2022 Mission Project
The Long Journey
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Seeking to collaborate on a purpose-filled mission or ministry?
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Ministry News & Resources
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Asylum Aid &
Immigration
AZ Justice For
Our Neighbors
Children & Poverty
Check out the latest news and resources on this subject.
Church & Society
Watch the training video and learn why this team is vital for your church.
Clergy Wellness
Earth Care
Designed to help educate the DSC and share actions that churches and members can take, both in their own lives and legislatively regarding climate change.
Economic Inequality
Gun Violence Awareness
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HIV Caring Ministries
Check out the latest news and retreat information on this subject.
Human Trafficking
Check out the latest news and retreat information on this subject.
Persecuted Christians
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Prison/Criminal Justice Reform
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Religion & Race
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Veterans Ministries
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Welcome And
Reconciling Ministries
Conference Wide
Immigration Response
As United Methodists, we recognize the inherent value of every person, regardless of race, religion, national origin or immigration status. We look into the faces of those fleeing violence and oppression in their home countries, and we remember that Jesus was himself a refugee. We see his face in them. (2016 Book of Resolutions, #3281 “Welcoming the Migrant to the United States”)
Making Room at The Inn
Featured Story
Welcoming the stranger and making room at The Inn isn’t just an in-person ministry. You can help where you are at.
Billie’s Blog
Latest News & Updates
The Death Penalty is Broken and Must Be Abolished
Although the death penalty continues to exist in many states, and executions continue to happen, it is agonizingly clear that the system is broken and must be abolished. The United Methodist Church and the Desert Southwest Conference are strongly opposed to the death...
Annual Conference 2024 Mission Project Announced
During the most recent Sessions meeting (planning body for Annual Conference), members agreed that this year’s mission project would focus on support for churches engaged in asylum and border mission. In the coming weeks we will announce items that may be donated to one or two organizations who work in this same area.
Companies Hire People with Felony Convictions!
It is encouraging to learn that this list of several national companies, and others, will hire people with felony convictions. Please share this list with anyone who may benefit from the information.
FROM THE PULPIT – Oppose the Death Penalty Now!
Rev. Jim Ek recently preached a powerful sermon on the death penalty at St. Matthew UMC, Mesa. He encouraged everyone to write to their governor and representatives to support commuting death sentences of prisoners on death row in order to save lives now. A video of...
What is Our Faithful Witness? A Pastoral Letter After UNLV Mass Shooting
Dear Friends, Once again, our community has been impacted by gun violence. On Wednesday, three people were shot and killed and one person wounded on the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) campus by an older adult man. Prayers We send our deepest sympathies to the...
Statement on Shooting of Pastor Hans Schmidt and Gun Violence Across the Country
This past week, the relentless epidemic of gun violence has touched my family, my neighbors, and communities across the country. On Saturday, a family friend in his early 30’s shot himself after struggles with depression and substance abuse. He leaves behind shattered...
Thou shalt not kill
While many countries in the world have eliminated the death penalty, the United States has not, yet a growing number of individual states have taken steps to halt or suspend those sentences. Our religious heritage simply leaves no question about our role in the...
To Shoot or Not to Shoot. That is the Question.
Both DSC Board of Church & Society Chair, Gerry Hills and Director of Justice & Outreach, Billie K. Fidlin are available to lead a local church discussion on justice topics through the Civil Dialogue process. Contact Billie to schedule.
Wrap Up! Mission Project Totals
We have the final accounting of donations turned in to our Conference Treasurer, Matt Kuss, for the 2023 Mission Projects. You'll remember we had three areas of focus this year: Ukraine Relief, RIP Medical Debt, and Disaster Relief for Turkey/Syria. Our grand totals...
Logic Model Training via ZOOM
Sometimes our teams and ministry groups need just a bit of help organizing and planning details to implement a project, event, or even long-term goals. Join me for an hour training on the organizational tool called a logic model. This planning map helps one to...
Exploring the Death Penalty – Annual Conference Luncheon
Time to register! The deadline is Thursday, June 8, 2023. We are taking registrations for the Annual Conference luncheon on looking at the death penalty. There will be facts, information from Sister Helen Prejean, and a lively discussion. Lunch is in the same room as...
2023 Safe Sanctuaries
Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities, released on May 1, 2023, from Discipleship Resources, an imprint of The Upper Room. This new and comprehensive resource continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries by building on the trusted policies and...
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