The DPUCC Council has voted by email to resume in-person worship. Sunday School will continue to be virtual. We are also going to continue to ask that folks wear masks. As usual, if you haven't been feeling well (especially if you have any COVID symptoms) or are at risk for any reason, please feel free to stay home and live stream from the church website. You can also watch the service later, as recordings are now posting to both FB and our new Youtube channel.

Tomorrow/This Saturday, November 27th at 9 AM-11 AM

All are invited to stop by to help hang lights and decorate the sanctuary as we prepare for the first Sunday of Advent (this coming Sunday)!

A HUGE thanks to those of you who have sent in your pledges for 2022. As of this writing, we have received 37 pledges.  As you know, it is tremendously helpful for planning when we receive people's pledges. 

It is NOT too late to send in your pledge by filling out the form here https://forms.gle/h6N9hPbR8VSyoGav7
or by contacting the church office. 

Pastor Tom writes: 
To Each of You Who Have Pledged,

I want to thank each of you for your generous support, especially in these challenging times. Your pledge empowers our programming, from book studies to worship to our youth outings and the new ministry reaching out to ASU. You are, of course, also helping support our presence in the community. In a time when folks are questioning the viability of science, the reality of climate change, and the uncomfortable reality of entrenched, systemic racism, Desert Palm has emerged as a place where we dare engage these real and pressing issues. While so many seem determined to shut down the educational process (outlawing the teaching of critical race theory, for example), we are committed to bringing the full weight of our religious tradition to bear, complete with its historical, prophetic witness and commitment to justice.

What does it mean to be a follower of Christ at the dawn of the 21st century? That is the question we are engaging with our collective heart, mind, and soul.  For me, it means opening to life's sacred depths. It involves surrendering dogmatic certainty in order to risk real growth and transformation. It requires deep vulnerability and a willingness to mature in our capacity to show love and compassion. It means being slow to judgment and quick to hold ourselves accountable. Imagine a world in which that was the norm! Yes, it's a long way off. But being able to imagine something is the first step toward making it real. 

I trust you feel the excitement building around our upcoming round of visioning. The last time we engaged in such work, we created a youth program (hiring Andrew), expanded our music program, and renovated the building (thanks, FCC!). Now we are turning out attention outward: how might we get our message out and welcome more folks from the world. Community into our sacred space? Perhaps tapping into Marc Gaston's love of the arts? Perhaps forging a deeper relationship with ASU (work Andrew has started). Or maybe you have a new idea? Watch for upcoming opportunities for your voice to be heard.

And know that none of this would be happening if it weren't for your loyal support.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Tom

It’s beginning to look like we are going to have to rely on the folks that are able to give more than what they pledged to balance out for those that are having difficulties meeting their pledge.  This message brought to you by the letter “K” and your financial secretary – Pat Quinnett

 "Why We Pledge"

https://youtu.be/SodguGl65i8 

65 Pledgers

2021 Total Pledged:    $182,859.96

January-November

As of November 1^st, Total Received:  $152,975.00

83% of year has passed, 84% pledges received so far. 

Breakdown of %pledge completion: Breakdown of Received to Date Pledge Dollars

% range                     #pledgers                        $ Range                           #pledgers

1%-50%                            6                                  100-500                              5

51%-75%                         12                                 501-1000                          17

76%-95%                         26                                 1001-2000                        19

96%- 100%                      14                                 2001-3000                        10

100%+                              7                                   3001-5000                         6

                                                                               5000+                                 8

We Are Thankful Banner

The November 20 Desert Palm Reunion was well attended and those who attended seemed to have a good time.  Thanks to all who planned the event, entertained us, brought refreshments, and helped to set up and clean up.  The Banner Group had a We Are Thankful banner for people to add their thankfulness for the special things happening in their own lives.  52 people wrote on paper cutouts and pinned them on the banner. Overwhelming people were thankful for their Desert Palm church family.  A close second were good friends and family, particularly for grandchildren and great-grandchildren born during the pandemic and for finally being able to gather together again and seeing family and friends after the long isolation.  Good health and thankfulness for vaccinations and booster shots and just making it through alive were mentioned several times. Other things mentioned include having a good home, I-Help, Arizona sunshine, and hooray for new beginnings.  Thank you all for sharing and participating in the Reunion.  The Banner Group wishes you a very special holiday season.


Thank you to all who provided baked goods or snacks for the Family Reunion last Saturday.  Your delicious sweets and snacks helped make the celebration a big hit!
Pat Riemer

Coffee Hour is a time after the church service for people to get together and talk about whatever is on their mind. Get to know people you may not know very well. You can talk or just listen; it’s up to you. Whether you’re in the Phoenix area or across the country, join us and share some good conversation and fellowship time. 

