Invitation from Rev. Rich Doerrer-Peacock:
AZ JFON is offering a video that I’ve seen before. It is a virtual tour of La Casa, via Zoom. The informative video provides a first-hand view of the shelter and the clients as well as insight into the decisions that these people face as they decide their next steps. Following the video there will be a time for questions and comments.
It is this Thursday, August 5th at 1:00 pm (Arizona time), 2:00 pm (New Mexico & El Paso time).
Read MoreThis report from the US-Mexico Border on the current immigration struggle was written by Rev. Randy J. Mayer for the American Waldensian Society.
The US/Mexico Borderlands are sweltering in record heat this summer, with temperatures already spiking to 115 Fahrenheit (46 Celsius). As a result, migrant suffering and migrant deaths have also spiked. It is literally impossible for most migrants to carry the 6 to 10 gallons of water, weighing between 48 and 80 pounds, that they will need to survive a three-to-seven-day journey in the scorching heat across the Sonoran Desert.
But the situation is much more serious than just the extremely high temperatures and the difficulty of carrying enough water for three to seven days in the desert.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, Environmental Justice Minister of the UCC, “Historically, we have been a denomination of firsts, and I am excited to see our members leading the charge to undo a legacy of colonial theology and planetary destruction.” He continued, “This resolution is about undoing a centuries old theology of empire and colonialism. It puts into the dustbin of history worldviews that regard the natural world around us as something to be exploited and consumed by humans with callous disregard.”
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This nonviolent direct action will call on Senator Kyrsten Sinema to pass key voting rights legislation, including the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and to put an end to the Filibuster. Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. William Barber, Barbara Arnwine, and other national leaders will join to train, speak, and lead us in this movement.
Call on the Biden Administration to keep up the push for a temporary “TRIPS Waiver” and use its leverage on EU partner countries before the next round of negotiations this month.
Read MoreAs people of faith, we believe in upholding the dignity of each person, which means protecting their sacred right to participate in the democratic process, unencumbered by voter suppression. It also means making sure all voices are lifted up, not just those who can afford a corporate political action committee. The For the People Act is an important step toward helping us live more fully into the promise of a democracy for ALL.
Please contact your Senators asking for their full support and swift passage of the For the People Act, so we can make sure that each person’s voice and vote are protected.
Read MoreCheck out anti-racism resources from CHHSM (Council for Health and Human Services Ministries, UCC).
Read MoreAll things ONA from the Open & Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ.
Read MoreSome proposed climate policies have been described as false solutions by climate activists and policy analysts because they fall short in meeting the moral demands of science, equity, and justice. Learn what faith communities need to know.
Read MoreSee updates from Katie Adams in our D.C. office about the child tax credit, infrastructure package, national gun registry, IMF special drawing rights, AUMF, and Iran's ballistic missile program.
Read MoreCongratulations! Rev. Teresa Blythe, director of the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction at First Church UCC Phoenix, and Rev. Chad Abbott, Conference Minister for the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the UCC, have written “Incline Your Ear: Cultivating Spiritual Awakening in Congregations” (Fortress Press, 2021) to encourage spiritual growth and vitality in faith communities in a listening pursuit.
Read MoreRev. Susan Valiquette at First Church UCC Phoenix was quoted extensively in this article on “Jesus and Justice” and the future of the church — it was published online May 30 and on the front page of the Arizona Republic on Saturday, June 5. If you have a subscription, you're able to read it here.
Read MoreVideo and resources from the June 9 webinar.
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Every fourth Sunday of June—June 27 this year—is National Open and Affirming Sunday! This opportunity—to celebrate your ONA covenant and renew your commitment to its values—is needed now more than ever.
Also, the UCC Mental Health Network is now ONA, and check out Rural Pride and the nearly sold out Thrive shirts..
Read MoreA message from Lombard Mennonite Peace Center:
We are so excited to be returning to an in-person format for our Mediation Skills Training Institute (MSTI) on August 2-6, 2021 here in the western suburbs of Chicago! This will be a hybrid event, so for those who prefer not to travel, we will also continue to offer remote attendance via Zoom.
Read MoreConference Minister Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons marched and spoke against anti-Semitism Sunday night in Tucson with Rev. Susan Valiquette and Rev. Drew Terry. Read his remarks in this article.
Read MoreJune is Immigrant Heritage Month! Join us to #CelebrateImmigrants by honoring and lifting up the contributions of immigrants of all backgrounds. This month provides people across the country an opportunity to explore their own heritage and celebrate the diversity that forms the unique, rich American experience.
Read MoreThis last week has been very exciting for the Hope House of Sedona!
Read MoreWe received very short notice about the June 9 webinar inviting faith communities to collaborate with a pharmacy partners to become COVID19 vaccination sites. The webinar recording, a toolkit, and answers to questions about this mission opportunity are available in this article.
A vaccination partnership is a great ecumenical or interfaith project! Thanks for prayerfully discerning whether your church can be a vaccination site in your community.
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