Minister's Message
In November, several of us attended a Pastoral Care Conference at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden. Jefferson's minister, Peter Morales, who ministers to probably close to 1,000 people, when all the children are included, told the story of greeting a man one Sunday morning, asking how he was doing, and being told, "Oh fine, except I had quadruple by-pass surgery last month."
For Peter, and for me, learning that you had quadruple by-pass surgery last month and didn't tell anyone at church is not okay. Walking with one another through the good times and the bad times is what it means to be in community. You cannot be "in" community and not share something of your life and its happenings.
Every year, I usually write a laundry list of all the times when you should call me, as your minister, or someone on our Caring Circle team -- it includes everything from someone in your family being jailed or facing a court case, to divorce, to job loss, to cancer, to the birth of a new baby.
I want to know, so I can support you and the Prairie Church wants to know, as your community, so it can support you, as well. You are not alone, as we say every Sunday morning during Candles of Community.
The problem, as I know so well, is that it's far easier for most of us to give than to receive. We have no shortage of volunteers willing to serve and care, but it's harder to convince everyone that it's okay to be needy from time to time -- to be a recipient of all that care and good will -- that it's okay to say you are hurting or that you are at a loss or that you are sad or that you are frustrated or scared.
Now this is going to sound very Zen: I cannot be a good care giver, if I cannot be a good care receiver as well, and neither can you. If you want to be a caring, loving, compassionate person, you must allow others to be caring, loving and compassionate toward you. In other words, when you are willing to receive care, not only will you receive care, but you will be giving the gift of growing your caregiver's heart and capacity to offer compassion and, of course, your own heart will grow as well.
This is how we grow community. We cannot grow the heart of our community with only all the wonderful people who want to give. We also must have all the wonderful people who are willing to receive and to share, to truly open their hearts and allow someone else in.
In this holiday season of giving and receiving, I would like to thank the Prairie community for all the prayers and gifts I and my daughters have received as we have struggled with the cancer of their father (my ex-husband) and their dream of going to Zambia to help others. You have truly helped me grow my compassionate heart for you have allowed me to receive the beautiful gift of this community.
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
The Board met on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving for our regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Carol Morrison gave us an update on the work of all of the Social Justice committees. We are glad to be able to work with the Social Justice group in helping support the Parker Food Bank during December. We also had a nice discussion related to the large turnout at our Annual Thanksgiving service on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Certainly, the number of people who attended that service, approximately 115, was a little bit higher than we are used to seeing on any given Sunday. However, I have to wonder how long it will be before that is a typical number of people attending on a regular basis. Coupled with the great work of Diane McMahan and the Membership Committee, the Board has already begun the conversation regarding our space at Prairie Crossing Elementary School.
I'd like to take this opportunity to again thank Amy Phillips Haskett for her work with the Board during the current year. Amy began the year as Board Secretary, but due to a scheduling conflict, moved into a position as At Large Trustee. Unfortunately, the scheduling conflicts have continued for Amy, and she has asked to be replaced in that role. Amy has been a tremendous asset to us on the Board, and her insight and input will be missed. We are currently discussing the opening with one of our members, and I hope to be able to announce our newest At Large Trustee in the very near future.
(Editor's note: Brendan Egan was announced as the new At Large Trustee on Sunday, December 2.)
The Board penciled in January 20th, 2008, as the tentative date for our Annual Winter Congregational Meeting. In preparation for that meeting, we will be working on the Goal Budget for the 2008 / 2009 Fiscal Year. I'll be sending a separate correspondence to all of the Committee Chairs to please let me know your Budget Requirements for the coming year. The sooner I can get that information, the better; so start thinking now about next years needs.
The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18th, at Prairie Crossing, at 7:00 p.m. As always, please let me know if you have any business that you'd like the Board to consider.
Yours in service,
Mike
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Board Members 2007-2008
Mike Spooner,
President
Mollie Cullom,
Vice President
Linda Eller,
Secretary
Mike Rodman,
Treasurer
Brendan Egan
Peter Faris
Maria Galloway
Cory Leddy
Eric Jorgensen
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 Diane Long 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,
We have lots of wonderful music and holiday traditions this month. Please join us!
