(Continued on page 2) totoWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcometothethetothetheMonthofMonthofMonthofMonthof Belonging Belonging Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley — Newsletter We are an MountainUnitariancongregationaffiliatedoftheUniversalistAssociationandtheDesertDistrictoftheUUA. UUCGV NEWS
- Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
I also wonder if our expectations about belonging sometimes hold us back. We think we need to belong with other people, and some people
1 #grandvalleyuu A Place for Liberal CommunityDiverseSpiritualityThoughtandAction September 2022 We are a CongregationWelcoming In This Issue Among Us 1-2, 6, 8-9 Our Whole Lives, OWL 3 Community 10, 13 Green Sanctuary 4-6 Leadership 14 Worship Calendar 11 Calendar 15
Nobody belongs everywhere but everybody belongs somewhere. Is our sense of belonging an internal experience, or an external experience? Maybe it’s both.
“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”
- Nathaniel Jones
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
From Our Minister, Reverend Wendy Jones
“Belonging is feeling like you are welcomed and wanted.”
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There have been times in my life when I felt like I totally belonged, and then other times when I just simply didn’t fit in with the group of people around me. I think we can all belong and not belong at the same Feelingtime.like
do . . . And, some people say “I feel like I’ve never belonged when I am around other people.“
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.
you don’t belong can be a lonely feeling, and so I find it helpful to remember that there are so many different ways to belong; with animals, with nature, within ourselves or with fictional characters. In a world as diverse as ours, there is always a way to belong.
Join our UUCGV Adult Choir each Wednesday night at 6:30 pm. We thank Janet and Walter Cummings for getting this program up and running again.
Lift every voice and sing! Choir is back!
Change for Change
Change collected during the month of September will go to Colorado West Pride, the largest pride organization on the Western Slope of Colorado, working to build a positive environment for the LGBTQ community, promoting equality, and working alongside our community to make sure it is wellinformed and has a voice to make a difference.
UUCGV Choir
This month, as we reflect on what it means to belong, I invite you to take some time to really think about where you belong. Is it with other people in your life? Is it in nature? Is it when you’re deep in meditation literally taking your consciousness into a different reality?
Maybe what we need to do is expand our definition and understanding of belonging. As I said, nobody belongs everywhere, but everybody belongs somewhere. Where do you belong?
I had a friend who told me she never felt like she belonged around other human beings, but when she was interacting with dogs she thrived and felt at peace. I’ve observed family members who are happiest when they are hanging out with their cats, and I have another friend who told me she feels like she truly belongs when she is communing with trees. My grandmother felt most alive when she was reading books and connecting with the characters in her beloved novels.
With Love, Rev. Wendy
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From Penny Hopkins, UUCGV Green Team Member
We can do our part to help the planet by developing easy and cost effective habits of buying used goods instead of new. Once we are through with these items, by donating we cut back on more things being manufactured, provide income for others, and keep waste from clogging our landfills. Whether you're in the market for a couch, clothes, or a coffee cup, there are many options.
Meeting: SeptemberThursday,1st at 7:00pm via Zoom All AreAll AreAll AreAll Welcome!Welcome!Welcome!AreWelcome!
~ Pliny the Younger 62 AD - 114 AD
For little cost, many donated household items, furniture, clothing and, sometimes building supplies, are available at thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. Buying there gives people jobs and purpose. Other good sources are the ever-present yard sales.
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USE AND REUSE
“An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit."
Seeking new-to-you items can cost nothing. Classifieds, such as Craig's List and Facebook, have freebie sites such as "Buy Nothing" and "Mesa County Free and Give-Away." During city clean-up days, usable furniture and household items are often found curbside free for the taking.
Up the ladder are consignment stores. They are more particular in what they accept for sale. Consequently, higher end clothing, household items, and furniture may be found. Buying from consignment stores provides income for employees and consignees. Examples are Encore Shop and Ritz
HigherConsignment.qualityclothes, household items, and furniture can also be found at Heirlooms for Hospice. Buying there helps support our wonderful Hospice programs.
