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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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The Office will be closed Monday, Feb 17 in Celebration of President's Day
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The Baha'i Temple in Chicago, Illinois
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From Pastor Kelli:
One of Catalina's 2025 goals is to "connect with the community by showing up where they are (Pride Festival and other events, coffee shops, etc.) to understand where God is already at work and how we can form partnerships to support God’s work." With this in mind, I recently came across a sponsored advertisement on Facebook for a local community conversation titled The Spirituality of Depolarization. The event posed a compelling question: Might there be a role for spirituality in guiding us toward greater empathy and understanding for one another? Intrigued, I signed up.
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This past Tuesday evening, I entered the Little Chapel of All Nations on the University of Arizona campus and was warmly greeted. About 15 people, ranging in age from roughly 35 to 75, gathered in a circle and we were invited to share our name and a moment from the past two weeks where a difficult experience led to unexpected joy. While some offered lighthearted reflections—like finding a lost birthstone gem after a hard day—others, including myself, recounted challenging conversations that ended with grace and reconciliation. The facilitator shared a powerful story about detecting a critical health issue just in time to prevent a life-threatening event.
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As the conversation progressed, I realized I overlooked a key detail in the event description: this was a gathering centered on Bahá’í teachings! While I'm vaguely familiar with the Bahá’í faith because there happened to be a stunning temple near my seminary in Illinois, this was my first time engaging in a discussion shaped by Bahá’í perspectives. It’s been a while since I was in the spiritual minority in the room, and I was reminded that while the fear is often that our own perspective would be overlooked, the opposite happened—in the mix of different viewpoints, my own beliefs actually became clearer. The readings and open dialogue emphasized themes that resonated with me as a Christian and a Methodist—listening deeply, holding space for differing perspectives, and fostering understanding rather than division.
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I found myself reflecting on how often Christian discourse, including my own, can often focus on reaching the "right" conclusion rather than sitting with the holy tension of diverse viewpoints. It's hard to describe, but there was a genuine spirit of gentleness throughout the discussion. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of presence, curiosity, and respect in spiritual dialogue. While I'm unlikely to continue attending this particular group, I left with deep gratitude for the experience and a renewed sense of hope knowing that others in Tucson are also seeking to navigate this time with compassion and connection.
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New Service, New Times for Worship
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It’s finally time for us to add a second service on Sundays which will be a Contemporary (more casual, less traditional) service at an alternate time. There has been much discussion about the two times to schedule the two services and we would like your opinion. Please go to https://bit.ly/CUMC-Survey to take the survey or simply click on the QR code to the left with your smartphone.
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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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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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Feb 16: S-Z Feb 23: A-G Mar 02: H-M Mar 09: N-R
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Holocaust Museum Tour: Sunday, March 02
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The Multicultural Growth Committee is offering a tour of the Holocaust Museum in Tucson on Sunday, March 2. Please meet after church on March 2 for coffee and cookies to discuss the details. Interested persons may go out to lunch together beforehand, and the tour will begin at 1:30PM at the museum. Questions? Please call Blythe Strong, 520-904-5645. Thanks for your interest!
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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, Feb 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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Catalina Organ Festival: Friday, Feb 21, 7pm in the Sanctuary
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Alcee Chriss III, winner of prestigious organ competitions, is know for incorporating gospel and jazz influences into his performances. Tickets avail on our website at www.catalinamethodist.org/organ-festival or at the door.
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Catalina Breakfast Forum: Saturday, Mar01 @ 9am in Fellowship Hall
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CUMC member Ray McKenzie Goodrow, watercolorist extraordinaire will be our featured speaker. 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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...pets in need of permanent homes.
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...Dennis and Marybeth ask for prayers for their health and for our country.
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...Christ Church UM, Tucson; Bowie UMC Start, Bowie; Duncan UMC, Duncan; South District Fresh Expressions
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...all who are suffering from fires, floods and freezing temperatures.
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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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