News & Events - Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church

Upcoming Events —

Angel Tree Gifts are Due! Mountain Shadows collaborates with Bridge Prison Ministry to provide Christmas gifts to children of incarcerated parents. On Sunday, December 7th, please bring the gifts you’ve purchased. Thank you for your kind generosity.
The Circling Year, a two-part Adult Faith Formation series led by Pastor Rachel Srubas. Add your name to the sign-up sheet. Those able to commit to attending the class on December 18th will receive a no-cost copy of the book described below. If extra copies remain available, they’ll be given to interested folks who can’t attend on December 18th.
- Part 1: On Thursday, December 11^th from 1:00 until 2:30 in Room 3: Holy Seasons & Symbols: The Meanings of the Christian Calendar.
- Part 2: On Thursday, December 18^th from 1:00 until 2:30 in Room 3: A conversation about the Advent aspects of a book titled Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God, by Bobby Gross. Whether you’re familiar or unfamiliar with following the liturgical year, this book explores the significance and history of each season, ideas for living out God’s Story in your own life, and devotions that follow the church calendar for each day of the year.
Christmas Eve at Mountain Shadows: Lessons, Carols, Candlelight, and Cookies, Wednesday, December 24^th at 3:00 pm. Join us for a beautiful service of worship to celebrate Christ’s birth. We’ll read the beloved scriptures and sing the hymns of this holy time. Guest violinist Moriah Ellingson will offer special music. Following the service, enjoy some Christmas cookies! Bring a plate of cookies to sweeten the occasion!

Caring for Community — Since our community is filled with people (and pets) in need, we act on God’s calling to care for community by receiving donated non-perishable food and/or clothing. Any time you bring donated items, we will ensure that the items are timely distributed to those in need.
- On “First is for Food” Sunday (the first Sunday of each month), we collect non-perishable food for both people and their pets. This first Sunday of the month is also when we share communion during the worship service. We are focused on ensuring that all of God’s people are fed.
- On “Third is for Threads” Sunday (the third Sunday of each month), we collect used clothing and shoes and new undergarments for men, women, and children of all sizes and ages. Shoestrings are especially needed, as is business attire.

News —

New post for Community Presbyterian Church of San Manuel updates containing links for the names included on the Tree of Life, as well as other information.
New items added to the MSPC campus from Community Presbyterian Church of San Manuel posted to the visual artistry page (i.e., cross and “Tree of Life” names).
The latest additional to the library. Eleven books were added to the inventory on 11-16-25, including one by and about a cowboy friend of MSPC.
The Friendship Ministry webpage is available for review.
Read this enlightened message of hope provided by Christian leaders in Southern AZ, including our own pastor friends of Mountain Shadows — Rev. Rachel Srubas, Rev. Laura Munroe, Rev. Brad Munroe, and Rev. Jeff Dixon. The letter was read during the 8-17-25 worship service.
Women’s Bible Study beginning October 28, 2025. Based on a Presbyterian Women’s lesson plan called Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ, this gathering of women learning from scripture will take on Tuesday, October 28 from 1:00 until 2:30 pm in Room 3 at the church, and on future Tuesdays. To learn more about the women’s Bible study, please talk to Dorothy G or contact the church office at mspcoffice@gmail.com.
See the pics and link for electronically submitting your 2026 pledge to the Gifted & Giving 2026 campaign. See Christian Generosity for more information about giving and our past campaigns.

For updates regarding our Memorial Garden and church members and friends that have passed into every-lasting life, check In Memoriam.

Our Season of Lent began with a prayerful Ash Wednesday worship service on March 5 at 4:00 PM. The offering received during this service was specific to helping fund the construction of a new columbarium in our church’s Memorial Garden. A percentage of the offering will be used to strengthen the Columbarium Compassion Fund, which offsets ashes internment costs for people in economic need.

Check out ways to help with those affected by the hurricane in North Carolina.

With the website being updated weekly, remember to use the refresh button on your device often. The refresh button looks like the above-posted picture.

On-Going Items

Adult learning — Learn about our efforts to strengthen our faith through bible study and other gatherings of the mind and spirit.
Columbarium Compassion Fund — Help us in our need to create new housing for the cremains of loved ones; our current space is fully obligated. You can make a contribution to provide new resting space for future requests by designating a gift either by check (with note) or using our secure on-line giving link. At Memorial Garden and Celtic Cross, you can learn more about the history of the columbarium.
Congregation in Action and Photo Gallery — See photos and summaries of how our congregation “cares for community.”
Green Living Initiative — Read about ways you can help reduce the carbon footprint while attending church and at home.
In Memoriam — See pictures and information about members that have passed into life everlasting. For members in which we have “Find-a-Grave” family tree associations, we’ve included a link.
Jazz and Special Music — Find out when the next special music event will be held at Mountain Shadows, or at other venues featuring members of Mountain Shadows (e.g., Oro Valley Jazz Band, Retro 7 Swing Band).
Legacy — Check out the Presbyterian Foundation resources on composing a legacy, estate planning, and will development.
Library — More than 800 book titles are available for check-out. The library is accessible during office hours, as well as during worship services and other on-campus events.
Member Musings — Learn something new about our members that helped them form their personalities, come to their faith, and exhibit their generous spirit.
New member information — For visitors and/or new members, find out how to get a name tag, get involved in any of the church’s ministries and programs, and become a member of the church.
Newspaper Ads and Articles — See the advertisements and articles published about our church.
Oracle Newsletter — Read any of the available newsletters for important updates from our ministry teams and announcements about upcoming events.
Palm Cross instructions — You don’t have to wait until Palm Sunday to have your own Palm Cross. Check out our step-by-step guide and make your own.
Prayers — We believe in the power of prayer. Join us as we pray for our nation, times, personal concerns and failings, and desire to end hunger.
Recorded music — Listen to musical selections that are created by our talented musicians, vocalists, and guests for worship services.
Recurring events — Find out the special faith-based opportunities our active congregation pursues (e.g., food and clothing donations).
Requests for items — Learn about special items needed by our ministry outreach partners and friends.
Trafficking in Persons — (Updated 12-27-24) — Learn about the efforts within our church, the PC(USA) Presbyterian Mission, and within the national government to end this tragic situation. Our own Elder Therese G is actively engaged in increasing awareness about this horrible situation. Contact the church office for getting in touch with Therese.
Visual Artistry on the Campus — Learn about our banners-paraments and stained glass in the sanctuary, as well as the ceramic tiles, Memorial Garden, and Women’s Retreat quilt.

On-Going Items

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