Author: Wende Gonzales

Pastor’s Notes 12/20/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way… –Matthew 1:18

“In her song, Mary honors her God who mirrors the life her son will live: lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry, coming to the aid of God’s people, bringing down the powerful, sending the rich away empty, and scattering the proud… Mary is on the verge of delivering God's depth and beauty into the world; God will be embodied by a child. Mary, the earthly mother of our incarnate God, can see it. She can see hope, justice, and right relationships. In the Magnificat, she speaks the way of God into being, just before Jesus is born. Like my mother whispering in my ear when I was a child, calling forth whom I shall become, Mary speaks her dreams into existence.” —from the artist’s statement for “Magnify” | @sanctifiedart

On the fourth Sunday of Advent we will light the candle of Love and wonder with the Christmas story around the theme, “Hope is Worth the Risk.” Our Tuesday Bible Study group has prepared a very special Christmas pageant for us as the characters around the Nativity story come to life and reflect to the first Christmas and the ways they stepped out in faith to witness the Messiah enter into the world.

Mary risked her reputation, her relationships, and her future to say “yes” to God’s call. Joseph took the risk of trust, choosing to embrace Mary and the child she carried despite the uncertainty. The shepherds left their flocks behind to run toward a message of good news, risking what little they had for the chance to see the light of the world. The Magi journeyed from distant lands, risking danger and defying a king’s wrath, all to bow before a newborn King.

A beast of burden carried the load and saw the depth of human love at its finest. Even the star, steady and unyielding, risked being unseen as it shone brightly to guide seekers to the hope of the world. Each character played a part in this story of divine risk and ultimate hope, stepping into uncertainty with faith that God’s promise would be fulfilled.

Their stories remind us that hope is not passive; it requires action, courage, and trust in God’s presence. It calls us to move forward, even when the path seems unclear, knowing that Emmanuel—God with us—walks beside us. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or YouTube this Sunday and then again on Christmas Eve at 4 pm!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 12/13/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’  
– Luke 3:10-11

Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. 
– Isaiah 58:12

If John the Baptist were here today, he would have no problem utilizing a common cultural phrase used today, “Pull yourself together!” Luke would argue that John was the last of a breed of old school prophets. He had a way with words and telling people how to “bear fruit” with their lives, repent and avoid God’s wrath.

As we continue our Advent journey, this week’s theme invites us to reflect on the call to “Do the good that is yours to do.” Our scriptures, Luke 3:7-16 and Isaiah 58:9b-12, lead us into an encounter with voices who didn’t mince words. John’s message is not simply about correction—it is about preparation. He is the voice crying out in the wilderness, making ready the way for the One who will bring ultimate peace and justice. “Pull yourself together, and do the good that is yours to do,” is more likely how he would turn the phrase.

What does it mean for us to prepare the way for Christ? Both John and the prophet Isaiah give us a clear vision. It is about doing good, living generously, and repairing the broken places around us. As followers of Jesus, anticipating the Christ child, we are called to lives of action, humility, and compassion.

This Sunday, we will explore what it looks like to live as Christ’s followers in this season of preparation. On this third Sunday of Advent, how can we reflect the peace of Christ in our words, our actions, and in the world? What good is ours to do today, in this time and place?

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

Brett

Pastor’s Notes: 12/6/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

‘Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.  -Ruth 1:16

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  -Luke 1:41-42

Isolation and loneliness are real issues for humanity. One of the most important lessons we learn in life, and often the hard way, is that we are never meant to go alone. If Ruth had honored the cultural norms, she would have gone to her home of origin after her husband died, but instead she chose to commit herself to her mother-in-law Naomi.

Elizabeth and Mary both experience the wonder of pregnancy, from two completely different perspectives: Elizabeth never thinking she would conceive, and Mary never imagining that bearing the child of God would be a thing in her life. Mary went to her and joy abounded as they experienced this wonder-filled journey together.

We can’t go alone.

