October 6 The Hidden Wisdom of Peru with Julie Loar (rescheduled from Sept) Peru is a magical place of spellbinding beauty from mountains to beaches and rainforest to lakes. Peru has been home to many ancient cultures and has rich traditions. Some believe certain aspects of Peru may be a legacy from the mythical land of Lemuria. Detailed maps of the lost continents Mu and Atlantis were found on stone tablets from Pre-Inca, Peru, by Dr. Javier Cabrera, engraved in stone and photographed by Robert Charroux. Like Santa Fe, the blended cultural influences are strongly felt. The indigenous culture is strong in the country and mountains, and its power and symbolism vibrate through the ancient landscape. Julie Loar’s Power Point presentation will include slides of pyramids in Lima, Sacsayhuaman stone monoliths in Cusco area; The Sacred Valley of the Incas – Ollantayambo fortress; Macchu Pichu, one of the new 7 wonders of the world; Lake Titicaca and the Uros Islands – spongy reeds that are made into floating islands, boats and houses. She will also discuss the Nazca Lines – amazing animal shapes only visible from above—and the shamanic medicines of San Pedro and Ayahuasca.

October 2019 Sunday Programs

We are a caring, inclusive Fellowship

dedicated to spiritual growth, justice and serving the needs of

our larger community.

As a Welcoming Congregation, we invite

everyone to share in our faith community. We cherish diversity

and foster a safe environment for all.

Julie has a BS in Psychology, has done postgraduate work, and has been certified in numerous professional training and development programs. She was a Human Resources executive in two major corporations, and an independent training consultant, working with large companies. She has studied and taught Astrology, Tarot, mythology and symbolism for more than forty years. October 13 Hopi Cosmogony with Judith Jubb The Hopi People have lived as an agrarian culture in the Southwestern United States for thousands of years. The village of Old Oraibi on Third Mesa, Hopi Arizona is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America as determined by archaeologists. In this talk Judith Jubb will speak from her life-long interest in Native American peoples and her extensive work with the tribes. Using natural talents in dowsing for water and buried artifacts, she has helped to reclaim Indian lands in Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona, as well as a burial ground on Vancouver Island, BC. The Hopi are of particular interest to her, and in this talk, she will speak of their cosmology, seasonal festivals, initiations, their trademark crafts, communal life, their relationship with Mother Earth, and how they navigate in the modern world. Ancient peoples such as the Anasazi, the series of migrations worldwide for thousands of years, and a magical view of the Universe and life on Earth will be shared. All are welcome.

Julie Loar serves on the Steering Committee and is the multiple award-winning author of six books and dozens of articles. Goddesses For Every Day: Exploring the Wisdom & Power of the Divine Feminine Around the World, has won three national awards. Her popular astrology feature, which also won first place in a national writing contest, appears in ATLANTIS RISING magazine, and she has been a featured contributor on John Edward’s web site InfiniteQuest.com where she had her own internet TV show. Her blog is featured on the global site Satiama. Her newest project is the board game Quintangled, created on the universal themes of myth and archetypes. She has traveled to sacred sites around the world, researching the material for her books and teachings.

Judith Jubb studied Art History at the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore and European Illuminated Monastic manuscripts in Colorado Springs. Her professional career has been as an art and estate appraiser. Judith is the founder of The Metempyrion Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit charity. She is a published author and known artist.

October 20, 27

Pastor’s Invitation

From Pastor Dean Cerny

dean.cerny@gmail.com At our annual picnic, I brought up the “purpose” question for PUUF. I invited those present to consider for discussion the question, “Why do we exist?” This is called the purpose question. What is our purpose for existing? The purpose question is the most basic question we can ask of ourselves and the organizations to which we belong. I told those present that it has been my experience that UU’s take more pride in defining themselves by what they are not, rather than by what they are. I asked them to consider these words by Tom Shcade, written for UU World: “In the middle of the twentieth century, when contemporary Unitarian Universalism was formed, our public theology was shaped by our resistance to the public civic Christianity of the day... We believed in ‘deeds not creeds’ and in building heaven on Earth and in ‘social action.’ We were militants about the separation of church and state. We were increasingly drawn toward an oppositional stance in society. On a theological level, we were quite content to be sure of what we didn’t believe and much more vague about what we did believe.” After some discussion that centered upon the value of belonging to a community - a community that might meet our spiritual needs - I offered my thoughts on what might be our “purpose” for existing as PUUF. I was asked to share these thoughts with you in this month’s newsletter. Initially, my random thoughts went along these lines of reasoning. We exist because we need one another, we need to belong, we want connection, we want to experience the worth and dignity inherent in life. And then, I read this article about Disney. Their purpose statement, created in 1954, one year before Walter and Roy’s Disneyland opened, was this simple statement: We exist to create happiness. I liked the simplicity. So, keep it simple, I told myself. And here is what I came up with – We exist to foster a community of compassion.

