March 2025 Light

^{Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, Vol. 73, Num. 3
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

I hate to start this article with a worry, but I feel like I need to. Please pay attention to what is happening around you in our parking lot. We have had some vehicles speeding through and yelling hate messages at us on Sundays (when they should be in church themselves). So, I guess we have been discovered again. Rest secured that our leadership is addressing this and other safety concerns.

On a more pleasant note, several people asked for copies of the Rules for Living that I shared on Sunday February 23rd. I offered Five Rules for Living that I try to live by, though not always successfully.

• Rule #1 – Show Up in Your Life. Showing up in your life means blooming where you’re planted and get as much out of who you are, where you are, now. Showing up in your life also means not abdicating your power to someone else.
• Rule #2 – Speak the Truth – in Love. Speaking the Truth mean telling the truth as you know it, and In Love, means being honest kindly, in small does, in loving words, and identifying it from your own feelings. I also suggested that speaking the truth in love means asking yourself 3 questions before speaking your truth – Is it True? Is it Kind? Will it Help? If you can’t answer those questions with a Yes, then it is not worth speaking the truth, even in love.
• Rule #3 – Be Yourself. Most of our lives are spent trying to be ourselves – to figure out “Who am I?”. Maybe what I am talking about is really only one rule for living, for part of being yourself is being Authentic, speaking the truth, and being present, thus being yourself. I hope part of what we do for each other in our church community is to insist on the most mature and responsible behavior from each other.
• Rule #4 – Ask for Help. If you are going to Show Up, Speak the Truth, and Be Yourself, there will be times when we will have to admit to ourselves that we are not perfect, that we’re fragile, that we need help. That’s one of the reasons we get together in this community in the first place – to share our knowledge, skills, and experiences with each other for the benefit of the whole.
• Rue #5 – Have Faith – Trust. If we don’t have faith, how can we trust that there will be a good outcome. I believe that we must have faith, or trust, to feel safe enough to ask for help, to be ourselves, to speak the truth, to show up in our lives. I believe that seeing the faith and trust in others is something we offer to each other in our church community. Remember, we’re all in this thing called life, together, and we’re all in the ministry of this church, together. Have faith in its future.

Our President

Linda Ruchala

The new reality of church safety

The new reality is that our church seems to have become a potential target for those who do not like what we stand for – our principles, values and even the signs in front of our church. A number of people have witnessed several events – I will not go into them here because I want to focus on solutions.

The possibility of mayhem or even violence inflicting the church and its members is slight, but real. We have had such periods in the past and have weathered them. But we need to do our due diligence in protecting members and property.

WE NEED A SAFETY TEAM. We have a list at least 10 things that can be done at little or no cost, but WE NEED people who can do them. A safety team was in place a few years ago and so if any of you could step up to lead a revived effort that would be very helpful. Additionally, new members who are looking for ways to engage and make a difference are also welcome.

If you are willing to work on this effort, please contact me as soon as possible.

Board of Trustees

Religious Education

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education

“Embrace the whirlwind of March, where the transition to new beginnings is
always bustling.”

And a bustling month it will be! Following our public-school systems’ current Spring Break schedule, I will personally be celebrating my high-school senior’s last family vacation as a student. This bittersweet trip will have us traveling to Colorado to enjoy several art museums. If you happen to be familiar with my teenager Scout, art is their passion! Having participated in a handful of local art exhibits, their choice for adventure is very fitting!

I will also be gone for a week this March on a professional journey, as I travel to the Finding Our Way conference in North Carolina. This annual gathering is hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Association for Unitarian Universalist religious professionals of color. It offers community building, spiritual reflection, and
collegial support. I’m looking forward to the workshops and embracing colleagues that I usually only see on Zoom screens!

Religious Education will be busy this month participating in our Bunny Buddy program! For five years now students have signed up for this “Secret Pen Pal” event where they are matched with a member of the Religious Education Committee or interested church members. This program is designed to be a fun way to build community and make connections. Bunny Buddy’s will get to know each other through letter writing, secret token/gift exchanges, and a reveal party! If you know of any youths interested in joining us, please reach out! kellie@uuchurchlc.org.

