Minister's Message
"A leader is someone in whose presence other leaders are born." --The Rev. Nancy Bowen, Mountain Desert District Executive
"Of a good leader, when his work is done and his aim is fulfilled, the people will say, 'We did this ourselves.'" --Tao Te Ching
I have leadership on my mind because I just returned from our District's week-long Russell Lockwood Leadership School at which I had the honor to present on leadership.
It was wonderful being with people from all over the District who love their churches so much that they were willing to dedicate a full week away from their families, their work, and what could have been a vacation, to think about how to grow their leadership, their churches and our movement. I will present again next July and I hope someone from Prairie will be able to attend with me.
One of the things I found myself emphasizing is how virtually everyone who works in our churches is a leader and that there are many forms of leadership. You can be quiet or exuberant, detail-oriented or vision-oriented, child focused or adult focused, a maintainer of the status quo, or a mover and shaker. We don't always recognize and acknowledge the calm consistency of some who lead through quiet example rather than take on obvious large tasks that provide a pulpit, of sorts. Our teachers are generally the quieter kind of leader, while those who run the auction may be among our more obvious and visible leaders.
As we prepare to launch a new church year, I want everyone to consider how they can lead at Prairie. This time of year, we re-form all our committees and councils and small groups. It's a great time to join something you've been thinking about, or to try something new. Areas to consider include social justice, hospitality, set up/take down, the choir or music, worship, teaching, adult education, the Caring Circle, fundraising, new site locations, or greeting visitors and getting to know our members.
All of us are leaders, especially when we consider how our church or our religion calls us into service -- when we are moved to make a difference. This spirit of leadership, service and volunteerism is the lifeblood of our communtiy, so join in as you are able and participate. It will help to deepen your experience of Prairie and it will add back immeasurably to what we are creating together.
In Peace,
Jann
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How to reach the minister:
303-840-5928 (church number)
Jann's day off is Monday, so please only contact her on this day if it is an emergency or critical. Her sermon writing and study day is Friday.
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The Board's Message Board
As I promised in last month's newsletter, the Board worked hard this July at not working. Considering the activity level of a year ago, and our search for a new meeting location, this July was a very welcome break.
August is shaping up to be an active month, however. We'll be meeting several times during the month, including a facilitated discussion regarding some of the stories and momentum coming out of June's General Assembly, our annual Board Retreat to set the tone for the coming year, and our regularly scheduled business meeting on August 18. If you have any interest in participating or attending any of these meetings, please let me know.
Please be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend our Annual Fundraising Auction on Saturday, September 15. We are very grateful to everyone at First Universalist Church for again allowing us to use their facilities for this event.
Yours in service,
Mike
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Board Members 2007-2008
Mike Spooner,
President
Mollie Cullom,
Vice President
Amy Phillips,
Secretary
Mike Rodman,
Treasurer
Peter Faris
Maria Galloway
Cory Leddy
Eric Jorgensen
Ross Walker
Trustees-at-Large
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Prairie's Covenant
We covenant to be a welcoming and loving community,
Offering each other fellowship, sanctuary, and a joyful spirit.
We seek justice and peace in all our deeds and relationships,
And we respect and honor both the individual and the collective search
For sacred meaning and truth.
We revere and celebrate the diversity of our Earth
And are guided by the Spirit that connects all life
As we reach out to offer our best to ourselves,
Our community and our world.
(adopted April 15, 2007)
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Our Meeting Space and Mailing Address:
Most of our meetings and classes are held at the Prairie Crossing Conference Room:
11605 S. Bradbury Ranch Dr., Parker.
Please contact Jann to reserve it. Please also contact Pam Olmstead 2 weeks prior to a meeting if childcare is needed.
Our mailing address is: 17011 Lincoln Ave., #205, Parker, CO, 80134
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| Dear Member,
The new church year is gearing up! Our auction will be happening in September this year, so we need your ideas for donations now!
There are other exciting events and programs coming up, so please join us.
Thanks to everyone who participated in or attended our summer services this year. We have had great services and wonderful music, but we're also looking forward to the return of our minister on August 12.
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Sunday Services
All services are at 10:30 a.m.
August 5
"Managing Sin or Following Jesus"
The Rev. Powell Bland is a formerly UU, now ordained minister in the United Church of Christ who currently is serving as a hospice chaplain.
Is the anti-gay, pro-war, 'God wants me to be rich' stance of some popular Christian communities more a matter of what one writer calls "sin management" than seriously following Jesus? I have little doubt about that, but-using whatever words are appropriate to our own life, faith, or spiritual paths-we must ask ourselves that same question. For me, it is some of both. The Jesus who calls us to work for justice and peace might be welcome in a Unitarian Universalist or United Church of Christ congregation, but he doesn't seem like a guy we could sign up for too many committees and he just might shake the place up too-not to convert anyone to this or that brand of "Christianity" but to point toward something seen and known only when we really take our life, faith, or spiritual paths seriously - when we really walk the talk. Come share in some food for thought as we take a look at popular Christian culture, what the Bible really has to say about following Jesus, and what those ideas might mean for you, whatever your path may be.
