Doorkeeper Oct 2025

State President: Julia Rodgers State Reporter: Augus Hall

The United Church Ushers of Arizona concluded the summer season with attending and participating in family reunions, vacations, weddings, Vacation Bible School and the successful hosting of the 106 th NUCUAA National Convention which was held in Phoenix, Arizona. These activities remind us that God’s work does not go on vacation. Now, it is onto preparing for the upcoming fall activities of holidays and school activities. Pilgrim Rest Baptist and South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Churches held weeklong Vacation Bible School (VBS) sessions offering classes for youth and adults. Pilgrim Rest held its VBS during June 16 – 20, 2025 which was well attended. South Phoenix Missionary Baptist held its VBS during July 7 – 11, 2025 on the themed subject “Back To Basics: B.I.B.L.E. (Blessings Inspiring Believers to Live Eternally)”. Several South Phoenix Ushers were members of the VBS staff serving as teachers, administration, and culinary technicians. The session concluded with a pool and pizza party. PRAISE REPORT! Usher Marilyn Foard of New Salem Baptist Church, Usher Tina Dennis of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, and Usher Donna Wiley of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church were all diagnosed with cancer last part of 2024/early part of 2025. By God’s grace and healing power, all three ladies have successfully completed their individual challenging prescribed treatments and are doing well! As stated in Isaiah 53:5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church paid tribute to their Pastor, Rev. Shauncey D. Hatten, Sr. by celebrating his 2 nd Pastoral Anniversary. On Friday, August 8 th the anniversary celebration was kicked off with an evening service with Bishop Jameen Oliver of Jehovah Shammah Apostolic Faith Church delivering the message. A church family tennis shoe indoor picnic was held on Saturday, August 9th to fellowship and to recognize the efforts and service that Rev. Hatten carried out over his first two years as Pastor. On Sunday, August 10 th the celebration closed out with Pastor Larry D. Gooden of Dominion World Ministries delivering the morning message and Rev. Alex Day, Pastor of First Shiloh Baptist Church bring the afternoon Word. It was truly a blessed weekend!

The church family and Ushers Ministry of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church were involved in several special events and outreach. During the week of June 30 – July 2, 2025 the church set aside time to learn through a program called S.A.I.L., Summer Adventure In Learning. Also, during July, the annual Marriage Retreat was held in Tucson. This year an invitation to singles was extended for those who wanted to get an insight on marriage! The weekend retreat was designed to be fun, truthful, and transformational through learning to use communication and listening tools. The Noon Prayer for July was led by Youth Ushers Carolyn Webb and Jackson Allen, and Senior Usher Fiona Webb. For the months of June, July, and August, Pilgrim Rest’s Mobile Food Pantry fed an average of 4,200 families.