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Sept. 8, 2014 • office@jeffersonunitarian.org • www.jeffersonunitarian.org • Volume 2014, Issue 15

The JUC CrierThe Newsletter of the Jefferson Unitarian Church

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

Sunday, September 14 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

One Love. One Church. One Journey.presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister

Join us for Celebration Sunday as we embrace the past, look forward to the future and celebrate the unity of the present. This will be a multi-voice service with several surprises you won’t want to miss. See more details about Celebration Weekend below. Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Sandy Early.

Sunday, September 21 • 9:15 & 11 a.m. • Infant/toddler care provided.

Promises: Saying Yes, Saying Nopresented by Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister

Many of us feel called to save the world, and have a hard time saying no to all the troubles that call on us. But our time is limited, and we are all asked to make choices in our lives. Those choices often involve asking ourselves what promises we’ve already

made, and knowing that saying yes to some things means saying no to others. What are you saying yes to, and how can you say no when it’s the right thing to do? Music: Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Anne Starace.

☛ Looking ahead to… Sunday, Sept. 28: Promises to Keep presented by Rev. Wendy Williams, Senior Minister. Children ask when bargaining for some future event, Do you promise? Most of us try to keep our promises. On this Sunday in which our area UU congregations gather at the State Capitol for the annual Standing on the Side of Love service, we explore the shape-shifting impact of keeping one’s promises. Music: JUC Choir; Adam Revell, piano. Worship Associate: Gail Abbott.

JUC Evergreen Campus

Sunday, Sept. 21 • 4 p.m.

Promises: Saying Yes, Saying No

presented by Rev. Eric Banner, Assistant Minister

See description of Sept. 21 service above.

Worship services held on first and third Sundays at 4 p.m.

28628 Buffalo Park Rd. (The church up the hill from the Evergreen library)

If you wish to be informed about news regarding our Evergreen campus, please contact Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org).

One Love. One Church. One Journey.

Celebration Weekend: Saturday and Sunday, September 13 & 14

Annual Church Picnic: Saturday, Sept. 134:30 p.m. Golden Campus

Sign up to attend the picnic online (tinyurl.com/JUCPicnic) or at the Sign Up Site. Our grill team will cook up burgers and sausage to complement the wonderful homemade dishes everyone will bring. Watch for more information to come, or check out the evolving picnic details online (http://www.jeffersonunitarian.org/AllChurchPicnic).

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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: September 14.

1 Path to MembershipSaturday, September 20 • 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.

Many years ago, I heard a wonderful story. If memory serves, it came to me as a story retold from one of the many Oceanic cultures. The story goes that as soon as it becomes known that a woman is pregnant with the village’s newest member, the shaman departs on a vision quest. S/he travels into the unseen realms in order to commune with the soul that will potentially enter the child after birth. Through the vision, it is revealed who it is that this child is meant to be in the village. When the shaman returns from the journey, s/he declares to the village the nature of the child’s soul, the child’s career, and the gifts the child will offer. From that moment on, the life of that unborn child is written. The child is then raised to be the best at what it was the shaman saw in the vision.

While I haven’t been able to recall or find where I heard this story, it has been playing on my mind as I have spent time these past few weeks pondering the idea of promise, our theme for September. Promise can refer to the promises we make to others, or the promises others make to us; promises can include what we assume is ours that

Lighting the PathBeckett Coppola, Intern Minister (303-279-5282 ext. 31; beckettcoppola@jeffersonunitarian.org)

isn’t (an attitude of entitlement, for example), or things that belong to us that we have not yet claimed or taken responsibility for (privilege is an excellent example). And yet, despite knowing all of these things, I keep going to another place.

Ultimately, for me, the word promise is about something deeper, something infinitely more intimate and personal. For me promise points to the luminous potential held in every being.

Life experience can so easily cloud our deepest gifts, like a spoonful of mud stirred into a glass of water. However, here in this spiritual community, we have, every day, the great opportunity and gift of beginning the uncovering, revealing, and settling of the waters of our being. As we allow the water to clear again, we gain the possibility of stepping into our greatest potential in the world.

What are the gifts that you offer? How do they manifest in your life? How do they manifest in the lives of those who love you? And how do these gifts manifest in the lives of those whom you love? Take a moment to ponder this, perhaps even journal a few paragraphs or a few pages. If you feel moved to do so, please share your insights with me and with others in the congregation, and watch as these conversations begin to add clarity to our community.

Stand (and Sit and Pray and Sing and Worship)on the Side of Love!

9th Annual Standing on the Side of Love ServiceSunday, Sept. 28 • 10:30 a.m.

West Steps of the State Capitol (200 E. Colfax Ave.)

