During this surge of increased COVID cases, many of our churches have altered their protocols. Some are returning to totally online worship and others requiring masks for everyone at all times on their campuses.
Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque has developed a contact tracing log. Visitors to the church campus are asked to sign in on the log upon arrival.
MonoDia (formerly Beatitudes Worship Podcast) is a hybrid alternative worship experience designed for the ears to enlighten and challenge you with new ideas about traditional concepts. Each episode will feature a monologue by Pastor Tony crafted from ideas of previous 20th century sermons of renowned ministers and spiritual leaders filtered through a 21st century perspective, and followed by lively dialogue with Janelle Tapphorn for your consideration and reflection. MonoDia is accessible to watch by livestream or to download at any time on your favorite podcast player.
Following the sale of the building, First Congregational UCC of Flagstaff, made donations to a variety of Flagstaff charities, non-profit organizations, and small businesses, including
Flagstaff Family Food Center
Goodwill of Arizona
The Colton Gardens of Museum of Northern Arizona
St. Vincent de Paul
Robyn’s Nest Flowers
Friends of Rio de Flag
Sharon’s Attic
Good Housekeeping Vacuum Shop
Restore/Habitat for Humanity
In years past, Casas Adobes UCC raised money for its Scholarship Fund with the Morris B. Ewing Golf Outing. Like everything else, they had to re-imagine this year’s fundraising. So, to raise funds for the Scholarship Fund, they are holding a fun contest where everyone can “vote” (by donating money) to indicate whether or not Pastor John should cut or keep his pandemic locks. The ‘fun-raiser’ will run through October 3rd, with the decision announced on October 10th.
On Tuesday, Sept. 14th from 5:30-6:45 pm on Zoom, join The AZ Faith Network’s “Sofa Spirituality” to learn more about the spiritual practice of hope in our everyday lives. Despite the limitations of physical distancing, a new reality of our interconnectedness through technology has blossomed. We realize that our work doesn’t need to end; rather, it needs to evolve. Sofa Spirituality allows people of faith and hope, curiosity and interest, to learn about each other while being in dialogue with each other. The intimate style of Sofa Spirituality affords each one of us to have a seat on the sofa and a voice in the conversation.
The Racial Justice Team at First Congregational in Albuquerque will be taking a group to visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) in Albuquerque on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19. There will be a pueblo cultural dance performance by about a dozen members of several pueblos in IPCC’s enclosed but open air courtyard, followed by a group tour of the museum exhibits, led by Jon Ghahate (Laguna/Zuni), museum educator.
We continue to hold in prayer families arriving to the US from Afghanistan. One of these families, Shadow Rock UCC will be claiming as "theirs” by sponsoring their emigration to the United States. This will be rewarding, challenging, and life-giving work. Listen to Pastor Ken's Call to Action-you can read it here. They expect things to move quickly and be highly changeable for the new few weeks.
This is a project ALL churches should do every few years! (My opinion- Holly). Rincon members will work in teams of two or three and inventory the entire church campus. What all do they have? What hasn't seen the light of day in decades? Once they determine what all they have, various teams will review and decide what sparks delight and they want to keep and what they want to trash, recycle, donate, or sell. They’ll wrap up the project with a BIG celebration on Fat Tuesday.