Shepherd Life

Volume 54/Issue 10 The Monthly Newsletter for October 2015 Shepherd of the Hills Congregational UCC

Shepherd of the Hills is a faith community which seeks to learn, to love, and to serve together.

THANK YOU SUNDAY SCHOOL SAY IT ISN’T SO! TEACHERS! By Rev. Patti Aurand Many thanks to Joe Olney and Chad Stevens & After 27 years of Kyle Langer for leading our Sunday School in loving and dedicated September. service to the Shepherd We have begun the Church School Year with of the Hills community, TWO youth Sunday School Classes. One for the Sue Roth has announced younger elementary (K-4th) and one for the older her retirement effective students (grades 5 – 8). Because of this we rely on October 15, 2015. active adult leaders to fill our teaching needs. Though many have tried to talk Sue out of During the month of October, our chair of Christian retiring, she has decided that now is the time to Education, Lisa Laurro, will be leading one of our transition from fulltime work to fulltime grandma classes. (and seeing the adoring expression on her To everyone engaged in education/faith granddaughter’s face, who can say no to such a formation at Shepherd of the Hills UCC…THANK move!). YOU! There will be a wine and cheese reception held in Sue’s honor on Thursday, October 15, BOOK CLUB NEWS 2015 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm in Fellowship Hall. By Ginny Vaules In addition to the reception, there will also be a card shower (if you can’t deliver your card in The Book Club will meet again person, please have it to the church by October 12). on Thursday, October 8, at Those wishing to honor Sue with a financial gift 11:30am in the Library. The book may do so directly through the card shower, or may for this month is Bowing to the make checks payable to Shepherd of the Hills, with Emperor by Robine Andrau and “Sue Roth” in the memo line. Klara Sima Andrau. It is about one family’s internment by the Japanese in Indonesia during World War 2 and Klara’s amazing MODERATOR’S MUSINGS efforts to keep life as normal as she could for her 3 by Laura Minnick very young daughters as well as an account of her

During the month of September, Shepherd of the husband’s experiences as a POW in Japan. Hills kicked off the season of children, with our first All are welcome whether they have had a chance Sunday of worship, back in the Sanctuary, followed to read the book or not. Please bring your lunch and by the barbeque, embracing a new sound system, beverage. and the weeklong event of hosting Family Promise.

Thank you to ALL Shepherd members and CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATES others for showing up with your sweet presence, for giving of your time, talents, and resources. As we Amanda Petersen 1043 E Sahuaro Dr, Phoenix AZ 85020 prepare for the coming months, may we take many moments to reflect on what it means to give, how it Charlotte Ross affects others, and how we receive as well. 314 W Crofton Street, Chandler AZ 85225

ICM FOOD & CLOTHING BANK NEWS Our technicians in training By Liz Mullen

SOUND SYSTEM IS INSTALLED ICM Food and Clothing Bank is holding its annual fundraiser, Rise Above Hunger, Sunday, Thank you to everyone who completed our October 25, 3pm - 5:30pm. It will again be at the Sound System Training last month. Shepherd beautiful Phoenix Country Club home of Jon and appreciates the time and effort it has taken these Janna Anderson (son and daughter-in-law of our individuals to learn and operate our new own June and Leonard Anderson). Cocktails, heavy technology: Beth Franco, Laura Minnick, John hors d’oeuvres, music, raffle and auctions are on the Schneeman, Austin Shackelford, and Craig Splain. agenda. Tickets are $50 each. As you know, ICM’s If you would like to train on the new system and outreach is to the working poor of Central Phoenix: serve as our Tech crew on Sundays, please contact distributing food, clothing, hygiene products, Pastor Patti or the Church Office. housewares and other services, all with hope and

