Rock the Week

3 May 2023

Reunion of Friends Sunday:

we share gratitude for this day together

All through 2023, we're celebrating 50 years of progressive faith community and being pointed intentionally to the future.

This past Sunday, April 30, was the first of many celebrations. Today, we're so thankful for all the good people who made Reunion of Friends Sunday possible.

We still have "goodie bags" to be distributed to friends who couldn't attend. If you're willing to help deliver these, please email Lois for an assignment. Thanks!

Southwest Conference 2023 Annual Gathering

For the first time since 2019, congregations and communities in the United Church of Christ Southwest Conference met in person for our annual gathering. Thanks to the local congregations (Peace UCC in El Paso and First Christian in Las Cruces) for their hospitality and leadership.

The picture here is (right) outgoing moderator Rev. Susan Valiquette from First UCC Phoenix and (left) Transitional Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins. Check the SWC Facebook page for lots of fun pictures of our time together, in covenant throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso.

Love Seed This Week!

We'll gather at 4:30 pm this Sunday at North Mountain Brewing for food, fellowship and discussing BIG IDEAS! Will we be able to tie together Good Shepherd Sunday, the Phoenix Affirmations, and Mother's Day? You bet!

This month's Phoenix Affirmation is: Christian love of neighbor includes engaging people authentically, as Jesus did, treating all as creations made in God's very image, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, nationality, or economic class.

All are welcome.

"It's Time to Share"

Shadow Rock participates in several national offerings through the United Church of Christ. One Great Hour of Sharing is an ecumenical effort that supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the United Church of Christ.

We'll have an opportunity to be generous with One Great Hour of Sharing this Sunday, May 7 and also on May 14. If you give in person, please indicate OGHS on your giving envelope or check memo line. If you would like to support this mission offering online, click here and choose One Great Hour of Sharing.

Sacred Sites

More than thirty Shadow Rockers have been visiting sacred sites around

the state for the past year and a half. During our first visits, participants learned about importance of water in the religious life of humans. More recently, we've been learning that items or places are sacred because we humans deem them to be so. At Shadow Rock, we too are free to designate what is sacred for us. We hope to this discussion will be part of our stargazing event on June 9 in the evening. In addition, we will schedule an overnight trip to Rock Art Ranch near Winslow after they open for the season. Please let Arlene Dominguez know if you are interested in that trip which will be both rugged and profound.

Please consider being part of the planning group for next year. We are considering future visits to the Heard Museum, Wat Promenkarum Temple, and other locations. Again, let Arlene know of your interest at 602-882-0967.

Intentional

Aging Event on May 12

Join local experts, including our own Travis Meyers, for an event centered on intentionality in older age. This free event is at Shadow Rock on May 12 at 2:00 pm. See all the details here!

Rattlesnake!

Rock the Week often includes a fun photo from Shadow Rock Preschool. Today, check this guy out! As it warms up, please be aware and safe in your neighborhood and on the campus.

All humans are welcome at Shadow Rock, but we'd prefer reptiles to remain outside.

Save Our Schools Forum at Shadow Rock

Shadow Rock is proud to host Save Our Schools Arizona for their North Phoenix Townhall on May 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Learn about what's happening with education funding and how to advocate for children and youth.

See more townhall info on the SOS Instagram!