The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church
14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282 • Fax: 303-279-2535
April 28, 2014 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014 Issue 9 Saturday, May 3 • 4:30 p.m. AND Sunday, May 4 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
Music Service: Requiem presented by Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music
In May, our theme is What would it mean to live a life open to Beginnings and Endings? Jefferson Unitarian Church will prayerfully embrace the human experiences surrounding death and dying through a profoundly moving musical portrayal of Unitarian Universalist composer Clif Hardin’s Requiem. With settings of extraordinary texts ranging from the timeless words of Ecclesiastes to 20th century poets, Requiem powerfully evokes the complex themes of anger, grief, remembrance and gratitude common to the experience of losing a loved one. The music will be brought to life by the JUC Choir and guest chamber orchestra with Adam Revell, pianist. Worship Associate: Julie Excell.
Sunday, May 11 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.
A Tale of Two Mothers presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister, and Rev. Barry Bloom, Community Minister
We usually pay homage to Unitarian Julia Ward Howe for her creation of Mother’s Day for Peace in 1872. This year, we will discover more about mothers here and now. What meaning flows from this primal relationship? What does it mean to be raised by these imperfect, loving mothers who bore us? How is a relationship lived out peacefully that has such push and pull, love and, sometimes, hate? What are the spiritual tools we need to emerge from this relationship unscathed? Music: Worship Band; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Gail Abbott. ☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, May 18: Frames of Belonging presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. New member welcome (9:15); child dedication (11). Music: Children’s Choirs.
Mother’s Day Plant and Goodie Sale
JUC Evergreen Campus Sunday, May 4 • 4 p.m.
It’s About Time
Saturday, May 10 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 11 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
presented by Joe Stone
2 All kinds of plants and seeds for your veggie, herb, flower, xeriscape and windowsill gardens 2 Yummy all natural baked goods 2 The perfect gifts for mom or yourself! Please support this fundraiser by donating baked goods and sharing plants from your garden! Bring plant donations, labeled and in a bag, box or pot, to the JUC patio starting Tues., May 6, through the sale days. Bring natural baked goods (nicely wrapped if possible) to the kitchen on Friday, May 9, and/or during the sale. This sale will benefit House of Hope (Family Tree’s homeless shelter for women with children) and the Edgewater Collective (http:// edgewatercollective.org). Contact: Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; lachnittg@gmail.com). 1
Do you get the feeling that you are at the mercy of the clock? Does your calendar look like a logistical tome? Do you have to schedule yourself to stop and smell the roses? This sermon reflects on our ever increasing battle with time and our ongoing struggle to fit everything we can into our lives. Worship Coordinator: Nora Flood. Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. 28628 Buffalo Park Rd. (The church up the hill from the Evergreen library) If you wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Dir. of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org). ☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, May 18: Coming of Age (COA) Celebration Service presented by Sue Parilla.
Fanning
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: May 11.
~ Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 13; wendywilliams@jeffersonunitarian.org)
As Easter approached, the staff discussed how to best host all the people, young and not-so-young, who would come to our church. Our options were somewhat curtailed by a prior commitment of our facility to the Castle Clay Pottery group, limiting our egg hunt to Sunday morning. Should we limit adult services to Sunday morning? Without any idea of whether it would be successful, we decided to break with the past and offer a Saturday service. We were delighted that 95 people attended! It was lovely. The celebrated JUC Sunday morning buzz was there, albeit at a lesser din. There was space to move and real connections were made. It seemed clear this service met a need. We have already begun our plans for Easter 2015, including a Saturday evening service. If you would like to explore the quality of Sunday morning on Saturday, please consider doing so on May 3 at 4:30 p.m. That will be our annual spring music service. Saturday’s service will be exactly the same as the two on Sunday morning. You will get to enjoy a wonderful service, with more space for conversation and connection. See you in church on Sunday (or Saturday). ~Blessings,
Meet Our New Assistant Minister, Eric Banner Saturday, May 17• 10 a.m. to noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.
Dances of Universal Peace 2nd Sundays 6:30 p.m. • chapel Next Dance: Sunday, May 11 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.
