Our condolences to Rev Paul Whitlock from Church of the Palms upon the passing of his mother. Your SW Conference holds you in its arms and prays for comfort and for joyous memories.
Desert Palms’ Pride Float! A gumball machine called the Hope Dispenser!
For several decades First Congregational in Albuquerque has joined with other congregations for an Interfaith Thanksgiving service. This year’s service will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, Nov. 19 at Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE. The faiths represented include Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, and the Center for Spiritual Living. Given the atrocities going on in Israel and Palestine now, it seems more important than ever that we reach out to our siblings of other faiths and join in worship. This year’s offering will be used to pay off medical debt, which is crippling far too many families.
A new webpage dedicated to resources for churches considering a move to renewable energy is encouraging churches to go solar. In fact, it lists five reasons that churches who own buildings can “no longer afford to not to go solar.” These include financial incentives, a plethora of resources and the call to creation care. The National UCC also gives more info here:
The Christmas story is not only a story of the birth of Christ, but a refugee story. This 18” x 24” lawn sign can be displayed in your church’s lawn, your own yard, on the side of a building, or wherever you see fit to share the story of Jesus’ birth and proclaim that when we welcome refugees and asylum-seekers, we welcome Christ. (I have one that I put out every year and love it! It is in English on the other side. –Holly) Order
United Church of Santa Fe is excited to welcome composer Ken Medema for a concert on Nov 4th at 4pm. He will also be part of the Sunday worship service on Sunday at 10 am. On Saturday, Ken will use his amazing ability to make up a song on the spot! The Stewardship theme at United is “How Beautiful to give Thanks!” During the concert a few people will speak to the theme and Ken will create a new song about it!
Toby Squires from Desert Heritage has let us know that the Navy has now recognized him an an official UCC endorsed chaplain. In addition to his happy news, he also had the privilege of engaging in an ancient maritime tradition of baptizing his Commanding Officer's youngest daughter in their Ship's bell. Her name will be engraved inside the bell and will forever be associated with the USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75). Congratulations Chaplain (Lieutenant) Toben R. Squires, CHC, USN !
A special musical presentation, Women of Courage, will be held at Church of the Red Rocks on November 11 at 2pm, in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sedona. It will feature songs and storytelling inspired by 11 extraordinary women.Music by Mary Lou Prince. Words by Patty Christiena Willis. Performed by the Quad City Interfaith Choir, singers are from faith traditions including Unitarian Universalist, Latter Day Saint, Jewish, Presbyterian and Congregational Church.
The Mission Fair at The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita is their opportunity to support organizations that share common mission and values; and who serve the people who need it most. This year they have three well-deserving charities from which to choose. On November 19th, folks are invited to bring their gifts for one, two or all three deserving mission organizations. These missions do extraordinary things for those who are the least, last, over-looked, left-behind, and underserved in our world. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE GIVING OPTIONS. This year, The Good Shepherd is supporting the Amado Youth Center, Casa de la Misericordia, and Probigua (a high school in Guatemala).
Sonja Haller and Pastor Tom from Desert Palm have completed the required two hours of online preparatory training to become youth mental health first aid supporters. Last Saturday they attended an 8-hours in-person training with the National Council for Mental Well-being as a first step toward becoming trainers. The training will help in identifying suicide and substance abuse risks, signs and symptoms among youth.
Fifteen faithful Shepherd of the Hills members showed up in Mesa on October 18th to demonstrate to Mesa's city officials how vital they believe affordable housing is in our community. To follow up with their support, all have been invited to the Mesa City Council Chambers on Monday, Nov. 6th in support of temporary housing in Mesa's Grand Hotel.
The age restrictions in Sun City tend to curtail trick-or-treating. But folks can still learn from it. By turning the perspective around, Halloween is when America is most like Jesus. Church of the Palms tells how:
• Strangers come to the door. Some are beautiful, some hiding behind a mask, others dressed in frightening ways. What do we do? Usually, we provide radical hospitality! First, compliment them. In our friendliest voice we say things like, “You are so scary!” “You look so pretty!” “What a great costume!”
• Not only do we say nice things, but we also give gifts to these visitors—treats that we've made a special trip to the store to get. We wouldn’t want to run short; we want to make sure we have enough for all our visitors.
• Then the visitors often thank us and head on their way. As they depart we send them off with friendly words of encouragement. “Be safe.” “Have fun!”
How can the church be welcoming like that? How can we make sure no matter where folks are on their journey (some might feel wonderful, others hiding behind something, still others scared of something), that everyone is greeted warmly.