- Sky Island Unitarian Universalist Church

Everyone is Welcome at Sky Island UU

Join us for Sunday Service at SkyIslandUUC on YouTube

Working to Advance Social Justice

Beloved Conversations: Spring 2021 Register on Feb 1st, course begins March 15th Beloved Conversations curriculum developers at Meadville Lombard Theological School have responded to the needs to learn how race and ethnicity shape our personal and collective lives and practices, in a virtual format. In 2020, 93 UUs from Arizona joined 1200 UUs in participating in the first half of Beloved Conversations: Within. The first phase, Within will open for registration in February, and focuses on the internal work that each of us needs to do as we engage racial justice. This work is different for White folks and for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and will be done entirely in race-based caucuses. You do not need to have taken the Fall session to register for Spring: the two halves of Within can be taken in any order. Within work will include individual Lessons, using videos, music, and readings, accompanied by reflection prompts and suggested conversations with Critical Friends chosen by the participants; bi-weekly small group conversations in a Learning Pod; and larger, monthly, facilitated Meaning-Making Sessions on Zoom. You can expect to spend 3-5 hours each week. We hope you join us to embody racial justice as a spiritual practice, to heal the impact of racism on our lives, in order to get free together. Registration coming February 1st.

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UUJAZ

12/31 message from Janine Gelsinger

Read HERE

Website and calendar of events HERE

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Rev. Tina, and Steve Kraynak of UUCT (the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson) will facilitate the UUJAZ book group which resumes Friday, February 19 at noon.

We will consider what letter we might leave behind as a legacy by looking at 3 letters written by African Americans for the next generation. The first read is James Baldwin’s “A Letter to My Nephew” in his book The Fire Next Time.

For questions contact Rev. Tina russkirev@gmail.com or Steve Kraynak racialjustice@uuctucson.org

For more information read HERE

Wondering Wednesday at 6:00 pm:

On March 3 we will discuss the final chapter of Parker Palmer’s book about ageing, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. Starting March 10 we will discuss the UU Read for 2020-2021, Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry. As always, you do not have to have read the book or attended before to show up for a lively conversation.

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First Friday Hike; March 5, 9 am:

Updated Ft Huachuca pass needed!!!

The Friday, March 5^th hike will be in Brushy Canyon on the northwest side of the Huachuca Mountains. Most hikers will want to drive through the army post to get to the trailhead. Ft Huachuca changed its security system in November; if you have not updated your post pass since then it must be done before the hike. Everyone in each car needs a pass. Folks in Whetstone or Tombstone might consider driving to the trailhead by way of Elgin but it will add significant mileage for most hikers. Contact me if you prefer to meet at the trailhead.

Brushy Canyon is off of Lyle Canyon Road on Highway 83. We will walk a loop on a dirt road. The first quarter mile is moderately steep but should be doable for all our hikers. We will take our time with it. The remainder of the hike is relatively gentle ups and downs. There will be beautiful views that most of our members have not seen. Plan on about 2 hours and consider bringing lunch.

As always, I plan to send out an email update several days before the hike. If you are not on my regular hikers email list and want to join us please let me know and I will add you to the list. Contact Molly at mandfar@gmail.com.

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From Our Treasurer, Tricia Gerrodette

Second Collection

As I noted a few weeks ago, I think, the board has agreed to restart the Second Collection for us. For February, we will collect and donate to our local food banks. For March, the collection will be for the Emergency Assistance Fund, the EAF. Mail checks to address at bottom of newsletter, drop off check at church in Treasurer’s file folder behind office door or donate online by clicking DONATE

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Caring Corner

If you have a joy you’d like to share or a sorrow you’d like people to hear, please send an email to skyislandchurch@gmail.com

From UUA President Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray February 11

Read HERE

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2021 VIRTUAL UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. Although we give up the face-to-face interaction and hugs that are prevalent when we meet in-person, we retain our dedication to community and make our experience more accessible and more environmentally sustainable.

Registration for virtual GA 2021 is $200 per person. Financial support for registration as well as a payment plan are available. General Assembly registrants receive access to the 2021 Online Participation Portal, including live, semi-live, and on-demand video content, the virtual exhibit hall, chat features, support, and a (new!) GA mobile app. Register at uua.org/ga

Pacific Western Region Newsletter for February 25,2021 __________________________________ Pacific Western Regional Assembly February 13, 2021 This has been a difficult year and we have done many things to Love Right Through all the challenges. Join us for an afternoon of celebrating our accomplishments and challenges with sharing from spotlighted congregations. Participate in workshops exploring how the pandemic has changed the way we engage with church work, with each other, and with our communities–and how we can move forward. Hear what is happening for good in the world, and opportunities yet to come. Regional Assembly will run mid-day Saturday, opening with a lively celebration, welcoming, and congregational spotlights before a break heading into workshops or identity-based discussion groups, and back for closing worship and sendoff. Details Saturday, February 13, 2021 12 PM-5 PM Pacific/1 PM-6 PM Mountain/11 AM-4 PM Alaska/10 AM-3 PM Hawaii Cost: $60 general, $20 youth (Sliding scale available!) Register here.

*Wednesday 10AM meditations and phone in information is: HERE