On Nov 3rd at Black Mountain at 3 pm enjoy a rousing good time with a BLUEGRASS CONCERT and DANCE to raise funds for mission. The band is led by Billy Parker, a dear friend of Pastor Jayne, who plays one of the meanest mandolins in AZ and performs all over the West including the MIM. “They are really good”, she says and “delighted to support our mission.”
On Nov 7th at 5 pm, enjoy a "Be the Church" talk at Church of the Red Rocks titled "Brain Sparks". Patricia Walicke MD, PhD spent much of her career on aging and dementia, either as an academic researcher, physician or in the pharma/biotech industry. She will share her passion on how keep your brain young. And to talk about treatment options if needed.
United Church of Santa Fe's Festival Choir, directed by Bradley Ellingboe, offers the Fauré Requiem with soloists Hayden Eberhart, soprano, and Edmund Connolly, baritone, plus Music Director and Pianist Jacquelyn Helin and a 6-piece ensemble. A suggested donation of $20 benefits the Rio Grande Chapter of the National Wildlife Federation. All welcome!
Black Mountain's fall campaign will focus on blessings. Each member is encouraged to "Count your blessings every day in a Gratitude Journal. We will start small – try for just 5 blessings every day. Even on the bad days, try to find some blessings – something to be thankful for."
At Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque, members are asked to fill out a "connection card" where there is a spot to mark down any groups or organizations folks work or volunteer with. The goal is to find out what people are passionate about and what good they are doing in the community. Then , if given permission, this info will be listed in new-member materials as someone who gives to that. A good way for new folks to find others with whom they might share an interest.
One of the United Church of Christ’s biggest advocates for immigrant rights was honored by the National Council of Churches for his work. The Rev. Noel Andersen, previously an assistant pastor at The Good Shepherd, received the NCC’s President’s Award for Excellence in Faithful Leadership at its Christian Unity Gathering in Hampton, Va. Andersen, the grassroots coordinator for Church World Service and the lead organizer of the UCC Collaborative on Immigration, was recognized for “faithful, risk-taking leadership among faith leaders.” He was nominated for the award by the Rev. John C. Dorhauer, UCC general minister and president. Please see the following article for more information: https://www.ucc.org/news_ucc_s_noel_andersen_honored_by_ncc_for_faithful_risk_taking_leadership_10122019
Look for the booth staffed by First Church Phoenix at the Rainbow Festival in Phoenix on Nov 2/3.
The Arts Council of Church of the Beatitudes is excited to share a new art exhibition in Nelson Hall. Watercolor artist, Betsy Aguirre, is currently displaying her work along the West wall with purchases benefitting Beatitudes Church. Immersed in art from an early age, Betsy's art has been widely displayed and appreciated, notably at two separate Mayo Clinic locations, Sky Harbor Airport, and the City of Glendale. Her diversity and style are a delightful addition to the Nelson Hall venue. Please take a moment to see her beautiful works up close and in person.
The Wedge Gallery Timeline Exhibit at Scottsdale UCC, which honors their 60 years of history, is now open. The exhibit was curated by Radonna Bull (creative artist) with help from Elaine Trask, Ron Schilling and Laura O’Brien. Judy Emerson helped to create the original 60th logo and also made the large painting outside the gallery. The exhibit traces highlights from each decade and celebrates the people and some of the threads that weave throughout their history. When folks enter they have an opportunity to take a personal figure, put their name on it and place it along the timeline where they first connected with the church. On the “Future” wall folks may write their hopes, dreams and blessings for this wonderful faith community.
Shepherd of the Hills is excited to announce that Pastor Rock Fremont has been chosen to serve on the UCC Manual on Church Working Group. From UCC.org: "United Church of Christ clergy and lay members from diverse traditions and backgrounds, plus two ecumenical partners, have been named to gather in March 2020 to start years of work on writing a UCC Manual on Church. The manual will be an aid and guide to faithful local church life, including, for example, what it means for congregations and the wider denomination to live in covenant with each other." Congratulations, Rock!
Last week the Rev Tina Campbell attended the annual memorial service for children who have died at Phoenix Children’s Hospital where she serves as the staff weekend Chaplain. The death of a child at any age involves searing pain for parents, and affects all members of the family: fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, godparents. It goes against our notion of the natural order for a parent to outlive a child, and a parent never expects to bury a child no matter how old. There can be a sense of injustice, and parents often feel a loss of themselves. Tina shares the following prayer for them.
A PRAYER FOR A LOST CHILD
Michele Meleen
My child is my shepherd I shall love always.
My child lies with me in all my dreams,
Leads me to be still and restores my soul
Guiding me on my path of grief.
Although I walk through a valley of tears
I will not forsake my life for you are with me.
Your memory and gentle voice they comfort me.