Sanctuary
We take individuals into sanctuary on a case-by-case basis. The fight for immigration reform is weighed down with politics and rhetoric; real lives and families are at stake. Our work with sanctuary makes a difference to those trying to navigate a broken system. More information about sanctuary can be found here.
Economic Justice
You can find more about Economic Justice, including a copy of the covenant, here at the Justice Action Team page.
O.W.L.
O.W.L. stands for “Our Whole Lives,” and is a comprehensive human sexuality course for kids, youth, and adults. Each age group focuses on age-appropriate accurate information and knowledge, all through a framework of inclusion, justice, and personal values and responsibility. This curriculum was developed jointly by the UCC and the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Environment
LGBTQ Issues
Education
Family Promise
Four times each year, we host families on our campus through Family Promise. This organization provides help and support to temporarily homeless families. Our guests stay with us for one week, and we provide dinner and evening companionship, as well as overnight chaperones. We have been participating in this program for about 20 years now! More information about Family Promise can be found at their website.
Water Stations
It is unconscionable for individuals to die in our desert while they seek a new life for themselves. We work with Humane Borders to periodically refill and maintain water stations in southern Arizona.
Desert Mission Food Bank
There is always a need for food at Desert Mission Food Bank. We collect canned and boxed food throughout the year, as well as special food drives (like around Thanksgiving). Donations are always welcome – just look for the large shopping cart in the parlor or out on the patio on Sunday morning!
Knitting Ministry
Our Prayer Shawl Ministry not only makes beautiful handmade prayer shawls for those in the hospital or recovering at home. They also knit hats and scarfs for the homeless, or crochet thick mats for homeless individuals to sleep on.
Street Cleanup
Our Justice Action Team holds a street cleanup many times a year, and anyone is welcome to join them. We are responsible for maintaining a section of 31st Avenue, between Thunderbird and Cactus. We try to carpool together, so please meet in the church parking lot, and wear sturdy shoes!
Donations
We have several on-going donation requests that you can contribute to at any time. Look for the marked boxes in the Education Building’s parlor. We are currently accepting:
- used eyeglasses
- used clothes
- diapers
- canned or boxed food
If you have something else you’d like to donate, please check with the church office first. We may be able to take it and get it to someone in need, but our storage space is limited.
Seasonal Opportunities
Throughout the year, there are many opportunities to share with others in our community. Whether it’s a back-to-school drive for kids, or our Stepping Stone Angel Tree at Christmas, or Turkey Trot in November, keep an ear out for all the different projects we have going on!
Shadow Rock United Church of Christ
12861 N. 8th Avenue | Phoenix, AZ 85029
Rev. Ken Heintzelman, Senior Minister

Church Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Phone: 602-993-0050