Music and Choir

Interested? Apply for this job.

The Music Task Force was created to begin the work of seeking someone to step into the Music Director position created by Catherine Massey’s retirement. Their first task was to draft a job description for a music leader for the 2025 fiscal year and forward the document to the Board of Trustees for approval. We are happy to report that this first hurdle has been accomplished. Now, we are in the process of sharing that job description with various groups including Unitarian Universalist Association’s regional and state music leaders as well as members of the Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries. Along with that we are posting the position on our website and other local sites to get the most widespread distribution as possible. Deadlines for applications will be the end of January. If you know of anyone who may be interested in Music Leadership here at the church, please ask them to check out our website (https://www.uuchurchlc.org/job-posting/) or contact our Church Administrator for a copy of the job description.

Administration

Nancy Zacarias, Church Administrator

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

Committees and Programs

Board of Trustees by Linda Ruchala

The Board has been busy in its first two months of the 2025 year!

In January, Board members spent a productive day in retreat, getting to know each other better, developing a covenant for the coming year, and talking with Unitarian Universalist Association representative Tania Marquez about the responsibilities of Board members. At the January Board meeting, we approved Katie Fitzgerald and Charlie Scholz as co-chairs of the Auction Committee.

At our February meeting, we finalized assigning Board liaisons to our church’s major committees. We hope that the communication between the Board and committees can be improved through increased interaction. Sam Palahnuk was approved as the Stewardship Committee co-chair and Katie Fitzgerald and Joan Pipkins were approved as co-chairs of the Human Resources Committee. We also set two objectives for ourselves during the coming year:

1. The Board of Trustees will establish an ongoing Stewardship Committee in accordance with church Bylaws. Success of this objective will be measured through the successful execution of a pledge drive in the fall and ongoing leadership of a Stewardship Committee in 2026.
2. The Board of trustees will establish a Long Range Planning Task Force that will use the prior Long Range Plan, UUA resources, congregation data and members’ input to develop a vision for the church in 5 to 10 years as well as concrete, measurable steps that will direct the church’s resources and energy to its accomplishment. The Task Force should be formed to begin when the minister is employed.

Finally, we have held two meetings named “What’s UUP?” to increase opportunities for church members to share information and concerns with the Board and hopefully increase communication about church governance. Please look for this meeting next month and join us!

As always, the Board minutes are sent to members in a separate email.

CUUPS by Cassandra Calway – cuups@uuchurchlc.org

_{“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.}

Ostara or Eostre is the goddess of spring and new beginnings, she brings spring each year. She is symbolized by rabbits and eggs. Join Desert Spirit CUUPS on March 15, to welcome Spring and Eostre back. Potluck will be at 6:00 and ritual will begin at 7:00. Everyone is welcome to join us.

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 – facilities@uuchurchlc.org

Good News From Facilities!

The sidewalk on the north side of the Sanctuary, which connects the Handicapped Parking with the Religious Education Building, is finished. The contractor poured it two weeks ago. After the forms were removed, our helpers finished it off on the following Saturday by filling in the dirt around the new walk.

However, you are reminded to use it only as a walkway. It’s not an extension of the parking lot.

We’re continuing to wait on parts for the new doors to the Lobby as well as for the new Gallery doors. Those doors have been purchased but await the window glass and hardware.

Selecting the order of importance for the unfunded capital projects is ongoing. However, the Committee did decide to put the removal of the dead cactus on the Solano strip as the highest priority. There appears to be funding in 2025 Budget to pay for this.

Since security is always important, the Committee will discuss a new plan for monitoring our church property in light of recent events.

Finance by Ed Long – finance@uuchurchlc.org

The books have been closed on 2024 and the final year-end report has been submitted to the Board of Trustees.  Please contact Ed Long or Shirley Davis if you would like a copy of that report.

