During this past week, Rev. Rosemary Anderson, a retired ordained deacon connected to Dayspring and also to Iglesia Aliento UMC, our covenant church in Phoenix, and I attended The Gathering, a 48-hour retreat for clergy under appointment in the Desert Southwest Conference. My intention was to be present and to be inspired.
Inspired, I certainly was! First, we were invited to lead the Wednesday morning Worship with a Taize Service of Word and Prayer. Similar to what we do at Dayspring’s Taize Services, Rosemary and I were joined by Zachary Golden, our organist, and Megan Law, our cantor, who lead our monthly Taize Services at Dayspring. The response was affirming, for which we thanked God.
Also, one of the topics was listening to the Call to Ministry from several pastors. One of these was from Katrina Pahulu, who currently serves as a licensed local pastor at Patagonia Community in the South District. This is her first appointment, and she is Tongan. She was among nine Pacific Islanders who received their licenses as local pastors in the Desert Southwest Conference. Many are serving churches in Nevada and Arizona. They come from different congregations in different states, including Hawaii, California, Nevada, and Arizona.
I was so touched by her words, which described the three things that help the Pasifika community nurture the calling of one who is called by God to ministry.
First, pastors are not distant professionals – they are present to support the families, not just spiritually but personally. Pastors show up for people.
Second, affirmation for ministry comes from the community. Others affirm how the called one was affirmed in their calling – especially how they care for others. In the Tongan community, the servant qualities are considered before any title that a person may have.
Third, obedience is celebrated. In the Tongan culture, every step of obedience is worth honoring. When shepherds publicly honor obedience, they make the call visible to the next person.
Finally, something deeper is formed. The Pasifika culture of call doesn’t only produce pastors, it forms servants.
As a Deacon, I fully believe in Servant ministry. We are all called to ministry. May we realize our gifts and use them to be open to how our gifts may serve others – our peers, strangers, our family, our coworkers. We can change the world in which we live.
Or, you may see someone at Dayspring who has gifts for ministry, who may be feeling a call to ordained ministry, to being a shepherd. Please affirm their gifts and their Call to Ministry.
Truly, I was inspired this week. God has been present.
Blessings of Peace and Love, Pastor Shirley
Pastor Katrina Pahulu
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us in March for a thoughtful and engaging month as the Exploring Contemporary Issues class continues to explore faith, theology, and the evolving understanding of God in our modern world.
March 1
Rev. Mark Huntington concludes our discussion of Spiritual Bankruptcy by John Cobb.
Then, beginning March 8 (Second Sunday), Randy Hamilton will lead a three-week exploration of Richard Rohr’s theology of “Centering”:
March 8 – Falling Upward
A look at the two halves of life and how spiritual growth often comes through loss, transition, and transformation — leading us toward deeper meaning and wisdom.
March 15 – The Universal Christ
Exploring the movement from a tribal understanding of God toward a universal, cosmic vision of divine love. What does it mean to say God loves things by becoming them? We’ll also discuss panentheism and how it differs from pantheism.
March 22 – The Cosmic Christ
A broader discussion of Rohr’s Franciscan vision of God and the growing dialogue between religion and science — not as adversaries, but as partners seeking truth.
March 29 (Palm Sunday), Rev. Mark Huntington will lead a discussion on contemporary mystic Robert Hope’s From the Center. We gather at 9:00 a.m. in the Palo Verde Room (Second Sundays meet in Room 112.) Each week includes a short presentation followed by rich conversation and open discussion. All are welcome.
Please contact Mark with questions or for more information at MnMhuntington@SBCglobal.net or 949-632-7904 voice or text
CONFRONTING CHRISTIAN NATIONLISM
Wednesdays ~ 10:30 a.m. – Friendship Village (Mesquite Lounge)
This Lent, Dayspring invites the community into a thoughtful and timely fourpart study, Confronting Christian Nationalism, facilitated by David Bandfield. Offered on Wednesdays in March, the study meets in two locations—mornings at Friendship Village and evenings at Dayspring—to make participation accessible to more people.
Christian Nationalism is rooted in the belief that the United States was founded as an exclusively Christian nation and that its government and institutions should be governed solely by Christian principles as defined by scripture. This study examines that ideology critically, exploring how Christian Nationalism, as it is commonly expressed today, is both unconstitutional and inconsistent with the life and teachings of Jesus.
MONTHLY TAIZÉ SERVICE
March 22 ~ 4:00 p.m. (Tempe)
Join us for our monthly Taizé Service at 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Step into a space of peace and stillness, where soft candlelight, simple chants, scripture, and silence create a gentle, reflective atmosphere. Rooted in the tradition of the Taizé Community in France, this contemplative service offers a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the presence of the Divine. Taizé services are designed to be peaceful and spiritually nourishing, making them especially meaningful for anyone seeking quiet renewal in the midst of life’s busyness. All are welcome—come as you are, and find rest for your soul.
3
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
CELEBRATING RECENT CHILDREN’S MINISTRY MOMENTS
SOUPer Bowl Sunday Success!
On SOUPer Bowl Sunday, our BeTween youth helped turn a national sports tradition into a local act of generosity. Thanks to the congregation’s support, more than $1,900 was raised for Tempe Community Action Agency, helping provide food and essential resources to families in our community.
Watching our youth lead with purpose and confi inspiring. What began as a simple fundraiser became a powerful reminder that service can be both joyful and impactful.
Our First In-BeTween Day Was a Hit!
We also want to celebrate the launch of our very first In-BeTween Day, which was a wonderful success! The room was full of laughter, creativity, and connection as our youth shared their improv skills and invited others into the fun. We’re so excited to continue building this monthly space for joy and community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
In-BeTween Days: Comedy Improv!
Join us on Second Sundays in the BeTween Room for a laughterfilled improv comedy session hosted by the BeTween kids! The BeTweens will kick things off by performing improv games they’re preparing for their spring showcase, “BeTween a Rock and a Metaphor.” Then—if you want—you can jump in too! Participation is always encouraged, never required. Who: All ages welcome; BeTween youth lead When: Second Sundays from 8:45–9:30 a.m. Where: Room 203
Why:
• It’s FUN!
• It builds confidence and empathy through the improv rule “Yes, and…”
• It provides a meaningful activity for kids while parents attend Second Sunday classes Come laugh, cheer, and maybe even jump into a game or two!
Upcoming Friendship Village Visit – BeTween Youth
BeTween a Rock and a Metaphor
On Saturday, March 7, BeTween will visit Friendship Village for a morning of improvisational comedy and storytelling. After performing, the kids will sit with residents to listen to their stories — building meaningful intergenerational relationships and learning how to better tell their own stories in the process.
