Sun City
Arizona
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Sun City Church of the Nazarene
Spirit-filled believers from around the US and Canada had moved to Sun City hoping to find a Holiness Church. Without a church of their background, many made the trip into Phoenix or attended one of the many fine churches in Sun City. However, there was a continual longing for a church that reflected their belief in scriptural holiness. It was out of this desire and through their prayers that the Sun City Church of the Nazarene was born.
Concerned individuals had asked repeatedly for a Church of the Nazarene to be established in Sun City. In January 2001 a luncheon was held to gage interest in starting a congregation. 96 people attended the luncheon where a genuine spirit of excitement for the prospects of a new congregation prevailed with enough money raised to rent the Inter-Faith Mary's Place and buy one hundred fifty-three chairs. The first service was held on Sunday, Feb 18 with 152 people present. Rev. Marion McKellips had assumed pastoral leadership of the fledgling congregation. Rev. Ruth Delong had volunteered to serve as associate minister.
Plans were launched immediately to purchase the former Wells Fargo Bank building at 14636 N. Del Webb Blvd. $125,000 was raised in one month for a down payment, an offer on the bank was submitted and eventually accepted at $475,000. Five major circumstances can be described as the hand of God working in answer to prayer:
1. The building had been vacant and for sale for nearly ten months without there ever being a "For Sale" sign on it.
2. The small congregation was able to raise $125,000 in one month.
3. The bank agreeing to sell for $475,000 with an appraisal of $575,000
4. The small church loan committee approved a loan for $325,000 when we were not officially organized as a church.
5. Our broker paid the $25,000 balance between our loan plus down payment and the purchase price.
Dr. Dan Copp presided over the formal organization as Sun City Church of the Nazarene in November 2001 with 180 Charter members. With the charter open until the end of the year, membership totaled 194 in the charter.
One more miracle-the loan was at 5% and the congregation paid it in full in 15 months.
Beginning at the very first year there has been a strong emphasis on missionary support. In the fiscal year 2003, the congregation sent 70% of total money spent to missions. For the calendar year, 2004, the congregation has sent $350,000 for mission support. Our congregation is currently in search of larger facilities in addition to assisting the Surprise congregation in establishing a congregation in that rapidly growing area.
Continue to pray as we seek to fulfill God's call to be a witness for Christ in Sun City.
Concerned individuals had asked repeatedly for a Church of the Nazarene to be established in Sun City. In January 2001 a luncheon was held to gage interest in starting a congregation. 96 people attended the luncheon where a genuine spirit of excitement for the prospects of a new congregation prevailed with enough money raised to rent the Inter-Faith Mary's Place and buy one hundred fifty-three chairs. The first service was held on Sunday, Feb 18 with 152 people present. Rev. Marion McKellips had assumed pastoral leadership of the fledgling congregation. Rev. Ruth Delong had volunteered to serve as associate minister.
Plans were launched immediately to purchase the former Wells Fargo Bank building at 14636 N. Del Webb Blvd. $125,000 was raised in one month for a down payment, an offer on the bank was submitted and eventually accepted at $475,000. Five major circumstances can be described as the hand of God working in answer to prayer:
1. The building had been vacant and for sale for nearly ten months without there ever being a "For Sale" sign on it.
2. The small congregation was able to raise $125,000 in one month.
3. The bank agreeing to sell for $475,000 with an appraisal of $575,000
4. The small church loan committee approved a loan for $325,000 when we were not officially organized as a church.
5. Our broker paid the $25,000 balance between our loan plus down payment and the purchase price.
Dr. Dan Copp presided over the formal organization as Sun City Church of the Nazarene in November 2001 with 180 Charter members. With the charter open until the end of the year, membership totaled 194 in the charter.
One more miracle-the loan was at 5% and the congregation paid it in full in 15 months.
Beginning at the very first year there has been a strong emphasis on missionary support. In the fiscal year 2003, the congregation sent 70% of total money spent to missions. For the calendar year, 2004, the congregation has sent $350,000 for mission support. Our congregation is currently in search of larger facilities in addition to assisting the Surprise congregation in establishing a congregation in that rapidly growing area.
Continue to pray as we seek to fulfill God's call to be a witness for Christ in Sun City.