1

Sunday, April 27 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

Are We Redeemable?presented by Rev. Barry Bloom, Community Minister

In the real life saga dramatized in the movie Dead Man Walking, a truly vile man was redeemed by the love of a nun. He became whole just before he was executed for his crimes. Some religions teach that we are redeemed by the love of God. Christian dogma states that Christ died for our sins, thus, by his grace, redeeming us. Unitarian Universalists believe that there was no need to save, or redeem us, because we were never damned. But, do we really believe that? Music: The Love Notes; Worship Band; Adam Revell and Rev. Keith Arnold, piano. Worship Associate: Steve Sargent.

2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Rabinal Connections presented by the UUSC Task Force. See p. 5 for more information.

☛ Looking ahead to… Saturday, May 3 AND Sunday, May 4: Clif Hardin Requiem presented by Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music, with the JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano; and guest instrumentalists. Worship Associate: Julie Excell.

April 14, 2014 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014 Issue 8

The JUC CrierThe Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church

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

Easter Celebrations at JUCSpring is a beautiful time of year in Colorado. The earth slowly begins to sprout flowers through the frost. Cold melts into the

promise of warmer weather and longer days. We make plans for egg hunts and family brunches. We might even don our best clothes and Easter bonnets. Spring is in the air, but what are we celebrating? As Unitarian Universalists, how do we understand this holiday? What questions are we, and our children, carrying? What questions do we want to ask, or answer, but aren’t sure how? The Easter story has been told for generations upon generations, and it is one we cannot ignore. This year, adults and children can explore our questions and seek meaning in this season through the following services:

Maundy Thursday: April 17 • 6 p.m. (chapel) Coming from Shadows into the Light led by the UU Liberal Christians Group. A contemplative service with music, readings and communion.

Good Friday: April 18 • 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (chapel) Prayer vigil.

To make room for all, we will offer the same service Saturday evening and Sunday morning!

Saturday, April 19 • 7 p.m. AND Sunday, April 20 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. Rise Up presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. Easter’s central miracle, Jesus’s return to life, challenges our rational

sensibilities. Over the centuries, its application as a means to elevate or justify suffering offends our quest to be justice-makers. How do we understand Easter and resurrection to be relevant to our lives? Music: Handbell Quartet (Sat.); JUC Choir (Sun.).

Child care available Saturday evening; programming for children on Sunday morning includes an egg hunt for the tiniest JUCers (through Kindergarten), a canned food hunt for 1st–5th grades, and a youth service for 6th–12th grades. More info on p. 3.

Easter in Evergreen (28628 Buffalo Park Rd.): Sunday, April 20 • 4 p.m. Awakening presented by Rev. Dana Lightsey. Many of us were taught that Easter Sunday is about Jesus’s resurrection and the

redemption of those who believe in him. Yet, many of us have rejected this teaching, perhaps because it doesn’t make sense, perhaps because of the words and actions of those who say they do believe. Where is the meaning in this story for us now? How might we be open to redemption in a way that does make sense? Child care provided; egg hunt following the service.

2

~Blessings, Wendy

Fanning

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

Fun for Everyone!Saturday, April 26 • 5 to 9 p.m.

Jefferson County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall

$10 per adult / $5 for all kids in one family / $5 for teens or studentsPurchase tickets Saturday & Sunday, April 19 & 20, or contact Pat Emery

(stardustpat@gmail.com; 303-748-1215).

We’ll have yummy vittles and beverages, and fabulous entertainment for the young and the young-at-heart, including Bounty Hunters, an original musical written and directed by Chris & Steef Sealy! There’ll be lots of activities for kids, too: crafts, board

games, a western-themed photo booth, line dancing, a kids-only raffle and more!

Do you need a ride? Or, can you provide a ride? Sign up at the Spring Roundup table or call the church office (303-279-5282).

Don’t miss this all-church event—get your tickets by Sunday, April 20!

Tulips for a Colorful EasterA chancel brimming with tulips and other spring favorites

is a wonderful way to welcome spring to JUC! Please consider donating to our Easter tulip fund in celebration or memory of a loved one or a special milestone. The Worship Group will use your donation to purchase potted tulips to decorate our sanctuary and chapel for the widely attended Easter services. After the Easter season, the bulbs will be planted on our campus. We’ll gratefully list your name and dedication in the Easter orders of service. Make your donation by calling the JUC office, or contact Gail Abbott (gaila@mail.fresnostate.edu).

