Who We Are – Extravagantly Welcoming
We are a congregation that…
…is unapologetically progressive.
….seeks God’s justice in the world.
So what does that mean exactly?
First, we really do welcome all as fully part of the body of Christ: people who are sure of their faith and people who have lots of questions, members of the LGBT community and their allies, newcomers and old friends. All really does mean all. Often, that welcome also includes food and coffee.
We are progressive, too. We’re figuring out what faith looks like in the 21st century. We’re figuring out what question we can ask together. We’re listening for the ways God continues to speak.
And we’re seeking God’s justice. We’re worried about seeking the things God wants in the world right now and the things that Jesus was really clear about: feeding someone who is hungry, giving shelter to someone who needs it, loving our neighbors in real, tangible ways.
Come, check out who we are for yourself.
From Our Pastor
The disciples asked Jesus a simple question, and he goes on giving an answer that by the time he finishes you forgot the question. The chapter ends with the statement: “no one dared to ask him any more questions” (Mark 12:34). It seems that when we move from childhood we some times stop asking questions. Either we think we know all the answers, or we are embarrassed to admit that we do not have the answers. Here at Chalice we believe that the “questions are as important as the answers.” In other words, our community is a safe place in which every question is important and there are no questions that cannot be asked. We may not always have an answer, but we will walk with you in the search for one. We believe this is what progressive Christianity in the 21st century is about and so you are always welcome to join us for the continuing journey of life and faith.
Pastor Vernon
Staff
Pastor
Pastor Vernon is our transitional pastor leading Chalice in its discernment in seeking out a settled pastor and navigating Chalice’s changing role in a changing world.
Music Director & Keyboard
Originally from the Midwest, Kelly Pearson graduated with a bachelors of music in piano performance from Wartburg College. In 2000, Kelly moved to Arizona and began teaching piano privately at The Music Store. She became the keyboardist at Chalice in 2003 and is currently serving as the Music Director as well. On Sundays, you will find her at the piano playing and leading congregational singing, along with her husband Scotty on Guitar. Their two cute kids are usually nearby.
Guitar, Scott Pearson
Administrative Assistant, Liz Nelson
Affiliations
CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
… a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.
“We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.” Disciples of Christ Statement of Identity
CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN ARIZONA
… one of 31 Regions in the United States and Canada
Regions exist to cultivate growth in congregations by demonstrating true community, deep Christian spirituality, and a passion for justice, as called for in Micah 6:8. Regions also educate and empower congregations to become healthy and vital living witnesses to the love, justice and grace of God through Jesus Christ, as is called for in Acts 2:43-47.
WEEK OF COMPASSION
Disciples’ emergency response around the world. Click here to learn more.
Week of Compassion will be your hands and feet when you wish you could do something to help in times of crisis. Through WOC you were there after Katrina hit New Orleans, during recovery from the earthquake which devastated Haiti, and you are working right now in Japan’s recovery efforts and in Joplin, MO and other Midwestern sites ravaged by tornados.
OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY
LGBTQ+ Alliance (Alliance Q)
Chalice is an Open & Affirming Ministry where all persons are welcome regardless of sexual or gender identity. All are free to become as engaged in the ministries and activities of the church as they wish, and may seek leadership roles as they feel called. Click on the link above for more information on Open & Affirming Ministry.