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1 May 18, 2015 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2015, Issue 10 The JUC Crier The Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church 14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282 Sunday, May 24 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided. Reaching for the Baton presented by Beckett Coppola, Intern Minister What are some of the core traditions of our faith movement? How are we living them into the 21st Century? Did you know that the founder of American Universalism was a military chaplain? We have a right to be proud of many aspects of our history. Let’s reach for the baton that was handed to us so that we can pass it forward to the next generation. Music: Adam Revell, piano. Sunday, May 31 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided. What a Difference a Life Makes presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister As we live our workaday lives, we may fail to notice or articulate the difference others make in our lives. How might life be different if we developed a tradition of paying attention? Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. 2 EXPLORATIONS! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Crisis in Guatemala and the Scholarship Program presented by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force. Juan de Dios, Director of ADIVIMA in Rabinal, Guatemala will give a presentation on the critical state of affairs in Guatemala and how that affects our scholarship program, women’s sewing group and the plan of reparations for Chixoy dam survivors. Looking ahead to… Sunday, June 7: Sustaining Celebration presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. This month’s theme is revelry, a bit of an antiquated word suggesting a party that’s gotten a bit out of hand. In examining how we might be a people of revelry, it seems we are asked to celebrate the extraordinary and the ordinary in ways that invite us to stay connected to the joy of whatever we are celebrating. Music: JUC Ringers; Rev. Keith Arnold, piano. Evergreen Campus Sunday, June 7 • 4 p.m. 2981 Bergen Peak Dr. (at Congregation Beth Evergreen) Sustaining Celebration presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister This month’s theme is revelry, a bit of an antiquated word suggesting a party that’s gotten a bit out of hand. In examining how we might be a people of revelry, it seems we are asked to celebrate the extraordinary and the ordinary in ways that invite us to stay connected to the joy of whatever we are celebrating. Music: Adam Revell, piano. Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. If you wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org). Save the Date! JUC’s Annual Rummage Sale: June 12-13 Let the spring cleaning commence! Bring your reusable items to JUC’s Rummage Sale in June. All proceeds benefit JUC’s ministry. Visit jeffersonunitarian.org/Rummage-Sale for details. Recycle what you no longer need or want so that others can purchase ‘new’ treasures. Contact: Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@ jeffersonunitarian.org). Rummage drop off: Sunday, June 7 - Wednesday, June 10 JUC Member Pre-sale: Thursday, June 11 Sale open to the public: Friday & Saturday, June 12-13

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Page 1: JUC Crier 5 18 15

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May 18, 2015 • [email protected] • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2015, Issue 10

The JUC CrierThe Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church14350 W. 32nd Avenue • Golden, Colorado 80401 • 303-279-5282

Sunday, May 24 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

Reaching for the Batonpresented by Beckett Coppola, Intern Minister

What are some of the core traditions of our faith movement? How are we living them into the 21st Century? Did you know that the founder of American Universalism was a military chaplain? We have a right to be proud of many aspects of our history. Let’s reach for the baton that was handed to us so that we can pass it forward to the next generation. Music: Adam Revell, piano.

Sunday, May 31 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

What a Difference a Life Makespresented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

As we live our workaday lives, we may fail to notice or articulate the difference others make in our lives. How might life be different if we developed a tradition of paying attention? Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano.

2 Explorations! 9:15 a.m. (M3/4) Crisis in Guatemala and the Scholarship Program presented by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Task Force. Juan de Dios, Director of ADIVIMA in Rabinal, Guatemala will give a presentation on the critical state of affairs in Guatemala and how that affects our scholarship program, women’s sewing group and the plan of reparations for Chixoy dam survivors.

☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, June 7: Sustaining Celebration presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. This month’s theme is revelry, a bit of an antiquated word suggesting a party that’s gotten a bit out of hand. In examining how we might be a people of revelry, it seems we are asked to celebrate the extraordinary and the ordinary in ways that invite us to stay connected to the joy of whatever we are celebrating. Music: JUC Ringers; Rev. Keith Arnold, piano.

Evergreen Campus Sunday, June 7 • 4 p.m.2981 Bergen Peak Dr.

(at Congregation Beth Evergreen)

Sustaining Celebrationpresented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

This month’s theme is revelry, a bit of an antiquated word suggesting a party that’s gotten a bit out of hand. In examining how we might be a people of revelry, it seems we are asked to celebrate the extraordinary and the ordinary in ways that invite us to stay connected to the joy of whatever we are celebrating. Music: Adam Revell, piano.

Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m. If you wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen

campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement ([email protected]).

