1

Sunday, February 23 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

Containing Multitudespresented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

Walt Whitman once wrote: Do I contradict myself? Very well, I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes. In this religion, often referred to as a Big Tent, we are well acquainted with multitudes. Can we empower individuals who come together for an even more powerful community? Music: Worship Band; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Rex Nelson.2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Just Neighboring sponsored by the Social Responsibility Council. Our new All Church Project, Just Neighboring, calls on us to better understand the challenges of living in poverty. This session will address the finances of living at a low income level. Our guest speaker, May Washburn, will tell us first hand her experiences with balancing a budget. Together we will work through the math, look at options and discuss how our principles can call us to action.

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

What IS Holy?presented by Rev. Barry Bloom, Community Minister

This is a question that has been in the human mind and soul since the beginning of our time on Earth. The answer may be, it depends! Are you Unitarian Universalist, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Humanist, Christian, Atheist, Native American, or what? Each of us has a different lens, a unique way of seeing. The Lakota people believe ALL is wakan. All, everything in the universe, is sacred and holy. Together, we will follow the thread to our own answers. Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Bev Curtiss.

☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, March 9: Many Windows, One Light presented by Rev. Dana Lightsey, Consulting Assistant Minister. As UUs we are informed by all faith traditions. Each of them has an understanding of holy that points to a connection between us and something beyond ourselves as individuals. Is this notion of holy real? Is it something we experience in our own lives? Music: Worship Band; Adam Revell, piano.

February 18, 2014 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014 Issue 4

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, March 2 • 4 p.m.

Many Windows, One Lightpresented by Rev. Dana Lightsey

As UUs we are informed by all faith traditions. Each of them has an understanding of holy that points to a connection between us and something beyond ourselves. Is this notion of holy real? Is it something we experience in our own lives? Worship Coordinators: Kim Hassinger, Patti Stone.

Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. 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, Dir. of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).

Dances of Universal Peace2nd Sundays

6:30 p.m. • chapel

Next Dance: Sunday, March 9

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.

2

~Blessings, Wendy

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: Feb. 23.

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.

Fanning

~ Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 13; wendywilliams@jeffersonunitarian.org)

Recently, I was having a conversation about faith with someone resistant to the word. As usual, I referenced a book that really helped me reclaim that word. So I picked up the book again myself and my heart filled anew with compassion for us.

Us. We who arrive at church a little surprised to be in a place called church. We who fled some other tradition or grew up in this one and found ourselves more at home in the youth group than the reality of adult worship. We who may struggle with the word worship. We who wanted community. We who longed for something, but didn’t know what.

It is hard for us who named the words that didn’t work for us. And it is hard to address the longing, the quest for a quality of more-ness as a friend describes it, without exploring previously excised words.

And yet, in this year of exploration—what would it mean to open to (…add theme here)—we invite ourselves to interact anew and at depth with things (words and concepts) with which we previously had no use. We do so to see if going deeper might help us explain our own experience, connect with others and grow our capacity to engage.

This has been my path.In her book Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience,

Sharon Salzberg, a Buddhist teacher, wrote a chapter entitled faith and fear. In that chapter’s opening pages, she writes:

No matter how much we want it to be otherwise, the truth is that we are not in control of the unfolding of our experiences. Despite

our search for stability and prediction, for the center of our lives to hold firm, it never does. Life is wilder than that – a flow we can’t command or stave off. We can affect and influence and impact what happens, but we can’t wake up in the morning and decide what we will encounter and feel and be confronted by during the day. (76)

Faith, in contrast [to fear], reminds us of the ever-changing flow of life, with all its movement and possibility. Faith is the capacity of the heart that allows us to draw close to the present and find there the underlying thread connecting the moment’s experience to the fabric of all of life. It opens us to a bigger sense of who we are and what we are capable of. (80)

This book freed me to use the word faith in a way that felt authentic and as an important part of explaining my experience.

In March, we begin a look at what it might mean to live a life open to the holy. So, before the month begins, it is maybe helpful to note that the word holy derives from before the Christian era from words for whole as well as health, good luck, and happiness. As our treasured forebear, Sophia Lyon Fahs, beautifully put it:

We pause in reverence before all intangible things – that eyes see not, nor ears can detect – that hands can never touch – that space cannot hold – and time cannot measure.

There is never an end to our yearning to know the unknown – after all our labor at learning. There is never an end to our trying the untried – after all our failures in striving.

Fling wide the windows, O my soul! The bright beams of morning are warm.

See you in church.

Covenant Group Registration BeginsJoining an eight-week Covenant Group is a wonderful way

for JUC friends, long-time and new members to connect deeply and nurture their own spirits at the same time. Participants share their own stories that relate to the weekly topic, build trust within the group, and always learn more about themselves. Topics include Listening, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Resilience, and Nature. Trained facilitators lead the weekly two-hour gatherings. Choose a group that meets:

Mondays 1 p.m.; Tuesdays 1 p.m.; Tuesdays 7 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m.; or Thursdays 7 p.m.

Some groups begin mid-March, others will start in April. It’s easy to register at http://surveymonkey.com/s/YYPMT96 or come to the Covenant Group table in the south commons on Sunday.

Contact: Carol Kalmes (303-423-1079; carolkalmes@comcast.net).

Interested in an Evergreen-based Covenant Group? Contact Sue Parilla (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282).

3

Family MinistryAshley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@jeffersonunitarian.org; 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)! Child care begins at 8:45 a.m. for babies to kindergartners, or older kids willing to be mentors.

Monday, Feb. 24: Exploring Ayurveda to Enhance Health, Wellbeing and Life Balance. Ayurveda, literally translated the science of life, is an ancient Indian art of physical, mental and emotional healing. We’ll introduce some of its concepts and discuss how to put them to use in your life. Contact: Lori Gray (303-945-5873).

Upcoming Children’s Worship Services for 1st-5th GradesSunday, March 2: The Holy, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Dana Lightsey

Sunday, April 6: Grace, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Rob KeithanSat., May 3 at 4:30 p.m.: Beginnings and Endings, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Keith Arnold (Hardin Requiem)

Sunday, May 4: Beginnings and Endings, concurrent with adult worship led by Rev. Keith Arnold (Hardin Requiem)

Community of Unitarians Raising Kids (CURK)Sponsors Summer Camping: Sign Up Now!

Each trip has a limited capacity and is open to all in the JUC community. Both locations accommodate tents, trailers and small RVs. Cost is $20/family. Sign up at the Sign Up Site or contact Christine Leahy (natureloving_gal@yahoo.com).

Fri., June 13 - Sun., June 15 (Father’s Day Weekend) Printer Boy Campground near Turquoise Lake, Leadville

Fri., Aug. 8 - Sun., Aug. 10 Lakeview Group Site near Twin Lakes, Leadville

Thanks to all the bakers and buyers at the ninth grade trip cake auction on Feb. 9! We raised $1,495. Special thanks to John Bradford, Jenny Bridges, and John Hambright for running the auction. Visit www.uu9gt.org for more info about the trip.

Travel to the Holy Land with Unitarian UniversalistsJerusalem • Petra • Dead Sea • October 24 – November 6, 2014

Join Rev. Wayne Walder on a Mindful Journey to the Holy Land: a cauldron of ancient myths and real historical events that have indelibly marked the fate of humankind. From the ancient sites of Amman, Jordan, to a magical candlelight walk through the Siq of Petra, to the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, and on to explore Jerusalem—a city that captivates the imagination of billions of people and is home to a mosaic of cultures and beliefs—this will be a journey filled with memorable moments and awesome experiences. Contact Beverly Carr of the Neighbourhood UU Congregation, Toronto (beverlz@me.com) for details.

Summer Seminary 2014 for UU Youth July 30–August 4 • Chicago, IL,

Do you know an amazing youth leader? Tell them about Summer Seminary 2014, a new program for Unitarian Universalist youth exploring the possibility of becoming religious professionals. Focusing on ordained ministry and religious education, the program offers youth the opportunity to explore their call to ministry in all its forms, learn about life as a religious professional, and connect with other youth considering ministry, religious education, music leadership, social justice and other religious professional career paths.

Summer Seminary 2014 will be hosted by Meadville Lombard Theological School and is open to those who were in grades 10-12 for the 2013-2014 school year. See http://tinyurl.com/n6onpy6 for more information. Applications are due March 15.

