Rev. Francis Rath, who died this past week, was the Senior Minister of First Congregational in Albuquerque for twenty-seven years and had an impact on so many people. Christy Jewel-Roth posted a lovely remembrance:
“He had an unmistakable booming voice...played the guitar and taught us all the Apples and Bananas song...performed magic tricks as part of the Easter Sunday service...headed up days long youth mission caravans in the Southwest to learn about the church...taught Confirmation classes with dinner and games between the 1st and 2nd year student classes...visited and called his flock when they needed him most, whether it be at home or in the hospital...and so much more. These are some of my fondest church memories of the Rev. Francis Rath in the 27 years he was my pastor at First Congregational Church during my youth. He confirmed me, baptized and confirmed both of my children and officiated at my wedding. He died this morning, but he lives on in my heart. As he would always say, "Onward!" He has no doubt moved onward. RIP Rev. Rath. ❤️”
Some amazing folx at Rincon have been working on this labor of love for anyone in any type of transition that might need some new clothes, including a whole new wardrobe. The clothes they have been able to put together at “The Closet “are great quality. Please pass on this supportive space - there are some beautiful peeps in this world doing beautiful things, y’all!!
On Good Friday, at 6pm, Shepherd of the Hills invites you to gather, not only to remember the suffering of Jesus, but to reflect on the suffering of the Earth—and our call to transformation. The Environmental Stations of the Cross were originally designed by a committee at St. Bridget’s Church in Mesa and have been prayerfully adapted for the Shepherd of the Hills community. They are rooted in a growing awareness, as Michael Morwood describes, of a living, expanding universe—one in which all creation is sacred, interconnected, and evolving. This is prayer that speaks to the heart of our times: relational, cosmic, and deeply grounded. Einstein once spoke of a third phase of religious consciousness—a reawakening to our oneness with the cosmos. These stations are an invitation to walk that path. Through them, we align our sacred story with an ecological awareness, moving from tradition toward transformation.
Last Saturday, members and friends of St. Paul's participated in the nationwide Hands Off! demonstrations. Spence C. and Michael S. participated in the rally held in Albuquerque's Civic Square. Lois G. Anna S., and Jim and Ann S. attended the St. Andrew Presbyterian Panel on how to respond to the executive orders impacting the LGBTQ community.
Over a dozen folk from Church of the Red Rocks joined the "Hands Off" demonstration that started from the Art Center in Uptown Sedona. More than 1,000 people joined this day of national witness on behalf of Federal Jobs, Medicare and Medicaid, LGBTQ+ rights, Immigration Fairness, Social Security, Economic Stability and more.
Note: Many folks from many SWC UCC churches participated in the rallies! I merely picked out a couple to highlight!
This Easter Desert Palm musicians and guest vocalist Chanel Bragg will weave the Passion portion of Handel’s Messiah throughout the Liturgy of the Service. But wait it’s the GOSPEL MESSIAH! Too Hot to Handel captures the essential core of Handel’s famous piece and reinterprets it with chords of R&B, jazz, and gospel. The end result is a dynamic and uplifting celebration that must be experienced to be appreciated. For more info about the work (Click Here). Guest singer Chanel Bragg not only has a beautiful soul & voice, but is a powerful activist for Social Justice. (For her bio Click Here)
Arizona Faith Network is now hiring staff and recruiting volunteers for our 2025 Heat Respite and Relief Program! There are multiple paid and volunteer positions available to support local Heat Relief Respite Centers serving vulnerable community members during the extreme summer heat.
Locations: Glendale, Phoenix, and Tempe (Maricopa County)
We are currently accepting applications for the following roles:
• Heat Respite Site Lead – 17 positions open
• Heat Respite Site Assistant – 25 positions open
• Safety Specialist – 4 positions open
• Heat Respite Volunteer – Unlimited positions open
From Friday, May 2, 8:00 am through Sunday, May 4, 5:00 pm, Experience Christ across the border. Journey with Arizona Faith Network to Frontera de Cristo and the Café Justo fair-trade cooperative. You will pray with our brothers and sisters in Douglas-Agua Prieta and encounter the political-economic connections at the border. You will also experience the migrant’s journey in the Sonoran Desert, learn about the ethics of fair trade by visiting the coffee-roasting house of Café Justo in Agua Prieta and more. Participants will depart from the Franciscan Renewal Center (Scottsdale) early Friday morning and return Sunday afternoon. You will be staying in Agua Prieta, Mexico during our experience.
The Welcome Center in Phoenix is closing on April 30th. First Church Phoenix played an important role at the Welcome Center, with some 40 volunteers providing services for asylum-seekers every Saturday from July of 2019 until last summer. These asylum-seekers seemingly did everything right. They turned themselves into Border Patrol, were processed, given alien numbers, showed up for their court appearances and found jobs after receiving work permits and social security numbers. It is impossible to know what’s ahead. First Church’s commitment to immigration, as one of the most significant social justice issues of our time, hasn’t changed, despite the shift to anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies coming from this White House. First Church will remain vigilant and will look for opportunities to support our immigrant neighbors and advocate for policy change in Washington and at our state legislature.
Welcome Center by the numbers:
48,960 asylum-seekers arrived from July, 2019 – December, 2024 representing 106 countries and speaking 63 different languages
