UUCGV News - March 2023

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.

“What if it doesn’t work?” But what if it does?

Do we keep ourselves safe, or do we step out and take a chance?

Over the course of our lives, we have so many opportunities to risk exposure, risk vulnerability, risk stepping out on a limb, wondering if that limb is going to break off instead of supporting us.

Sometimes that limb does break, but sometimes because we step out on the limb, we realize that we have wings, and it’s OK if the limb breaks because we learn that we are actually able to fly.

As we enter into the month of vulnerability, I invite us to take some time to think about those areas in our life where we feel vulnerable.

(Continued on page 2)

We are an affiliated congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Mountain Desert District of the UUA.

What do you do when you feel vulnerable? Do you hide? Do you go on the offensive? Do you power through? What is your method of operating?

In the past vulnerability has been viewed as a weakness. Is it possible that vulnerability might actually be a strength, a gift, an opportunity to move into a new way of being both within ourselves and in relationship with others?

Is it okay to give yourself permission to try something new, and not be very good at it? Is it okay to reach out and have that conversation you have been avoiding? Is it okay to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to move forward anyways, and trust that things will work out the way they need to?”

Is it possible, that allowing ourselves to be vulnerable might be one way to expand our realm of possibility this month?

With Love, Rev. Wendy

Change for Change

Each month we collect change (coins) from the offertory baskets and donate it to a local charity. This effort usually brings about $100/month. Past recipients have included homeless shelters, environmental groups, pet shelters and many others.

Change collected during the month of March will go to NAMI Western Slope. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Childcare provided!

A Message from Joanna Wernette,

The Vulnerable Nature of Singing

One of the most heartbreaking phrases that I hear as a singer, voice teacher, and choir director is, “I can’t sing.” When I probe a bit deeper asking how the person came to believe that, they usually share that someone in their life told them that at some point. My grandmother was a great example. Her choir teacher in high school told her, “Jean, I know you like to be with your friends, so I’ll let you stay in choir, as long as you don’t sing.” For others, it was a family member who told them to stop singing because they sounded terrible. I have heard so many stories like these, and each time, it breaks my heart that the words of others were able to shut down that person’s singing.

Whenever I start voice lessons with a new student, the first thing we do is establish a rapport and sense of trust, for I know how scary it can be to sing for someone. In my opinion, singing has a very special, and vulnerable nature to it, different from any other instrument, because with singing you are sharing YOUR instrument. It is an instrument that is a part of you, and unique to you. Some people are blessed from a young age with instruments of great beauty, while others have had to work hard to develop and hone their instrument, and still others gave up on their instrument feeling like they were skipped over or ‘hushed’ when it came to their voice.

Ever since I first heard the phrase, ‘make a joyful noise’ I have loved it for how wonderfully inclusive it is. The children’s choir at my last church home donned the name, ‘the joyful noise choir’ which was fitting for the music they shared. Not all the youths were on pitch, or the right rhythm, and no one cared, for what exuded from them was indeed JOYFUL, and beloved by all each time they shared their singing.

I know that for many, the only place where they feel safe or okay singing is in the shower, or in the car when driving by themselves. For those singers, I’m grateful they’ve found a safe place to sing, but I also relate to the reason why they can only sing when alone. Because for so many of us, the fear of judgment and criticism from others is crippling, or in this case, silencing. I share these thoughts on vulnerability with singing, as we as adults come to sing together each Sunday, and the kids of our church will be sharing their music in services very soon.

My hope is that with a bit more understanding and compassion towards the vulnerable nature of singing, that we can all look at our own thoughts and words around singing, knowing how powerful they are. Singing for others takes a great deal of courage and trust that the sharing will be embraces and supported, not criticized and judged. I hope that UUCGV will forever be a place where kids and adults, alike, will feel like it is a safe place to share the most vulnerable parts of ourselves, knowing that it is the courage and sharing which is to be praised and commended, no matter what.

UUCGV Cooking Group

The Cooking Group enjoyed a delightful foray into Indonesian cuisine at our February meeting. We were graciously hosted by Floyd and Tamara Joramo. The icy weather kept a couple of folks from being able to join us, but we still had a full kitchen!

The meeting for March will be at the home of David Miller and Janet Kelleher, and the theme will be St. Patrick’s Day. The gathering is open to all interested adults, and both time and space will be available to cook on-site, or folks are welcome to bring prepared dishes, or nothing at all, and just come enjoy the company.

For more info, contact David Miller / davidrudolphmiller@gmail.com / (970) 361-2737 or go to https:// grandvalleyuu.org/uucgv-cooking-group.html

If you wish to be part of the email chain for info about who is bringing what, and exact times and location, please email administrator@grandvalleyuu.org to be added to the list.

