April 15, 2025

Following Jesus together,

Nourishing one another in the Living Water of the Spirit,

Blossoming boldly with God's abundant love, healing, and justice, and 

Transforming lives. 

To submit an article for Tidings, email Anne here by Mondays at 12:00 noon.

Good Friday: Zoom Link or Meeting ID: 676 585 677 and Passcode: 027607.

Sunday Livestream Link, then click on tab Livestream and Recorded Service.

 CrossWalk: Stones

As Jesus was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully

with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!"

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,

"Teacher, order your disciples to stop."

He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."

–Luke 19:37-41

In our Palm Sunday Gospel text, Jesus marches into the heart of Jerusalem to call people to a whole new way of living, to be part of the “Reign of God.” He knows the usual ways of military force, selfishness, oppression, and abuse and he is leading people into a new way. And some try to bully Jesus and his followers into silence. Jesus says that this kind of love, this kind of life will not be silenced. 

On his intentional march into Jerusalem, Jesus once again shows us the Crosswalk, the Way of true power, the Way that brings life. We usually want to walk on comfortable paths, continue in the familiar routine and ways in our world that coerce, pressure, and control, ways that we hope will secure our livelihood, support our nation, grow the economy, bolster civic pride, and push through our own agendas. We also sometimes want to silence the voices that cry for help, lament, and weep– the ones around us, such as Kilmar Ábrego García and the people of Lowndes County Alabama, and the voices within us. 

Jesus reminds us that as we attempt to silence the evidence of the chaos, then the stones will still cry out. The reality of the destructive nature of life in alienation does not disappear or vanish, no matter how many social media posts or the spin the media or politicians put on things. When our lives, the temple of our own bodies and minds, are separated from God, they get chaotic, hurtful, and do damage. Jesus shows us the way forward: to acknowledge the messes, the pain, the struggle, so they can be released. Yes, doing so is uncomfortable. But as we join Jesus in releasing the barriers, the stones that block life, the ways we have lived and moved that hurt us and others, this is part of how we how we make room in our minds, hearts, lives and bodies for God to be alive in us and at work. The old stones become a cornerstone of a new way, a new path. This is the path to Resurrection. Come and see!

Love,

Pastor Michael Bush



 Watch other messages online: click here.

Have You Missed Java and Justice?

            The Ministry of Justice Advocacy and Missions is pleased to announce the return of Java and Justice as a part of CAUCC’s Learning@Eleven offerings beginning Sunday, April 27th and continuing periodically at different points in the coming year. Guest speakers will underscore the ways CAUCC, as a congregation, or through its individual members and friends, help bring Christ’s message of love, hope, and healing to our community as well as ways to expand on that work. There will also be time to examine our commitment to inclusivity and support while helping us to better understand those who are often marginalized in our society. It will certainly be a time where we can discuss what it means “to do God better.” We hope you will join us!

Upcoming Learning @ Eleven on Sunday, April 27th

Second Chance Tucson (SCT): Successful Strategies for Community

Reintegration for Justice-System-Involved People

You are invited to Learning@Eleven on Sunday, April 27th to learn about the societal costs of mass incarceration, reentry challenges returning citizens face and why it is important to our entire community that returning justice-system involved citizens are successful. Our guest speakers from Second Chance Tucson (SCT) will be Charles Pyle, SCT Executive Director and Virginia Mireles who will share her story of re-entry after incarceration. Click here for more information on the speakers.

Each year, countless individuals face immense challenges as they transition back into society after incarceration. Second Chance Tucson (SCT) provides tools and resources to help returning citizens reconnect with their families, find employment, and become productive members of our community.

To ensure we have space that will comfortably accommodate everyone, or if you choose to attend via Zoom, please register on this link.

