From the Good Shepherd UCC: Update on Margaret, She is Safe
Many remember Margaret Kofron, the young, energetic, women that worked with our kids and did some community engagement a year or so ago. Margaret has been in Beirut, Lebanon this last year working as a Global Ministry Intern---with our Global Ministry Partners organizations there. Over the last week there has been massive upheaval and bombing in Lebanon and the Middle East. This week Margaret got to the Beirut Airport, had to wait two days to evacuate, and eventually made it to Algeria and from there will be flying home to the United States in a day or so. Undoubtedly this has been a traumatic experience for her and the people she has been serving. We are thankful that she is safe, and pray for peace in the Middle East, and healing and hope for the people in those lands.
Harm Reduction Kit Event at Congregational Church of the Valley:
On February 22, 2026 we had our third Harm Reduction Kit assembly event in Hayden Hall following coffee hour. We continued our fellowship hour as we assembled 300 Foil Kits that can potentially reduce harm from ongoing drug use. In addition to members of our congregation, we were joined by out of town family and friends, as well as someone who had recently moved to Arizona. Thank you all for participating in this ongoing mission!
Is your church in need of more New Century Hymnals? Sun Lakes UCC has more than they need and would love to give them a new home. Call (480) 432-9821 to claim them!
This Lent, Shepherd of the Hills will once again offer Stations of the Cross as a weekly practice of prayer, reflection, and spiritual deepening.
This year, their Worship Committee is offering two complementary versions of the Stations:
The Voice of Christ, a more traditional and familiar form, and Awakening the Soul, a contemplative and psycho-spiritual adaptation that invites reflection on inner transformation, healing, and growth. Together, these offerings invite us to walk with Jesus through suffering, letting go, and renewal—honoring both ancient tradition and contemporary spiritual insight.
They gather each Lenten Friday at 6:00 PM for the Stations of the Cross. Following the service, all are invited to stay for a Lenten Soup Supper in the Fellowship Hall, offering time for simple food and shared community during the Lenten season, concluding on Good Friday.
The Church of the Palms is collecting refillable water bottles for students attending Children’s First Academy (a school for homeless kids near downtown Phoenix). The water is provided to kids as they ride the bus to and from school in the hot months of the year. The school has installed drinking fountains which have a spout to refill water bottles and hopefully reduce or eliminate the need for plastic water bottles, which are used once and discarded. Great way to help kids and save the environment!
