ROCK THE WEEK
September 23, 2020
Can You Dig It?
Yes, they can! Our thanks to those who attended last Saturday's impromptu "Digging Party," including members of our Facilities Team and volunteers from Boy Scout Troop #426. We've discovered a substantial water leak near the front gate and we're working on getting it repaired. In the meantime, water to the church campus has been shut off so please contact Shadow Rock staff if you need to be on campus for any reason.
This Week Online
Wednesday (9/23): Connections Count on Zoom at 7:00 p.m.
A combination of celebrations and prayer requests, plus a chance to connect with our Shadow Rock family. Click here at 7:00 to participate.

Thursday (9/24): Spirituality Thursday on our Facebook page
A weekly video highlighting a different spiritual practice or concept. This week, we continue to explore the Psalms.

Friday (9/25): Yoga Nidra on Facebook at 10:00 a.m.
Yoga Nidra will be on Facebook Live this week at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to participate.

Monday (9/28): Small Group Ministry on Zoom at 6:55 p.m.
New sessions have started and it's not too late to join! This coming Monday, September 28 at 6:55 pm is our first week with the book "how it always is" by Laurie Frankel. Email Karen to get the Zoom link for this program. 

Sunday, September 27
Virtual Worship is delivered to your inbox first thing in the morning. Is there life after death? Some say "yes" and some say "no". This has always been true. Jesus is confronted with a life after death question and he replies. Tune in this Sunday at 11:00 a.m., but let me warn you, it is not the answer you think it will be. Spiritual answers to confrontational questions are like this. See you Sunday. This discussion will include a message via Zoom at 11, breakout groups and then regather as a large group to summarize our discussion. We hope you will add to the experience of becoming and belonging by participating.

Faith Formation is at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. You'll find the link in Sunday's worship email. During September, we've explored and discussed many aspects of our shared symbolic life together. In this last Sunday of September, we'll share our favorite scripture passages and stories, favorite liturgy experiences, and favorite worship songs and hymns. In October, look for these favorites incorporated into Sunday mornings!
More to Explore
Our Southwest Conference Virtual Annual Meeting is coming up the first weekend in October. As part of this special event, everyone is invited to participate in an online All-Conference Worship service on Sunday, October 4th! Details on when and how to watch will be available soon, so circle the date on your calendar and plan to join with other UCC members across the Southwest for this special event. Learn more about this year's Annual Meeting at the Conference's website.
On Sunday, October 4th, we will take up one of the UCC's special offerings - Neighbors In Need. This money supports works of justice and compassion through the United States. You can learn more about it here. Look for instructions in your Virtual Worship email on October 4th to learn how to participate in this offering.
Focus On....
Each week we'll be spotlighting an organization or site that's worth looking into. If you would like to suggest a future group to feature, please contact Abeth.

Earlier this summer, the International Rescue Committee opened the Phoenix Welcome Center for Asylum-Seeking Families. Much like our own Hope Station efforts, the Welcome Center provides assistance for arriving families while travel to their sponsors across the country is arranged. Most families only stay at the Welcome Center for 24-48 hours before departing on their journey. While they are there, the IRC and other partner organizations provide food, shelter, legal orientation, medical screening, travel assistance, and donated clothing, toys, and hygiene items. Click the yellow "Learn more here" button and scroll to the bottom of the page for links to donation and volunteer information.
Reminders While the Campus is Closed
  • Our mail service is on hold and being picked up more sporadically. If you have important mail that needs our attention, please contact Heidi and she will give you an alternate address so we can receive it quicker.
  • If you need any assistance securing groceries, medicine or toiletries, please contact us via email. We want to do our best to make sure everyone is safe and well.
  • One of the most important things we can do for each other during this time of isolation and distance is to keep in touch. We're a very social church family, and it's hard to be apart from one another! Try to take time every day or two to call, text, or email one of your Shadow Rock friends. 
Supporting Shadow Rock
Thank you for your love and support of Shadow Rock! Your financial support and donations are more important than ever as we go through this unprecedented time of uncertainty. If you have questions about giving electronically, please reach out to Heidi and she'll be happy to help! You can also give to our Pastor's Charitable Fund or Facilities Improvement Fund by clicking the yellow donate button below.

Miss a week? You can find previous Virtual Worship services as well as older editions of Rock the Week by going to our website and clicking "News" at the top of the page.
Rock the Week is published each Wednesday, and covers the upcoming week and future special events. To submit content for Rock the Week, please email abeth@shadowrockucc.org no later than noon on Monday. We welcome all comments, criticisms, concerns, critiques, and compliments at the same address.