The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church
14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282 • Fax: 303-279-2535
February 3, 2014 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014 Issue 3 Sunday, February 9 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Love Reaches Out presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister
This is the theme of this year’s General Assembly, and it invites us to consider the nature of love. Is it an emotion or a call to action? Pierre Jean De Beranger wrote, To love is to be useful to yourself. To cause love is to be useful to others. Can we cause love? Music: Rev. Keith Arnold, piano. Worship Associate: Julie Excell.
2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Protecting Democracy: Whistleblowers Then and Now sponsored by the Social Responsibility Council.
Forty-two years before Edward Snowden, ordinary citizens took bold actions by breaking into an FBI office in Pennsylvania to expose profound intelligence gathering violations. Sarah Davidon, daughter of William Davidon, who masterminded the FBI break-in, will lead a discussion about The Burglary by Betty Medsger, a book that details the events of the 1971 break-in and its contemporary relevance.
Sunday, February 16 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Cherish Your Doubts presented by Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant Minister
We like to be sure about things and we like to know what to expect. It is comforting to be clear about our beliefs, yet there are times when our world-view is shaken and doubt begins to erode away our solid perspective. This doesn’t usually feel like a gift, but it often is one of the best gifts life has to offer. Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Gail Abbott. ☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, Feb. 23: Containing Multitudes presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. Walt Whitman once wrote: Do I contradict myself? Very well, I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes. In this religion, often referred to as a Big Tent, we are well acquainted with multitudes. Can we empower individuals who come together for an even more powerful community? Music: Worship Band; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Rex Nelson.
Dances of Universal Peace
JUC Evergreen Campus
Sunday, Feb. 16 • 4 p.m.
Monthly on 2nd Sundays Next Dance: Sunday, Feb. 9 6:30 p.m. • chapel
Beyond Belief presented by Joe Stone
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.
Believing is a core function of being human. It gives us hope, meaning and helps to create our reality. How far are you willing to go to take your beliefs from ideas to reality? Explore the power of belief and the courage to bring it into action. Worship Coordinator: Nora Flood.
9th Grade Trip Cake Auction
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)
Sunday, Feb. 9 • 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. We love our 9th graders! Reach out and help them meet their Navajo and Hopi friends by baking and buying goodies. Visit uu9gt.org for more info about the trip.
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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).
News from the Ministerial Recruitment Team Last fall the Recruitment Team began work by hosting several listening sessions. We invited our members and friends to share with us the qualities they wanted in the new minister we are seeking for JUC. Someone asked us to clarify the differences between an assistant minister and an associate minister. To hire an assistant minister, the Recruitment Team, which includes our senior minister, Rev. Wendy Williams, would identify the minister they felt would best serve JUC into the future. They would recommend that candidate to the Board of Trustees (BOT), who would then vote to accept or reject the recommendation. Another option could have been to “call” an associate minister. If we were following that protocol, the Recruitment Team would have identified a single candidate and brought them to the church for the congregation to meet, to hear preach on two occasions and then vote to call that minister as our new associate minister. In our history at JUC we have had both hired assistant ministers like Rev. Tracey Wilkinson and also called associates like Rev. Todd Strickland. As we processed the various pros and cons of both options, we became aware of a third option. It is referred to as the hire to call. In this, a transitional process, the minister is initially hired by the BOT for a three-year period with the understanding that at the end of the second year, the congregation will vote on a call. If the minister receives the requisite plurality (in our case 85%) from the congregation, the assistant minister is considered called. At this point the minister is promoted from assistant to associate minister and receives a proportionate increase in pay. If the
minister does not receive a vote sufficient for a call, she or he is offered a one-year terminal contract. The Recruitment Team, after much discernment, recently proposed a hire to call process to the BOT and they endorsed our recommendation. We feel strongly that this process brings together the strengths of both other options. First, it is an enticing prospect for ministers who are interested in the position. They can see a clear route to advancement and acceptance by the congregation. Second, it creates a strong intentionality in the relationship of the senior and assistant minister. Third, it empowers the congregation and staff to have a two year period to fully get to know and embrace the new minister before the calling process. Finally, it is our hope that this process will ultimately lead to attracting a minister who wants to stay at JUC, become an integral part of our community and have a wonderful collegial relationship with Wendy. As always, if you have any questions about the hire to call process or any other questions about our recruitment, please contact any member of the Recruitment Team. Please remember, while the team can discuss the process, specific details about the applicants (e.g. who, how many, and from where) are 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. ~ Ministerial Recruitment Team: Jim Matera (chair), Shane Bower, Judy Gangloff, Paula Menten and Rev. Wendy Williams
Auction Item:
It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing! Friday, Feb. 28 • 7:30 p.m.
