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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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Lent began on Ash Wednesday. Throughout Lent, Pastors Mike and Kelli will be centering each Sunday service around The Lord's Prayer. We encourage you to join us on Sundays at 10am in the Sanctuary or on line at www.catalinamethodist.org. You can always use the link below under "Live Streaming."
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Bringing Ashes and Hope to the University of Arizona by Pastor Kelli
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On Ash Wednesday, I had the privilege of joining Rev. Mel Roberts, director of the Frontera Wesley Foundation at the University of Arizona, in distributing ashes to students on campus. A small table with a sign reading "Get Your ASH Over Here" drew curious passersby, inviting them to pause for a moment of reflection.
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For two hours, I met students from a variety of backgrounds—some familiar with the tradition, others unsure if they could receive ashes. A few Catholic students hesitated, wondering if it was allowed. I reassured them, sharing that I was raised Catholic myself and that this sacred symbol of mortality and grace is for all who wish to receive it. Others shared their Lenten practices, including one student who had chosen to give up TikTok for the season.
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When students approached, I introduced myself, asked for their name, and explained the meaning of the ashes: a reminder of our mortality, our sin, and the brokenness of the world. Mixed into the ashes was glitter—symbolizing hope and joy even in life's dust and reminding us that we are made of nothing less than the dust of the stars. As I traced the cross on each forehead, I spoke the ancient words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Their responses varied—a quiet amen, a sign of the cross, or a simple thank you.
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One student, the president of a campus ministry, asked a thoughtful question about which sacraments require ordination. As we talked, I explained that in the United Methodist Church, ordained pastors preside over baptisms and Holy Communion, but anyone can offer ashes. Sensing their interest, I invited them to try. At first nervous, they stepped forward with a willing heart. I guided them through the practice, showing them how to press the ashes into their thumb and offer the sacred words. With each imposition, their confidence grew. Later, they reflected that it felt deeply personal and meaningful to share this ritual with others.
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It was a gift to witness young adults engage with an ancient tradition, finding resonance in its sacred simplicity. And it was my deep joy to equip the student saints among us to share the good news of our faith.
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Lotsa Pasta in February is Big Success!
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A big “thank you” to all who donated pasta, sauce, and mac & cheese to our February Interfaith Community Services (ICS) food drive. We collected 220 lbs of food consisting of 92 packages of pasta, 41 containers of sauce, and 50 boxes of mac & cheese. If anyone wants to donate but missed the deadline, feel free to add any nonperishable food to the food basket that is always in the Sanctuary narthex.
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Thank you Catalina, for your spirit of generosity.
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We need volunteers for our PB&J Sandwich Making Marathon from 3:00 pm to about 5:00 pm on Friday, March 14th in Room E-23. For more info email [email protected].
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Church & Society - Missions Committee
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Become a Member of Catalina UMC!
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We will be holding a membership meeting for those interested in becoming members of Catalina UMC. The class/meeting will be on March 9, following the service. We’ll meet for about an hour and a half to discuss what the United Methodist Church and Catalina are as well as have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know one another a bit. If you have been thinking about joining the church and would like to come to the meeting, please email Pastor Mike at [email protected].
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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 meets at 9:00 am in Room E23: Our study material is "What's So Amazing About Grace?" Lively learning and real relationships make this group ideal for adults of all ages. Books are available at a reduced cost. Our focus for March: Chapters 8-13. 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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Our last date of study for Abide, a study of John 1,2, and 3, by Jen Wilkin will be March 12. Our spring study will be In the Footsteps of the Savior by Max Lucado. We will begin on Wednesday, April 16, and end May 21st. We meet at 9:30 - 11:30 in Room H230. Please join us. We are eager to welcome new members.
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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
Our next gathering is Mar 11. 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
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, please bring the cookies to one of our new carts in the Welcome Center. For questions contact [email protected] or 520-909-4404
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Mar 09: N-R Mar 16: S-Z Mar 23: A-G Mar 30: H-M
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The Big Queer Bible Study - A Lenten Journey
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Join us this Lent for The Big Queer Bible Study! We’ll gather on Tuesdays at 6:00pm, March 11 - April 15, at a coffee shop on Campbell Avenue to explore Scripture through a bold, affirming, and liberating lens. Using Kevin Miguel Garcia’s book, we’ll dive into the stories of our faith with fresh eyes, centering LGBTQ+ voices and experiences in a safe, celebratory space for all who seek a deeper understanding of the Bible. Whether you’re wrestling with Scripture, searching for affirmation, or just curious about how the Bible speaks to queer lives, all are welcome—LGBTQ+ folx, allies, and anyone longing for a faith that embraces and uplifts. Come as you are, bring your questions, and let’s journey together toward a faith that is expansive, inclusive, and deeply rooted in love!???? The Big Queer Bible Study book will be provided in advance for those who need a copy, or it can be purchased on Amazon. To sign up, contact Pastor Kelli Knight, [email protected]
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Together Tuesdays: Tuesday, Mar 11, 5:30-6:30pm in Fellowship Hall
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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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Flea Market to Raise Funds for Tucson Family Food Project, Mar 13-15, 7am-2pm, Christ Presbyterian Church
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Here's your chance to make that special flea market purchase and donate to a great program! Christ Presbyterian is located at 6565 E Broadway. For more info: [email protected].
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PB&J Sandwiches for Casa Maria: Friday, Mar 14, 3-5pm, Room E23
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We need volunteers to help make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Casa Maria. We have the fixin's, we just need many hands to help make many sandwiches! For more info contact [email protected].
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Catalina Breakfast Forum: Saturday, Apr 05 @ 9am in Fellowship Hall
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"Higher Ground - Factual Impact for Students: will be the topic for speakers Jean & Michael Guymon with Fred Ronstadt. Breakfast is $4 per person at the door. Please RSVP so we know how much food to prepare! Email [email protected] or call 520-327-4296 during office hours.
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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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...Calvin and Julie in need of guidance.
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...El Mesias UMC, Nogales; First UMC, Bisbee; First UMC, Eloy.
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...all who are suffering from fires, floods and other disasters.
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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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