The View January 2015 Sunday Services All services are held at 10 am unless otherwise noted. Sunday service topics may change without notice at the discretion of the speaker or because of other circumstances. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. January 4: Spiritual Practice as Justice Work Over the past year our guest speaker has been thinking about how Unitarian Universalists approach justice work. We can get ‘burnedout’ on the many issues that come up, feeling they are too big and too many to address. Her sermon explores how to create a practice that nourishes our spirit so that we can make our justice work part of our spiritual practiceand perhaps explore what a spiritual practice means for a Universalist Unitarian. January 11: A Clear View: How Do You Dialog About Different Religious Beliefs? As Unitarian-Universalists, how do we comport ourselves in relationships and dialog with family and friends when we run up against religious beliefs that are vastly different than our own views? How do YOU proceed with family, friends and coworkers who believe differently than you do? With intolerance, impatience, a closed or open mind, acceptance? In this service you'll see a reader's theater play about a situation that happened several years ago. This thought-provoking play, which offers touches of humor, is entitled "A Clear View" and was written by the Unitarian Universalist minister, Reverend Amanda Aikman. Ultimately this play responds to Rodney King's question, "Can't we all just get along?" Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation 882 Sunset Avenue Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 541-0000 Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation members offer this service: January 18: A Martin Luther King, Jr. Service: A Call for Holy Boldness in Today’s Justice Work Today, Unitarian Universalism demands of us a holy boldness if we are to promote justice in this nation and in the world. We cannot hold the values we proclaim, inherited from the Jews, and remain silent while innocent black and Latino men are killed by police brutality in our country, while human slavery, misery, and degradation continue at the present pace in our country. Our country’s social inequality demands “a holy boldness,” – not a quiescent compliance. As the lyrics from “Ella’s Song” lifts up “We who believe in freedom cannot rest…We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes…” demands of Unitarian Universalists that we not rest but work with a passionate holy boldness that would rouse praise even from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Inside this issue: Sunday Services 1 Sunday Afternoon Services 2 Seeds of Support 2 Service Cancellation Policy 3 Mary Ann’s Musings 3 Membership Classes 3 Threads from Rev. Jackie’s Web 4 Religious Education 5 Program The Wi$dom Path 6 Social Justice & Lovejoy Dinner 6 Prison Action Group 6 Book Club 7 Music Notes 7 Drum Circle 8 January 25: A Practice to Hold Onto Membership Corner 8 Do you have a spiritual practice – something you do that connects you to the miracle of “being here at all?” What are the benefits of having such a practice – for us and for our larger world? Our guest speaker, Rev. Joanne Giannino, invites us: “Come, let’s imagine together.” UUJAZ 8 “Vows of Love” 9 Rev. Joanne Giannino is a Unitarian Universalist minister currently serving as Interim Minister at Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Flagstaff. . “The Cosmic Walk” 9 Hill Towns of Italy 9 Our Principles 10 Memorial Tree Update 10 Congregational Dinner 10 Newsletter Deadlines 10 The View January, 2015, Page 2 Sunday Afternoon Services The Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation has developed a pilot project for a Sunday Afternoon Service. We have entitled this the “Service of Spiritual Practice” The services will be held on January 11, January 18 and January 25. They will start at 4:00 pm in our sanctuary at 882 Sunset Ave. in Prescott. Services will be experiential and will provide opportunities to explore spiritual practice together with others. The three services will be based on the Granite Peak monthly theme for January which is Justice. Our first Sunday Afternoon Service will focus on our Unitarian Universalist spiritual practice of Standing on the Side of Love. All are welcome to join us! Seeds of Support The January Seeds of Support collection will go to WEB (Women’s Empowerment Breakthrough). Since 2003, WEB has been dedicated to organizing and hosting programs that provide young women the opportunity to participate in educational and experiential activities that address social justice issues particular to women. These programs provide innovative and supportive environments where teenage girls can explore, define and achieve their goals. WEB was conceptualized in 2002 after a review of local statistics revealing that adolescent girls are facing challenges such as negative body-image, eating disorders, teenage pregnancy, sexual violence, and low self-esteem. WEB’s creation was based on the firm belief that in order for teens to articulate their boundaries and make healthy life choices, they must be supported, feel connected, and develop a strong sense of selfworth and commitment to their broader community. In the fall of 2003, WEB launched its first 3-day retreat as the result of Prescott College graduate, Courtney Osterfelt’s Senior Project. In its second year, The WEB Conference doubled in size serving over 70 girls from eight different high schools. Each year WEB grows stronger as more passionate and dedicated volunteers, community allies, and teen