The services of October 20 and 27 will be led by Pastor Dean. Please check the Preview section of the Pagosa Sun or on-line at pagosadailypost.com under the Community tab the week prior to the Sunday service for details.

From this single focus of fostering compassion, our mission then answers what we do and for whom and how we do it. The purpose of PUUF is to foster a community of compassion wherein we are: -of service to others -a refuge for the weary and persecuted -a sanctuary, a place of healing for the broken -a champion of social justice and equality for all people -a force for social action and climate justice -a source of empowerment for the disenfranchised and marginalized in the world -a matrix of diversity and inclusiveness in race, class and spiritual ideologies -a well-spring of spiritual longing and seeking; a place for spiritual inquiry, curiosity, discovery, growth, and change This list is neither definitive nor exhaustive. Every time I go over the material, I add or subtract some word or phrase. It seems to be an endless process. I read somewhere that this is how it is. You cannot fulfill a purpose. It is an effort forever pursued but never realized. With that in mind, let this statement of purpose and mission serve us well as our point of departure for future discussion and direction. Soup & Bread Fellowship In recognition of the darker months ahead we gather to brighten one another’s day through a simple meal of soup and bread on Wednesday evening, October 16, at 5:30 p.m. This gathering is an opportunity to create compassionate community through the communion of food. We will have sign-ups for two soup entrees and two bread offerings. All are welcome to bring something sweet to share for dessert. Coffee and tea will be provided. As always, you are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend along to this gathering. Pastor Availability I invite everyone and anyone for casual conversation and fellowship over lunch at the Pagosa Senior Center (450 Hot Springs Boulevard) on Tuesday, October 22. Let’s plan to meet there around 11:45 a.m. Please call the Senior Center (264-2167) on the day before (leave a message) to let them know who you are and that you will be there for lunch on Tuesday. Lunch is $4 for folks over 60. If you desire to meet with me one on one, please call (971) 731-7900 and leave a message, or e-mail me at dean.cerny@gmail.com in order to set up a time to visit. In an emergency, please text me at (435) 819-0206 (be certain to identify yourself in the text message).

Loaves and Fishes, October 24

PUUF Calendar

Announcements

Children’s Religious Exploration

Children's Religious Exploration will be offered on the 3rd and 4th Sundays during the school year 2019-2020, Sept 2019- May 2020. Anna Ramirez will be available for any children who come to the service and are interested in participating. It will be a drop-in program - easy to engage in whether you come once or every time. The purpose is to make our fellowship welcoming for families with kids. We will do lessons, stories and activities, centered on UU principles. Please feel free to invite and welcome families!

This month PUUF is the sponsoring organization for Loaves and Fishes. Three volunteers are needed on the 24th at 8:30 AM to set up tables and chairs, to set the tables, and to make the salad. Volunteer servers are needed starting at 10:45 AM. Three volunteers are needed in the kitchen the day before (Wed, the 23rd at 9:00 AM) to help prepare the meal. Please contact Connie Bell at 817-996-3992 or conniejbell@gmail.com to volunteer. There will be a sign-up sheet in the coffee area at PUUF.

Please note that the PUUF Calendar of Events will no longer be included in this newsletter due to the difficulty of keeping it synchronized with the on-line calendar. You can reference the most up-to-date information on pagosauu.org under the Programs tab. There will continue to be a hardcopy calendar insert in your hymnals which you are welcome to take home.

Root is a veteran, a naturalist and the founder of Alpine Analytics. He has authored a strategic vision for a viable American future, which identifies a healthy environment as a top priority. A treasure trove of data relating to climate issues can be found by searching for Alpine Analytics. As a long time resident of Durango, he has particular interest in the environmental impacts of climate change on this western side of Colorado. He would welcome a carbon fee/dividend and a shift away from fossil fuels. We expect a lively discussion after his 30-minute presentation. Helping Refugees An update from Joan Ward: As I talk to the two contacts from Albuquerque and Las Cruces, what they need changes over time. If you want to donate something to send to them, please call or email me first to see what the current needs are. Generally, lighter, smaller items would be good to send. Even better, whatever the cost might be for what you might buy, you could do a Walmart or Visa gift card instead for the same amount. This would allow these groups to get what is needed at the time. You can contact me at 970-382-1925 or joanyward@gmail.com. For Kaze Gadway in Albuquerque, we are looking for people who go to Albuquerque who would be willing to take items to her. For the Border Servant Corps in Las Cruces, we are going to mail items, so it would be best to pick lighter compact items, which are highlighted. You can bring items to PUUF on Sundays or call me at 970-382-1925 to drop things off at my townhouse. Kaze Gadway, Albuquerque: I collect Used Items as well as new. Everything needs to be washed and clean. At the present time, we can take: old shoes, backpacks, water bottles, t-shirts (small and medium sizes), baseball caps, crew socks, small plush toys, Spanish books for children. (We have enough children's clothes for now).

