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SWC – In the Loop September 6, 2007
INTERIM INSIGHTS
Dear Friends in Faith:
I hope this finds each of you well and ready for the fall flurry of church life! This coming Sunday is the first Sunday that many of you will initiate the swing of a new program year and I know that a number of SWC congregations are having their annual “Homecoming” events. I’ll be at First Congregational UCC in Phoenix as part of their 90th Anniversary celebration. The Church of the Red Rocks will be breaking ground this Sunday for their new wing; First Church in Tucson will be partying under a tent on Sunday afternoon; Shadow Rock has an ice cream social scheduled for Saturday….the list goes on. What’s happening in your church this Sunday?
Last Saturday night, I was in my home town of Michigan City, Indiana, joining with my sisters in celebrating our parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful event and a great weekend for walking the shores of Lake Michigan. On Sunday morning, I did something that is not in the range of my usual activities for that day of the week, I went shopping with my niece and nephew at the local retail outlet, Lighthouse Place. I had promised them each gifts, one for his birthday, the other as she begins senior high school. They had chosen the items the day before and, it just turned out, that Sunday morning was the best time to make the purchases.
It was a bustling morning in the consuming recreation that drives much of our economy! By the time we arrived around 10:30, it was already hard to find a parking space. I’m absolutely certain that the number of cars in any of the local church parking lots was but a fraction of the cars located in the parking lots of this mall. The numbers of people hauling shopping bags around was startling to me. I remember thinking, “So this is where the crowds are today.” I felt guilty for playing hooky and wanted to ask people if they were just taking a holiday, too, or were they the norm of the un-churched in our communities?
As I joined the crowds for a few hours, I kept thinking of a storefront ministry….right there in the middle of all the deals, all the promises of something new, and all the wonder of a gloriously beautiful Sunday morning. I wanted to pass out commas, hand people the wizard of oz pamphlet, I wanted to tell people about the United Church of Christ, I wanted to talk with people about God, and faith, and hope and real joy. I’m not sure who else God spoke to that morning, except that she really called to me once again to stay the journey.
Maybe all of our ministries are in one way or the other, a storefront adventure. Blessings to all for the adventure!
Shalom, Lark
GENERAL SYNOD TAPES The Southwest Conference Office has some of the DVD recordings of 2007 General Synod 26. If you would like to borrow them for personal or congregational use, please contact the SWC office. Speeches: Walter Brueggemann Marian Wright Edelman John Hockenberry Bill Moyers Barack Obama Lynn Redgrave
Worship: Sunday Afternoon Worship Tuesday Evening “Worship
Wrap Up Video
CALLING ALL CONFERENCE YOUTH! All high school youth and young adults in the Phoenix area—here is a chance to see your friends and make some new ones! When: 5:30-8:00 pm Sunday, September 16, 2007 Where: Scottsdale Congregational Church UCC, 4425 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale, AZ What: Dinner, worship planned by SCC youth, recreation planned by Shadow Rock UCC youth Questions? Email Josh Whistler at brojosh3000@yahoo.com or call Rev. Katharine Harts at 480-946-2900 or 602-790-3815 (cell).
SWC MINISTRY TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN PRISONERS INCARCERATED IN AZ Rev. Phil Reller writes: “I am so happy to let you know that our SW Conference Ministry to Native Hawaiian Prisoners incarcerated in AZ, which we affirmed at the [2007] Annual Meeting, is running well and growing in astonishing ways. Some of us have visited the men and met together to begin formulating the design of our ministry. The ministry is still in early stages of formulation and we really need your perspective and help.”
The next step is an Orientation/Training Session September 13-14 for those interested in shaping and participating in this ministry of visitation, hospitality, and advocacy. The presenters will be Rev. Sala Nolan, Minister for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, UCC Justice Witness Ministries, and Rev. Rosemary McCombs Maxey, UCC pastor who has been coordinating the same ministry for prisoners in Oklahoma. If you are interested in participating in this orientation and/or this ministry, contact Rev. Phil Reller at 480-332-6632.
PASTORAL CHANGES Rev. Lynne Hinton began her ministry as pastor of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Rio Rancho, NM, on August 1. Rev. Dave Ragan began his ministry as Associate Pastor for Programs with the Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, AZ, on August 15. Rev. Marie Bacchiocchi began her ministry as Associate Pastor of Casas Adobes Congregational Church in Tucson, AZ on September 4. Rev. Phil Reller will begin an interim ministry with Rincon Congregational Church in Tucson, AZ, on October 1.
HEALTH AND DENTAL PLAN RATES FOR THE YEAR 2008 The UCC Pension Boards sent the following communication on August 31: For the Non-Medicare Health Benefits Plan, the nationwide average rate increase will be 4.5%. It is a blessing that for the second year in a row, the United Church of Christ average is about one-half of the increases we hear on the news and read in the papers. As in the past, individual increases and rates will vary across the Conferences and will be communicated shortly.
