Last week Ginny and Jennifer from Foster Your Future, an organization that helps former foster youth, spoke to Congregational Church of the Valley and then met with their council to focus resources on what their immediate need is, which was identified as the need for cooking classes. CCOV will be teaching four young adults at a time in their Hayden Hall Kitchen, supplying all food and materials so each young adult will learn four easy recipes and leave with a week of food. The classes will be as basic as how to cut an onion or how to use kitchen measuring cups and spoons. This is a critical life skill the church can help with through two fundraisers and volunteers.
Shadow Rock is excited about their Theology Weekend coming up in November at Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson. explore and delve deeper into Shadow Rock’s unique theological history and identity. The event shares some foundational theological ideas and helps participants discern their relationship to such ideas. We hope that the event raises questions about participants' spiritual journeys and helps them find companions for their journeys. The event brings the symbols of the Cross and the Wedgeblade together, encouraging the question, “How can we be in the right relationship with history?” The event will utilize presentations, small-group and large-group discussions, individual meditation time, music, art, and videos to facilitate the process of discovery.
Join UCC Musicians Association Board member Dr. Amanda Udis-Kessler for an introduction to her free-use sacred music and the DEI side of her Board role. In this session, Amanda will introduce her music website queersacredmusic.com with a special focus on new texts written to traditional tunes. She'll also introduce the UCCMA DEI statement and its importance in our current social and political context. Finally, Amanda will draw some connections between DEI, prophetic justice, and the importance and power of inclusive liturgy, drawing from her workshop at UCCMA Conference 2024 and pointing forward to a future Saturday Sharing session about how church musicians might think about inclusive liturgy. There will be time for a Q&A. Registration and more information here.
Premier of "Samaritans"--- Saturday September 27th, 7:00pm at The Good Shepherd in Sahuarita. Documentary film maker David Damian Figueroa has spent the last few years working on this film."Samaritans" examines a seldom-explored aspect of extreme volunteering and migration, specifically focusing on Nogales and Sasabe, as well as a 23-mile stretch of one of the deadliest land crossings in the world: the US-Mexico border in Southern Arizona. In the shadow of remarkable human struggle, “Samaritans” weaves a poignant narrative of hope and humanity along the US-Mexico border in Southern Arizona. The film highlights the importance of extreme volunteering and the compassion shown by those providing life-saving aid to migrants facing harsh realities and often deadly challenges in the Sonoran Desert. If you would like to attend, YOU MUST RSVP to daviddamianf@gmail.com
Donations accepted at the door, but not mandatory. Please note: If the 7:00 pm screening reaches capacity, an overflow matinee screening on the same day may be considered. (Yes, that’s Rev. Dr. Randy Mayer in the film too!)
Church of the Good Shepherd and First Congregational in Albuquerque participated in "We Walk With Shawn" this past weekend. Learn more about Shawn Domgoole and his ministry at wewalkwithshawn.org.
On September 22, Church of the Red Rocks launches a new faith-based dialogue program that facilitates respectful conversations about Christianity and politics. "Moral Mondays Coffee and Conversation" happens on campus in-person and online and uses resources from the Moral Monday/Repairers of the Breach organization. All perspectives are welcome, and no prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and willingness to listen and share.
Pathways to Peace: Interfaith Reflections on the International Day of Peace
Thursday, September 25, 6:00 am MST via Zoom
This special URI (United Religions Initiative) Community Call honors the International Day of Peace, inviting participants from diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds to reflect on collective efforts toward building peaceful and inclusive communities. The session will explore how interfaith collaboration addresses global challenges such as violence, division, and inequality, emphasizing shared values of compassion, justice, and harmony. Through stories of resilience and creative dialogue, participants will celebrate the power of unity and explore practical ways to foster peace in their communities and beyond. Register here.