January 30, 2024

Following Jesus together,

Nourishing one another in the Living Water of the Spirit,

Blossoming boldly with God's abundant love, healing, and justice, and 

Transforming lives. 

To submit an article for Tidings, email Anne here by Mondays at 12:00 noon.

Cleansing

Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?

I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him,

saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"

And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another,

"What is this? A new teaching—with authority!

He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." - Mark 1:23-27 

I find it helpful to know that in the Greek of the New Testament the root word for “clean” means “to prune.” In agrarian 1^st century Israel, unclean could resonate with an overgrown fruit tree or grapevine, bringing to mind the chaos of tangled branches. A not pruned (unclean) tree or vine results in a dissipation of energies that prevents the plant from producing fruit. An “unclean” plant would cease to be life-giving. 

Jesus comes immersed in God’s Spirit to clean up, to prune in the world, to restore our life-giving capacities. The man in the synagogue serves as symbol for this in our Mark story (above). The “cleansing” story is about Jesus helping individuals and communities to be reordered, recreated, centered in the Spirit, and to become fruitful once again. It is tikkun olam, as we discussed recently.

We have lived in a world often characterized by the chaos and emptiness of life as if we are separate from God, others, and the truth of who we are. Some of that chaos and emptiness gets inside of us, and we become like overgrown vines with lives that seem full and crowded, but then are not as truly life-giving to others as they could be. Jesus sees the overgrown and dissipated within and around us and calls us to follow him daily into the experienced presence of God. In this we are “pruned,” chaotic tangles cleared, and then empowered to offer something life-giving again into the world; we become part of that same cleaning work that Jesus did in the world as we touch, teach, hold, heal, and more with God’s love. This helps others to let go of the chaos (be pruned/clearing) and live into God’s way so that they can offer something more life-giving into the world, too.

How might God work through you this week to “clean up” the chaos, distress, and hurt in the world? How might we live tikkun olam? 

Love,

Pastor Michael Bush

  Listen to or Download the Messages Online: Video Link. 

Sunday Series: Uniting in Christ in a Divided Time

This Sunday, last class, February 4th

As the Body of Christ, a community united in the Spirit, are there ways we might listen to one another in our differences, ways that we might take meaningful action around issues of inequality or injustice without labelling one another?

It is not required that you participate each week, as we recognize it can be hard to be present for this number of sessions, but you are encouraged to join in the conversation for as many weeks as possible.  If you have questions, speak with Pastor Michael Bush who is facilitating this series. If you have not already signed up, please do so-click here, and you will receive materials and Zoom links (indicate if you will be in person or online (or both) so we can plan accordingly). 

Let's think Out-Of-The Box! 

Sunday, February 11th at 11:00 am, Room 3

While Pastor Michael is on sabbatical in 2025 we, the congregation, will be implementing our own programs.

Help us form and shape OUR sabbatical programs at an after-church meeting. This is your chance to present your vision. Our ideas will be included in the Clergy Renewal grant application, and the cost of our programs will be largely covered if we are awarded the grant.

We really need your ideas! Amen!

Submitted by Pastor Michael's Ministerial Team 

Lenten Season Study Series: Redeeming

Sundays, February 18th through March 24th

In the Lenten season, a 40-day journey to prepare disciples of Christ practice and participate in resurrection, we often hear references to “redemption.” One definition of that word is “freed from what harms.” There are teachings and practices of the Christian church that have at times created harm, excluded people, and stirred fear. Jesus did not embody harm, but rather healing. We will move through Lent looking at “going beyond the mind we have,” freeing us for what is healing and whole. This series will be led by Karen Borek, Brigid Waszczak, and Michael Bush. We begin on Sunday, February 18th at 11:00 am. 

• Feb 18: Redeeming Redemption – what do we need to be “redeemed” from or “redeemed” for? How do we understand this in the context of loving God and neighbor here and now? What would a “redeemed” world look like?



Click here for the other week's synopsis.

Sunday Coffee and Community Time

10:30 am in McNear Hall

You are welcome to come to Coffee Time in the Hall...

(Tables and chairs provided for those who need to sit.)

Hosts this week are:

Cynthia VerDuin and Friends

Council Positions Opportunity

The Nominating Committee is currently meeting to identify candidates for upcoming open Council positions. The chairpersons for the Ministry of Stewardship and Ministry of Christian Development are the Council members who will rotate off this year. We are looking for members of the congregation interested in filling these positions to serve a two-year term beginning in April. If interested, please contact Ann Faith (email, click here) or Amy Lincoln at (email, click here).

Click Below for Council Descriptions

Ministry of Christian Development Chairperson

Ministry of Stewardship Chairperson

Men’s Small Group Dialogue Invitation

Planning is underway to start a group for men and those who identify as male. The focus of the group is to provide a safe and accepting environment to explore and talk about what is most meaningful in our lives and what it means to be a man. We will encourage men to share their stories to truly listen to each other. We will not try to solve each other’s problems, but to join in each other’s journeys in a supportive and brotherly way. We are inviting men who are willing to be honest, vulnerable and open to the spirit within.