There is a registration fee for this event of $375, which covers food, housing, event materials and transportation to/from and at the event. Youth are encouraged to ask their congregations for financial support to attend. A limited number of full and partial fee waivers are also available for accepted applicants.

Contact youth@uua.org for more information.

4

4th Tuesdays • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. • chapelNeed a chance to unwind, settle down, go deeper? Evensong

services at JUC are opportunities to employ singing and silence as a Unitarian Universalist spiritual practice. We reconnect with our breath, listen to ourselves and one another with compassion, and become more aware of our connectedness with all things.

If you’re having a tough week or are in difficult circumstances, Evensong is a super way to let go. If you are feeling in good harmony, this hour of intention will magnify your well-being. Gather with other spiritual seekers and be prepared to exhale and energize.

Evensong services are led by Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music.

Gypsy Swing Revue / Felonius Smith TrioSaturday, March 15 • 7 p.m.

Two amazing bands in one night! The music of Gypsy Swing Revue is the swinging jazz of the 30s and 40s plus a cross-section of songs from the modern gypsy jazz repertoire.

Performing acoustic delta, country, and folk blues, the Felonius Smith Trio carries on the exciting tradition of pre-war blues.

$17 Adult / $15 Senior / $12 Student

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

Boulder Denver Cluster Upcoming Events

UU Front Range Leadership Conference Sat., Feb. 22 • 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First Universalist Church of Denver (4101 E. Hampden Ave., Denver 80222)

Join lay leaders and staff from Unitarian Universalist congregations along the Front Range to hone your leadership skills, share best practices and network with each other. Registration: $21 (includes breakfast & lunch). Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/front-range-uu-leadership-conference-tickets-10180621513 to register online. Please also contact Debby Bower (303-748-9890; debbymbower@gmail.com), who is coordinating communication among JUC’s attendees.

Mountain Desert District Delegate Assembly and Annual Meeting

Fri. & Sat., April 4-5 • Sheridan, WY Compassionate Communication and Congregational Life

Friday Keynote: Gregory Rouillard Saturday: 3 workshop sessions, lunch and business meeting

JUC members are eligible to attend the assembly as delegates. To nominate yourself to serve as a delegate, contact Pat Emery, Denominational Connections Facilitator (stardustpat@gmail.com).

Child care is available Saturday for $10 per child, $20 maximum per family. Please indicate child care needs on your registration form. Questions? Contact Debby Bower, JUC’s Boulder Denver Cluster Representative (303-748-9890; debbymbower@gmail.com).

Meet Up at the Movies!Thursday, Feb. 20: Swan Lake performed by the Royal Ballet

Thursday, Feb. 27: War Horse Both shows 7 p.m. at Cinemark Theatre, 440 S. Teller St.

Admission is $15/adults; $14/seniors; $13/children, and tickets can be purchased at the box office or online (fathomevents.com). No need to sign up: Just buy your ticket and meet other JUCers in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Belonging and Connection Group. If you would like to suggest a movie event, contact Rosie Lewis (303-562-5076; rosie.lewis1248@gmail.com). The more variety, the better!

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 (dfrey@whalecoastak.org; 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!

5

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

. . Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force . .

JUST NEIGHBORING http://jeffersonunitarian.org/All-Church-Project

Explorations! Sunday, Feb. 23: Just NeighboringOur new All Church Project, Just Neighboring, calls us to better understand the challenges of living in poverty. This session will

address the finances of living at a low income level. Our guest speaker, May Washburn, will tell us first hand her experiences with balancing a budget. Together we will work through the math, look at options and discuss how our principles can call us to action.

. . . Eating Ethically Task Force (EETF) . . .

Slow Soup Group • 4th Sundays starting Feb. 23 • 12:30 p.m. Are you dying for some really wonderful homemade soup

this winter? The Eating Ethically Task Force is starting a Slow Soup Group that will meet on fourth Sundays in the JUC kitchen.

This will be a working and social gathering of soup lovers. We plan to prepare three soups, have a taste together, pack some to take home, and freeze some for Pastoral Care. Gilla Lachnitt and Martin Voelker will do the shopping for the first gathering. To register, please contact Gilla by Friday, February 21.

EETF Contacts: Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; lachnittg@gmail.com), Carol Kolesnikoff (303-588-9198; eatingethically@gmail.com).

