Lots of “No Kings” marchers last Saturday. Here’s a few from Desert Palm.
Blessed Minds: Breaking The Silence About Neurodiversity, by Sarah Griffith Lund. Rev. Lund is one of the national leaders of the WISE movement, which seeks to broaden the UCC's welcome by reducing the stigma around mental illness, brain disorders and those who experience neurodiversity. Rev. Lund has agreed to Zoom with Desert Palm for a Q&A after they’ve read and discussed the book, so watch for an announcement this summer about that! And if you're wondering what this is all about and why it's important.... Rev. Lund defines neurodivergence as "having a brain that functions differently from the majority of people." Neurodiversity pertains to "the range of differences in brain function and behavior among all humans." Consider adding this beautiful little book to your summer reading list, whether you participate in the book group or not. For those who would like to read it as a group, we'll be meeting on Monday evenings at 7 (either in person at the church or via zoom) on the following Mondays: Meeting dates: June 16th (chs. 3 & 4); June 23rd (chs. 5 & 6); June 30th (chs. 7 & 8); July 7th (chs. 9 & 10). Here’s the Zoom link.
The City of Tempe funded several Cooling Centers last summer. Those funds were not disbursed this year. A city ordinance determined that, if a church was within 1000 feet of a school, a cooling center was prohibited . This eliminated three prior cooling center locations. Only one church location qualified this summer- Epiphany Episcopal. So, four Tempe churches decided to go it alone and jointly offer another option to those needing heat relief. University Presbyterian is hosting a heat relief center in June, Desert Palm UCC in July, Community Christian in August, and Tempe Church of Christ in September. These churches are not receiving funds from the city for staff, water, ice, snacks, or cleaning supplies. Arizona Faith Network is helping by funding one staff person. So, bring snack items (granola bars, PBJs, fruit, pastry, etc), ice, bottled water, toilet bowl cleaner, spray disinfectant, or sanitary wipes to any of the locations to hand out to guests. If you are interested in volunteering to help save lives for those who don't have relief from our summer heat, please be a volunteer. Just click on Cooling Volunteer to sign up for a time block and more information.
First Church UCC also serves as a sanctuary for those in need of relief. As part of the City of Phoenix Heat Respite Program, the Cooling Center plays a vital role in providing safe, cool spaces for residents facing extreme heat. With a commitment to care and hospitality, the church transforms into a place of comfort and protection, ensuring that no one is left to endure the harsh summer conditions alone.
Although April 21, 2021 was the official date when when St. Paul’s UCC voted to remain open four years ago, they chose Pentecost as their celebration date. After worshipping together, they joined in a Pentecost potluck to celebrate.
Shepherd of the Hills reminds us that, as people of faith, we are called to live out our values beyond the church walls. The Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, and the National Council of Churches each provide weekly Action Alerts—trusted, timely opportunities to advocate for justice, compassion, and the common good. And, in a rapidly changing and volatile world — where the latest news raises more questions rather than providing answers — the United Church of Christ’s General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, shares her thoughts and concerns in a new blog, “On My Mind Today.” Read this week's post here
On Sunday June 22 Scottsdale UCC will celebrate World Refugee Day, which is actually on June 20, with a special service and guest speaker. World Refugee Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to honor people who flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution. Pastor Vernon has applied his considerable creativity to developing a service that will be unique (even for SCUCC) and extremely meaningful. The US has always welcomed a limited number of carefully vetted refugees. Scottsdale UCC, in the recent past, helped resettle a couple from Ethiopia and later a family of four from Myanmar (previously Burma). This past January, the president, by Executive Order, stopped the flow of legal refugees and cut off the very limited support promised and previously provided by the government to the legal refugees previously admitted by the State Department.
Congregational Church of the Valley pastors Dick and Sandi have also been serving the Church of the Beatitudes UCC as interim co-pastors for the past two years as that congregation engaged in a pastoral search. Beatitudes is pleased to announce that they have called Rev. James Bowman Harris to serve as their new pastor, and his official start date is September 1! We are very excited for the CoB, which has a long and rich history, to begin this new chapter. You can read all about Rev. James Bowman Harris here.
Church of the Painted Hills in Tucson is excited to host THRIVE!, an exciting summer adventure for youth, empowering them to “thrive” in life.
Join The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita, Arizona State University and others for a Southeastern Arizona Community Conversation on Nuclear Waste Management. Help shape US policy about nuclear waste management. The US must address the spent nuclear fuel generated by nuclear power plants. But how should communities work with the Federal Government to make decisions about this issue? Join us on Saturday, June 28, from 9am - 4:30pm to share your perspective and learn more about this critical issue. Must apply to participate and selected participants will receive a $150 gift card at the end of the forum. Must be 18 years or older. No prior knowledge is required. Interested? Questions about this project? Visit 3c.cspo.org for more information.
ABQ FaithWorks has made the difficult decision to cease operations and sunset as an organization. ABQ FaithWorks has struggled fiscally and experienced a series of staff turnovers and losses over the past year. In the last weeks, their Executive Director, Hannah Albee, needed to resign for health reasons and they learned that certain key grants from the City of ABQ would not be renewed. First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque was a founding congregation of ABQ FaithWorks and they will continue to process this news and further developments, discerning how to move forward in supporting those in the community living without a home.
First Christian Church Scottsdale has invited us to attend “COUNTRY CROSSROADS” with The Mark James Band as part of their Joyful Noise concert series.
FREE ADMISSION with donations accepted to go directly to the performers. Call 480-516-6456 for more information.