With regard to the Medicare Supplement Plan, the news is not as favorable. After a 0% increase in 2007, the 2008 rate increase is 12%. This is primarily driven by the rapidly rising cost of both new and existing medicines. For 2008, it is expected that pharmacy costs will be more than 70% of the benefits paid by the Plan. This is an area for deeper review in the coming months.
There will be no increase in premium for the Dental Plan. Although this Plan is affected by increases in dentists’ fees, we continue to see claims coming under control as more members choose to use in-network dentists.
Good decisions by clergy and lay employees are the major reason for limited rate increases. Using in-network providers, ordering generic medicine when available and challenging ourselves to a healthier lifestyle are major contributors toward the stewardship of more dollars retained for ministry.
NEW CHURCH START AT CHURCH OF THE BEATITUDES The Church of the Beatitudes is nesting a new church start which began meeting in January in their building. Their energetic, highly motivated pastor, Luis Gonzalez, is called to help people know God and how to live their faith so they can make a better life for themselves and their families. This church is calling itself The Omega Generation Ministries (TOX) and already has 22 members and nine people attending. Pastor Luis has a full-time day job, but holds meetings most every evening at the church with an emphasis on small group meetings and leadership training.
SAVE THE DATE Iglesia Sin Fronteras, the new church start in Juarez, Mexico, is celebrating its third anniversary. Everyone is invited to their celebration on October 28. They will begin with a reception of members and those to be baptized at 10:00 am and another service at 5:00 pm with musical groups, a word from special guests, a message from the word of God, and close with supper.
ASPHALT GOSPEL Asphalt Gospel, the documentary of CrossWalk America’s 2,500 mile walk from Phoenix to Washington, D.C. in 2006, has premiered at the Phoenix Art Museum and also in Tucson. This 97-minute film produced by Scott Griessel from Good Shepherd UCC and Rev. Eric Elnes’ book, Asphalt Jesus, showcases the message of Christian compassion meeting progressive action. CrossWalk America is working to get the film screened across the country. You can order a copy from Amazon for $15.61 by going to www.crosswalkamerica.org and following the links. The film is scheduled to show at Scottsdale Congregational Church on September 21 at 4:00 pm and again at 7:00 pm. The suggested donation is $10-$25.
ONE OF THE BEST KEPT “SECRETS”… It is unfortunate, but true… one of the best kept secrets in our Conference is an amazing resource available to local congregations: The Interchurch Resource Center. The Center is located in the same complex as the Southwest Conference Office and houses a wealth of print, video, dvd, books and kits to support the mission and ministry of local congregations. Resources are available for Bible Study, evangelism, leadership development, stewardship, theology, Vacation Church School, worship, and youth ministry. The Interchurch Resource Center (IRC) receives materials from United Church Press and United Church Resources each year.
In addition to the materials available through the IRC, Director Kate Wilmoth is an invaluable resource to congregations seeking specific materials for program support! Congregations may join the IRC on an annual fee basis depending on the size of the church. For example a congregation of less than 100 members pays $25 annually to access any and all resources in the IRC. Congregations of 500 or more members pay $250 per year. For churches outside the Phoenix area, materials can be shipped via UPS. The IRC has a website: www.icresource.org which includes an online catalog.
Included in the resources available through the IRC is the new Bible Story based curriculum resource: ‘Gather Round. A sample kit of the materials is available in the Resource Center. Congregations interested in learning more about the material or receiving training for teachers should contact the Southwest Conference Partners in Education: Northern or Central Arizona: Susan Wadell 602-993-0050 or Dana Bender 602-264-1221 Southern Arizona: Carol Wilson 520-296-9332 New Mexico or El Paso: Juanita Marken 505-268-2765
CHURCH VITALITY TRAIN THE TRAINER WORKSHOPS Who should come? v Conferences / Associations: Add to your Trainer capacity by sending new leaders v Experienced Stillspeaking Trainers: Get ready to take the next step toward thriving congregations. v Local Congregations Leadership Teams: Learn ways to grow vitality in your congregation.
What will I learn? This training will refresh and build on Stillspeaking training and experiences of what works.
When? September 28 & 29, Radisson Gateway Hotel, Cleveland, OH led by Ron Buford and Kate Huey. To register for September contact Vivian Santiago Riccio at santiagv@ucc.org or call 866.822.9224 ext 3814.
