For September. SEPTEMBER 2018 SERMONS 9:30 a.m. ONE Worship Service each Sunday

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1 Dr. Cindy Parker, Pastor Ginger Willetts, Editor Volume 48, No. 8 You will never look into the eyes of someone God doesn t love. I recently posted this quote from TobyMac (a Christian recording artist) on my Facebook page and I can t stop thinking about its message Fax: Website: address: info@churchoftheredrocks.com SEPTEMBER 2018 How would you feel if your son had one too many drinks and accidently crossed the yellow line and killed someone? Or your husband committed fraud at his company? Each and every person is God s beloved child- The young man bagging groceries at Bashas is God s beloved. So is the person who cut me off at the double roundabout. The woman who takes my order at Red Rock Café is a beloved child of God. But so is the man standing on the corner asking for a handout. The Police Chief of Sedona is God s beloved. But then so is the thief who broke into my neighbor s home. How differently do we live our lives when we realize that simple truth - each one of us is created in God s image and each person is loved by God? I ve been asked to serve as a Spiritual Director for a Kairos Outside weekend here in northern Arizona - it s a weekend for women who have forgotten that they are God s beloved children. Our guests will be women who have been impacted by incarceration in some way. Imagine for a moment what that must be like - someone you love makes a mistake and then must pay the price for that mistake. The women that attend Kairos struggle with the stigma of loving people whom society sees as no good, awful, terrible people - people who have been in prison! Our guests often come to the weekend crushed by guilt and shame, believing themselves to be outside the bounds of Christ s love. Through a series of meditations, worship, and listening ears, the Kairos team surrounds our guests with Christ s love. We open ourselves to be vulnerable so that our guests have a safe space to be vulnerable too. And when we open ourselves to one another, God breaks open possibilities for change, healing, and hospitality. How will God offer you those possibilities this month, beloved? Your partner on the journey, Pastor Cindy

2 SEPTEMBER 2018 SERMONS 9:30 a.m. ONE Worship Service each Sunday September 2 INSPIRED Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Holy Communion Celebrated (Mark 7:1-23) September 9 EXPECTING Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Manna Sunday (Mark 7:24-37) September 16 CONNECTING THREADS Rev. Dr. Margaret Gramley, Guest Preacher Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Acts 9: 36-42) PLEASE MAKE NOTE ON YOUR CALENDARS!! The Church Council, upon the recommendation from the Worship and Music Ministry, has approved having ONE worship service at 9:30 a.m. through Sunday, October 28 th Fellowship Time will follow the worship service. September 23 WELCOMING IN MY NAME Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Mark 9:30-37) September 30 BORN OF THE SPIRIT Mr. Sergio Mazza, Laity Speaker Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (John 3:1-12 Genesis 1: 24-31) FELLOWSHIP TIME CELEBRATIONS! Painted Cliffs Hall 10:30 a.m. (after worship service) September 2 Organist/Pianist, Suzanne Moore Suzanne started attending our church prior to John moving here. She quickly became acquainted with our Music Director about joining the choir. Suzanne and John joined the church in 2001, and she began her journey as our Organist/Pianist on September 1, She has been with us now for 15 years as paid staff! A box/basket for cards of appreciation will be in Painted Cliffs Hall during Fellowship Time that day. September 16 Hand Bell Director, Mary Rubel Mary was hired as our Hand Bell Director on August 1, She has spent countless hours selecting music, rehearsing with the Hand Bell Choir, and providing the congregation with wondering music once a month and on special occasions. Mary has decided to retire as the Hand Bell Director, so please join us as we THANK HER for sharing her talents with us for 7 years. A box/basket for cards of appreciation will be in Painted Cliffs Hall during Fellowship Time that day. For September September 2 Fellowship Time honoring Organist s 15 th Anniversary (Suzanne Moore) September 6 Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal at 2:00 p.m. Be The Church (BTC) Talk at 5:00 p.m. September 9 Rev. Dr. Margaret Gramley Guest Preacher September 10 Pick-a-Party: Joker at the Beard s home September 13 Choir Rehearsals Begin at 3:30 p.m. Guatemala Informational Meeting at 5:00 p.m. September 14 Pick-a-Party: Joker at the Beard s home September 16 Fellowship Time honoring Hand Bell Director s retirement (Mary Rubel) September 21 Visiting Scholar at 3:00 p.m. September 23 New Member Gathering at 10:30 a.m. M@RRS Concert at 2:00 p.m. September 24 September Birthday Buddies at 1:00 p.m. September 29 Pick-a-Party: Sausage Breakfast at Reichert s September 30 Mr. Sergio Mazza Laity Speaker Are you interested in learning more about what it means to be a member of The Church of the Red Rocks? A New Member Gathering will be held on Sunday, September 23 rd following the worship service (approx. 10:30 a.m.) Please meet at the welcome desk where a member of our GOCOM Ministry will escort you to the conference room. There will be a question and answer time with Pastor Cindy, some forms to fill out and we ll discuss a day to join our church family!