Reading Buddies: Almost thirty JUCers attended the Reading Buddies training in January, which was sponsored by the Edgewater Collective, JUC’s community partner. Reading Buddies will work with first through third graders who are on the bubble, that is, close to reading at grade level and just in need of a little extra attention to get them there. Each volunteer will spend one or two thirty-minute sessions a week reading with a small group of students. Teachers at Lumberg Elementary have provided the volunteers with specific guidelines and will have already chosen the appropriate level of book to use with each group. This is a needed help to get students reading at grade level by the end of third grade, which is very important to these students’ futures. (Studies have shown that one sixth of students who aren’t reading at grade level by the end of third grade do not graduate from high school on time. That is four times greater than that of proficient readers. When you throw at least a year of poverty into the mix, the number of students not graduating high school on time becomes six times greater compared with a proficient reader.)

Pack the Gym: Jefferson High School in Edgewater has a large, old fashioned gym where the visiting team often has more vocal supporters than the Jefferson High School team,

Feeling Left Out in this Olympic Season? You too can do a Quadruple Win when you stock up on

Organic Fair Trade coffee and chocolate. Your purchase supports Equal Exchange’s work with fair trade co-ops to promote responsible growing practices and the UU Service Committee’s human rights programs. Profits from JUC sales support the Guatemala Scholarship Partners and you can settle in to savor the best chocolate with a delicious cup of coffee. Everybody wins.

Check out the selection at the coffee & chocolate sales table on 2nd and 4th Sundays in the south commons. Thank you! Lynn Gedvilas (lynngedvilas@gmail.com; 303-618-2042), Margie Robinson (mcrobins@jeffco.k12.co.us; 303-278-0786).

the Saints. In an effort to Pack the Gym with a bigger audience, JUCers joined alumni and parents on Friday, February 7 to watch an exciting game of basketball (yes, the Saints won against Lake County High School from Leadville) and honor seniors on both the basketball team and the cheer squad. This was one small way to show our support for the students, in addition to the educational efforts of the Edgewater Collective, JUC’s community partner.

Living Our Values! (LOV): On Monday, Feb. 10, a group of JUCers delivered cookies to Lumberg Elementary, Edgewater Elementary, Jefferson High School and Senior Connections at the Edgewater Plaza. The beautifully frosted Valentine cookies were baked and decorated by members of the LOV group under the direction of Joyce McLaren. This was another way to show students and teachers at those schools, along with seniors in the community, that JUC is thinking of them.

There are several other projects that are being considered for the Edgewater community and ideas are welcomed. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Betty Lynn Ferguson (betlyn@comcast.net) or Jill Armstrong (jarm444@gmail.com).

Just Neighboring Update

6

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…❦ Marie Schottler, who will have outpatient surgery on Feb. 29;

❦ Jay Wilsey and his family, after having received news of Jay’s dad’s cancer diagnosis;

❦ Mary Ross, whose brother, Malcolm “Bud” Collier, died on Feb. 4. Bud was a philanthropist and was instrumental in the development of the Collier Hospice Center;

❦ Dana Lightsey, who suffered a broken ankle last week;

❦ Marymae Seaman, as she had minor surgery Feb. 10;

❦ Desiree Tacon, who has been in and out of the hospital;

❦ The family of former JUC member Lou Cotugno, as Lou’s son Laban “Stony” Cotugno died on Feb. 2.

We Celebrate with…❦ DeDe & Mike Cross and their family, on the birth of Baxter Owen Cross.

Pastoral CareHow JUCers Care for Each Other

.,

✻ Ongoing Group: Issues in Aging • 4th Mondays • 7 p.m.Valerie Stone (vestone@gmail.com) 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, resources for families dealing with dementia, caregiver issues, wisdom and exercise. Mon., Feb. 24: Dr. Michelle Winston presents The 6 Pillars of Brain Fitness and Brain Health, covering memory and attention exercises for healthy aging. Then she will lead us in some neurobics exercises!

✻ Ongoing Group: UU Liberal Christians • 1st & 3rd Tuesdays • 7 p.m.March 4: How Do Universalism and Liberal Christianity Intersect? We’ll continue our exploration of this topic with Cathedral of the World: A Universalist Theology, the final book of the late Rev. Dr. Forrest Church. Everyone is welcome!