leaders join in the effort. The Conference takes place every September at Mingus Springs Camp on Mingus Mountain. This Seeds of Support collection will be taken the first Sunday of January - in the form of cash or checks, made payable to Granite Peak with “WEB” in the memo line. Thank you in advance for your support. Granite Peak’s Service and Other Events Cancellation Policy Please note that Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s services or other sponsored events may be cancelled during snow or other weather emergencies (when weather is bad enough that the authorities don’t want people out and about). If there is such a city/countywide emergency, and the minister and the Board of Trustees’ President deem it appropriate to cancel a service or event, if possible, the cancellation(s) will be sent out through an emergency GPUUC E-nnouncement, put on its website, and a message will be on the GPUUC’s office phone answering system. The Board encourages people to use discretion and not attend any service or event if they feel the weather conditions are not suitable for driving, regardless of whether a service or a GPUUC event had been officially cancelled. ~ The Board of Trustees The View Mary Ann’s Musings President, GPUUC I found this from Alfred Lord Tennyson: “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.” We all stand on the threshold of a new year with the opportunity to become happier with ourselves. our church community, and the larger world. Today we can commit ourselves again to transform our relationships, safeguard our planet, and model our UU values for our children, our families and our friends. We can’t do it alone so we come together in this beloved community to work together to become the changes we want to see in the world. May happiness stalk you, find you, and fill your life this New Year. Our Covenant: Love is the doctrine of this congregation, the quest for truth its sacrament and service is its prayer. To dwell together in peace, to seek knowledge in freedom, to serve others in community, thus do we covenant Pathway to Membership Course Being Offered VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the last time that this Course will be offered in time for you to officially be able to participate in the vote to call a new minister! If you or someone you have talked with is interested in becoming a member of Granite Peak, we are offering the Pathway to Membership course. The course is a requirement to become a member. It involves two classes. The first class is Saturday, January 31, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Granite Peak. It covers our American Unitarian and January, 2015, Page 3 Universalist historical roots and the ethics and morals that we covenant to affirm and promote. The second class is Thursday, February 5, 6:30 to 9 pm at Granite Peak. It covers Granite Peak’s history, its governance processes, by-laws and policies, membership expectations and it will share the many opportunities which exist to become involved in the life of congregation. However, whether or not you need to take both classes depends upon your history with Unitarian Universalism. If you are new to Unitarian Universalism (UU) you will need to take both classes. If you are a Unitarian Universalist from another UU congregation then you only need to take the Thursday evening class, though you are welcome to participate in the Saturday class too. That class is a very rich introduction to our American roots and people who have taken the Saturday course loved it! If you’re already a Granite Peak member or someone who is just interested in knowing about Unitarian and Universalism, but not interested yet in becoming a Granite Peak member, you can register for one or both classes. For those taking the course to become a member, a New Member Ceremony will take place during the Sunday, February 8 service. Pre-registration is necessary and the deadline to register is Monday, January 26. You can register at the Welcome Table in Davis Hall or email the office. Again, both classes are free and will be held at Granite Peak. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Again, if you want to be able to participate in the special Congregational meeting and vote to call a new minister in April, 2015, Granite Peak’s Bylaws say, “The right to vote at Congregational meetings shall be restricted to those persons who have been members for at least sixty (60) days.” So this is the time to take this Course as it will not be offered later in enough time to meet this requirement. “Any improving person becomes tolerant of those who hold different or even opposing views; for he finds that today he doesn’t exactly agree with his yesterday’s self. Holding no grudge against his earlier unenlightened self, how can he logically think ill of another for not agreeing with his present view. The View Threads from Rev. Jackie’s Web Rev. Jacqueline Ziegler, Interim Minister’s Column Greetings Good People, Part I I hope your holiday season was wonderful in that you had opportunities to enjoy the company of family and friends and time to relax and reflect. I look forward to seeing all of you and hearing some holiday stories. I have to say that I am excited about all of the wonderful services, programs, and activities Granite Peak has planned for the new year. Part II I realize I haven’t seen certain people at Granite Peak for some time now. I wonder why they haven’t graced their beloved community with their presence. So, I offer this message from one of my Unitarian Universalist colleagues, The Rev. Patrick O'Neill. It’s his "Annual Letter to a Missing