Robin Conner and Nancy Yob
It’s a known fact that Methodists love to eat; yes, many United Methodists enjoy potlucks. This tradition stems from a long-standing practice of sharing food and fellowship within the church community. Food unites us, heals us, and sustains us, so whether the occasion is thanking volunteers, enjoying holidays, or gathering for other occasions, we look forward to sharing those important milestones. On Sept. 14, Vista UMC will enjoy another potluck, this time recognizing the 35th Anniversary of the Church, located on a hill overlooking Catalina and beyond just off Oracle Road.
On Sept. 9, 1990, 61 persons met for worship at Coronado Middle School, located across the road from the previously purchased dismantled 10-acre Mission site. Vista de la Montana United Methodist Church (“View of the Mountain”) had begun. The congregation eventually outgrew the original purchased three modules and on Sept. 8, 2002, gathered for Consecration Sunday in the new adjacent Sanctuary. By 2018, Vista had completed fundraising for Phase 1 of their new Administrative Building campaign. Vista members consecrated the new building on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Shortly thereafter, the pandemic closed live attendance, but Vista UMC remained strong through streaming services until they reopened in November of 2020.
The 35 years since the beginning of Vista’s journey have seen growth into a beautiful oasis in the desert, including a Sun Wheel and Labyrinth on the surrounding grounds. The church hosts a variety of Outreach and Mission projects, focusing on the surrounding communities. Our sister church, Fuente de Vida in Agua Prieta, Mexico, is a recipient of Vista’s School Supplies Mission Project and is part of the Mission Committee’s Economic Development Program. Various onsite Adult Education classes are met with enthusiasm and growing in popularity. All of these projects demonstrate Vista’s strong commitment to community service and mission programs.
Please join the celebration on Sept. 14 immediately following worship at 10 a.m. We are located at 3001 E. Miravista Lane, on the west side of Oracle Rd. just south of the Golder Ranch intersection. Questions can be answered by calling Vista’s office: 520-825-1985, Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn more at vistaumc.org.
“Once a Missile Site, Now a Church with a Mission”