Northeast Valley Consortium Update:
2025 Heat Respite Project Affirmed: At the September 25 Steering Committee meeting, the group voted to continue the consortial heat respite project – lunch packs, water, and electrolytes – for summer 2025. Project leaders have conducted an initial debrief of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges; will be working on a grant proposal for 2025 funding; and will consider the best calendar as the high-heat season extended from May through September. Arizona Faith Network has seen over 40,000 visits to their 17 heat respite sites so far this year.
Sponsorship of the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network Gathering Affirmed: The NEVC Steering Committee voted to commit $2000 ($400 per congregation) to support the work of the GCS Hunger Leaders Network; the funds will be reallocation from those used in prior years for a consortial faith formation event. Look for more information in the spring regarding the 2025 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge.
Upcoming NEVC Events:
Living Water Lutheran: “Aging and Transitioning” event on Saturday, November 2, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Mari Murrin, Concierge Placement Consultant at Senior Care Arizona will present.
Christ the Lord Lutheran: Cathy Small, author of Man in the Dog Park: Coming Up Close to Homelessness, will present on Thursday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m. You can participate in person, OR by a facilitated Zoom book group, OR by joining individually via Zoom. Reading the book is not required to attend. More details to come; book group anyone?
Ascension Lutheran: A few of us have enjoyed recent Women’s Orchestra of Arizona concerts at Ascension, now co-located with North Scottsdale United Methodist Church. The next event is their traditional Handel’s “Messiah” orchestra-choral sing-along, on Sunday, November 24, at 3:00 p.m. Advance ticket reservations are required and go fast (tickets are free; donation option at event), so – New Journey singers – reserve now if you are interested. See Women's Orchestra of Arizona (womens-orchestra-arizona.org)