Treasure hunters love estate sales, auctions, and antique shops for gently used one-of-a kind finds.
Upcoming
Other ways to save are finding new uses for items on hand. Faded sweats make comfy pajamas, colorful dinner plates add a splash of color to your winter garden, soiled shower curtain liners make great drop clothes. Old dressers can hold office supplies and decorative baskets can be put to good use. Use your imagination and see what you can
These young people wondered if glass could be recycled into beach quality sand to help restore Louisiana's badly eroding coastline. Using Go Fund Me, they began experimenting with pulverizing glass to make it more like beach sand. Beach sand is naturally rounded from tumbling in the water, while other types such as desert sand can't be used due to jagged edges. Many trials were held until the finished product met the necessary criteria to be environmentally correct, able to support native grasses and plants, as well as meet wildlife needs. At the same time, they developed a successful
Glass Half-Full Optimism - An Example of Creative Recycling
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In articles recently published by The Guardian and Business Insider's World Wide Waste series, we learn two newly graduated college students in Louisiana, Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz, upon pitching an empty wine bottle into their recycle bin turned to the problem of recycling glass. They knew the United States only recycles about 25% compared to Europe's rate of 60-80%.
- Penny Hopkins, UUCGV Green Team Member
Many stores carry used books which can be redonated when read. Friends of the Library holds seasonal used book sales and maintains a booth in the main library. Used book stores are another option. Perhaps set up your own Little Free Library in your neighborhood?
Byre-purpose.developing
the habit of using and re-using and by finding new purpose for old things, we can save money, save space in the landfill, and feel good about doing our part.
When time comes to downsize or redo, remember these thrift and consignment stores. Donate, hold a yard sale, consign. Get your usable items back into circulation so someone else can feel they've found a real treasure.
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Arrive at 6:00 pm with a few accessories that you no longer use, this could be jewelry (any & all types welcome/clean and in good repair please,) purses, belts, scarves, shawls, etc. We will display your items amongst the rest of the treasures. Enjoy some mingle.refreshments,delightfulmusic,and
How it works:How it works:How it works:How it works:
Find some treasure! At 6:45 pm begin your search for a few perfect (new to you) items! Simply enjoy yourself as you try on and test out some flair that speaks to you.
recycling program, Glass Half-Full, which grew to provide ample glass.
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Using social media, their unique idea soon obtained backing and gained momentum to the point they have already replaced some 15 tons of glass beach sand along the Louisiana coastline. This is part of a new movement on Tik Tok of environmentally concerned you people termed Climate Optimism. Climate Optimism means instead of focusing on what's wrong, finding ways we as individuals can take steps to make improvements. Kind of like lemons and lemonade. Sounds promising, doesn't it?
Jewelry Swap ~ An Evening of Elegance
Penny Hopkins, UUCGV Green Team Member
Voila! Take home your gems and enjoy!
Join us on Saturday, October 8th for anus on Saturday, October EveningEveningEveningEvening ofofEleganceEleganceofEleganceofElegance , a UU church fundraiser, bringinga UU church fundraiser, bringing style to Reusing, Reducing, and Recycling!style to Reusing, Reducing, and
The Care Team is compiling information for a decentralized adaptive equipment library. The way it works, is that if you have walkers, crutches, shower chairs, wheelchairs, toilet risers, toilet bars, etcetera, that you are willing to lend, send descriptions to Patricia Eble at Patriciarubyshoes52@gmail.com.willkeepaninventoryofequipment and owners, and people who have short term needs such as surgery recovery can contact her to see who has the items they need.
Community Empowerment at UUCGV
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Adaptive Equipment Library
Upcoming trainings to look for: • Mutual Aid core concepts and practices • De-Escalation • 1st aid / CPR • Drug overdose / harm reduction response • Local history / Mutual Aid history • Internet Security and encrypted communications • Non-Violent communication • Tips for speaking at City Council • DEI training • Gardening to feed your community • And more to come!
