The UCC lost a beautiful and great lady last week with the death of Rev Cally Rogers-Witte. I worked closely with Cally for many years as the SWC Treasurer and member of several committees. She was the one who actually hired me as a staff person for the Conference, although she left to serve the wider church a month before I started. Cally officiated at John's and my wedding 20 years ago. Although people from around the world will miss her, I will especially miss her Facebook pictures of children and grandchildren and her lengthy Christmas missives.- Holly
Brendan Mahoney is bringing his harpsichord to play during worship at Black Mountain UCC for an Advent gift to them. He said that he will stick around and be available for folks to come and ask questions, play it or listen to more music.
On Thursday, December 5 at 7 pm United Church of Sun City will host A Jazzy Little Christmas concert given by a group called “Swing Time” which features Dan Reed on trumpet; Ellie Chaffee on vocals and Clark Chaffee on drums and vocals and Richard Palalay on Keyboard. Ice cream will follow as usual! (If ice cream is "as usual", United gets a big thumbs up!)
The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita and Probigua Language School in Guatemala have collaborated for over 17 years. A scholarship program has provided over $5000 each year to fund 20 students' education. Public education in Guatemala essentially ends after the 6th grade, so private education beyond that gives students great opportunities in their own country to succeed, support their families, and remain in their country.
Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque delivered 37 fleece blankets to St. Martin’s Day Center (Hope Works). It took 7 lawn and leaf bags to hold them! The staff was slightly incredulous that COGS had made them. As the delivery team left, a line was already forming and no doubt the blankets were all given away before the end of business that day.
First Church Phoenix will hold a Thanksgiving Eve service at 7 PM on Nov 27th. The theme will be "What will this child be called?"
First Christian Church in Las Cruces participated in an interreligious discussion at Temple Beth-El on Sunday on hospitality and how to be welcoming. This program was open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Participants were asked to bring with them stories about experiences of welcoming in their lives, whether as hosts or as guests or newcomers. This event served as a community lead-in to the holiday of Thanksgiving.
United Church of Santa Fe is collecting 2020 calendars and unused Christmas cards for the men at the Santa Fe State Penitentiary.
Scottsdale UCC youth will visit the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary on November 30th for their mission trip. The church is collecting Blankets, Sheets, Cranberry/Grape Juice, Prune Juice, Apples, and Benefiber. (I think we can figure out the issues....) There are 600 potbelly pigs (mostly) at the sanctuary. These pigs were usually purchased by people who thought they would remain small. The sanctuary allows them to live out their lives and also helps adoptions when possible.
During the holidays, do you find yourself reminiscing about your past Christmas traditions? Do you share these memories with your children and grandchildren with the hope that they continue these traditions in your family for years to come? First Congregational UCC in Prescott wants its members to share these memories. They will be compiled into a booklet that will be available during the holidays. Folks can write about their favorite memories, family traditions, funny/interesting happenings, favorite meals, Christmas songs, prayers, recipes, etc. A "novel" way to get to know each other...
Black Friday is coming up!
When you do your holiday shopping at Amazon, please keep in mind that you can support a variety of charities, including your church or the national UCC. Just select your chosen charity at smile.amazon.com, then browse and buy normally. Amazon will send a percentage of your purchase total - there's no extra cost to you!