Rincon Banned Book Collection Updates:
May’s banned books explore the “dark side of history” with three new additions-
The classic anti-slavery book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was banned for its abolitionist themes, seen as a direct challenge to the institution of slavery. In Russia, it was banned as a threat to social order with it’s anti-slavery message.
The Boy in Striped Pajamas was banned for its oversimplification of the complex historical truths of the Holocaust. It has been criticized for trivializing the suffering experienced in the death camps.
The Radium Girls was banned for its content tof the severe health consequences suffered by the female factory workers exposed to radium, and themes of challenging to work place exploitation and the impact of industrial negligence.
A friendly reminder that our Banned Book collection has books for everyone. A temporary display of some of our “young reader” collection will be in Fellowship Hall during May. Books may be “signed out” and returned there. You’re never to young or too mature to read a banned book. Each book has a summary of why the book was banned on the inside front cover.
The Church of the Palms is celebrating Rev. Paul Whitlock’s 10th anniversary as their Senior Pastor with a gift that resonates—literally. Their sanctuary piano has served them faithfully, but to ensure their music remains as vibrant as our mission they'll honor this 10th anniversary by contributing to their Piano Replacement Fund. Their suggested donation is $88 for 88 keys, and their reserve account will match every donation, dollar for dollar.
Prophetic Witness Campaign: Media Training
Part I: Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 - 8:00 pm MST via Zoom
Part II: Tuesday, May 12, 6:00 - 8:00 pm MST via Zoom
Corazón AZ and Arizona Faith Network's Prophetic Witness Campaign demands a voice, not just a message. Join Corazón AZ, AFN, and Hey Joe Media for a two-part media training. During the two parts, we’ll learn how to turn advocacy into a clear, compelling media strategy.
Session One: We’ll learn how to understand the media landscape and how media outlets work; craft your core message through the development of media spine and talking points; and we’ll participate in mock interview observation and storytelling practice.
Session Two: We’ll have time to practice and receive real-time feedback that includes message refinement and learn audience-specific guidance. Finally, we’ll learn how to build trust with the media and know your legal/ethical boundaries.
While a commitment to Parts I & II are preferred, it is not required. To help with the costs of the training, you'll have the opportunity to make a donation when registering at this link: RSVP FOR ZOOM INFORMATION
Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center (at The Good Shepherd UCC) celebrates seven graduates from two welding cohorts in their SFB-CRC welding program—now with 16 total graduates—which offers nationally recognized NC3 certifications and continues to see strong demand, with more than 40 people on the waiting list. Community leaders, including Tom Murphy, praised the graduates and the program’s role in strengthening the local workforce. New 400-hour classes began in April, supported by scholarships and funding from partners such as Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Improving Congregational Singing: Best Practices
Guest: Brian Hehn, Director of SING! The Center for Congregational Song, an outreach of The Hymn Society
Host: Amanda Udis-Kessler, UCCMA Board Member for Education and DEI
Brian Hehn joins Amanda in a free-flowing conversation about how to cultivate good singing in your congregation. Brian will share resources along the way. Questions are always welcome.
Saturday, May 30 at 12 pm Eastern / 9 am Pacific