A Note From Our Senior Pastor:

Transcription

1 NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE ON LIFE S JOURNEY, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. A P u bli catio n o f Ri n co n Co ng reg atio n al U CC D E C E M B ER 2018 A Note From Our Senior Pastor: For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me; in prison and you came to visit me. Then these just will ask, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or see you thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or clothe you in your nakedness? When did we see you ill or in prison and come to visit you? The ruler will answer them, The truth is, every time you did this for the least of my sisters or brothers, you did it for me. Matthew 25: Dear Friends, I N T H IS I S S U E... Pastor s Note 1 Pastor s Note cont 2 Migrant Shelter Potluck 2 Creation Care Ministry 3 Puerto Rico Mission Trip3 Events & Groups 4 Service Opportunities 5 Prayers & Celebrations 6 December Calendar 7 Over the past two months a large community of volunteers has formed with many individuals serving more than one shelter, including Casa Alitas, St. Pius, and five other temporary shelters in the Tucson area, Rincon among them. Never in my twenty years in ministry have I seen such enthusiasm and commitment of such a large and diverse group of volunteers to feed, clothe, welcome, comfort, and accompany God-made-manifest among us, as Matthew s Jesus describes. During the past six weeks of sheltering, not once have I noticed a sense of ownership or competition between these sibling shelter projects. Instead volunteers have shown generous collaboration across diverse backgrounds, showing up to do whatever was needed with humility and grace. I thought I would feel sadness at closing our shelter, at least for the time being, but I don t because others are stepping up. St. Mark s and Trinity Presbyterian, and St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Churches will provide shelters for a week or more in December. Casa Alitas has agreed to receive financial donations that it will share with other faith communities that are willing to open a popup shelter of a week or more. Clothing, food, cots, showers, phones, and volunteers will continue to be shared between shelters. If you would like to volunteer at one of the shelters or otherwise support this joint Tucson shelter project, please send a request that you be added to the volunteer list to casaalitasprogram@gmail.com. This week, ICE began releasing fathers and children four years or older directly to the Tucson Greyhound bus station, but because of public push back, at least for now they are not doing so. Instead, more than one hundred continued on page 2... Sunday, December 2 11:15am Church members will be asked to consider and vote on whether Council should proceed with exploring options for a future migrant shelter ministry.

2 D E C E M B E R P a g e 2 A Note From Our Senior Pastor continued from page 1. people will be kept in detention until shelter space opens up. This means children will be detained for longer than is allowed by law, suffering even more from inadequate hygiene and food, cold temperatures, and dehydration. Today CCS reopens their motel shelter for sixty people to help meet the need for shelter space. This morning our seven remaining guests will be transferred to the CCS shelter and food and clothing will be distributed to where they are most needed. In a world of hurt these days, and especially as we begin the season of Advent, I am inspired and energized to see so many in our communities who are stepping up to feed, clothe, welcome, comfort, and accompany the Migrant Christ in our midst. Through these six weeks, Rincon members and friends have had this incredible opportunity to Be the Church the hands and feet, body and breath of Jesus. We have lived into the verses in Matthew s gospel that have informed and reformed us on our faith journey together. And, as so many of you have told me, you too have been ministered to; fed, welcomed, comforted, encouraged, and inspired. God is not done with us, not done knitting our community together in justice, joy, and hope as we live into the everyday birthing of God-made-manifest within and around us. Our shelter will remain empty for a while as we discern our next steps in feeding, welcoming, sheltering, comforting, and accompanying vulnerable and at risk people in our communities. We still have a healthy fund designated for Rincon s migrant shelter. These funds will be frozen until our next steps are in place. This Sunday during the ten o clock worship service we will receive into membership those who wish to join our church. After worship, we will gather for a Congregational meeting to consider how we will move forward in our ministry with asylum seeker and migrant families. Please come to celebrate our six weeks of migrant shelter ministry, to welcome new members, reflect on our experience of Being Church and Shelter, and vote on the future of migrant shelter ministries. Peace on your way, Pastor Delle Please join us for a Pot Luck celebration and reflection on our experiences of Being Shelter for shelter volunteers Wednesday, December 5th Fellowship Hall ~ 6:30pm REFUGEES They huddle and wait in groups seeking work and a piece of the pie the whole pie we hold among us. No one knows what to do: walls, troops, razor wire, border patrol. Our head says, stay away, go back stay huddled and ragged in Mexico Our heart skips a beat and ponders What can I do? One girl in sanctuary asks me to help her learn English. Refugiado refugee Sonrisa smile Paciencia patience Suerte luck Corazon Heart Rezar pray Pregunta question What can I do? Nancy Fitzgerald November, 2018

3 D E C E M B E R P a g e 3 CREATION CARE MINISTRY THINGS TO THINK ABOUT Tis the season of Advent. It s a season of anticipation of God s gift of love in Jesus, of reflection on all good gifts that come from the Heart of Life. The most amazing gift is life itself. Nothing says we should be here, except a Spirit that revels in creating and loving. We are entitled to nothing. We are gifted with everything! We share in life with Earth and Sun and all our relations, every living being, on Earth. Our response is, Thank you! Our response is to live respectfully, lovingly, with everyone and all. The three R s are one way to so live. In descending order of impact they are: Reduce the amount of stuff we use. The less we buy and use, the less resources get used up to make things. In gift-buying season, this is an important consideration. Reuse items, rather than throw away after one use and buy more. This is how reusable water bottles come in. Or take our own reusable containers to bring home leftovers when we eat out. Or give gifts in gift bags you collect and reuse. Recycle what can t be used anymore. This keeps stuff out of landfills, and making products from recycled materials uses less resources than making products from scratch. See what beautiful, unique gifts made from recycled materials you can find to give. Speaking of recycling, the Creation Care group has acquired used blue recycle wastebaskets to put in every space on the church campus. There will be a sheet describing what can be recycled posted with each wastebasket. Thanks for using these blue wastebaskets! May this season of anticipating the baby born in a manger, reflecting on God who is Love, reducing our impact on Earth out of love for all, fill us with joy, hope, peace. PUERTO RICO MISSION TRIP DECEMBER 7 THROUGH DECEMBER 15 We will be leaving for the mission trip to Puerto Rico on Friday, December 7th and will return on Saturday, December 15th. Both Pastor Delle and Nancy will be participating in this mission trip. Rev. Ginger Taylor will be the Worship Leader for Sunday, December 9th and be available for any pastoral care needs. You may reach Rev. Ginger Taylor at gingerhalespassage@gmail.com or Volunteers will be covering the office. The following people will be traveling for this mission trip: Rev. Dr. Delle McCormick Nancy Congdon Barbara Lamb Rev. Karen MacDonald Nancy McKinnon Vicky Morter Barbara Myers Jim Myers Erin Provancha Stacy Renner Tina Trevor Please pray for our group as we embark on this journey.

4 D E C E M B E R P a g e 4 Hatha Yoga Starts back-up Monday, January 7th. NAOMI CIRCLE invites all adults of Rincon Church to join us for fellowship, interesting programs and light refreshments. The December 11th meeting will be our annual Christmas celebration featuring light refreshments, devotions, and Christmas stories, at the home of Mary Ann Dobras (725 N Norris ST). We will meet at the church s parking lot at 9:10 AM to carpool due to limited parking near Mary Ann s home. A COMPANY OF READERS No meeting in December. Next meeting date will be January 28th. Contact Ann Geiger Diversity This club meets weekly on Wednesdays starting at 6pm in Room 10. December 16th at 4:00pm. Meet in the south parking lot. Pizza to follow at the church. SERVICE OF THE LONGEST NIGHT DECEMBER 19, 6:30 PM FELLOWSHIP HALL (followed by light refreshments) When the longest night of the year is here When our spirits are low and we live with fear We light a candle to invite The return of awe, the wonder of light. Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult. Some feel out of sync with the forced cheer and frenzy to shop. The constant refrain of the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, or simply a yearning for quieter, more reverent holydays - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. In the midst of what many find hollow-days, we need a space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone. We need sacred space to bring our authentic selves, and remember that we are not alone. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us, not simple survive them. For these reasons, Rincon Congregational Church, UCC offers a special Service of the Longest Night on Wednesday, December 19 at 7 pm. We will sing, share sacred and secular readings, light candles, and pray our way into the night. All are invited. Bring a friend! Monday, December 24th 5:30 PM ~ Family Service 9:00 PM ~ Candlelight Service

5 D E C E M B E R P a g e 5 Primavera Meal Prep December s Primavera Meal Prep will be Monday, December 24th at 1:00pm. Volunteers prepare a meal in the Rincon kitchen for the Catalina House transition housing unit run by Primavera. The meal is delivered to the Catalina House by a volunteer. For more information or to volunteer contact Ann Geiger at Casa Maria Feeding Program Every four weeks we purchase supplies and make about 1,600 sandwiches for the Casa Maria Free Soup Kitchen. December 22 at 8:00 AM. A soup-making volunteer is also need on each Sunday following each Saturday sandwich making date. This task is completed at the Casa Maria soup kitchen. For more information contact Judy Hubbard at Sunday Morning Greeters We are in need of Greeters for the 10:45 AM service. As a greeter you can help our members and visitors feel welcome as they come in to worship. If you can help, please contact Nancy in the church office at Prayer Shawl Ministry Every Wed, 12-1 PM, Stedman room. Knit or crochet prayer shawls to be blessed and given to those in need comfort or celebrating a joy! Bring your own yarn and needles. Contact: Nancy CELEBRATE - As a Celebrate teacher, you will be using the Sparks curriculum which has a story the first week then builds off that with art, cooking, and bible games for our elementary school aged children. If you would like to participate please contact Amanda Goodenow or Jen Thorn. MEMORIAL SERVICE VOLUNTEERS The Congregational Life Ministry Team is recruiting v o l u n t e e r s t o h e l p host memorial service receptions. If you can help with this important ministry please contact Ann Geiger or Beth Shelby Refreshment Hosts By preparing & serving simple treats and beverages after worship we provide the opportunity to visit with one another and welcome guests. New volunteers are always welcome! Please contact Ann Geiger Hospitality We Need Your Help! Our Hospitality Project has been very successful. However, we need everyone to help this project continue to be a success. We need volunteers to cover day, evening, and overnight shifts. "What does God require of yo u but to do justice and to lo ve kindness and to w alk humbl y w ith yo ur God?" - Micah 6:8

