Tag: Sun City AZ

Pastor’s Notes 8/29/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’ – John 17:20-21

I have always known the brightest star in the sky, the “North Star,” which is also known as “Polaris” or the “Pole Star.” Find it and I will always be pointing true north. As someone who is directionally challenged, having certainty like this is comforting.

For centuries travelers looked to this beacon for guidance. Unlike other stars that shift in the night sky, the polar star remains fixed in one place. Sailors at sea, explorers on land, and those journeying through unfamiliar territory relied on its steady presence to find their way. It became a symbol of constancy, direction, and hope when all else seemed uncertain.

This image speaks powerfully to faith. Just as travelers fixed their eyes on the polar star, Christians have long sought a guiding light that gives clarity, direction, and purpose. For the early leaders of our tradition, including Barton Stone, that guiding light was the unity of all Christians in Christ. Stone rooted his conviction in the prayer of Jesus found in John 17. Barton Stone once wrote:

“Let the unity of Christians be our polar star. To this let our eyes be continually turned, and to this let our united efforts be directed — that the world may believe, and be saved. A little longer forbearance with each other’s weakness, and truth will triumph. But let that man, who opposes Christian union, remember, that he opposes the prayer of Jesus, and the salvation of the world. How will he meet his Judge?”

Unity, then, is not a passing idea. It is the guiding presence that calls us beyond division, beyond preference, beyond self, and toward the greater purpose of God’s redeeming work in the world. And it is this unity in Christ and all that Jesus said, did, and stood for, that is our focal point.

As a congregation, we are still discerning what we believe together. In many ways, we are identifying our own “polar star.” We are still claiming the communal truths that guide us, the convictions that shape us, the commitments that hold us steady. Unity in Christ is part of our heritage as Disciples of Christ and remains a living call for us today.

May we keep turning our eyes to this star, walking together in grace, and trusting that Christ’s prayer for oneness continues to lead us forward. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or YouTube this Sunday.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 8/22/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Identity                                                   

“We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”    

Belief.

Belief proclaims who we are. Our identities, both personal and corporate, are shaped by beliefs. According to Merriam-Webster, belief is a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.

As we are in the process of adopting a congregational mission and vision, it is critical that we can name what we believe. Over the next several Sundays, we will begin by understanding the core beliefs of our denomination. This Sunday, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 will be the text important to our corporate faith that we will center around. I look forward to worshiping with you in the chapel or on YouTube this Sunday.

This is what our denomination says about our identity statement—the 12 core principles that our denominational faith is centered around.

Who do we say that we are? Identity is a vital concern for all parts of the church. Many long-time Disciples worry that we may be losing crucial characteristics of our common life. New Disciples want to know about the distinctive gifts of this community of faith. All of us need to have clarity about who we are in order to be faithful and effective witnesses to Jesus Christ.

A church’s identity must be firmly rooted in scripture and yet flexible enough to adapt to changes in culture and the shifting demands of mission. Early Christians in Jerusalem had to learn what it meant to be faithful in Antioch and Rome. The forebears of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as they moved from the frontier to the city, had to rethink such matters as congregational autonomy and the goal of “restoring” the New Testament church. Today, we wrestle with what it means to be disciples of our Lord in a world that is increasingly pluralistic, globally connected, and yet so often violently divided.

Principles Of Our Identity

  1. We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world, requiring nothing more – and nothing less – as a basis of our life together.
  2. We hold the centrality of scripture, recognizing that each person has the freedom – and the responsibility – to study God’s Word within the community of the church.
  3. We practice the baptism of believers, which emphasizes that God’s grace demands a response of faith and discipleship, while also recognizing the baptism performed in other churches.
  4. We gather for the Lord’s Supper, as often as possible, experiencing at this table the gracious, forgiving presence of Jesus Christ.
  5. We structure our community around the biblical idea of covenant, emphasizing not obedience to human authority but accountability to one another because of our shared obedience to Christ.
  6. We participate in God’s mission for the world, working with partners to heal the brokenness of creation and bring justice and peace to the whole human family.
  7. We hear a special calling to make visible the unity of all Christians, proclaiming that in our diversity we belong to one another because we commonly belong to Christ.
  8. We witness to the Gospel of God’s saving love for the world in Jesus Christ, while continuing to struggle with how God’s love may be known to others in different ways.
  9. We affirm the priesthood of all believers, rejoicing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit – which include the gift of leadership – that God has given for the common good.
  10. We celebrate the diversity of our common life, affirming our different histories, styles of worship, and forms of service.
  11. We give thanks that each congregation, where Christ is present through faith, is truly the church, affirming as well that God’s church and God’s mission stretch from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.
  12. We anticipate God’s coming reign, seeking to serve the God – Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer – whose loving dominion has no end.

