A painting posted by First Congregational in Albuquerque: In most renderings of this, Jesus and the Samaritan woman are almost never on the same level... In this image, their body positioning is mirrored, with their eyes on the same plane. Where their arms overlap becomes a vibrant blue, creating a water drop with a dove in it, representing the living water that springs forth from their mutual need and relationship. The image is subtly divided in half by slight shifts in color value. There is a chasm between them socially, culturally, religiously, etc. Referencing a primary dispute between the Jews and the Samaritans, their places of worship are in the background: on the left is the temple in Jerusalem, and on the right is Mount Gerizim.
— from the artist statement for "Living Water" by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | @sanctifiedart
The Compassion on the Border group at Casas Adobes has an on-going commitment to support the work being done at the Casa Alitas Welcome Center. They provide monthly food donations, clothing, backpacks and duffle bags used by migrants when they travel by plane to connect with sponsors in other parts of the country, and more. Currently, approximately 500 new people arrive daily.
They also have a commitment to support the ministry happening at La Casa de la Misericordia (La Casa) in Nogales, Mexico. The needs there are unique to its mission since the residents stay for weeks or even months while they wait for legal entry into the U.S. the church’s focus here is on structural needs such as replacing broken bathroom doors, upgrading dilapidated and unsafe playground equipment, or helping equip the new tortilla kitchen. A very generous, anonymous $25,000 donation has been made by a church members to be split 50/50 between Casa Alitas and La Casa. Blessings abound!
Desert Palm is doing a special drive for stuffed animals for the Phoenix Welcome Center. Kids coming into the Center really appreciate the comfort of a “stuffie” upon arrival.
Who couldn’t use a dose of Climate Hope with their coffee or beverage of choice? This mug is a great way to shift away from disposable cups. Mug features the winning artwork from the UCC’s Climate Hope Cards Art Contest by 16-year-old Mallory from Middleburg Heights Community UCC in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
This 11 oz. ceramic mug is microwave and dishwasher safe, and proceeds support the climate justice ministries of the United Church of Christ.
This coming Tuesday, March 21, attorneys for Apache Stronghold will present oral arguments in Apache Stronghold v. United States to an 11-member panel of the 9th District Circuit Court in Pasadena, CA. Their case centers on upholding the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 and an 1852 treaty between the Apaches and the United States. Apache Stronghold will claim that Oak Flat -- which is on the National Register of Historic Places -- is a sacred religious site comparable to Mt. Sinai, and that the United States has a moral obligation to protect this site for the future of Apache and other Native nations. For more background, click HERE.
In solidarity with Apache Stronghold, First Congregational Church in Albuquerque, along with Albuquerque Mennonite Church and other people of faith, will hold a walk on March 21, the day of oral arguments in this case. Folks will leave FCUCC at 8am and walk 2.2 miles down Lomas Blvd. to the Pete V. Domenici Federal Courthouse on Lomas Blvd. They will be carrying signs and taking photos for use in a social media campaign of the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition. Upon arrival, they will hold a vigil, including prayers and conversation about the case, and hear from an Indigenous rights activist.
Create Playspace with the President
Wednesday, April 5, 1:00pm ET - How we gather: Where are future faith seekers finding access to their Sacred?
Wednesday, April 12, 1:00pm ET - How do we effectively use social media to message progressive Christianity?
Rincon’s Faith Development Ministry is pleased to announce a new fellowship opportunity for members and friends of Rincon UCC. Several people have mentioned the need for an evening gathering to avoid conflicts with work schedules and to allow participants the opportunity for spiritual growth, understanding and lively discussion.
Based on curriculum from the UCC and Pilgrim Press, Faith Development is starting a twice-monthly, ZOOM group to include discussion, reflection, and action. They will begin with a study module called “Living Stewardship” and the first focus will be on Exploration and Discovery, hence the name: SEEKERS. Through these online meetings and with the incorporation of a monthly, in-person project/activity, participants will consider the meaning of “a Christian sense of stewardship that involves all of life…what it can mean and how we might integrate it with our life experiences.” The first meeting of SEEKERS is Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. via ZOOM. Click on the link HERE
Gender Expansive Boutique opens at First Church Phoenix beginning March 26!
