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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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Potent Branches of Transforming Love
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip,
“Get up and go toward the south to the road that
goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.)
So he got up and went.
Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace,
queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury.
He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home;
seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran . . .
Acts 8:26-30
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We talked on Sunday about the eunuch (above) who is considered “other” (outside the cultural and religious norms of Israel in terms of gender identity and sexuality). In the story, the religious group that he wants to be part of has excluded him from full participation because he is who he is. Where have we heard this kind of story in our own time and place?
Who are your “others” that you might be tempted to exclude because you do not understand or you feel afraid- - in all dimensions of life?
What might happen if we listen to those others? Even love those others?
The Biblical witness is that this can bring transformation. Loving people whom we have excluded can change us. It can change other people. It can change communities. The seeds are there to bring change into the world.
How do we begin connecting with whomever we have perceived as the “other?” From where does the motivation or courage come? In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks the truth that we were made to be part of what Jesus is part of, part of the Spirit, part of God. He uses the image of a vine with branches to help us get our minds around what God intends, what is God’s reality. But Jesus also names the choice to not to live in God’s reality, to not live as God intends. We can be cut off from the vine. We can do life on our own, our own way, by our own power. However, Jesus indicates this is not the best choice -- he says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”
If apart from Jesus we can do nothing - - and by this I believe he means that we cannot fully, truly live - - then what is it we can do with Jesus, what happens when we are branches on and in the vine? He does not say we are part of the vine just so we can feel the warmth of God’s presence. He does not say we are part of the vine so that we can be assured of an afterlife with God. He says we are part of the vine to bear fruit. When we are participating in the Way of Jesus and connected with the Spirit, we will bear fruit.
Why do plants bear fruit? The fruit nurtures the seed to make more of the plant. Bearing fruit is about producing more life. We are one in the Spirit so that we spread life, give life to others! We are gifted with God’s life, love, Spirit, and power so that we can embody and share these gifts with others – we can be God’s gift to others.
As we are “on the vine,” we have courage to go beyond what we know and what is comfortable and to be with, listen to, and love the those whom we have seen as “other.” Philip did that in our Acts story, and the eunuch did that with Philip, and it brings transformation for Philip (in his understandings of who is “in” and “out”) and for the eunuch (who experiences belonging in the Spirit).
In our world so often divided, we need this kind of transforming love, do we not? Jesus invites us to daily choose to be part of such potent branches of God’s healing, hoping love.
Love,
Michael Bush
Pastor
Listen to the Messages Online: Video Link.
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Office Changes
As most of you know, Jay Deskins, is an ordained minister and began working with us in the office as he was also seeking a part-time pastoral call. He is now pastor of Chalice Christian Church in Gilbert, Arizona (see their website). As he seeks to serve best in both of these roles, he has asked to shift the days he is working with CAUCC to Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 am through 3:30 pm (and the office continues to be open by appointment only Monday and Wednesdays after 12:00 noon).
And we have also added a Thursday office support person: Janet Delgado.
Some of you may recall that Janet helped us a few years ago by going through and organizing all our historical papers. Janet has worked at other church offices throughout her life. She has a son in Washington state and a married son and granddaughter in California.
Please, when you visit the campus, stop by and say “Hi”.
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Make The Wheels Go Round Update
Compassion on the Border is ever so grateful for the outstanding response to Faith In Motion! Thank you to those of you who have donated to this effort.
Last chance today to donate: directly on the church website donation page and add the Faith in Motion as a memo.
Questions? Contact Susan Sommerfeld at: Email or 763-202-3160.
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A Letter from Helen Gallant
Dear CAUCC,
Helen passed away last month. Her service was across town and Pastor John and Ida Heath attended.
Her son, Michael, found the attached letter among her things. it is about belonging to this this church...a good story. Read it here.
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Helen Keeling Elementary School Outreach
A Measure of CAUCC’S Generosity
Although the school year is winding down for staff and students at Keeling Elementary, it is perhaps the best time for our congregation to reflect on the support it has provided to our Keeling family over the course of the 2023-2024 school year:
- Last summer, members of this congregation donated school supplies for teachers and staff to use in their classrooms as well as cash to fund purchases as needed over the course of the year. Your generosity was overwhelming and appreciated!...
