ROCK THE WEEK
February 24, 2021
Second Week of Lent
Gracious God, sometimes I see my life as an unsolvable puzzle. My days move along rapidly, but the people and situations I encounter seem to make no sense. I consider and carefully weigh the decisions I think I should make but find myself doing something completely opposite of what I thought I had
decided. Then a moment of stillness comes, and I realize that all these random strands are actually part of the beautiful tapestry that is the journey of my life, and I am so grateful. Thank you, God, for leading
me in paths I might never choose, and for giving the journey of my life a rich texture. Amen.
This Week Online
Wednesday (2/24): Connections Count on Zoom at 7:00 pm
On Wednesdays, we hold space for one another with prayer and listening. Connections Count is a time for compassion and tender care for our community. Click here at 7:00 to participate.

Thursday (2/25): Season of Nonviolence / Spirituality Thursday
Breaking down the distinction between work and prayer - this is the topic for Spirituality Thursday this week, live on the Shadow Rock Facebook page. Catch this time of prayer live from the campus or tune in later to watch the recording.

Monday (3/1): Small Groups: Season of Nonviolence at 7:00 pm
What if social change is not a matter of working harder but working more joyfully? What if our lives are meant to be love stories? Writer Rivera Sun explores a different kind of activism in her novel Dandelion Insurrection. Grab your copy (it's a quick read - plus you're welcome to participate whether you read or not), then join the discussion via Zoom on Monday, March 1. Click here on Monday to participate!

Sunday, February 28
10:00 am Adult Spiritual Formation is on Zoom. Start your Sunday with the link in the worship email. It's the second Sunday in the season of Lent, a 6-week time of reflection and preparation leading to Easter. Our study this year is a continuation of Season of Nonviolence. We're looking at strategies for nonviolent social change and new approaches to activism. Our inspiration is this quick article on 'emergent strategy.' Expect a welcoming and lively conversation!

11:00 am Worship continues JOYFULLY AND GRATEFULLY on Zoom, even in Lent, until gathering in person is safe. Worship is "what we do" together, celebrating and affirming our community and our symbolic life together. No matter how we gather, all are welcome.
More to Explore
As we continue our congregational exploration connected to Sacred Conversations to End Racism, we're using this space in Rock the Week to offer articles and resources for you. This week, check out these quick videos from the New York Times that feature regular folks talking about race and privilege. Get ready to listen courageously!
shadow rock preschool logo
Every Child is Unique and Unrepeatable! It's an exciting time for Shadow Rock Preschool. Online registration began earlier this week and is off to a great start.

If you know families looking for a preschool, please share this link with them or encourage them to contact preschool director Liz Curry for more information or to schedule a tour.
We're supporting community health! Rev. Dr. Patricia StandTal Clarke sets us up to stay healthy.

Question: Do I need to wear a mask after I have had both doses of the COVID vaccine?

Dr Patricia answers: Absolutely. To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations:
  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often
It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn
more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Experts are also looking at how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities. We also don’t yet know whether
getting a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to other people, even if you don’t get sick yourself. Stay safe!
Shadow Rock's 2021 Lenten Offering is directed to RIP Medical Debt. This offering will provide real relief to families and individuals whose medical debt has become a huge burden. Our offering at Shadow Rock will join gifts from other Southwest Conference churches and the Conference Executive Board to provide local debt relief within our conference's geography: Arizona, New Mexico, El Paso TX, and the Navajo Nation. Make your gift securely online here or write Lent Offering/RIP Medical Debt on the memo line of your check.
NEW! Free assistance with tax filing for 2020 is available on Thursdays at Shadow Rock through AARP. Appointments begin February 25 and continue through mid-April. Hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. We're so pleased to be able to use our campus in ways that benefit our community. To make an appointment, visit Aarptaxaidebeuf.setmore.com or call 480-463-4912 or 623-252-1567.
Reminders While the Campus is Closed
  • The United States Postal Service is experiencing service delays due to the pandemic. If you are sending mail that needs special attention, please contact Heidi.
  • 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. Until we can be with one another safely face-to-face, take some time 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 support of the Shadow Rock General Fund is more important than ever. If you have questions about giving electronically, please reach out to Heidi. You can give to the General Fund (also to special offerings, Pastor's Charitable Fund or Facilities Improvement Fund) by clicking the yellow donate button below.

Did you know? You can find previous weeks' worship emails, Rock the Weeks that you might have missed, and COVID data tracking 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 or offer comments, please email [email protected].