Those of us who use social media have seen the question, “Where were you on July 20, 1969?” Most of us can give a reasonably accurate account of whether or not we witnessed the lunar landing on that day. I have another question for you – where were you in October, 1969?
From some of the conversations I have had lately, I can tell you that in the fall of 1969, as newlyweds, Sandy and Bob Krueger were setting up housekeeping; Jane Zukowski was a stay-at-home mom making sure her young son, Jim Alexander, got off to kindergarten during the week in Winslow (we will try not to hold that against you Jim); while Carol and Clint Reynolds, with their four children, had recently relocated from California to Flagstaff where Clint was the pastor of the First Congregational Church, a church near and dear to my heart.
Meanwhile, here in Sun City, in the fall of 1969, there was a dedicated gathering of kindred souls, under the direction of Dr. Albert King, also relocating from Calif, who envisioned building a new church. They met weekly in the parsonage, discussing the formation of the first church in Phase II of Sun City. The United Presbyterian denomination, the Disciples of Christ, and the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ worked together helping establish the new church.
So, where were you, specifically, on October 5th, 1969? Any thoughts? I can tell you it was Worldwide Communion Sunday and the first Sunday of worship in Sun City for Church of the Palms. The congregation met in Town Hall North, which I believe was Oakmont Center, for a time, waiting for the completion of Lakeview Recreational Center before the groundbreaking of the building of our current sanctuary.
Needless to say, we are celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2019. The anniversary committee has designed outstanding projects and events as part of our celebration. The first event is a fundraiser (yes, celebrations of this nature need funding), a Chili Cook Off following worship September 23. A freewill offering jar will be available. Kevin Nicastro and Michael Cullen are leading this event.
We currently have enough volunteers who are cooking chili, thank you. We are in need of salads and condiments such as sour cream and shredded cheese.
Also, please sign up in the narthex if you will be attending so that we can be prepared.
Come with us on the journey ahead. We are looking back at the early years of our church and toward what the next years will bring. We are celebrating the past and embracing the future.
Sandy Znetko
50th Anniversary Chair
