Spiritual Formation This Fall - 

All the Details from Ken and Karen 

September is almost here! Our Sunday morning Formation Kick-Off is September 11 at 9:00 am.

We're getting ready around here to welcome learners of all ages, including children and families. Please prayerfully consider your call to support children's ministry at Shadow Rock. For details and specific volunteer asks (including special invitations to parents, grandparents, and others), please click to read our letter. 

Adults are learners too. In fact, Jesus taught adults and welcomed children, rather than the other way 'round. For adults, Pastor Ken is leading a discussion of spirituality (Multipurpose Room and online via Zoom Sundays at 9:00 am). Here's his description of what to expect: 

We will explore the relationship between religion and spirituality. Settling on a shared definition (just for discussion's sake) will help us explore the ways and types of being spiritual. In the following weeks, we'll discuss: Authoritarian Spirituality, Intellectual Spirituality, Mystical Spirituality, Social Spirituality, and Service Spirituality. Perhaps one or a combination of these spirituality types will resonate with your spirit.

Welcoming Practices for Fall 2022 

This Sunday, September 4 and the following week, September 11, we'll be welcoming congregants and leaders from First UCC Flagstaff. We walk with them as they grieve and look to the future after the closure of their worshipping congregation on September 25. 

Also (drum roll, please), we're excited to announce the return of Coffee Chat! As we gear up to return to our hospitality practices, we'll gather for coffee and fellowship monthly beginning on September 11. We know you love Coffee Chat... show your love by volunteering to provide, serve, and clean up. Visit our Sign Up Genius to choose your date. 

Walking, Walking, Walking!

With the promise of cooler temperatures ahead, Shadow Rockers are anticipating getting outdoors and moving our bodies.

We're exploring interest in a weekday walking group, perhaps meeting at Moon Valley Park or other close, walking-friendly locations. If you're interested in meeting up with friends for companionship during a healthy and accessible walk, please click reply and let us know! 

Also, the Shadow Rock WISE team is preparing to participate in NAMIWalks Your Way October 15 in Tempe, under the team name "Wise Walkers." The team invites you and yours to walk toward a future of open doors for mental health. When you support the team (or join them), you're sharing a vision of mental health for all. Check out this link from NAMI or talk with someone 'WISE' (email links: Susan Glynn and Liz Curry). 

Our Whole Lives = Good for Everyone

Maybe you know a little about Our Whole Lives for young people. Maybe you've even purchased supplies for the "OWL Tree." Have you considered yourself an Our Whole Lives participant? Now is your chance and it's time to register.

You're invited to join participants from around the Southwest Conference for a 6-session virtual program of comprehensive human sexuality on Zoom! Choose Sunday or Wednesday afternoons 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm beginning this coming Sunday. Topics include:

• Sexuality and Aging
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
• Intimacy and Boundaries
• Body Image

Take a look at Karen and conference communications coordinator Wende Gonzales talking through common questions about the program (we're hilarious!). Registration is here, on the Southwest Conference event page. If you're having trouble with the registration link or if you have questions, please reach out to Karen and we'll get you taken care of.

Monday Night Zoom Small Group Returns!

As we grow and mature, we make choices: what ideas and expectations from our childhood are worth keeping? What thoughts and concepts do we cast aside?

Our September Small Group will meet on 9-12, 9-19, and 9-26 at 7:00 pm. We'll explore together the idea "What We Know For Sure." All are welcome.

To register for this Zoom small group, please email Karen.