Rock the Week for November 10
Your Wednesday Dose of Shadow Rock News

On Sunday, Pastor Ken talked about the human pattern of exile and return. Our pandemic exile was very real, but to return to community is our destiny.

For a few weeks, we'll be sharing our love for Shadow Rock through our fall stewardship campaign. In case you missed it, here's the stewardship team's introduction and invitation. Later this week, look for an update from our Financial Officer, Heidi Zinn, with nuts-and-bolts information about your pledge.
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Compassion and Sharing During the Thanksgiving Season

We often feel a call on our hearts in this season, to share our family's abundance and make life good for others. We have opportunities to do just that! First, we will be receiving donations via cash, check, or e-giving for Desert Mission Food Bank. Your financial support of the food bank will make Thanksgiving meals possible for many families in the Valley.


Second (a new opportunity for 2021), Ktizo UCC has asked for our help in supporting their homeless outreach with these specific donation items:

To support their weekly feeding program:
  • Peanut butter 
  • Jelly other than grape 
  • Individually wrapped single servings of canned fruit 
  • Individual containers of applesauce 
  • White bread 

To stock their clothing closet:
  • men's pants 34 to 36 waist (new or gently used and freshly washed) 
  • socks 
  • new underwear
  • hygiene products such as body wash, shampoo, lotion, travel size toothpaste
  • blankets 
  • jackets
  • sweaters 

So, we have two opportunities (Desert Mission and Ktizo) and two ways to give (money and in-kind) that are connected by our shared values of compassion, service, and generosity. Please bring your donations to Shadow Rock on or before November 21.
Sacred Adventures

The Sacred Sites planning team is busy getting ready for their next adventure! This coming Saturday, a group will be heading to Florence to visit the Greek Orthodox Monastery. Look for an update from Sacred Sites on Sunday, November 21. The next trip is January 2022.
~Advent and Christmas Preview~
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As a church family, we look forward to Advent and the Christmas Season. While some aspects of our shared holidays are still being planned, we are ready to share these dates and opportunities with you!

(take a deep breath... there's a lot!)


  • Advent Decorating in the Shadow Rock Sanctuary will be during worship on Sunday, November 21. There will be joyful jobs for everyone!
  • Our campus partner St. Teresa of Avila is hosting an Advent retreat on Saturday December 4. The retreat will use the classic film "The Wizard of Oz" as a lens through which to view the Advent season. Register at St. Teresa's events website.
  • Monday Evening Small Group Ministry returns for December 6, 13, and 20 at 7 pm via Zoom. We will take a slow and meditative look at the Christmas stories in Matthew, Luke, and John. Email Director of Spiritual Formation Karen Richter to get the Zoom link.
  • Our early evening Christmas Eve service will be at 5:00 pm. This will be a traditional service incorporating candlelight and a choral reading. This service will be available in person and on Zoom.
  • Our late Christmas Eve service will be at 10:00 pm. This is a new kind of service, an outdoor candle vigil. This can be experienced in person and via Facebook Live.
Rock the Week is published each Wednesday. 
To submit content or offer comments, please email karen@shadowrockucc.org.