Private profit driven prison contractors are inherently incentivized to maximize profits while minimizing costs. These contractors' primary duty is to their shareholders rather than to New Mexicans. New Mexico relies more heavily on private prisons than any other state in the US and ranks high on the number of people incarcerated per capita. It is time for this to change.

Ten local dignitaries turned golden shovels on a sunny afternoon February 11, marking the first step toward completion of SFB-CRC’s new building. Board President Penny Pestle and Executive Director Carlos Valles directed them to seats centered on the property south of The Good Shepherd UCC where the 14,300 sq. ft. facility should be ready in less than a year.

“We are hopeful that homeless families with children in Sedona will not have to spend another winter in the cold in their tents or cars. Instead, they will be able to move into Hope House if they choose.”

We need to pass meaningful COVID relief, not just to address the immediate impacts of the pandemic and economic crisis but also to build people and communities back up. Congress needs to act now.

Wednesday, March 17, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Join us on the sofa to learn about diverse faith practices and enter into dialogue together. Despite the limitations of physical distancing, a new reality of our interconnectedness through technology has blossomed. We realize that our work doesn’t need to end; rather, it needs to evolve. Sofa Spirituality allows people of faith and hope, curiosity and interest, to learn about each other while being in dialogue with each other. The intimate style of Sofa Spirituality affords each one of us to have a seat on the sofa and a voice in the conversation. Join us from your own sofa to learn about Passover practice from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Rabbi of Congregation Kehilliah and Vice President of Arizona Faith Network.

The latest news from the Council on Climate Justice, the national UCC group working to curb the impact of Climate change.

As Tucson area clergy committed to love, inclusion, and justice, we unite to condemn the racist vandalism that occurred at the Sonoran Science Academy on February 1. We are angry and sad, though not surprised, to see this sort of hateful action that does violence to our hearts and minds taking place in our community where diversity is celebrated and many have intentionally worked to know and appreciate neighbors from different backgrounds, orientations, religions, and races.

Webinar on March 3 at 3pm ET

Representatives from the Moravian Church in Nicaragua, Christian Mission Church of Nicaragua, Evangelical and Reformed Church in Honduras, and Christian Commission for Development in Honduras will share about their work responding to the two category four hurricanes, Eta and Iota. In November of 2020, they caused massive damage and flooding across Nicaragua and Honduras.

Thanks to Rev. Tom Martinez, our Conference Liaison on the UCC’s Council for Climate Justice, for the update.

The UCC's Council for Climate Justice is provides timely information and educational resources for everyone interested in taking action on behalf of God's creation.

from Taos UCC newsletter

This is a simple spit-in-a-vial test, and your results are sent to you by email. Click here to order a test.

Please be sure you are signed up on the NM vaccine registry. Then update your registration to include past and present conditions or illnesses.

Health care professionals are now saying that it is important to upgrade your mask from a single mask to a double mask. KN-95 masks are also available online or in some stores. Look for those FDA approved.

submitted by Rev. Tom Martinez

The UCC Council for Climate Justice organized a February 3, 2021 webinar featuring some national ecojustice leaders who each presented ways for individuals and groups to get involved.

Sunday, February 21, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

If you are a 14–22-year-old Arizona youth or young adult interested in the intersectionality of interfaith dialogue and social justice, join us for an informal conversation. Together we will learn more about diverse faiths, our communities, and one another! All youth and young adults active in their faith communities are welcome for this conversation.

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

AFN Social Justice Commission

Thursday, February 4, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

All are welcome to join this group! We hear monthly from key community leaders. This meeting we will hear a lesson on Ranked Choice Voting.

The speakers will include Dr. Robin Veldman who has authored "The Gospel of Climate Skepticism: Why Evangelical Christians Oppose Action on Climate Change" along with the Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap from the Evangelical Environmental Network and Emily Robertson from Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

Theme: One Planet. One Future. Climate Justice Now!
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Program: All sessions via Zoom or other online program

Join hundreds of advocates from throughout Arizona in meeting with state legislators to promote environmental protection and justice, climate action, lands and wildlife conservation, flowing rivers, democracy, and more, as well as to lobby on specific bills. After an opening plenary participants will meet with legislators as part of a team. Training & background information will be provided.