OUR BLOG

When we venture into the desert there are no guarantees other than we will emerge as changed people who cannot go back to their former selves.

How the simple act of listening furthers the creation of God's beloved community

How true health and fulfillment arise from a deep connection to our purpose, the nurturing of meaningful relationships, and a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Embracing our shared vulnerabilities and struggles, the Church of Compassion calls for genuine connection, empathy, and understanding for both ourselves and others in our faith journey.

How BMUCC members and friends across the U.S. are collaborating to bring comfort and hope to those waiting for a new life at our southern border.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual dedication and aligning daily actions with faith, highlighting that even small acts can reflect our deepest values and pave the way for larger transformations in our personal and communal lives.

Often when we seek to serve, bless and minister to others, we are served, blessed and ministered to by them.

A love letter from Pastor Tina to BMUCC

Where does BMUCC come from? From grassroots leadership and participation from its members, just like it still does today!

Embracing the Last Supper: A Call to Bring Ourselves, Build Community, and Foster Bold Faith

If even a computer can understand Jesus's love for all, why is it so hard for humans?

We are called upon as Christians to help those in need. And the need is urgent for our unhoused right now.

Unearthing Simple Joy: Happiness through Gratitude, Generosity, and Appreciating God's Gifts

While the Southern Baptist Convention relegates women to the pews, the UCC celebrates the strength of our women and their leadership

Letting go and letting God does not mean that we expect God to drive the car. It means that we make a faithful contribution, and then let go of the outcome.

Science shows Jesus' example leads to a stronger intellect and better problem solving

We are eager to grow the BMUCC community and extend an extravagant welcome to our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. But how? Here are some tips.

God commands us to rest as God did on the 7th day. How are you doing with that?

Our beloved community shares their summer photos from Arizona and around the world!

How loving God, oneself, and one's neighbor equally is essential for spiritual growth and creating a better world.

This sermon offers a reinterpretation of the Prodigal Son parable as a story of a dysfunctional family, emphasizing the importance of respect, accountability, and boundary-setting.

The blessing of service.

God welcomes ALL into God's church and anoints them to serve

Exploring Pride Month in the context of the teachings of Jesus Christ

Black Mountain UCC's blanket ministry delivers individually made blankets to asylum seekers, symbolizing comfort, empathy, and connection at the border.

In this sermon, Tina explores the impact of loneliness and the importance of human connection. Discover how pets, volunteerism, and an embracing community can combat isolation, create purpose, and embody God's desire for us to be together.

Black Mountain United Church of Christ's Journey as an Open & Affirming Congregation

There are a myriad ways in which our faith can be nurtured and deepened beyond the experience of Sunday worship. While gathering in the church is a vital part of our spiritual journey, we believe that the opportunity to grow closer to God is ever-present in our daily lives.

It wasn't easy for my husband and I to find a church home in the North Scottsdale/Cave Creek area that would welcome us as a gay couple, but the second we stepped through the doors at BMUCC, we knew we were home.

As society grapples with divisive narratives and widening gaps, many individuals and families find themselves standing at an intersection. This intersection lies between the personal values they hold dear and the theology of the institutions they participate in.

Surveys show that non-churchgoing people in our North Scottsdale and Cave Creek/Carefree community have some serious doubts about participation in organized religion, and we understand that. There's a lot to be concerned about because of the way that Christianity in the United States has developed over the past few decades. But BMUCC is different!

Our Congregational Profile process aims to guide us in understanding who we are now, who our neighbors are, and crucially, who God is calling us to become.

Children celebrated and honored their mothers at church this Sunday in a beautiful ceremony orchestrated by Joyce and Nelson!

We are a church that celebrates the blessings God has given us, and our young people are some of our greatest blessings! That's why we honored our high school graduate Nelson with joy last Sunday!

Our mission is to be the hands of hearts of God in the world around us. Here is our May report about how we've been doing that.

On Sunday, May 7, we received an important presentation from Holly on the Sonoyta Center of Hope (Centro de Esperanza) for refugees and asylum seekers just across the border from Lukeville, AZ, in Mexico. We learned about the Phoenix East Valley Network and their important work meeting the basic needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ on their journey to hope and safety. Our "Ties To Mexico" project supports this group. For anyone who wishes to contribute individually to this ministry, here is some information about their needs!

Last week, Tina reflected on her ten years as a prison chaplain for the Arizona Department of Corrections. Here is an excerpt from her sermon.

In the United Church of Christ, we celebrate the boundless love of God that knows no boundaries. This love embraces all people, transcending race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, and social background.

There are many misconceptions about forgiveness. Here are a few things that forgiveness DOESN'T mean.

We are a proud member church of the United Church of Christ. Learn more about our denomination and our history below!