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.
Sonja Haller is going to be taking on some of the youth leadership while also providing coverage for Pastor Tom's sabbatical. It's no wonder she will soon be applying to officially come under care (starting the journey toward ordination) with the SW Conference by applying to become a Member in Discernment.
Secondary Title
DPUCC Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, June 4th, 4 -6 pm
A celebration of Rev. Dr. Don and Lois Arey and the early days of Desert Palm. A Pot-Luck Dinner will follow in Mission Hall.
Secondary Title
Desert Palm Family Tree
Desert Palm United Church of Christ was chartered as a new church start by the Southwest Conference in June 1979. It had been meeting since October 1978, so we will soon be approaching the 45th anniversary of worshipping together. (See article about how we will celebrate on June 4.)
We will be displaying our Family Tree banner. Every few years the Chancel Committee adds more leaves to the banner as new people become part of our congregation. New leaves were last added in 2019. If you have become active here at Desert Palm since then, you are invited to sign a leaf and it will be added to our tree. The Chancel Committee will have leaves available for you to sign during coffee time after worship during the Sundays in May.
Free Elderly Awareness Day Event
Mayor Corey Woods is hosting the 2nd Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Village, 2645 East Southern Ave., in Tempe. The mayor will facilitate an afternoon discussion with state elected officials and community leaders on prioritizing the fight against elder abuse and financial exploitation of Arizona seniors. Register for the event here.
2023 DPUCC's Annual Meeting
Sunday, June 11, 10am.
This year the annual meeting will be on Sunday, June 11th, in the church sanctuary.
DPUCC June Arts Camp
June 12th - 16th, 9 am - 12 pm
Desert Palm’s Summer Art Camp: instead of a traditional VBS this year, we’re going try something new! June 12th through the 16th (Monday through Friday, 9 am through noon), Marc Gaston will be coaching the kids and rehearsing some musical numbers. More info to come. But in the meantime, feel free to RSVP with Sonja Haller if you’d like your child to attend. And for our older youth interested in jazz, our uber-talented jazz pianist Claudia Bloom will be offering a jazz music workshop. Stay tuned for more details!
Free Summer Workshop
Phoenix Jazz Girls Rising
June 12 - 16 , 1 - 3 PM
AFN Sponsored Workshop re the dangers of Christian Nationalism: Policy, Theology, and Practical Engagement
Thursday, June 15, 6:30pm - 8:30 pm
Central United Methodist Church
1875 N Central Ave, Phoenix
Arizona Faith Network, National, and Phoenix-based Community Partners invite you to an event that delves into the impact of Christian Nationalism on our society. During the gathering, we will gain an understanding of the theological basis of Christian Nationalism, examine its effects on our policies, and equip ourselves with the tools to converse effectively with those who hold differing beliefs. This event will be the first of a year-long series around Nationalism in our Faith Expressions.
Secondary Title
This month's item for immigrants and asylum Seekers...DIAPERS
Have you ever traveled with a baby and ran out of diapers? NO FUN! Please bring diapers (all sizes are welcome) and place them in THE BOX or on the table in the Atrium. Help those who are traveling and seeking asylum in the United States. The donations will be shared with the Welcome Center and Holly Herman's efforts through the East Valley network. Of course, summer clothes, etc., are welcome, too.
Water Donations Needed
It's that time of year, with temperatures soon breaking 100, for us to have water on hand. Feel free to drop off or bring (on Sunday bottles of water). You can also notify Maria if you would simply like to donate towards the cost of a case.
Joys & Concerns
OPEN INVITATION
...drop in for a few minutes or email your prayer request to Maria
Pastor Tom and a few of our members gather virtually every 1st Wednesday of the month at 3 pm via zoom to share joys and concerns, after which Tom or another leader will offer a prayer. You can drop in (the zoom link goes out to the entire congregation earlier on Wednesday) to share a joy or concern or send your request to admin@desertpalmucc.org with Joys & Concerns in the subject line. The need will be shared with those attending, added to the Prayer List, and shared with the Desert Palm Prayer Team.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81085456697?pwd=Z0xXN20vb25NREEvMGxneVMxeFYvUT09
True colors
Calling all lovers of coloring books – kids, youth, adults, and adults who think they are kids. We are running out of colored pages to send to our home-bound members. If you need supplies or want to drop off pages, call Pat Quinnett at (480)818-2203. Recipients have expressed joy at being remembered with our little works of art and have asked that the folks doing the work put “Colored by (your name) on the back. Please take time to share.