dignity. Please consider attending or making a GOOD EARTH COFFEE SALES donation. RESUME IN OCTOBER Check on the website, Cafe Justo is a grower-owned coffee cooperative http://www.icmaz.org/Newsroom/News.aspx, based in Chiapas, Mexico. They formed to address or contact Liz Mullen (602.577.8586) for more poverty and migration from Mexico to the US. Your information. Hope to see you there! coffee purchases support these efforts; the growers receive a fair price for their crops. For the first time in a number of years, Cafe Justo has increased its prices and we have to pass along the increase. One pound of coffee will now cost $11 (only a 10% increase). The Good Earth Committee appreciates your A FUNDRAISER support and we hope you’ll visit our sale after FOR THE SW CONFERENCE worship on the first Sunday of every month. We can UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST accept cash, check, credit or debit cards. Depending on the weather, chocolate should be available at the Save the date and plan to participate! November 1st sale (it can’t ship if it’s too warm!). Sunday, October 25 at 3pm, Phoenix First Congregational United Church of Christ; 1407 N WEDNESDAY WANDERERS HAVE 2nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona. “CONVICTIONS” Your donation of time, talent and treasure to this By Rev. Chuck Aurand event is greatly appreciated and will benefit the

The Wednesday Wanderings Group is reading ministry of the Southwest Conference UCC. This our way through Convictions: How I Learned What ministry benefits you and your local church. Matters Most by Marcus Borg. We are enjoying All Central Arizona churches in the Southwest lively discussions concerning all aspects of our Conference are invited to participate in the 2015 faith. Southwest Music Mania. The congregation with the Join us for prayer and discussion every highest percentage of participation will receive the Wednesday at 10:00am in the Parish House coveted MusicMania trophy! Conference Room. NEIGHBORS IN NEED (NIN) IT’S TIME TO “TRUNK OR TREAT” Our Special Offering for October will benefit Neighbors In Need. Neighbors In Need (NIN) is a Join us for Shepherd of special mission offering of the United Church of the Hills’ 3rd Annual Christ that supports ministries of justice and Trunk-or-Treat event on compassion throughout the United States. Halloween. One-third of the offering undergirds the work of Participants are invited the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM), to pass out treats from their decorated trunks. The which is the voice for American Indians in the festivities take place from 6:00pm-7:30pm on United Church of Christ. CAIM supports the work Halloween (October 31st), which lands on a of local churches and their pastors; encourages Saturday this year. youth and young adults; supports persons preparing for Christian ministry; empowers American Indians THE HILLS PRESCHOOL REPORT who are members of non-Indian congregations; and By Nola Enge advocates for justice on issues affecting American Greetings, Shepherd friends! Professional Indian life. Two-thirds of Neighbors in Need Development can be one of the most important - supports program initiatives and direct grants and enjoyable - days in a teacher’s year. We had offered by the UCC’s Justice and Witness the privilege of having Dr. Mary Jane Rotheram Ministries. Small but essential grants are made with our teachers and ASU interns recently for a throughout the year to congregations and morning of examining our early childhood organizations engaged in community organizing, practices. Dr. Rotheram is a grandmother to one of public policy advocacy, and direct service. our preschoolers, a boy whose parents are also both Although grants are made to address a wide range professors in education. of justice priorities, a significant portion of these are I’d like to share with you a bit about this made to address issues of hunger and poverty. inspiring woman: Dr. Rotheram received her PhD We will receive the NIN special offering during in Clinical Psychology from USC. She was a th worship on October 18 . Professor of Clinical Psychology/child psychiatry at Columbia University, and is now a Professor of FAMILY PROMISE & Clinical Psychology and Director of the Global SHEPHERD, Center for Children and Families and the Center for WHAT A TEAM! HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment

This past month, Services (CHIPTS) at the UCLA Semel Institute for Shepherd of the Hills Neuroscience and Behavior. Currently, she has partnered with Family ongoing projects in Uganda, China, and South Promise to provide space for Africa, as well as the United States. four families (pictured are Needless to say, few Phoenix preschools enjoy new friends, JD and Aniya) for one week. It was a such presenters for their professional development. wonderful opportunity to do some good ministry as (True, I’ve attended less-than-exciting meetings on we fed and housed our families in Jesus’ name. infectious diseases!) Aren’t we lucky? She was able Working with Family Promise made our first to roll up her sleeves and work with our teachers on hosting a huge success. There were plenty of their specific situations, considering everything opportunities for EVERYONE to help. Whether from cognitive development markers to screening you were a basketball player/coach, cook, bedding for learning delays. We discussed evidence-based contributor, snack donor, cleaner-upper, movie interventions for families and children, best ways to night host, overnight host, bed setter-upper, or take- provide parent education, and current exciting data downer, bedding washers, we couldn’t have done on our Italian Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy. this without you! Special kudos to Bill Janiga and We look forward to our next day of professional the Shepherd Council for organizing this wonderful development. I’m grateful to have excellent experience. teachers reflecting the curiosity and life-long What a great opportunity to help others! See you learning that has been so important to Shepherd of next time. the Hills families for over 50 years. WOOLGATHERING retirement, her departure marks a significant by Rev. Patti Aurand change. If my math is correct, she has been a vital part of the Shepherd community for nearly half its existence! It has been bittersweet reminiscing with her about Shepherd of the Hills. It’s also been exciting to look with her toward the future. Sue has been instrumental in not only being the keeper of the past (her memory and connections have been absolute lifesavers!), she’s been a vital part of the present (her eye for detail and numbers is astonishing). And now, she’s playing an invaluable part in our future in helping with the naming (and providing the training) for her successor, Vicki Hauser. Grant me the serenity to accept the things Change is coming to Shepherd, there’s no doubt. I cannot change, By year’s end, we will have welcomed three new the courage to change the things I can, staff members: Xuelai Wu, our Director of Music; and the wisdom to know the difference. Eliseo Aranda, our Custodian; and now, Vicki --Reinhold Niebuhr Hauser, our Administrative Coordinator. With each change comes the opportunity to look at ourselves On October 31 of 1517, All Hallows Eve, Martin with fresh eyes as we look back and see what’s Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the worth our holding onto and as we look ahead and Wittenberg Church. Luther saw that his beloved see what we need to let go of to make room for Catholic church was in serious need of reforms; something new. These are exciting times, no doubt. thus he posted his 95 suggestions for all to see. While change can be challenging, it can also be life- Little did he know that the change he desired within giving. May we rest in the assurance that while we the church would be a part of something so much may not know what the future holds, we do know bigger – the Reformation. Not only did the Who holds the future! Reformation bring about the Lutheran church, it made way for other Protestant churches as well – like the forbears of our own beloved (and sometimes befuddled) United Church of Christ. Martin Luther’s intent was not to start a new church. Rather he simply wanted to change the conversation within his faith tradition. But Luther’s dissatisfaction with the status quo came at an interesting time in history… Diana Butler Bass (a theological anthropologist of sorts who grew up in Scottsdale) has noted that there have been huge cultural paradigm shifts approximately every 500 years. These shifts lead to profound changes in how humans relate to the world, to God and to one another. When I heard her in 2007, she spoke of us being at the start of a new paradigm shift, the likes which haven’t been seen since the Reformation. Needless to say, it is a fascinating time to be a Christian. It’s even more fascinating to be a part of the Church as each denomination and local church wrestles with the changes that are coming faster th This quote was used during Worship on October 4 than we ever imagined. (and reprinted by request). At Shepherd of the Hills, we are certainly facing While attributed here to BJ Gallagher (and quoted in one our own changes. As Sue Roth transitions into of her books), the author is unknown. SWC WELCOMES NEW DESIGNATED SUNDAYS AT SHEPHERD