2-Cons: Conversations & ConnoisseursNext Dinner: Sat., March 8

Join the fun at our intimate adult potluck dinner parties held in JUC members’ homes. Meet others and share good food and great conversation! Singles are most welcome. If you have any food sensitivities, let us know; we will try to accommodate you.

About 2-Cons: • Two weeks before the dinner you will receive a reminder of the dinner date and a request to confirm that you’ll attend. • The host determines the number of people who will attend his/her dinner. • Hosts will be given a list of guests and will contact them to plan a dish for each to bring. • Hosts supply the location, table setting, coffee and tea, and usually the main meal, but that is not necessary. • It’s always fun to have new hosts, so please volunteer to host a dinner of six or more great folks! However, there is no obligation to host. • If you attend more than one dinner, we will try to have you with a different group each time.

Sign up for the next dinner at the Sign Up Site or look for our table in the commons on Feb. 23. Contacts: Carol & Bob Drew (robertdrew1@msn.com; 303-422-5977), Bette & Charlie Carcano (carcano@evcohs.com; 303-670-1527).

✻ Ongoing Group: Beatles Music and 1960s Sing-Along 1st Sundays • 1 to 2:30 p.m.Jay Halpern (axeman1469@gmail.com; 303-985-9080) Songs of enlightenment, peace and love, to share the uplifting and liberal message of the 1960s.

COMMUNITY EVENTCommunity Forum For The Heart & Mind

The Power of Employee Ownership and Co-opsSunday, March 2 • 12:30 p.m.

First Universalist Church of Denver (4101 E. Hampden Ave.)

Dick Peterson and Bill Kirton, of the Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (www.rmeoc.org), will facilitate a presentation focusing on the emergence of a new economy including economic democracy as a viable alternative to conventional notions of free enterprise. Economic democracy encourages individual initiative, democratic decision-making, and community-based wealth creation.

Bill is a retired Methodist minister and a founder of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado and Denver Urban Ministries. Dick is a retired real estate executive who visited the Mondragon Cooperative in Spain and became convinced that the Rocky Mountain area needed an organization, the sole purpose of which was to promote employee ownership. Contact: Daniel Sage (daniel.sage@comcast.net).

7

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 (dca-crm@hotmail.com)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; mschottler@comcast.net)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.

Issues in Aging4th Mondays, 7 p.m. Valerie Stone (vestone@gmail.com; 303-669-8528)Information and education on issues related to healthy aging and dementia, to include lectures, panels, and discussion.

JUC Knitters3rd Fridays, 7 p.m. in members' homesJean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@Q.com)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; lenkt@earthlink.net)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 (julieexcell@gmail.com; 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; jeandteach@Q.com)Newcomers welcome! Call for mtg. details.

Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch1st Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Contact: Betty Halladay (303-274-9144)Next meeting: March 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. Feb. 23: Giants in the Earth (Rolvaag)March 23: Any book by Willa Cather

Science and Spirit4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net)Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com

Slow Soup Group4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; lachnittg@gmail.com), Carol Kolesnikoff (303-588-9198; eatingethically@gmail.com)We’ll prepare soups together to take home and to donate. Co-sponsored by LEAP and the Eating Ethically Task Force.

Story Circle3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Lev Ropes (303-278-0177; levropes@comcast.net)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 (pslohaus@comcast.net; 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 (emily.townsend@gmail.com)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.

8

Wed., Feb. 19 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thursday, Feb. 20 11:00am Pastoral Care Group mtg. (M5) 6:00pm SRC Meeting (M1/2) 7:00pm Committee on Ministry mtg. (M5) 7:00pm LEAP: Poetry as a Spiritual Practice (M3/4) 7:30pm LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel)Friday, Feb. 21 1:00pm Humanist Group - working session (M1/2, Mills kit.) 2:00pm LEAP: VAGUE Art Journaling (R6/7) 6:00pm Stewardship Reception (chapel, kit.)Sat., Feb. 22 9:00am Path to Membership (chapel/so. commons/kit.) 9:00am Celebration Gala Musical Rehearsal (sanc.) 5:30pm YAM: Popcorn Theology (M3/4, Mills kit.)