3 On this day, two become one Congratulations to Richard Grimsrud and Bridget Kwimba Grimsrud on their marriage: August 7, STEWARDSHIP COMMISSION 2018 PLEDGE UPDATE Budgeted Contributions at the end of July $223, Actual Revenues Received $211, Amount UNDER for Operating Budget $ 12, Join The Celebration! Monday, October 29 & Tuesday, October 30 5:00 p.m. Social Time 5:30 p.m. - Dinner The Faith In Action Ministry would like to thank the members of The Church of the Red Rocks for the many ways you help fulfill one of the purposes of our church service to humanity. Through the many ways that you reach out to our church, our community, and beyond, you are transforming lives. Blessings for many happy years together!!! Hear Ye, Hear Ye The Worship & Music Ministry, with the approval of the Administration Ministry and Church Council, would like to announce that CRR has a new Hand Bell Director! Plan to join us for a celebration and thank you dinner. Due to capacity constraints in Painted Cliffs Hall, we will spread the event over two evenings Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30. We encourage you to attend one of the dinners. Each evening will start with social time and appetizers at 5:00 PM followed by a catered dinner at 5:30 PM. The evening will conclude with brief presentations about ways in which members are serving humanity. Mark your calendars now. More information will be forthcoming and you will have the opportunity to sign up to attend one of the dinners. Congratulations to: Dr. Ryan Holder Rehearsals begin September 6 th! Vernon Cotter May 21, 1930 July 4, 2018 A family interment service for Vern will be held in Santa Barbara in October. Prayers to his wife, Anne, and family. Don Lyle April 27, 1928 August 12, 2018 A Celebration of Life service for Don was held at Sedona Winds on August 21 st. Prayers to his family. I n M e m o r y o f Howard Young March 9, 1940 July 16, 2018 A Celebration of Life service for Howard was held at The Church of the Red Rocks on July 21 st. Prayers to his wife, Elaine, and family. Louise MacDonald August 30, August 12, 2018 We will celebrated Louise s life with a service of worship at The Church of the Red Rocks at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8 th. Prayers to her husband, Bob, and family. Marilyn Bezanson January 7, 1935 July 28, 2018 A private family gathering was scheduled for August 5 th. Prayers to her husband, Fred, and family. Ellen Serrill June 2, 1918 August 23, 2018 A private family Celebration of Life will be held out-of-state for Ellen. Keep her family in your prayers. Loving Thoughts and Prayers are also sent to Pat Foster on the loss of her husband, Don, on July 31 st.

4 Library Corner The EDGE Every Friday morning in Classroom A at 10:15 am. "No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump's Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need" by Naomi Klein Donald Trump s takeover of the White House is a dangerous escalation in a world of cascading crises. His reckless agenda including a corporate coup in government, aggressive scapegoating and warmongering and sweeping aside climate science to set off a fossil fuel frenzy will generate waves of disasters and shocks to the economy, national security, and the environment. Acclaimed journalist, activist, and bestselling author Naomi Klein has spent two decades studying political shocks, climate change, and brand bullies. From this unique perspective, she argues that Trump is not an aberration but a logical extension of the worst, most dangerous trends of the past half-century the very conditions that have unleashed a rising tide of white nationalism the world over. It is not enough, she tells us, to merely resist, to say no. Our historical moment demands more: a credible and inspiring yes, a roadmap to reclaiming the populist ground from those who would divide us one that sets a bold course for winning the fair and caring world we want and need. This timely, urgent book from one of our most influential thinkers offers a bracing positive shock of its own, helping us understand just how we got here, and how we can, collectively, come together and heal. This group is open to anyone that would like to join them. The CRR Book Club meets the 3 rd Friday each month at 1:00 p.m. The books for reading and discussion are: September 21 The Whip by Karen Kondazian October 19 Educated by Tara Westover November 16 When Breath Becomes Air by Dr. Paul Kalanithi For information contact Sally The month of September signals the end of summer, the beginning of autumn, and the start of a new school year. It is the only month with the same number of letters in its name as the number of the month: it is the ninth month and has nine letters. Mark your calendars for the following: Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September. Grandparent's Day is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Native American Day is always celebrated on the 4 th Friday. For Your Knowledge: The Corn Dolly - "The Spirit of the Grain" A woman selects some sheafs of barley out of a wagon. To her delight the last harvest of the season has been bountiful. She picks through piles of umber grain with great care choosing long stalks free of insects and bad spots, they are perfect and true. Her sister, a season older than her passed only a month before. Now she is the oldest female member of the tribe and this most important job falls to her. She carries her selections back to the village and disappears into her home. She works bending and tying grains into a shape to honor the spirits. The completed small figure is placed in the meeting house upon the tribal altar. Its round head and flowing skirt reflects the embodiment of Mother Earth. brief history of the corn dolly: The story above is one possible journey of the "corn dolly". In ancient times the word "corn" was the English equivalent of "grain". The word "dolly" had a different meaning too. It was most likely a slang for "idol which stems from the Greek word eidolon, which means "spirit". Hence, "corn dolly" really means "spirit of the grain". Ancient cultures believed that this spirit would be homeless when the fields were harvested, so the corn dolly was a way to give the spirit a home until the following spring. BIRTHSTONE for the September: Sapphire BIRTH FLOWERS: (September has three birth flowers) the forget-me-not, the morning glory and the aster ZODIAC SIGNS: Virgo August 23 - September 22 Libra September 23 - October 22 OUR CHURCH LIBRARY: Although the library is small, it is for your use! Your suggestions are needed! BOOK SPINNER: What books or material would be of interest to you to have available for you to checkout? Is there a book that you would recommend to be purchased for our library? Thank you in advance for your responses which will help target your interests and ensure that the library will be a resource that meets your needs. Church Librarian, Maureen Zdimal mfzgowest@gmail.com

5 Faith in Action Ministry The Shoebox Ministry - Operation Christmas Child (the Samaritan s Purse project) Sunday School & Nursery 9:30 a.m. For many reasons, the Faith in Action Ministry has decided not to provide funds for the mailing of the shoeboxes this year. Although this has been a project of The Church of the Red Rocks for many years, interest has been waning and most folks who bring packed shoeboxes to the church do not also pay for the postage which has increased to $9 per box. The Faith in Action Ministry decided that the church s mission money could be better spent on local missions rather than on overseas postage. If individuals still want to support Operation Christmas Child, they can certainly do so individually and just include the postage with their shoebox(es) and take the box(es) to the Crestview Community Church 1090 W Hwy 89A in west Sedona. To My Incredible Church Family, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your beautiful cards, phone calls, texts and visits during this difficult time of losing Vern. Your thoughts and prayers have comforted me more than you can know. God bless you all. How lucky I am to have you in my life! Anne Cotter Children will begin with time in the Sanctuary, then join Miss Shandra in the Nursery and Sunday School Rooms. Dear Church Family, To the Family Support Group, Your generous donation of supplies for the Fellowship Time was very thoughtful. All of these items are helpful and appreciated. The Congregational Care Ministry extends a big "Thank You!" We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Cindy and our church Family and Friends for all their phone calls, cards, messages of support and prayers during the past five months that Chuck has been afflicted with a sever attack of shingles. We truly felt your caring thoughts. After more than two months of physical therapy, Chuck has made enough progress that we can now look forward to resuming our attendance at church again in the near future. With our grateful hearts and love, Betty and Chuck Lougheed Looking For A Way To Serve The Community and to act out your faith? Serve at the Community Supper! The Church of the Red Rocks continues its mission service at the Community Supper held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. The first Monday of each month, our volunteers prepare and serve the supper, then clean up. Your next opportunities to volunteer are: October 1 & November 5 If you have signed up before, then you know the drill: go to our website and click on SERVING, and SIGN-UP GENIUS. This will take you to a place to sign up online and choose your jobs. If you have any questions call Marcia Swearingen ( ) or Mary Lou Sykora ( ) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Please Help!!

