February 6, 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.

Recharging Without an Outlet

That evening, after the sun was down,

they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him,

the whole city lined up at his door!

He cured their sick bodies and tormented spirits.

Because the demons knew his true identity, he didn’t let them say a word.

While it was still night, way before dawn,

he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed.

Simon and those with him went looking for him.

They found him and said, “Everybody’s looking for you.”

Jesus said, “Let’s go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also.

This is why I’ve come.”

He went to their meeting places all through Galilee,

preaching and throwing out the demons -- Mark 1:37-39

In our age of social media and celebrity, it is hard to think about solitary places. I am not referencing a lonely place, but a place of stillness where connection and new vision are made possible. We have heard that there is an epidemic of loneliness in our society, which seems contradictory because many of us have phone constantly in hand. Technology can enhance community and connection, but technology itself cannot create meaningful connections. That requires an open heart and trust. It is easy to become isolated; even as we the whole world at our fingertips and cities become more crowded. I think this sort of life-draining chaos is what Jesus was breaking from. So much need, so much commotion, so much distraction, so much pain, so many demons, I would imagine, weighed on Jesus (who theologically we are told is human in every way.)

Jesus is not leaving the crowds because he is feeling anti-social, he is going to reconnect to the source of what is lifegiving for him. He is looking to recharge. That is prayer and connection with God on a deeper level. Jesus goes off to pray alone many times throughout the gospels. From his time in the wilderness, to his ascent up the mountain to his time in Gethsemane. Many times, Jesus goes to pray and recharge for what he needs to do next in times of extreme challenge and emotion. It is part of his practice that keeps him alive; keeps him awake and aware of God’s living presence in the world. The writers of the gospels often contrast his awareness to the drowsiness of the disciples. They are often invited to come with Jesus to pray with him, but then fall asleep. These stories challenge us to be awake with Jesus and to stay connected.

In the midst of the excitement of Jesus’ healing, I find a message that we are not only called to be awake to the needs of the community, but to our personal needs, too. I am not talking about selfish motivations but spiritual motivations that are authentic in humility and vulnerability. It is only when we are open and honest can we be strengthened. This passage is an important reminder that we must practice self-care and connection to God if we are to do what we need to do as followers of the Jesus way.

My favorite part of this passage is when the disciples find Jesus and tell him that everyone is looking for him. His response isn’t “Oh no, go away.” It is essentially, “Let’s go; that’s why I’m here.”

I pray that as we begin the season of Lent next week, that we may continue to nurture our servant-hearts.  Not at the expense of our bodies and spirits, but genuinely in connection with God and our communities. Jesus leads the way, may we be awake enough to follow.

Peace

Pastor John

  Listen to or Download the Messages Online: Video Link. 

Celebration of Life for Joan Jernigan

Thursday, February 8th

You are invited to join Dave Jernigan, family and friends for a Celebration of Life for his wife, Joan, 11:00 am in the sanctuary. A reception will follow.

Taizé Service in the Sanctuary

Thursday, February 8th

Taizé is a quiet, 45-minute service with gentle music, singing, subdued candlelight, scripture readings and includes time for reflection, time for silence and time for meditation. Please join us Thursday, February 8th at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. Prelude music will start at 6:20 pm.

Taizé is held the second Thursday of each month.  

Let's think Out-Of-The Box! 

Sunday, February 11th

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 

SouperBowl of Caring 2024

Helping Interfaith Community Services (ICS) and

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) Food Banks

Sunday, February 11th

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

Lent Prayer/Meditation Resources

Many people commit to renewing and deepening spiritual practices in the season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday, February 14th. We will have print devotional materials by Henri Nouwen available in the sanctuary entrance, and members of our church have appreciated online and email daily devotions from Richard Rohr (Center for Actions and Contemplation), and the United Church of Christ Still-Speaking writers.

Pastor Michael has also recently released a daily Lenten devotional book (available in print or Kindle).  

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. Click here to sign up.

• 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?

• Feb 25: Redeeming Prayer – No class this Sunday of the prayer retreat weekend where we will be looking at and practicing prayer that goes beyond the rote and the “thoughts and prayers” cliché and listens for God who is still-speaking.

• March 3 and 10: Redeeming Eve – we will revisit Gen 1-3 and explore the textual evidence that Eve was meant to have knowledge of good and evil in order to cope with the complex world created in Genesis 1 and to actualize the image of God within her.  If there were an original sin in Gen 2-3, it wasn’t one of disobedience; rather it was her failure to take responsibility for her decision, blaming the serpent instead.
• Part I (March 3): Genesis 1: If “Very Good,” Whence Evil?
• Part II (March 10): Genesis 2-3: Did the Serpent Get It Right? 

• March 17: Redeeming Healing – Many people think of healing in Bible stories as a physical phenomenon only. How might we understand healing more broadly for our individual selves and for our communities? How do we receive healing? How can we be healers?

• March 24: Redeeming Grief – In the face of difficulties or loss, sometimes we want to skip or avoid grief. As we enter into the passion of the Holy Week story, how might we understand and live the gift of grief?

Karen Borek, former clergy and faculty member at the University of Arizona and Wesley Theological Seminary, wrote her dissertation on Genesis 1-3. She is now living in Lancaster, PA with her husband Ted (was part of CAUCC before the move).

Brigid Waszczak is a spiritual director, Episcopal deacon, and certified Walking The Mourners Path facilitator who believes that tears of grief are liquid prayers. 

Brigid and Karen have co-taught a Mary Magdalene class with CAUCC. Karen and Michael Bush co-facilitated a book study here on Process Theology and Prayer. And Brigid, with Bess Woodworth, facilitated an Advent series tapping into our creativity and spirituality. 

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.

• February 7: Part 2, Responses to Political Stresses: Colonization, Race and Revolution
• February 14: No Ponderings Class

Eclectic Book Club

Saturday, February 10th

The Eclectic Book Club meets the second Saturday of each month, except in December, at 9:30 am. to discuss that month’s book and enjoy each other’s fellowship.

• February's date and book: (2/10/24): Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
• Contact Bonnie Mardian for details: 520-883-6454.

Men’s Small Group Dialogue Invitation

Thursday, February 8th

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 who are interested in learning more about this opportunity are invited 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    

Blood Pressure

Sunday, February 11th

Don’t forget to check your Blood Pressure…this coming Sunday after service, February 11th. Ida Heath, our Parish Nurse, or Marj Wippermann, or Rosalie Shelton will be there to check it for you…Room 1, next to the Library.  

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.

For MJAM’s Procedures for Gathering Petition Signatures, click here.

Petition Signing Sunday, February 11th and 25th

If you want to sign the petition to get the Arizona for Abortion Access citizens' initiative on the November ballot, but haven't yet, Judy Keagy or Gypsy Lyle will have petitions available after church this coming Sunday and February 25th.

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, click here to sign up 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.). 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.   

Birdwatching

Friday, February 16th

Please join Leona Lansing and Cynthia VerDuin at Sweetwater Park, 2511 W Sweetwater Dr, just west of I-10, for bird and wildlife watching/listening with an 8:00 am start time. The walk is short on a paved flat area. Birds are easy to spot in and around the water. There is parking close by and across the street, restrooms on site. We have binoculars for loan if you want them. Email or call with any questions to Cynthia email, 216-571-6707, hope you can join us! 

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:

Debbie and Dan Wold

Coffee Hour

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. Many dates from March till the end of the year are available. 

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. 

Our annual Women’s Retreat will be held from May 3rd through 5th, in the beautiful desert surroundings of the Redemptorist Renewal Center, We’ll be spending a rejuvenating weekend while we explore how we commune with God, nature, ourselves and each other. All are welcome, including guests.



You can attend all three days or Saturday only. For pricing information and to register: click here. 

