The Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization looking for a committed, community-minded person who values the vision of a hunger-free Arizona to join our small but mighty team. They have an opening for a Public Policy Manager. This position supports AzFBN’s efforts to end hunger by advocating for improvements to nutrition programs that help low-income people.
POSITION AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
Youth from First Congregational in Albuquerque have been invited by Church of the Good Shepherd to have a cookout and smores next Sunday evening at their church’s lovely outdoor kiva fireplace.
First Congregational in Albuquerque is also recommending two new books from their WISE Lending Library:
1 Blessed Are the Crazy, by Sarah Griffith Lund. The author “takes the lid off mental illness in this raw, honest look at her father’s battle with bipolar disorder, the helpless sense of déjà vu as her brother struggles with his own mental illness, and serving as spiritual advisor for her cousin, a mentally ill man executed for murder. Through the challenges and despair, she shows how churches can be safe havens for people who have brain diseases and for their loved ones.”
2 Christ on the Psych Ward by David Finnegan-Hosey. When a mental health crisis led the author to admit himself into a hospital, “he found himself wrestling not only with a newly diagnosed mental illness but also his faith.” The book “weaves together personal testimony, theological reflection, and practical ministry experience to offer a message of hope for those living with mental illness and for friends and faith communities committed to caring for and learning from them.
Several churches are holding Halloween events. I thought this ad from Oro Valley was especially cute.
One of the biggest events coming up at Church of the Beatitudes is their 50 Year Jubilee happening on Sun., Nov. 13th. This event will honor the 50 years that have passed since their beloved Worship Space was dedicated. Prepare to have a blast from the past as they look back at the many years of sermons, music, weddings, communions, and other events that took place. And enjoy a 1970's theme with music, food, a special service, and guest speakers.
Pulpit supply guest preacher Tina Campbell challenged the members of Black Mountain UCC to really stretch in their donation of non-perishable food items last week. They are off to a good start and have now been challenged to double it this week!
One of the Mission/Outreach programs at The Good Shepherd is selling Fair Trade Coffee, Cafe Justo, from a Growers Cooperative in Chiapas in Southern Mexico. The coffee is roasted in Agua Prieta, Sonora just south of Douglas Arizona. By controlling the process, the growers are paid roughly three times what growers are typically paid by standard commercial operations. The result is the coffee growers have been able to revitalize their community, bring families back together, and see their youth go on to higher education. Profits from Cafe Justo also support migrant shelters and drug rehabilitation centers, as well as community development projects, both in Chiapas where the coffee is grown, and in Agua Prieta where the coffee is roasted, packaged, and shipped. A Cafe Justo purchase helps to provide the income that allows the coffee growers to provide for their community. The Cooperative is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in November 2022, and The Good Shepherd has been supporting them for many years. (If your church isn’t selling Cafe Justo coffee, please consider starting this easy and great mission.)
Larry Loeber, music director at Congregational Church of the Valley, will be providing an “Extraordinary Evening of Music” on Monday, December 19, so save the date! More information is forthcoming, but you are encouraged to invite your family, friends, and groups of people who may be interested. Ticket sales begin soon!
Now that the temperatures are dropping below 100° in the evenings, Shepherd of the Hills will once again take the opportunity this Fall to meet at 5:30 p.m. on the First Friday of the Month for a 30-minute prayer service followed by wine and cheese (and juice and water) fellowship in their beautiful courtyard. Stop by on your way home from work or on your way out for the evening.