The Unitarian Universalist congregations of the Front Range invite people of all ages to join us in worship and song, prayer and ritual, righteous witness and bountiful joy. Celebrate recent victories in the struggle for LGBTQ equality! Recommit to ongoing, faithful work for justice in Colorado! Practice being the Beloved Community!

Contact: Kierstin Homblette (kierstin@mdduua.org).

Let the Good Times Roll! JUC’s Annual Auction: Saturday, Nov. 8Feathers, beads and masks! What more do we need to have a blast? An evening of

delectable food, great friends, and shopping for a great cause! Fun for the whole family with entertainment and childcare for kids while parents enjoy the auction. Stop by the auction table in the commons on Sundays starting Sept. 21 for donation ideas, ticket info, and volunteer opportunities. You can also contact Debbie Klisis (dklisis@gmail.com) or Darcy Stanton (darcystanton@hotmail.com) for more info.

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Join JUC’s Choirs for Children and Youth! Rehearsals begin Tuesday, Sept. 9

First project of the year: Sing and Ring! Choirs will have the opportunity to not only sing but also to play tone chimes and bells, supported by some of JUC’s expert bell ringers. We will share our music in services on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Rehearsal times: Children’s Choir (K – 3rd grade) 6:30 to 7:10 p.m.; Radiance Choir (4th – 8th grade) 7:15 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.

In order to make choir accessible for the maximum number of children throughout the year, we break our church year into four separate music projects. Each project runs for 6-8 weeks and culminates in a sharing of music in a Sunday service. Choir members are asked to register for each individual project and to commit to attending all rehearsals and performances for that given project.

To register, or for more information, please contact Sarah Billerbeck, Director of Music for Children and Youth (billerbeck@comcast.net).

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

Board Blog

It’s hard to believe summer is ending for another year. Although we may miss the

change of pace summer brings with school out, vacations planned, and schedules relaxed, it will soon be time for Celebration Weekend on September 13 & 14.

Charlie and I recently returned from a trip to Oregon. When we travel, if possible, we plan to visit a Unitarian Universalist church wherever we are on Sunday. This time we were able to attend First Unitarian Church of Portland. Rev. Tom Disrud and Marilyn Scott, our Leap of Faith partners from First Unitarian, visited JUC in February of this year. They met with JUC leadership that weekend to share First Unitarian’s way of using policy governance, and Tom was in our pulpit that Sunday. It’s always interesting to see how other UUs do church.

We planned to arrive early but with a balky GPS, we actually arrived a few minutes late and missed the Testimony (which I believe is similar to our Chalice Lighting) and the Call to Worship. Their sanctuary is on the second floor, so with Charlie still using crutches, we were even later. We were greeted warmly by one of the

greeters and she was able to seat Charlie in an area to accommodate his boot. Their service was more formal, with clergy wearing robes and using both a piano and an organ. At the end of the service the congregation was seated for the Postlude and afterwards the minister stood at the back of the sanctuary to shake hands with the congregation.

First Unitarian is a large campus with a membership of 1500. The church property covers a city block. After the service, Tom spent time with Charlie and me, showing us their campus. Their sanctuary, built in 1924, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a beautiful room with high ceilings, large arched windows, wood pews, a pipe organ, and large chancel area. It is still used for smaller events. For Sunday services they use their larger Main Street Sanctuary that seats 700 with theater type seats and a balcony. As Tom led us on our tour, he told us it was difficult for many congregants when Sunday services were moved to the larger venue, even as they realized it was impossible to accommodate everyone on Sunday mornings.

Although changes can be for the best, they can be difficult to accept. As the board plans for changes in the years ahead, we consider it important to get congregational input in defining our shared values. There will be opportunities in the next few months to participate in some values-defining exercises. They will occur at retreats, at one or more Explorations!, and at other events as we create them. Keep your eyes open for the chance to be a part of defining our core values.

JUC Board of TrusteesNext meeting: Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m.jeffersonunitarian.org/Board-of-Trustees

Second Annual Guatemalan Fiesta October 5 • 12:30-2:30 p.m. • patio

The UU Service Committee Task Force is having a celebration to raise awareness of JUC’s partnership with the indigenous people of Rabinal and Pacux and to encourage donations to the Guatemala Scholarship program. Join us for the 2nd annual Guatemalan Fiesta with a marketplace featuring Guatemalan food and drink, merchandise for sale made by our sewing partners in Rabinal, live Latin music by Thin Air, fresh produce offered by Eating Ethically Task Force, and Fair Trade coffee and chocolate.

All ages are welcome. Food is free; beer for a donation. The playground will be supervised.

Sign-up at the Sign Up Site. We need volunteers to help make this a success. Sign up for a short specific task at the UUSC table in the south commons Sundays in September. We also need canopies! If you have one we can borrow for the event, please let us know.

