Church News

Red, Wine, and Blue Events to confront Christian nationalism

Red, Wine, and Blue Events to confront Christian nationalism

Shadow Rock is excited to be in partnership with Red, Wine, and Blue and Seniors and Friends Defending Democracy (central Phoenix, AZ local group) to offer three timely events. 

All events will be held at Shadow Rock UCC, 12861 N. 8th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029

Questions: Call 602-993-0500.

Feel free to bring clear water. No other food or drink allowed.

  • Discussion with Rachel Vindman

  • Banned Book Bingo

  • Screening of documentary, "Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy"

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Sun Lakes invites us to their 75-Day Renew & Strengthen Challenge

Starting on September 2, for the next 75 days, Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott and the members of Sun Lakes UCC are participating in a 75-Day “Renew & Strengthen” Challenge. This challenge is designed to deepen our spiritual lives, improve our mental and physical health, and strengthen our community bonds. Each day, we will engage in scripture reading, prayer, physical activity, and acts of kindness. This is a great way to be church with one another and connect through weekly reflection and support. We can grow, renew our hearts, and strengthen our faith.

To help everyone stay focused and motivated, Dr. Derrick has put together a daily checklist that includes spiritual, mental, physical, and relational tasks. This checklist is designed to support our growth throughout this journey.

Click here to download the checklist and we hope that you might consider joining Sun Lakes UCC on this journey towards spiritual renewal and personal growth.

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Jottings 9/9/2024

Jottings 9/9/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 9/3/2024

Jottings 9/3/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 8/26/2024

Jottings 8/26/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 8/12/2024

Jottings 8/12/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 8/5/2024

Jottings 8/5/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 7/29/2024

Jottings 7/29/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 7/22/2024

Jottings 7/22/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 7/15/2024

Jottings 7/15/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Jottings 7/8/2024

Jottings 7/8/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Celebrating Our LGBTQIA+ Elders: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Celebrating Our LGBTQIA+ Elders: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

On a vibrant and heartwarming day at Solstice Senior Living in Sun City West, residents and community members gathered to celebrate Pride and honor the incredible journey of our LGBTQIA+ elders. This third annual Pride event was particularly special, as it featured speakers from our very own United Church of Christ (UCC) congregations, including representatives from Desert Garden, Scottsdale Congregational, and First Church Phoenix as well as Rev. Christine Dance from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix. Church members from Desert Garden were also present. 

The event was a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ seniors, who have paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today. Pastor Bill Utke from Desert Garden UCC, Christopher Schouten from First Church Phoenix, Rev. Christine Dance, and other community leaders shared messages of faith, acceptance, and love. They reminded us of the importance of bringing today's true gospel of love to a generation that has experienced weaponized faith.

We must never forget our LGBTQIA+ elders and the sacrifices they made to create a more inclusive world. Their stories and experiences are invaluable, and it is our duty to honor and celebrate them, ensuring they feel the love and acceptance they deserve.

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Jottings 7/1/2024

Jottings 7/1/2024

What’s happening at YOUR church? Tell us about it! Just write up an article and submit it to Wende by Thursday at noon to have it included in the following Monday’s Loop.

Holly Herman reads your church newsletters and other materials and compiles the highlights to keep us up-to-date on the amazing work happening at the Southwest Conference churches and beyond. (Thanks, Holly!)

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram so we can share your posts! We’re @swcucc.

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Book discussion: Sacred Self Care – begins July 25

Book discussion: Sacred Self Care – begins July 25

First Congregational UCC of Albuquerque will host a book discussion group reading and discussing Sacred Self Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves by Chanequa Walker-Barnes on Thursday evenings beginning July 25 at 7-8pm Mountain Time (6-7pm Arizona time) via Zoom. This book is one of two books selected by the national UCC for an All Church Read. The book is structured as a seven-week guide to create habits tending to the mind, body, and spirit.

We’ll read the first week’s section for July 25. We will be meeting weekly through September 5. Attendance at all discussions is encouraged but not required.

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