At St. Paul's UCC, the theme for the service on Sunday, August 23 is “Creature Teachers” and people will be welcomed to share with the group something they have learned from watching or being around animals. Spiritual lessons. Things like how to live in community, how to treat your family. How to make a home. How to show love and how to receive love. How to work together. How to use your voice to get what you want or need. How to be patient. Our young ones have gone back to school. But it is always the season to appreciate God's amazing world and all who live in it. When we take time to stop and notice and carefully observe, the creatures have a lot to teach us.

Scottsdale Congregational is getting ready for their Annual All-Church Labor Day Weekend Retreat at the beautiful Mingus Springs Camp near Prescott Valley. They enjoy cozy cabins, good food, inspiring fellowship, and the chance to recharge in nature. Everyone helps make the weekend a success, from meal teams, craft activities, Sunday worship, our famous Talentless Talent Show on Sunday night, to camp cleanup. Mingus is a special multi-generational experience that this congregation has enjoyed for more than 30 years!

This fall, Church of the Red Rocks will explore what it means to be a Just Peace church and learn all the pathways for a peaceful life and peaceful community. On Sunday, September 20 during worship they'll re-dedicate the Peace Pole that is in the front of the church. Earlier this summer, Holly Johnson called their Pastor Emeritus, George Ault, to ask him how and when the Peace Pole arrived and was installed. Read this interview!

The Southwest Conference joins in mourning the death of Millie Carlson, who passed away on August 14. Millie was a member of The Church of the Palms in Sun City, along with her husband, Rev. Dr. Bob Carlson, a retired UCC clergy. Bob served as Senior Pastor at United Church UCC in Sun City from 1988 to 2011. We hold Bob, their family, and their church community in our prayers during this time of loss.

PATHWAYS: The Art of Preaching - Course Begins September 9

Using two texts by Rev. Dr. Henry Mitchell and Rev. Dr. Martha Simmons, participants will go through the components of a sermon as they prepare to write two sermons. The components include: the behavioral purpose, lectionary preaching, genres, holistic encounters, sermon outlines, introductions, celebrations, and title. Apply now.

Upcoming B3 Performance at Shadow Rock UCC! Beginning August 21st, the B3 Theater group will perform "Perfect Arrangement" by Topher Payne here at Shadow Rock! We are excited to have them back. Tickets are now available for purchase! Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the gay rights movement, Perfect Arrangement merges mad-cap sit-com style laughs with provocative drama as two closeted U.S. State Department employees struggle to maintain their cover -- and their sanity -- in 1950's America.

Church of the Good Shepherd's Racial Justice Process Task Force invites the congregation to a three-year reading challenge. They've gathered a small library containing many of the books on the challenge to borrow rather than buy the book. Here is the Year 1 Bingo Card below to keep track of progress.

Black Mountain UCC is planning a Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 3 during their 10:00 am worship. Each animal will receive a personal blessing, treat, and photo opp.