The “Straight from the Heart” Art Exhibit featuring art from currently and formerly incarcerated women is coming to Church of the Palms during the month of March. The artwork on display was created primarily by women who attend the Episcopal worship services at Perryville Women’s Prison in Goodyear. Rev. Kim Crecca participated in those worship services and knows many of the artists personally. She will be hosting a discussion at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th, in King Hall, where folks will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about these artists and the creative ways they find to express themselves through arts and crafts, as well as the importance of art in their lives.
People of faith and conscience in Arizona are joining folks all over the world in demanding action on climate justice. More than good public policy, basic science, and sound economics, climate action is a moral imperative in this time when fires rage, rivers run dry and people are dying on hot, Phoenix sidewalks. Kicking our addiction to fossil fuels and moving to a clean energy economy is the way we love our neighbors on a warming planet. Faith communities are asked to become S.A.G.E. Congregations---Spiritual Activists Greening the Earth. If you want to know more, contact Rev. Doug Bland at doug.bland@azipl.org, member of First Church Phoenix.
First Congregational in Albuquerque is grateful to all who contributed to the Alternative Gift Catalog which raised $5,000 for Family Promise in honor of Mary Browne. FCC is delighted to support Family Promise and the new building they have purchased as they have a long history with Family Promise-they housed in the church building for 14 years. Each quarter the church continues to provide meals and overnight support for their families
Becca Anderson, a member of FIrst Congregational in Albuquerque, is the Executive Director of Paws and Stripes. For the church’s February 20th Drive and Drop they will collect donations for her organization. The Paws and Stripes mission is to provide animal-assisted therapy and other mental health services to military veterans and their loved ones living with service-connected trauma.
Each Year The American Legion Veterans Serving Veterans sponsors a Stand Down. In military terms, in time of war, the term “Stand Down” denoted a process where exhausted combat units were moved from frontline duty and allowed to rest and recuperate in a safe place before being sent back to battle. Today “Stand Down” refers to a community-sponsored event designed specifically to assist homeless veterans combat on the streets of life in our community. This worthy event will provide a variety of services such as food, clothing, showers, health screening, VA benefits counseling, employment assistance and referrals to community support agencies. The event takes place March 16, 2022. Oro Valley UCC will be collecting hygiene products and new underwear and socks between now and then to support this event.
The Mission-Service-Justice Team at The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita invites the congregation to join in a fun service project with Sahuarita Parks & Rec. Each month they take a monthly walkabout at one of Sahuarita's community parks to pick up litter and debris.
Desert Palm held a Drive ‘n’ Drop this weekend to collect items for the Phoenix Welcome Center- winter outerwear, hygiene products, clothes, and towels. Phoenix shoulders the responsibility of hosting asylees whose paperwork is in order, and admission into the US has been granted. Most of these people's time in Phoenix is short as they prepare to travel to meet family or sponsors located in other cities across the nation. Humanitarian assistance is offered to the immigrants at the Phoenix Welcome Center – a facility operated by the International Rescue Committee and partner organizations.
Shepherd of the Hills is excited to begin their new mission work with Afghan Family Resettlement. This ministry allows volunteers to become “first friends” and cultural navigators to newly arrived families to the United States.
We can always count on Church of the Palms to add some forehead-smacking humor for any occasion. Happy Valentines Day, everyone!
Q. Did Adam and Eve ever have a date?
A. No, they had an apple!
Q. What did the flame say to his buddies after he fell in love?
A. "I found the perfect match!"
Q. Did you hear about the bed bugs who fell in love?
A. They're getting married in the spring!
Q. Why do smart skunks love Valentine's Day?
A. Because they're scent-imental creatures!
Q. Why shouldn't you fall in love with a pastry chef?
A. They'll dessert you.
Q: What did one volcano say to the other?
A: I lava you.
Q: What’s the most romantic part of a fork?
A: Its Valen-tines.
Knock Knock. Who’s there?
Olive. Olive who?
Olive you.