Sunday, Feb. 23 9:15/11am Sunday Service: Containing Multitudes w/Wendy Williams 9:15am Explorations! Just Neighboring (M3/4) 10:15am COA extra class (M5) 10:20am Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 10:45am Pastoral Care Connector Training (Wilsey office) 12:30pm EETF: Slow Soup Group (kit.) 12:30pm Auction Event: Tai Chi (chapel) 12:30pm LEAP: Roving Readers (R3/4) 12:30pm LEAP: Science and Spirit (R6/7) 12:30pm PL&J mtg. (M3/4) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4)Monday, Feb. 24 9:00am CURK: SOUPS 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, Feb. 25 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm PL&J Task Force (M3/4) 6:30pm Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm., sanc.) 6:30pm Worship Group: Evensong service (chapel) 7:00pm Men’s Group w/Bishop (Mitchell rm.)Wed., Feb. 26 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thursday, Feb. 27 6:00pm Business Council mtg. (M3/4) 7:00pm LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm Strategic Planning (M1/2)Friday, Feb. 28 7:00pm Auction Event: History of Swing Dancing (sanc., so. comm.)Sat., March 1 9:00am Celebration Gala Musical Rehearsal (sanc.) 9:00am Quuilters Group (so. commons) 6:00pm YRUU Overnight (Mitchell rm., Priestley rm.) 6:00pm CURK: Wizard of Oz Sing-Along (sanc., so. comm., kit.)

Sunday, March 2 9:15/11am Sunday Service: What IS Holy? w/Barry Bloom 10:20am Children’s Musical Rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 12:30pm Covenant Group Facilitator Training (M1/2) 12:30pm Auction Event: Tai Chi (chapel) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 1:00pm LEAP: Beatle’s Sing-Along 4:00pm SOUPS sewing night (M1/2)

• Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior MinisterMon., 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 Minister

Tuesday–Friday • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education

Monday–Thursday • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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; office@jeffersonunitarian.org).

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 ronabradley@jeffersonunitarian.org to submit an article.

Editor: Rona BradleyNext deadline: 3 p.m., Wed., Feb. 26Next publication date: Mon., March 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.

• Feb. 23 Rex Nelson @ 303-980-1339• March 2 Bev Curtiss @ 303-250-7202• March 9 Julie Excell @ 541-778-4724

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

Weekly AttendanceFeb. 9 9:15 155 RE: 24 (10 adults) 11 196 RE: 69 (24 adults)

Feb. 16 9:15 132 11 171 Evergreen 4 26 RE: 7 (2 adults)

9

Board Blog~Joe Stone, Trustee (720-412-0280; joerstone@hotmail.com)

Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice Just Journey to HaitiMarch 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 (dmoe54@gmail.com; 303-489-9436) if you are interested in participating.

When was the last time you took a leap of faith? When you weren’t sure what the outcome

would be but you decided to jump anyway? This year we’ve had the unique opportunity to work

with First Unitarian of Portland in an exchange of ideas on how church works. Members and staff from JUC and First Unitarian have traveled to each other’s

respective churches to share our best practices on how each of our communities go about the business of running a large congregation through the Leap of Faith program. We’ve gone in with open hearts and open minds and have learned a lot from one another.

Over the course of several months, members of the Board of Trustees and staff have been assigned to read portions of Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership by Dan Hotchkiss, who has served UU congregations, the Unitarian Universalist Assocation (UUA) and is a consultant for the Alban Institute. Our mission was to investigate whether or not the way we go about doing church and our structure of decision making was best serving the congregation.

During our recent retreat on February 1, the Board of Trustees invited many congregational leaders to attend a discovery session on styles of congregational governance hosted by leadership from First Unitarian of Portland. They shared with us how they evaluated their own governance

system and the adaptations they have made to their policies and procedures over the years to better serve their congregation’s needs.

Our take-away, through reading Hotchkiss, having many conversations at meetings of the Board of Trustees and through our experience with First Unitarian through the Leap of Faith program, is that there is no one style of governance that is a complete fit for JUC. We are a unique community unto ourselves and we must adapt our governance to reflect that uniqueness. But we have realized that there is a need to re-evaluate how efficient and effective our systems are to enhance our ability to function as a large church. We’ve realized that our staff needs to be empowered to make efficient operational decisions and the Board of Trustees needs to ensure the health and vitality of our community by making sure that our programs and missions are being served with the love and dedication they deserve in our religious home for the liberal spirit. We, as a church community, are constantly evolving and changing and the Board is entrusted to do its very best to serve that process.

