Inside Mesa

One of the most exciting transitions in our community is the uniting of two church congregations - Word of Grace, Mesa and CitiChurch, Scottsdale.

How did this wonderful union of an established congregation of Believers meet a fairly new, thriving congregation of Believers, and become as one church - with two campuses?

Members of these congregations see the hand of God at work in this great opportunity that transpired into the ability to have two become one as a blended family! Word of Grace experienced one church-two campuses in it’s beginnings and has planted several churches since - LifePoint in Copperbasin, Queen Creek area in Pinal County the most recent.  CitiChurch is a multi-site church currently, they’ve had another site by video - we’re related by our DNA as Dr. Kinnaman says!

Pastor Gary Kinnaman, serving Word of Grace for over 25 years found himself called to minister in another way throughout our community, state, and the world.  Teaching, mentoring, being there to come alongside those leaders that would benefit from someone like Dr. Kinnaman, to bring what he has learned so well over the years to others and pass it on.  He and his wife Marilyn will remain members of Word of Grace and remain as a speaking Pastor when needed.

Pastor Terry Crist of CitiChurch, Scottsdale, along with his Pastor wife Judith, have been and will continue to successfully lead a growing, exciting church congregation that they initiated several years ago now.  When Pastor Kinnaman responded to God’s call on his life, a search committee was developed in search of a Senior Pastor.  As it turns out, Dr. Crist was named.   

Currently, Pastor Christ and Pastor Kinnaman have been serving as co-Senior Pastors until January.  At that time, Dr. Terry Crist will become the Senior Pastor at Word of Grace; retaining his position at CitiChurch - go to the web sites for more details!

Church web sites:

Word of Grace  and CitiChurch

Come visit, it’s pretty exciting!

First flights for Allegiant Air began with lots of enthusiasm out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport yesterday - 400 passengers!

A new one for me is the traditional water hose greeting!  Who else but our Mesa Fire Department trucks providing the Blessing.  Wonder who got wet…sounds like no one doused the anticipation of Mesa’s future that was filled with economic optimism.

Three flights yesterday, four today to and from Stockton and Santa Maria, CA, and Missoula, Montana, possibly boarding 500-600 passengers.

Allegiant Air has quite a service, Las Vegas as their Headquarters - a busy town indeed; Allegiant serving small cities and major as well, overall - totally fifty-four, 1000 employees, all fares one-way and ticket-less.  Simple does it with a fleet of 34 MD-80 jet aircraft that transports 130-150 passengers - and low prices!

Robert Brinton, executive director of the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau expects more than 130,000 inbound annually, generating $8 Million to $10 Million in revenue. 

Here comes rapid expansion southeast valley!

This coming Saturday, Latino Town Hall will once again have a variety of interests, learning opportunities, networking, while celebrating another year since it’s inception in 2002.  Phil Austin, Civil Rights Attorney and President of the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens which he founded, initiated and sponsors LTH.

Mr. Austin saw the need for community leadership to be drawn from the Hispanic and other cultural segments not represented in community leadership positions; Latino Town Hall provides that foundation. 

This year an East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be discussed as there seem to be plenty  of Hispanic business owners that would benefit from an organization within the southeast area.  The Arizona Hispanic Chamber basically Phoenix-centered.  Also, a discussion regarding a Mesa Day-Labor Center; however, Mr. Austin believes most will wait to see how an upcoming new law turns out.  January 1, employer sanction laws will be taking effect for those hiring illegal immigrants.

Each Mayoral candidate will also be available to discuss their strengths, what they would bring to the community as a whole, and answer questions as a panel.  Sounds like an interesting time!  Candidates include: Vice Mayor Claudia Walters, recent Councilmember - Rex Griswold, and Scott Smith, 40 years resident and business owner. 

The event is held each year at Mesa Community College, register at Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, AZ.