April Light

^{Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, Vol. 74, 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. Office hours: Mon virtual, Tue-Thur 10-2, Fri by appointment.
Worship services are streamed on YouTube every Sunday at 10 AM. See past worship services on our YouTube channel.
Our newsletter is produced by Ed Gomolka and Lyn Pearson. Deadline for submitting articles is the 25th of every month.

Our Minister

Rev. Ali K.C. Bell,

Rev. Bell’s Beacon

Shining reflections on faith, community, and belonging

Beloveds,

As we enter April, our theological theme of Embracing Possibility invites us to ask: what becomes available to us when we stop resisting what is and open ourselves to what might be?

This June, I will be concluding my ministry here, and you will soon begin the journey of a new ministerial search. I know that stirs many things: grief, uncertainty, fear, and yes, even anger. All of it is welcome. All of it belongs.

And still, how we interpret our experiences shapes us. How we act with one another through uncertain times shapes us. How we live our values, the values that make this congregation unmistakably, beautifully you, shapes us. Change is the only constant in our lives. What we bring to it is our choice.

Nichiren, the 13th century Buddhist teacher whose writings inform my own practice, observed: “There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other.” Something extraordinary lives in every turning. Including this one. I hold that truth close as I prepare to journey with you through these final months of my ministry here.

As your 3/4-time minister, I also want to share a note about my schedule. I will be on my scheduled week off from April 26 through May 2. Even when I am away, the ministries of this congregation continue, carried by our dedicated lay leaders, staff, and by the love that binds us together.

May we embrace the possibilities before us, in our congregation, in our relationships, and in the world beyond. Believing in your becoming, Rev. Ali K.C. Bell

Our President

Joan Pipkins

Spring Has Arrived: A Time for Renewal and Growth

As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, the arrival of spring offers a natural opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation. As we engage in spring cleaning to freshen up our homes, it is equally important to de-clutter our mental space. Similar to physical clutter in our living spaces, mental clutter can weigh us down and contribute to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and stress. Spring cleaning for the mind offers an opportunity to clear away the cobwebs of negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, making space for growth, healing, and positive change. Spring is a time to practice forgiveness, both toward yourself and others, and embrace the freedom that comes with letting go.

As we approach Earth Day, I am reminded of the vision of José Argüelles. Argüelles was one of the originators of the “Earth Day” concept.  He was also a philosopher who built on Pierre Teilhard
de Chardin’s vision of the noosphere. Argüelles considered the noosphere to be the next evolutionary stage of Earth, encompassing a planetary “mental sphere” of collective consciousness. Within the noosphere, all minds will be one, and therefore “loving one’s neighbor as oneself” would become a matter of course.  Argüelles also imagined a time when the phrase “time is money“ is replaced with “time is art” within the consciousness of humanity, with creative cooperation replacing self-centered competition.

Our faith is not just in sharing our aspirations, but our vulnerability with one another. Let us do what we can to check in, support, and connect in order to bring compassion to our sanctuary and well beyond. Our congregation offers a space for open spirituality, social change, and community in Las Cruces. This is sacred work- especially now. Thank you for all you do to live our faith!

Board of Trustees

Board meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6 PM. They are open to members and the Zoom link is online each month. Once they are approved by Board members, the meeting minutes are sent to church members via email.

Religious Education

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education,

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.“

April is certainly full of plans for Religious Education! We have 3 big Sundays coming up. We start the month off with one of our most attended services-Easter! As a person who loves to celebrate, I sincerely enjoy choosing goodies for Easter baskets. With a wide range of ages, interests, and food accommodations, choosing the best options takes time and attention to detail. April also brings us the Children’s Auction! Youths of all ages are invited to participate in this UUCLC tradition. Students are given “money” in order to bid on fun and educational items ranging from-Lego and Science Sets, Art Kits, Sports Gear, Board Games, and more! If interested in learning more about this event please reach out to .

