Tag: Sun City AZ

Pastor’s Notes 3/7/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants”; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’ Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. –Deuteronomy 34:4-5

We all know the classic fable of the Tortoise and the Hare—the speedy hare dashes ahead, confident he’s got the race won, while the slow, steady tortoise keeps moving forward. But the hare, full of overconfidence, gets distracted and loses focus. In the end, it’s the tortoise, persistent and unwavering, who crosses the finish line first.

This timeless story reminds us that how we start isn’t as important as how we finish. Endurance, faithfulness, and preparation matter far more than hubris, unsustainable zealousness, and lost focus.

This Sunday, officially kick-off the first Sunday of Lent and our theme, “Finishing Faithfully.” We turn to Deuteronomy 34, where Moses stands atop Mount Nebo, gazing into the Promised Land, a land he has led the Israelites toward for forty years, yet will not enter himself. His journey was long and filled with hardship, but his faithfulness never wavered. Though his role was ending, his preparation ensured the people would continue forward under Joshua’s leadership.

Like Moses, we are all called to prepare for what comes next, not just for ourselves, but for those who will follow. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation, urging us to think about what it means to finish faithfully as Christ’s beloved. This season we will put our penitential energies into ensuring that we finish this earthly life as faithfully as we can. Whether our journey has been smooth and steady or full of detours and distractions, the invitation is the same: keep going. Stay faithful. Prepare well. And trust that God’s promises extend beyond what we can see.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube Sunday as we explore what it means to finish faithfully—to live with purpose, prepare with care, and leave a legacy of love and faith.

Brett

The importance of telling our stories, learning from them, and sharing them with one another.

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” Luke 9:33

As I think back over the memories of my life, there are thousands of times where I wish it could have lasted longer: loved ones laughing, listening to favorite stories, birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. These are pitch a tent and stay a while, kind of moments.

In Luke 9:28-36, Peter, James, and John witness Jesus’ radiant transformation on the mountaintop. Overwhelmed by the moment, Peter wants to build a dwelling place—to hold on, to remain, to preserve. We, too, long to hold onto the meaningful moments of our lives. This longing isn’t a bad thing, because our stories matter. Our memories shape us.

This Sunday, we will reflect on the importance of telling our stories, learning from them, and sharing them with one another.

As we begin our Lenten series, “Finishing Faithfully,” we invite you to think about the stories of faith, love, and transformation that have shaped your journey. Where has God met you on the mountaintop? How have those moments carried you forward? On Tuesday, March 5th when we gather for our first “Lenten Lunch & Learn,” a writing instructor will guide us through exercises to help us put our stories on paper.

Join us this Sunday for worship in person or on YouTube and stay a while—dwell in the beauty of memory, the power of story, and the presence of God.

Brett

Lenten Workshop: Finishing Faithfully

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

The Wellness Committee of Sun City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is offering a special series on Wednesdays during the 2025 Lenten Season (March 5 – April 16) entitled “Finishing Faithfully.” Each of the seven sessions support living faithfully to finish faithfully. Participants with learn how to document their beliefs, values and preferences, along with suggestions on how to start a conversation with their loved ones about their wishes. All are welcome and attendees are welcome to attend one, several, or all the sessions:

Week One – March 5th – we will learn how to write our own story

Week Two – March 12th – we will discuss the information we all need to record and share in case of emergency (e.g. emergency when not at home, accident or hospitalization, death) and how to talk with physicians about your healthcare needs and desires at end-of-life.

Week Three – March 19th – Patti Sheridan of Hospice of the Valley will share about Comfort care, including palliative and hospice care.

Week Four – March 26th – Ryan Couch of SG Insurance and Estate Services will share information about financial and legal needs.

Week Five – April 2nd – Nancie Scalercia of Menke Funeral Home and Crematory will explain funerals, cremation and processes.

Week Six – April 9th – we will discuss with our inhouse experts how to start the discussions with our family members and others.

Week Seven – April 16th – with our inhouse experts we will formulate our personal, family, and spiritual plans.

A light lunch will be provided each week with a suggested donation of $3 per person.

For information about this program, please call Sun City Christian Church at (623) 972-6179.

