Q&A with AGM Nominee: Ahead of the special meeting of General Synod 35 which will take place on May 9, this will be an opportunity to meet the nominee for the position of Associate General Minister, Love of Church, the Rev. Jennifer Sowell on Zoom, April 16, starting at 2:45 pm AZ / 3:45 pm NM & El Paso. Register here.
United Church of Sun City led the Sun City Sunrise Service at the Sun Bowl Amphitheater at 7:00 a.m. on Easter, just as they have since 2015 (except for 2020-21 when no service was held because of Covid). Once again, this year, Pastor Brady Abel preached, the Praise Team and Choir sang under the direction of Minister of Music Alan Paulson, and several volunteers from the church assisted. Communion was served. All the proceeds from the offering went to the Valley View Food Bank. Pictured: the choir singing and part of the crowd, estimated at 450 people, gathering prior to the start of service.
📷 Bob Allen, United Church member
The Church of the Palms LGBTQ+ Ministries has been busy! They participated at the Rainbows Festival in Phoenix on March 28 and in the No Kings March on the same day. Coming up, they'll hold their next Conversation Café and will welcome guests from a variety of local organizations as they explore joint possibilities for compassion and community support.
United Church of Sun City hosted a Community Maundy Thursday service with Church of the Palms, Desert Garden, First Christian (DOC) and First Presbyterian (USA).
Pictured: Rev. Bill Utke, Rev. Mark Makowski, Rev. Ann Utke, Rev. Brett Winters, Rev. Paul Whitlock, and Rev. Brady Abel.
First Congregational Albuquerque is thinking about trees!
Earth Day Celebration at Desert Palm:
On Sunday, April 26th, Desert Palm United Church of Christ will honor Earth Day with a special worship service dedicated to celebrating and caring for creation. This service will focus on our responsibilities as stewards of the planet and reflect on ways we can embrace eco-compassion within our faith community.
Following the service, attendees are invited to participate in a presentation and round table discussion. This session will explore practical ideas for utilizing the church's property more sustainably and discuss opportunities for members to engage in actions that contribute to making our world a better place. The conversation aims to inspire collective efforts and encourage everyone to play a meaningful role in environmental stewardship.
Marilyn and Jolynn of Black Mountain UCC delivered paper towels, toilet paper and hand moisturizer - 100 total items - to the East Valley Resource Center in Tempe this week. Holly greatly appreciates their generous giving.
