations! and discuss the Just Neighboring project. We’re already doing research on a potential project for our group. Meanwhile, we’ve been having so much fun with the Popcorn Theology series that we’ll continue with Persepolis in January (time and place TBA). We’ll also plan to cook for our Family Promise guests sometime during the week of January 5. Questions about upcoming events? Contact Brittany Flood (brittanyflood@aim.com).
Dances of Universal Peace 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.
Annual Young Adult Holiday Party Sunday, Dec. 29 • 6 p.m. (chapel)
Calling all 20s & 30s, students home from college, and any young adults! Join us for the annual Young Adult Holiday Party. Eat yummy food, reconnect with old friends and make new ones, and join in a white elephant gift exchange (the perfect opportunity to re-gift something that will bring more joy to a different recipient). Sponsored by the Young Adult Ministry group. For more information, contact Jacqui Ainlay-Conley (303-940-1425; sandycat@ ecentral.com).
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. 4
Chr istmas Day Potluck Dinner at JUC Wednesday, Dec. 25 • 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 for this meal because it is 100% potluck, but it is helpful to know you are coming. Contact: Sue Parilla (303-279-5282; sueparilla@ jeffersonunitarian.org).
For general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals, visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src. JUST NEIGHBORING
. . . Peace, Liberty & Justice Task Force (PL&J TF) . . .
http://jeffersonunitarian.org/All-Church-Project
Explorations! Sunday, Dec. 15 • 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Green Rising! A gathering for all who want to see a revived environmental movement at JUC. We need your input: Which issues matter most to you? Which activities should we tackle? To what will you commit? Gofers and managers needed. Expect a participatory session, and learn some of what is being planned for the future. Bring suggestions for our new name: The Green Group? Eco-Enviros? Climate Action? Earth Lovers? You name it!
Explorations! Sunday, Dec. 8 • 9:15 a.m. (chapel) Meet Joel Newton, Director of the Edgewater Collective JUC’s Just Neighboring All-Church Project is ready to go! Come and meet Joel Newton, founder of the Edgewater Collective, the organization with which we will be partnering. He will share his vision with us as he talks about what caused him to begin this huge undertaking. He will share its formation and history as it developed in the community of Edgewater. Then, he will discuss what is happening now, outline his hopes for the future, and how we at JUC can be involved. We will have an opportunity to partner and live part of our mission, to transform the world outside our church walls, and at the same time transform ourselves. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this exciting event!
. . . Housing & Poverty Task Force (H&P TF) . . .
Food Drive a Success!
Delivered to Family Tree for Thanksgiving and crisis intervention during the winter: More than 20 large cartons of quality, ethically-chosen food, valued at about $2,000. Thanks to Dave Gallagher, Art Aspinall, Tom Goodreid, Ashley Johnson, Joyce McLaren, the Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) Group, and all our helpers for a successful food drive!
. . Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force . .
Guatemala Scholarship Partners Shop in Our Store—Buy Holiday Cards. We will not have the cards at our table this year, but the selection available online includes old favorites and some new designs. Support the Guatemala Scholarship Partners and UUSC: Buy Equal Exchange organic fair trade coffee and chocolate. Equal Exchange gives a portion of their proceeds to the UU Service Committee; profits from our sales at JUC support the Guatemala Scholarship Partners, and you go home with delicious chocolate and coffee. Great for gifts as well! Check out the selection at the coffee and chocolate sales table December 8 and 22. Thank you for the many ways you offer your support. Contacts: Gretchen May (maygwinQ@centurylink.net; 303-233-6113), Margie Robinson (mcrobins@jeffco.k12.co.us; 303-278-0786).
Our heartfelt thanks go to all of you for the outpouring of support shown for Juan de Dios, his family and ADIVIMA on Sunday, Nov. 17. More than 70 people signed the letters for Senators Udall and Bennet expressing our deep concern in the face of increasing re-militarization of the Rabinal community. We will keep you informed as we pursue additional avenues for effective action in this crisis. During this holiday season, consider giving a friend or loved one the gift of a donation to the Guatemala Scholarship Partners. We have a newly designed gift card available at the UUSC table in the south commons Dec. 8 and 15. ADIVIMA began almost 20 years ago as a partner supported by the UU Service Committee. Support the UUSC today by sending holiday cards available through their website (UUSC. org). To check out the selection click on What You Can Do— 5
Pastoral Care
To find out more about JUC’s Lifespan Education and Adult Programs, visit jeffersonunitarian.org and click LEAP under the Programs tab. Sign up for classes at the Sign Up Site or by calling the church office (303-279-5282). Contact: Patti Coe-Withington (303-596-1130), LEAP facilitator.
How JUCers Care for Each Other
We Hold in Our Hearts… ❦ Tom & Margaret Pearce, as Tom is dealing with kidney cancer; ❦ Deborah Andrews, as her father passed away last week at the age of 85; ❦ Bob Miller, who suffered a recent fall, breaking his collar bone and injuring ribs; ❦ Anne Kotch, who is also recovering from a recent fall; ❦ Nora Flood, who had shoulder surgery Nov. 26; ❦ Annie & John Hedberg, on the passing of John’s father, Ray. He was 99 and had a beautiful, inspiring life.
New/Upcoming LEAP Classes ✻ Ongoing Group: UU Liberal Christians • 1st & 3rd Tuesdays • 7 p.m. Sara Lohaus (pslohaus@comcast.net; 303-432-3149) Dec. 3: Advent: A Time of Renewal. With the arrival of winter’s darkness, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and hope. Advent marks the four weeks in December when we wait for the arrival of the winter solstice and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Join us as we observe this special time of year with candlelight, readings and music, followed by fellowship and refreshments.
We Celebrate with… ❦ Wyley Eaton, on the occasion of his 91st birthday, Dec. 2.
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Dec. 17: Christianity from a Universalist Perspective. Have you ever wondered about Universalism and its connection to Christianity? Join us for the second part of an engrossing discussion led by Rev. Dana Lightsey. We’ll focus on The Social Implications of Universalism by Clarence Skinner, who presents an interpretation of the social gospel that goes beyond the scope of protestant Christianity. To receive a link to this landmark work and related information on the Unitarian Universalist Association website, please contact Sara Lohaus (info above). All are welcome to participate in both events – no sign-up needed!
Let Your Holiday Shopping Earn Free Money for JUC! Remember, not only can you give scrip (gift) cards to friends and family for the holidays, you can also use them to purchase the gifts yourself. Whether it’s that fishing rod at Cabela’s, a cardigan sweater from Kohl’s, a Harry & David treat, or books from Barnes & Noble, your shopping can earn from 2% to 20% for JUC. If you have Millennials in your life who enjoy iTunes, Land’s End, and Amazon.com, we have scrip for those as well, plus hundreds more. You be the judge if they would rather have the card or a wrapped gift, but you can use scrip for either one. If you are already a scrip program participant, you know how it works. Plastic gift cards will be ordered on Dec. 9 and 18, available for pick up on Dec. 15 and 22, respectively. You can order virtual scrip anytime and either print it out or email it to the recipients. If you are not familiar with the program, but would like to try it out this season, go to the program web site (shopwithscrip.com). Peruse the site to see all the retailers and the percent rebates they offer. You don’t need to have an account on that web site to peruse it or order scrip. Simply take note of the gift cards you would like to order and bring your list to JUC by Dec. 8, or email it to Pat Emery (stardustpat@gmail. com). Last but not least, you can give scrip cards as a donation to the Family Tree gifting program or to JUC’s Blue-Norton family, as Elizabeth goes through her next round of chemotherapy. Whether it is to make a child smile or to please friends and loved ones, you can also help build JUC’s capacity to serve our members and the wider world by taking that extra step before you do your shopping. See Pat at the Scrip table on Sunday mornings for more information and to sign up for your online account. Contact: Pat Emery (303-748-1215).
Paths and Traditions Fair
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Saturday, Jan. 18 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (commons/chapel) CUUPS will sponsor this Traditions Fair, inviting everyone to get acquainted with some of the pagan and polytheistic traditions practiced in the Denver area. Speak with representatives of multiple Pagan and Polytheistic traditions. Get information on different traditions and opportunities for involvement. Broaden your spiritual exploration. Throughout the day, groups will give short presentations on their traditions. Finding Your Path workshop at 1 p.m. presented by Chris and Kelley of Cró Dreoilín. Contact: Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@ yahoo.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
1st & 3rd 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. 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)
2nd Thursdays, 7 p.m. Mari Cowley (303-420-4139) 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, 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. 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. Dec. 9: The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg (Twain)
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. No mtg. in December.
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. Quuilters' Group
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. Roving Readers
4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Mike Foster (303-456-2647) Open to anyone who reads the monthly selection. Books selected by group participants. Science and Spirit
4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net) Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com
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Thin Air: A Musical Ensemble
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. We have been playing together for 15 years and our repertoire consists of traditional, folk, instrumental and vocal music. Please call for more details. UU Liberal Christians
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Sara Lohaus (pslohaus@comcast.net; 303432-3149) Connect with Christianity from a fresh, openminded perspective. 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. • Dec. 8 Julie Excell @ 541-778-4724 • Dec. 15 Bev Curtiss @ 303-250-7202 • Dec. 22 TBD
Weekly Attendance Nov. 24 9:15 207 RE: 53 (17 adults) 11 242 RE: 39 (13 adults) Dec. 1 9:15 203 RE: 45 (6 adults) 11 204 RE: 62 (12 adults) Evergreen 4 34 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., Dec. 11 Next publication date: Mon., Dec. 16
www.jeffersonunitarian.org
Calendar of Activities
(extended calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org) Tuesday, Dec. 3 Wed., Dec. 4 Thursday, Dec. 5 Friday, Dec. 6 Saturday, Dec. 7
1:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:15pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 9:00am 11:30am 3:00pm 7:00pm 9:00am 9:00am
LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) Children’s Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) Radiance Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) LEAP: UU Liberal Christians: Advent (chapel) MMG: Family Band (sanc.) SPG: Leadership Circle - B Brown/Keen (M1/2) Stewardship Council mtg. (R6/7) SRC: Housing & Poverty TF mtg. (M3/4) JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) JUC Choir (sanc.) Evergreen Campus: Holiday Healing Service LEAP: Poetry as a Spiritual Practice (M3/4) LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel) Annual Holiday Craft Faire (sanc./all commons/kit.) LEAP: Retirees’ Brown Bag Lunch (M3/4) West Side Live! mtg. (M1/2) MMG: First Friday Open Mic (chapel) Annual Holiday Craft Faire (sanc./kit./all commons/chapel) LEAP: Quuilters Group (R5)
Sunday, Dec. 8 9:15/11am Sunday Service: Holy Ground w/Dana Lightsey 9:15am Explorations! The Edgewater Collective (chapel) 12:15pm YRP: Tribe lunch and program (chapel) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4) 6:30pm Worship Group: Dances of Universal Peace (chapel) Monday, Dec. 9 9:15am LEAP: Dream Study (M5) 7:00pm Holiday Healing Service (chapel) 7:30pm LEAP: Great Books Discussion Grp. (M3/4) Tuesday, Dec. 10 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm Committee on Ministry mtg. (M1/2) 7:00pm Men’s Group w/Bishop (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm MMG: Family Band (chapel) 7:00pm SRC: UUSC TF mtg. (M3/4) 7:00pm Worship Group mtg. (R6/7) Wed., Dec. 11 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:00pm 7th Grade OWL (M1/2) 6:00pm Parents of OWL (M3/4) 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.) Thursday, Dec. 12 9:30am PCG Steering Committee (M1/2) 7:00pm Board of Trustees mtg. (M1/2) 7:00pm LEAP/CUUPS mtg. (chapel) 7:00pm LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (R3/4) Friday, Dec. 13 7:00pm LEAP: Bridge Group (MGR, M3/4) Saturday, Dec. 14 9:00am Path to Membership (so. commons/chapel/kit.) Sunday, Dec. 15 9:15/11am Sunday Service: Holiday Music Service: Unexpected Wonder 9:15am Explorations! Environmental Group (M3/4) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 3:30pm Covenant Group (Mitchell rm.) 4:00pm Evergreen Campus: Long Walks and Hidden Gifts w/Williams 5:00pm LEAP: Buddhist Sangha Service (chapel) 7:00pm LEAP: Memoirs (M3/4) 8
Exploring Our Monthly Theme
Growing Our Hearts
What Would It Mean to Live a Life Open to the Unexpected?
JEFFERSON UNITARIAN CHURCH • WWW.JEFFERSONUNITARIAN.ORG • WRITTEN BY GILLIE BISHOP • DEC 2013
Hanukkah: Unexpected Miracles The Jewish holiday Hanukkah (November 27-December 5 this year) is a celebration of the unexpected. In 167 B.C.E., soldiers sent by King Antiochus IV of Syria visited a Jewish family called the Maccabees. Antiochus wanted everyone to worship and honor the many Greek gods. The soldiers ordered Mattathias Maccabee and his five sons to bow down before a statue of Zeus, the most important Greek god, and eat the meat of a pig, which was forbidden food for Jews. The Jews did not believe in the Greek gods. They believed in one powerful God who created the whole world. So, when the soldiers told Mattathias and his sons what they wanted them to do, the Maccabees refused. They tore down the statue of Zeus, killed one of the soldiers, and escaped to the hills. As he fled, Mattathias cried, “Whoever is for God, follow me!” The small band of Jews who followed planned an attack on the soldiers. The Syrian army had swords, javelins
and elephants as weapons, and the Jews had only sticks, stones and farm tools. The Jews lost the first three battles against the army. Then, amazingly, they were able to defeat the Syrian army in their fourth battle and drive them away from the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. After their victory, the Jews rededicated the Temple to God. As part of their rededication, they wanted to light the menorah. The menorah was a lamp with seven branches representing the seven days of the week. It was meant to burn all the time and never go out. Sadly, the Jews discovered that there was only one drop of oil left in the menorah, only enough to burn for one day. The flame would go out before they had time to make more oil. The Jews lit the lamp anyway, to burn as they began to clean up the Temple. They cleared away the statues of the Greek gods and cleaned up the dirt and debris left by the Syrians. They celebrated the miracle
STORY QUESTIONS
Today, during Hanukkah, Jewish people light menorahs with nine candles, eight representing the eight miraculous days the menorah burned in the Temple and one “servant” candle to light the others. One more candle is lighted each night, to represent the unexpected miracles of the oil and the survival of the Jewish faith. Sources: The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays by Marka Drucker & World Holidays by Heather Moehn
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If they knew they had only enough oil for one day, why did the people in the Temple light the menorah at all? For Jewish people, this story is evidence that God will provide for them, even in seemingly hopeless situations. How might having this belief in unexpected solutions affect the way we live our lives? Like many other Jewish stories, this one involved a miracle that many UUs don’t believe could really happen. Could these stories still have value for us? Why or why not? 9
of their victory and their ability to protect their faith. Then, another miracle happened. The lamp that had only enough oil to burn for one day burned for eight days!
If you do not expect the unexpected you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail. — Heraclitus
RESOURCES Surprise! This month, the Resources section of “Growing Our Hearts” is not the expected list of books, CDs, and films. Instead, it contains a challenge! Often, we look for joy, wisdom and solutions in the same old places where we’ve found them before. Some of us read self-help books. Some of us read novels. Some of us read non-fiction history or science. Some of us listen to classical music hoping to find peace. Some of us listen to heavy metal hoping to find an outlet for anger and frustration. This month, use an unexpected resource. If you usually turn to science for answers, try looking for a solution to a problem in a Tarot reading. If you prefer the mystical, try reading a book or watching a video about a breakthrough in science. Can you find beauty in a horror movie or practical solutions on a nature walk? In Expect the Unexpected, author and creativity trainer Roger von Oech suggests using “random insights” to stimulate creative problem solving. The procedure is this: 1) Ask a question you’d like answered in your life. 2) Find an “answer” that addresses the question. Here you can turn to your unexpected source, a place you would never look for answers, normally. 3) If you assume that your answer lies in this source, what might the answer be? Think of all the possible answers to your question from your source. What unexpected insights can you gain?
Table Talk THE YEAR IN REVIEW What were the most unexpected events in your life in 2013? Why did they catch you by surprise? How open were you to them? Why?
UNEXPECTED GIFTS Share stories of unexpected gifts you’ve received. How did you react to them? Name a favorite unexpected gift. What made it good? Think of an unwelcome gift. Is there any way you could have been more open to it?
TOMORROW What unexpected event could happen tomorrow? Imagine and discuss!
Spiritual Practices ONE A DAY Eleanor Roosevelt has been quoted as saying, “You must do the things you think you cannot do” and “Do one thing every day that scares you.” This month, practice that discipline. Can you surprise yourself every day by doing one thing that’s unexpected, new, or scary? How hard is it to find things that fit the bill? How does it feel to do them?
“I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!” This month, keep a running list of the things that surprise you, in your own life and in the world. What unexpected objects do you observe in the world? What unexpected events? What unexpected emotions do you feel? What unexpected reactions do you witness from others? Does keeping the list change what you notice? How do the unexpected events change your view of the world?
ON THE FLIP SIDE Wendy will preach about finding common ground with those who think differently from us. Find a news story about which you have a strong opinion. Instead of reading it from your usual perspective, imagine you are someone on the other side of the issue. How would you feel about the story? Why would you feel that way? Does this exercise give you any unexpected insights about those on the other side...or any empathy for them? 10