current news & Events
In-Person for SunDay Worship
We are back to in-person service. The service is also live-streamed on our webpage at https://www.desertpalmucc.org/. Since we are back in person, we are discontinuing virtual coffee hour. As part of our extravagant welcome, Desert Palm strives to make our worship service and campus accessible to all. We provide Large print bulletins, Assistive hearing devices, An ADA-compliant restroom, and Accessible parking spaces.
Announcing the DPUCC 2023 Stewardship Campaign:
we’ve got a few additional ways to make a financial contribution this year. In addition to your annual pledge, consider helping with our tree planting project (to keep us good standing with the City of Tempe). We’re also going to offer brick engraving, as it’s been quite some time since we’ve done that! (These are the bricks with people’s names or a favorite verse/quote as you enter on the east side.) To confirm your annual pledge amount you can reply to this email, or email Maria at admin@desertpalmucc.org or drop your pledge card in the mail (Desert Palm UCC, 1230 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283). You can also drop it in the plate during the offering the next time you make it to church in person.
Pastoral Coverage
Nov. 30th - Dec. 2nd
Pastor Tom will be away from November 30th through December 2nd. Please contact Sonja at Sonja@desertpalmucc.org or (480) 560-4305 for any emergency pastoral concerns.
Upcoming events
Foster Kids Christmas Stocking Drive
For more than 15 years, Desert Palm has partnered with a social service organization to provide holiday gifts for children in foster care and special programs. Southwest Human Development offers training, licensing, supervision, and support for hundreds of foster care families as well as programs and services to support children’s growth and development. Again this year, we will receive gift tags from SHD with a child’s name, age, and requested gift items. Desert Palm members pick up a tag, shop for gifts in the amount of $35 to $40, and return them in a gift bag to the church. Southwest Human Development makes arrangements to pick up the gifts and distribute them to the children and families. Tags will be available on Sunday, November 19 and gifts should be returned by Sunday, December 10. If you are unable to shop in person, you may donate to the project and we will have “super shoppers” to purchase the gifts. You may give cash or checks to Desert Palm – be sure to make a notation for “foster kids.” Desert Palm has always generously stepped up to support this worthwhile project. Thank you! If you have any questions, feel free to see me at church or call me at 480-897-7620.
Rebecca Bond
Secondary Title
Arizona Interfaith Power & Light
Calling For A Climate-Forward Arizona
Section Title
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
Sunday, Dec. 3 and 10th, at 10 am
Sunday, Dec. 24th, at 7:30 am
Secondary Title
Annual Winter Needs Collection for Asylees and Refugees on December 9
Volunteers working with the East Valley Network and The Phoenix Welcome Center, are hosting their “Drive-Thru” Winter Collection for warm clothing and other needs (such as blankets) on December 9th, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the church parking lot. Clean, gently used blankets, coats, sweatshirts, sweaters, mittens, hats, socks and shoes for men, women and children are desperately needed at the border and the Welcome Center. Your donations are greatly appreciated by asylees arriving in Phoenix at the Center, and refugees waiting to cross the border who benefit from donations to the EV Network. Drop off your items near the atrium gates, where volunteers can assist you. Thank you so much! (Scroll down to see the flyer for this event. )
Shopping Spree
Sunday, December 10th
Every year, the Desert Palm collects gifts and $$$ to purchase Christmas presents for foster kids. Nicky Gibson is going to be giving rides to youth after church to go and buy gifts with the money collected. Our youth and children are welcome to attend this fun and meaningful experience.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY CONVERSATIONS VIA ZOOM
Sunday, December 11th & 18th, 7pm
Let the DPUCC church family be your family during this holiday season and join the W.I.S.E. team for a couple of Zoom conversations on December 11 and 18. We will have an open discussion of both the good and the bad of holiday stress, including stories of how we capture the true Christmas spirit, while we also share feelings of loneliness and missing family members who are out of state or deceased.
Everyone is vulnerable to loneliness and nostalgia for holidays past. Some of us may also feel the stress of the busyness of the season, tight finances, and the potential for conflicts with relatives who have different values (political, religious, lifestyles) from your own. This will be a safe place to express both the light and the darkness of Christmas.
We will meet at 7pm on the second and third Mondays of December, the 11th and 18th . The Zoom link will appear in the Weekly Updates in December.
Zoo lights
Sunday, Dec. 17
This is for the DP Youth (and children), but we have room for adult chaperones as well. It will be in the evening. Informal RSVP’s being collected via text by the Christian Education Team, MaryBeth Riley-Gilbert (781-258-4306), or Sonja Haller (480-560-4305).
NOVEMBER SUGGESTED DONATIONS for EV NETWORK
and IRC WELCOME CENTER
Desert Palm you are awesome! Thanks for your continued support of the East Valley Network and IRC Welcome Center, providing basic needs for refugees at the border and asylees arriving at the Welcome Center. For the month of November donations of soccer balls, pacifier clips and coloring books are requested. If you have other items (such as clothing, blankets, caps or tote bags) they will be gratefully accepted by either agency. An urgent need of shoes for men, women and children continues. Gently used, comfortable walking shoes, or new shoes are very much appreciated. You may drop off donations at the church in the box by the gate or leave them on Sunday morning on the table in the atrium.
