Are you looking for a way to help? Opportunity to meet new friends? Do you care about helping the Hungry and your neighbors? You can do all that and more volunteering for Desert Garden's Citrus Gleaning Team 2024. They glean citrus trees on behalf of St. Mary's Food Bank. Beginning January 25th, each Thursday morning from 9am - 11am through March 28th, a total of 10 weeks. If you would like more information please contact the church 623-584-1795 or jriddle817@cox.net.
First Congregational in Prescott is showing a video series “When Black Female Preachers Speak - Seven Important Discussions with Black Female Theologians" as part of their decentering whiteness efforts (not to mention patriarchy). The insight and intention provided by black theologians illustrate their ability to bring the history of black culture and religious experience into the life of Christians and the liturgical life of the church. For centuries black mothers have passed on wisdom – in the white world, in the black community, and with men. This wisdom has illustrated how God reveals prophetic word and action for Christian living. Preachers include Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglass, Rev. Traci Blackmon, Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, and Bishop Yvette Flunder.
Shepherd of the Hills made the Arcadia News! Read the article to learn more about their new partnership with Early Educational Cooperative Preschool (EECP).
Rincon members enjoyed a special fellowship time after church yesterday to enjoy homemade Rosca de Reyes (Kings Wreath) and other refreshments.This traditional bread is often served to recognize the conclusion of the journey of the Magi and their finding of the Baby Jesus. It marks the conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas and the end of Rincon’s seasonal food drive. Each bread has a tiny baby hidden inside and the finder is expected to make (or provide?) tamales for Candelaria on February 2!
The Scottsdale UCC Christmas Eve morning special event “Welcome to Bethlehem” was truly experiential. From the petting zoo to the manger in the sanctuary, people could participate in many ways. A roving reporter, helped by his cameraman, did impromptu interviews of various characters wandering around Bethlehem, including one who helped prepare the hot water and towels for Jesus’ birth, and another who was a census taker. In the sanctuary, the Christian Education folks had worked hard to prepare the setting for the Inn and the Stable. There was music as various people spontaneously went up to sit by the manger and linger there.
Common Ground on the Border at The Good Shepherd is this week! Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You’re still able to sign up for this incredible border event---here is the website: Common Ground on the Border Registration ~ January 11-13, 2024
There are a couple of events that you can attend separately:
* The Common Ground/Border Issues Fair on Saturday January 13th 9:00am to 12:30pm. Attorney Margo Cowan and Border Journalist Melissa Del Bosque will be speaking, Pablo Peregrina will be offering some music, and border humanitarian groups and artists will have tables on the patio. Cost $10 at the door.
* Viewing of the Shura: The Road is Never Paved documentary will be shown along with a panel discussion with the director and others. 7pm on Saturday January 13th. $10 donation.
Arizona Faith Network’s Interfaith New Year's Celebration is on Sunday, January 14, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm via Zoom. Join faith leaders throughout Arizona for this casual Interfaith New Year's celebration. We will gather to share hymns, songs, chants, meditations, and reflections on love, unity and peace. All are welcome. The event will "...honor light in these dark times as a testament to the universality of light prevails over darkness and love prevails.” Celebrating the wonderful New Year with recognition from several faiths ... with music, video, story telling..." Being held the day before the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the light of Dr. King will be honored as AFN works to build bridges and break barriers. RSVP for Zoom link.
Pastor Susan from First Phoenix UCC accompanied colleague Rev Randy Mayer, pastor of The Good Shepherd UCC of Sahuarita, on Dec 22 to the border. They saw some 300 migrants that day. One man, who came across their table with burritos and hot cocoa, after walking over the top of one of the hills in the road, leaned against the wall and wept. Read Randy's powerful editorial in the Arizona Republic.
When asked by a caller, "What is your church doing for the homeless this holiday season?" Pastor Tina replied, "Keeping them warm!" The caller promptly sent boxes of warm sox, underwear, and oral hygiene items to Black Mountain UCC which they added to their collection of winter wear around the altar. Thanks to this new Cave Creek friend, BMUCC will be sending even more donations to the Justa Center on January 15th.
Look ahead to 2024 and learn about the many programs, projects, and plans from the UCC National Ministries in the new year. Read here
Starting in 2024, Rev ellie hutchison will be the Minister for Congregation and Community Engagement with the National United Church of Christ and the part-time Minister of Pastoral Care and Spiritual Development with the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita, AZ.
First Congregational in Albuquerque is celebrating Black History Month by centering African American voices. They are excited to announce that Rev Dr Yvonne Delk will be joining them on Feb 4th to preach and then, at 2pm, to do a presentation and book signing of her new book Afro-Christian Convention: The Fifth Stream of the United Church of Christ.
Our prayers and deepest sympathy go to Rev. John Angiulo of Casas Adobes Congregational on the passing of his mother on Christmas Day.