Minister's Message
"I've got people."
That's what Peter Faris said as he lit the chalice this past month, pointing out that each of us enrich the whole community by all the things we do within and outside the church.
We have so many wonderful committed volunteers at Prairie that each person can serve in the way his or her heart calls them and know that other people will be doing all the other work of the community. It's exciting to see how many teachers we have, how many set up/take down crew people we have, how many people in the choir and band, and how many serve on our committees and in elected positions -- the board, committee on ministry and nominations committee. (The Nominations Committee, by the way, is looking for new members to our elected positions and you should contact Claudia Van Buren if you are interested.)
When our members also bring and collect items for the Parker Task Force Food Bank, work on a Habitat home, serve on the Welcoming Congregation or the new Green Team -- we all have people working on poverty, housing, civil rights and the environment.
Pete's point about "having people" also includes all the things so many of us do outside the church. Many of you are involved in the social justice work of Prairie as well as being important community leaders, such as nurses, attorneys, teachers, social workers, administrators, and counselors.
As your minister, I also represent Prairie with my justice work in the larger community. As chair of the Colorado Council of Churches' Justice Commission, I am working now on a faith curriculum on immigration which will be sent to all the churches of the council's mainline protestant denominations. The Justice Commission also has received significant grants to work toward all Coloradoans receiving health care and to work against an anti-Affirmative Action initiative in the upcoming election.
I am also the president of the board of Eco-Justice Ministries which is working to build environmental coalitions in churches, and I serve on the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice which offers all-options counseling to women with unexpected pregnancies and educates ministers on how to provide pastoral care to women and families dealing with any reproductive loss.
Together, we create the interconnected web of our community through all the different ways each of us is committed to our church, to social justice and to peace and non-violence in our larger world. We also can join in heart all of our Unitarian Universalist churches in their work and all of our brothers and sisters in the larger faith community in this work. In this larger connected way, we all have lots and lots of people.
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
Congratulations to everyone associated with Prairie, as we prepare to celebrate the 9th Anniversary of Charter Sunday, which was March 14, 1999.
During our most recent Board Meeting, our Treasurer, Mike Rodman, warned us of a potential budget shortfall in this current fiscal year. As I've mentioned before, in the past we have been in the position of having to spend income from future fiscal years during the current fiscal year. As an example, during our previous fiscal year, $7,800 was received for pledges for this fiscal year, yet was spent in order to honor our obligations last year. We feel it is in Prairie's best interest that we move away from that situation, and hold the line this year. We are in the process of trying to determine the best way to make that transition. We have been in contact with some of our members and pledging friends to ask them if their current pledge needs to be adjusted, so we can have a more accurate picture of projected income. Another option is to ask you, our members and pledging friends, to consider paying the balance of your pledge for 2007 / 2008 a bit earlier than the scheduled monthly payments. And we haven't ruled out the possibility of a special fund raiser this spring to help us meet our financial commitments. Please feel free to contact me if you have concerns about this, or perhaps other ideas of how we should proceed.
Another topic that came up at our last Board Meeting had to do with the possibility of acquiring devices that may help some of our members hear the services better. Eric Jorgensen offered to research this topic, and is coordinating with one of our newer members, Rick Reid, in identifying the best options for us. I'd love to hear from anyone who is interested in how this moves forward.
Many of you have told us you would love to support us by purchasing grocery coupons, but that King Soopers is not your store of choice. Based on that feedback, and a recommendation from our Fund Raising Committee, we will soon be offering Vitamin Cottage grocery coupons for sale. We realize just about everyone likes to eat, and this is just another way where we can all support Prairie while satisfying one of the basic items in our daily routines.
I'd like to say thank you to those of you who were able to meet with our Mountain Dessert District Board and District Executive during their visit to Prairie on February 17th. We learned the District had received approximately $12,000 from the UUA based on the results of Association Sunday. When asked if we had any suggestions on how the District could utilize this money, one of our suggestions was to help the MDD churches and congregations send our leaders to the Russell Lockwood Leadership School. Jann let us know at our Board Meeting that our input was heard, and that approximately half of the money from Association Sunday will be made available in the form of scholarships to the Leadership School for those churches and congregations that send multiple people to the school. Ideally, we would hope to receive scholarships for as much as half of the tuition for an individual, have Prairie contribute one quarter of the tuition, and have the person attending pay the remaining twenty-five percent. I have heard from at least two members who are interested in attending, and would love to know who else would like to attend. Please let me know if that is something you are interested in.
The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19that Prairie Crossing, at 7:00pm. 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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Small Group Ministry Programs
Looking for a way to become involved? Try out one of our small groups or start one of your own!
Afternoon Small Group
Meets for lunch and conversation.
(Phoebe Stayton)
Book Club
Meets monthly in one another's homes to discuss a book (fiction and non-fiction) chosen by members. (Chris Zanoni)
Buddhist Sangha
Studies Buddhist teachings and meditation.
(Chris Zanoni)
Circle Suppers
Potluck dinners in one another's homes held the second Saturday of each month. All adult and Family groups; need not commit to host to participate.
(Jenny Rodman)
Exploring Spirituality
A group that meets monthly and focuses on spirituality.
(Jan Spooner)
Game Group
Meets on the third Saturday of every month to play games. Family friendly.
(Laura Simpkiss)
Music/Choir Groups
Our choir, our band and informal meetings of musicians.
(Sheldon Berrett)
Singles Group
(new) A fellowship group which will meet regularly for meals and activities.
(Rick Reid)
Small Group for Parents
Arranges childcare for members and meets in coffee shops and restaurants for conversation.
(Susan Ermisch)
Welcoming Congregation
Promotes Prairie's commitment to be a welcoming community, conducts classes and organizes participation in the Gay Pride Parade.
(Gail Barr or Chris Zanoni)
Women's Group Conversation, study and friendship for women; hosts annual holiday party.
(Jan Spooner)
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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.
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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 are looking for items related to Prairie's history - minutes from meetings, budget spreadsheets, photographs, or anything that you have kept that you would be willing to add to our archive. Please contact Diane Long.
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Sunday Services
All services are at 10:30 a.m.
March 2
"The Assault on Reason"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will explore the threat to democracy outlined in Al Gore's new book, "The Assault on Reason." Democracy is one of our key Unitarian Universalist values but it requires reasoned discourse in the public square, something which Gore sees in short supply. How can we turn this tide? The choir will provide special music.
March 9
"Values and Commitment:
Standing in Faithful Community"
Member David Lavinder will speak on the importance of our church community and the need to make a commitment to support our shared values. Dave's sermon kicks off our annual pledge drive. The Prairie Band will provide special music.
March 16
"The Prairie Dream"
The Rev. Jann Halloran, with help from members of Prairie's Committee on Ministry, will speak about developing a vision for our church. Jann will tell the 9-year story of Prairie and we will consider how everyone can participate in developing the next steps toward the future. The Prairie Choir will provide special music.
March 23
"Another Look at Easter"
The Rev. Jann Halloran will discuss the relevance and meaning of Easter for Unitarian Universalists, and our young people will decorate Easter eggs and have an egg hunt after this special service. The Prairie Band will provide special music.
March 30
Prairie member Chuck Wheeler will speak on a theme based on Oriah Mountain Dreamer's "The Invitation".
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Religious Education - Youth
TEACHER PROFILE: Janita Mann
Each month we will be profiling one of our wonderful teachers so that you can get to know them!
Janita Mann
Teaches Prairie's 6th-8th grade class
Hobbies: Cooking, Photography, Reading, Creative Writing, Spending time with my family.
I was born an Army Brat, and lived all over the country when I was very young, but Memphis, TN was home before I moved to Colorado to live happily ever after with Prince Charming 7 years ago. I worked several different, but interesting jobs before I entered nursing school at age 27 to fulfill a lifelong dream. After brief stints in Pediatric Orthopedics/Neurology and Adult Oncology, I landed in Long Term Care and that's where I've been for the last 15 years. I am also very active in the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, as well as the Colorado Coalition for Culture Change in nursing homes.
Why teach Religious Education? I believe that it is very important to instill our UU Principles into our children, and felt that since I genuinely enjoy spending time with them, that perhaps I could help to make RE a fun, positive experience.
Favorite Religious Education Experience: Every time I get to spend with the Middle School age kids is better than the last. These wonderfully diverse young people truly give back as much as I give them, and I always walk away from every experience feeling richer for having been with them.
Summer of ServUUs
This summer, our children will build social justice in our community and in the state of Colorado by giving their time to several Service Projects. Our usual summer fun shop program will become a time for our children and youth to develop their sense of caring and giving by helping the environment, wildlife, working for peace, building houses, etc. If you are interested in leading a service project (we can help with ideas!), or if you have suggestions for fun work projects for our children, please sign up after church on Sundays throughout March or email Kristin Famula.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RETREAT
Our Religious Education council will be hosting a half-day RE retreat to celebrate our program growth and develop plans for next year. If you are interested in attending our retreat, please contact Susan Ermisch.
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Caring Circle
Many thanks to Angie Egan, who has agreed to take over as chair of the Caring Circle!
