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1 Sunday, January 26 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. Infant/toddler care provided. Beloved Community: Making the Ideal Real presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister In this month when we celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., we oſten hear about beloved community—that idealized vision of peace and equality. From time to time, we even refer to our church as beloved community. If we haven’t yet arrived, what gets in our way? Could it be that the very foundation of Unitarian Universalism holds both blessing and burden? What would it take for us to make the ideal real? Music: e EverHopefuls; Rev. Keith Arnold, piano. Worship Associate: Dindy Fuller. Sunday, February 2 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. Infant/toddler care provided. The Paradox of Power presented by Tom Disrud, Associate Minister, First UU Church of Portland As Unitarian Universalists, we give expression to our faith in our choices and actions, and that calls us to use our power well. But how do we feel about using our power in the first place? Does this ask us to let go of what is most comfortable sometimes? Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Doug Leber. 2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Boulder’s UU Climate Change Ministry presented by the PL&J Task Force. See p. 5 for more info. Looking ahead to… Sunday, Feb. 9: Love Reaches Out presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. is is the theme of this year’s General Assembly, but it invites us to consider the nature of love. Is it an emotion or a call to action? Pierre Jean De Beranger wrote, To love is to be useful to yourself. To cause love is to be useful to others. Can we cause love? Music: Rev. Keith Arnold, piano. Worship Associate: Julie Excell. January 21, 2014 office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014 Issue 2 The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church 14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282 • Fax: 303-279-2535 JUC Evergreen Campus Sunday, Feb. 2 • 4 p.m. Congruence presented by Ruth Rinehart, Seminarian As we explore our monthly theme of Paradox, those propositions that seem self-contradictory, we will explore the riddles in our own lives, our families, our faith. How can we live with cognitive dissonance? When we live out of congruence with our values, we suffer. But is it possible to have a completely integrated life? Where do our hearts take us? Worship Coordinator: Nora Flood. Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. New Location! 28628 Buffalo Park Rd. (e church up the hill from the Evergreen library) Mountain UUs who wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org). Polish Cellist Showcases at First Friday Open Mic Friday, Feb. 7 • 7 p.m. What makes JUC’s open mic one- of-a-kind, besides the wide array of open mic performers? First Friday has a 30-minute showcase halfway through the evening to feature accomplished local artists. On February 7, the showcase artist is Polish cellist Daria Joanna. She moved to Denver aſter studying with one of Europe’s most renowned cellists, teachers, composers and conductors, Kazimierz Wilkomirski, and receiving her Master of Arts in Cello Performance from the Frederic Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw. She’s performed in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East... and you can see her for free at our Open Mic! Open mic performers should arrive by 6:50 p.m. for the who- goes-when loery. Admission is free, although we ask everyone to donate a buck or two so we can provide child care. Beer, wine and soda are available for a modest donation, and there’s always chocolate! Contact: Chris or Steef Sealy (303-587-3234).

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Sunday, January 26 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

Beloved Community: Making the Ideal Realpresented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

In this month when we celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., we often hear about beloved community—that idealized vision of peace and equality. From time to time, we even refer to our church as beloved community. If we haven’t yet arrived, what gets in our way? Could it be that the very foundation of Unitarian Universalism holds both blessing and burden? What would it take for us to make the ideal real? Music: The EverHopefuls; Rev. Keith Arnold, piano. Worship Associate: Dindy Fuller.

Sunday, February 2 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

The Paradox of Powerpresented by Tom Disrud, Associate Minister, First UU Church of Portland

As Unitarian Universalists, we give expression to our faith in our choices and actions, and that calls us to use our power well. But how do we feel about using our power in the first place? Does this ask us to let go of what is most comfortable sometimes? Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Doug Leber.

2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Boulder’s UU Climate Change Ministry presented by the PL&J Task Force. See p. 5 for more info.

☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, Feb. 9: Love Reaches Out presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. This is the theme of this year’s General Assembly, but it invites us to consider the nature of love. Is it an emotion or a call to action? Pierre Jean De Beranger wrote, To love is to be useful to yourself. To cause love is to be useful to others. Can we cause love? Music: Rev. Keith Arnold, piano. Worship Associate: Julie Excell.

January 21, 2014 • [email protected] • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014 Issue 2

The JUC CrierThe Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church

14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282 • Fax: 303-279-2535

JUC Evergreen Campus Sunday, Feb. 2 • 4 p.m.

Congruencepresented by Ruth Rinehart, Seminarian

As we explore our monthly theme of Paradox, those propositions that seem self-contradictory, we will explore the riddles in our own lives, our families, our faith. How can we live with cognitive dissonance? When we live out of congruence with our values, we suffer. But is it possible to have a completely integrated life? Where do our hearts take us? Worship Coordinator: Nora Flood.

Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. ★ New Location! 28628 Buffalo Park Rd. ★

(The church up the hill from the Evergreen library)

Mountain UUs who wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement ([email protected]).

Polish Cellist Showcases at First Friday Open Mic

Friday, Feb. 7 • 7 p.m.

What makes JUC’s open mic one-of-a-kind, besides the wide array of open mic performers? First Friday

has a 30-minute showcase halfway through the evening to feature accomplished local artists. On February 7, the showcase artist is Polish cellist Daria Joanna. She moved to Denver after studying with one of Europe’s most renowned cellists, teachers, composers and conductors, Kazimierz Wilkomirski, and receiving her Master of Arts in Cello Performance from the Frederic Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw. She’s performed in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East... and you can see her for free at our Open Mic!

Open mic performers should arrive by 6:50 p.m. for the who-goes-when lottery. Admission is free, although we ask everyone to donate a buck or two so we can provide child care. Beer, wine and soda are available for a modest donation, and there’s always chocolate! Contact: Chris or Steef Sealy (303-587-3234).

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~ Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music (303-279-5282 ext. 17; [email protected])

Show Your Gratitude to Alisha RayBeginning in February, Alisha Ray will no longer be JUC’s

custodian. She has given many years of hard work and love to this congregation and there will be a opportunity to show your appreciation personally between services on Sunday, Jan. 26. There will be a table in the commons where you can greet Alisha and give her a note of thanks. Stop by for a hug and a cookie.

Singing in the ChoirIf you enjoyed Music Sunday in December and you love it

when the JUC Choir sings in the worship service, perhaps you have thought, I’d love to do that. The JUC Choir is rehearsing to lead in worship through the winter and spring and preparing for Music Sunday on May 4. Now is the time to fulfill your dream or satisfy your curiosity and sing in the choir. We rehearse every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Come a few minutes early on your first rehearsal to get copies of the music you will need. Rev. Keith Arnold will assist you if you need help identifying your voice part.

Enhancing Congregational SingingImagine sitting on the bank of the Ganges River in India,

singing with hundreds of Hindu pilgrims who have gathered for a sunset service. Or being present in a small Anglican church, where the gathered people are singing ancient hymns that connect them to hundreds of years of history and tradition. Place yourself at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly, singing Gather the Spirit with thousands of UUs. Or be uplifted singing gospel songs during a nearly three-hour Sunday morning service at an African Methodist Episcopal service. Whatever the style, whatever the tradition, communal singing has been an important part of religious gatherings for as long as people have gathered. Three years ago, during a sabbatical granted to me by JUC, I had the opportunity to experience all of those community sings mentioned above, plus more: I sang with Taiwanese Buddhists, Niwot mega-churchgoers, Filipino Catholics, Western Orthodox priests, tattooed radical Lutherans, and UUs. In many cases, I experienced the deep power of a musical language and practice that connected people with one another, drawing generations together in a way that helps individuals feel less isolated and resonate with their common ground. (For more on the sabbatical, visit www.jeffersonunitarian.org/India).

I returned to JUC asking the questions: What is our uniquely UU music? and How can congregational singing be enhanced? Another way of asking: How can the experience of singing together be deepened, so that it is less likely for hymn-singing be a rote, uninspired part of our services, and more likely a moment where we who are singing may feel connected to those in the room, to others in other places who are singing similar songs? How can music help us transcend our individualism and inspire us to work for the common good, connecting us—if for a brief moment—with those things that are larger than ourselves?

Since 2011, our Music Ministry has taken some steps which hopefully lead us to more frequently transformative moments during our singing together. We have opened up some of our hymns, from time to time repeating certain phrases to sink into the meaning. We have sometimes diminished the line between choir and congregation, inviting all those who are gathered to be a part of what was formerly strictly a choral anthem. We have re-harmonized some of our songs, expanding the musical language and feeling. We have installed a retractable screen in front of the sanctuary, so that those who wish to can sing with heads uplifted. We are experimenting with different instrumental accompaniments, which this year have included handbells accompanying the singing as well as a combination of guitar, bass, drums, and woodwinds which we have called our Worship Band. We have listened to instrumental verses during hymns, as an opportunity not to be impressed with musical skills, but instead to have a chance to settle deeper into a song.

What is the purpose of our community’s time together on Sunday mornings? Each of us has our own reasons for coming into the doors of JUC. Certainly, neither I nor anyone else follow the purpose of trying to emulate another religion or someone else’s music. What I can say is that one purpose of singing together is to connect with ourselves and one another more deeply, opening the possibility for transcendence and transformation. As your Minister of Music, I am called to explore and employ the many facets of music on the chance that every once in awhile, someone in our midst may have a moment where, as Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed indicates, the bonds that connect each to all will be revealed, a relationship discovered amid the particulars of our own lives and the lives of others. Once felt, it inspires us to act for justice.

For the possibility of justice, connectedness, transcendence and transformation, I give thanks, and I welcome your feedback as we explore diverse music.

Dances of Universal PeaceMonthly on 2nd Sundays

Next Dance: Sunday, Feb. 96:30 p.m. • chapel

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.

