The CommunitarianDocuments/news/2019/... · In his spare time Mark enjoys playing frisbee golf, table top role playing games, and Saturday morning yoga. He also helps out at Habitat

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The Communitarian Newsletter of the Community Unitarian Universalist Church

www.CommunityUU.org

June 2019

Joy and service—right here! Right now!

2819 W. Sylvester Street, Pasco, Washington

99301

Sunday Service & Religious Exploration

for Children and Youth

10:30 AM

Minister: Rev. Crystal Zerfoss

509-266-7960 [email protected]

Office:

509.545.6777 [email protected]

www.communityuu.org

www.facebook.com/

CommunityUU

June 2 "Being God's Advocate for Social Justice" Speaker: Paul Benz Paul Benz, executive director of Faith Action Network, will tell the story of how Moses was called by God to be a social justice advocate. Worship Associate: Alex Emig Musician: Fran Handy

June 9

"The Beauty in Becoming" Speaker: Rev. Crystal Zerfoss As the flower grows from bulb to blossom, so, too, do we move and transform through our lives. Join us as we celebrate the completion of our program year and honor the transition of our children. Annual CUUC Picnic to follow worship. Worship Associate: Pauline Schafer Musician: Mike and Shannon

June 16

“It's Summer Once Again!" Speaker: Worship Team Celebrate with ritual the coming Summer Solstice and the lazy, hazy days of Sum-mer once again! Worship Associate: Arrhiannon Kirkpatrick Musician: Mike and Shannon

June 23

"UUA General Assembly Worship Service" Speaker: Live Stream Join us as we gather with Unitarian Universalists across the country to experience the Sunday worship service at the 2019 General Assembly. Worship Associate: Steve Pottle

June 30

"Where Do We Go From Here?" Speaker: Rev. Crystal Zerfoss Following the charge from our annual Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly, where is our faith leading us? What are we being called to do now? Will we answer? Worship Associate: Alex Emig Musician: Ellen Fillion

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June 2019

Spotlight on Our Members

By Renee Pottle Contact Renee: [email protected]

Member Profile: Mark Painter As a long time CUUC member, Mark Painter has been involved in numerous aspects of the church administra-tion. He previously served on the Board for many years including terms as Vice President and President, has been on the Membership Committee, and was part of the committee that worked to find our current building. Currently he co-leads the Building and Grounds Team and enjoys working on and leading projects, like the on-going sign and fence project. Raised locally, Mark was heavily involved with the Methodist Church as a youth member and lay leader, both in the Tri-Cities and while at college in Pullman. However, as an adult, he was dismayed by the more conservative church doctrine, and its limiting roles for women didn’t meet the needs of his growing family. A pagan workshop piqued his interest – he liked the ideals presented - and led him to CUUC. Mark has a deep interest in social justice and appreciates our 7 principles, calling them “a good statement of my values.” He appreciates that although the congregation may have a wide divergence of views, we can talk to each other and get along civilly. And he finds CUUC a “sanctuary, for talking about values in this conservative area.” In his spare time Mark enjoys playing frisbee golf, table top role playing games, and Saturday morning yoga. He also helps out at Habitat for Humanity whenever possible. These days though, we will find Mark deeply involved in our new sign project. Although we received a small grant for the new sign, it did not cover the entire amount needed. The committee researched several options, and decided that we would erect it ourselves to save money. Much creative thinking has gone into choosing the sign, covering all safety issues during installation, and including new fencing too. Although this project should be completed soon, Mark already has another in mind. It would be nice to have better lighting around the church. New lighting will depend on budgeting of course, and volunteers to help make it happen. But with Mark spearheading the effort, we should all be seeing brighter soon.

Highlights to watch for at UUGA in June

Here are a couple of things to watch for being livestreamed from UUGA as part of General Assembly. Check them out at www.uua.org/ga .

“In Service to the Living Tradition” - Thursday, June 20th at 7:00 pm

The Ministries and Faith Development Staff Group invites you to join us at this service where we honor those ministers who have died, recognize those who have completed active service, and welcome those who have received fellowship, credentialed or certified status in the past year. Rev. Crystal’s ordination will be mentioned.

“UUGA Sunday Service” - Sunday, June 23 at 10 am

The UUGA Sunday service will be live streamed here at our CUUC service that morning. Also, you can attend the actual service in Spokane without being registered for the conference. Worshipping with thousands of other UU folks can be quite an experience.

