Meet Our Pastors
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Senior Minister
The Rev. Michael T. Bush has served as an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ for over 30 years, including congregations in the Seattle area, Michigan, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. He has a B.S. in Biology (pre-medicine) from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and has a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He has also engaged in continuing education work at Lancaster Theological Seminary and Yale Divinity School, among other settings.
He is committed to a ministry of renewal among the Body of Christ through Biblical literacy, theological reflection, and spiritual practices.
Michael co-authored Chaos and The Kingdom and published Companion for the Journey: A Gospel of John Study Guide.
He has worked with churches in their discerning congregational identity, ministry, and mission, and helping them commit to work on priorities which support deeper roots in the Spirit and wider reach into the world.
He has mentored seminarians and new clergy, coached clergy and non-profit leaders, and is an affiliate coach with the Center for Progressive Renewal. He regularly volunteers with and serves on the Board of Directors of various non-profits.
As part of sabbath time, Michael especially enjoys exploring the outdoors while hiking and kayaking.
Read Pastor Michael’s Substack:
https://substack.com/@michaelbucc123/posts
Read Pastor Michael’s Published Articles Below:
The Beautiful Rainbow Reign of God
Selfish or Soulful
Keeping the Faith
Hunker Down to Rise Up
Does Jesus Need New PR?
United in Tender Mercy
Grief and Gratitude are Better Than Grasping
Accidentally Changing the World
Pray for Peace
Click the + next to each name to read their bio.
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Minister of Spiritual and Community Relationships
My installation here as a pastor and teacher in October 2017 represented an exciting new beginning for me and my family. I am committed to radical welcome for all, especially families with children and teenagers. We are an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ which means we welcome all individuals and families, period. Our Family and Education ministry is dedicated to helping families interact with one another, the larger church community, and the world. Rather than encouraging activities that separate young people from the rest of the congregation, we try to have meaningful spiritual, educational and social opportunities for all ages. I strongly believe that we experience the presence of God through community and practicing love and compassion for each other.
I completed my seminary education at Iliff School of Theology in Denver in June 2017. While in school, I worked in Christian Education and Faith Formation in two UCC congregations here in Tucson. Prior to my work in the church I was employed by Pima Community College in student services and outreach to county elementary schools. Being a native Tucsonan, I am pleased to be engaged in ministry with a congregation located in the Northwest region of Tucson where I grew up. My wife Patty, a pediatric nurse, and I have three adult children who reside in Arizona; our youngest son graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and our eldest son is a graduate student at the University of Arizona. Our daughter lives in Phoenix where she is a media-artist and performer.
I welcome you to Casas Adobes Congregational Church, United Church of Christ where I hope to get to know you soon.