Save the Date! JUC’s Annual Rummage Sale: June 12-13

Let the spring cleaning commence! Bring your reusable items to JUC’s Rummage Sale in June. All proceeds benefit JUC’s ministry. Visit jeffersonunitarian.org/Rummage-Sale for details. Recycle what you no longer need or want so that others can purchase ‘new’ treasures. Contact: Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@ jeffersonunitarian.org).

Rummage drop off: Sunday, June 7 - Wednesday,

June 10

JUC Member Pre-sale: Thursday, June 11

Sale open to the public: Friday & Saturday, June 12-13

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In Faith,Eric

Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 28; [email protected])

On Fire

The only constant is change. So said Heraclitus of Ephesus more than 2,500 years ago. Thomas Wolfe is quoted in our hymnal saying, Some things will never change. And the truth, I imagine most of us believe, lies somewhere in the middle of those two claims. At least at the scale we live on. Yes, the earth is in constant motion, yes we are all getting older each day, yes change is part of life, always and forever. And, we reach out for rocks to hold on to. Even as geologists tell us the earth shifts under our very feet, mountains rise, and topsoil washes away in floods, we count on some level of dependability to make our lives make sense.

Which is why I want to raise up a great question one of our members asked recently. The Social Responsibility Council is winding down our work for the church year, but also looking ahead to next fall and considering what we have been doing, and what we would like to do to better engage Jefferson Unitarian Church members in the work for justice in our community and world.

It seems likely that by this time next year there will be some changes in how new justice efforts are started, and how we evaluate the successes of our current efforts. And in a

conversation about that, one of our members said to me, It seems like the question underneath everything else is, ‘What exactly are we trying to achieve?’

What a powerful question! We know that change for change’s sake is rarely helpful, but change that is driven by a sense of mission, by an engagement with our church and our partners, and by a deep commitment to effectiveness can be helpful in guiding decision making at every level. A good big question, like What exactly are we trying to achieve? can help move us beyond the details that often attract our attention and help us get that balcony view that we can’t see while we’re down in the weeds of it all.

And paired with the what questions are the why questions. Why do we want to achieve what we’re working for? Over the coming year our social justice teams will be engaging with these questions, but they’re not for social justice alone.

What about your life? What EXACTLY are you trying to achieve, and why? What are you doing now that is getting in the way of achieving those goals? What do you need to let go of to focus on getting there? What do you need to give more attention to in order to get there? What values lie at the heart of your calling and work? And how will you live them out in practice—not just at church, but in your life?

Unitarian Universalism has a tradition of asking hard questions, powerful questions. And powerful questions offer opportunities for life changing revelations. I hope you have some questions worth asking in the many days ahead.

Blessings, Wendy

Fanning

Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 13; [email protected])

This month, as we examine what it means to be a people of tradition, I keep reminding us that as Unitarian Universalists we are a part of a living tradition. For us, truth was not spoken at one time to one particular group of people. Revelation is not sealed. Thus, we understand that we have a time-honored core as liberal religionists, and we continue to evolve. It is tradition and transition.

So, this spring we keep our tradition by welcoming new members, having the coming of age retreat, enjoying a music-based worship service, and gathering for a congregational meeting to approve the budget and elect leaders. And we experience transition as we said goodbye to Ashley Johnson, who had been our Director of Religious Education for several years. This summer we will welcome Annie Scott, who is a credentialed Religious Educator, bringing 24 years of experience.

We will also say goodbye to Beckett Coppola, whose internship ends this month. Her time among us has helped us grow in our identity as a teaching congregation, as well as the concrete ministry gifts she has brought to us, particularly with

small groups and pastoral care. At services on May 31, we will say goodbye to Beckett and meet our next intern, Emily Conger. While Emily doesn’t officially begin until September, we did want to give everyone a chance to meet her.

Last, but not least, you will be hearing that at the October congregational meeting we will have the opportunity to elect Robert Latham as Minister Emeritus. I have long admired Robert’s ministry. However, to have the opportunity to witness some of his work first hand and to build a relationship with him is just a gift.

Robert will be working with some of our leaders over the next few months. At summer’s end, Robert will preach (August 23). Then, in the fall, you will have an opportunity to attend a Latham-led workshop at JUC, and again at the Fall retreat. I hope you take advantage of these opportunities to get to know Robert, or for you more seasoned members, to renew your acquaintance.

Tradition and transition is the strong subtext of all of our lives, I suspect. I hope this spring finds you reflecting on the ways tradition has been a gift in your lives and the ways in which transitions keep things fresh and moving.

See you in church.

