PowerPoint Presentation

ARIZONA

The ushers and church family of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church started 2025 with the continuance of the “Fresh Rain” Friday Conference that was started by the Late Pastor Bishop Alexis Thomas (may he continue to rest in peace) with current Pastor Rev. Dr. Terry E. Mackey continuing the tradition. Before the Conference begins all members were asked to fast. The first week of fasting was water as the only beverage; the second week was no meats; and the third and final week was no sweets. On the conference’s closing Sunday, January 19, 2025, the Pilgrim Rest ushers greeted and seated over 1,800 guests and members. The conference was well attended, and the messages of renewal were delivered with purpose and received with gratitude. The ushers and church family of Gideon Missionary Baptist Church continued their outreach efforts this quarter by providing 70 families with clothing through their “Gideon Giving Corner” and volunteering at the St. Mary's Food Bank to provide 12,630 meals to children. The ushers and church family of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church continue to serve their surrounding community through their monthly mobile food pantry. This past quarter they were able to distribute food to over 3,000 individuals. Gideon and Pilgrim Rest keep up the good work! United Church Ushers of Arizona and the entire Western Region are excited to do what is needed to host a successful and spirit-filled NUCUAA National Convention in Phoenix, AZ at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, July 21-25, 2025. One example of that excitement was displayed on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The United Church Ushers of Arizona showed their wholesome hospitality by hosting a reception/dinner for the attendees of NUCUAA’s mid-winter board meeting. The attendees were served a southwestern meal consisting of enchiladas, rice, refried beans, lemonade and dessert. NUCUAA President Dr. Linda Pates, NUCUAA Board Chair Pansy Bradley-Cooper, the NUCUAA Board of Directors, and other NUCUAA officials fellowshipped with Arizona President Julia Rodgers, the Arizona Ushers, and the Host Pastor for the 106 th National Convention, Rev. Shauncey D. Hatten, Sr., Pastor of the South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church. During January and February, the United Church Ushers of Arizona actively supported the Annual Ushers’ Days of South Phoenix and Faith Missionary Baptist Churches. The ushers and nurses of South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church celebrated their annual day on Sunday, January 26, 2025, during morning service ( see picture below ) where the ushers and nurses were highlighted by serving in different morning service supporting roles. The theme for the day was “Serving Others Through God Given Gifts” taken from 1 Peter 4:10. South Phoenix’s own Pastor, Rev. Shauncey D. Hatten, Sr. delivered a high-energy, thought-provoking message on the theme.

Helen B. Hornbuckle Doorkeeper