Several of our churches responded to the events in Washington this past week in a variety of ways:
Pastor Sue at First Congregational and Pastor Sarah at Church of the Good Shepherd, both in Albuquerque, recorded video messages
Pastor Bethany at First Christian in Las Cruces preached about how to healthily handle anger and sent out several options for emotional first-aid, along with a suggested Ted Talk. https://youtu.be/F2hc2FLOdhI
The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita, First Congregational in Albuquerque, First Church Phoenix, Casas Adobes, Black Mountain, and others held open Zoom gatherings and prayer vigils.
COVID is striking close to home in the Southwest Conference
A Message from Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, Southwest Conference Minister:
We received word from Herman Tui, Moderator of First Samoan CCUCC, that he and his family have been ill with Covid for several weeks. Their Treasurer, Sina Ah Soon, and her husband have also been ill and he passed away this week. There are more:
One of our pastors is dealing now with a hospice decision for his dad who is COVID positive, and his mom is now exhibiting symptom.
Another pastor’s wife tested positive and has very serious underlying conditions; he is being retested
A senior pastor called last night to say he tested positive; the assistant pastor and her husband were diagnosed last week.
Another of our pastors this morning shared with me that several of their family members are ill and some in ICU with COVID19.
Genevieve, my executive assistant tested positive for COVID yesterday and will be on medical leave for a while.
Rev. Teresa Blythe's newest book, Incline your Ear, co-authored with Rev. Chad Abbott, is now in print. In it, they advocate using spiritual direction principles and practices within organizations, especially congregations. Written for lay and ordained leaders, it has practical suggestions that can lead to meaningful discernment and action on the part of your organization.
UCC@ASU student Hailey Lyons produced an incredible podcast to share with students at ASU and all the UCC congregations in the SWC. Nearly all UCC@ASU students are participating in interviews with Andrew as a way to share about our ministry but also to have an intergenerational connection.
Click on the link to listen
S1E5 - Coming Out and Faith (pinecast.co)
S1E6 - What We're Offering (pinecast.co)
Common Ground on the Border – at The Good Shepherd UCC, Jan 12-16. Please click here (https://events.eventzilla.net/e/common-ground-on-the-border-2021-2138792362) or check the church's web page, www.thegoodshepherducc.org, to look at the 2021 virtual Common Ground on the Border / Border Issues Fair event. You can see who is teaching, singing, and speaking and you can register there as well.
Pastor Michael from Church of the Painted Hills had an Article in last Sunday's Arizona Daily Star
https://tucson.com/accidentally-changing-the-world/article_531feb6c-2b58-5ac4-9981-36474d99e495.html
On Saturday, January 16, the United Church of Santa Fe and Albuquerque’s Coro Lux Choir offers IN THE TIME OF COVID: Singing in a Strange Land, an online choral event focused on the African American singing tradition. The virtual event features Dr. Rollo Dilworth, Professor of Music at Temple University and a leading light in the choral world, and Dr. James Abbington of Candler School of Theology (Emory University). All welcome! Cost is $37.50 for the full day of events (which can be accessed after the event as well). To register, please go to the Coro Lux website (abqcorolux.org). For more information, please call Rev. Talitha Arnold or Director Bradley Ellingboe at 505-988-3295.
To set the tone for his inauguration, on Tuesday January 19th, 15 minutes after sunset, President Elect Biden will lead a memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to Covid-19, with church bells ringing and light shows across the country. First Congregational in Albuquerque will hold a silent candlelight vigil to remember and honor the lives lost to Covid-19. Their hope is to have enough people to line Lomas, respecting a six-foot distance between participants. Family members from the same bubble can stand together, masks must be worn, candles will be provided. The church bell will ring 30 times beginning at 5:37.
At the close of this discouraging, distressing year, Rincon planted a tree as a sign of new life being born this Christmas season and in the new year. One week before Christmas, two men from a local nursery brought and planted a Cat’s Claw Acacia tree. These hardy trees are native to the desert Southwest and northern Mexico. They grow deep roots to thrive in the desert, and their flowers nourish bees and butterflies. Birds feed on their seeds. They’re long-lived, sometimes up to 120 years. Joy to the world!
Feet 'n' More is the name of the shower ministry at Church of the Palms. The name comes from the Biblical story of Jesus taking on the role of a servant and washing the disciples feet. Church of the Palms is offering a shower trailer to be used by the homeless and needy of the North West Valley, following the pattern of service of Jesus. In partnership with city governments, churches and non-profit service providers, they will provide showers that preserve human dignity, contribute to health and prepare them for employment. They are currently working with the City of Surprise, the Salvation Army and are in communications with the cities of Peoria and El Mirage. They will be taking the trailer to sites in the NW Valley beginning in January.