December Light

Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, Vol. 72, Num. 8

Services Every Sunday of the Year
We are a transformational Force for Love and Justice in Our Community
We gather to inspire spiritual growth, care for each other and our community, seek truth, and work for justice.

Our church administrator is Nancy Zacarias. The church office is open Mon.-Fri from 10 AM until 2 PM

Join our streamed worship service on YouTube every Sunday at 10 AM, See past worship services on our YouTube channel
Deadline for Light submissions is the 25th of every month

Our Minister

The Reverend Rod Thompson

Rod’s Ruminations

With the “Advent” Service on Sunday December 1 st , the Holiday Season has officially started. Yes, I know that Christmas decorations and merchandise appeared in the stores before Halloween (maybe even Labor Day), still, the unofficial beginning of the Holiday Season was Thanksgiving.

I know that there is very little “Peace on Earth.”

I know that not all of our Halls have been Decked out. In fact, not everyone in our community has walls to deck.

I know that in Las Cruces we don’t experience quite the “Bleak Midwinter” that our families back in the Mid-West do.

I know there isn’t much “Joy to the World” even in this small part of the World.

But we can still “Tell it on the Mountain” (particularly the Organ Mountain) that this congregation (UUCLC) is here – trying to be a Welcoming, Nurturing, Beloved Community while working for “Peace on Earth” every day, all year long.

May you enjoy Happy Holidays – as much as you can.

Our President

Susan Hychka

Last night I watched “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” a 2017 movie about how Charles Dickens created “A Christmas Carol” and brought characters including Scrooge, Marley, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future to life in a tale of charity, compassion, and loving kindness.

Christmas was not declared an official federal holiday in the United States until 1870. However, the publication of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in 1843 helped to popularize the idea of celebrating Christmas as a time for family, friends, charity, and goodwill.

Redemption was also an important theme, as a reformed Ebenezer Scrooge declared when he awoke on Christmas Day, “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

As we enter an uncertain new year, let us dedicate ourselves individually and this church collectively to advancing “the common welfare” of all living things. Let’s support and advocate for affordable housing, food security, safe communities, and compassionate care for our planet and the creatures with whom
we share the Earth.

Martin Luther King’s words still resonate today: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Susan Hychka
President of the Congregation & Chair, Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Religious Education

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education

“December, being the last month of the year, cannot help but make us think of what is to come”. -Fennel Hudson

I’m not sure I remember another year moving so quickly. Although there must have been others? The first year of my children’s lives, or the year I was married. The years during the pandemic are one big blur! And yet, here we are folks, we have entered the last month of the year 2024! And WHAT a year it’s been.

Religious Education began the year with a heartfelt lesson on MLK, by listening to an album of his preaching. By February Our Whole Lives classes for high schoolers were in full swing!

Spring welcomed the start of our Bunny Buddy program and the annual Children’s Auction! In May we participated in the Bike Blessing and danced around the Maypole wearing homemade headdresses. Our summer months welcomed back our Maker Days, weekly events held for Religious Ed students and friends, including a Water Day on the church campus!

By early Fall students were learning about JET-PIG (the acronym response to our transforming Unitarian Universalist values) and making tie-dye t-shirts to wear in the community Pride parade. October saw a spooktacular potluck that included roasted marshmallows, a Halloween movie, costumes, candy, and more! Last month the Religious Education program resumed our donation drive for Project Link and held a food drive for the churches very own Little Free Pantry. As we enter December our plans turn to Bake Sales, Candles and Coco, homemade cards, origami ornaments and the departure of our beloved music director, and my friend Catherine Massey.

As Religious Education director, I would personally like to thank all of our committee members, volunteer teachers and congregational supporters, who have contributed to another joyful year.

Music and Choir

Catherine Massey, Director of Music

Music Notes

Our congregation has created and/or commissioned several lovely hymns which reflect the talent and values of our members and friends.  Joan Small, one of the matriarchs of our congregation, wrote the words to the tune of “Old Welsh Hymn.”  This is a rousing declaration of faith in love and community.  Here’s a sample:

“Our faith must be lived seven days of the week.
It’s judged by the justice, the mercy we seek.
It brings inspiration, it steels us with nerve.
It rouses the spirit with vigor and verve.

Tho’ problems surround us, solutions are there.
With work, wit, and wisdom and courage to dare,
Our talents, our genius can come to the fore.
We’ll turn things around and to new heights we’ll soar.”

