Attending the Resurrection Church First Anniversary Service were (from left) Pastors Palmer Ruschke, Roger Pierce, Wayne Viereck, Susanne Havlic, Al Jensen and Roy Guinn. Not pictured are Pastor Jim Vadis and Intern Stephen Hilding.
David Stanard
Resurrection Church at SaddleBrooke is starting its second year. During year one it transitioned from being SaddleBrooke’s new church to being the place where increasing numbers of SaddleBrooke residents have found Christian fellowship and spiritual fulfillment. It has come to be known as The Happy Church, a moniker ascribed to it throughout the SaddleBrooke Community by attendees and non-attendees alike.
The church welcomes a diverse and all-inclusive spiritual demographic and the only requirement for attendance is an open mind about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The services last no more than an hour and Communion is open to anyone, regardless of denominational background or where they are in their spiritual journey.
Success of the church was never in doubt. Seventy at most were expected on the first Sunday. One hundred fifty showed up. Over the ensuing months peak attendance tested 200 and it is anticipated that there will be a significant increase over that now that the church has added an 8:30 a.m. service and broadened its appeal to those wishing to worship at an earlier hour.
A satellite of Resurrection Church in Oro Valley, the SaddleBrooke project was the brainchild of an inspired collaborative effort involving visionary Senior Pastor Al Jensen and several retired pastors who attend Resurrection but live in SaddleBrooke. They coordinated with the Church Council and received strong support from the many SaddleBrooke residents who were attending Resurrection services at the main campus.
A vibrant choir, the Resurrection Singers, was there early on and the first year saw the development of a number of church activities. First there were Bible studies. Social get-togethers followed. For those wanting more, there is a full complement to choose from at the main campus and a number of SaddleBrooke residents avail themselves ongoing of the Wednesday evening meal and service.
A major strength of Resurrection Church is its pastoral team who assume the Sunday pulpit on a rotational basis. Led by Pastor Jensen, the group includes Roy Guinn, Susanne Havlic, Palmer Ruschke and Wayne Viereck who all live in SaddleBrooke. Roger Pierce and Jim Vadis are nearby in Oro Valley as is the Church Intern Pastor Stephen Hilding. The synergistic intellectual and spiritual stimulation for the congregation that results from these multiple voices far exceeds that which a single pastor would be able to deliver.
Resurrection Church at SaddleBrooke holds its all-denominational Sunday worship services at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. in the Vermilion Room at the HOA 1 Clubhouse. All are welcome.