Polish Cellist Showcases at First Friday Open Mic Friday, Feb. 7 • 7 p.m.
What makes JUC’s open mic one-of-a-kind, besides the wide array of open mic performers? First Friday has a 30-minute showcase halfway through the evening to feature accomplished local artists. On February 7, the showcase artist is Polish cellist Daria Joanna. She moved to Denver after studying with one of Europe’s most renowned cellists, teachers, composers and conductors, Kazimierz Wilkomirski, and receiving her Master of Arts in Cello Performance from the Frederic Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw. She’s performed in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East... and you can see her for free at our Open Mic! Open mic performers should arrive by 6:50 p.m. for the whogoes-when lottery. Admission is free, although we ask everyone to donate a buck or two so we can provide child care. Beer, wine and soda are available for a modest donation, and there’s always chocolate! Contact: Chris or Steef Sealy (303-587-3234). 2
When you hear the term swing dance, do you think of lindyhopping to Glenn Miller’s In the Mood or jitterbugging to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by the Andrews Sisters? Swing is all that and much more. Considered a truly American folk dance, swing can trace its origins to San Francisco’s Barbary Coast at the turn of the last century, and new forms continue to emerge from those roots today. Come learn how evolving musical styles and social paradigms influenced how we danced through the 20th century, and try some steps yourself with Watch Your Step! in their debut performance of, It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing. Cabaret seating, complimentary snacks and soft drinks and a beer and wine cash bar. Hosted by John & Nita Bradford, Bob Hofmann & Nancy Bolt. $15 admission. Contact the JUC office (303-279-5282) for reservations.
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: Feb. 9.
Meet Up at the Movies!
1 Path to Membership
Thursday, Feb. 20: Swan Lake performed by the Royal Ballet
Thursday, Feb. 27: War Horse
Saturday, Feb. 22 • 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 @ 303-279-7451 for more information on the joining process.
Both shows 7 p.m. at Cinemark Theatre, 440 S. Teller St. Admission is $15/adults; $14/seniors; $13/children, and tickets can be purchased at the box office or online (fathomevents.com). No need to sign up: Just buy your ticket and meet other JUCers in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Belonging and Connection Group. If you would like to suggest a movie event, contact Rosie Lewis (303-562-5076; rosie.lewis1248@gmail.com). The more variety, the better!
Family Ministry Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x18)
Upcoming Children’s Worship Services for 1st-5th Grades Sunday, March 2: The Holy, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Dana Lightsey Sunday, April 6: Grace, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Rob Keithan Sat., May 3 at 4:30 p.m.: Beginnings and Endings, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Keith Arnold (Hardin Requiem) Sunday, May 4: Beginnings and Endings, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Keith Arnold (Hardin Requiem) ✪ SOUPS ✪
Community of UUs Raising Kids (CURK) and Living Our Values! (LOV)
(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)! Child care begins at 8:45 a.m. for babies to kindergartners, or older kids willing to be mentors. Monday, Feb. 10: Sex after Babies. Physical, emotional and relational changes after kids can impact many aspects of life, yet often we are so busy embracing those beautiful little beings that we may neglect to embrace the changes. Learn about some common changes and new ways to create intimacy with our partners. Contact: Lori Gray (303-945-5873).
Valentine’s Cookie Baking Extravaganza
Sat., Feb. 8 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • commons/kitchen
Cookie Delivery
Mon., Feb. 10 • 9 to 11:30 a.m. Edgewater Rec Room (5845 W. 25th Ave.) Help bake, decorate and deliver mountains of Valentine’s cookies to our new friends at the Edgewater Collective ( JUC’s All-Church Project partner). You are invited to make cookie dough using your favorite recipe; we’ll bake and decorate them Saturday at JUC. On Monday at Edgewater Recreation Room, we’ll have coffee together, then deliver cookies to teachers and seniors of Edgewater. Contact: Joyce McLaren (303-396-2017; mclaren.joyce@gmail.com).
Community of Unitarians Raising Kids (CURK) Sponsors Summer Camping: Save the Dates!
Each trip has a limited capacity and is open to all in the JUC community. Both locations accommodate tents, trailers and small RVs. Cost is $20/family. Sign up at the Sign Up Site or contact Christine Leahy (natureloving_gal@yahoo.com). Fri., June 13 - Sun., June 15 (Father’s Day Weekend) at Printer Boy Group Campground near Turquoise Lake, Leadville Fri., Aug. 8 - Sun., Aug. 10 at Lakeview Group Site near Twin Lakes, Leadville 3
Endowment and Memorial Gift Trust (EMGT)
Imbolg Ritual Tuesday, Feb. 4 • 6 p.m. (chapel)
Call for Grant Proposals for 2014-2015
The EMGT directors are pleased to announce that $25,000 will be available for special projects in 2014-2015. Since its inception in 1996, the EMGT has distributed more than $300,000 to fund capital improvements, scholarships, internships, conferences, and community outreach. We encourage you to submit your ideas to advance the strategic objectives of JUC. Please remember that all grant proposals must originate from a standing committee or recognized JUC group. The guidelines and application form may be found on the JUC website (http://www.jeffersonunitarian.org/page/Endowment_ Memorial_Gift_Fund). Proposals may be submitted to EMGT@jeffersonunitarian.org in electronic format. The deadline for submission of grant proposals is Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. Projects approved for funding will be announced in The JUC Crier in late April. For more information, feel free to contact any EMGT director: Cheryl Ames, Chair; John Bunting, Laura Hollingsworth, Charlie Gangloff, Stephanie Briggs, Chris Thiry.
Celebrate the return of Spring with a feast, traditional customs, and offerings to Brighid. Imbolg, or Candlemas, is an opportunity to share in age old traditions both in ritual and feasting. Traditional colcannon provided. Please bring a dish to share (to serve 8). Traditional foods for Imbolg are any foods with milk, butter or cheese. Ale, desserts and seasonal veggies are also traditionally shared in the celebration. Contact: Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@ yahoo.com).
From a Pagan Perspective... by Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com)
January has flown by and I find myself struggling with work, volunteer efforts and trying to be more spiritual in my day to day activities. As I look around me, I see books and notes lying all over my home office and library. These books and notes are collecting dust while waiting for me to put them together in some semblance of intelligent order. Over the next several months, I invite you to think, to be creative and to forge your own path. So where to begin... In February, we’ll begin with a few techniques designed to lighten our psychological burdens and blast away some of the emotional crud we’ve collected over the days, months and years. This energetic housecleaning makes way for us to emotionally, mentally and physically welcome the unlimited potential available to us.
Winter Covenant Groups Look for registration to begin shortly for Winter Covenant Groups. Joining one of these small groups creates the kind of connection among JUC members and friends that is deep and real. The groups run for 8 weeks, with eight to ten participants sharing their own stories that relate to the weekly topic, building trust within the group, and always learning more about themselves. Topics might include Listening, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Resilience, or Nature. Trained facilitators lead the gatherings. Here’s a wonderful way for long-time and new members to form a bond and truly get to know one another, while feeding their own spirits at the same time. If you are a JUC member and have participated in a Covenant Group in the past, might you want to be considered as a potential facilitator? Please contact Carol Kalmes (303-4231079; carolkalmes@comcast.net).