Bill Schulz, President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, once took our religion to task for falling short of theological depth. It was this time of year that he found that most apparent. Driving down the street, there would be riveting titles on church marquis: Life After Death, The Undead, Resurrection and Redemption and the like. Then, he would get to the Unitarian Universalist church and the sign would read Upsy Daisy.

Our discomfort with certain myths and miracles has led Unitarian Universalists through the years to stick with theology-lite. We have favored gentle reflections on the cycles of nature rather than wrestling with the stories that give rise to Passover and Easter.

And yet, the rhythm of our larger culture pulls us into church in numbers at this time of year. Egg hunts, special music, the chance to wear something festive, warmer weather, and various other things bring us through the door. We want to be together—to celebrate spring, to watch our smallest kids find eggs and our older kids help the small ones, and to feel the possibility of renewal.

So join us. We will wrestle with the story, but we will arrive at a distinctly Unitarian Universalist conclusion. We will have three services: two at our usual times on Sunday morning and one on Saturday evening. If you would like to sleep in on Easter Sunday or go for a hike or ride your bike or go to brunch, come Saturday evening.

Whatever service you choose, we look forward to seeing you. It is always good to be together and to prove that we are not afraid to wrestle through old stories and find new meanings.

See you in church.

Where Should You Park on Easter?Practice Parking Compassion! Easter services draw lots of

visitors to our church. With the spike in attendance, parking congestion is expected to be significant on Easter Sunday. If you are physically able, no matter how many cars are in the lot when you arrive, please consider these other parking options:

• Maple Grove Park, just west of the church on 32nd Avenue.• Street parking on Gardenia (the street that runs south from

32nd between the church and the park). • Applewood Golf Course has generously offered space in

their lot (and they have an Easter Sunday brunch, too—visit http://tinyurl.com/gcbrunch to see the menu and make reservations).

We want our families with young children, elderly members, visitors and anyone who is not able to make the walk to be able to find space in the church parking lot, particularly if we get a spring snow. Thank you for braving the walk!

3

Family SpotlightAshley 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, April 28: Get Colorful with Tie-Dye! Let your creative colors flow on cute shirts, dresses or onesies for your little (or bigger) ones! One piece of clothing will be provided for each child as well as all tie-dying supplies; email us at jucsoups@gmail.com to provide sizes for your kids, or bring something from home. Wear your best crafting clothes for a morning of messy fun! Contact: Lori Gray (303-945-5873).

Upcoming Children’s Worship Services for 1st-5th GradesSaturday, May 3 • 4:30 p.m.: Beginnings and Endings

Sunday, May 4 • 9:15 & 11 a.m.: Beginnings and Endings

Community of Unitarians Raising Kids (CURK)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

Volunteer Day at the Horse Protection League

Sunday, May 4 • 1 to 3:30 p.m.Join LOV! for a day at the farm! We will take a tour and

then help care for the animals at the Horse Protection League in Arvada. You may recall that JUC’s March special plate collection was given to the HPL. Now is your chance to see where our contributions went!

All ages are welcome for the tour; ages 8+ may participate in the work session. All kids must have an adult chaperone. Wear appropriate clothing. Closed toed shoes required; gloves provided. RSVPs are requested at least a day in advance. Contact: Joyce McLaren (mclaren.joyce@gmail.com).

Egg Hunt? Canned Food Hunt?This Easter, 1st - 5th graders will be on the hunt—not for

eggs, but for canned food! While there can be great delight in hunting for those little plastic treats each year, many people have felt the traditional egg hunt is not in line with our Unitarian Universalist values. We’re mixing it up!

On Easter Sunday, kids will enjoy the mystery and pleasure of finding hidden treasures, but instead of eggs, those treasures will be canned food! That food will be donated to families in need through The Action Center.

LOV! (Living Our Values!) Packs of Hope

Packs of Hope provides backpacks containing clothes and other basic items to children who are transitioning into foster care. Many of these children must leave their homes quickly and are unable to take any personal items. These backpacks contain the only possessions they may have for some time. Visit the LOV table in the commons to choose a backpack. Packs will be collected Sunday, April 27.

Don’t worry if you can’t provide every item on the list; other volunteers will complete the packs. Everyone is encouraged to participate to the extent they can. Consider joining with someone to fill the pack together; a list of those looking for buddies will be kept at the table. Volunteers are needed for the distribution and collection table. Please contact Joyce McLaren (mclaren.joyce@gmail.com).

Dances of Universal Peace2nd Sundays

6:30 p.m. • chapel

Next Dance: Sunday, May 11All 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.

4

~Judy Gangloff, Trustee (303-463-6154; judith.gangloff@gmail.com)

Board Blog

Introducing Our New Assistant MinisterThe Board is excited and pleased to introduce

Eric Banner, our new Assistant Minister, to the congregation during the weekend of May 17 and 18. Eric will officially begin his ministry at JUC in August.

I was fortunate, as the Board representative on the Recruitment Team, to meet Eric and his wife, Emily

Ragan, during our pre-candidating weekend. Some of the things that impressed our team are Eric’s passion for Unitarian Universalism, his strong ministerial skills, his willingness to take on hard tasks, his sense of humor, and humility.

Eric brings many talents to JUC. He’s a lifelong UU; a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry; served as an intern at All Souls in Tulsa; and has both compassion and great enthusiasm in his ministry.

I’m sure many of you have Googled Eric, but here are some brief facts: Eric spent a year in Nepal before returning to Kansas State University to complete his BS in Biology/Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences; he was employed as an

Zimbabwe Artists Project The Zimbabwe Artists Project is bringing their art back to JUC. Some of you might recall the show from two years ago. All the

art work is very reasonable and available for purchase with 80% going back to the artists and 20% going to JUC. If you wish to purchase one of these works, please bring the number on the tag to the church office with payment. A red dot means that work is sold! The work will hang at JUC through May. Enjoy this bright, cheerful work from the other side of our planet.

environmental scientist for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for five years before attending Starr King to earn his M.Div; his Chaplain training was with the Veterans’ Administration in Palo Alto, California, working mainly with blind veterans; his preliminary Fellowship was in May 2013; and he was ordained at All Souls in June 2013. Eric is married to Emily Ragan, a professor of biochemistry at Metropolitan State University, and they have two daughters, Olivia (13) and Julia (5).

JUC members have a received introduction letters from Eric and from the Recruitment Team, both of which are available on the JUC website (http://jeffersonunitarian.org/). Soon you’ll have a chance to meet Eric and begin to know him. On Saturday, May 17, the Board and the Recruitment Team will host two Q&A sessions, 10 a.m. to noon, and 2 to 4 p.m.

You’ll hear comments from both Wendy and Eric, followed by a question and answer session. Snacks and beverages will be provided. No reservations or sign-ups are necessary. Eric will also be at the Golden and Evergreen campuses for Sunday services on May 18.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Eric before he officially joins our staff. I hope you’ll join us.

~ Rev. Keith Arnold, Minister of Music (303-279-5282 ext. 17; keitharnold@jeffersonunitarian.org)

Easter Saturday... and IndiaFor many years at JUC, Easter Sunday has been one of those

times when the sanctuary is bursting with members, friends and visitors. Our main worship space overflows and visitors are disappointed to be experiencing the service on a TV screen. This year, in order to make room for all who wish to experience Easter in our community, JUC is offering a full Saturday evening service, with the complete worship experience at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. The services will be identical, with the exception that those in the service on Saturday night will hear an inspiring and amazing handbell quartet—never before heard at JUC!—as special music. On Sunday morning, the JUC Choir will offer music instead of the bells. So, if you wish to help make room for Sunday morning visitors, if you wish to have a close-in parking spot, if you wish to hear moving and faithful handbell music, or if you wish to have an Easter Sunday morning sleeping in, please consider attending the Saturday evening service this year.

The Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice has an opening for a congregational group to travel to India in January 2015 on a Congregational Journey. Along with my partner, David Burrows, I am gauging interest at Jefferson Unitarian Church to see if we have sufficient interest and numbers of people (3 - 7) who could represent JUC on a program entitled Justice for Workers and Marginalized Communities in India.

This journey will include travel to the girls’ school where David and I taught English and Music in 2011. As a congregational endeavor, this experience encourages a wide circle of people to join on the journey by engaging with preparation materials, holding the travelers in mindful attention and prayer during the journey, and receiving the travelers back into the community upon their return. If you have interest in JUC’s involvement with social justice in India—whether traveling yourself or otherwise participating—you are welcome to attend an informational gathering on Monday, April 21, at 6 p.m. at JUC. Please visit http://uucsj.org/journeys/holdeen-india/ for more information.

5

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

. . . Peace, Liberty & Justice Task Force (PL&J TF) . . .

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

Green Committee MeetingSunday, April 27 • 12:30 to 2 p.m. (M3/4)

Are you concerned about quality of life on Planet Earth? Who isn’t? Want to be involved in improving it? Lots of opportunities for learning and getting involved. Join us for our next planning session. Learn about recent events and forthcoming activities. Bring your energy and ideas. All are welcome. Contact: Mike Foster (303-456-2647).

Explorations! Sunday, April 27 • 9:15 a.m. (M3/4)Rabinal Connections: Sewing Project Prospects

Sandy Hoyman will report with pictures and video on the successful beginning of the sewing project during her trip to Rabinal, Guatemala, with Phyllis Morales, when they delivered four of the sewing machines donated by Joe Rotello and the supplies and materials donated by the JUC community.

Ten women enthusiastically participated in the sewing classes. Our efforts to expand relationships with the Rabinal community were given a tremendous boost when Joe Rotello offered to donate as many as 15 sewing machines to be the basis for a cottage industry that could provide some financial independence to a community. Through ADIVIMA, we offered the machines to the community of Pacux, where many of our scholarship students live. The people in Pacux are all from the Rio Negro Valley that was flooded by the Chixoy Dam. The women who formed the sewing group were orphaned during the genocide that took place in the 1980’s. Through the sewing

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: April 27.

1 Path to MembershipSaturday, April 26 • 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.

project they will have an opportunity to raise their families out of poverty and to learn skills they missed as orphans.

After Joe’s generous donation, the next step was gathering sewing supplies and materials to go with the machines. JUCers responded with tremendous enthusiasm and generosity. Sandy and Phyllis were able to take four machines and cases full of supplies and materials on their trip in February. Since their return, another machine and more supplies have traveled to Pacux with Juan de Dios.

The products the women have already created show great promise for the future of this enterprise. Without the generosity and support of all of you, the JUC community, none of this would have been possible. Thank you.

Please join us for an informative and celebratory Explorations! session on April 27. Contacts: Gretchen May (303-233-6113; maygwinQ@centurylink.net), Margie Robinson (303-278-0786; mcrobins@jeffco.k12.co.us).

Hawkquest at JUCFriday, May 2 • 1 to 2 p.m. • sanctuary

If you have never seen a Bald Eagle, now is your chance. This is part of OLLI West’s Bald Eagle, Up Close and Personal, but you do not have to be an OLLI member to attend. A suggested $5 donation will go directly to Raptor Rehabilitation. Contact Sandy Early with any questions (303-455-4142).

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…❦ Art Aspinall & Sara Mellen and their family, as Art’s brother-in-law, Jerry Pluss, has been diagnosed with cancer;

❦ Julie Excell, whose mother is at University Hospital after suffering a heart attack;

❦ Craig Brown and his family, on the passing of Craig’s father, Bob;

❦ Dennis Larsen, who is recovering from knee replacement surgery;

❦ Mindy Mohr, who is recovering from hip replacement surgery;

❦ Steve Sargent, who was recently treated for pneumonia at Lutheran hospital.

We Celebrate with…❦ Tina Voelker, on her promotion to Full Professor at the Colorado School of Mines Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry.

Pastoral CareHow JUCers Care for Each Other

.,

✻ Spiritual Healing through Energy Work, Sound and Shamanic Meditation Saturdays, May 3 and June 14 • 10 to 11:30 a.m.6620 Quitman Ct., ArvadaDavid Burrows (heartflute@yahoo.com; 303-522-6947), Joyce Barrett (joycebarrett@comcast.net) Meditation, centering, chanting, singing and the practice of energy healing, including hands-on healing, with healing practitioners who are interested in being of service through sharing their skills free of charge. Those without experience in energy-based healing are welcome to attend and receive instruction. Healing sessions are offered by request, either in-person or remotely. Professional ethical guidelines are followed in the practice of healing by group members. Small group ministry for those interested in metaphysical, intuitive, spiritual practices, including training in energy-based healing work. Healing Touch, Reiki and similar, compatible forms of hands-on energy healing, i.e., Pranic Healing, Chi Healing are utilized, as well as Shamanic style healing ritual and meditation. Often we will share a meal after the meeting.

Handbell Technique ClassSunday, April 20 • 12:30 p.m. (Priestley rm.)

JUC’s own handbell duo, Lisa Bickford and Rebecca Shogren, will lead the Golden Bells non-auditioned handbell choir through a bass bell and 4- in-hand technique class. You do not have to join the Golden Bells to take this class.. Come and learn these fun techniques and more! No need to sign up.

Are you nervous about hospital visits?Monday, May 12 • 7 p.m. • chapel

Ever felt lost? Didn’t know what to say? Reluctant to even make that visit? Quell your anxiety with Lutheran’s ICU RN Supervisor Deb Behr and members of the Pastoral Care Group. We’ll discuss how to talk with the patient and family, especially when there may be high emotional intensity, how to manage the hospital system (with its possible intimidation), boundary issues, length of visit and more. Contact: Len Wheeler (303-467-3342).

Is there something you would like to discuss with a minister or member of the Pastoral Care Group?You may send an email to cares@jeffersonunitarian.org or call

720-church9 (720-248-7249). Or, fill out a PCG card and drop the card in the Pastoral Care box on the table in the left front side of the sanctuary. Be sure to include your name, the date and your contact info. A minister or member of the Pastoral Care Group will be in touch with you as soon as possible. You may also contact a member of the pastoral care team. Our names are listed on the bulletin board over the EnCounter in the south commons. We are here for you!

Quilt Documentation at JUCSaturday, April 19 • 9 a.m. • Mills bldg.

The Colorado Quilting Council documentation team will visit JUC to document whatever quilts JUCers bring in. This is an historical documentation in which the team takes professional pictures of the quilts and the quilt histories. The information gathered is put on a website for future use if necessary, and the pictures and paperwork go back to the quilt owner.

Please contact Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@q.com) for more information and to get quilt history forms. It is hoped that those of you who allowed quilts to be shown in the February quilt show will bring them in for documentation.

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 Sangha1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. Doug Anderson (dca-crm@hotmail.com; 720-474-6723)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. Child care is provided.May 4: Living Fully, Loving Well w/David Chernikoff, who taught meditation and psychology at Naropa University for many years and currently has a private practice as a spiritual counselor and psychotherapist in Boulder.

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.Apr. 28: The Daughters of the Late Colonel (Mansfield)

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. May 29: The Nerdy Neuroscience of Aging: Part 2

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: May 2.

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.

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.

✻ 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!

8

Agenda items will include:• Receive 2013-14 Annual Reports from group facilitators, committee chairs, ministers and staff;• Introduction of 2014-15 lay leaders;• Approval of 2014-15 Social Responsibility Council (SRC) Task Forces;• Elect 2014-15 Board Trustees (nominees for 3-year terms: Joe Stone, Elaine Zerger, Lisa Bickford; bios for new Board members included on p. 10). Judy Gangloff, John Hambright, Morgan Davies, Mark Baker, Brenda Berg and Susie Streng continue their terms as trustees;• Elect 2014-15 Board Officers (nominees for 1-year terms:

President, Judy Gangloff; Vice-president, John Hambright; Financial Officer, Lisa Bickford; Secretary, Morgan Davies);• Elect two (2) Leadership Nominating Committee members (nominees for 3-year term: Kimberly Pugliese, Ellen Evancheck);• Elect two (2) Endowment and Memorial Gift Trust Directors (nominees for 3-year terms: Cheryl Ames, John Bunting);• Elect two (2) Taguchi Social Action Fund Directors (nominees for 3-year terms: Carol Drew, Mindy Mohr);• Approve 2014-15 annual operating budget;• Approve proposed bylaws amendment (see below);• Report: In Service of the Mission.

☛ Friends and newcomers are welcome to attend and will be given the courtesy of the floor, but only members who have signed the Membership Book no later than April 18, 2014 may vote.

Absentee Ballots will be available from the JUC office and are due back no later than Thurs., May 15.A 15% quorum is necessary to conduct the business of this meeting. Absentee ballots will not count toward this quorum.

Please plan to attend! Child care will be provided.

OFFICIAL NOTICE: Annual Spring Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 18 • 12:30 p.m. • sanctuary

ARTICLE XII - COUNCILS, STANDING COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

Section 3: Membership and ChairsCouncil chairs and their Business Council committee chairs or

officers are nominated by the LNC and approved by the Board of Trustees. Members of standing committees are nominated by the LNC and approved by the Board. Standing committees elect their own chairs. Members of Council committees and Task Forces are appointed according to the Standing Rules and Policies of the Council. Councils define internal voting and decision making procedures in their Standing Rules and Policies. The Board may direct the LNC to nominate members for certain Council committees as necessary to ensure the business of the congregation is carried out effectively. Members of Board Task Forces are appointed by the President of the Board.

Rationale: As part of the Leap of Faith initiative, the staff and church Leadership have been considering methods to simplify our governance structure and function better as a large church. This is the very first step in the process which is being led by the Policy Renewal Team: Mark Baker, President; Joe Stone, Trustee; Sarah Reeves, former President; Carol Wilsey, Business Administrator; and Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement. The number of leadership positions recruited by the Leadership Nominating Committee has grown as the church has grown and is not sustainable. In consultation with staff, the Strategic Planning Group and Program Council, it is recommended that this change be implemented to reduce the Leadership Nominating Committee workload. Program Council will continue to meet, staff and current leadership will work together to disciple leadership.

Proposed Bylaws AmendmentThe following proposed amendment to the current Bylaws (May 18, 2008) will be voted on at the May 18, 2014 Congregational

Meeting. This proposed amendment has been recommended by the Board of Trustees. Omissions are indicated by a strikethrough; additions are indicated in bold italics.

9

The members of the Leadership Nominating Committee (LNC) thank all of those who are presently serving in a leadership role and welcome these additional leaders for their willingness to step into a deeper commitment to our beloved community.

New Board of Trustees Nominees:Lisa Bickford: Lisa moved to Colorado in 2008 and joined JUC shortly thereafter. She has served as the treasurer of the Social

Responsibility Council, the chair of the Gay Straight Alliance, and has taught a LEAP class: Our Humanist Journey. She also enjoys ringing handbells at every opportunity. In her professional life, Lisa is a management consultant and project manager, helping organizations align their processes and resources with their goals. She is sure to enjoy the role of Financial Officer at JUC.

Elaine Zerger: JUC has been Elaine’s spiritual home since 1980. Most recently she has served with the Pastoral Care Group, as co-chair for the past two years. She retired from a 30+ year career as an educator in Jeffco Schools – a career which she loved. Retirement suits her quite well, affording her time to travel with her life partner, Jack Killough, and to spend time with family and friends, volunteer, study Spanish, write, and participate in a variety of sports. She is accepting the position of trustee because it will provide her with a new challenge, new learning, a chance to contribute and also because she has not perfected the art of saying no. She looks forward to visiting with members and learning about their interests.

New Leadership Nominating Committee Members:Ellen Evancheck: Ellen has been a member of JUC since 2002 and has served as a co-chair of the Fellowship Committee,

the Coordinator of the Family Tree Holiday Gifting Program, as Secretary of the Social Responsibility Council, and as a Board Trustee. She attended the Russell Lockwood Leadership School and has been on the Leadership Development Team since 2011. She is excited to continue her interest in growing JUC leaders through service on the Leadership Nominating Committee. She is finishing her master’s degree from DU in Organizational Development this year and looks forward spending more time with her JUC family!

Kimberly Pugliese: A Colorado native, Kimberly was raised in Maryland and then spent 10 years in southern California prior to moving back to Colorado with her family 1993. She has two sons and one stepson. Her long time partner died in 2011 and their relationship and his death continue to inform and transform her daily life. It was obvious when she first visited JUC that she had found her church home. After joining in December 1993, she has spent nearly half of the years since involved in Membership activities, in addition to volunteering for Auction duties, co-facilitating Covenant Groups, hosting 2-Con Dinners, and initiating and coordinating many gatherings that deepen the connections she has made at this church. She feels truly blessed.

New Committee on Ministry Members:Gillie Bishop: Gillie has been a UU since she was 6 and a member of JUC since 2002. She served as co-chair of the Youth

Religious Education/Family Ministry committee for four years. She has been a Coming of Age mentor and a frequent Sunday School teacher. She creates the monthly Growing Our Hearts insert in The JUC Crier. She lives with her bagpiping husband, Tripp, and their daughters, Maggie (11) and Brynn (8).

Mary Hamilton: Mary has been on the Worship Committee, the Board of Trustees, chaired the Committee on Ministry, co-facilitated C.A.R.E.S. (the forerunner of Pastoral Care), co-facilitated a Covenant group, and taught pre-school and grades 4 and 8. During the past several years she has been serving on the Personnel Committee. She is a retired Jefferson County high school counselor and science teacher. Currently, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a docent at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

New Taguchi Social Action Fund Director:Carol Drew: Bob and Carol are excited because they will be celebrating their 50-year membership in JUC in December, 2014.

During all these years Carol has loved being a part of the action at JUC. It is her community made up of dear friends. Many of those friends have been made in committees: from Leadership Nominating Committee to Ministerial Search to Fall Retreat, she has served in most Leadership positions. Each shared experience has deepened her commitment.

10

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.

What would it mean to live a life open to Redemption and Grace?

Friday, April 18 • 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Please join the 20s & 30s Group to reflect on JUC’s monthly theme: What would it mean to live a life open to Redemption and Grace? We’ll serve coffee, tea, decaf and baked goods - bring other foods or beverages to share if you’d like. Meet at Tina & Martin Voelker’s home: 1712 Rimrock St, Golden, 80401. (303-215-1110).