On the last Sunday of the month, Religious Education students will spend time creating headdresses to be worn during the wrapping of the Maypole. Our youths enjoy participating in this CUUPS tradition every year. And lastly, Religious Education will end the month of April, as we do every month, with a potluck. Each of these meals is themed and we invite our students, families, and volunteers to gather for fun, food, and fellowship.

Music and Choir

Erick Ramirez, Director of Music,

Beloveds, I do not know if it has been the same for you, but February and March have been a whirlwind of emotions for me. We started February celebrating the goddess turned saint, Brigid, which gave us a chance to experience through music the juxtaposition of inspiration and faith. Yolanda Martinez sought to teach us through her music about how loving ourselves comes from understanding the interconnected web of all existence. The rest of the month challenged us to understand change as something we can confront and thrive in when we work together and support each other.

In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month featuring cis- and transwomen composers, lyricists, and arrangers. We brought friends to church and showed them that we sing: we sing about our Unitarian Universalist values, but also live and share them. We stood fast to the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and heard. I tried this month not only to bring music that allowed us to reflect, but also to make us laugh and think about the future. I know that right now many of us might feel a little lost: that the future looks uncertain; that the whirlwind might be to strong for us to withstand. If you feel this, I remind you that spring has started. The little tree in my front yard survived the winter and is doing well. This encourages me as I look to the future. As Rev. Love mentioned to us in her service, adversity is a seed that can lead to a thriving future. In that, I challenge us to sing in the coming months, to find joy in soft melodies and raucous ballads, to unite and lift each other in harmony.

I wish for all of you peace.

Administration

Nancy Zacarias, Church Administrator

2026 office hours starting in January.

Mondays: I will work virtually, not in office.
Tues. Wed. and Thursday 10-2
Friday will be by appointment only.

Honoring Clayton Flowers

Clayton is a long-time member of this church and continues to support us financially with particular attention to the religious education program. Recently, he was honored by the governor.

For the Organ Mountain News, by Damien Willis on Mar 22, 2026

Oldest living U.S. veteran James C. Flowers honored at Las Cruces home

James C. Flowers, a 110-year-old Tuskegee Airman and the oldest living U.S. veteran, was honored at his Las Cruces home with the New Mexico Medal of Merit.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recognizes 110-year-old Tuskegee Airman with New Mexico Medal of Merit

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recognized Flowers in a social media post after the ceremony, calling him “a true American hero.” The governor’s office said Flowers received the medal in recognition of a lifetime of service, sacrifice and dedication. Read more about the award and Clayton Flowers on the Governor’s Facebook Page.

State veterans officials presented the award on the governor’s behalf during a ceremony at Flowers’ Las Cruces home. KRQE reported on the event, and other published accounts identified the presenters as New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Jamison Herrera and State Benefits Director Ed Mendez.

Committees and Programs

2026 Auction by Katie Fitzgerald

Our Power, Our Planet

The theme for this year’s annual auction is Our Power, Our Planet. The auction will be held on April 25th from 3 PM to 8-ish PM.  For the $7 price of admission, you will have the opportunity to bid on baskets, check out the Silent Auction, enjoy a hearty meal, refresh yourself with water, soda, wine or beer and of course, the culminating event–the LIVE AUCTION OF GOODS and SERVICES. 

Auction Volunteer Sign Has Started!!

The auction needs volunteers. We are so grateful for the support of people who sign up for a shift to make this a truly wonderful event. Starting March 29^th and the following two Sundays after service, you can sign up for a shift in many areas: food prep, servers, beverages, outside set up, registration, silent auction monitors, raffle tickets, live auction spotters, clean up, and a few more. Look for the sign-up table in the lobby. If you have questions about volunteering, please ask Sara Thomas.

Caring by Hale Huber

The UUCLC Caring Committee is here to help Members and Friends of our Church when needs arise, such as medical transportation, hospital or home visits, short term help with meals, emergency errands, telephone visits, etc. If you need help or you know a Member or Friend that needs help please call Rev Rod or Hale Huber. 

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 is a Gaelic festival that celebrates fertility and the beginning of summer. On April 18, the CUUPs group will get together and prepare the Maypole. It will be blessed and new ribbons will be added. Potluck will be at 6:00 and the Maypole activities will begin at 7:00. Everyone is welcome to join.

The Maypole with be danced at the church on Sunday, April 26.

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

By the time you read this the South Parking lot will have been cleaned and restriped so it will be easier to see both handicapped and regular parking spaces. And soon, we should have estimates for the repair our irrigation system which we have been patching together for the last few months.

We’re also in the process of replacing that portion of the ceiling in the Religious Education Building breezeway that fell down two months ago. And while we have received one estimate for re-roofing the Sanctuary, we are continuing to explore other alternatives to a regular shingled roof.

The local agency which is handling our Department of Energy grant informs us that our Energy Audit will be performed soon and that will allow them to begin working with Contractors to spec and install new equipment. In the meantime, we will probably have to spend at least $3000 in repair costs to keep the HVAC systems working as hot weather is obviously upon us.

Finance by Ed Gomolka and Shirley Davis –

We have assembled our financial process review team. The team members are Jeannette Skow, Rabbitt Loring, and Ed Gomolka. There is still time to join the team. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Ed Gomolka. We will start the church financial process review in April. We will interview individuals or committees who are involved in handling money for the church. If you or your committee fall into that category, you can expect to receive an interview request from one of our team members. We will document current processes and identify any opportunities for improvement.

Thanks in advance for helping us maintain a high standard of financial stewardship for the church! If you are curious as to what a financial review entails, check out these pages from the UUA:

• https://www.uua.org/files/documents/wujames/finreviewcongs.pdf
• https://www.uua.org/safe/handbook/checklists/financial-controls

Generous Giving by Jack Welch

This column will resume shortly.

Hospitality

Hospitality Rotation Schedule

Please review the rotation schedule in the Members tab of this website and send changes or updates to .

HELP US HELP YOU!

All of the committees and covenant groups strive to make wholesome snacks available during coffee hour after church. We are alert to food sensitivities, allergies and the need for gluten free goodies to munch on.  If you know of someone who needs extra “TLC” in regards to Hospitality offerings, please let one of the committee members know so that we can plan accordingly. Members include: Lindsay Neal, Shirley Davis, Ed Gomolka, Kristi McCander or Bill Fitzgerald. One or more of these individuals are in the Religious Education Building great room on Sunday after church.

Library by Rabbitt Loring –

Library at the Auction

The Auction is coming! The Auction is coming! Grab your wallet and come join the fun!

The Library’s book carts are joining the Auction! On Auction day, all books in the carts will be Auction Priced! Which actually means whatever price you can afford, as always. But the difference is that all funds collected on the carts that day will be considered donations to the Auction. You may donate cash or sign your bid number on the tabulating clip board to charge your donation to your church Auction account for which you will be billed later.

See you at the Auction!

Hours

Library hours are in keeping with days our church administrator is on-site, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10 AM until 2 PM. There are also limited hours on most Sundays after worship – 11:30 until 1 PM.

The UUCLC Book Club

We meet the 2nd Thursday each month at 3:30 to 5:00 in the library. This month the book is Paper Girl by Beth Macy.

Membership by Lyn Pearson –

Who We Are and What We Do

We are: Lyn Pearson (chair), Rev. Nancy Anderson (Covenant Groups), David Brown, Jennie Buckingham, Carol Allen (Eating Out), Cass Calway (CUUPS), Carol Casavant (Greeters), Cathy Cox, Jodie Nachison, Rich Richins (photo directory), Lucy Silva (welcome cards), Mark Sukontarak (greeter calendar), and Sara Thomas (Welcoming Congregation).

We are in the process of reviewing the Membership role. It is a slow process and likely will not be completed until at least the end of April. In addition, we are preparing our Membership basket for the auction. We think it will be titled “Membership is Nutty for Our Members and Friends.” Needless to say, this basket will feature nuts in all of their many forms. Keep your eyes open if this basket interests you, it will be somewhere in the silent auction or it may be a raffle item, we’re not sure.

