Black Mountain UCC's new Seekers Spirituality Group- A group that meets the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings from 9-10:30. This is a place to ask questions, listen to others share and join in rich and deeply meaningful discussions of topics pertaining to our journey to and with God.
First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque is hosting a Friendsgiving Potluck on Sat Nov 30 at 1 pm. What a great idea!
Join The Good Shepherd UCC (Sahuarita) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 1 because Rebecca McElfresh has been approved by COCAM A to take the next step toward ordination, her Ecclesiastical Council! Read her portfolio and ordination paper HERE.
The Church of the Palms' new organ for the sanctuary has been ordered! They are looking toward a January 2020 installation.
Building Resilience through WrIting. Carol Jordan, member of Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque and retired oncology social worker, will offer a six-week expressive writing group at the church beginning in January. Writing prompts will be based loosely on Anne Lamott’s short book called Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayer. This will not be a group about grammar or critique. It will include essay and memoir that includes whining (Help!), rejoicing (Thanks!), and marveling at the twists and turns of our ever-evolving lives (Wow!). Sometimes the most miserable and discouraging life experiences bring us the wisdom that moves us forward when, inevitably, new trials appear. The ability to not get “stuck” in the dark places is called resilience! Resilience grows from the realization that with faith and community we do not face our struggles alone.
The Justice and Witness Team at Desert Palm is partnering with The Florence Project, sending greeting cards to immigrants being held in Arizona Detention Centers. 5,000 adults are being held indefinitely in Arizona immigration facilities. For many of these detainees, all they have is a glimmer of hope - something The Florence Project wants to build on this Christmas. (If you or your church also want to participate in this project, contact Holly Herman, hhbillsmom@gmail.com, for details and deadlines)
How could a TV series that only ran for three seasons in the late 1960s become, decades later, such a cultural icon, with eleven movies under its belt and five spin-off TV shows? Maybe it’s because that, beyond the phasers, communicators and transporter beams, Star Trek told stories about the strengths and frailties of humankind. Stories that spoke not only to the mind, but also the heart and the soul. Scottsdale UCC is enjoying a worship series based on the book, “The Gospel According to Star Trek” by Kevin C. Neece.
On Wednesday, November 20th, Sojourners' president Jim Wallis will be at at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe to celebrate the launch of his new book, Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus. Jim will discussing the teachings of Jesus and how they speak directly to our current political and spiritual crises. The event will run from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (6428 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ).
Please join Shepherd of the Hills on Sunday, November 24th at 3 PM and welcome Kristi Hanno, Julian Nguyen, Neilson Chen, and Victor Mercado. This concert is part of SoH's 60th Anniversary Concert Series, celebrating 60 years in Arcadia and the Southwest Conference, as they honor the past and look toward the future. As an audience member, you'll experience a live performance of music that might otherwise only be heard in a concert hall. In recognition of the musicians’ dedication and artistry, donations will be solicited at the concert. Please give as you are able. In consideration of what to give, suggested ranges are: for an individual, $15 – 30; for a couple or a family, $25 – 40. All donations are appreciated. We anticipate a joyful afternoon of Violin, Piano and Voice!
A couple Thanksgiving jokes to tell at your holiday table (Thank you, Church of the Palms):
Q: When do you serve tofu turkey?
A: Pranksgiving.
Q: What did the turkey say to the computer?
A: Google, google, google!