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Family MinistryAshley Johnson, Director of Religious Education ([email protected]; 303-279-5282, x18)

✪ SOUPS ✪

(Support of UU Parents)

2nd & 4th Mondays 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)!

Monday, Jan. 27: Nia! We will dance and move to soul-stirring music with Helen Drane, SOUPS mama, in a one-hour sensory-based movement practice that draws from dance, healing, and martial arts. Wear clothes that are comfortable to move in. Child care begins at 8:45 a.m. for babies to kindergartners, or older kids willing to be mentors. Contact: Lori Gray (303-945-5873).

Family Game NiGht Saturday, Jan. 25 • 5 to 8 p.m. • Mills building

Have fun playing board games with JUC friends on a chilly winter night. Pizza and snacks provided! All ages welcome!

Want to help? Volunteer to bring pizzas/snacks; set up; bring games; or clean up by contacting Melissa Monforti ([email protected]; 303-455-4896).

Otherwise, simply join us and be ready for some friendly competition and silliness. Hosted by JUC’s Community of Unitarians Raising Kids (CURK) Group.

Living Our Values (LOV!) Event Visit to Mountain Vista Retirement Center

Sunday, January 26 • 1 p.m. Join us for a heart-warming visit with our elders at Mountain

Vista Retirement Center. We will sing songs, make a craft, and share plenty of hugs and smiles. Many of these elders receive very few visitors per year and our interactions mean so much to them. Kids and adults of all ages are encouraged to come and grow your heart.

Meet in the lobby of Mountain Vista (4800 Tabor St., Wheat Ridge). Please contact Joyce McLaren ([email protected]; 303-396-2017) for more information or directions. RSVPs appreciated but not required.

Community of uus Raising Kids (CURK) and Living ouR vaLues! (LOV)

Valentine’s Cookie Baking ExtravaganzaSat., Feb. 8 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • commons/kitchen

Coffee House Volunteering & Cookie DeliveryMon., Feb. 10 • 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. • Edgewater Coffee House

(5224 W. 25th Ave.)

Help bake, decorate and deliver mountains of Valentine’s cookies to our new friends at the Edgewater Collective ( JUC’s All-Church Project partner). You are invited to make cookie dough using your favorite recipe; we’ll bake and decorate them at JUC. At Edgewater Coffee House, we’ll brew coffee from 7:30 to 9:30, then deliver cookies to teachers and seniors of Edgewater until 11:30. Contact: Joyce McLaren (303-396-2017; [email protected]).

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: Jan. 26.

1 Path to MembershipSaturday, Feb. 22 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (chapel)

Led by Membership Coordinator Annie Hedberg, this class is designed to familiarize those considering joining JUC with some of our staff, our diverse programs and activities, UU history and the responsibilities and benefits of membership. Sessions include child care and a light lunch. You may RSVP at the Sign Up Site or call the JUC office (303-279-5282). Please call Annie @ 303-279-7451 for more information on the joining process.

FEBRUARY QUILT SHOW

The JUC QUUILTERS need 25 quilts to hang in the February Quilt Show. This year we would like to do two shows: one in February for bed quilts and one in May for art quilts. If you have a bed quilt (or quilts) that we can borrow for a month, please contact Jean Decker ([email protected]; 303-274-9872) as soon as you’re able, and give her any info you may have about your quilt (who made it, when, where and what is special about it) . We will hang the quilts, carefully and safely, on Saturday, Feb. 1 in the sanctuary and chapel. Any quilt is welcome, especially family quilts!

Quilts of any age or condition can be hung and appreciated by the congregation. Please contribute to this annual effort to make our church feel warmer and more ‘homey’ for a month in the winter. Thank you!

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Pledge Tribe Lunches Turn Out to Be Fun! Reports have come in from members of the October through

February pledge tribes that the lunch programs for their tribes have been fun and very much worthwhile. The homemade food has been yummy, with options for vegetarians and those with food sensitivities, making people feel well cared for. Making our own stickers to represent our families and our connections to the church has resulted in some wonderfully expressive pieces. Putting them on a tribal banner, which is also a timeline from the start of JUC to the present, shows us a snapshot of the make-up of the tribe. The conversations with a minister, usually Wendy, sometimes Keith, has allowed people to discuss topics such as the Just Neighboring project, what people are finding at JUC, and several ideas for pledge tribes to do other things together in addition to an annual lunch.

Keep your eyes open for the Hand in Hand, Stone by Stone mailing that will arrive before your pledge month begins. It contains an invitation and pledge paperwork for those who prefer paper communications. If you would rather use on-line communications, look for the email from the JUC office, and please respond promptly with the links to the on-line pledge form and to RSVP for the tribal lunch. We are looking at ways our pledge tribes might help create small church inside our large church in terms of pastoral care, membership and community. Come when it’s your tribe’s turn to gather and share.

For more information, contact Year Round Pledge Campaign Co-chairs, Sarah Reeves ([email protected]) or Pat Emery ([email protected]).