Meeting next on: Thursday, March 16th at 6:00 p.m.

Host - David Miller & Janet Kelleher- main dish Theme - St Patrick [leprechauns, green stuff]

Aging Graciously

Open to everyone of all ages! We meet in-person and virtually. The discussion will be lead by Rev. Wendy.

We’ll be meeting next on: Thursday, March 30th at 1:00 p.m. Go to www.grandvalleyuu.org/aging-graciously for the Zoom link.

Black Canyon Discussion Group

The Black Canyon Discussion Group will meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month

The discussion will take place at 12:00 p.m. for both March and April

Topic: "Discussion of the act of compromising within significant personal relationships"

COVID vaccination is required to participate. Questions? Call 970-856-4226 E Heuscher or email at epheuscher@gmail.com. Host will offer the main dish, and then side dishes are provided by the participants.

Chair Yoga

Are you interested in the benefits of practicing yoga? Chair yoga is perfect for people who are new to yoga or who have mobility issues. It can help increase flexibility and strength, as well as improve balance and coordination. Additionally, it can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Chair yoga is also a great practice for enhancing the mind-body connection through gentle movement and harnessing the power of your breath.

Join us on Mondays during the month of March at 3:00 p.m. Remember to wear loose and comfortable clothing. If you have a yoga mat, please bring it, but it’s not required.

*We will not meet on March 20th due to Spring Break*

Silent Meditation for Healing Our World

Join us at the church on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for 20-30 minutes of silent meditation for healing our world.

Soup Kitchen Saturday

Soup Kitchen Saturday is the second Saturday of every month at Catholic Outreach, located at the south end of 1st Street between Pitkin and Ute Avenues. A group of folks join to create, cook, serve and clean up a delicious meal for our neighbors.

UUCGV works with Catholic Outreach to provide a meal for the homeless each month. There are two shifts and experienced workers will help you learn what to do. Both shifts are welcome to eat lunch after we serve! Anyone with an interest in helping to prepare or serve this meal is welcome; teens included. Please bring a scarf or hat to cover your hair.

 8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Cooking Shift: The cooks decide the menu from ingredients in the freezer and pantry.

 11:45 a.m. -1:15 p.m. Serving and Cleanup: Meet and greet the folks as they arrive, serving up a hot, tasty meal. Please contact Chris Jauhola (chrisjauhola@aol.com; phone 703-216-6479) for more information and to let us know that you plan to volunteer.

Join Us On Wednesday Nights!

UU Night!

Come Eat with Us! Every Wednesday at 5:30 pm!

Please join us for this weekly potluck and time for community, connection, and conversation.

Kid’s Music!

All children are welcome! 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Meditation with Jamie Kavanaugh

6:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Teen Talk

Dinner & Discussion Group

6:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Adult Choir 6:45 - 8:15p.m.

Children’s Religious Education Month of Vulnerability

A Message from Meg Worthy, Director of Religious Education

February was filled with lots of Love and fun activities! We hope you enjoyed our handmade Valentines as much as we enjoyed making them. With your support the RE program raised over $250! Special thanks to Joanie and Betsy for sharing their craft making skills and wisdom with our youth. We ended the month using images of love to map out how we Vision our dreams and lives playing out. Meta cognition, and thinking about our thoughts was introduced in our last lesson of February, recalling the mantras we created and coping tools we have learned in past lessons.

As we move into Spring, we are beginning to shed more than winter layers. We are also learning to shed our winter walls.

This month we will utilize the concept of Vulnerability in relationships, asking for help, trusting the process, and showing up on stage.

When I was a swim instructor for Imagine Swimming in NYC, I learned first hand just how much parents' perceptions influence their children. The most damaging words an adult would say to me was "my child can't swim". During my infant group swim classes, I coached parents who held their children tightly above the water's surface. While these parents thought they were showing love through comfort, they were actually communicating otherwise. According to the USSA infant and toddler training, a tight grip conveys to the learning baby's mind "Adult is safe, water is not". When a child's muscles are tight, they sink like a rock, but when they relax and trust the water to hold them, they float like a feather. My youngest swimmer was four months old, and his dad was fearless.

Through the lessons we will explore together this month, I hope to encourage your child to navigate the waters of life for themselves.

May this poem, written by Linda Stout, be your mantra this month.

away.

May I be brave enough to reveal my true self, everyday.

And strong enough to love myself, if others turn

March Schedule

March 5 th - When We Show Our True Selves; On the ability to say “This is me.”

March 12th - When We Seek Friendship; On the ability to say “I like you.”

