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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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- Read 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.
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Many of you know that a central part of my role is engaging with the community. Catalina has a rich history of outreach and much of our involvement is through our mission projects like Primavera Men’s Shelter, Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, Tucson Interfaith HIV-AIDS Network (TIHAN), etc. Another level of community engagement is building relationships with people outside the church. John Wesley famously said, “The world is my parish,” reminding us that our
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charge as United Methodists is to the whole community, not just the Sunday morning worshippers.
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One of my favorite ways to get acquainted with a new community is by joining a police ride-along. Recently, Michael Guymon, a church member and Tucson Chamber CEO, introduced me to Tucson’s Chief of Police. Last Thursday, I partnered with Officer Gerald Sheley for a 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. shift in the Midtown Division, where our church is located.
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I learned that about every quarter, the Division identifies an area of focus, and the most recent location has been the Speedway and Alvernon intersection, based on its high volume of bus stop activity. The primary issues in nearby neighborhoods are largely non-violent offenses, such as trespassing and drug- and theft-related incidents.
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On the night of my ride-along, the first call we responded happened to be a landlord being harassed and threatened by a tenant wielding a machete. All were safe, but the tenant was arrested. Two other calls were in response to possible break-ins. But the best call was from a Burger King reporting a woman outside, shouting at workers and customers. When we pulled up, a large, older white woman saw the police vehicle and immediately raised her hands in the air. She clasped her hands behind her head and walked towards us. When asked what was going on, she said she needed to save the children inside who were being abused. She said she could see butterflies fluttering all around us. Officer Sheley asked for identification and the woman sat down on the curb an took off her black glitter high tops. Officer Sheley donned a glove as the woman took off her sock and peeled her paper Social Security card off the bottom of her damp foot. As the officer returned to the squad car to run the woman’s ID, she said she wanted to go to jail. Could she please go to jail tonight? By this point, it was evident the woman wasn’t causing harm, but was clearly in a crisis. She simply needed mental health support.
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That’s when I learned about the Crisis Response Center (CRC), located at Banner University Medical Center South. They have an arrangement with the Tucson Police Department where they can take individuals for psychiatric evaluation, crisis stabilization, enrollment in outpatient services like therapy, emergency medication refills, and referrals to community resources.
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On our transport to the CRC, the woman started to sing. Officer Sheley asked what her favorite song was, and she said “Looking for You” by Zach Williams. The officer did a kind thing by playing the song and the woman sang along to every word, every verse, in every key. She thanked us for looking for her and bringing her to the CRC.
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This experience reminded me how police work intersects with ministry. They deal with the city’s hardest moments, but they also offer genuine help to those who might otherwise be lost. Jesus taught us to seek out the least and the lost, and I saw that spirit of service in action. While far from romanticizing policework, witnessing their care for vulnerable people was heartening.
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Angel Tree Sundays are Nov 10 & 17
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Angel Tree Sundays, will be Nov. 10th and Nov. 17th. If you wish to shop for either a toy or clothing gift for a child, we will have the Angel Tags on the Christmas Tree on these 2 Sundays.
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UNWRAPPED Gifts and a gift bag will need to be returned no later than Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. The next event is gift wrapping.
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All are welcome to help wrap gifts, on Sunday, Dec. 8th from 11 am right after church to about 1:30 pm. Then the most fun part - GIFT DELIVERY. This year we have 27 families to deliver to the week of Dec. 15th. It's not hard, and it is very rewarding. Please contact Judy Wingert to volunteer or to ask questions - 520-909-4404 or [email protected]
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Be the LIGHT
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November is the time of year when we focus on stewardship—that is, taking the time to consider the gifts God has blessed each of us with and how we might, in turn, bless others with our gifts. The theme of our 2025 Stewardship Campaign is Be the LIGHT.
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We are God’s light in our community, with:
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- Love – Guiding every action with love
- Inspiration – Sparking creativity and new ideas in faith
- Guidance – Offering wisdom and support on life's journey
- Hospitality – Creating a warm and welcoming environment
- Trust – Building relationships rooted in trust and faith
For three Sundays in November, we’ll highlight how we’ve shone God’s light into the lives of our church family and community in the past year, what we’re currently doing, and a vision of how we want to shine that light in the future.
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Please look for more information in the mail, listen to stories you will hear, and prayerfully consider how you can help Catalina Be the LIGHT by making a financial commitment for 2025.