Contacts: Gretchen May (303-233-6113; maygwinQ@centurylink.net), Margie Robinson (303-278-0786; mcrobins@jeffco.k12.co.us), Betsy Brown (303-277-0097; wenbets@msn.com).

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Mabon Celebration: Monday, Sept. 22 • 7 p.m.Gather with us once again to turn the Wheel of the Year. Summer turns into Fall and for a brief moment we stand where light and dark are in balance. Please join us in a celebration of Mabon with gratitude and thanks. Ritual begins promptly at 7 p.m. in the chapel. Contact: Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com).

Is there a place in the modern world for religious practices that date back thousands of years? As a pagan, emotion (or the fire of belief) is central to who we are, no matter the life philosophy or specific tradition we embrace. As much as naturalists embrace objective science, the reason we do so is quite subjective. If it were not for our emotional response to nature, our communities, and the depths of our own emotions, there would be little point to Naturalistic Paganism at all.

Emotion is central to who we are as individuals and science does not nurture that aspect of our being. Whether Naturalistic Paganism, Secular Buddhism or Humanistic Judaism, the center of all these belief systems is emotion. Many modern thinkers affirm that the spiritual response to life involves not only intellectual acceptance of a set of principles, but a fully embodied life practice motivated by emotion. In other words, it is a path of head and heart.

From a Pagan Perspective...by Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com)

Yet despite the obvious importance of emotion to our daily lives and its recognition among spiritual

leaders, there is very little in modern science or philosophy that has anything to do with

emotion. To judge by modern higher learning, emotion is not central to anything. However, this

dry and stoic approach to life hasn’t always been the case. History shows that ancient philosophy was primarily

based on desire. A central question to the ancients was how to best live a life that ensured happiness.

So, if the ancient world had what the modern world is missing, perhaps we would do well to take a deeper look at why and how they made emotion central. The Stoics of Ancient Greece, as well as Confucius and Lao-Tzu of China, taught that happiness came from the emotional reconciliation to the universe, not as we wish it to be, but as it truly is... an emotional life that is in right relationship to reality. Or as Shantideva reminds us, If the world is painful, you need not wait for the world to change; all you need to do is change yourself. While this might be easier said than done, it is still a workable reminder that emotion is central to all that we do.

So how do we marry the ancient and modern ways of thinking? If we recognize that the ancient and modern worlds each hold one half of the puzzle: the former has the right approach to the subjective, the latter to the objective, we just might be able to embrace the part of us that fills with emotion and enables us to make sacrifices for the greater good and also allows us the opportunity to tap into modern science and again stand in awe of the natural world of which we are a part. What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter. If you are so inclined, please email me (celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com).

2-CONS: CONVERSATION & CONNOISSEURSNext Dinner Saturday, Sept. 27

Join the fun at our intimate, adult potluck dinner parties. Meet other JUCers and share food, wine and conversation. If you would like to attend, please email or sign up Sunday mornings through Sept. 14. About 2-Cons: The host determines the number of people who will attend his or her dinner, and contacts guests to assign a dish for each to bring, i.e. main dish, appetizer, veggie, salad, dessert, bread or wine. The host also supplies the location, table setting, coffee and tea. It’s fun to have new hosts, so please sign up to host a dinner for six or more! If you attend more than one of our dinners we will try to have you with a different group each time.

Contacts: Carol & Bob Drew (robertdrew1@msn.com; 303-422-5977), Bette & Charlie Carcano (carcano@evcohs.com; 303-670-1527).

LEAP: Science & Spirit • Next Mtg.: Sunday, Sept. 28This year, JUC’s Science and Spirit group will focus

on the topic of Life as We Know It. For the September, October and November meetings, we’ll discuss ideas and concepts from the book The Long Summer: How Climate Changed Civilization by Brian Fagan. The book jacket notes: The Long Summer illuminates for the first time the centuries-long pattern of human adaptation to the demands and challenges of an ever-changing climate – demands and challenges that are still with us today.

This book is available from area libraries (http://bit.ly/1rH5aPP) or you could buy a used copy for as low as $0.99 plus shipping (http://amzn.to/1vXoSd9). You don’t have to read the book to attend the discussion sessions.See page 7 for more information about the Science and Spirit LEAP group.