CONFERENCE MINISTER During the month of October, we will be by Rev. George Ault, Sedona, AZ exploring the Book of Job (rhymes with “robe”) Dear Colleagues and Churches of the SWC, it during our 10am Worship service. Considered to be is with a great deal of enthusiasm that I inform you one of the oldest books of the Bible, Job is as that the SWC Executive Board has unanimously challenging as it is timeless. called the Rev. Dr. William M. Lyons as our On Sunday, October 4, we celebrate World Designated Conference Minister. Dr. Lyons is Communion Sunday. Our scripture focus is Job scheduled to be in place to begin his ministry with 1:1, 2:1-10. The sermon, “Living the Questions”, us on January 1, 2016. will introduce the Book of Job and the concept of Bill, his preferred name, comes to us with 30 “theodicy”, which is the defense of God's goodness years of pastoral experience. He is currently the and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil. pastor of St. John’s U.C.C. in Grand Rapids, On Sunday, October 11, we jump ahead to Job Michigan, where he has served for the past 11 23:1-9, 16-17. The sermon, “Where are You, years. He was ordained in the U.C.C. on October God?” will address those times when we feel 13, 1985. A more extensive bio is in the mid- abandoned and alone, and what we can do during September “In the Loop” newsletter. those times. While he will officially be on board in January, On Sunday, October 18, our series on Job will Bill will be present in the SWC for two significant continue with Job 38:1-7, 34-41. The sermon, “The meetings: the Mission Planning Meeting (October Tempest Tantrum” will address God’s response to 24) and the Clergy Retreat (November 9 – 11). It is Job. During the service, we’ll also give thanks for my hope that his presence at these two pivotal the ministry of the Rev. Chuck Aurand as we meetings will encourage the attendance of those celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his Ordination! eligible. On Sunday, October 25, our series on Job will I would be remiss not to thank both the Search conclude with Job 42:1-6, 10-17. The sermon, “A Committee and the Executive Board for their New Sense of God”, will explore how our intense and diligent work during this search process. relationship to/with God evolves after weathering Special thanks is extended to Dana Bender, the the various storms of life. Chair of the Search Committee; to Holly Herman, the SWC Office Manager; and to the Rev. Dr. Lee DUET NEWS Albertson, the SWC Acting Conference Minister. “YOUR HELPING INSTINCT” I also want to thank each of you in advance for Back in the day, especially in small communities your continued support for our Southwest around our great country, people regularly and Conference and the United Church of Christ. As we naturally helped their fellow neighbors in ways step into the future, let us do so in the belief that great and small. Now, many of us do not know our God is already there waiting to greet us in Jesus’ neighbors, and it can be scary to offer help to Name. people we don’t know.

Duet, our congregation’s partner in service, VIP EDUCATION ASSEMBLY offers an easy and safe way to help isolated elders PLANNED By Judy Eighmey and adults with disabilities. When you become a Duet volunteer, you will choose from nine fulfilling Please join us at a VIP forms of service, such as friendly visits, rides to Education Assembly at 6:30pm medical appointments, or grocery shopping. Duet on Tuesday, October 27. The event will take place will then pair you up with a person who needs the at Scottsdale United Methodist Church, located at kind of help you wish to provide, based on your 4140 North Miller Road. availability. Much support is provided to ensure a We will be discussing the quickly evolving fulfilling volunteer experience. education funding proposals and exploring ways to Please share your time and friendship to bring support Public Education with our legislators. neighborliness back to our community! To For questions or to carpool from church, please volunteer or to request free-of-charge help, call 602- call Judy Eighmey at 602-743-2251. 274-5022 or visit http:\\www.duetaz.org.

HALLOWEEN “SMART FINANCIAL STRATEGIES” COOKIE SEMINAR DECORATING Duet Professional Advisory Committee On Saturday, members are offering their expertise during a free- October 24th, Tina of-charge program focusing on helping you make Bennett will be wise financial choices. All Duet friends, including offering Halloween volunteers, donors, people receiving help, as well as Cookie Decorating for Arcadia neighborhood and the general public may attend. Shepherd kids (of all ages) from 3pm – 5pm in This program will be held on Saturday, October Shepherd’s Fellowship Hall. 24, 2015 at 9:00 am – 12:00 pm with registration at A “spooktacular” time will be had by all! 8:30 am. It will be held at Madison Baptist Church, 6202 North 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014. The cost is absolutely free (and includes lunch with pre- POWER OF OPTIMISM AUTHOR registration). Required RSVP by Friday, October TO SPEAK OCT. 13 16, 2015. Call (602) 274-5022. By Lew Shaw The presenters from the committee are

The Wise Guys Covenant Group is changing its comprised of financial planners, CPAs, bank trust meeting format and will now be meeting on the officers, and attorneys. Workshop topics range from second Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in year-end tax planning to Medicare & long term care the Fireplace Room in Fellowship Hall. The Wise insurance. Check out the Smart Financial Strategies Guys invite the other covenant groups and members Seminar flyer for a detailed listing. of the Congregation and their friends to join them Please contact Nancy Knoche at 602-274-5022 on October 13 to hear Andy Dzurinko, author of or [email protected] with any questions. The Power of Optimism and Laugh Out Loud tell why you’re never too old to take on new challenges. UCC YOUTH – GET EXCITED! Andy Dzurinko grew up in a once-thriving Getting The Best Of Both! Pennsylvania steel town and was a highly-regarded The Disciples of Christ have invited United Church football player and coach and a Vietnam veteran of Christ Junior and Senior High Youth to attend who went on to a successful career as an insurance the DOC Fall Youth Retreats being held in Tucson sales executive over the past 37 years. on Oct 24/25. This will be an opportunity, He has served his community well as the especially for our SH youth, to see their campmates executive director of the Governor’s Council on from last summer. Click here for the flyer and the Health and Physical Fitness for nine years, and as registration forms: the founder and president of the Frank Kush Youth Foundation promoting physical fitness and wellness  Youth Retreat Flyer throughout Arizona for the past 24 years.  Junior High Registration Practicing what he preaches, Andy ran his first  Senior High Registration marathon at age 56 and climbed 19,341-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa at age 69. He visited the 15th Transportation issues? Call the SWC office and century Inca ruins at Machu Picchu in Peru in 2013 we'll see what we can work out. and climbed Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, in 2014. Just this past September (at 72), Thanksgiving Alive! he and a companion walked the 100-mile El Thanksgiving Alive is alive! It will take place at Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain in Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix from the just six days. Friday after Thanksgiving through that Sunday Join us to hear Andy Dzurinko share his exciting morning worship, Nov. 27-29. The big changes for experiences and outlook on life. It’s free and is a this year are that Young Adults and Disciples of great opportunity to introduce your friends to Christ youth are also invited to participate. Shepherd of the Hills. Light refreshments will be Information and registration forms are now served. available on the SWC website: uccswc.org.

Shepherd of the Hills Congregational Address Correction Requested United Church of Christ 5524 E. Lafayette Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85018-4599

Tues - 6:30pm AA Group, Al-Anon, ALA-Teen Wed - 9:15am The Hills Preschool Music Group. Wed - 8:00pm AA Group, Hall Mon-Sat - 7:00am First Light AA Group, Fireplace Rm Through our ministry of hospitality, we provide space to the following:

Sun. - 3:00pm Marshallese Worship in Fellowship Hall Sun. - 4:00pm Meditation Group in Parish House Mon. - 8:00pm AA Group/Al-Anon Group in Hall Tues. - 6:30pm AA Group, Al-Anon, ALA-Teen in Hall Wed. - 8:00pm AA Group in Hall Mon.-Sat. - 7:00am First Light AA Group in Fireplace Room Sat. – 8:30am Hatha Yoga in Hall

Parish House Office Space to Rebel & Divine United Church of Christ