AZDisciples.org

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona

Regional

Regional Gathering Postponed

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

The short version:  
We are postponing the Regional Gathering scheduled for October 2.  The new date will be January 15, 2022.

The more detailed version:
Several months ago, when most of us were getting vaccinated and it looked like in-person events would be safe this fall, we began planning a Regional Gathering as an event to celebrate.  We thought we would be beyond masks at that point and be able to celebrate with hugs and handshakes and lively interaction.  As the Delta variant has had many instances of “break through” infections, infections across our state are rising, and many of our congregations re-instating mask wearing and other safety precautions, we have decided that bringing 20+ congregations together for an in-person event does not seem as safe or celebratory as we had anticipated.  So we have picked a new date of January 15, 2022 in hopes that by then we will be able to host the event we envisioned.

If you have already registered for the Regional Gathering we will automatically apply your current registration to the January 15th event. If you would prefer, we can cancel and refund your registration. Please contact Matthew Clark (mclark@azdisciples.org) if you have questions or would like to cancel your registration.

In the meantime, we wish you health, safety, peace, justice, and an abundance of God’s love.
Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President
Christian Church in Arizona

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

General Church Resource Page

Made for Relationship

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

Human beings are made for relationship. Near the very beginning of the Bible, the author of Genesis offers these words from the mouth of God: It is not good that the human being should be alone. Human beings are made for relationship. One of the hardest things about the pandemic was the sense of isolation. “It is not good” to be alone; and we WERE alone.

BUT … thanks to the wide distribution of the vaccine, we are beginning to be together again. I have enjoyed traveling to congregations, seeing many of you, and worshiping in person again. And I am especially excited that we are planning some region-wide in person events for the fall. I hope to see you at one or more of these events, details and registration links you can find throughout this E-AZ.

  • August 7: Our national Disciples Virtual Gathering. This is not in person, obviously, but a chance to get a taste of what General Assembly is like for those of you who have never been. Click here to register.
  • September 10-12: Disciples Women’s Retreat in Prescott. Two days of worship, fun, and celebration. Click here to register.
  • September 24-26: Arizona Young Adult Gathering in Scottsdale. Click here to register.
  • September 30: Congregational Pastors trip to Nogales, Mexico to bake and break bread at the border. More information will be sent to congregational pastors in the coming days. Email Rev. Pedro Ramos-Goycolea to RSVP or for additional details.
  • October 2: JUNTOS: a regional gathering! This will be our first full in-person event for the entire Region, all ages welcome. In addition to worship and lunch, a bulk of our time will be spent around tables building relationships and discussing substantial questions with other Disciples from around Arizona. We are celebrating the chance to be together by forming new friendships with our siblings in Christ. Click here to register.

After more than a year of “living alone,” may our Regional Gathering be a foretaste of the day when all nations will gather together in the presence of Christ.

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay
Regional Minister and President

We invite you to pray for the following congregations in the months of May and June. Visit our Regional Calendar of Weekly Prayers for our annual list.

July

25 – Saguaro Christian Church, Sol Food Initiatives, & Pastor Kelley Dick

August

1 – Community Christian Church (Marana),  & Pastor Dave Hedgepeth, as they just broke ground on a new Outreach Center

8 – Alfa & Omega, & Pastors Elias Garcia, Leonela Burgos, & Julieta Vera

15 – Desert Heritage Church, a united church of UCC & DoC, & Pastor Derrick Elliot

22 – FCC Scottsdale & Pastor Jenny Wynn, celebrating their recent decision to become an Open & Affirming congregation

29 – Chalice Christian Church as they enter a time of transition & Pastor Abigail Conley (and Matt) as she accepts a call to a congregation in Nebraska

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

General Church Resource Page

Juntos: a Regional Gathering

About This Event

The Christian Church in Arizona excited to gather again in person* as Arizona Disciples on Saturday, January 15, 2022! Beginning at 10:00am we will have time to worship together, time to talk together, time to learn together, and a share meal together. Don’t miss our first event celebrating a return to in person Regional gatherings and register today!

Thank you to Community Christian Church in Tempe, Arizona, who will be our gracious host.

Lunch

Boxed lunches to be catered by Panera Bread. We have attempted to provide a wide range of options (see registration form), including those with food allergies or sensitivities. If none of these options work for you, you can choose “No Lunch / Bring Your Own”.

Nursery and Children’s Programing

At our gathering there will be an intentional focus to have multi-generational space as we continue togrow into intergenerational ministry. What does that mean? Children, youth, and adults are welcomeat all parts of our gathering.

There will be a nursery available for younger children (ages 1-3) and a Children’s Program (ages 4 – 4th grade) if the parent feels that is what their child(ren) need(s), but please don’t feel like you have to use it. God put the wiggles into young people, and we celebrate that as a spring of life.

As the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona we take seriously our call from God to be an inclusive and loving church.

*As we look toward a time when large group gatherings without restrictions are safe again, the Region is planning this in-person event. The event will follow CDC guidelines, including all advisement on large group gatherings.

Community Christian Church, Tempe, AZ

1701 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ

Click here for directions

Details

Who: All Arizona Disciples are invited!
Where: 1701 S. College Avenue, Tempe, AZ (Community Christian Church)
When: Saturday, January 15 from 10:00am – 3:00pm

Happy Birthday, Church!

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

Happy Birthday, Church! That’s right, we are about to celebrate Pentecost, known affectionately as “the birthday of the church,” as over 3000 people were baptized and joined the early church.  (You can read the whole story in Acts 2:1-42.) But Pentecost is so much more than just a birthday celebration. In fact, it may be the most important of all Christian holy days.

Christmas and Easter get all the attention – and the attention is certainly well deserved. We celebrate the incarnation – God’s love made flesh, God’s presence here among us. And we celebrate the resurrection – God’s act of bringing new life to that which seemed dead. But Pentecost is often treated like Cinderella, snubbed by her two famous step-sisters, unappreciated for her theological importance to Christian life.

On Pentecost, we celebrate that God’s Holy Spirit of creativity and action is given to US, entrusted to US. The light of God lives within US, and WE are called to let that light shine. The first half of the Christian year focuses on the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But the second half of the Christian year, beginning with Pentecost, focuses on God’s call to US to continue to ministry of Jesus, to continue embodying God’s love in a hurting world. Pentecost reminds us that Christianity is not a spectator sport. We are not called to be FANS of Jesus, cheering him on, like we cheer on our favorite quarterback. Instead, we are called to be followers of Jesus, Disciples of Christ, carrying on his ministry of love, compassion, and solidarity with all Creation.