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

All-Church Project: Just NeighboringHere are some great opportunities to be part of Just

Neighboring, the all-church social justice project. Please email Jill Armstrong, SRC co-chair to sign up or get more information (jarm444@gmail.com). • Saint Superstars (formerly Reading Buddies)Lumberg Elementary (6705 W. 22nd Ave.) Provide one-on-one homework help and reading support from 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. NOTE: Training originally scheduled for Sept. 2 has been postponed; the program will start later in September. • Homeless Breakfast: Ongoing SundaysSloan’s Lake Community Church (2796 Utica St.) Donate to the food pantry or prepare and serve a hot breakfast on Sunday mornings. 50-60 people are served each Sunday. Food prep begins at 7 a.m. and breakfast is served at 9 a.m. They also put together food bags to go. Would like 2 volunteers each Sunday.• CO Senior Connections: 2nd Annual Edgewater Day of Service Senior Yard Cleanup and City-Wide Garage SaleFri., Sept. 26: Provide muscle to help seniors get ready for the City-Wide Garage Sale. 9 a.m. – noonSat., Sept. 27: Help seniors with basic fall outdoor cleanup chores. Let’s put together several JUC teams. ALL AGES are welcome. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.• Community Celebration: Sat., Oct. 11Joyride Brewing in Edgewater. Sponsored by JUC for all Reading Buddies from last year, math mentors, community garden participants, parents, teachers, community leaders and prospective JUC volunteers. Help us plan or just sign up to attend.

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

EETF Meets on 3rd Mondays • 7 to 8:30 p.m. • Next meeting: Sept. 15We encourage interested newcomers to join in and help decide what we want to focus on in the coming months.

There are always opportunities to help out with small limited tasks; no prior experience needed!

Nourishing Connections Luncheon: Sat., Sept. 20 • 12:30 p.m. (so. commons)Potluck and Beyond - Eating the WAPF (Weston A. Price) Way. Vendors and info tables: shop for local meats, eggs,

veggies and more, followed by potluck lunch and presentation. Please take advantage of this free event where first time visitors don’t bring food, they are our honored guests, child care included!

The Abundant Harvest Table: Sponsored by EETF and the All Church ProjectMany JUCers have been sharing their garden produce and flowers at the abundant harvest table, distributing fresh

zucchini, cucumbers, beans, greens, herbs and flowers after the services. The goods are free to take home; free will donations help the Sloan’s Lake Community Church in Edgewater provide their weekly homeless breakfast. Thank you!

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

. . . Green Task Force . . .

Reflections on Our Seventh PrincipleSunday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. • chapel

The presence of a single star, not to mention the universe, the Earth and life, is a miracle beyond anything in any mythology,

and with our photography we praise the Creator behind it—whatever you conceive He, She or it to be. Our style of

photography is something we call worshipping with a camera.~ Gordon and Cathy Illg, presenters

Don’t miss this incredible projected photo show with commentary, appropriate for all but the very young. Ice cream social to follow. Photographs by the Illgs are now hanging in our sanctuary! Check them out this month. Contact: Mary Richards (msrichards00@comcast.net; 303-670-8531).

Fracking Pros and Cons: an Educational ForumMonday, October 6, 7 p.m. • sanctuary

Are you having trouble finding the truth in this complex and controversial issue? Listen to both sides in a respectful and thoughtful discussion. Moderated by Paul Belanger, PhD, Paleoclimatologist, with representatives from the Sierra Club and industry.

Whistle Stop Rally: Tues., Sept. 16 • 5 p.m. Gather at JUC to carpool. 350 Colorado is organizing

this rally at Union Station to meet the People’s Climate Train and celebrate those going to NYC. Train riders will speak and there will be music, songs and more. We’re encouraging folks to wear green or blue, and we’ll distribute Earth flags and kazoos. Contacts: Peggy Gates (peggygates@live.com), Mary Richards (msrichards@aol.com).

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Pastoral CareHow JUCers Care for Each Other

We Hold in Our Hearts…❦ Pat Weed and her family, on the passing of her husband, Frank Weed, following a brief illness;

❦ Elizabeth Blue-Norton and her family, as they await testing after a hospital visit last week;

❦ Marci Mustoe, in her struggle with the effects of radiation therapy.

We Celebrate with…❦ Barb Cotts, former JUC president, as she celebrates her 90th birthday on Sept. 8;

❦ Dennis & Mary Ann Larsen, who will be honored Sept. 13 as the 2014 Eleanor Award Honorees for a lifetime achievement of service to the Jeffco Democratic Party;

❦ Bailey & Carolyn Belfor, as they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on Sept. 1;

❦ Marlene Williamson and her family, as she has received a very good prognosis following her surgery.

✻ Intro to Blue Mountain MeditationTuesdays, Sept. 9 - 30 • 7:30 to 9 p.m. • chapelWould you like your life to be more calm, centered, loving and joyful? Would you like to make more of a difference? Can a spiritual practice help? Come explore what Passage Meditation has to offer with longtime meditators who are deeply grateful for their practice. Facilitated by Annie & John Hedberg (303-279-7451).

