August Light

^{Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, Vol. 73, Num. 7
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

Goodbye to Reverend Rod Thompson

We will miss Rev. Rod but he’s not so very far away. It turns out he decided that Las Cruces was the right place to live in retirement and he bought a house here. He’ll be around the church as the spirit moves him and we hope he’ll participate in as many fellowship opportunities as he can. We gave him a great send off on his last Sunday with us. A pot luck supper and a very special cake. There were two cake toppers; his favorite washtub base and a miniature image of the church, complete with the Tombaugh Window.

Our President

Linda Ruchala

As I write this during the last days of July, I have been reminded in several church meetings that we are in the “between times.” A new minister is beginning his term, a beloved current minister is retiring. Actually, this year has been a series of “between times”, though perhaps some of lesser note. A new choir director, retirement of a long-time bookkeeper for the church, a transition of a whole “new” bookkeeping system with the move to an online system from a PC-based system, two new sextons.

Some transitions are more seamless than are others, but each has contained some new ways of doing, thinking and sometimes glitches in our matrix. We seem to have taken these changes in stride – we have been grateful for some changes and responded with learning by others. Now we are completing the “between-time” of expectation as we awaited the time between hiring Rev. Ali and his appearance on our campus. Of course, the “between times” do not end now that Rev. Ali has arrived. May we continue our move to the future with the sense of grace and excitement of future as we have done thus far.

Board of Trustees

What’s UUP – August 24

The What’s UUP meetings after church on the 4th Sundays the past two months have not been held due to conflicts in scheduling with other church events. However, that does not mean we have forgotten them, or the idea of having a regular time for Board members and church members to sit together and talk about questions or church issues!

At the August 24th What’s UUP meeting, Rev. Ali K.C. Bell will be available to meet with all interested congregants for conversation and questions.

At the September 28th meeting, the Board will begin having quarterly “What’s UUP?” meetings and members will be available to talk about questions or comments of interest to the congregation. However, you need not wait until then for talking with any Board member about what is on your mind, questions, concerns, or rumors regarding the operation of the church. We would love to hear from you!

Religious Education

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education

“August is the slow, gentle month that stretches, yawns and lingers on.”

Religious Education has spent the summer months focused on potlucks,
pumpkins, painting, and classroom clean-ups! In fact, one of our very own
students volunteered her time over the summer to help with organization, a
great big Thanks, to her!

Classrooms are being reorganized because this Fall our older students will officially be moving back down the hallway, into the (blue) room that sits across from the nursery. The shared classroom spaces aim to help with the transition, as some of our students make the move into the older-aged rooms.

Students will begin August with a Backpack Blessing! In-coming Minister, Rev. Ali Bell has invited Religious Education to participate in this Unitarian Universalist tradition. This acknowledgement is meant to remind our youths that they are important to the church, and that the congregation’s care and wishes are with them at school.

As always, we ended July with a potluck. This month’s theme was “Summer Favorites and School Supplies”! If you or anyone you know may be interested in participating in Religious Education, please feel welcome to reach out.

Music and Choir

Erick Ramirez, Director of Music

Sunday, July 27, 2025 was the last Sunday for our beloved Rev. Rod Thompson. I have had the pleasure of serving with him for only a short time, but I have felt his legacy within the church. The music for the service exuded joy, but more so a sense of continued belonging. Rev. Rod will continue to be a part of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, and that encourages me. His legacy is strong here. His musicianship is strong here. I look forward to seeing how that legacy will continue to shape us as we welcome Rev. Ali K. C. Bell.

I am encouraged, and I know the legacy of this church, and all of you, will continue.

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.}

Lughnasadh or Lammas is the first of the harvest holidays on the wheel of the year. It is a time to honor the fruits of our labor and sharing the skills we have learned.

Desert Spirit CUUPS will meet on August 16, 6:00 in the Religious Education Building great room. There will be a change to the schedule, ritual will begin at 6:00 followed by a feast celebrating the coming of the cooler months of the year.

Please take a look at our beautiful Wheel of The Year that is hanging in the Religious Education Building great room.

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 delay and negotiation, the new Foyer doors, on the west side of the building, were installed this past month. This should settle our ongoing claim with Church Mutual and give us the full amount of our claim.

The new drinking fountain in the Foyer is not installed yet, as we are waiting on the supplier for the correct item. Thanks to Bill and Dave who did the removal, realigned the electrical outlet and plastered/painted the wall.

Thanks to Greg and Karen for their attention to the many outdoor light fixtures on campus. Now they are cleaner and clearer.

We’re still working on the replacement or repair of the HVAC unit in the Gallery. Since we are anticipating a grant from the Department of Energy, which would probably pay for the replacement of all of our HVAC units, we’re hesitate to repair an old unit. However, we know we will need AC in the Gallery by the end of
August when the new show goes up. So, we have asked our grant administrator to ask the DOE if they would allow us to use the installation of a new unit as part of our contribution to the grant. We’ll keep you posted.