Your Grocery (and Gas) Purchases Can Help JUC!
Barbershop, Broadway & Beyond!
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: Jennifer Bennett, Bookkeeper (jenniferbennett@jeffersonunitarian.org).
Saturday, February 8 • 7 p.m.
Renaissance is a 4-part a capella ensemble performing a diverse repertoire from showtunes to old standards. This special evening will include quartet singing, solos and piano work. $17 Adult/$15 Senior/$12 Student Tickets are available at the JUC office, at westsidelivepresents. org or in the commons area on Sundays. 4
For general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals, visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src. Thank You for Special Plate Collections
JUST NEIGHBORING
http://jeffersonunitarian.org/All-Church-Project
JUC began monthly special plate collections in March of 2013. Since then, the members of our church community have given generously. The Social Responsibility Council, under the leadership of John Hambright, began planning for this possibility in 2011, and thanks to their hard work, the program was approved by the Business Council at the beginning of 2013. These monthly donations enrich the lives of people in our community through the organizations represented. Below is a list of the organizations JUC supported in 2013 and the amounts that were collected. The total amount that has generously been given by our church community is $29,231.94. Again, thank you, thank you. If you know of an organization that you would like to submit to SRC for consideration for a special plate collection, contact Betty Lynn Ferguson (betlyn@comcast.net) or Jill Armstrong (jarm444@gmail.com). March: Family Tree $3252 April: Energy Solutions $1,805 May: Oklahoma Tornado Undocumented Workers $2,504 June: Rainbow Alley/Gender Identity Center $1,530 July: Gemini Adolescent Treatment Center $2,221 August: UUSC & ADIVIMA $2,679 September: Severe Weather Shelter Fund $3,259.39 October: SRC partners (TIA-CO, Second Wind, Just Neighboring) $2,191 November: Kierstin Homblette, MDD Beloved Community Coordinator $2,446 December: Family Promise, Action Center $7,343
Explorations! Sunday, Feb. 23: Just Neighboring Our new All Church Project, Just Neighboring, calls on us to better understand the challenges of living in poverty. This session will address the finances of living at a low income level. Our guest speaker, May Washburn, will tell us first hand her experiences with balancing a budget. Together we will work through the math, look at options and discuss how our principles can call us to action.
Reading Buddies Make a Difference by Nancy von Burske
I’d like to share my experience thus far of being a Reading Buddy at Lumberg Elementary School in Edgewater. I received training at a Saturday event and at a meeting with the Reading Interventionists at Lumberg. The enthusiasm of the other volunteers was contagious! I work with 2nd grade children in groups of three to four or individually, for a half hour per group within the classroom. Their teacher has prepared lessons for me to cover, and the children have been helpful, polite, and interested in working with me. I sense that they appreciate the attention I’m able to give them. My goal each week is to cover the reading material and get to know the children individually. The second week I was in the classroom, I had the opportunity to read several books with one boy. As I sat next to Matthias, I could see, out of the corner of my eye, that he was studying my face. When I looked him in the eyes, he smiled. I interpreted his expression to mean: I feel happy that someone is giving me this attention. I look forward to Fridays when I work with the children at Lumberg. It feels rewarding to be part of the all church project in such a concrete manner, and I appreciate having this opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of a small group of children. Reading Buddies is a project of the Edgewater Collective, JUC’s partner for Just Neighboring. Contact Joel Newton, Executive Director (joel@edgewatercollective.org) or visit www.jeffersonunitarian.org/All-Church-Project for more info.
. . . Eating Ethically Task Force (EETF) . . .
Foodies Book Group • 2nd Tuesdays starting Feb. 11 • 7 p.m.