Click here to read all about it!
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Spiritual Formation Groups
with Pastor Michael
Thursdays, 6:30 pm weekly, on Zoom
Journey through the Acts of the Apostles.
Prayer, sharing, learning, and growing together.
Tuesdays, 11:00 am weekly, hybrid (In-person and online)
Journey through the Gospel of John. 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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Weekly on Wednesdays,
10:00 am
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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,
Wednesday, May 1st, 12:00 noon, on Zoom
Centering Prayer with Pastor John
Tuesday, May 7th, 12:00 noon, Room 1
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Where, OH, Where …
Last week we were looking for 3 loaned wheelchairs...
Two were returned, thanks!
Looking for one more...lent out or escaped from the Medical Supply Closet. Please, if you borrowed one and are not using it RETURN it to the church office OR call or email Ida so it gets checked in properly. Not having any wheelchairs to lend is difficult because the Medical Supply closet is such an asset to the church.
Blessings for good health!
If you have questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me at imhgnp@msn.com or by phone 520-682-0291 before 9:00 pm.
Yours in Christ,
Ida Heath, RNP, Parish Nurse
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Greeters Needed
We need greeters for upcoming Sundays, 9:10 am to 9:30 am.
If you can help, please call or text (520-990-1120) or email Kathy Boelte to let her know the date(s) you can greet.
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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 1st. 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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UCC’s Strengthen the Church Special Offering
The Strengthen the Church Offering supports congregations and initiatives that help us live into the United Church of Christ's "big tent" vision. Funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and renewal initiatives in existing congregations. Your conference and the national ministries work together to use these funds for projects that matter now and for the future of our movement.
Through this offering, we further our commitment to being a multi-racial/multi-cultural church that is accessible to all.
Please join with people across the UCC in promoting the Strengthen the Church Offering on May 19, 2024.
through Pentecost Sunday, May 19th. Donations can also be mailed to the church office, specifying Strengthen the Church in the memo line, or online-click here.
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By the Way...
2024 One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
CAUCC has again shown its generosity by contributing $2,430 during the 2024 One Great Hour of Sharing special offering. That amount is an increase from the $1,700 donated last year. Through your donations to this offering, this congregation helps fund disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the United Church of Christ throughout the world. The need is great! We thank you for recognizing and helping to respond to it! Ministry of Justice Advocacy and Missions
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CAUCC Calendar
Happening this Week
Women's Retreat this weekend, May 3rd through May 5th
Wednesday, May 1
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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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10:00 am Membership Team Meeting Rooms 7/8 and on Zoom
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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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6:00 pm Bell Choir Bell Room
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7:00 Choir Practice Sanctuary
Thursday, May 2
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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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12:00 pm Library Team Meeting Library
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6:30 pm Spiritual Formation Group Zoom only (contact office to sign up)
Friday, May 3
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10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
Saturday, May 4
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9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
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10:30 am Room Use Exclusive Event Rooms 9/10
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Sunday, May 5 Communion Sunday
Look for Charlie Wippermann and sign up for the next Habitat Build day!
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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 and Recorded Services 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
Monday, May 6
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3:30 pm Cleaning Entire Campus
Tuesday, May 7
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11:00 am Spiritual Formation Group Room 3 and on Zoom (contact office to sign up)
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1:00 pm Library Work Day Library 12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Room 1
Wednesday, May 8
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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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10:00 am Membership Team Meeting Rooms 7/8 and on Zoom
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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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1:30 pm Alzheimer's Support Group Rooms 3/4
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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
Pastor Michael off Wed. and Thurs., May 1 and 2.
Pastor John on vacation May 10-15.
Anne on vacation May 16-20.
The easiest way to contact anyone
on staff is to email them directly.
For intentional conversations, appointments work best.
Flower
Garden
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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. March 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: | | | | |