As we continue to evaluate and learn how to best serve JUC through evolving our policies and adapting our governance during the rest of this year and the many more to come, we invite you to add to the conversation. You can contact anyone on the Board to ask questions and offer suggestions as we move through this process together. We will no doubt be having more conversations with you.

Auction Item: It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing!

Friday, Feb. 28 • 7:30 p.m.

When you hear the term swing dance, do you think of lindy-hopping to Glenn Miller’s In the Mood or jitterbugging to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by the Andrews Sisters? Swing is all that and much more. Considered a truly American folk dance, swing can trace its origins to San Francisco’s Barbary Coast at the turn of the last century, and new forms continue to emerge from those roots today.

Come learn how evolving musical styles and social paradigms influenced how we danced through the 20th century, and try some steps yourself with Watch Your Step! in their debut performance of, It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing.

Cabaret seating, complimentary snacks and soft drinks and a beer and wine cash bar.

Hosted by John & Nita Bradford, Bob Hofmann & Nancy Bolt. $15 admission. Contact the JUC office (303-279-5282) for reservations.

10

Mountain Desert District (MDD)Honoring Our Unitarian Universalist Circles of Connection and Action

As Unitarian Universalists at Jefferson Unitarian Church, we are fortunate to have a vibrant, active congregation to call home. We have phenomenal opportunities to deepen, connect and engage through worship, fellowship, LEAP classes, small group ministries, social justice programs, choirs, youth activities... you name it.

These are all parts of how we carry out the first element of JUC’s mission to nurture our spiritual community, and they are terrific. As members and visitors at JUC, however, we are also integrally connected with our larger UU community, and this transformative involvement helps us to enliven the rest of our mission to grow Unitarian Universalism and transform the world outside our church walls.

A Peek at Our UU ‘Circles of Connection’ • JUC: ~765 members and several hundred more active visitors • Boulder Denver Cluster: one of three Clusters in Colorado,

representing the seven UU congregations in the Boulder and Denver areas

• Mountain Desert District: 44 UU congregations and ten other UU groups throughout eight states, stretching from Mexico to Canada (CO, NM, UT, ID, MT, WY, NE and TX)

• Pacific Western Region: one of five Regions covering about 50% of the country geographically, and around 20% of all adult members of UUA churches

• Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA): 1,041 UU congregations in the US, Canada and overseas

Thus, our very own comfy, cozy JUC community is simultaneously a point of connection to hundreds of thousands of Unitarian Universalists throughout the world! And the partnerships we nurture through these concentric organizations offer an array of activities in which all UUs are invited to take part.

Examples of Local and Regional UU Partnering Mountain Desert District (MDD)

• Youth Chaplain Training • Youth Cons • Flooding Assistance in CO and WY • The vision of the MDD is that leadership development is grounded in UU principles and purposes, and accessible to all congregations.

We seek to support individual spiritual maturity, develop leadership skills and advance thinking on leadership in the world from a UU perspective.

Boulder Denver Cluster • JUC hosted the multi-congregational ordination of Kierstin Homblette, Beloved Community Coordinator, in January 2014 •

• The Beloved Community Coordinator’s ongoing justice work through the Colorado Justice Ministries Partnership • • MDD Delegate Assembly • Chalice Lighters Program • Annual PrideFest booth and parade ( June) •

• Annual Standing on the Side of Love Worship Service (September) • Abundance! Services • Living into Covenant •• The Freedom Fund • Public Radio Project • Create Meaning • Annual Boards Meeting Together event (May) •

• Workshops & Conferences on varied topics •

The Boulder Denver Cluster meets every other month with representatives from each of the seven UU congregations in our area to coordinate activities and nurture partnerships between our churches. Feel free to contact Debby Bower, JUC’s Cluster Representative, if you have any questions or would like more information (303-748-9890, debbymbower@gmail.com).

Special plate collection has not been approved, but the article is fine without that.