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Making space for all God’s children • Serving our neighbors •
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Celebrating life in Christ together • Encouraging one another • Nurturing spirituality
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- Don't miss the most recent Catalina Newsletter now available on our website. Just click here.
- For the South District current news click here.
- For the Desert Southwest Conference Digest click here.
- For UMC NOW click here
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Who Are We Hoping to Reach - and Why Does It Matter?
In the last article, I introduced the idea of a preview season— a window of time (3-6 months) for experimenting, listening, and learning before launching a second worshipping community at Catalina. As work around the second service continues to unfold, one of the most important steps is to name who we feel called to reach.
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Anyone who has worked in marketing or product development knows that defining the “who” matters deeply. It shapes everything else — what we offer, when and where we gather, and how we create space for people to feel safe, welcomed, and seen. Without clarity on who we’re trying to serve, we risk designing something that only fits our preferences or our past. But with clarity, we can listen with purpose, plan with love, and build something that truly connects with the next generation of people God is calling us to serve.
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So, who are we talking about? First, our Outreach and Worship Team has discerned the called to reach younger generations who still value faith and community but whose rhythm of life may not be centered around a Sunday morning worship service. These are young adults and families navigating busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and constant stress — people looking for worship and community that fits real life and offers practical support. Many are seeking a place where their children can grow in faith and friendship, and where the whole family feels a genuine sense of belonging.
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We also feel called to reach the spiritually curious, but cautious and disconnected — those who are open to God, but skeptical of church as they’ve always known it. This includes LGBTQIA+ folks, single adults, perhaps theological progressives who have experienced rigid or judgmental church culture. These neighbors often long for belonging and meaning but aren’t sure where to find it. These are people who say they’d be willing to “try church” — but only if it feels safe, authentic, and relevant to their everyday lives.
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As your Outreach & Worship Team continues to shape preview events for the fall, we invite you to pray for those we hope to reach — the neighbors we haven’t met yet but who may be longing for the kind community Catalina UMC seeks to grow. May we keep listening, loving, and trusting the Spirit to lead us toward the new thing God is already doing among us.
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CUMC Day School Gets Much Needed New Roofing!
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It's Back to School Time
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Blenman Elementary School, our neighborhood school, is again requesting school supplies. School starts August 4th this year! Kelly Mack, the school principal, has requested the following items: Kleenex, Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, EXPO markers and composition and wide ruled notebooks.
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There will be collection bins in the church narthex and also in the church office. The church office is open Monday-Thursday 10:00 to 3:00. Thank you for helping our school neighbors!
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Blessing of the Backpacks: Sunday, August 3
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It’s Back to School! We’ll be blessing backpacks during the Children’s Moment of worship. Everyone’s invited to bring their backpacks to church!
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CUMC Donation Earmarked for Justice
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How many of you remember our Pastor Emeritus, Stan Brown? Stan shepherded our Catalina congregation for 20 years from 1971- 1991. Stan’s dear wife, Ruthie, passed on to glory earlier this year, after they had shared more than 70 years of marriage. During this time of grief, Stan thought of his years at Catalina and made a $1,000 donation to Catalina UMC in his beloved Ruthie’s memory.
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Per Stan’s wishes regarding social justice, this donation was passed on to a non-profit organization known as “I Am You 360.” It will be used to assist with housing young people who have “aged out” of the Arizona foster care system.
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Seekers Adult Sunday School Class @ 8:45am-9:45am in Room H-230
A desire to enrich your understanding and faith is the only requirement. Join us for a variety of video-based lessons led by volunteer class members. For lesson schedule: https://www.catalinamethodist.org/adults/.
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Koinonia Class for Adults: Sundays @ 9am in Room E-23
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The Koinonia Class is on break for summer until after Labor Day. We meet at 9:00 am in Room E23: For more info, contact Rev. Kirk Reed [email protected].
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Women’s Bible Study: Wednesdays @ 9:30am in Room H-230
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Stay tuned for our next Women's Bible Study to begin after Labor Day. Contact Brenda Halferty for more information at [email protected] or 520-481-6993
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Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays @ 6:45am in Room E-23
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We are taking a break for summer. We will resume again on the first Wednesday following Labor Day. We meet weekly on Wednesday mornings in Room E23 at 6:45 am. For those whose schedules allow, we plan on going to breakfast at 8:00 am following Bible Study.
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Together Tuesdays: Second Tuesday of the month @ 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
We break for summer and will start again after Labor Day. An hour of fun in Fellowship Hall for families with children under 8 years old includes light meal, singing, crafts and a bible theme each month.
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Sing With The Sanctuary Choir: Do you sing in the shower? Come sing with us at rehearsals and on Sundays—it's a blast! Got questions? Reach out to [email protected]
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We love our cookie and social time after the church service in our welcome area! It's great fun to chat with folks you know and folks you do not know! If you would like to donate cookies, (this is optional and doesn't have to happen every time your alphabet comes up!) please refer to the alphabet date for your last name and bring the cookies to the cookie cart before the service starts. Questions: [email protected] or (520)909-4404.
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Jul 27: N-R Aug 03: S-Z Aug 10: A-G Aug 17: H-M
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Celebrating the Life of Paul Newhouse
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A memorial service for beloved church member Paul Newhouse will be held on Monday, August 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the Catalina UMC sanctuary. All are welcome to gather as we give thanks for Paul’s life and celebrate the gift of his presence in our community. Following the service, a luncheon will be served in the Welcome Center area of the sanctuary. Please join us as we honor Paul’s memory and surround his husband Ray Goodrow with our prayers and care.
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CUMC has an active prayer team, Prayer Partners, praying for our attendees, visitors, staff and members throughout the year. If you have a special prayer request, please send it directly to CUMC by clicking here.
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Please be in prayer for...
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... the family and friends of Denard Loganbill who passed away at the age of 100 on 7.16.25.
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... the family and friends of Jane Denst who passed away on 7.16.25
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...Nikki Hampton's grandparents Paul & Fran Bohardt, as they transition into the challenges of aging and caregiving.
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...safe travels for all our summer vacationers!
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...New Hope/Nueva Esperanza UMC, Tucson; Grace UMC, Douglas; Sierra Vista UMC, Sierra Vista; Camping Program, South District.
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Need a Visitation?
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If you or someone you know would like a visitation from our newly ordained Deaconess Toni Smith, please contact her at [email protected]
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Join us and Click Here to view our live stream service each Sunday at 9:55 am. Or copy the link below and paste it in your web browser.
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INVITE SOMEONE TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY!
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When you invite someone to church, you're offering more than a seat --
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you're offering hope, community and a chance to encounter God.
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There are many ways you can give to the ministries of Catalina UMC. You can give online at CatalinaMethodist.org, you can scan the QR code to the left on your cell phone, or you can text the dollar amount to 520-441-8592.
Your gifts are a blessing to our ministry in the community.
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We’d love to hear from you—join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram by searching for catalinamethodist. Don’t forget to like and comment on our posts! You can also find us on Nextdoor.
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