November Light

^{Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, Vol. 73, Num. 11
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
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,

Our theme for November is Gratitude. In The Language of Letting Go, Melody Beattie writes, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

In times such as these—when anxiety hums through our nation and the headlines press on our hearts—gratitude becomes more than a feeling. It is a practice of letting go. Not letting go of truth or justice, but of the fear and cynicism that keep us from reaching toward one another. Gratitude helps us release the bitterness that divides without ever asking us to accept oppression or silence our conscience. It loosens our grip on despair so that our hands are free to offer help, healing, and hope.

When we practice gratitude together, we create the conditions for mutual aid—a living network of care where each of us gives what we can and receives what we need. This is how we live our Unitarian Universalist values in real time: by showing up for one another and for the wider community.

In October, we celebrated signs of new life among us—the dedication of fifteen children and the welcome of ten new members into our covenantal community. Each new soul, each new commitment, reminds us that love still takes root here.

And to those who showed up recently—in the streets, at the polls, or in quiet acts of courage—to defend democracy and embody our shared principle of justice, equity, and compassion in human relations, we say thank you. Your presence is a prayer.

As a reminder, I serve as your three-quarter-time minister, working full-time for three weeks each month and taking one week for rest and renewal. I will be away October 26–November 1 (returning Sunday, November 2) and again November 23–29 (returning Sunday, November 30). 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 continue to give thanks not because everything is easy, but because gratitude reveals that even now, we have each other—and that is enough to begin again.

In faith and gratitude, Rev. Ali K.C. Bell

Our President

Linda Ruchala

As I look at what I wrote last month for the Light, I was focused on all that was going on in September that I am now a bit surprised we are ending October! The month has been for me as sly as an octopus sliding across the calendar days.

We are already halfway through our fall fund drive. Our Finance Committee and Board are looking at the skeleton of our budget and wondering how much meat we can put onto the bones of our staff and programs. It will depend in on all of you. We receive no operating funding from any other place except our members and friends. The Unitarian Universalist Association (our national organization) has no fundraising arm for, or distribution to, local congregations. As we say with our democracy, no one will save us – we must save and support ourselves. If we want to grow and thrive, looking at the reports I’m seeing so far, we must do better.

Please educate yourself on the budget before our annual meeting. The Finance Committee will hold informational meetings on the draft budget during early to mid November. That committee is charged with presenting a recommended budget to the Board at the Board’s November 19 meeting. The Board discusses the budget at that meeting and makes recommendation to the Congregation. Ultimately, the members of the Congregation must vote on the budget. This is done at the Annual Budget and Congregational Meeting which will be held on Sunday, December 14 after the church service. A hearty soup lunch provided by the Board of Trustees between the service and the meeting. Please put this meeting on your calendar since a quorum is necessary to approve the budget and to elect new Board members and Nominating Committee members. More information will be forthcoming on this meeting, the agenda, and the Souper Sunday lunch that will take place then.

Board of Trustees

At its October meeting, the Board finalized a covenant of affiliation with Rev. JeKaren Bell as a community minister. A letter of agreement was also finalized with a new pianist and issues related to the upcoming budget were discussed. For more information on these and other items covered at the October meeting, please see the full Board minutes which are emailed to members after they are approved by the Board or ask any Board member.

As always, Board meetings are open to members and the Zoom link is online each month. Additionally, once approved by Board members, the meeting minutes are sent to Board members via email.

Religious Education

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education,

“November is a time to gather golden moments.” —

Religious Education would like to start November by being thankful for October’s Child Dedication ceremony! Fifteen youths, seven families and an abundance of family members and friends joined us for this beautifully presented Unitarian Universalist ritual. I would like to thank everyone for attending and participating.

November plans for Religious Education include celebrating National Native American Heritage month with stories and crafts honoring Indigenous history. Our students’ homemade holiday candle jars will also be on display and up for sale in the church’s gallery this month, be sure to check them out! The month of November marks Religious Education’s traditional Gift of Giving, as we begin working on our community fundraising! UUCLC members, friends, families, and students have spent the last three winters collecting requested items in support of the Project Link Homeless Education Program. This community organization aims to aid homeless Las Cruces public school students and their families. Please keep an eye out for details explaining ways you can help. As always if you have any questions about Religious Education please contact .

