We express our sympathy to Carol Reynolds on the death of her husband of 70 years, Rev. Clint Reynolds, who died Monday, October 30. Clint was Pastor Emeritus at The Church of the Palms.
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” sings Psalm 100. “Serve the Lord with gladness; come into God’s presence with singing.” That’s exactly what they will do on Nov. 19th at “Thanks-Singing Sunday”. The congregation will sing its way around the world, giving thanks with every breath. United Church of Santa Fe is most grateful for their life together, the prayers they share, the songs they sing, the hope they know, and for the One who is in the midst of it all.
Church of the Palms will be serving a community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving. Last year they served 159 meals. For many Sun City residents who often live alone, this dinner provided more than a meal- it provided community. The church office received a note a few days after Thanksgiving last year saying, “I felt welcome from the minute I was greeted in the parking lot to the time I left with a take-out meal for a friend.” That is “extravagance.”
The Sahuarita Food Bank/Community Resource Center, a mission partner of The Good Shepherd UCC, recently welcomed four student interns from San Miguel, a private Catholic high school in Tucson that serves racially and ethnically diverse students. San Miguel is committed to emphasizing academic and job skills, but just as important, they foster social responsibility and contributing to your community. Most of these young people come from lower income families and many will be the first person in the family to attend college. A hundred percent of San Miguel graduates last year went on to college.
Here is an excerpt from the United Church of Sun City newsletter’s pastoral pondering: “Years ago, when I (Brady Abel) pastored a church with children, during the children’s moment, a child would bring the “surprise bag.” This was a colorful bag they had taken home with them the week before, put an item in it, brought it back, and then I would take the item out of the bag during the children’s moment, and I had to talk about it and connect the item with God. This became known as “Stump the Pastor.”…..One Sunday a child brought the bag back empty. Of course, with the empty bag I talked about how God surprised Mary, and all of us, with an empty tomb that first Easter Sunday so long ago. And God still surprises us. An unexpected call or visit with a friend or relative, a scene of spectacular beauty, or a moment of peacefulness in the midst of chaos are three experiences that come to mind for me……I can’t say to be alert to surprises this holiday season, for if we are alert to them, they won’t be surprises. Instead, whenever and wherever good surprises occur, revel in them, give thanks for them, and then think about how else to share the joy of a surprise with another.” (I just loved that idea and the take-away. Thank YOU, Brady.)
Worship Ways, from the National UCC office, offers a new liturgy for local churches and faith communities in response to gun violence. Read the liturgy
Pima County Justice for All is a county-wide 2024 ballot initiative that strives to provide universal representation for all indigent families in Pima County who are going through deportation proceedings. Without legal representation, the likelihood of being deported is very high. Casas Adobes’s Compassion on the Border group supports this endeavor by providing information and by collecting petition signatures. This is the third attempt to get the initiative on the ballot. Petitions are available from Compassion on the Border group members.
Here are some ways First Congregational in Albuquerque is standing for justice and supporting all who are vulnerable in Palestine and Israel:
1 Treating worship services as a weekly prayer vigil. Anyone is invited to light candles anytime during the service, offering prayers for peace.
2 Lynne Hinton is doing a weekly Service of Lament as a time to share our grief about violence and war. All are welcome to gather for about twenty minutes each week at Noon on Thursdays, at the Chapel in the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, 87102.
3 The UCC has called for a ceasefire, for core issues to be addressed and is supporting humanitarian aid. You can give by clicking here.
The first Fall Concert at Shepherd of the Hills will welcome the ASU students from “An Evening of Music” to regale everyone with their remarkable talent. The 4:00 PM concert on Sunday, November 19, 2023 will feature an organist, a percussion soloist, a saxophone duo and, of course, some piano jazz. ALL ARE WELCOME to come and enjoy some indoor entertainment as well as some outdoor socializing on the delightfully-lit patio. Naturally, the event will include some lovely wines, delicious hors d'oeuvres and decadent desserts with the suggested donation of $20 per adult.
Rincon invites everyone to celebrate November as a “Month of Gratitude”. Folks are invited to visit the narthex each Sunday this month and share a word or phrase that expresses their gratitude on the “Gratitude” poster. Post-It Notes and pens await!
Congregational Church of the Valley is participating in the Scottsdale Community Partners Adopt-a-Senior Program and the Vista del Camino Adopt-a-Family to help provide a Thanksgiving dinner for those who are having a difficult time during this Holiday Season. This year they are sponsoring a senior and a family of four for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
On Monday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m., First Congregational Church in Prescott will perform the Radio Drama version of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life”. This is a fun and easy way to put on a play because nobody needs to memorize any lines! Step back in time and imagine listening to the radio - and watching the performers "live" on the radio.
Beatitudes Church will be honoring the career and accomplishments of Rev. Dr. Joyce Buekers on Sunday, November 19th during and after service. Rev Sandi Anthony will be sharing words during service and Coffee Hour will feature a video showing clips from Rev Buekers Ordination ceremony.