New/Upcoming LEAP Classes

Find out more about JUC’s Lifespan Education and Adult Programs at http://jeffersonunitarian.org/Adult-Education

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.

✻ Understanding the Heart of Buddhism2nd & 4th Thursdays starting Sept. 11 • 7 p.m. • chapelPresented online by Rodney Smith, insight meditation teacher. A former Buddhist monk, he also worked in hospice care for 17 years. The author of Lessons from the Dying, Stepping Out of Self-Deception and Awakening, he founded the Seattle Insight Meditation Society, of which he is a national board member and guiding teacher. Classes will include meditation and discussion. Contact: Doug Anderson (720-474-6723; dca-crm@hotmail.com).

✻ The Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit, and Life (UUA Tapestry of Faith Program) • R6/7Sundays, Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 26, Nov. 2 • 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.How do our financial lives intersect with our religious, spiritual and community lives? How can we have a relationship with earning, spending, giving and investing that is grounded in our values? This program can be particularly relevant to young adults and families. Money consistently shows up as we plan our lives, manage debt and build intimate relationships with our partners and children. Share these adventures with your peers and incorporate UU values into your money path. Light lunch provided; child care upon prior request. Facilitators: Rev. Nadine Swahnberg, BJ & Bud Meadows (hlmeadows@comcast.net; 303-420-6157).

✻ How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk: Sundays beginning Oct. 6 • 9:15 a.m. • R6Parents, grandparents, RE teachers and others who work with children will learn how to set limits while maintaining goodwill, cope with a child’s negative feelings, express anger without hurting, engage willing cooperation, and help children become caring and responsible - in a UU context. Goals also include learning how to resolve conflicts peacefully and create an atmosphere of love and respect. All materials provided. Facilitated by Pam Bond (pbond830@gmail.com).

2014-15 SeasonAll shows 7 p.m. at JUC

$17 pre-sale / $20 day of show / $90 season tickets(New Year’s Eve: $25 in advance / $30 day of show)

Colcannon • Saturday, Oct. 4 Authentic, Joyous Irish Music

Central City Opera: Scoundrels • Saturday, Nov. 1A theatrical experience you won’t get anywhere else!

New Year’s Eve with Westbrook • Wednesday, Dec. 31Unique jazz/funk/blues ensemble

CU Buffoons • Saturday, March 21, 2015Fun-filled A Cappella

After Midnight • Saturday, May 16, 2015Time to Swing!

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!"#$%&'($)$*+,&Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education (ashleyjohnson@je�ersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x18)

Preteen Hike under the Stars

Nature’s Keepers, JUC’s outdoor environmental club for ages 9-12, will have its �rst amazing outing of the year on Sept. 27, with a night hike to Pine Valley Ranch’s antique observatory. Sign up for this unique opportunity through Je�co’s website (h�p://je�co.us/parks). Spots will �ll quickly!

�ose new to Nature’s Keepers, please contact Julia Wilson (303-886-4836; mommadivamuse@gmail.com) for details and to enroll in the club.

#"SOUPS #"

(Support of UU Parents)2nd & 4

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 �nish a cra� project in one morning? It’s time to nurture yourself with… Support Of Unitarian ParentS (SOUPS)! Contact: 5873).Monday, Oct. 14: Bring your toughest parenting questions and challenges. Feel supported, get advice and learn some new parenting tips and tools. Child care begins at 8:45 a.m. for babies to kindergartners, or older kids willing to be mentors.

Be�man & Halpin Folk Duo

West Side Live! Presents 2013-14 season begins with Stephanie Be�man & Luke Halpin, who are quickly earning a reputation for hypnotizing performances �lled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies & roof-raising instrumentals.

$17 Adult / $15 Senior / $12 Student

Tickets available at the JUC o�ce, at westsidelivepresents.org or in the commons on Sundays.

From a Pagan Perspective...by Mari Cowley (303-420-4139; celticmyst.2007@yahoo.com)

�ere are several names and myths for and about September’s full moon. �ese old myths touch profound truths within us, and though we may laugh about them because of our scienti�cally oriented world view, they remain a part of the inexplicable truths that make up our existence.

�e Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox and because of the tilt of the earth and re�ections from the atmosphere, it appears larger and more colorful than most. In the days before electricity, this bright moon allowed farmers to harvest their crops well into the night.

For neo-pagans, this moon marks the time before Samhain

when folks celebrate the bounty of summer with parties, singing, dancing and drinking. It is time to focus on

the harvest of what has been worked on all year and an appreciation of what we have. It is also a time of

going inward to look at the people we are, what we’ve experienced over the past year and where we’d like to

go in the future. Regardless of where your spirituality draws its strength

from, now is the time to focus on the abundance we are so blessed to have. It is also a time to focus on nurturing others, because it is in the nurturing of others that we gain a greater appreciation of the blessings all around us.