Young Adult Ministry (YAM) College Care Packages

Stop by the Young Adult Ministry table Sunday, April 27:• To give us the address of a college student with connections

to JUC.• To donate a healthy treat or fun item for the care packages

(we usually put together around 40).• To donate change for laundry or money for postage.• To write a note to a college student.• To volunteer to help assemble care packages.

We want our college students to be walking on sunshine as they prepare for their finals, so please sign up! Contact: Lisa Bickford (bickfordL@pobox.com; 720-839-4620).

Recently, JUC’s young adult ministry was featured in the Spotlight Series of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s blog called Blue Boat: of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Go to http://blueboat.blogs.uua.org/2014/02/10/uuyoungadultsofgolden/ to read the full article, which was written by Annie Gonzalez on Feb. 10, 2014.

Each month, the Spotlight Series features a different Unitarian Universalist congregation or community that is doing effective, innovative or otherwise interesting ministry with young adults.

The blog highlights our Young Adult Ministry Group and the efforts of Jill Armstrong and Jacqui Ainlay-Conley in starting the group, which includes adult members of all ages. Tina Voelker, who currently chairs the committee, is quoted in the

article: We support each other and because we all care, that’s what makes us fit together.

Gonzalez also points out that our Young Adult Ministry Group pays attention to the alumni of the youth group (YRUU). They send notes and care packages during finals time for those who have gone to college. They also host reunion parties twice a year for this crowd: a summer BBQ and a holiday party.

She goes on to say, These ministries matter. They bring the life-giving message of Unitarian Universalism to students, they help young people stay connected to the congregation that grew them, and they facilitate connections and community.

Stop by the Blue Boat blog - it’s worth a read! Special thanks to Morgan Davies, Jacqui Ainlay-Conley, Jill Armstrong and Tina Voelker, who were interviewed on fuzebox for the piece.

Spotlight: UU Young Adults of Golden, CO

Welcome JUC’s Newest Members!2 Ayrolyn & Kevin Keady live in Wheat Ridge and joined JUC on March 2. They are the proud parents of Obryen (2). Ayrolyn & Kevin both have BFA’s, Kevin in sculpture, Ayrolyn in ceramics. Ayrolyn is a consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. Kevin is an architect at RNI Design, and is the Associate Director of the AIA Colorado. They spend most of their time with work and family, but dream of having hobbies.

2 Mara Kormylo joined in January and lives in Evergreen with her husband Craig and their children, Macy (8) and Reese (6). Mara is a psychotherapist who enjoys running, emotional growth and reading.

2-Cons: Conversation & ConnoisseursSaturday, May 3

Meet fellow JUCers at an intimate dinner or lunch. So many new members and longer-term members are attending these fun pot-lucks in JUC homes! We welcome new hosts, as well. Sign up at the 2-Cons table in the commons, or call Carol & Bob Drew (303-422-5977) or Bette & Charlie Carcano (303-670-1527).

11

Join the JUC NAMIWalks Team!Help Stamp Out Discrimination and Stigma regarding Mental Illness!

Saturday, May 17 • Centennial Center Park

Through NAMIWalks’ public, active display of support for people affected by mental illness, we are changing how Americans and Coloradoans view mental illness. This effort ensures that help and hope are available for those in need. Please join us as we improve lives and communities one step at a time. Sign up online (http://namiwalks.nami.org/JUC). For more information or to make a donation, stop by the NAMIWalks table on Sundays. JUC’s team is sponsored by the Pastoral Care Group. Contacts: Judy Gangloff (gangjudy@comcast.net); Nita Bradford (nitajohn@comcast.net).

JUC’s Donation CabinetSponsored by the Housing and Poverty Task Force and Just Neighboring

In support of the Sloans Lake Community Church, we are helping with their mission to serve the chronically homeless in Edgewater and the West Colfax corridor. Every Sunday morning that congregation serves breakfast and gives a bag of portable foods to each homeless person.

You can help by donating non-perishable, portable foods.A reminder that JUC serves the poor with food that respects their need for nutrition.

Donation Suggestions:

• Canned meats and fish, especially in foil or pop-tops• Nut butters – small jars• Whole gain crackers and any type of nuts or dried fruits: large containers are OK – they will

be repackaged• Soups and canned goods with pop-tops• Granola and cereal bars• Ensure or similar products• Hotel/travel size toiletries• Hats, gloves, and scarves (new or gently used)• Homemade fruit breads: frozen, labeled, and placed in the JUC freezer.

