Author: Wende Gonzales

Pastor’s Notes 6/13/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Now to the one who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. –Ephesians 3:20-21

This week, we move into our summer worship series inspired by the upcoming General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, where our wider church will gather around the theme Beyond. On Sunday, our guiding scripture will be Ephesians 3:14–21, the powerful closing words of a prayer that echoes through generations:

According to DOC pastor and teacher Shannon Dycus, these words feel like the “Amen” at the end of a prayer we’ve whispered through tears and shouted in hope. They come after the kind of deep conversation with God that feels personal, even intimate. And then comes one small, striking word: Now.

Not later. Not when everything is fixed. Not when we’re stronger. Now.

This prayer trusts that God is already moving—in us, through us, and often despite us. That God hears the needs we name and the ones we don’t know how to say. That even on the bumpiest roads, we are not alone.

So what comes after “Amen”? What do we do when we realize the prayer has been heard—when we are filled with a Spirit that invites us beyond what we could imagine as possible?

This Sunday, we’ll reflect on that very question as we gather in worship, grounded in the love and power of God that is already at work within us. Come ready to explore what it means to live in the now of that promise, to imagine the great possibilities the Holy Spirit continues to breathe into us.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 6/6/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
– Acts 2:2-4

This Sunday, we celebrate the vibrant and world-shifting event of Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit rushed in like wind and flame, uniting a diverse crowd of people and birthing the Church as a Spirit-connected community.

The Spirit didn’t just come to comfort the early church; it came to send them. To give them a voice. To unite them in purpose. The Spirit came so that the faithful might bear fruit, fruit of love, peace, courage, and compassion. Pentecost happened so that in the light of Christ, we might witness the love we know to the world beyond our doors.

As we gather this Pentecost Sunday, we’ll ask:

What fruit is our congregation called to bear?
How might we bless the community beyond our walls?

Come dressed in red if you wish in the traditional color of the Spirit, and be ready to be renewed, connected, and inspired.

We’ll also gather at the Lord’s Table, where our connections are deepened and where Christ feeds us, not only for personal strength, but for the shared mission of love.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 5/30/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.   John 15:4-5

In a world that often tells us to work harder, do more, and produce at all costs, Jesus offers a surprising alternative: abide. Not hustle. Not perform. Not manage. Simply abide.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower… Abide in me as I abide in you.”

Our text for Sunday is one of the most beautiful and organic images in all of Scripture, the vine and the branches, reminding us that we thrive not by striving, but by staying deeply connected to Christ. Fruitfulness isn’t something we force. It grows when we remain rooted in God’s presence, love, and truth.

We’ll also reflect on what it means to be pruned by God, cutting away what no longer serves, not to punish, but to make room for greater growth. Just as a gardener lovingly prunes a grapevine so it can flourish, God tends to our lives with care and purpose.

As we continue our “Thriving” series, this week invites us to slow down and ask:

  • Where is God inviting me to abide more deeply?
  • What might God be pruning in our church or community?
  • How can abiding lead us toward real fruit—like compassion, justice, joy, and peace?

Our tree connection this week, the vine and branches, reminds us that growth isn’t always visible at first. But when we stay rooted in the Spirit, new life will come.

Come join us this Sunday in person or on YouTube as we learn to thrive by abiding. Please also continue to consider the role you desire to play in Sun City Christian Church and check out the ministry fair tables and sign-ups in Cobbs Hall!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 5/23/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.   
– Ephesians 4:15-16

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? 🌳🌲🌴

In Bible study on Tuesday, we explored this question and realized that most of us are graphs of several different traits and qualities- hybrid trees. God created us with the potential to be diverse individuals with a variety of gifts, interests, and skills often changing with the seasons of our lives.

This Sunday, May 25th, we continue our series Planted to Thrive, focusing on the practice of “Growing Together.” A thriving congregation is one where gifts are shared and nurtured in community. Our guiding texts this week are Ephesians 4:11–16 and Romans 12:1–8, where we’re reminded that “we who are many are one body in Christ.”

As part of worship, we will open our “Ministry Fair” inviting you to discover where your gifts might meet the church’s needs. From hospitality to leadership, shopping to hands-on service, every act of love matters. Together, we grow strong — like a grove of trees, interconnected and rooted in love.

As part of the day’s festivities, you’ll be invited to reflect on your spiritual gifts using a simple, engaging exercise. Are you more like a Strong Oak, Shelter Pine, Flowering Dogwood, or Helpful Willow? This fun and meaningful exercise will help you discern where you might grow next in ministry.

After worship, visit the tables in Cobbs Hall to learn more about our ongoing ministries and sign up for what fits you best. We should all be excited to watch how the Spirit grows something beautiful among us! I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday.  

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 5/9/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him.
Exodus 15:2

From the prophetic witness of Miriam and the devoted trust of Mary the mother of Jesus to the stirring hymns of Fanny Crosby and other modern poets of prayer, women have a profound impact upon our faith. Our worship this Sunday will honor the legacy of women whose gifts have helped the Church sing, pray, and live the gospel more fully.

Mother’s Day worship will feature hymns and musical offerings, each accompanied by short reflections or stories about the women who wrote them—women like Phoebe Knapp, Katharine Lee Bates, Natalie Sleeth, and Cecil Frances Alexander. You’ll hear a medley of Fanny Crosby’s beloved gospel hymns, sing “America the Beautiful,” and lift your voice in favorites like “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

To open the service, you will recall the song that may be the most famous and bold of all: Mary’s Magnificat—her cry of praise and justice sung while carrying the Christ child. That revolutionary hymn of a young girl from Nazareth reminds us that music has always been central to our faith—not just to praise God, but to proclaim God’s justice, reversal of power, and care for the lowly.

In her spirit, we’ll also remember Miriam, who led her people in song after God delivered them from Egypt, and modern voices like Miriam Therese Winter, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, and Joyce Rupp, who continue to write hymns, prayers, and blessings that awaken our souls.

Whether you are a mother, have known a mother’s love, or grieve one who is no longer here, this Sunday is a celebration of presence, of the voices that have walked with us and shaped our journey of faith. We hope this time of music, memory, and meaning will uplift your spirit and stir your gratitude.

I am currently on vacation but if you need anything please contact the church office or any of our elders. Many blessings!

Brett

Book Club

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Second Thursdays at 10:30 am; in the church library or on Zoom

Looking for a new book group to join? Sign up for our monthly Book Club!

All are welcome to join us for this month’s book discussion. Reading the book or being a church member is NOT required! Books are available to borrow for each session.

Call the church office to sign up 623-972-6179. If you’re at church on Sunday, there is an overview and sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Books are available to borrow for each session.

Lunch Bunch

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Monthly on the fourth Friday at 11 am

Come for good conversation and an opportunity to meet new friends! Each person is responsible for the cost of their own meal; restaurant will distribute individual checks. Sign-up sheet is in the narthex, or call the church office.

(check the weekly update or call the church office for the location)

Men’s Breakfast

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Monthly on the second Tuesday at 9 am

NEW LOCATION!

Our monthly breakfast gathering for men is a place for faith, food, and fellowship! We meet at 9 am every second Tuesday at George’s Lakeview Cafe, 10502 W. Thunderbird Rd., Sun City, AZ 85351

Join us!

Each person is responsible for the cost of their individual meal.

A sign-up sheet is available in the narthex or you can call the church office (623) 972-6179.