Pastor’s Notes 8/15/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is avorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.

– 2 Timothy 4:1-2

A confession time from your pastor:

I like to get the last word in. It is a form of communication that can be used in a variety of ways whether the intentions are to be playful, funny, manipulative, instructive, memorable, annoying, passive aggressive, or something else entirely. I like to get the last word in for all these reasons (my wife Trish will roll her eyes here and say, “yes he does”).

Sometimes, “last” words can be famous (not that I anticipate ever having such an accomplishment). Our passage of scripture for Sunday is one of those texts. 2 Timothy 4:1-8 is recognized as being the apostle Paul’s last letter or final discourse before he is beheaded under the rule of Nero.

It is as if he is saying, “If you remember nothing else from my actions, I hope you will recognize something familiar in what I am telling you as a reminder of how I lived my life.” Like how Jesus would tell a parable and then explain it, so too is Paul hoping to leave a lasting impression with this closing faith statement.

As we conclude this short series, “Never too old,” I encourage you to think about what you would say about your faith? What do you believe? What are the most important things that followers of Christ can faithfully do or be? Chances are good that this will lead to a few more weeks of exploring what we believe in as individuals and as a congregation.

I am really looking forward to sharing this journey with you as we thrive to be our best selves as disciples of Jesus. I will see you Sunday in the chapel, or you will see me on YouTube! Many blessings.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 8/8/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:29-32

I did a little digging this week and found some interesting data on senior living.

  • Nearly 1 in 3 retired adults are clinically depressed, says theretirementmanifesto.com. They also report that retirement increases the chances for depression by 40% and 60% of folks retire earlier than planned, which can also lead to depression from a lost sense of identity.
  • A 2023 national poll found 34% of adults aged 50–80 reported feeling isolated some or most of the time. About 37% also reported lacking companionship (healthyagingpoll.org).
  • “Research shows that chronic loneliness can impact older adults’ memory, physical well-being, mental health, and life expectancy” (Time.com).
  • According to an article from the National Council on Aging written in August of 2024, 80% of older adults are either financially struggling now or are at risk for economic insecurity in retirement.

I did this digging to back up what I have learned from experience in ministry. Quite often, seniors feel alone, especially when loved ones have died, their careers have concluded, and their sense of purpose and vitality are unclear. It is easy to question God with “Why am I still here?”

I think it is a natural response to confess our readiness to enter eternity, to be impatient with waiting for “God’s timing.” My point is that Sunday’s theme of  “Never too late: waiting faithfully” is not an easy concept. The faithful challenge before us is to achieve a balance where we are both ready for life eternal whenever that day comes and to also embrace the opportunity in each day on this earth to share God’s love with others.

The older adults named Simeon and Anna from Luke 2:25-38 are the exemplary models for the church to strive emulate. This story is the culmination of a much-anticipated moment, the coming of the Messiah. Simeon sings a song of praise, and the prophetess tells the good news to anyone ready to listen.

There is much work left to be done in sharing the hope of Christ with the world, and this calling is ours. We must comfort, support, and motivate each other to live in the balance of faithful waiting. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. 

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 8/1/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

This next year could be exciting in my house as my wife Trish has made a list of 50 things she would like to accomplish before her next birthday (which, if you guessed, is a milestone year). The highlight will be a vacation to discover a location that has been on our bucket list. Along the way, she plans to be intentional about learning new skills, chasing interests, following passions, and reconnecting with friends and loved ones.

I admire my wife so much, and I know her commitment will rub off on me in positive ways as well. There will be opportunities for self-care, reflection, and improvement as we pursue making the most of our time.

Aging gracefully is very much a mindset. The plan with which we approach growing older will impact how successful we feel about our efforts. The sermon theme for this Sunday is “Never Too Old: Courage and Faith are not Bound by Age.”

Joshua 14:6-15 will be the theme story. Caleb was one of the faithful, who helped Moses lead the people in their wilderness wandering. Now at the age of 85 Caleb stakes his claim to the inheritance that was promised to him and his family, and he proclaims his willingness to work to fulfill his end of the deal.