Wendy
shine LIGHT a little
~ Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant Minister (303279-5282 ext. 31; danalightsey@jeffersonunitarian.org)
What beautiful spring days have blessed us this past week! As life emerges and the landscape eases its way into green beauty, there is a sense of newness and change in the air. This is true here at JUC too. In a couple of weeks you will greet your new assistant minister, Eric Banner. Eric is a wonderful person and will be an excellent assistant minister for JUC. I am happy for you and for Eric. During this past year, many of you have asked what is next for me. I too have been in the ministerial search process, and springtime has brought a new job for me as well. I will be the Developmental Minister at High Plains Unitarian Universalist Church in Colorado Springs. As a developmental minister, I will help them continue working through important transitions during the next couple of years. At that time, we will determine if I wish to stay and if they wish to call me as their settled minister. If that happens, I will stay there indefinitely. This is a great position for me and for my family. We are
delighted to stay in Colorado and on the front range. I very much enjoy helping congregations work through transitions and changes and am excited to help High Plains live into the great potential they have. With change and new beginnings, we also have endings. I will be with you until the end of July. During these next few months, I will cherish the last of the time we have together and celebrate all that we have created. I invite you to join with me in the acknowledgment and celebration of this important transition for you and for me during the time we still have together. It is natural for this to also bring some sadness and some grief. Every significant change (even those we want) brings some sense of loss. I am comforted in knowing that my love and support will always be with you and I feel your love and support will always be with me as well. Thus, our parting will be in the end, grounded in love and filled with sweetness as we both look to a new and unfolding future. Many blessings to each of you, 2
Dana
Guest Speakers Coming to JUC in May! Buddhist Sangha hosts… David Chernikoff: Living Fully, Loving Well
Sunday, May 4 • 5 p.m. • chapel David Chernikoff taught meditation and psychology at Naropa University for many years and now has a private practice as a spiritual counselor and psychotherapist in Boulder. He is one of the guiding teachers of the Insight Meditation Community of Colorado and a dedicated Dharma teacher, leading retreats throughout the U.S. In addition to his background in Buddhism, David’s teaching has been influenced by spiritual guides from other traditions such as Ram Dass, Father Thomas Keating and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Contact: Doug Anderson (dca-crm@ hotmail.com; 720-474-6723).
Join the JUC NAMIWalks Team!
Help Stamp Out Discrimination and Stigma regarding Mental Illness! Saturday, May 17 • Centennial Center Park Through NAMIWalks’ public, active display of support for people affected by mental illness, we are changing how Americans and Coloradoans view mental illness. This effort ensures that help and hope are available for those in need. Please join us as we improve lives and communities one step at a time. Sign up online (http://namiwalks.nami.org/JUC). For more information or to make a donation, stop by the NAMIWalks table on Sundays. JUC’s team is sponsored by the Pastoral Care Group. Contacts: Judy Gangloff (gangjudy@ comcast.net); Nita Bradford (nitajohn@comcast.net).
UU Liberal Christians Group hosts… Jane E. Vennard: Fully Awake and Truly Alive
Tuesday, May 6 • 7 pm • chapel In a culture enthralled with technology, striving and speed, people of many faith traditions long to slow down, pay attention and wake up to the present moment. Sharing from her new book, Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul, Rev. Jane Vennard will discuss and guide you in practices that can be incorporated immediately into your daily life. Jane is an adjunct faculty member in Prayer and Spirituality at Iliff School of Theology. Ordained in the United Church of Christ, Jane is a spiritual director, teaches classes in ecumenical settings, leads retreats nationally and internationally, and is the author of numerous articles and seven books. Contact: Sara Lohaus (pslohaus@ comcast.net; 303-432-3149).
Zimbabwe Artists Project
The Zimbabwe Artists Project is bringing their art back to JUC. Some of you might recall the show from two years ago. All the art work is very reasonable and available for purchase with 80% going back to the artists and 20% going to JUC. If you wish to purchase one of these works, please bring the number on the tag to the church office with payment. A red dot means that work is sold! The work will hang at JUC through May. Enjoy this bright, cheerful work from the other side of our planet.
