Starting January 19th at 6pm, the annual Jazz Coffee House concert series will begin at Church of the Beatitudes. Concerts are held in Nelson Hall and feature relaxed performances, refreshments, and talk-backs with the performers. The first concert performing group is West by Northwest.
DUET has launched “Finding Meaning and Hope”, a free 10-part video discussion series designed for full or part-time caregivers of loved ones with dementia. The discussions are led by a trained facilitator. Contact DUET at 602-274-5022 for dates and locations. Series start this week in Carefree, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an annual ecumenical celebration, and Pastor Rock Fremont of Shepherd of the Hills is the chair in charge of planning for Arizona, which will feature programming and Prayer Services statewide every day of the week. Christians around the world are invited to pray for the unity of all Christians, to reflect on scripture together, to participate in jointly-organized ecumenical services, and to share fellowship. The primary celebration will be held on Jan 23rd at 7 pm at St Pius X Catholic Church, 809 S 7th Ave, Phx. Additional info, including celebrations in Sun City and in New Mexico, is HERE.
On Jan 18th at 1pm, members of First Congregational of Prescott will join with the Yavapai County Women to March to the Polls. There is a special dance and song (One Million Rising-Break that Chain) for folks to learn.
In Phoenix, join the Women’s March at the AZ State Capital on Jan 19th at 10am
In Albuquerque, First Congregational will send a delegation to the Women’s March there on Jan 19th.
And on Jan 20th at 9am, join the Arizona Faith Network for the annual MLK March starting at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E Jefferson, Phx.
Pastor Pamela Shepherd of Taos UCC is recovering from a recent hospital stay and will be recuperating through January. Please keep her in your prayers.
Church of the Red Rocks is planning a service trip to Guatemala from Feb 17-21 to build housing for those living in extreme poverty. There is room for more folks. Call John Lothrop at 402-418-1441.
Pastor Seth at Rincon invites folks to join him for coffee and conversation every Friday morning at 8:30 at a local coffee shop.
In worship this past Sunday, Pastor Carol of Scottsdale UCC introduced a new Epiphany themed spiritual practice to the congregation; a tradition, which, in recent years, seems to have really taken hold amongst many a female pastor and her congregation. Here’s how Star Words (also known as Star Gifts) works:
Without looking, each person is invited to draw a paper star from a basket, then flip it over to reveal one meaningful, positive word, which has been derived from scripture. That particular word is the recipient’s to focus on and ponder throughout the coming year. Perhaps it’s something they need to develop in themselves or, alternatively, something they already have in abundance but are being invited to start sharing with/giving away to others. Or its significance may be something else altogether, something very personal connected to the person’s life, career, or faith journeys. Basically, it’s up to that person and Spirit to prayerfully discern together why the word was drawn at this particular time.
Shadow Rock is excited to be hosting another new play reading on Saturday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). The play by local author Kurt Shineman is "No More Deaths" and is based on Scott Warren's trial for offering humanitarian aid to migrants in the desert. Tickets and more information can be found here. Bring a friend!
Beginning Tues, Jan 14th at 7pm and continuing Tuesdays thru Feb 25th, First Church Phoenix will hold a group study on the topic of liberation theology using the book “Liberation Theology” by Miguel A De La Torre.
At The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita- the 17th Annual Santa Cruz Valley Border Issues Fair--Saturday January 18th---8:30am to 12:30am---$10.00 donation: A great border education event with a spirit of celebration. The morning’s activities includes three Key Note Addresses from Sebastian Quinac who is the outreach coordinator for the Guatemalan consulate in Tucson, Todd Miller author of the recently released “Empire of Borers: The Expansion of the US Border around the World,” and Francesco Piobbichi program associate, organizer and public artist working with Mediterranean Hope an immigration project of the Waldensian Church in Italy. The fair also includes festive border music and the opportunity to study informational displays and talk with representatives from a wide variety of humanitarian, advocacy and action groups related to immigration issues and concerns.
All singers are invited to a Choral Festival Workshop and Concert over the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend., hosted by the United Church of Santa Fe and Coro Lux. "Light in the Darkness: The Music of Martin and Mahalia" includes an all-day Saturday workshop on Jan. 18, with a Sunday afternoon concert (Jan. 19) at 3:00 pm. United Church and Coro Lux Choral Director Bradley Ellingboe leads the workshop and concert, with sessions on Gospel Style Singing, with Dr. Stevie Springer, expert on Gospel music and Darci Balkcom on Alexander Technique. In addition, the Rev. Talitha Arnold speaks on the role of African-American spirituals and Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the Civil Rights Movement and particularly their impact on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr's leadership. The Sunday concert proceeds benefit the New Mexico Center for Immigration Law and The New Mexico Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.
Info and registration: https://abqcorolux.org/january/. Open to all so spread the word! Registration ($50 for all day workshop, lunch, concert; scholarships available) limited due to space--register early! (Brad Ellingboe, unitedchurch.brad@gmail.com)