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Events Dec 2 and Dec 3

Dec 2 - Learn about inclusive thinking at a Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop led by the Re. Keith Kron, UUA Transitions Director. Saturday, 9 AM to Noon. RSVP to MargoNewhouse25@hotmail.com

Dec 3 - Locked in a Box, a 24-minute film highlighting stories about those detained in immigration prisons in Arizona and the U.S., followed by a discussion. In the Holland Worship Hall at UUCT at 2:45 PM.

more announcements on page 2

Human Rights Day in an Unjust World

UUCT Sunday Service, December 10

(Editor's Note: The UUCT service on Sunday, December 10, is about Americans who serve as human rights advocates, putting their "careers" on hold and risking everything for the inherent dignity of all people. Let us remember and give thanks to all those who contribute to improving the living conditions of people in all countries of the world.)

The following article on the history and purpose of Human Rights Day was written by Allison Hess for our national UUA website last year.

Every year, on December 10th, the world celebrates Human Rights Day. It is the anniversary of the day the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This year marks 69 years since these rights were acknowledged to belong inherently to every human being on Earth.

“Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Fresh from the atrocities of the Second World War, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) notes in its preamble that “disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind.” It was this outrage which spurred the United Nations into being. Respect for human rights was clearly essential to achieve the peaceful and just world that the UN was founded for. The UN acknowledged that, in order to ensure that Member States uphold human rights in their countries, it was essential to establish a common understanding of what precisely those rights are. And so they made this Universal Declaration, with the understanding that the governments of all Member States would take steps to both recognize and observe these rights.

However, the declaration did not have the force of law. When countries signed it, they basically agreed in principle to the fact that all human beings have this list of rights, but nothing in the Declaration legally bound any of them to change their governments’ policies to affirm those rights. Right now, there is no country on Earth where all peoples’ human rights are upheld, because in all countries on Earth poverty still exists, discrimination still exists, and violence still exists. Human rights bodies at the UN are not empowered to enforce the UDHR – their power lies in monitoring, observing, and denouncing violations. It therefore falls upon us, the members of civil society, to take up the struggle.

Supporting human rights and responding to human rights violations are inherently Unitarian Universalist actions. (The UDHR itself was written by a Canadian Unitarian - John Peters Humphrey drafted the initial text). And still today, around the world our faith stands strongly on the side of human rights. Unitarian Universalists are actively engaged in struggles for social justice and for equal protection of rights denied to so many.

In recent months we have seen an upsurge across the globe in prominent extreme right-wing movements that pose grave threats to human rights and human dignity. Worldwide, these movements have been specifically targeting migrants, Muslims, people of color, women, and those who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. These groups, already marginalized in some societies, are being persecuted and are increasingly victims of hate crimes. Now is the time when, as people of faith, we must stand together in solidarity and in defense of all people’s human rights. On Human Rights Day we acknowledge how far the world has come, and also recognize how much work there is yet to accomplish in achieving respect and dignity for all.

Support the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office to advocate for UN policies that will defend human rights for all, and get active in your community to protect those whose human rights are under threat.

Winter Holidays are a busy time for RE!

by Jamili

We will be celebrating Christmas and New Year at UUCT with a few events —all of which need some merry elves, helpers, and assistants.

Dec 10 Holiday Pageant Rehearsal

Dec 17 Holiday Pageant

Dec 24 The Grinch Party (all ages -10:30 AM)

Dec 31 New Year Around the World Party (all ages)

No matter your skills or time availability, I have a place for you! From party planning to supervising young people to baking treats, there’s a role for everyone.

Complete the form (https://goo.gl/forms/1BRDx97haUPnu5W72) or or contact me directly at DRE.UUCT@gmail.com

Christmas Pageant Information

This year we will be producing A Unitarian Universalist Christmas, a “rehearsal-free” Christmas Pageant. There are no lines to memorize and everyone who attends service on Dec 17 is welcome to participate --no matter your age or if you attended rehearsal!

• Non-rehearsed parts (Stars, Angels, Shepherds, Animals) -- If you want to get a preview of your part, please attend rehearsal on Dec 10 during RE time (10:45-11:45am). Otherwise, just show up and join in! You’ll be instructed during the play how to get your costume and you’ll follow the leader on stage during the play. Wear comfortable, “neutral” clothing such as jeans and a white shirt.

• Rehearsed parts (Readers, Mary, Joseph, Donkey, Star Bearer, Wise People, Head Angel) -- if you are interested in one of these parts, please RSVP to Jamili (DRE.UUCT@gmail.com) and plan to attend rehearsal on Dec 17.

• Stage Hands --to carry this off, we need people to help actors get costumes and “hit their marks.” If you’re not the on-stage type, but want to be involved, please RSVP to Jamili (DRE.UUCT@gmail.com).

Operation Deep Freeze

During the Christmas Pageant, we will take up a collection for Operation Deep Freeze, a safe and warm place for those on the street with nowhere to go. Operation Deep Freeze happens when temperatures drop below 35 degrees, or below 40 degrees with rain. Doors open at the Salvation Army Hospitality House (1002 N. Main Avenue) at 3 p.m. to provide a warm meal and a bed for the evening.

They are in need of coats, blankets, hats, beanies, gloves, socks, sweaters (they can either be new or gently used). We will collect the items during the Pageant on Dec 24, and deliver them.

Toy Drive for Aviva

The UUCT Care Team and RE are sponsoring a toy drive supporting Aviva Children’s Services. Aviva serves the foster children of Pima County. A donation box will be available in Goddard Hall from November 7 - December 7. Please bring new, unwrapped toys for children from newborn to age 18. Questions? Contact Marsha Newcomb at marshanewcomb@gmail.com or Jamili omar at DRE.UUCT@gmail.com

Upcoming Events and Classes

Here are the Life-Span Faith Development events coming up:

• Dec 3, 12:00-1:00pm, Decorating Holland Hall! Stay after church and help make the Sanctuary festive!

• Dec 3, 12:00-1:00pm, First Sunday Newcomer Chat

• Dec 10, 10:45-11:45am, Holiday Pageant Rehearsal

• Dec 17, 10:30-11:30am, Holiday Pageant. EVERYONE --young and old --is welcome to participate in this Pageant called A Unitarian Universalist Christmas Pageant. You do not need to attend rehearsal or even speak. Just show up!

• Dec 24, 10:45-11:45am, The Grinch Party. No RE.

• Dec 24, 5:00-6:00pm, Christmas Eve Service. No RE.

• Dec 31, 10:45-11:45am, New Year Around the World Party. No RE.

• Jan 5-7, OWL Train the Teacher (Jr and Sr High)

Taking a Break

LIMBO Crowd will be taking a break until after the New Year. If you’re 25-45-ish, and interested in helping organize the group, contact Jamili omar (DRE.UUCT@gmail.com).