Jottings 7/27.2019


Don't live in Tucson?  Here's how you can help:  the Rincon Migrant Shelter is partnering with CCS to create a country-wide support network for asylum seekers. We are looking for two things: 1) a list of resources in your city that are available to asylum-seekers, such as: legal aid, education, medical, mental health, clothing/food banks, etc. 2) a group of supporters who are available on stand by should asylum-seekers be heading to their city to welcome and provide support if/as needed. If you are able to help in one of these ways, please email me with your name and your city and how you'd like to contribute.  The shelter is also currently looking for infant, toddler and child carseats and boosters to assist with transportation. 

United Church of Santa Fe is a more than a Sunday-morning place! We’re in the middle a neighborhood.  To understand God’s call to our ministry, Monday through Friday, help us “get to know the neighbors!” We invite you to join “Neighborhood Walks” on Wednesday, August 7 or Tuesday, August 13 at 9am to take 5, 10, 15, and 20 minute walks to learn what and who is around us. We’ll meet back at the church to compare notes and compile information. It’s a great way to get to get to know our neighbors and also one another in the United community. 

Interested in the impact of climate change on our national parks and wilderness areas?  Taos UCC partners Jerry and Leonor Kennell invite you to Nature of the Beasts, a feature-length film by their friend, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nick Mollé, this Thursday, 7:00 PM, Taos Community Auditorium.  Jerry organized funding for production of this film which will air on over 250 PBS stations across the country starting in August. Tickets are $10 at the door.  

The Feminist Book Club at First Church Phoenix will meet on Aug 17th at 10:30 am.  This month they are reading Woman at Point Zero by Nawal el Saadawi.  The book group is open to people of all genders and faiths and intends to provide a safe space for dialogue and reflection  about what it is to be a feminist.

Scottsdale UCC is assisting Shepherd of the Hills as it prepares to begin hosting refugees in August by collecting needed supplies.

Many isolated elders and homebound adults are without vital services such as transportation to doctor’s appointments and trips to the grocery store this summer. Currently, there are 74 homebound adults waiting to be matched with volunteers with highest needs in south Scottsdale (85251 zip code) and south Glendale (85301 zip code). To become a volunteer with Duet, the first step is to attend an orientation. 

Upcoming orientations include:
Wednesday, August 14, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Duet, 10000 N. 31st Ave., Ste. D200, Phoenix
Saturday, September 21, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Orangewood Presbyterian Church, 7321 N 10th Street, Phoenix 

To sign up for a volunteer orientation, visit www.duetaz.org/volunteer, e-mail volunteer@duetaz.org or call (602) 274-5022. 

 

A letter to the editor in the Sedona Red Rock News:

Church message worth embracing

I saw an incredible banner on State Route 179 from the Church of the Red Rocks stating the following:  “Be the church.  Protect  the environment.  Care for the poor.  Forgive often.  Reject racism.  Fight for the powerless.  Share earthly and spiritual resources.  Embrace diversity.  Love God.  Enjoy this life.”

It would be great if every leader, religious and otherwise, regardless of denomination or faith, read this banner each and every day.

While not Christian, I admire any group that will put up a sign like this, as these values are universal.  I am 58 years old, have lived in Sedona for almost 25 years, and have never seen such a beautiful banner from any religious institution.

Thank you for having the courage of your convictions and for being an inspiration to everyone.- Daniel Bergher

Do you know of someone who is interested in renting a lovely three bedroom, two bath home in the Willo district?  Encanto Community Church is currently seeking new tenants for the church parsonage, and would be happy to provide an application to any interested parties. Rent is $1,500 per month, not including utilities and lawn maintenance.