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Pluralism Sunday May 5th

May 1, 2013

Every year on the first weekend of May, churches around the country celebrate PLURALISM SUNDAY, dedicating their Sunday services and other activities to a celebration of our interfaith world. The Fountains  will join in recognizing Pluralism Sunday 2013 in its 9:30 a.m. service and as part of the Cross Current Youth Meeting at 4pm on Sunday, May 5th.

As openness to religious diversity is one of the distinctive characteristics of the United States, the focus will be on recognizing how, especially in a democracy, religions can be good for one another. We can grow closer to God and deeper in compassion (and understand our own traditions better) through a more intimate awareness of the world’s religions. Professor Diana Eck, founder of the Pluralism Project and recognized expert on religious diversity in America, says that “Pluralism is the concept that there are multiple loci of truth and salvation among the religions. It doesn’t imply that all religions are the same or that all religions are equal; but it does recognize the possibility that my way is not the only way and that my religion is not necessarily superior to yours.”

Pastor of the Fountains, Rev. David Felten, says, “There’s a lot of confusion out there about “pluralism.” It’s often confused with “relativism,” but the two ideas are quite different.” Coordinator of Pluralism Sunday, Rev. Jim Burklo, says, “It’s not that everything is equal and that we can’t make value judgments. Perhaps there are aspects of some religions that should be universally condemned. Take, for example, religiously sanctioned genital mutilation of women—this isn’t okay; and it would be well within the obligations of other religions to speak out against this practice. So, it’s not like pluralism means ‘anything goes.’ At the same time, it is recognition that no religion has an ultimate or final claim to The Truth.”

When people who have dropped out of Christian churches are asked the reason for their leaving, many of them point to the arrogance of the claim that Christianity is religiously superior to all other religions. Millions of Americans are neighbors to and family members of devout practitioners of other faiths, and the claim that Christianity is superior to all other religions no longer has any credibility in the real world. Pluralism Sunday is just one way to let people know that there are plenty of inclusive Christian churches that manage to follow Jesus without the need to condemn other faiths.

Join members of The Fountains at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday to celebrate this important and foundational aspect of what it means to be a person of faith in the 21st century. The Fountains, a United Methodist Church is located at 15300 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268

More Info on Pluralism Sunday can be found at PLURALISMSUNDAY.ORG

 

Annual Seasonal Family Brunch

February 7, 2013

It’s Arizona’s Birthday!

Thursday, Feb. 14th at 9:00am

(and you thought it was Valentine’s Day — Ha!) 

Come and enjoy celebrating Arizona’s 101st birthday and time to re-connect with your fellow Seasonal Family members!  This year we have TWO speakers,  Suedelle Irons, a Mayo Clinic Desert Garden docent, and Ranger Amy Burnett, who will share some desert critters in one of her legendary “Creature Features.” An Arizona native, Pastor David will quiz us on how well we know the state of Arizona and we will sit with folks from our home states!

$12 per person

(includes a delicious catered breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, and drinks — and extra salsa this year!)

Seasonal Family Brunch 2012

Sign up at the information table at church or

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets ONLINE

Everyone is invited (whether you are seasonal family or not) to attend and celebrate Arizona’s 101st Birthday!   Call or email the church office, (480) 837-7627 for more information.

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An Evening with Jim and Jean Strathdee

February 7, 2013

Internationally honored song writers, worship leaders, and concert artists, the Strathdees present an evening of music and song that is joyful, playful, prayerful — and always heartfelt!

Click here to visit strathdees.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets online!

Admission includes a delicious home-made dessert & coffee reception

The Strathdees have written and popularized countless songs that have inspired generations, including, “Draw the Circle Wide,” “I Am the Light of the World,” “Take Off Your Shoes,” “Walls That Divide,” “There is No Way to Peace,” and many more.

      • Children 12 & under FREE
      • Professional Childcare provided
      • Tickets are also available at The Fountains: 15300 N. Fountain Hills Blvd in Fountain Hills and at the door on February 25th

All proceeds benefit The Fountains’ global missions & relief efforts 

Sing with Jim and Jean! 

Would you like to participate and sing with Jim and Jean? Join them for a special rehearsal/singing workshop on Sunday, Feb., 24th at 2pm at The Fountains to prepare several songs that will be sung at the Feb. 25th concert!

Click HERE to DOWNLOAD a FULL COLOR FLYER (pdf file) 

Living the Questions Co-author, David Felten, Speaking at The Fountains

February 3, 2013

David Felten, co-author of the new book, Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity will be speaking at The Fountains (15300 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.) Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, in the 9 & 11:15 a.m. worship services. Pastor at The Fountains, David is also one of the creators of the DVD curriculum series of the same name (See more at www.livingthequestions.com).

