The Chrismon Tree was introduced by Church of the Red Rocks members who had seen these trees in other churches The Women's Fellowship made the special ornaments ... all in white and gold ... that were introduced to the congregation in the Advent Season of 1971. The original ornaments have been refurbished several times and continue to bless the sanctuary tree. They are "Christian Monograms," or Chrismons, with the Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit taking the top and center spots and with symbols of the various seasons of the church year circling below: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost.
Church of Beatitudes finished off their last two outreach programs, presenting Shoebox Ministry with 426 pairs of warm socks plus a couple of T-shirts and a couple pairs of warm gloves. These will all be given out to the folks that are experiencing homelessness at this time of the year.
Church of Beatitudes also sponsored three families from Maryland School. The seven children all received a new pair of shoes, a new pair of pants, and a shirt; in addition, we were able to satisfy their Christmas wish lists. Each parental unit also received a $100 gift card from Walmart. It will be a very merry Christmas for these children and their families.
For many years, Rincon UCC has made and delivered sandwiches to Casa Maria for their guests in need. Each month on a Saturday morning, RUCC members and friends lovingly make 1000 sandwiches! That’s 1000 sandwiches! That’s a lot of food, energy, and money. But folks are also fed by the fellowship of those gathered as they scoop peanut butter, put turkey ham and cheese together, and bag sandwiches.
First Church Phoenix pastor Rev. Susan Valiquette, will embark on her three-month sabbatical of renewal during January, February and March of 2025. First Church received a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to cover the major expenses of Pastor Susan’s sabbatical. The Endowment “allows Christian congregations to support their pastors with the gift of extended time away from their ministerial duties and responsibilities.” The program encourages families to participate, and Pastor Susan’s three adult children, Lindinhlanhla, Micah and Maddie, who are each ready to launch their own life journeys, will accompany Susan on parts of her travels to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In March, Susan will spend time with family in Ohio and drive to Washington, D.C. before traveling to Spain and Portugal with her fiancé.
The Missions & Justice team at Scottsdale UCC delivered jackets, sweaters and other warm clothing to Jews for Justice. Right away Mike, their staff member in charge of homeless outreach, loaded everything on the “Let’s Be Better Humans” bus. That afternoon he took the items for distribution to people living on sidewalks or in parks, along with hot food. Missions & Justice is happy to work with ecumenical partners who have the desire and the ability to serve our neighbors in need and will continue to collect winter wear.
The Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center, a partner with The Good Shepherd UCC, enrolled 640 youngsters for the 2024-2025 school year Backpacks program. Recognized as essential by funders and school staff, BackPacks provides each eligible student with a plastic bag of kid-friendly non-perishable food for the weekend that counselors put into their back packs on Fridays. Students get juice boxes, milk, pasta, pudding, canned fruit, granola bars, and other snack food. Counselors and teachers keep an eye out for students who come to school hungry but the family may not have signed them up. Hunger obviously hampers their ability to learn. The Town of Sahuarita and the Marshall Foundation, along with many individuals, donate to this program, and volunteers deliver to 10 local schools.
Our country is facing one of the most divided times in its history, marked by deepening polarization and tension across communities. At this critical moment, the Arizona Faith Network is honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, a world-renowned theologian and peacemaker from Belfast, who has dedicated his life to the work of reconciliation. Through examining his transformative work in Northern Ireland during the "Troubles" and his global efforts in peacebuilding, we will gain valuable insights into a model for reconciliation that can be applied here at home. Rev. Dr. Mason will share powerful lessons learned from navigating conflict, fostering understanding, and rebuilding unity in some of the most divided contexts. His work offers a compelling vision for what can be done in our communities today to heal divisions and promote peace. REGISTER HERE
From Ann Utke, Interim Minister, Scottsdale Congregational UCC:
A Deacon serving with the Arizona Marshallese Ministry congregation (which meets on the SCUCC campus) is seeking employment as a church custodian. Interested persons can contact Dennis directly 602-904-3472 or at arento1007@gmail.com.
One of our SWC church members who often connects with persons in need has become aware of a young adult who has been part of the foster system who is currently seeking housing. The individual is 19 years old and is located in the South Mountain area, but may be able to travel, depending on the situation. If you or someone you know is able to offer this kind of supportive help, please contact Katelyn at ktellez@evit.com.