August 12
"How Unitarian Universalists Worship"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will discuss the concepts of worship, how practicing worship together brings us closer and allows us to build our community.
August 19
"Creating Ministry Through Small Groups"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will explore how Prairie builds close friendships, deepens spirituality and provides some adult education through its Small Group Ministry program. We will intentionally re-form our program this month, start new groups and invite newcomers.
August 26
"Water Ceremony"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will lead us in this annual tradition in which we share with one another a bit of our life journeys (which may include waters collected from places you visited near and far this summer).
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Religious Education - Youth
HELP US REACH OUR GOALS!!
We are building terrific teaching teams for next years Religious Education program.
We only need one more person in each class!
Please volunteer just ONE Sunday per month - our children will really appreciate it!
HELPING HANDS TEACHER TRAINING
This year, Prairie will be teaming up with First Universalist Church for our Fall Teacher Training. Join us to learn more about religious education for children and adults. Breakfast will be provided.
WHO: Everyone interested in religious education!
WHAT: Fall Teacher Training
WHEN: August 25th 2007
8:30am-11:30am
WHERE: First Universalist Church, Denver
Please RSVP to Kristin Famula or Susan Ermisch.
SUMMER FUNSHOPS CONTINUE!
August 5th-Building houses
August 12th-Pinwheels for peace
August 19th-Card making
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Caring Circle
Our thoughts are with Phoebe Stayton, recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Happy Birthday to Joel Schneyer, Isobel Schneyer (9), Jordan Rutledge (16) and Ashley Eagan, celebrating her 1st.
Congratulations to Dave Lavinder on his new job and the marriage of his daughter.
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In this space every month, we want to remember and think about Prairie members and their families who are going through some particular difficulty. Please contact Diane Long, head of the Caring Circle, or Jann Halloran.
Needs and concerns of the Prairie community are coordinated through Prairie's Caring Circle, chaired by Diane Long. If you would like to write cards, visit people in the hospital, make telephone calls or bring dinner to families and persons as they go through life changes, please contact Diane to join the Circle. Also, if you know anyone with an illness, a death in the family or other loss, or if there is a significant anniversary or celebration, please contact Diane.
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Upcoming Meetings
All of Prairie's committees are open to members and friends and new members are always welcome!
Book Group: Thursday, August 9, 7:00 p.m. (Second Thursdays) Contact Chris Zanoni or Carole Furnish.
Circle Suppers: Circle Suppers start September 8. Contact Jenny Rodman to sign up.
Board Retreat: Saturday, August 18
Caring Circle: Wednesday, August 8, 7:00 p.m., at Prairie Crossing
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Prairie Auction
Mark your Calenders for this year's annual auction "Fiesta Fiesta"
September 15
5 - 9 p.m
First Universalist Church
4101 E. Hampden Ave., Denver
Start lining up your Auction donations now! The deadline for submitting items is approaching soon: August 29!
We will have a Fajita and Taco Bar. The festivities and silent auction start at 5 p.m. The live auction starts at 6:30.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. It's only $5 for children. There will be dessert during the live auction and entertainment by our Choir!
Look for emails with further updates. If you have any questions or want to donate items, please contact Jan Spooner.
This year, bring a friend to our best auction ever!
The members of Prairie thank you for your support.
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Sunday Morning Worship
Do you enjoy our Sunday morning services? Would you like to be a part of them by leading responsive readings?
Would you enjoy creating beautiful altars for our Sunday morning worship services?
Would you be interested in providing flowers to honor a loved one, an anniversary, a birthday?
We will be starting a new practice of having members light our chalice on Sundays and talk about what Prairie or our Unitarian Universalist way of religion means to them. We would like to collect these Chalice Stories and publish them at the end of each year, so Jann is hoping you will share your thoughts in writing as part of the process.
We are looking for readers and others interested in participating in Sunday morning worship or working on our Sunday Worship Team. Part of growing our community is to continue to create excellent worship services. There are many opportunities and possibilities for members to participate in this effort and we welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please contact Diane Long, Worship Chair, or Jann Halloran if you would like to join our team and grow the spirit of our worshipping community.
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Circle Suppers
The 2007-2008 Circle Supper season will begin again in September. For any newcomers, these are rotating dinners for 7-9 participants that give you an opportunity to get to know your fellow Prairie UUs better. They are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, September through May. Everyone brings a dish.
For both continuing participants and newcomers, please sign up for the 2007-2008 season. A sign-up form can be emailed to you or can be picked up at Prairie Crossing. Please return to Jenny Rodman.
To participate in September, please return the form by Sunday, August 26.
The first date will be Saturday, September 8. If you sign up, you will be contacted by e-mail about 2 weeks prior to the next Circle Supper date. If you want to participate that month, you will need to respond positively to Jenny by the date given. No response is necessary if you cannot participate in a given month.
Family Friendly Suppers: Again this year, we will do our best to organize family-friendly suppers for those who want them in any month that we have enough participants. Please indicate on the sign-up sheet if you prefer this type of supper and how many children you will be bringing.