Music and Choir

Erick Ramirez, Director of Music,

Administration

Nancy Zacarias, Church Administrator

As October comes to an end, I am grateful for another productive month in the office, focused on financial reporting and administrative coordination. Much of my focus this month has been on updating financial reports, 2026 pledges, and preparing for the busy months ahead. These tasks may not always be visible, but they’re an important part of ensuring that our shared resources are well cared for and that our ministries have what they need to thrive. I would like to extend my sincere thank you to Deborah Hawkins and Nancy Anderson for covering the office during days that I needed off this month. Your reliability and support ensured that the office and library remained open during regular hours.

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

Committees and Programs

Cine-Mates Movie Club by Deb Hawkins

We will be going to see Frankenstein in El Paso at The Alamo Drafthouse. The movie begins screening on October 31, but we will decide what day to attend. Movies are decided by the group, and we would love to have you to join us. Send an email to Deb if you are interested in joining in on the fun.

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.}

On November 15th we will prepare for the new year ahead. There will be a Kemetic (ancient Egyptian faith) celebration that involves making clay figures, releasing things you don’t want to take with you to the new year into the figures, and then smashing the figures. We will be lead by our Kimetic clergy.

November 15, 6 PM for a potluck meal, 7 PM for ritual.

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!

Expect a new article in the December Light.

Finance by Ed Long and Shirley Davis –

Living With A Budget

The Finance Committee is continuing to work on the 2026 budget proposal. With the increase to a ¾ time minister and having a music director for the entire year vs. the nine-month director in 2025, our expenses are expected to somewhat higher than in 2025. We also need to come up with a one-time amount of $38,000 in matching funds for the Department of Energy grant. Our pledge drive is not over but we do need to see some significant increases in pledges in order to fully fund the wishes and dreams that we hold for the future. We hope to avoid tapping into the endowment to balance our 2026 budget. Please consider your pledge carefully in light of these increased expenses.

We have made plans to hold informational meetings on the 2026 budget in early November before we submit a proposed budget to the Board of Trustees. Tentative dates and times are:

• November 3 @4PM in the library
• November 5 @5PM by Zoom
• November 8 @10 AM in the library
• November 9 @5PM by Zoom

Please keep an eye on the Week at a Glance for any changes.

Thank you for your generous support in the past. We look forward another 70 years!Thank you for your generous support in the past. We look forward another 70 years! Ed Long and Shirley Davis, Co-Chairs

Generous Giving by Jack Welch

Our 4th Quarter “Change 4 Change” Fund (Amador Health Center) is off to a great start due to the generosity of 12 of our members. They are: Marsha Adkinson, Nancy L Anderson, Dave Brown, Carol Casavant and Bob Behal, Andrea Dominguez, Stepfanie Hart-Hults, Angela Keady, Elwin Nunn, Dave and Ginny Rice, Elisa Sanchez, David and Ilene Steele, Karuna and Marie Warren.

We give our thanks to Cathy Carver for her donation to our “Little Free Pantry” and to Lucy Silva for her support of “Tents 2 Tents”. Our Generous Giving report ended October 22 slightly sooner than most months. Any gifts after that date will be acknowledged in December.

Hospitality

Hospitality Rotation Schedule

See Sunday Hospitality Rotation in the Members tab of the church website. 

Library by Rabbit Loring –

New Common Read Display

Last year, the library set up a display of Common Read books for the past twelve years. We got some great feedback from church members on how relevant these books have been. Last year, we had two study classes for the 2024-2025 Common Read that was very popular, Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families by Peggy Gillespie, including a display in the Tombaugh Gallery. For the 2025-2026 Common Read, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer, Jan Thompson volunteered to facilitate a study class which happened in September and was well-received.

For those new members who might not know what the Common Read book is each year, we are again planning a display in the library in November highlighting these books. Using proceeds from our book cart sales, the library has acquired all the past Common Read books. A list of titles with their summaries will be available at the display. Come take a look. See you in the library.

The UUCLC Book Club

The book club meets the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 3:30 in the church library. We are reading I See You’ve Called in Dead: A Novel by John Kenney. Future books include Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, The White Album by Jane Didion, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. We always welcome new members, please contact Danny or Deb Hawkins if you would like to join the club.

Membership by Lyn Pearson –

Welcoming Congregation

Thank You To Pride Volunteers!

Our UUCLC Pride booth would not have been possible without these volunteers to staff it: Cindy and Paul Curry, Linda Ruchala, Elvira Masson, Jan Thompson, Jennie Buckingham, Gabrielle Pacheco, Roseanne Johnson, Rebecca Richins, Joshua Prichard, Sara Thomas and Rabbitt Loring. A special thanks to Rebecca and Joshua for help in taking down the booth and hauling supplies at the end of the evening. Also much
thanks to the forty Unitarian Universalist folks who marched in the parade behind our banner. A special
moment happened when the marchers came up to our Rev. Bell who was working as a safety volunteer along the route and his jaw dropped at so many marchers! Thanks also to the Welcoming Congregation Committee for organizing us: Sara Thomas, Shirley Davis and Patrick Collins.

Eating Out by Carol Allen –

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

Please note that both Andele’s Dog House & Restaurant do not take reservations so dining there is not feasible for our group.

Next gathering: Friday November 21
Restaurant: Lorenzo’s – Italian Restaurant
Location: 1753 E University Ave 88001

Reservations are appreciated by email to no later than Wednesday November 19 at noon.
A minimum of 10 are necessary for a reservation.  

Thank you October greeters!

Our list is not up-to-date. October and November greeters will be recognized in December.

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

PLEDGE 2026 by Charlie Scholz

We are within two weeks of finishing Pledge 2026: Here’s to Another 70! but we have not yet met our goal. Your Pledge is part of your commitment to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. And in this most important Pledge Campaign, your contribution to your Church is critical.

If we raise enough during this Pledge drive, we will be able to hire our Minister full-time next year. And we will be able to pay our share of the Department of Energy grant that we have applied for.

So, if you still haven’t signed that Pledge card, I urge you to do it RIGHT NOW. You can drop it off at the Pledge table in the Lobby on Sunday, or send it to the Unitarian Universalist Church 2000 South Solano, Las Cruces NM 88001.

Thanks for your generous Pledge.

Roundtable by Jan Thompson and Elisa Sanchez

November 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.

November 10 – “Mental Health in These Times” by Dr. Robert DelCampo, Emeritus Professor, NMSU

This will be an interactive discussion led by Dr. Robert DelCampo, professor emeritus and the founding director of the graduate program and family therapy at New Mexico State University. The discussion will focus upon effective ways to cope with anxiety and depression that may exist within oneself or others. It will also offer some tips on how to more effectively relate to others in positive ways especially in today’s polarized environment.

November 24 – “God & Country”

This Roundtable will begin at 6 PM because we are featuring a 90-minute film.

This 90-minute film is a 2024 American documentary film directed by Dan Partland and produced by Rob Reiner. The film discusses the emergence of Christian nationalism and its close relationship with far-right politics in the United States, exploring its perceived threat to democracy and the politicization of Christianity. The documentary is based on Katherine Stewart‘s book The Power Worshippers (2020). Roundtable this week will be longer than the usual one hour.

Roundtable is held in-person, at 6:30 PM, in the Library 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 Jane Asche –

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.

In support of those in our community who may seek our protection from warrantless arrest by ICE, signs indicating “NO ICE” have been posted at the entrances to the parking lot.

Tents to Rents “Thank You”

Thanks to all who contributed to our total of $3,305 in support of the Tents to Rents campaign.  This innovative program provides secure, respectful housing to individuals who wait for affordable housing. You have helped our congregation work toward achieving our UUCLC mission and vision: 1) Mission – We gather to inspire spiritual growth, care for each other and our community, seek truth, and work for Justice in the world; 2) Vision – To be a transformational force for love and justice in our community.

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.