Family Spotlight Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x18)
Upcoming Children’s Worship Services for 1st-5th Grades Saturday, May 3 • 4:30 p.m.: Beginnings and Endings Sunday, May 4 • 9:15 & 11 a.m.: Beginnings and Endings
✪ SOUPS ✪
LOV! (Living Our Values!)
(Support of UU Parents)
Volunteer Day at the Horse Protection League Sunday, May 4 • 1 to 3:30 p.m. Join LOV! for a day at the farm! We will take a tour and then help care for the animals at the Horse Protection League in Arvada. You may recall that JUC’s March special plate collection was given to the HPL. Now is your chance to see where our contributions went! All ages are welcome for the tour; ages 8+ may participate in the work session. All kids must have an adult chaperone. Wear appropriate clothing. Closed toed shoes required; gloves provided. RSVPs are requested at least a day in advance. Contact: Joyce McLaren (mclaren.joyce@gmail.com).
2nd & 4th Mondays
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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, May 5: Let’s give ourselves a little well deserved pampering. Contact: Lori Gray (303-945-5873).
Book Binders Needed
JUC has a growing collection of hymnals with broken spines and other ailments. Do you have skills in repairing books? Would you be willing to share them with JUC? Please contact Rev. Keith Arnold (303-279-5282; keitharnold@jeffersonunitarian.org) if you can help repair a dozen copies of Singing the Living Tradition. Thank you!
~ Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music (303-279-5282 ext. 17; keitharnold@jeffersonunitarian.org)
India
Our congregation will be commissioning up to seven travelers for a UU College of Social Justice Journey to India next January entitled Justice for Workers and Marginalized Communities in India. In order to magnify the impact of the program beyond those who are able to travel, JUC will create a learning circle of people who will also make the journey, though they stay at home. All are welcome to be part of the learning circle. Participants will read In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India by Edward Luce, and will participate in eight sessions designed to heighten awareness of social justice struggles abroad and at home. These sessions will take place in the fall in preparation for the journey, and will continue in the spring following the return. If you have interest in finding out more about the trip, please visit http://uucsj.org/journeys/ holdeen-india/ and also contact me to find out how to apply to travel. If you have interest in being a part of the learning circle, please visit http://uucsj.org/study-guide/ and stay tuned for information about the study sessions which will begin this fall.
Sphere Ensemble
Sunday, May 11 • 6 p.m. The Sphere Ensemble is a 13 player/0 conductor chamber ensemble, free from the confines of the baton and presenting the power and richness of the string orchestra paired with the intimacy of a string quartet. $17 Adult • $15 Senior • $12 Student Tickets are available in the commons on Sundays, at westsidelivepresents.org or at the JUC office.
Announcing the 2014 JUC Auction Theme… Party on the BayoUU! Saturday, November 8
Mark your calendar now for a spicy, jazzy New Orleans-style evening! If you are interested in helping with the auction this year, we are looking for people to develop the theme into reality – a really great party! Come see us at the Getting Connected table in the south commons on Sunday mornings to learn about the ways you can help on the Auction Planning Committee! Contacts: Debbie Klisis (dklisis@gmail.com) and Darcy Stanton (darcystanton@hotmail.com), auction co-chairs.
From a Pagan Perspective... by Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com)
Of late, there’s been a lot of conversation about what makes a community… or do we even need community? Over the years, this topic has certainly generated many lively discussions, but I can’t say all that talk actually created a closer, more cohesive group of people… if nothing else, the conversations were heated and sometimes had just the opposite effect, creating frustration, anger and divisiveness. It has been my experience that community, or finding community, is a natural instinct. We are, after all, pack/ communal animals. It seems we all want to have the support, fellowship, assistance and nurturing that a group of like-minded individuals can provide. For pagans (and perhaps UU’s), finding and building community can be a bit of a challenge. Those lucky enough to live in large urban areas are likely to be blessed with public pagan groups which makes it a little easier to find fellow pagans, or at least pagan-friendly folks. Whether Pagan or UU, knowing how to locate and get 4
involved in a community can be overwhelming. This task can potentially feel very daunting and be severely dampening to one’s spirit! One of the perks of being pagan AND part of a UU church is that we are made up of many different backgrounds and traditions and we have a safe place in which to hold our gatherings. By offering a safe environment, we provide a place for discussion and ritual, remembering that with such diversity, there may be some who do not hold Paganism in an affirming light. Some of us are very open about our Pagan beliefs and may be considered teachers, healers and authors. It is also important to remember that not everyone with an interest in nature or alternative spirituality is open to pagan related paths. No matter what your belief system might be, all of us should make an effort to live genuinely. Remember that people’s opinions of you are just that – their opinions. In the modern age of technology, no matter what your situation or location, you need not be without community unless you so choose.
For general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals, visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src. . . Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force . .
. . . Housing & Poverty Task Force (H&P TF) . . .
Guatemala Sewing Project Early Results
Build a Home, Support a Family Friday, May 9 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 11474 W. Mississippi Ave., Lakewood
The sewing project was initiated by the UU Service Committee Task Force with machines donated by Joe Rotello and supplies and materials donated by the JUC community. Now it is being successfully implemented by ten enthusiastic women in the resettlement community of Pacux outside of Rabinal, Guatemala, who have formed a cooperative called Mayan Women Art. They have sent us a suitcase full of examples of the items they could produce including woven products as well as those sewn from traditional materials. These varied and colorful products show great promise for the future of this enterprise. Visit the UUSC table during May to check out the variety and read about the women. Each piece includes a card with the name and information about the woman who created it. You will have the opportunity to purchase the items or to place an order for similar items to be produced with your specifications. All funds will be returned to the women with only a very small percentage held back for expenses of the sewing project. Contacts: Gretchen May (303-233-6113; maygwinQ@ centurylink.net), Margie Robinson (303-278-0786; mcrobins@jeffco.k12.co.us).
This single family home will be purchased by the Parras/ Lilley family (read more about them below). If you can give one day to make this dream a reality, please sign up at the Sign Up Site. No experience is necessary. Habitat provides all the tools and hard hat. Contact: Phyllis Bunting (phyllis.co@hotmail.com). About the Parras/Lilley family: The guiding rule for Coreena Parras and Logan Lilley and their five children, Serena (15), Asia (13),Vanessa (13), Layla (9) and Miakoda (2), must be: If at first you don’t succeed try, try, and try again. Coreena and Logan applied twice in recent years to be a Habitat family but weren’t selected. They didn’t give up. They took classes, volunteered and worked hard to keep their finances in good shape. On their third attempt, they were selected. It has made everything we’ve gone through worth it, said Coreena. Coreena works for a blood component/cellular technology firm. Logan is employed by Home Depot as a painter and on construction projects. Both are Colorado natives. All seven of them are packed into their 600 square foot home that has one bedroom and one bathroom. When they got the call they had been selected it was a dream come true. And it was a dream they were willing to continue to work hard toward as a Habitat partner.