These words sound just like Joan, and I’m pretty sure as we sing them we’re the only congregation in town singing the word “verve”!

Cathy Carver wrote THREE hymns as a final project for Rev. Nancy Anderson’s “Creating Your Own Theology” class.  The punchline for “Community” is “…And if all of us join, the mountain moves.  Many are better than one.”  “Doubt” is a series of questions, resolved by the assurance that “only love, only love can achieve the peace I seek, Only love, only love, only love.”  And then there’s the fun and rousing “Be a Good-For-Nothing UU.” The chorus goes like this:

“Be a good-for-nothing U.U.
Be kind when no one knows,
And your heart will grow as big as a whale,
You’ll feel good from head to toe.
Be a good-for-nothing U.U.
Be nice when no one sees,
And your spirit will shine as bright as the sun,
You’ll be good as good can be!”

Elwin Nunn and Maggie Locatelli wrote wonderful words to the tune of Pete Seeger’s song “Roll On, Columbia.” Their hymn is “Roll On, UUs,” with the invitation to fill in the blanks for Uni___ (tarians, or versalists).  Like Joan’s “Old Welsh Hymn” it declares our values and highest aspirations:

“…Come to the table–there’s a place just for you.
Share what you’re thinking–practice listening too!
Let’s all join together; be part of the glue!
Roll on, Uni___, roll on.

Roll on, Uni___, roll on,
Roll on, Uni___, roll on,
Our power is living the values we own,
Roll on, Uni___, roll on.”

We commissioned one hymn which has expanded beyond us to our entire association, and is now sung at every Unitarian Universalist General Assembly.  We raised the money for this hymn to honor “the retirement of the Rev. Nancy J. Anderson, named Minister Emerita, June 20, 2010.” With words by Kendyl Gibbons and music by Jashon Shelton, it is now a mainstay which moves us all.  Here’s the final verse:

“We have shared a radiant hour 
When the truth has made us free,
And the spirit’s gracious power
Dreamed of good that yet shall be.
Bright the path before us lies
Joyful pilgrims now we rise;
Life calls us on, Life calls us on!”

We hold all these treasured resources.  Binders with these collected hymns will be kept in appropriate places so that they may be sung at will.  

This is my last column of Music Notes.  I can’t begin to tell you how much joy it has given me to serve this congregation.  I leave you with all my love and blessings for a “bright path” ahead. 

Administration

Nancy Zacarias, Church Administrator

Office and library hours are Mon.-Fri. 10 AM until 2 PM. You can email the office at .

Committees and Programs

Last Call to Committee and Program Leaders

Please submit your committee’s or program’s regular meeting dates and times to both Nancy Zacarias () and Lyn Pearson (use her personal email address or ) as soon as possible.

If you use Zoom for all or some of your meetings, be sure to let us know if you need to “re-up” your Zoom link and whether you want it published in the online web calendar.

All recurring meetings and events will time out of the calendar on December 31, 2024. If you do not let Nancy and Lyn know what your 2025 dates/times are, well, they’ll just disappear.

Adult Enrichment by Sara Thomas

Registration for Spring Adult Enrichment Classes Starting Soon

Spring UUCLC Adult Enrichment classes will be starting in January. Look for the Spring catalogue which be going out mid-December in an eblast to the congregation. Classes are open to the community through word-of-mouth so feel free to invite a friend. This outreach brings more people in contact with the church.

Adult enrichment has many benefits: new skills, fellowship, possible new members, and more visibility for our church. Most classes have a charge of $15 to register, payable to UUCLC, though there will always be a few free ones.

You can register through email, snail mail, drop it off at the church office, or at a self-serve table in the lobby on Jan 5th and 12th .

Registration closes Jan 15th . If you have questions, contact Sara Thomas, Adult Ed Coordinator.

CUUPS by Cassandra Calway –

_{“Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.” The Sixth Source of Affirmation of the Unitarian Universalist Association.}

Yule is the winter holiday that celebrates the return of the sun. It is the longest night of the year but the sun will start to return.

Come celebrate Yule with Desert Spirit CUUPs, we will meet in the sanctuary at 6:30. There will be cider and cookies after the service.

