Through the efforts of the church community, RE- volv, who assisted with project development, and Capital Energy who installed the solar panels, Desert Garden UCC in Sun City West has gone solar. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held after the Worship Service on February 23, to celebrate the installation of a 47 kW solar array. They are now fully solar and offsetting 100% of their energy use with a total of 114 solar panels. This solar system will save the church over $700K on energy bills over time that they will invest toward their mission to “Love, Care, Share and Serve”.

During his comments to the attendees, Pastor Bill said, “Our decision to go solar represents our commitment to preserving and protecting God’s beautiful creation through being good stewards of our environment and our community”.

In a story from Solar Power World, Sen. Lauren Kuby remarked “With its year-round abundance of sun, Arizona could be the solar capital of the country. This investment at Desert Garden United Church of Christ represents proactive movement toward a clean energy future. And they are not alone. Places of worship across the State are modeling how solar is good for our communities and our wallets.”

With the desire to be good stewards of God’s beautiful creation, and the benefit of saving on their energy bills as they harness the abundance of Arizona sunshine, Desert Garden United Church of Christ recently installed a 47 kW solar array. With 114 panels, this solar system will save the church over $700K on energy bills over time that they will invest into their involvement with local social and environmental justice initiatives, such as those that support safe housing for those experiencing homelessness, zero-emissions transportation and hunger relief. 

On Sunday, February 23, join Desert Garden UCC, in partnership with RE-volv and Capital Energy, for a solar energy celebration. There will be food, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an opportunity to learn how to go solar at your home or nonprofit. The celebration will begin at after the 9:30 worship service. If not attending the service, please come around 10:15 to find a place to park.

Tragically, the devoted servant of God, Pastor Tulafono Maga of the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church Toafa o le Talalelei EFKAS of Wittmann, passed away near Christmas time, leaving both his family and church community grieving and uncertain about their future. On top of their emotional loss, his family faces a significant financial burden, as Pastor Tula was known for his generous support of his family.

If you would like to contribute to help the family with their essential needs, please consider a gift to the “Pastor Tula’s Family” fund at Desert Garden UCC. You can send a check with “Pastor Tula’s Family” in the memo line, and 100% of your donation will be directed to the family’s needs.

Checks can be made out to (and sent to) Desert Garden UCC, 18818 N. 128th Ave, Sun City West, AZ.