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Following Jesus together,
Nourishing one another in the Living Water of the Spirit,
Blossoming boldly with God's abundant love, healing, and justice, and
Transforming lives.
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To submit an article for Tidings, email Anne here by Mondays at 12:00 noon. | | |
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“I Am” So You “Can Be”
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me
hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because
even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me.
Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me.
And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.
I came down from heaven not to follow my own agenda but to
accomplish the will of the One who sent me. John 6:35-38 (MSG)
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This week we hear Jesus say that he is the bread of life. The words “bread of life” have been interpreted many ways throughout church history and by different theologians. We can read it literally as bread transubstantiates into Christ’s body during communion to a more metaphorical interpretation that Christ nourishes and sustains our spirits as bread sustains our bodies. Though my thoughts on communion may remain open, I affirm that we are nourished spiritually by Jesus’s call to us to follow the way of God. Jesus is the “Bread of Life.” If we remember to nourish ourselves in places of truth, justice and love, we become part of Christ’s living presence in the world. I often say “Be Christ/See Christ” to remind us that we only need to take in what is good to put out what is good.
“I am the Bread of Life” is part of the 7 “I Am’s” Jesus says in the Gospel of John. They are the inspiration for the 6 stained glass windows in our sanctuary and were part of First Congregational Church’s window cycle in their Sanctuary on University Blvd (now torn down and replaced by apartments) Along with the “Bread of Life” the other “I Am’s” are a good place to find nourishment.
- I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35) Be sure to feed your soul with love
- I am the Light of the World (John 8:12) Dwell in places of Light and Hope
- I am the Door (John 10:9) Enter the world with joy and compassion
- I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14) Know you are never alone
- I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25) There is new life in repentance, forgiveness and renewal
- I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6) Speak loving truth, walk with others in kindness, pray often
- I am the Vine (John 15:1,5) Draw life in community and on flourish with God
Be nourished…be a blessing,
Peace, Pastor John
Listen to our Messages Online: Video Link.
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From Pastor Michael as He Returns to CAUCC
Before my departure earlier this summer, we talked together about a story in which Jesus calmed the storms. I asked you to pray with me in the storminess of cancer treatment and all the attendant fears, disruptions, planning challenges, and more. I have experienced the goodness of your prayers -- and your kind cards, messages, gifts, and food. They have brought buoyancy in this challenging and chaotic time. Thank you, beloved members and friends of Casas Adobes Congregational UCC!
I am also thankful for our amazing staff team, guest preachers, and leadership team for the ways they have supported our faith community in continuing to grow in Spirit and embody God’s goodness, hope, and justice in the world.
I am thankful to my surgeon and medical team who, as most of you know, declared the surgery successful. This means my pathology report was consistent with previous biopsies and there was no visible sign of cancer spread. There will be follow-up testing in upcoming weeks and months to seek confirmation of that good initial report, but there is also a treatment plan at the ready, if needed. I am also thankful for how I continued to receive good care at home from loved ones and am so thankful for the ways I have experienced God’s grace.
I ask your ongoing prayers as I return to you for this second half of August. As best I can discern, I have experienced enough healing to engage in work. But I also recognize I need to be gentle with myself as the healing from surgery continues. I will join in meetings as I am able. I will plan and coordinate Fall ministry opportunities, and I will lead worship the last two weekends of this month. I will work from home as much as possible to be nearer resources I still may need throughout the day, but I will also be on campus at points during this time. If you wish to meet with me in person, the best thing to do is email me to set up an appointment (Michael@caucc.org).
A reminder that my Sabbatical eligibility begins September 1st, and, as planned back in the spring, I am beginning that time by being away the month of September (even as I have had to modify plans due to the surgery/recovery). You may also recall that the bulk of my Sabbatical time will be taken in Summer of 2025- - you helped develop a grant proposal to the Lilly Endowment for that portion of the Sabbatical time to benefit pastor and CAUCC (and we should hear from Lilly by the end of this month if the proposal is funded).
In the meantime, I am pleased to share with you that we have creative things coming for us all this fall! Including resuming our Sunday Series at 11:00 am in October with the opportunity to talk together about what unites us in a divided time: a UofA professor sharing about his research connecting saints and superheroes; a series that will look at how we receive and carry/embody God’s messages (angels); a creative Advent series; a series on praying the Lord’s Prayer, and others to be announced. We will host a nationally touring Christian musician for a November concert whose music speaks to his experience of God who loves everyone, no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey, and offer another way to live more fully into our Open and Affirming Covenant. And, of course, even more to come! We are indeed a blessed congregation positioned to bless so many. Thank you for the ways you have blessed me. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Love, Michael Bush
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Family Intergenerational Ministry
Is Back
*Funday School is our time of learning about scripture and worship. Beyond “Church School” or “Sunday School,” Funday School about life in community and learning through discussions, videos, music and group presentations. Open to all ages.
Weekly Zoom (on the calendar).*
**Turbo Time is our community building time held twice a month during worship. Where Funday School is scripture based; Turbo Time ramps up church to experience the Biblical principles of kindness, empathy and love.
Twice month sessions start August 18th at 9:30 am. **
***After Worship T-Time (Think, Talk, Try) is being re-envisioned for the fall and is still on hiatus.***
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Summer Choir
Sunday, August 18th
The Summer Choir is open for everyone to participate. You simply come at 9:00 am and practice an easier anthem, and then sing during the 9:30 am service. All are invited to participate and bring a friend.
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Primavera Men’s Shelter Meal
The Primavera Team cooks and serves the meal for the men at the shelter once a month.
We ask you to provide the dessert. For August, please bring unsliced melons to the church kitchen by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 21st.
The men at the shelter and the Primavera Team always appreciate your donations!
Thanks from your Primavera Meal Team
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Summer Study with Pastor Michael | |
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Our faith community is part of TIHAN, the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network, a coalition of faith communities, businesses, individuals, and nonprofit groups working to help people with HIV live as well as possible.
Many of us look for caring, compassionate, and impactful ways to put our faith into action. TIHAN has a wide variety of volunteer positions available, including administrative positions, fundraising support, roles that provide direct (non-medical) support to people living with HIV, and a few opportunities for Board of Directors and Committees. TIHAN’s next Volunteer Orientation will be on September 5th at 1:00 pm. To get more information about all volunteer roles that are currently needed, go to www.TIHAN.org, click on “Volunteer,” then on “Current Volunteer Opportunities.” Please contact Susannah at (520) 299-6647 x 204, or Volunteering@tihan.org to register.
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With Pastor John
Weekly, Wednesdays
10:00 am on Zoom
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Check the calendar at the end of this e-newsletter
for Zoom links.
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Pondering Class
Topic for August 14th: “I Am” So You “Can Be”
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Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer with Pastor John - In person!
Tuesdays at 12:00 noon in Room 1.
Centering Prayer is a method of Christian meditation which
has a strong emphasis on interior silence. People who practice centering prayer feel it helps them be more present to God and adds a sense of balance to their lives.
Centering Prayer with Pastor John - Zoom only!
Wednesdays, 12:00 noon
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ICS collected over 16,000 jars this year!
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From
Keeling Elementary School
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Wednesday, August 14
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10:00 am Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John, Zoom Ponderings Link or Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer (Zoom only) Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
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1:30 pm Alzheimer's Support Meeting Rooms 3/4
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3:00 Personnel Meeting Zoom
Thursday, August 15
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8:30 Men's Breakfast (Beyond Bread on Ina)
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9:00 am Stitch Witches Rooms 5/6
Friday, August 16
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10:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 7/8
Saturday, August 17
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9:00 am AA Meeting Rooms 5/6
Sunday, August 18
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8:30 Communion and Contemplation Chapel
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9:30 am Worship Sanctuary Online Worship; click on the Livestream and Recorded Services box on that page. (If you try the link early, it will redirect you to the wrong page).
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9:30 am Turbo Time Rooms 5/6
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10:30 am Scholarship Coaches Meeting Room 2
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10:45 am Justice Advocacy Team Room 3
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11:00 am Family Funday Zoom: Funday Link or Meeting ID 781 414 384; Password 883239
Monday, August 19
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12:00 Noon Christian Ed Retreat Room 3
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3:30 pm Campus Cleaning Entire Campus
Tuesday, August 20
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12:00 noon Centering Prayer Room 1
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4:00 pm Council Meeting Zoom
Wednesday, August 21
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10:00 am Purposeful Ponderings with Pastor John, Zoom Ponderings Link or Meeting ID: 622 421 179 and Passcode: 118704
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12:00 Noon Centering Prayer Zoom Click on Centering Link or use Meeting ID: 890 1364 9732 and Passcode: 769422
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2:00 pm Worship Arts Team Zoom
Other room rentals may be on campus, but not on this calendar
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Anne will be out on sick leave August 27th through September 2nd.
(Having a knee replacement).
Office will be closed all week, September 2nd through the 5th:
- Labor Day, Monday
- Pastor Michael on Sabbatical
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Jay will be on vacation September 3rd through the 7th
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Janet on sick leave September 3rd through the 6th (Having hernia surgery).
- Ida is out of town.
- Anne recuperating.
Use email with Pastor John for appointments that week.
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Barry, Building Maintenance Manager's hours:
till 3:00 pm, Tue, Wed, Thur.
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The easiest way to contact anyone on staff is to email them directly.
For intentional conversations, appointments work best.
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Council Meetings and Minutes
Council meetings are open to any member of the CAUCC community. Next meeting, August 20th, on Zoom. Approved June meeting minutes are available, click here. Email Anne Bailey for the upcoming meeting Zoom link.
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To support the ministry and mission of CAUCC, please donate online here: | | | | |
