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Ship of Fools: Central United Methodist, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

The Mystery WorshipperThe Mystery Worshipper Shipmate
edited December 2024 in The Mystery Worshipper

imageShip of Fools: Central United Methodist, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Heaven on earth - take a walk in faith

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Comments

  • Amanda B ReckondwythAmanda B Reckondwyth Shipmate
    Sadly this church has permanently closed due to dwindling congregation.
  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    Thank you, Miss Amanda.

    They seem to have been in trouble at the time of the Report, 11 years ago. I wonder if the pandemic dealt the final blow?
  • Amanda B ReckondwythAmanda B Reckondwyth Shipmate
    I don't know, but I'd guess they were the victim of dwindling mainline congregations in general. There are two other Methodist churches within a mile of them, one of which has closed but the other of which is thriving.
  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    I see. Yes, it's much the same picture here in the UK - Our Town now has only three Methodist churches, one of which is quite large (with a lively youth ministry), the second is a smaller local congregation (with a nice modern building, much used by secular groups), and the third is hanging on...

    FWIW, the church which has closed is quite an attractive-looking edifice, at least to my eyes, so I hope it finds a suitable alternative use.
  • Amanda B ReckondwythAmanda B Reckondwyth Shipmate
    I understand they're continuing to rent it out to interested parties. Our choral group used to rehearse there. The Phoenix Symphony also -- I'm not sure if they still do. Yes, it is a very attractive building.
  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    Thank you, Miss Amanda. Good to hear.
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    A story on the closure can be read here.

  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    Thanks @Nick Tamen - one closure is bad enough, but it's even more saddening to read about the immense problems the UMC as a whole is facing.
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    Bishops Finger wrote: »
    Thanks @Nick Tamen - one closure is bad enough, but it's even more saddening to read about the immense problems the UMC as a whole is facing.
    Part of the UMC’s challenges have been the number of congregations that availed themselves of the window to leave the UMC with their property in 2022 and 2023, as was discussed elsewhere in the Ship. In some parts of the country, significant numbers did that, while in other parts of the country, not as many congregations left. I don’t know what the situation for the UMC in Arizona was in that regard.

    Of course, the UMC is also facing the same challenges all churches, particularly mainline Protestant churches, are facing in the US.


  • Amanda B ReckondwythAmanda B Reckondwyth Shipmate
    The gay question, I fear, will be the death knell of the UMC: whether to allow LBGTQ+ pastors, or even LBGTQ+ persons to join a congregation -- as well as the question of same-sex marriages.
  • SpikeSpike Ecclesiantics & MW Host, Admin Emeritus
    Host note:

    Please note that any further discussion on LBGTQ+ pastors & congregations or same sex marriage belongs in Epiphanies.

    Ta Muchly

    Spike
    MW Host
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