Finance by Shirley Davis –

The Finance Committee has given you, or sent 6-month Contribution Statements by mail. You can also Access Your Giving History Online – It’s Easy!

It’s a simple, secure way to keep track of your contributions and ensure your records are up to date.

To get started:

1. Visit uuchurchlc.org
2. Hover over the “Members” tab and click on “Your Church Account”
3. Click “InFellowship Login” and enter the email address you’ve already provided to the church
4. Set up your password, if you haven’t already
5. Once logged in through “Your Giving”, look for the “History” tab at the top — there you’ll find a detailed record of your contributions for the past two years.

This is a great tool for reviewing your annual giving, confirming pledges, and preparing for tax season. If you have any questions or run into issues logging in, feel free to contact the church office for support or email .

Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to our UUCLC community!

Shirley Davis and Ed Long

Generous Giving by Jack Welch

This month, as in the past many months, Nancy L Anderson made a donation to our Minister’s Discretionary Fund. We thank Nancy for her continued support of this fund.

Our members made no less than fourteen donations for Change 4 Change. The generous donors are: Marsha Adkinson, Dave Brown, Sheree Brown, Carol Casavant and Bob Behal, Bill and Kate Fitzgerald, Stepfanie Hart-Huts, Danny and Deborah Hawkins, Elviria Masson, Jodie Nachison, Elwin Nunn, Dave and Ginny Rice, Elisa Sanchez, Jan Thompson, and Jack Welch and Gayle Trantham. Recipient this quarter for C 4 C is Community Radio KTAL.

We received special gifts for our Little Free Pantry from Cathy Carver, Janet Pit and Steve Welch, Dave and Ilene Steele and Susan West.

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

Our Common Read Has Class!

In last month’s column, we asked if someone would facilitate a study class on the Common Read that has just been selected by the Unitarian Universalist Association for the coming year. Jan Thompson has answered our call! Her class, under the auspices of Adult Enrichment, will meet on three Thursdays
beginning September 4 from 6:00-8:00pm in the library.

The Common Read for 2025-2026 is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer. As the title suggests, the book is a resource for connection to social change movements. The class will explore how UUCLC follows its values as a church and what each of us can contribute in our striving for social justice. Everyone has different strengths and can find a role to play that fits their abilities. All roles are necessary to make change happen.

See how you fit into the dynamics of social change. Sign up for this action-focused class! Registration for Adult Ed is August 1-20.

Membership by Lyn Pearson –

A Sad Goodbye

On Saturday, July 19, the Membership Committee lost a valuable and beloved member, Janet Martinique. Janet participated in the work of the committee regularly – except when she was canvassing for the Democratic party – and contributed both hard work and a lot of humor. Janet’s last contribution was her suggestion for a going away gift for Rev. Rod Thompson. The entire committee plus our Director of Music, Erick Ramirez, contributed funds so that we could give both of Rod’s cats a well-deserved spa day. On July 30, Cathy Cox and Lyn Pearson loaded said cats in their carriers and gently delivered them to a professional groomer. Butch, the big male, saw no reason for a wash, blow dry, and mani-pedi but reluctantly submitted to the groomer. Betty, the well-behaved (naturally) little female enjoyed the entire process. Both cats looked beautiful and Janet would have been so pleased. We will miss her.

Coming Up

September 7, InGathering Sunday – mark your calendar

The committee’s next project is InGathering Sunday. You can expect a wonderful luncheon with sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks. We’ll also work with all of the committees and programs to have a committee/program fair where they can show off their work for the church, offer everyone a few tasty treats, and recruit new members to their groups.

Eating Out by UUCLC –

We are all saddened by the recent passing of Janet Martinique who facilitated the Eating Out program.
We will continue to meet on the 3rd Friday at 5:30 pm – each month at a different restaurant. We are grateful to Carol Allen who will take over this program in the future.

Our next gathering will be on Friday August 15 at 5:30 PM, at Zeffiro’s Pizzeria Downtown at 136 N Water St.

Please make reservations no later than Wednesday August 13 at , or email or text Carol Allen. 

Thank you July greeters!

2026 Pledge Campaign – Charlie Scholz

We are moving right along with the planning and execution of our Annual Pledge Drive. We have a new logo, drafts of pledge letters, a revised timetable and a dollar estimate of our goal from pledges.

We made a presentation of a PowerPoint on pledging to the Board of Trustees this past month. This was part of our plan to pledge the leadership of the Church before we ask the regular members.

This month we will be working on

• Pledging the Committee Chairs
• Editing the pledge letters
• Appointing people to pledge specific populations
• Recruiting individuals to speak in Sunday Services on “why they Pledge.’

Our revised timetable is as follows:

Charlie Scholz, Chair, Pledge 2026: Here’s to the Next 70.