We have sent out a contribution statement to everyone which itemized the record of your contributions in 2024.  Please contact us if you not received a statement.

We are now resuming our work on revising the financial policies and procedures and hope to have our recommendations into the Board this spring.

Please remember that the Finance Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 4 PM, currently by Zoom. Our meetings are open to anyone. Our job is to safeguard the contributions of our members and friends and to make sure that your money is being spent according to the 2025 budget we adopted in December. If that interests you, check us out and consider joining our committee! Contact co-chairs Ed Long or Shirley Davis at finance@uuchurchlc.org.

Generous Giving by Jack Welch

We thank Jeanne Gilbert for her special gift in memory of our late member, Jerry Nachison. And, we thank Jan Thompson for her gift in memory of our late member, Irene Schultz. Both gifts are received with gratitude.

Eight of our members made generous donations to our Change 4 Change Fund. They are: Marsha Adkinson, Jane Asche, Dave Brown, Elvira Masson, Dave and Ginny Rice, Dave and Ilene Steele, Marie and Karuna Warren, and Jack Welch and Gayle Trantham.

Nancy L Anderson contributed to our Minister’s Discretionary Fund.  Cathy Carver and Rex Myers and Susan Richards supported our Little Free Pantry. We offer our sincere thanks to all generous donors.

Hospitality

Hospitality is an extension of Sunday Service, an opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to greet one another, catch up and chat, share fellowship, greet visitors and enjoy coffee, conversation and goodies.

Currently, there are two openings on our rotation of volunteer groups that provide hospitality offerings. These slots occur on the 1st Sunday in odd numbered months, Jan, Mar, May, July, Sep, and Nov, and the 3rd Sunday in even numbered months, Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, and Dec. We are seeking a committee, covenant group or even four or five people who could commit to work together to make this a reality for our church.

If you have questions or are interested in helping out, talk to Bill Fitzgerald, chair of Hospitality or Shirley
Davis or Ed Gomolka.

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

Spring Cleaning Time

Tentative new leaves are unfurling. Bits of green are showing up in the lawn. Short-sleeved shirts are coming out of the closet. So what does all this mean? It’s time for Spring Cleaning! In your bustling about and dusting your bookshelves, have you noticed you have more books than you need? Wondering what to do with them? Why not donate them to the church library?

Our library has sections on all aspects of Social Justice, World Religions, History of all sorts, many social and physical sciences. We have sections for Fiction and Biography, Poetry and lots of areas of self-help. What we can’t add to our collection we place on one of our two book carts for sale to the congregation, add to our Little Free Library by the south parking lot, or take to COAS for book credit. So free yourself of those extra books. Bring them by the library anytime and we will gladly give them a new home.

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 – membership@uuchurchlc.org

A New UU Class Will Start Soon

If you are new or not so new to our church community, we’d like to welcome you and we’d like to invite you to get to know us better.  Beginning March 23, we will start a New UU class consisting of four (4) sessions. The sessions are intentionally linked to each other and designed for you to learn more about our church and Unitarian Universalism.

• Sessions will be March 23 and 30 and April 6 and 13. We will meet at 11:30 in the church library and we invite you to bring a bagged lunch or pick up snacks from the Religious Education Building great room. Sessions are 1.5-2 hours long.

Rev. Rod Thompson and Rev. Nancy J Anderson, Minister Emerita will facilitate the sessions. For questions, please contact the church office, and you will be put in touch with one of the Revs.

If you’d like to participate, please call the church office to register by Sunday, March 16. Leave your name and contact information with our church administrator, Nancy Zacarias. There will be a sign-up sheet in the lobby on many upcoming Sundays.

^{Note: Priority will be given to new members and those interested in joining.  If you are a longer time member, you can join in as space permits, so do not hesitate to register.  Chances are, there will be room.}

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 membership@uuchurchlc.org or at her personal email address for any additional information for either being a host or guest.

Eating Out

For March we will meet on March 21, at RENOO’S THAI TIME in the small town of Organ on East I-70 almost to the summit pass. They have Thai dishes with meat, vegetarian and vegan.  

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 EatingOut@uuchurchlc.org. 

Reserve your place now, lest you forget it later. March 20, is the last day you can reserve a space. Sooner is always better.

Welcoming Congregation

Kudos to everyone who worked on re-certifying the church as a Welcoming Congregation. We received notice on January 16, that in 2024 we fulfilled all requirements to re-certify. This was a daunting task and the team came through. They have already started working on our 2025 re-certification, which is a year-round 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 membership@uuchurchlc.org.

Greeters

Our February greeters were: Jane Asche, Carol Casavant, Diane Lee, Tom Packard, John Seeley, Gayle Trantham, Jack Welch, Susan West, and Greg White. If you’re interested in becoming a greeter, contact Mark Sukontarak at greeters@uuchurchlc.org.

Social Justice – SocialJustice@uuchurchlc.org

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

Change For Change January through March

Dharmahorse Equine Sanctuary (https://dharmahorse.org/) provides comprehensive life-long and loving care for horses, mules and donkeys who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, or in need of sanctuary due to age, injury or illness. Dharmahorse Equine Sanctuary is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. This joyful refuge is expanding the circle of compassion by providing lifesaving care to 19 horses. Equines are expensive to care for so please give generously.

Change For Change Nominations

Don’t forget Please submit nominations for our next Change for Change competition

The Social Justice Committee invites Members and Friends of UUCLC to make nominations of local organizations which will receive donations made to our Change for Change offerings for the period April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.  Four Las Cruces or Dona Ana County charitable organizations will be selected.

The process for submitting nominations, the deadlines for nominations and the process for selection of winners are presented on the church’s website under the MEMBERS tab.  The deadline for submission is Friday, March 1, 2025.  Selections will be made on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Please direct questions about our process to SocialJustice@uuchurchlc.org.

Sunday Services by Katie Fitzgerald – SundayServices@uuchurchlc.org

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 March is TRUST. Trust is absolutely necessary if we are to be in community. Indeed, it is necessary if we are to live fruitfully in the world at all.  Our service titles and leaders are listed below:

March 2 – Who Do You Trust, Charlie Scholz

In these days of lairs and frauds, you often don’t know who to trust. I may have some guidelines to help you.

March 9 – How Can You Fix Something You Don’t Understand, Sam Palahnuk

This homily explores the question of how to address the deep divisions and political turmoil in our country through our personal interactions.

March 16 – Our Unitarian Universalist Principles Upside Down, Rev. Rod Thompson

We usually think about our Unitarian Universalist Association Principles as the seven affirmations of faith in the first part of the statement and often ignore the six Sources which follow them. The principles’ affirmations have even more meaning when we know the Sources from which they grew, so this Sunday I’ll be looking at these sources of our religious tradition. See you in church.

March 23 – Our Unitarian Universalist JETPIG, Rev. Rod Thompson

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. The values we share include all the following, which we hold as inseparable and deeply interconnected: Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity. These traditional values are what define us as a Faith Community, so let’s explore them. See you in church.

March 30 – International Transgender Day of Visibility

This Sunday will be remembrance of the fallen, and a celebration of Trans culture and beauty. In a time when the Trans community is under threat, Claire speaks of finding happiness in trying times.

Tombaugh Gallery by Lurene John – gallery@uuchurchlc.org

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

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 gallery@uuchurchlc.org so we can keep you updated.

Requests and Items of Interest

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

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

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 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

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

Events of Note

None in March.

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 DeathCafe@uuchurchlc.org 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 eatingout@uuchurchlc.org 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 crafters@uuchurchlc.org

Crafters Go to The Beach

On Saturday, March 8th, at 1 PM, in the Religious Education building great room. We will be using seashells to create one-of-a-kind picture frames and mirrors. A variety of seashells will be provided along with glue guns. Please bring your own picture frame or mirror. Questions? Ask Sara Thomas.

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 cuups@uuchurchlc.org.