Come join us at 6PM every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month to be a part of this growing movement. Classes are immediately followed by a Q&A conversation with local mutual aid organizers and light refreshments.
Most of us seem to agree that fundamental changes need to occur in our world and our country but where do we start? How do we even begin to do transformative work here in Grand Junction, ToColorado?healour society we as community members must learn basic skills to best support and provide essential services for EVERYONE in our community including our most marginalized groups of BIPOC, seniors, disabled, LGBTQ2AI+, and houseless neighbors.
To that end we’ve begun a series of training sessions at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley. These classes are focused on intersectional and inclusive work to ensure that no one is marginalized or left out.
UUCGV’s Men’s Cooking Group is the longest- standing group in the church. We meet and cook the third Thursday of the month. If you’re new to the church and are male-identifying, please join the fun!
Nature heals. Empirical research has shown that walking or sitting in a forest results in lower blood pressure, reduced cortisol (anger and frustration hormone). and improved mood. Come share your personal experiences with the healing power of the natural world. This group will meet monthly at the church on the third Thursday at 1:00 pm and is led by Ernie Stech.
Join the UUCGV Goddess Group as we discover the hidden forces within. All who identify as women are welcome to join us at any or all of the dates below. We meet monthly on the 4th Thursday, at 6:30 pm in-person and viaForZoom.moreinformation
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Silent Meditation for Healing Our World
Meeting next on:
Men's Cooking Group
Wednesdays at 8:30 am
Host: Floyd Joramo
Meeting next on Thursday, September 15th at 6:00pm
Join us at the church on Wednesdays at 10:30am for 20-30 minutes of silent meditation for healing our world. We will have chairs arranged six feet apart.
Thursday, September 22nd at 6:30 pm - Cakes for the Queen of Heaven: Volume II
Nature Spirituality
Thursday, September 15th at 1:00 pm
Goddess Group
contact Barbara Beth by emailing works90@hotmail.com. Go to www.grandvalleyuu.org/goddess-group for more info.
For more info, contact Mark McKenney at 970-256-7907 or mckenneyd@qwest.net.
Laughter Yoga!!!
Theme: Local. Use as many local ingredients...sourced within 100 miles of Grand Junction...as possible in your dish. Grand prize will be to the person who has the most ingredients that have a local origin. But the prize is only allegorical.
It's Not Really Yoga... Come work out your spirit with laughter! Remember to wear a mask, bring something to lie down on. We'll meet at NE section of Sherwood Park across from 1460 East Sherwood Drive. For more info text or call Mary at (708) 552-1537
An early warning for October: due to the Soup Kitchen’s Empty Bowls fundraiser on October 8, we will not be cooking in October. There may be an opportunity to serve a meal in the park that day. More information will be provided next month. Thanks!
We need 8-10 people from 8:30-10:00 am to help prepare and cook a main dish, vegetable, potato or rice and salad for 70-85 people.
Topic will be:
I have been asked whether kids can volunteer.
"When have you been really frightened or challenged?” 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.
For September we need your help on Saturday, September 10th from 8:30 am to 1:15.
Black Canyon Discussion Group
Soup Kitchen Saturday
Another 5-6 people are needed from 11:45 to 1:15 pm to serve and help clean up the kitchen. Please let me know in advance (chrisjauhola@aol.com) if you plan to volunteer this month so that the shifts can be balanced.
Thursday, September 22nd at 1:00 pm Topic: Phases of life and accepting change
Go to www.grandvalleyuu.org/aging-graciously for the Zoom link.
The next Black Canyon Discussion Group will be held on Wednesday, September 7th at 5:30pm in the Cedaredge area.
The following are guidelines set by Catholic Outreach: teens 16 or older are welcome at any time; 12 to 15 year-olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult. There are limited opportunities for 1 or 2 younger children to serve each month, but they must be accompanied by an adult and able to reach the top of the 4½ foot high serving counter.
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is necessary and recipes and direction are provided. We do ask volunteers to be vaccinated and to bring a scarf or hat to cover your hair and a face mask to meet state health department Covid-19 protocols.
Aging Graciously
Many thanks to the volunteers who helped prepare and serve Spicy Curry Pork Chops last month at the Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen. If anyone is interested in joining our group, please contact Chris Jauhola by phone or e-mail (please no texts) at (chrisjauhola@aol.com; phone 703-216-6479) for more information or to Novolunteer.previousexperience
Open to everyone of all ages! Join us virtually or in person. The discussion will be lead by Rev. Wendy on
Pride at the Park Saturday, September 10
Step off is at Noon (gay standard time), at the Avalon Parking lot. We'll head West to 3rd then over to Main Street and East on Main to 5th. Pack the entire route with rainbows!
10th Annual Pride Festival on Main Street Sunday, September 11 Donations Accepted, *All Ages*
Junction Queer and Ally Connection Fashion Show Thursday, September 8
Rainbow Party Saturday, September 10
Bring your pets to participate in the First Annual Pet Drag Show for Pride! Register at the Colorado West Pride booth by 2:30 pm. Show will start at 3 pm. Please make sure all pets are on a leash!
This is CWP’s Signature Drag Event! With AMAZING Regional, Local, (maybe even some famous) Drag Queens!! - $10 Doors @ 8pm, Shows @ 9pm at MESA THEATER
Doors @ 6pm, Show Starts @ 7pm - $10 *Family Friendly* at the MESA THEATER
Doors @ 8pm, DJ’s @ 9pm *21 + Event* - $10 at Charlie Dwellington’s
The Glow Party (formerly the White Party)! CWP’s Signature Dance Party, wear white and come glow with us!
Join us on Main Street for Local Bands, Entertainers, Food, Vendors, and Beer Garden, and FUN! Happy Pride Western Colorado!!! Gates @ 12:30pm
10th Annual Pride Parade Sunday, September 11 Donations Accepted, *All Ages*
Glow Party Friday, September 9
Join us for the FIRST ANNUAL family-friendly pride picnic in the park with entertainment, food trucks, games and activities. Featuring Bands: Union of None, Wowzers, The Base Player Joe and DDD Noon to 4 pm - Donations Accepted, *All Ages* - at Lincoln Park
Pet Pride Drag Show Sunday, September 11
10 Cinema Soirée Wednesday, September 7 6 pm at the MESA THEATER
Sunday. Join us
Please virtually or in person at 10:30 a.m. every on
Zoom: www.grandvalleyuu.org View the Order of Service www.grandvalleyuu.org/sunday-servicesat Children’s Programming and childcare provided downstairs.
September
~ Belonging September 4th Reinventing Society & Our UU Faith (Auction Sermon - - Purchased by Bill & Cheryl Conrod) Rev. Wendy Jones September 11th Ingathering & Water Ceremony All Ages Service Rev. Wendy Jones (Followed by our UUCGV & MAP Float in the Pride Parade) September 18th Belonging Rev. Wendy Jones September 25th Stories from a Nonviolent Peace Army Elizabeth High
join us
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Upcoming Sunday Services
Soulful Sundays
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Tom Mauser of Colorado SeptemberCeasefire18,2022at10:00AM
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Mauser is the father of Daniel Mauser, one of the students killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Tom became a gun reform advocate following that tragedy. He took a oneyear leave of absence from his job to work as a lobbyist in the Colorado legislature to fight for stronger gun laws, and was spokesman for the successful Colorado ballot initiative in 2000 that closed the “gun show loophole.” He is also the author of “Walking in Daniel’s Shoes,” an account of his experiences following the Columbine tragedy. The book title comes from the fact he literally wears his son’s shoes—the ones he wore that fateful day— whenever he speaks publicly.
On September 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM Tom Mauser, father of Daniel Mauser and a representative of Colorado Ceasefire, will speak at Koinonia Church, 730 25 Rd, Grand Junction on the topic “Mental Health and Gun Violence: What’s the Connection?” The event is being sponsored jointly by the Center for Spiritual Living and Koinonia. In addition to the live in person event, the presentation will be live streamed at https://vimeo.com/ event/11232379. A recording of the presentation will be available afterwards at the same Tomsite.
