I Shall Not Hate by Isseldin Abuelaish

10:00 a.m. in the Iona Room on Tuesdays, June 12 and 19.
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish – now known simply as the “Gaza doctor” – captured hearts and headlines around the world in the aftermath of horrific tragedy.  On January 16, 2009, Israeli shells hit his home in the Gaza Strip, killing three of his daughters and his niece.

The stories are inspiring and heart-breaking, hopeful and horrifying; I Shall Not Hate is Izzeldin Abuelaish’s account of an extraordinary life.  A Harvard-trained Palestinian doctor who was born and raised in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip and “who has devoted his life to medicine and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians” (New York Times), Abuelaish has been crossing the lines in the sand that divide Israelis and Palestinians for most of his life – as a physician who treats patients on both sides of the line, as a humanitarian who sees the need for improved health and education for women as the way forward in the Middle East.

Then as the father he experiences the death of his daughters at the hands of Israeli soldiers during Israel’s incursion into the Gaza Strip.  His response to this tragedy made news and won him humanitarian awards around the world.  Instead of seeking revenge or sinking into hatred, Abuelaish called for the people in the region to start talking to each other.  His deepest hope is that his daughters will be “the last sacrifice on the road to peace between Palestinians and Israelis”.

Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong.

10:00 a.m. in the Iona Room on Tuesdays, July 10 and 17.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg.

10:00 a.m. in the Iona Room on Tuesdays, August 7 and 14.

Our first feature: “The Help”

Look forward to viewing the movie and meeting old and new friends in the cool comfort of Illingworth Hall. A summer  supper, catered by Jane, will follow.
We look forward to seeing you there! Feel free to invite a friend! Tickets will be on sale two weeks prior to the movie.

 May 22 class.  Join us on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Room.  All are welcome!

What are the basics for reading the Bible?

• How do I find things?
• How do I make it “my” Bible?
• What are the settings for the stories we know?
• What happened so long ago and what difference does it make for me?
• How do I really get started on reading the Bible regularly?
• How do I develop a daily discipline for reading the Bible?

Come join us and let us all get into Bible 101!  

Since its inception in 1991, the Quilters’ chief priority has been New Life Center, a 104-bed emergency domestic violence shelter for abused women and children located in Goodyear, Arizona. The Center offers safety, shelter and comprehensive services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  Unfortunately, the need for domestic violence services far outweighs those actually available to victims.  As such, New Life Center is unable to provide shelter for everyone who requests it.

Over the years “Faith Quilters” has evolved into a multi-skilled group. They have expanded their services to include stuffed animals for the Faith Welcome Center in the narthex, a holiday boutique where a wide variety of hand-made articles are offered for sale, a new project is underway to make lap robes for a senior residential facility in the area.  They have made quilts for each family member of several Habitat for Humanity homes.  In addition to piecing and hand quilting, members knit, crochet, embroider, cross stitch, just to name a few and all are free to make use of the immense supply of materials that have been so generously donated for our use.

The Quilters’ mission of helping the needy and underprivileged, especially children, is on-going. They continue to quilt for others and since they are financially independent of the church budget, the donations of fabrics, yarn, cash, etc. from members of the congregation are greatly appreciated and utilized to the fullest.  As we continue to serve those in need and reach out to still others, we welcome everyone regardless of your craft  – additional members will make it possible for us to do even more. Come and join us, bring your handiwork and spend a few hours of friendship, sharing of ideas, funny stories, good eats, and connecting with terrific ladies.

Faith Church participates with other West Side Presbyterian Churches through the Presbyterian Coalition of Habitat for Humanity of the West Valley.  Funds are now being received for the building of an eleventh house.

Tueday morning prayer and meditation…we invite our congregation and friends come together for a time of prayer, meditation and worship at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel.