April 2025 Light

^{Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, Vol. 73, Num. 4
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

April is such a full month – Passover, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) , Arab American Heritage Month, Jazz Appreciation Month, National Poetry Month, Earth Day, Lesbian Visibility Day, April Fools Day, and National Superhero Day. No, I don’t expect to celebrate them all, but I will celebrate my daughter Lyn’s birthday. In addition to enjoying Jazz, Fools, Poetry, and Superheroes, I mostly appreciate the Interfaith aspect of the month.

Of course, for us, April is the church’s Auction Month. I hope April 26th is on your calendar. It is a major FUNd raiser. I hope to see you there.

According to Soul Matters, the theme of the month is Joy, and since it is also National Poetry Month, I want to share a Joyful poem entitled:

It’s Flung by the Rev Scott Taylor.

Joy doesn’t simply arise
It flies.
It flings.
No, it is flung.
It is passed,
it is spread,
between you and me,
between the one who just received a gift
and the one that has been looking for it,
for oh so long.
It’s a beautiful and elegant contagion,
over which we have more control than we know.
If only we share it.
If only we notice that joy is not ours to keep,
but ours to pass on.
So let’s light up the world, friends!
Joy blesses us with its exuberance,
so we can make that blessing grow.

Happy April!

Our President

Linda Ruchala

The last Republican I quoted in a printed article was when I quoted President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the Military Industrial Complex. But today, John McCain comes to mind: “Our shared values define us more than our differences. And acknowledging those shared values can see us through our challenges
today if we have the wisdom to trust in them again.”

Although I’ll remember these quotations as among the best from them, neither are my heroes. So, I will quote two more – these from my heroes. I met Frank LaMere when Nebraskans for Peace was working with the Ogalala Lakota and heard him speak a number of times: “Nothing changes unless someone is made to feel uncomfortable. Nothing changes unless we make ourselves uncomfortable. May we make others and ourselves uncomfortable, but never so much that we forget our shared values or what draws us together.” Or as my dear husband has said to me many times as my quick to anger reared –
“Assume positive intent, please.”

Board of Trustees

By Linda Ruchala

Welcome Rev. Ali K.C. Bell!

On Wednesday, March 19, the Board of Trustees entered into an agreement with the Rev. Ali K.C. Bell for him to serve as the Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces.

That evening, each member of the Ministerial Search Team spoke enthusiastically about some incident during the search process, reference check, answer to an interview question, even body language, that indicated to them that Rev. Bell was the right person for our congregation. The Team also made clear that they considered multiple candidates and that Rev. Bell was their first choice candidate.

The Board is very pleased by the thoughtful and diligent work done by our Ministerial Search Team. Please let the Search Team know how much their work is appreciated! They are: Rich Richins, Jack Welch, Gillian Leng, Linda Rogers, Chris Thomas and Annette Turrentine. Also, a shout out to Pam Daves, Shirley Davis, Joan Pipkins, Katie Fitzgerald and our Unitarian Universalist Association support staff for their behind the scenes help in reviewing contracts and the final processes.

A little bit of background on Rev. Bell. He was graduated from the Meadville Lombard Theological School with a Master of Divinity in May 2021 and was also ordained in 2021. He served as an Intern Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Monclair, NJ, and is presently Minister of Congregational Life and Engagement at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Bethesda, MD. He also serves as Chaplain for the Unitarian Universalists at Riderwood, in Silver Spring, MD. He has been active in a wide variety of UUA organizations at the local, regional and national level as well as active in his local community. He cites pastoral care and membership/community as his strengths and says that his “deepest call is to parish ministry.”

We are excited to meet Rev. Bell in person and to work with him in the Fall. Until then, here is a link to a brief introduction from him: https://enchantedskies.net/RevAliHello_Compressed.mp4

Full board minutes are sent to church members in a private emailing.

Religious Education

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education

“April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.”

Spring certainly has Religious Education out of the classrooms and into the sunshine! This month students will have their first outdoor lesson of the year. In recognition of Earth Day, youths of all ages will gather under the shade structure for a seed planting activity. And the fun in the sun doesn’t stop there- Religious Education also has plans to host another food drive for the churche’s very own Little Free Pantry. Once again, we will be asking for easy open, ready-to-eat, prepared foods, with all donations going towards helping our local community.

Before the month is over, Religious Education will host a Bunny Buddy reveal party! After weeks of “secret” letter and gift exchanges, participating youths will have the opportunity to guess their “Buddy”, while playing games and munching on goodies. And lastly, April is the month of Our Whole Lives (OWL) lessons for our 7-9th grade students. Classes are free, open to the community, provide meals, and are facilitated by a diverse group of church members and associates.

Please feel welcome to reach out for any additional information.

Music and Choir

April is the month for Good News.

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

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.}

Beltane falls about halfway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. It celebrates spring at its peak and the coming of summer. It usually takes place on May 1 or May Day. The Maypole is danced in celebration.

Join CUUPS for two events this month. On April 19, the Maypole will be brought out of storage, blessed and new ribbons will be added. If you are curious about the Maypole story and want to be involved, come to our meeting. We will have potluck at 6:00 and the activity will start at 7:00.

On April 27, the Maypole will be put up after the Beltane service. The service will begin at 10:00 and the Maypole will be danced right after. Come out and help us dance, it requires a lot of people. Close toed shoes are recommended.

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!

After much discussion, the Facilities Management Committee has come up with a list of unfunded capital projects for 2025. Among these are items that were proposed to the Finance Committee last Fall as part of the 2025 Facilities Budget but did not make the final cut.

Some of these are repairs to the property, some are upgrades to existing facilities and others are for safety and convenience. We have ranked these items in priority order and will be submitting this list to the Finance Committee, with a copy to the Board. In case more monies become available than those that have already been allocated, they will know what our highest priorities are.

Finance by Ed Long –

What does your Finance Committee do? The Mission of the Finance Committee is to safeguard the dollars that are contributed to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, and to make sure the obligations of the church are paid.

The chairperson of each committee gives approval for the expenses to be paid. Thank you to the chairpersons for their conscientious understanding of their committee expenses and the committee budget.

Members of the Finance Committee are Shirley Davis, Annette Turrentine, Jan Thompson and Ed Long.  We also receive a lot of assistance from the Office Administrator Nancy Zacarias.  And guess what?  We could use more committee members!

Ed Long and Shirley Davis, Co-Chairs

The Annual Budget Fund Drive Team is looking for members and friends who want to help grow the talent and treasure of our church through contributions of your time.

Fund Drive Planning Meeting

We are holding our first planning meeting of the year on Saturday April 12 at 11am in the Church Library.  You do not need any experience with finances or fundraising. New members or returning members that are interested in getting more involved with the church are especially welcome!  It’s a great way to meet up with other members and friends who you might not normally get to know in regular church services and hospitality hours. It’s also great for learning how our community operates and expanding your web of friends and acquaintances in the community.

At our first meeting we will talk about:

• how annual budget drive fits into the overall stewardship of the church
• a theme for our annual budget drive
• a timeline of events
• how YOU can help as part of the team.

Can working on the Budget Fund Drive Team be fun? YES! Come and find out! Questions: contact  Sam Palahnuk, Linda Ruchala or Shirley Davis.

Generous Giving by Jack Welch

Thank you, Heather Ruffner and Jack Welch and Gayle Trantham, for your gift in memory of our late member, Chris Ramsey. We also thank Jan Thompson for her gift in memory of Jerry Nachison. Both Chis and Jerry were beloved members of our congregation.

We received twelve donations for our Change 4 Change Fund.  The generous donors are: Dave Brown, Carol Casavant and Bob Behal, Shirley Davis, Andrea Dominguez, Jodi Nachison, Elwin Nunn, Sylvie Peale, Dave and Ginny Rice,  Janet Pitt and Steve Welch, Dave and Ilene Steele, Jan Tompson, and Rev Rod Thompson. 

We thank Cathy Carver for her support of our Little Pantry and thank Nancy Anderson for her contribution to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. March was a month of generous giving. 

