Easter Sunday

Sunday, March 31. “Being A Community of Transformation: A Theology for Transgender Visibility.” Led by Rev. Sarah, guest speaker TBA. 

This service celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility and the many ways that we embody transformation as a community of justice and love–as Jesus might if he/they were leading us today.

*Easter activities for the kids on the Education Side of campus. 

Pancake Breakfast before service, fundraiser for 2024-25 Coming of Age Program. 

Closing of Stewardship campaign.

New Patio Benches

Thanks to the crew (Evan, David M, Frank, Linda S, Karen, and Mary Kate) who stayed after the Congregational Conversation to finish assembling the new patio benches for us all to enjoy. Appreciation to the anonymous donor.

-Submitted by Mark Beehler

Easter 2024 Pancake Breakfast (a fundraiser for the Coming of Age Heritage trip to Boston)

Sunday, March 31, 8:00-10:00 am in the VUU Sanctuary, seating on the patio.

Advance purchase tickets: $10.

Breakfast includes 2 pancakes, 2 sausage links, chile cheese egg bake, fresh fruit and coffee OR juice. Gluten free and vegan options available. Free mini meal for children 3 and under.

Click here to access the order form and payment link.

April 5: FLP Brown Bag Lunch on ZOOM

Can food influence cognition? Are there so-called "brain foods" that may enhance memory or ward off dementia? We’ll discuss how what is on your plate may influence your cognitive ability and how a plant-based diet may figure into all of this.

Date: Friday, April 5

Time: 12 Noon

Zoom Link

Please review the following prior to our meeting to facilitate the discussion:

Video: Foods That Improve Memory Naturally

Article: Foods Linked to Better Brain Power

Article: Maximize Memory Function with a Nutrient-Rich Diet

For Vegans:

Article: Dr. Gregor’s Vitamin B12 Recommendations

Article: Should Vegans Take DHA to Preserve Brain Function

For more information, please contact Denise McLeod or Linda Ruehlman.

-Submitted by Denise McLeod

Volunteers Needed for Our Whole Lives Facilitator Training!

Join us April 12-14 to support the OWL Facilitator Training. Ken St. John coordinates meal provision during training. He needs help with planning, prep, setup, and cleanup for Friday dinner and Saturday/Sunday lunches. All costs are covered by the program.

Can you offer hospitality accommodation for out-of-town attendees? No meals or transportation are required. 

Sign up to host or assist with meals here.

Thank you for your support!

Questions? Please contact Ken St. John or Janet Nash.

-Submitted by Janet Nash

Celebration of Life

Our dear friend and VUU member, Rachel Smith, passed away peacefully on March 12. For so many of us, Rachel was our exemplar of courage and steadfast perseverance. This year, she published a book, "The Art of Living with Huntington's Disease," inspiring us all to make the best of what life brings. Rachel was engaged in living fully to the end. She was excited to vote in the current primary election, closing out a lifetime of activism that took her from participating in sit-ins in the 60's through volunteering in every Democratic campaign cycle through 2016, and carrying signs in women's marches in her wheelchair. Rachel was an amazing mom, grandmother and sister. We will miss her loyal friendship.

Please join us at her Celebration of Life on Friday, May 17, 1:00 pm, at VUU.

-Submitted by Perii Skolnick

2024 Valley Unitarian Universalist Retreat in Prescott, AZ

Join us for fun in the pines. Space is still available!

A chance to get to know friends and members of Valley UU AND a weekend in the Pines - Who could ask for more? Fellowship, campfires and s'mores, volunteer run activities/crafts, optional camp run activities for an additional fee.

Attend the orientation meeting, Sunday, March 24 from 12:30-1:30 pm in the sanctuary. Topics to address: Activity planning, waivers to sign, cabin/room assignments.

Location: Camp Friendly Pines -133 acres in the Ponderosa Pine forest. Click here to see a list of accommodations and amenities.

Dates: Friday, April 19 (check in 2 pm) - Sunday, April 21 (check out 11 am) [You will miss the service at VUU, not to worry, Rev. Sarah will help us have a special outdoor worship.]

Cost: $159 per person (includes 5 meals). Cabins sleep 6-10, in twin sized bunk beds, bring your own bedding and towels. Extra fees: 1) $25 for families to have a cabin to themselves 2) some camp run activities: axe throwing, ropes course, giant swing, archery, & climbing wall.

Use this form to register and access the link to pay your deposit. Deadline to register and pay your balance: March 31, 2024.

If you can't join us but are interested in contributing to a scholarship fund for the retreat, use this online giving link, mention "Retreat Scholarship" in notes,  and choose VUU Prescott Retreat (under "other funds").

Singles Dinner Out

Friday, March 22, 6:45 pm

Location: Pier 54

5394 S Lakeshore Drive, Tempe

480-820-0660

The weather will be perfect for their outdoor tables. Located in the beautiful Lakes neighborhood of Tempe, Pier 54 is an outdoor only lakeside-restaurant/bar that offers a great food selection, a unique view over the lake, and a relaxed atmosphere. There will be live music. Make your reservation early! They will only seat 8 people max and the reservation spots fill up fast, so we can’t add another table. Note the different time this month. It was already sold out for 6:30.

RSVP to this email or contact Claudette by phone or text 973-768-6047

-Submitted by Claudette Wassil

Next Steps for VIP

Thanks to Rev. Sarah for this interview giving VUU’s VIP Core Team Leader, Barb Quijada, a chance to explain how VIP works and why VUU’s membership in VIP is so important.

Issues of concern that came out of more than one House Meeting small group during the March 3 VUU Sunday Service included: 

• Mental Health
• Housing Insecurity
• Loneliness & Isolation
• Aging
• Lack of Diversity and Inclusiveness

We will be working with VUU’s Pastoral Care, Caring Neighbors, and Leadership Development Committees to determine next steps to help address these concerns. We encourage anyone who would like to work with us to contact Barb Quijada or any Core Team member. 

-Submitted by Barb Quijada

Immigration Action Team Border Support

Humanitarian Crisis at Sassabe

Every red dot is an asylum seekers’ death mark. In 1994, Border Patrol began deterrence policies that created conditions forcing migrants to cross illegally instead of just processing them at ports. 

Aid delivers much-needed supplies to a border church to be distributed.  

99 Cent Stores have low prices! No water bottles, too bulky to transport. Small cups: ONLY Applesauce, fruit, jello or puddings. Squeeze packets: vegetable or fruit.

Ongoing Clothing Donations: Cleaning out closets? Please bag up your donations and bring them to the sanctuary. Babies, toddlers and children all sizes. Men and women adult and teen sizes, small and medium. All seasons accepted

-Submitted by Sharon Kopina