We’re excited to announce that the Rev. Michael T. Bush has been chosen as the new settled senior minister of Casas Adobes Congregational Church UCC. Rev. Bush comes to us from the United Church of Christ in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, which he has led for the past eight years. Prior to that he served as senior pastor of UCC churches in Connecticut, Michigan and Washington. He anticipates being relocated to Tucson in time to assume his new responsibilities in early September.
Laura Folkwein has been called as an associate minister at Missoula, MT’s University Congregational Church UCC and will be voted on by the church members on June 30th. Laura currently leads Small Interest Groups at the church. She is also very active as a champion for immigrant rights in Montana. Laura was ordained at The Good Shepherd where she was staff.
What is Pick-A-Party? It's a fundraiser and friend-raiser that Shadow Rock holds every other year. At Pick-A-Party, congregants "donate" a party by hosting some kind of event at their home or other location. The hosts pay all the expenses for their party, so it can be as elaborate or as simple as they like. Then others can purchase a spot at the parties they want to attend. The church receives the money and we all have a blast with old and new friends! Sounds like a fun fundraiser!
Welcome, Valerie Griego, LMSW and now the Social Service Coordinator of ABQFaithWorks Collaborative. Pastor Sue Joiner of First Congregational (Albuquerque) worked for over one year with pastors from eight other churches to form an alliance to better address the needs of people coming seeking help. Members of FCCUCC as well as members of the other congregations, responded to the call and generously gave money towards hiring a Social Service Coordinator. The city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County were very impressed with this initiative and have awarded grants of $50,000 towards this endeavor. Valerie will be keeping detailed data regarding client needs, services provided, and outcomes which will help better serve and advocate for the marginalized.
First Church Phoenix will host a showing of the film “Paris to Pittsburgh” on June 27th at 7PM in the sanctuary. Over 100 cities and states plus Puerto Rico have set goals to match the Paris Climate Accord committing to 100% renewable energy. Learn their stories and be inspired. The film will also be shown at Scottsdale UCC on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Pastor Mike of Church of the Painted Hills joined with others from the Clergy Caucus of the Pima County Interfaith Civic Education Organization to meet with Sheriff Mark Napier to discuss issues of concern and ways the faith community can support the work of Law Enforcement.