Faith is a critical way to show up in the work of abortion rights. Demonstrate your faith and values with this God Loves People Who Have Had Abortions t-shirt from UCC Resources! Show up loud and proud for people who have had - and will have - an abortion. Order
Here is an update on election issues from First Church Phoenix. There is good news on petition drives for citizen-initiated ballot measures: Election and Voting Policies (Fair Elections); Campaign Finance Sources Disclosure Initiative (Dark Money); and Interest Rate Limit on Debt from Healthcare Services -all turned in sufficient numbers of signatures to make it likely that they will be certified for the November, 2022 ballot. The Arizona Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative fell short of the necessary number of signatures — but a second effort will launch in time for the November, 2024 election.
There is another citizen’s initiative that would block HB2853, the Universal ESA Voucher Expansion, from going into effect in September. If supporters are able to gather 118,823 valid signatures before Sept. 24, the voucher expansion will be placed on hold until November of 2024 when voters will have a chance to vote no on universal vouchers. A similar expansion was stopped through a public referendum four years ago.
Hope House is a transitional housing project initiated by Church of the Red Rocks and completed by them and other community partners. Hope House was one of 16 Arizona nonprofits receiving an ACT grant last year, $4700. A Community Thrives (ACT) is a funding program sponsored by Gannett Media Corporation and administered by Mightycause. Gannett’s media network includes USA TODAY, the Arizona Republic, and AZ Central. The initiative is part of the Gannett Foundation and supports nonprofit organizations with projects focused on community building. In addition to last year’s grant, Hope House received individual donations totaling $25,430 through the program. They have applied again this year and need to have donations of $3000 by Aug 12th to qualify.
Please go to DONATE FOR HOPE HOUSE
For several years, First Congregational in Albuquerque has delivered homemade cookies for the Jefferson Middle School. They have cultivated a wonderful relationship with their neighborhood school, and like to welcome the staff back with cookies to show their appreciation and support.
Carson Hawks’ ordination was held at First Church Phoenix yesterday! She’s been called to Magnolia UCC in Seattle as Minister of Spiritual Growth and Healing in the Seattle/Tacoma area of Washington State. First Church is grateful for her leadership and they pray for the people and the places she will serve in ministry. Many good wishes follow you, Carson!
The peanut butter wars continue in Tucson to benefit ICS (Interfaith Community Services). Hopefully, the final numbers will be reported in two weeks. One week to go! Big push on at Rincon, Oro Valley, Casas Adobes, and Painted Hills! Who will collect the most? (Answer: ICS).
This month the Missions team from Scottsdale UCC visited the Justa Center bringing 30 cases of much-needed water. The mission of the Justa Center is to help valley seniors navigate out of homelessness to housing security. The church’s association with Justa has taught about the special needs of seniors and the horrible impact that diminishing affordable housing has on them.
A member of First Church in Cambridge, MA has a daughter that has been accepted to the University of Arizona starting this fall and is seeking housing as the dormitories are all full. If any of you in Tucson have a room to spare or know of some housing, please contact Nancy in the Rincon church office (nancy@rinconucc.org) and she will get you in touch with the fellow UCC member.