United Church of Sun City squared off against the Church of the Palms as congregants readily engaged in the fun competition and once the competition was over, the United Church of Sun City won the sought-after Silver Ladle. 

However, the real winner was the Valley View Food Bank, recipient of the soup that was raised. Between the two churches over 6,600 cans and packages of soup was donated!

Sundays at 4 p.m., March 10 through April 14 at Desert Palm UCC, 1230 E Guadalupe Road, Tempe

Desert Palm is offering a Lenten Series of five sessions related to becoming a WISE congregation (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged). These workshops will be designed to provide education, resources and personal stories about mental health and mental illness. Following the presentation, there will be a light supper and table discussions.

Sunday March 3, 6:33 p.m. at Beyond Autism School Assembly Hall, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix.

What is your first tattoo? For all those who love to ink, join in sharing stories of your first tattoo at this open mic event.

Rev. Mike Lonergan was installed as Pastor of Church of the Painted Hills UCC on Sunday, February 3.

Thanks to Kathleen Reeve for the photos!

Holly Herman compiles the Church Jottings from your church newsletters.

Friday, March 1 at First Church UCC Phoenix, 6:30 p.m.

First Church UCC Phoenix invites all conference youth for karaoke and other fun activities plus snacks galore!

Encanto Community Church celebrated their 75th anniversary on January 27! Check out the photos from their newsletter.

Rev. Derrick Elliott was installed as Pastor and Teacher of Desert Heritage Church UCC-DOC on Sunday, February 10.

The Goshen College Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra will be performing a program "All of Us: A Song of Gratitude" at 7:30 PM on Monday, February 25 in the First Congregational UCC Albuquerque sanctuary as a part of their 2019 Southwest tour. First Congregational is partnering with neighbors up the street, the Albuquerque Mennonite Church, to sponsor this performance.

Holly Herman compiles the Church Jottings from your church newsletters.

The position description for the Director of Youth Ministry that the Youth Task Force has put together is now available. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please pass the information along or let Michael-Ann know. Resumes can be sent to Michael-Ann@DesertPalmUCC.org.

Gordon Street will be entering into a 3-way covenant with First Church Phoenix UCC and the Southwest Conference on Friday, April 5, during the Conference’s Annual Meeting. Gordon has given this title to his ministry: A Ministry of Making Spiritual Connection.

Gordon shares a brief reflection as to how he perceives his roles, mission, and ministry among us.

Holly Herman compiles the Church Jottings from your church newsletters.

Two workshops presented by Rev. Martie McMane on Saturday, February 23, 2019

Scottsdale Congregational UCC, 4225 N Granite Reef Rd , Scottsdale AZ

Holly Herman compiles the Church Jottings from your church newsletters.

Jazz Coffeehouse Concert Series

Sunday, February 17, 6:00 p.m. in Nelson Hall at Church of the Beatitudes

Interpret jazz in a whole new way with the innovative sounds of the Brett Reed & Union 32 Quintet.

With Christians on the run in the Middle East, and Muslim fighters declaring war on the West and modernity, one Muslim scholar wants to talk about what we all have in common; Jesus. To mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week, Shepherd of the Hills and SEMA Foundation are proud to welcome Professor Zeki Saritoprak and extend a Straightforward Invitation to Dialogue and Islamic Art, Science and Culture in the Southwest.

February 22–24, 2019 at Church of the Palms, $25

This weekend retreat is coordinated by Church of the Palms' Lifelong Learning Board who has contracted with Sr. Sharon Zayac, OP for a weekend presentation.  Sr. Sharon’s ministry has focused on the new Cosmic Spirituality and Eco-Spirituality. She is recognized nationally and internationally as a teacher and preacher on this topic.

Program schedule: Friday, February 22, 6–8 pm with reception to follow and Saturday, February 23, 9 am–3:30 pm (lunch/breaks included).  Sunday morning Sr. Sharon will be speaking at Church of the Palms.

Tickets are $25; pre-registration is required as there is limited seating.