Wednesday Wanderers (10am) at Shepherd of the Hills has started a new book: “The Cross and the Lynching Tree” by James Cone, an American theologian best known for his advocacy of black theology and black liberation theology. The cross and the lynching tree are the two most emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community. In this powerful new work, theologian James H. Cone explores these symbols and their interconnection in the history and souls of black folk. Both the cross and the lynching tree represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning. Shepherd is the latest to study this book- a good indication that it is worth reading by all of us.
Rincon UCC reminds us of a great opportunity to make our voices heard statewide for care of creation, democracy, and other issues for the common good, organized by the Grand Canyon chapter of the Sierra Club: Environmental Day at the AZ Capitol, February 5, 2020, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Join hundreds of advocates for environmental protection and justice, climate action, lands and wildlife conservation, flowing rivers, democracy, and more, in meeting at the Arizona Capitol to let legislators know how much we care about these issues, as well as specific bills.
Join with friends from Desert Palm Church, AFN, and other organizations and faith communities across the Valley to celebrate unity in diversity at the Unity Walk, January 25, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Town Lake. The Festival begins at 4:30 p.m. at Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, with The Unity Walk (1 mile) beginning at 6 p.m. (walking across the Tempe Bridge and returning back to the Tempe Beach Park before 7 p.m.) Seven cities in the valley are hosting the event, which is free.
Many of our churches participated in various Women's and MLK Marches this weekend! Thank you, Desert Palm, First Church Phoenix, Desert Heritage, First Congregational in Albuquerque, and all the others I didn't name but who participated and, not only voiced support, but "walked the walk" for equality, dignity, and peace.
Shadow Rock is proud to be co-hosting an event with First Church UCC on Saturday, February 15th. Dr. Miguel De La Torre, a professor, author, activist, and minister, will present "Rejecting the White Jesus: Bad Ass Christianity." Mark your calendars and look for more information about this exciting upcoming event.
The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita has an incredible opportunity coming on February 21-22! Parker Palmer, educator and author of ten books, numerous poems and essays, will join Carrie Newcomer, prolific singer and songwriter for a program they call, "Hope in Hard Times." Are you needing to experience hope? Are you finding that you are describing our global and national problems as "hard times?" Come to the Progressive Theology Seminar where you will find both encouragement and support as well as a challenge to continue onward towards creating a just world for all. Go towww.TheGoodShepherdUCC.org for registration.
Church of the Beatitudes is offering a new class "Getting to know the UCC" covering the history, polity, and theology of the UCC. Thursdays at 6pm starting Jan 30th in Nelson Lounge. Taught by Dr. Joe Faykosh.
The Beatitudes Arts Council is excited to share they have launched two artist calls for the renovated Worship Center. The first call is for a muralist for the north wall space next to the Children's worship space. The call is for a bright, uplifting, and welcoming mural to illustrate that people of all ages are welcome in this church. The second call is for 8 paintings depicting the 8 Beatitudes to be displayed on the entry hallway to worship center on the southwest side. Notification of Selected Artists is slated for April 13, 2020, with completion by August 7, 2020.
Rev. Jocelyn Emerson of St Paul's UCC in Rio Rancho was invited by Sue Joiner, pastor of First Congregational Albuquerque, to co-facilitate a two-day workshop teaching the spiritual practice of shamanic journeywork. Two Half-day Introduction Sessions at FCC on Saturday, January 25 (Part 1) and February 8 (Part 2) from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The Church of the Palms has a partnership with the Dysart Community Center where there are 200+ children in the After School Kids Club, some without socks and underwear. A giving tree will be in the narthex of the Palms in February filled with suggestions of sizes on pink and blue hearts. Folks may take one or as many hearts as they can to help.