Topic: DPUCC Coffee Hour
Time: Nov. 28, 2021 11:00 AM Arizona
        Every week on Sun, until Dec 12, 2021.
        Nov 28, 2021 11:00 AM
        Dec 5, 2021 11:00 AM
        Dec 12, 2021 11:00 AM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84097887395?pwd=WGJ6K3k1MG8wT0JUMDkxMEsvZlNaZz09
Meeting ID: 840 9788 7395
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84097887395#,,,,*422733# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84097887395#,,,,*422733# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 840 9788 7395
Passcode: 422733
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdqzYc7SDB

Topic: Supportive Conversations

Time: Nov 29, 2021 07:00 PM Arizona

Every week on Mon, until Dec 20, 2021.

Nov 29, 2021 07:00 PM

Dec 6, 2021 07:00 PM

Dec 13, 2021 07:00 PM

Dec 20, 2021 07:00 PM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Weekly: https://asu.zoom.us/meeting/tZctcuirrjwiH9C9yZvjpoZqZ-R1tinsdtdf/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrrj4rGdSSuByDRpwqAo_4d-nziGZHgvp-xQbfFSpDbTnnDK9wY6Z2HsvU

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://asu.zoom.us/j/83051307854?pwd=N2ZEQnVSUXgvVW1zWXg5ZTU4RXFuUT09

Or Telephone:

Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 602 753 0140 or +1 669 219 2599 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 720 928 9299 or +1 971 247 1195 or +1 213 338 8477 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 470 250 9358 or +1 470 381 2552 or +1 646 518 9805 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 651 372 8299 or +1 786 635 1003 or +1 267 831 0333

Meeting ID: 830 5130 7854

International numbers available: https://asu.zoom.us/u/keg7dfHJn2

Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +16027530140,,83051307854# or +16692192599,,83051307854#

Joys and Concerns Zoom

Every week on Wednesday at 11:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86071559166?pwd=TFRadjVFRm5NRXJrYzd3WDZYSVZPUT09

Meeting ID: 860 7155 9166

Thursday Group

If you would like to be part of the Thursday's Women's Bible study please contact  Sue Henderson, at suegreenhenderson@gmail.com.

  Sunday Group

Please contact Pat Speer at pseer686@gmail.com for more information.

After confirming with Counsel and the Music Committee, we will be resuming Bells of Peace and the Chancel Choir.  Starting Wednesday, November 17th, the Bells of Peace and Chancel Choir will begin rehearsals at their normal times and location.  We will be working on music specifically for the Christmas Eve service that will be held on December 24th at 6 PM. 

We are going to keep the music simple and traditional. All previous members and any new members are welcome to join and participate.  We will be following safety guidelines during this time of the pandemic.

Please forward this information to anyone you think would like to participate.

Location:
DPUCC Sanctuary
1230 E Guadalupe Rd.
Tempe, AZ. 85283

Time:
Bells of Peace - 6 PM
Chancel Choir - 7 PM

Rehearsal Dates:
Wednesday, November 17th
Wednesday, December 1st
Wednesday, December 8th
Wednesday, December 15th
Wednesday, December 22nd

Christmas Eve Service
Call Time 5:30 PM
Service 6:00 PM

I am so looking forward to making beautiful Holiday music together this Christmas Season with you all.

Marc Gaston
Director Music and the Arts.

The WISE Committee would like to offer a two-part conversation regarding the process of grief, which can be acute during the winter holidays.  Ray Littleford will lead the discussion on the Sunday afternoons of December 12 and 19 at 4pm.  These will be Zoom meetings.  The first one will focus on the inner world of grief, and the second one will focus on the outer world of grief.  

The inner world of grief includes the wide range of emotions we feel and our internal distress regarding a multitude of issues:

Desert Palm will be partnering again this year with Southwest Human Development to provide gifts for children in foster care programs.  Tags with a child’s name, age, and requested items will be available at the Desert Palm family reunion on Saturday November 20 and before and after worship on November 21 and 28.  Gifts should be returned to Desert Palm by Sunday December 8. 

Southwest Human Development has requested an increase in their guidelines, suggesting gifts in the range of $40 to $50.  If that is beyond your budget, or if you would rather not be out shopping in person, you may donate any amount to the project.  You may give cash or write a check to Desert Palm with “foster kids” on the memo line.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Rebecca Bond at 480-897-7620 or email at rebecca_bond@cox.net

The "Let's Read, Neighbor" program might be for you!  Volunteers meet and read with newly arrived refugee children at least once per week.  Meetings usually occur in the child's home. The goal is to improve the children's English skills while also exposing them to American culture. You don't need to know Arabic; all you need is a willingness to help. If you want more information, please contact Kathryn Andrews: at kathrynandrews47@gmail.com ...or you can apply to join the program by contacting the program's director, Melek Akgul-Lee, at melekakgul@gmail.com.