Hosting: We are always in need of hosts. However, it is not necessary to host in order to participate. This year, we will try to have substitute hosts lined up for as many months as possible in case a scheduled host must cancel. Finding sufficient hosts has been our biggest challenge. Please consider volunteering to host if you possibly can.
We invite everyone-members and friends-to participate. If you have questions, please contact Jenny Rodman.
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Cloth Grocery Bags
Our new Prairie cloth grocery bags are here with an environmental statement and Prairie logo. 100% of the bag is made from 100% recycled bottles. They have triple stiched, long handles for carrying a lot of weight over your shoulder and a gussetted bottom making them easy to fill. You will not find a bag of this quality for this price anywhere! Sell them to co-workers, family, friends and neighbors. They make great gifts while helping the environment and our church. $10.00 each - see Lisa Stull at church or contact by phone or email.
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A Complaint Free World
Attention all Prairie Members!! Are you ready for a challenge? One that could change the world? We all know that change begins at home, starting with us! This is a great idea that Reverend Will Bowen from Christ Church Unity in Montana began by challenging his congregation to be more positive and stop all their bitching and moaning. They swore off complaining, criticizing and gossiping for 21 days, which is how long it takes to break a habit. He created a little purple bracelet designed as a reminder to switch from one arm to another each time you gripe about something!
It took us over 7 months to get these due to the current 6 million requests they have received from all over the world!
Check out their website to learn more. It's very motivating to see all the people and countries succeeding with this challenge! www.acomplaintfreeworld.org
See Lisa Stull to accept the challenge and receive your bracelet! It's free, all that's needed is your openness, willingness to change and commitment to make a difference!
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9th Grade Trip
Responsible Adults Wanted
Have you ever dreamed of an all expenses paid vacation to the beautiful Colorado Plateau and learn about Hopi, Navajo, and teenage cultures? Then the Front Range UU Ninth Grade Trip is for you. The Steering Committee is taking applications for responsible adults now and through August 15. The application includes a letter from you stating why you are answering the call and listing your experience with youth; a letter of recommendation from your minister, DRE, or MRE; and permission from your tripper if you have one coming on the trip.
The trip commitment includes either a Sunday morning class, or weekend retreat once a month from October through March and the trip itself for ten days in April. It is scheduled right now to be April 18-27, 2008. Check out the trip website, www.uu9thgradetrip.org and, if you have any questions, talk to a tripper, one of the many RAs from this year or past years.
THANKS!!
(Since phone numbers and email addresses for individuals are not included in newsletters, get in touch with Diane Long for contact info.)
UU 9th Grade Trip Orientations
The following parent/tripper orientation dates have been set up to prepare for the 9th Grade Trip in April of 2008. If you or your 9th grader are interested in participating on the 2008 trip, please join us at one of the scheduled orientations on your schedule and location.
Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007
12:00 @ High Plains UU Church , Colorado Springs
12:00 @ Jefferson Unitarian Church, Golden
12:30 @ 1st Universalist Church, Denver
Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007
12:15 @ Boulder Valley UU Fellowship, Lafayette
Monday, Sept. 24, 2007
7:00 P.M. @ Foothills UU Church, Fort Collins
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Habitat Lunch Volunteers Needed
On September 8th, Prairie will be providing lunch to the Habitat volunteers building at the Luna home. This is a great opportunity for those who do not wish to build to volunteer in another way. If you are interested, please contact Eric Jorgensen. More details will be forthcoming.
Prairie UU is a member of Habitat Interfaith Alliance, a group of Christian and Unitarian Universalist churches and Jewish Synagogues coming together to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, as well as build trust, understanding, and communication among our coalition. The website is at http://www.hiadenver.org/.
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Change a Light, Change the World
The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) and Colorado Interfaith Power & Light (COIP&L) are inviting you to join in the 2007 Colorado "Change a Light, Change the World" Campaign for Congregations, in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s national campaign to culminate near October 4, 2007. This campaign is designed to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of energy efficiency and conservation.
Our target is to have as many communities as possible participating this October. We invite you to use this free program as an opportunity for your faith community to practice creation care/social justice spirituality. Our shared hope is that we inspire all faiths to take a greater leadership role in positively impacting global climate change and environmental stewardship.
"Change a Light, Change the World" offers a great incentive by providing each participant one ENERGY STAR rated compact fluorescent light bulb (to personally start the process of change) and informational pamphlet with more energy saving tips and education on climate change.
Benefits of the program include:
- Save 1000 Lbs of CO2 over the lifetime of the CFL per person!
- Use 1/3 the energy of ordinary bulbs for the same illumination
- Save an average of $50 in energy costs over their lifetime per bulb
- Provide additional information on other ways individuals can save money and energy in their home
- Raise awareness about the ways we can take positive action to affect climate change
- Empower people to act from a place of faith and greater understanding
More information to come!
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Bulletin Board
Jann and Michael Halloran have an antique, upright piano (in pretty good shape!) which they would be happy to give away to someone willing to bear the expense of transporting it to their home.
The Bulletin Board is a feature open to MEMBERS ONLY and/or UU related positions. Post skills or talents you have to share, help with a job search, etc. Items will be posted for a maximum of three months. Items WILL be edited for space if necessary. Send postings to
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