Reflection on January 25th La Casa Tour

On January 25th, Pastor Randy Mayer escorted a group which included several people from CAUCC on a day-long trip to La Casa de La Misericordia (La Casa) in Nogales, Mexico. La Casa provides a safe, loving haven for migrants (women with children, some intact families, and a few single men) while they wait for their immigration interviews to allow legal entry into the U.S. Legal assistance is provided to help residents navigate all the red tape. La Casa houses approximately 120 people and the average length of stay is six months. La Casa’s director is Sister Lika, an extraordinarily talented woman with a huge smile. She’s both visionary and practical with her fingers on the pulse of every person and event at the shelter. The picture shows Lika with children clamoring to hug her. 

Since there are only four paid staff members, residents pitch in to help with all that needs to be done: cooking, cleaning, laundry, building repairs, and gardening. Some work in the newly built tortilla factory, providing fresh tortillas for residents and offering some for sale to the wider community. Certified teachers provide education for all children beginning with preschool, and instructors help adults become skilled electricians, mechanics, hair stylists, etc.

All of us on the tour agreed that extraordinary work is being done at La Casa. The sanctuary it provides stands in sharp contrast to the impoverished neighborhoods surrounding it. We spent a remarkable day there and I urge you to take the next tour.

Reflection provided by Grace Bunker

ICS

Interfaith Community Services

February Fun!

Civic Academy

Casas Adobes Congregational, UCC will be hosting a Civic Academy presented by Pima County Interfaith Council on Voting: Action, Integrity, Safety.

Who: Everyone interested in the voting process, including mail-in voting, and how officials maintain integrity and safety in elections. Get your questions answered by experts! Learn the facts of our most valuable civic right and duty! Members, friends, neighbors and the general public are all welcome.

Speakers include: The Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly and Elections Director Constance Hargrove

Date/time: Saturday, April 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Location: Casas Adobes Congregational, UCC, McNear Hall

Topics:

• The life of a ballot
• Counting ballots
• What happens to mail-in-ballots

Put this on your calendar now and be on the lookout for the event flyer and registration link later this Spring. Submitted by Judy Keagy

Clearing Shelves? Closets?

It is through your generous donations that the church library is able to update and expand offerings available for check out. Any donated books, puzzles, or tapes we cannot put on the shelves, we will sell at our next book sale and the profits will go to the church Scholarship Fund. Please bring any items you wish to donate to the library or place them in the brown rubber receptacle in the breezeway between the sanctuary and the office (available 24/7). Thank you, the Library Team 

CAUCC Calendar

Happening this Week

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

 Thursday, February 8

• 8:30 am Men's Breakfast Beyond Bread
• 9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
• 10:00 am Men's Dialogue Room 3
• 11:00 am Celebration of Life and Reception for Joan Jernigan Sanctuary and Hall
• 6:30 pm Taizé Service Sanctuary

Friday, February 9

• 10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6

Saturday, February 10

• 9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6

Sunday, February 11 SouperBowl of Caring

• 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 Blood Pressure Checks Room 1
• 10:30 am T-Time McNear Hall
• 10:30 am Music Team Meeting Choir Room
• 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 Sabbatical Planning Room 3



Monday, February 12

• 2:30 pm MJAM Meeting on Zoom
• 3:30 pm Cleaning Entire Campus

Tuesday, February 13

• 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
• 1:00 pm Grief Group Meeting Room 4
• 2:00 pm Christian Education Meeting on Zoom
• 4:00 pm Worship Team Meeting on Zoom

Wednesday, February 14 Ash Wednesday

• 9:00 am Drive thru Ashes (Parking Lot)
• No Purposeful Ponderings
• 12:00 noon Ash Wednesday Service Chapel 
• No Noon Centering Prayer
• 1:30 pm Alzheimer's Support Rooms 3 and 4
• 6:00 pm Fireside on the Plaza - Ash Wednesday Gathering In front of church doors
• 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

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: