Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque received 2 huge truckloads of food last week from 1st Congregational destined for Zia Pueblo. A wonderful partnership for a common cause.
Taos UCC advises us that Miles4Migrants.org makes it easy for individuals to contribute airline miles to help recent migrants travel to locations of their sponsors. With new Federal policies being quickly enacted and implemented, there is a rapidly increasing influx of migrants. This is an easy and effective way for us to help out.
Empty Bowls is in its 10th year and Rincon and ICS invite you to an Empty Bowls like no other! There will be a virtual program on March 6th 10:00 am – 11:00 am and scheduled, drive-thru bowl pick-up March 5th and 6th from 12-4pm. Local potters create and donate beautiful handmade bowls that act as a powerful reminder of those struggling with hunger in Tucson. Proceeds from a silent auction and a raffle bring help and hope to local families. To purchase tickets please CLICK HERE.
The ban on migrants seeking asylum in the United States has been lifted and families have begun seeking shelter and assistance at the Casa Alitas Welcoming Center in Tucson once again. It is with joy that the Compassion on the Border Committee at Casas Adobes UCC purchased $500 worth of needed items from the Casa Alitas Amazon Wish List.
On March 7th, First Congregational Albuquerque will join in observing the Refugee Shabbat. Rabbi Jen Kaluzny from Temple Israel in West Bloomfield is preaching. Temple Israel contributed several thousand dollars to the renovation of First's basement apartment. That afternoon at 3 pm, log on to Zoom to watch the powerful film “Nobody Wants Us.” The film is 43 minutes and will be followed by a discussion with the producer and the only surviving person. Check out the trailer, mark your calendar, and plan on joining us on the 7th.https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6456846642. Meeting ID: 645 684 6642 Passcode: 870537 All are welcome!
Free assistance with tax filing for 2020 is available on Thursdays at Shadow Rock through AARP. Appointments began February 25 and continue through mid-April. Hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. To make an appointment, visit AARPtaxaidebeuf.setmore.com or call 480-463-4912 or 623-252-1567.
On Saturday, March 13th, Margo Cowan and the Pima County Justice for All team will be hosting a signature collection event from 9am- 1pm in the Good Shepherd (Sahuarita) parking lot. Justice for All is a 2022 ballot initiative that is looking to provide universal representation for indigent families in Pima County that are going through deportation proceedings. The signature gathering event will be “drive-thru” style with limited contact because of COVID.
So far, Congregational. Church of the Valley members have contributed funds totaling $2422 toward the SWC Medical Debt Relief Campaign. Because contributions purchase debt relief by a factor of 100 that means CCOV has provided $242,220 in medical debt relief to troubled families! The SW Conference goal is to raise $15,000 for this effort. CCOV members have covered 16% of that goal to date. The campaign runs through Easter!
The Women's group at Desert Heritage will be creating a Covid Memorial Quilt.. The Covid Memorial Quilt is a living memorial to all those who have died from COVID-19. The Covid Memorial Quilt began as a 7th-grade community action project, "Young Change-Makers in a COVID-19 World." Inspired by stories about the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which her mother worked on, student Madeleine Fugate chose to make a Covid Memorial Quilt as a way to publicly grieve, honor, and recognize all those who have died. Word spread and the Covid Memorial Quilt soon outgrew a school project. Individual Memorial Squares are sent in from all over the world by friends and families to honor a loved one. The Covid Memorial Quilt has now become a global project of hope and healing. For More general information about the COVID Memorial Quilt, click HERE.
The USS ‘FEET-N-MORE’ shower trailer from Church of the Palms was used for the first time on Tuesday, February 23, giving showers to the homeless in the City of Surprise. Eight member/ friends of Church of the Palms crewed the shower trailer on its maiden voyage at the Salvation Army Church on Avenue of the Arts in Surprise. They provided nine showers, cared for three pets and charged 5 cell phones. In addition to the shower trailer they had Chance Shelter for pet care and Circle the City for medical care. Both will be partnering with them on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month in 2021.