Desert Garden United Church of Christ welcomes the Rev. William (Bill) Utke as its new pastor. Selected after an 18-month search, the Rev. Utke will assume his position on September 1 and give his inaugural sermon on September 5.

The Rev. Utke was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1993 and has served churches in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. His most recent pastorate has been at Emanuel Church, UCC, in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, where he has served since 2007. He is married to the Rev. Ann Utke.

In an expression of enthusiasm for his new post, the Rev. Utke said, “Through the entire interview process, I have felt the Holy Spirit calling me every step of the way to join in ministry with the Desert Garden congregation and the community of Sun City West. I am over-joyed to share this journey as we become Christ’s welcoming, rejoicing, thankful, mission-minded people.”