Our New Sanctuary – Charlie Scholz

After the very well received presentation* on June 29, the New Sanctuary Committee has been meeting to work on three things:

1. Site location
2. Access to the building
   • General
   • Handicapped
   • Emergency
3. Arrangement of the interior
   • Seating
   • Sight lines
   • Location of
     • Lavatories
     • Foyer
     • Specific rooms

Our latest meeting included an analysis of the 2016 plan which the Congregation had approved. That plan looked at the entire campus and outlined the possibilities of creating six new buildings and expanding the parking area. While we are not looking to build or demolish any other buildings, our plan does follow the 2016 version locating the Sanctuary in the Southeast corner of the property and paving a
parking lot on the north side of the existing Sanctuary.

We also did a site visit at that meeting to consider the location of the new building with regard to existing structures and access from the South parking lot.

*If anyone is interested in seeing the Presentation that we did on the 29th they should contact Elwin Nunn who has both copies of the PowerPoint and a recording of the Presentation itself.

Social Justice –

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

This quarter, your Change 4 Change donations will go to KTAL Public Radio.

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.

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.

August marks our first month with the Rec. Ali K.C. Bell as our minister. The overarching theme for services this month is Thresholds. We all have them and have crossed a number of them in our lifetimes. Come worship with us and see how this theme relates to the theme week by week.

Aug. 3 Rev. Ali Where Do We Go From Here

Aug. 10 Rev. Ali. Begin Again in Love

Aug. 17 Charlie Scholz On the Verge

Aug. 31 Sam Pahulnuk Forgive and Flourish

Tombaugh Gallery by Lurene John –

The gallery will be closed until September.

Gallery Hours (when the gallery is open)

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

Registration for Fall Adult Enrichment is Aug 1 – Aug 20

The Fall semester at UUCLC has 8 classes for you to sign up for. The Fall catalogue and Sign Up forms can be found through the congregational e-blast, in the lobby on Aug 10 and 17, and in the library. Classes cost only a $15 registration fee (for waivers, see Sara Thomas) along with a couple of free classes. Community members are welcome, so invite a friend. Classes are:

• Social Change Now – Jan Thompson, based on this year’s Common Read
• Wheel of the Year – Margot Vos, pagan festivals in the second half of the year
• Magic 101 – CUUPS members, explore different magical practices
• Spanish Songs – Dale Emmert, enjoy singing Spanish songs and learning more about them
• Cine-Mates – Deborah Hawkins, going to movies together and discussing them afterward
• Intro to Bridge – Katie Fitzgerald, learn how to play bridge from the very beginning
• Intro to Mahjong – Sara Thomas, learn how to play mahjong, an ancient oriental game
• Hike to Filmore Canyon – Rabbitt Loring, moderate hike in the Organ Mountains

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. 

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 $10 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 3 – Summer 2025 – Jul/Aug/Sep -12 classes

• Tuesdays at 2 pm – Jul 8 thru Sep 23
• Thursdays at 12 pm – Jul 10  thru Sep 25 (NO class Sep 25) 

If interested please contact either Carol Allen or the church office. Registration for this class is with Carol Allen.

UUCLC T-shirts are back in new colors!!

Yes, two new colors: purple and neon blue. Plus the previous colors: lime green, neon pink and yellow will also be available.

UUCLC T-shirts are great for wearing at Pride, Indivisible protests, church potlucks and picnics, or anytime. Important: The deadline for ordering is August 31st. That’s so they will be ready in time for Pride.

To order, pick up an order form in the lobby on Aug 10, 17, or 24. They are also available in the office during office hours. Cost is $20 payable to UUCLC. The T-shirt is a 50% Cotton 50% polyester blend with screen printed design like the last UUCLC T-shirt. They are round crew neck with short sleeves in a men’s style fit. You will be called when your T-shirt is ready for pick up at church. Questions? Ask Sara Thomas.

Events of Note

WomenSpirit Early Bird Deadline Is Near

Aug 11th is the last day for Early Bird Registrations for the WomenSpirit Retreat on Sept 26-28. Besides getting a discount, these early registrations allow the WomenSpirit committee to get started on carpool arrangements and roommate selections. We want registration to be as smooth as possible, so we can enjoy our workshops in the beautiful Sacramento mountains, not to mention the friendships, food, and fun. Scholarship applications also need to be turned in as soon as possible before they are all given out. Don’t wait!

WomenSpirit Registration forms are available in the library and in the lobby. They are also emailed to past participants. Here is the electronic registration and payment form. You also can find this registration form on the church website under the MEMBERS tab.

Limited scholarships are available. Carpools will be arranged for those who need it. You can ask Sara Thomas or Rabbitt Loring if you have questions about the forms or the retreat.

The retreat will be held on Sept 26 – 28 in the beautiful Sacramento mountains. A great way to make new friends!

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 .