Rock the Week for February 23
~Your Weekly Dose of Shadow Rock News~
The Joy of Epiphany

It's Epiphany! In this joyful season, we've been asking a question together: "What does life with God look like?"

It's the last week of Epiphany. As we move toward Lent (see below!), here are some resources for reflection connected to last week's worship.

  • Pastor Ken's sermon on Luke 6's instruction from Jesus, "Love your enemies."
  • In this year's readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, Luke's Gospel is frequently part of the readings for Sundays. What's up with Matthew, Mark, and Luke (you may be asking)? Here's a little more background on the Synoptic Gospels.
  • More about love for enemies and what it asks of us, from theologian Walter Wink

See you at hybrid worship this coming Sunday!
Southwest Conference Annual Meeting 2022

We're blessed to be in covenant with United Church of Christ congregations in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso through the Southwest Conference. The Conference will gather virtually April 25 through 30 this year, which includes keynote speaker, workshops, and business. So far, our delegates are Susan Glynn, John Pierce, and Stephanie Moffett. There's room for more! If you're interested in participating in Annual Meeting, please email Marilyn Rampley.

The schedule this year also includes a concert from a Shadow Rock musical friend, Heatherlyn (she was a guest musician here in 2016) on April 29. Stay tuned for ticket availability and additional information.
Lent Begins - Ash Wednesday is March 2

Our time together in study and worship during the season of Lent (the weeks of preparation that lead us to Easter) will include looking at the ways faith communities hurt and wound.

We begin one week from today with a quiet and simple Ash Wednesday service: March 2 at 6:15 pm, outdoors on the Sanctuary Vista. The "Vista" is what we're calling that space just outside the upper level elevator doors.

Spiritual Formation will also focus on church trauma, with reflection and discussion on Sunday mornings (hybrid) at 9:00 am and Wednesday evenings (Zoom only) at 7:00 pm. For more information, email Karen Richter.
You (yes, YOU!) are loved.

As we approach the second anniversary of our initial COVID-19 shutdown, we're looking around, asking ourselves:
  • Am I OK?
  • How has life changed?
  • Where in my life is the Spirit at work?

It's often our inclination to keep our worries and troubles to ourselves. We don't want to be a burden; we want to stay positive. At the same time, life is complicated. Please hear this invitation to your whole self to share the ups and downs of your life's journey. Pastoral care and spiritual companionship are available to you. Please call the church office, click reply to this email, or reach out to Pastor Ken as needed.
Support for Michael Curry from Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons

Michael has stepped down from his conference-level role as Lay Minister for Disability Inclusion, Education, and Advocacy. See this link for a statement from Bill Lyons expressing appreciation for Michael's ministry and service to the Southwest Conference.

While our covenant with Michael has changed, our love and support for his call endures.
February 27 Sacred Sites Trip

The Sacred Sites Team is ready for their next adventure! This coming Sunday, February 27 (following worship), Shadow Rockers will be exploring Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park in Phoenix. The group will have lunch on the church patio before departing at 12:30 pm.


All the links you need to get in on the action are here:
Email trip organizers Gene and Sue LeFebvre regarding this week's trip to inquire about capacity.
Indicate your interest in future trips with a quick survey!
Rock the Week is published each Wednesday. 
To submit content or offer comments, please email karen@shadowrockucc.org.