June 14, 2022Unfolding Peace - Phase 2 Report: Relationships: Process Nourishment Update
"To build community requires vigilant awareness of the work we must continually do to undermine all the socialization that leads us to behave in ways that perpetuate domination." - bell hooks, Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope |
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May 30, 2022
Unfolding Peace – New Opportunities for Voice and Healing
Rev. Dr. Denise Graves, co-facilitator of our Unfolding Peace healing process hopes to meet with those whose voices have not yet been heard in our Listening Circles.
Three Invitations to Voice and Healing are now scheduled – two via Zoom and one in-person. The Invitation to Voice and Healing conversations are designed to be a collective experience of being deeply witnessed and honored in our inherent worth and dignity. Unfolding Peace co-facilitator Rev. Deanna Vandiver plans to join us for one of our zoom sessions this week as well. Rev. Denise Graves will also be with us for Saturday worship at South Bay campus and on Sunday morning at Hillcrest Campus. Please see the schedule below.
6/1/22, Wednesday morning, 10 am — 11:30 am in-person, Hillcrest Campus - Invitation to Voice and Healing with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence. Hillcrest patio (location may change – please follow the directional signs). All are welcome - bring your coffee or morning beverage. Masking not required for outdoor meeting.)
6/1/22 Wednesday evening, 6:30 – 8:00 pm via Zoom -- Invitation to Voice and Healing with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence. Please note that we welcome babes in arms or children in the background of the zoom call.
https://zoom.us/j/99712976821?pwd=VTJ1WGZmM2JFcDQ2eENBNGZOdmZldz09
Meeting ID: 997 1297 6821 Passcode: 613906
6/2/22, Thursday, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm via Zoom - Invitation to Voice and Healing for First UU BIPOC community and non-BIPOC spouses or partners. Please RSVP for the June 2 conversation by emailing Minister-in-Residence Rev. Suzelle Lynch suzelle@firstuusandiego and a zoom link will be emailed to you. Please note that we welcome babes in arms or children in the background of the zoom call.
6/4/22, Saturday, 4 pm – South Bay Campus Worship service, in person. Rev. Denise will attend worship with our South Bay community and looks forward to meeting you.
6/5/22, Sunday, 8:45 – 9:20 am – Hillcrest Campus – Meet Rev. Denise before the 9:30 am worship service at Hillcrest Campus. Coffee will be available.
ABOUT UNFOLDING PEACE: Love and democracy are messy, and sharing our voices, thoughts, and feelings is an important step on the path towards healing. Our Unfolding Peace is collaboration designed to sacredly and gently facilitate healing and humane congregation operations informed by deep spiritual inspiration and evolution. Rev. Deanna Vandiver plans to join us for some of our zoom sessions this week as well. FUUSD has engaged Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Deanna Vandiver to work with First UU through 2022.
If you have questions, please contact Rev. Suzelle Lynch
Unfolding Peace – New Opportunities for Voice and Healing
Rev. Dr. Denise Graves, co-facilitator of our Unfolding Peace healing process hopes to meet with those whose voices have not yet been heard in our Listening Circles.
Three Invitations to Voice and Healing are now scheduled – two via Zoom and one in-person. The Invitation to Voice and Healing conversations are designed to be a collective experience of being deeply witnessed and honored in our inherent worth and dignity. Unfolding Peace co-facilitator Rev. Deanna Vandiver plans to join us for one of our zoom sessions this week as well. Rev. Denise Graves will also be with us for Saturday worship at South Bay campus and on Sunday morning at Hillcrest Campus. Please see the schedule below.
6/1/22, Wednesday morning, 10 am — 11:30 am in-person, Hillcrest Campus - Invitation to Voice and Healing with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence. Hillcrest patio (location may change – please follow the directional signs). All are welcome - bring your coffee or morning beverage. Masking not required for outdoor meeting.)
6/1/22 Wednesday evening, 6:30 – 8:00 pm via Zoom -- Invitation to Voice and Healing with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence. Please note that we welcome babes in arms or children in the background of the zoom call.
https://zoom.us/j/99712976821?pwd=VTJ1WGZmM2JFcDQ2eENBNGZOdmZldz09
Meeting ID: 997 1297 6821 Passcode: 613906
6/2/22, Thursday, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm via Zoom - Invitation to Voice and Healing for First UU BIPOC community and non-BIPOC spouses or partners. Please RSVP for the June 2 conversation by emailing Minister-in-Residence Rev. Suzelle Lynch suzelle@firstuusandiego and a zoom link will be emailed to you. Please note that we welcome babes in arms or children in the background of the zoom call.
6/4/22, Saturday, 4 pm – South Bay Campus Worship service, in person. Rev. Denise will attend worship with our South Bay community and looks forward to meeting you.
6/5/22, Sunday, 8:45 – 9:20 am – Hillcrest Campus – Meet Rev. Denise before the 9:30 am worship service at Hillcrest Campus. Coffee will be available.
ABOUT UNFOLDING PEACE: Love and democracy are messy, and sharing our voices, thoughts, and feelings is an important step on the path towards healing. Our Unfolding Peace is collaboration designed to sacredly and gently facilitate healing and humane congregation operations informed by deep spiritual inspiration and evolution. Rev. Deanna Vandiver plans to join us for some of our zoom sessions this week as well. FUUSD has engaged Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Deanna Vandiver to work with First UU through 2022.
If you have questions, please contact Rev. Suzelle Lynch
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May 26, 2022
Unfolding Peace Continues - Join the Conversation 6-1 thru 6-5 Rev. Dr. Denise Graves, co-facilitator of our Unfolding Peace healing process will be with us from May 31 to June 5. Rev. Dr. Graves would like to meet with those whose voices have not yet been heard in the process that began with our Listening Circles last Fall. Two Invitations to Voice and Healing are currently scheduled (see below). If you cannot attend one of these meetings and would like to meet with Rev. Denise with a small group or one-on-one, please let Rev. Suzelle Lynch know ASAP suzelle@firstuusandiego.org. |
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The Invitations to Voice and Healing conversations are designed to be a collective experience of being deeply witnessed and honored in our inherent worth and dignity.
Love and democracy are messy, and sharing our voices, thoughts, and feelings is an important step on the path towards healing. Unfolding Peace is collaboration designed to sacredly and gently facilitate healing and humane congregation operations informed by deep spiritual inspiration and evolution. FUUSD has engaged Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Deanna Vandiver to work with First UU through 2022.
- June 1, Wednesday, 10 am — 11:30 am - Invitation to Voice and Healing with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence. Hillcrest patio (location may change). All are welcome - bring your coffee or morning beverage
- June 2, Thursday, 6 pm — 8 pm via Zoom - Invitation to Voice and Healing for First UU BIPOC community and non-BIPOC spouses or partners. Please RSVP for the June 2 conversation by emailing Minister-in-Residence Rev. Suzelle Lynch suzelle@firstuusandiego and a zoom link will be emailed to you. Please note that we welcome babes in arms or children in the background of the zoom call.
Love and democracy are messy, and sharing our voices, thoughts, and feelings is an important step on the path towards healing. Unfolding Peace is collaboration designed to sacredly and gently facilitate healing and humane congregation operations informed by deep spiritual inspiration and evolution. FUUSD has engaged Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Deanna Vandiver to work with First UU through 2022.
May 19, 2022
Unfolding Peace - Invitations to Voice and Healing – June 1-5
Love and democracy are messy – and sharing our voices, thoughts, and feelings is an important step on the path towards healing. Unfolding Peace is collaboration designed to sacredly and gently facilitate healing and humane congregation operations informed by deep spiritual inspiration and evolution. FUUSD has engaged Rev. Dr. Denise Graves to be with us from May 31 to June 5. She and Rev. Deanna Vandiver will continue to work with FUUSD through 2022.
Two Invitations to Voice and Healing are currently scheduled – see below for more information. These conversations are designed to be a collective experience of being deeply witnessed and honored in our inherent worth and dignity.
Rev. Dr. Graves would also like to meet one-on-one with those whose voices have not yet been heard in the process that began with our Listening Circles last Fall. Watch for more information in The Window on how to sign up to meet with her.
6/1/22 Wednesday morning 10 am – Invitation to Voice and Healing with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence. FUUSD patio (location may change). All are welcome – bring your coffee or morning beverage.
6/2/22 Thursday evening 6 pm via Zoom – Invitation to Voice and Healing for First UU BIPOC community and non-BIPOC spouses or partners. Please RSVP for the June 2 conversation by emailing Minister-in-Residence Rev. Suzelle Lynch: suzelle@firstuusandiego.org and a zoom link will be emailed to you. Please note that we welcome babes in arms or children in the background of the zoom call.
We hope to schedule additional gatherings with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves as well as we continue to engage in the process of Unfolding Peace June 1-5.
Unfolding Peace - Invitations to Voice and Healing – June 1-5
Love and democracy are messy – and sharing our voices, thoughts, and feelings is an important step on the path towards healing. Unfolding Peace is collaboration designed to sacredly and gently facilitate healing and humane congregation operations informed by deep spiritual inspiration and evolution. FUUSD has engaged Rev. Dr. Denise Graves to be with us from May 31 to June 5. She and Rev. Deanna Vandiver will continue to work with FUUSD through 2022.
Two Invitations to Voice and Healing are currently scheduled – see below for more information. These conversations are designed to be a collective experience of being deeply witnessed and honored in our inherent worth and dignity.
Rev. Dr. Graves would also like to meet one-on-one with those whose voices have not yet been heard in the process that began with our Listening Circles last Fall. Watch for more information in The Window on how to sign up to meet with her.
6/1/22 Wednesday morning 10 am – Invitation to Voice and Healing with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence. FUUSD patio (location may change). All are welcome – bring your coffee or morning beverage.
6/2/22 Thursday evening 6 pm via Zoom – Invitation to Voice and Healing for First UU BIPOC community and non-BIPOC spouses or partners. Please RSVP for the June 2 conversation by emailing Minister-in-Residence Rev. Suzelle Lynch: suzelle@firstuusandiego.org and a zoom link will be emailed to you. Please note that we welcome babes in arms or children in the background of the zoom call.
We hope to schedule additional gatherings with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves as well as we continue to engage in the process of Unfolding Peace June 1-5.
May 12, 2022
Unfolding Peace - a Message from Rev. Suzelle
Recently the Interim Exec Team asked Rev. Suzelle Lynch, Minister in Residence, to interface with Rev. Deanna Vandiver and Rev. Dr. Denise Graves, our consultants in the Unfolding Peace process.
While the timeline for this process is flexible, it’s intended to have four phases, listed below:
Phase One: Witnessing, Wondering, and Grounding
Phase Two: Process Nourishment
Phase Three: Reimagining, Repairing, Reweaving
Phase Four: Remembrance, Reflection, and Recommitment
In their recent report, Revs. Deanna and Denise reflected on important insights gained from Phase One. They spoke of the healing power of presence as embodied in FUUSD’s Listening Circles and in Rev. Deanna’s presence at FUUSD in January-February.
They noted: “Trauma breaks down relationships. It damages human capacities for trust, connection and mutuality. When these capacities are injured or destroyed, there is less resilience, and therefore greater vulnerability to additional trauma, which is frequently inflicted through the channel of broken relations.” Revs. Deanna and Denise went on to say that time can help us heal, but it can also have the unfortunate effect of allowing injuries to fester and become magnified. The COVID-19 pandemic has done us no favors by keeping us apart from one another for such a long time. One of the effects of gathering in person for worship and meetings has been a resurrection of our desire to know “what went wrong” and our desire for healing. The Listening Circles went a long way toward creating a space where people’s voices could be heard and their experiences held with care and honored, but Revs. Denise and Deanna remind us that Unfolding Peace at FUUSD is a process to rush through. They remind us that we have to understand that the trauma at FUUSD is “not really just the story of what happened last spring or four years ago or ten years ago. These acts were triggers that acted as catalysts to reveal the trauma residue that's living inside of individuals and the collective (congregation).” The Unfolding Peace process – if well-subscribed-to by congregation members and leaders – will help us move through trauma to repair, restoration, and recommitment.
The Unfolding Peace process invites us to continue listening to one another, to have one-on-one conversations with church people we know well or not-so-well, and to pay attention to the flow of feelings that rise up in us as we listen to others.
Rev. Deanna suggested that we invite another person to spend time in quiet meditation with us – simply breathing together. You can still do this!
On May 6, Rev. Denise and Rev. Dr. Omega Burckhardt met online with a group of members and leaders to share their responses to watching movies that were suggested. (See https://www.firstuusandiego.org/restorative-process.html “Unfolding Peace at the Movies.”) You can still do this, too, and email your thoughts and reflections on the movie you viewed to Rev. Suzelle Lynch – suzelle@firstuusandiego.org and she will share them with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves.
We also encourage you to read the Listening Circles report here: https://www.firstuusandiego.org/listening-circles.html and follow the full Unfolding Peace Process Report here: https://www.firstuusandiego.org/uploads/1/2/7/6/127676152/fuusd_unfolding_peace_process_report_april_2022.pdf
And if you find yourself with a need for caring listening in general, we hope you will call the Pastoral Care cellphone at (619) 370-0891 to talk with a one of our Lay Minister church members who have been trained in listening skills.
We hope to take another important step in the Unfolding Peace process with an in-person visit from Rev. Denise Graves in early June. But you can take important steps any time. If you need support in doing so, please contact Rev. Suzelle – suzelle@firstuusandiego.org and continue to peruse the resources and updates on Unfolding Peace here: https://www.firstuusandiego.org/restorative-process.html.
Unfolding Peace Process Report - as of April 15, 2022 - Click to Read!
Your Board of Trustees, together with the Unfolding Peace Process ministers, Rev. Dr. Denise Graves and Rev. Deanna Vandiver invite all congregants to continue to participate in this healing process by attending the following event:
Topic: Unfolding Peace at the Movies conversation follow up
Time: May 6, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98794348989?pwd=VnNaNW9wdEhEOTJCYWhWWHdVNndjZz09
Meeting ID: 987-9434 8989
Passcode: 545511
Please watch one or all of the following suggested movies below before attending!
Topic: Unfolding Peace at the Movies conversation follow up
Time: May 6, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98794348989?pwd=VnNaNW9wdEhEOTJCYWhWWHdVNndjZz09
Meeting ID: 987-9434 8989
Passcode: 545511
Please watch one or all of the following suggested movies below before attending!
April 1, 2022
Unfolding Peace at the Movies
Dear ones, this week we invite you to bring our Unfolding Peace practice to the movies! We invite you to find and enjoy one (or all) of the following three movies - possibly with someone(s) from the First UU San Diego community and then reflect on the questions here. Later this spring, we will host a zoom conversation to reflect together on our experiences.
Love,
Revs. Denise and Deanna
1. Crash
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375679/
Sometimes we crash into each other just to feel something through the numbness.
How do our crashes reveal our biases to us?
How do our unquestioned or unacknowledged biases create un/intentional assaults?
2. Hidden Figures
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
In all of our lives, there are hidden figures that only surface in the time of crisis.
Who and what are we unaware of - the hidden figures in our lives, in our congregation?
What obstacles are people with targeted identities always overcoming?
How do we make real the spirit of Black love and brilliance as strategies for evolving as a congregation in the midst of white supremacy and patriarchy?
3. Fifty First Dates
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343660/
Every day, in many ways, we keep forgetting that we are loved.
What is it that you keep forgetting?
Who are you trying to prove something to?
Unfolding Peace Invitation - March 25, 2022
Reconciliation means building relationships on new terms that are equitable. The reconciliation process requires different understandings, integration of learnings, new behaviors, and healing.
Each day brings opportunity for us to know each other more deeply. It is good practice to ask yourself, “Is this moment of communication about transaction or authentic connection?”
One of the keys to building deeper relationships with each other is the opportunity to explore. Hence, this week, we extend the invitation to you to ask another person, with respect and care, “What do you mean by that?” when the question can open up the possibility of authentic connection. “What do you mean by that?” (or What do you mean when you say____? I heard the words, but I’m not clear about your meaning) can be an active demonstration of deeper listening for the purposes of healing and relationship growth and expansion.
Peace,
Revs. Denise & Deanna
Unfolding Peace
PS: We would love to know how you experienced your shared intentional unfolding peace meditations earlier this month. Please share your experiences here if you are willing and able:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1piU3IJ8sUiEfXtO8ddhGagRuI5I3NSsV4JeIRjimzKQ/edit?usp=sharing
March 11, 2022 Dear Ones:
As we prepare to accompany you in the next phase of Unfolding Peace, we invite you to prepare as well. This week, please commit to connecting with one person connected with the First UU community virtually or in person. Breathe together - clarifying, intentional breaths for 3 to 5 minutes - holding each other in care as you do so. As you know, most of us participate from personal invitation. After you and another breathe together, share your experience with someone else.
(If you wish, together you can revisit the meditation led by Rev. Denise in the Feb. 13th Unfolding Peace service for a guided breathing meditation found at this link, beginning at time mark 39:42).
Love,
Revs. Denise & Deanna, Unfolding Peace
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Unfolding Peace
Rev. Deanna Vandiver
Ever Unfolding a ministry of spiritual accompaniment and creativity for beloveds on the journey of shared liberation |
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We joyfully share the news that we continue to center our healing journey towards wholeness as a congregation. Ever Unfolding and Peace Ministry are a complimentary collaboration designed to sacredly and gently facilitate healing and humane congregation operations informed by deep spiritual inspiration and evolution. In collaboration with Rev. Dr. Denise Graves of Peace Ministry (building relationships that enhance our world) and Rev. Deanna Vandiver of Ever Unfolding (a ministry of spiritual accompaniment and creativity for beloveds on the journey of shared liberation), First UU will live into our mission of creating community, nurturing spiritual growth, and acting on our values to help heal the world (of which we are a part). We give thanks we are not alone on this transformational faith formation journey. This facilitation team, both members of the Church of the Larger Fellowship UU, will be working with First UU through 2022, including during the first six weeks of the year as Rev. Deanna Vandiver serves as our Minister in Residence.
With a focus on relationships which aligns with our December and January Listening Circles, Rev. Deanna & Rev. Denise have proposed four phases:
These phases will offer us an invitation to:
There will be a physical presence of Rev. Deanna as Minister in Residence from January to mid-February 2022 and a listening and sermon visit for Rev. Denise. Regular updates will be provided with the designated person, persons, or committees regarding beginnings and completions of each phase.
We know human lives are fluid and a multitude of circumstances impact how emotional, spiritual, and developmental energies flow. Since listening facilitators have been trained and listening sessions are in progress, we will want to collaborate with the facilitators regarding their findings and infuse the revelations in the ever unfolding work.
This work with Rev. Deanna and Rev. Denise will be a part of the bridge process journeying from today’s challenges to the wild compassion of our future. May it be so.
With a focus on relationships which aligns with our December and January Listening Circles, Rev. Deanna & Rev. Denise have proposed four phases:
- Witnessing, Wondering, and Grounding (January 2022-November 2022);
- Process Nourishment (January 2022 - March 2022);
- Reimagining, Repairing, Reweaving (March 2022 - August 2022); and
- Remembrance, Reflection, and Recommitment (September 2022 - November 2022).
These phases will offer us an invitation to:
- Healing resources that inform trauma recognition and pathways to wholeness;
- Gentle, clear, and loving conflict resolution applied best practices (reflected in congregational policies and embodiment);
- Congregational leadership teams grounded in hospitable engagement practices and policies, with an expanded capacity for holding multiple truths and experiences;
- A collective experience of being deeply witnessed and honored in our inherent worth and dignity;
- Systemic shifts nurturing a faith community committed to a vision of shared liberation; and
- Process and summary documentation they will share with us.
There will be a physical presence of Rev. Deanna as Minister in Residence from January to mid-February 2022 and a listening and sermon visit for Rev. Denise. Regular updates will be provided with the designated person, persons, or committees regarding beginnings and completions of each phase.
We know human lives are fluid and a multitude of circumstances impact how emotional, spiritual, and developmental energies flow. Since listening facilitators have been trained and listening sessions are in progress, we will want to collaborate with the facilitators regarding their findings and infuse the revelations in the ever unfolding work.
This work with Rev. Deanna and Rev. Denise will be a part of the bridge process journeying from today’s challenges to the wild compassion of our future. May it be so.
Who to Contact
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Rev. Deanna Vandiver
Ever Unfolding LLC |