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Sunday Services
All services are at 10:30 a.m.
December 2
"The Spiritual Search for Sufficiency"
As we enter fully the holiday season, the Rev. Jann Halloran will examine the ideal of sufficiency, especially as envisioned in eastern religious traditions. When do we know we have enough? What is self-sufficiency, especially in light of the global warming crisis? And how do we live in a more balanced way, accepting the sufficiency of what we have to offer and the sufficiency of what others offer us? The Prairie Choir will provide special music.
December 9
"Finding Our Voice"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will be joined by singer/song writer Judy Fjell in a special service of new music and song. Judy is the musician in residence at our district's Russell Lockwood Leadership School and she has written several songs that especially sing true for Unitarian Universalists and our way of religion. This is a not to be missed opportunity to sing and learn together with a wonderful performer.
December 16
"Children's Christmas Pageant"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will lead this annual tradition of re-telling the story of Christmas in a child-friendly way. Who will be this year's angels, Mary and Joseph, the Star? Our choir will provide special music in this service filled with holiday carols and good cheer.
December 23
"A Time of Winter Solstice"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will conduct a service on the underlying themes of winter solstice which guide so many holiday traditions throughout the world. The choir will provide special music.
All youth are invited to wear their pajamas, bring blankets and sleeping bags and curl up for the reading of The Polar Express, complete with hot chocolate and goodies.
Monday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.
"Christmas Eve Candlelight Service"
Invite your families and friends to join us for this traditional Christmas Eve service which will be filled with candlelight, Christmas carols and the spirit of the season. Our choir will provide special music.
December 30
"A Service of Meditation"
Join us for a quiet service after the busy-ness of the holidays. Prairie members will lead us in a variety of meditative practices.
Our "Change for the World" this month goes to the Parker Task Force Food Bank. Also on Sunday, December 23, and at our Christmas Eve Service, our offertories will be used to make a special contribution to them.
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Religious Education - Youth
Each month we will be profiling one of our wonderful teachers so that you can get to know them!
TEACHER PROFILE: Meet Christel Kozar
Christel Kozar, MPH
Teaches Prairie's 3rd-5th Graders
Children: Emery (9), Kori (6), Zachary (2)
Hobbies: painting, writing, reading, beading and yoga
I am a mother of three and have lived in Colorado with my husband Brett for almost 11 years. Prairie UU has really been a great place for us to learn about being spiritual as a family and expose our children to a wide range of beliefs.
Why teach Religious Education? I wanted to be a part of the RE Team at Prairie because I wanted to be really involved with what my children were learning about religion and spirituality and I have been very impressed by my RE experiences. I love the UU RE Curriculum because it teaches the children about awareness, acceptance and other cultural practices. But mostly, I have really loved seeing these children think about who they are and where they fit into the big picture.
Favorite Religious Education Experience: My favorite experience with the children was two weeks ago when we went outside and sat in the grass on a beautiful Sunday morning and we were silent together. We used all our senses to observe the beauty around us and then went indoors to write about it... and write they did! They made beautiful planets of pictures and words about what they felt. I think your children are smart and insightful and I love spending time with them!
SAFETY and FUN: Our TWO TOP Priorities
We are excited to announce that we will be hiring an additional child care provider to care for our youngest children.
This means that we will also have child care provided before the service for children of ALL ages. Please have your children play in the cafeteria before our church service-we will provide fun games and activities for them.
If your children have attended our Religious Education program more than twice, we ask that you please register them for R.E. On DECEMBER 2nd, we will have a registration table set-up during our coffee hour.
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Caring Circle
Our thoughts are with Jenny Rodman, who has had 2 surgeries in November, and is now recuperating at home.
Congratulations to Jeanenne Bragg and Dane Torbenson who traveled to China to pick up their second daughter. Clio is now a big sister!
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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!
We encourage that all classes, small groups and evening committee meetings be cancelled when there is snow or bad weather. Please check with your chair or facilitator before venturing out on a questionable evening! We will hold Sunday morning services as long as Prairie Crossing is open. When possible, cancellations also will be noted on our church phone and by email.