In the Disciples world, one of the ways we honor the meaning of Pentecost is with a “special offering” to help fund new congregations – to continue the birthday of the church by giving birth to new congregations. Your gift to the Pentecost Offering helps fund New Church Ministry across the denomination, including here in Arizona. We are excited to have two new congregations in formation here in Arizona: Casa de Adoración in Phoenix, led by pastors Arturo and Janett Laguna; and Comunidad Limen Christian Church in Tucson, led by pastor Pedro Ramos-Goycolea. We look forward to continuing the spirit of Pentecost by starting more new churches in the future.

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

We invite you to pray for the following congregations in the months of May and June. Visit our Regional Calendar of Weekly Prayers for our annual list.

May

16 Iglesia Casa de Adoración, Pastors Arturo and Janet Laguna, and New Church Ministry
23 Comunidad Limen Christian Church and Pastor Pedro Ramos-Goycolea
30 Glendale Mission and Ministry Center & Executive Director Jeff Armour

June

6 Community Christian Church, Tempe & Pastor Bob Howard
13 Coolwater Christian Church (Scottsdale) & Interim Pastor Rick Gates
20 East Mesa Christian Church (Mesa) as they discern their future pastoral needs
27 Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer (Tucson), Arizona’s oldest Hispanic Disciples congregation, led by Sandy Flores

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

March (to the Cross) Madness

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

But Peter said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same. – Mark 14:31

I once preached a sermon entitled:  “March (to the Cross) Madness.”  Now, you might ask: “what do Holy Week and March Madness have in common?”  It’s a fair question.  It is indeed a curious bit of planning that places the Final Four on the day before Easter, and the men’s national championship on the day after Easter.  But to me, the two events are analogous in one major way:  emotional whiplash.

In this strange year, you may have noticed that the University of Arizona did not make the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament this year.  Neither did Arizona State.  But Arizona did have one school in the field of 68:   Grand Canyon University (GCU).  Perhaps you saw the GCU fan club show up in Indianapolis, waving their purple pom-poms and expecting David to kill Goliath – or in this case, praying for 15th seed GCU to pull off a mighty upset against 2nd seed Iowa.   Two hours later, though, the purple pom-poms hang limp, the face-paint is smeared by tears, and the GCU faithful stumble away in silence.  Emotional whiplash. And this, I say to myself, is the story of Holy Week.

The disciples entered Jerusalem with such high expectations.  They waved their palm branches (shall we call them “palm-palms?”) as Jesus entered the big arena.  They expected a miracle. Five days later, the palm branches were trampled, the disciples had scattered, and Jesus was dead.  Emotional whiplash. Holy Week is a story of defeat, disillusionment, and despair.

I also note the confidence of the disciples, not unlike the confidence of my Ohio State Buckeyes.  I’ve spent much of my life cheering for the Buckeyes, and as they entered the tournament as a 2nd seed, I picked them to win the championship.   The Ohio State players were so confident in themselves, they never would have dreamed they’d lose in the first round to lowly Oral Roberts.  And I think of Peter:  “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.”  The danger of overconfidence, thinking we cannot fail, of thinking we are above reproach, is one of the many lessons of Holy Week.

Holy Week has so very many lessons to share.  The Passion Story is incredibly powerful, and I hope you will dive into it this week.  I hope you will allow yourself to suffer the emotional whiplash of the disciples, to recognize how easy it is to bail out when the going gets tough, to witness the tragedy of mob violence and state-sanctioned violence.  The march to the Cross reveals the madness of humanity. But above all, I hope you will realize the love that Jesus continues to have for everyone – no matter what.   No matter how they fail him, no matter what they do to him, Jesus embodies God’s love for everyone.  Through the power of the resurrection, Jesus’ love lives on.  No matter how we fall short, no matter what we’ve done, Jesus welcomes us with open arms, offering the power of love and transformation to any who would receive it.  May God bless you this Holy Week, and forever more.

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

From Super Bowl Sunday to Ash Wednesday

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

I wonder if any of you are feeling a bit of spiritual whiplash as we have gone from Superbowl Sunday to Ash Wednesday in the span of 10 days.  My mind is trying to understand how to deal with the juxtaposition of two phrases I have heard to describe people during this short span of time:

“He is the Greatest of All Time.” 

“I am but dust and ashes.”

What do you make of that contrast?  Or the contrast between these two symbols:  the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the sign of ashes on some of our foreheads?  One is about winning the championship, about being the best, about claiming victory and glory and superiority over our foes.  The other is about abandoning the attempt to win, accepting our own vulnerability, and living in solidarity with all.  Think about it for a moment, and it is astounding to note the contrast between true Christian spirituality and American culture. 

Nearly 2000 years ago, the first Christian writer, Paul of Tarsus, noted a similar contrast between the way of Jesus and the way of Greco-Roman society.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18: For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  Foolishness.  What a way to have our spirituality described:   Foolishness.  To much of our world,  ideas like giving up privileges, abandoning any claims of superiority, or not fighting back seem foolish.  And yet, Paul says, it is the power of God. 

Sometimes, it seems, we can turn the message of the cross into the exact opposite.  At times, the cross of Jesus is lifted up in triumph, as a claim that we are better than others. I am reminded of Agatha Christie’s “The Mystery of the Spanish Chest.”  Hastings, the proper English gentleman, was trying to teach the famous detective Hercule Poirot about humility.  Poirot decided he was going to try, promising Hastings: “I shall be the most humble person in the world. No one will match Hercule Poirot for his humbility.”  Sometimes, it seems, we Christians have made the same mistake.

And so once again, we receive Ash Wednesday as an invitation to embrace the seeming foolishness of humility.  We are invited to repeat Abraham’s words:  I am but dust and ashes.  For when we give up our need to be somebody important, when we let go of our ego, we begin to allow ourselves to be shaped by the image of God inside us.  We begin to allow the breath of God to fill us.  We begin to understand ourselves as vessels of God’s spirit, privileged to be connected to the very heart of Being.  Humility is the doorway into union with God, and Ash Wednesday is our invitation to walk through the doorway and experience the joy of oneness with God. 

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

Thoughts on a New Year

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

Whew!

2020 is behind us.  The presidential election and transition are behind us.  If only Covid was behind us!  I pray that many of you are getting vaccinated and soon we will be able to see each other in person again.

As I listened to the inaugural address last week, especially to the newly sworn-in president’s calls for unity, I thought to myself how we Disciples of Christ have been preaching unity since our very beginning.  The Disciples were part of a movement for unity.  “Christian Unity is our polar star” was one early slogan.  Today, we continue and expand our quest for unity by calling ourselves “a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.”

I often tell people that Disciples of Christ are a great church “for such a time as this.”  In a world full of division and conflict, in a world that has forgotten how to treat each other with respect, the Disciples offer an open invitation to the table.   We invite all to come and eat, drink, serve, worship, discuss, pray, and learn together.  We might disagree about theological or political positions, we might even argue in Sunday School, but then we go into the sanctuary, sit next to each other in pews, serve each other communion, and go forth to serve the world.  Working together in unity is in our DNA.  The Disciples are a movement for wholeness, and we seek to help create a less fragmented world.

My friends, I invite you to stretch yourselves this year, to exercise your unity muscles.  I invite you to reach out to those you don’t know, to listen to viewpoints you don’t necessarily understand, to do your best to see the image of God that is in each one of us.  We ALL want there to be less conflict in the world.  Let us remember that we are called to BE the change that we want to see.

In eager expectation of seeing you all in person, Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

2021 Ministerial Standing Form

Forms are due no later than January 31st.

You can complete a paper standing form (click the image to the right to download) or use the online form below.

The online form might take a few moments to load. If it does not load please click here (or visit ) to access it directly.

Commissioned Ministers: You must have your ministry supervisor send a letter of evaluation/reccomendation on your behalf prior to January 31st. You will be notified of your next Commission on Ministry interview.

 

REJOICE! Christmas Special Offering

Received in many congregations on Dec. 13 and 20, 2020

PLEASE NOTE: Printed materials are not being sent to congregations for the Christmas offering.

Our gifts support the work of regional ministries this Christmas. Your regional ministry works to:

  • Connect congregations to each other
  • Foster faith development
  • Gather Disciples in camps, conferences, and assemblies
  • Nurture the development of a new generation of pastors
  • Assist churches in calling new ministers
  • Interpret the global mission of the Church
  • Represent the Church in ecumenical gatherings
  • Counsel and pray with those who are troubled of spirit
  • Lead the Church to address racism
  • Inspire leaders to experiment and create
  • Witness to the power of God to make things new

The Christmas Special Day offering supports all of these and many other ministries of our regions.

General Resources

2020 Christmas-List of Regional Work AreasDownload

Regional Inserts

Worship Materials

Videos

Stories to share

2020 Christmas-List of Regional Work AreasDownload

Indiana 2020 Christmas offering Minute-for-MissionDownload

Please give generously to this year’s Christmas Offering.

Videos

Download English or Español

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

Rejoice! Special Day Offerings of Disciples Mission Fund

“And now let us bring forward our tithes and offerings.”

When I was a child, I never knew why the minister said “tithes AND offerings.”   I didn’t understand the difference. What’s the difference between a tithe and an offering?

Several years after serving as a pastor, I finally learned.  A “tithe” is the basic percentage of our income we give automatically, our reminder that all that we have comes from God.  Traditionally Christians have set this goal at 10%, but whatever percentage we choose, it is a good faith practice to automatically return a certain percentage of our income to God.

“Offerings,” on the other hand, or gifts we make “over and above” our tithe.  When we feel generous, when we get some extra money, when we find a cause we want to support, we make an offering – an extra gift. 

Within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition, congregations are primarily funded by tithes.  Church members pledge to give a certain percentage of their annual income to the church, often by filling out an “estimate of giving” card.  Then most congregations set their own tithe to the denomination through giving to the Disciples Mission Fund (DMF) which supports regional and general ministries. 

In addition to the “tithe” of giving a percentage of your congregation’s income to DMF, Disciples take up six “Special Offerings” each year.  These Special Offerings are over and above gifts to support our regional and general ministries.  The six offerings, in the order they are collected, are:

  1. Week of Compassion Offering, which funds emergency disaster relief and long-term development to overcome poverty
  2. Easter Offering, which funds the General church (Disciples of Christ) – our General Minister and President, Overseas Ministries, Homeland Ministries (youth, children, mental health, etc), and more.
  3. Pentecost Offering, which is all used to help start new churches – like Casa de Adoracion and Comunidad Limen Christian Church here in Arizona.
  4. Reconciliation Offering, which is used for Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation work
  5. Thanksgiving Offering, which is used for higher education – our colleges and seminaries
  6. Christmas Offering, which supports your Regional ministry.

Due in large part to the pandemic and the move to on-line worship, our Special Offerings have taken a big hit this year.  Although the Week of Compassion Offering, collected before the pandemic, was strong, the Easter Offering dropped over 60% in Arizona and 53% nationwide.  That drop means a profound loss in income for our denominational ministries. 

Every December, every Region works to remind congregations and individual members of the importance of giving to the Christmas Offering, as 100% of the dollars given to that offering support our Regional ministry and make up an important part of our Regional budget.   This year is no different – a large Christmas Offering will make a big difference for our Regional ministries.  But we also want to invite you to make a special year-end gift to the Easter Offering, or to any of the special offerings.  Disciples everywhere are working hard to do great ministry with limited resources, and we encourage you to give as generously as you can to support our collective work.

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

Tri-Regional Men’s (Virtual) Retreat – October 24

The 2020 Disciples Men Retreat is yet another new thing happening in 2020. But this one is a good thing! It is the first time the Retreat has been a Tri-Regional event, including the Northern California-Nevada Region, the Pacific Southwest Region and the Arizona Region. 

The Retreat is a time for churchmen to gather for study and worship and fun. It focuses on doing what we can to heal divisions that abound in our culture today. We intend to revitalize men’s ministries in our Regions and empower men for ministries that build connections and care in an increasingly divided world. 

An old saying claims that “showing up is 85% of life.” Showing up has never been easier. So show up!

Greg Alexander

Director Disciples Men at Disciples Home Missions

Men’s ministry has been a passion of mine for over 30 years. From 1992 to 2004, as Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church In Kentucky, I had the privilege of developing men’s ministry resources and working with ecumenical men’s leaders both nationally and internationally. My call to be the General Minister of Kentucky required that I place this vital ministry on the back burner…but my passion for this vital ministry never waned. I am so very grateful to have this opportunity to focus on men’s ministry once more as the new Director for Disciples Men. Rev. Alex Ruth, the new Associate Director for Disciples Men, and I promise exciting times ahead for Disciples’ Men!

Alex Ruth

Associate Director Disciples Men at Disciples Home Missions

My passion for ministry to men stems from my own experiences of struggling to find, understand, and uncover my identity as a Christian man. I have benefited from many great examples of men who live out their faith and masculinity in different, yet life-giving ways. I have been blessed to serve as pastor of Marshfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since 2006, and have worked with church leaders to develop ministry opportunities for the men of the church to grow and learn together. I am profoundly appreciative of the opportunity to work with Rev. Greg Alexander and the General Conference of Disciples Men as we grow and develop the vital ministry to men in our denomination, and especially in our local communities of faith. Truly, the future is bright for Disciples Men!

“One Region, Many Voices” Conversation Series

We hope you join us for a few (or all!) of these sessions leading up to the Regional Assembly. Each week three DIsciples pastors in Arizona will share their thoughts on the chosen topic by a pre-recorded video. We will intentionally hear from diverse voices, each in their own language with subtitles. These guests will spark our conversations around the topic through break out groups and large group sharing.

There will be no cost to attend these sessions, however we do need everyone to register so we can send you the Zoom meeting information. This will not be your only time to register, but it will be helpful to us to know how many are interested in each conversation so we can plan our tech and agenda accordingly. Each conversation will take place over Zoom and links will be available soon.

Join the Region-wide conversation by registering below and we’ll see you there!

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Above all, let’s treat each other with grace

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

“What’s the hardest thing about being a minister?” someone once asked me.  My response:  “Standing in the pulpit, looking out at the congregation, and seeing all kinds of different needs.”

One Sunday I looked out and saw a young couple with their newborn son, bringing him to church for the first time.  They were glowing, and I wanted to preach a sermon celebrating God’s goodness and the miraculous gift of life.

Right in front of them was another young couple, struggling to fight back tears.  I was the only one they’d told that they had just suffered a miscarriage and were grieving the loss of the future joy they’d begun to imagine.  They had come to church that morning seeking comfort and a place to grieve.  They got there early, told me their news, and sat down in a pew to pray – not expecting a couple with a newborn to sit right in front of them.

As I glanced around the sanctuary, I saw an older couple whose son had just been arrested, a man back in church for the first time since losing his wife, a middle-aged couple who had just gotten married, a few climate-change activists and a man who often shouts at them saying it is all a hoax, a woman running for the city council, dedicated to fighting for a living wage for all city employees, and a young person trying to own their transgender identity.  All these people came with strong emotions, looking to me for a word from God.  I had things to say to each of them – but it was hard to do it all at the same time.  Leading a congregation of people with different needs, different political beliefs, and different lifestyles can be a big, stressful challenge.

One of my Regional Ministry colleagues recently shared a study of pastors done by the Wisconsin Council of Churches which dealt with clergy stress.  It found that in the last 6 months, over 25% of clergy have considered retiring early or resigning.  Clergy have struggled with some members pressuring them to return to in-person worship while others have lobbied against.  Clergy have struggled to learn technology and produce on-line worship, often having to serve as their own technology specialist.  Clergy with children have had to figure out how to both work and take care of their congregation while at the same time managing their children’s school.  And like all of us, clergy are struggling with the tensions of living in a highly-polarized society.

COVID-19 has been hard on all of us.  I don’t mean to say that clergy have the most stressful jobs or are the only ones juggling work and home.  Life is stressful for all of us these days.  But I do ask you all to take a moment and think about your pastors.  If you are in a position to write them a card, take them a meal, or see if you can help with technology, I encourage you to do so.

Above all, let’s treat each other with grace.  Let’s recognize that life is stressful for all of us right now.  I once heard someone say: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”  So if you disagree with someone, if you want your pastor — or anyone — to make different decisions, it’s fine to talk with them.  But please do it with love, recognizing that they are a child of God seeking to do their best to navigate this journey of life.

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

P.S. If you’d like to watch a detailed summary of the Wisconsin Council of Churches report, along with recommendations of how to be a healthier church, click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jcXASF8Tq0&feature=youtu.be

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

Thank You Rev. Jay Deskins

The Christian Church in Arizona is sending a great big virtual thank you hug to Rev. Jay Deskins.   For the last two years, Jay has served as the full-time Regional Youth and Children’s Minister.  This position was created as a 2-year contract funded by the Creative Mission & Ministry Fund.  During his two years, Jay led a successful merging of our camping program with the UCC camp, planned and led meaningful and fun mid-winter retreats, and then faced the big challenge of trying to create a virtual replacement for in-person camp.  Through it all, Jay has led with grace, humility, and dedication.  In addition, Jay has partnered with the rest of Regional staff in whatever ways needed, helping with technology, helping lead events, and bringing his sense of humor to our staff meetings.  We will miss Jay on the Regional Staff and are truly grateful for his leadership.

We invite all who would like to thank Jay to send a card to him at the Regional Office (917 E. Sheridan St., Phoenix, AZ, 85006).

A task force of regional leaders will be convened to discern what is next for Youth and Children’s Ministry in Arizona. Contact Rev. Jay R. Hartley if you would like to be part of that discussion.

Please read the letter below from Rev. Jay Deskins.

Dear Arizona Disciples,

Thank you! Thank you for an opportunity to serve you! I am thankful for the opportunity to grow, and try new things. I am thankful for the welcome I received at your churches. I am thankful because you all put youth and children as a priority in the region.

Over the last two years, I have been blessed by working with the youth and children of this region. In their smiles and questions, laughter and play, and prayers and singing I am made more aware of God’s love in the world.

Over the last two years, we have accomplished a lot. We built a bridge with our sister denomination, the United Church of Christ, re-evaluated our policies and procedures, our purposes for camp, created a new camp program with our partners, we said “Goodbye” to Camp Pinerock and said “Hello” to Emmanuel Pines, we have had several winter retreats, and we are continuing to create space to welcome all Disciples to participate in our youth and children’s programs.

This summer was not how I, or anyone, planned. Creating and planning a virtual camp was not on my radar for any point in my life. But through faith and encouragement, we put on a great experience together.

As I transition out of this ministry, I am hopeful for what God is doing in this moment. While this moment might be scary for us right now, I fully believe that what comes next is bigger, more beautiful, and more full than what was before. I think youth and children’s ministry will change forever from this moment, for the better. I think camp will change forever from this moment, for the better. I think church will change forever from this moment, for the better.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve the region. I am blessed to be in ministry with so many great colleagues and friends here in Arizona!

Peace,

Jay Deskins

What is Your Vision?

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
    of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.   – Isaiah 25:6

Greetings to all of you in the Love of Jesus Christ:

What is your vision?   What wonderful future do you envision for yourself, your family, your nation, your world?  What do you imagine is God’s vision for the human family, for all of Creation?

I have long been inspired by Isaiah’s vision of the “Mountain of the Lord.”  I first heard Isaiah’s vision on my first trip to Tucson.   I was in 9th grade and was offered a chance to play bassoon in the Arizona All-State Orchestra.  In between the band and the orchestra, the concert featured the All-State Chorus.  Nearly 100 young voices sang a beautiful rendition of Isaiah’s vision of the Mountain of the Lord, where people will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, and they shall make war no more.  They sang about the Messianic Banquet, where God has prepared a rich feast for all peoples.  They sang about the Peaceable Kingdom, where the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid.  And I was absolutely hooked.  These images from Isaiah, set to music by a creative composer, communicated through the beauty of a choir of human voices, absolutely convicted me that THIS is what God wants for our world – a world free from violence, a world where all of us share everything, a world of love and hospitality.

Isaiah’s vision still speaks to me.  In fact, his vision seems more beautiful all the time.  What would the world look like if we allowed ourselves to be guided by Isaiah’s vision?  What kind of public safety system would we create if our ultimate goal was for there to be NO violence, no weapons of war, no swords or spears, no tools of destruction, only tools of production like plowshares and pruning hooks? What kind of immigration system would we create if we believed that EVERYONE is welcome at the messianic banquet on God’s holy mountain — if we allowed ourselves to be guided by Isaiah’s vision that God has prepared a feast of rich food and well-aged wines for ALL peoples?  Could we stop all domestic violence and child abuse if we kept in front of us all the time Isaiah’s vision of the wolf laying down with the lamb, his vision of a world where those with more physical strength do not ever even threaten to abuse it?

I invite you to live with Isaiah’s vision of shalom, of God’s deep peace — a peace that includes justice, nonviolence and safety for all.  And I invite you to share with me any visions that inspire you to think, speak, and act in ways that embody God’s steadfast love and amazing grace in our all too fragmented world.

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President
Christian Church in Arizona

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

Immigration Dialogue – A Sermon and Regional Conversation

Rev. Jay R. Hartley and the Arizona Region invite you and your congregation to participate in an upcoming region-wide dialogue on Immigration. Below you will find details and newsletter blurbs we hope you would include in your upcoming church communications.

As part of this dialogue Rev. Hartley has prepared and recorded a sermon (emailed to church pastors and offices) based on Ezra 9-10 and the topic of immigration. This sermon can be used by your congregation on Sunday, June 28 as part of your regular worship, or can be viewed online on our Regional Facebook page that same day starting at 12:00 noon.

Later at 4:00pm people are invited to join a region-wide Zoom conversation with Rev. Hartley discussing the sermon and immigration. Instructions to participate are contained in the newsletter blurbs below.

After this regional discussion Rev. Hartley will prepare a followup sermon that will be ready for Sunday, July 12.

Many of you may already be scheduled to preach that day, so you are welcome to show or send the sermon to your congregation earlier that week as an extra if you’d like. (If you do that, please limit it to your congregation as others might be showing that following Sunday).

Newsletter blurb for those showing the sermon video on Sunday, June 28:

“Rev. Jay Hartley, our Regional Minister and President, invites you to a Zoom discussion about immigration on Sunday, June 28, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. If you would like to participate please register at azdisciples.org/immigration-dialogue.

In preparation for the discussion, you are invited to watch his sermon on immigration during our Sunday morning worship service on June 28.

If you have additional time and interest, you are also invited to read the discussion guide “Coming to America. Who Should We Welcome? What Should We Do?: A Faith-Based Community Deliberative Issue” in English or Spanish at azdisciples.org/immigration-dialogue.”

Newsletter blurb for those NOT showing the sermon video on Sunday, June 28:

“Rev. Jay Hartley, our Regional Minister and President, invites you to a Zoom discussion about immigration on Sunday, June 28, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. If you would like to participate please register at azdisciples.org/immigration-dialogue.

In preparation for the discussion, you are invited to watch his sermon on immigration which will be posted here on the Regional Facebook page at 12:00 noon on June 28.

If you have additional time and interest, you are also invited to read the discussion guide “Coming to America. Who Should We Welcome? What Should We Do?: A Faith-Based Community Deliberative Issue” in English or Spanish at azdisciples.org/immigration-dialogue.”

Note from Rev. Hartley: The invitation is primarily for lay people – members of your congregation.  That said – pastors are welcome to participate. But you are not expected to.  I am not trying to add to your workload, but provide another forum for our church members to engage the gospel and current events.

Coming-to-America.Faith-based-Participant-GuideDownload
Coming-To-America-Issue-Advisory-Spanish_0Download

Still Called to be the Church in a Broken and Fragmented World

May 27, 2020

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

The Coronavirus continues to dominate the national news, and we grieve as it has now struck some of our Arizona congregations.  We ask for your prayers for the Arizona Disciples leaders and members who have tested positive for COVID-19.  We also ask for your prayers and support of all of our pastors and church leaders as they continue to navigate the conflicting information and guidance from health experts, the media, and the government.  I promise you that all of our church leaders are in prayerful study and dialogue about the best way forward, and I can assure you that they all need your support.

As we continue to do our part to defeat the coronavirus, I would also remind you that we are still called to be the church in a broken and fragmented world.  We,  as the church, need to continue battling the evils of poverty, racism, sexism, and all the other principalities and powers that keep God’s children in bondage. That is why I would like to personally invite you to join me, other Disciples leaders from all over the U.S., and Disciples of Christ pastor, and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, Rev. Dr. William Barber, in a virtual “Moral March on Washington.” Rev. Barber has become one of the strongest moral voices in the nation.  Rooted in deep Christian principles, Rev. Barber and the Poor People’s Campaign seek a better world for ALL people.

The work of the church, and organizations like the Poor People’s Campaign, continues to be vital even in the midst of a pandemic. African-Americans are still being harassed and killed by white people.  Powerful men are still sexually harassing women. Our national immigration system is still hopelessly broken, making it virtually impossible for most people to immigrate “legally.”  And we are noticing that deaths from COVID-19 are disproportionately from black and brown communities, once again highlighting some major inequalities in our society.  Now, as always, it is time for the church to speak.

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay
Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

COVID-19 Resources for Congregations

Arizona Regional Resource Page

General Church Resource Page

“Healthy at Church” document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

If you would like to respond in this time by financially supporting the Pro-Reconciliation Anti-Racism work right here in Arizona and through the Reconciliation Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada you can give multiple ways:

  • Give a special gift to your local Disciples church and note “Reconciliation Special Offering” in the memo line. This special offering is typically received in congregations late September and early October, but can be given to at any time. Your congregation will send this gift to our Disciples Reconciliation Ministry which will be used partly here in Arizona, and partly throughout Disciples ministries in the United States and Canada.
  • Give online to Reconciliation Ministries via our online giving portal. Choose “Special Offering – Reconciliation Offering” to designate your offering. This gift will be shared with Reconciliation Ministries and Arizona Pro-Reconciliation and Anti-Racism efforts.
  • Give by sending a check to 917 E Sheridan St. Phoenix, AZ 85006 with “Reconciliation Fund” in the memo line. The entirety of this gift will remain in Arizona for Pro-Reconciling Anti-Racism work in our communities.

We are thankful for your generosity and passion to dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate this sin of division within the Church.

A musical gift from the College of Regional Ministers

Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM) Retreat Reimagined

My Dear Sisters in Christ,

2020 has turned out to be a year of challenges and changes to the way we have lived life in the past.  In March we postponed our Spring Event until a later date, not knowing that almost 3 months later we are still under quarantine.  Our future in this time of pandemic is still hazy. When will we be able to gather in larger groups of people than 10, or even 50?  With that in mind and for the concern about the health and safety of our women, we will not be meeting in person for our Fall Retreat in September.  Instead, we have reimagined what Retreat could look like using a different format.

We will still be meeting on Friday evening, September 11th and on Saturday morning, September 12th but it will be online.  At this time we are exploring how we will present this.  We have a program planned out and are in the process of putting things together. Put the dates of September 11th and 12th on your calendar now.  We will be sending out more information as soon as we have it all arranged.

This will be an amazing opportunity for women who have not attended in the past few years because they are unable to travel or cannot tolerate the altitude.  What a blessing that will be to meet again with those we have been missing every year.  This will also be an opportunity for anyone who has thought about attending Retreat in the past, but has been hesitant, to come and check us out!

Chapel Rock was very gracious and has moved our reservation to 2021, the same second weekend in September, September 10-12, 2021.

Look for more information sometime in July!

Peace and Blessings,

Linda Sexton, Disciples Women’s Ministry Coordinator

Disciples Women’s Ministry (DWM) Table

A Message from Regional Minister and President on Returning to In-Person Church Gatherings

Greetings, Arizona Disciples!

The short version:

We are encouraging churches to continue on-line worship and not to rush back to in-person gatherings.

The longer version:

We are obviously all getting mixed message from the federal government, state governments, health officials, and the media.  Some states are reopening, some are not. It is hard to know what to think, what to believe, and what to do.

I have been in regular communication with the College of Regional Ministers, the heads of several other denominations in Arizona, and have read more articles on “when to re-open the church” than I can count.  I am sending some of these articles to all Arizona clergy and congregations today, but here is a quick summary:

1. The College of Regional Ministers and the General Minister and President recommend that all of our churches remain on-line for the foreseeable future.  We are releasing a letter to that effect today.

2. The heads of most Arizona denominations are encouraging or insisting that none of their congregations meet in person.

3. Our National Hispanic Pastor Lori Tapia and the Obra Hispana are issuing a video today encouraging our congregations to continue worshiping on-line.

4. Gov. Ducey has extended the stay at home order to May 15, but we expect it will be
much longer before churches should fully open again.

5. All articles on re-opening churches suggest that phase 1 would include social distancing and super-safe practices, which would include:
·      Roping off pews or removing chairs to make sure no families were closer to each other than 6 feet
·      Everyone attending must wear a mask
·      No handshakes
·      No hugs
·      No physical communion
·      No passing of offering trays
·      No congregational singing – don’t want saliva droplets in the air
·      Deep cleaning and disinfecting before and after each service
·      A small worship crowd – so many church might have to offer multiple worship services, with a deep clean in between each service
I don’t know about you – but that doesn’t sound like what I’m looking for in a church experience.

6. Our best guess is that society will have to enter what they are calling “phase 3” before we
start meeting together in person again.

My friends, I assure you:   I wish I had better news.

And at some level, I do.

The good news is God’s promise that the darkness will end.  Weeping may linger for an evening, but joy comes in the morning.  The Bible makes no promises about how quickly the darkness will end.  It rained for 40 days and 40 nights.  Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights.  We can handle that – indeed, we’ve already passed 40 days of staying at home.

But the Israelites were in the wilderness for 40 YEARS!    And again, they were in Exile for 40 years.  We sure hope it doesn’t come to that point.  I am gaining new appreciation for these two major periods of suffering in Israelite history.  I hope we never read those stories too lightly again, neglecting the depth and power of their suffering – or the power of the message that no matter how long we suffer, God’s presence is always with us, God does not forget us, and God will bring us to the Promised Land in due time.  Because as much as the darkness tries to extinguish the light, the light keeps shining in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome it.

My friends, hang in there.  Keep shining your light.  And in due time, we will cross the Jordan River and be together again.

Dios les bendiga.

¡Bendiciones, discípulos de Arizona!

La versión corta:

Estamos advisando a las iglesias a continuar con la adoración en línea y no apresurarse a volver a las reuniones en persona.

La versión más larga:

Obviamente, todos recibimos un mensaje mixto del gobierno federal, los gobiernos estatales, los funcionarios de salud y los medios de comunicación. Algunos estados están reabriendo, otros no. Es difícil saber qué pensar, qué creer y qué hacer.

He estado en comunicación regular con el Colegio de Ministros Regionales, los lideres de varias otras denominaciones en Arizona, y he leído más artículos sobre “cuándo reabrir la iglesia” de lo que puedo contar. Hoy envío algunos de estos artículos a todos los clérigos y congregaciones de Arizona, pero aquí hay un resumen rápido:

1. El Colegio de Ministros Regionales y el Ministro General y Presidente recomiendan
que todas nuestras iglesias permanecen en línea en el futuro previsible. Estamos enviando un
carta a tal efecto hoy.

2. Los jefes de la mayoría de las denominaciones de Arizona son alentadores o insisten en que ninguno de sus
las congregaciones se reúnen en persona.

3. Nuestro pastor hispana nacional, Lori Tapia, y la Obra Hispana están emitiendo un video hoy. Alentando a nuestras congregaciones a continuar adorando en línea.

4. El gobernador Ducey ha extendido la orden de estadía en el hogar hasta el 15 de mayo, pero esperamos que sea mucho más antes de que las iglesias se abrieran completamente de nuevo.

5. Todos los artículos sobre la reapertura de iglesias sugieren que la fase una incluiría distanciamiento social y prácticas súper seguras, que incluirían:
• Eliminando bancos o quitando sillas para asegurarse de que ninguna familia esté más cerca que seis pies
• Todos los asistentes deben usar una máscara
• Sin apretones de manos
• Sin abrazos
• No hay comunión física.
• Sin pasar de bandejas de oferta
• Sin canto congregacional: no queremos gotas de saliva en el aire
• Limpieza profunda y desinfección antes y después de cada servicio.
• Una pequeña multitud de adoración: muchas iglesias podrían tener que ofrecer múltiples servicios de adoración, con una limpieza profunda entre cada servicio.
No sé sobre ti, pero eso no suena como lo que estoy buscando en una experiencia de iglesia.
6. Nuestra mejor suposición es que la sociedad tendrá que ingresar a lo que ellos llaman “fase tres” antes de que nosotros comiencen a reunirnos en persona nuevamente.

Amigos míos, les aseguro: desearía tener mejores noticias.

Y tal vez, lo hago.

La buena noticia es la promesa de Dios de que la oscuridad terminará. El llanto puede durar una tarde, pero la alegría llega por la mañana. La Biblia no promete cuán rápido terminará la oscuridad. Llovió durante cuarenta días y cuarenta noches. Jesús estuvo en el desierto por cuarenta días y noches. Podemos manejar eso; de hecho, ya pasamos cuarenta días de estar en casa.

