Church Jottings 3/9/2020

Art created by the refugee children sheltered at Rincon last year is hanging during Lent in the sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall.  Strings of heart prayers and holy spirit birds will be added by Rincon children.  

First Congregational in Prescott continues to assist their “adopted" DACA student, Franceny G., a student at Prescott College. This week, a check is being sent to help her make a tuition installment payment. First Prescott has established a special DACA fund to which anyone may donate anytime throughout the year.

Oro Valley UCC will vote on March 22nd on whether to become an official Open and Affirming congregation. Congratulations on your journey!  

Shepherd of the Hills will host an informational meeting on Thursday, March 8th at 11:15 AM around the Invest in Education Initiative. Learn about Invest in Ed 2020. All are invited to attend. 

Desert Garden UCC has a goal of gleaning 40 neighborhood citrus trees this month (honoring their 40th Anniversary) and donating the fruit to area hunger agencies. 

Church of the Palms is exploring about becoming a WISE congregation. (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, Engaging)

Church of the Beatitudes is kicking off its One Book, One Church Lenten book discussions.  Three weekly options are available to discuss the book “Open Borders: the Science and Ethics of Immigration” by Bryan Caplin and Zach Weinersmith. 

Church of the Good Shepherd in Sahuarita is collecting new or used bicycles in support of BICAS, a nonprofit that provides bikes to young people. 

Shadow Rock will host the “All One People” concert celebrating musical and human diversity on March 14th at 6pm. Free will offering  to benefit the Immigration Reform Fund. 

No More Deaths, an organization supported by many of our churches, has been awarded the ALBA/Puffin Award for Human Rights Activism and its $100,000 prize. 

Rincon UCC has received a grant from Neighbors In Need to restore their campus to native Sonoran Desert habitat. They will begin by removing gravel and planting vegetation. 

Youth from Desert Palm will experience a Day of Advocacy at the State Capital on March 13th, meeting with Representative Mitzi Epstein and others.