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

Book Bonanza at the Auction

The Library is joining all the Auction action this year. Our book carts are brimming with new donations just begging to be bought. Everyone on any budget can support our biggest fund raiser of the year. Find a book on one of the carts in the breezeway. Decide what you want to pay for it. Leave cash in the box on the cart if you don’t need a record. Or fill out an Auction form with your bidder number on it to be recorded like any other auction item and be billed later. Simple. Fun. A way for everyone to take part in our awesome Auction!

A huge thank you to those who have brought in all those new book donations to the library.
Thank you all in advance for your support of our church through your love of books.

See you at the Auction!

Book Club

We are reading The Henna Artist for our March meeting and West with Giraffes for April. We will meet on the 13th at 3:30 in the library. Please contact Deb or Danny Hawkins for more information.

Membership by Lyn Pearson –

How’s Our Membership Doing?

One of the tasks of the Membership Committee is to conduct an annual review the church’s entire membership roll. We are always taking stock of who we think has not been participating in church life, whether because of illness, inability to get to church, or other reasons. We send out “We Miss” you cards or letters asking whether the recipient wishes to continue their church membership or do they perhaps need assistance from the church. Sometimes we change a member’s status to Dropped because they’ve moved out of state or aren’t interested in the church anymore. The Drop process takes at least two years and a vote by the entire Membership Committee. We do not drop people lightly (we don’t want to drop them at all, frankly) and do so only after rigorous efforts to contact them by email, phone, and ground mail.

The data in the table below reflect lagging indicators. This means that drop actions we took in 2024 likely reflect church non-participation and non-support that began several years ago or even during the COVID years. The true health of our church is reflected in members added during the period. Projecting new membership in 2025, based on the first quarter, we hope to gain at least 12 new members in 2025.

The New UU Class

This class started on March 23 and will end on April 13. It’s been a huge success with 15 people participating in the sessions led by Rev. Rod Thompson and Rev. Nancy Anderson. The best way to describe this class is that they are enthusiastic and open to Unitarian Universalism. In one word–perfect.

Circle Suppers

Our next round of Circle Suppers will be in June. Too early to even think about June? Don’t worry, we’ll remind you when the time comes for signing up hosts and guests. However, if you feel moved to commit now, by all means contact Carol Casavant at or at her personal email address for any additional information for either being a host or guest.

Eating Out

The EatingOut group has decided to try Renoos Thai Time in Organ again on April 18th.  We were so disappointed in March when we arrived to find Renoos closed due a family emergency.  We had 17 people with reservations but 4 dropped out. We conferred together and went to Los Mariachies at the Mesa Verde exit.  They handled everything so well and we had great service and food.

So April 18 at 5:30. RENOOS IN ORGAN.

If you know where it is, go on there at 5:30 PM.  Turn left at the orange ocean container then right onto the end of the road.

You may prefer to carpool. We will carpool from the empty parking lot (that used to be the old K Mart) next to Speedway gas station. It’s at Del Rey and I-70. Meet at 5:00 and positively leave by 5:15 PM.

You MUST have reservations for both dinner and carpooling, without exception, before Thursday 20th at 5:00 PM. We don’t want anyone coming late to carpool and the restaurant is small – an old unpainted house.  You’ll like it I promise!  Call or text Janet Martinique or . 

Reserve your place now, lest you forget it later. April 16, is the last day you can reserve a space. Sooner is always better.

Welcoming Congregation

The WC group has been busy planning our 2025 recertification process.

• If you would like to help with this endeavor and work with some really nice folks, please contact Sara Thomas or send and email to .

Greeters

Our grateful thanks to our March greeters:

Mark Sukontarak at .

Social Justice –

The Social Justice Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 1:30 PM in the library and on Zoom.

Climate Action Group – Greg White

The Climate Action Group (CAG) is active! We meet by Zoom at 3:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month. Our emphases for this year are creating or supporting educational outreach programs, supporting efforts to make the Church and our campus more environmentally efficient, and supporting the Church through volunteer work.

Our scheduled outreach efforts include working with Las Cruces Creatives to advertise and support an April 19 workshop on Biochar and another workshop on May 17 which will cover the Johnson-Su aerobic composting process: both will open to the public and will occur on the Church campus.

