February 4, 2021 - What's Happening at Dayspring UMC

February 4, 2021

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday, February 17, is the first day of Lent, the 40-day (excluding Sundays) season of prayer and self-reflection preceding Easter. We will offer an online Service of Ashes and Remembrance that will be available at noon and following. This year's all-church Lenten Study is on the Sermon on the Mount.

LENT STUDY: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

We are offering five opportunities each week during Lent for adults to explore “Jesus’s Greatest Teachings” with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine as our guide. In her book Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, Professor Levine introduces its major topics and explains historical and theological contexts, and shows how the words of Jesus echo his Jewish tradition and speak forward to reach hearts and minds today...MORE

CONFERENCE-WIDE BOOK STUDY

In honor of Black History month, the DSC Race Coalition is sponsoring a book study and conversation based on the new book "I'm Black, I'm Christian, I'm Methodist" by Rev. Rudy Rasmus. The book is a collection of stories from ten United Methodist who share compelling personal narratives on being Black and the conflicts presented with also being Christian and Methodist... MORE

UNITED METHODIST MEN

United Methodist Men are hosting a virtual, enlightening and entertaining series on the history of our church. This month's session is this Saturday, February 6, from 9:00am-10:00am. Pastors Jeff and Joel will lead a discussion of The History (and Future) of the UMC General Conference. Everyone is welcome to attend these online gatherings. CLICK HERE to join the meeting at 9am.

BORDERLANDS PRODUCE RESCUE

Borderlands hosts a monthly produce distribution event at Aldersgate UMC where families can purchase 70 pounds of rescued produce for $12. In this time of increased unemployment and food insecurity, this ministry is critical for the neighborhood. If you are healthy and looking for a chance to serve, please consider joining us there on Saturday, February 20 from 6-11am to help sort produce, pack boxes and load cars! Be sure to bring a mask and gloves if you have them. Please email Amy to sign up or for more information.

CARE PACKAGES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Let’s show our college students how much we love them! During the week of March 7-13, Dayspring individuals and families are invited to create care packages for our current undergraduate students and mail them so they receive them before finals.

These care packages can be filled with snacks, pens, journals, and cards of encouragement. Parents of college students are requested to email Jennine their students’ current mailing addresses. Parents, please indicate their favorite snacks, t-shirt size, and if they have any allergies. If you and/or your family would like to sign up to create a care package, please email Pastor Joel.

FLOWER AND FOOD BASKET SIGN UP

You may now sign up online for our weekly Sunday flowers and food basket. For now, flowers are $20 and the money goes to UMOM (until we are in person and can have fresh flowers again). The food basket is also $20 and the money goes to Tempe Community Action Agency. You can mail a check to the church or pay online. The sponsorships and messages appear weekly in the bulletin and are a great way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or to remember a loved one. CLICK HERE to sign up.

VACCINE REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE

If you have had a difficult time registering online for the COVID vaccine, please email the church office or call (480) 838-1446. Currently, vaccination of people over 65 is only available at state-operated locations (State Farm and Phoenix Municipal Stadium); however, as of January 20, appointments at these sites are currently booked through February. We have volunteers available to help you sign up before that wait gets longer. PLEASE NOTE: We do not have access to any earlier appointments, we are simply providing technical support to sign up.

VACCINE POD VOLUNTEERING

If you are healthy and able to stand for long periods of time, consider volunteering (no medical experience needed) at one of the vaccination distribution sites. You'll help others receive this important vaccine and you may even receive a vaccine as a thank you for volunteering if it is available. A background check is required, so the process does take some time.

Step1: register with the county HERE

Step2: fill out the docusign embedded in the application.

Step 3: upload a driver’s license and complete application

Step 4: Wait for email confirmation to sign-up for volunteer opportunities at the vaccine pods.