March 7th Logistics:
• Depart Dayspring: 9:45
• Arrive at Friendship Village: 10:00
• Performance: 10:30–11:30 AM
• Return to Church: by 12:00 PM
Permission slips were sent home with kids who attended BeTween on 2/25/26. If your child did not receive one, please reach out. Friendship Village is requesting a headcount; we ask that you return the permission slips by March 4.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 19, at 11:30 a.m. (following worship). We’ll gather for a shared meal before the performance begins, concluding around 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $20, with proceeds benefiting charity. Beyond the laughter, this showcase celebrates growth — con fi dence strengthened, creativity unleashed, and courage practiced in community.
Thank you to the many parents, volunteers, and congregation members who continue to show up, cheer loudly, and invest in these incredible young people. Together, we are building something meaningful — and joy-filled — for the next generation.
~Jessica Nuñez-LaMarre
Children’s
Ministries Coordinator jessica@dayspringumc.org
YOUTH MINISTRY
February was a fun-filled month for our Dayspring youth! As usual, we had lively discussions in Formation, Kids’ Church on 2nd Sunday, and in Confirmation! During these sessions, we were especially focused on showing courage and the different forms courage can take in our lives. One way we practiced courage was during the Dayspring Immigration March on February 15th. Many of our youth participated by carrying homemade signs and showing our community our dedication to our immigrant siblings.
We also showed significant courage when we cared for 34 children ages 5 months to 9 years during Parents’ Night Out on Valentine’s Day! Youth and children played on the playground, made crafts, participated in games, and celebrated not only Valentine’s Day, but also Arizona’s birthday! We shared dinner together and ended with a movie. A good time was had by all and everyone slept well that night! We hope the parents enjoyed a kid-free evening! We would especially like to thank Kris Kroeger and Brady Darnell for their support in making this evening a huge success! The youth earned more than $1,000 toward their Sierra Service Project this June, so we are feeling the love! We hope to have another Parents’ Night Out in the fall, so keep an eye out for that!
Dayspring Youth wrapped up February with our annual Youth Sunday Service. The theme for this year’s Youth Sunday was COURAGE! Our youth came up with the idea in discussions during the Youth Retreat and worked to develop different ways to teach courage to the congregation by example. This included a flash-mob-style performance of “This Little Light of Mine,” which began with one soloist and spread to youth throughout the sanctuary, ultimately inspiring the entire congregation to join in. Messages delivered by some of our seniors, Dani Miller, Amara Carrier, and Genevieve Hall, interpreted scripture from the book of Joshua, related awkward middle school small talk to the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz, and gave examples of action points that anyone can take to show courage in our community. The youth choir poured courage into incredible performances of Sisi Ni Moja and You Say, and no Youth Sunday would be complete without skits. This year,
looking forward to Spring Break with one or two weeks off of school. But, we will still continue with Formation at 10:00, Kid’s Church on March 8th, and Con
Additionally, we’ve got a Youth Group night on March 8th from 5-7. We are still deciding what we will do, so if you’d like to give your input, please attend Formation on March 1st. Then, on March 22, we are going to have a Lake Day at Butcher Jones recreation site on Saguaro Lake from 12:30-4:30. We’ll play games on the beach, paddle on kayaks and in boats, and most certainly have snacks and sodas! This will be lots of fun and we hope lots of our youth will be there! We’ll need some parent drivers who are also interested in having some fun in the sun!
As always, if you know a youth looking for a welcoming church home, please tell them about our program and encourage them to email us at Youth@Dayspringumc.org.
MUSIC NOTES
March is Women’s History Month, so the choir is honoring women composers. We will sing anthems by Undine Smith Moore, Penny Rodriguez, Ruth Elaine Schram, Patti Drennan, and Sonja Poorman. We’ll also sing music by two personal friends of mine: Deborah Govenor, and Margaret Vardell Sandresky, who will turn 105 in April!
Undine Smith Moore is known as the "Dean of Black Women Composers." Educated at Fisk and Columbia, she was a composer and professor of music at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). Much of her work was inspired by spirituals.
Penny Rodriguez is a pianist, composer and recording artist who began playing piano at the age of 6 in the jungles of Peru, where her parents served as missionaries. She earned a degree in piano performance from Moody/American Conservatory of Music. She has recorded 13 albums and currently lives in the Indianapolis area.
Ruth Elaine Schram wrote her first song at the age of twelve, and her first octavo was published twenty years later, in 1988. In 1992, she became a full-time composer and arranger and now has over 2,000 published works. Her songs have appeared on such diverse television shows as "The 700 Club" and HBO's acclaimed series “The Sopranos.”
Patti Drennan is an award-winning music educator. She earned degrees from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma and taught choral music for 28 years in Norman Public Schools. An active composer and arranger, she has almost 500 choral octavos, piano and piano/vocal books published with 13 major publishers.
Sonja Poorman is the composer of our beloved annual Palm Sunday introit, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna.” She has been composing with her daughter, Berta, for over 20 years. She has directed ensembles of all ages in both school and church settings for over 30 years.
Deborah Govenor is an Ohio native and a graduate of The Ohio State University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. She is a Certified Associate in Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and has served as organist in several Lutheran churches in and around Columbus, Ohio. She has over 60 anthems in print, is a private piano teacher, and is organist, choir director and handbell choir director at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Maine.
Margaret Vardell Sandresky comes from a distinguished musical family. Her grandmother, Linda Rumple Vardell, founded the Conservatory of Music at Flora MacDonald College, and her father, Charles Gildersleeve Vardell, was a composer and the dean of music at Salem College in North Carolina (a position I held from 1995 – 2002). She was educated at the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Howard Hanson and Harold Gleason, and the Hochschule für Musik in Frankfurt. She has taught at Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the University of Texas at Austin, the North Carolina School of the Arts, and Salem Academy and College. An accomplished organist, her compositions include a wide range of music for organ as well as chamber music, pieces for orchestra, and music for choir.
~David Schildkret Director of Music Ministries david@dayspringumc.org
Undine Smith Moore
Margaret Vardell Sandresky
Mark your calendar:
UPCOMING MUSIC
Please plan to join us for Holy Week:
Palm Sunday, March 29: The combined choirs perform our annual introit, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna.”
Maundy Thursday, April 2: This contemplative service features cellist Alex Duke, a Dayspring favorite.
Good Friday, April 3: The Celebration Chorale sings in this quiet service marking the last day of Jesus’ life.
Easter Sunday, April 5: Glorious brass music rings out as we celebrate Jesus’ triumph over death.
On Sunday, May 3, at 4 p.m., Cantilena Chorale will perform Duruflé’s sonorous and comforting Requiem with Dayspring organist Zachary Golden.