March 19th - When We Can’t Do It On Our Own; On the ability to say “I need help.”

March 26th - When We Hope; On the ability to say “I trust it will happen.” Childcare

February Highlights

From Monte High, UUCGV Member

Have you noticed the Buddha in the back of the sanctuary, emanating lovingkindness? The little Buddha statue was gifted to our congregation by Rev. Maureen White (Mo). She was our interim minister, around the time of 2006 to 2008, when we were renting a building near 10th and Grand. That property is now an apartment complex.

What is an interim minister, you ask? An interim minister is hired to help a congregation heal, and begin to envision who they are and what they want to be. At the time, we thought we needed to figure some things out before we hired a permanent minister.

When Mo left, we threw her a big farewell picnic-party out at Corn Lake State Park, along the Colorado River. It was also a celebration of our congregation, and even included a short raft trip from Palisade to Corn Lake. I remember it well because I volunteered to lead the planning team for the party. Elizabeth (my wife and driver) was one of the congregants who arrived in the rafts, so I rode the bus to this southernmost stop in Clifton, and then cruised my electric wheelchair/scooter the remaining mile or so. It was a joyous day.

When the UUCGV decided to switch locations, and share the building with the Congregational Church in order to save rent, many of our goods had to go into storage, including the Buddha statue. Elizabeth and I were allowed to be the caretakers. The Buddha resided in our guest bedroom/office/meditation room for a few years.

Although I practice some Buddhist principles, I am not a Buddhist, and I became very attached. When I meditated or chanted, the Buddha shared my space. One aspect I love about the little Buddha statue is its androgynous appearance. I see a feminine face.

When the renovation of our current building was completed, it was time for the little Buddha statue to take its place in the sanctuary where love resides. For me, it was an exercise in letting go; yet, I am now blessed to experience her/his presence alongside our congregation that I so love.

So, if you see me guide my power wheelchair to the back corner of the sanctuary and give a namaste bow, this is why.

Soulful Sundays

Upcoming Sunday Services

Please join us virtually or in person at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday.

Join us on Zoom: www.grandvalleyuu.org

View the Order of Service & Music at www.grandvalleyuu.org/sunday-services

Children’s Programming and childcare provided downstairs.

March ~ VULNERABILITY

March 5th

Honoring Our Needs

Kevin Watts & Special Music with Shae Lynn Watt

11:45 Community Potluck

12:30 Holistic Planning & Visioning

Annual UUCGV Cottage Meeting

March 12th

Imagine a Woman

Sandy Dorr, Cheryl Conrod, & Joanna Wernette

March 19th

Steve Watson

March 26th

The Strength of Vulnerability

Rev. Wendy Jones

How to make your home more energy efficient - and get a tax break too

New home-efficiency subsidies, explained

Ever wish you were a little kid again playing with your dollhouse? We can’t make that fantasy come true, but if you’re now an adult who wants to play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, you’ll find that it’s getting cheaper and easier to upgrade your real house. And now, the federal government’s likely to pick up some of the tab — kind of like your parents used to.

The Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, is the most ambitious legislation ever enacted in the United States to combat climate change. Starting this year, homeowners can get new tax credits and rebates for making their abodes better for the environment.

Heat pump

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces which can replace air conditioner , Heat pumps can replace air conditioners and even hot water heaters.

Induction stove

An induction range uses an electric current and coiled copper wire to deliver more efficient cooking heat than either gas ranges or conventional electric stovetops.

Electric vehicle

More people are turning to plug-in cars as the technology improves and the country takes steps to generate more of its electricity through renewable, clean sources.

Solar panels

Solar panels that convert the sun’s energy into electricity can significantly reduce a home’s energy bills and reliance on the energy grid.

Home battery

Solar panels collect and produce energy in daylight hours, but that’s not always when the energy is needed most. A home battery storage unit paired with solar panels stores excess energy until it’s needed.

Radiant floor heat

Radiant floor heat relies on a system of tubing underneath or incorporated into the floor of a house, which heats up when hot water is forced through it.

Electric water heater

Warming up water accounts for a quarter of the natural gas used in a home that uses the fossil fuel for heating, hot water and cooking. The IRA aims to nudge consumers to purchase heat-pump water heaters, which pull heat from the surrounding atmosphere and use it to heat water in a tank.

Windows and doors

Upgrading to energy-efficient options can make a big difference in lowering energy bills and potentially reducing emissions from your heating source.