News from the Ministerial Recruitment Team

On January 2, the Ministerial Recruitment Team received the initial responses from ministers interested in JUC’s assistant minister position. These responses include resumes and written answers to standard questions defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for all candidates. We are now reviewing these responses to decide which candidates most closely fit our needs. We will request the “packet” of the candidates that are selected, and we will send these selected candidates our recruitment team website information. A candidate minister’s packet generally consists of extensive information posted on a website (e.g., sermon videos, writings, testimonials, photos, etc.). Some of the items on our recruitment team website are JUC’s Congregational Record; Welcome letters from the staff, Board President and the Recruitment Team; profiles of the staff and Recruitment Team; the wonderful JUC facility tour video made by the Sealys in 2010 and a history of JUC. Candidates will also be directed to the JUC website for additional information.

After review of the candidate packets, JUC’s recruitment team will decide which candidates will be interviewed via video conference. Once we complete these video/phone interviews, we will begin checking references and listening and/or reading additional sermons. During this process we will continue to

be in contact with the UUA office that manages ministerial recruitments across all churches in the denomination.

After all the interviewing, listening to sermons, and checking references, we will choose one to three candidates to bring to Golden for in-depth, face-to-face interviews with the recruitment team. You can see it is becoming a very busy time for our team!

We will then decide which candidate we believe best fits JUC’s needs and desires for an assistant minister, and make our recommendation to the Board of Trustees, who, in collaboration with Wendy, will make the hiring decision. Our target is to have this final decision and offer made by early April.

While the team can discuss the recruitment process, specific details about the applicants (e.g. who, how many, and from where) are confidential. The team must honor this trust, to protect the well-being of the candidates and their current congregations. We hope that JUC members and friends understand and appreciate this need. You are welcome to ask any member of the Recruitment Team questions about our process and the status of our work. We will answer them honestly, while honoring the confidentiality of our candidates.

~ Ministerial Recruitment Team: Jim Matera (chair), Shane Bower, Judy Gangloff, Paula Menten and Rev. Wendy Williams

Barbershop, Broadway & Beyond!Saturday, February 8 • 7 p.m.

Renaissance is a 4-part a capella ensemble performing a diverse repertoire from showtunes to old standards. This special evening will include quartet singing, solos and piano work.

$17 Adult/$15 Senior/$12 Student

Tickets are available at the JUC office, at westsidelivepresents.org or in the commons area on Sundays.

Leap of Faith: Special Session with Marilyn ScottSunday, Feb. 2 • 11 a.m (R3/4)

We are very excited that Rev. Tom Disrud and Marilyn Scott from First Unitarian Church of Portland will be with us on February 2. As well as meeting with JUC leaders and staff members, Rev. Disrud will be in the pulpit on Sunday, and Marilyn, a long-time Portland lay leader, will present a special session in R3/4 at 11 a.m. One of the Leap of Faith learning goals is to clarify and simplify church decision-making by examining our governance structure. Come meet Marilyn and tap into her knowledge of how changes they made in structure at First Portland leveraged their ability to function well as they grew into a larger church.

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For general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals, visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src.

. . . Housing & Poverty Task Force (H&P TF) . . .

. . . Peace, Liberty & Justice Task Force (PL&J TF) . . . . . Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force . .

Guatemala Scholarship Partners Exploratory Trip and Sewing Project underway

This month the students we support in Rabinal, Guatemala, will begin a new school year. The tensions in the community have eased now that the army has pulled back troops that were patrolling the city. This withdrawal appears to be in response to pressure from the international community including a visit to ADIVIMA by the US ambassador to Guatemala.

Many of you have asked about trips to visit the community and build relationships through intercultural exchange. We recognize the importance of beginning a dialogue and listening, and we know the interests of our community are varied. To start the process, Sandy Hoyman and Phyllis Morales will make an exploratory trip to Rabinal in late February to meet with members of the community and discuss their needs including medical training and supplies, family visits, the community center, study center and library, and the sewing project.

When JUC member Joe Rotello offered us a large number of sewing machines to provide the tools for a cooperative artistic enterprise, we asked ADIVIMA if the women in the community could use them. They are very excited about the possibilities. The women of the Pacux resettlement community, outside of Rabinal, have been searching for an economic enterprise that will be a reliable source of income and bring a measure of independence. Sandy and Phyllis will carry four of the sewing machines to Rabinal in February. They will meet with the women, provide some training on the machines, and assess the strengths of the group.

To go with each sewing machine, we would like to put together a bag of sewing supplies. We are asking for your help in donating items you have never used, or that you could purchase: sewing scissors (new or near-new); new packets of sewing machine needles sizes 11, 14, 16 & 18, hand-sewing needles and straight pins; large spools of thread; metric measuring tapes, seam rippers; large pieces of fabric (36” x 36” or larger). Check the UUSC bulletin board for a complete list. We will collect the items at the UUSC table on Sundays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2. We also need volunteers to help organize the materials on Feb. 2 after the 11 a.m. service. It should take less than an hour and will be SEW much fun!