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Religious Education MinistrySara Covington, Acting Director of Religious Education ([email protected]; 303-279-5282, x18)

Connect with JUC’s Religious Education Ministry!Sara Covington, Acting Director of Religious Education ([email protected]) through May 27

Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement ([email protected]) - May 28 - July 13 Annie Scott, Director of Religious Education - July 13

Like us on Facebook.com/groups/JUCFamiliesJoin our Family Yahoo group: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/jucfamily/info

Religious Education webpage: jeffersonunitarian.org/ChildrenYouthFamily Connections webpage: jeffersonunitarian.org/Families

Announcing Hogwarts at JUC

School of Witchcraft & WizardrySundays, May 31 - August 23 for 1st - 6th graders

(entering these grades in the fall of 2015) We will explore the world of Harry Potter and our 7 UU

Principles through 13 sessions. UUs believe that what is most important about human life is that the choices we make, make us who we are; and the communities we’re in shape those choices. Maybe Harry Potter was a UU, creating potions to help others, caring for the planet, having an open mind, and the fighting the never-ending battle between good and evil.

Hogwarts First Year Student Information Uniform: Comfortable clothes; please don’t wear your Sunday

best as magic can be a messy business. Any wizard clothes you already own are permitted and encouraged.

One can or bag of pet food to be donated to the Foothills Animal Shelter by July 5.

Professor Sign-UpProfessor sign ups are now being accepted. Eligible

professors are YRUUers (high school) through adults who possess a love of children and a sense of fun. Sign up at tinyurl.com/JUCHogwarts or at the Sign Up Site.

Lesson plans sent in advance and supplies provided. Professors need not have read the Harry Potter books to teach!

Class ScheduleMay 31: The Sorting HatJune 7: TransfigurationJune 14: Potions June 21: Herbology and Making Baby MandrakesJune 28: Spells and Incantations

July 5: Care of Magical CreaturesJuly 12: Healthy FoodsJuly 19: Defense Against the Dark ArtsJuly 26: Herbology and Making Fairy Gardens & Terrariums

Aug: 2: Music of HogwartsAug 9: Quidditch World CupAug 16: Preparing a Hogwarts Feast!Aug 23: Graduation from Hogwarts at JUC!Contacts: Julie Excell ([email protected]), Sara Covington ([email protected]).

Coming of Age Celebration Service Sunday, May 24 • 1:30 p.m. (Golden campus)

At this service, our congregation will recognize 16 youth who have completed the Coming of Age (COA) program with a special ceremony. All are welcome to attend.

Learn more about the Coming of Age program and the ceremony on page 9.

High School Seniors Bridging Ceremony On Sunday, June 7 at 11 a.m. we will Bridge our JUC

graduating high school seniors into young adulthood. This is a time of transition for our youth, and a time for us as a community to celebrate them and invite them to continue their journey with us and the greater Unitarian Universalist network. We would love to have every single high school senior participate in this ritual, whether or not you attend regularly! We would also ask that each graduate give us a short bio of yourself including what, if any, future plans you have! Please send all Senior bios to Sara Covington ([email protected]) no later than May 31.

A Look into Windows and MirrorsJUC’s 4th and 5th Grade Curriculum

by Kristine Mathiasen, TeacherMirrors in which they can see themselves, windows in which

they can see the world. ~ Lucille Clifton, African American poetThe purpose of the Windows and Mirrors curriculum is to

introduce 4th and 5th graders to different perspectives of other people and to process and expand on their own views. A mirror is a reflection of yourself and what is in your immediate surroundings. When you look into a mirror, you see a reversed image of yourself, and I think students begin to understand they have their own unique perspectives that may or may not be shared with others. When you look out a window you are seeing the true image of the world and the problems out in the community. The students learn they can take their own perspective, the reflection in the mirror, out to the world with other people and respect differences. To truly embrace UU covenants, they must be accepting of other’s perspectives of faith, privilege, race, prayer, injustice (to name a few) and try to see the world through someone else’s mirror by learning forgiveness, embracing imperfection, and practicing kindness. Please come into the chapel from May 17 - May 31 to view the Windows and Mirrors panels that reflect the ideas of our students.

Learn more about JUC’s elementary program on page 6.

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In Faith,Eric

JUC Board of TrusteesNext meeting: Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m.

jeffersonunitarian.org/Board-of-Trustees

Adopt-A-PlotPlease stop by the office or call Carol Wilsey (303-279-5282)

to sign up for a small plot of the JUC campus to weed. One small area is not too hard to maintain, whereas

the whole campus is overwhelming and we are having trouble keeping up! All this rain and

now good weather mean that the weeds are very happy. Are you willing to pitch in? We would really appreciate it.

