Last week in Cleveland, the Order of Corpus Christi gathered at the beautiful Jesuit Retreat Center for their annual retreat and synod. They were honored to welcome Rev. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, who shared the Feast of the Ascension. The Order of Corpus Christi is an ecumenical, neo-monastic community founded by clergy within the UCC, inspired by the sacramental and liturgical richness of the Mercersburg Movement. Though they’ve grown more ecumenical over the years, on the eve of our 40th anniversary, they remain rooted in a rhythm of common prayer, mutual support, and a shared commitment to the unity of the church. As Abbot, Rev. Rock Fremont had the joy of witnessing two brothers make their final professions.
It’s with deep sadness that we read that Walter Brueggemann, one of 'Mount Rushmore of Theologians', passed away. A prolific writer and astute biblical theologian, Walter Brueggemann brought the Hebrew Scriptures alive. Old Testament Prophets were one of his areas of expertise. While he interpreted their words and the contexts of their prophetic witness, Walter was deeply influenced by their messages, and he wrote and spoke prophetically himself. With a clarion call, he reminded readers that the messages of the prophets are as relevant today as they were in their time. Walter constantly reminded readers of God’s covenantal love and God’s call to speak truth to power, to remember that grace abounds, and to loosen the bonds of injustice. Many throughout academics and the church share a deep gratitude for Walter’s life, light, and witness. (Thoughts shared by Rev. Paul Whitlock of The Church of the Palms)
Pride At Scottsdale UCC. (I just liked the picture! Thank you)
The Good Shepherd UCC in Sahuarita recommended this webinar called "The Singular They" which is designed to help adults better understand the rapidly evolving spectrum of GENDER. This workshop uses the UCC-commissioned Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education Curriculum for Adults, as well as interviews with members of the Trans community, to explore biological sex, orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and pronouns. The program explains terms such as cis / trans / non-binary; and introduces participants to the history of the fluidity of sexuality. Click here at your leisure, and enjoy the learning journey!
Black Mountain UCC celebrated a “trifecta” of special events this past Sunday- Pentecost, graduates, and THE BURNING OF THEIR MORTGAGE. Congratulations!
From First Congregational UCC in Albuquerque, an update…In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to decline to hear Apache Stronghold v. United States, the Apache Stronghold core group, in consultation with Apache Holy people and Becket Law (the law firm representing Apache Stronghold), has decided to continue the struggle to protect Oak Flat. Apache Stronghold is sending a letter to President Trump, asking him to meet with them to discuss Oak Flat. In addition to arguments about religious freedom and protecting Mother Earth, the letter points out that the Chinese government is the largest shareholder in Rio Tinto, the multinational corporation with the majority stake in Resolution Copper. Does President Trump really want to turn the second largest copper deposit in the United States over to the control of the Chinese government? Apache Stronghold is also taking its case to the American people, via the media, beginning with a 5 minute, 40 second segment on CNN last Saturday.
Repeat: Bags of Hope Interfaith Heat Relief Bag Packing Event
Tucson Area: Sunday, June 29 | 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Saguaro Christian Church, 8302 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
Phoenix Area: Sunday, July 20 | 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Community Christian Church, 1701 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Join Arizona Faith Network for a powerful, hands-on service opportunity as we come together across communities to pack Heat Relief Bags for those most vulnerable to Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures. These interfaith events are open to all who want to help protect lives and show compassion in action.
Each event will include community-building, light refreshments, and the chance to pack bags that will be distributed through AFN’s network of Heat Relief Sites and outreach partners.
Who couldn’t use a dose of Climate Hope with their beverage of choice? The Climate Hope mug features the winning artwork from our 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest by 11-year-old Natalie of Bethlehem UCC in Evansville, Indiana. Proceeds support the climate justice ministries of the United Church of Christ. Order
Several weeks ago, Laurie, Desert Garden Administrative Assistant, took a call from Murray, a senior who said he heard our church collected bikes and gave them to individuals in need. He shared that he was homeless and had no other means of transportation. After visiting with him and letting him know we would have a bike for him, he shared that he was also a veteran, and was battling cancer. He had been staying somewhere in Scottsdale, but assured us that he could get to the church to pick up a bike. Last week he came to the church and picked out a bike from several we thought would work for him. He was so happy and grateful when he chose the bike, put on the helmet and proceeded to set up the combination on the bike lock. It was obvious this bike provided him with a sense of comfort, wellbeing and hope. He had all of his belongings in a fold up cart that he transferred to a back pack so he could ride the bike. He said he would come back to pick up the cart, but he hasn’t returned. The Cycles of Kindness Bike Program has received 228 bikes in the past year. We have provided bikes to four different elementary schools, several homeless shelters but also to homeless individuals who have been living on the streets. This is just another way Desert Garden UCC is working to bring hope to some of the most vulnerable persons in our community
On Sunday, June 22 the Church of the Beatitudes Arts Council invites you an opneing reception for artist Cynthia Dunn-Selph. Cynthia Dunn-Selph is a mixed media artist and photographer that has been a member of several galleries and art associations in Arizona and California, and is currently the President of the Arizona Artists Guild in Phoenix. She works in all mediums, with a focus on encaustic, which is pigmented beeswax. You can see more of her work on her website alldunnart.com or on Instagram @All Dunn Art. The reception will be after service in the church narthex. All are invited.
It's not too late to join Desert Palm UCC's Blessed Minds book group on Zoom! They'll be meeting Mondays at 7 pm (tonight is the next one). Rather than publish the Zoom link on our website, we’ll provide it upon request.
