Watch a recording of this final interview of John Dorhauer as he retires from national leadership of the UCC. It is also available on the United Church of Christ's YouTube Channel.
Upon the UCC’s 66th birthday this week, in answer to the question, why did we need a new denomination, UCC GMP John Dorhauer replied:
“The denominations who formed the UCC believed that a proliferation of denominations was not in keeping with the tenets of our faith. In a move that was intentionally designed to break the pattern of "We believe this, you believe that - so we are going to form our own branch," five separate denominations gave up their previous identity and said "in spite of our differences we should all come together as one." Instead of breaking away to form another denomination, five denominations dissolved and became one - with the naive notion and hope that others would follow. There are now in the world 64 United and Uniting communions - which may sound like a proliferation - but it is the exact opposite. In 64 countries a variety of separate denominations dissolved and became one. The first such expression of that kind of commitment was the United Church of Canada, formed in 1925.”
One hilarious night of Drag Queen Bingo with Barbara Seville at the Beatitudes Campus. Residents send endless thanks to Barbara for making them laugh for hours.
After exploring the Navajo Nation in June, United Church of Santa Fe middle and high school youth have planned a day trip to the Bosque Redondo (south of Albuquerque) where the Navajo/Diné people were interred for the four years of the “Long Walk.” Another day, they’ll go to Cliff’s Amusement Park in Albuquerque and the Puye Cliff Dwellings in a “Summer of Exploration.”
Feeling lucky? Come to Encanto Community Church’s Bingo July 22, 10 a.m., in Fellowship Hall. The game is free to all as are the snacks. Bring a bag or can of dog or cat food. Come on over and enjoy this highly competitive (really it's mostly luck) Olympic (it should be!) sport. Interesting prizes will be showered upon our winners so get over there and flex those skills.
The goal of ICS is to collect 10,000 jars (14-16 oz size) of peanut butter from the Tucson community during July. Faith communities and other groups can enter the competition to see which organization brings in the most jars. Competition begins Saturday, July 1st and ends Tuesday, August 1st. Which of our Tucson churches will win? Casas Adobes, Oro Valley, Painted Hills, Rincon?
Church of the Palms will host a “Summer Film Fest” on the criminal legal system. Using “Hebrews 13:1-3: let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain straight gets, for thereby some have entertained angels unknowingly. Remember those who are in prisons, as if imprisoned with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body.” Features will include various shows and documentaries on topics like children incarcerated for life, prison conditions, re-entry into society after incarceration, and the church’s role in change. Wednesdays in August at 1pm.
Arizona Faith Network is inviting church leaders to attend an Active Shooter Webinar on Wednesday, July 19, at 12:00 p.m. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Region 9 invites you to join a two-hour security webinar. This webinar provides information and best practices that supports and enhances the emergency action planning capabilities of your organization. The webinar focuses on providing awareness training that supports the development of emergency action planning capabilities. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
After receiving the recommendation of the LGBTQ+ Ministry Team, the Executive Board at Church of the Palms took the time to review the meaning of the Progress Pride Flag. One member quietly said, “Of course we should do this; this is who we are.” On June 22, 2023, as one small step in that direction, The Church of the Palms raised the Progress Pride Flag, recognizing those who have spent their whole lives building the foundation and message of support and sanctuary for LGBTQ+, and adding the colors and a new design for people of color, transgender, intersex or non-binary offering the message of supporting all. The Palms is a safe place to be who God created us to be and to come alive.
The colors of the Progressive Pride Flag, set to music.
The Good Shepherd UCC has hired Mengda Jiang as the new Music Director for their Traditional service. During the spring of 2022, three members of The Good Shepherd choir sang under the direction of Mengda and were very impressed with her directing and personal skills. Mengda received her Bachelor of Applied chemistry degree from The University of Science and Technology in Beijing, her Masters in Choral conducting from The China Conservatory of Music in Beijing and is working on her Doctorate in Choral Conducting at The University of Arizona. Her conducting experience is extensive in China, Russia, and in Tucson. Additionally, she has worked with Dr. Philip Cave at Duke University and Professor Simon Carrington at Yale University. This summer she is studying in Italy. Sounds like an exciting new staff addition!
Congrats to Church of the Red Rocks on the sale of their "lower parking lot" to the City of Sedona! What a blessing and now a challenge to see what God will call them to do.