In our worship on this second Sunday of Advent we will explore the importance of community in our lives and faith journey. When one person is weak those around them grant strength to endure. We will ponder together the ways we shall be present for God’s beloved around us.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday or saying hello at the craft fair at the church on Saturday!  

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 11/29/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you.”  Luke 1:28

Advent is upon us once again. A Sanctified Art, a publishing team, will provide the direction with their curriculum: “Words for the Beginning: Advent Reminders for New Seasons.”

As Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity explains the theme in the materials:

“As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on.

In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new.

Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for  our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.

We have crafted an Advent series filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. We imagined the words Mary would speak to her newborn son.

What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he grew? And so, our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults.”

I look forward to setting out on this Advent journey together with the words of the Angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 paving the way. Gabriel spoke with efficiency and grace to convince Mary that she was not only blessed and worthy of God’s blessing but was herself, a blessing. May we take these words to heart in our own ministries and calling. I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. 

Pastor’s Notes 11/22/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God”
2 Corinthians 9:11

As we prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving Sunday, we are reminded of the abundant blessings that surround us. Gratitude often comes easily when life is good—when we gather with loved ones, share meals, and recount the joys of the year. Yet, scripture invites us to go deeper, to recognize and give thanks for God’s presence not just in the joys but also through the brokenness, trial, and loss we experience in life.

The apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 call us to a life of generous thanksgiving—what we might call “thankful living.” Paul reminds the Corinthian church that generosity is not only about giving material goods; it is about living with open hearts and hands, spreading blessings that glorify God and bring hope to others. This is the essence of a harvest rooted in faith: sowing seeds of kindness, grace, and support even when resources or strength feel scarce.

As we spread blessings, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or material gifts, we participate in a cycle of grace and gratitude that draws us closer to God and one another. This is a huge lesson Paul was hoping to teach when encouraging early followers of Jesus, like the Corinthian Church, to support the congregation in Jerusalem that was finding itself in need.

This Thanksgiving Sunday, let us gather as a church community to reflect on how we can embrace “thankful living.” Let us remember God’s faithfulness in every season, the joyful and the sorrowful, and commit ourselves to sowing seeds of generosity and hope in the lives of others. As we give thanks, may we see a harvest of gratitude spring up around us, glorifying God and drawing others into the blessing love we know in Christ. I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday in person or on YouTube.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 11/15/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:14-15

As we continue our theme of thankful living, on Sunday we will journey with Paul who continues to implore the early church to be thankful in all things. The letter we will focus on this Sunday was addressed to the church in Colossae and they were struggling with identity, who to trust, and how to faithfully serve Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3, as scholar Rollin A. Ramsaran suggests, could essentially be called the “vices and virtues chapter.” The apostle Paul is encouraging followers of Jesus to shed the earthly vices of sin that are easy to cling to, yet that separate us from living the new life of Christ we vowed to follow through our Baptism. We are human and it is hard to get rid of anger, greed, and slander to name but a few of the tempting vices.

Instead, says Paul, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. We are to bear with one another, forgive each other, and above all love one another.” As garments, these virtues look great hanging on the rack, but it can be difficult to put them on and have them fit.

Our call is to love, and the more we keep Jesus as the example and pay heed to Paul’s advice for putting on these virtues, the better our chances of success. The greater the fit, the more genuine we will be about loving others. The more we put on the attributes of Christ, the more we will serve God and community as he did. I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday!

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 11/8/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  – 1 Thess. 5:16-18

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We had a wonderful day celebrating our 50th anniversary. Your joy, enthusiasm, and willingness to share together is such a gift and strong attribute to who we are as a community of faith. Our guest preacher, Mark Anderson, recognizes the Spirt moving in our midst as well. I am excited that the next 50 years of Sun City Christian Church’s ministry starts now!

