Pastor Jayne at Black Mountain UCC, after watching the funeral of President Bush, reflected on the idea of legacy. She suggests that we each occasionally take a moral inventory of our own lives, asking Are we getting done what we are called to do? Has our life made the world a better place? Have we gone out of our way to be kind? Do we have a sense of peace that our life has been meaningful to ourselves and our community? Thank you, Jayne.
The Islamic Community Center of Tempe is holding an Open House on Dec 15th at 6PM. Please join them for a meal and discussion around the theme “The Qu’ran”.
The First Church Prescott DACA Assistance Fund helps college age DACA students meet the expenses of paying out-of-state tuition and the expense of applying for the renewal of their DACA status. Presently, the DACA Fund is supporting Franceny, who was a part of s panel of students at a March DACA presentation at the church. Franceny needs $5000 to meet the out-of-state tuition for her last semester at Yavapai Community College. The last Sunday date for being able to help Franceny meet her goal is Sunday, December 23rd. Franceny was brought to the United States when she was only 4 years old. Through high school and college, she has maintained mostly “A’s” while taking Honor Classes. Call the church if you can help.
United Church of Santa Fe will host “Journey to Bethlehem: Las Posadas” on Friday, Dec. 21, 7:00 pm. They will welcome their brothers and sisters from Santa Maria for an evening of song, prayer and a special visit from a couple of newlyweds.
Taos UCC will celebrate its FIRST Children’s Christmas Pageant this year on Dec 23rd at 10 AM.
Church of the Red Rocks collected 300 pounds of clothing, 45 pairs of shoes, blankets, towels, and sleeping bags for Sedona’s homeless.
Church of the Beatitudes is collecting cleaning supplies and hygiene products for the Refugee Families of Maryland School, items that cannot be purchased with food stamps.
Rincon members are currently on a mission trip to Puerto Rico, returning on Dec 15th. Prayers for their safety and success are welcome.
Scottsdale UCC is collecting Toys and Towels (for dogs) to benefit the AZ Humane Society.
An Ecclesiastical Council for Gordon Street will be held at First Church Phoenix on Dec 16th at 3 PM. Read his paper HERE.
The Sahuarita Food Bank, which has leased space from The Good Shepherd UCC, has outgrown its space. Plans for a new 9000 SF facility next to the church are underway with a campaign to raise $2.2 million, 25% of which has been raised to date.
Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque’s “Gobble Challenge” ended up providing 131 families with Thanksgiving meal boxes!
St Paul’s UCC in Rio Rancho will enjoy a time of singing (carols) and sipping (cider, of course) on Dec 16th at 3 PM
Pastor Jay Wilcher of First Congregational Church attended the Prescott city council meeting as it voted to call for the resignation of state Rep. David Stringer in response to his racist public comments. Pastor Jay wanted to be sure that a voice of opposition to racism was present. “Our congregation stands against racism, and stands for the full inclusion of all people as made in the image of God.”