October Light

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

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

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

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

Our Minister

The Reverend Rod Thompson

Rod’s Ruminations

Goodness, it is October already! Last year I spent most of October in the hospital or rehab. Please, no repeat of that this year!

In case you don’t know, October is LGBTQ+ Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Country Music Month, and it has Clergy Appreciation Day on the 13th.

There are many religious observances this month: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for our Jewish friends. The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi for our Christian Friends. Ayudha and Diwali for our Hindu friends. And of course, Samhain for our Pagens and CUUPs. It is also an important day in our Unitarian Universalist history. On October 31, 1959 (the year I graduated from high school) the Unitarians and the Universalists, separately, voted for Consolidation, the first step for the merger into becoming the Unitarian Universalist Association.

This will also be a month of variety in our Sunday Services and Music. As I look forward to them, it looks to me like the theme is Welcoming – all categories of people, plus animals, our endangered climate, and even the dead. I hope the presenters of those services are not offended by my characterization. I thank them for helping us to expand our consciousnesses.

After leading five services in a row, plus the last one in September, I will not be leading any of the October services. Still, I will be around as usual, just not in the pulpit. I expect to be in attendance each Sunday, though I might take advantage of the opportunity to visit one of our other New Mexico
churches, or just be a tourist. Have a great month, be well, and stay safe.

Our President

Susan Hychka

Lots of ways to get involved this month —

Tree Planting

On Saturday, October 5, UUCLC will host a tree-planting event in the South Solano neighborhood. We will welcome 40-60 volunteers of all ages to gather at our church before heading out in small groups to plant trees in pre-dug holes throughout the neighborhood, including several on our property. Thanks to all who have volunteered to help with this community outreach event.

Southern New Mexico Pride

Also on Saturday, October 5, Southern New Mexico PRIDE will hold its annual PRIDE celebration at the plaza in downtown Las Cruces. We hope many of you will join the fun, especially by coming to march in the PRIDE Parade that begins at 4:00 pm. Wear your Unitarian Universalist t-shirt or rainbow-hued attire, and march behind our church banner waving LGBTQ+ flags and testifying to our support for all LGBTQ+ people in our community and beyond. Religious Education youth will be participating in this parade as well.

All-church Picnic

After Sunday Service on October 20, we will celebrate fall with our second annual All Church Picnic. Please sign up by Wednesday, October 16 (signups after Sunday Services or at the church office), or RSVP to Nancy Z, our Church Administrator, at . We ask that adults pay $5 each to help defray the costs of our picnic lunch. Children are welcomed at no charge. We’ll have lunch, games and activities, and an optional hike to La Cueva Archeological site. Parking at the picnic site is $5, or you may display a National Park pass. To get there drive out Dripping Springs Road and take a left at the sign for La Cueva Trailhead, which is shortly before the Dripping Springs Visitors Center.

Our Future Is in Your Hands

As you are probably aware, our 2025 Pledge Campaign theme is “Our Future Is in Your Hands.” In order to prepare a realistic 2025 budget for the work of our church, we need for our members and friends to turn in their pledge cards in the collection plate on Sunday, or go online, https://www.uuchurchlc.org, and click on PLEDGE at the top right of our home page. Fill out the form and click SUBMIT.

Next Year

We have ambitious plans for next year, and groups are forming now to gather information and take first steps. A Ministerial Search Team will lead our efforts to find a new Contract Minister who will join us when Rev. Rod completes his service in July of 2025. An information gathering team is exploring possibilities for building a new sanctuary. Another new team will lead efforts to improve our landscaping on campus. A Music Committee is forming to explore options for expanding the types of music we hear when Catherine and the choir are not performing and identifying musicians who can share their talents. All of these teams will welcome your ideas and assistance.

Stand together on the side of Love. Susan Hychka, President of the Congregation & Chair, Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Religious Education

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education

“The end of the summer is not the end of the world. Here’s to October…”

Here’s to October indeed! Personally, this month means a lot to this Director of Religious Education, because October is the month I became a mama. Twenty eight years ago, on a warm Tuesday, I had my first son. He didn’t weigh very much, although he was very long. Not much has changed there. This baby born with sideburns and the sweetest composure absolutely saved my life. And has continued to be a source of joy and love for me. Happy Birthday to the first baby I fell in love with!

October is also a month of joy for Religious Education as we prepare for a few events. Wearing tie-dyed t-shirts made at the September potluck, accessorized with colorful beads and bracelets, our local students will gather together to participate in the Las Cruces Pride parade! We look forward to taking part in this meaningful and fun experience every year.

