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Tina joined BMUCC as Transitional Minister in January 2023 after a long career in Christian service to those suffering homelessness and addiction, the sick, the dying and the young., and many other groups in need. She is an inspiration to us to do God's work in the world.
This author has written the following articles as well:
Grace is ... poured out freely, available to all of us, and it is completely unwarranted, unearned, and separate from merit. Do we have to be perfect ... ?
We can deal with our strong feelings or we can run. We need other people to deal with feelings. These moments require us to get over ourselves long enough to acknowledge and honor those around us as a first step.
Sheepherders and Shepherdesses are caregivers and first responders. They are in a state of constant vigilance, with unseen burdens and mental health risks. All need community support.
Remembering past history helps us step into todays moment.
The Good Samaritan story revisited with a modern answer to the question: "Who is my neighbor?"
Honoring the impact of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , "I Have a Dream" speech, and the hope of keeping the dream alive
Some people are called to be sailors, some tillers of the soil, some artists, some are called to be good friends. I believe that all of us are called to be peacemakers. We need to be the best at whatever we are called to do. We must listen to the wind, and look to the sky to find the star that inspired the Magi.
A reading from the 1905 book "The Spirit of Christmas" by Henry Van Dyke called "Keeping Christmas"
In the Dark Night, we gaze in silence. We hope for a new light. And show up the next morning. We explore possible feelings of Joseph and Mary on the night before our saviors birth.
Those ubiquitous angels are back again, and this time they are talking to some shepherds out in the field .... Mary had plenty to ponder. Who were these sort of stinky individuals who came to visit her and her baby boy? Should she be afraid of them? Should she even believe them?
The sermon delves into the struggles and challenges faced by Mary and Joseph, emphasizing that Joseph was a "stand up guy". It draws parallels to contemporary life, and explores how Mary and Joseph's story can inspire and guide believers today. It underscores the importance of faith, perseverance, and trust.
This sermon explores the humanity of biblical characters, particularly Mary's mother, Anne, highlighting her experiences and emotions. This approach makes these figures relatable, emphasizing that divine plans often unfold through ordinary people. It draws parallels between the struggles of biblical parents and contemporary parenting.
The sermon praises the congregation's active community involvement and stewardship, emphasizing the church's role as a welcoming, supportive sanctuary.
When we simplify our lives, when we slow down, when we focus on gifts of the spirit rather than on money & things, we will become fully human, fully alive, completely full of grace.
The crucial role that personal responsibility plays in the healing journey
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 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.
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.
A love letter from Pastor Tina to BMUCC
Embracing the Last Supper: A Call to Bring Ourselves, Build Community, and Foster Bold Faith
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
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.
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!
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.
God welcomes ALL into God's church and anoints them to serve
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.
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!
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.
There are many misconceptions about forgiveness. Here are a few things that forgiveness DOESN'T mean.
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