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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.
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To submit an article for Tidings, email Anne here by Mondays at 12:00 noon. | | |
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Do You Want Insight?
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples
and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus,
a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly,
"Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here."
And they called the blind man, saying to him,
"Take heart; get up, he is calling you."
So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." – Mark 10:46-51
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I was participating in a conversation in which one of my colleagues began to speak with the following words, “As far as I can see . . .” At which point another colleague gently interjected, “How far is that?”
We are sometimes busy, distracted, numb, and self-protecting in ways that keep us from being fully awake to what is, keep us from perceiving how the Spirit is alive in us and others, and keep us from knowing who we are and what we could be doing and living. Additionally, much around us (work, neighborhood, culture, entertainment,
24-hour news, scrolling our phones, etc.) supports not opening the eyes of our hearts. This is the situation for Bartimaeus, metaphorically, in the story. He had not been perceiving, but he becomes ready to see, ready for healing. However, his community tries to hush him up and shut him down. His need, his hunger, and his hurt likely exposes their own, and they do not wish to see or know their own need. His crying out may also expose that they have not helped him much, and they shush him perhaps out of embarrassment. But Bartimaeus is undaunted, cries out even louder for mercy, for healing, and for knowing.
Bartimaeus was ready to know what is, to know who he is, and what he is here for. He certainly felt the pressure of the people around him that called him to status quo, that would suppress the transformation and challenge of insight. He nonetheless cried out for mercy, spoke his need, and named his desire. And he began to wake up, to perceive more than he had before.
What might be different in and through us as we continue in this anxious election season if we were to seek such insight for ourselves? What will we perceive? What help will we seek? How might we lift up, rather than shut down, voices of people in distress on the margins? What light might we shine?
Love,
Pastor Michael Bush
Listen to or download the messages online:
the Message from Sunday 10.27.2024...click here.
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Sunday Series:
Angels Among Us –
That’s You and Me!
11:00 am to 12:00 Noon
Sundays through November 17th
There has often been a fascination with angels. They appear in books, films, artwork, pendants and necklaces. We, of course, know them in our faith tradition in various Biblical stories, best-known at the birth (in Luke) and resurrection (all four Gospels) of Jesus.
The word “angel” in the Biblical languages simply means “messenger.” Someone who brought a message from the king was an angelos (Greek word), for example. In this upcoming five week series, we will be looking at what angels are in the Biblical literature, what are the roles of messengers in the stories, how is it that people hear from God (receive messages), and pondering how we act as messenger (angels) in our own words and actions.
The hope is that a review of some of the Biblical stories and theological reflection help us connect the idea of angel not just with an ancient winged-being, but with the ways Jesus calls us to both receive and be “angels” in the world. This series also ties in with our Stewardship Ministry’s upcoming fall theme, so watch for banners, invitations, and more in October and November.
Pastor Michael will facilitate this discussion. It is helpful to come to as many of the sessions as you can, but you are also welcome no matter how many you can (or cannot) attend. We will offer the sessions also on Zoom. Please sign up and indicate if you will join us in person or online here.
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Pause for Prayer with your Pastors on Election Day
In the midst of the anxiety and chaos of this election season, we invite you to join us November 5th at 11:00 am in our Chapel for a simple service of prayer, silence, and reflection.
If online works best for you click here to register and receive the link for Zoom (this will be our first attempt to do this from our Chapel space, so please be patient).
Even if you cannot join us, we encourage to unplug from media and scrolling at points throughout the day and the week to re-center and open to God’s peace, creativity, and clarity in this challenging season.
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Have you heard your friends and neighbors exclaim that we are walking through some of the most stressful days we can remember? Have you longed for a time of rest and peace from all the noise? Have you wished to find a regular practice to return your body, mind, and spirit to a place of relaxation and wonder?
If you have been to a Yoga studio lately, or browsed your local recreation center brochure, you may have discovered a new kind of activity, often referred to as a "sound bath." If you have, I bet you have wondered what this might entail. Sound and vibrational therapies are based on the practice of Yoga Nidra which involves a guided meditation with sound, experienced in a reclining position, and is designed to move the participants into a deep state of relaxation. A sound bath combines the principals of Yoga Nidra with the practice of "entrainment," or a re-tuning of the vibrational frequencies given off in each of the seven chakra regions. Sound energy is able to penetrate our bodies to "tune up" our chakras. The sound frequencies come from crystal bowls that are played during the session along with several other instruments.
During the session, you will have your own space on the floor or on a pew and you will be guided during the entire session. These experiences do not involve any movement on your part nor will anyone touch you during the session. We will be silent as we experience the sound together.
Come and experience this newly emerging way to meditate and relax. Our first session will take place on November 7th from 10:30 to 11:30 in the Sanctuary.
Click here for biography on Rebecca McElfresh, your host.
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Bobby Jo Valentine
Concert Here!
Pastor Michael met Bobby Joe when he performed for the Wild Goose Festival in North Carolina. In addition to being an award-winning singer/songwriter, Bobby Jo has a compelling story about his own spiritual journey and the importance of affirmation and inclusion in our faith communities. He is currently on a national tour, singing primarily in open and affirming churches. He is coming to CAUCC next month! Please come and enjoy the music and the Spirit!
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Join Us for One of Our Weekly Spiritual Formation Groups!
These groups covenant to connect regularly in community, Scripture reflection, and prayer. You are welcome to try one out at any time!
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Spiritual Formation Group
with Pastor Michael
Tuesdays at 11:00 am, Room 3
(in person or online)
Journey through the Gospel of John.
Prayer, sharing, learning, and growing together.
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Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer with Pastor John - In person!
Tuesdays at 12:00 noon in Room 1.
Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation which has a strong emphasis on interior silence. People who practice centering prayer feel it helps them be more present to God and adds a sense of balance to their lives.
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Pondering Class
With Pastor John
Wednesdays at 10:00 am on Zoom
Topic for October: Christian Nationalism
Some of the roots of Christian Nationalism (and look at the origins and myths of God-sanctioned government).
October 30th: Roots of Christian Nationalism Part 5, Sea to Shining Sea: A Mythic Vision of America
Check the calendar at the end of this e-newsletter for Zoom links.
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Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer with Pastor John - Zoom only!
Wednesdays, 12:00 noon
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Spiritual Formation Group
with Pastor Michael
Thursdays, 6:30 pm, on Zoom
Journey through the Acts of the Apostles.
Prayer, sharing, learning, and growing together.
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Invitation to Thanksgiving in The Park
For over 50 years David and I have shared a potluck Thanksgiving with friends and family at various parks in Tucson. Some of you have joined us in the past. Again this year we are extending an invitation to any who would like to be included. We have a reservation at a large ramada at Catalina State Park for Thanksgiving Day. We usually gather around noon, eat close to 1:00 pm and enjoy wonderful food and fellowship. We would love to add you to the gathering and if you have family or friends to bring along that is great. The more the merrier! If “Aunt Sue” is a strain on you, someone else will find her delightful so bring her, too, and get some relief. Interested? Call Gypsy Lyle 520-887-4933 for details.
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Celebrate Staff Hires in November, too:
Diane Greene 11.1.2018
Anne Bailey 11.12.2007
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Welcome Back Snowbirds!
Please let the office know when you have returned to Tucson so the office can update your mailing address. Email Jay at jay@caucc.org. Thank you!
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What in the World Is SAMU?
SAMU is an international humanitarian nonprofit which for over 40 years has provided exemplary care to vulnerable and displaced populations during times of national crisis. The US base is in Washington DC with branches around the country. It provides shelter, food, clothing, hygiene, travel assistance, and on-going support with integrating into local communities. It also provides English language lessons, educational workshops, and emotional support. It’s able to provide shelter from 30 days up to nine months, depending on location.
SAMU has long-time affiliations with and receives support from dozens of organizations including Save the Children, FEMA, the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Hope, and the United Way.
SAMU sends teams to provide organizational support to new branch locations to help ensure their success. They started working with a new location in Nogales, AZ on September 1, 2024 and will be with them through February 2025. Those efforts will have a direct, positive impact on organizations providing aid to asylum seekers including Casa Alitas and the Drexel location.
Submitted by Mona Udstuen (Compassion on the Border)
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PCI Joins with League of Women Voters to
Provide Non-Partisan Election Information
This election season, Pima County Interfaith (PCI) has joined with the League of Women Voters to provide timely, useful voting information to as many Pima County voters as we can. Our mission is to provide voters with the tools and information they need to decide for themselves, not to endorse any political candidate, party, or side of any issue. This link provides you with links to voter information to prepare for the election and the website also provides links to candidate forums and ballot propositions. (CAUCC is a member of PCI)
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Wednesday, October 30 Rummage Sale Set-Up
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10:00 am Ponderings with Pastor John, Zoom Ponderings Link or Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Zoom Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
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6:00 pm Bell Choir Practice Bell Room
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7:00 pm Choir Practice Sanctuary
Thursday, October 31 Rummage Sale Set-Up
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8:30 Men's Breakfast (Beyond Bread on Ina)
- No Stitch Witches
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6:30 pm Spiritual Life Group with Pastor Michael Zoom (click here to sign up)
Rummage Sale
Friday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Friday, November 1
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10:00 am AA Meeting Choir Room
Saturday 7:00 am to 11:00 am
Saturday, November 2
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9:00 am AA Meeting Choir Room
- Rummage Sale Clean-Up Until Done!
Sunday, November 3
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9:30 am Worship Sanctuary Online Worship; click on the Livestream and Recorded Services box on that page. (If you try the link early, it will redirect you to the wrong page).
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9:30 am Turbo Time Rooms 5/6
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11:00 am Family Funday Zoom: Funday Link or Meeting ID 781 414 384; Password 883239
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11:00 am Angels Among Us – That’s You and Me!, with Pastor Michael, Room 3 or Zoom: Class link or Meeting ID: 844 9360 3743 and Passcode: 632864
Monday, November 4
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3:30 pm Campus Cleaning Entire Campus
Tuesday, November 5 Election Day
Wednesday, November 6
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10:00 am Ponderings with Pastor John, Zoom Ponderings Link or Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704
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10:00 am Membership Team Meeting Rooms 7/8 and on Zoom
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Zoom Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
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6:00 pm Bell Choir Practice Bell Room
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7:00 pm Choir Practice Sanctuary
Other room rentals may be on campus, but not on this calendar.
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The easiest way to contact anyone on staff is to email them directly.
For intentional conversations, appointments work best.
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Barry, Building Maintenance Manager's hours:
till 3:00 pm, Tue, Wed, Thur.
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Scam Alert: always check the email address of messages received--if the email is not from the ministers and office staff addresses below, SCAM!
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Staff Meetings are once a month on the fourth Tuesday of the month and the office is closed during that time. | |
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Council Meetings and Minutes
Council meetings are open to any member of the CAUCC community. Next meeting, November 19th, 4:00 pm on Zoom. Approved September meeting minutes are available, click here. Email Anne Bailey for the upcoming meeting Zoom link.
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2023 Annual Report
Click here to see our accomplishments last year.
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To support the ministry and mission of CAUCC, please donate online here: | | | | |