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June 2019

Religious Education News

Hello RE families! What is Beauty? Is it merely in the eye of the beholder? Or is it something external to cultural conditions and constructs; some ephemeral, transcendent, universal truth? Keats claimed that beauty and truth were one and the same, but my poet friend Matt Guenette told me he thinks that focusing on such esoteric themes really stifles the actual production of art and tends to limit its audience to those who have had the privilege of lots of education. He prefers to ask his writing students to consider the aesthetics of a really well-made sandwich. This month as we begin our exploration of what it means as UUs to be a people of Beauty, we will leave the philosophers of aesthetics behind us in a cloud of dust, and instead try to become more mindful and aware of the many different forms of beauty that surround us. On June 2nd, we will begin our exploration with a lesson on “Beauty in the Flowers”. Elementary and Middle/High school students will have separate classes. On June 9th, we will recognize and honor the volunteer teachers and nursery caregivers who make our RE program happen during the children’s circle during worship. We will also mark the special life stage rite of passage for our students who have completed 5th grade and Kindergarten. During RE time, we will continue the festivities with a combined-class celebration There will be an intergenerational service celebrating the Summer Solstice on June 16th. We will have nursery care available, but will not hold any RE classes. We hope students will enjoy joining their families for this special ritual. June 23rd is another special Sunday. AS I’m sure many of you are aware, the UUA’s General Assembly is happening right up the road in Spokane this year. We urge those who are able to go to attend the Sunday worship at GA, and take their kids along! On the morning of the 23rd, we will be playing portions of the broadcasted service during our own worship. Nursery care will be available, but we encourage our RE-age students to come sit in the sanctuary with their families and to watch the broadcaster.. And finally, on June 30th, we’ll be holding separate Elementary and Middle/High school classes to explore beauty in nature via some extremely elegant mathematical constructs. In addition to being a busy month of 5 Sundays, June is also LGBTQIA Pride month, Juneteenth (June 19th) is a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, June 20th is World Refugees Day, and the first Saturday in June is National Trails Day. Head out with the family to enjoy the beauty of some of our local trails, or use one of the other calendar days as a the way to spark a conversation about social justice and ac-tion. In any case, take time to enjoy the roses, some sweet frozen treats, and each other. Oh, and the first RE kid who comes up to me in June and mentions the beauty of a “well made sandwich”, and knows that mine is a grilled cheddar and provolone on rosemary-cracked wheat sourdough bread, with fresh tomato slices and Dijon mustard, gets a special prize. So you might want to read this column to your kids. With love, Regina

President’s Message In May, CUUC held its annual Congregational Meeting. Among the things voted on was the new slate of board members. I would like to take this space to thank the outgoing board members – Virginia Tomlinson, Leigh Terrass, and Dion Sunderland – for their time, talent, and leadership. And a warm welcome to new board members – David Comstock (incoming president) Alisha Boyd, and Brian Kirkpatrick (members at large.) They will be starting on July 1. I said this at the Congregational Meeting, and it bears repeating. I want to thank you, the members and friends of CUUC, for your trust in me these past 3 years as president. Before I started attending CUUC, I was apprehensive – I was thinking ‘will this group of people actually live the principles?’ The answer is a resounding “Yes!!” Thank you for welcoming me into the community all those years ago and thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you as President. It was truly an honor. That said, I’m not going anywhere. This next church year, I’ll be providing back up for our in-coming Board President, David Comstock. - Alex

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June 2019

Minister’s Musings

In times like these it can be difficult to focus on beauty. With so much pain in our lives and in our world, it is possible to become overwhelmed with the enormity of it all. As we continue our strug-gle, as we rededicate ourselves to justice, as we move toward peace and reconciliation in our rela-tionships, as we make Love manifest through our words and actions, it is important that we also make space for the replenishing of spirit. This summer as you tend to your gardens, enjoy recreation in the sunshine, travel to visit relatives, and perhaps catch up on your reading, be sure to take a moment each day to open your senses to the beauty all around you – breathe in the fragrant scents, touch the slippery sand, taste the ripe fruits, listen to the scurry of animal neighbors, behold the picture of life and its abundant beauty. There is beauty all around, and as we relish each moment and live our lives with intention and Love, we simultaneously reflect back to the world the beauty within each of us. Let us commit ourselves to sharing Beauty and Love in each new moment.

Blessings, Rev. Crystal

“We may feel bitterly how little our poems can do in the face of seem-ingly out-of-control technological power and seemingly limitless corpo-rate greed, yet it has always been true that poetry can break isolation, show us to ourselves when we are outlawed or made invisible, remind us of beauty where no beauty seems possible, remind us of kinship where all is represented as separation.” - Adrienne Rich

Did you know that Census 2020 will be our 24th

United States Census! The Decennial Census counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. Counting an increasingly diverse and growing population is a massive undertaking. It requires years of plan-ning and the support of thousands of people. Ultimately, the success of the census depends on everyone’s participation. The Census Bu-reau depends on cross-sector collaborations with organizations and individuals to get people to participate. Next year we will face a unique set of challenges including (but not limited to) the transition of the census questionnaire to an online format and the addition of a citizenship ques-tion. The Tri-Cities Counts Coalition was created to address these challenges and help ensure a complete count in Benton and Franklin Counties, so if you live in these counties we could use YOUR help. For ways to get involved please reach out to: [email protected].