The New Member Dinner will be May 30, so we will concentrate on this activity during our April Membership Committee meeting.

Welcoming Congregation Committee Looking for Sponsors

Our small but strong Welcoming Congregation Committee (WCC) has several tasks besides getting ready for Pride on the Plaza in October. Every year we complete a renewal application to maintain our status as a Welcoming Congregation. There are five main parts, the last part is our Welcoming Project. In past years our Welcoming project included teaching Authentic Selves study classes (transgender education) and donating to our local PFLAG.

For this year’s Welcoming Project we are sponsoring quarterly lunches for the Transgender Mutual Aid Block Party. This group offers all kinds of services for transgender people, often younger folks who are particularly in need of help. We already held the first lunch in February thanks to our first sponsor, Jane Asche. With her monetary donation, we were able to provide a tasty lunch to 30 people of all ages. The facilitators of the group were extremely grateful.

WCC is looking for additional sponsors for our next planned lunches over the course of this year. Any amount you can donate for the purchase of food supplies would be most appreciated. Our committee budget is too small to fund the whole project since we cover Pride expenses for our church’s booth rental and parade fee.  Please consider donating to this worthy event. Contact Sara Thomas to find out more.

Eating Out by Carol Allen –

We meet on the 3rd Friday at 5:30 pm – each month at a different restaurant. 

Next gathering:  Friday Apr 17
Restaurant:  Las Trancas 
Location:  1008 S Solano 88001

Reservations are appreciated by email to  no later than Wed Apr 15. 

Thank you March greeters!

If you would like to be a greeter, we can train you! Please contact our Greeter Coordinator, Mark Sukontarak at .

Roundtable by Jan Thompson and Elisa Sanchez

April Roundtable Schedule

Education never ends.  Come learn with us.  We have discussions, not arguments.  Our goal is to learn more about all sides of issues and to learn more about one another.  If you have a topic you would like discussed, contact Jan Thompson or Elisa Sanchez.

April 13 – Is There Another Way? Rethinking Crime, Punishment, and Redemption

What if the way we respond to crime is actually making it worse? In this presentation, Dr. Jessica Corey, a criminal justice professor at NMSU, draws on her experience in correctional mental health, including clinical work in solitary confinement units. She examines the limits of punishment – particularly retribution – and why it so often falls short as an effective response to crime. The session also explores evidence-based approaches that promote rehabilitation, healing, meaningful change, and long-term public safety.

April 27 – White People Don’t Exist

Dr. Timothy E. Nelson, instructor in Africana Studies at NMSU, will talk about Blackdom, Utopia, and Belonging. He says the Big Lie about race has gone too far as it continues to feed dehumanization and violence.

Roundtable is held at 6:30pm in-person in the Sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 S. Solano Dr., Las Cruces, 88001. It also may be accessed by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88259866277?pwd=O70ey9rDJTlIARTYUhxOSobem1T3FJ.1

Social Justice by David Rice –

The Social Justice Committee meets the second Wednesday of every month at 1:30
p.m. via ZOOM. (See Week At A Glance for link).

Change for Change

This quarter your Change for Change donations will go to McKinney Vento Project Link.

The Change for Change selection meeting took place Sunday, March 15. The following organizations were selected for the coming year:

• April/May/June – McKinney Vento Project Link
• July/August/September – La Pinon Sexual Assault Center
• October/November/December – Las Cruces Women’s Health Organization – Pink House
• January/February/March – Dona Ana County Humane Society

Animal Advocates are assisting a member of the congregation with the care of her dog while she is dealing with family medical issues.

Welcoming Congregation Committee: The WWC Committee is supporting quarterly luncheons for the Trans & Queer Mutual Aid Block Party. Social Justice funds and donations are covering costs.

Study Action Issue of UUA: The UUA General Assembly will study the Abolition of prisons and detention centers for the next three years. The Social Justice Committee will have programming on the topic during that study period.

J. Paul Taylor Center: Elwin Nunn and Peggy Devlin conducted their 60 th cooking class for nine students. There was also Fine Dining for 10 residents of the Mesquite dormitory.

Green Amendment: Advancement of this measure does not appear likely in the NM Legislature. Dave Steele has resigned from the Green Amendment steering committee.

Casa de Peregrinos: Ginny Herrick reported that First Sunday collections have totaled $694 in February and $405 in March.

Sunday Services –

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.

Tombaugh Gallery by Cathy Cox –

April In The Gallery

SPRINGTIME

Experience the fresh energy of spring with works by five local artisans who bring color and creativity to life. The Tombaugh Gallery at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 S. Solano Dr, welcomes Suzanne Kane, Rosemary McLoughlin, Mary Lou LaCasse and Rokoko (A.me and Mitch Alamag) to its March 6th to April 19 show.

Suzanne Kane’s sculptures are inspired by the High Chihuahua Desert. The landscape can appear inhospitable yet it is full of weird and wonderful growing things that look delicate from a distance but are tough and wicked up close. The sculptural plants she makes are informed by this vegetation that endures and survives despite a harsh climate. Her pieces blend welded steel with mid-fire stoneware.

Rokoko was established in 1983 as a business to house the artistic collaboration and creations of A.me and Mitch Alamag. (the name Rokoko, a Japanese word that means ‘of the heart’ and from rococo, a period of art during the mid18th century.) The rococo style was ornate and whimsical. Their art is mixed media, primarily comprised of wood, acrylic paint, ceramic and acrylic resin. Currently they create works on wood and some found objects. They carve, rout, glue, assemble, texture and paint in acrylic, paste and varnishes.

Rosemary McLoughlin began her narrative paintings inspired by stories told her by her Irish grandmother and great aunt, her father’s sea travels and her mother’s love of color and wimsey. After completing graduate work in painting at NMSU in 1977, she began to put her memories and travels into paintings. In 2018, the glaucoma which had been diagnosed 42 years earlier, finally caused serious vision loss. Grateful for the many years of painting, she is on this new journey of seeing and painting, and discovering what is possible.

Join the artists at the opening First Friday Reception on March 6th from 5 to 7pm for discussion and refreshments. There will be a second reception on First Friday, April 3rd. The gallery is open Friday and Saturday 10am to 2pm and Sunday, 11:30 to 2pm.

Additional information on the Gallery and our scholarship endowments is available at https://www.uuchurchlc.org/gallery/in-the-tombaugh-gallery/.

Gallery 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

IT’S TIME FOR THE BIG GUNS

A call to action, if you will. It seems that the U.S. Department of Energy is not approving projects for subrecipients (we are one of 20). Actually, we have to be re-approved, we were originally approved back in May, 2025. Consider the source. Please advocate with our federal legislators, listed below, on behalf of this capital energy renewal project. Thanks, Katie Fitzgerald

Suggested language to our representatives —

We are asking for your assistance in resolving the delays in approving the subrecipients for the Tierra del Sol’s DOE grant. Approval would mean that 20 subrecipients would be able to participate in the program and receive the funding under Award No. DE-SE0001004. Each of the subrecipients has completed their scopes of work and have been ready to move forward since January 2026.

Elected officials:
Senator Martin Heinrich
201 North Church Street Ste. 305
Las Cruces, NM 88001
575-523-6561

Senator Ben Ray Lujan
201 North Church Street Ste. 201B
Las Cruces, NM 88001
575-288-4644

Representative Gabe Vasquez
115 W. Griggs Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001
575-323-6390

Do you like to recycle?

The Auction Committee is trying to create heavier weights for the large tents we use at the auction. We need extra large hard plastic bottles like those used for detergent and cleaners. Milk jugs are too small and flimsy. Please turn them in to the large bin in the Religious Education Building great room during February and March. A few bottles are already there as examples. Thank you! Questions? Ask Sara Thomas or Bill Fitzgerald.

Sign Up for Aikido

It’s back! And we hope you’ll take advantage of Trisha Rude’s skills as an Aikido instructor.

Aikido is a Japanese non-violent martial art, founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). The art of Aikido is noncompetitive and does not require a person to have great physical strength or size. Aikido students develop coordination, balance, awareness, and personal strength valuable in everyday life. This course will focus on basic forms of body movement, techniques for de-escalating violence, and ukemi (the art of taking falls and rolls). Classes will also involve training with two traditional Japanese weapons: the wooden sword (bokken) and walking staff (jo). Discover aikido and begin walking the path of a peaceful warrior.

Sign up as soon as possible for classes starting on Monday, March 16. Contact Trisha directly by email or phone to register. You can find Trisha’s contact information in the latest phone directory or you can contact for her personal contact information.

Classes will be Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30 to 7:30 pm, except for the last Monday of the month. Cost is $15. Wear comfortable clothes including long pants.

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.

Spring 2026 – Session 2 – Apr/May/Jun – 12 classes

• Tuesdays at 2 pm – Mar 31 thru Jun 16 
• Thursdays at 12 pm – Apr 2  thru Jun 18  

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

Welcoming Congregation Committee Looking for Sponsors

Our small but strong Welcoming Congregation Committee (WCC) has several tasks besides getting ready for Pride on the Plaza in October. Every year we complete a renewal application to maintain our status as a Welcoming Congregation. There are five main parts, the last part is our Welcoming Project. In past years our Welcoming project included teaching Authentic Selves study classes (transgender education) and donating to our local PFLAG.

For this year’s Welcoming Project we are sponsoring quarterly lunches for the Transgender Mutual Aid Block Party. This group offers all kinds of services for transgender people, often younger folks who are particularly in need of help. We already held the first lunch in February thanks to our first sponsor, Jane Asche. With her monetary donation, we were able to provide a tasty lunch to 30 people of all ages. The facilitators of the group were extremely grateful.

WCC is looking for additional sponsors for our next planned lunches over the course of this year. Any amount you can donate for the purchase of food supplies would be most appreciated. Our committee budget is too small to fund the whole project since we cover Pride expenses for our church’s booth rental and parade fee. Please consider donating to this worthy event. Contact Sara Thomas to find out more.

Events of Note

APR 25 – Annual Auction. Please mark this date in your calendar. The auction will be on Saturday, April 25. Watch the newsletter and special emailings for more information.

Regular Opportunities for Engagement

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 in the Religious Education Building great room. 

Take a quiet pause in your week with two 20-minute periods of seated meditation, separated by a brief walking meditation and often accompanied by a short thought-provoking reading.  Regular mindfulness practice can help calm the mind, ease stress, and open a sense of spacious awareness in daily life. 

This is a drop-in group. All donations go to the church.

Every Wednesday

10-11 AM — Caring Conversations meets on Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87064121421?pwd=QmNhYVlrUTltK1cxRDhSRVdOU01rdz09, Meeting ID: 870 6412 1421, Passcode: 564007. This group is open to all and topics are open ended.

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.

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

2nd and 4th Mondays

6:30-7:30 PM — Roundtable in the Library and on Zoom. Come and learn, come and listen, we’ll have terrific speakers who are knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects.

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 Café. 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 lobby.  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 Carol Allen at to make your reservation the Wednesday before the dinner.

2nd Saturday

10 AM – Noon — Drumming Circle. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience drumming with Yolanda Martinez in the Religious Education Building great room.

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 Casavant 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

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 .

Last Sunday

6:00-8:00PM — SASS. Potluck in the Religious Education Building great room. We welcome all LGBTQ+ women and allies. Join SASSy women to meet over food and friendship to plan together the social events for the following month. When you attend the potluck, you can get on the email list of our social events.  Note: we do not meet in December.