After attending the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Karlsruhe, Germany, Pastor Rock from Shepherd of the Hills headed to Zurich, where he and Ernie were greeted by Basil and Matteo, who drove up from Bergamo, and fetched Miloš, who flew in from Bosnia. Then they all packed into Matteo’s car and drove to Basil’s house in Glarus. Reunion of exchange students!
Read Casas Adobes Rev. Michael Bush's latest article in The Arizona Daily Star:
“I recalled a conversation years ago in which someone shared his belief that a weeklong spiritual retreat was a selfish activity. I have heard that thinking many times: I cannot honor a “day off” because that would be selfish. Taking time for me to get away or even just be quiet in the morning would be selfish when there is so much I have to do."
As Editor of the Beatitudes digital E-newsletter for the last four years, it was with a heavy heart that Janelle Tapphorn shared the news of her resignation as the Communications Specialist and Pastoral Assistant at Church of the Beatitudes. But she will still be close by at her new position as the Marketing and Outreach Manager at Duet: Partners in Health & Aging. Duet was founded by the late and AMAZING Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson and Janelle interned at Duet prior to her employment at the church.
Casas Adobes continues to rally and celebrate their family ministry. On Sundays, they celebrate in their online Funday School via zoom. Families and members of the community of all ages join together for songs, videos, games, fun and friendship. Funday School meets online every week at 11:00 am.
Grab your UCC yard sign! Be a Blessing, A Just World for All, Be the Church, VOTE designs among the available options. Show your UCC spirit and let your neighbors and friends know what you believe in. (I have several and change them periodically throughout the year. -Holly)
Shadow Rock's WISE Team will be participating in NAMIWalks Your Way 2022 on October 15, 2022 in Tempe. Their team is the "WISE Walkers." They invite you and your friends and family to help them walk toward a future where the vision of "Mental Health for All" comes true. When you join the WISE Walkers or support the team you are contributing to opening doors of welcome, inclusion, support, and engagement. Check out the fantastic WISE Walkers team page here!
Every voter who wants to cast their ballot, should be able to do so. That means our community members need to feel safe enough to make their voices heard at the polls. Arizona Faith Network encourages you to join the Election Protection AZ team as a Poll Monitor or Poll Defender, and play an integral part in holding your community in strength and compassion this General Election. Both virtual and in-person trainings are available, with dates, times, locations and RSVP links at the link below.
Oro Valley UCC has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help collect gently used items for the local Tucson area. The collection bin is located in their parking lot and is open and accessible 24 hours a day, making it available for community members to give their items as well.
The board of First Christian Church in Las Cruces has called an Extended Supply Pastor, Rev. Richard Feyen. He and his wife Peggy visited last March while they were in Las Cruces and fell in love with the city. Both Richard and Peggy are retired UCC ministers and have worked in Texas and the Upper Midwest. Rev. Feyen has a wide variety of interests which include: stained glass, photography, painting, fishing, and he was a former member of the National Ski Patrol. They permanently reside in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin but are going to spend the rest of summer and fall in Las Cruces. Welcome Revs. Feyen!
"Brush Strokes" is the newest art exhibit of the Beatitudes Arts Council by the adult students of Artist, Kathy Taylor. On Sunday, September 25, at 11:30 am you can take a look at the works, meet the artists, and enjoy an art reception. Everyone is welcome! To purchase a work, please contact Beatitudes Arts Council member, Marcia Nix, at 602-274-8992. Thirty percent of the sale price helps to fund art projects at Church of the Beatitudes.
image credit: Rev. Dr. Tom Martinez
Rev. Rich Doerrer-Peacock attended an inspiring press conference in Phoenix on Sep.15th promoting a yes vote on Proposition 308. Its passage will enable Dreamers (and all students graduating from AZ high schools) to qualify for in-state college tuition. A broad spectrum of business and faith leaders spoke in favor of the measure. Rich will be on hand Friday night, September 30th at 6:30, at Desert Palm UCC for an educational night about proposition 308 for all those who are interested. Click here for the Prop 308 fact sheet.
Scottsdale Congregational’s Open Arts Studio group invites folks to participate in the creation of a new collaborative Wedge Gallery Exhibit, "Masked", which will be unveiled October 2. “We've been wondering if you are like us--have you been stifled, hidden behind a COVID mask? Do you hold your tongue in our polarized climate? Does it seem risky to speak your mind? Not feeling safe to be fully who you are? Here's an opportunity to express yourself!” A series of workshops will supply folks with plenty of art materials to let out folks’ inner artist (no special talent required).
Many children are not able to have pets because of allergies or family situations. However, the vast majority of children of every age have a favorite stuffed animal or comfort toy. During Children’s time yesterday, First Congregational in Prescott offered an invitation of blessing, inclusion, and respect to every member of God’s family, including the inanimate ones. It showed children that the church cares about the things that they care about. And, since stuffed animals are highly portable and very low maintenance, kids can bring them on a Sunday morning to church. This invitation of blessing was extended to the whole church community.