On Saturday, May 9, at 4 p.m., the Celebration Chorale will be joined by an instrumental ensemble for the first performance of my newly composed “Requiem for the Innocent.” With texts drawn from scriptures, this work remembers those killed by police, ICE, and others, and asks, “What must we do?”
LIGHTS, CAMERA, CANTILENA!
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable evening celebrating the greatest music ever to hit the silver screen. The Cantilena Chorale presents: Hooray for Hollywood, featuring beloved songs and themes from some of cinema’s most iconic moments. Including favorites from The Wizard of Oz, the unmistakable style of the James Bond films, and soaring masterpieces by legendary composer John Williams.
With performances by the full choir and several standout small groups, it’s a red-carpet musical event filled with nostalgia, energy, and the magic of the movies. Join us for an evening where film history and harmony shine together!
No tickets required; a $15 donation is recommended.
The 2nd Sunday Burrito Menu
Served on a buffet from 8:30-noon
In the Fellowship Hall Donations are appreciated to help continue this ministry.
BURRITOS (all served with salsa):
• Fall Harvest - fried chicken/smoky bacon/ golden tots/rich queso
• Morning Glory - cheese and egg
• Blessed Burrito - veggies/rice/black beans
• The Holy Roller - sausage/egg/cheese
Mixed fruit • Assorted donuts
Coffee/tea station • Soda and juice
BURRITO OF THE MONTH:
Jenna’s Irish Gold Crunch Burrito
Crispy fried chicken, smoky bacon, golden tots, and rich queso all wrapped up for a St Paddy’s Day win. Crunchy, bold, and worth chasing like gold at the end of the rainbow.
THE SUNDAY MORNING EXPERIENCE YOU CREATE
What if church felt more like an open house than a single service?
On 2nd Sundays, that’s exactly what happens. From 8:30 AM to noon, you can move at your own pace and choose what nourishes you most — worship, conversation, learning, creativity, service, or rest. Stay for ten minutes or the whole morning. Pick one path or try something new.
Start by celebrating the Divine Feminine. Browse the library. Walk the labyrinth. Then build your morning from there.
2nd Sundays are about flexibility, belonging, and joy. Good food. Real community. Fresh perspective. Come create the Sunday morning you need.
Sample Path #1: Reflect & Restore
When your soul needs a deep breath.
8:45 – Begin with Sacred Space, easing into the day with quiet music, prayer, and stillness.
9:30 - Stop by the table in Fellowship Hall for Communion or meet with a prayer partner.
10:00 – Watch Worship in the Fellowship Hall while you slow down for breakfast.
11:30 – Close your morning with Deep Relaxation Yoga, allowing your body and spirit to reset before the week ahead. Coffee in between? Absolutely.
Sample Path #2: Grow & Connect
When you want conversation and community.
9:00 – Dive into Love Lessons to gain practical tools for healthier relationships.
10:00 – Explore faith and culture in Spiritual Tik Talk. 11:15 – Continue the conversation in Affirming Ministry or learn about the benefits of Lifestyle Medicine. Add breakfast and conversation for the full experience.
Sample Path #3: Create & Participate
When you want to move, make, and try something new.
8:45 – Cheer on (or join!) the fun at In-BeTween Days: Kids’ Improv.
9:20 – Warm up your voice at Ready, Set, Sing!
10:00 – Gather for Worship.
11:15 – Learn a new skill at Beginning Crochet or jump into the rhythm at the Drum Circle.
Leave energized, inspired, and maybe with a new hobby.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE WITH BERNIE ARNECKE
Sunday, March 8th at 11:15 a.m.
Join us to learn more about Lifestyle Medicine. During her talk, Bernie will review the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for coronary artery disease, insulin resistance (including prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes), and late-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. You will leave the talk with some lifestyle resources you can explore at home.
Bernie received her medical school and Internal Medicine residency training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and practiced internal medicine in the Valley from 1987 to 2024. During the last six years of her practice, she discovered the specialty of Lifestyle Medicine, which seeks to prevent and reverse chronic disease with a plant-predominant diet, exercise, healthy sleep, stress reduction, toxin avoidance, and human connection. She became board-certified by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine after retirement with the goal of spreading the word about the power of lifestyle to heal one’s body.
March2026
LATE BLOCK
11:00-12:00
8:30-12:00
EARLY BLOCK
8:30-10:00
MIDDLE BLOCK
10:00-11:00
10:00-Worship (S)
Break ast & Co ee (FH) Browse the Library (L) Walk the Labyrinth (P)
11:15-A irmin Ministry (110)
11:15-Be innin Crochet (FH)
11:15-Drum Circle (S)
11:15-Healin with Functional Medicine (PV) 11:30-Deep Relaxation Yo a (112) ALL DAY
10:00-Spiritual Tik Talk (PV)
10:00-Kids’ Church (207/207)
10:45-Communion/Pra C (FH)
8:45-Sacred Space Service (S)
8:45-Childcare (117)
8:45-In Between Days: Kids’ Improv (203)
8:50-Celebratin the Divine Feminine (PV
9:00-Explorin Contemporary Issues (112)
9:00-Love Lessons (110)
9:00-Prayer Shawl Ministry (FH)
9:20-Ready, Set, Sin ! (MR)
9:30-Communion/Prayer Corner (FH)
March 2026
Second Sundays are designed to be flexible, welcoming, and full of possibility. Move at your own pace. Create the Sunday morning that feeds your spirit.
EARLY BLOCK
| 8:30–10:00 AM
Sacred Space Service (8:45, Sanctuary): A contemplative gathering grounded in music, silence, prayer, and scripture. This quieter service invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the Divine in a peaceful setting.
Childcare (8:45, Room 117): Loving, attentive care for our youngest members so parents can fully participate in the morning’s offerings.
In-BeTween Days: Kids’ Improv (8:45, Room 203): BeTween youth lead a laughter-filled improv session as they practice games for their spring showcase. It’s playful, confidence-building, and open to all ages as audience — participation encouraged but never required.
Celebrating the Divine Feminine (8:50, Palo Verde): A reflective conversation exploring feminine imagery and wisdom in scripture, spirituality, and daily life. Come ready for thoughtful dialogue and shared insight.
Exploring Contemporary Issues (9:00, Room 112): Engage in meaningful discussion connecting faith with today’s social, cultural, and theological questions. Each session includes a brief presentation followed by open conversation.
Love Lessons (9:00, Room 110): Practical tools for healthier relationships — whether romantic, familial, or friendships. Honest conversation and applicable wisdom in a supportive setting.
Prayer Shawl Ministry (9:00, Fellowship Hall): Knit, crochet, or learn alongside others as we create prayer shawls, hats, and blankets that carry comfort, warmth, and blessing to those in need.
Ready, Set, Sing! (9:20, Music Room): A relaxed and joyful vocal warm-up session for anyone who loves to sing — no experience necessary. Come stretch your voice and your spirit.
Communion & Prayer Corner (9:30, Fellowship Hall): A quiet, intimate space for personal prayer and communion with a pastor or prayer team member available if desired.
MIDDLE BLOCK | 10:00–11:00 AM
Worship (10:00, Sanctuary): Music, message, prayer, and community in our primary worship gathering. Come as you are and join us in celebrating faith together.
Spiritual Tik Talk (10:00, Palo Verde): Short, engaging conversations designed to spark thought and conversation about faith, spirituality, and everyday life. Accessible, interactive, and energizing.
Kids’ Church (10:00, Room 207): Age-appropriate worship and learning experiences where children explore faith through stories, creativity, and connection.
Communion & Prayer Corner (10:45, Fellowship Hall): Continued opportunity for quiet reflection and personal prayer following worship.
LATE BLOCK
| 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Affirming Ministry (11:15, Room 110): A welcoming space centered on inclusion and creating a church where all people fully belong.
Beginning Crochet (11:15, Fellowship Hall): Learn the basics of crochet or build your skills in a supportive, beginnerfriendly environment. All materials and guidance available.
Drum Circle (11:15, Sanctuary): An interactive rhythm experience open to all skill levels. Feel the beat, connect through music, and experience the joy of communal creativity.
Healing with Functional Medicine (11:15, Palo Verde): A holistic look at health and wellness, exploring practical ways to support your body through lifestyle and functional approaches.
Deep Relaxation Yoga (11:30, Room 112): A restorative session designed to calm the nervous system and reset body and mind. Expect gentle guidance, soothing atmosphere, and space to simply rest.
ALL MORNING
| 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
Breakfast & Coffee (Fellowship Hall): Fresh food, warm drinks, and real conversation. Start your morning nourished in body and spirit.
Browse the Library: Explore books for all ages — from theology to fiction — and discover your next meaningful read. Walk the Labyrinth (Patio): Take a meditative prayer walk at your own pace. The labyrinth offers a physical pathway for reflection and renewal.
Second Sundays are about choice, curiosity, and community. Worship. Learn. Serve. Create. Rest. Connect. Come pick your path!
&CHURCH SOCIETY
FAITH IN ACTION:
LEADERSHIP, LEARNING & LOCAL ENGAGEMENT
Valley Interfaith Project Leaders’ Retreat
On January 31, more than 80 leaders from congregations across the Valley gathered at our Arcadia campus for the Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) Leaders’ Retreat. The day centered on strengthening democratic leadership and preparing for the important work ahead in 2026.
Together, participants explored:
• Reclaiming democratic tools for leadership
• Understanding power and decision-making in Maricopa County
• Launching the 2026 VIP Freedom School organizing strategy
What Is a VIP Freedom School?
Rooted in the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, Freedom Schools are designed as an “on-ramp” to organized, institution-based power. They bring people together to learn about community grievances, injustice, and practical civic engagement — connecting education with disciplined action.
In a time when families across Maricopa County face economic pressure, legal uncertainty, and growing mistrust of public systems, Freedom Schools aim to strengthen democratic participation rather than allow isolation to deepen.
The VIP Freedom School Launch will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Crosier Village, located at 717 E. Southern Ave. in Phoenix.
“YOU CAN’T MOBILIZE WHAT YOU HAVEN’T ORGANIZED”
VIP Freedom Schools are designed to:
Develop leaders — not just spectators.
Participants engage in one-to-one conversations, small-group dialogue, and public speaking practice.
Build durable civic infrastructure.
Freedom Schools connect leaders across congregations, neighborhoods, and worker communities, forming a countywide network capable of coordinated action.
Equip participants with practical knowledge, including:
• Constitutional and civil rights basics
• Immigration and labor protections
• Healthcare and public benefit navigation
• How local government decisions impact families
2026 Goals
attended, offering residents a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to serve.
• Launch Freedom Schools in 10+ institutions across Maricopa County
• Train 250+ emerging leaders of all ages
• Conduct public accountability actions around the November elections
• Expand legal and worker-protection partnerships
Education without social action is a one-sided value because it has no true power potential. Social action without education is a weak expression of pure energy.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Approximately 40–50 community members participated in the 75minute forum, which prioritized audience-submitted questions. While candidates offered brief introductions, most of the evening was dedicated to thoughtful dialogue about priorities, policy, and the responsibilities of local leadership.
Beyond helping voters make informed decisions, the event also highlighted Dayspring’s ongoing commitment to healthy civic engagement and self-governance. Many in the community became newly aware of our congregation’s dedication to supporting informed, respectful public discourse.
This forum was sponsored by Dayspring’s Church & Society team. Deep gratitude goes to the many volunteers who gave their time and coordination to make the evening possible. Please remember to vote on or before election day, March 10.
Church & Society
Dayspring Church & Society meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Palo Verde Room. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 3. All are welcome.
Bethany Lambrecht Chair, Church & Society blambrecht@dayspring-umc.org
Start your day with a few moments of mindfulness—wherever you are. Whether you’re taking a break from a hectic day at work or simply enjoying a slower morning, our informal online meditation group offers a peaceful space to set a positive tone for the rest of the day. Join us on Zoom weekday mornings at 9:00 a.m. — no experience needed. Bring your coffee or tea, take a deep breath, and find a little peace.
PRAYING TOGETHER
March 3 & 17 ~ 3:00 p.m.
Praying Together meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month via Zoom at 3:00 p.m. If you have prayers during the week, please enter them online or send them to shirley@dayspring-umc.org. We will then send them to the members of this group who are praying. All are welcome to meet with us via Zoom; please email shirley@dayspring-umc.org for the Zoom link or more information. You are also welcome to bring your personal prayer concerns.
SACRED STORY
Wednesdays ~ 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
This group explores all of the sacred stories we have around us – from Scripture, life experiences, memorable events, and more - all the ways we are affected by the sacred that make a lasting imprint on our lives. Join us as we delve further into the meanings behind each week’s story and see how the Holy One works in our lives. Together, we will be enriched by the possibility we might have missed by walking too swiftly—email shirley@dayspring-umc.org for the Zoom link or more information.
CENTERING PRAYER
March 5 & 19 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Centering Prayer is a spiritual meditation practice used by Christians. It emphasizes interior silence. The name comes from Thomas Merton's description of contemplative prayer as “centered entirely on the presence of God.” A small group meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Dayspring Tempe library. For further information, email Bethany at blambrecht1225@gmail.com
OPENING TO GOD
Fridays
~ 10:30 a.m.
Opening to God meets weekly on Friday mornings at 10:30 via Zoom. We gather for silence, centering prayer, meditation, journaling, contemplation, sharing, and listening to God’s direction in our lives. Please join us for this sacred time. Email shirley@dayspring-umc.org for the Zoom link or more information. All are welcome.
MONTHLY GATHERINGS
GRIEF SUPPORT
March 2 and 16 ~ 6:30 p.m.
Everyone experiences grief differently, but having the skills to process life after loss can make life bearable and, hopefully, life-giving. Our Grief Support Group meets on Zoom throughout the year and is facilitated by a psychologist and Dayspring member. It introduces the skills needed to help promote healing. If you or someone you know needs support in grieving a significant loss in your life, such as a death, broken relationship, or job loss, please come and experience a safe place to process in community. Please email Sharon Zygowicz at zygowicz@gatewaycc.edu for more information or the Zoom link.
PRIDE THEOPUB
March 2 ~ 6:00 p.m.
TheoPub, our monthly gathering for Dayspring LGBTQ+ and allies, will be held at Friendship Village’s Courtside Lounge on March 2 at 6 p.m. This different, non-restaurant location is a Hawaiian-themed potluck. The main dish will be provided, and attendees are invited to bring a potluck food dish to help with a Hawaiian Theme. We’ll have food, conversation, and even a few rounds of Trivia!
Email theopub@dayspring-umc.org with questions or for directions and parking information.
DAYSPRING LUNCH BUNCH
Sundays ~ 11:30 a.m.
Dayspring Lunch Bunch welcomes church members to join us weekly at local restaurants at 11:30 following the Sunday services. We share fun, fellowship, and “family” support. Lunch locations are listed at the Welcome table in the Narthex. We send a weekly email to members. Email lunch@dayspringumc.org for more information. All are welcome. Upcoming Lunch Spots:
March 2026 Dates
1 Perfect Pear, Ray and Priest, Tempe
8 US Egg, Chandler Blvd Gila Springs Chandler
15 RigaTony’s Warner and McClintock Tempe
22 Macayo’s Warner and McClintock, Tempe
29 Red Lobster, Ray and 54th St. Chandler
April 2026 Dates
5 Golden Gate Chinese, 101 and Baseline, Mesa
12 Bisbee Breakfast Ray Rd and I 10 Chandler
19 Garcia’s, Warner and McClintock, Tempe
26 Floridino’s, Alma School north of Erie Chandler
TOCHIMIZOLCO MEDICAL & DENTAL MISSION
April 7-14
Our annual Medical Mission to Tochimizolco, Mexico takes place April 7–14, continuing a partnership that has spanned nearly four decades. Since 1989 — pausing only during the COVID quarantine years — Dayspring has returned each year to serve the people of Tochimizolco and neighboring villages with compassionate, hands-on care and long-standing relationship.
Each spring, dozens of volunteers travel together to support well over a thousand residents who come through our clinics during the week. Services include medical consultations and prescriptions fi lled on-site, a fully functioning dental clinic — including major dental surgeries made possible by a new procedural suite donated by a very generous Dayspring member — eye exams with eyeglasses dispensed to those in need, and even an “al fresco” barbershop and beauty salon that offers a small but meaningful touch of dignity and joy.
What makes this mission powerful is not only the scope of services offered, but the spirit in which they are given. Volunteers greet each patient with patience and respect, listening carefully, offering skilled care, and building trust across language and culture. It is a week of teamwork, adaptability, and shared purpose — a reminder that healing often begins with presence.
If you have a willing heart and a desire to serve, we invite you to consider joining this year’s team. No medical experience is required, and you don’t even need to speak Spanish (although it helps) — there is meaningful work for every skill set, from hospitality and organization to hands-on clinical support.
To learn more, please contact the church office.
COVENANT CONNECTION
This ain’t no April Fools joke! April 1 will mark the end of our fourth semester of ESL classes at Iglesia Aliento! We will take two weeks off and begin another 12-week session on April 22.
The first three sessions could best be described as “dropin” classes, as many students registered but attended only one or two classes. We had two committed students who attended every Wednesday through the four semesters. This semester, we had seven committed students, so we see our classes beginning to stabilize.
We have rave reviews of our classes with students telling others, “it’s the best ESL I’ve attended,” “the volunteers are so loving and kind,” “the one-on-one work with the volunteers is wonderful! We’ve never had that in a class before!” This is why our classes have begun to grow, and students remain with us now!
Jan Espinoza is our #1 teacher and deserves so much credit for our classes. She gently guides both the students and volunteers each Wednesday to get the most out of our one hour.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact either Rosemary Anderson at 480-688-4664 or Jan Espinoza at 480-600-5772.
In other news, Aliento will be having La Tarde de Las Damas on Saturday, March 28. The church will open as a clothing boutique, offering free clothing. Women will shop to their hearts’ content all afternoon! If you have gently used clothing to donate for this one-time offering, please contact Rosemary Anderson. You are all invited to attend!
PRAYER SHAWL AND PRAYER BLANKET MINISTRY
Hooked on Jesus. Purled with Wisdom.
Thank you to everyone who has donated yarn, financial gifts, and countless hours of time and talent to create our prayer shawls, blankets, hats, and offerings. A special thank you to those who are teaching someone new to knit or crochet — passing along both skill and blessing. Kudos to you all.
We warmly invite anyone age 12 and up to join us — whether you already knit or crochet or would like to learn. Keep inviting friends, family, and neighbors. There is always room for more hands and hearts.
Donations of cash and yarn are always welcome. Financial gifts can be made through the website (select “Prayer Shawls” from the drop-down menu) or placed in a labeled envelope in the Sunday offering.
NEW: Have leftover yarn? We’ll take it. Please bring it on Sunday morning and text Susan Staley at 602-800-9110 to meet you before or after worship. We are currently making hats and beanies for mission offerings and a possible fall fundraiser.
A Legacy of Love
Dayspring member, Holly Moore, recently shared the story of her mother, Michaele — a woman whose hands were rarely still and whose heart was deeply rooted in faith. Through the Prayer Shawl and Prayer Blanket Ministry, her gifts continue to reach those in need of comfort — her legacy warming both body and spirit. Holly said:
"Throughout her life, my mom, Michaele Antwiler, poured her heart into her family and her crocheting — her hands were always busy with yarn and her spirit grounded in her faith. Her beautiful creations were often given as cherished gifts to family for Christmas and birthdays, each one carrying her warmth and love. After her sudden passing last September, we discovered more than 100 Prayer Shawls and Prayer Shrugs that she had created, each a testament to her compassion. Tucked inside her crochet book, my dad and I found a handwritten blessing — a gentle prayer that her handiwork would provide comfort and warmth to those who need it. She wanted those who received these gifts to know they are loved. Through the Dayspring UMC and the Prayer Shawl and Prayer Blanket Ministry team, we have witnessed her prayer fulfilled. My family and I are deeply comforted knowing her legacy continues to touch those seeking spiritual solace, and we are grateful to see her spirit living on in our church community and to the wider community also."
Michaele's handwritten blessing:
This shawl was made just for you
To bring comfort
To know you are loved
To share in your joy
This shawl is to wrap you up
When you're cold
When you're hurting When you need to snuggle
WORKSHOP TIMES
Time to bring your current work, turn in what you've completed, get yarn, get help, etc.
• Sundays: 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
• First Wednesdays of the month: 10 a.m. to noon in Room 112. Includes time for blessing of our offerings and packaging for delivery.
• 2nd Sundays: 9 a.m. to noon in Fellowship Hall
• Individual Help can be arranged by appointment.
This shawl was knitted or crocheted With blessings With love With prayers.
Made by Michaele
MISSION OFFERING: HATS & BEANIES FOR CHILDREN
We are inviting all knitters and crocheters to make hats and beanies for children ages 3 and up. Please consider making one, two, or more.
Deadline: Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 These hats will be given to children who come to the clinic. If you need yarn, the Prayer Shawl and Prayer Blanket Ministry can provide materials. Questions? Please contact Jane at 602-214-8605.
Holly Moore displaying some of her mother's Prayer Shawl donations
UNITED METHODIST MEN
March 7 ~ 8:00 a.m.
The Daypring United Methodist Men (UMM) hosted David Khoo from the Tempe Leadership Council and Tempe Cares at their recent meeting on February 7th. David described how Tempe Cares was founded in 1991 by former Tempe City Councilwoman Carol E. Smith, who wanted to see the community come together to serve the greater good. The mission of Tempe Cares is to organize citizen volunteers to reduce blight and improve the appearance of Tempe’s neighborhoods and community spaces. Tempe Cares has grown annually to include several hundred individuals, groups, and businesses. Each year, these volunteers come together to invest their combined resources to help improve the quality of life in Tempe.
During January, the Dayspring UMM enjoyed their Annual Retreat at the United Methodist Center at Mingus Mountain, where Pastor Jeff helped the group explore how life’s challenges and transitions can become gateways to deeper faith, authentic freedom, and God’s surprising grace, and Gary Lovejoy led discussions on male psychology and ways to find balance and health. Both topics inspired discussion and exploration during a long weekend of renewal, rest, and fellowship. The scenery and weather were spectacular.
COMING UP:
The Dayspring UMM continue to gather monthly for Christian fellowship. Meetings begin with coffee and a light breakfast, music from the UMM Guitar Pickers, and a short program led by a volunteer or guest speaker. The next UMM meeting will be on Saturday, March 7, at 8:00 a.m. Justa Center’s Executive Director, Dean Scheinert, will discuss the direction and future of Justa Center in downtown Phoenix and how it provides life-sustaining resources to assist homeless seniors.
NOMINATIONS OPEN:
The Lee Cook Memorial Award is given annually for valuable and continuing service to Dayspring and the community. The award honors the leadership role model Jesse Lee Cook, a longtime member of Dayspring who passed away in 2007. He set an example through his joy of service, kindness, and caring for others. The award is presented at the May UMM meeting. If you’d like to submit a nomination, please reach out to either Mark Kaiser or Bill Stenseth.
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are on the first Saturday of the month at 8:00 a.m. in the Palo Verde Room. All are welcome, men and women. You need not be a member of the Dayspring UMM to attend.
The UMM celebrate diversity, different perspectives, and meetings are filled with fellowship, music, information and lively discussions. Look for the UMM brochure in the narthex. Please join us!
UMM 2025-2026 LEADERSHIP
Mark Kaiser, Co-President, mjkaiser51@gmail.com
Bill Stenseth, Co-President, stensew@gmail.com
Ken Brooks, Music Director, kenneth.brooks@asu.edu
Tom Swift, Communications, tnswift@gmail.com
Randy Hamilton, Director of Programs, rhblues2@msn.com
Fred Searing, Treasurer, fesearing@aol.com
Robert Smith, Past UMM President, az4smith@gmail.com
Pastor Jeff Procter-Murphy, Advisor, jeff@dayspring-umc.org
Visitors and prospective members are warmly invited to attend all United Women in Faith gatherings. You are also encouraged to explore United Women in Faith at uwfaith.org to learn more about the organization’s rich history and ongoing national mission.
Join us in fellowship as we color quilt squares. Bev Secrist blends them together for quilts that are donated to local organizations like Sidewalk Sundays.
This circle features a variety of programs, including Response magazine discussions, social action topics, and book studies. All are welcome—come and find connection, learning, and spiritual growth with United Women in Faith.
PRISON MINISTRY
September 16 ~ 5:30 p.m. (Tempe)
PRISON MINISTRY WELCOMES FORMER INMATE
With a drug-addicted mother, Melissa Douvia left home at 13 to live with her 19year-old boyfriend and became a mother herself by 15. She dropped out of school, working several jobs to support her family, and began using drugs and alcohol to dampen her pain. Two DUIs later, she was in prison.
Unable to stay sober, she was incarcerated twice, spending almost 9 years in the Perryville prison. Melissa told the Dayspring Prison Ministry that by living in one of the Magdalene transitional houses after she was released, “I learned how to live again.”
Two years later she is now the manager of one of the Magdalene houses, setting an example for other recently released inmates. She makes sure they attend daily 12-step meetings, helping them navigate a two-year program of physical, mental and spiritual support.
She said the monthly “surprise” gifts from the Dayspring Ministry group are an absolute highlight, from the baked goods, poems and cosmetic items to candy and flowers. The February surprise delivery contained red valentine socks and sock-shaped cookies. Melissa said they also greatly appreciate the household supplies collected by Dayspring members.
In addition to supporting the two Magdalene Houses in Phoenix, ministry members continue to send monthly birthday cards to inmates at Perryville and maintain pen pal relationships with many. The next meeting will be March 17 at 5:30 in room 112.
VEHICLE DAY
Dayspring Preschool and Kindergarten’s classrooms are full of little learners who are exploring, creating, and growing through educational activities, music, art, and play. The classes are having fun with themed lessons like dinosaurs, space, and safari! Outdoors, the kids have been enjoying the amazing weather, riding trikes around the bike path, using their imaginations while running around with capes on, jumping on the tire, and swinging on the swings.
We’re especially excited to invite the church and the surrounding community to join us for our community Vehicle Day event on Wednesday, April 15th, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children will have the chance to get an up-close look at many different vehicles and meet the people who operate them. It’s always a favorite event filled with excitement, learning, and lots of smiles! We’re grateful to be a ministry of this church community for the past 52 years and love sharing the joy, learning, and connection that make our preschool and kindergarten such a special place.