Are you the cra�y type? Do you make exquisite jewelry? Have a de� hand with the po�er’s wheel? Can you knit a 12-color cabled sweater vest in your sleep? Sign up to be a vendor at the 18th Annual Holiday Cra� Faire! �is year’s faire will be Friday and Saturday, December 6 – 7. Applications are available at je�ersonunitarian.org/Cra�-Faire and those from JUC members get preference through October 15. If you don’t do cra�s but still want to be involved, don’t despair! Next month we’ll start recruiting volunteers to help run the faire. Contact: Mark Paque�e (mark@markchristopherweddings.com; 720-320-2720).

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Blue Mountain Meditation Group1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Annie & John Hedberg (303-279-7451)For those practicing Eknath Easwaran’s Eight-Point Program for living a spiritual life in the everyday world. If you wish to join without the introductory course, read Passage Meditation by Easwaran and meditate 30 minutes daily for a month.

Buddhist 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. Open to all: no experience necessary. Child care is provided.

Charla! 2nd & 4th Sundays, 5 p.m. Carol Drew (303-422-5977)Discuss important topics in Spanish. Intermediate level recommended.

Dream Study2nd and 4th Mondays, 9:15 a.m. Marie Schottler (303-278-8035; mschottler@comcast.net)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. 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.Next mtg., Sept. 22: Light in August (Faulkner)

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

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

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

Non-Violent Communication 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m. Dindy Fuller (720-402-4099)Anyone who has previously taken NVC training is eligible to participate. A great way to practice and improve your skills.

Origins1st Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Lisa Rountree (lisa.rtree@gmail.com; 720-273-7511)Discuss literature exploring the origins of our religious traditions.

Poetry Group 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: Oct. 3.

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. Next mtg. Sept. 28.

Science and Spirit4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. Joe Kraus (swish@nuthingbut.net)Discuss recent discoveries and wonder together. More info on p. 4 and http://jucscienceandspirit.wordpress.com

Slow Soup Group4th Sundays, 12:30 p.m. (next mtg. Aug. 31) 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 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 forgiving and friendly audience. Receive help from other tellers, or show up as a listener. All are welcome.

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.Sept. 16 (6:30pm) Potluck and Meditation for Peace

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!

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Tuesday, Sept. 9 1:00pm MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:30pm WG: Dances of Universal Peace (chapel) 6:30pm MMG: Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm Committee on Ministry mtg. (M5) 7:00pm LEAP: Men’s Group w/Bishop (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm MMG: Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm LEAP: Blue Mtn. Meditation Intro. (sanc.)Wed., Sept. 10 6:00pm 9th Grade Trip mtg. (M1/2) 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thurs., Sept. 11 9:00am Pastoral Care Group mtg. (M1/2) 6:30pm Board of Trustees mtg. (M3/4) 7:00pm LEAP: Undertanding the Heart of Buddhism (chapel)Friday, Sept. 12 7:00pm LEAP: Bridge Group (MGR, M3/4)Sat., Sept. 13 10:30am Green TF: Citizen’s Climate Lobby (M1/2) 4:30pm Church Picnic (entire campus)

Sunday, Sept. 14 9:15/11am One Love. One Church. One Journey. 12:15pm YRP Tribe Lunch (chapel) 12:30pm YAM mtg. (R3/4)Mon., Sept. 15 3:00pm Newsletter Deadline 6:00pm MMG: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm MMG: Bell Ensemble rehearsal (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm SRC: Eating Ethically TF mtg. (M1/2) 7:00pm How JUC Works (M3/4)Tues., Sept. 16 1:00pm MMG: Thin Air (Priestley rm.) 6:00pm LEAP Group mtg. (M3/4) 6:00pm LEAP: UU Liberal Christians potluck (so. comm./patio) 6:30pm LEAP: Story Circle (R6/7) 6:30pm MMG: Children’s Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:00pm LEAP: UU Liberal Christians mtg. (Mitchell rm.) 7:00pm MMG: Radiance Choir (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm LEAP: Blue Mtn. Meditation Intro. (chapel)Wed., Sept. 17 6:15pm JUC Ringers (Priestley rm.) 7:30pm JUC Choir (sanc.)Thurs., Sept. 18 7:00pm LEAP: JUC Poetry Group (M3/4) 7:00pm SRC Meeting (M1/2) 7:30pm LEAP: Blue Mountain Meditation Group (chapel)Friday, Sept. 19 2:00pm LEAP: VAGUE Art Journaling (R6/7)Sat., Sept. 20 9:00am Path to Membership class (chapel, comm., kit.)

Sunday, Sept. 21 9:15/11am Promises: Saying Yes, Saying No 12:30pm LEAP: The Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit, and Life (R6/7) 12:30pm Green TF Meeting (M3/4) 12:30pm Ninth Grade Trip orientation (R3/4) 1:00pm LEAP: CUUPS Children’s Circle Mabon (chapel) 3:00pm MMG: Teen Vocal Ensemble (Priestley rm.) 4:00pm Evergreen Campus Worship Service 5:00pm LEAP: ¡Charla! (M3/4) 5:00pm LEAP: Buddhist Sangha Service (chapel) 7:00pm Green TF: Reflections on Our Seventh Principle (sanc.) 7:00pm LEAP: Memoirs (M1/2)Mon., Sept. 22 9:00am CURK: SOUPS (chapel, R1/2, R8) 9:15am LEAP: Dream Study (M1/2) 6:00pm LEAP: CUUPS Autumn Equinox (chapel) 6:00pm MMG: Golden Bells rehearsal (Priestley rm.)

• 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.

• Ashley Johnson, Director of Religious Education

Monday–Thursday • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Beckett Coppola, Intern MinisterMon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. • 10 a.m. - 3 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; 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., Mon., Sept. 15Next publication date: Mon., Sept. 22

Sunday Morning AnnouncementsTo have an announcement made about

your church activity, call the Worship Associate no later than Friday at noon.

• Sept. 14 Sandy Early @ 303-653-2066• Sept. 21 Anne Starace @ 812-325-7191• Sept. 28 Gail Abbott @ 303-277-9180

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

Weekly Attendance

Aug. 31 9:15 120 RE: 20 (6 adults) 11 172 RE: 24 (5 adults)

Sept. 7 9:15 139 RE: 42 (9 adults) 11 153 RE: 13 (6 adults) Evergreen 4p 27 RE: 5 (2 adults)

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JUC KNITTERS and QUUILTERS

The JUC QUUILTERS and KNITTERS make hats, quilts and blankets for the Denver Health Babies-in-Need project. They also make bags for homeless women who come to the Delores Shelter. They delivered 13 blankets and quilts and 73 hats to Denver Health, as well as 15 bags to the Delores Project, this August.

If you have any skills or desire to learn crocheting, knitting, or

making quilts or blankets for babies and would like to join our efforts, please contact Jean Decker (303-274-9872; jeandteach@q.com). We would welcome you and the items you make. Jean can give you the approximate sizes needed and any instructions you might need.

Second Wind Fund 13th Annual 5k Walk/3k RunSunday, Sept. 21 • 11:30 a.m. • Jeffco Fairgrounds

Help us build our JUC Second Wind team doing our part to support teen suicide prevention. Second Wind Fund offers suicide prevention intervention services to at-risk children and youth in the Metro area with an innovative program to match children and youth ages 19 and younger who are at risk of suicide with a licensed therapist in their local community.

JUC is an annual sponsor of this event. Sign up for the JUC team at www.secondwindfund.org or contact Patti Coe-Withington for more information (pcoewith@travelers.com; 303-596-1130).

Special Plate Collection: Sunday, September 21

Our next special plate collection will provide an opportunity to support the Community Collaboration, serving our community’s chronically homeless population. The Community Collaboration is a subcommittee of Heading Home, the committee that drafted the Plan to Address and End of Homelessness in Jefferson County. Each year, the Collaboration identifies those individuals who are the most frequent users of the county’s Severe Weather Shelter system on the coldest nights of the year. Using the housing first model, these individuals are placed in housing and then provided with services to help them succeed in coming in from the streets to live in comfort and safety. The Community Collaboration members providing services include Jefferson Center for Mental Health, the Action Center, Family Tree, Jefferson County Public Schools, Arapahoe House and Mean Street Ministries.

In addition to serving those who are most easily overlooked and forgotten, this project serves as a pilot to show how the housing first model can be used in our county to support the chronically homeless as they seek a better life. This project is sponsored by the Housing and Poverty Task Force.

Another Personhood Amendment on the Colorado Ballot!

Amendment 67 is on the ballot this November, and would have dire consequences if it passes. It would make any abortion a crime, including in cases of rape, incest and when a mother’s health is at risk. It would make pregnant women and their doctors subject to criminal investigation, including when a woman has a miscarriage. It would even restrict access to common forms of birth control. Amendment 67 goes too far.

Our UU principles call us to involvement outside our sanctuary walls. This amendment attempts to force one religious viewpoint (regarding beliefs about when life begins) upon all citizens of Colorado. It is a dangerous path away from the separation of church and state. Living into our faith means courage to have difficult conversations.

What is different about this third personhood initiative in Colorado is the tragic and compelling story of Heather Surovik, who was almost full-term in her pregnancy and was hit by a drunk driver. She survived, but her unborn son, Brady, did not. Amendment 67 is being call the Brady Amendment, or the Brady Project, in a misguided attempt to provide justice for Brady.