Published by HarperOne, Pastor Felten’s book brings together the voices of top Bible scholars and church leaders — including Marcus Borg, Diana Butler Bass, John Dominic Crossan, Helen Prejean, Brian McLaren, and John Shelby Spong — for a lively and stimulating tour of what the 21st century holds for followers of Jesus. Based on the bestselling DVD course of the same name, Living the Questions explores matters many churches are afraid to address including the humanity of Jesus, homosexuality, and out-dated dogma. It examines traditional faith topics such as the authority of the Bible, atonement, salvation, the rapture, and more in a new and promising light. Critics agree that Living the Questions may cover traditionally complicated topics, but is written in a way that any lay person can understand. It invites the reader into a life-long conversation about faith, life, and the future of Christianity.

Released in August, 2012, Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity recently topped the Amazon best-seller list at #1 in Theology.

“A welcome book that is bold (without being contentious) and courageous (without needing to be triumphant), Felten and Procter-Murphy give voice to a faith that provides a profound alternative to the dominant ideology of ‘American Christianity.’ Attention should be paid!”

            – Walter Brueggemann, professor emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary

“A rich, wise, helpful and important book—virtually a manifesto of progressive Christianity.”

            – Marcus Borg, author of Evolution of the Word

“This has been sorely needed for years. Felten and Procter-Murphy provide an unusual clarity about the issues that commonly confuse and divide people in our churches today and then open a pathway to a more vital and even exciting way to approach the Christian faith in the 21st century.”

            – Fred C. Plumer, President, Progressive Christianity.org

Other Book-signing Events:

Book Cover high res

You can also find David with his co-author, Jeff Procter-Murphy, at one of these upcoming book-signing events:

  • Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers 10500 N. 90th St. (Pima & Shea) Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble Booksellers 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., (Desert Ridge) Phoenix, Arizona

Get more info on Living the Questions by contacting info(at)livingthequestions.com and join the conversation by visiting www.facebook.com/livingthequestions

Browse inside the book by clicking HERE.

 

Bruce Sanguin’s Evolutionary Christianity

January 8, 2013

Bruce Sanguin understands evolution as a divine strategy for making a world that can make itself, and that God is in the business of alluring all of creation into the deep enjoyment of realizing the highest possible expression of goodness, truth, and beauty.  

“Everything and everybody is involved in a sacred, evolutionary process, including the Christian faith. What might it look like for a church to consciously embrace and celebrate the “blessed unrest” that is coursing through us as a work of Spirit? We have more questions than answers at this point, and that’s part of the adventure.”

As a Christian, Sanguin believes the Heart and Mind of God–that which was in Jesus–is incarnate in every bit of this blessed universe and planet of ours. Along with the rest of life, we need to creatively adapt to changing life conditions, or suffer the evolutionary consequences — which we’re seeing with the decline of the mainline churches. The crisis that we’re going through right now on the planet could very well be birth of a new reality. This creative adaptation and innovation is driven by Spirit. It’s up to us to be part of the evolution.

Rev. Bruce Sanguin is the Minister of Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace in Vancouver, B.C.  He is a leader in evolutionary Christianity, teaching evolutionary theology and practice with a passion for updating the theology and practice of the church in light of the reality of evolutionary processes and the creative impulse of the universe. He is the author of five books, includingIf Darwin Prayed: Prayers for Evolutionary Mystics and  Darwin, Divinity and the Dance of the Cosmos: an Ecological Christianity. His latest is The Advance of Love, which is a series of reflections on the Christian scriptures through the lens of evolutionary spirituality.  

Bruce posts regularly at www.brucesanguin.com / co-sponsored by Living the Questions

 

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ALSO: Bruce Sanguin

Lecture in Phoenix

Sunday night at 6pm

Central United Methodist Church
1875 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004

Admission: $10 (students $5)

Register online at darwinanddivinity.eventbrite.com 

or send check to:
AzFCT
10187 E. Sundance Trail
Scottsdale, AZ  85262

Questions? azfct@cox.net 

The Longest Night

December 20, 2012

Friday, December 21, 2012 at 7 pm

Fountain Hills Presbyterian, 13001 N Fountain Hills Blvd.

The sights, sounds and joy of the holiday season can heighten the loneliness of someone anticipating a difficult holiday time.