More information is available on the Housing and Poverty Task Force website ( JeffersonUnitarian.org/Programs/Social Justice/Housing and Poverty).

Contacts: Janice Mowry (303-989-3117; janicemowry@yahoo.com), Judy Douglass (303-232-1142; bjdouglass@gmail.com).

Community Event:Detention Center Visitation Training

Sat., May 3 • 9 a.m. to noonCasa de Paz (12170 E. 30th Ave. #206, Aurora)

Many detainees at the GEO Immigrant Detention Center in Aurora never receive a single visitor during the time they are detained (days, weeks, months, years). If you are interested in forming relationships with those experiencing detention, or looking for a way to do justice work that is deeply grounded in personal relationships, join us.

This training will prepare you to engage in regular visits with detainees, grounded in spiritual practices and aimed to help us all to be better companions to those experiencing oppression. By the end of the training, you will be ready to sign up for your first visit. The training is offered quarterly, and you must attend a training in order to engage in visitation at the detention center. RSVP to Kierstin Homblette (kierstin@mdduua.org) by May 1.

12

Tues., April 15 10:30am Golden Circle Chapel (sanc) 11:00am Golden Circle Lunch Social Hour (no. commons) 12:00pm Golden Circle Luncheon (so. commons/kit.) 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:00pm LEAP: CUUPS Full Moon RItual (chapel) 6:00pm LEAP Group mtg. (M1/2) 6:30pm LEAP: Story Circle (R6/7) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm SRC: UUSC TF mtg. (M3/4)Wed., April 16 6:00pm EMGT mtg. (M1/2) 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thurs., April 17 6:00pm Maundy Thursday service (chapel) 7:00pm Covenant Group: Blackwell-Haas (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm LEAP: Poetry as a Spiritual Practice (M3/4) 7:00pm SRC Meeting (M1/2) 7:30pm LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel)Fri., April 18 9:00am LEAP: UU Liberal Christians - Place of Prayer (chapel) 9:00am Castle Clay Pottery Sale (all commons areas/kit.) 2:00pm LEAP: JUC Humanists (M1/2) 2:00pm LEAP: VAGUE Art Journaling (R6/7)Sat., April 19 8:00am LEAP: Quuilters: Quilt Documentation (Mills bldg.) 9:00am Castle Clay Pottery Sale (all commons areas/kit.) 9:00am Celebration Gala Musical Rehearsal (sanc.) 10:30am Handbell rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Worship Service: Rise Up w/Wendy Williams

Sunday, April 20 9:15/11am Sunday Service: Rise Up w/Wendy Williams 12:30pm PLJ: Green Committee Mtg (M3/4) 12:30pm Golden Bells (Priestley rm.) 4:00pm Evergreen Campus Service: Awakening w/Dana Lightsey 5:00pm LEAP: Buddhist Sangha Service (chapel) 7:00pm LEAP: Memoirs (M3/4)Mon., April 21 12:30pm Covenant Group - Keen (M1/2) 6:00pm India Informational Session (chapel) 6:30pm SRC: Eating Ethically TF mtg. (R6/7) 7:00pm Program Council mtg. (M3/4)Tues., April 22 1:00pm LEAP: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 5:00pm PL&J Task Force (M3/4) 5:00pm SPG: Communications Incubator (M5) 6:30pm Worship Group: Evensong service (chapel) 6:30pm Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Men’s Group w/Bishop (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.)Wed., April 23 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thurs., April 24 6:00pm Business Council mtg. (M3/4) 6:30pm PL&J Green Comm. (sanc., comm., kit.) 7:00pm Covenant Group: Blackwell-Haas (R6/7) 7:00pm LEAP: Non-Violent Communication (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm Strategic Planning (M1/2)Fri., April 25 7:00pm Celebration Gala Musical Rehearsal (sanc.)Sat., April 26 9:00am Path to Membership (chapel/so. commons/kit.) 5:00pm JUC Spring Roundup (off site)

• 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., April 23Next publication date: Mon., April 28

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.

• April 19/20 No announcements• April 27 Steve Sargent @ 303-279-4753• May 3/4 Julie Excell @ 541-778-4724

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

Weekly Attendance

Apr. 6 9:15 135 RE: 36 (11 adults) 11 154 RE: 47 (25 adults)

Evergreen 4 31 RE: 5 (2 adults)

Apr. 13 9:15 94 RE: 19 (7 adults) 11 123 RE: 43 (18 adults)