Yule: Celebrates the winter solstice.
lmbolc: An ancient festival welcoming the first wave of spring.
Ostara: Celebrates the spring equinox
Beltane: Celebrates May Day
Litha: Celebrates the summer solstice
Lughnasadh (Loo-nas-ah): Celebrates the beginning of the harvest season
Mabon: Celebrates the autumnal equinox
Samhain (saa-wn): Celebrates the end of harvest season

The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is an organization dedicated to networking Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists (UUs), educating people about Paganism, promoting interfaith dialogue, developing Pagan liturgies and theologies, and supporting Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalist religious professionals.

Facilities by Charlie Scholz –

Good News From Facilities!

This has been a fix, repair and clean-up kind of month for us.

• We built a temporary wall in the Gallery entrance to replace the door that was damaged by a break-in. We’ve received an estimate to replace both doors.
• We temporarily repaired the door to the Library also a victim of the break-in. It has since been replaced by a much sturdier metal door in a metal frame.
• We temporarily repaired the back door to the Foyer which was also damaged in the break-in. We have received estimates for replacement of those doors.
• We finally downloaded the footage on the break-in from the camera system we have and are sending it to the Police, along with the estimates of the damage.
• We installed an outlet extension in the Gallery so the computer can be plugged in from the reception desk.

Greg White and his team of volunteers did a good job of cleaning up leaves, branches and trash from the campus. Another cleanup is scheduled for December 14 at 11 AM. Contact Greg for details.

Finance by Ed Long –

The Finance Committee has recommended a budget for 2025 to the Board of Trustees.  The Board has in turn approved that budget and is recommending adoption to the full congregation at the December 15 congregational meeting. 

We will host two information sessions to go over the proposed budget prior to the congregational vote. 

• Sunday, December 8, in the sanctuary Religious Education Building Great Room, at approximately 11:30 AM
• Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 PM on Zoom. The Zoom link will be published in the Week at a Glance the Monday prior. 

Thanks to everyone who pledged! Shirley Davis and Ed Long, Co-Chairs

Generous Giving by Jack Welch

We give our thanks to ten generous donors who contributed to our Change 4 Change Fund. They are: Nancy L Anderson, Rita Decker, Dale Emmert, Bill and Katie Fitzgerald, Holly Gottelmann, Danny and Deborah Hawkins, Jerry and Jodie Nachison, Elwin Nunn, James and Janet Saul, and Lucy Silva.

Our Little Free Pantry was supported by Cathy Carver, Richard and Rex Myers, and David and Ginny Rice.  We give our sincere thanks to all for their generosity.

Hospitality

Hospitality Rotation Schedule

This schedule is now permanently located on the Members page of our website under Sunday Hospitality Rotation. A new addition to the hospitality rotation is the Caring Committee, which will be handling 5th Sundays throughout the year.

Library by Rabbit Loring

November Gallery Display

Check out the Library’s Jolabokaflud Book Sale beginning December 1. If the word is strange to you, Google it and find out more about this Icelandic tradition of giving books and high quality chocolate on Christmas Eve. Our sale last year was well-received and book donations to the Library have been wonderful, so we decided to have an annual sale. We are starting a tradition of our own!

You may have noticed that the display of Unitarian Universalist Association’s Common Read books has been taken down from the lobby. We have returned the books to the library and will soon have them on a
shelf of their own in the history section. They will have the Common Read year indicated on their spines to make them easy to locate. The current Common Read, Authentic Selves, will again be the subject of an Adult Enrichment class March 18-April 8. Join us! Look for the Spring catalog of classes coming out in mid-December to sign up.

See you in the Library.

Membership by Lyn Pearson –

Join Us In The Membership Committee

The committee meets once a month on the third Monday at 11:30 AM in the library. When possible, we do some business by email. Meetings are an hour and a half and we end on time! Our work is very rewarding and we enjoy working with each other. If you want to learn more or join the group, please contact us at , or talk to any member of the committee (look for the “Membership” ribbon on their name badges), or contact Lyn Pearson directly.

Eating Out

Please note in your calendar that in January we will meet on the third Friday – Jan 17th – at 5:30 for Greek food at Kallos Mediterranean Cuisine.  It is at 141 Roadrunner Pkwy Ste 115 where the old Agua Reef was.

We will start our reservation list any time now, just call. text or email Janet no later than 5:00 PM Jan 15th

Covenant Groups

If you are interested in joining a Covenant Group please contact one of the folks listed here and we’ll be glad to work with you. Rev. Nancy J. Anderson, Lyn Pearson, Gillian Leng, Lucy Silva

CUUPS Program

Our own CUUPS chapter is in the December Desert Exposure magazine beginning on page 22. You can read about it here.