While for most of us holidays are a time of joy, for some of us it  can be a time of great pain. It may be the first family event or holiday after a loved one’s death, a divorce, the loss of a job, or  some other life changing event. Or it may be a time that was and  is always difficult. Christmas, Chanukah, Hjrah or just a sadness in your soul – come, rest.

For those of us who feel pain everyday, during the holiday season, the ever-present signs and sound of the season serve as constant reminders of what we have lost, never had and may or will not regain. These signs joyful as they may be for some may heighten our feelings of estrangement from others and in particular from our faith and peace.

As the days shorten, and the outward signs of the holiday heighten, we may need a break — a time and space – a safe place to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We may need to know that we are not alone.

On Friday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m. a special ‘Longest Night’ service to acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn and for those who struggle at this time. This gathering is  offered to one and all and will include prayers, poems, scripture, music  and a message of  hope. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is invited. You will be able to light a candle in the dark or sit quietly in your own reflection together with kindred souls. It is an Interfaith and non-denomination service.

The Annual ‘ Longest Night’ service is part of the Stephen Ministry program in Fountain Hills.

The Godwood Tree

December 20, 2012

The Fountains’ “Godwood Tree”

An Advent Wreath is a ring or wheel of evergreens decorated with candles. It was a “symbol in northern Europe long before the arrival of Christianity.  The circle symbolized the eternal cycle of the seasons while the evergreens and lighted candles signified the persistence of life in the midst of winter.” The Fountains has its own take  on the Advent Wreath, inspired by Pastor Ed Grant and constructed by Keith Chapman. Instead of a wreath, we have the skeleton of that desert icon, the saguaro cactus (an “ever-green” in its own right!).  Keith not only created our unique Advent cactus, but penned a poem to go along with it (see below).

This Sunday, the Chapman family will also be lighting our Advent “tree.” Join us to wrap up Advent and prepare for Christmas!

 

The Godwood Tree

By Keith Chapman

 

In the desert of life, I find myself on a journey

Searching for something, striving for everything

There are dry spells and times I deeply thirst

I yearn for an oasis, a reference, some sort of basis

 

Upon my journey, many have told me

Of a special tree,

Called the Godwood tree

 

More than an oasis, it provides all you need

all that and more, once from a mere seed

 

Aged to perfection in the humblest of ways

Some say it is solid, others say it frays

Some say it is dead, others say it breathes

Some say it captures, others say it frees

 

Then, there it was, in a place I least expected

I see what appears to be, my Godwood tree

A symbol of Advent-ure as it was meant to be

 

Strong yet humble does my Godwood tree stand

At first glance simply three dead arms erected in the sand

 

Then it dawns on me … it is not what it appears to be

This is what I see … within my Godwood tree

 

Not three arms of a tree, but Holy Trinity

Highest above upon sighting, the Holy Ghost beckoning, inviting

Next the Father soon to be bright, guiding us into the holy Light

Third the Son, close to our hearts, perhaps the most human of parts

In the center I see, the brightest of Lights, perhaps all three

In Advent, I see the highest candle lit first … a beacon, an invitation to quench my thirst

The second highest then brightened … anticipation of Godwood then heightened

The third highest lit in order as it was meant … nearly completing the Godwood’s heavenly decent

Finally at the heart of Godwood, the brightest of Lights, our Saviour, all that is Good

 

The Godwood tree ever reminds me, that we are indeed mortal, yet strong, and free

Yet if I sit silent and listen as I should …. what do I hear but the voice of Godwood

I hear the ever-flowing water inside, reminding me of an eternity through One who died

I may not always see the life within, for it is certainly deep, well beneath the skin

The gift of finding an eternal life through One’s struggle, death, and strife

 

If I look closely, what do I see, but the subtle lights of the Godwood people there within the tree

Encased by Godwood love, protected, yet ever changing, evolving, constantly resurrected

 

So all of this in one simple tree, this is what I see in my Godwood tree

If I sit and pray by my Godwood tree, then I find God would be

there with me, by the Godwood tree

 

 

*Wikipedia article on the Advent Wreath 

Christmas Eve at The Fountains

December 18, 2012

Christmas at The Fountains is always a unique and memorable experience. From our annual Christmas Eve musical gift exchange and improvised reflections to the live nativity and outstanding music, the warmth of candlelight and Silent Night tops off each Christmas Eve celebration.

Times to note: Monday, December 24th

  • 4pm: Lighting of the Luminaria
  • 4:15 Children’s Nativity Rehearsal
  • 5pm Family Service
  • 6pm Choir Warm-up
  • 7pm Festival Celebration of Lessons and Carols

Join us as we enjoy special music, the stories of Christmas, and a time of giving thanks for our many gifts! All are welcome!

