Jottings 12/9/2024

A lighthearted take on Christmas preparations  

By Rev Dr Derrick Elliott, Desert Heritage, Sun Lakes UCC, and the SW Conference

‘Twas the month of Christmas, and all through the church,
We’ve been busy preparing, leaving no one in the lurch.
The candles are glowing, the wreaths hung with care,
As we welcome this season with hope in the air.

The choir is ready with songs full of cheer,
Proclaiming Christ’s birth for all who draw near.
The kids have practiced their nativity play,
Eager to share the first Christmas Day.

Our mission work grows with hearts full of love,
Reflecting the kindness of God above.
With gifts for the needy and food for the table,
We live out the story of God in the stable.

As we gather this season to worship and pray,
Let’s pause and reflect on that holy day.
May the light of Christ fill each heart and each home,
As we celebrate Emmanuel—God with us—our own.

After an encouraging win at the Planning & Zoning meeting two weeks ago,  Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) is now hearing that the Board of Supervisors may not vote on the Chandler affordable housing project--which would kill it. This project would provide 270+ units of affordable housing to low-income seniors and veterans. It is unconscionable that the city of Chandler would rather have another warehouse than housing for some of its most vulnerable residents.  Chandler leaders have been organizing support for this project for more than 18 months.   VIP is organizing a press conference at Chandler City Hall on Monday, Dec. 9th at 3pm.  Clergy: we especially need you to come, and in your collars/regalia.  
Address is:
175 S Arizona Ave
Chandler, AZ 85225
(The press conference will be in the courtyard between City Hall and the Council Chambers.  You may park on the south, east, or north side of the building -- just not on Arizona Avenue.). Please contact Judy Eighmey, Shepherd of the Hills, 602-394-5709, to verify that plans have not changed.

Something Special is arriving at Scottsdale UCC in December, called The Christmas Carol: A Queer Fantasia from December 12 - 21st! This is being presented by a new theater company called "All Queer Shakespeare", founded by Scottsdale member, Monica Sampson. More information is available through this link: All Queer Shakespeare. Please note that the show is rated PG-13 with the use of adult language and themes of Homophobia and death. 





The Mission Team at Black Mountain  UCC is sending a $500 check to the Foothills Food Bank so they can purchase holiday supplies. They will also include blankets for the Food Bank to add to gift baskets. And on December 17, they will serve lunch to JUSTA guests and also drop off jackets, warm clothes, and a supply of tied blankets and winter scarves.


The Open Table Connection @ Luther House UNM & CNM is hosting their annual 50/50 online raffle! What a fun way to donate to a good cause. You can scan the QR code or GO HERE to get tickets. The more tickets sold, the higher the prize!


Desert Garden has been invited to submit a video about their Cycles of Kindness bike program for the #SurpriseCelebratesMLK event hosted by the City of Surprise. This will be a part of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration and Service scheduled for January 18, 2025 at Willow Canyon High School.  #SurpriseCelebratesMLK wants to showcase how the community serves and inspires others to do what Martin Luther King, Jr. encouraged all to do when he said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Individuals, churches and non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit videos, art work, essays, or stories that demonstrate how they serve the community. You can view Desert Garden’s video on the church’s website at www.desertgardenucc.org. Click on the Worship button, then click on video events. 


First Church Phoenix is holding a storyteller’s Winter’s Light / Solstice service on December 21 at 7pm.

Additional Blue Christmas/Longest Night services will be offered at three of our churches.

  • Church of the Palms 12/21, 5 pm

  • Desert Palm, 12/21, 6pm

  • Encanto Community Church, 12/18, 7pm

  • Church of the Red Rocks, 12/23, 5pm


From Paul Whitlock at Church of the Palms.  A little Christmas humor:

What happened to the person who stole an advent calendar? They got 25 days.

This year, Starbucks is issuing a new cup size for Christmas. It's called the Adventi.

What do you call a Christmas wreath made out of $100 bills? Aretha Franklins.

What does Santa use to clean his suit for Christmas? YuleTide.

What did the bad soccer announcer get for Christmas? COOOOAAAALLLL!!!!

Why was E the only letter in the alphabet to get Christmas presents? Because the rest of the letters are not-E.

What do you call a person scared of Christmas? Claus - trophobic.

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