Collective Ministry Update
2009 Congregational Retreat, October 17
posted 12/08/2009

◊ Here are some opportunities to volunteer your support (as you are able) for one or more of seven task forces that have been ongoing or have been proposed at the October 17 retreat. They are proposed as effective ways to support our Seventh Principle and have a real impact on our local community. These are described very briefly below with contact information for you to volunteer. More detailed descriptions will be forthcoming on the website.

• Community Garden. Over the past year this task force has researched the requirements for building a community garden. For the coming year the group plans a test garden on our property to determine what our soil and water will sustain. They will also continue to produce “Mountain Vista Prickly Pear Products.” To participate, contact Betty Meikle; 743-0064, b_Meilkle@yahoo.com.

• The Gleaning Project. Citrus gleaning was a success last spring. The group plans to expand those participating to include the larger community and add more items to be gleaned. Temporary contact: Margaret Kidwell, 395-0182, mgaz@comcast.net.

• Ethical Eating Task Force. This group has been very active and is a part of a UUA Study /Action Issue. In the coming months it will focus on the Tucson Community Supported Agriculture organization; to gain at least 100 subscriptions for weekly delivery of locally grown vegetables within UUCNWT and the local community. Contact Marion Erickson: 797-1174, marione@juno.com

• Green Neighborhood Improvement Projects. Conceived at an earlier retreat this project has yet to get started. There are willing bodies but they need a leader. This is a great opportunity to make an impact on our community. Temporary contact: Conrad Paul; 572-2011, elgatoil@yahoo.com.

• Water Collection and Erosion. This would establish a water reuse system for our property and was delayed due to site problems. Will proceed with some professional planning. Contact Catalina Hall: 572-1881, catalinahall_9@msn.com.

• Win-Win Ecology (reconciliation ecology). Based on a talk given at our church by U. of A. professor Michael Rosenzweig, it is determining how earth species can survive in the midst of human enterprises. This is a new project; temporary contact: Meg Kidwell: 395-0182, mgkaz@comcast.net.

• Standing on the Side of Love. This UUA initiative is a campaign to mobilize UUs in response to identity-based violence, exclusion and oppression. Our local group is just forming to decide how best to use our resources locally in helping the oppressed. Temporary contact: Debbie Gessaman; 572-6713, gessaman@biology.usu.edu.