Eat, Drink and be Scary! This month’s Religious Education potluck will be Halloween themed! While encouraging everyone to dress up, we’ll offer foods and fun that are a total scream, before settling in to watch a “spooky” movie! And lastly, as we bid farewell to one of Religious Educations most beloved and devoted committee members- Jean Gilbert, we honor her, by taking over her role as a stocker for the Free Little Pantry. We love you, Jean. Your joyous giving and friendship will continue to be remembered.

Music and Choir

Catherine Massey, Director of Music

Music Notes

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), we are featuring songs from Unitarian Universalist Association’s Spanish hymnal Las Voces del Camino, a wonderful resource published in 2009.  Currently we have enough copies for the choir to use, and there are a few songs that are accessible for congregational singing.  This hymnal includes 75 songs which enrich our services with cultural beauty.

From the Unitarian Universalist Association’s web site:  “In 1999, members of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Jose, CA, began to envision a Spanish-language worship resource which would support the congregation’s Spanish-language ministry. Rev. Lilia Cuervo, who then served as one of the congregation’s ministers, worked with translators Ervin Barrios and Gaylord E. Smith and musician/composer Gildardo Suárez Bernal, to develop such a book. Cuervo, Barrios, Smith, and Bernal began collecting Spanish language hymns and songs and making translations of music already published in Singing the Living Tradition.

“Las voces del camino marks the fulfillment of a long-held hope. The four developers of the manuscript write in the book’s dedication, ‘We dedicate this hymnal to all those who, like us, yearn for a musical expression of their liberal faith. It is our dream that this collection will nourish multiculturalism among our congregations and stimulate an upsurge in the vast Spanish-speaking world of the principles that guide our religion.’”

Among the songs the choir sings this month is “Tengo sed de ti (I Thirst For You)” from the Taizé tradition.  Founded by Jacques Berthier before WWII, the small village in France became a temporary refuge for those escaping the Nazis during the war.  Since then Taizé has become known as a worldwide ecumenical worship tradition which emphasizes repetitive, meditative songs and simple ritual.  Berthier wrote most of the songs used in these settings, including this one.  It’s typical for them to be sung in multiple languages at the same time.  

While “Ven, Espíritu de Amor (Come, Spirit of Love)” is not specifically Taizé, it fits well with the style.  It’s by Daniel Iverson (1890-1977), an American composer who wrote this in English.  The translator is unknown.  Both songs encourage us to turn to Love and to act in Love toward each other.  “Ven, Espíritu” asks the Spirit of Love to “take me; fill me; change me; use me.”

“Sumergéme (Submerge Me)” by Jesús Adrián Romero (born 1962 in Mexico) is a beloved, beautiful song in Mexican and Hispanic American culture.  The lyrics include the following: 

Cansado del camino, sediento de ti,
Un desierto he cruzado, sin fuerza he quedado vento a ti…
Sumergéme en el río de tu espíritu,
Necesito refrescar este seco corazón sediento de ti.

(Weary and thirsty, I have crossed the desert searching for you.  Immerse me in the river of your spirit that I may refresh this parched heart.)

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

Come out and meet our local Pagan community!  Workshops, entertainment, divination and shopping! Las Cruces Pagan Pride Day is October 12, 10 AM-3 PM. Pioneer Women’s Park, 500 W. Las Cruces Avenue. We Welcome donations of NON-perishable food items, pet food (small bags), warm clothing items, and toiletries, to support our local unhoused community. Donations will go to Community of Hope and Action Programs for Animal’s Pet Food Bank.

On October 19, CUUPS will reenact the tale of the Descent of Inanna, an ancient Sumerian poem the chronicles the journey of the goddess and Queen of Heaven, it is a tale for the Samhain season as we prepare for the dark time of the year. Potluck at 6:00 PM and ritual at 7:00 PM.

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!

In the past month we’ve been busy working with contractors and other individuals to maintain and improve the church campus.

