we are an open and affirming congregation
When Randy began to look for a church to pastor he and his wife Norma dreamt of being as close to the US/Mexico border as possible. For the past 9 years Randy has served The Good Shepherd as their Lead Pastor where he has carefully blended his love of church camp and mission work into a very unique ministry of action, compassion and inclusion of all. Randy is known in the Santa Cruz Valley as a musician, community organizer and a steady progressive voice. He is a founding member of most of the border humanitarian groups and seeks to follow and teach about a "God That Is Still Speaking." Randy and Norma reside in Sahuarita with their two boys, a dog, a cat and a yard full of packrats.
Ministry Intern: Noel Andersen
Minister of Christian Education: Julie Ingham
I have been involved with Christian Ed and Church School for many years. I enjoy coordinating both adult and children’s education activities at The Good Shepherd as well as Vacation Church School and the many inter-generational activities we have throughout the year. I teach the younger K-4th grade children each Sunday. I see my position as helping our church follow our mission statement “The Good Shepherd United Church of Christ welcomes all as we strive to be disciples, boldly living as God’s witnesses and celebrating our intergenerational and multicultural life together”.
My husband and I have 3 teenage children, 1 boy and 2 girls. We have lived in Sahuarita for 6 years and counting and really enjoy the community.
Music Director: Chris Thomas
Accompanist: Kay Jean Moore 
Chris came to Tucson from Illinois where he served as artistic director and conductor of the ninety-voice Greatur-Decatur Chorale, conducted choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Memorial Presbyterian Church, and was on the choral faculty in the Warrensburg-Latham Community Unit School District. Chris is an active member of American Choral Directors Association, College Music Society and Music Educators National Conference, and is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator. He holds the Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education (magna cum laude) from Millikin University and is currently finishing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at The University of Arizona. Chris and his wife Jessica have two small retired dogs, Spencer a 14 year old weiner dog and Taco, an 11 year old something or other. Jessica is pursuing a career as a music teacher and enjoys lots of outside time running, biking, and hiking. Aside from music, Chris has been missing his "hobby farm" that he left in Illinois where he raised chickens, ducks, goats, and a donkey.
Performance degrees from Oberlin College-Conservatory (piano) Oberlin, Ohio and Bowling Green State University (harpsichord) Bowling Green, Ohio. One year of study at the Mozarteum Conservatory in Salzburg, Austria. Taught piano and piano pedagogy at Bowling Green State University as well as co-ordinating the piano department for The Creative Arts Program (Preparatory Dept) at BGSU. Taught and performed chamber music at Kinhaven School of Music in Weston, Vermont for 10 summers. Extensive performing background as soloist, accompanist, duo-pianist and chamber musician in California, Ohio, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Vermont and Arizona. Accompanist for The Green Valley Community Chorus for 4 1/2 years and Church Pianist at The Good Shepherd UCC for 9 1/2 years.
Amy has been attending the business of the office at The Good Shepherd UCC since the fall of 2006. Her role as Office Administrator gives her the chance to help many at the church -- from the Lead Pastor to the board members and many in the congregation. She is grateful for the kindness and generosity she has been shown at The Good Shepherd UCC.
