Dear Pollinators,

To a cynic, Earth Day can be the equivalent of a revival Sunday on which everyone catches religion for a day only to return to their previous ways come Monday morning. Rather than being a day of short-lived enthusiasm, however, Earth Day can also be a launching pad for sustained commitments. For some congregations, that might mean forming a Green Team to strategize for future programs. For others, it might mean developing a plan for becoming a Creation Justice Church. For still others, it might mean plugging into a sustained advocacy program such as one recently launched by Interfaith Power & Light. Whatever the case may be, here are four ideas for activities your church can do near Earth Day to lay the foundations for further action:

Tuesday, April 20, 6:00 p.m.

OCA's fundamental belief is that change can only be enacted through an education process that is community centered and promotes de-escalation, compassion and restoration. This 1.5 hour long training will address the history and current events of AAPI hate, discuss foundational concepts, and teach bystander/ community intervention strategies. Join us in our fight to stop AAPI hate for good.

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

There is no way for us to reconcile our biblical responsibilities to one another with disenfranchising our brethren in the nation’s capitol.

Rev. Dr. William Lyons and Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz write in Arizona Mirror about #AZForDCStatehood: "Our U.S. senators, Senator Sinema and Senator Mark Kelly, should draw on the biblical teachings of mutual respect & protecting the freedoms of all members of the community."

Read "Granting D.C. statehood would honor freedom during this holy season."

To date they have contributed over $100,000 toward Eviction Prevention in unrestricted dollars and continue to be partners in supporting the program to the best of their ability.

April 3, 2021, 10:00am -12:00pm

Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix

Collecting:

• Non-perishable food items

• Clean usable clothing

• Monetary donations

This is a drive-thru event; items will be removed from your trunk by volunteers.

Questions? Leave a message at the church office, 602-264-1222.

The UCC Mental Health Network Board of Directors adds its voice to those speaking out against the acts of violence and dehumanization targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Our hearts are broken as we grieve with this community and all who mourn the deaths of those killed March 16.

As a Just Peace Church, the United Church of Christ has long advocated for diplomatic and peaceful engagement with Iran, and for the cessation of the “testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons.” We have spoken out on multiple occasions in opposition to inflammatory rhetoric and direct provocation that could ultimately lead to war. And the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) adopted a resolution at its 2015 General Assembly in support of the JCPOA.

We must take advantage of the opportunity before us and urge our representatives stand for peace and diplomacy now.

Thursday, March 25th 6:30pm MST

The American Resilience Project has produced a film, Current Revolution: Nation in Transition that explores the just transition from dirty coal to clean energy. The film focuses on the closure of the Navajo Generating Station, the West’s largest coal-fired power plant, and the Navajo Nation’s efforts to deal with its impacts and to embrace renewable energy.

The United Church of Christ General Synod has long advocated for the civil rights of LGBTQ people, grounded in the recognition of the God-given worth and dignity of every individual. We are called by biblical mandate to respect the full humanity of each person and to resist practices which deny individuals their full humanity. Support for the Equality Act is consistent with our longstanding faith calling to fairness and justice.

All of us are diminished when individuals are prevented from contributing the full measure of their talent and ability to society. Stand for fairness and urge your members of Congress to support the Equality Act.

Historically, the United States has released more global warming pollution than any other country, and it remains the world's second highest emitter. With its immense wealth and power, what are the moral obligations of the U.S. in confronting the climate crisis? In short, what's fair?

Faith leaders and immigrants from WV, FL, SC, TX, and AZ debriefed the House's immigration actions this week, reflected on the movement to secure citizenship for all, and called on the Senate to finally pass a path to citizenship for aspiring Americans. Conference Minister Rev. Bill Lyons spoke.

Please see the appeal from Beth Strano from the Phoenix Welcome Center. She is seeking help in expanding capacity to host Asylum Seekers immediately. If churches would like their monetary contributions counted in their giving statement they can send funds to the SWC marked WELCOME CENTER.

Click here to see information about the Hope House of Sedona, and their new Homestretch Campaign!