From August 26-30, there will be a week of events and discussion hosted by the Southwest Conference at the Good Shepherd UCC church in Sahuarita (SE of Tucson). The week will include: visiting a shelter in Nogales, Mexico, observing an immigration court hearing in Tucson, learning more about ministering to those seeking asylum and refuge.
The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita is starting a new Bible study running from Aug 12th through the midterm elections. The theme is Resistance and it will focus on reading the Bible by looking for signs of our present situation within its historical perspective.
United Church of Santa Fe is raising funds for an elevator to make its building more accessible. Two anonymous donors have pledged to match up to $35,000 in pledges, half the estimated cost. Good wishes for a successful campaign!
First Congregational of Prescott has activity bags available for young children to help them pass the time before Sunday School.
Black Mountain UCC highly recommends “The Sun Does Shine” by Ray Hinton. Their discussion after reading the book centered on capital punishment, prison reform, corruption and bias in the justice system, school busing, and Black youth in the South. It also heard the message of forgivenesses, hope, and redemption.
Taos UCC will be marching in the Taos Pride Parade on Aug 11th and manning a booth at the festival after.
Prayers of comfort, peace, and excitement for Rev Cindy Parker of Church of the Red Rocks as she sends her youngest daughter off for a year abroad in Sweden.
Scottsdale UCC has created an Immigration Task Force to plan education and action activities from Sept-Nov. I’m sure they are not alone, so let us know what your church is doing for its Faithful Witness FOR the Border.
Desert Palm is asking for “A Little Extra” in a food drive on Aug 12th to replenish the local food bank shelves. The agencies run low toward the end of summer. I’m sure all churches can relate and respond likewise to their favorite food banks.
Jon Mitovich from Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque is leaving to climb Mt Kilimanjaro on Aug 17th. He is combining his climb with a fundraiser for Family Promise. Folks are asked to pledge an amount per 100 ft climbed. At $1 per 100 Ft, the pledge would amount to $193. Jon thinks this will give him additional incentive to reach the top. ($4000 raised so far toward a goal of $25,000). Best Wishes for a successful endeavor!
The Feminist Book Club at First Church Phoenix is reading “Sisters in Law” by Linda Hirshman. It details the lives of Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg and their journeys to the Supreme Court.
First Congregational of Albuquerque has a free school clothing store for low income families from several schools in the area. The Crane and Butterfly store is open one day a week and items in the store are donated by church members.
Many many of our churches are filling backpacks for kids going back to school. Thank you all for meeting the needs of your communities!
Encanto will celebrate Christmas in August on Aug 12th with carols, feasting and good cheer.
Rincon Congregational’s mission trip to Puerto Rico departs on Dec 9th! In partnership with UCC Disaster Relief Ministries, participants will work on over 80 houses needing repair.