Member." He writes: “As you probably know by now, it is not my practice as a minister to chase after anyone who happens to be absent from church for a while. Unless I hear directly that there's a problem or an illness, I assume that friends will always return to church when circumstances are right. Weekly attendance at a UU church is by no means mandatory. Of course, we hope folks will come to church as a practice, a regular part of their weekly routine. But we also know there are times when that won't happen. So when an old friend does reappear after an absence, I don't ask where you've been. I just say "Great to see you!" To be perfectly honest, in a church as large as ours, with as many people as I greet each Sunday, I can't always notice who is absent on a given week. But you may be sure that your absence is felt in our midst. This is, after all, a different place without you. As I've said before, I view church membership and participation as a cyclical thing. There will be times when the church is more or less a part of our lives. But the January, 2015, Page 4 connections do remain. The "interdependent web" that is the church continues to attract new friends and attendees each week. Oh, your place remains reserved until you tell us otherwise, you may be sure. But this fact is true also: the church is shaped and directed by those who lend it their presence. There is no status quo in a living community. If lately, for whatever reasons, you’ve been away from church, I want you to know you still have a cherished place among us. We’ve been growing and changing a bit since you were here last, as has no doubt been true for you too. It would be great to see you back among us again, and for you to meet some of the new friends who now make this church their own. We’ll keep a light in the window.” I could not have said this any better. I hope we’ll see you soon. Part III The past 18 months have been busy ones for me and for Granite Peak’s leaders. Together we’ve accomplished a number of important tasks to help pave the way for your next called minister to be able to focus his/her energy during the first year on building a relationship with the Congregation. Here are some, not all, of the tasks that have been achieved: Offered a series of very successful “Heart to Heart Gatherings” Bylaws were updated Staff meetings were instituted Job descriptions for staff members were updated Goals and objectives were set for the 2014-2015 year A Personnel Committee has been set up and has created a covenant and a number of policies and procedures, with more still be created A Lifespan Faith Development Committee has been created to support and guide the work of the Director of Lifespan Faith Development. Beyond working with Granite Peak’s leaders on important interim tasks, I’ve offered workshops and meetings to Granite Peak’s leaders that provided them with opportunities to explore, define and/or clarify their roles as well as Granite Peak’s mission and vision. The workshop “The Almost Church Revitalized” is one that I feel was very The View useful –- and I believe the Board of Trustees and other leaders who participated in it would agree. As you may realize now, I am becoming a “short timer” in that my time as your interim minister is going to come to an end in the not too distant future. However, I’ll still be working on interim tasks to help with the transition to a new minister. For example, I’ll be offering a reflection on the nature of professional ministry as well as a reflection on congregational polity. So for my remaining time with you, know that I’ll still be actively involved in helping Granite Peak prepare for its next called minister. If you’d like to have a greater sense of what I’ve done over the last 18 months, you can look at my monthly report to the Board of Trustees (and thus the members of the Congregation) called “Rev. Ziegler’s Monthly Activity Report.” You can find them on Granite Peak’s website. I do these reports so people have a better idea of the many roles and responsibilities that are involved in being a professional minister. However, I want to say right now that your new minister may not want to create such a document; indeed few ministers do. Again, I create them to let congregants know that professional ministry involves A LOT more than creating and delivering a sermon! Good people, I look forward to seeing you at Sunday services and around town. In the spirit of love, Rev. Jackie Director of Lifespan Development Corner Barbara This will be my last DLFD Corner until we begin the next congregational year with our new minister in July 2015. As I will begin student teaching in January my hours will be cut back and many responsibilities will be covered by the Lifespan Faith Development Committee. All of these years of working on my elementary education degree were never so I could leave Granite Peak and teach in a classroom, but done to lift up my job as a religious educator. I feel so fortunate to have been able to do work that I love for so long. Being Director of Lifespan Faith Development has given me the opportunity to teach and January, 2015, Page 5 nurture our children, youth and adults in their personal and our shared Unitarian Universalist values. This is meaningful work. Peace and Love. Children’s RE Sunday morning R.E. classes The topic for themed ministry in January is Justice. I am looking forward to exploring with the kids all the ways we can create justice in our lives and the larger world. Youth Group Our youth group will continue to be greeters the second Sunday of each month before their regularly scheduled meeting. Guest at Your