“Mental Health and Gun Connection?”What’sViolence:the
Tom serves as a board member of Colorado Ceasefire. Its mission states: “We are parents, teachers, students, community members, gun violence survivors and more who have been working for nearly twenty years to prevent and reduce gun violence in Colorado through education, outreach and legislative advocacy.”
At-LargeLaura Jeffries
Present: Rev Wendy Jones, Elizabeth High, Dave Collins, and Laura Jeffries
President - Laurel Carpenter
August 11, 2022 Board Meeting 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.
Service Auction: Discussed the TLC recommendation of moving the auction to this fall.
Team Leadership Circle, TLC, maintains the Programs of the church and the church calendar which live into the Mission, Vision, and Principles of UUCGV.TLCcommunicates
COVID Safety: Ongoing discussion regarding updates to the current UUCGV COVID Safety Policy.
August 11, 2022 TLC Meeting Highlights
If you would like to discuss a matter at the Board meeting, please contact Board President Laurel Carpenter at cinnamon06@aol.com by Friday, September 2nd.
Religious Education Program: We will be using the Soul Matters Curriculum and our program needs Sunday morning volunteers - - Contact Angie Ecker.
Below are the highlights from the last Board meeting. Our UUCGV Board will meet again on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 7:00 pm. We welcome and seek direct dialogue with members and friends of our congregation.
Board HighlightsBoard Highlights
At-LargeJeanie Hendricks Abby AdrienneLeinbachCascarella
TLC Highlights
Richard Hyland
Security: Discussion regarding nighttime security patrol.
Port-a-potty: Accepted a proposal about toilet equity based on a presentation by Paul Padyk.
Worship - Catherine Black-Ward Religious Education (RE) - Angie Ecker Green Team - Ann (Angeline) Barrett
Past President - Elizabeth High Treasurer - Kitty Tattersall
Dave Collins
Board
Leadership Development Team (LDT)
22nd Annual Service Auction: Discussion about our annual auction taking place this fall in person.
Team Leadership Circle (TLC)
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Email tlc@grandvalleyuu.org for questions and comments.
Living Into Leadership
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.
Pride Parade Float: Sept. 11, 2022
UUCGV and Mutual Aid Partners are combining forces to build a float and will march in the parade this year.
Reproductive Justice Group: We’ve been invited to partner with Foothills Unitarian Church in Fort Collins about reproductive justice issues. If you are interested in learning more contact Adrienne Cascarella.`
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CeremonyIngatheringWorship—10:30AllAgesWater 12:00 Pride Parade Finance12:00
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.
Program10:3010:30WorshipChildren’s
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Mutual10:00GJAid October Newsletter Deadline 6:3010:30Yoga8:30Laughter@SherwoodMeditationAdultChoir1:00AgingGraciously6:30GoddessGroup 25 26 27 28 29 30 1
UUCGV Calendar September 2022
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Kitchenat8:30UUServestheSoup 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
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for staff vacations.
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to other.each ~ Mother Teresa
NON-PROFIT
ofCongregationUniversalisttheGrandValley
the
ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 118 GRAND JUNCTION, CO “Return Service Requested” Find us on Facebook & Instagram @grandvalleyuu “Vitally Justice-CenteredInclusiveSpirituallyAlive” We meet via Zoom and inperson on Sundays at 10:30 am for Worship
Unitarian
Office Hours:
*See calendar for dates office will closed www.grandvalleyuu.org
Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Church Administrator: Maya Kraushaar 257-0772 x1 or administrator@grandvalleyuu.org
Fridays: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursdays: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Minister: Rev. Wendy Jones 257-0772 x2 or minister@grandvalleyuu.org
Facilities Coordinator: Jimi facilities@grandvalleyuu.orgBlevins
Tuesdays: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
P.O. Box 1053 Grand Junction, CO 81502
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