Via First UCC in Phoenix- Imagining Our Next 100 Years

Imagining Our Next 100 Years.

First Congregational UCC Phoenix celebrates its 100th birthday in 2017. It has been an amazing 100 years: Three different sanctuaries built at our campus. Twenty-three pastors (including interims). Twenty-seven associate or assistant pastors. Thousands and thousands of members and visitors. Hospice of the Valley and Arizona School for the Arts started at First. We gave birth to North Church, now Church of the Beatitudes, which in turn birthed Shadow Rock. We at First look back in awe at the legacy given us.

As First imagines its next 100 years, the times are changing. First began in a thriving neighborhood that eventually became a slum, and most of it was demolished. First remained a beacon of hope in urban desolation and empty lots. Today, buildings are springing up all around us. In the next two years, First will have about 8,000 new residences within walking distance of the church. First no longer needs to even consider moving to a new neighborhood. A new neighborhood is moving to First. What other church gets this kind of miraculous second life? First now is eagerly imagining our next 100 years in downtown Phoenix.

Imagining Our Next 100 Years focuses on “why” – why are we members of First, and why is First relevant to the larger – and new – community around us. To answer these fundamental questions, First invited an awesome and remarkably diverse Vision Team, comprised of recent members as well as life timers, young and old, straight and gay, men and women, all races, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. The Vision Team spent months in prayer and study to identify what First is called to do, in particular what no one else is doing. First will vote on the inspirational and practical Vision plan on October 16.

In the meantime, we engaged a team of architects, engineers and historians to give us a complete diagnosis of the condition of our campus. Churches, especially those that rotate leadership, often react to building issues instead of planning ahead. First is no different, and we have a hefty deferred maintenance bill. We have the money to pay the bill, and then some, but we are in the process of asking ourselves whether our church buildings, as currently configured, will serve the mission of First for the next hundred years, or whether there are other options for our campus. We are in the fact-gathering stage and have not made any decisions. 

Four of us attended the UCC Church Building & Loan Fund training even on September 23 and 24 in Long Beach. We learned many new things about other churches’ successes and failures, and also were encouraged to learn the path First is on is the usually the successful path. The UCC national setting has deep experience working with Congregations imagining the future, and we intend to use them.

It is an exciting time for us at First. All the change – and change that has not even happened – stir up anxiety. Rumors abound that “First is closing,” “First is demolishing,” and more. Paraphrasing Mark Twain’s retort to rumors of his death, “The reports of First’s closing (or fill in the blank with any other rumor) are greatly exaggerated.” First is blessed to have so many opportunities in front of it. We pray for wisdom to hear God’s call so we can be good stewards for present and future members.

Even as we at First thank our forbearers for their legacy to us, we imagine the next 100 years in which First is engaged, vibrant and relevant. We imagine a century from now when First members are thanking today’s members for the legacy we leave them.

Via Sun Lakes - ECUMENICAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND – MAY 2017

Monday, May 15, 2017

Sun Lakes United Church of Christ
25635 Country Club Dr
Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 

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I am excited to announce that myself, Pastor Vernon Meyer of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ and Rev Jody Topping of Faith United Methodist Church, are planning an Ecumenical Pilgrimage to the Holy the Land in May, 2017. This would be my 25th pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Jody’s first tour. We would study the scriptures in the various places described in the Gospels and the Hebrew scripture and we will celebrate several memorable worship services. We are hoping to get together a group of at least 25 people for this trip.

The dates we are looking at would be a departure date of May 15 - May 24 for the Israel tour with a post tour extension to Jordan and Petra from May 24- 26. We would take off from and arrive back into Phoenix. The cost is estimated at $3716 based on a minimum of 25 participants, double occupancy (there's an extra charge for single rooms) and includes all travel(round trip from Phoenix), tips and gratuities, taxes, 7 breakfasts and 8 dinners (lunches and drinks are on our own).

Our tour brochures are available and can also be accessed via the Marantha website: https://maranathatours.com/wp-content/uploads/Meyer-Topping-Holy-Land-Brochure-2017-1.pdf

We want to extend the invitation to all pastors and their church members to join us on this pilgrimage that will be a once in a life time experience. If possible, would you post this in your church bulletin? You can contact me for more information, at Sun Lakes UCC, 480-895-6317. meyerv52@msn.com  

Youth and Outdoor Ministry

On July 16th, 2016 the inaugural gathering of the Southwest Conference Youth and Outdoor Ministry hit the ground running. Following a growing number of youth participants at the 2016 Camp in Prescott, members from around the conference representing youth and young adults have come together to launch the Southwest Conference Youth Program back into action. Beginning with a 2016 Youth Launch on November 12-13th, the UCC will find a reignited passion from youth and young adults to forge their own path along the walk of faith in the Southwest Conference . If you wish to join this committee of leaders and pioneers please contact Eli Johnson at the conference office (602-468-3830) for more information. The next meeting to plan the direction of the Southwest Conference UCC youth program will take place September 20th! All Youth and Young Adults from around the conference are welcome.

Via Church of the Painted Hills - 2016-2017 BACK PACK DRIVE

We are looking to collect as many backpacks and supplies as possible for the Marshallese Congregation's children.  CPH decided last year that we would only participate in this mission once every two years - not having donated any in 2015.
 
Please bring any donations to the church no later than July 30th (school starts 8/4/16).
 
Heather Honeman and Nancy Urias will fill the packs with the donated supplies and deliver to the Marshallese.  Their congregation will distribute to the families they select needing the most help.
 
We are also asking for socks for the children as well. Monetary donations will also be accepted if want to donate but don't wish to shop.
 
Thank you!!! - Heather Honeman & Nancy Urias

Via Church of The Red Rocks

Dedication Ceremony of the George & Claudia Ault Lifelong Learning Center
Held on Sunday, June 19, 2016

“Thank you for the Rev. and Mrs. Ault, held so close in your care, who gave years of energy, creativity, determination, and love, and especially thank you for their inspired leadership and service. Thank you for all those persons who have given special gifts to create and bring honor to this dedicated space.”

- by Rev. Larry Corbett (part of prayer at Dedication Ceremony)

Via Church of The Beatitudes

We need your help to feed the homeless!

We help feed people who desperately need food. Our shelves are nearly empty of some crucial items to help with the basics.

Can You Help?

We are seeking donations of the following items to fill our pantry:

Peanut Butter, Canned Fruit, Spaghetti Sauce, Cereal

Add these items to your shopping list, purchase a few extra canned food items, and you’ll see how easy it is to help.

You can bring your donation to the church and place in the Bishop's Pantry bin or to the church office.

Thank you!

- Church of The Beatitudes

Southwest Conference News

First Congregational UCC of Albuquerque
Leaving home to attend a post-high school educational institution is exciting and at times stressful.  First Congregational UCC of Albuquerque is willing to provide support to members of UCC congregations in the SW Conference who are leaving home and coming to Albuquerque to further their education and skills.
 
>>The Flyer can be found here<< [PDF]

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Phoenix Marshallese Ministry UCC
Congratulations to Phoenix Marshallese Ministry UCC in it's filing of documents to incorporate!

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Duet: Partners In Health & Aging
Be Cool This Summer
Summertime in Arizona is hot, hot, hot-but we have a way for you to feel "cool"! For a refreshing boost, give your gift of time. The Southwest Conference partners with Duet. This interfaith nonprofit pairs caring people (like you!) with isolated elders who yearn for visitors, or who need rides to doctors or help with grocery shopping, paperwork, home repairs, or learning to use computers. Volunteers also give respite to caregivers.

