Tucson is asking for signatures on the official statement calling on people of faith in the Tucson area to oppose returning asylum seekers to Nogales rather than allowing God’s children to receive shelter and assistance here in Tucson. You can read the statement here.  After reading the statement please add your name as a co-signer of the statement Here.

The University of Arizona Campus Pantry will be hosting their annual Benefit Dinner on Friday February 28, 2020, 6:00pm – 9:00pm. This is an annual event held to support the UA Campus Pantry. Guests will receive a three-course dinner and will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle and/or silent auction and take a tour of the Pantry. Dinner options will include gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free options.

If  you would like to attend, please RSVP to the Church Office by Monday, February 10. First Christian will purchase the tickets (up to 20) to attend the event.

In addition to the dinner, FCC collects food for the Campus Pantry all year round.  Please remember to bring your donations for the Campus Pantry. Click here to view the acceptable items!

with
Carrie Newcomer, Parker J. Palmer, and Gary Walters

Friday & Saturday, February 21 & 22
Good Shepherd UCC, Sahuarita, AZ

Friday, Feb. 21
7:00-8:30 pm
Song and spoken word event with Carrie, Parker, and Gary, followed by a reception and book signing

Saturday, Feb. 22
9:00-10:00 am
Connecting the Border to a Larger Perspective

10:45-11:45 am
Closing Conversations

Join Carrie Newcomer (award-winning songwriter, performer, recording artist, performer), Parker J. Palmer (bestselling author, teacher, activist, and founder of The Center for Courage and Renewal), and Gary Walters (musician, recording artist, composer, educator) in a dynamic interweaving of music, poetry, prose, personal story, and audience participation.

Register online here.

The leaders of our hospitality ministry met with Casa Alitas staff and leaders of the other off-site shelters this week. Due to lower numbers of families allowed to enter the United States while going through proceedings for their asylum case, the off-site shelters will not open in the immediate future. In the meantime, we will seek other opportunities to serve families seeking asylum both in advocacy work and direct service in the United States and across the border in Nogales, Sonora. Please stay tuned for dates and updates on the following:

1. Volunteer appreciation potluck for all offsite shelter volunteers to get to know one another and learn of volunteer needs. Date TBD. 

2. New projects at the Casa Alitas Welcome Center.

3. Participation in the local Save Asylum campaign. We will inform you of events and actions as we learn of them.

4. Visit to Nogales, Sonora to learn of needs in the shelters and how best to offer support.