Shepherd of the Hills is collecting new, small stuffed animals (with tags attached) for children receiving care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. These plush gifts will be given by Chaplain Scott Borgeson—whom SOH ordained and whose ministry is an extension of the community’s love and care. Chaplain Scott serves in the Spiritual Care Department, providing comfort and presence to children and families during challenging times.
This is a repeat, but bears repeating. In a rapidly changing and volatile world — where the latest news raises more questions rather than providing answers — the United Church of Christ’s General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, shares her thoughts and concerns in a new blog, “On My Mind Today.” Read the posts here.
On Saturday April 12th, the Youth Group at First Congregational in Prescott did an environmental service project at The Community Nature Center.
In light of the tremendous cultural upheaval that is happening in the U.S. right now, Alice Stambaugh from Scottsdale UCC suggests that perhaps you can bring yourself to do just one thing that in the past you might never have thought you would or could do. Make a phone call. The website "Just 5 calls" can lead you through the process of calling your congressperson, and even give you a choice of topics, background information and a script! How could one phone call make a difference to a representative? IT'S BECAUSE there's a tipping point at which collective action, many people calling, will begin to make a difference. Check it out.
Mark your calendars and tell your friends about the upcoming Javarita Coffee House concert on Friday April 25th at The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita. International touring artists Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey are a dynamic duo, a perfect blend of hot jazz, sultry blues and boogie-woogie. They take their act to festivals, clubs and theaters around the world and are known for creating an atmosphere of intimacy with their humor and joyful interactions with the audience. Show starts at 7pm / Tickets $15 at the door
On Maundy Thursday, Sun City area UCC churches gathered at Church of the Palms to celebrate the Last Supper and the extinguishing of lights in memory of Christ’s passion, called the Office of Tenebrae (Latin: darkness, shadows) which dates back to the fourth century. The gradual extinguishing of lights is symbolic of the flight of the disciples, the approach of the enemies, and the suffering of Jesus. Maundy, derived from the Latin word Mandatum which means mandate. On this night, Jesus gave his disciples a mandate: Love one another.
The Mission Team at Black Mountain UCC provided “Spring Baskets” to three little girls from Afghanistan whose family is claiming asylum in the US. The family is being supported by the East Valley Refugee Network, a loosely knit group of churches and individuals. The girls are Muslim, so the baskets celebrate springtime. Since all are in school, the baskets hopefully make the girls feel more included in the experiences of their friends.
On May Day, May 1st, Arizona Faith Network invites you to join with a diverse community to fight for dignity, justice, and public investment in our lives. Across the country, people are rising up, resisting attacks on working families, immigrant communities, transgender persons, and crucial programs like Medicaid and Social Security. In Arizona we are confronting harmful legislation like the Arizona ICE Act (SB 1164) and other bills that target immigrant communities. Meet at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007, at 9AM, then march to the rally at the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse, 401 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85003. RSVP
Juanita Marken has created a beautiful banner for First Congregational in Albuquerque. Juanita also made the banners in the sanctuary several years ago and has since added banners to the Narthex, Fellowship Hall, and into the hallway. This week she added a banner to the hall outside the library. Visitors can now be advised to “follow the banners to the sanctuary.”
Speaking of banners at First Albuquerque, during the pandemic shut down, the children and youth studied Anti Racism and made a Black Lives Matter banner. This banner has hung on the playground fence facing Lomas since that time. Over the weekend, someone torched it. A police report was filed and the children will be creating a new banner. They believe that when hate is loud, love must be louder!
The popular UCC 18-month (July '25 - December '26) Desk Calendar and Plan Book is now available and includes:
Complete lectionary readings for every Sunday
Special mission offering dates
Special observances
Directory of national staff
Pastor Michael Bush from Casas Adobes will begin his three month sabbatical in late May, funded in part by a Lilly grant. He will visit Slovenia, Guatemala, and the Cascades along with some other personal reflection time. We wish him rest and renewal during this special time! Associate Pastor John Anguilo will assume primary pastoral coverage during this time.