6 Do you have a birthday in September? Photo Session October 23, 2018 As a CRR member with a September birthday, you are invited to celebrate with the rest of your Birthday Buddies at a party planned in your honor. BRING: An appetite for birthday cake, and a generic, unisex humorous Birthday card. 1 st We ll read our Birthday cards (drawn at random) 2 nd A rousing rendition of Happy Birthday (to us) 3 rd Cake and ice cream! Where: Painted Cliffs Hall (CRR) MONDAY, September 24 at 1:00 p.m. Hosts: Norma Gibson & Ginger Willetts RSVP by September 16 th : Ginger You are invited to participate in our upcoming professional photography session October 23. This event is for those who missed the event last year or would like a new photo taken. To schedule your appointment, visit the Church website and click on What s New. Select Blog or Upcoming Events, then click the link to sign up. Or sign up in person on Sunday, September 16 during Fellowship Time. Every family who has their picture taken will receive a free 8x10 portrait and will have the opportunity to purchase additional portrait packages. (No obligation & no pressure to purchase). Receive a $10 off coupon at check-in. Do you have a Birthday in October? As a CRR member with an October birthday, you are invited to celebrate with October Birthday Buddies at a party planned in your honor. Would you be interested in hosting a Birthday Buddy party for your birthday month? Contact the church office with your name and the month you are interested in hosting!

7 Be The Church (BTC) Talks at The Church of the Red Rocks: Learning from each other s passions; serving the community The Church of the Red Rocks is a faith community full of people with rich life experience and extensive connections to the community. The Spiritual growth and education ministry would like to encourage the sharing of life experiences and community connections on a regular basis, allowing church and community members to benefit from each other's passions and experience, learn more about each other, and build a strong sense of community. The TED model provides an ideal way for the people who form The Church of the Red Rocks and friends to share that experience on a regular basis. We can ask people to volunteer to make a brief (no more than 20 minutes) presentation on a topic they are passionate about and knowledgeable about, and moderate a Q&A session afterwards. The TED model has 3 important components. 1. First, keep it brief, no more than 20 minutes. 2. Second, provide an opportunity for Q&A and discussion. 3. Third, use visuals if at all possible to enhance the presentation. Anyone interested in making a presentation should contact Sergio Mazza (srgmzz00@gmail.com) to schedule a date. We are using the time slot of the first Thursday of the month at 5:00 6:00 p.m. in Painted Cliffs Hall. (Occasionally there is a Friendship Potluck scheduled for the same day. Timing then would be the potluck at 5:30 p.m., followed by the speaker at 6:15 p.m.) If you know someone who has a great passion for something, please encourage them to share. "Be the Church," is the title of nine bold statements posted as an infographic on the UCC's Facebook page. These describe what it means to be "unapologetically Christian" Protect the environment; Care for the poor; Embrace diversity; Reject racism: Forgive often; Love God; Fight for the powerless; Share earthly and spiritual resources; and Enjoy this life. These words are displayed on banners by churches across the UCC and define to the world what the denomination is about. BTC talks give us an opportunity to share and talk about how we all do that in a myriad of ways. Check it out at Men s Breakfast and Religious Study Group 2 nd and 4 th Tuesday each month 7:30 a.m. First Study (September 11): Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. in Painted Cliffs Hall, followed by the study and discussion. Interested in being a Bell Ringer? Ability to read music is helpful. Rehearsals begin on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 at 2:00 p.m. Contact Ryan Holder if you have questions!!! Men s Breakfast Facilitators: Don Beard and John McDougald Contact Don at with any questions! Interested in Singing in the Choir? Rehearsals begin on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 at 3:30 p.m. Reading music is helpful, but not required. Questions? Contact Ryan Holder for answers.

8 Education Opportunities BE THE CHURCH (BTC) TALK Thursday, September 6 5:00 p.m. Forum on the Homeless in Verde Valley What is being done to address homelessness in the Verde Valley and how can you help? Please join us at The Church of the Red Rocks on Thursday, September 6 th at 5:00 p.m., as we host a forum/panel discussion with representatives from the following agencies: Angie s House, Catholic Charities, Old Town Mission, Sedona Area Homeless Alliance and the Verde Valley Homeless Coalition. We will have a moderator for the evening and there will be a time for questions and answers after the panel discussion. A new Bible study on Paul s letter to the church in Rome Romans may be the most important letter you will ever read! John Calvin said that if a man understands it, he has a sure road opened for him to the understanding of the whole Scripture. But watch out! Those who study Romans are rarely the same afterward. There are stories about Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley who were changed after their experiences of God through their studies! Romans is different from most of Paul s other letters Please join us for this important conversation. Thursday, October 4 5:00 p.m. Friendship Potluck 6:15 p.m. Be The Church (BTC) Talk Our study begins at: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4 th at Sedona Winds Independent Living or at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 6 th at the church in Painted Cliffs Hall. Ending Hunger in the Verde Valley: A Collaborative Solution Speaker: Mike Newcomb, Executive Director Manzanita Outreach Mr. Newcomb will explain how Manzanita Outreach has a new model that is solving an ageold problem. Through collaboration with Community Partners throughout the Verde Valley, they gather, organize and distribute food to the many residents who have been overlooked or even forgotten. The new model provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to make a real difference in the lives of their neighbors. Don t forget to bring a potluck dish to share, your own eating utensils, and a few friends! A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex. Please sign up so that we have enough seating for you! Please see the table in the Narthex to pick up a schedule. Tuesday s schedule is YELLOW or WHITE Thursday s schedule is LIME GREEN VISITING SCHOLAR Friday, September 21 3:00 p.m. Painted Cliffs Hall Israel-Palestine conflict and peace process Speaker: Dr. Karla Suomola Dr. Suomola will speak to us about the Arab-Israeli conflict, one of the longest running in the modern world, a conflict that continues to dominate the news today. It is almost impossible to understand the dynamics of this conflict without looking back to history. In this presentation, we will explore how decisions made by Western powers a century ago, especially during World War I, continue to impact what is happening in the Middle East today. Dr. Suomala oversees the professional development programming at the Institute for Curriculum Resources in San Francisco, an initiative of the Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco. She writes curriculum and trains public school teachers throughout the country. Prior to joining ICS, Karla was a college professor in the Midwest, teaching a range of courses connected to Judaism and the Middle East. Her Ph.D. is from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati and she recently earned an MA in Educational Technology from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Suomola's visit to Sedona is sponsored by the Martin Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University.

9 Joker & Brunch (#1) Monday, September 10 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Hosts: Don & Joanne Beard Location: Beard s home 50 Concho Circle, VOC Cost: $25 per person Limit: 6 people Play a rousing game of JOKER and enjoy a lovely brunch! Joker & Brunch Revisited! Friday, September 14 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Another party hosted by Joanne and Don Beard. Play JOKER and enjoy a brunch! Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Brunch Saturday, September 11:00 a.m. Hosts: Jim and Judy Reichert Location: Reichert s home in VOC Cost: $25 per person Limit: 20 people BRUNCH is sold out but there is a WAIT LIST! Join Jim and Judy on their back patio for a traditional home cooked brunch of Sausage Gravy over Biscuits. An added treat to this typical Indiana breakfast is Montana Huckleberry Scones. Warning: Not gluten free nor low in carbs! College Football Tailgate Feast Saturday, October 13 10:00 a.m. Whenever! Saturday, October 6 1:00 4:00 p.m. Hostesses: Location: Cost: Limit: Jackie Beaudoin & Joanne Beard Canyon Mesa Clubhouse $15 per person 22 people Play Hand & Foot, enjoy snacks and dessert and win PRIZES! Tuesday, October 16 1:00 3:00 p.m. Hosts: Don & Joanne Beard Location: Beard s home 50 Concho Circle, VOC Cost: $15 per person for CRR + $5.00 for prizes Limit: 10 people Play this social and fun game! Don t know how to play? No problem it is probably one of the easiest games to learn. Prizes awarded to winners!!! Hosts: Elaine and Chuck Gunderson Debbie and Bob Wych Location: Wych s home 45 Veritas Drive, VOC Cost: $35 per person Limit: 24 participants! Do you live a long way from your alma mater or other favorite football team? And, by the mid-point of this season, will your favorite team still be in the running for the national championship or conference championship? Or will you and your friends already be in wait until next year! mode? Well, no matter what Join other football fans for a tailgate feast with brats, salads, chips, desserts, and beverages, plus all the college football your heart desires, with munchies to boot. To help us gauge interest, and because of our travel schedules this fall, we are asking interested parties to sign up by no later than Sunday, September 16, so that we may obtain a preliminary headcount. Saturday, October 27 11:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Hostesses: Carolyn Monje, Dottie Oliver, Ginger Willetts Location: Canyon Mesa Clubhouse (VOC) Cost: $20 per person + $5 at the door for cash prizes Limit: 30+ people Enjoy an Italian lunch: spaghetti, anti-pasta salad, penne pasta, & more including dessert & a special thirst quenching treat! Then play BINGO! Winners get prizes and some will receive cash!

10 Sunday Worship Services Sunday Christian Nurture 9:30 am One Worship Service 9:30 am Sunday School & Nursery 10:30 am Fellowship Time Each Monday Each Tuesday 7:45 am Tai Chi & Prayer 7:30 am Men s Breakfast & Religious Study 11 & 25 11:00 am Romans Class (Sedona Winds) no class 18 th Each Wednesday Each Thursday 1:30 pm Grief Support 5 th & 19 th 9:30 am Stephen Ministers -13 th & 27 th 10:00 am Romans Class (CRR PCH) no class 20 th Each Friday 1:00 pm Knitting into the Mystery 7:45 am Tai Chi & Prayer 2:00 pm Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal - starts 6 th 10:00 am Family Support Group 7 th & 21 st 3:30 pm Choir Rehearsal starts 13 th 10:15 am The EDGE *** Groups that meet on an ongoing basis for the month, are listed above by EACH day of week **** September 2 Sunday 9:30 am One Worship Service & Holy Communion 10:30 am Fellowship Time honoring Suzanne Moore s 15 th Anniversary as CRR Organist 3 Monday Office Closed for Labor Day 4 Tuesday 2:00 pm Stephen Leaders Conference Room 6 Thursday 11:30 am Office Closed until 1:30 p.m. for Staff Meeting 5:00 pm Be The Church (BTC) Talk Forum/Panel Discussion on Homelessness in the Verde Valley & Sedona Painted Cliffs Hall 8 Saturday 10:00 am Celebration of Life Service for Louise Sheldon MacDonald - Sanctuary Deadline for articles in the OCTOBER issue of the Canyon Echo is: SEPTEMBER 17 th Due to staff vacations, please get your articles in by 17 th! Thank you! 9 Sunday 9:30 am One Service, Manna Sunday 10:30 am Fellowship Time Painted Cliffs Hall 10 Monday 9:00 am Pick-a-Party: Brunch & Joker with the Beards - VOC 6:30 pm PFLAG Painted Cliffs Hall 11 Tuesday 2:30 pm VBS Staff Meeting Conference Room 12 Wednesday 10:00 am Faith In Action Ministry (FIAM) Conference Room 13 Thursday 11:30 am Congregational Care Ministry (CCM) Conference Room 1:00 pm Worship & Music Ministry (WMM) Classroom B (Note New time!) 5:00 pm Guatemala Informational Meeting Painted Cliffs Hall 14 Friday 9:00 am Pick-a-Party: Brunch & Joker with the Beards - VOC 16 Sunday 9:30 am One Worship Service Rev. Dr. Margaret Gramley, Guest Preacher 10:30 am Fellowship Time honoring Mary Rubel She is retiring as Hand Bell Director 19 Wednesday 10:00 am Finance, Endowment, Administration Ministry (FEAM) Conference Room 21 Friday 1:00 pm CRR Book Club Classroom A 3:00 pm Visiting Scholar Presentation Painted Cliffs Hall 23 Sunday 9:30 am One Worship Service 10:30 am Fellowship Time Painted Cliffs Hall 10:30 am New Member Gathering meet at the Welcome Desk in the Narthex 2:00 pm M@RRS Concert Tricia & Taylor 24 Monday 1:00 pm September Birthday Buddies Party Painted Cliffs Hall 26 Wednesday 1:00 pm Council Painted Cliffs Hall 27 Thursday 11:30 am Office Closed Staff Lunch 29 Saturday 11:00 am Pick-a-Party: Sausage Breakfast with the Reicherts VOC 30 Sunday 9:30 am One Worship Service Mr. Sergio Mazza, Laity Speaker Blessing of the Animals Sunday October 7 2:00 p.m.

11 Building Better Lives in Guatemala The dates are set for our next service trip to Guatemala to help build homes for people who are living in extreme poverty. We will be there the week of February 11-15, The travel dates are still to be determined. The trip will be organized in conjunction with Constru Casa ("Construct a House") which is a non-profit organization very similar to Habitat for Humanity except that they address the needs of people who are very poor. What do we do? We help masons build concrete block homes, do some sightseeing in Guatemala, and have fun. If you want to go on the trip or if you just want to know more about it, please attend an informational meeting on Thursday, September 13 at 5:00 p.m. in Painted Cliffs Hall. We will give an overview of the trip and answer questions that you might have. Questions? Contact John Lothrop, cell or home Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. The 2018 theme is "Love of Neighbor." We will receive the NIN offering on Sunday, October 7, 2018 as part of our World Communion Sunday celebration. First Congregational Church of Flagstaff Sunday, September 23 10:30 a.m. Located at: 740 Turquoise Drive, Flagstaff

12 Monday, September 10, :30 p.m. Join the support meeting of PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley on Monday, September 10 th. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. The speaker will be Mr. Donn Ungar. Donn moved to Sedona a year ago after spending about three years living in Jerusalem, Israel. While in Israel, he studied kabala to further his understanding of his place in the world and whether God is a part of it. Donn was raised in the United States in an orthodox Jewish family whose father was a Rabbi. Strict adherence to the words of the bible were paramount in his upbringing. As one might expect, this interpretation of life simply did not work for him. As Donn grew older, he broke the news to his parents that not only would he not be practicing Judaism, but that he was also gay. As surprising as the news may have been, Donn continues to have a good relationship with his religious family and friends. Each quarter, the PFLAG Board of Directors designates a charity or non-profit organization to support. This quarter (August October), the designated charity is PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley s very own Jackie Gringa Richardson Scholarship Fund. PFLAG has just completed their first year offering the scholarship program to LGBTQ youth and those who are allies of the LGBTQ community. Last May, they awarded three scholarships totaling $1,250. The hope is that next year s scholarship process is as successful as the inaugural year! People wishing to donate to this scholarship fund may do so at the meeting or through their website at pflagsedona.org. The second hour of our meeting will include the usual support group sharing and discussion session. Treasure Sale, March 2019 We have already begun planning our biennial Treasure Sale for March What? But it's not until next year, you say. Yes, but it takes a lot of planning and organization to make this big event as successful as possible and we need your help. We need your donations your CLEAN, GENTLY USED household items, artwork, garden, and outdoor items. We need those CLEAN quality clothes that you have not worn for a couple of years. We especially need the really good stuff, those SPECIAL TREASURES for the auction room where a large percentage of our profit is made. While doing your