Celebrating 5,000 Showers of Dignity:
The Church of the Palms joyfully celebrates Max Klinkenborg for his faithful leadership of their Shower Trailer Ministry, which has now provided 5,000 showers to neighbors in need throughout our community. Through Max’s steady guidance and the dedication of many volunteers, thousands of individuals have experienced care, dignity, and welcome—one warm shower at a time. We give thanks for this remarkable milestone and for the compassion that continues to flow through this ministry.
"From the Stacks" at Rincon Congregational:
Every banned book reflects the courage of the author to examine and question our human experiences, the willingness of the reader to think for themselves in choosing what to read and the power of the written word to not be erased. Nothing can silence the power of an idea.
This month we are opening our banned book collection for you to explore books for all ages from preschoolers to seasoned adults, themes that reflect the resiliency of life in all its forms and stages, and explore the tenderness and love as well the horror and destruction that humans are capable of creating.
You will discover the reason each of our books was banned or censored by reading a description pasted to the inside front cover.
Harm Reduction Kit Event at Congregational Church of the Valley: On April 12 after fellowship hour, participants will assemble 300 life-saving harm reduction kits for people who use drugs. This is an ongoing mission that will continue during their summer schedule.
From Desert Palm's new Immigration Newsletter:
Lovers Of Immigrants!
QUIPS AND QUESTIONS
Jesus was a refugee. (Do you know when?)
We are all immigrants. (What about native Americans?)
Native Americans know what it is like to have foreigners invade their territory and not learn their native languages!
Practice welcoming the stranger... when there's no need for stranger danger
Treat foreigners fairly (from all countries?)
Love your neighbor (Does that include Mexico?)
If you've got two coats, give one away (to immigrants who have nothing?)
I want for you whatever you want for immigrants. (Is this Christian?)
Let's trade racists for refugees. (But aren't we all racist to some extent?)
Immigrants are human and are subject to ALL human rights.
Let's not make "illegal" their (immigrants) only option. (Have we created the problem by not offering better access to the US?)
A Message of Love and Belonging from The Church of the Palms' LGBTQ+ group leader, Georgia Feiste:
We are heartbroken by this week’s Supreme Court ruling regarding conversion therapy. We know that for many in our community, this news isn't just a headline—it is a heavy weight that carries a profound sense of pain and exhaustion.
To those of you who carry the scars of this practice: Please know that your experiences are seen, and your wounds are honored here. If this ruling has left you feeling unmoored or has stirred up old trauma within your soul, we want to hold space for you. You are deeply loved, you are divinely made, and you belong here—wholly and exactly as you are.
Our calling as a church is to be a living celebration of love in all its beautiful forms. We strive to be more than just a building; we are a sanctuary for those in the LGBTQIA+ community who have been harmed by religious spaces in the past. Now, more than ever, we are committed to creating safe, gentle spaces throughout the week where your stories are heard and your worth is affirmed. When we say "all people," we intend for our actions to give those words breath and truth.
You do not have to carry this alone. If you are hurting, we offer you our time, our ears, and our deepest care. Please reach out to our Pastors or connect with the LGBTQ+ Ministry Team. Whether you prefer to text, call the church office, or email us at lgbtqplusteam@thepalms.org, we are here to walk alongside you.
For the rest of our church family, this is our moment to love louder. Let us continue to build a community where belonging is a promise and acceptance is our foundation. May we be a place where everyone can breathe easily, knowing they are safe and cherished.
Earth Month Resource
The UCC has partnered with Creation Justice Ministries on a resource that churches can use for Earth Month. It is entitled "The Canopy of Creation: Trees, Faith, and the Work of Justice." A webinar on the resource can be found here. The resource invites us to consider how the historical legacy of racial segregation relates to a host of environmental injustices connected to the tree canopies of neighborhoods. The resource contains both educational and liturgical aides.
A Conversation with John Fugelsang: Faith, Democracy and the Separation of Church and State
Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 pm AZ / 5:00 pm NM & El Paso
via Zoom
Join us for a timely national webinar with author and commentator John Fugelsang (Separation of Church and Hate), as we explore the rise of Christian nationalism and its impact on religious freedom and American democracy. With humor, historical insight, and a deep understanding of both scripture and the Constitution, Fugelsang offers a clear and engaging perspective on one of the most urgent issues of our time. Rev. ellie hutchison, Southern Arizona Community Organizer for AFN, will serve as one the moderators for this event. REGISTRATION
UCC to host discussion of ‘The Global Rise of Religious Nationalism’ in hybrid event
Leaders of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Rev. Philip Peacock and GMP Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, will discuss impacts and response to Religious and Christian Nationalism in this hybrid event.