So… How should we start? Taking Paul’s advice in his letter to the church in Thessalonica is as good as any. “Rejoice Always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Fred Craddock agrees that these three actions alone might just be the heartbeat of a Christian life. These commands are not about rigid rules or unrealistic ideals, but rather an invitation to develop patterns that sustain faith. Craddock notes that these practices aren’t based on circumstantial happiness but rather on a life rooted in God’s grace, which allows joy and gratitude even in difficult times.

Over the next three Sundays, we will explore what it means to be a people of “Thanks-living.” Our first theme will be “Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude.” This week, we will emphasize the call to gratitude as a foundational Christian practice, grounding life’s joys and challenges in a thankful perspective. We will explore how gratitude draws us closer to God and helps us recognize God’s presence in all situations.

In these times we find ourselves in, thanks-living might be one of the hardest things for us to do. But God is present, the love of Christ propels us and the Holy Spirit flows through us. We have much work to do as Church, followers of Jesus and those who called to love our neighbor. The next 50 years of faithful ministry begins, and this hard work starts while trusting God is in our midst. 

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 11/1/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

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

Pastor’s Notes: 10/25/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

This weekend the Christian Church in Arizona will be hosting our regional assembly at First Christian Church in Tucson. Marcia Blake, Carol Finch, Bill Finch, and I will attend. Please pray for our collective gathering and the work we will do together as Church!

As a part of the gathering, representatives from Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) agencies and organizations attend to stay connected with local congregations and the work of the region. Many of these individuals stay through Sunday and the region farms them out to preach and be present with local congregations that would like the opportunity to hear from the greater church. We will be one of those congregations.

Dr. Rickey McCray will step into our pulpit and bring words of greeting from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. We are delighted to welcome him as he inspires us with a message entitled “Has Your Soul Been Anchored” based upon the text from 2 Chronicles 20:1-12! We will also celebrate our Wellness Ministry team and bless the work they have planned for us.

Don’t forget, our 50th Anniversary service will be on Nov. 3rd at 9:30. Come in your 1970’s clothing and prepare for a beautiful Sunday of celebration and remembrance. We will take photographs, display church history, offer tours, mingle and finish the morning with a potluck of dishes made from SCCC cookbooks!

It is a wonderful time to be a part of Sun City Christian Church as we serve God and community! I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. 

Brett 

Pastor’s Notes 10/18/2024

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. –Mark 10:13-16

Scholars confirm, that Biblically speaking, a blessing is understood as a divine favor, gift, or approval that brings spiritual, physical, or material benefit. Blessings are associated with God’s presence, grace, and provision, and they serve as a means through which God’s will and goodness are expressed to individuals, communities, and creation.

In the Old Testament, blessings are tangible—promises of land, offspring, and prosperity, seen in covenants with figures like Abraham and David. Old Testament blessings often reflect God’s desire for justice, community, and love. Blessings and love are key components of God’s relationship with humanity, and they challenge believers to act justly and love both God and neighbor.

In the New Testament, blessings take on a more spiritual and communal dimension through Jesus’ ministry. Many scholars agree that Jesus reshapes the understanding of blessing, focusing not just on material benefits but on the relational connection to God and neighbor. The Sermon on the Mount’s beatitudes, for instance, offer blessings to those who are poor, meek, and peacemakers—signifying that the true blessing is found in embodying God’s kingdom values.

No one is exempt from being worthy of receiving God’s blessing or sharing it. The blessing of Jesus is often an explicit call for an inclusion and love that reflects the ongoing relationship between God and humanity, one that demands responsibility, love, and justice.

Repeatedly, we are reminded not only of the blessings we receive but the blessing we are called to be as a community. We are finding true joy in being together, welcoming others, and expressing love rather than judgment. On Sunday we will remember the sacrament of our baptism and the blessing we received to “go and walk in the newness of life.”

Don’t forget that our 50th Anniversary will happen on November 3rd so start looking through your closets for that 1970’s outfit you will wear to church that day! Our ladies are also recruiting folks to cook specific recipes from our All-Church Cookbook, and we could use your expertise! I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube Sunday.

Brett