Happy Birthday to those that have celebrated in the last month: Connie Berrett, Anna Hoard (10), Mac (7) & Skye (9) Konrad, Tavis & Myles McMahan (12), Erik Peterson (10), and Kerry Romano.
Our thoughts and get well wishes go out to Karen Bacon, recovering from foot surgery, Aisling Kyne, finally diagnosed after 7 1/2 months of illness, and Tian Torbenson, who had surgery on her hand.
Congratulations to those who have gotten new jobs: MaryAnne Slick and Amy Phillips.
Welcome to Alan Jones, husband of new member Margaux, who has joined the Prairie Band.
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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 Angie Egan, head of the Caring Circle, or Jann Halloran.
Needs and concerns of the Prairie community are coordinated through Prairie's Caring Circle, chaired by Angie Egan. 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 Angie 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 Angie.
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Upcoming Meetings
All of Prairie's committees are open to members and friends and new members are always welcome!
Most of Prairie's committee meetings and classes will be canceled if there is inclement weather conditions, especially icy roads that often develop in the evenings or visibility problems. Please double check with the committee chair, the minister or your facilitator when in doubt. When possible, cancellations also will be noted on our church phone and by email.
Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Study Group: Wednesdays in March, starting March 5, 7:00 p.m., Prairie Crossing
Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 18, 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing
Book Group: Thursday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. (Second Thursdays). The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. Host - Connie Berrett. Contact Chris Zanoni or Carole Furnish.
Buddhist Group: (First Wednesdays) at the home of Sue Goodhard. Contact Chris Zanoni.
Caring Circle: Thursday, March 27, 6:30 p.m., at Prairie Crossing (Fourth Thursdays)
Circle Suppers: Second Saturdays. Contact Jenny Rodman for details.
Committee on Ministry: Thursday, March 20, 6:00 p.m., Gail Barr's home
Green Team: Monday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing
Lay Ministry: Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. at Prairie Crossing (First Thursdays)
Path to Membership Class: Saturday, April 12, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Prairie Crossing
Pledge Team: Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m., Jan Spooner's home
"Prairie Futures": Sundays, April 13 & 20, after church, Prairie Crossing
Religious Education Council: Thursday, , 6:30 p.m., at Susan Ermisch's home
Social Justice Committee: Sunday, March 9, 12:45 at Tea Leaves in Parker
World Religions Class: Starts Wednesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m., Prairie Crossing
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Green Team
Please join the Green Team for a planning meeting on Monday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing. We will be discussing taking this group in a new direction and planning upcoming events. All are welcome. Please contact Brian Russell.
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Anti-Racism & Multiculturalism Study Group
Our Social Justice Council is sponsoring a conversation/ study group on Wednesdays in March, beginning March 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing. This new group will read and discuss together the issues of racism and classism in our society and how we can, as a religious people, effect change. Prairie also will begin preparing to join with a district-wide Unitarian Universalist effort to address these issues in the larger community. Everyone is invited to be part of this conversation. Contact Jann for more information.
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World Religions Class
The Rev. Jann Halloran will offer a class on world religions on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. beginning April 9 at Prairie Crossing. This is a fun and informative class which covers Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism and Confucianism as well as a look at the development of religions and indigenous religions. Jann uses Huston Smith's book, World Religions, as the text for the class and recommends it as reading for those who wish to do so. Child care will be available. Please contact Jann or look for the sign up sheet during Fellowship Hour.
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Prairie's Future
Save the Date! Please plan on attending one (and only one) "Prairie Futures" sessions after church on either Sunday April 13th or 20th (count on 1 - 1 1/2 hours). Childcare will be provided. You are needed to be part of what we hope to be deep and meaningful conversations about what our mission (highest purpose) should be and where we want to go from here. The Committee on Ministry will then take your input and work to craft statements of our mission and vision and put these to a vote at our congregational meeting this spring. These will serve as the basis for our Strategic Plan work program in late summer/early fall. Questions? Contact Jennifer Drybread. Look forward to seeing you there!
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New Habitat Build & Golf Fundraiser
Starting on April 23, Habitat Interfaith Alliance will be starting their 7th home at 2920 S. Bryant Street in Denver for Vanessa and Amber Guillen. Vanessa is a single mother and they currently live in a 2-bedroom apartment in Thornton, where Vanessa has worked as a CNA for PASCO since 2005. Amber has hydraencephaly, and requires a wheelchair and constant care. The family lives on the second floor in a building with no elevator. Vanessa has to carry Amber and her wheelchair up and down 2 flights of stairs each time they leave the home. Her neighborhood sees a lot of police activity, and there are Vanessa is afraid of some of her neighbors who hang out in front of the building.