October 12 &13, Radisson at Gateway Hotel, Cleveland, OH led by Dave Schoen and Kate Huey. To register for October visit the registration website at https://www.conference.com/eventmanager/OnlineRegistration.asp?eventcode=ONM November 16 & 17, Radisson at Gateway Hotel., Cleveland, OH led by Ron Buford and Dave Schoen. To register for November visit the registration website at https://www.conference.com/eventmanager/OnlineRegistration.asp?eventcode=NOP What does it Cost? National pays for the cost of training and materials. You will be their guest at the hotel Friday (double occupancy) and for meals beginning with lunch Friday afternoon. You are responsible for arranging and paying for your transportation to the event. [Travel scholarships may be available by calling the SWC office.]
Attached is a flyer with more details. For more information contact Vivian Santiago Riccio at santiagv@ucc.org or call toll free 866.822.8224 ext 3814.
MISSIONARY NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE Mark Behle, UCC missionary from the SWC and currently serving in Lesotho, has sent the September issue of Masitise Times, his monthly newsletter. Read the attached newsletter to find out some of the ways your OCWM dollars are helping young people in Lesotho, Africa.
DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE A NEW DIRECTORY? This is the time of year when many churches print a new church directory. The Conference Office would love to receive one. It helps us keep our contact information current. The Southwest Conference directory will be distributed later this month.
CORRECTION Vickie Sewing, recipient of the 2007 Educator’s Award, is a long time member of the United Church of Santa Fe, not the Church of the Good Shepherd of Albuquerque, as reported in the August 14 In the Loop. Our apologies to Vickie and her congregation.
50 YEARS BOLD BANNER AVAILABLE Those of you who attended Annual Meeting saw our wonderful “We’re 50 Years Bold” Anniversary Banner (approx. 3’ x 6’) hanging at the entrance to our meeting area. This banner is available to churches that might want to borrow it for a week or two during this anniversary year and display it at their church during a worship service or special event. So far, it has been displayed at Desert Garden UCC in Sun City West, Desert Palm UCC in Tempe, and The Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona. Please contact the SWC office to arrange scheduling. CALLED BACK TO THE WELL RETREAT
HUMANE BORDERS SUPPORTERS Your help will be especially needed throughout the month of September. If you have a Saturday in September to contribute to the Humane Borders water station effort, please contact Rev Liana Rowe, Humane Borders Phoenix Coordinator, at divineconomy@yahoo.com or 602-312-5450.
There is also trash pickup scheduled for September 29 and the Annual March for the Migrants will be held in Tucson on September 30. If anyone would like to do the "Great Triangle" from Phoenix to Ajo for trash, then to Tucson for the march, First Christian Church has cots available (showers, too) for the night. Contact Liana for more information.
DIALOGUE FOR PEACEFUL CHANGE Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, is hosting this fall a team of trainers from Ireland, Holland and the US to present a process called Dialogue for Peaceful Change. It was developed for use in the conflict in Northern Ireland and has been used successfully in other parts of the world. The process has been helpful in congregations, families, local communities, businesses, educational, health care and social service institutions, where lay people are living out their own ministries. More information is available at www.spiritinthedesert.org or at www.dialogueforpeacefulchange.org or from the program Coordinator, Sally Simmel, at 480-488-5218.
CROPWALK Church World Service is holding two CROP Hunger Walks this fall in the Phoenix area, November 4 and 18. For more information, contact Greta Eveland at 602-955-7745 or GEGIRLS2@GMail.com. They are also looking for a sponsor for a spring walk in the Sun City area.
CALENDAR September 8, Youth & Outdoor Ministry Committee, Desert Palm, Tempe, 10-2 September 13-14, SWC Ministry to Native Hawaiian Prisoners Orientation/Training September 16, Conference Youth Gathering, Scottsdale Congregational UCC, 5:30-8:00 pm September 21, Asphalt Gospel film showing, Scottsdale Congregational UCC, 4:00 & 7:00 pm September 27, East Valley Clergy lunch at Monti’s, Tempe, 12 noon October 28, Iglesia Sin Fronteras 3rd anniversary celebration, Juarez, Mexico, 10:00 am, 5:00 pm October 29-31, Ministers Retreat, Franciscan Renewal Center, Phoenix, 1:00pm – 1:00 pm November 9-10, UCC Polity Class, SWC Office
DATES FOR YOUTH MINISTRY AND SUMMER CAMPS Thanksgiving Alive!, Nov. 23-25, 2007, Flagstaff Senior High Tolerance Trip, Feb. 15-17, 2008, Los Angeles, CA (This is the correct date.) Junior High Retreat, Feb. 29-Mar 2, 2008 tentative, Place TBA Youth Rally, April 25-27, 2008, Sahuarita, AZ Super Camp for Young Juniors, June 15-18, 2008, Emmanuel Pines, Prescott, AZ Super Camp for Juniors and Junior High, June 15-20, 2008, Emmanuel Pines, Prescott, AZ Senior High Camp, June 29-July 5, 2008, Pine Summit, Prescott, AZ National Youth Event, July 24-28, 2008, University of Tennessee
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