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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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Click Here to read the November issue of our monthly Catalina Newsletter.
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Open Table: A Beautiful Beginning
Last Wednesday we held our very first Open Table dinner church service—our second worship preview of the fall—and it was a huge hit. More than 35 adults and 9 children gathered in Fellowship Hall for music, prayer, conversation, and a shared meal. Even though many of us have seen each other in worship for years (or decades!), this was a chance to really connect—meeting new people, hearing one another’s stories, and remembering how much we need community.
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One of the core values shaping Open Table is justice—especially food and economic justice. This week’s meal was prepared by a local woman whose work has been disrupted by current immigration restrictions and ICE tactics. Through my involvement with the
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Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition, we were able to connect with her and offer fair-wage work with dignity. In that same spirit, a portion of our offering will be given to Interfaith Community Services Food Bank, supporting neighbors impacted by ongoing SNAP cuts.
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The energy in the room was incredible—warm, joyful, and welcoming. Many people said they wished we had more time to talk. One person told us it was “the best church dinner they’ve ever had.” Others shared how meaningful it was to sit with people they “never would have met otherwise.”
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We also learned a lot! Most of the tweaks for next week are behind-the-scenes: smoother setup, clearer logistics, and a stronger plan for kids. (We hear you: there will be pizza!) Next Wednesday will feature a video-based reflection, and we’ll experiment with buffet-style serving to give table hosts more freedom to participate in the conversation. As Methodists, the practical usually wins out—and honestly, I love that we’re a praxis people.
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Thank you to everyone who came with such open minds and willing spirits. And thank you to those who registered—it helped us more than you know.
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If you missed our first night, we’d love to see you next Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m.
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If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do HERE—it helps us plan for food and seating.
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Come join us as we keep learning, experimenting, and building community together.
All are welcome at the table.
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This Sunday is Angel Tree Sunday
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Today is Angel Tree Sunday (week #2 of 2) to choose an Angel Tag to purchase a Christmas Gift for a child of an inmate. Prison Fellowship Ministry is an organization that encourages inmates to fill out a form for their children to receive Christmas gifts from their parent in prison. Catalina has participated in this for 20+ years.
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Caregivers of the children have been called to recommend specific gift suggestions for each child. These suggestions have been noted on each Angel Tree tag. Each child will receive a clothing gift AND a fun gift, (one tag for each) as specified by the caregiver. If you wish to participate, please choose a tag from the Christmas tree today (hopefully some are left from last week!) Each tag has a TRACKING CARD paper clipped to it. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME AND PHONE # ON THE TRACKING CARD AND PLACE IN THE BAG LABELED TRACKING CARDS. We need that information in case you forget to bring the gift back!!!
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The gift needs to please be in the $20 - $25 range and will need to be returned NO LATER THAN NEXT Sunday Nov. 23, 2025. RETURN UNWRAPPED. PLEASE INCLUDE WRAPPING OR A GIFT BAG. ALSO INCLUDE THE WHOLE TAG. DO NOT TAKE OFF THE GIFT SUGGESTION SECTION.
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Thank you in advance for your generosity!
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Our Pastors' Roles and Responsibilities
We are blessed to have two pastors serving Catalina. Pastor Mike Kerr-Osman, our Senior Pastor, and Pastor Kelli Knight, our Associate Pastor. Primarily, Pastor Mike leads traditional worship each Sunday and oversees the administrative responsibilities of our staff and campus. Pastor Kelli is focused on researching, leading, and creating possible alternative worship services, and she leads the Outreach & Worship Team.
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Catalina’s lay leadership sets annual goals and aligns staff to live out those goals. Among these goals is sustaining our traditional service and developing an alternative service in support of community outreach, as assigned to Pastor Kelli. She is focusing her ministry beyond the traditional Sunday service. Her work includes connecting with the wider community and developing a second worship service. This means she cannot always be present at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday. Just as Pastor Mike assigns time for planning and creating Sunday worship, Pastor Kelli devotes her energy to visiting other churches, seeing what works, and bringing ideas to Catalina. They are both in ministry to us with God’s love and guidance.
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Thank you all for supporting both Pastor Mike and Pastor Kelli as we live more fully into Catalina's mission and vision for a vibrant future.
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Diana Hill. Chair of SPRC
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Blenman School Holiday Request
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Blenman Elementary School has asked Catalina United Methodist Church if we would provide some Christmas dinners for families over the school break. The grocery store gift cards will be $50.00 per family. If you would like to help, make a contribution to the Church and indicate it is for Blenman School. The families are always appreciative of the extra food support over the holidays. Contact: Deborah at [email protected]
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Support CUM Day School Through Benevity!
