Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons with newly installed Rev. Bill Utke at Desert Garden UCC
The Southwest Conference celebrated Rev. Bill Utke's installation at Desert Garden United Church of Christ on Sunday, Feb. 27th. Blessings on your ministry!
In March, Youth Tutoring Night will be held at the request of any student (young or old). Encanto Community Church will schedule an evening to meet at the church to work for a couple of hours. Qualified adults from Encanto are available to offer assistance in any subject. Students should bring their textbooks or computer and homework assignments. Students and teachers of all ages are welcome.
The Sierra Vista Community United Church of Christ is pleased to offer a free Open Mic Opportunity each third Sunday of the month at 3:00 P.M. We welcome singers, musicians, poets, etc. to share their talents in a family friendly environment. To register and for more information, please contact Sue Sorensen 520-366-6645. There will not be an Open Mic on Easter Sunday, April 17th. The SVCUCC is located at 240 N. Highway 90 Bypass, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
The Church of the Palms has selected Dysart Community Center to receive non-monetary donations during March and April. The Community Center is requesting donations of underwear and socks for the children they serve. Dysart can also always use staple food goods and hygiene and paper products, which are distributed each Wednesday. Church volunteer Mo Goodrick is there each Wednesday to package and distribute these products.
ABQ FaithWorks is moving from First Congregational UCC to a new office. FaithWorks is made up of twelve congregations. They want to be in a location that isn’t based in one of the churches and will allow their staff to deploy more easily to our congregations. This will have a great impact on First Cong. They receive a lot of people at the door seeking assistance and FaithWorks is training a team of volunteers who will help respond to those who come to the church.
At First Church Phoenix, attendees at the Ash Wednesday service gathered at the close of worship around the church steeple, which was lit in yellow and blue, and prayed for the people of Ukraine.
During February, BSA Cub Pack 378 collected food for the annual "Scouting for Food" event. Food collected after the deadline was donated to Desert Palm for their barrel for food items that are donated to the food pantry. THANK YOU Cub Scouts for the 85 pounds of food you donated!
From our National UCC: Rev. Jamie F. Eaddy is a Pastoral Theologian, Spiritual Care Practitioner, Loss Navigation Specialist™, and Death Midwife. She will discuss communal grief and steps useful in navigating grief for both clergy and laity. After two years of ongoing collective trauma and change, Rev. Eaddy will offer key strategies for individuals and communities in moving forward with grace and care for each other. Register for Webinar to be held on Thursday, March 10, 3:30pm ET - Midwifing Grief
Join Shepherd of the Hills each Friday at 5:30 p.m. throughout Lent to pray the Stations of the Cross, a 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus' journey to the Cross. The stations focus on specific events of His last day and are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as folks move from station to station. If you want to experience each of these stations with a modern-day bent, please come. This 30 minute prayer pilgrimage will conclude with a Wine and Cheese Social on the church patio.
"Straight From the Heart" Prison Art Exhibit will take place at The Church of the Palms on Saturdays in March from 1:30p to 3:30p and Sundays after worship until noon.
Rebel & Divine is a non-profit 501c3 community charity, meeting at First Church Phoenix and operates a clothing boutique in Room 1. The clothing is offered to those in need, free of charge. Due to the pandemic, the boutique has been mostly closed, but we had a Grand Reopening on March 6th. Rebel & Divine is looking forward to expanding the Boutique to more groups to reach more people in need. The Boutique welcomes everyone, but offers unique items for the Transgender community and a safe nonjudgmental place to try on different styles of clothing.
Be part of the movement toward A Just World for All. Represent the UCC with this yard sign as we strive for justice. Perfect for your church or home, or wherever you wish to represent the cause of A Just World for All. (I have 3 different UCC yard signs that I rotate throughout the year. I get many comments- positive ones even! –Holly)
Thank you to the Faith Action Committee of First Christian Church in Las Cruces for researching reliable nonprofits assisting the people of Ukraine. Of the ones they suggested, this has the highest rating.
World Central Kitchen International
Website: https://wck.org/
Mission:
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. WCK has served more than 60 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world. WCK's Resilience Programs strengthen food and nutrition security by training chefs and school cooks; advancing clean cooking practices; and awarding grants to farms, fisheries, and small food businesses while also providing educational and networking opportunities.
Charity Navigator ratings:
4 star, 100 out of 100; Financial: 100 out of 100; Accountability & Transparency: 100 out of 100
Please also visit this page, Aid for Ukrainians, for the UCC response.
Dr. Alex Tentser will be performing a benefit concert for aid to Ukraine in the Rincon UCC sanctuary on Saturday, March 19th at 5:00pm. More information to follow.
United Church of Sun City collected over 4000 cans of food and Church of the Palms 3296 for the Valley View Food Bank in the Souper Bowl of Caring competition. Thank you to all who gave to this very worthy cause. United keeps the Silver Ladle one more year!
Members of Shadow Rock are meeting regularly with members of Ktizo United Church of Christ to explore a relationship between the two congregations. Ktizo offers an ongoing and extraordinary ministry to the community within its neighborhood by serving free dinners, access to a clothes closet, and showers to the homeless who inhabit the adjacent park. They average 20-30 folks at the table each Wednesday.
FUN! LAUGHTER! JOY! Come to wish Pastor Jayne Hubbard a wonderful retirement. This will be an AMAZINGLY FUN event. Trio Rio will be performing in the Black Mountain UCC Courtyard. There will be plenty of seating, light snacks, water/lemonade/ice tea provided. March 20th from 4:00 - 6:30 pm, drop-in/open house format. Please RSVP HERE
United Church of Angel Fire is hosting AARP Foundation Tax Aide from February 3 through April 14. Community volunteers provide free tax assistance and preparation.