Endowment and Memorial Gift Trust Announces Grants for 2014-2015 The EMGT directors had $25,000 available for 2014-2015 grants. Five proposals were submitted for a total of $15,500. All were selected for funding. The remaining funds will be transferred to grant cycle 2015-2016. The selected projects are shown below. Project Name Perpetual Peace Initiative Outreach Project Gutters/south side of building Video, Sound and Light(vSalt) booth expansion Standardized Audio/Visual Carts Large Church Structure Realization Total Requests Funds Available
Committee Peace Liberty and Justice Task Force Business Council Business Council Business Council Board of Trustees
Amount Requested Amount Granted $2,500 $2,500 $4,600 $4,600 $2,200 $2,200 $1,200 $6,200 $15,500
$1,200 $6,200 $15,500 $25,000
The EMGT Chair is Cheryl Ames. Committee Members: John Bunting, Laura Hollingsworth, Chris Thiry, Charlie Gangloff and Stephanie Briggs. If you have questions concerning the selected projects, you may contact any of the EMGT Directors. 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… ❦ The family and friends of long-time member Bob Miller, who passed away April 22;
New/Upcoming LEAP Classes
❦ Charlie Carcano, who will have knee replacement surgery this week; ❦ Joan Schultz, as she recovers from knee replacement surgery;
✻ Spiritual Healing through Energy Work, Sound and Shamanic Meditation Saturdays, May 3 and June 14 • 10 to 11:30 a.m. 6620 Quitman Ct., Arvada David Burrows (heartflute@yahoo.com; 303-522-6947), Joyce Barrett (joycebarrett@comcast.net) The group holds a healing meditation or ritual once a month, weaving together practices from shamanism, energy healing, and music healing to create sacred space, offer prayers, and send/receive healing energy. Special guests lead the group on occasion, and space is limited to 15 participants. RSVP requested. Optional potluck after the meeting. May 3: Emily Townsend, Shamanic Practitioner, presents Intro to Shamanic Journeying for Healing and Guidance. June 14: Ken Cohen presents a Native American Healing Ceremony anyone can learn and perform.
❦ Kate Kyanne, who is also recovering from knee surgery; ❦ Carol Steers, who is recovering from a fall last week. Fortunately, she was not seriously hurt and reports that it isn’t always fun being 90 years old; ❦ Linda Grantham, as she recovers from arthroscopic hand surgery; ❦ Dominic Aguilar, the 15-year-old nephew of Steve Nye. Dominic suffered a serious fall during an epileptic seizure earlier this month; ❦ Mary Bair, coworker of Kristine Mathiasen, as Mary unexpectedly lost her father.
We Celebrate with… ❦ Nicholas Brubaker, Linda Ropes’s 16-year-old grandson. His robotics team from Thompson Valley High School is ranked 4th internationally as they head off for the International Robot Competition in St. Louis.
✻ Ongoing Group: Issues in Aging • Mon., May 12 • 7 p.m. (R6/7) The Nerdy Neuroscience of Aging: Part 2, Alzheimer’s Disease Our guest, Dr. Jose Lafosse, Professor of Neuroscience at Regis University, former Board member of the Alzheimer’s Association, is not only a gifted teacher and lecturer, but also a researcher and a clinical neuropsychologist with years of experience assessing people with different kinds of dementia. Contact: Valerie Stone (vestone@gmail.com).
., Are you nervous about hospital visits? Monday, May 12 • 7 p.m. • chapel
Ever felt lost? Didn’t know what to say? Reluctant to even make that visit? Quell your anxiety with Lutheran’s ICU RN Supervisor Deb Behr and members of the Pastoral Care Group. We’ll discuss how to talk with the patient and family, especially when there may be high emotional intensity, how to manage the hospital system (with its possible intimidation), boundary issues, length of visit and more. Contact: Len Wheeler (303467-3342).
Is there something you would like to discuss with a minister or member of the Pastoral Care Group?
Hawkquest at JUC
Friday, May 2 • 1 to 2 p.m. • sanctuary If you have never seen a Bald Eagle, now is your chance. This is part of OLLI West’s Bald Eagle, Up Close and Personal, but you do not have to be an OLLI member to attend. A suggested $5 donation will go directly to Raptor Rehabilitation. Contact Sandy Early with any questions (303-455-4142). 6
You may send an email to cares@jeffersonunitarian.org or call 720-church9 (720-248-7249). Or, fill out a PCG card and drop the card in the Pastoral Care box on the table in the left front side of the sanctuary. Be sure to include your name, the date and your contact info. A minister or member of the Pastoral Care Group will be in touch with you as soon as possible. You may also contact a member of the pastoral care team. Our names are listed on the bulletin board over the EnCounter in the south commons. We are here for you!
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
Issues in Aging
Slow Soup Group
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. May 29: The Nerdy Neuroscience of Aging: Part 2
4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; lachnittg@ gmail.com), Carol Kolesnikoff (303-588-9198; eatingethically@gmail.com) We’ll prepare soups together to take home and to donate. Co-sponsored by LEAP and the Eating Ethically Task Force.
JUC Knitters
Story Circle
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.
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.
Memoirs
1 & 3 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. This meditation service is open to all: no experience necessary. Child care is provided. May 4: Living Fully, Loving Well w/David Chernikoff.
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.
Charla!
Poetry as a Spiritual Practice
UU Liberal Christians
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.
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Sara Lohaus (pslohaus@comcast.net; 303432-3149) Connect with Christianity from a fresh, openminded perspective. UU Piecemakers
Quuilters' Group
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.
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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
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. nd
th
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.
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.
1 Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@Q.com) Newcomers welcome! Call for mtg. details. st
Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch
1 Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Contact: Betty Halladay (303-274-9144) Next meeting: May 2. st
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. May 18: My Beloved World (Sotomayor) Science and Spirit
4 Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net) Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com th
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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.
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.
OFFICIAL NOTICE: Annual Spring Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 18 • 12:30 p.m. • sanctuary
Absentee Ballots will be available from the JUC office and are due back no later than Thurs., May 15. A 15% quorum is necessary to conduct the business of this meeting. Absentee ballots will not count toward this quorum. Please plan to attend! Child care will be provided.
President, Judy Gangloff; Vice-president, John Hambright; Financial Officer, Lisa Bickford; Secretary, Morgan Davies); • Elect two (2) Leadership Nominating Committee members (nominees for 3-year term: Kimberly Pugliese, Ellen Evancheck); • Elect two (2) Endowment and Memorial Gift Trust Directors (nominees for 3-year terms: Cheryl Ames, John Bunting); • Elect two (2) Taguchi Social Action Fund Directors (nominees for 3-year terms: Carol Drew, Mindy Mohr); • Approve 2014-15 annual operating budget (see p. 9); • Approve proposed bylaws amendment (see April 14 Crier); • Report: In Service of the Mission.
Agenda items will include: • Receive 2013-14 Annual Reports from group facilitators, committee chairs, ministers and staff; • Introduction of 2014-15 lay leaders; • Approval of 2014-15 Social Responsibility Council (SRC) Task Forces; • Elect 2014-15 Board Trustees (nominees for 3-year terms: Joe Stone, Elaine Zerger, Lisa Bickford; bios for new Board members included on p. 10). Judy Gangloff, John Hambright, Morgan Davies, Mark Baker, Brenda Berg and Susie Streng continue their terms as trustees; • Elect 2014-15 Board Officers (nominees for 1-year terms:
☛ Friends and newcomers are welcome to attend and will be given the courtesy of the floor, but only members who have signed the Membership Book no later than April 18, 2014 may vote.
Board Blog ~Lydia Stranglen, Financial Officer
(lrstranglen@comcast.net; 303-985-1524)
Fiscal Year 2014/15 Proposed Operating Budget Highlights:
While the overall proposed 2014/15 operating budget has been decreased by $40,000 (4%) to balance with projected income, the budget also includes increases that reflect the Board’s funding priorities and commitments which serve JUC’s mission to nurture our spiritual community, grow Unitarian Universalism and transform the world outside our church walls. Income: • Decrease in projected pledge income ($34,000) due to factors such as members’ financial difficulties, new members pledging less, resignations and limited pledge increases. • Decrease in plate collections ($8,000) based on actual projected for 13/14 with 12 special plate collections per year. • Decrease of ($7,000) in Evergreen Campus grants/ donations that were one-time for 2013/14. • Increase in rentals and sales of $3,500 from new rentals and Scrip card rebates. • Increase of $5,000 for new fundraising outreach effort focused on visitors and affinity groups. Expenses: • Increase for current staff totaling $15,174 includes a 1.5% cost of living increase, salary adjustments of more than 1.5% for three positions, increase in professional expenses for four positions and increase Religious Education Asst. to 12 hrs/wk. • Decrease of ($57,000) by reducing the number of ministers to three and adopting a new ministerial staffing model. Ministerial staff includes a Senior Minister (Wendy), a
