Desert Palm has been asked to host “The Longest Night” service that recalls the homeless people who have died in the past year. This is a tradition started by the Tempe Interfaith Fellowship (or TIF). A service on the longest night affords an opportunity for music and words designed to heal and uplift. This year there will be a few more folks, and the added dimension of meaning associated with our long- time commitment to the homeless. Dec. 21st at 7 pm.
Many of our conference churches are holding "Services of Light" aka “Blue Christmas” on Dec. 21st. Please check with a UCC congregation in your area if you would find this service of healing helpful.
The Verde Valley Sanctuary provides shelter, counseling, safety/exit planning, legal advocacy, as well as education and prevention services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. As the holiday season is approaching, Verde Valley Sanctuary is calling upon Church of the Red Rocks to purchase gifts for 75 families. These individuals are battling a multitude of challenges and emotions. And of course, CRR will respond to the call.
Jews for Justice has awarded Pastor James Pennington of First Church UCC Phoenix the 1st Arizona Jews for Justice "Partner in Justice" award! "Since the founding of Arizona Jews For Justice, Pastor James has been a steadfast and true partner. He opened his church as a sanctuary to asylees, serves those struggling with homelessness and mental illness, builds bridges between faith communities, and dedicates himself and his faith to social justice efforts around the clock! When the Jewish community is under attack due to anti-Semitic prejudice, Pastor James immediately asks what he can do to be an ally. Our words of gratitude cannot be expressed fully here."
If you have an adult relative, partner, spouse, or close friend who has a mental illness, The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita has a NAMI Family-to-Family Class on Fridays at from 1-3:30pm for 11 weeks starting in January 2020. Please call Barb Eyre at 520-437-5727, for information and registration. The class will explain brain disorders and describe skills of communication and empathy, plus ideas for self-care.
First Christian Church in Las Cruces is asking members to bring an ornament or a memento to place on the tree in the sanctuary. "During worship, we'll take a little time to liven up our tree with your decorations, and bring a bit of your home into our worship space!"
Church of the Beatitudes will celebrate the completion of its sanctuary renovation by worshipping in its new space on Dec 22nd. Then come on Saturday, January 11, for a celebration concert in honor of the Rev. Dosia Carlson's 90th birthday! The concert begins at 4 pm in our newly renovated Worship Center with a reception to follow at 5 pm in Nelson Hall. Finally, return to worship on Sunday, January 12, for a special message from Rev. Dosia herself!
Shepherd of the Hills sponsors a child through Childcare Worldwide. Her name is Immaculate Nakibuuka. Immaculate is a 16 year-old girl who lives in Uganda. The program makes it possible for her to attend school. With the $508 per year that Shepherd gives to the Childcare Worldwide program, Immaculate is not only able to have her school costs covered but is also able to board and live at her school.