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June 2019

Movement Workshop Coming Up In June!

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The Communitarian

June 2019

Roy is back June 14!

Friday June 14, 2019 7:30 to 9 PM concert at CUUC. Tickets are $20 or what you can afford. Roy Zimmerman is America's premiere political satirical songwriter. He sings a compelling combination of socially conscious comedy and original music. Come on out and share an evening of laughter and fun with friends!

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June 2019

Church Notes, etc.

Fellowship & Spiritual Practice

Gentle Yoga

Weekly Gentle Yoga Classes are held at CUUC on Saturdays mornings From 9:00 -10:15 am. Join us as we explore techniques to relieve stress and ease body and mind into improved strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga mats and props are available to use or you can bring your own. Drop-ins are welcome. Classes are $15 each session or you can purchase a punch card of 10 classes for $120. You can contact Bobi Wilson at [email protected] for more information.

Women’s Happy Hour! Our Women’s Happy Hour will be held at CUUC on Friday June 14 from 5:30 to 7 pm. Bring an appetizer to share if you wish, and something to drink. Wine or juice is welcome. We will have hot water and tea available as well. Join us for some female fellowship!

CUUC Annual Piicnic

For the month of June, we will not hold a Soup or..? Sunday at CUUC on the first Sunday. Join us for the Annual Church Picnic on Sunday, June 9th and bring your favorite picnic dish to share! We will gather at Chiawana Park in Pasco (West end, big Gazebo) at noon. The park is located off Court and RD 88. There will be no coffee after the morning church service. We will provide the paperware and plasticware along with drinks and cups. Bring a lawn chair and any yard games you may have to play. There will be time set aside for those who wish to walk through the park and collect trash in a beautification cause. We hope EVERYONE can come!

Year and a Day Classes The next class in the series of classes to introduce basic paganism and the exploration of nature/earth based spirituality at CUUC continues on Saturday, June 8 at 3:00 pm The classes are open to anyone interested in learning more about nature based spirituality and are designed to give the learner a good basis to make decisions on their spiritual path. If you would like more information, contact Arrhiannon at [email protected] or call 503-936-5056 and leave her a message by voice or text. The classes are offered at no cost but donations to help cover the cost for CUUC will be gladly accepted.

Reverend Crystal’s Summer Plans Rev. Crystal will be on vacation for the month of July, and will be on Study Leave for the Month of August. If any thing comes up that you feel needs to be handled, please reach out to a board member. Thank you!

Men’s Dinner

We meet the third Friday of the month at the church. This month will be Friday, June 21 at 5:30 pm. Do not be afraid to be fashionably late! We are now primed for thought provoking debate. The world has turned, it’s time to expand the conversation and get our creative juices flowing. The topics are often "out of this world.”

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June 2019

CUUC Contacts

Minister: Rev. Crystal Zerfoss

Office Admin: Gayle Wilde

RE Education: Pauline Schafer

Board of Trustees:

President: Alex Emig

Vice President: Virginia Tomlinson

Treasurer: Denise Pitts

Secretary: Barb Tarasevich

Member-at-large: Unfilled

Member-at-large: Dion Sunderland

Member-at-large: Leigh Terrass

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Committees

Worship The Worship Committee has grown in member-ship. You may have noticed new Worship Associates and committee members Regina McConaghy, Steve Pottle and Tiffany Chadha. These members join Alex Emig, Arrhiannon Kirkpatrick, Virginia Tomlinson, and Mike Truex. Mike leads the group as we work to provide Sunday services for CUUC. We’re enjoying collaborating with our new minister on services, as well as continuing to discuss, plan, and bring in a variety of speakers throughout the year. If you have suggestions for speakers, please speak with a member of the committee. If you have questions or are interested in joining the committee, please contact Mike Truex at [email protected].

Hands & Heart The Hands and Hearts Committee would like to re-mind you that we are here to help, not just for big events where we all cry or laugh, but also for the little things as well. We are here to help you out in any way we can. You can seek us out at church (our name tags have the heart stickers) or call us up at home. (If one of us doesn't answer, keep on trying other numbers). If you know of somebody who needs looked in on, or if you want to discuss your own situation, please give us a ring.

Denise Pitts 375-6130 Jennifer Comstock 628-8638 Marla Marvin 545-1919 Gail Taff 375-3293 Ana Montenegro 818-404-2747

Buildings & Grounds The Building and Grounds Committee can always use a little help. We find joy in sharing the wealth... the wealth of our service to our CUUC home and our community of users. We are focused on the day-to-day maintenance and incremental improvement of our lovely CUUC facility. We seek new committee members to lend a hand, whether you're a crafty do-it-yourselfer or a born organizer, we would love for you to have just a small share of our joy and service through the Building and Grounds Committee. Please contact a Board Member for more information.