Esther Basch is a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor resolving to lead a life of love and forgiveness. On Esther’s 16th birthday, she was placed on a cattle car and traveled to Auschwitz concentration camp. She feels it is her mission to spread messages of how to live one’s life, overcoming hatred with resilience, grace, dignity, love and forgiveness by sharing her personal story of survival. She is guided by core lessons she learned from her parents as a child: do well, love everyone, forgive and think positively. The public is invited. Bring a friend on Wednesday, September 27, at 10 AM in the Social Hall of Desert Garden UCC, 18818 N. 128th Avenue, Sun City West.
Pastor Michael from Casas Adobes has another “Pondering” published in the Tucson newspaper. Find it here. Pastor Michael's latest Arizona Star article.
First Christian in Las Cruces holds a brown bag lunch once a month. Folks bring their own lunch and drink and just gather to enjoy fellowship. I love their rules:
If you borrow something from the kitchen, wash it and put it away.
If you spill something, clean it up
If you moved something, put it back
If there’s too much “over-talking” and you have something to say, pick up the flag (small ones on the tables). Others will be respectful and allow that person to speak.
Dr. Hernandez is a theologian, interfaith activist and peacebuilder, a restorative justice practitioner, and is also Programme Officer in Partnerships and Interreligious Education at Religions for Peace. RSVP FOR ZOOM INFORMATION
Earlier this year, First Congregational in Albuquerque collected cloth masks and sent 250 to The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita, AZ, where they were turned into stuffed toys for children in shelters. These toys are spreading the love! It’s not too late to collect cloth masks at your church to send…
Ecotheology: A Christian Conversation, Edited by Kiara A. Jorgenson and Alan G. Padgett 2020 is the new book study selection at Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque. How should Christians respond to the climate crisis and widespread pollution? What is our human responsibility to other living creatures? This book is an introduction to ecotheology with four scholars' essays in respectful ecumenical dialogue.
Congratulations to Shepherd of the Hills own Deacon Diane Webb as she has taken her vows as a Sister in the Order of Corpus Christi.
The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita has a special 10am service planned for Sunday Sept 17th when they will welcome groundbreaking Mexican-American character actor Pepe Serna. He will share about his journey of life and faith and how he has managed to stay on the sunny side of life. While you may not recognize his name at first you will remember his hundred-plus charismatic scene-stealing roles that paved the way for generations of Chicanx actors in Hollywood and beyond. (Scarface, Silverado, The Rookie, Carwash, and American Me) Pepe will be in the Redman Room after the service to talk and people can purchase his book---“Pepe Serna: Life is Art”. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans.
Folks are invited to view the Desert Garden UCC webinar together at Scottsdale UCC via Zoom. After the webinar, gather in Bond Hall with sack lunches and informally share your thoughts about it.
Our prayers of comfort and care are extended to Rev. Paul Whitlock from Church of the Palms as he sits with his mother now in a hospice facility. “We are trying to make sure she is comfortable. I don’t know how long or short this last stage will be. I like to control things, but I can’t control this. All I can do is help her be pain-free and sit with my memories.” And in a perfect Paul response, he offers these reflections….
My mother taught me LOGIC: “If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can’t go to the store with me.”
My mother taught me MEDICINE: “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to freeze that way.”
My mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE: “Where’s your brother and don’t talk with food in your mouth. Now answer me.”
My mother taught me HUMOR: “When that lawn mower cuts your toes, don’t come running to me.”
But…
My mother also taught me to LOVE THE CHURCH by attending and being active in it herself.
My mother also taught me to TURN TO GOD in all circumstances — good and bad by modeling such faith in her life.
My mother taught me to WORSHIP GOD AND BE A THANKFUL OF MY BLESSINGS in my life because life is precious and short.
My mother taught me to GIVE TO GOD AND BE A GOOD STEWARD of my blessings.