READ BOOK CLUB
March 4 ~ 6:30 p.m. (Room 112)
The Dayspring Book Club continues this spring with two compelling novels that explore mystery, memory, resilience, and the unseen threads that connect us.
On Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112, we’ll discuss The Story Collector by Evie Woods. Set between a quiet Irish village one hundred years ago and present-day New York, this lyrical novel follows two women separated by time yet connected by folklore, mystery, and hidden truths. When a young farm girl helps translate Irish fairy tales for an American visitor, she becomes entangled in secrets that blur the line between myth and reality. A century later, another woman journeys to Ireland and uncovers long-buried stories that refuse to stay hidden.
Then, on April 1 (no joke!) at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112, we’ll chat about Heartwood by Amity Gaige. When an experienced Appalachian Trail hiker disappears in the Maine woods, a search and rescue team races against time. Alone in the wilderness, Valerie Gillis writes poetic letters to her mother as she confronts fear, memory, and hope. A powerful meditation on survival, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for thoughtful community conversation, the Dayspring Book Club is a welcoming space for meaningful discussion and connection. For more information, email Beth Cadman at beth@thecadmans.com.
DAYSPRING TEMPE LIBRARY NEWS
“Library Highlights” focuses each month on a topic, author, series, or recently acquired books.
March 2026 Topic: Joy & Happiness
Featured book: The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor (940.5 JAK) Against unbelievable odds, Eddie found the will to survive. With overwhelming gratitude, he made a promise: he would smile every day in thanks for the precious gift he was given and in honor of all those killed in the concentration camps. At 100 years of age, he calls himself the happiest man on earth.
Additional books: 24/6 a Prescription for a Happier Life by Matthew Sleeth (263.3 SLE)
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (294.3 HHD)
Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change by Michelle Gielan (158.1 GIE)
Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity by Adam Hamilton (248 HAM)
TAKING CARE:
LIVING AND LOVING WITH MEMORY LOSS
Can Dementia Risk be Reduced?
By Anne Ahland
Some recent research suggests that there are ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Often, we are reminded to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and keep our brains engaged. In addition, we need to incorporate the following:
• Turn off the TV. Watching Television is a passive cognitive activity.
• Read more. Reading does promote cognitive activity. If it has been a while since you read a book, try reading short stories, a magazine about a topic you find interesting, and gradually expand. Less TV watching leaves more time to read.
• Use your hearing aids. If adjusting to hearing aids was difficult, and they are not used during all waking hours (for instance, they are usually in a drawer), your brain is not being stimulated with conversations and social interactions. Research shows that this is a dangerous path toward cognitive decline. Wear your hearing aids.
• Avoid vitamin deficiencies. A healthful diet including fruits and vegetables every day is good brain food. If you may be coming up short of your daily needs, multiple vitamins with a mineral supplement may help bridge the gap. Limiting alcohol consumption may also help prevent vitamin deficiencies.
• Sleep. Sleep helps rejuvenate your brain. Try to use good sleep hygiene. This includes having a routine to help you relax before bedtime. (Avoid TV or screen time.) Aim for a consistent bedtime and a consistent wake-up time. Stay clear of caffeine-containing drinks or foods (for instance, chocolate) in the late daytime or evening. Check with your doctor about sleep apnea, especially if you snore.
• Maintain your vascular health. Work toward managing your vascular health, which includes blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Better management of these will improve circulation to the heart and brain.
• Get moving! Use a step counting device. Walking is a very healthy habit, especially if you can gradually increase your pace and the number of steps you take. Using a pedometer will give you a baseline and help you set goals. Walking outdoors in nature is great when the weather cooperates. Walking outdoors with a friend is even better. But even walking on a treadmill can help to increase your movement and circulation.
If you think you are falling short on these things, you may want to choose one item as your initial focus. As you establish new, healthier habits, you can choose a second one to work on. Every improvement will benefit both your brain and your overall health. There is no time like the present to choose which one you can start today!
Taking Care, a support group for caregivers of those with memory loss, meets the first and third Mondays of every month on Zoom. If you are aware of someone who may not know about our meetings, please encourage them to contact Pastor Shirley at shirley@dayspring-umc.org so they can be included. This group welcomes anyone from the community as well as Dayspring members and friends. Helping those around us makes all of us stronger.
FINANCE
By Nan Lawson, Controller
FINANCE REPORT
Total income for the General Fund in January 2026 was $133,910 and expenses were $104,378. This is a positive cash flow of $29,532. The giving graph of the General Fund shows the trend in donations received during the month of January over the last five years. The graph of the A Place for All Capital Fund shows that we have received 81% of the pledged funds with another 10 months to go in this campaign.
Thank you for your generosity in funding the ministries, missions, and campus needs of Dayspring!
—— Caring for the Community ———
Dayspring UMC StitchersYou guys are amazing!
Thank you for the cozy blankets for our families! Your support of our mission to give every baby a chance at a healthy start means the world. We’ve cared for over 1100 babies since opening our doors 5 years ago. We couldn’t do it without wonderful people like you. Thank you!
Tara S. Hushabye Nursery
Pastor Jeff,
Thank you so much for Dayspring’s incredible, generous donation! Your support will make a meaningful difference for families working toward safe, affordable homeownership. We are truly grateful for your partnership and for your heart for serving our community. Please extend our sincere thanks to the entire Dayspring congregation. Sincerely,
Adriana O.
Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona
Dear Jeff,
Thank you! We received Dayspring United Methodist Church's gift of $10,000.00 dated on 1/27/2026 towards TCAA's Building Resilience Capital & Program Expansion Campaign. This campaign allows TCAA to construct a facility which will offer a wide array of human services programming and broaden the capacity of both our current programs and those offered by our co-located partners. It also allows for enhancements to our current site at 2146 E. Apache, where we have a long-term lease.
With the expansion of space and programming, the goal is for participants to move on an accelerated path from crisis to stability, and ultimately resilience. Your gift helps TCAA make this happen. As we progress in the campaign, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Once again, thank you. Our team considers ourselves truly blessed to have your support. Thank you for providing a transitional housing unit!
With profound appreciation, Carrie A.
Tempe Community Action Agency
DONATE
TOOTHBUSHES FOR TOCHI
Children’s Ministry is collecting individually wrapped toothbrushes, travel-sized toothpaste (3 oz or less), and floss for this year’s medical mission trip to Tochimizolco, Mexico. Please bring your donations to church through Palm Sunday and place them in the collection box in the Narthex.
Because these items must be packed into volunteers’ luggage, the size and packaging requirements are very important. Thank you for helping us extend care and compassion through these simple, practical gifts!
