UUCGV NEWS Welcome to the month of
Opening to Joy
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley — Newsletter
December 2021
From Our Minister, Reverend Wendy Jones
We are an affiliated congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Mountain Desert District of the UUA.
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. ~ Tagore Our theme for the month of December is “Opening to Joy.” In my sermon about joy yesterday, I talked about how joy and happiness are not the same thing. Happiness is a fleeting, conditional feeling or emotion, while joy is a quality of the spirit.
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As we enter into this sacred time of year with people celebrating various Holy Days from a number of faith traditions, I invite us to welcome joy into our lives. Joy is an inner expression of well-being, and an internal source of peace. Happiness may accompany joy, but joy is much more
We are a Welcoming Congregation
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#grandvalleyuu
“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”
In This Issue
Among Us 1-4, 10-11
Green Sanctuary 6-7
Liberal Spirituality
Aging Graciously 8-9
Diverse Thought
Leadership 12-13
Worship Calendar 5
Community Outreach 14
Calendar 15
A Place for
and Community Action
~ Mother Teresa 1
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sustaining, remaining a steady constant through the ups and downs of our human experience. At this time of year, there is a lot to be excited about, and at the same time, the holidays can be stressful for people or bring up memories of sorrow or grief. This is why I believe that a focus on joy may provide strength and comfort as opposed to striving for or pretending to be happy. In an ideal world, we might experience both joy and happiness at the same time, but one is not a prerequisite for the other. Thich Nhat Hanh says, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Truly the internal and external go hand in hand. This winter I wish for you joy, experienced, as an inner calm strength, sense of wellness and peace. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah & a Joyful New Year! With Love, Rev. Wendy
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From UUCGV Director of Music, Miriam Deming Make a joyful noise..." (from Psalm 100) is something we can all do when we experience joy. Many moments in my life where I experience unbridled joy are accompanied by spontaneous singing. As a young child, I used to make up songs most of the day; I was in a state of joy so often. One more recent moment stands out in my memory, though. About 12 years ago, I was visiting my grandmother who lives on Reunion Island, a blip on the map southeast of Madagascar. I had spent the day lounging on the beach and suddenly it began raining these fat, warm drops of rain. Everyone else on the beach cleared out, but I was so overtaken by the beauty of the rain and the ocean. So I started walking, at times dancing, the length of the shore, breaking into song (an original jazz creation). In the midst of the storm, I experienced joy. I love that music still brings or expresses my joy now, and I hope that the UU Choir and Modern Band's music brings a smile to your face or warmth to your heart as well. Lots of joy went into the process and performance of it too. One of the songs we are singing this month is in Latin, "In Dulci Jubilo," and the first couple lines of the song are saying "in sweet rejoicing, now sing and be glad!" Song and joy and great partners. If you should find yourself open to the joy of singing this month, we are always welcoming new members. Modern Band (for school age children) meets Wednesdays from 5:20-6pm and UU Choir from 6:30-8pm. Have joyful holidays, everyone! Miriam Deming, UUCGV Choir Director music@grandvalleyuu.org 3
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Soulful Sundays Upcoming Sunday Services Please join us virtually or in person at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday. View the Order of Service at www.grandvalleyuu.org/sunday-services Children’s Programming provided downstairs. December 5th Living Human Document Laurel Carpenter December 12th Service of Gratitude & Welcome Rev. Wendy Jones December 19th All Ages Holiday Service Rev. Wendy Jones & RE Team December 24th Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:00pm Rev. Wendy Jones December 26th Time Capsule - All Ages Service Rev. Wendy Jones https://zoom.us/j/383905626?pwd=amdBd3NU cUtQWG5hbUFRTHBVNWI4UT09 5
From UUCGV Green Team Again, we need to thank Ann Barrett for volunteering to be our Green Team leader. We are fortunate to have a leader with so much local experience. For many years Ann has been involved with various green projects and endeavors within the Valley – her feet on the ground and her hands in the soil, tending to the Earth. Ann is also a wonderful facilitator for our meetings, and composed meeting notes and the agenda. Following is a summary of brainstorming from our last meeting. At our next meeting we will pare down our list of projects and further narrow our focus going forward.
