Movies for the Soul: Two Spirits—Desert Garden UCC invites the community to a free screening of Two Spirits: Sexuality, Gender, and the Murder of Fred Martinez on November 16 at 2:00 p.m. The acclaimed documentary explores the life of Fred Martinez, a Navajo teen who embraced both masculine and feminine expressions, while examining the cultural significance of Two-Spirit identities in Indigenous communities. Following the screening, director and producer Lydia Nibley will share insights from the making of the film and discuss its continuing impact, with a Q&A session to follow. All are welcome to attend this meaningful and thought-provoking event.
Southwest Conference Associate Minister Rev. Dr. Gloria Smith attended the Our Vote Is Sacred Bus Tour event on October 27 hosted at First Church UCC Phoenix.
For November, NourishPHX partners with Shepherd of the Hills UCC to help make Christmas brighter for local children and families. This year, the congregation is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 1-14, with a goal of contributing 100 toys to the charity's annual holiday program. Donations will help stock NourishPHX's "Santa's Workshop," where families can select gifts in a festive and dignified setting. Contributions will be accepted through December 4.
Was your church a polling site? A note from Rev. Dr. Randy Mayer: On Tuesday, the Good Shepherd UCC was a polling site for the recent election. There was constant activity throughout the day as people came to cast their votes. A special feature this year was a steady group of Election Protectors wearing their bright yellow T-shirts, stationed in the parking lot, 75 feet from the entrance to the Redman Room. They welcomed folks as they arrived to vote and helped keep a joyful spirit alive throughout the day. At 4:00 p.m., John Snavely and his newly formed rock band set up in the parking lot and began playing, filling the afternoon and evening with music as people waited in line to cast their ballots. It was quite a scene—people coming and going, neighbors greeting neighbors, and the sounds of Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World filling the air.
Regardless of how people voted, there was something wonderful about seeing democracy come alive right here at the Good Shepherd. At a time when our country seems so deeply divided, it was a reminder that democracy is about more than elections and political parties. It is about people showing up, participating, and taking responsibility for the communities we share.
It also reminds us that Democracy doesn’t begin or end at the ballot box. It depends on what we do now together between elections.
Church of the Red Rocks held a get-acquainted "social" via Zoom after worship yesterday for their audience that livestreams Sunday services on Facebook and YouTube from all over the country.
Tell your church’s music person about this:
The Most Musical Time of the Year? Navigating the Winter Holiday Music: A Conversation with Amanda Udis-Kessler.
November 18 at 1:30 pm MST
Fee Fi Fo Fum or Fa La La La La? Programming, overseeing, and creating beautiful and meaningful music for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany involves a lot of hard work but can bring deep joy amidst the labor. Join United Church of Christ Musicians Association members for an open conversation about strategies, challenges, and blessings of programming the music of the season. UCCMA Board Member (Director of DEI and Member Education) Amanda Udis-Kessler will facilitate the conversation. Bring your wisdom, struggles, and questions. Register HERE.
PATHWAYS: Theology of Gender and Sexuality Begins January 6, 2026
Sexuality in Christianity has often been a source of shame, exclusion, violence, and oppression. Theologians and ethicists have also offered liberative, celebratory, and nourishing theologies of sexuality. This course explores a wide range of theological dimensions of and approaches to human sexuality, including gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sexual activity, sexual health and well-being, reproductive justice, family systems and arrangements, and systems, including ecclesial systems, that assign meaning, power, and hierarchies to different aspects of sexuality. Students will engage multiple perspectives and stories and develop their own theology of sexuality.
Go to the PATHWAYS website to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.
As we focus on giving thanks in the coming month, Blessed Tomorrow invites you to watch the 15-minute film, "To Tend and To Keep." Hear powerful voices representing many faith traditions as they explore how our spiritual traditions call us to care for creation and each other. The film is part of a series, and each film is paired with a discussion guide as well as a sermon & worship kit. Access the full series for free today!
