The S.A.G.E. team (Spirited Activists Greening the Earth) at Shepherd of the Hills invited folks to join them yesterday to send messages to Senator Kelly about the Climate Crisis and Clean Air. Congress made important investments in the climate crisis in 2022, and the Environmental Protection Agency is going even further with solutions for reducing both air pollution and climate pollution. Folks wrote postcards to the Senator with personal messages about why they care, and asking him to protect the progress we’ve made.
The art on the altar at Shepherd of the Hills is by Anja Rosen. She is a 13 year old primary school student in Slovenia. She was chosen from 600,000 children around the world to create a piece of art to show what peace looks like. She is the winner of the International Plakat Miru competition.
"My drawing represents the land that binds us and unites us.” Humans are woven together. If someone gives up, others fall. We are all connected to our planet and to each other, but unfortunately we are little aware of it. We are woven together. Other people weave alongside me my own story; and I weave theirs,” said the young designer. (Courtesy: Fatima Anfi)
Three new staffers have joined the UCC Washington, D.C. office of Public Policy and Advocacy. Pretty impressive bios! Learn more
First Congregational in Prescott recently had a booth at the recent Pride Picnic in the Park event. Check out their new banner!
Yesterday, First Christian in las Cruces heard from Donald Wilson speaking about one of their mission partners, Velo Cruces, a local 501c3 engaged with the cycling community. Velo has 3 mission programs. Its bike shop provides free or low cost bike repairs to students, the homeless, and others that need low cost assistance. It offers an “Earn a bike” program where folks performing community service at a local food assistance organization can receive a refurbished bike. The third mission, “Every Body Rides with Grace” provides adaptive cycles to children and adults that need something other than a standard 2-wheel cycle. What an amazing organization to pair with!
This week, Alice Stambaugh & Ron Schilling dropped off torn & worn clothing at Phoenix Fibers in Chandler, collected from Scottsdale UCC members in June. These will be recycled by Bond Logic into insulation & other materials. To learn more, you can CLICK HERE to watch this great Youtube video on how it all works!
Rev. Michael Bush of Casas Adobes Congregational wrote an article for the Arizona Daily Star; read it here.
Church of the Red Rocks is excited to have found another way to share the blessing of their building beyond themselves ... and believe they will be blessed in the process. The Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has been part of the Sedona faith community for over 30 years. They meet weekly for worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings at the local Synagogue. This past year Church of the Red Rocks has jointly offered, with them, two programs ... the production of "Women of Courage" and a discussion series on "How to Talk About Race." Both of those opportunities will again be offered in the coming year at the Church of the Red Rocks. Additionally, there will be other opportunities for shared ministry and learning. Their monthly Social Justice Film Discussion will take place at Church of the Red Rocks starting in the fall. And their pastor, Rev. Anthony Johnson, will be using one of the classrooms in the Learning Center as an office on Thursdays starting in September.
From a piece in Church of the Palms’ newsletter- a pondering by Pastor Paul on recent attempts to post the 10 Commandments in public places:
Instead of the 10 Commandments, how about posting the Beatitudes on public buildings?
• How about hanging, “Blessed are the merciful” in our courtrooms?
• How about posting “Blessed are peacemakers” in Congress, the White House, and the Pentagon?
• How about making a place for all to see “Blessed are the poor in spirit” in the grocery stores or gas stations?
• Let’s make bold banners that say, “Blessed are the meek” and hang them in our high school gyms.
• And, of course, posted to all to see, “Blessed are those who mourn” in hospital ICU wings
The Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque congregation voted Sunday to proceed with their plan to install Solar panels to achieve their goal of lowering their electric footprint and helping the church become more sustainable. The overall budget, including a contingency and not including any rebate that may be received upon completion, is $80,000. Received pledges already total $64,000! Way to go COGS!
To our longtime SW Conference members, Casas Adobes shares the sad news of Rita Bourgeois' passing at home last Thursday. Please pray for her family, friends, and her community at CAUCC who knew her, loved her and will miss her. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 25th at 10:00 am. Cards can be sent to her daughter-in-law and son, Rosy Saldivar and Josh Gerkin (contact the church for the address).
Rita's wishes were that in lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Respond Inc., PO Box 555, Somerville, MA, 02143 (Women’s Shelter) or Our Family Services, 3830 E. Bellevue St., Tucson, AZ, 85716.
I posted this before in early June and it is still a need:
Support Arizona Faith Network’s Heat Relief Program!
(As an aside, University Presbyterian, where John and I have been attending, has a cooling center open 6 days a week, Sat-Thurs. We are averaging over 75 people a day coming in to cool off. First Church Phoenix is also on the list. Popsicles are a big hit! Or anything salty. Drinks or powdered drink mixes with electrolytes are gold. Ingredients for PBJ’s are also welcome. Dog food is a blessing. We don’t serve “meals”, but don’t want anyone to be hungry. Just a few suggestions…Come visit any of the cooling centers in your area and bring something to share. -Holly)
The heat is on, and we are calling on all people of faith to help! Our vulnerable community neighbors are in danger during this extreme heat and need your support to stay safe and cool. In 2023, Arizona experienced its hottest summer since record-keeping began more than 100 years ago. In Maricopa County alone, more than 645 people died, and emergency rooms statewide recorded more than 4,000 heat-related visits. Cooling centers, which provide respite to people needing safe shelter with consistent air conditioners and other cooling features, recorded more than 26,000 visits.
These centers provide a welcoming space for community members and their pets during the heat season offering cooling facilities, water, healthy snacks, and access to wrap-around services with community partners, ensuring much-needed rest for those facing extreme temperatures.
Ways You and Your Community Can Help Save Lives This Heat Season
Donate Funds
It costs between $25,000 to $100,000 to run each Heat Relief Respite Site during the heat season, with expenses varying based on the length of operations, staffing, and location. Any contribution goes directly to keeping our neighbors safe and hydrated during challenging times. You can help donate here.
Donate Supplies
Drop off supplies at one of our heat relief centers (full list below) during their open hours.
Purchase needed supplies from our Amazon Wishlist and have it shipped directly to us. You can access our Amazon Wishlist Here.
Needed Heat Relief Supplies:
Bottled Water
Granola Bar or Snack
Travel Size First Aid Kit
Travel Wet Wipes
Travel Sunscreen
Lotion
Chapstick
Dog Food
Take Your Outreach on the Road!
Carry a few frozen water bottles in your car. In Southern AZ? Print and share this full list of Tucson Heat Relief Centers (here). Or print and carry the list of Maricopa County Cooling Centers (here).