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: May 24.

1 Path to MembershipSaturday, Sept. 19 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (chapel)

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 Hedberg, Membership Coordinator (303-279-7451), for more information on the joining process.

With Love In My Eyes…How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye

so hard. ~ A.A. MilneThe time has come for us to say our goodbyes. I began here

at Jefferson Unitarian Church as your intern last August 1 for a full-time 10 month internship. I’m having trouble believing that we are only a few short weeks away from my final day, Sunday, May 31.

Over the past few weeks, I began to notice a gentle creeping sadness as I wrapped up projects, finished teaching classes, and began the process of closing the various aspects of my work. This also meant beginning an assessment of my progress and formation.

When someone leaves, it’s because someone else is about to arrive. ~ Paulo Coelho, The Zahir

My internship will be immediately followed by another internship, which begins in September. You will have a chance

to meet your new intern minister on Sunday, May 31, when the position I have filled these past 10 months is passed forward to another minister in formation.

Thank you for creating a place for me to arrive, and being a lovely church within which to serve my parish internship. I ask forgiveness for any unskillful speech or action you have experienced while I engaged with my formation. I ask that you accept my forgiveness of you for any speech or actions you fear may have been unskillful. I feel incredible gratitude for your allowing me to step into being a member of your ministry team and a part of the leadership of this wonderful community. Everything I have learned here I will carry forward into my career in ministry, and through me your voices and your mission will be felt in the wider world.

So I do what I must as I let you go, releasing you from your connection to me while surrendering you to the ministry team and the next intern minister. My leaving makes room for someone else; I entrust you to her, and her to you.

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. ~ Rumi

And so… I say goodbye… With love in my eyes…

Lighting the PathBeckett Coppola, Intern Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 31; [email protected])

Blessings,Beckett

Susie Streng, Trustee 303-912-0839; [email protected]

Board Blog

Journey into Policy GovernanceWho is responsible for what?

JUC is large enough now to experience a present need for a more helpful structure for

conducting business. But we are only part way through our journey. In 2015-2016 you will have many more opportunities for learning about and giving feedback on the Board’s work toward policy governance. Keep your

bags packed and come along!Here is one restatement of what Policy Governance means:JUC is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association

(UUA), an association of liberal congregations, but not a governing body. Our church governs itself.

JUC is guided by governing policies that state our mission, values and the ends we seek to reach. Our policies also list limitations, and what may not be done.

The senior minister is the leader for day-to-day operations. Outside of what is expressly stated that the senior minister

cannot do, such as mistreat staff or spend outside of the budget, the senior minister may do anything to achieve the mission and ends of JUC. The senior minister reports directly to the board, which monitors the outcomes.

Nine members of the board of trustees, elected by the congregation, are responsible to maintain a close relationship with the congregation, articulate the church’s vision, serve in trust for the congregation, make decisions guided by written policies that have been decided by discussion and voting, and monitor the work of the senior minister.

The congregation carries out JUC’s mission, elects the trustees, volunteers in ministries and activities that fit their lives, shares time and resources, supports the board of trustees and staff and speaks up when they have something to say.

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

Visit jeffersonunitarian.org/src for general information on SRC Task Forces and their goals.

2nd TuesdaysLight Dinner • 6 p.m. (commons)

Worship • 6:30 p.m. (chapel)If your small group meets on

Tuesday night, you’ll be able to attend dinner, the worship service and your group meeting. Worship will be led by one of our ministers; soup and bread will be available for a modest donation. Sign up at the Sign Up Site or online (tinyurl.com/ToGatherTuesday) to donate a crock pot of soup/stew or bread. Cooks can be reimbursed up to $25 for ingredients if requested. Next ToGather Tuesday: June 9.

Travel to Rabinal for an Intercultural Exchange Trip October 14-22, 2015

Education: With your support, the JUC Guatemala Partners have been providing scholarships for eight years for students who live in extreme poverty in the community of Rabinal. Visit scholarship students in their homes and schools.

Advocacy: The local human rights organization, ADIVIMA, administers the scholarship and keeps us informed about developments in their fight for justice and reparations for the survivors of the Chixoy dam massacres and resettlements. JUC members have responded with letters and petitions when called on to support ADIVIMA’s struggle. Meet the ADIVIMA staff who make it happen.

Sewing Project: Early last year, through our donation of sewing machines and materials, ten women in the Pacux resettlement community of Rabinal formed the Maya Women Art Cooperative. They have learned to use the machines and now set up their own market regularly in their community of Pacux. Shadow a Mayan woman for a day.

