Just back in from the wonderful Ring the Bell Memorial tribute to Ray Mills (who portrayed Uncle Sam for the past years). Ray was an inspiration to us all as he spent a good portion of his life giving back to seniors, kids and veterans. The program was wonderful as we celebrated freedom and those who insured we have it (including the 19 fire fighters who died this week in that fire in Yarnell AZ). A special thanks to Pastor Danny Hinkle from Christ Church of the Valley in Peoria who gave a terrific opening Invocation and closing Benediction. My problem is quite simple, that church is in Peoria. We have 31 churches in this community, an inordinately large number for 43,000 residents. Rumor has it the Webb Corporation felt it was good for business to be so heavily saturated by religious options as people grew near the end. I cannot state for certain Pastor Hinkle was there because no one from a Sun City Church would do it, but....And one only has to go back to the annual Easter Sunrise service this spring that was nearly cancelled because no Sun City Church would do it. It only happened because a church from outside Sun City stepped up and filled the bill. What can I say but to query...Really?
Churches in SC Well, I can tell you directly that this SC church pastor was not contacted... and would gladly have been there. I am sorry we lost Ray; he was a great guy and offered a lot to many. The Easter service needs very early ramp-up through the Area Ministerial Alliance... schedules get locked in months ahead. Again... our SC churches and pastors are ready and available!
Hey baseballguy, thanks for jumping in on this topic. Great to hear you would have done it. I had nothing to do with setting it up so I have no idea who lined it up. They did mention the Catholic Church Ray went to and was active in and that seemed like the most appropriate church to start with. As far as the Easter Service, i'm sure you know this has been a tradition that has gone on for years. For some odd reason this year's service was pulled weeks before by the pastor who has been doing it and we were fortunate to be able to even hold it. Hopefully we will have this locked up next year with a local pastor or priest who will perform the multi-denominational Easter service. Sun City churches have long played an important role in this community. The history of DEVCO/Webb and their relationship with the large number of churches is very cool. The book of drawings of churches we sell at the museum is wonderful and in my opinion it is critical we all work in concert to maintain some of these traditions. Thanks again for jumping in and clarifying.
I have a copy of the book with drawings of all the churches in Sun City. It is lovely. I keep it on my coffee table.
I know the pastor who had to pull teeth to get people to help with the 2012 Easter Service. I read scripture at 6:10 in the morning...not sure I made any sense at that hour! There were quite a few people there, but I'd like to see the place covered with Christians willing to share the news that Jesus has Risen!
Amen.... I too would like to welcome baseball guy to the site... segway - I am a Pittsburgh Pirates fan and we finally after 20+ years look to finish with a winning record and could be in the playoffs...
Pirates? I attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, and attended several Pirates games in the early 70's ... Forbes Field. I am a D-Backs fan and also Red Sox, as I was born and raised in MA. My wife and I moved to AZ in 1996, and I began serving Church of the Palms. Thanks very much for the welcome. What else would you like to know?
Good stuff Baseball guy... I was born in Erie PA... my family is from Pittsburgh - Clairton, West Mifflin, etc... I actually have a 1909 Forbes Field Seat from 1909 (these were the green/ white ones that were all iron sides and wood backs and seats... Love it.. The buccos look good this year.. welcome to the site!!!