6 D E C E M B E R P a g e 6 P R AY E R S & C E L E B R AT I O N S WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES 8:45AM in Fellowship Hall 10:45AM in the Sanctuary with Celebrate in Rooms 5/6 ADVENT DEVOTIONALS (THE STILL SPEAKING WRITER S GROUP) Come, Lord Jesus: 2018 Advent Devotional is a unique collection of devotions that includes Scripture and prayer for each day of Advent. Begins December 2 (first Sunday of Advent) and continues through Christmas Day. Excellent for both individual and group use. From the writers of the popular online Daily Devotional. Copies of the Advent devotional are $7.00. To order your copy, please contact Nancy in the office. Supply is limited! ON-GOING CARE Allan Harrison Lois Runyon Felix Schoenberger Minta Keyes brother (Jon) Beth Shelby s sister (Carol) REHAB Reese Woodling Kim Merson s mother (Jerry) NURSING HOME Dorothy Singer (Devon Gables #55B) HOSPICE Mayme LeVine ANNIVERSARIES 12/18 Jen & Shannon Thorn 12/23 Ann & Fred Boyce 12/27 Katie Geran & Fred Marks 12/29 DJ & Henry Johnson 12/29 Ceanne Alvine & Roy Schneider 12/30 Amanda & Tommy Goodnow BIRTHDAYS 12/2 John Eichenberger 12/2 Jean Granillo 12/3 George Easley 12/3 Ed Zahm 12/3 Dolores Heredia 12/5 David Stone 12/7 Nancy McKinnon 12/10 George Ruder 12/11 Dean Hokel 12/15 Lois Runyon 12/15 Michael Kadolph 12/18 Sharon Nicks 12/19 Sharon Hildebrand 12/19 Karyn Garvin 12/20 Jacqueline Zahm 12/21 Mayme LeVine 12/22 Nancy Kendrew 12/24 Beth Shelby 12/27 Jeana Butler 12/27 Linda Schloss 12/29 Ray Curtis 12/31 Judy Hubbard POINSETTIAS Let s make our worship space beautiful and fill it with red poinsettias. Order forms are available on the front tables in both Fellowship Hall and the Narthex. You may also call Nancy in the office. Nursery Attendants: Ashley Kendrew and Kathy Kolmer Children are an important part of our community and are encouraged to remain in worship with their families. Child care is available in Rooms 7/8 during both worship services. CELEBRATE Following the Children s Blessing during the 10:45AM Worship Service, children may move to Celebrate and will be accompanied to Room 5/6 by adult leaders.

7 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :00am Worship 11:15am Special Congregational Meeting 3 4 9:00am English 7:30pm Al-Anon 5 12:00pm Prayer Shawl 1:00pm The Learning Curve 5:30pm Diversity 6:30pm PotLuck 6 9:00am English 5:45pm Band am TransParents 1:30pm Abigail Gugler 5:00pm Yasmin Alami 9 8:45am Worship 10:45am Worship 10:45am Celebrate 12:00pm FD :10am Naomi Circle 9:30am Alzheimer s Group 5:00pm JAWM 6:00pm Personnel 7:30pm Al-Anon pm Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm Diversity 5:30 pm WM&A 6:30 pm B&G 13 9:00am S&F 3:30pm CL 5:45pm Band 14 4:00pm Laura Tagawa 15 9:00am Sabrina Petty 2:30pm Laura Tagawa 6:30pm Hermosa Choir 16 8:45am Worship 10:45am Worship 10:45am Celebrate 12:00pm Council 4:00pm Caroling :30pm Al-Anon 19 10:30 am C-2-C 12 pm Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm Diversity 5:30pm Maria Ferraz 6:30pm Service of the Longest Night 20 5:45pm Band 21 6:00pm Maria Ferraz 22 8:00am Casa Maria 23 8:45 am Worship 10:45 am Worship 10:45am Celebrate 24 1:00pm Primavera Meal Prep 5:30pm Family Service 9:00pm Candlelight Service 25 Church Office Closed pm Prayer Shawl 5:30 pm Diversity 27 5:45 pm Band :45 am Worship 10:45 am Worship 11:00am Mary Magdala 31