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GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays

Help and hope as you navigate the Christmas season

November 17, 9–11 a.m. at Church of the Palms

Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?

Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn:

How to deal with the many emotions you’ll face during the holidays
What to do about traditions and other coming changes
Helpful tips for surviving social events
How to discover hope for your future

We know the holidays can be a difficult time after the death of a loved one and so we are offering this program to support one another.  If you feel the need and want support during this time, please join us.  Sign up on the sheet in the narthex.

There is no charge for this seminar. Check-in and continental breakfast will start at 8:30. A sign-up sheet is available at the church or you can sign up through GriefShare.org/holidays.

Surviving the Holidays is sponsored by the GriefShare program and affiliated local GriefShare groups. GriefShare is a 13-week grief support group offered by local churches. GriefShare is non denominational and open to people of all faiths, as well as those who do not practice a faith. You do not need to be enrolled in a GriefShare group to attend the Surviving the Holidays group. Everyone is welcome!

Watch an excerpt from the Surviving the Holidays video:

Here’s what happens at a Surviving the Holidays seminar

A Surviving the Holidays event lasts for about two hours. You’ll be welcomed by warm, caring people who understand what you are going through and who want to help. During the seminar, you will:

  1. Watch a 40-minute video, filled with practical holiday survival tips and the real-life stories of people who have navigated the season after their loved one’s death.
  2. Hear other seminar attendees explain how they are dealing with the holidays.
  3. Have the opportunity to share how grief is affecting you. (No pressure—this is optional. We want you to feel comfortable.)
  4. Receive a personal copy of the GriefShare Holiday Survival Guide.

New Member Information Session and Meet & Greet

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 3:30 pm in King Hall.

This session includes a brief presentation about The Church of the Palms, where we came from, and, most importantly, where we are going!

A delicious homemade dinner will be served after the presentation.

New members will be welcomed into the church on Sunday, December 2nd during worship.

This invitation is extended by the Evangelism and Growth Board to all visitors (whether new or long-time regular visitors).

The sign-up sheet is now on the opportunity table in the narthex.

Bingo Party!

Church of the Palms
50th Anniversary Fundraiser

Saturday, November 17
12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Mark your calendar for a fun-filled afternoon including lunch, fellowship, and Bingo, to raise funds for our church’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Win prizes, including a flat screen TV, works of art, gift cards, concert tickets, a weekend in Sedona or a week in Palm Springs. Lunch will include a sandwich, chips, cookies, and punch/coffee. We will play 10 bingo games and have 19 winners.

To join the fun and support our 50th anniversary fundraising efforts, sign up with a donation of $15 for lunch and Bingo cards, with an optional additional donation for extra Bingo cards.

Participation will be limited to the first 70 players, so sign up ASAP on the sheets at the opportunity table in the narthex. For additional details, see the Bingo 50th Anniversary Fundraiser fact sheet available in the office.

 

Thanksgiving Feast

Joyce Spaulding Memorial Community Thanksgiving Feast

The Church of the Palms invites all to join us for our annual Thanksgiving Day dinner!

The meal is free and the event is handicap accessible.

Please call early for reservations 623-977-8359 or use the sign up sheet in the narthex.

Wendy Whitlock has graciously offered to serve as event coordinator; please let her know if you can volunteer or have questions.

Educational and spiritual growth opportunities

The Church of the Palms offers several educational opportunities to assist folks in their spiritual journeys.

SUNDAY MORNING DISCUSSION (8:30 AM -9:30 AM) currently on hiatus.

MONDAY MORNING LIFELONG LEARNING (10 AM – 11:30 AM)

Monday Morning Lifelong Learning began a new class on October 22 which continues through November 19th: “Integral Spirituality” — a class we are repeating for many who were unable to attend during the summer and would like to be a part of this. The class is taught by Kay Klinkenborg.

On November 26 (through January 14 with a break from class on December 24 and 31) Nick Nichols will lead us in discussing the DVD, “The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell.

On January 21 we will begin a continuation of the class on “White Privilege” which will take us through April 15.

FELLOWSHIP BREAKFASTS (2ND TUESDAYS)

Continental-style breakfasts follow a speaker and program. Bring a friend or neighbor. Freewill offerings accepted to defray the cost.

November 13, 2018, 8:00 a.m.

Speaker: Robert Sanders, Regional Director for Emergency Services for Lutheran Social Services

“I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program)”

The Social Justice Action Team will present a program that addresses homelessness in the Valley. The program is I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) and is part of Lutheran Social Services. Robert Sanders, Regional Director for Emergency Services for LSS, will present the program.

I-HELP is temporary shelter for individuals who have lost safe and stable housing. Contributions from hand-working volunteers, host churches, and community partners are the driving force behind. I-HELP. In 2017, 89 volunteers provided over 5700 volunteer hours to make the program possible. On site services include: case management, job search and preparation, health referrals, housing and transportation assistance, etc.” (quote from LSS brochure)

I-HELP is not for the chronic homeless, but for those who need some help through a tough spot as the result of job loss or illness, for example. It is a 90 day program; most participants are on their feet again is half that time.

INCHWORMS (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.)

Led by Mary Whitlock, this group pursues a book discussion.

COSMIC CHRISTIANS (Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

This energetic group reads and discusses progressive theology
and its perspective on contemporary issues; facilitated by Kay Klinkenborg.

We’ve begun a new book, Coming Back to Earth: From gods, to God, to Gaia by Lloyd Geering, on Tuesday, October 23rd. Geering takes us on a journey that explores the evolution of religion and the history of the Christian faith as we encounter new understandings of our faith in the face of the ecological crisis which has been said to be the most important problem humans have ever had to face.

JUMP START (Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.)

A lively discussion of next Sunday’s Scriptures.

JACK EVANS PRESENTS: The Palms’ monthly film

Check the lineup!

SUNDAY AFTERNOON LIFELONG LEARNING (1:30-3 PM)

(currently on hiatus) October 14—January 20: no afternoon class

Fellowship Breakfast

November 13, 2018, 8:00 a.m.

Speaker: Robert Sanders, Regional Director for Emergency Services for Lutheran Social Services

“I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program)”

The Social Justice Action Team will present a program that addresses homelessness in the Valley. The program is I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) and is part of Lutheran Social Services. Robert Sanders, Regional Director for Emergency Services for LSS, will present the program.

I-HELP is temporary shelter for individuals who have lost safe and stable housing. Contributions from hand-working volunteers, host churches, and community partners are the driving force behind. I-HELP. In 2017, 89 volunteers provided over 5700 volunteer hours to make the program possible. On site services include: case management, job search and preparation, health referrals, housing and transportation assistance, etc.” (quote from LSS brochure)

I-HELP is not for the chronic homeless, but for those who need some help through a tough spot as the result of job loss or illness, for example. It is a 90 day program; most participants are on their feet again is half that time.

This very relevant and interesting program will be presented along with our continental breakfast. The free will giving basket will be out. Invite a friend or neighbor—everyone is welcome!

“Our Evolving Story: Integrating Religion and Science” Retreat at Church of the Palms

It is confirmed: “Our Evolving Story: Integrating Religion and Science” Retreat is coming to the Northwest Valley and will be held at The Church of the Palms. It’s coordinated by the Lifelong Learning Board who has contracted with Sr. Sharon Zayac, OP for a February 22- 24, 2019  weekend presentation.  Sr. Sharon’s ministry has focused on the new Cosmic Spirituality and Eco-Spirituality. She is recognized nationally and internationally as a teacher and preacher on this topic.

Program schedule: Friday, February 22, 6–8 pm with reception to follow and Saturday 9 am–3:30 pm (lunch/breaks included).  Sunday morning Sr. Sharon will be speaking at Church of the Palms. There is a $25 fee and pre-registration is required as there is limited seating.

Registration will open soon – so save the dates!

Sr. Sharon has shared an outline for the retreat:

Title: “Our Evolving Story:  Integrating Religion and Science”

We are in the midst of a cosmic shift in understanding who we are as persons, as people of faith, as a human species. What is this newly emerging consciousness? What does it teach us about who we are, how we are related to the whole, and how we image Holy Mystery? Using The Cosmic Story as our context, we will find inspiration and hope as we explore and reflect upon its deeper meaning.

Friday evening: An introduction to the weekend, speaking about Story, its power and role in the evolution of our species.

Saturday: Two sessions with time for reflection and sharing (includes breaks/lunch)

Part I  Evolutionary Consciousness (what it is, what characterizes it, what its implications are for understanding who we and where we are going).

Part II Exploring the two particular universal powers of cataclysm and emergence (where we find currently find ourselves embroiled) and the promise and hope they offer.

Below is the biographical information for Sr. Sharon Zayac, OP and URL links to hear her speak and review her work as Founding Director of Jubilee Farm for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL.

Sr. Sharon Zayac – a Dominican Sister in Springfield, Illinois – was founding Director of Jubilee Farm, her congregation’s 164-acre center for ecology and spirituality located near Springfield, Illinois.  A writer and lecturer, she speaks on many ecological topics, but her passion is sharing the Universe Story and its implications for life and faith.  Her book – Earth Spirituality: In the Catholic and Dominican Traditions –  which compares Judeo-Christian traditions that cause a disregard for nature as well as those that support a respect for Earth. The book focuses on evolutionary consciousness as an emerging worldview.

Jubilee Farm Center for Ecology and Spirituality is a sustainable farm developed under the leadership of Sr. Sharon.  The farm’s ministry is grounded with the philosophy of sustainability that is foundational to this ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. The farm was purchased in 1999 to “honor the Year of Jubilee and its biblical injunction to let the land lie fallow, to honor Earth and support the delicate bioregion.”  “Climate change isn’t a political issue; it’s a faith and moral issue,” states Sr. Sharon.

The farm is a spirituality and ecology center where they raise llamas and alpacas, grow chemical-free fruit and vegetables, and offer walking trails, a labyrinth a retreat house, and education programs open to the public.

She participates in The Climate Project, which has trained 2,500 volunteers in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Spain and the United Kingdom to lead presentations about climate change. Sr. Sharon is a member of Sustainable Springfield Illinois Inc’s Board of Directors. She received the “2018 Outstanding Member Contribution to Sustainability Award” from this organization.

She has presented across the United States and in Europe, New Zealand; and returned to Ireland this summer to continue presentations on this topic.   http://jubileefarm.info/sister-sharon-zayac-op-presents-in-new-zealand/

Moral Compass: Responding to Climate Change video (45 min)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGPwyFAOOA8

Thank you for your time and attention to this lengthy article. Church of the Palms is looking forward to this wonderful event!

Bring-a-Friend Sunday

Sunday, November 11, 10 a.m.

Worship will be followed with a free lasagna and salad lunch.

Meet new people, share worship together, and enjoy a homemade lunch!

Like our rummage sale, this event helps people to learn about the church and to be blessed by the love and welcome that we share.

Bring a friend, bring two, bring a bunch!

Palms people: Use the sign-up sheet in the narthex so we know how many to plan for.

The Church of the Palms Social Justice Champion Recognition: Carolyn Modeen

This recognition is awarded to a person who is a member of our church, active in leadership roles, and active in social justice ministry. The individual  demonstrates a long-term commitment to seek justice on local, regional, and global issues. Her/his actions challenge injustices and effect change through education, advocacy, activism, and fundraising. Finally, the individual demonstrates the belief that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.

The first recipient of this recognition goes to Carolyn Modeen.

Carolyn, a member for over 20 years, has served as Church Moderator, Chair of the Board of Mission and Outreach, initiated sale of free trade items, helped with the monthly fellowship breakfasts and provided leadership for Ecumenical Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Carolyn’s community roles have included: volunteer with Central Arizona Shelter providing clothes for the homeless, participation in marches and rallies for peace and to stop wars. Twice a month she holds up “Peace” signs on Bell and 99th.

Carolyn has advocated for sensible gun legislation, marched for women’s reproductive health rights and has given speeches at Planned Parenthood gathering. She has participated in equal pay gatherings and efforts to correct worker pay disparity. She demonstrated for migrant rights as workers and participated in monthly meetings of domestic violence prevention program.

Carolyn has been an active participant with Grandmothers for Peace and has volunteer at Benevilla since 1984. She regularly gathers signatures to help political candidates have names placed on election ballots and get initiatives on ballots.

Carolyn lives the following scripture: Micah 6:8 … “And what does the LORD require of us but to DO JUSTICE, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.” Well done Carolyn! Thank you for your service!

50th Anniversary update

Those of us who use social media have seen the question, “Where were you on July 20, 1969?” Most of us can give a reasonably accurate account of whether or not we witnessed the lunar landing on that day. I have another question for you – where were you in October, 1969?

From some of the conversations I have had lately, I can tell you that in the fall of 1969, as newlyweds, Sandy and Bob Krueger were setting up housekeeping; Jane Zukowski was a stay-at-home mom making sure her young son, Jim Alexander, got off to kindergarten during the week in Winslow (we will try not to hold that against you Jim); while Carol and Clint Reynolds, with their four children, had recently relocated from California to Flagstaff where Clint was the pastor of the First Congregational Church, a church near and dear to my heart.

Meanwhile, here in Sun City, in the fall of 1969, there was a dedicated gathering of kindred souls, under the direction of Dr. Albert King, also relocating from Calif, who envisioned building a new church. They met weekly in the parsonage, discussing the formation of the first church in Phase II of Sun City. The United Presbyterian denomination, the Disciples of Christ, and the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ worked together helping establish the new church.

So, where were you, specifically, on October 5th, 1969? Any thoughts? I can tell you it was Worldwide Communion Sunday and the first Sunday of worship in Sun City for Church of the Palms. The congregation met in Town Hall North, which I believe was Oakmont Center, for a time, waiting for the completion of Lakeview Recreational Center before the groundbreaking of the building of our current sanctuary.

Needless to say, we are celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2019. The anniversary committee has designed outstanding projects and events as part of our celebration.  The first event is a fundraiser (yes, celebrations of this nature need funding), a Chili Cook Off following worship September 23. A freewill offering jar will be available. Kevin Nicastro and Michael Cullen are leading this event.

We currently have enough volunteers who are cooking chili, thank you. We are in need of salads and condiments such as sour cream and shredded cheese.

Also, please sign up in the narthex if you will be attending so that we can be prepared.

Come with us on the journey ahead. We are looking back at the early years of our church and toward what the next years will bring. We are celebrating the past and embracing the future.

Sandy Znetko
50th Anniversary Chair