Cool roofs

A “cool” roof that reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it can keep buildings cooler in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning. Some homeowners even install green roofs — a lawn or garden on top of the house. Depending on the materials used, installing a cool roof is not necessarily any more expensive than a new roof made from traditional roofing materials. Here’s the rare instance, though, where the IRA removed rather than added a benefit. Still, cool roofs should be considered for anyone thinking about a whole-house energyefficiency retrofit, which offers rebates based on total energy savings achieved.

Washer and dryer

According to the Energy Department, the average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry per year. That’s a lot of water and energy. Replacing an old washer and dryer with an Energy Star-certified model can reduce energy use by 20 percent per load, and water use by 30 percent per load, the Energy Department says.

Landscaping

Your outdoor space can also save water and energy. Shade trees can help keep your home cool. Drought-resistant plants in place of a lawn will keep down your water bill in arid or drought-prone climates.

Smart thermostat

Installing a smart thermostat that you can control from your phone is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to bring down energy usage and expenditures.

Whole-house fan

A whole-house fan that pulls cool air from outside and circulates it throughout your house can be a fantastic alternative to running your AC during summer months, especially in regions that are hot during the day but cool down at night

To find out what savings the new law can help you with, here is the link to view the interactional article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/ interactive/2023/home-energy-tax-breaks/

Living Into Leadership

Board President - Laurel Carpenter

Past President - Elizabeth High Treasurer - Kitty Tattersall

At-Large -

Laura Jeffries

Dave Collins

Leadership Development Team (LDT)

Richard Hyland

Board Highlights Highlights

Team Leadership Circle (TLC)

Worship - Catherine Black-Ward

Religious Education (RE) - Angie Ecker

Green Team - Ann (Angeline) Barrett

At-Large -

Jeanie Hendricks

Abby Leinbach

Adrienne Cascarella

TLC Highlights Highlights

The Board's primary responsibility is to carry out the UUCGV mission through wise governance of the physical, financial, administrative program, and operational resources of the Congregation.

Below are the highlights from the last Board meeting. Our UUCGV Board will meet again on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7:00 pm. We welcome and seek direct dialogue with members and friends of our congregation

If you would like to discuss a matter at the Board meeting, please contact Board President Laurel Carpenter at cinnamon06@aol.com by Friday, March 3, 2023.

February 9, 2023 Board Meeting Highlights

Present: Rev. Wendy Jones, Elizabeth High, Kitty Tattersall, Laura Jeffries, Dave Collins.

IT Update: The new tech has arrived and has been working well. The screen showing zoom to the sanctuary is working now but will only be used until the sermon starts as the lag time was distracting. Jared and Trent both know how to work the new system.

Visioning Workshop and Cottage Meeting: Sermon by Kevin followed by potluck then cottage meeting on March 5.

Thanks: We are in the works for Foothills UU in Fort Collins for their generous grant and for Robert McDonald for his help with WE Shelter.

RE Program Funds: Wendy requested and all four members present approved increasing the RE Program budget from $600 to $1000.

Team Leadership Circle, TLC, maintains the Programs of the church and the church calendar which live into the Mission, Vision, and Principles of UUCGV.

TLC communicates with the board about the day to day operations of the church and provides support to the teams if they need it. TLC meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:00pm.

Email tlc@grandvalleyuu.org for questions and comments.

February 9, 2023 TLC Meeting Highlights

Worship: We held a fun all ages service called the Love train. Worship attendance is approaching pre-covid numbers.

Stewardship: Cabaret Stewardship Party will be March 11th. Floyd Joramo will provide the cocktails and Catherine will help with Hors Dourves.

RE: Meg Worth is out of town for the month of February. Volunteers will be helping teach RE on Sundays.

Please Remember that all meetings & events MUST be scheduled through the administrator (257-0772) or administrator@grandvalleyuu.org. See full calendar, renters and all, at grandvalleyuu.org/calendar.

UUCGV Calendar March 2023

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley

P.O. Box 1053

Grand Junction, CO 81502

Minister: Rev. Wendy Jones 257-0772 x2 or minister@grandvalleyuu.org

Director of Religious Education: Meg Worthy 257-0772 x3 or dre@grandvalleyuu.org

Director of Music: Joanna Wernette music@grandvalleyuu.org

Church Administrator: Maya Kraushaar 257-0772 x1 or administrator@grandvalleyuu.org

Facilities Coordinator: Trent Nakagawa facilities@grandvalleyuu.org

Office Hours:

Tuesdays: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Thursdays: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Fridays: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO. 118

GRAND JUNCTION, CO

“Return Service Requested”

www.grandvalleyuu.org

When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability... To be alive is to be vulnerable.

- Madeleine L'Engle

“Vitally Inclusive Justice-Centered Spiritually Alive”