Why not attend a CUUPS celebration and enjoy some time with folks who revere the earth and the powers of nature. In December, we will celebrate Yule on Saturday the 21st in the sanctuary at 6:30 PM with cookies and cider afterwards.

Welcoming Congregation Program

The Welcoming Congregation Committee continues to share a brief account of queer American
history as part of its mission to educate the congregation on LGBTQ+ issues. It will appear in the
Light in several segments.

Modern Queer American History, Part 2

Modern Gay and Lesbian History in American culture after World War II expanded when returning soldiers formed Gay communities in large metropolitan areas such as New York and San Francisco (records indicate Gay communities existed in London and Amsterdam as early as the 1600s).

In the late 1940s, activist Harry Hay started the Mattachine Society, the first Gay liberation organization. Lesbians also formed a political organization, the Daughters of Bilitis, at about the same time. These organizations, known as the homophile movement, began a yearly demonstration outside the White House in the 1960s.

In the late 1940s and 1950s, The Lavender Scare fueled by Joseph McCarthy’s congressional hearings (although McCarthy’s aide and Trump mentor Roy Cohn and FBI director J Edgar Hoover were later revealed to be Queer) resulted in sanctioning homosexuals in the army and civil service. Thousands of LGBTQ+ federal employees were investigated, interrogated, and forced to resign or were fired. The government used false and hateful stereotypes to defend its policies.

In the 1960s rebellions, labels changed from homosexual or female homosexual to the more inclusive term Gay. Men and women began to fight back against police harassment at Gay and Lesbian hangouts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and, most importantly, at the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village, a Gay bar owned by the Mafia. In the riots that followed a police raid on Stonewall in 1969, Gays, led by transgender Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson and others, fought back against the police incursion for nearly a week. A year after the Stonewall riots, the first Gay Pride march and rally took place in New York.

In the 1970s, Gay bathhouses and open Gay and Lesbian bars proliferated, although there was still a marked discrimination against feminized Gay men. “Drag queens” as a gay stereotype evolved during this period.

In 2019, at the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall raid, the New York Police Commissioner finally apologized.

Look for Part 3 next month.

Thanks to Our October Greeters

Steve Hychka, John Selley, Tom Packard, Greg White, Jane Asche, Carol Stanfill, Diane Lee, Susan West, and Jack Welch. Thank you for your service making members and visitors feel welcome.

If you’re interested in becoming a greeter, contact Mark Sukontarak at .

Social Justice –

Change for Change — October, November, December

C4C notice for Coats for Kids 4th Quarter 2024

Please contribute to our Change for Change offering.  This quarter’s offering is for Coats for Kids.  Coats for Kids is a community effort led by Community Action Agency which puts warm winter coats in the hands of Dona Ana County newborns to 5^th graders.  You can make your donation with credit card at the GIVE link on our website (Social Justice followed by Change for Change), by placing change in the offering or by a check to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces (with “Change for Change” in the memo line). Thank you for your warm support!

Sunday Services by Katie Fitzgerald –

Dec 1 Advent, Rev. Rod Thompson

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the observance of Advent offers a pause, inviting us to reflect on the true meaning of the Season. It is a time to ponder the timeless message of hope, to seek
inner peace amidst the chaos, to rejoice in the boundless joy that transcends materialism, and to embrace the transformative power of love.

Dec 8 Radical Friendliness, Katie Fitzgerald

Let’s consider the 1st principle from a somewhat different angle. Unconditional friendliness: the spirit of radical acceptance.

Dec 15 Choir’s Greatest Hits, Charlie Scholz

Our Music Director, Catherine Massey, and the UUCLC Choir, combine their talents to bring you The Choir’s Greatest Hits, a collection of all-time favorites from the past twenty-five years.

Dec 21 Yule

Join CUUPS on Saturday, December 21, to celebrate Yule. It’s the longest night of the year but it signifies that the sun will again track north bringing longer days and shorter nights.

Dec 22 Why Do UUs Celebrate Christmas? Rev. Rod Thompson

I have often heard that question, “Why do UUs Celebrate Christmas?” I can’t speak for other Unitarian Universalists, but I can speak for this one Religious Humanist Unitarian Universalist. See you in church.