To be part of this can-do network of care, attend an orientation on Thursday, July 14 from 4 - 6:30 p.m. at Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix 85021. See www.duetaz.org for other dates/locations or call 602-274-5022 to RSVP. Thank you for sharing your compassion - it's what the cool folks do!

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Rincon Congregational Church - Position Available:  Assistant Minister

Assistant Minister Position Opening
Beginning: September 1 - August 31, 2017
 
Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ is searching for a dynamic, self-motivated, and experienced ministry team member whose main focus will be Faith Developmentwith children, youth, and families and Community Outreach.
 
Hours:  Flexible position according to the needs of the church and availability of the Assistant Minister.  Estimate 15-25 Hours a Week, with the total not to exceed 1,040 hours in twelve months
 
Assistant Minister Responsibilities include the following:

• Works with the Senior Pastor to direct faith development activities and programs for children, youth, and families.
• Supervises and provides professional development for early childhood development staff.
• Supports and providesleadership development of Volunteer children and youth leaders.
• Plans and coordinates confirmation class and Vacation Church School.
• Works collaboratively with Sr. Pastor, Justice and Witness, and Faith Development Ministry teams to establish seasonal and year-long goals and strategies for achieving them.
• Develops and implements strategies for evangelism that support present and future member families and encourages people of all ages to join the church.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with Rincon members and friends, neighbors, ministry partners, ecumenical and interfaith partners.
• Preaches, facilitates workshops, small group, and intergenerational mission and fellowship activities, and community outreach.

Qualifications and Expectations

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Master's degree in divinity, theology or related area of study preferred.
• Knowledge and leadership experience in Progressive Christian community.
• Ability to articulate Progressive Christian theology and inspire others to articulate and act on their own faith.
• Knowledge and experience of ministry with children, youth, and families and relevant local and global justice issues as they relate to the Christian Faith.
• Familiarity with non-profits and potential faith community partners.
• Excellent communication, leadership, people skills and team orientation.
• Good professional and personal boundaries.
  
  Send letter of interest and resume to Office@rinconucc.org

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Desert Palm UCC - Position Available:  Church Musician

Desert Palm is a LGBTQI-friendly progressive faith community affiliated with the United Church of Christ.  We are an eclectic congregation positioned on the threshold of tradition and innovation.  The ideal candidate will have some familiarity with traditional church music and choral direction, while being open to more contemporary styles.  There is some flexibility as to the job description depending on the particular skill-set of a given candidate.

We are currently in transition following the retirement of our Minister of Music who had served the church for 30 years.  Traditionally the position has involved playing the organ and directing three choirs (a children's choir, an adult choir, and a bell choir), as well as coordinating special music around the holidays.  If you have experience with church music or have a musical background and a deep connection to your own spirituality, we encourage you to submit a resume to our Senior Minister, Rev. Tom Martinez.  Please put "Music Search" in the subject heading of any email correspondence pertaining to the position.

It is likely that we will first fill the position(s) on an interim basis, making a final decision once the Search Committee has had time to conduct a thorough search.

To apply or for more information contact:
Rev. Tom Martinez
tomnmartinez@gmail.com
Cell: 718-915-2600
Church Office: 480-831-0065

Mailed material can be sent to:
Desert Palm Church
Attn:  Rev. Tom Martinez
1230 E Guadalupe Rd
Tempe, AZ85283

Images from around the UCC

This page is devoted to images of vigils, prayer services and public rainbow displays in response to the Orlando Massacre. From California to Maine, Minnesota to Florida, ONA congregations responded with grief, prayer, and re-commitment to the values of inclusion, justice and reconciliation that are at the heart of the Open and Affirming movement in the United Church of Christ. By displaying rainbow flags and images in public view, by organizing public services of remembrance and protest, UCC congregations have proved to their LGBTQ neighbors that we stand with them. This is why we are ONA!

If you would like photos from your church posted here, please send them (identifying the church’s name and location) to Andy Lang at ed@openandaffirming.org.