WISE Announcement
Every 2nd Tuesday
Semicolon Society is proud to host this FREE parent education series on the second Tuesday of every month, beginning 10/10! Each session is a different topic provided by an expert in the area. Please note that you must register for each session you want to attend. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED so sign up now to reserve your space! Open to all parents and guardians!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tuesday-talks-a-series-for-parents-tickets-718848885367?aff=oddtdtcreator
True colors
Attention all coloring book enthusiasts! Whether you're a child, teenager, adult, or adult at heart, we need your help. Our home-bound members are running low on colored pages, and we would be grateful for any contributions. If you would like to donate supplies or drop off pages, please contact Pat Quinnett at (480)818-2203. The recipients have expressed immense joy upon receiving our little works of art and have even requested that the creators sign their name on the back with "Colored by (your name)." Please take the time to share and spread the love of coloring!
Thursday Women’s Book Group
1st & 3rd Thursday of every month, at 9:30AM
Looking for a way to engage in thought-provoking discussions with fellow women? Then join us on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. via the link provided. Our current book of choice is by Marcus Borg, "The First Christmas." If you have any inquiries, please contact Ellen Colangelo at 619-807-5431.
Join Repeating Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7138300112?pwd=KzlJOHFmZkZvK0tWd2tkZUVUTmhoUT09
Meeting ID: 713 830 0112
Passcode: DPUCC
Secondary Title
COFFEE HOUR
At DPUCC, hospitality is a vital aspect of our ministry. We believe that coming together for COFFEE HOUR and engaging in conversations after Sunday worship is an excellent way to strengthen our church relationships.
WHAT DO THE CAREGIVERS DO?
Desert Palm Caregivers offer assistance to members of the Church, their immediate families, and those who actively participate in the Desert Palm UCC community. There are no financial requirements to receive these services, and they are provided free of charge. However, donations to Desert Palm UCC are appreciated. Please note that these services are dependent on the availability of volunteers.
TRANSPORTATION: take someone to and from medical and/or social service appointments within 15 miles of the person’s residence. No transportation for work, social activities, or shopping.
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY MEALS: provide dinners for up to 3 days in case of an emergency.
RESOURCES: information regarding additional services available in the community if our volunteers cannot provide assistance.
WE WELCOME VOLUNTEERS!
If you can provide occasional transportation and/or Meals, please contact one of the coordinators:
Marion Durham (durhamjm@live.com)
John Linda (johnlinda1901@yahoo.com)
Jim Ewing (jewing@me.com)
Leslie Schefski (lschefski@cox.net)
Barbara Hofflander (hofflander@cox.net)
Ethel Utter (eutter1062@aol.com)
SUPPORT GROUP for CAREGIVERS
Do you provide care for a loved one, whether it be a spouse, parent, child, friend, or patient? It can be easy to overlook the toll it takes on us physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. I would like to extend an invitation to those in the caregiver role to join our DPUCC support group, which I will be leading. Our meetings will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. via Zoom (link provided below). If you would like to learn more or are interested in joining, please feel free to call or text 619-807-5431.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7138300112?pwd=KzlJOHFmZkZvK0tWd2tkZUVUTmhoUT09
Joys & Concerns
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86586659714?pwd=NzY3MzZ6RWp4MENRRWNvWHo0WGxGZz09
Meeting ID: 865 8665 9714
MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES, dial 988
Did you know that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration manages approximately 200 call centers across the country? These centers are designed to provide support for those experiencing mental health crises or struggling with thoughts of suicide. It's great news that there's now a new phone number to access mental health emergency services - simply dial 988.
our ucc conference
in the loop
Find out what's new in this week's "In the Loop." To find out more about SWC lick on this link http://www.swcucc.org/conference-office-blog/2018/2/5/glitch-with-in-the-loop-today?rq=loop.
15 years of
making a difference
This I-HELP program is celebrating 15 years of providing comprehensive emergency shelter in partnership with an array of faith organizations that provide nighttime facility access.
The I-HELP model serves as a cost-effective and scalable solution for ending homelessness. As the homeless population continues to rise, in turn, the volume of affected people unable to access services is also rising.
The I-HELP shelter program provides a safe place to sleep and a spectrum of services to prepare men and women for employment, financial stability, and permanent housing.
Today, you can sponsor one night of shelter and additional services for a man or woman in need for $35 and help us celebrate 15 years of making a difference.
Click on the link provided to learn more
New ways to watch our Sunday services:
New ways to watch our Sunday services:
(Note that you can subscribe and be notified when a new service is posted).
(This is where the service is live-streamed each Sunday at 9 am).