If you have ideas for future exchanges with the Rabinal community, please contact us before the middle of February so we can include them in the mission of the exploratory trip. Thank you for all your support. Contact Gretchen May (303-233-6113; [email protected]) or Margie Robinson (303-278-0786) with questions.

Thank you Thank you to all the wonderful people that volunteered

during JUC’s last Family Promise host week, Jan. 5 – 12. You did a terrific job of helping our guests feel welcome and comfortable. Your efforts are very much appreciated! I hope to see each of you again during our next host week in July.

~Pat Nickel, Family Promise Volunteer Coordinator

Jeffco5 is Sponsored by the PL&J Task ForceJeffco 5 Grassroots, the group circulating petitions to allow

voters to decide the issue of moving to a Board of 5 County Commissioners, will be at the PL&J table in the commons on the following Sundays: Jan. 26, Feb. 16, March 2. You can sign if you are a registered voter in Jeffco at your current residence. You can also check out a petition and ask your Jeffco family, friends, neighbors, and groups to sign! Contact: Karen Oxman (303-913-9827).

Gun Safety ForumNext Sunday, Jan. 26 • 12:30 p.m. • chapel

Sponsored by LEAP; Presented by the Peace, Liberty & Justice Task Force

Facilitator Tom Mauser, whose son, Daniel, was killed in the Columbine shooting, is a well-known advocate for improved gun safety. He has served as an advisor to President Obama and has assisted the Colorado legislature in passing important gun safety legislation. The forum will be a guide to answering the arguments of opponents to improved gun safety.

Light lunch available for a small donation. Mr. Mauser’s book, Walking in Daniel’s Shoes, will be available for purchase. Children’s programming provided. Contact: Bob Hofmann (303-642-0338).

Explorations!Sunday, Feb. 2 • 9:15 a.m. (M3/4)

Boulder’s UU Climate Change Ministry

Susan Riederer and Susan Secord join us from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, where they co-chair their Climate Change Ministry Group. The group has developed into one of the church’s most active groups since its inception a year ago. They are responsible for a number of worship services each year, cooperate with Citizen Climate Lobby and are engaged inside and outside their congregation. Sponsored by the Environmental Group of the PL&J Task Force.

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New/Upcoming LEAP Classes

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.We Hold in Our Hearts…❦ Gail Abbott, who is recovering well at home after a surgery last week;❦ Alex Kotch, who has entered into rehab after having been in the hospital.

Pastoral CareHow JUCers Care for Each Other

.,

✻ Ongoing Group: Issues in Aging • 4th Mondays • 7 p.m.Valerie Stone [email protected] We meet once a month to discuss a wide variety of issues related to aging. So far, we have covered getting an accurate diagnosis when dementia is suspected, local resources for families dealing with dementia, caregiver issues, and the wisdom of age. On Jan. 27, we will focus on preventing dementia and stroke: nutrition, social interaction, and exercise. Mon. Feb. 24, Dr. Michelle Winston will do a presentation on Brain Fitness, covering memory and attention exercises for healthy aging.

UU Liberal Christians: Spiritual Affinity Circle & Potluck

Tuesday, January 21 • 6 to 8 p.m. (chapel)

For JUCers of any spiritual affinity: Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Humanists, Muslims, Pagans, Sufis and anyone else!Contact: Sara Lohaus ([email protected]; 303-432-3149).

Emergency Financial Assistance FundGiving and Receiving

JUC’s Emergency Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF) helps provide emergency help for food, shelter, utilities, transportation, child care and urgent medical care for JUC members and pledging friends. Limited funding may be available to others within our church walls. Other emergency needs included may be pastoral counseling, scholarships for support groups and workshops/conferences, meal tickets for fellowship dinners and materials/books for LEAP classes.

The EFAF is overseen by the Senior Minister, one other minister, a Pastoral Care Group co-chair and a lay person delegate. Healthy confidentiality concerning specific recipients of the fund is maintained. If you have a financial need, please contact a member of the Pastoral Care Group or a minister.

Donations to the EFAF are always welcome. Checks made out to the JUC with Emergency Financial Assistance Fund in the memo line may be delivered personally or mailed to the church office. The Pastoral Care Group would like to thank the 20s & 30s Group for their recent fund-raising efforts and donation to the Emergency Financial Assistance Fund. Thanks to other JUC members who have made donations.

~Elaine Zerger and Sara Kresse, Pastoral Care Group Co-Chairs

✻ New Ongoing Group: Beatles Music and 1960s Sing-Along 1st Sundays beginning Feb. 9 • 1 to 2:30 p.m.Jay Halpern ([email protected]; 303-985-9080) Songs of enlightenment, peace and love, to share the uplifting and liberal message of the 1960s. (The start date is Feb. 9 due to the Super Bowl. All other sessions will be on first Sundays.)

Local Economy, Local Food and Local Investing Sunday February 2 • 12:30 p.m.

First Universalist Church (4101 E. Hampden Ave.) Interactive panel discussion with Michael Brownlee, co-

founder of Local Food Shift; Woody Tasch, founder of Slow Money; and Mickki Langston, co-founder of Mile High Business Alliance. This distinguished panel will discuss the importance of buying local food, goods and services, and the importance of investing our dollars in local food production and businesses to create a healthy economy and community. Learn how you can be part of the solution, how you might be able to connect with local businesses not only as a consumer but as an investor, and how you can truly make a difference with your money. Contacts: Dan Sage ([email protected]), Earl Staelin ([email protected]).

WhaleCoast Alaska 2014Have you ever dreamed of visiting Alaska? If so, WhaleCoast

Alaska is for you! Four Alaska UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program next summer! See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, whales, bald eagles, seals, and sea otters. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Forget the cruise ships—our tour is the best way to visit Alaska! Programs led by Dave Frey ([email protected]; 907-322-4966), member of the Fairbanks UU congregation and Alaska travel expert. Visit http://www.WhaleCoastAK.org to find out more about your Alaskan trip of a lifetime. We would love to share our Alaska with you!

Community Events

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Blue Mountain Meditation Group1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Annie & John Hedberg (303-279-7451)For those practicing Eknath Easwaran’s Eight-Point 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 Service1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. Doug Anderson ([email protected])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.

Charla! 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 Study2nd and 4th Mondays, 9:15 a.m. Marie Schottler (303-278-8035; [email protected])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.

Great Books Discussion Group2nd & 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.Jan. 27: The Devil Baby at Hull House (Addams)Feb. 10: The Man Who Could Work Miracles (Wells)

Issues in Aging4th Mondays, 7 p.m. Valerie Stone ([email protected]; 303-669-8528)Information and education on issues related to healthy aging and dementia, to include lectures, panels, and discussion.Jan. 27: Preventing Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss

JUC Knitters3rd Fridays, 7 p.m. in members' homesJean Decker (303-274-9872; [email protected])All knitters and crocheters are invited to join in making hats and blankets for Denver Health.

Memoirs 3rd Sundays, 7 p.m. Len Wheeler (303-467-3342; [email protected])We’re gentle, we laugh, and we’re serious about commenting on ways to improve our non-fiction writing. No prior experience is needed.

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.

Poetry as a Spiritual Practice 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m. Julie Excell ([email protected]; 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.

Quuilters' Group1st Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noonJean Decker (303-274-9872; [email protected])Newcomers welcome! Call for mtg. details.

Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch1st Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Contact: Betty Halladay (303-274-9144)Next meeting: Feb. 7.

Roving Readers4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Mike Foster (303-456-2647)Open to anyone who reads the monthly selection. Books selected by group participants. Jan. 26: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban (Yousfzai/Lamb) Feb. 23: Giants in the Earth (Rolvaag)

Science and Spirit4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Joe Kraus ([email protected])Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com

Story Circle3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Lev Ropes (303-278-0177; [email protected])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.

Thin Air: A Musical EnsembleTuesdays, 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.

UU Liberal Christians 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Sara Lohaus ([email protected]; 303-432-3149)Connect with Christianity from a fresh, open-minded perspective.

UU Piecemakers3rd 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.

VAGUE: Visual Artists Group of Unitarians Extraordinaire! 3rd Fridays, 2 p.m. Emily Townsend ([email protected])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 Together2nd 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.

Ongoing Groups

Lifespan Education and Adult ProgramsGroups on this page meet on a regular basis and welcome new members. Meeting locations are posted in the common areas of both church buildings.

Science & Spirit LEAP Group will be meeting

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Tuesday, Jan. 21 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 5:30pm MMG mtg. (M3/4) 6:00pm LEAP: UU Liberal Christians - Affinity Circle (chapel) 6:00pm LEAP Group mtg. (M1/2) 6:30pm LEAP: Story Circle (R6/7) 6:30pm Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm LNC (R3/4)Wed., Jan. 22 10:00am Projection installation (sanc.) 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thursday, Jan. 23 6:00pm Business Council (M3/4) 7:00pm LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (R3/4) 7:00pm Strategic Planning (M1/2)Saturday, Jan. 25 9:00am EETF: Nourishing Connections (so. commons,kit., R1/2) 5:00pm CURK: Family Game Night (Mills bldg.)