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Music Minister (Keith), and our new Assistant Minister, Eric Banner. Each of them has the skills and experience necessary to function as a generalist and fully address all the needs of our congregation. The Board believes this structure will help us build a strong and integrated community culture. • $4,134 to add a part-time (8 hrs/wk) Youth Ministry Coordinator to provide staff support for JUC’s youth in high school and create bridges between middle and high school and between high school and young adulthood. • $5,038 to add a part-time (6 hrs/wk) Evergreen Campus Site Coordinator to help build relationships with congregants and community partners; improve program offerings and increase communication and advertising to promote name recognition and community awareness. • Decrease building operations expense by bidding out janitorial services ($23,000). • Program expense increases totaling $4,185 include: training for Religious Education staff and volunteers; more sheet music for larger choir; costs associated with addition of Saturday services; new Green Task Force; increase in attendance at monthly pledge campaign lunches and Strategic Planning projects targeted at meeting JUC’s strategic goals. • Continue 5 year plan to increase UUA Annual Program Fund support to 100% full fair share by FY 17/18. For FY 14/15, support will be increased from 60% to 70% Full Fair Share or $5,936. • Fund MDD dues increase of $24 to $26/member at JUC’s current membership of 760 = $2,052 + Boulder/Denver Cluster increase of $200 + sponsorship of Create Meaning outreach program $250 + support for Beloved Community Coordinator $2,500 (in addition to special plate collection). I encourage you to attend a Budget Review Forum that will be held at each campus on May 4. See the following page.
PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET TO BE PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL AT SPRING CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ON MAY 18 Proposed JEFFERSON UNITARIAN CHURCH 2013-14 $ Change % Change 2014-15 OPERATING BUDGET Budget Inc/(Dec) Inc/(Dec) Budget INCOME
Budgeted Pledge Income
$806,000
$839,900
($33,900)
-4.04%
Plate Collections
$22,000
$30,000
($8,000)
-26.67%
Fundraisers
$63,500
$65,000
($1,500)
-2.31%
Rentals and Sales
$40,500
$37,000
$3,500
9.46%
$0
$7,000
($7,000)
-100.00%
Donations from Visitors and Affinity Groups
$5,000
$0
Total Miscellaneous Income
$6,000
$3,500
$2,500
71.43%
$943,000
$982,400
($39,400)
-4.01%
EMGT Grants (Projects)
$41,700
$27,500
$14,200
51.64%
Special Plate Collections (SRC)
$35,000
$28,000
$7,000
25.00%
$1,019,700
$1,037,900
($18,200)
-1.75%
$43,500
$39,315
$4,185
10.64%
$226,245
$246,929
($20,684)
-8.38%
$53,190
$42,252
$10,938
25.89%
$620,065
$653,904
($33,839)
-5.17%
$943,000
$982,400
($39,400)
-4.01%
EMGT Grants (Projects)
$41,700
$27,500
$14,200
51.64%
Special Plate Collections (SRC)
$35,000
$28,000
$7,000
25.00%
$1,019,700
$1,037,900
($18,200)
-1.75%
($0)
$0
Evergreen Campus-Donations/Grants
TOTAL OPERATING INCOME
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENSES Program Expenses Church Operations (Golden & Evergreen) Denominational Support (UUA & MDD) Personnel Expenses TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
TOTAL EXPENSES BUDGET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
$5,000
($0)
Community Event The Healing Power of Mindfulness Meditation Saturdays, May 10, 17, 31 and June 7 • 10 to 11:30 a.m. Columbine UU Church (6724 S. Webster St., Littleton) May 10: The Healing Power of Meditation: An overview of the psycho-physical benefits of meditation: What is it? How do you do it? Why bother? And Meditation/breath/tranquility: Instruction in Anapanasati or mindfulness of the breath as a way to focus the attention and establish mental tranquility. Instructor Don Morreale began his meditation career in 1968. He trained in Vipassana Meditation at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Mass., and is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader training program. Don is also the author of two books on Buddhism in America. Free will donations accepted. Proceeds benefit the Breakfast for the Homeless program. Visit http://www.signupgenius. com/go/10C0B4AAEAE2DAAFB6-thehealing to register.