• New windows have been installed on the west side of the Tombaugh Gallery. The stucco has also been repaired and the walls repainted.
• Our HVAC contractor has cleaned and serviced the three units on the roof of the Religious Education Building. All our units are being maintained and have necessary repairs made in anticipation of our receiving Department of Energy grant money to replace them.
• Greg White, a member of the Committee, along with Jim Basler have surveyed the irrigation system at the west end of the property for potential repairs and replacements. These improvements will be necessary to carry water to the new trees, which we are receiving courtesy of the City of Las Cruces, and which will be
  planted on October 5.
• An exploratory committee, (Elwin Nunn, Dave Rice, William Fitzgerald, Kevin Fitzgerald and Charlie Scholz,) has been looking into the possibility of building a new Sanctuary. As was reported at the Board of Trustees September meeting, this committee is looking into the possibility of using a steel building and locating it at a specific site on the campus.
• Finally, we sent our estimated budget and capital requests for the 2025 year to the Finance Committee.

Finance by Ed Long –

The Finance Committee is diligently working on the 2025 budget.  After we create a tentative budget, we will present our recommendations to the Board of Trustees in mid-November.  However, around the same time we will hold at least two informational meetings before the Board makes their final recommendations to the congregation in late November. 

If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to make your pledge as soon as you can.  Thank you in advance for your generosity to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. Ed Long and Shirley Davis, Co-Chairs

Generous Giving by Jack Welch

September was a generous month for our congregation.

• We thank Jan Thompson for her gift in memory of our late member, Jamie Gibbard. 
• Our Change 4 Change donors were Carol Casavant, Dale Emmert, Bill and Katie Fitzgerald, Rabbit Loring, Elwin Nunn, David and Ilene Steele. 
• Seventeen generous members contributed to the Community of Hope Tents 2 Rents Fund. They are Nancy Anderson, Jane Asche, Shirley Davis, Ginny Herrick, Diane Lee, Bill and Katie Fitzgerald, Elwin Nunn,  Dave and Ginny Rice, Rich and Becka Richins, David and Ilene Steel, Rod Thompson, Marie and Karuna Warren.
• These folks contributed to our little pantry fund: Jane Asche, Cathy Carver, Doyle and Pam Daves, Dale Emmert, and Jean Gilbert.

Thank you all for your generosity.  

Hospitality

Hospitality Rotation Schedule

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

Library by Rabbit Loring

October is Pride Month

As Unitarian Universalists we have pride in our diversity and celebrate it. A wonderful new book that celebrates diversity is Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families. It is the centerpiece book of the library display that will be in our church lobby during October and November. As the Unitarian Universalist Association Common Read choice for this year, it is also the subject of a book study taught by library volunteers Rabbitt Loring and Sara Thomas during that same time. You might have enrolled in the class during Adult Enrichment sign up. We are extending late enrollment for this free class until October 7 due to the importance of this material. You can purchase a personal copy of the book from Rabbitt for $15.

Since 2010, the Unitarian Universalist Association Common Read program has focused on big issues of
our times, providing a framework for intentional reflection and work on issues of injustice through the
prism of Unitarian Universalist principles. Each year the UUA recommends one title for organized collective reading, reflection and discussion for individual enlightenment and as a way to spark positive
change. The Multicultural Awareness Group studied many of the titles on racism and found them helpful
in their own journeys toward understanding and personal transformation.

The library will have most of the past Common Read titles on display in the lobby during Pride Month.
They will return to the library in a new section, where you can check them out for your own study of the
topics that interest you. See you in the Library.

Book Club

Our book club book for October is The Old Man by Thomas Perry. We are meeting on the 10th at 3:30 in the church library. You are welcome to join us as we are always looking for new members

Mary Armstrong was a great guest in September. She shared her love and knowledge about the Fountain family through her book The Mesilla: Two Valleys Saga. 

Membership by Lyn Pearson –

Our 2025 budget was submitted to the Finance Committee and we will be spending the rest of the calendar year completing policies and procedures for the Board of Trustees.

We welcomed 25 new members at InGathering, although not all of them were at the service. Since then, we have added several new members to that list, so it’s likely we’ll have another welcome ceremony before the end of the year. Please welcome these new members if you happen to see them.

Circle Suppers

We have two Circle Suppers lined up for October. One is being hosted by Carol Casavant (6 guests) and the other by Haney and Lyn Pearson (4 guests). If you would like to learn more about what these hosts are offering simply click HERE.

Eating Out

Our restaurant for October is Tacos and Shells-ah’s.  Meet at 1120 Commerce Dr Suit A on Oct 18th at 5:30. Reservations required by noon October 16, by sending email to or a text or phone call Janet Martinique. 

Covenant Groups

On Saturday, September 28, twenty-two folks attended the Covenant Group Steering Team’s workshop. We met in the Religious Education Building great room for two hours. During the workshop we answered questions participants had about Covenant Groups and we also conducted four Covenant Group meetings to give everyone a feel for what happens during a typical meeting. Many people signed up to join one of our three new Covenant Groups, but there are still a few openings left.

If you are interested in joining a Covenant Group please contact one of the folks listed below and we’ll be glad to work with you.

In Faith, Rev. Nancy J. Anderson, Lyn Pearson, Gillian Leng, Jennifer Trantham, Lucy Silva

CUUPS Program

Our chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) has nearly finished their paperwork to recertify the chapter. Cass Calway and CUUPS will have everything done by January.

Welcoming Congregation Program

The Welcoming Congregation Team has been working hard to fulfill the Unitarian Universalist Association’s requirements for recertifying our church as a Welcoming Congregation. You may notice some of the things they have done. Take a look at the newly mounted UUA Days of Observance poster in the lobby to the right of the kitchen. These are important dates in the struggle for LGBTQ+ civil rights. Some of the days of observance are now in our church calendar too. Rabbitt Loring and Sara Thomas will be conducting an Adult Enrichment book study of Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families. The WC Team will be ready to submit the church’s recertification paperwork in January 2025. It’s worth noting that we are now required to recertify annually.

Thanks to Our September Greeters

Thank you greeters: Jane Asche, Cindy Backman, Carol Casavant, Steve Hychka, Diane Lee, Lisa Peterson, Tom Packard, Jack Welch, and Greg White.

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

Join Us In The Membership Committee

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

Social Justice –

Barking News and the Cat’s Meow: Animal Advocates Update

Animal Advocates Ministry “Call to Action!” “Do Something!!!”

Animal Advocates is mounting a letter signing campaign urging the Director of the National Institutes of Health to adhere to the 2000 Chimpanzee Health Improvement Maintenance and Protection (CHIMP) Act requiring the transfer of chimpanzees owned by the federal government that are no longer being used for research to Chimp Haven Sanctuary. The Alamogordo Primate Facility at Holloman Air Force Base currently houses 26 chimps that have not been used in research for nearly a decade. 

Please see Dave Steele in the lobby before or after Sunday services to sign a letter that Animal Advocates will send to Director Bertagnolli with a copy to Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Dave will be coordinating this campaign for the next several Sundays to get a good showing.   

Change for Change — October, November, December

C4C notice for Coats for Kids 4th Quarter 2024

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

Climate Action Group by James Caufield

Indoor Air Quality in the Sanctuary: Some CAG members (James Caufield, Rich Richins, and Greg White) put together some recommendations about indoor air quality, for use in the design of air systems.

Hosting the planters 10/5/24 : We have 9 volunteers to staff the building while 40 to 60 tree planters are here for the day. The original 7 AM until 2 PM time commitment has been expanded to 7 AM to 5 PM, to accommodate a tree giveaway from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Planting trees on the church campus 10/5/24: Greg White has arranged for the churchto get some trees! Way to go Greg!

Rebates handout– NM has begun to implement Inflation Reduction Act funding. CAG is refining a flyer.
Alternatively, check your own status at https://www.rewiringamerica.org/

Service 10/20/24— There was a rush to get a title in. Following Jane Asche’s advice (and the UUA’s) I went with the “Climate Revival” idea. I’m still learning what that is, but apparently it involves a lot of singing and music. The title: “A Climate Revival Is a Good Idea.”

• I’m looking for music and ideas.
• Jane Asche will do a “Deep Listening” activity.
• Who would like to do a brief testimonial (maybe under 30 seconds?)

Upcoming event: Gila River Festival Sept. 26-29, Silver City. It’s a big environmental happening! Speakers and activites. https://www.gilariverfestival.org/

Tents to Rents

The church is again sponsoring the Tents to Rents campaign in support of Las Cruces’ unique effort to help people transition from being homeless to having homes. Please help us raise at least $2,000 to meet expenses related to the operation of Camp Hope. This unusual and worthy program relies on support from our Las Cruces community because it does not qualify for government support. This program works! It helps people make the very difficult transition from being homeless to having homes.  The following overview provides a bit of detail. 

For more information please visit  http://www.mvcommunityofhope.org/tents/.

You may make your donation by check to UUCLC [Tents to Rents on memo line] or using the GIVE selection on the top of the website. Then choose “Support Social Justice Programs,” then click on Tents to Rents. Don’t forget to click on the “Submit” button.

The Little Free Pantry by The UUCLC Free Pantry Crew

Your pantry crew (Dave Rice, Shirley Davis, Rosemarie Sanchez, Susan West, and Jan Thompson) thanks you for your generous donations both in-kind and financial. Because we wanted to respond to the needs of the fire victims in Ruidoso and Mescalero, the Social Justice Committee decided to use $1,000 of the pantry fund to aid those people displaced from their homes either temporarily or permanently. As a result, our pantry fund is getting low.

Although the best and easiest method of support for the pantry is by making a financial contribution to the Pantry fund by clicking HERE or on the GIVE selection on the top of every webpage, in-kind contributions are also appreciated. We continue to have need of individual serving sizes of just about everything (nothing that needs a can opener), lots and lots of water and other drinks (especially boxed or in cans to avoid plastic pollution), travel size toiletries (shampoo, bar soap, lotion, lip gloss, suntan lotion, deodorant), band-aids, and snacks like chips (small bags), nuts, protein bars, crackers, etc.

We estimate that, even with bulk buying of items at Costco and dollar stores, our monthly costs are in the range of $400. Anything you can contribute to this community outreach effort will be warmly welcomed and gratefully received.

Join the Pantry Crew

With the departure of volunteers Trisha Rude and Jean Gilbert, the Little Free Pantry crew needs 2 new members to help refill the pantry. It requires a trip to church once a week (Thursday or Sunday). You will be trained and given a key to access the storage closet.

Sunday Services by Katie Fitzgerald –

If you have been reading Catherine Massey’s Musical notes for the Order of Service you may be aware of our attempts to draw threads from one service to another each month through a hymn we repeat, a color theme for the chalice table, through the opening or closing words perhaps.

For October the theme is DEEP LISTENING. This is an integral part of beloved community, being able to
totally focus on what another is saying to be completely receptive to their words so as to those oneself in their feelings of joy or pain. This is practiced especially during our time for Joys, Sorrows and Milestones and of course, Hospitality.

Listen! The Spirit Is Calling!* by John Saxon
Full piece at https://www.uua.org/worship/words/opening/listen-spirit-calling
Listen! Can you hear it? The Spirit is calling.
It calls us in the silence and through the noise…
It doesn’t matter what you call it for it has no name and has many different names…
It’s calling us to greater wholeness, greater connection, greater service, greater love.
It’s calling us to heal the brokenness…
It’s calling us to beauty.

October 6   Brooks Lewis  “Who is Welcome at the UUCLC?”

We will expand our view of who is welcomed, to broaden inclusivity to include race, class, spiritual practice, ability, as well as gender identification, to explore “what is queer?”

October 13   Dave Steele “Expanding the Circle of Compassion”

We will be celebrating Article II value of “interdependence” and the covenant “to protect Earth and all
beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.”

October 20  James Caufield “Why a Climate Justice Revival Is a Good Idea!” 

The old tent revivals were where people went to sing and pray, to socialize and celebrate, to evangelize, and to renew their faith. A “Climate Justice Revival” is going to be a bit different, of course, but maybe some things can stay the same. In any case, it sure looks like we need saving!

October 27  Kevin Fitzgerald “ Dia de los Muertos”

Día de los Muertos is celebrated mostly in Mexico and some parts of Central and South America. Recently it has become increasingly popular among Latino communities abroad, including in the United States. It’s a celebration of life, not death so come and help us CELEBRATE!!

Tombaugh Gallery by Lurene John –

We are eager to welcome our first exhibit of the season on September 6 featuring three outstanding artists including Laurel Weathersbee, a signature member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society, Kay Gross, an award winning glass artist, and Lynn Unangst, a fiber and mixed media artist. We will have a gala opening on First Friday, September 6, at 5:30 PM with wine and simple snacks.

The show will continue through October 20. There will be another First Friday Reception on October 4, 5-7:30 PM, during which there will be an artist talk and demonstration.

Looking ahead, we are planning a Holiday show in November and December which will feature wearables. It will be a great opportunity to purchase a wide range of jewelry, woven scarves, apparel and more.

Requests and Items of Interest

Call for Circle Supper GUESTS for October

We have two Circle Suppers lined up for October. One is being hosted by Carol Casavant (6 guests) and the other by Haney and Lyn Pearson (4 guests). If you would like to learn more about what these hosts are offering simply click HERE.

Fire Pit Available!

Did you know there is a large fire pit set into the ground behind the Religious Education Building? It was
donated last year by Rabbitt Loring and has been used by CUUPS several times. It’s also available for use by any congregation member with some guidelines. You must sign up for a specific date with Nancy, our church administrator, to check out the key for the locking lid. You will need to sign a User Agreement for fire safety. You will also need to bring your own wood. Other than that, it’s a lovely spot to experience a fall or winter fire.