Spiritual Formation Group with Pastor Michael

Tuesdays at 11:00 am, Room 3

(in-person or online) Click here for more info

Centering Prayer with Pastor John

Tuesdays at 12:00 noon, Room 1, (in-person)

Pondering Class with Pastor John 

Wednesdays at 10:00 am, on Zoom

April 16: Faces of Christ:

A Look at Holy Week Through Art and Words

April 23: No Class



Centering Prayer with Pastor John

Wednesdays, 12:00 noon, on Zoom



Spiritual Formation Group with Pastor Michael

Thursdays, 6:30 pm, (on Zoom)

Resumes May 1st, Click here for more info. 

Easter Pot Luck Dinner

Dear Members and Friends of CAUCC,

You are invited to a "He Is Risen" celebration, pot luck afternoon dinner Easter Sunday, April 20th at Lori Powers’ home. Many of us may not have larger groups to spend Easter dinner with, so give me a call and join us. 

I will be providing most of the food, but you may bring a favorite bread, side or dessert if you would like to. I will provide beverages, but if you have a preferred drink, you are welcome to bring that, too.

I have enough room for 30 people, so please RSVP (“Yes” only) by Thursday, April 10th to 520-554-8701 and let me know how many are coming and if you are bringing a “side” dish.   

Please arrive between 3:30 and 4:00 pm. My address and directions: 455 E Windy Vista Pl 85704 (two streets North of Magee in historical Rancho Catalina).  

Sabbatical Season

The Sabbatical Kick Off (kick out?) is Sunday, May 18th with a church-wide potluck. See picture below. Click here to let us know what you are bringing.

Sabbatical FAQ

What is a sabbatical? A recurring cycle of absence from work for study, rest, or

travel.

Why is Michael taking a sabbatical? When CAUCC called Michael in 2019, it was with the agreement that he would take a three-month sabbatical leave after each five years of service. This is in line with United Church of Christ guidelines. The primary purpose of Michael’s sabbatical is for him to rest, renew, and reconnect with God and himself.

What will Michael do while he is in on Sabbatical? See this link from a recent article outlining the themes from the Lilly grant and highlights of the time apart.

How long will Michael be gone? The Sabbatical will include the months of June, July, and August. Michael will take one of his regular vacation weeks at the end of May, so his last Sunday with us is May 18 and last day at CAUCC is May 22 and he will return the first week of September.

May I email, message, text, or call him while he is away? The short answer is “no.” A condition of the Lilly grant is that Pastor Michael must be totally away from the work place (no phone calls, emails, text messages, etc.), as experts on clergy Sabbaticals have found that this will result in a better experience of physical rest and spiritual renewal for a pastor. In addition, Michael’s regular email address and church phone extension will be suspended until his return.

Who will preach, teach, and cover pastoral care while Michael is away?

Pastor John Angiulo has primary preaching responsibility during this time and has created space for a number of guest preaching spots during the summer. Pastor John Cheek has covenanted to provide interim Sabbatical pastoral care coordination, working with John Angiulo, Ida Heath (Parish nurse), and Casas Adobes Lay Ministry (CALM). Brigid Waszczak will provide a monthly Learning@11 opportunity during the summer, connecting with the Sabbatical theme of Awe: Transformation at the Borders. There will be some additional Sabbatical opportunities for engagement and learning – more info to come!

Is there a budget to support this staffing during the Sabbatical time? The Lilly endowment clergy renewal grant is fully funding all staffing needs as well as additional activities, including a planned November follow up weekend.

With whom should I speak if I have questions about this Sabbatical time? Michael Bush (through May 22nd), Pastor John Angiulo, Owen Clymer (Moderator), Jack Dean (Chair of Ministerial Relations Committee). 

Extra! Extra! Read All About Us!

Have you seen last year's CAUCC Annual Report?

If not, here it is in color...

(the pictures are really fun!).

Click here.

Click here for the rest of this article from UCC National website.

A form to Take Action through a message or phone call is available on that page. From your Justice Advocacy Group (JAG)

To better understand immigration terminology, check out the following websites:

1. Immigration Terminology

2. Immigration Glossary

from Compassion on the Border 

To Welcome the Stranger/Actually Our Neighbor

Compassion On the Border (CoB) is again working with Justice for All to gather petition signatures with the goal of placing an initiative on the 2026 ballot. Only Pima County registered voters may sign this petition and the right to vote on the initiative will only be for those registered in Pima County.

The purpose of the initiative is to give indigent Pima County residents facing detention or deportation access to a public defender. If approved by voters, the initiative would establish the Office of Immigration Representation which would protect due process and fundamental rights. The Office would be funded by sliding scale fees and public and private funding.

This is the fourth attempt to reach this goal, and you may have signed previous petition drives for this effort. This is a whole new drive so old signatures do not count, and your new one will be greatly appreciated.

The Petition Drive will be held on Sunday, April 27th during Coffee Hour.

A representative of Justice for All will be available to gather signatures and answer any questions as will members of CoB.

Come, Sign, Make History!!!  

Our Own

Jessica and Kyle DeGraff

Our friends, Jessica and Kyle are going to be the featured soloists during the second half of this concert, for the Christopher Tin composition. 

Jessica and Kyle will also be singing in the general choir for all the other music.

Wednesday, April 16

• 10:00 am Spiritual Life Group, Ponderings with Pastor John, Zoom Ponderings Link or Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704 
• 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Zoom Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
• 2:00 pm Worship Arts Team Zoom
• 6:00 pm Bell Choir Practice Bell Room
• 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary

Thursday, April 17 Maundy Thursday

• 7:30 am Hike and Contemplation w/Pastor Michael
• 8:30 am Men's Breakfast Beyond Bread on Ina
• 9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
• No Spiritual Formation Group, Resumes April 24
• 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service Outdoor on the Plaza (front of church)

Friday, April 18 Good Friday

• 10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
• 12:00 Good Friday Service Zoom Only Zoom Link or Meeting ID: 676 585 677 and Passcode: 027607

Saturday, April 19

• 9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6

Sunday, April 20 Easter Sunday

• 7:30 am Easter Early Service Outdoor on the Plaza (front of church)
• 9:30 am Worship Sanctuary Online Worship; click on the Livestream and Recorded Services box on that page. (click on the box after 9:25 am)
• 10:30 am Fellowship Time McNear Hall 7-10
• 11:00 am Family Funday Zoom: Funday Link or Meeting ID 781 414 384; Password 883239

Monday, April 21

• 2:30 pm MJAM Meeting Room 3 and Zoom
• 3:30 pm Campus Cleaning Entire Campus

Tuesday, April 22

• 11:00 am Spiritual Life Class w/Pastor Michael Room 3, Zoom Click here to sign up
• 11:00 am 12:00 noon Centering Prayer Room 1
• 1:30 Staff Meeting Office Closed 1/2 Hour
• 4:00 pm Gentle Yoga and Meditation Room 5/6

Wednesday, April 23

• No Spiritual Life Group, Ponderings with Pastor John Resumes April 30
• 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Zoom Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
• 2:00 pm Worship Arts Team Zoom
• 6:00 pm Bell Choir Practice Bell Room
• 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary

For intentional conversations, appointments work best.

The easiest way to contact anyone on staff is to

email them directly.

Pastor Michael: michael@caucc.org

Pastor John: john@caucc.org

Anne: anne@caucc.org

Jay: jay@caucc.org

Darryl: dalking@email.arizona.edu

Ida: imhgnp@msn.com

Member-at-Large, Amy Lincoln: mal.caucc@gmail.com

Scam Alert:

Always check the email address of messages received--

if the email is not from the ministers and office staff addresses above, SCAM!

Staff Meetings are once a month on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:30 pm and the office is closed during that time.

Council Meetings and Minutes

Council meetings are open to any member of the CAUCC community. Next meeting is May20th, 4:00 pm on Zoom. Approved February meeting minutes are available, click here. Email Anne Bailey for the upcoming meeting Zoom link.  

To support the ministry and mission of CAUCC, 

please donate online here: