Rev. Randy Mayer finds parallels between the Christmas story and the reality facing migrants at U.S. border, in this commentary published on the UCC national website.
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Faith In Action
We Keep Us Safe: A New Year’s Resolution for the Body of Christ
The possibility that we will face violence for our stances on social justice issues, our embrace of LGBTQIA+ individuals as beloved ones of the Holy One, and our antiracism and decolonial work feels real and present. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that as we face these realities and come to terms with a culture of violence and fear, we turn toward the institutions and structures that our culture forms us to associate with safety. In the midst of our very real fears, we find ourselves turning to police to keep us safe.
The reality is, however, that the very people we are seeking to protect when we turn to police to keep us safe from white nationalist violence are actually further endangered by the presence of policing…So where do we turn when the rise of white Christian nationalism and hate-based violence are on the rise?
Read MoreCongrats, Holly Herman!
The Tempe Human Relations Commission will honor Holly Herman (former SWC office staffer and writer of our weekly Jottings!) at the MLK Diversity Awards breakfast at 7:30 am on Monday, January 9 at The Buttes.
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December 2022 UCC Global H.O.P.E. E-News
Read Global H.O.P.E.'s December newsletter. Highlights include a reflection from Refugee Ministries, updates from Disaster Ministries, mission sites currently recruiting volunteers, a celebration of 2022 volunteer leaders, and links to support neighbors in Ukraine, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Florida, and more.
Read MoreSahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center Open House a Huge Success
SFB-CRC welcomed nearly 300 people on a beautiful chilly November day to view our 14,300 square feet of new space. They were greeted by our volunteers who provided information on our programs. All visitors took self-guided tours and were able to watch video highlights of SFB-CRC services in action.
Community members, children, partners, and donors who generously gave—from a $25 offering to an $802,000 check—were among those who enjoyed the activities, music, fun and food at the informal event on the 18th. Some remarked that it was like attending a local fair.
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Value Peace and Justice in Budget Negotiations
Call on Congress to finish its end of the year budget negotiations, and put a value on peace and justice. Urge your Congressional representatives to align U.S. spending priorities with the values of a child born to become the Prince of Peace, one who was forcibly displaced from his homeland.
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Tell Senators: Protect Pregnant Workers
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is long-awaited legislation that would provide greater clarity around guidelines for employers on the accommodations that can and should be made on behalf of pregnant workers. It will empower workers to receive those accommodations to ensure they can stay safe and healthy- as is any worker’s right. The legislation emphasizes that it is unlawful to discriminate against pregnant workers by forcing them out of their jobs unnecessarily or by denying them reasonable accommodations.
Read MoreGlobal H.O.P.E. E-News
News from Global H.O.P.E. - a Ministry Team of the United Church of Christ's Wider Church Ministries. Click here to read their latest newsletter.
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Winter Coat Drive for Phoenix Asylum Seekers/Migrants
Urgent from Arizona Faith Network:
The shelters in the greater Phoenix area who assist people seeking asylum urgently needs your help with donations of winter clothing items. Refugee arrivals at Phoenix shelters often arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. The Phoenix shelters may receive up to 300 people per day and they typically stay one to two days before they leave to join their sponsors in other parts of the country. While at our shelters they are offered showers, a change of clothing, meals, and a place to sleep.
Many asylum seekers will be traveling to sponsors who live in cold climates. As a result, the shelters need donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s used winter jackets. Adult men’s and women’s jackets are needed most. Finding these items through our drives in the greater Phoenix area has been very difficult and we have been forced to send people to their destinations without adequate clothing. The need is urgent.
To make arrangements for pickup/delivery or if you have any questions, contact Anna Keating at 602-499-1953 (call or text) or annakeating3@cox.net.
UCC Webinar—The Midterms and Beyond: A Path for Climate Justice
In this webinar, we will discuss the results of the midterms with an eye to what is possible for climate justice in 2023 and beyond. A full discussion of the midterms entails more than looking at a final scorecard of congressional contests. It entails assessing the power of young voters and voters who care about the climate crisis. It entails tracking the successes of state ballot initiatives. It entails bringing a lens of justice to the issues faced today. This webinar will equip faith-rooted advocates for advancing climate justice in the coming year. The webinar will be on Wednesday, December 14th at 1 pm ET/12 pm CT/11 am MT/10 am PT/8 am HT. Register for this webinar to learn more!
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Tell Congress: Invest in Equitable Climate Solutions
As one of the main perpetrators of climate disruption and pollution, the United States has a responsibility to address the devastating effects of climate change at home and around the world. Congress can make our nation a leader in addressing climate change in a manner that will have an impact, and your voices are needed to ensure that they take meaningful action.
Read MoreClimate Hope Now! Save the Date
Imagine 12 youth and young adults from across the country engaging in a dynamic fellowship program next year! Paired with a mentor and supportive UCC community, each fellow will participate in a project that will grow their understanding of environmental justice and nurture their leadership skills. Your gift to Climate Hope Summer will inspire these young leaders to advance one of our most important social justice causes.
Read MoreProtect and Advocate for God’s Beloved Children Now!
Ongoing dehumanizing efforts persist. As of November 8, 2022, a news release indicates, “Children of African descent are not considered children at all, say UN experts.”
In a report presented to the General Assembly by the Working Group on people of African descent, they highlighted discrimination against children of African descent in areas including the administration of justice, law enforcement, education, and health.
“Due to racial discrimination, racial stereotypes, systemic racial discrimination and xenophobia, children of African descent are not considered as children at all,” Working Group Chair Catherine Namakula said when presenting the report.
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Truth, Healing, and Accountability for Indigenous Boarding Schools
Before this Congress ends we are calling on Congress to pass S. 2907/H.R. 5444 and create a Truth and Healing Commission to not only confess past sins but move our nation toward a restored future and a right relationship with tribal nations.
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JPANet: November Newsletter
Among this month's headlines:
The Fight For Reproductive Justice Depends on this Election, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an Abolition Advent Calendar, and Ecumenical Advocacy Days April 25-27, 2023.
Read MoreGood news about Dreamers from First Church Phoenix
Because of the generosity of First Church members and friends, 10 Dreamers, attending four Phoenix Union high schools, will earn college credits this school year through a dual credit program offered by our Maricopa County community colleges.
Read MoreOctober 2022 UCC Global H.O.P.E. E-News
News from Global H.O.P.E.
a Ministry Team of the United Church of Christ's Wider Church Ministries
Cherishing Creation Collaborative
Join Arizona Faith Network's Social Justice Commission working group Cherishing Creation Collaborative (CCC). CCC is a group of individuals, faith communities, sustainability and justice-oriented organizations collaborating to more effectively cherish our shared earth and all creation. All are welcome to join their meetings.
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JPANet: Pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
These limits have existed since 1989 and are not indexed to inflation. The result is millions trapped in poverty, unable to take steps to increase their income and savings without suffering a grossly disproportionate loss in essential services for basic living. As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, to love mercy, and to do justice, we must take action to fix what is unjust and call on Congress to pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (S. 4102).
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Please support the United Church of Christ’s Pakistan Response Fund
Your gift to the United Church of Christ’s Pakistan Response Fund will help maintain this relief work and support the long-term recovery for vulnerable persons and affected communities. Through our work with global partners and the ACT Alliance, your gift will be joined with others to bring hope, healing, and a helping hand to our neighbors in Pakistan.
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