Also, the 4th Annual Habitat for Humanity Invitational will take place at the Murphy Creek Golf Course in Aurora on June 16. Sponsors are being sought for the event, as well as players for the tournament. For more information, please contact Eric Jorgensen.
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Social Justice Council
Our "Change for the World" collected during the month of December for the Parker Food Bank raised $950.
Jan Spooner and Kathy Heenan participated in the MLK March in January.
The Soup Dinner fundraiser for Habitat Interfaith Alliance raised $3,800 and 28 Prairie members attended to witness Lisa and Janita's cooking award! Congratulations!
We are excited to introduce Hunger for Justice as the recipient of March's "Change for the World".
Hunger for Justice: Interfaith Voices Against Poverty
seeks to bring together faith communities who have a unique voice in the struggle for justice in today's world.
They work on public policy issues related to affordable housing, criminal justice, healthcare, hunger and welfare.
Stay tuned to how you can get involved.
And please join us the second Sunday of every month for the Social Justice Council meeting, 12:45 p.m. at Tea Leaves in Parker.
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| Path to Membership Class
Our next Path to Membership Class will be Saturday morning, April 12, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Prairie Crossing. This is a fun and interactive class which allows people to tell a bit of their stories, get to know others at Prairie and learn more about our church and religious faith. Childcare is available upon request and a light lunch will be provided. Sign up during Fellowship Hour or contact Jann for more information.
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Great Decisions
There is a great interest this year in generating civic discourse on the a variety of issues. With this in mind, I am interested in forming a small group centered around a program called Great Decisions.
Great Decisions
This program is designed to have a nonpartisan discussion about international items. The idea would be to meet once a month to discuss each issue that is outlined in the Great Decisions program. There are about 8 issues so this would be a short term commitment. Some of these include: Iraq end-game, talking to our enemies, U.S.-China trade policy, and private philanthropy.
The cost would be $18 for each person to purchase their own discussion guide.
Those of us who are interested would decide on a spot to meet and it may be rotating depending on who is interested and where we live.
The goal is to have our first meeting around during the first part of April. Please contact Amy Phillips if you are interested.
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Game Night
We are forming a new group that will meet on the third Saturday of every month to play games. The first game night will be held Saturday, March 15
at the Simpkiss House.
Please contact Laura Simpkiss for more information or to RSVP with total number of adults and children that will be attending. Please bring food to share, we will provide drinks.
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Art for Sale
Prairie member Phoebe Stayton has 6 paintings in the Parker Art Guild exhibit at the Main Street Center. Three are framed and three are unframed but matted. All proceeds from sales will go to our church. The exhibit ends March 26.
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| Women Gathering Spirit
Women Gathering Spirit: Empowering Women to Heal Ourselves and The Earth is a women's spirituality
conference co-sponsored by the Mountain Desert District-Justice Ministries, the Denver-Boulder Cluster, the First Unitarian Society of Denver and the Jefferson Unitarian Church of Golden. This conference will be held on Saturday, March 8th at Jefferson Unitarian Church from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
First is a panel discussion about the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of being a total woman. Twelve dynamic spirit-centered women present eleven afternoon workshops. Topics include Spirit Weaving, Womanyst Spirituality (for women of color), a Medicine Walk, Handless Maiden: From Helplessness to Creative Empowerment, Laughter Yoga, among others. Refresh yourself in the Red Tent, a round, pillowed room with an altar for quiet reflection beneath stained glass windows.
The conference offers a talented henna artist. Use her intricate designs or your imagination! Want more? Don't miss our musical and dance presentations.
The cost is $50. Registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Childcare will be provided. Please call to let us know how many children will need care. Some scholarships are available. Home hospitality may also be available.
The conference was planned by Unitarian Universalist women of Front Range area churches in the Mountain Desert District. Jefferson Unitarian Church is located at 14350 W. 32nd Ave., Golden, just one mile west of I-70 at the Youngfield exit. Explore, learn, relax and heal your spirit with us!
For information call Virginia Savage in Greeley on 970-978-1728, or e-mail her at
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Men's Renewal Weekend
First Universalist (Denver) Men is holding its fourth annual Men's Renewal Weekend, April 25-27 in Allenspark and we'd love to have men from other district churches join us.
Join First Universalist Men for a weekend that will focus on exploring, honoring and understanding our father figures. We will provide activities and ceremonies
designed to foster reflection, authentic sharing, friendship, and a sense of mystery and wonderment. There will be time for interaction, solitude, recreation and relaxation in a safe, supportive community of brothers. You need not be a member of First Universalist Church to participate.
Invite your fathers, grandfathers or adult sons.
Please Register for Early-Bird Discount by Sunday, March 23rd. Space is Limited!
More information and registration form here.
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