Research and focus groups have shown that the misleading language on the ballot results in a majority of voters supporting Amendment 67. It is CRITICAL that education be spread wide and far about the actual consequences if this is passed.

In collaboration with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights, Unitarian Universalists all over the state are working to defeat this amendment. If you are interested in helping with this initiative, please contact Ruth Rinehart (720-290-5715; ruth@threetrusts.com).

How JUC WorksMonday, Sept. 15 • 7 p.m. (M3/4)

We’ll unravel the puzzle of how JUC is structured and how various activities and things currently get done around the church. If you have them, bring questions and examples from your current church work. The goal is for you to feel informed and prepared to be an active participant in our congregation. Contact: Sue Parilla, Director of Congregational Engagement (sueparilla@jeffersonunitarian.org; 303-279-5282, x24).

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Book Tour: Todd MillerWed., September 10 • 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Columbine Unitarian Universalist Church6724 S. Webster St., Littleton

Todd Miller, author of Border Patrol Nation: Dispatches from the Front Lines of Homeland Security, has researched, written about, and worked on immigration and border issues from both sides of the U.S./Mexico divide. Border Patrol Nation uncovers in unblinking detail the insidious growth of the Border Patrol police state not only on our militarized borders but in the internal U.S. and in other first/third world interfaces.

Snacks, discussion, books for purchase and autographing will be available. For more information and directions please email cuuc@columbinechurch.org or call 303-972-1716.

Wanted: Responsible Adults for the Ninth Grade TripThe Front Range UU Ninth Grade Trip is taking applications for responsible adults (RAs) for the 2015 trip. Female

RAs are especially needed. Applications include a letter describing yourself, your reason for going on the trip and your experience with youth; and a letter of recommendation from your Director of Religious Education or a minister. If you’re a parent of a tripper, you will need his/her permission to go. Please send letters to Melinda McGann (11529 W. 59th Pl., Arvada, CO 80004 or melinda_kq@yahoo.com).

The commitment: Once a month from October – March, trippers and RAs meet for a Sunday morning class or a weekend retreat. The trip is tentatively scheduled for April 18-27, 2015. Visit http://www.uu9gt.org/ for more information.

9th Grade Trip Orientation: Sun., Sept. 21 • 12:30 to 1 p.m.Orientation for current 9th graders (10th graders who missed it last year are also welcome) and their parents.

Information, schedules and orientation materials are available online (http://www.uu9gt.org/). Contact Melinda McGann (720-560-6971; melinda_kq@yahoo.com) if you have questions.

Community Events

Roy Zimmerman ConcertSunday, Sept. 14 • 2 p.m.

First Unitarian Society of Denver (1400 Lafayette St.)

Bring your friends and join us for Roy Zimmerman’s Blue Dot Tour. An optional potluck lunch precedes the concert at 12:30 p.m. Zimmerman is a satirical songwriter in the Tom Lehrer/Phil Ochs tradition. He tours almost constantly, taking his funny songs about fracking, creationism, marijuana laws, government shutdown, same-sex marriage, guns, taxes and abstinence across the country. Admission is $18 or whatever donation you choose. Contact: Marty Dawley (303-922-2127; martydawley@yahoo.com).

Sing Out! Magazine writes, Zimmerman is a guy on the left skewering folks on the right with rapier-sharp lyrics ... underneath the caustic satire is a man who is surprisingly optimistic.

Interactive Conference for Women:Becoming Peacemakers in a Violent World

Sat., Sept. 27 • noon to 5 p.m.

Broomfield United Methodist Church545 W. 10th Ave., Broomfield

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the violence in the world, but you can make a difference!

Topics include:• Ethics of Peace and Protection• Youth Violence: Early Intervention... What Works?• Creating Your New Story as a Woman• Practicing Peacemaking: Joining with Others

The conference is free and child care is available.Contact Leandra Price (leandra.m@aol.com) or visit http://bit.ly/bumcpeacemakers to register.

Sweet16SoireeBenefitting Rainbow Alley

The Center’s Youth Program

Thursday, October 25:30 p.m. Cocktails • 6:30 p.m. Dinner

University of Denver • Governor’s BallroomDriscoll Student Center, 2055 E. Evans Ave.

Tickets: $100Tables available starting at $1,000

Please join us as we celebrate 16 years of serving over 10,000 of Colorado’s LGBTQ youth. Purchase tickets online at glbtcolorado.org/events or call 303-951-5220.

Live auction following dinner. Awards honoring the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association; Mile High Bullseye Dart League; Moises Muñoz; Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado; Lynette Schweimer; Linda Warren.