The Utkes (Bill at Desert Garden and Anne at Scottsdale UCC) enjoyed a very fun Friday afternoon at the Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, Arizona!!
First Congregational in Prescott celebrated Friendsgiving last year on the day after Thanksgiving. It was such a big success, they’re doing it again this year! Dinner will be on Friday, Nov 29 at 5pm with turkeys, gravy, and ham provided. Potluck side dishes: rolls, desserts, and any special holiday favorites to accompany the meal.
NourishPHX has registered nearly one thousand children of existing clients for their Christmas Angel program. Shepherd of the Hills has committed to sponsoring 75 kids. As of now, nearly 300 of the 1000 have not been "adopted". NourishPHX suggests a limit of $50 per child and the unwrapped gifts should be returned by December 9. The agency has a little party that week to distribute gifts to the parents.
Join people of faith for a 2024 Statewide Election Prayer Vigil, an interfaith gathering to lift prayers and reflections as we approach this critical election. Leaders from various faith traditions and Arizona Faith Network will offer prayers for peace, unity, healing, and the well-being of our communities and nation. All are invited to participate in this sacred time of collective reflection and hope. LINK
Church of the Painted Hills is scheduled to host a Red Cross Blood Drive on: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 & Friday, January 3, 2025 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. To make an appointment: Call: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
With immigration being such an important issue in our current election season---Pastor Randy from The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita took a few media folk out to the border to get a first-hand look at the situation. Here are a couple of the stories. CBS Morning News---"Three Meals": Arizona voters weigh in on immigration - CBS News And one from Canadian Broadcast Network- America Votes: Stories from the Arizona border, its politics and its people | The Current with Matt Galloway | Live Radio | CBC Listen
The Spark Studio at The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita has a full calendar of fall/early winter classes that begin soon and run into December. Head over to the church website (TheGoodShepherdUCC.org) to find the full list and details for each event. Class/meeting options include writing, quilting, music, and card making.
The Interfaith Community in the Verde Valley has joined together to restart the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. It will be held at Church of the Red Rocks, Sedona on Tuesday, November 26th at 7 pm. Nine houses of worship ranging from Sedona to Clarkdale are participating. There will be the traditional pie offered after the service to help get you in the mood for the week to come.
On the day of the election, November 5th, the chapel at First Congregational in Albuquerque will be open from 9am to 7pm for anyone who wants to come and pray. And on November 6th at 6pm there will be a prayer gathering followed by fellowship at the church. These are stressful times for a multitude of reasons and no matter the outcome on November 5th, First Church wants to provide space to be together in a spirit of prayer for healing for one another and our country
Our Faith Moves Us to Vote: Current and former General Ministers and Presidents call on UCC to vote faithfully. Watch
This past Sunday, October 20th, members from First Church UCC Phoenix and Desert Palm walked in the Phoenix Pride Parade. The event is a festive fall tradition that includes hundreds of local organizations and thousands of spectators. These UCC churches cherish this event as an opportunity to show and practice Christian love towards marginalized communities. It’s also a fun, happy, and beautiful party! While they waited in the parade staging area, they had time to mingle with nearby groups and trade swag, candy, toys, and cheerful greetings of "Happy Pride!" There was a Starbucks stand giving out free coffee in temperature-sensitive color-changing cups and tons of adorable dogs in colorful costumes. First Church marchers also met Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Congressman Greg Stanton, and thanked them for protecting LGBT rights and joining the parade.
Desert Palm UCC celebrated the ministry of Rev. John and Holly Herman yesterday! Photos by Dr. Toni.