We will use the book Choosing Presence as a guide. The thought is to hold five or six discussion sessions spread over a two-month period during February and March. However, we are very open to any and all suggestions from the group when we have our overview session.

Men and those who identify as male who are interested in learning more about this opportunity are invited to stop by the Men’s Small Group Dialogue table on Sunday, February 4th from 10:30 to 11:00 am in McNear during Coffee Time to explore this idea. 

If you wish to learn more about this opportunity, please plan to attend an overview session scheduled for Thursday, February 8th at 10:00 in Room 3 at church. During the overview session we will decide how often we will meet and how long we will meet together. Please click on this link to learn more about how this opportunity could possibly unfold. Details will be finalized based on input provided at the Thursday, February 8th overview session.

Thanks, Ryan Collins and Duane Udstuen, Men’s Small Group Dialogue Guides      

Opportunity to Help Make It Happen

Pima County Justice for All is a county-wide 2024 ballot initiative that strives to provide legal representation for all indigent families in Pima County who are going through deportation proceedings. Without legal representation, the likelihood of being deported is very high. Compassion on the Border supports this endeavor by providing information and by collecting petition signatures. This is the third attempt to get the initiative on the ballot. You can help make it happen in 2024 by simply adding your signature! Petitions will be available on Sunday, February 4th before and following worship. Let’s get this on the ballot! Submitted by Mona Udstuen

Ballot Petition Initiatives

As we move toward the next election cycle, petitions will be circulating throughout our communities to place initiatives on the ballot so that Arizona citizens can vote on them. The Ministry of Justice Advocacy and Missions (MJAM) is coordinating requests made to staff tables with various petitions in the courtyard or McNear (Fellowship) Hall. The opportunity to sign proposed petitions will only be available on campus before and after Sunday services. Neither MJAM nor CAUCC by allowing these arrangements endorse any petition initiative presented on CAUCC’s campus for signatures. Both MJAM and CAUCC do however endorse the democratic process that allows Arizona citizens to place initiatives on the ballot so that all have an opportunity to vote on them.

MJAM’s Procedures for Gathering Petition Signatures, approved by council, can be viewed by clicking here.  All scheduling requests should be made in writing, including by email, to MJAM’s chairperson.   

SouperBowl of Caring 2024

Helping Interfaith Community Services (ICS) and

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) Food Banks

We are participating again in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring. This national youth-led event reminds us that during our time of parties and junk food, food insecurity persists for many. Our Funday School and T-Time Intergenerational groups, with the support of Pastor John and MCF (Ministry of Christian Formation) have designated this year’s Souper Bowl of Caring’s collection of pocket change and canned/dry goods to go the ICS and YOTO Food Banks.

On Sunday, February 11th our young people will be holding empty soup pots at the main entrance doors and in the courtyard to collect your spare change after 9:30 worship. Canned goods can be left in the narthex (front lobby) bins. We thank you whether you are a KCC or Niner’s fan or if you don’t even care there’s a game (even grieving Lions fans). You all make a difference!

Online donations and checks are accepted, just note SouperBowl of Caring on either (checks made out to CAUCC). 

Spiritual Formation Groups

with Pastor Michael



Thursdays, 6:30 pm weekly

On Zoom

 (except second Thursdays when we have Taizé worship), journey through the Acts of the Apostles on Zoom only. Prayer, sharing, learning, and growing together.



Tuesdays, 11:00 am weekly, 

Hybrid (In-person and online)

Journey through the Gospel of John in person and online. Prayer, sharing, learning, and growing together.

If would like to join, please email (click here), indicate which group you would

like to participate in, and we will add you to the email list so you can receive

Zoom links and instructions.

Purposeful Ponderings 

with Pastor John



Wednesdays, 10:00 am weekly

Faith and Misinformation Times of Troubles

We will start a three-part discussion on how Western European belief systems responded to specific historical crisis situations. We may find some insights into some of our contemporary responses.

January 24th: Responses to Technology: Printing and Industrialization

January 31st: Responses to Politics: Colonization, Race and Revolution 

Good Samaritan Fund

Thanks to those who support our Good Samaritan fund! Through this fund, we have been able to help many of our members and friends (doctor, pharmacy, auto bills etc.). Please consider sending a check to increase our total, then we will be able to help even more people. Just write in Good Sam on the memo line. Thank you!

Monthly Hike and Contemplation: Leaning into Lent

Thursday, February 15th

Pastor Michael leads some relatively easy hikes during these less-hot months. At some point in the hiking journey, we pause for a guided prayer / contemplation / meditation. This is an opportunity as we enter into the Lenten season for movement in the beauty of nature, building relationships, and connecting with the Spirit. If you are interested and are not already on the group email list from last year, email the office and indicate any limits you would need to participate (i.e. “need a flat trail,” or “something under two miles,” or “small elevation gain is ok,” etc.) email office. The next hike will be Thursday morning, February 15th at 7:30 am. Details will be sent to those on the email sign-up list.   

Coffee Hour

Hear ye! Hear ye!

The Coffee Team would like to invite the Ministries, Teams, and Committees to look at their calendars and select the dates that you would like to be hosting coffee hour in 2024. 

January and February are already scheduled but the rest of the year is all yours!

It is easy and fun! Consider this an opportunity to introduce yourselves to the whole church, to shine a spotlight on your mission and your activities, to highlight your accomplishments and possibly recruit new members. 

An open calendar will be in McNear every Sunday morning and feel free to speak with any of the Coffee Team: Rita, Leona and Olivia. 

Thank you! We look forward to working with you. 

Leona Lansing, email, or call 520-404-8925.  

Members and friends:

Click here for the February Anniversaries and Birthday list.

ICS

Interfaith Community Services

February Fun!

Are you looking to reduce your 2023 Arizona

income tax liability?

Many students at the Helen Keeling Elementary School in mid Tucson come from low-income families. These students need our help if they are to have the same opportunity for life-enhancing activities available to students in Arizona’s more affluent schools. The Arizona public school tax credit provides that help. It allows Arizona taxpayers, at no cost to the taxpayer, a dollar-for-dollar credit against the individual’s Arizona personal tax liability, with the maximum amount of that offset or credit determined by the taxpayer’s filing status.

As you prepare to file your 2023 Arizona income tax return, please consider taking advantage of Arizona’s public school tax credit by making a monetary donation to the Helen Keeling Elementary School. Click here for more information ...

Empty Pill Prescription Bottles for Primavera!

These pill bottles are very helpful; they help distribute small amounts of personal care essentials like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, etc. By giving out pill bottle-sized amounts to folks, a great number of people can get what they need at the Primavera Homeless Intervention and Prevention Drop-In Center. Be sure to remove all labels and drop them off on Sunday mornings in the Narthex.



Note: Glue may be removed by rubbing olive oil on the glue and rinsing with soapy water or by using the commercial product Goo Gone. 

CAUCC Calendar

Happening this Week

Wednesday, January 31

• 10:00 am Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704 or Study Link
• 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer, without Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 Passcode: 769422 Centering Link
• 6:00 pm Bell Choir Bell Room
• 7:00 Choir Practice Sanctuary

 Thursday, February 1

• 8:30 am Men's Breakfast Beyond Bread
• 9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
• 2:00 pm Library Meeting Library
• 6:30 pm Spiritual Life with Pastor Michael Zoom only (contact office to sign up)

Friday, February 2

• 10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6

Saturday, February 3

• 9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6

Sunday, February 4

• 9:30 am Worship Service in Sanctuary
• 9:30 am Online Worship Service Livestreamed: Just before 9:30 am click on Worship Service Link: click on the “Live-Streaming” box on that page. (If you try the link early, it will redirect you to the wrong page).
• 10:30 am Coffee and Community Time McNear Hall
• 10:30 am T-Time McNear Hall
• 10:30 am Compassion on the Border Petition Signing McNear Hall
• 11:00 am Sunday Family Funday on Zoom: Funday Link or Meeting ID 781 414 384; Password 883239
• 11:00 am Class: Uniting in Christ in a Divided Time Room 3



Monday, February 5

• 12:00 Noon Stewardship Luncheon Rooms 9/10
• 3:30 pm Cleaning Entire Campus

Tuesday, February 6

• 11:00 am Spiritual Life Meeting In-person, Room 3 and on Zoom (contact office to sign up)
• 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer In-person, Room 1
• 2:00 pm Christian Education Meeting on Zoom

Wednesday, February 7

• 10:00 am Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704 or Study Link
• 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer, without Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 Passcode: 769422 Centering Link
• 6:00 pm Bell Choir Bell Room
• 7:00 Choir Practice Sanctuary

Note: Other room rentals may be on campus, but not on this calendar.

Church Staff

Pastor Michael off-January 30th

Anne off-February 1st

The easiest way to contact anyone on staff is to email them directly.

For intentional conversations, appointments work best.

Michael: michael@caucc.org

John: john@caucc.org

Anne: anne@caucc.org

Jay: jay@caucc.org

Darryl: dalking@email.arizona.edu

Ida: imhgnp@msn.com

Member-at-Large, Amy Lincoln: mal.caucc@gmail.com

With our newest staff member in the office, Jay and I are trying out some flexible hours. We are open by appointment only on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Jay and I will be working diligently, as always, as to how we can be helpful, how we keep everyone informed, and continue to connect with people. We are here for you. Tuesdays and Thursdays the office remains open from 9:00 to 4:00 pm. Thanks for helping us help you! Submitted by Anne Bailey

Barry: Building Maintenance Manager: till 3:00 pm, Tue, Wed, Thur.



Staff meetings: every fourth Tuesday of the month,

office closed from 1:30 to 2:00 pm.

Council Meetings and Minutes

Council meetings are open to any member of the CAUCC community. Next meeting, Tuesday, February 20th at 4:00 pm on Zoom. December Meeting Minutes are available-click here. Email Anne Bailey for the meeting Zoom link.  

To support the ministry and mission of CAUCC, please donate online here: