December 19, 2023

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.

Advent: Out of the Ordinary

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.

The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said,

"Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 

He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."  

– Luke 1:26-32 

Like many people, I sometimes get weary of the frenzied dimensions of our cultural Christmas celebrations: Christmas music soundtracks and shopping center décor in full splendor by early November, the crush of cars and people, unrealistic expectations of a perfect Currier and Ives scene in contrast with the realities of family systems dysfunction, war in the Middle East, racism on the rise and so much more.

But, there is something I love about the season that has nothing really to do with Jesus or theology or Advent or “the true meaning of Christmas.” I love the tree in my living room. If we step back, it is an odd tradition, is it not? If we were not so used to this idea, imagine responding to this instruction, “Put a dead tree up in the middle of your living space, string it with lights, and festoon it with decades-old marshmallow snowman ornaments made by a kindergartner. In a dry desert city.”

What I love about it is how the memories, the lights, the pine smell shift things “out of the ordinary” in my living room that looks out on a gravel yard, potted cactus, and sunshine most days. It is the same room as always, same house, same street, and same town, but I see it differently. I often stop longer in the room. I pause. I listen to music. I listen for the Spirit. And something shifts in me.

Mary was, by most definitions, “ordinary.” But God calls her “out of the ordinary” and into a risky venture: starting a “non-traditional family” that somehow could embody God’s transformative reign in the world  She first wondered, “how can this be?” However, she eventually listened, and said, “yes” to the journey. And we are celebrating this “yes” two thousand years later.

I invite you to let this season offer reminders of the life-giving goodness that

comes when we move “out of the ordinary.” The ordinary expectations often

have us frantic and exhausted. We can, instead, in each day choose to move out of those places, and more into times of listening, contemplation, and reflecting on the light that is available in these longest dark days of the year. But, as with all things of the Spirit, this is never about “once and done,” it is not about an extraordinary moment never to be lived again. The Way of Jesus is moving “out of the ordinary” and into greater immersion in the Spirit, such that we and the “ordinary” are transformed more and more into the fullness of life and love that God intends for us and the world.

Come and see!

Love,

Pastor Michael Bush

Listen to or Download the Messages Online: Video Link. 

Holiday Recital Here 

Saturday, December 23rd at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary:

Emma Petersen will be returning for a recital she has titled "Sonoran Psalms" which is a mixture of winter and Christmas pieces. Emma's mother will be at the piano for this concert.

A freewill offering will be taken in support of the performers. 

A reception will follow.

Communion and Contemplation Sunday in the Chapel

8:30 am December 24th

Pastors Michael and John are offering a different kind of worship experience: a 30 minute service providing immersion in some reflective music, prayer, silence, and a spiritual practice contemplating the Sunday Scriptures and themes (that will also be part of the 9:30 am sanctuary worship), and then closing with communion by coming forward to receive elements. This worship opportunity may serve as a quiet preparation time for the 9:30 am worship in the sanctuary or may serve as your primary worship experience in community on a Sunday morning. Come, and see! 

From Jenn

'Thank you' are words that are just not sufficient for what I would like to express to CAUCC. I started here almost 14 years ago (at only 9 hours a week!). This church was exactly what I needed at that moment and has repeatedly been what I’ve needed so many times over the years. I was welcomed in a way that I never had been before. The staff and congregation are kind, understanding, hilarious, flexible, and truly live up to what a church should be. Anne has taught me so many things that I lost count after my first month; we have laughed together and cried together, and she has left an indelible mark on my heart. I've made memories with many members and friends over the years. I've worked with 10 pastors and have seen this campus and church transform. My kids attended VBS when they were little – they are now adults! 

Last week, I was taken to lunch at El Charro with Anne, Barry, Ida, Jay, John, and Michael, and what a treat it was! I very much appreciated the small gathering. They presented a HUGE card signed with so many kind wishes, as well as a check from a purse collection. What an amazing gift! You are all so amazing and generous and I am going to miss you all!  

Leaving CAUCC has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made. This congregation is unforgettable and I will cherish the memories I have here. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for being a place where I was always happy to be. Thank you for your smiles when you walk in the door. Thank you for the laughter and love. Thank you for being you. I love you all and will miss you deeply.

Jenn Ferguson

Advent Workshop Series

Last class in this series, Sunday, January 7th at 11:00 am

Extended by 1/2 Hour and food will be provided

Discover Advent anew through visual art and poetry. Designed for everyone (no art experience necessary -- just curiosity!), this interactive presentation invites you to explore a different artwork and imagine the Advent character’s perspectives, moods, and feelings through close-looking, deep questioning, and reflection. We will ponder the extraordinary in the ordinary and consider how Advent speaks to us individually and in community. Sign-up for the series, click here, and attend in-person or online (or both!).

The facilitators are Brigid Waszczak and Bess Woodworth.

Christmas Eve Coffee and Community Time

10:30 am

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

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

Your hosts:

Jean-Marie, Leona, Chris and Rita

Pledge Information

If you have not already done so, please return your 2024 Pledge Cards as soon as possible in order for us to continue with our work on the 2024 Budget. Or reply online: click.

Donations for 2023

In order for donations to be credited to your 2023 statement, have them to the church by Sunday, December 24th.

Opportunities to Donate Chancel Flowers

Opportunities to donate fresh flowers for the chancel are available December 31st through February 11th.

If you are interested in donating flowers for one of those Sundays, please call Jay in the church office to select a Sunday.



Thank you, Your Worship Team

Tucson Repertory Orchestra Concert

December 30th at 3:00 pm

Flowing Wells High School Auditorium

3725 N Flowing Wells Rd

David Shurtleff will be playing double bass in the free Tucson Repertory Orchestra’s concert. Come enjoy this classical program with Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov. 

Click here to see the flier about this. 

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 Good Sam on the check memo line or with your online donation. Thank you!

Click on the image above to access January dates!

Christmas Fund Special Offering

The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years. It provides emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our denomination’s lower-income retirees. 

Donations to the Christmas Fund will be collected from now through Sunday, December 24th. Donations by check should show on the memo line “Christmas Fund” or online (click here) and use the same memo. Thank you!  

CAUCC Calendar

Happening this Week

Wednesday, December 20

• 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, December 21

• 8:30 am Men's Breakfast Beyond Bread
• 9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
• Spiritual Life with Pastor Michael resumes January 4th

Friday, December 22

• 10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6

Saturday, December 23

• 9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
• 2:00 pm Emma Petersen Recital and Reception Sanctuary and Rooms 9/10

Sunday, December 24

• 8:30 am Communion and Contemplation Chapel, doors open at 8:25 am
• 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 Rooms 9/10
• 10:30 am T-Time Resumes January 7th
• 7:00 pm Worship Service in Sanctuary
• 11:00 am Sunday Funday Family on Zoom: Resumes January 7th

Monday, December 25

• 3:30 pm Cleaning Entire Campus

Tuesday, December 26

• Spiritual Life Resumes January 9th
• Centering Prayer Resumes In Person January 9th

Wednesday, December 27

• Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John Resumes January 10th
• 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer, without Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 Passcode: 769422 Centering Link

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

Church Staff

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

Current Office/Maintenance Hours

Anne and Jay: Mon, Tue, Thurs: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and 

Wed: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

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, January 16th at 4:00 pm on Zoom. November 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: