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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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Life Together in the Breaking
Cleopas, the other disciple, and the stranger (who was the risen Jesus)
came to the edge of the village where they were headed.
Jesus acted as if he were going on but they pressed him:
"Stay and have supper with us. It's nearly evening; the day is done."
So he went in with them. And here is what happened:
He sat down at the table with them.
Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them.
At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him.
And then he disappeared. Back and forth they talked.
"Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road,
as he opened up the Scriptures for us?" They didn't waste a minute.
They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem.
They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away:
"It's really happened! The Master has been raised up - Simon saw him!"
Then the two went over everything that happened on the road
and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread. -Luke 24:28-35
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In the Sunday story (excerpt above) we heard a reminder of how Jesus is revealed to and in and through us, even when we are in the midst of breaking, hardship, chaos, and pain. First, we see that even in the breaking time, these disciples stick together. There may have been disciples who left the group and wandered on their own. There may have been disciples who tried to forget the overwhelming experiences of the last few days and numb themselves. But these two stick together and talk about what matters. They share their experiences, their doubts, their questions. They are not shutting down, not numbing, not hiding. They seek together in the breaking.
And they find. Jesus wants them to see, and so he speaks to them. They look together to the Scriptures, the reminders in the stories and the prophets of how God works and is alive in and among God’s people. In this they feel something together: hearts burning, a presence, an energy that they don’t quite understand immediately. And then they take the time to share in hospitality and a meal together. Relaxing around the table and sharing a meal, they experience Jesus alive in their midst, they experience resurrection life together. And then they turn around - they no longer continue in their own plan for their day or their lives. They turn around to share in God’s plan, to share God’s good news, to share Jesus with others, to expand the sense of togetherness, community, and connection.
As these two disciples stick together and practice all that holds them together with one another and the Spirit, they know life. It is not life in isolation, of getting by and grinding through, not life just of survival. Rather, it is Life of resurrection, light in shadows, hope in despair, and unity in fracturing. It is Life together -- life that brings us together and life that we experience when we commit to be together. It is coming together with God and each other. This is how we deal with the breaking -- not by breaking apart in isolation, numbing, self-protecting or more, but in coming together in prayer, meals, laughter, listening, grieving, weeping, and conversation. Then we know Life: the zoë, abundant, resurrection life together. And together we share it with the world, bringing more of the world together. This is good news when we live it. Come (together) and see!
Love,
Michael Bush
Pastor
Listen to the Messages Online: Video Link.
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Sunday Series
Living Into the Resurrection
Sunday April 21st: Healing from Trauma
Experiencing trauma, and extending care and community to those struggling with the results of trauma, causes both emotional and pain. As a volunteer disaster responder one of Rev. John Cheek’s roles is equipping both trauma survivors and their caregivers with the tools to diminish the damage which grows out of trauma. These tools are useful in our day-to-day lives, as well as in those times of acute trauma. John is very happy to share these tools with us!
- Facilitator: The Rev. John Cheek is an Arizona native who grew up in the small farming community of Elfrida. He served as a police officer in southern Arizona for twenty-four years. To his complete surprise, God called him into an ordained ministry role, so, at the age of forty-four, he began an eight-and-a half-year Master of Divinity program at Fuller Theological Seminary. In ordained and non-ordained roles, John served churches in Arizona and New Mexico for twenty-six hears. Although he will continue is disaster work and will preach on occasion, John retired at the end of 2023.
Please sign up (indicate if you will be more likely joining in person or via Zoom): Click here to sign up.
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Make The Wheels Go Round
Casa de las Misericordia (La Casa) is the shelter in Nogales, Mexico for legal asylum seekers. Our Compassion on the Border committee along with our CAUCC community supports the work of this shelter via Cruzando Fronteras – the steering committee that oversees the financial affairs of La Casa. Visits to the shelter are conducted many times per year and members of CAUCC have participated in these tours.
Those of you who have made the trip across the border to La Casa have experienced first hand riding in the 20 year old passenger van. Not the most comfortable of rides with tight seating arrangements and a low roof! We know what great work La Casa does and now we are hoping to help provide good transportation for trips to the facility.
The estimated cost of a new high roof van is $60,000. We have an anonymous donor who has given $20,000 toward the cause. Donations can be made by checks written to CAUCC with Faith in Motion on the memo line. Donations can also be made directly through the church website donation page or using the QR code on the poster display in the church entrance. Join us as we track the progress to our goal.
Questions? Contact Susan Sommerfeld at: Email or (763)202-3160.
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Spiritual Formation Groups
with Pastor Michael
Thursdays, 6:30 pm weekly, on Zoom
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.
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Wednesdays,
10:00 am weekly,
meeting next on April 24th.
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Check the calendar
at the end of the
e-newsletter for
Zoom links.
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Centering Prayer
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.
Centering Prayer with Pastor John,
Wednesdays, 12:00 noon, on Zoom
Centering Prayer with Pastor John
Tuesdays, 12:00 noon, Room 1
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Civic Academy on Voting: Action, Integrity, Safety
Presented by Pima County Interfaith
Hosted by Casas Adobes UCC
Saturday, April 20th at 1:30 in McNear Hall
This forum features the Pima County Recorder, Gabriella Cázares-Kelly and Elections Director, Constance Hargrove.
Learn the facts about how officials maintain integrity and safety in elections. Please come and get your questions answered by experts and invite your family, friends, and neighbors. The event is free but registration is appreciated.
The event is free but registration is required. Register now using the link on the attached event flyer.
- Please note: Pima County Interfaith is a non-partisan, non-profit organization. There will be no effort to influence how or who you vote for at this event.
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Hey Snowbirds!
Please let the office know the dates for when you plan to be at your other address. This always helps the office keep in touch with you, and helps the church with event planning. Email Jay, click here. Thank you!
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Santa Cruz Loop
Saturday, April 20th
This is a new ride along both sides of the Santa Cruz River between W. Congress and Valencia with the possibility of seeing some burrowing owls. We will meet at the Paseo de Iglesias parking lot along S. Santa Cruz Lane south of West Silverlake Road at 8:30 am.
The ride is along the Santa Cruz River Bikeway, “The Loop”, with several on street sections in bike lanes and is approximately 15.5 miles in length. After the ride we can find a nearby eatery for some nourishment/refreshments.
Please wear a helmet and bring a water bottle. For additional information, please contact Charlie or Marj Wippermann at 520-373-4248.
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What do you want your legacy to be to CAUCC?
We believe Jesus taught us that helping others is spiritual giving. Remembering CAUCC in your Will and/or Trust provides sustainability to the church and the missions we provide. Your gift allows you to make a difference to the church and to the Tucson community after you are gone.
We recognize that donating money to charitable organizations is a personal and spiritual choice. So, you may ask: Why should I donate to the CAUCC Legacy Fund?
The Church Council created the Legacy Fund as a way to sustain the future of CAUCC. The Legacy Fund is maintained as a permanent endowment-like fund with the annual interest available for the leadership to apply to strategic initiatives or capital campaigns, if desired. The fund is managed by the Financial Review and Management Team (FARM) of the church.
Please join us on April 28th at 11:00 am in Room 3 to meet with members of the Officer's Club and Mr. Mark Valentine, Esq. to learn the basics on how to donate money to the CAUCC Legacy Fund through your Will and/or Trust.
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Singing Bowls
Join Ryan Collins for listening and playing.
In the Sanctuary, 3:00 pm
Thursday, April 25th
Thursday, May 16th
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Click on the picture (right) for the names and dates.
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Please remember to PRINT your name in the pew register in worship each Sunday. If there’s someone further down the row, please pass it down as well. This is how the office and pastor know how to contact guests, and also help us to know when friends and members have lost contact. While we enjoy trying to guess faces on the video recording each week, it’s much easier if you help us out. If worshipping online, say hello in the YouTube chat. Thank you!
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CAUCC Scholarship Opportunity
The CAUCC Scholarship application process has been streamlined this year. If you are a post-high school student in an accredited educational program, and you are a friend or member of CAUCC we encourage you to schedule a conversation with our Scholarship Committee. These formal conversations are scheduled for May 20th and 21st. At these conversations we will get to know your goals and concerns. You will need to bring your transcripts and/or current grade printouts (if your final grade has not yet been posted) for the two most recent semesters of your schooling. We will also need your complete contact information.
We will award scholarships by July 1, 2024. Each recipient will be paired with a church mentor/coach who will provide support and friendship throughout the year.
Please note two major changes from previous year’s Scholarship program: There are no written essay requirements (the in-person conversation replaces this), and the maximum award amount will be $1,000.
If you have not already scheduled a specific time to meet on May 20th or 21st, contact Marilyn Weleck with email or call 520-549-9535.
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CAUCC Calendar
Happening this Week
Wednesday, April 17
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Purposeful Ponderings Resumes next Wed. Apr. 24...with Pastor John
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer, with Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 Passcode: 769422 Centering Link
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2:00 pm Worship Arts Team Zoom
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6:00 pm Bell Choir Bell Room
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7:00 Choir Practice Sanctuary
Thursday, April 18
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7:30 am Hike and Contemplation (See article)
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8:30 am Men's Breakfast Beyond Bread
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9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
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6:30 pm Spiritual Formation Group Zoom only (contact office to sign up)
Friday, April 19
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10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
Saturday, April 20
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9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
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Sunday, April 21
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9:30 am Worship Service in Sanctuary
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9:30 am Online Worship Service Livestreamed: Just before 9:30 am click on Worship Service Link: click on the “Livestream” box on that page. (If you try the link early, it will redirect you to the wrong page).
- 9:00 am T-Time/Turbo Time
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10:30 am Coffee and Community Time McNear Hall
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11:00 am Sunday Family Funday on Zoom: Funday Link or Meeting ID 781 414 384; Password 883239
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11:00 am Class: Living Into the Resurrection, Healing from Trauma w/Rev. John Cheek Room 3
Monday, April 22
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3:30 pm Cleaning Entire Campus
Tuesday, April 23
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11:00 am Spiritual Formation Group Room 3 and on Zoom (contact office to sign up)
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11:30 am Special Event Set-Up Entire McNear Hall
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Room 1
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1:30 pm Staff Meeting Office Closed
Wednesday, April 24
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10:00 am Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704 or Study Link
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer, with Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 Passcode: 769422 Centering Link
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3:00 pm ICS Volunteer Thank You Party Entire McNear Hall
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6:00 pm Bell Choir Bell Room
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7:00 Choir Practice Sanctuary
Note: Other room rentals may be on campus, but not on this calendar.
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Church Staff
The easiest way to contact anyone
on staff is to email them directly.
For intentional conversations,
appointments work best.
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Office staff: 9:00 am Monday and Wednesdays; open by appointment in the afternoons
Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
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.
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Council Meetings and Minutes
Council meetings are open to any member of the CAUCC community. Next meeting, today and then Tuesday, May 21st at 4:00 pm on Zoom. February Meeting Minutes are available, click here. Email Anne Bailey for the meeting Zoom link.
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To support the ministry and mission of CAUCC, please donate online here: | | | | |