Top Ten Table Graces (x2!) for Thanksgiving (or anytime!)

November 20, 2012

Table Graces and Blessings:

Something for everyone: spoken, sung, shorter, longer, serious, fun!

Here are the Top Ten Table Graces (x2!) for your Thanksgiving celebration — all in one place! If you’d like to print off a pdf file, click on: Table Graces

1. God is great, God is good,
And we thank God for our food;
By God’s hand we all are fed;
Give us, Lord, our daily bread.

2. For health and strength
and daily food,
We praise your name, O Lord.

3. God bless to us our bread
and give food to all those
who are hungry –
and hunger for justice
to those who are fed.
Lord bless to us our bread.

4. For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen

5. Bless this food to the
nourishment of our bodies
and us to your service.
In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

6. For food in a world where
many walk in hunger;
For faith in a world where
many walk in fear;
For friends in a world where
many walk alone;
We give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.

7. Sung to the tune of “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”:

Be present at our table, Lord
Be here and everywhere adored
Thy mercies bless and grant that we
May strengthened for thy service be.

8. Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and us to thy service,
and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

9. Dear Lord,
thank you for this gift of food
You’ve placed upon our table.
And help us all to do your work
In any way we’re able.

10. Come Lord Jesus, be our guest,
May this food by thee be blest,
May our souls by thee be fed,
Ever on the living Bread.

11. In a world where so many are hungry,
may we eat this food with humble hearts;
in a world where so many are lonely,
May we share this fellowship with joyful hearts. Amen.

12. God in our waking,
God in our speaking;
God in our cooking,
God in our eating;
God in our playing,
God in our digesting;
God in our working,
God in our resting.

13. Bless these sinners as they eat their dinners. Amen

14. Good food,
Good meat,
Good Lord,
Let’s eat. Amen.

Fun Graces for Kids

1. Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything.

2. Sung to the tune of “Johnny Appleseed”

O, the Lord is good to me
and so I thank the Lord
for giving me the things I need
the sun and the rain
and the apple seed.
The Lord is good to me.
Amen!

3. Thank you, God, for loving me.
Thank you for my family.
Help me to learn more each day
To be kind at work and play. Amen.

4. Rub a dub dub;
thanks for the grub;
yeaaaaa God!

5. Lord, Bless this bunch as they munch their lunch. Amen.

6. ABCDEFG: Thank you God for feeding me. Amen

…OK, and ONE more! 

7. Addam’s Family Prayer
(*sung to tune of Adam’s family theme)

Duh duh duh duh (snap snap)
Duh duh duh duh (snap snap)
Duh duh duh duh
Duh duh duh duh
Duh duh duh duh (snap snap).

We thank you Lord for giving
The food we need for living
For fun and friends and family
We thank you now oh Lord

Dud duh duh duh (snap snap)
Duh duh duh duh (snap snap)
Duh duh duh duh
Duh duh duh duh
Duh duh duh duh. Amen.

Living the Questions Class: “Countering Pharaoh’s Production Consumption Society Today”

November 16, 2012

“Countering Pharaoh’s Production-Consumption Society Today” confronts participants with the comparison of  the enslavement of the Hebrew people in Egypt to the enslavement of Americans struggling with the unending demands of the consumer society that defines us. A tour-de-force with preacher-professor-prophet Walter Brueggemann, “Countering Pharaoh” brings insights to the story of the Exodus that transforms its well-worn story elements into a demanding call on the lives of 21st century people of faith.

 ”It is a journey from slavery to covenant that we keep making over and over again… [because] Pharaoh has immense power always to draw us back into slavery.” - Walter Brueggemann

Thursdays, November 29th, December 6th, 13th, and 20th at 6:30 pm

Facilitated by Pastor David Felten and Elizabeth Cabalka

$20 Tuition (scholarships available)

 

WARNING: THIS PROGRAM MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR CHURCH, SOCIETY AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE, AND COULD POTENTIALLY HELP RESTORE THE MEANING OF COVENANT.

 

Walter Brueggemann

Walter Brueggemann is an Old Testament scholar and retired professor from Columbia Theological Seminary. Also a United Church of Christ minister, Brueggemann has authored hundreds of articles, several biblical commentaries and more than 50 books, including The Prophetic Imagination, Genesis: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, Finally Comes the Poet, and Theology of the Old Testament. His most recent book, Toward a Common Good,  is the focus of a Conference-wide study in the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church for 2012-2013.

 

The Fountains is the home of the Living the Questions series. For more info CLICK HERE to visit LtQ online.

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