Thursday Women’s Book Group
1st & 3rd Thursday of every month, at 9:30AM
Want to do some inspiring reading and have great discussions with women? Join us on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 9:30 to 11:00am at the link below. The current book we’re reading is Living Grace by Mattie McMane. Amazon and Thriftbook.com have it. If you have any questions, call 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
Hospitality is an important part of our ministry here at DPUCC. Coming together after Sunday worship for COFFEE HOUR and conversation is one way we deepen our church relationships.
WHAT DO THE CAREGIVERS DO?
Desert Palm Caregivers serve Church members, immediate families, and those who participate regularly in the life of Desert Palm UCC. There is no financial eligibility requirement. Services are provided free of charge. Donations to Desert Palm UCC are gratefully accepted. All services are contingent on volunteers being available.
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
Are you a caregiver for a family member (spouse, parent, child, other family members, friend, patient)? Sometimes we may be unaware of the stress this can put on us physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. I want to invite anyone who finds themselves in the role of caregiver to join our DPUCC support group that I will be facilitating. We’ll meet via zoom (link provided below) on the 4th Thursday of the month at 4pm. If you are interested or wish to learn more, please text or call 619-807-5431.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7138300112?pwd=KzlJOHFmZkZvK0tWd2tkZUVUTmhoUT09
SUPPORTIVE CONVERSATIONS
The WISE Committee provides Supportive Conversations via Zoom every first and third Monday of the month at 7 pm. The pandemic has not only affected our mental and physical health, it has affected our lifestyles and our priorities. People have been forced to adapt to changing circumstances, and none of this has been easy. All are welcome to attend.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92800034295?pwd=ZStxejAzZDVqUVMvclF6bFR3enFXdz09
Meeting ID: 928 0003 4295
NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES, 988
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has about 200 call centers nationwide to receive these calls for suicide prevention and mental health crises. We have been waiting two years for this, and it has finally happened. 988 is the new phone number for mental health emergencies.
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
ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT
At the last Desert Palm Council meeting, an Accessibility Audit Team was approved and will be starting a Church Building and Program Accessibility Audit. The team will update our 2017 Accessibility Audit and re-evaluate the building and programs for accessibility. If you are interested in joining the team or just have suggestions for improving access, please contact Kathryn at 602-885-2124 or kathrynandrews47@gmail.com.
Financial Secretary Report
April Financial Secretary Report – As of May 15, 2023
Thanks again to all of you that have sent in your pledges. Pledge income is our main income. It’s never too late to pledge and avoid cutbacks for the remainder of the year. Also, there are several mission and social activities to join in, support and volunteer. If you have an idea you would like to see developed, speak up and share your plan.
Pledging is very important for your church’s budgeting and your program development.
2023 Year to Date Total Received: $103,645/71.
58 Pledge units
2023 Total Pledged: $200,056
37% of the year has passed and 52% pledges have been received so far. Every year we have folks that budget their pledge in its entirety at the beginning of the year. Thanks to all of you that support maintaining our structure and staff so as a church family we can gather together to worship and serve our community.
Breakdown of %pledge completion: Breakdown of Received to Date Pledge Dollars
% range #pledgers $ Range #pledgers
0% 9 0-100 12
1-25% 27 101-500 19
26%-50% 13 501-1000 11
51%-75% 2 1001-4000 10
76%-99% 2 4001-8000 5
100% + 5 8000+ 1
Again, thanks for all you do. I know many of you support the church with your time and energy too which is every bit as important as your financial support. Fortunately, many of us are in that sweet spot between retirement and before our kids take our keys away. So, celebrate our many blessings and if you can, be sure you are taking advantage of all of the volunteer opportunities out there. I know that the i-Help and Meals on Wheels folks are looking for fresh volunteers. Church greeters and readers are great volunteer opportunities and don’t forget the Banner group, Knit Wits, True Colors and Sunday School. There’s something out there for everyone.
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).