Social Action Committee

Join the PUUF Social (and Climate) Action Committee for a special climate presentation. There is a coalition of UU task forces addressing the problems of rising CO2 levels, ocean pollution, increasing sea levels and higher temperatures. They are gathering in Washington DC in mid-September to explore these issues. While we are not traveling to Washington, we want to bring the word to those in Pagosa Springs who are also concerned. Root Routledge will bring his expertise to us on OCTOBER 13 at the home of Diane Cirksena, 189 Bayview Circle. 2:00pm. RSVP to dian.ec@hotmail.com, or tell her in person!

We can also use medicine: Pedialyte packets for children with sippy cups, children's aspirin and ibuprofen, children's cough medicine and cough drops, bandaids. As winter sets in, we will have an updated list but this is what is needed this month. Some friends and I (all in our late 70s) drive to El Paso once a month with our collection to hand over to friends who live in Juarez. I can't thank your congregation enough for doing this. Many people have donated supplies and time but there is a lot of hatred for immigrants -- death threats have been made to churches collecting supplies so stay safe in your efforts to help. For your information, since I have visited these sites, it is much worse than even the media reports. It is heartbreaking to see these small beautiful children verbally and physically abused by our border guards and ICE. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Border Servant Corps, Las Cruces: Hello Joan! Thank you for reaching out and your willingness to support the growing number of refugees trapped at our border. The only items I see on your list that we DO NOT need are: Bath towels, Backpacks, Baseball caps. Here is the current list of things we are taking down: · Children's Items: Diapers, Wet wipes · Clothing Items: Underwear, Children's clothing (S, M, L), Adult clothing (S), Sandals, Shoelaces · Toiletry Items: Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Bar soap, Sanitary napkins · Food: Cookies, Baby food, Baby formula, Crackers, Granola bars, Juice boxes, canned veggies & fruit · Educational materials, books and board games · Reusable water bottles · Reusable grocery bags Blessings, Maggie Burgess, Volunteer and Donation Coordinator Border Servant Corps,1701 East Missouri Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-7119 Ext. 15

Notes From the Treasurer – Joan Ward

Several pledgers have given their full amount in July and August, so we are doing well for income compared to expenditures. August income was $6652.60 (pledges - $4,569, special giving for minister salary - $1530, cash collection - $172.60, $500 challenge - $401 ($1015 was the total for the challenge), silent auction - $20), plus bank interest of $4.06. Our expenses were $3074.24, with a net of $4125.71. For year-to-date (July and August) we have a net of $12,181. This is great to help cover costs for those months when we have less income, due in part to people being out of town. Thank you for your support of our Fellowship! Joan Y. Ward

PUUF Annual Picnic at Whispering Pines

Last Month at PUUF

Life of the Fellowship

All are invited to participate in the following learning, sharing and caring opportunities

**Unless otherwise noted, all events are held in the Fellowship Hall at Greenbriar Plaza**

Full Moon Program – October 12 (7:00 – 8:30 PM)

Meditation Sangha – October 12, 26 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

A Course in Miracles – October 3, 10, 17, 31 (10:00 - 11:30 AM)

PUUF offers group meditations on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. A donation is appreciated, but not mandatory, to support the Fellowship. For more info, contact Merlin Wheeler at 970-903-1931.

There are ~1500 ACIM study groups meeting across 65 countries and we’re one of them! Join us for study and conversation. Reclaim the truth of your eternal self, forever joined in Oneness with all that is. It is only our dreams of separation that obscure this reality from us. Experience the power of forgiveness and love’s ability to dispel fear. A miracle is a shift of perception, from fear to love, and the recognition that there are only two forms of expression: love or calls for love. Contact Bob or Karen LeCour at 264-0111 for more information.

Julie Loar leads this program each month on the evening before the full moon. Typically she speaks for 20-30 minutes on the planetary cycles of the month and the time and the astrological nature of the Full Moon chart. There is music to set a tone and sometimes people share as they are led. For more information, contact Julie Loar at 731-4744.

PUUF Leadership Teams

Worship Committee Michael Demchak, chair Pauline Benetti John Buehler Merlin Wheeler Bob LeCour Diane Davis Membership Committee Phyl Daleske Kathy Schultz Children’s Religious Exploration Anna Ramirez

Steering Committee Dave Pettus, President Karen LeCour, Vice President Joan Ward, Treasurer Stephen Clarke, Secretary Julie Loar, at large Cindy Clark, at large Pauline Benetti, advisory Music Karen LeCour, Music Director John Ehlert Dave Pettus John Buehler

Caring Committee Phyl Daleske Joan Ward Newsletter Editor Karen LeCour Web Mistress Barbara Asprey

301N.PagosaBlvd,GreenbriarPlaza,UnitB15 VoiceMail:970-731-7900P.O.Box5984,PagosaSprings,CO81147 www.pagosauu.org