We talked about continuing our work with the library Discovery Garden in the compost area, which is mostly composting the leftovers from the Tuesday Mutual Aid Distribution, and the need for more volunteers to help with this. We are also thinking of other ways we could partner with the library. Another idea was to partner with Western Colorado Alliance to perhaps design and distribute brochures on recycling and other climate saving practices. We agreed that climate education is a good goal to explore, possibly with a film festival. Many members like the idea of educating children in particular, and possibly working on a community project that involves the children and youth. We also discussed the possibility of a food co-op and coordinating with local farmers to sell their produce. We talked about solar energy for our church building, suggesting we might join a solar coop. The idea of considering the book by Paul Hawken, “Drawdown”, was brought up – to help us find projects that would most impact climate change. And most of us would like to continue working with the UU Ministry for the Earth and the Green Sanctuary Program.
Our next (Zoom) meeting will be on Thursday, December 2nd at 7:00 pm. Green team members will get the link in an email, but anyone can join the meeting by clicking the link in the UUCGV website calendar. We hope to see you all there. The reason that I show up is that I get to hang out for a while with some of the coolest people on the planet (even if it is currently only on Zoom). - Monte High, Green Teammate Join us for our next Green Team discussion on December 2nd at 7:00pm via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84054809133?pwd=MHJnbE9PZm1SVGNOeDJWTkd4aGZ6QT09 6
12 Ways to Have an
Eco Friendly Holiday
Make Your Own Wrapping Paper or Go Without.
Buy Energy-Saving LED Holiday Lights.
Add Organic & Local Foods to Your Holiday Feast.
Get a Pesticide-Free Tree.
Recycle Your Christmas Tree.
Recycle Your Old Cellphone or Tablet.
Offset Your Holiday Travel.
Donate Your Time or Money to an Environmental Cause.
Tips are from: https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/eco-friendly-holiday-tips 7
This monthly Aging Graciously Newsletter is written by Ernie Stech, UUCGV member
Graciously Thankful “…look for the good in who you are…” - Bethany Hamilton
We inherently think of who or what we can be thankful for: other people, other things. Yet there is immense good in all of us. That is not something we naturally consider during the Thanksgiving season or any time of year. A unique feature of human life and memory results from what psychologists label “the negativity bias.” It manifests in the form of readily remembrances of conflicts, troubles, and failures. These tend to pop up in dreams. Memories of happy and positive events are not as readily available: the reason is that the negative events are the most emotionally charged and therefore firmly planted in our brains. Yet our lives consist of many, many joyous moments and successes. And many, many more that are neither happy nor troublesome. Those events and our memories of them need to be acknowledged in the accounting book of life. They outnumber the bad. We are essentially good people who have led good lives. Give thanks this season to that good person in you. (At another time forgive yourself for the negative stuff.) All of us have made a difference in the world. Mostly in small ways. Make a list some time of all the people for whom you have been a positive influence, a mentor, a teacher, maybe a role model – if nothing else a good friend. You may surprise and please yourself to discover how often and how much you have been good. Give thanks to yourself. You are good. You have done good. Celebrate! 8
Proverb “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.” - Estonian Proverb
The Many Ways to Thank (yourself and others) acknowledge
extol
commend
hug
compliment
celebrate
honor
pat on the back
cheer
wink hug
touch elbow bump
smile
Gracious Responses to Thank You My pleasure… You are more than welcome… Happy to do it… I’d gladly do it again…
NOT: no problem…sure…anytime…no biggie…you’d do the same,,,(grunt)
Ponder “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.” - Cicero
Concluding Words “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” - Meister Eckhart 9
Goddess Group 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 via Zoom. As women, we are stronger together through support and love. Each meeting offers sisterhood, exploration of various topics, a meditation and a whole lot'a love. For more information contact Barbara Beth by emailing works90@hotmail.com. Upcoming meeting: December 16, 2021 at 6:30pm via Zoom Go to www.grandvalleyuu.org/goddess-group for the Zoom link.
Black Canyon Discussion Group The next Black Canyon Discussion group will be held on January 5th at 5:30pm in the Cedaredge area. There will not be a meeting in December. Topic will be: "If you could change one policy or one law in the USA, what would that be?" The format for the meeting is changing back to the traditional dinner discussion manner: Host will offer the main dish, and then side dishes are provided by the participants. COVID vaccination is required to participate. Questions? Call 970-856-4226 E Heuscher or email at epheuscher@gmail.com
Silent Meditation for Healing Our World 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 and we ask that you please bring a mask. 10
Men's Cooking Group UUCGV’s Men’s Cooking Group is the longeststanding 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! Meeting next on December 16, 2021 at 6:00pm Host - Mark McKenney Theme - Polish For more info, contact Mark McKenney at 970-256-7907 or mckenneyd@qwest.net.
Soup Kitchen Saturday ~ Volunteers Needed ~ The UU congregation has been cooking at Catholic Outreach’s soup kitchen for many years on the second Saturday of every month. Catholic Outreach is located at the south end of 1st Street between Pitkin and Ute Avenues. We have had a shortage of volunteers the past couple of months due to moves, travel and medical issues. We need some additional volunteers in order to continue this worthy effort during the coming year. Anyone with an interest in helping to prepare or serve this meal is welcome; no experience is necessary; recipes and direction are provided. But please let us know if you plan to volunteer. This month we need your help on Saturday, December 13th from 8:30 am to 1:15 pm. We need 8-10 people from 8:30-10:15 am to help prepare and cook Beef Burgundy for 70-85 people, an annual December tradition. Another 4-5 people are needed from 11:30 to 1:15 pm to serve and help clean up the kitchen. Please let me know in advance if you plan to volunteer this month so that the shifts can be balanced. Contact Chris Jauhola (chrisjauhola@aol.com; phone 703-216-6479) for more information or to volunteer. Please bring a scarf or hat to cover your hair and a face mask to meet state health department Covid-19 protocols.
Laughter Yoga!!! 9:30 am every Wednesday We will gather at the NE section of Sherwood Park, across from 1460 E. Sherwood Drive. 11
Living Into Leadership Board
Team Leadership Circle (TLC)
President - Laurel Carpenter Vice President - Melissa Humphrey Past President - Elizabeth High Treasurer - Sue Brown Stewardship - Kitty Tattersall At-Large - Laura Jeffries At-Large - Jeanie Hendricks
Worship - Robin Cyr Religious Education (RE) - Abby Leinbach Membership - Bill Conrod Celebrations - Mary Delbecq At-Large - Angie Ecker At-Large - Ann (Angeline) Barrett
Board 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 of the Board meeting held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 Our UUCGV Board will meet again on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 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 December 3rd, 2021. Fall Leadership Retreat will be January 8 at 8:30am to 2:30pm at UUCGV. UUCGV Auction: The board decided that the auction will once again be virtual. Date to be set in early 2022. Those interested in being on the auction team, please contact Jeanie Hendricks at jeanie2299@gmail.com. COVID-19 Policy Update is deemed unnecessary at this time. Awning Renovation: - Review of the prior identification of the problem, work done, and proposals for moving forward. - Discussion of whether work needs done and what work needs done. - Laurel will solicit 3 bids from contractors who can assess what actually needs done and give us an estimate for completing the work. Those bids will be presented to the Board as information gathering, with no commitment made to the contractors. 12
TLC Highlights 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. The following was discussed at the last meeting. Email tlc@grandvalleyuu.org for questions and comments. Membership: The New Member service and welcome reception will be on Dec. 12th. Invitations to new members and friends will be sent out in mid-November Worship: The hy-brid services are running smoothly. Jimi is doing a great job helping out with the zoom & technology needs. We are averaging about 30 people in person and 30 people on zoom the last few weeks. Christmas Eve: We will be having a hybrid Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24th & and All Ages Holiday service on Dec. 19th. RE: We are averaging between 7-10 kids on Sunday mornings. We will be putting together a "search team" to start the process of finding a new DRE to begin in August.