CAG is exploring sponsorship of a guest speaker for a homily on the spiritual values of environmentalism. We will also be providing food and refreshments after church services on the first Sunday of odd-numbered months. Finally, several of our members have contributed their time and labor during the monthly campus cleanups.

CAG’s agendas and Zoom link will be distributed through the Church’s weekly announcements and will be posted on the monthly calendar.

For more information, contact Greg White personally or at .

Sunday Services by Katie Fitzgerald –

We welcome new members to our committee or any input or feedback you would like to share.  Contact Charlie Scholz or Katie Fitzgerald, in care of the Sunday Services Committee.

The theme for worship in April is JOY. There is much to be joyful about in our congregation right now as we prepare for the Spring Auction and a new Minister.

April 6  Rev. Rod, The Joy of Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, the comfort and joy to be found in the words of this old hymn.

April 13 Katie Fitzgerald with Charlie Scholz, Two Sides of the Same Coin

The joys and sorrows of Holy Week .

April 20 Easter/Passover/Spring Family/Flower Communion Rev Rod with staff

April 27 Beltane Service conducted by CUUPS with the exuberance of the Maypole

Come and find joy in worshiping together, spending time in fellowship. With joy comes hope for growth with our new members and new Minister. If you would like to learn more about Rev. Bell, check out his website at https://www.alikcbell.org/

Happiness is attached to things being a certain way. But joy is about the bliss of being. It transcends highs and lows.

Martha Beck

Tombaugh Gallery by Lurene John –

The current gallery show featuring the New Mexico Watercolor Society runs through April 13. Join us on First Friday, April 4 from 5 to 7 pm. Several of the artists will be present to answer questions and discuss their art.

Our next show begins on Friday, May 3^rd. This special show will feature our own Las Cruces Unitarian Universalist artists and friends. Please contact Cathy Cox or Lurene John personally or at if you or a friend would like to participate.

Did you know?

• Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto on February 18, 1930 when he was 24 years old.
• Clyde and Patsy Tombaugh were founding members of the Las Cruces Unitarian Universalist Church in 1955.
• The Tombaugh Gallery stained glass window was dedicated in 2001.
• The window was largely designed by Patsy Tombaugh, the widow of Clyde Tombaugh.
• The window consists of 5 panels, and measures 8 feet tall and 18 feet wide.
• After being damaged by vandalism during the pandemic, the window was repaired and a new protective glass shield was installed in 2023.
• Over 125 donations financed the window. The names of many of these donors are displayed on a plaque located on the exterior south wall of the Gallery.
• New lighting was installed in the Gallery in 2024 enhancing the art viewing experience.
• Over 100 art shows have been featured since the Gallery opened, featuring 100s of artists.
• 100% of the profits from the Gallery are dedicated to providing scholarships to local high school students.

The Gallery is looking for a few committed docents to sit in the gallery to answer questions and assist guests when the gallery in open. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find peace and beauty during our otherwise very hectic lives. You will be fully trained. Please contact Cathy Cox or Lurene John either in person, at their personal email addresses or at .

If you want to take a deeper dive into the running of the gallery join the Committee. Again, contact either Cathy or Lurene for more information.

Hours: First Fridays, 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 to 2:00
Sunday, 11:30 to 2:00 Or by appointment (575) 522-7281

Requests and Items of Interest

Auction Volunteers needed!!!

Auction is coming!  Auction is coming!  Don’t miss out on the fun of being an Auction volunteer on April 6th.  Sign-ups for volunteers continue on Sunday April 6th and 13th before and after service in the lobby.  So many options to choose from: food prep or serving, beverage stations, registration tables, tent set up, raffle ticket seller,  silent auction, live auction, and take down. You may also call Sara Thomas directly to volunteer. 

Join the Mindfulness Group

We meet every Tuesday at 3 pm in the Religious Education Building great room to spend an hour with relaxation and mindfulness.

Join us for quiet meditation for 2 twenty minute sets with a short silent walk in between. 

This is a drop-in group. Donations welcome. 