Intercultural Exchange: Last September, members of the JUC community visited Rabinal, working with the sewing project women and spending a day shadowing one of them, learning about each other’s cultures and about the history of the community. Conversations with the local midwife during that trip have led to a new program.

NEW: Supporting Mayan Midwives: We will be piloting a new program in cooperation with Mayan midwives to increase their knowledge of Western child birthing techniques in addition to the traditional techniques and the use of basic medical instruments. Participate in a midwives conference.

Look for more details available very soon on the SRC bulletin board. If you think you would be interested in joining this exciting trip, please contact Sandy Hoyman (970-371-0910; [email protected]) or Phyllis Morales (720-987-6502; [email protected]).

Composting is Back: New and Improved! We need your help to make it work. Please think before you

toss. Read below for more information about what goes where. Look for the new containers that are better labeled for proper

disposal of items. There are three of these stations: • Near the kitchen• In the north commons near the visitor name tags• In the Mills bldg. gathering room

Common Items – Where Do They Go? RECYCLING:

Cans • Bottles • Plastic Items • Office paper • Newspaper • NOT Paper Towels – they go in COMPOST

COMPOST: Paper Towels • Food scraps • Compostable food serving

products: cups, plates, bowls • Compostable forks, spoons, knives • If it was once alive, it can go in COMPOST • NOT

Starbucks cups – they go in LANDFILL LANDFILL:

Everything else • Includes Starbucks cupsIn other areas of the church, keep in mind:

• All bathrooms have a container for paper towels (COMPOST) and other items (LANDFILL) • All classrooms have a blue container (RECYCLING) and a black container (LANDFILL).

Please use these containers appropriately!

Lunch after Church Sunday, June 7 • 12:30 p.m.

GB Fish & Chips (2175 Sheridan Blvd.)This will be the last Lunch after Church until September.

Join us for good food and conversation! See LeeAnne at the Getting Connected table in the commons that morning, or just meet us there!

Reserve Your Spot for JUC Camping!Sponsored by Belonging and Connection

Join us for one or both trips! For more details and to reserve your spot, contact Christine Leahy ([email protected]).

Memorial Day Weekend, Sat., May 23 - Mon., May 25 Pickle Gulch walk-in group campground near Black Hawk

Fri., July 24 - Sun., July 26Angel of Shavano group campground near Poncha Springs

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Pastoral CareHow JUCers Care for Each Other

[email protected]; 720-CHURCH9

A Birth in Our Church Family!

With Rev. Eric Banner and his family, we welcome Maia Bell Banner Ragan to the world! Maia was born Sunday, May 17.

Welcome Our Newest Members!2 Emily and Bill Marquis live in Evergreen and have two young children, Magnolia and Scarlett. They enjoy skiing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

YOU are Key to Our UU 2015 PrideFest Fun!

This year celebrates Denver’s 40th PrideFest and the 7 churches in our Boulder Denver Cluster of congregations want to make it an event to remember!

Whether you’re a member of the LBGTQA community or a straight ally, prepare to take part in the fun and solidarity of PrideFest. It’s a great time to share the open, welcoming nature of Unitarian Universalism and celebrate with the 350,000+ participants in one of the top 10 PrideFest events in the country!

The festival itself takes place over the weekend of June 20-21 in Civic Center Park, and the PrideFest Parade is that Sunday morning. You (and your family!) can take part in several great ways:

1) Enjoy a pancake breakfast for all marching UUs at First Unitarian Society (Sun., 6/21 at 8 a.m.).

2) March in the Parade (Sun., 6/21 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), starting at Cheesman Park and marching to Civic Center Park. Come as an individual or bring the whole family, dress in orange (shirts will be available for purchase in the commons), and enjoy a Happy Pride Day!

Please contact Debby Bower ([email protected]) with any questions about participating or planning. Happy Pride!

What Moves UsA UUA Tapestry of Faith curriculum by Rev. Dr. Thandeka

2nd & 4th Sundays • 9:15 a.m.• M3/4Facilitated by Pam Bond, Barb Scherer

Visit jeffersonunitarian.org/LEAP-Classes or uua.org/re/tapestry/adults/movesus/index.shtml for more info. More information about the class can also be found on the Unitarian Universalist Association website (uua.org/re/tapestry/adults/movesus/index.shtml).