spring cleaning, if you can find a spot to hold these items, that would be great! If you are moving out of the area before the sale and have wonderful donations, contact us and we will see what we can do about storing them for you. If you are not moving, please hold your items until the collection dates in March. Here are the date details: Collect donations Sunday, March 10 Saturday, March 16 Sort, organize, display, price - March Sale dates and times: Thursday, March 21 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 22 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday March 23 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. We also need your time and energy Please mark your calendars to be available for FUN AND FELLOWSHIP while helping with the tasks that make this sale a success. Thank you in advance from your Treasure Sale Committee. Contact Sheryl Bertelson ( ) or Bobbie Gillam ( ) with any questions. Members Using Their Gifts. Thank you Shandra Ryan and the volunteers that worked with the Vacation Bible School in July. Shipwrecked - Rescued by Jesus was a clever and fun way for the adults and children to interact from Bible Studies, to the imagination station, to the games, snacks and learning experience for all. You are AWESOME! What an AWESOME day! The Celebration Sunday for my 20 th Anniversary with the church was LOVELY! So many wonderful hugs and thank yous so many darling cards and beautiful gifts so many THANK YOU signs in the Sanctuary.and a fabulous cake and reception hosted by our wonderful Congregational Care Ministry. The notes you wrote to me on the flip chart are hanging in my office, so I can read them every day. In the past 20 years I have been here for the big expansion of the building and parking lots. I have worked with 7 Pastors, 3 Music Directors, 2 Hand Bell Directors, 3 Organists, 5 Sextons, 5 Accountants, 12 Teachers, 9 Office Ladies, and THOUSANDS of volunteers. All of which have helped me tremendously throughout the years. As my church family, you have also seen me through the tough times of losing my mom and nephew, one major surgery and 3 fractures (including 2 casts.) I am so grateful to have you all in my life. I am looking forward to my continued journey with all of you.

13 For the Second Annual Chili Cook Off on Friday, October 19 th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at The Church of the Red Rocks. All proceeds go to help fund our outreach to build homes for those in extreme poverty in Guatemala. Everyone is invited and welcome whether you like to cook chili or just like eating chili - you ll want to be involved! More information soon! Gertrude Mayne Last year s winners John & Carol McDougald Photos from the Vacation Bible School Shipwrecked - Rescued by Jesus!

14 Concert Sunday, September 23 rd at 2:00 p.m. Featuring: TRICIA & TAYLOR Forged from a chance encounter at a music camp on a Florida beach, Tricia & Taylor brings together two musicians with shared musical roots and diverse careers. Violinist Tricia Park, Juilliard graduate and winner of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with orchestras around the world. Praised by critics for her "astounding virtuosic gifts" (Boston Herald) and "achingly pure sound (The Toronto Star), concert violinist Tricia Park enjoys a diverse and eclectic career as soloist, fiddler, chamber musician, educator, festival curator, and writer. Violinist and fiddler Taylor Morris, who spent four years touring the world with renowned fiddle group Barrage, received a master s degree in education at Harvard and works with students to explore musical creativity through diverse styles. His travels, both with Barrage and personally, have led to performances in 48 states and 13 countries with musicians from a multitude of backgrounds. Currently, he is in the midst of a three-year project as a Guest Lecturer at Arizona State University, working with Dr. Katie McLin and her students to explore multi-style music education and entrepreneurship. Together, Tricia & Taylor use two violins to better understand the multicultural age in which we live, performing music from genres and cultures around the world. To learn more about Tricia & Taylor, visit their website: This concert is sponsored by the Friends of Music at The Church of the Red Rocks and offered FREE as a gift to the public. August 26 th Celebration of Ginger s 20 th Anniversary with CRR. August 28 th Joe Wise makes a presentation on Martin Luther King, Jr. s I ve Got a Dream speech Signs in the Sanctuary, notes on a flip chart and yummy cake during Fellowship Time