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No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey,

you are welcome here!

Both the Church Office and the Preschool will be closed on

Veteran's Day, November 11.

News for the Week of November 4, 2026

This Sunday at Shadow Rock: November 8, 2026

9:00 am

• Yoga: North Patio.
• Childcare (Ages 18 months - 8): Blue Room.
• Adult Education with a coffee hospitality cart: Multipurpose Room.
• Youth Group (Jr. & Sr. High): Parlor.
• Spiritual Play (Ages 9-12): Parlor.

10:00 am

• Spiritual Play (Ages 3-8): Turquoise Room.

10:15 am

• Worship: Sanctuary.
• Join Shadow Rock online on YouTube.

11:15 am

• Coffee Chat: Smith Hall.

11:30 am

• Shadow Rock Choir Rehearsal: Sanctuary.

A Note from from Tim Tutt: Thanks, Chat, and Choices

Dear Friends: 

Thank you for welcoming me to be part of this community of faith. I'm honored to be your pastor. And look forward to our work together building on the creativity, progressive theology, and engaged community-building that is part of Shadow Rock. I'm excited about our future.

Let's chat. I want to get to know you. I would welcome the chance to meet you for a cup coffee, go for a walk, share lunch, or sit down here at the church. Email me at tim@shadowrockucc.org, and let's set up a time.

"Choose you this day whom you will serve." That's a line from the Book of Joshua. Choices -- we face them all the time. Last Sunday's sermon was about the past. This Sunday we will focus on the present -- who are we choosing to be? 

Thanks for being part of Shadow Rock, Tim

Shadow Rock Saints

As part of our worship service this past Sunday, members of the congregation wrote the names of some of Shadow Rock's saints and taped them on the walls of the Sanctuary to remind us that "we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses."

As Reverend Tutt said in his sermon, Saints are "those people who have lived and died and now sit in the bleachers and cheer us on as we run the race that is set before us." Saints are "cheerleaders, whom we may no longer see in the flesh and yet clap and huzzah as we make our way through life."

As you watch the video below, what are the Shadow Rock saints saying to you?

We will leave the names on the walls for this coming week. Feel free to take a moment before or after worship to read the names, to give thanks, and to listen.

Sermon and Worship Themes

Sundays November 1, 8, 15, and 22

Past, Present, Future and More...

Sunday November 1, All Saints Sunday

"Past: We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…”

Scripture Focus: “We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1)

All Saints Sunday is the Christian holiday that honors those who have died in the past year. We will expand that theme to honor the saints of Shadow Rock who have come before us and built foundations of spirit, truth, and love. We will celebrate the “cloud of witnesses” who cheer us on.

Sunday, November 8

"Present: Choose you this day…” 

Scripture Focus:“Choose you this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15) 

Every day we wake up with questions and opportunities: Who will we be in the world? How will we be in the world? What will we do with this unique day? In the 7th century BCE, the Jewish prophet Joshua looked at his friends and neighbors living in a time of turmoil and conflicted loyalties, and he said to them, “Choose you this day whom you will serve…” which is another way of saying, "Pick your path, choose your loyalties, decide your purpose" -- choices that are always before us.

Sunday, November 15

"Future: Midwives of grace…”

What will the United States need in 50 years? What will Shadow Rock need in 10 years? What will Arizona need in 100 years? What will the world need in 1000 years? What will a child born today need in 75 years? And how are you contributing today to that future need? How can you and I be "midwives of grace" for tomorrow? These questions, and others, will shape our service on the 15th.

Sunday, November 22

"Thanksgiving: A Table of Change and Plenty"

Scripture Focus: Psalm 100

Imagine a table big enough for every member at Shadow Rock to share a meal together. Imagine a table filled with enough food for everyone in Phoenix to eat their fill. Imagine a worldview where everyone is welcomed and cared for. Two of my favorite food images are a dinner party with tables in a creek in Nashville and a Cab Calloway jazz tune. Take a look and take a look at the Edible Nashville meal and take a listen to "Everybody Eats When They Come to My House."

Cultivating Shadow Rock

To see the Stewardship Letter, click here! To make a pledge for the 2027 Campaign, click on the button below to fill out the form!

Shadow Rock Choir!

We are delighted to announce upcoming rehearsals for our Shadow Rock Choir on Sunday, November 8, and Sunday, November 15, immediately following our regular Sunday worship service. The rehearsals will run for about an hour. The choir will sing one or two songs in the November 22 Thanksgiving Service.

Anyone who has a love for singing, a heart for community, and a desire to serve through music is warmly invited to join us. No matter your level of singing experience, your voice is a valuable gift, and there is a place for you in our choir family.

Please plan to remain after Sunday service on both dates and participate in this meaningful time of Thanksgiving preparation. Your presence, commitment, and enthusiasm will help make our rehearsals productive and uplifting.

Let us come together with joyful hearts, willing spirits, and a shared passion for song.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Veteran's Day

During Thinking of You time this Sunday, you will have the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices veterans and their families have made for the rest of us.

"Thank You" cards will be included in the bulletin and will be delivered by November 11, Veteran's Day. The cards will be delivered to MANA House, operated by Catholic Charities. They provide transitional housing and serve those who want to rebuild their lives. They also help with education, employment, and help veterans find other available resources.

Please take the opportunity this Sunday to give a personal "Thank you for your service!"

Upcoming Preschool Fundraiser

ALERT!

Email Scams

It has come to our attention that some of you may have received an email from someone claiming to be Pastor Tim. Please be aware that no one on staff will ever send an email asking for cash, gift cards, or other.

Tim will only contact you through his Shadow Rock email: tim@shadowrockucc.org.

Be cautious when opening suspicious emails and do not click on any links! Make sure you read the email address, and please reach out to the Church Office if you think you've received a scam email. Thank you!

What Is Media Literacy, and Why Does It Matter

Media literacy is the ability to think critically about the information we encounter every day, from social media posts and news articles to TV shows, books, music, and even AI-generated content. It encourages us to look beyond the surface, recognize biases, consider different perspectives, and ask questions like, “Why is this being shared?” and “What is this trying to convince me of?”

Media literacy isn’t about telling us what to think or believe; it’s about staying curious, being open to new ideas, and understanding that it’s okay to change our minds as we learn. By practicing media literacy, we can become more informed, empathetic, and responsible members of our communities. After all, not everything we see or hear tells the whole story—even the information in this newsletter! So, the next time something catches your attention, take a moment to ask why, look a little deeper, and consider the bigger picture.

Click here for more information!

Media Literacy is one of the themes the Shadow Rock Board is exploring this year.

Church Office hours are Monday - Thursday, 9 AM-3 PM.