Budget Review Forums
Golden Campus: Sunday, May 4 • 12:15 p.m. (M1/2) Evergreen Campus: Sunday, May 4 • 3 p.m. Staff members, the Financial Futures Team and the Board of Trustees have been working hard on the 2014/15 proposed operating budget that will be presented for approval at the Congregational Meeting on May 18. Please plan to attend one of the Budget Review Forums where Lydia Stranglen, Board Financial Officer, will review the details of the proposed budget and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions. For more information on the forums, please contact Lydia Stranglen (303-985-1524; lrstranglen@comcast. net).
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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. 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. • May 3/4 No announcements • May 11 Gail Abbott @ 303-277-9180 • May 18 TBD
Weekly Attendance Apr. 19 7pm 95 RE: 3 (1 adult) Apr. 20 9:15 211 RE: 35 (6 adults) 11 285 RE: 48 (7 adults) Evergreen
4pm 42 RE: 6 (3 adults)
Apr. 27 9:15 114 RE: 27 (7 adults) 11 156 RE: 21 (10 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., May 7 Next publication date: Tues., May 13
Calendar of Activities
(extended calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org) Tues., April 29 1:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm Wed., April 30 6:15pm 7:30pm Thurs., May 1 7:00pm 7:30pm Friday, May 2 11:30am 5:20pm 7:00pm Sat., May 3 9:00am 9:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 4:30pm
LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) LEAP: UU Liberal Christians mtg. (R6/7) JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) JUC Choir (sanc.) LEAP: Poetry as a Spiritual Practice (M3/4) LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel) LEAP: Retirees’ Brown Bag Lunch (M3/4) COA Retreat - Severance Ritual (chapel) MMG: First Friday Open Mic (sanc., comm.) FMG: Coming of Age Retreat at Snow Mtn Ranch JUC Choir (sanc.) LEAP: Quuilters Group (R3/4) JUC Choir set up (sanc.) PL&J: Perpetual Peace Initiative (M3/4) Worship Service: Requiem w/Keith Arnold
Sunday, May 4 9:15/11am Sunday Service: Requiem w/Keith Arnold 9:30am Adults as Spiritual Guides for Children and Youth (M1/2) 12:15pm Board of Trustees Budget Forum (M1/2) 12:30pm Covenant Group Leaders (M3/4) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 1:00pm LEAP: CUUPS Children’s Circle Beltane (chapel) 4:00pm Evergreen Service: It’s About Time w/Joe Stone 5:00pm LEAP: Buddhist Sangha Service (chapel) Monday, May 5 9:00am CURK: SOUPPS mtg. (chapel/R1/2 + R8) 12:30pm Covenant Group - Keen (M1/2) 6:00pm LEAP: CUUPS Beltane (chapel) 6:30pm LEAP: Listening Generously (R6/7) Tuesday, May 6 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm LEAP: UU Liberal Christians mtg. (R6/7) 7:00pm Stewardship Council (M1/2) 7:00pm SRC: Housing & Poverty TF mtg. (M3/4) Wed., May 7 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm Policy Governance Team (M3/4) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.) Thurs., May 8 9:30am PCG Steering Committee (M1/2) 7:00pm Board of Trustees mtg. (M1/2) 7:00pm LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (Mitchell rm.) Friday, May 9 7:00pm LEAP: Bridge Group (MGR, M3/4) Sat., May 10 1:00pm PLJ: Green Comm. Climate Lobby Groupstart (M3/4) Sunday, May 11 9:15/11am Sunday Service w/Barry Bloom and Wendy Williams 9:30am Adults as Spiritual Guides for Children and Youth (M1/2) 12:15pm YRP: Tribe lunch and program (chapel) 12:30pm PL&J Task Force mtg. (M3/4) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4) 6:00pm West Side Live!: Sphere Ensemble (sanc./so. commons/kit.) 6:30pm Worship Group: Dances of Universal Peace (chapel) Monday, May 12 9:15am LEAP: Dream Study (M5) 12:30pm Covenant Group - Keen (M1/2) 12