Dec 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Dec 29 Celebrating Catherine, Rev. Rod Thompson

Tombaugh Gallery by Lurene John –

Through December, the Gallery will continue to feature Wearables, an eclectic mix of wearable art from earrings to finely woven ponchos. This show is being presented with gift giving in mind whether a gift for yourself or to someone special on your list. As members of church you have the opportunity to visit the gallery after services each Sunday, but you might want to circle Friday, December 6 on your calendar for a wine reception from 5 to 7 pm. It’s a nice prelude for dinner out. We join other galleries in Las Cruces for First Friday each month. This will be an opportunity to visit with the artists and ask questions. A couple or the artists will provide a glimpse into their artistic process.

Friday, December 6, wine reception from 5 to 7 PM

Since the 1970s Ann Angelo has been pushing the boundaries of macramé, tie dying and felting. Today, she uses her own hand dyed fabric to create wall hangings, collages and wearable art with a unique and contemporary emphasis. Kathy Baker is a self-taught fiber artist and potter. She specializes in loom beaded and woven jewelry, often incorporating ceramic beads and cabochons of her own design. Leslie Toombs paints on silk creating scarves and handcrafted blouses. Michelle Arterburn designs one-of-a-kind earrings, necklaces and bracelets using kiln fired porcelain and metals. Two of the artists, Rev. Nancy Anderson and Carol Casavant are both weavers and members of our congregation. Nancy creates woven wearables on her loom, often from silk yarns. She extends the limits of what is possible with her own designs. Carol has been weaving for over 20 years. Her art includes scarves, purses, wine carriers and tote bags.

Looking ahead

In January, we will be celebrating the work of Sam Peters (1938-2021) posthumously in the Tombaugh Gallery. Originally from West Virginia, Sam spent the last 20 years of his life in Las Cruces. Sam’s work as an abstract expressionist is celebrated across the United States and abroad where he is represented in various collections and museums. The proceeds from this show will be donated to local charities.

We want to invite artistic members of the Church to share their work during a special members show in May. We have many talented artists so we hope you will participate. Contact Lurene at so we can keep you updated.

Requests and Items of Interest

Transgender Migration – Volunteers needed!

As more transgender folks inquire about moving to Las Cruces due to worsening safety in their home states, our church proudly steps up to aid in their resettlement in our welcoming community.

You may wish to help alleviate the results of this hateful and socially unjust discrimination by becoming a contact for a new person or family wanting to ask questions about what it’s like here. You can explain about our delightful weather, our available medical and educational services, and our loving welcoming community. Lyn Pearson has a wonderful list of resources to aid in this, and training by LGBTQ+ volunteers can be arranged. Please contact Lyn ( or her personal email) if you would like to help.

A New Spiritual Opportunity – Join a Drumming Circle

On the 3rd Saturday of each month (except December) don’t miss the opportunity to experience drumming with Yolanda Martinez at 1 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

Yolanda is a master drum maker with over 30 years of experience and is a wonderful singer too. In our October gathering, UUs and community members enjoyed chanting and drumming with plenty of loaner
drums available. We also received a blessing with a sage smudging and brushing with her eagle wing. She says, “I believe that the drum is a sacred tool that connects people to the Earth and to their spirituality.”

A love offering is gratefully accepted. Join us in November!

Catherine’s Retirement

Send in Catherine Massey memories and cards now for a personalized retirement gift. Please write a short memory of a significant moment with Catherine for inclusion in a scrapbook which will be presented to her in December. Special moments and wishes are the best way to convey how much she has meant to you in the 25 plus years she has been our Credentialed Music Director. Put your message in a basket marked “Catherine’s Mementos” in the office.

DEADLINE is Dec 1st so don’t wait.

Join the Mindfulness Group

Relaxation and mindfulness, available in just one hour to all who sit with us.  We meet each Tuesday at 3 PM in the Religious Education Building great room, carrying on the tradition started by Reba Montera. Join us for a mixture of sitting quiet meditation (two twenty-minute sets) with walking in the middle (ten minutes).  No reservations necessary. Donations welcome.

Sign Up for Qi-Gong+Indian-Club Movement

Carol Allen, the class instructor, invites you to sign up for Qi-Gong+Indian-Club Movement. 

This is a gentle exercise class done either standing or sitting in one place that increases strength, balance and concentration. There are 7 students maximum per class. 

Classes are held in the Religious Education Building great room. 

