Church Jottings 3/9/19

Conference Minister Bill Lyons will be at First Congregational UCC of Albuquerque the weekend of March 15-17 to do a Generosity Workshop for the church. He will preach on Sunday morning in worship as well.

Be Irish for a day! Join West Congregational UCC for Corned Beef and Cabbage on Sunday, March 17, 2019, 2pm –4pm, 4650 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix. $7 donation suggested

First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque is SUPER EXCITED to announce a new position to serve those living on the margins of their community. A group of congregations have come together to hire a full time social services coordinator. Check out the job post on the Center for Nonprofit Excellence website: https://www.centerfornonprofitexcellence.org/jobs/social-services-coordinator-1

Shepherd of the Hills UCC is hosting another Iconography session Mar 14-17. Come learn the ancient art of "writing" an icon. No former art experience necessary. You will be walked through a step by step process of learning to create an icon from start to finish. This is a time of contemplative prayer and painting. Icons are painted in acrylic. COST: $295 and includes all art supplies.

First Congregational of Prescott is examining a series of parables on Mar. 16th from 11-3, including, The Laborers in the Vineyard, The Good Samaritan, The parable of the Talents, and others.

Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque is initiating a “Dinner With the Pastor” series in an effort for her to have dinner with every member of the congregation over the next year. Each month, 6 to 8 members will meet for a potluck meal and more intimate get-to-know-you discussion.

St Paul’s UCC in Rio Rancho, NM assembled 30 “Dignity Kits” with items for asylum seekers at a recent potluck. The kits will be delivered to a church on the border providing assistance.

Church of the Red Rocks has approved funds and support to an agency that will start an after school program at the church starting in the fall.

Shadow Rock is hosting the Phoenix Renaissance Orchestra on Sunday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. There is no charge to attend but you are welcome to make a donation to their nonprofit organization which attempts to bring adults back into a musical group after perhaps years being away.

Throughout the year, Rio Rancho congregations have joined to offer Interfaith worship services for Pride, Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr Day. On March 26th at 6:30 at St Paul’s UCC, churches will gather to honor the history of women in the church, Reclaiming Our Herstory. This creative service will be in lessons and carols style, allowing us to hear the story of women from the Hebrew Bible, to the Christian Scriptures, the Early Church, Middle Ages, Colonial times, and today. Each ‘lesson’ will bring forth the voice of one woman from each era, reflecting upon how their story impacted the spiritual journey of the Church.

Big Treasure sale at Church of the Red Rocks on March 21-23! Go shop!

Nathan Watts, former assistant at The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita, has been called to be the pastor of First Congregational UCC of Flagstaff. His ordination service will be in Sahuarita in May.

Rincon UCC stepped up to offer shelter to asylum seekers on Ash Wednesday after buses headed east were cancelled due to bad weather. Alternate shelters in Tucson were overwhelmed with new arrivals as well as those having to postpone their departures.

Youth from Church of the Beatitudes met at First Church Phoenix and volunteered to prepare and serve a meal to about 100 homeless individuals. Way to work together!

Shepherd of the Hills is offering a Lenten experience on Fridays at 5:30 called the Justice-centered Way of the Cross. Participants will explore the Stations as a spiritual journey.

Church of the Painted Hills offers a similar experience on Fridays from 2-7:30 where individuals can walk the Way of the Cross using prints of DeGrazia paintings from the St Thomas More Chapel at the U. of AZ.

Taize worship service at Casas Adobes on Thursday, March 14th at 6:30, including spirit filled readings, music, and silent meditation.