Earlier this spring, First Church Phoenix members and friends visited La Casa Misericordia in Nogales, Sonora where families wait for their opportunity to approach the border to make their case for asylum. The shelter was featured on a recent PBS episode of La Frontera, with Pati Jinich, who traveled the border lands between Mexico and Arizona and New Mexico. She spoke with Sister Lika, who has spent her life looking for ways to build community. With the support of the UCC and other denominations, Sister Lika has provided food, shelter and schooling for hundreds of families. She explains that she tries to “reconstruct the humanity of every person she meets” as they journey to find a safe place to call home. Here is a link to this very important program: Click here
Shadow Rock is proud to host Save Our Schools Arizona for their North Phoenix Townhall on May 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Learn about what's happening with education funding and how to advocate for children and youth.
On Wed, May 24th, “Nurture the Soul” from the National UCC will present an interview with Pastor and Politician Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor and U.S. Senator.
Arizona Faith Network will present The Rise of Christian Nationalism on Wednesday, June 14, 6:00 - 8:00 pm at The Loft Cinema in Tucson.
3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, 85716
Join National and Tucson Community Partners along with AZ Faith Network for an event that delves into the impact of Christian Nationalism on our society. During the gathering, participants will learn more about its effects and impacts on our policies and begin to equip ourselves with the tools to converse effectively with those who hold differing beliefs.
Then on Thursday, June 15, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N Central Ave, Phoenix , Christian Nationalism: Policy, Theology, and Practical Engagement
Arizona Faith Network, National, and Phoenix-based Community Partners invite you to an event that delves into the impact of Christian Nationalism on our society. During the gathering, we will gain an understanding of the theological basis of Christian Nationalism, examine its effects on our policies, and equip ourselves with the tools to converse effectively with those who hold differing beliefs. This event will be the first of a year-long series around Nationalism in our Faith Expressions.
Holly Herman of the East Valley Refugee Network, gave an informative presentation at Black Mountain UCC about her work serving asylum seekers at the Centro de Esperanza in Sonoyta, MX. Black Mountain presented Holly with approximately 60 blankets and a childʻs bicycle for use at the refugee center. (Anyone else want me to come talk? Email me: HHBillsMom@gmail.com)
Next week (May 18-21) the American Waldensian Society will come to the Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita and experience the borderlands and the Good Shepherd projects. The American Waldensian Society is an organization that supports and maintains relationships with the historic, pre-reformation Waldensian Church in Italy and Argentina and Uruguay. The members will be coming to Sahuarita from around the US as well as from Italy, Argentian and Uruguay. It is a huge honor to host this dynamic gathering that has been standing up for our style of peace and justice for more than 800 years. Then on Sunday May 21st at 9am, Paolo Naso from Mediterranean Hope and the Waldensian Church in Italy will lead a special Adult Forum. Paolo is a leading voice on the immigration situation in the European Union and has led the faith community to rise and meet the challenge.
Our deepest sympathies go to Rev. Ann Utke, transitional pastor at Scottsdale UCC, as she travels to Wisconsin this week to mourn the loss of her father. The family chose his celebration of life on what would have been his 85th birthday.
Shepherd of the Hills is starting a “This is Us” Potluck Sundays on Sunday, May 21, at 11:30am. The potlucks will continue on the 3rd Sunday of each month immediately following the service for food, fellowship, and FUN! They look forward to exploring their missions and church life along with learning more about each other.
The Mother's Day Purse drive has concluded at Church of the Beatitudes. A total of 71 purses, 46 from Church of the Beatitudes members and 25 from the Shoebox Ministry, were delivered to Family Promise last Monday.
The doors of welcome are back up at First Congregational in Prescott! The doors were blown down during fierce March winds, but are now back up with thanks to Ed Znetko - with help from David Tyrrell & Tom Macy