Who We Are

• We are a loving caring Christian family joined in faith with the larger family of God.
• We believe, embrace, and live the UCC philosophy of “whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey you are welcome here”! This includes all peoples of God, regardless of age, race, social background, gender/gender identity or sexual orientation.
• We are a friendly church that welcomes new people.
• The sermon and music are both an integral and significant part of our worship experience.
• We believe in continual spiritual development, as well as instilling positive values and social conscience in both our children and the congregation as a whole.
• We strive to follow in the footsteps of God by providing care, as we can, to those in the local community as well as assisting in the wider church mission.
• We offer open membership, recognizing the baptism of the larger Christian Church and granting membership through reaffirmation of faith and/or transfer of membership.

History

Encanto Community Church is located in historic downtown Phoenix. The Church began in 1944 when about a dozen residents living in the vicinity of Encanto Park began meeting in the Encanto Park Club House thus forming the Encanto Park Community Church. As the congregation grew, a permanent facility was needed and, in 1945, the church purchased the Dorris residence, one of Phoenix’s first mansions, located at the corner of 7th Avenue and Windsor. This property, now our Parish House, was a sufficient meeting place until 1950, when due to further growth, the Sanctuary was built by the members of the congregation.

Our facilities now include the Sanctuary, Parish House, Caretaker’s House, Casa de Rosa Healing Garden , inclusive of a Memorial Rose and Pet Garden and a Parsonage which is within walking distance of the Church property.

In 2014 Encanto Community Church received a grant from the United Church of Christ to build and maintain a community vegetable garden. The Garden building project was completed on November 2014.  This was created as a mission to supply other local ministries with fresh fruits and vegetables.  This is currently being maintained as part of our youth group.

What Can I Expect On My First Visit?

As You Enter

Upon entering the sanctuary, you will be greeted and handed a program.  Most of our visitors have been able to easily follow and participate in the service. Greeters are here to assist you if you have any questions.

How formal is it?

Sunday worship service is casual and consists of a blend of traditional and modern elements.

We sing! 

The choir meets every Tuesday night for rehearsal and sings during Sunday Worship. Our congregation loves to sing the old hymns but also loves new modern and international music too. During the summer months, a “hymn sing” is incorporated into every service, during which time we sing requested hymns and choruses.

Children and dogs are welcome and expected to “make a joyful noise”.

Children and youth are invited and encouraged to attend worship and are included in worship every Sunday during “The Young People’s Message”, a segment of the service dedicated especially to them.  Upon completion of this portion of the service the children are escorted to Sunday school.

We love our dogs and they are welcome to join us in the sanctuary. Please keep your dogs on a leash and be ready to pick up after them.

Worship

Worship is held in the Sanctuary from September through Memorial Day, and in the Fellowship Hall during the summer months to maintain a “Green” footprint.

Holy Communion

The Service of Holy Communion is offered on the first Sunday of every month as part of the worship service. All are welcome to participate in the celebration of Christ’s love for us.

Fellowship

After our worship service, we move to Fellowship Hall, eat cookies, drink coffee, and continue to enjoy each other’s company.