Tombaugh Gallery by Lurene John –

November In The Gallery

This holiday season the Tombaugh Gallery is highlighting ornaments, lots of ornaments – not just for the tree, many are suitable for year round display as small art objects. In addition, we are excited to once again feature silk dyed scarves from our own Judy Licht. There will also be jewelry by well known local artisan, Charlie Agel. But, that is not all. The youth in our congregation have created candle holders for sale. Pottery, fused glass, woven wear, and ceramic Christmas trees and more will all be featured. Join us on First Friday, November 7 from 5 to 7 for music, wine and light refreshments. A perfect start to a date night out.

Gallery Funds

Have you been curious about what happens to the proceeds from the sale of the art work in our Gallery? A percentage of our commission is donated to the Church to offset expenses like utilities and janitorial services. Some of the proceeds are retained to cover Gallery expenses such as advertising and repairs. But most of the income is directed to the Las Cruces Public Schools Foundation to provide scholarships to local students to advance their artistic careers. The Foundation administers the endowment on our behalf and according to our criteria. Tax exempt donations can also be made to the endowment fund. Contact Lurene in the Gallery if you want more information.

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

Sign Up for QI-GONG+INDIAN-CLUB MOVEMENT

It’s time to sign up for the next QI-GONG+INDIAN-CLUB MOVEMENT sessions. 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. If interested please contact either Carol Allen or the church office. Registration for this class is with Carol Allen. 

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

Session 4 – Fall 2025 – Oct/Nov/Dec – 12 classes

• Tuesdays at 2 pm – Sep 30 thru Dec 17
• Thursdays at 12 pm – Oct 2 thru Dec 18 (no class Thursday Nov 27) 

Adult Enrichment for Spring

Needed: a coordinator for the spring semester since Sara will be getting total knee replacement surgery on Dec 1st. She agrees to help in any way possible if you should decide to take this on, for the spring semester only. If no one steps up, there will be no classes until the fall semester. Here’s the timeline and tasks:

November – solicit instructors for spring classes, get class descriptions from them and reserve classrooms with the office.

December – write up the catalog and send in a e-blast to the congregation. Post 2 copies, one in library and one in lobby. Hold 2 registrations after Sunday service.

January – Collect completed registrations from office and write up class lists, then send to instructors 2 weeks before class starts.

See Sara as soon as possible if interested in this temporary assignment.

Events of Note

WomenSpirit 2025 Recap

Our lovely retreat in the Sacramento Mountains began with registration on Friday afternoon in the Aspen lobby. After checking into our rooms, the next task was to look at the schedule to decide which workshops we wanted to attend on Saturday.

So many wonderful offerings! New attendees are assigned mentors who give tours and answer questions. Tasty meals are served in the huge dining hall with generous portions. Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day. Friday evening begins with the opening ceremony and getting-to-know-you activities. Funky Fun thrift shop opens with “treasures” donated by attendees. Proceeds go to the scholarship fund. Campfires, s’mores, and a singalong finish the evening.

After a hearty breakfast, workshops begin. Plant hike, yoga, candle making, dancing with veils, writing, cartonnage (a craft that involves covering a base of material like cardboard or wood with fabric or paper to create decorative boxes and other items), and a group discussion on what it means to be female. Workshops usually have an art, movement, or contemplative focus among others. The day flies by but some women choose to take a break on the front porch, go for a hike, take a nap, or sign up for a massage.

Saturday evening culminates in the often-spirited Talent/No Talent Show. Sometimes classes will present an act from what they learned that day, but most of the acts are individual. Examples are poetry reading, joke telling, skits, songs, dance routines, even laughter yoga. Fun prizes are given by volunteer judges. The audience is usually in stitches by the crazy antics. When we calm down it’s time for dancing, board games and jig saw puzzles. The night owls love this part.

In the morning, we have a closing ceremony with heartfelt thanks, new friends, and even a few grateful tears for our supportive community of women. Another successful WomenSpirit Retreat—hope to see YOU next year on September 25-27, 2026. This retreat has always been open to anyone over 18 who identifies as a woman.

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.

Session 4 – Fall 2025 – Oct/Nov/Dec – 12 classes

• Tuesdays at 2 pm – Sep 30 thru Dec 17
• Thursdays at 12 pm – Oct 2 thru Dec 18 (no class Thursday Nov 27) 

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

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.

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

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

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 .