Table –The youth will be leading the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Guest at Your Table program through the month of January. You will be given the stories of those that will be helped by this month long collection the first Sunday of January. I hope you all will contribute change (or bills) to your envelope every time you sit down to a meal and support the “guest at your table”. Environmental Problem Solving - The youth group will be doing an intensive training about Environmental Problem Solving over the next few months. With help from a grant from the EPA, through Prescott College, this training will help our youth do a presentation at this year’s Adult Faith Development Barbara 9 am forum: Join us on Sunday Jan. 4 for a 9 am forum surrounding our monthly theme of “Justice”. More details to come in the Weekly View. Hold the dates: February 7 and 28, 2015 (9 to noon) for a two part communication workshop . Conversational Covenants: The Conscious and Unconscious “Agreements” that Guide our Everyday Talk. Watch for details. The View The Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirit, and Life The Wi$dom Path: Money, Spirituality and Life” is an Adult Program to be offered on 3 consecutive Saturdays in January (17, 24 and 31) from 9:30–4:00 pm. The purpose of the program is to create a path for individual UUs to gain a deeper understanding of their past, current, and potential behaviors in relating to and using money within the context of their UU values; and the impact that has on the way they conduct their lives. This leads to an understanding of how money can become a more effective force towards creating lives of meaning and value for each of us, and toward creating positive change in our congregation and in our society. January, 2015, Page 6 the Daily Courier. Throughout all these activities he has exemplified UU values and principles. We look forward to celebrating Ron and his work at our April 18 dinner. Social Justice Reflective Service Everyone is invited to attend the Wednesday, January 7 Social Justice Reflective Service. We start at 7:00 am in the sanctuary. Our congregational theme for January is Justice, so this is a great opportunity for new folks to join this service. We gather for a moment of quiet contemplation and sharing among folks who want to deepen and strengthen their commitment to Justice in our community and our world. Along with short readings and periods of silent meditation, we can share stories, insights and observations. Come prepared to listen and be heard and to gather energy for the work of creating Justice. It is designed to be relevant to all adult congregants-embracing the wide range of economic circumstances typically found in UU congregations. Workshop leader Dan worked closely with the UUA staff in the development of this program. He will be assisted by Donna , Jo and Mike , all of whom were in the first sessions of this program last year. Register with Barbara early--space is limited and we could not accommodate all who wished to participate last year. Join Dan as he leads the following series of workshops: Saturdays 1/17, 1/24 and 1/31 from 9-4 pm. Space is limited, so please register at the Activities Table or contact the office. Social Justice Ministry Paul Social Justice Coordinator 2015 Albert Lovejoy Honoree The Social Justice Ministry Council is pleased to announce that The Albert Lovejoy honoree for 2015 is Ron Barnes. Ron will be honored for of his long-standing involvement with Social Justice issues that extend back at least 50 years. We especially noted his recent involvement in the Prescott area. This is exemplified by his development of the Prescott Area Leadership program and the Hungry Kids program. Additionally, he is a regular columnist for Prison Action Group December brought the close of our first full year of Sunday Services at the Yavapai County Juvenile Detention Center. Eight Granite Peak members and one PUFF member brought 6 services to the kids who found themselves there for various offenses. In these services we sing, talk about Unitarian Universalism and the seven principles and have a short question and answer time at the end. The questions they asked were heartfelt and moving. For all of us it was a powerful experience to be able to provide this service for these kids and believe we are making a difference by introducing them to our faith that does not judge them and encourages them to ask questions. The View January, 2015, Page 7 Our next service is scheduled for February 15, 2015. We invite other members of Granite Peak and PUFF who have the desire to make a difference in these kids’ lives to be involved in these special services. The next Prison Action Group meeting will be on January 11, 15 minutes after the service. In this meeting we will be planning our own community coach program and be setting a date for the full day free community coach training that the Yavapai Reentry Project is providing for Granite Peak members. This is in preparation for the members of the Prison Action Group to begin offering a Unitarian Universalist faith-based community of support for someone reentering Yavapai County after being incarcerated in the Arizona Department of Corrections prison system. If you are interested in participating in this program we invite you to join us at this meeting or for more information contact Hanne . Radical Tapioca Fruit Soup Literary Guild Norma Everyone who loves reading is welcome to join us for brunch and book discussion on the second Saturday of each month from 10 am-12 noon. Our location and hostess rotates each month, and the following