The Discovery Gardens Preschool (DGP) is the mission emphasis project for the month of July at First Congregational in Prescott. DGP offers children, regardless of their life's challenges, a loving environment wherein they can prosper academically and socially. DGP is a licensed tuition-based preschool provided through the Prescott Unified School District. The church’s donations provide scholarship assistance to a needy three year old's family.
The Arts Council's latest installation in the Worship Center at Church of the Beatitudes is the culmination of a year's hard work and inspiration from Artist and Beatitudes longtime member, Julie Frye. The eight paintings depict Jesus' Beatitudes and the legacy of the church. A Grand Opening reception is set for this fall.
On July 1st, the Arizona State Legislature passed the new State budget with significant tax cuts that will have major impacts on funding education and other services. These tax cuts will greatly benefit the top 10% of income earners in AZ. Valley Interfaith Project, as part of the Arizona Interfaith Network, is working to collect petition signatures. Shepherd of the Hills will circulate 3 petitions for signature and have 90 days for the work to be completed. As soon as the signatures are verified, the tax breaks and other measures will be placed on hold until the November 2022 election. If the voters vote down those measures, they will be voter protected. There will be a drive-through petition signing at Shepherd's parking lot from 8:00 to noon on Saturday, August 21st.
Scottsdale UCC will also have petitions for the budget flat tax and other two referendums on Sundays at church. All church members & friends are asked to commit to filling just one petition (15 signatures).
Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque is staring a unique fundraiser: Selling pizza kits through Little Caesar’s. For each pizza kit sold the church will get the profits collected at the end. You can purchase a pizza kit with the following link below. They ask you to share this link with friends and family and on social media. Pizza Kits will be mailed directly to your home!
The August Drive-by at Oro Valley UCC will kick off their annual Pennies for Heaven Campaign. They will be collecting loose change each month through November and then use the coins to purchase wreaths for veterans’ graves in the Marana Cemetery to honor our veterans during the Christmas season.
Pastor Jayne from Black Mountain UCC has just begun a 4-6 month part time position with sister congregation, Sun Lakes UCC. They are a smaller church with an average age of 81 in a 55+ community who worship on Saturdays at 4 pm. Her job is to simply love them, lead worship and offer pastoral care as needed. She will also be helping them to finish writing their church profile as they begin an exciting search for their new settled pastor.
What was at first thought to be a routine call to the plumber to fix a clogged sewer drain at First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque, turned into a five-day ordeal that flooded seven rooms in the church basement with sewage. It will require several weeks of cleanup and recovery work. Several rooms, the Sanctuary Apartment, the Boiler Room and two bathrooms were affected. The flood requires the services of a professional remediation company to "clean up the mess." Heavy duty air scrubbers and dehumidifiers have been running nonstop for almost two weeks. Unfortunately, the sanctuary guests in the apartment had to relocate for up to a month while the living room floor is replaced along with the kitchen base cabinets, bathroom vanity cabinet, and sections of drywall that enclose the shower stall.