Several choirs, singers, and musicians came together on Feb 21st to stage a concert at First Congregational UCC in Prescott to benefit California fire victims. Donations went to the Salvation Army and totaled over $2000!
Through their partnership with Step Up for Kids and its Director Sally Maxwell, First Congregational in Prescott has been offering activities for new families every Monday since September, serving upwards of 20 families in postpartum through preschool parenting. Bringing her art teacher and mothering experience to offer different themed workshops each week, Terrie Castillo has been leading these popular groups. All families of young ones are welcomed with a song, followed by a story and a craft, open play time, and a snack with check-in and chat. These regular meetings offer parents enriching activities they may continue to practice at home, and a way to alleviate the isolation that often accompanies caring for young children by reinforcing friendships with others in a uniquely challenging stage.
In times like these, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face. Yet, our faith calls us to engage actively in the pursuit of justice and peace. The United Church of Christ's Justice & Peace Action Network (JPANet) offers us a way to stay informed and involved. Their February 2025 newsletter provides valuable insights into current justice related issues and outlines concrete steps we can take. We encourage you to read the newsletter and consider participating in the suggested actions. Together, we can make a difference and embody the love and justice that our faith teaches. Read the February newsletter here.
A repeat from last week about an important issue: Follow-Up Training: Know Your Rights & Urgent Immigration Updates, Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 - 8:00 pm MST via Zoom
With ongoing changes to immigration policies, it is more important than ever for our communities to be informed and prepared. Join clergy, faith leaders, and community advocates for this second essential rapid response training, designed to empower individuals and families facing increasingly strict immigration enforcement and provide updates on legal and advocacy efforts to challenge current policies. This training will include:
✅ Know Your Rights – Key legal protections for individuals and families facing immigration enforcement.
✅ Legal & Advocacy Updates – The latest statewide and federal immigration policies and how we can take action.
Faith communities play a vital role in protecting and advocating for immigrant rights. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment and learn how to respond with compassion and action.
This training is hosted by: Corazón AZ, Arizona Interfaith Network (Valley Interfaith Project, Pima County Interfaith, Northern Arizona Interfaith), and Arizona Faith Network.
The Search Team for a Transitional Interim Minister has identified, and the Council of Stewards has approved, Rev. Dr Vernon Meyer to lead Scottsdale UCC while their search for a Settled Pastor continues.
Recommended by Scottsdale UCC: What Do I Do with My Anger?
Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
Time: 10 - 11:30am PT
Recorded Replay Available
Location: Online
Featuring: Fr. Richard Rohr, Brian McLaren, and Valarie Kaur
Cost: $95, $30, $10, or $5
“Many of us feel growing anger about politics, economic opportunities, persistent racism, our threatened environment, and broken institutions. What do we do with our anger—and can ancient wisdom from the contemplative Christian tradition offer guidance for us in these times? Join us in a shared online space to explore these important questions together.”
Each month, National UCC experts unpack a complex justice issue through our Getting to the Root series. This month, our policy experts reflect on our country's growing constitutional crisis, what happens when our checks and balances break down, and what we can do about it. Read the full reflection here.
Church of the Painted Hills in Tucson has partnered with Desert Dove Christian and First Christian Disciples of Christ to host joint Sunday luncheons during Lent. Each church will host and the Reflection and Prayer will rotate between the three pastors.
Four churches in Sun City held a combined Ash Wednesday service.
Clergy colleagues, from left, Rev. Brady Abel, United Church of Sun City, Rev. Jim Alexander, Church of the Palms UCC, Rev. Bill Utke, Desert Garden UCC, Rev. Brett Winters, Sun City Christian DOC, and Rev. Paul Whitlock, Church of the Palms UCC, gather to lead a community Ash Wednesday Service at Sun City Christian Church.
The next Javarita Coffeehouse at The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita will be on Friday, March 28th at 7:00 pm. Chris Buzan, Patrick Smith, Larry Worster and Bill Foraker harmonize on favorite songs from the 60s, 70s, and beyond. Always a fun evening! Benefiting the Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center Tix $15.00
Rev. Tracy Howe from the National UCC will be in Albuquerque to lead two training sessions. On Sat. March 29th from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at First Congregational, she will lead a Rapid Response training that teaches nonviolent techniques and practice strategies for activism today. On Sun. March 30th from 12:30-3:30 she will lead a training at Church of the Good Shepherd on Cultural Organizing and Community Care. This workshop will focus on how we care for ourselves and our community in times like these. All are welcome at both trainings.
Nurture the Soul, webinars from the National UCC
Wednesday, March 12, 1:00pm ET - America in Search of a Soul
Thursday, March 13, 3:30pm ET - Rooted in Faith and Justice: Palestinian Women in the Struggle
Monday, March 17, 3:30pm ET - What's Next: Befriending Loneliness
Thursday, March 20, 3:30pm ET - Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence about Neurodiversity
Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change - Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples
Saturday, March 29, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
423 N Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
This is a two-hour experiential exercise in response to calls from Indigenous leaders at the United Nations and the World Council of Churches, developed by the Friends (Quaker) Peace Teams. The goal of Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples Program is to build relationships among Native and non-Native communities based on truth, respect, justice and our shared humanity. Join us as we learn to challenge and support each other as we work toward right relationships that address more than 500 years of genocide, colonization, and forced assimilation of Native peoples
This event is free and open to the public (ages 14+). We do not want finances to prevent anyone from attending, but we do appreciate donations to support the project. Please give what you can, suggested donation $20-$30. Donations can be made by check or cash at the event. While this program is open to anyone, it is specifically for non-Native people, especially those of European-American ancestry, who would like to learn more in community about the history of the United States from an indigenous perspective. INFO AND REGISTRATION
The women’s ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona is inviting all Southwest Conference women to their spring event in Scottsdale. Click here to learn more and register.