The Wellness Committee of Sun City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at 9745 W. Palmeras Dr, Sun City offers educational sessions collaborating with qualified internal and community professionals. The mission of this project is foremost to empower individuals to be self-advocates for their medical care and wellness, as well as that of their loved ones through the programs and information provided by the project. A secondary goal is ensuring trusting relationships are built between participants that help alleviate isolation and loneliness. In addition, individuals are encouraged to seek way to remain active, better understand the aging process, community resources, and the medical system.

C is for Compassion

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

On Sunday we will continue our sermon Series “Following Jesus From A-Z” and the theme word will be Compassion. It is most fitting that it is also the time of year to receive the Special Day Offering that supports Week Of Compassion.

For 80 years, Week of Compassion has represented our denomination by responding to the needs of God’s people in our country and around the world. The shared work of Week of Compassion matters – to people in crisis, and as people of faith. The gifts we give make an impact around the world, ensuring that the stories, needs, and celebrations of vulnerable communities are heard and seen – and that our whole church is equipped to respond.

According to Rev. Vy T. Nguyen, Executive Directory for Week of Compassion,
“the scriptural qualities that are to be our focus this year– what is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable – are readily found among the people we serve, and the partners with whom we do the work. We praise God for the resilience of people recovering from disaster, navigating resettlement, and surviving the onslaught of war, political and climate crises. With long-standing partnerships around ecumenical tables, especially in times of conflict and division, recovery is a steady and deliberate process. Through Week of Compassion, Disciples commit to the long haul, and keep on about the work before us, undeterred and undistracted.”

Our shared work together as Disciples continues to extend compassion to those in need. This is the reflection of Christ that Paul was modeling to the church in Philippi and it is our calling and purpose as the church today. With compassion, may we continue to faithfully serve God and community together.

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

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 2/14/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:3                   
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  Luke 6:20

This Sunday, we continue our “Following Jesus from A-Z” sermon series by exploring what it truly means to be blessed. The world tells us that blessing looks like wealth, success, and ease—but Jesus turns that idea upside down. In both the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-26), Jesus proclaims that blessing is found in humility, mercy, justice, and a heart open to God’s kingdom.

Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes presents a vision of discipleship that is deeply spiritual, emphasizing attitudes of the heart, poverty of spirit, a hunger for righteousness, and the call to be peacemakers. Luke’s version, however, is strikingly direct, addressing economic and social realities. And while Matthew speaks only of blessings, Luke adds a series of warnings. Together, these passages remind us that God’s blessing is not about status or wealth, but about trust in God’s justice and mercy.

Recognizing the truly blessed means seeing the world as Jesus sees it. The blessed are not just those who have much, but those who know their need for God. The blessed are not just those who laugh, but those who weep and are met with compassion. The blessed are those who hunger, not just for daily bread but for righteousness.

And if we are to follow Jesus, we are called to stand alongside them and one another for the gospels make it clear that nobody is exempt from being God’s beloved. This means caring for the poor, comforting the grieving, working for justice, and embodying mercy in a world that often prizes power over grace. When we do so we are extending the blessing of God as followers of Jesus.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. Don’t forget to come back at 3:00pm for the Monday Players in concert in Cobbs Hall!

Weekly Wednesday Chair Workout

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

📅 Every Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 am
📍 Location: Sun City Christian Church

You’re invited to the weekly Wednesday Chair Workout at Sun City Christian Church every Wednesday at 11. Bella leads a 30-minute class for men and women at every level. We work on stretching, breathing, and gentle muscle support all while having fun.

Come join in.

Bella aka Deb Bell arrived in Sun City in October 2024. On her first Sunday here, she came to Sun City Christian Church and immediately felt at home. 

Bella has a passion for aqua aerobics, boxing, weight lifting, chair yoga, and helping others live their best life. She has taught various classes at 24Hour Fitness gyms and Lutheran Senior Services.  

Pastor’s Notes 2/7/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was[a] in Christ Jesus,
Phil 2:3-5

This Sunday, I will introduce a new, ongoing sermon series: “Following Jesus from A-Z.” Through this series, we will explore the many ways we live out our faith, word by word, action by action, as disciples of Christ. We will ponder together what it means to follow Jesus in every part of our lives and how we embody the love, humility, and purpose Christ calls us to.