From UUCGV Board President, Laurel Carpenter Happy December, UUCGV Family! What a blessing to celebrate another holiday season together this year, whether “together” means in person or virtually. Even if our fellowship looks different this year than what we’re accustomed to, there are so many pieces of the holidays that we still share, in the traditional sense of togetherness. The trees along Main Street are twinkling with lights, and Santa & Mrs. Clause can be seen moseying around downtown on the weekends, greeting folks with smiles. Perhaps there’s snow on the ground as you read this, or maybe a menorah stands ready for candles in your home. Perhaps a Yule log will be placed on your fire soon. Whatever songs, symbols, rituals, traditions, or ceremonies create your holiday experience, remember that there are so many of us who share in those sacred, intimate experiences—and yes, I’m referring to hot cocoa and carriage rides as sacred, intimate experiences. Whatever this season looks like for you, I celebrate the joy that you find. Whether we’re in different buildings or different cities, we are still together. Hugs and love, Laurel Carpenter 13
Change for Change is Back! Each month we collect change (coins) from the offertory baskets and donate it to a local charity. This effort usually brings in about $100/month. Our December Change for Change will go to Mosaic in Western Colorado. Mosaic recognizes that people with intellectual disabilities desire and deserve greater independence and closer ties to the community. By developing and expanding community connections, we create new social, volunteer and employment opportunities. www.mosaicinfo.org/locations/colorado/western-co/
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.
~ Rumi
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UUCGV Calendar
Please Remember that all meetings & events MUST be scheduled through the administrator (257-0772) or administrator@grandvalleyuu.org.
December
2021
See full calendar, renters and all, at grandvalleyuu.org/calendar.
Sunday 28
Monday 29
10:30 Worship
Tuesday
Wednesday
30
1
10:00 GJ Mutual Aid
9:30 Laughter Yoga @ Sherwood 10:30 Meditation
Thursday 2
Friday
Saturday
3
4
10
11
7:00 Green 5:20 Modern Band Team Meeting 6:30 Adult Choir via Zoom 5 10:30 Worship 10:30 Children’s Program
6
7
8
10:00 GJ Mutual Aid
9:30 Laughter Yoga @ Sherwood 10:30 Meditation
12:00 Finance
9
8:30 UU Serves at the Soup Kitchen
5:20 Modern Band 6:00 TLC 6:30 Adult Choir 7:00 Board 12
13
10:30 Worship 10:30 Children’s Program
14
15
16
10:00 GJ Mutual Aid
9:30 Laughter Yoga @ Sherwood 10:30 Meditation
6:00 Men’s Cooking
17
18
24
25
6:30 Goddess 5:20 Modern Band Group 6:30 Adult Choir 19 10:30 Worship All Ages Holiday Service
26
20 January Newsletter Deadline
27
21
22
10:00 GJ Mutual Aid
9:30 Laughter Yoga @ Sherwood 10:30 Meditation
28
10:30 Worship All Ages Service
23
29
7:00 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
30
31
1
Office Closed 10:00 GJ Mutual Aid
9:30 Laughter Yoga @ Sherwood
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Happy New Year!
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley P.O. Box 1053 Grand Junction, CO 81502
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 118 GRAND JUNCTION, CO “Return Service Requested”
“Vitally Inclusive Justice-Centered Spiritually Alive”
Minister: Rev. Wendy Jones 257-0772 x2 or minister@grandvalleyuu.org Church Administrator: Maya Kraushaar 257-0772 x1 or administrator@grandvalleyuu.org Music Director: Miriam Deming music@grandvalleyuu.org
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
Facilities Coordinator: Jimi Blevins facilities@grandvalleyuu.org
– Khalil Gibran www.grandvalleyuu.org Find us on Facebook & Instagram @grandvalleyuu
We meet via Zoom and inperson on Sundays at 10:30 am for Worship
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