Artistic Director Marc Gaston is proud of the Phoenix Gay Men's Chorus who performed the National Anthem at a recent Arizona Cardinals game. Marc is also the minister of Music and the Arts at Desert Palm.
St Paul’ UCC in Rio Rancho NM posts a “Hymn of the Week”. Check out their website stpaulsuccrr.org and listen to this week’s selection “Ready The Way.” Hymns celebrating Advent are also posted daily on their Facebook page.
Greetings of ‘Happy Holidays!’ and celebratory gatherings contrast with the feelings of many people at this time of year. For those suffering from the recent death of a loved one or struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, isolation, and other stresses of life, this can be a very isolating and dreary time. Each holiday greeting and every song reminds the grief-stricken of how unhappy life is at this moment. We recognize that a lot of the holiday celebrations do not meet everyone’s needs. To fill this gap, some of our churches are offering Services of Light, Blue Christmas, or Longest Night services on the darkest night of the year or Winter Solstice on Dec 21st. It is an opportunity to gather with others who struggle with the holidays, an opportunity to mark one’s sadness and join together to seek comfort and wholeness and light. First Congregational in Albuquerque and Church of the Palms in Sun City have such services planned.
A year ago, a refugee resource center, Centro de Esperanza, opened in Sonoyta, MX. The Nogales shelter, La Casa de la Misericordia, supported by the SW Conference, works with Centro de Esperanza as asylum seekers from the Sonoyta Centro de Esperanza pass through La Casa for final legal assistance prior to crossing into the US. Desert Palm is increasing its support of the Sonoyta Centro de Esperanza, and its current project is to organize a “Shower of Cards” celebrating their first anniversary. Real people with real names from the US will pass along their support and care to these asylum seekers hoping to become our neighbors.
IHELP is a homeless housing project at Church of the Palms. Member Opal Willy, an avid quilter, gave her last quilt to an IHELP graduate and made a special connection. The recipient immediately wrapped the quilt around her body and said. "My grandmother's name was Opal and she was a quilter. This feels like I am getting a warm hug from my grandma. It's extra special. Thanks to everyone, I am hopeful about my future." A handmade baby blanket and baby hat, also has a story. These items went to one of the IHELP graduates that is pregnant and will soon deliver.
At Christmas, our thoughts often turn to gifts. Started by Sue Brown, an Albuquerque Mennonite Church member, the Christmas Re-Gifting Table tradition lives on at First Congregational in Albuquerque. So, what is it and how does it work? New or gently used items can be placed on the table for re-gifting. Think about that gift you received for a Christmas past or a birthday that sits in a drawer, closet, or on a shelf, never really used but perfectly fine for a gift for someone else. Think jewelry, consumables, children’s books and toys, puzzles, books, pottery, or household items. Folks can “shop the table” for that perfect gift for someone on their list, or even a gift for themself- a great alternative to buying new.