There is a one-time registration fee of $15 for the full session or you can opt for a drop-in class for $2. 
All proceeds go to the church. The first class is free for potential new students or visitors.

Session 1 – Winter 2025 – Jan / Feb / Mar -12 classes 

• Tuesdays at 2:00  pm – Jan 7 thru Mar 25 
• Wednesdays at 12:00 pm – Jan 8 thru Mar 26 
• Thursdays at 2:00 pm – Jan 9 thru Mar 27 

If interested please contact either Carol Allen or the church office.

Events of Note

Dec 1 Mark your calendar. Elwin Nunn will hold the annual holiday truffle sale in the Library after the church service on Sunday, December 1.

There will be 20 different flavors to choose from, four more than last year. Two new flavors for this year will be Lemon Clove and Key Lime Cinnamon, similar to the old favorite Orange Ginger.

The prices will be the same as last year ($20 for a package of 18 same-flavor truffles, and $4 for a package of 3 same-flavor truffles).

Regularly Scheduled Activities

Every Tuesday

T’ai Chi, 10-11 AM in the Religious Education Building great room.

Qi Gong, 1:00-2:00 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

Mindfulness, 3-4 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

T’ai Chi, 5:45-6:45 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

Every Wednesday

Caring Conversations meets on Zoom from 9-10 AM. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87064121421?pwd=QmNhYVlrUTltK1cxRDhSRVdOU01rdz09, Meeting ID: 870 6412 1421, Passcode: 564007

Weight Watchers meets at 9:30-11:00 AM in the Religious Education Building great room.

Qi Gong, Noon-1:00 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

The Bridge Group plays bridge every Wednesday at 2 PM in the church lobby. If you want to play, contact Nancy Anderson by email, phone, or at church to let her know you would like to be on her weekly contact list.

Every Thursday

T’ai Chi, 10-11 AM in the Religious Education Building great room.

Qi Gong, Noon-1:00 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

T’ai Chi, 5:45-6:45 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

Every Friday

Yoga, 12 noon until 1 PM in the Religious Education Great Room.

T.G.I.F. – Zoom Together. A great way to end your week with your fellow Unitarian Universalists. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5755227281?pwd=OEp3RTNkcWNid0tTNHFDNHEzUFNIUT09
Meeting ID: 575 522 7281
Passcode: 7777777

1st Thursday

Sound Meditation and Relaxation, 7-8 PM in the Sanctuary for an hour of relaxation. Bring your yoga mat, if you like. (This will not take place until January because John, our meditation leader broke his arm and cannot return until he’s healed and out of the cast.)

2nd Thursday – UUCLC Book Club

If you would like to join us, please email Danny or Deb Hawkins. We meet in the church library from 3:30 to 5:30 PM.

2nd Friday – Game Night

Join us at 6:30 PM in the Religious Education Building Great Room. Bring a snack to share and a favorite game. Hope to see you there!

3rd Thursday – Death Cafe

Please join us the third Thursday of each month for an opportunity to sit with others and share your experiences with death and grieving.  In the church Library 6:30-8:00 PM.  Contact Brooks Lewis at or leave a voice message at 512-826-1472. 

3rd Friday – Eating Out (but not in Nov or Dec)

A group of members and friends meet for dinner at a local restaurant on the 3rd Friday of the month. Please contact Janet Martinique at to make your reservation the Wednesday before the dinner.

2nd Saturday – UU Crafters

The UU Crafters Group meets the second Saturday of each month at 1:00 in the Religious Education building. Come join us to learn new crafts, share your projects, and have fun. All are invited, guys, gals, teens, members, non-members, new crafters, and experts. We share project ideas and always learn fun new crafts. Carol Stanfill and Sara Thomas. Questions? Email

2nd Saturday in Feb, May, Aug, Nov – Fine Dining Experience

Dinner at the J Paul Taylor Detention Facility with a group of 14-21 year-old young men. Contact Haney Pearson if you would like to participate.

3rd Saturday – Drumming Circle (but not in Dec)

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience drumming with Yolanda Martinez at 1 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

3rd Saturday – Desert Spirit CUUPs

This is the Las Cruces chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. We practice and educate others on Earth-centered spirituality. We gather monthly on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 6 PM for a potluck and either ritual or an informative class. All events are open to everyone interested in learning and/or growing in their spiritual path. Events held at the church unless otherwise noted. Visit http://www.facebook.com/desertspiritcuups or email .