The Arizona Faith Network is pleased to welcome special guest Michael Curry for an evening of conversation on Mental Health in Faith Communities. Michael currently serves as the Lay Minister for Disability Education, Advocacy, and Awareness in the Southwest Conference. You are invited to come and listen on August 23rd from 6:30-8pm as Michael shares his story about the challenges he faced as child and adolescent growing up in the church. We will explore why it is difficult for many people to be authentic and true to who they are. Michael will share an overview of how your faith community can become a Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaging for Mental Health.

On Saturday, August 21st, First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque will have a float in the Pride Parade. Want to walk? Meet at 8 am to help decorate. The parade begins at 10 am at Central and Girard. Folks can show up anytime between 8-10 to participate.

Congratulations to Rev. Bethany Meier of First Christian Church in Las Cruces and Kelsee Evans! Their wedding has been set for October 10th at a small outdoor venue in Kansas after being delayed by COVID. Their wedding will be Zoomed so that the congregation can participate,

It's Our Whole Lives time at Shadow Rock! They are excited to be welcoming 22 OWL students later this month from 7th grade to 12th grade. Our Whole Lives is comprehensive, values-based sexuality education. OWL values are

Self-Worth
Sexual Health
Responsibility
Justice & Inclusivity

First Church Phoenix is grateful to partner with Shadow Rock in asylum seeker welcome and hospitality at the Welcome Center. . The new washer and dryer are already being put to good use, a generous donation from Shadow Rock. And thank you to Desert Gardens UCC, Sun City; Scottsdale Congregational Church, Scottsdale; and Shadow Rock UCC; Phoenix amongst other churches, synagogues and individuals for partnering to provide dinners on Saturdays and Sundays.