¡Pero los israelitas estuvieron en el desierto por cuarenta AÑOS! Y nuevamente, estuvieron en el exilio durante 40 años. Esperamos que no llegue a ese punto. Estoy ganando una nueva apreciación por estos dos grandes períodos de sufrimiento en la historia israelita. Espero que nunca volvamos a leer esas historias a la ligera, descuidando la profundidad y el poder de su sufrimiento, o el poder del mensaje de que no importa cuánto tiempo suframos, la presencia de Dios siempre está con nosotros, Dios no nos olvida y Dios lo hará. llévanos a la Tierra Prometida a su debido tiempo. Porque por mucho que la oscuridad intente extinguir la luz, la luz sigue brillando en la oscuridad, y la oscuridad nunca la superará.

Amigos míos, aguanten. Sigue brillando tu luz. Y a su debido tiempo, cruzaremos el río Jordán y volveremos a estar juntos.

Dios les bendiga.

Download the Video in English

Descarga el Video en Español

General Minister and President on Re-Opening Congregations

Dear Church:

We are in Eastertide, when we rejoice in the good news of the resurrection, and yet so much our journey still feels like the wilderness. I continue to pray for you as we walk through these days of distancing together.

This week, some state governments are beginning to lift stay-at-home orders and allow some businesses and industries to reopen their doors. These reopening conversations are understandably raising questions about how and when churches should resume in-person worship services. These are difficult decisions, but I want to encourage you, as difficult as it is, not to rush too quickly back. It is not yet time to gather for worship in person. Click Here to Continue Reading.

Regional ministers offer a word on re-opening congregations

As your Regional Ministry colleagues, we have listened carefully and prayerfully to the questions you are asking about when and how to meet again in person as the Church. We are asking many of the same questions…

We are aware that this is an unprecedented time of challenge and uncertainty. Even medical experts are not ready to declare that they understand fully how this very contagious virus works, the range at which it can spread, or how to enhance prevention with a vaccine. It has already cost the lives of tens of thousands of our neighbors and more than a million confirmed cases have been reported in the U.S. and Canada.

The disease does not discriminate but we can take steps to protect the most vulnerable among us.

First and foremost, we write to encourage you to be patient and take your time, and not rush back into full in-person activities before we are confident it is safe to do so. Click here to read the full letter.

“Healthy at Church” 

a document from the Christian Church in Kentucky

“6 Priorities You Church Must Have in Place Before Gathering in Person Again”

Article from fishhook.us

DUCC @ Home and Camp Cancelation

This year’s Disciples/UCC Church Camp (DUCC) will not be held June 15-20, 2020 due to the continuing health threats posed by COVID-19.  This was a very difficult decision for us in both the Southwest Conference UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona,  but we felt it a necessary one to maintain the safety of everyone involved, plus be good stewards of time and finances in this unprecedented time.

Scroll down to read Plan DUCC—the FAQ about cancelling camp.

Scroll down to read DUCC @ home: Disciples-UCC Caring Community—what we’re offering to camp families.

This year’s Disciples/UCC Church Camp (DUCC) will not be held June 15-20, 2020 due to the continuing health threats posed by COVID-19.  This was a very difficult decision for us in both the Southwest Conference UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona,  but we felt it a necessary one to maintain the safety of everyone involved, plus be good stewards of time and finances in this unprecedented time.  Here are some answers to questions you may have.

WHY ARE WE CANCELLING CAMP SO EARLY? CAN’T WE WAIT AND SEE?

At the point of this decision, any “good news” seems slow in coming from the CDC or state and national sources regarding an alleviation of concern over COVID-19 and its exponential spread.  More sources seem to be pointing toward the worse is still in front of us, at least in Arizona, and we don’t yet know when it will pass, and especially how to best ease back into communal activities in a safe way without risking another spike in the virus.  Some of the factors taken into consideration are:

  • The continued need to be faithful and conscientious in our practice of social distance and self-quarantining.
  • Other UCC Conferences and DOC Regions are all wrestling with the same issues regarding camp. Many have already cancelled their camps, at least through June.
  • Wanting to be mindful and respectful of the financial dynamics being experienced by both our families and churches, that may find their ability to pay for camp and camp scholarships a hardship this year.
  • Recognizing that even if restrictions are lifted and everyone is back to work by June, the adults that normally generously donate their time to staff camp, may not be able to actually take vacation time away from work to support the camp program this year.
  • This spring season is high camp planning time. We want to put our attention, energy, and creativity for planning something that serves our youth, families, and churches in the best and most effective way possible in this changing time with our CAMP values (Community, Affirming self and others, Making meaning, and Practicing our faith).

WHAT IF I REGISTERED AND ALREADY PAID?

If you have registered and paid for camp already you will automatically receive a refund on the credit card you initially used. If you would like to instead donate those registrations to the joint camp program to be used for next year’s camp, please email Matthew Clark (DOC Regional Office) mclark@azdisciples.org. If you have questions about the refund, please contact Matthew Clark at the same email or call 602-468-3815 and leave a message.

HAS CAMP EVER BEEN CANCELLED BEFORE?

Yes. In 2002, there was severe fire danger and several major fires in Arizona. National and state parks were closed as well as all campgrounds.  Both the SWC and the DOC camps were cancelled.  Camps were able to resume fully the following year without negative effects.

WHAT ABOUT NEXT YEAR?

We would anticipate being able to resume a full DUCC week next year.

We’ve had so many changes in recent years, will camp survive next year?

Yes, we have had many changes in recent years. Each have yielded greater sustainability to our camp program.  We hope and anticipate that the “absence makes the heart grow fonder” adage will apply, and camp-loving families, adults, and congregations will be extra eager to make camp a priority when it resumes in 2021.

Will we be able to keep our week reserved with Emmanuel Pines?

Yes.  Emmanuel-Pines continues to be very gracious and understanding of all their clients.  We especially have a well-established relationship that is valued by both the SWC/AZDOC and Emmanuel-Pines. Our deposit will carry over to the same week next year: June 14-19, 2021.

What about Emmanuel Pines? What will our cancellation mean to them?

Currently, Emmanuel Pines is telling us that they are making every effort to stay open, yet abide by state regulations and CDC protocols for social distancing, health, sanitation and disinfection.   They are experiencing group cancellations and are attempting to adapt to the situation by renting out their smaller cabins as AirBNBs to any family or small group that would like to use them. Should stay-at-home restrictions be lifted by the summer, our families and local churches are encouraged to consider using Emmanuel Pines for vacations or retreats to assist them financially get through this year.  Donations are also welcome, and contact can be made through their website, https://emmanuelpines.com.  Please know, all camp facilities and organizations, including our denominations, that run and sponsor summer camps are having these same conversations!

Best ways to insure camp next year:

Continue your support of our youth and camp funds in both of our denominations. In the Southwest Conference, continue your generous support individually and through churches to our Sow the Seed fund.  In the Arizona Region (DOC), continue your generous support to our Youth and Children’s Ministry Fund.  Plan your calendar ahead!  Next year’s camp week is June 14-19, 2021.

ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES BEING PLANNED FOR CAMP?

We have already been thinking of possible alternative experiences. For instance, we know that with the postponement of UCC National Youth Event our national staff is planning on holding some virtual events for youth on the dates of May 30, June 28, July 24-25. Also, the Disciples Tri-Regional Youth Leadership event is also being revised to be something other than an in-person event. No specific details about those are available yet, but they will be publicized as soon as we receive them.  Now that in-person camp plans are suspended, we will continue to work on alternative ideas for our youth and families, though we recognize there is no virtual substitute for the depth and breadth of an actual camp experience!  You are invited to see what ideas we are working with in the document entitled “DUCC@HOME!”

Disciples-UCC Caring Community

With the cancellation of our Disciples-UCC Church Camp in June due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and “stay-at-home” orders, we have been faced with what we might offer to our camp families instead. After brainstorming a lot of different options, we are choosing to pursue a plan that would not seek to create a “virtual” camp experience (because…well, that’s really not possible, right?) After doing some research, we realize that families have already had long weeks of needing to both work from home and do school work for often multiple kids and adults all via the internet and bazillions of zoom meetings. That made us wonder (and possibly doubt!) if a whole new week of programming would really be a welcome thing…particularly when one of the main values of camp is to DISCONNECT from technology, and reconnect with each other and the outside world of nature.

These weeks of pandemic quarantining and social distancing have created many changes in our lives and the way we relate to each other. There are new stresses and strains, and new skills that need to be learned. There is much that is unknown and many things that are constantly changing. Our families are living on the edge of great stress and strain with all the adaptation to a new reality that we are all engaged in. So, we finally settled on a spiritual paradigm we are borrowing from Celtic Christianity:  strengthening our community and families by connecting with the sacred in the daily things we are already doing, creating sacred spaces and spiritual formation moments for youth and families that are rooted within the new reality of our daily lives.

We believe that HOME is the primary place of spiritual nurture and development. Our camp program is normally a way that we invite children and youth to extend the familiarity, hospitality, and nurturing of home to others that are not part of our biological families, and also see the natural world as our home.  It makes sense to us to not try to add more online virtual camp programming to our over-stressed families, but offer resources and opportunities that will help families in their own time and schedules, to deepen and make meaning in the midst of things they are already doing together, such as finding alone time, mealtimes, waking and bedtimes, finding creative things to do together, ways to reflect on shared activities, finding God in the ordinary, etc.

We are in the process of gathering some folks from our churches we know are extraordinary educators, creative artists, and family spiritual formation nurturers to help us identify and create resources for families. We anticipate it will span the summer months at least, and may include special spaces on our Conference/Regional website, a private group on Facebook so families may connect with each other safely and post their experiences, fun and instructional videos, simple rituals, suggestions for art and music and environmental awareness right around our homes and yards. Many resources will be available to everyone. Also we may have a registration for families wanting to take advantage of ways to interact and connect with each other and for kids to reconnect with camp friends in a safe and secure way, and perhaps have access to special project resources. As details unfold, they will be publicized in the coming weeks as we continue to embrace our adaptive challenges and solidify our planning. Stay tuned!

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Holy Week is Here

Greetings to all in the Love of Jesus Christ:

Holy Week is here – and it couldn’t come at a more appropriate time.  For people with just a passing familiarity with Christianity, I suppose, that could be confusing.  For some people Holy Week is a Palm Sunday parade at the beginning and an Easter celebration at the end.  But like so many things in life – baseball seasons, marriage, life itself — the beginning and end may get the most attention, but it’s what’s in the middle that is the real substance of the story.

To say it bluntly:   Holy Week didn’t go the way the disciples expected it to.  It didn’t go the way they WANTED it to.  They were sorely disappointed.  Their plans were dashed.  Their hopes and dreams crushed in an instant.  At the end of the week, the locked themselves in their own homes, afraid to go out, afraid of the horrible world they lived in.  Holy Week is about pain and suffering, about disappointment and disillusionment, about things not going the way we want.

Throughout my life, I’ve had moments of feeling sorry for myself. I’ve had moments of thinking that nobody liked me.  I’ve had moments of feeling like a victim, like life wasn’t being fair to me.  I obviously have some sense of entitlement that life SHOULD be fair, that everyone SHOULD like me, that life SHOULD give me what I want – or at least the basics. 

When I’m stuck feeling sorry for myself, there’s really only one thing that has helped me:   reading the story of Holy Week.  Reading what’s known as the “Passion Story.”  Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday, because after the parade, after the “triumphal entry into Jerusalem,” the Passion Story begins.  I read about Jesus, this person I claim to follow.   I read about his friends rejecting him.  I read about him being falsely accused, thrown in prison for bogus reasons, and physically tortured.  I read about him being publicly humiliated by the worst form of capital punishment – being lifted up on a cross and left to die.  And all the while, he continues to love people with all his heart, soul, and strength. Hanging on the cross, Jesus offers one last prayer:  “Father, forgive them – they do not realize what they are doing. “  

And I ask:  “Why did I ever think I was entitled to a smooth and easy life?” Holy Week is coming at an appropriate time, because it reminds me that the Christian story is not about having an easy life.  It’s not about a sports championships or bull markets or having things go my way.   Christianity is about receiving and embodying God’s love no matter what our circumstances.  May we who claim to be disciples of Christ do our best to face suffering with the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dios les bendiga!

Pastor Jay

Regional Minister and President, Christian Church in Arizona

We Will Still be Church

Arizona Disciples,

May God’s peace and love surround you and your families during these days of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.  As we have been asked to no longer gather in person, I was inspired by the words of Saguaro Christian Church pastor Rev. Owen Chandler in the face of all the changes:  “WE WILL STILL BE CHURCH!”  Towards that end, we have created a new page on our site that will outline some of the ways that we will still be church. The webpage includes:

  • Modes of Regional Support
  • Plans for Regional Events
  • Advice for On-line Giving for your Local Congregation
  • Links to all Arizona Disciples websites/Facebook pages so you can worship and pray with each other
  • Helpful links from our national Disciples partnerships

I invite you to contact me with any needs, with information about creative and wonderful things you are doing, or just to keep in touch.  We are all making this up as we go, as none of us had a seminary course entitled “how to lead the church during a pandemic.”   But we know that God is faithful, that God loves us always, and that where two or three are gathered, even on a phone call or in a chatroom, Christ is in the midst of us.

Visit the new page by clicking here.

May God’s blessings uplift you now and always,

Pastor Jay

Links

Resources and Statements from Disciples Ministries

Disciples Families & Children Ministry- COVID-19: School’s Out!

Week of Compassion – Coordinating and Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak

CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Arizona Department of Health – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response