Tag: Sun City AZ

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.

Disciples Women’s Ministries monthly service activity

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Fourth Mondays at 9 am

Join us for a morning of community service and creativity!

The DWM at Sun City CC is dedicated to making a positive impact through our service projects.

Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or have never knitted a stitch, everyone is welcome. No experience necessary!

After the morning activities, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch together. Feel free to contribute by bringing a salad to share. Don’t miss out – mark your calendar and join us for a day of service, crafts, and camaraderie!

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.

Holy Humor Sunday

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Weekly Church UpdateApril 25, 2025“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
 “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”

1 Corinthians 15:54-55

This Sunday, we’re celebrating Holy Humor Sunday, a tradition with deep roots in the early church. In Europe, the Sunday after Easter was once known as Bright Sunday, when Christians gathered to laugh, tell stories, and celebrate the “divine joke” God played on death. After all, what greater reversal could there be than the empty tomb?

In the spirit of that joy, we’ll gather this Sunday for a worship service filled with stories, hymns, and holy laughter. We will journey with the disciples as they unpack what life with Jesus has been like and claim their relationship with the risen one.

We will find joy in our God who continues to surprise us with grace, and we will reflect on how the Risen Christ walks with us, even when we don’t recognize him and how joy often arrives when bread is broken, and stories are shared.

As we continue to understand the importance for finishing life faithfully, Holy Humor Sunday reminds us that resurrection joy is meant to last. So come ready to smile, to explore, to try something new, and maybe even to laugh a little.

You are welcome to wear bright colors or something that brings you joy. And if you have a good, clean church joke… you just might get a chance to share it!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Join us in person or on our YouTube page this Sunday.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 4/11/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” –Matthew 21:8,9

Our Journey through Lent is drawing to an end. I am most grateful and moved by your willingness to face end of life questions with our series, “Finishing Faithfully.” Here is a reminder of the weekly themes that we covered:

“The Dwelling Place of Memory.” “Remember, you are Dust.” “Preparing With Purpose.” “This Will be the Day.” “The End of Life is not the End.” “A Day of Preparation.” “Letting Go is Okay.” This Sunday we will conclude with “Leaving our Legacy.”

Stories of Jesus, Paul, and other Biblical ancestors have reminded us that death is a part of life and there is a faithful way to embrace the process that leads to eternal life. It has been a reflective and intentional season of study, knowledge, reflection, and sharing. Our Wellness Ministry team has gifted us with tools and resources to help us put our plans in place.

Our team will continue to encourage us to put our plans and wishes into place by offering individual and group opportunities to talk through and think about our plans and wishes for when we die. I will be signing up sessions with anyone who would like to meet with me one on one to discuss your memorial service plans and/or record your stories on video!

Our text for Sunday is Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as depicted in Matthew 21:1-11. Preparations are made for Jesus’ final return to the Holy City and the large crowd gathers to cheer on the one who has come to save the people. With palm branches waving and shouts of “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” anticipation mounts.  

Things turn quickly and the events surrounding the Passover feast will lead Jesus to his crucifixion. As a congregation we will join our UCC colleagues for Maundy Thursday worship and communion at 5pm at Church of the Palms, on April 17. You are also invited to join me for a service of scripture and prayer on Good Friday at 12 noon in our sanctuary on April 18. Many blessings as we continue of committed journey with Christ. 

Pastor’s Notes 4/3/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. – 2 Timothy 4:6

There’s an old story about a monkey who finds a jar filled with treats. Eagerly, he reaches in and grabs a handful, but when he tries to pull his hand out, he discovers he’s stuck. The jar’s opening is too small for his clenched fist, and though freedom is just a simple release away, he refuses to let go. Trapped by his own grasp, he remains stuck, unwilling to loosen his grip on what he wants.

So often in life, we find ourselves in a similar struggle. We hold on: to plans, to expectations, to past hurts, loved ones, or even to roles we have played for years, because letting go feels like loss. But what if letting go is the path to freedom, wholeness, or resurrection?

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten journey with the theme “Finishing Faithfully: It Is OK to Let Go.” In Luke 9:43-45, Jesus begins preparing his disciples for the road ahead, but they struggle to grasp what he is saying. In 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Paul, at the end of his ministry, writes with peace and confidence, declaring, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Both passages remind us that faithfulness is not just about perseverance; it is also about trust.

What might God be inviting you to release? What burdens are keeping you from moving forward? I hope you’ll join us as we reflect on these questions together, seeking the courage to trust God with open hands and open hearts.

Brett