Class Update for Qi-Gong+Indian-Club Movement

Sign Up for QI-GONG+INDIAN-CLUB MOVEMENT 

Carol Allen, the instructor, invites you to sign up at any time. This is a gentle exercise class done either standing or sitting in one place. It can increase strength, balance and concentration. 

There are a maximum of 7 students per class. Classes are held in the Religious Education Building great room. There is a one-time registration fee of $12 for the full session or a drop-in fee of $1 for a single class. All fees go to the church. 

The first class is free for potential new students or visitors.

Session 2 – Spring 2025 – Apr / May / Jun -12 classes
Tuesdays at 2 pm – Apr 1 thru Jun 17
Thursdays at 12 pm – Apr 3  thru Jun 19

Registration for this class is with Carol Allen.

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

Events of Note

The Annual Auction

Join us on Saturday, April 26, for one of the biggest social and fundraising events in our church year. Food, entertainment, and loads of biddable events, services, items, and gift cards. All church participants along with their family and friends are invited. There will be raffled items and a fabulous GRAND PRIZE. Be sure to watch your email for the 2025 Auction Catalog; a limited number will be available in print format as well.

Last Day For Auction Donations

If you suddenly thought of a fabulous donation to the auction but thought you’d missed the deadline, fear not! We have extended the deadline until Sunday, April 6. All you have to do is complete this Auction Form and bring it to the church lobby. Our happy gnomes are waiting to enter your fabulous event, service or precious item into the auction catalog.

Grow With UUCLC

One of the ways we have fun with the auction is a contest during the Live Auction intermission. This year, our auction theme is Grow with the UUCLC so in keeping with that we challenge you to represent the phrase TREE OF LIFE on a t-shirt or hat or yourself (remember this is a family oriented event!). Have fun, let your imaginations run wild! For example, one of our folks is thinking about pinning a bunch of weeping juniper branches to a baseball cap. Hmmm, will it win a prize?

Regularly Scheduled Activities

Always check the calendar on our website or, if you receive them, Week at A Glance email notices for changes to dates and times or events not listed here.

Every Monday

6:30-7:30 PM — Aikido in the Religious Education Building great room. Contact Trish Rude if you wish to attend this class. NOTE: The class does not meet the last Monday of every month.

Every Tuesday

10-11 AM and 5:45-6:45 — T’ai Chi in the Religious Education Building great room.

2-3 PM — Qi Gong in the Religious Education Building great room.

3-4 PM — Mindfulness — We meet every Tuesday at in the Religious Education Building great room to spend an hour with relaxation and mindfulness. Join us for quiet meditation for 2 twenty minute sets with a short silent walk in between. This is a drop-in group. Donations, which go to the church, are welcome. 

Every Wednesday

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

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

2 PM — The Bridge Group plays bridge 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.

6:30-7:30 PM — Aikido in the Religious Education Building great room. Contact Trish Rude if you wish to attend this class.

Every Thursday

10-11 AM and 5:45-6:45 — T’ai Chi in the Religious Education Building great room.

12-1 PM — Qi Gong in the Religious Education Building great room. (beginning of March at 12 pm)

Every Friday

12-1 PM — Yoga 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

7-8 PM — Sound Meditation and Relaxation in the Sanctuary for an hour of relaxation. Bring your yoga mat, if you like.

2nd Thursday

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

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm — Shape Note Singing in the church lobby. Contact Cathy Cox for more information.

3rd Thursday

6:30-8:00 PM — 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.  We meet in the church library.  Contact Brooks Lewis at or leave a voice message at 512-826-1472. 

4th Thursday

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm — Shape Note Singing in the church lobby. Contact Cathy Cox for more information.

2nd Friday

6:30-8:30 PM — Game Night. Join us in the Religious Education Building Great Room. Bring a snack to share and a favorite game. Hope to see you there.

3rd Friday

5:30-7:30 PM — Eating Out. 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

1-3 PM — 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

1-2 PM — Drumming Circle. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience drumming with Yolanda Martinez in the Religious Education Building great room.

6:00-8:30 PM — 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 .