When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is humankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
Psalm 8:3-4
We are reminded this Eclipse week of this familiar passage shared by Rev Sarah TevisTownes at Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque.
PBS News Hour featured Rev. Randy Mayer, pastor of The Good Shepherd UCC and founder of Green Valley Samaritans on a recent report. Watch the video and/or read the transcript.
Desert Garden’s Mission Outreach group wanted to start a new bike program, Cycles of Kindness, which would give bikes to persons in need of them. If you know of anyone who might be willing to donate a bike, please let them know about the program. The Sun City West Cyclist Club has several members who are willing to do any needed repairs. Mission Outreach has approved an initial sum of $1,000 to help with the repair costs plus money for locks, helmets, lights, etc.
Shepherd of the Hills hosts an ESL class for the Afghan family that they sponsor. Two of the facilitators will be leaving for the summer, so there is a need to find two people to step into the roles. You don’t need any training, and the lessons and materials are provided and explained. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church office. The class is currently held on Monday afternoons from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
For many of you that have been active in the SWC for many years, it is with deep sorrow that we share that Scottsdale UCC church member Donna Gentry died on Saturday, April 6, following a brief time of receiving home hospice support. A memorial to honor Donna's life is being planned for April 27th at the church. More information will be shared as the details are finalized.
First Christian Church in Las Cruces has been supporting El Calvario for many years as it has sheltered and processed thousands of asylum seekers on the way to their sponsors. Over the years, members have volunteered hundreds of hours and donated thousands of dollars. El Calvario is embarking on an ambitious capital improvements campaign to make improvements to the main building, kitchen, and community center. First Christian’s council has agreed to match the first $1000 donated by members to this effort!
CONGRATULATIONS to Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Pastor of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ and Desert Heritage Church, on earning his Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. Rev. Dr. Elliott decided to take on this challenge so he could increase his knowledge and skill level to help his congregation and community in religious and spiritual care. He completed his studies in three years, in addition to being a part-time pastor to two churches, being a military chaplain, serving on several denomination Boards, and teaching educational classes. Rev. Dr. Elliott’s thesis is “Building a Foundation of Understanding Utilizing our Whole Lives and Educating Clergy”. It will be published and can be found under his name at the Wesley Theological Seminary Library.
Take advantage of blowout prices on great UCC themed t-shirts! Order here.
Numerous positions are currently open at Arizona Faith Network for Heat Respite Site Lead and Heat Respite Site Assistant. The purpose of these roles is to assist the local Heat Relief Respite Centers in receiving community members and reporting, coordinating, and implementing Arizona Faith Network’s summer Heat Relief Respite Center program needs for the community members. Click on the link below for the job descriptions, which include duties, qualifications, and application procedures. These positions are open until filled.
The celebrated writer and activist Bill McKibben will deliver the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture for the UCC’s second annual Earth Summit on Saturday, April 20th at 1 pm ET. This two-and-a-half-hour online and in-person event will additionally feature a panel of award-winning grassroots leaders who are currently in a David-versus-Goliath struggle against Formosa Plastics, one of the world’s largest producers of plastics. More Information and Registration Links
Senior nursing students were welcomed at Church of the Painted Hills where they presented information on medical services in the area. They had a great time providing some useful information to the congregation and everyone enjoyed getting to know each other.
The Doing Grief Community Healing Project at Church of the Palms UCC in Sun City, along with members Georgia Feiste and Deb Bontadelli will offer “Story Circles for LGBTQ+ Family & Friends” Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 4 pm. Read more in this article by the Sun City Independent. View their ongoing spring series events here.
Claudia Bloom is an amazing jazz pianist- Believe me! Her evening of duets and quartets will be held at The Nash, 110 E Roosevelt, Phoenix. Claudia is the pianist at Desert Palm in Tempe. Come and enjoy!
The Mission, Service, and Justice Team at The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to The Estate/Patio Sales Group for their generous donation from proceeds collected at this year's Patio Sale to purchase sheets and pillowcases for over 130 beds at Casa de La Misericordia migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico. The goal was to supply new sheets and pillowcases to the shelter so those in need can have a clean bed to rest as they go forward on their journey for a better life.
Sun Lakes United Church of Christ Donation to Justa Center
As the second half of our Lenten Giving Drive, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ collected supplies for Justa Center. Some of the items that we collected and delivered included: paper goods, personal care, and items for their cooling station. A check for $400.00 was also sent to Justa Center from the money collected in our Change for Change collection.
Justa Center is a day resource center designed to help homeless adults 55+ find appropriate resources required for daily living. At the center clients have access to dignity providing services such as showers, laundry, mail service and internet access. The center is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm. A morning snack and lunch are served daily. The center serves over 1,000 people each year.
Justa Center’s extensive hands-on experience has shaped our approach to addressing the diverse needs of seniors. They recognize the necessity for a heightened level of response. They firmly believe in a comprehensive approach that caters to the unique needs of aging adults, acknowledging the entirety of their being rather than just their status. By collaborating, they develop personalized plans aimed at achieving optimal outcomes.