It is written that food is your best medicine. Food and drink are also the basis of social interaction and community. This new book group will meet to review books (and sometimes films) about food. Suggestions are welcome! Join us for our first meeting to review some books on soup, including The Soup Peddler’s Slow and Difficult Soups (Ansel). Co-facilitated by Martin Voelker and Gilla Lachnitt. You don’t have to read the book to attend.
. . . Peace, Liberty & Justice Task Force (PL&J TF) . . .
EETF Meeting • Monday, Feb. 17 • 6:30 p.m.
These meetings are eye-opening! If you are interested in good food and good health for yourself, your family and the planet, join us! EETF Contacts: Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674), Carol Kolesnikoff (303-588-9198; eatingethically@gmail.com).
Green Still Rising!
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Interested in environmental action? Join us Sunday, Feb. 16, at 12:30 p.m. in M3/4. All are welcome. We’ll choose a name for ourselves, organize future programs and learn what the working groups are up to. Openings exist for people concerned about water, spiritual awareness, and overpopulation.
Pastoral Care
How JUCers Care for Each Other
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.
We Hold in Our Hearts… ❦ Maddie Strom, whose father has been in and out of ICU but is now stable. His sister, Maddie’s aunt, died from cancer on January 25;
New/Upcoming LEAP Classes
❦ Chuck Mowry, as his brother, Wayne Mowry, died in Houston, TX, on January 20, after a long illness; ❦ Kevin Hollar, as his aunt, La Verne Siebuhr passed away after a long battle with cancer on January 18;
✻ Ongoing Group: UU Liberal Christians • 1st & 3rd Tuesdays • 7 p.m. Feb. 4 & 18: How Do Universalism and Liberal Christianity Intersect? We’ll continue our exploration of this topic with Cathedral of the World: A Universalist Theology, the final book of the late Rev. Dr. Forrest Church. Everyone is welcome!
❦ Tom Reiley, whose mother, Fran Reiley, passed away peacefully on January 27 in Ohio at age 92. Known for her persistence in advocacy, like a tank, and called Tanka-Tanka by her kids, her will lives on in her loved ones.. ❦ Bobbie Keating, as she is going through physical therapy at a care center after falling last week. She hopes to return to her apartment in the near future;
✻ New Ongoing Group: Beatles Music and 1960s SingAlong 1st Sundays beginning Feb. 9 • 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jay Halpern (axeman1469@gmail.com; 303-985-9080) Songs of enlightenment, peace and love, to share the uplifting and liberal message of the 1960s. (The start date is Feb. 9 due to the Super Bowl. All other sessions will be on first Sundays.)
❦ Chris Thiry, whose father passed away last month.
We Celebrate with… ❦ 3rd grader Russell Read, who earned second place at his school’s spelling bee and will compete in the Mountain Area Spelling Bee next month.
✻ Ongoing Group: Issues in Aging • 4th Mondays • 7 p.m. Valerie Stone (vestone@gmail.com) We meet once a month to discuss a wide variety of issues related to aging. So far, we have covered getting an accurate diagnosis when dementia is suspected, local resources for families dealing with dementia, caregiver issues, and the wisdom of age. Mon., Feb. 24: Dr. Michelle Winston presents Brain Fitness, covering memory and attention exercises for healthy aging.
., COMMUNITY EVENT Community Forum For The Heart & Mind The Hollywood Depiction of Muslims & Arabs in Film Sunday, Feb. 9 • 12:30 p.m. First Universalist Church of Denver (4101 E. Hampden Ave.) Contact: Daniel K. Sage (daniel.sage@comcast.net).
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. 6
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 EightPoint 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.
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
2nd Thursdays, 7 p.m. Mari Cowley (303-420-4139)
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.
Dream Study
Quuilters' Group
Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS)
2 and 4 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.
1st Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@Q.com) Newcomers welcome! Call for mtg. details.
Great Books Discussion Group
4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Mike Foster (303-456-2647) Open to anyone who reads the monthly selection. Books selected by group participants. Feb. 23: Giants in the Earth (Rolvaag)
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2 & 4 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. Feb. 10: The Man Who Could Work Miracles (Wells) nd
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Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch
1st Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Contact: Betty Halladay (303-274-9144) Next meeting: Feb. 7. Roving Readers
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.
Scienc Group
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. 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.
• Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education
Monday–Thursday • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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. • Feb. 9 • Feb. 16 • Feb. 23
Julie Excell @ 541-778-4724 Gail Abbott @ 303-277-9180 Rex Nelson @ 303-980-1339
Weekly Attendance Jan. 26 9:15 164 RE: 31 (9 adults) 11 223 RE: 62 (24 adults) Feb. 2 Evergreen
9:15 149 RE: 21 (7 adults) 11 171 RE: 52 (10 adults) 4 20 RE: 0 (0 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., Feb. 12 Next publication date: Tues., Feb. 18
Calendar of Activities
(extended calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org) Tuesday, Feb. 4 Wed., Feb. 5 Thursday, Feb. 6 Friday, Feb. 7 Sat., Feb. 8
1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:15pm 7:30pm 9:30am 7:00pm 7:30pm 11:30am 3:00pm 7:00pm 8:30am 9:00am 7:00pm
Sunday, Feb. 9 9:15/11am 9:15am 9:30am 10:20am 12:15pm 12:30pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:30pm Monday, Feb. 10 9:00am 9:15am 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm Tuesday, Feb. 11 1:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm Wed., Feb. 12 3:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:15pm 7:30pm Thursday, Feb. 13 7:00pm 7:00pm Friday, Feb. 14 6:00pm 7:00pm Sat., Feb. 15 9:00am 8
LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) PCG: Memorial Reception mtg. (M5) Recruitment Team (M1/2) LEAP: CUUPS Imbolc (chapel) Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm., sanc.) LEAP: UU Liberal Christians mtg. (R6/7) LNC (M5) SPG: Leadership Circle - B Brown/Keen (M1/2) Stewardship Council mtg. (R3/4) SRC: Housing & Poverty TF mtg. (M3/4) JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) JUC Choir (sanc.) PCG Steering Committee (M1/2) LEAP: Poetry as a Spiritual Practice (M3/4) LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel) LEAP: Retirees’ Brown Bag Lunch (M3/4) West Side Live! mtg. (M1/2) MMG: First Friday Open Mic (sanc., comm.) COA Mentor Meeting Celebration Gala Musical Rehearsal (sanc.) West Side Live! concert (sanc., comm., kit.) Sunday Service: Love Reaches Out w/Rev. Wendy Williams Explorations! Protecting Democracy (M3/4) 9th Grade Trip Cake Auction (chapel) Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm.) YRP: Tribe lunch and program (chapel) Auction Event: Tai Chi (M3/4) Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) LEAP: Beatles Sing-along (so. comm.) LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4) LNC Open Door Dinner (comm., kit.) Worship Group: Dances of Universal Peace (chapel) CURK: SOUPPS mtg. (chapel/R1/2 + R8) LEAP: Dream Study (M5) LEAP: Our Humanist Journey (R3/4) Recruitment Team mtg. (M1/2) LEAP: Great Books Discussion Group (M3/4) LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm., sanc.) Committee on Ministry mtg. (M1/2) EETF: Foodies Book Group (chapel) LEAP: Men’s Group w/Bishop (Mitchell rm.) Membership Group mtg. (R3/4) SRC: UUSC TF mtg. (M3/4) Worship Group mtg. (R6/7) Newsletter Deadline FMG: 7th Grade OWL (M1/2) FMG: OWL Parents (M3/4) JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) JUC Choir (sanc.) Board of Trustees mtg. (M1/2) LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (R3/4) LEAP: CUUPS Full Moon Ritual (chapel) LEAP: Bridge Group (MGR, M3/4) Celebration Gala Musical Rehearsal (sanc.)