Board Meeting: Tuesday, December 18, 7:00 p.m., at Prairie Crossing
Book Group: Thursday, December 13, 7:00 p.m. (Second Thursdays) at Lisa Stull's home. Contact Chris Zanoni or Carole Furnish.
Building Your Own Theology: Wednesdays, December 5, 12, and 19, 7:00 p.m., Prairie Crossing
Caring Circle: Thursday, December 6, 7:00 p.m., at Prairie Crossing (First Thursdays)
Circle Suppers: Saturday, December 8. Second Saturdays. Contact Jenny Rodman for details.
Committee on Ministry: Thursday, December 13, 6:00 p.m., at Gail Barr's home
Religious Education Council: Sunday, December 9, 8:30 a.m., at Light House Café, Parker (King Soopers shopping center at Jordan and Lincoln)
Sangha Planning Meeting: Monday, January 14, 7:00 p.m., at Sue Goodhard's home
Social Justice Committee: Sunday, December 9, 12:45 at Tea Leaves in Parker
Women's Holiday Gathering: Sunday, December 16, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Barb Craig's home
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| Holiday Women's Gathering
Come all women, members, friends and friends of friends to our annual Holiday Women's Gathering!
Sunday, December 16 from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
This year Barb Craig is graciously hosting at her home in the Pinery. Bring your "best" White Elephant gift for the gift exchange, but please don't spend more than $10. Bring an appetizer, dessert, or drink to share since we are gathering over dinner time. Please RSVP to Jan Spooner and let her what you want to bring!
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Lay Ministry
The Caring Circle is sponsoring a new Lay Ministry Program for Prairie. We are looking for people who want to view their service to the church as a form of ministry. Our Lay Ministry Team will meet monthly and develop together a plan of further education which will include active listening, grief and dying counseling, the worship arts, spiritual development, non-violent communication and social justice outreach.
Lay Ministers will agree a two-year commitment in their area of interest and will be recognized by the congregation.
To learn more or if you are interested in participating, please contact Jann Halloran or Diane Long, chair of the Caring Circle.
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A Letter from Santa
Surprise a special child (or adult!) in your life with a letter from Santa Claus. Each letter is uniquely personalized with his/her name, age, pets, and accomplishments mentioned. You can even ask Santa to include a special message or reminder. Each letter is written on holiday stationery with a small gift enclosed, and the envelope comes with a North Pole "postmark" and Santa's "official" seal on embossed gold foil. If you order letters for more than one person in the household, each letter will be different.
Letters are $7.00 each. All money raised will go to Prairie. Order forms will be available on Sunday mornings. Copies may be made to give to your friends and neighbors.
Orders (and payment) must be received by Sunday, December 16 in order for the letters to arrive before Christmas.
For more information, or to order by phone or email, please contact Diane Long (Member of the Professional Association of Santa's Elves).
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Building Your Own Theology
Weather permitting, our schedule is now Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., December 5, 12, 19; (skip two Wednesdays); January 9, 23, 30 (skipping the 16th) and probably February 6. We are working toward writing a credo statement for the end, which means what "I believe." Contact Jann Halloran for more information.
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Path to Membership Class
We will hold a fun and interactive Path to Membership Class Saturday, January 19, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing. Child care will be provided and we will have a light lunch and refreshments.
The Rev. Jann Halloran leads this class with help from several leaders in the church. It's a great opportunity to get to know one another better and learn about our church and our Unitarian Universalist history.
For those who are ready, there will be an opportunity to sign our Membership Book at the end of the class, as well, and talk about the meaning of membership in our covenanted community.
Sign up during Fellowship Hour or contact Jann Halloran if you are interested in more information or attending.
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Habitat Fundraiser
Christ the King Catholic Church is again willing to host our Soup Dinner! The date will be Saturday, January 26th at 6:30 p.m. More info to follow!
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Sangha
Time flies when you are not having Sangha. We stopped meeting last Spring with a commitment to meet again in the Fall and here it is... December! So given the crazy holiday spirit, a few of us determined that meeting on Monday, January 14, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at Sue Goodhard's for a planning meeting would be best. Please join us to determine the future direction for our Sangha.
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