03/23/2024
It is with heavy hearts we are devastated to announce that, after faithfully serving the Tucson community for over 65 years, our affiliate denomination has made the decision to close Monte Vista at the end of April. Originally, Monte Vista was founded by members of the denomination. Due to that association, the church remained loyal through the years, even though there has been no financial assistance from the denomination. Additionally, it has been approximately 30 to 35 years since a minister from the denomination has served as pastor. During that time, multiple requests have been made to denomination headquarters for a pastor, to no avail. Thankfully, ministers from other denominations, such as Free Methodists and Church of the Nazarene, have been willing to serve at Monte Vista during this time. Monte Vista is a vibrant, Bible-based church. Church services are held every Sunday morning and a ladies Bible study each Tuesday. A Wednesday evening service, which was requested by new attendees, was in the planning stages when the announcement to close was received. Neighborhood outreach programs, such as a food pantry that provides food to the under-served, elderly and needy families in our inner-city is an on-going Monte Vista ministry. This outreach program has provided food and other staples to hundreds of less fortunate in our community each year. The decision to close the church is adamantly opposed by church members and attendees, past and present.
December 5, 2023: Affidavit and letter (email) received stating the denomination was going to close the church on January 7, 2024. There was no prior notification or any indication this was being discussed. A call was made to a former pastor, who has served in various roles with the denomination. The question was asked, “Can we appeal.?” We were told, yes, we could appeal. A call was made to the head of the denomination (General Superintendent). He confirmed we could appeal. He said he had only heard of the intent to close the church the same day (December 5) as we did. He encouraged us to appeal and said he would advise us as the date of appeal approached. The decision to close was presented to the Monte Vista board. The board, shocked and saddened, unanimously voted to go forward with the appeal. The appeal was set by the denomination at February 16, 2024, 10:00 am.
February 16, 2024. The appeal hearing took place at denomination headquarters in Ohio. The appeal hearing was attended and presented by three members of the Monte Vista board. After a long process, where the Monte Vista board members were directed to wait in a small conference room on two separate occasions, they were informed by the General Superintendent that no decision had been made. Approximately 2 weeks later, the message was received that the denomination was going forward with the closing. Monte Vista leaders were also told the denomination was taking our property and control of our funds. This, in itself, seemed unfathomable. The denomination had never provided any financial support for the church. Additionally, a few years ago, a sister church of Monte Vista (Wynne Chapel, Cochise, AZ), had elected to withdraw from the denomination. Wynne Chapel, rightfully, was allowed to keep their church property. Wynne Chapel continues to serve the Cochise County area. It seemed inconceivable that the denomination would not allow the Monte Vista congregation to continue meeting in a church that was totally built and maintained for over 65 years by the congregation and supporters.
We felt an obligation to share the circumstance of the closing with the Tucson community and those who have been associated with and supportive of Monte Vista over the many years. Your thoughts, prayers and support moving forward would be greatly appreciated. They can take our church. They cannot take our faith or our spirit.
