MINISTRIES
GSUCC CARE TEAM
Promoting Collective Health, Care, and Love
The CARE team supports the congregation through the promotion of collective care and connection. While the group sends over 250 homemade cards annually— get well, thinking of you, condolences, and holiday cards for shut-ins, they also make visits or phone calls, host health wellness education events, and host support groups focusing on grief and caring for the caregivers.
Meets: Virtually on the 1st Monday of every month from 9am to 9:45am.
For more information, email the church office | thegoodshepherduccoffice@gmail.com
TIHAN (Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network_
Supporting those living with HIV to live well.
The Good Shepherd is one of 48 faith communities supporting TIHAN. Volunteers and supplies are provided yearly for POZ Café luncheons and other events. TIHAN promotes HIV awareness and supports those living with HIV.
Contact: Mission, Service & Justice — Susan Southwick | susanasouthwick@comcast.net
SCOUT TROOPS
Adventure, skills, and friendships for all youth.
The Good Shepherd proudly sponsors and supports three Scout Troops and a Cub Pack within the re-imagined Boy Scout organization, which is open to all genders, races, and backgrounds, regardless of physical ability. Every young person is welcome to join the scouting adventure waiting for them.
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Troop 247 (Girls, ages 11–18): Meets weekly to make new friends and develop skills
for adventures like camping, hiking, kayaking, cycling, and swimming. -
Troops 367 & 301 (Boys, ages 11–18): Join in similar activities, learning teamwork
while having fun and overcoming challenges.
• Cub Pack 300 (K–5th grade, boys & girls): Introduces games and activities that
build early skills to prepare them for moving up into the troops.
Contact: Dennis St. John | dennisrstjohn@gmail.com
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Small gatherings, big connections.
Monthly mini-potlucks (Jan–Apr) are held in homes to build community in a small, relaxed setting. Hosts provide the main dish and coordinate with guests who bring sides or dessert. Sign-up: On the bulletin board in the narthex.
Contacts: Mary Ferland | 520-398-7178
Flo Mayer | 406-459-2749
GREEN VALLEY-SAHUARITA SAMARITANS
Saving lives in the Arizona borderlands.
Focused on saving lives and easing suffering at the Arizona border since 2005.
We accomplish our mission through these six Main Activities:
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Water Drops
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Desert Searches
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Court Observation
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Supporting Shelters
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Teaching English (ESL)
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El Comedor (Dining Hall)
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All this would not be possible without a myriad of volunteers. Please join us.
Contacts: Laurie Jurs | 520-625-8808 | planetjurs@mac.com
Rev. Randy Mayer | bienshphrd@aol.com
CAFE JUSTO
Coffee that builds communities.
Fair Trade coffee sold by The Good Shepherd from
a Chiapas growers' co-op. Roasted in Agua Prieta,
profits help revitalize local communities, support shelters,
and promote education. Growers earn about 3x more
than in commercial operations.
All church sale proceeds go back to the cause.
Contact: Rick Irvin | 520-304-1816 | rmirvin46@gmail.com
Estate Sale Group
Helping families through life’s transitions.
Offers downsizing and relocation support through estate sales. Volunteers work mornings, Mon–Fri. Sales happen Thurs–Fri. Over $350,000 raised to support church and local charities.
Contact and Sales Info: 520-260-6101
Peace Patrol
Creating a safe and welcoming church environment.
Ensures safety and comfort at church functions. Formed after The Good Shepherd was identified as a potential soft target. Collaborates with law enforcement to improve security (e.g., cameras, fencing, de-escalation training).
Volunteers Welcome.
Contact: Joan Brubaker (Merrill) | 607-275-7029 | jbpilotess@aol.com
Amigos
Neighborhood fellowship, October through May.
Neighborhood-based social groups meeting Oct–May for potlucks, outings, and fellowship. Six active groups across Green Valley, Tubac, Amado, and Rio Rico. Designed to strengthen church family connections beyond services.
To join a group, contact: Judy Bischoff | jbischof@niu.edu
Groups include:
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Abrego Amigos
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East Desert Amigos
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La Posada Amigos
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Metro South Amigos
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Tubac/Amado/Rio Rico Amigos
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West Desert Amigos
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West Side Amigos
Rick and Pam Irvin continue to sell the last supplies of Café Justo. We may have to drink tea until the new crop is harvested later this fall. Much of Latin America is being affected by climate change which is threatening the crop and the livelihoods of many farmers.