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Did you know that Catalina United Methodist Day School is now listed as a cause under Catalina United Methodist Church on Benevity, a workplace giving platform used by companies such as Raytheon, American Express, Microsoft, and Intel?
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Through Benevity, employees can make charitable donations that are often matched by their employer—doubling the impact! When donating, please select “Catalina United Methodist Church” (Unique Identifier: X860111427) and note that your contribution is designated for the Day School.
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🌞 Our current project focuses on installing sun sails at the Trike Yard to provide more shaded play space for our children. Every gift—large or small—helps the Day School continue its mission of nurturing young learners in a safe, loving, and faith-filled environment.
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Thank you for your continued support of this vital ministry that touches so many families in our community! 💛
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You have been so wonderful by calling or sending me get-well cards that told me that I was in your hearts and prayers. Some were sentimental, some were funny, some were thoughtful. All were appreciated. We know that God listens to and answers our pleas.
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Thank you all for your caring. I am so blessed to be a member of the Catalina Family.
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With gratitude, I send God's blessings to you all,
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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 click here..
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Koinonia Class for Adults: Sundays @ 9am in Room E-23
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AN ALTAR IN THE WORLD: A GEOGRAPHY OF FAITH begins. This lively class and discussion group reads one chapter each week of an excellent and thought-provoking book. Books are available from Rev. Reed. Adults of all ages can enjoy learning together! For more info: [email protected]..
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Women’s Bible Study: Wednesdays @ 9:30am in Room H-230
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On break until the new year! Contact Brenda Halferty for more information at [email protected] or 520-481-6993
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Shalom Circle: Second Tuesday @ 10am in Room H230
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United Women in Faith meetings. Please come and experience fun and fellowship while learning about other missions in our community! For more info: [email protected]
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Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays @ 6:45am in Room E-23
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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
Cancelled for November. 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: Rehearsals Thursdays-7-8:30pm
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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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Festival Ringers Bell Choir: Rehearsals Thursdays @ 5:30-6:30pm
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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]
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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.
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NOV 16: N-R Nov 23: S-Z Nov 30: A-G Dec 07: H-M
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Organ Festival Concert: Friday, Nov 14, 7pm in the Sanctuary
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Catalina Christmas Decorating: Monday, November 24, 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary
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Please join us in decorating the Sanctuary and Narthex for Christmas. We welcome and appreciate all volunteers as "Many hands make light work". We especially need a few people who can climb a 6 foot ladder to reach high places for wreath and garland hanging. Coffee and donuts will be available to ensure we maintain peak performance! Please contact Janice Golden (626/372-9688 or [email protected]) if you have any questions or to volunteer -- although you can also just show up that morning, and we will welcome you.
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Annual Church Conference: Tuesday, Nov 25 @6pm in Fellowship Hall
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All are welcome and encouraged to attend our annual conference. Only members are allowed to vote, but this is where we will review the year and highlight goals for 2026. Led by our pastors and the District Superintendent, Rev. Javier Olivares.
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Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Making: December 12, 3-5pm, Room E23
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We need about 20 volunteers to make more than 500 sandwiches. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
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Casa Maria Soup Kitchen Outreach: Saturday, December 13
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Primavera Men's Shelter: Saturday, December 27: 2-4pm or 4-6pm
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Volunteers needed to cook and serve a 5-couirse meal to approximately 52 men living at the Primavera Men's Shelter. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
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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!
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Please be in prayer for:
- Baby girl Dexter, daughter of Stephen and Andrea, who is recovering from botulism
- all who are feeling hunger and homelessness, especially children and seniors.
- Mike who has recently had shoulder surgery and needs prayers for healing and recovery.
- St. James, St. John's and St. Mark's UMCs in Tucson
- Peace. Love. Prayer. Always.
Need a Visitation?
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If you, or someone you know, would like a visitation from our 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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Why invite someone to church?
An invitation to church isn’t just about Sunday morning—
It’s about sharing peace, hope, and belonging.
Your ask could change someone’s week
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Just lean over and say, “Come with me this Sunday.”
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Join our Volunteers for Outreach Missions!
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🙌 Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about making a difference.
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Every act of service, big or small, is a way to share God’s love and bring hope to others.💙
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When we serve together, we become the hands and feet of Christ in the world. ✝️
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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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