Our journey centers itself around Philippians 2:1-8, a passage that calls us to the very heart of Christian discipleship: the mindset of Christ. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not just about belief, it is about transformation. Christ emptied himself, humbled himself, and took on the role of a servant. In doing so, he set the example for how we are to live, grounded in love, unity, and sacrifice.

Each ordinary time Sunday, we will reflect on key words that shape our faith and deepen our walk with Christ. From A for “awareness” to Z for “zeal”, we will discover how the Holy Spirit leads us to embody the gospel in the world today.

I invite you to join us this Sunday in person or on YouTube as we begin this journey together. Let’s seek the Spirit’s guidance, grow in faith, and follow Jesus—one step, one word, one act of love at a time. Don’t forget that after worship of February 9th will be our congregational meeting to approve leadership and budget for 2025.

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 1/31/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God, for those who enter God’s[a] rest also rest from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. 
-Hebrews 4:9-11

In the busyness of life, we often treat rest as a luxury, something to be earned after all the work is done. But scripture reminds us that rest is not just a necessity—it is sacred. In Hebrews 4, we are invited into God’s rest, a rest that is deeper than sleep or stillness. It is a trust-filled resting in God’s presence, a release of our burdens, and a reclaiming of the peace that only God can provide.

This Sunday, we will reflect on what it means to honor rest as a gift from God. Rest is not laziness; it is faithful obedience. There is an intentionality about our actions that is healthy and connected with the Holy. When we pause, worship, and make space for God in our lives, we are stepping into the sacred rhythm God intended for us.

As you prepare for worship, consider this: What would it look like to receive rest as a spiritual practice, rather than a last resort? How might honoring rest help us better serve God and one another?

Join us in person or on YouTube as we explore these questions together and seek the renewal that God graciously offers. 

Brett

Pastor’s Notes 1/24/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

“We are 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.”

– Disciples of Christ identity statement

This Sunday, we are honored to welcome Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as our guest preacher. Rev. Owens is not only the spiritual leader of our denomination but also a visionary voice calling Disciples to embody the love of Christ in transformative ways.

What a joy and honor it will be to have her with us, and I hope you are able to join in the celebration. I share with you now her official bio in anticipation of her arrival:

Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens is the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She is the first person of color and second woman to lead the denomination, and the first woman of African descent to lead a mainline denomination. Elected in 2017, Rev. Hord Owens was re-elected to a second term as General Minister and President in 2023.

Elected in 2017, Rev. Hord Owens was re-elected to a second term as General Minister and President in 2023. Her ministry actively reflects the Disciples’ priority of being an anti-racist church, being a movement for wholeness, and welcoming all to the Lord’s table as God has welcomed us.

 Her exhortation to the church is “Let’s be the church we say we are. It is in being who we say we are that we actively bear witness to God’s limitless love for all.” Rev. Hord Owens earned her bachelor’s degree in Government with a minor in Afro- American Studies from Harvard University. Hord Owens’ resume includes more than 20 years in corporate America leading diverse teams in data management in health care and other industries before she entered seminary.

A graduate of University of Chicago Divinity School, Rev. Hord Owens served 12 years as the Dean of Students at her alma mater. Rev. Hord Owens also served as the pastor of First Christian Church of Downers Grove, Illinois, where under her leadership, FCCDG became an open and affirming, antiracism, pro-reconciliation congregation.

Hord Owens is widely sought after as a preacher, speaker, and workshop facilitator. Her ministry and intellectual interests include spiritual development, a theology of reconciliation, cultural intelligence, developing inclusive and multi-cultural congregations, and the mentoring of young adults. In addition to collaborative service with Disciples ministries and congregations as they seek to make justice happen, she has been active in leadership in the Poor People’s Campaign, Repairers of the Breach, and other ecumenical and interfaith collaboratives.

In keeping with the Disciples’ historic commitment to Christian unity, she serves in leadership at the National Council of Churches as the Treasurer of the Governing Board and a member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee.

Rev. Hord Owens is married to Walter Owens, Jr. They are the proud parents of an adult son, W. Mitchell Owens, III and daughter-in-law Adriana Owens. She is also the joyful grandmother of Zachary Owens.