GOOD NEWS
From Pastor Randy
Greetings,
Church should be a place where the Spirit is alive, and you never really know what is going to happen. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun last Sunday in worship. There was a little bit of everything from the Environmental Justice Team giving an update on their good work; to a pan pipe player from Colombia opening our worship with a song about Pacha Mama (Mother Earth); to the Abya Yala Dancers coming from Magdalena, Mexico with their bright colors and joyous energy; to showing a few slides from our recent trip to Mazatlán. Isn't it great that you can't miss church because you don't want to miss out on the Spirit swinging and shaking the church to life.
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With you on the Journey, Randy
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UCC Southwest Conference this weekend: Randy, ellie, Doug, and Noel Andersen will be headed to Phoenix for the Southwest Conference Annual Meeting. It is always great to be together with our sister UCC churches in the area.
We are sad to report the death of Betty Levato in the last few days. Keep her family in prayer. We will let you know if there are any plans for a service.
Troop 247 Fundraiser
Troop 247 is holding a fundraiser tonight, April 25, at our local Mod Pizza! Please click here to see the flyer that you present upon payment or for the code to use in online ordering.
Training Opportunity
We are partnering with Duet AZ to provide training for a Dementia Caregiver Support Program through their Meaning & Hope Institute (https://meaningandhope.org/). If you are interested in becoming a facilitator, please email Rev. ellie at revelliegsucc@gmail.com) to register for a virtual training that will be held on Friday, May 10, from 9:30am to 2:00pm (Arizona time).
We Need Your Cords and Cables
This is an ongoing project to recycle copper. Drop them off in the boxes in the Narthex. Even better bring a box full of cords and cables.
Ignore Strange Communications from “Pastors”
Ongoing awareness is needed to avoid scams. Pastors and churches all across the country are experiencing being misrepresented in texts, emails, and calls. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to track down and stop these criminals. Please notify Randy, or the Church, if you receive one of these messages. Please also report them as spam to your email or phone provider. And, by all means, never go out and buy gift cards and send codes by text or over e-mail. Pastors will never ask for funds through emails or texts.
The church office hours are 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Sign-up to Be a Sunday "Helper"
In the “olden days” we had a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex for those “helpers” who were willing to serve as Worship Leader or Usher for Sunday worship services. We will return to that system beginning in May, and the signup sheet is already posted! If you enjoy reading scripture or ushering, please sign your name to our list. And we thank you for your willingness to be a special part of our Sunday morning!
Join ellie every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:45 pm as we dive into A.J. Jacob's The Year of Living Biblically. This book study begins (DATE CHANGE) April 30 and goes to July 9 (minus May 21). It will be offered virtually here. You can purchase a copy of the book at Barnes & Noble, or you can get a copy from your local library.
About the book: From the New York Times bestselling author of The Know-It-All comes a fascinating and timely exploration of religion and the Bible. A.J. Jacobs chronicles his hilarious and thoughtful year spent obeying―as literally as possible―the tenets of the Bible. The resulting spiritual journey is at once funny and profound, reverent and irreverent, personal and universal and will make you see history’s most influential book with new eyes. Please contact ellie if you have any questions.
Upcoming Book Study with Rev. ellie
Online Church Directory:
How to Access and Use
You are invited to learn how to use our new online church directory on Sunday, April 28, right after worship, at 11:00 am.
We’ll cover how to:
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Log in for the first time, both on your laptop or desktop computer, and/or using the Instant Church Directory app on your phone or tablet
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Install the app
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Navigate the directory
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Use the directory to find a phone number and make your call directly from the app!
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Make corrections/additions to your directory record
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Upload your own photo
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Get a printed copy
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Get help
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Know the directory data is secure
This hands-on clinic will focus on how useful the online church directory is. Bring your phone or tablet. Helpers will be available and there will be lots of time for questions! See you there.