|
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. | | |
|
Angels We Have Heard On High.
Angels We Have Heard in the Low Places, too.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host– Luke 2:9-13
| |
|
Our Biblical stories in this season are full of angels.
The word “angel” means “messenger.” Who have been messengers for you? How do you hear our God who is
“still-speaking?”
On an Ireland retreat, I was introduced to
the work of John O’Donohue. I recently ran across an Angel blessing he wrote. I share
it with you in thanksgiving for all the messages and messengers of Divine
blessing in our lives.
May the Angels in their beauty bless you.
May they turn toward you streams of blessing.
May the Angel of Awakening stir your heart
To come alive to the eternal within you,
To all the invitations that quietly surround you.
May the Angel of Healing turn your wounds
Into sources of refreshment.
May the Angel of the Imagination enable you
To stand on the true thresholds,
At ease with your ambivalence
And drawn in new direction
Through the glow of your contradictions.
May the Angel of Compassion open your eyes
To the unseen suffering around you.
May the Angel of Wildness disturb the places
Where your life is domesticated and safe,
Take you to the territories of true otherness
| |
|
Where all that is awkward in you
Can fall into its own rhythm.
May the Angel of Eros introduce you
To the beauty of your senses
To celebrate your inheritance
As a temple of the holy spirit.
May the Angel of Justice disturb you
To take the side of the poor and the wronged.
May the Angel of Encouragement confirm you
In worth and self-respect,
That you may live with the dignity
That presides in your soul.
May the Angel of Death arrive only
When your life is complete
And you have brought every given gift
To the threshold where its infinity can shine.
May all the Angels be your sheltering
And joyful guardians.
| |
|
Merry Christmas and Much Love,
Pastor Michael Bush
Listen to or Download the Messages Online: Video Link.
| |
|
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!
On December 14, 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
| |
|
Jenn's last day in the office will be December 28th...
be sure to stop by before she leaves. Her last day here is
Thursday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
| | | |
|
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.
| |
|
Resuming Sunday Series: Uniting in Christ in a Divided Time
Resumes Sundays, January 14th through February 11th
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?
In 2018, a group of ecumenical leaders published a statement called “Reclaiming Jesus,” as a way to look to our leader, Lord, Rabbi, Savior for ways forward in divisive times (see the statement, click here). The Episcopal Church developed a Bible Study to invite conversation around the tenets of the statement. Dr. Karen Borek shared this with some of us last summer, and we have adapted this study for our use at CAUCC.
The series also addresses some of the brainstorming in our CAUCC priorities, with people appreciating an opportunity to talk about contemporary issues (in the spirit of Java and Justice and some Forums of the past), and especially engaging in smaller group conversation. We will continue these conversations.
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, please sign up through the office, email here and you will receive materials and Zoom links (indicate if you will be in person or online so we can plan accordingly).
| |
|
Sunday 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 Turn for Coffee Time
Be sure to schedule your Sunday to care for your community by hosting Coffee Time after services.
Quick training available.
Hosts needed for January 7th, 28th and throughout the year. Use the sign-up sheet in the Hall or contact Leona Lansing (click here).
| |
|
Your hosts for Sunday,
December 31st:
Rita B, Jenifer Gardner,
Leona Lansing, Mary Anne Shaw
| |
|
Monthly Hike and Contemplation
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/meditation/contemplation. This is an opportunity 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, January 11th at 7:45 am. Details will be sent to those on the email sign-up list.
| |
|
Spiritual Formation Groups
with Pastor Michael
Thursdays, 6:30 pm weekly
Resuming January 4th
Tuesdays, 11:00 am weekly
Resuming January 9th
| |
|
Purposeful Ponderings
with Pastor John
Wednesdays, 10:00 am weekly
Resuming January 10th
| |
|
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 or without Pastor John
Wednesdays, 12:00 noon, on Zoom. Link on Calendar below.
Centering Prayer with Pastor John
Tuesdays, 12:00 noon,
Resuming Tuesday, January 9th
| |
|
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.
| |
|
CAUCC Calendar
Happening this Week
Wednesday, December 27
-
Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John Resumes January 10
-
12:00 Noon Centering Prayer, without Pastor John on Zoom Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 Passcode: 769422 Centering Link
Thursday, December 28
-
8:30 am Men's Breakfast Beyond Bread
-
9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
-
1:00 pm Primavera Meal Prep Kitchen
-
Spiritual Life with Pastor Michael Resumes January 4
Friday, December 29
-
10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
Saturday, December 30
-
9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
Sunday, December 31
-
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 7
-
11:00 am Sunday Funday Family on Zoom: Resumes January 7
Monday, January 1 Happy New Year's Day
Tuesday, January 2
-
Spiritual Life Class Resumes January 9
-
Centering Prayer Resumes In Person January 9
-
2:00 pm CE Team on Zoom
-
3:30 pm Cleaning Entire Campus
Wednesday, January 3
-
Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John on Zoom Resumes January 10
-
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
The easiest way to contact anyone on staff is to email them directly.
For intentional conversations, appointments work best.
Office Closed New Year's Day, Monday, January 1
| |
|
Through December 31st: 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.
New Office Hours Start January 1st
Anne and Jay: Mondays and Wednesdays office open 9:00 am to 12:00 noon only,
by appointment in the afternoons
Tuesdays and Thursday office open 9:00 am to 3:30 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.
| |
|
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: | | | | |