Sunday, Jan. 26 9:15/11am Beloved Community w/Wendy Williams 10:20am Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 12:30pm Young Adult Ministry mtg. (M3/4) 12:30pm LEAP: Roving Readers (R3/4) 12:30pm LEAP: Science and Spirit (R6/7) 12:30pm PL&J Forum: Gun Safety (chapel) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4)Monday, Jan. 27 9:00am CURK: SOUPPS mtg. (chapel/R1/2 + R8) 9:15am LEAP: Dream Study (M5) 7:00pm LEAP: Issues in Aging (chapel) 7:00pm LEAP: Our Humanist Journey (R3/4) 7:00pm Recruitment Team (M5) 7:30pm LEAP: Great Books Discussion Group (M3/4)Tuesday, Jan. 28 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm PL&J Task Force (M3/4) 6:30pm Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm., sanc.) 7:00pm Men’s Group w/Bishop (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm Worship Group: Evensong (chapel)Wed., Jan. 29 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thursday, Jan. 30 10:00am MMG: Front Range Music Directors mtg. (M1/2) 10:00am PCG: Hospital visit mtg. (M5)Friday, Jan. 31 4:00pm Leap of Faith: Portland visit (chapel, comm., kit.)Sat., Feb. 1 9:00am Board of Trustees Retreat (chapel, R6/7, comm., kit.) 9:00am Auction Event: Eat, Pray, Love Journaling (Mills bldg.) 9:00am LEAP: Quuilters Group (so. commons) 1:00pm Auction Event: Appreciative Leadership Workshop (R4) 5:00pm Auction Event: Movie Premiere (chapel, kit., comm.)

Sunday, Feb. 2 9:15/11am The Paradox of Power w/Rev. Tom Disrud 10:20am Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 12:15pm Stewardship Musical mtg. (sanc.) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 1:00pm LEAP: CUUPS Children’s Circle Imbolc (chapel) 3:00pm Auction Event: Superbowl Party (chapel) 4:00pm Evergreen Campus: Congruence w/Ruth Rinehart 5:00pm LEAP: Buddhist Sangha Service (chapel)Monday, Feb. 3 10:00am Auction Event: Nia (chapel)

Ministers’ Office Hours• Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of MusicTuesday–Friday • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant MinisterTuesday–Friday • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ministers will generally be available according to the schedule above, but it is always wise to call ahead!

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.

The JUC CrierThis 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; [email protected]).

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 [email protected] to submit an article.

Editor: Rona BradleyNext deadline: 3 p.m., Wed., Jan. 29Next publication date: Mon., Feb. 3

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.

• Jan. 26 Dindy Fuller @ 720-402-4099• Feb. 2 Doug Leber @ 303-886-3996• Feb. 9 Julie Excell @ 541-778-4724

Calendar of Activities(extended calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org)

Weekly AttendanceJan. 12 9:15 151 RE: 32 (11 adults) 11 132 RE: 69 (19 adults)

Jan. 19 9:15 216 RE: 46 (12 adults) 11 187 RE: 62 (14 adults)Evergreen 4 19 RE: 3 (3 adults)

Add Ashley here

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Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice Just Journey to Haiti • March 15-23, 2014

Join a team from First Universalist Church of Denver for a Just Journey to Haiti sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) through the UU College of Social Justice. We will partner with Papaye Peasant Movement (MPP) to build Eco-Villages for those displaced in the 2010 earthquake. Total cost of the trip is estimated at $1,900, and scholarships and fundraising opportunities are available. Visit http://uucsj.org/journeys/haiti/ for more information. Contact Dan Moen ([email protected]; 303-489-9436) if you are interested in participating.

2 Terre Deegan-Young lives in Golden with her husband Frank Young and children Deegan Pike, Slade Pike, Genevieve Pike, and Beau Pike who range in ages from 2 to 10. Terre is a retired counselor from Colorado School of Mines. Her hobbies are reading, working out and physical activity, crocheting and her family. Interests include following sports at all levels, social justice and action, and volunteering in Golden.

2 Melissa Fathman & Matt Pass live in Lafayette with their son Max. Matt is a math teacher at Community College, Denver and is interested in music, art and communication. Melissa works in non-profit fundraising for theEmergency Family Assistance Association where she is the Assistant Director of Development. Though she grew up in the First Unitarian Church in St. Louis, her first official membership is with JUC. Melissa enjoys music, meditation, hiking, travel, games, bonfires and stars.

2 Rick & Sandra Fisher are Golden residents along with daughters Harmony, Cadence and Aria. Sandra is a stay at home mom who enjoys reading, sewing, cooking, drawing and painting. Rick is an engineer whose interests include music, politics, culture and art.

2 Lukasz & Judith Galecki reside in Lakewood and are parents of 22 month old Fiona. Lukasz is a self-employed software developer and along with Judith was previously associated with UUCB in Boulder. Judith is a cellist with the Colorado Symphony.

2 Michael & Laurie Goldstein live in Golden and are both first time UU members. Michael is the owner of Bagel Bakeries in Southern California and he is interested in photography, gardening, sports, and investments. Laurie enjoys needlework crafts, sports, and is a pediatric nurse practitioner.

2 Wayne & Kathy Grider live in Evergreen. Kathy is retired from journalism and public relations work and enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, knitting and cooking. Wayne works

in sales and marketing management, enjoys hiking and is interested in sustainability and governmental advocacy.

2 Anita Johnson lives with her husband Brent Johnson and children Owen and Maia in Golden. Anita is a self-employed hydrogeologist who does mine water management and environmental mining consulting. Interests and hobbies include travel, outdoor activities, crafts, reading, science and nature.

2 Melissa Leasia has been a member of four different UU churches in Illinois. She notes that she has enjoyed several careers but is retired, at least for now. She lives in Evergreen with her husband Todd and together they are crazy about their dogs, love hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching and exploring Colorado.

2 Kati Petersburg and eight year old son Harlyn Hummell live in Wheat Ridge. Kati is employed as an Engineer with Golden Associates where she does environmental engineering and compliance. She lists cycling, reading, gardening and cooking as her hobbies.

2 Linda Ross is a retired professional that previously held membership in a San Antonio UU church. Her interests and hobbies include travel, reading, writing, exploring, singing, mentoring ESL, dog training, history and museums.

2 Dick Shaffer lives in Westminster with his partner Caroline.He is self employed in bicycle/pedestrian safety and has attended UU churches since 1998 in Tuscon, AZ, Sierra Vista, AZ, and Alexandria, VA. Dick’s hobbies include reading, bicycling, walking, swimming, politics,traveling, theater, social justice, movies and cooking.

2 Katie Voll is a resident of Wheat Ridge and is a Family Law Attorney with Johnson Saver Legal Group. Katie enjoys reading, movies, hiking and outdoor activities, fitness and healthy eating.

Welcome JUC’s Newest Members!

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~Lydia Stranglen, Financial Officer ([email protected]; 303-985-1524)

Board Blog

Mid-Year Financial Update Budget Report:

We are halfway through Fiscal Year 13/14 and I would like to report that we have received 54% of budgeted income and spent 45% of budgeted expenses. JUC typically receives around 58% of

budgeted income by the end of December. The decrease in income is primarily due to a higher than expected number of resignations that occurred after the FY13/14 budget was approved, and also fewer pledge payments received by the end of December. An easy way to make pledge payments is to sign up for monthly automatic withdrawal from your checking account. You can sign up at anytime by contacting Carol Wilsey, Business Administrator (303-279-5282, x11; [email protected]). More than half of JUC households already take advantage of this quick and easy payment method!

Auction and Holiday Craft Fair: I would like to thank all of the folks that donated their

time, talent and treasure to make this year’s auction a success. The auction raised $51,400 for the JUC operating budget. In addition, the auction special appeal raised $14,280 for the sanctuary projection system. JUC also received a bequest for $11,200, of which $4,000 was added to the special appeal so that the projection system could be installed in time for Christmas Eve services!

I would also like to thank everyone, especially the artists, who made the Holiday Craft Fair the most successful we’ve ever had, raising over $7,500 for JUC.

Support for Community Organizations: Since the beginning of the fiscal year in July, JUC has raised

a total of $23,800 in special plate collections for community organizations. Monthly special plate collections have averaged about $2,500. During our Christmas Eve services, $7,300 was collected and donated to The Action Center and Family Promise. In addition, $21,800 has been donated through various fundraising efforts, for the Guatemala Scholarship Partners program. Your generosity in giving to organizations outside our church walls demonstrates our strong social justice values.

Year Round Pledge Campaign: I am pleased to report that the July-January pledge groups,

including 31 new members that joined this year, have made pledges resulting in increased pledge commitments of 1.7%. If you are in the upcoming March-June pledge groups, I encourage you to attend your tribal lunch and program. Four to five weeks before your pledge month, look for a special email with a link to make your pledge on line and a link to make your RSVP for the tribe lunch. A few days after the email arrives, your pledge packet will arrive in the mail, which includes an invitation to the lunch as well as a paper pledge form, which you can mail or drop off, if you prefer that to the on-line process. If you have any questions about the monthly tribe lunches or making your pledge, please contact Year Round Pledge Campaign Co-Chairs Pat Emery (303-748-1215; [email protected]) or Sarah Reeves (303-239-5411, [email protected]).

Scrip Program Brings FREE MONEY to JUC

It took only about 65 people to purchase gift cards and e-cards from our scrip program during the month of December to earn $900 in FREE MONEY for JUC! That means that 6% of what they were going to spend anyway goes to JUC instead of the retailers. About half of the people who participated are regulars and half do it mainly during the holiday season.

The 35 or 40 people who participate in the Scrip program on a regular basis have earned over another $1,400 since last summer. We are on track for earning over $4,000 this year, which will be used to kick-start projects that come out of our strategic planning process. Imagine if we could double or triple the number of people who participate! Those who wish they could pledge more to the church, but are doing all they can, can add to the resources of our community while they do necessary shopping. Those who are well off can know that their discretionary shopping and eating out will benefit their church community.

More and more of the retailers are making scrip available on line and/or re-loadable. Most are national chains, but not all. Restaurant.com carries local restaurants with a 50% rebate! If enough JUCers get on board, we can approach and add other local retailers, such as Applejack’s. Come to the Scrip table on Sunday mornings to talk with Scrip Coordinator Pat Emery, or contact her at [email protected].