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Blenman Elm Christmas Dinners
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Blenman Elementary School has asked CUMC 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, contribute to the Church and indicate it is for Blenman School. The families are always appreciative of the extra food support over the holidays. For more information email Debbie Williams at [email protected]
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Deck Our Halls at CUMC!
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Please join us in decorating the Sanctuary for the holidays Nov. 26, 9am in the Sanctuary. We welcome and appreciate all volunteers as "many hands make light work". We especially need people who can climb a 6 foot ladder to reach high places for wreath and garland hanging. Please contact Janice Golden if you have any questions or to volunteer. [email protected] or 626/372-9688 (cell phone)
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CUMC Job Announcement
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If you or anyone you know would be interested in applying for Choir Director at CUMC, the Job Description is available: click here
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Seekers Adult Sunday School Class @ 8:45am-9:45am in Room H-230
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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 go to https://www.catalinamethodist.org/adults/.
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Koinonia Class for Adults: Sundays @ 9am in Room E-23
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A fun Sunday morning class built on relationships and learning: 9:00 am in Room E23, led by Rev. Kirk Reed. You're invited! Upcoming topics: “Honest Doubt” and “Messy Truth About Spirituality” (Nov 17); “Situation Ethics” and “Abortion” (Nov 24).
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Women’s Bible Study: Wednesdays @ 9:30am in Room H-230
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Bible study: Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin. We have enjoyed studies by Jen previously. The study is on Wednesdays from 9:30 to11:30, Sept. 18- Nov. 20 in room H230. Hope to see you there. Invite a friend! Contact Brenda Halferty for more information and to sign up. 520-481-6993 or [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: First Tuesday of the month @ 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
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Our next gathering is To Be Announced. 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: Thursday Rehearsals @ 7pm in the Choir Room
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Come and sing with the choir at rehearsals and on Sunday. It's so much fun! For more information contact [email protected]
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We will have cookie time after the church service in our new Welcome Center. If you are donating cookies, please bring them to the table in the back of the room! See you there! For questions contact [email protected] or 520-909-4404
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Nov 17: N-R Nov 24: S-Z Dec 01: A-G Dec 08: H-M
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Marvin Blough Memorial, Sunday, Nov 17 @ 2pm in the Sanctuary Followed by Reception in the Welcome Area
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Angel Tree Sundays Are Nov 10 and Nov 17
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Pick up your tags off the tree in the Sanctuary. Return your unwrapped gifts and gift bag no later than Sunday, Dec. 1. Volunteer to gift wrap on Sunday, Dec 8, 11am-1:30pm. Help deliver week of Dec 15. To volunteer, contact Judy Wingert at 520-909-4404 or [email protected].
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PB&J Sandwich Making for Casa Maria, Friday, Nov 15, 2-5pm, Room E-23
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We need 20 volunteers to make more than 500 sandwiches for Casa Maria Soup Kitchen's sack lunch program. If interested, please contact [email protected]
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Organ Festival Concert, Friday, Nov 15, 7pm, Sanctuary
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Chelsea Chen performs. Tickets available at catalinamethodist.org/organ-festival or at the door.
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Catalina Breakfast Forum: Saturday, Dec 07 @ 9am in Fellowship Hall
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Our speaker for Saturday, Dec 07 is Rex Scott, Pima County Supervisor, District 1. His topic: “Responsibilities and Challenges.” Breakfast is $4 per person at the door. Please RSVP so we know how much food to prepare! RSVP to [email protected] or call 520-327-4296 during office hours.
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Christmas Concert: Sunday, Dec 08 @ 4pm in the Sanctuary
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Get in the spirit of Christmas at this annual concert assembled by our new Acting Music Director Mariana Mevans Vidal. We don't know the highlights yet, but it will be magical!
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CUMC has an active prayer team, Prayer Partners, praying for our attendees, visitors and staff 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 Marvin Blough who passed the Monday, Oct 28
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...UMC of the Good Shepherd, Kearny; UMC of Green Valley; Willcox UMC
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...An end to war, violence and suffering for all peoples in conflict.
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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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Are You Engaging With Us?
Don't forget to engage with us on Facebook and Instagram! Just search for catalina.united.methodist. And be sure to like our posts as well as respond to them! We're also on Next Door!
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