If you’d like to visit the fire pit first before you decide, go behind the church dumpster on the little road into the back property. You’ll see it right away, with the four direction posts donated by Kevin Fitzgerald. Check it out!

Join the Mindfulness Group

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

Sign Up for Qi-Gong+Indian-Club Movement

Carol Allen, the class instructor, invites you to sign up for the next session of Qi-Gong+Indian-Club Movement. This is a gentle exercise class done either standing or sitting in one place that increases strength, balance and concentration. There are 7 students maximum per class. 

Session 4 – Oct / Nov / Dec -12 classes 

• Tuesdays at 1:45 PM – Oct 1 thru Dec 17 – 2 spaces available 
• Wednesdays at 12:00 PM – Oct 2 thru Dec 18 – 1 space available 
• Thursdays at 12:00 PM – Oct 3 thru Dec 19 –  6 spaces available (no class Thanksgiving – makeup on other days) 

Classes are held in the Religious Education Building great room. There is a one-time $15 registration fee or you can opt for a drop-in class for $2. The first class is free for potential new students. All proceeds go to the church.   

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

Events of Note

Oct 4 – 5:00 to 7:30 PM – Gala Tombaugh Gallery Opening

We will have a gala opening on September 6, the First Friday, with wine and simple snacks. Come and see the wonderful art, the artists, and the beautiful gallery renovations that have been going on for two months.

Oct 5 – 7 AM until 5 PM – Tree Planting

The original 7 AM until 2 PM time commitment has been expanded to 7 AM to 5 PM, to accommodate a tree giveaway from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Oct 5 – 4 PM until 10 PM – Southern New Mexico Pride

Southern New Mexico PRIDE will hold its annual PRIDE celebration at the plaza in downtown Las Cruces. We hope many of you will join the fun, especially by coming to march in the PRIDE Parade that begins at 4:00 pm.

Oct 12 – 10 AM until 3 PM – Las Cruces Pagan Pride Day

Pioneer Women’s Park, 500 W. Las Cruces Avenue.

Oct 18 – Eating Out

Tacos and Shells-ah’s, 1120 Commerce Dr Suit A.

Oct 19 – 5 PM – Circle Supper

Carol Casavant is hosting this dinner.

Oct 19 – 6 PM – CUUPS

We have a potluck at 6:00 PM and ritual at 7:00 PM.

Oct 20 – Noon until 4 PM – All Welcome at the Annual Church Picnic

Come enjoy food, fun and fellowship along with great views in coolness of fall. Our annual church picnic is October 20 th after the Sunday service from 12 to 4 PM at the Dripping Springs Group Site near La Cueva. (Note: there is a $5 entry fee per car.)

There will be hamburgers (veggie burgers too), hot dogs, side salads, soft drinks, water, and watermelon. The grill will be going from 12 to 2, followed by a hike and games. Don’t forget the music provided by our own Rubber Band.

Just RSVP by Oct 18th to Nancy, our church administrator, with how many are coming (mention if you want veggie burgers) so Chef Bill can obtain enough food for the crowd.

It’s only $5 per adult, with kids up to 18 years old free. You can pay through the usual methods: online, or cash/check in an envelope with your name and purpose dropped in the collection plate or through the slot in the office door.

Hope you can make it to this wonderful event! It was a delightful place to be together last year.

Oct 26 – 5 PM – Circle Supper

Haney and Lyn Pearson are hosting this dinner.

Regularly Scheduled Activities

Every Tuesday

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

Qi Gong, 12:45-1:45 PM in the Religious Education Building great room.

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

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

Every Wednesday

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

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

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

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

Every Thursday

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

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

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

Every Friday

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

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

1st Thursday

Vegetarian/Vegan Support, 7-8:30 PM in the Religious Education building great room. Everyone is welcome — vegan, vegetarian, or just curious about food choices!

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

2nd Thursday – UUCLC Book Club

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

2nd Friday – Game Night

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

3rd Thursday – Death Cafe

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

3rd Thursday – Vegetarian/Vegan Support

Join us at 7-8:30 PM in the Religious Education building great room. Everyone is welcome — vegan, vegetarian, or just curious about food choices!

2nd Saturday – UU Crafters

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

3rd Friday – 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.

3rd Saturday – Desert Spirit CUUPs

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

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.