list indicates known locations at this time. The hostess of the month will send out email reminders and directions to her home as the date approaches. For those months in which no host/hostess has been assigned, pleases watch for updates in the Weekly View or call Norma West (928-710-7618 ). January 10, 2015: Doc, Mary Russell, hosted by Norma . February 14: On Gold Mountain, Lisa See, hosted by Udelle . March 14: The Almond Picker, Simonetta Agnello Hornby, hosted by MaryAnn & Elayne. April 11: Canada, Richard Ford. Music Notes Joan To all our fellow congregational and community friends: We, the Gloria Choir, would like to extend our abundant thanks for your continued support, and encouragement for what, after many month's of hard work, we created on Saturday afternoon. Vivaldi's "Gloria" was our Christmas gift to you as well as to ourselves, and your gift to us was your obvious pride, and sincere appreciation of our collective accomplishment. The Vivaldi "Gloria" was a success far exceeding the dreams and expectations of our choir. Two hundred and sixty-six people attended the concert. Including the instrumentalists, soloists, and choir, three hundred people squeezed into the sanctuary. Wow! The free will offering yielded enough money to reimburse the musicians and soloists with several hundred dollars extra for incidental expenses. Thank you to everyone who helped make this concert such a milestone in Granite Peak's music program. The entire choir would like to thank Chris again for his dedication to this project. He extended rehearsals by thirty minutes this fall, made CDs of the music and its individual parts, continually reassured the doubters that it could be done, and was always patient in rehearsing the tricky sections over and over until everyone was comfortable with his/her part. Thanks again, Chris. In January, the choir will sing on the 4th and 18th. The View Second Monday Drum Circle Hanne Our drum circle is an open drum circle meaning we do not direct the drumming. Each person drums the rhythm that comes from inside and no experience is necessary. Those who come to our drum circle say that “Drumming excites their spirits and opens their hearts”. We invite you to come drum with us on January 12 at 6:00 pm and share in this joyous experience. We will be drumming in the Granite Peak sanctuary. All are welcome and extra drums are always available. See you there. “The spirit of the drum echoes the unity and heartbeat of Mother Earth, and the spiritual world. The call of the drum signifies a gathering of people, a prayer for peace and healing.” Membership Corner By Karen Hagberg Membership News Welcoming visitors and encouraging membership is part of your membership responsibility. We thank you for actively making visitors feel comfortable on Sundays, and encourage you to help us more directly by volunteering in the membership committee, or at the welcome table and at the Visitors’ café. Our next membership meeting will be on Monday, January 12 at 10 am. Join us! Welcome New Members In late November Granite Peak welcomed seven new members; David , Karen , Nancy & Frank , Catherine , Stephen and Eva . They are already actively involved in our congregation and we are glad they are here! Their contact info is listed in this newsletter. New Member Classes Are you or someone you know interested in joining our congregation? Membership has several steps which include attendance at two membership classes. Our next scheduled classes are Saturday, January 31, with a follow up meeting Thursday, February 5. Remember to be eligible to vote in the new minister selection you must be a member 60 days prior to elections. Please stop by the January, 2015, Page 8 welcome table or visitor’s café to sign up, or contact Rev. Ziegler. For specific information about this these classes see the article “Pathway to Membership Course Being Offered” on page 3. Visitors’ Café-–Help Wanted Located in the corner of Davis hall we now have a Visitors’ Café. This table is a place newcomers can learn more about Granite Peak, our activities, meet members, and learn more about becoming a member. We need your help! We are looking for folks to take a turn at the table, (even just once!). You get your coffee, sit at the table, and get to know visitors. We will have information pamphlets for you to share, and we will have someone sit with you your first time. This is a very important opportunity for us to welcome visitors and encourage new membership. New Welcome Table Wanted We are looking for a tall hall/pub size table to serve as the welcome table. We feel that it will be easier for visitors to step up to a taller table when they first arrive. If you have or know of such a table that we could use. Yes, we will pick it up 2015 UU Day at the Legislature, SAVE THE DATE! February 16 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm join UUJAZ and UUs from across the state at the 2015 UU Day at the Legislature. Meet and talk with our Legislators and make connections between our Arizona UU Congregations. Contact Bev for more information . UUJAZ 2015 Day at the Legislature Training Are you ready to meet our AZ legislators and join with other UUs on February 16? Attend the UUJAZ DATL Prep workshop on January 25 at about 11:45 am in the sanctuary. We’ll provide an overview of the day, explain techniques to build relationships with your legislator, and offer possible talking points on important issues facing our state. Contact Paul with any questions. The View Rev. Ziegler Is Offering Again: “A Recommitment to Vows of Love” Ceremony Before the Sunday, February 15 service, promptly at 9:15 am, Rev. Ziegler will offer a simple yet meaningful “Recommitment to Vows of Love” ceremony. This ceremony is offered to all straight or gay couples who want to reaffirm their marriage or union vows, whether they’ve been together for one or sixty years. If you’re interested in participating, let Rev. Ziegler . As this ceremony was so well-received last year and so many couples expressed wishes that she’d offer it again, Rev. Ziegler decided to do so. It is a ceremony she’s offered at all of the other congregations she’s served. The Cosmic Walk: Experience the Evolution of the Universe Through a Unique Visual and Sound Performance At 6:30 pm on Friday, February 6 (or 20) in Granite Peak’s sanctuary, Rev. Ziegler and others from the Congregation will present a profoundly unique visual and sound experience of the evolution of the Universe. It is called “The Cosmic Walk.” It starts with the Big Bang and takes you through the evolution of Earth today. The Cosmic Walk places the evolution of the Universe and Earth into a sacred and spiritual dimension for the atheist, humanist, agnostic or theist. It’s a powerful presentation that people do not forget. Note that this program is suitable for children who are able to quietly sit for the duration of the presentation. The larger Prescott community will also be invited to this free presentation. We want to let the public know that Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that believes evolution and religion are fully compatible. In conjunction with this event, for the Sunday February 8 (or 22) service Rev. Ziegler and others will offer The Evolution of the Universe as Our Origins Story: Explor- January, 2015, Page 9 ing Cosmology. The Friday evening performance and the Sunday service are perfect to bring your science-oriented friends. Watch for more information through the announcement inserts in future Orders of Service and the Weekly View. Take a Mindful Journey with UUs to the Hill Towns of Italy July 26 to August 4, 2015 Offered by: The Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Toronto, Canada. Deposits needed by February 1, 2015. Experience the enchanting hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria, view the awesome landscapes, admire the incredible art, taste the wine, enjoy fresh pasta, and all the delights this area of Italy offers us. Spend three nights in Florence, and three each in the hill towns of Siena and Assisi, staying in charming accommodation. We’ll explore Cortona, made famous by the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun,” see the Renaissance architecture designed by a humanist Pope in Pienza, meditate to Gregorian chanting at the 12th century Abby St. Antimo. The hill towns of San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montefalco, Bevagna, and Spoleto are also on our itinerary. We’ll learn each town’s story from its art, food, and inhabitants. Because we are booking a small monastery guest house accommodation, we need to make deposits by February 1, 2015. Please see the Itinerary and costs at http://nuuc.ca/ spiritual-growth/spiritual practice/mindful-journeys/ Or email [email protected] for more information. She is a member of Neighbourhood UU Congregation in Toronto, Canada. “Any improving person becomes tolerant of those who hold different or even opposing views; for he finds that today he doesn’t exactly agree with his yesterday’s self. Holding no grudge against his earlier unenlightened self, how can he logically think ill of another for not agreeing with his present view. The View Memorial Tree Update Norma If you’re new to Granite Peak or have been around awhile and are wondering what the tree sculpture adorning the wall on your right as you enter the sanctuary is, I will try to fill you in. It began several years ago when a group of folks in our congregation decided it would be nice to have a visible and attractive memorial to all our members who have died. Surviving family members, friends, and/or acquaintances obtain an application form, fill out the required information on the deceased, and submit it along with a check for $30 and a short biography of the person. An inscribed leaf, with the name and birth and death years of the deceased is made locally, and is applied to the tree. The person’s biography is added to the Memorial Binder which will be kept in the Granite Peak office for the present. My plan is to eventually purchase a simple table to be the permanent home for the book near the Memorial Tree. I will be the contact person for obtaining and processing the applications as well as providing information and answering questions; and Randy Phillips will order the leaves. Applications will also be available in the Granite Peak office. We seem to be current with the leaves we have on the tree presently, but if you notice that someone is missing please don’t hesitate to call or email me (Norma .) January, 2015, Page 10 Our Principles: Unitarian Universalists hold the Principles as strong values and moral teachings. As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.” 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Newsletter Deadlines: NOTE TUESDAY 6 am Please send all articles to: G.P. Office at [email protected] February Deadline: January 20, 2015 March Deadline: February 24 Congregational Dinner Save the Date! Saturday March 7, 2015 will be the Congregational Dinner. Granite Peak UU Congregation 882 Sunset Avenue Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 541-0000 G.P. Office at [email protected] We’re on the Web! Find us at: http://www.prescottuu.org
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