Tucson First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church of Tucson is a faith community and community resource serving Tucsonans in need. Established in 1879 as the first Protestant church in the city, First Church Tucson describes itself as a courageous church that continues to create a faith community embracing all people

About Tucson First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church of Tucson is a faith community and community resource serving Tucsonans in need. Established in 1879 as the first Protestant church in the city, First Church Tucson describes itself as a courageous church that continues to create a faith community embracing all people into the grace of God. Its mission is "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world," supported by a vision of celebrating diversity, welcoming everyone into God's love and grace, and offering a sanctuary of hope.

The church affirms and welcomes all people, regardless of age, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity, into full participation and membership. Its stated goals include meeting the spiritual needs it is uniquely equipped to fill, ministering to the university community, caring for its aging congregation, and engaging people who have never attended or who have felt disappointed or rejected by a faith community in the past. This welcome is reflected in the church's worship, publications, ministries, and day-to-day invitations to participate.

Sunday worship is available through online streaming as well as in the church's regular gathering. Prayer requests may be shared with the church office or pastor, brought to the congregation during the Joys and Concerns portion of worship, or submitted for possible inclusion in the next digest anonymously. The church also makes sermons available to take home, provides sheet music for the closing song, and offers Upper Room devotional magazines. Rainbow stoles are available to borrow during services or take home, representing an ally or member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Nifty Needlecrafts sewing ministry, led by Tripp, creates and maintains the stoles, and welcomes donated rainbow fabric.

The church's community life includes study, music, food, and volunteer opportunities. The Progressive Book Study group meets on Zoom and has explored "The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, and a Jew." People interested in joining are invited to speak with Pastor Raven before or after worship. The choir takes a seasonal summer break, while kitchen volunteers help prepare food before worship and clean up after Fellowship hour. The church notes that even a small amount of time can help with this work. Its online giving materials connect contributions with ministries and community projects intended to improve life in the surrounding community.

First Church Tucson also points people toward practical resources in Tucson, Pima County, and Southern Arizona. Its resource listings direct residents to cooling centers, hydration stations, and heat relief information through Pima County. The church shares information about the Josefina Ahumada Workers Center at Southside Presbyterian Church, the Iskashitaa Refugee Network, and Arizona Justice for Our Neighbors. These organizations address needs including yard and handyman work, refugee integration, food waste and food security, immigration legal services, immigrant rights, and public education. Additional listings cover senior living, cancer information, hospice care, and volunteer opportunities.

People can begin by attending Sunday worship, using the online stream, exploring the church's ministries and publications, or bringing a prayer request to the pastor or office. Those interested in the Progressive Book Study can ask Pastor Raven about joining the Zoom group. Volunteers are welcome in the kitchen and other church activities, and the church's resource pages provide starting points for local assistance. Through worship, fellowship, practical information, and an explicit commitment to inclusion, First United Methodist Church of Tucson remains connected to the spiritual and community life of Tucson.