Doorkeeper Oct 2025

National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. (NUCUAA) held its 106 th National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona during July 21 – 25, 2025. Along with the Western Region, it was a challenging and privileged task to host a convention of this magnitude. From the pre convention events of the Saturday bus shopping trip and the Sunday musical to the Wednesday Sedona outing to the Friday Honoree/ Installation banquet, and everything else in between, the Western Region, the state of Arizona, and Host Pastor Rev. Shauncey D. Hatten, Sr. of South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church rolled out the red carpet to make the delegates and visitors feel welcomed and special, especially with giving a welcome bag prepared specifically for them. It was a thrill to highlight the state of Arizona, and it was a true blessing that God showed favor on the convention by keeping the temperature below 100 degrees for most of the convention days. Pastor Hatten did us proud by being a very engaged Host Pastor by actively attending and participating in all events he was requested. He delivered powerful sermons during the Sunday Interfaith Service held on July 20 th and at the Monday Candlelight Service held on July 21 st . The Monday morning, July 21 st Welcome Program featured greetings from Leah Landrum-Taylor, Director of Community Engagement for Arizona’s Department of Economic Security and from the Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory Commander Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London Marable. Given their powerful, historical content delivered greetings, Commander Marable and Deputy Commander London-Marable were a big hit and the delegates eagerly waited to take pictures with them.

For the first time ever, Arizona participated in the floor demonstration competition and in the drill competition with a senior team for both events. Even though we did not place, we made a good showing based on the scores received and are looking forward to competing in 2026 at Orlando, Florida. Arizona came away as the winner of the Alumni Department’s Bible Book of Seven with one of the highest scores of 169 out of 175 possible points. On Thursday, July 24 th Arizona’s Financial Secretary Augus Hall, who is also the National Willie J. Minnifield Training and Development Department Chairman represented the department by delivering a workshop on emergency preparedness entitled “Be Safe, Stay Ready”. Then closing out the convention on Friday, July 25 th , Arizona President Julia Rodgers was honored at the banquet along with her fellow Western Region honorees Pamela Farley of California, Edith Jackson-Norris of Colorado, and Charles Houston of Washington State. One of the tributes to President Rodgers’ came from her great-grandchildren singing “Jesus Is Real To Me”. Also, at the banquet Arizona’s Board of Director’s Chairman, James McMiller was installed as a new Director representing the Western Region on the National Board of Directors.