Caleb never gave up his hopes and dreams and invested in what was necessary for his goals to become a reality. Even the younger leader Joshua looked upon the elder Caleb with respect and appreciation. Age doesn’t limit our faithfulness and together, we too can live with faithful purpose, find joy, and leave an impact on others.

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

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 7/25/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

‘I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.’ 
–Acts 7:32-34

Who is God calling us to be in this time and space?

This is the guiding question that will direct our focus together as we begin the “Thriving Congregations” cohort journey. The next six months will find our team focused upon congregational mission and vision.

The goal for each of the 15 teams will be to help lead our individual churches in awareness, acceptance, and adoption of our identity together. Whether we call it a mission, vision, or identity statement, the point is for us to know who God is calling us to be and to live into this responsibility together.

The good news is that in our time together we have done some groundwork to better prepare ourselves for this process. Most recently we have claimed the statement, “Serving God and Community.” It is a moniker that also embodied the first 50 years of Sun City Christian Church’s existence.

We will dive deeper into specifics and cast a vision that fits with our passions and sensed purpose as a congregation for older adults. It is never too late for us to wonder about what God has in store for us now.

On Sunday we will examine Moses’ call to ministry (from Acts 7:17-34) and the timeline of his leadership. His story and timeline will prove him to be a worthy mentor when it comes to answering God’s call no matter one’s age.

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

Brett 

Pastor’s Notes 7/18/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

General Assembly 2025 is in the books and our denomination is ready to take our faith “Beyond”. 

In Bible Study and worship, we will take the summer months to educate ourselves around the resolutions and business passed at Assembly. We will use the digital resources from the assembly so that we too may experience the highlights from the event. 

I look forward to being back with you in worship on Sunday. Bernice Rappleye and I will present a special reading and message based upon the children’s book “Old Turtle and the Broken Truth” by Douglas Wood.

Many blessings and I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube!

Pastor’s Notes 7/11/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Forget what happened long ago!
Don’t think about the past.
I am creating something new.
There it is! Do you see it?
I have put roads in deserts,
streams in thirsty lands.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (CEV)

Forget the past?

Surely Isaiah isn’t talking to us. Sun City Christian Church has a lot of memories collected and we are doing everythig to keep as many as we can! Before we panic too much, be assured that the command isnt to abandon life before this moment.

The voice of God, through the prophet Isaiah, is encouraging the people of Israel to not stand so firmly in the past so as to get stuck there. To believe the “glory days” were solely gone by, lacked faith.

A common flaw for many who follow Jesus today is a longing to go back to a previous way, era, or understanding. God is still alive and present. God is doing a new thing!

Our calling is to go beyond survival. Ours is not to simply get by, tread water, or be seat warmers for future generations. We are a people of vision and mission and the world needs us, as we are right now, to offer the love we know in Jesus.

On Sunday, we will continue the preparations for partnership with Lexington Theological Seminary and Disciples Home Missions. We will commission our cohort team and a learn the 10 traits of a thriving congregation.

Just a reminder that I am at General Assembly which runs July 12-15 and I encourage you to take in worship and any other offerings on the schedule via livestream.

Many blessings and if you need anything, contact any of our elders or church office.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 7/4/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. Romans 8:5 CEV

I enjoy birdwatching. A great tool for birdwatching is a good pair of binoculars. At Glen Canyon in Page, I had the pleasure to lock in on a California Condor circling overhead. It was amazing, I was able to focus, and everything else was blocked out of view.

So often, we see only where our focus is.

The Apostle Paul writes that when our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we experience life and peace. This isn’t just about personal calm or inner strength (though that’s part of it); it’s also about what it means for us to be a church that thrives—not by our own effort, but because Christ lives in us.

In a world full of noise, distraction, and systems that pull us away from love and justice, Paul invites us to shift our focus. To live by the Spirit means letting go of fear and scarcity, and trusting in the power of resurrection already at work within and among us.

This Sunday in worship, we will continue with our preparation for our denominational general assembly by looking “Beyond Recognition.”  Romans 8:5–11 is a passage that reminds us what it means to truly live as people of the Spirit.

So, whether you’re feeling energized or exhausted, hopeful or uncertain, know this:
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you, it is alive in all of us. Together we will focus on our calling as a church to love like Jesus in Sun City and beyond.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person and YouTube as we open ourselves to the Spirit’s renewing work.

Brett