Are You Interested in Going Deeper in Your UU Faith?Have you been searching for a meaningful way to contribute

your talents at JUC? Are you a good teacher/listener/speaker?Being UU: Adult Faith Development (formerly LEAP) is looking

for facilitators for UU faith formation workshops on Sunday mornings or week nights starting this fall. Leaders need to be capable of creating and nurturing a supportive, respectful, and safe community within the workshops. Workshops include focus on Theology, Cultural Competency, UU History, and Spiritual Practice.

If you want to be one who shapes the future at JUC, contact Patti Coe-Withington (303-596-1130 [email protected]) or Pam Bond (303-263-0282 [email protected]).

Elementary Programs (continued from page 3)

Introducing Julie Excell, Elementary CoordinatorJulie Excell is happy to be joining the staff at JUC as the new

1st-5th Grade Elementary Coordinator. Julie will help with many things in this role, including assisting teachers with support, communications, and supplies, communicating with parents, handling registration, and keeping records.

Julie brings twenty years of experience with religious education at several different UU churches, including six years on the staff at First Universalist Church in a similar position. Julie’s daughter Jane was raised in the religious education (RE) program at First Universalist, and in addition to being on the staff, Julie volunteered for many years as a teacher in classes from preschool through 8th grade Coming of Age. She has also served on RE committees and helped to develop curricula, and is a trained and certified OWL facilitator. Julie loves working with children, and with the wonderful volunteer teachers who bring so much to our children’s lives and our church community.

Events/Successes Deborah Andrews was glad to share how impressed she was

by the older children and youth during the fire drill last month. Deborah reported that she was able encourage her class to observe the older students during the drill. Having this example allowed the younger students to know exactly what they needed to do. Way to go!

Bob Clemans said the following regarding the Teacher Appreciation event: It is nice to know that people in the church appreciate what we teachers do. The refreshments at the event were great. I had a chance to talk with some of the other teachers—something I rarely get to do. They are a dedicated and exciting group.

Barb Bailey says the Adventurers (4, 5, and 6 year olds) want to thank Trinity Saffer for substituting when Barb needed to sing in the special choir services. Trinity always graciously accepts and the children like her very much. Barb would also like to thank Karen Miller for helping so much with the children; she always seemed to know exactly what to do. And we all thank the parents for getting up early on Sunday mornings to bring their children to an early class.

Leah Reed sent the following message to share: I think everyone has made new friends and some are getting more comfortable with the idea of being in a classroom setting. To everyone heading off to Pre-K, I want to congratulate them on starting school!

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Ongoing Affinity Groups

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

Blue Mountain Meditation Group: 1st & 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: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. • Doug Anderson ([email protected]; 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. No experience necessary. Child care upon request. Charla! 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5 p.m. • Carol Drew (303-422-5977)Discuss important topics in Spanish. Intermediate level recommended.Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS) • Angela Priest ([email protected]; 303-877-6055)Dream Study: 2nd and 4th Mondays, 9:15 a.m. • Marie Schottler (303-278-8035; [email protected]) Based on the writings of Jeremy Taylor, in this gentle group process questions are asked of the dreamer leading to an aha! about his or her own dream. Please call before attending. Great Books Discussion Group: 2nd & 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. Next mtg: Sept. 14.Issues in Aging: 4th Mondays, 5 to 7 p.m. • Jim Mayer (303-431-1740; [email protected]) Information and education on issues related to healthy aging and dementia, to include lectures, panels, and discussion. JUC Humanists • Chuck Mowry (303-989-3117) Working to help members become informed about Humanism as one of the Unitarian Universalist sources from which we draw an understanding of who we are. JUC Knitters: 3rd Fridays, 7 p.m. in members' homes • Jean Decker (303-274-9872; [email protected]) All knitters and crocheters are invited to join in making hats and blankets for Denver Health.Non-Violent Communication: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 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 Group: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 p.m. • Julie Excell ([email protected]; 541-778-4724) Explore poetry as an art form and a spiritual practice through appreciation of the work of master poets, and through writing and sharing your own poetry. Quuilters' Group: 1st Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon • Jean Decker (303-274-9872; [email protected]) Call for meeting details.

Retirees' Brown Bag Lunch: 1st Fridays, 11:30 a.m. • Betty Halladay (303-274-9144) Next meeting: June 5.Roving Readers: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Mike Foster (303-456-2647) Open to anyone who reads the monthly selection. Books selected by group participants. May 24: Hester: the Missing Years of the Scarlet Letter authored by JUC’s own Paula Reed who will grace us with a cameo appearance. Copies available in the Jeffco Library system.Science and Spirit: 4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Joe Kraus ([email protected]) Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. More info at http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.comNext meeting: May 24. Pat Emery will lead a discussion on human evolution based on the Scientific American special issue, Evolution - the Human Saga, published in September 2014. The evolution of Homo sapiens from other primates over the last two million years is simply fascinating, and the discussion should be quite engaging. Last meeting until September.Slow Soup Group: 1st Sundays, 12:30 p.m. • Gilla Lachnitt (303-216-9674; [email protected]), Carol Kolesnikoff (303-588-9198; [email protected]) We’ll prepare soups together to take home and to donate. Ingredients provided; cost is $10/person. Story Circle: 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. • Lev Ropes (303-278-0177; [email protected]) A gathering to foster the traditional art of storytelling for adults. Tell a polished story for fun, or a story that you’d like to polish up in front of a forgiving and friendly audience. Receive help from other tellers, or come to listen. All are welcome. Thin Air: Tuesdays, 1 p.m. • Carole Montfort (303-279-1343)An informal group of folks who wish to keep up their musical skills as well as have fun. Repertoire consists of traditional, folk, instrumental and vocal music. Please call for more details. Travel the World: 2nd Mondays, 7 p.m. • Barbara & Ernie Werren (720-524-3794; [email protected])June meeting rescheduled: Monday, June 15. View travelogues, have discussions, and share your experiences with others who love to travel! Bring an open mind, questions, suggestions, favorite destinations, ideas. Understanding the Heart of Buddhism: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m. • Doug Anderson ([email protected]; 720-474-6723) Meditation and discussion presented online by Rodney Smith, author of Lessons from the Dying, Stepping Out of Self-Deception and Awakening; founder of the Seattle Insight Meditation Society. UU Liberal Christians: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7 p.m. • Sara Lohaus ([email protected]; 303-432-3149) Connect with Christianity from a fresh, open-minded perspective. UU Piecemakers: 3rd Fridays, 9:30 a.m. in members' homesEdna Mae Miller (303-989-4793) Work on personal projects as well as quilts donated to charities selected by the group.WomenSpirit: 2nd Fridays, 7 p.m. • Kalin Baker ([email protected]; 720-253-6561) A lively community of women 18+ who playfully reflect and share interactive programs based on participants’ interests.

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Calendar Highlights(full calendar available online at jeffersonunitarian.org/calendar)

Tues., May 19 1:00pm Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm Story Circle (R6/7) 7:00pm Non-Violent Communication (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm UU Liberal Christians (R3/4)Wed., May 20 9:00am Beloved Community Endings (chapel) 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thurs., May 21 9:30am Small group - Carlson (M1/2) 1:00pm Small Group - Chronic Illness (M1/2) 4:00pm Earle Memorial (chapel, comm., kit.) 7:00pm JUC Poetry Group (M3/4) 7:30pm Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel)Sat., May 23 8:00am Small Group - Rountree service project (kit.)

Sunday, May 24 9:15/11am Reaching for the Baton w/Beckett Coppola 9:15am What Moves Us (M3/4) 11:00am COA Rehearsal (chapel) 12:30pm Roving Readers (M1/2) 12:30pm Science and Spirit (R6/7) 1:30pm COA Celebration Service & Reception (sanc./commons)Mon., May 25 Office Closed (Memorial Day Holiday) 9:15am Dream Study (M1/2) 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 5:00pm Issues in Aging (chapel) 6:30pm Small Group - Beal (M1/2) 7:00pm Bell Ensemble rehearsal (Priestley rm.)Tues., May 26 9:00am Dream Group (chapel) 1:00pm Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 2:00pm Small Groups (M1/2, M5, R6/7, R3/4, Mitchell rm.)Wed., May 27 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Small Group - Swahnberg (Mitchell rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thurs., May 28 7:00pm Green TF/CRES: Cutting Power Plant Pollution (sanc.) 7:00pm Understanding the Heart of Buddhism (chapel)Sat., May 30 9:00am Nourishing Connections (comm., kit.)

Sunday, May 31 9:15/11am What a Difference a Life Makes w/Wendy Williams 9:15am Explorations! Guatemala Crisis/Scholarship Program (M3/4)Mon., June 1 6:00pm Pledge Campaign mtg. (M3/4) 7:00pm Bell Ensemble rehearsal (Priestley rm.)Tues., June 2 1:00pm Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Non-Violent Communication (R6/7) 7:00pm Social Responsibility Council Meeting (M1/2) 7:00pm Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS) mtg. (patio, chapel) 7:00pm Housing & Poverty Task Force mtg. (M3/4)Wed., June 3 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thurs., June 4 7:00pm JUC Poetry Group (M3/4) 7:30pm Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel)Friday, June 5 11:30am Retirees’ Brown Bag Lunch (M3/4) 7:00pm First Friday Open Mic (sanc., comm.)Sat., June 6 9:00am Quuilters Group (so. commons)

