The much-anticipated day has arrived! This Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of Sun City Christian Church. According to history compiled by A.T. DeGroot our church was born out of a shared vision for a welcoming, Disciples of Christ congregation in Sun City—a vision brought to life by passionate members and leaders who poured their energy and faith into creating this community.

True and Mary Morse were among the first to advocate for a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) presence in Sun City. Their devotion to the faith, along with gatherings of like-minded residents in their home, sparked the movement to establish the congregation. Their efforts were supported by Reverend Dr. Wayman W. McReynolds, who first envisioned this mission during his tenure as Executive Minister for the Christian Church in Arizona, along with Mabel Figgs, whose commitment as Administrative Secretary kept the project alive.

In the spring of 1974, Rev. Dr. Hartzell M. Cobbs was called as the organizing pastor, arriving in Sun City in October to help shape this new congregation. With Dr. Cobbs’ guidance, a community of worshipers took shape, and on November 3, 1974, fifty-seven people gathered for the first official worship service at Lakeview Recreation Center, with church leaders like Dr. William Pearcy present to bless and witness this beginning.

This Sunday, we’ll honor these foundational members and the countless others who have continued their work, serving God and community for fifty years. Join us as we remember our history with gratitude, celebrate how far we’ve come, and look forward with renewed hope for our church’s future. Wear your 70’s clothing, get photographed, mingle, and enjoy the potluck after worship with menu items from previous church cookbooks!

I look forward to celebrating with you in person and on YouTube as we welcome Mark D. Anderson, President and CEO of National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (DOC) to preach the good news!

Brett