Exploring Our Monthly Theme
Growing Our Hearts
What Would It Mean to Live a Life Open to Paradox?
JEFFERSON UNITARIAN CHURCH • WWW.JEFFERSONUNITARIAN.ORG • WRITTEN BY GILLIE BISHOP • FEB 2014
The Paradox of the Tao “Nei Jing Tu” from taoism.about.com
If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand. If you want to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish. If you want to take something, you must first allow it to be given. This is called the subtle perception of the way things are. The soft overcomes the hard. The slow overcomes the fast. Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results. — Tao Te Ching, verse 36 Stephen Mitchell translation
STORY QUESTIONS
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Choose a sentence from the reading. Can you think of examples from life or nature that support it? Can you think of examples that contradict it? One of our UU principles says that Unitarian Universalists promise to work for justice and fairness. One of the most effective examples of justice work is the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s. How was the Civil Rights movement an example of getting rid of something by first allowing it to flourish? Is there anything you would like to get rid of in your own life or in the world? How could you apply this passage to that situation? Is there a paradox you could embrace? 9
How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have some hope of making progress. ― Niels Bohr
RESOURCES BOOKS Einstein’s Riddle: Riddles, Paradoxes, and Conundrums to Stretch Your Mind by Jeremy Stangroom. Fifty of the most famous riddles and paradoxes from history, from the Monty Hall Problem to the Liar’s Paradox. For ages 8 and up. Living with Contradiction: A Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality by Esther de Waal. Meditations on the Rule of Benedict, which illuminates ways to live with many of the great contradictions of life — service vs. solitude, present-focus vs. future-focus, etc. Honor Yourself: The Inner Art of Giving by Patricia Spadaro. How to negotiate the paradox of giving to others and caring for self. Managing Polarities in Congregations: Eight Keys for Thriving Faith Communities by Roy Oswald & Barry Johnson. Explores apparent contradictions that actually support each other — spiritual health vs. institutional health, tradition vs. innovation, etc. Paradoxes by R. M. Sainsbury. Examination of many paradoxes, including paradoxes of morality and belief.
Table Talk I CONTAIN MULTITUDES In what ways do you contradict yourself? Do you like or want contradictory things or hold contradictory beliefs? How do you explain these contradictions...or do you prefer not to explain them?
HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO Name a dilemma in your life or a choice you are having trouble making. Is there a way to choose both options? Be creative and don’t judge your ideas too much.
THE PARADOX OF INTENTION* Tell about a time you tried to make something happen and actually brought about its opposite. Or tell about a time letting something flourish helped to stop it from growing. How do our intentions sometimes get in the way of the goals we’re trying to achieve? * Also the title of a 1988 book by UU Marvin Shaw
Spiritual Practices MEET IN THE MIDDLE Appreciating paradox reminds us that two things that seem contradictory might both be true. In a newspaper or magazine, find editorials that defend opposite sides of an issue. Is there a way they could both be true? Take your thinking further by writing an editorial that weaves both perspectives together and takes a stand that might be supported by both sides. Another idea: Find two famous (or not-so-famous) quotes that seem to contradict each other. (See brainyquote.com or goodreads.com/ quotes for ideas.) Is there a way in which both quotes could be true? Create your own fame-worthy quote that joins to the two perspectives.
PBS PROGRAM
SOLVING PARADOXES
Art 21: Art in the twenty-first century, Season IV, Part 4, Paradox. Explores how contemporary artists approach paradox in their work. www.pbs.org/art21/films/ paradox
Google “11 Brain-Twisting Paradoxes” at listverse.com or choose a book of paradoxes. Is there a way to “solve” each paradox? Is there a fallacy at the heart of the paradox, or could it be resolved by defining a term? If forced to find a resolution to each one, which resolution would you choose? Why? Can your resolution strategies be applied to paradoxes in your own life? 10