BUILD HOPE WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Join Dayspring’s Habitat for Humanity team as we partner with the Mighty United Methodist Coalition to help build a home — and a future — for a local family. Dayspring has long been a strong volunteer presence in this effort, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Upcoming build days include:
Saturday, March 14 – Complete drywall Saturday, April 11 – Install doors and trim Saturday, April 18 – Interior trim painting and exterior paint prep
No experience is necessary — just a willing spirit and a readiness to serve. Whether you’re handy with tools or simply eager to help, there’s meaningful work for everyone. Come spend a Saturday building more than walls!
Please email Mark Boyle for more information or to volunteer at ruthandmarkboyle@gmail.com
FAMILY PROMISE
Dayspring Family Promise concluded another successful week of service on February 22. We hosted three families: five adults and seven children. Some 40 volunteers contributed over 350 hours setting up, cleaning up, cooking meals, playing games with children, and serving as overnight hosts. Many others purchased food or made monetary gifts. This is Dayspring’s call to “make the world more peaceful, just, compassionate, and inclusive” in action! Thank you for stepping up!
Our next Family Promise week is April 26 – May 3. Signups for volunteers will begin on April 12, so look for the tables before and after the 10 a.m. service in mid-April. Meanwhile, keep our families in your prayers.
—David Schildkret for the team: Kathleen Devereux, Tammy White, and Susan Griffin
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS
BETH CAMPBELL
I am a third-generation native Arizonan who loves AZ and has many extended family members in the state. However, I wish to commune with progressive, like-minded people and have thankfully found Dayspring. I am a retired teacher, a former Licensed Massage Therapist, and also previously a level 1 Sign Language Interpreter. Currently, I am working in the area of Wildlife Rehabilitation and towards certification as a Bookkeeper. My husband, Paul, son Gavin, and I plan to travel to New Zealand next year.
NANCY BUCK
I grew up in Oakland, CA. After going to college and working in Ohio for a time, I moved to Arizona in 2002. I enjoy cooking, reading, and keeping my brain sharp with puzzles and games.
RUSSELL SCHMIDT
As a child and teenager, I grew up in upstate NY, attending a United Methodist Church in Oswego County. I have been a music educator for over 35 years, specializing in jazz and improvisation skills. I enjoy traveling with my wife of 27 years, Nancy Buck. We have two children in their 20s.
MEMBERSHIP
Are you new to Dayspring UMC? Have you been attending for a while? Are you interested in learning more about the church and what is involved in church membership? We invite you to attend a session with Pastor Jeff to learn more about the United Methodist Church and Dayspring specifically. The next New Member Orientation is March 15 from 11:15-12:30 in Room 112.
Church membership asks these four questions of you:
Will you love God with your whole heart?
Will you love your neighbor as generously as you love yourself?
Will you seek to follow Jesus and live according to his teachings?
Will you live your life with generosity and hope?
If you would like to attend this upcoming membership orientation, please call the church office at (480) 838-1446 or email the church office to let us know you are interested. Or, if this date is not convenient, please contact the office to discuss alternate times.
FROM OUR PASTORS
WHAT A TIME
What a sacred, holy, powerful time we shared on February 15th.
Over 200 of us took to the streets, feet on pavement, signs in hand, songs in the air, marching from our church to the park, declaring that love will not be silent. And for those who were unable to make the walk, you held sacred space back at the church in worship and prayer, fully present in spirit. That is the body of Christ in motion, some walking, some holding, all moving together.
Jesus is clear in Matthew 25:35–40: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” And then he pushes it further, when we welcome the stranger, when we stand with the least of these, we are welcoming Christ.
There is no theological gymnastics around that. No loopholes. No footnotes. Just truth. We are living in a moment when some loudly claim that exclusion is holy, that removing the immigrant is righteous, that fear is faithfulness. As I preached in my sermon, the Jesus we follow does not build walls around compassion. The Jesus we follow crosses borders, geographical, political, social, and religious.
February 15th, we grounded ourselves in Isaiah 58, which tells us not to get comfortable in our faith. The prophet asks: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free… to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house?”
God is not just impressed with worship that stays inside the Church. God is moved by worship that spills into the streets and world.
That day, we were living in Isaiah 58. We were choosing the fast God desires, not empty ritual, but embodied justice. And the promise attached to that kind of faith is powerful:
“Then your light shall break forth like the dawn… You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.”
Repairers. Restorers. Beloved, that is who you were that day, and every day we choose this faith. As we marched, I couldn’t help but think about the Kindom of God and how diverse it is. We had Black, White, Brown, gay and straight, young and old—literally from ages 2 to 102!
Like the parable of the Good Samaritan. The religious leaders passed by. The ones expected to help crossed the street. And it was the one deemed outsider, wrong, unworthy, who stopped, who bound wounds, who paid the cost.
That parable isn’t just about charity. It’s about redefining who our neighbor is. It’s about exposing systems that decide who is disposable. It’s about asking us, “Will you cross the road?”
On February 15th, you did.
You, Dayspring, continue to be a place that welcomes the fullness of people, their stories, their cultures, their identities, and their hopes. But welcome cannot stop at open doors. Welcome must move its feet. Welcome must disrupt injustice. Welcome must risk something.
What I witnessed that Sunday was a church on the move. Not loud for attention. Not angry or making this a spectacle. But we were grounded, prayerful, Spirit-led, and courageous.
We marched not because it is trendy. We marched because it is faithful. We marched because Jesus is found among the strangers. We marched because the Kingdom of God looks like a table where no one is told they do not belong.
May we continue to be the kind of church that doesn’t just talk about justice but walks toward it. May we keep becoming repairers of the breach. May our light continue to break forth like the dawn.
And may we never forget, when we welcome the immigrant, we are welcoming Christ himself.
Ashe & Amen,
Pastor Michael
FAITHFUL RESISTANCE
Pastor Jeff joined nearly 2,000 United Methodists— including bishops and leaders from across the connection—in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 25, alongside ecumenical partners for “Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigration Justice."
Through song, prayer, witness, and a peaceful march, they stood against cruel and inhumane immigration policies and the harmful treatment of our neighbors. More joined online, amplifying the call.
As one leader prayed, “May God make a way where there seems to be no way. And may we help open doors to a world where ‘strangers’ are known as neighbors, and where all are welcomed with dignity and love.”
PHOTO (below): Pastor Jeff with Dayspring member Julie ONeal and Rev. David Felten
Dayspring UMC is a Reconciling Congregation. All people, regardless of age, sex, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, or ability are welcome into the full life of our congregation.
Dayspring UMC affirms the value and worth of all persons, recognizing that everyone is a child of God. We call all to live by and attest to gender equality and to observe Jesus' principles of love and non-violence in all our relationships.
