Making space for all God’s children • Serving our neighbors •
Celebrating life in Christ together • Encouraging one another • Nurturing spirituality

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Catalina Newsletter.

Catalina Unplugged: Our Second Sunday

In this past Sunday's Catalina Unplugged service, we tried an Ignatian-style imaginative contemplation on Matthew 14:22–33, the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. This was a new experience for almost all of us, and many found the guided meditation meaningful and centering, saying it opened up a fresh way of experiencing God’s Word. Others reflected that while meditation may not be for everyone, it was a gift to try something different in worship—and that even when the mind drifts, guided prayer helps bring us back to God’s presence.
Participants shared that they felt most connected to God and others through music and song selection, Communion, prayer, the intimate setting, and moments of reflection. Overall, the balance of music, silence, and interaction was described as “just right,” with a few hoping for even a little more music or a slightly longer worship experience.

Feedback also lifted up the beauty of simple things—generous hunks of bread at Communion, candlelight instead of screens, and the peaceful feel of gathering unplugged together. Some participants expressed a desire for occasional short reflection or more of a sermon alongside contemplative practices.
We had six children in attendance, and volunteers with the kids noted that the 6:00 p.m. time is a tough hour for little ones to focus. Next Sunday, we’ll offer more activity options for kids: Veggie Tales, coloring, and graham crackers, making space for them in a way that works better for their age and energy.

All are welcome to join us for our third and final Catalina Unplugged, Sunday, September 28 @ 6:00pm in the Chapel. We’ll continue in our preview theme of Hope in the Chaos, specifically exploring Discovering Joy in Justice. We give thanks for the ways this worship experiment has opened us to God’s presence and to one another!
-Pastor Kelli

New Group Forming!

We’re super excited to welcome back our United Women in Faith circle after a little break! Mark your calendars for our first meeting, scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month, starting on October 14, 2025, at 9:30 am in Room H230. We’d love for you to join us and bring a friend along! Let’s have some fun and enjoy fellowship with our wonderful sisters in Christ! Can’t wait to see you there! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Deaconess Toni Smith at [email protected]
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 click here: https://www.catalinamethodist.org/adults/.


Koinonia Class for Adults: Sundays @ 9am in Room E-23
"How to Fight Racism" - Every Sunday in September; Facilitators: Pastor Kelli Knight and Rev. Kirk Reed All adults of all ages are invited! For more info, contact Rev. Kirk Reed [email protected].

Women’s Bible Study: Wednesdays @ 9:30am in Room H-230
Our newest study is "Philippians" by Lori Wilhite. It will run from Sept 10-Oct 15.Contact Brenda Halferty for more information at [email protected] or 520-481-6993

Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays @ 6:45am in Room E-23
We begin Sept. 03. 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.

Together Tuesdays: Second Tuesday of the month @ 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
We meet again October 14. 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.


Sing With The Sanctuary Choir: Rehearsals Thursdays-7-8:30pm
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]

Festival Ringers Bell Choir: Rehearsals Thursdays @ 5:30-6:30pm
Can you read music? We would love to have you join this fun group for rehearsals and performances throughout the coming year. Reach out to [email protected]
We love our cookie & social time after worship! 🍪 It’s a great chance to chat with friends old and new. If you’d like to donate cookies, check the alphabet schedule for your last name and bring them to the cart in the Welcome area before service. Questions? Contact Judy at [email protected] or (520) 909-4404.

Sept 28: S-Z Oct 5: A-G Oct 12: H-M Oct 19: N-R
Catalina Breakfast Forum: Saturday, October 4, 9am in Fellowship Hall
"Chat GPT AI & 16 Other Flavors of Artificial Intelligence" presented by Alex Dely, Adjunct faculty UofA College of Engineering will present “Facts and Fiction – A current Reality Perspective. $4/person donation requested at the door. Please RSVP to 520-327-4296.

Church Conference: October 12, 2025 @ 11:30, in the Sanctuary
The purpose of the meeting is to make a decision about whether to move from our current governance structure and instead adopt a Simplified Accountable Structure (SAS). Hopefully, you have had a chance to attend one of the presentations about SAS. If not, there will be a write-up in the October Newsletter. Or, you can contact Pastor Mike to be able to view a recorded session of one of the SAS presentations.

United Women in Faith: Tuesday, October 14, 9:30am in Room H230
We’re super excited to welcome back our United Women in Faith circle! Mark your calendar for our first meeting, scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month, starting on October 14, 2025, at 9:30 am. We’d love you to join us and bring a friend! Let’s have fun and enjoy fellowship with our wonderful sisters in Christ! Can’t wait to see you there! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Deaconess Toni Smith at [email protected]

Together Tuesdays: Tuesday, October 14, 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
Join us October 14th at 5:30 pm for Together Tuesday at 5:30 in the fellowship hall. This program has free dinner and features a Bible story and a craft for families to learn about God and Jesus together!

Trunk or Treat: Friday, October 17, 5-6pm in the West Parking Lot
Mark your calendars for our Second Trunk or Treat! Set-up will begin at 4:30pm. Last year we had over 100 families come, so the more trunks the better! We will also be collecting candy all of September (we ran out last year!)

An Installation Service for D.S. Rev Javier Olivares: Saturday, October 18, 3pm, St. Mark’s UMC
Join us for this Installation Service at St. Mark’s UMC located at 1431 W Magee Rd, Tucson 85704.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Presents: The first of three concerts for the 2025-2026 Organ Concert Series. The program will feature Guy Whatley, acclaimed organist, performing a selection of works by Johann Sebastian Bach.

This free community concert will take place Sunday, October 12 at 3:00 pm at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3738 N. Old Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ.
Catalina has an active prayer team, Prayer Partners, praying for YOU throughout the year. If you would like to add a special prayer request, please send it to office@catalinamethodist and we will publish it here!

Please be in prayer for:

  • Bob Briggs and family over the loss of his wife Jean who passed Thursday, Sept. 11.
  • Kristen and Matthew seeking safety from gun violence for all children in our schools and communities
  • St. James, St. John's and St. Mark's UMCs in Tucson
  • Peace. Love. Prayer. Always.

Need a Visitation?

If you, or someone you know, would like a visitation from our Deaconess, Toni Smith, please contact her at [email protected]
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:
https://boxcast.tv/view/10am-worship-at-catalina-united-methodist-church-ieskoyyrsrwcqcqdfwq4?

Why invite someone to church?

Because sometimes your “Hey, come with me Sunday” turns into:
☕ Coffee after worship
🎶 Singing along to great music
🤝 Meeting people who feel like family

It’s simple. It’s meaningful. And it starts with you.

Join our Volunteers for Outreach Missions!

🙌 Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about making a difference.
Every act of service, big or small, is a way to share God’s love and bring hope to others.💙
When we serve together, we become the hands and feet of Christ in the world. ✝️
For more information, contact Doug Wingert at [email protected].
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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