Sunday, June 7 9:15/11am Sustaining Celebration w/Wendy Williams 9:15/11am Children’s Worship (chapel) 9:15am Explorations! Cuba AyUUda Trip (M3/4) 12:30pm Rummage Sale drop-off and set-up (main bldg./patio) 12:30pm Slow Soup Group (kit.) 4:00pm Evergreen: Sustaining Celebration w/Wendy Williams 5:00pm ¡Charla! (M3/4) 5:00pm Buddhist Sangha Service (R3/4)Monday, June 8 Rummage Sale drop off (main bldg./patio) 9:15am Dream Study (M1/2)

• Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior MinisterMon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

• Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant MinisterTuesday–Friday • 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

Office Hours Monday – Friday • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday – Thursday • 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.Sunday • 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The JUC CrierThis newsletter of the Jefferson

Unitarian Church is delivered electronically to all members and pledging friends. First class mail delivery is available upon request to the church office (303-279-5282; [email protected]).

Upon request, visitors may be added to the email list or receive four (4) complimentary issues, after which they may continue receiving the newsletter by notifying the church office. E-mail [email protected] to submit an article.Editor: Rona BradleyNext deadline: 3 p.m., Mon., May 25Next publication date: Mon., June 1

Sunday Morning AnnouncementsIf you would like your JUC event to be

announced via our order of service and/or weekly email notice, please submit 75 words or less to Rona Bradley ([email protected]) by Wednesday at 9 a.m. on the week you’d like your announcement to appear.

Weekly Attendance

May 10 9:15 78 RE: 28 (9 adults) 11 175 RE: 50 (15 adults) May 17 9:15 152 RE: 36 (10 adults) 11 253 RE: 40 (13 adults)Evergreen 4p 30 RE: 1 (1 adult)

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Youth

Portia Allen

Quinn Beato

Melanie Entwistle

Cadence Fisher

Paul Flora

Lily Fugita

Thorin Gates

Annie Geoghegan

Alex Granquist

Anna Jeffery

Jack Kowalski

Michael McGimsey

Geneva Schnabel

Annika Schramm

Tanner Thomas

Pearl Wilson

Parents

Whitney & Whit Allen

Laura Thompson-Beato & Kevin Beato

Laurie & Dave Entwistle

Sandra & Rick Fisher

Lynnae & Matthew Flora

Jennifer & Jef Fugita

Kristi Reeves & Rudd Gates

Jane Marsh & Brian Geoghegan

Susan Kinne & Rick Granquist

Shann & Rob Jeffery

Sarah & Dave Kowalski

Jo Grady & Mark McGimsey

Tess Schnabel

Cathi Schramm & Renee Getter

Sally Spencer-Thomas & Randy Thomas

Julia & Fred Wilson

Mentor

Paula Menten

Christian Houdelette

Tammy Smith

Wendy Wood

Chase Malhiot

Margie Biblin

Jay Wilsey

Meggin Jackson

Mike Tamburro

Rachelle Trujillo

Bill Reeves

Rob Sontag

Morgan Davies

Lynn Timble

Steve DeCaluwe

Barb Ludwig

About the Coming of Age Celebration Service

Sunday, May 24 • 1:30 p.m.

Our congregation will recognize 16 youth who have completed the Coming of Age (COA) program at a special celebration service. All are welcome to attend. COA takes youth through a process of examining their beliefs, values and spirituality, learning about Unitarian Universalism from a more mature perspective, and creating community with peers and adult mentors. We will celebrate these youth as they are presented to the congregation by their mentors ready to begin a new role within

our community. The adult mentors are JUC members who have been active and are known within the church community for at least two years, pass a background check, commit to meet with teens for several months and act as a representative of the church community. We appreciate their contributions to our youth and to the strength these relationships bring to our church.

~ COA Advisors, Sue Parilla and Debbie Klisis

Coming of Age (continued from page 3)

Child Dedication CeremonyEvergreen Campus: Sunday, June 7 • 4 p.m.

Rev. Eric Banner will dedicate our newest Unitarian Universalist children into this free faith of which we are a part, and our church will dedicate itself to them. As a community, we raise our children up in the ways of love, compassion, and justice. This is a task for all of us, not just parents and teachers. On June 7 at the Evergreen Campus, we celebrate our dedication to our children. If you are a member family with a newborn baby or have older children who have not yet been dedicated into our community, you are welcome to participate in this ceremony. Please contact Sue Parilla ([email protected]).