Welcome! We invite you to explore our parish profile and discover the vibrant community of Christ the Redeemer in beautiful Yuma, Arizona. Here you’ll learn about our church history, who we are, how we worship, serve, and live out our faith in the community.
Our Church History
Christ the Redeemer (CtR) was established after a group of Christians left the Episcopal Church, with its first service held on February 4, 2007, at the old Saint Paul’s Church. The church was accepted into the Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Bolivia by Bishop Frank Lyons, and the inaugural service was attended by seventy parishioners, led by Fr. Larry Eddingfield. The church was well-equipped for worship, thanks to donations from parishioners and other churches that had also departed from the Episcopal Church, fostering a vibrant and enthusiastic congregation.
Bishop Lyons gave Christ the Redeemer his blessing to have Fr. Lee Sissle serve as our interim priest until we could call a permanent priest. The summer of 2007 came to a close with our calling Fr. Josh Acton to be our permanent priest. We continued our journey and were very excited about the development of our own diocese, which was aptly named the Diocese of Western Anglicans. We, and other churches in Southern California and Arizona were on our way to having all of our churches together under a diocese in the United States. Fr. Austin Mansfield was added to our staff as an assistant to Fr. Acton. They worked together until Fr. Acton moved to another calling. Fr. Mansfield then became our full-time priest. Fr. Mansfield’s leadership brought us into the Cursillo movement, Back to the Desert Retreats and solidified our church family. Fr. Mansfield and wife, Carrie, have retired and moved to West Virginia. God has blessed us with so much. We are looking forward to calling a new priest and moving forward.
Who We Are
At Christ the Redeemer, our mission is to joyfully share God’s transforming love through worship, outreach, and service. We actively embody our faith through action, partnering with local community organizations such as New Life Pregnancy Center(https://newlifepregnancy.com/) and Hospice of Yuma (https://hospiceofyuma.com/). During the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, we have contributed food and presents to several families through New Life Pregnancy Center. Our congregation is enthusiastic, supportive, and eager to grow under the guidance of our new Rector, embracing new ideas and methods while holding onto proven traditions.
As a community, Christ the Redeemer regularly celebrates intercessory prayer gatherings, monthly healing services, monthly men’s breakfast, monthly women’s luncheons, Daily Morning and Evening Prayer gatherings via Zoom (Monday through Saturday), Prayers and Squares quilt ministry, weekly bible studies, weekly men’s and women’s small group meetings and the Order of Saint Luke ministry.
Vision and Hopes
We envision Christ the Redeemer as a vibrant spiritual hub where individuals and families from diverse backgrounds feel warmly welcomed and deeply connected. Our goal is to expand our impact in Yuma by attracting new members, young families, and individuals seeking spiritual growth, genuine fellowship, and opportunities to serve.
We particularly aim to enhance our children’s and youth ministries, recognizing young people as essential to the future of our church. By developing engaging educational programs, youth-centered activities, community service projects, and family-oriented events, we intend to nurture the spiritual growth and personal development of younger generations. Our visions include building stronger connections within our community through innovative outreach initiatives, increased presence on social media platforms, and effective communication strategies. We aspire to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth, ensuring every visitor feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged to become an active participant in our faith community. Additionally, we seek to empower and equip all members to share their faith confidently and compassionately. We envision a congregation that is vibrant, spiritually mature, and actively engaged in serving others both inside and outside the church walls. Ultimately, we desire Christ the Redeemer to be known as a beacon of hope, love, and community transformation in Yuma, driven by a clear vision of spreading the life-changing message of the Gospel.
About Yuma, Arizona
Yuma is a vibrant, diverse city located in southwestern Arizona, along the banks of the scenic Colorado River. With a population of over 95,500 from April to December and nearly double that from January to March. Yuma offers a welcoming atmosphere, a rich cultural heritage, and strong community values.
Agriculture, military and tourism form the backbone of Yuma’s economy. Known as the nation’s “Winter Vegetable Capital,” Yuma’s fertile lands produce more than 175 types of crops, supplying most leafy greens consumed across the United States during winter. This thriving agricultural sector significantly supports local employment and economic growth. Home to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, the city has a substantial military presence, deeply enriching community life and provide ample opportunities for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. Outdoor recreation is abundant, with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, golfing, and off-roading in spectacular natural settings such as the nearby Imperial Sand Dunes, Yuma East and West Wetlands, and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Here are several websites to further explore our city.
https://thelocaltourist.com/things-to-do-in-yuma-arizona/
Yuma’s historic downtown district hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, markets, and museums, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. With exceptional year-round weather, quality schools, affordable housing, and a family-friendly environment, Yuma is an ideal place to call home. We warmly welcome you to prayerfully consider joining our community and journeying with us as we continue sharing God’s good news and serving the people of Yuma.