An Insignificant Life
This has been a challenging few months. The pain and uncertainty in our church is more than words can adequately describe. How do you truly walk into a new future when one foot is tied to something in the past?
50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor
Congregations can help a new pastor get off to a strong start with these 50 Ways to acclimate a new pastor and make that new pastor feel truly welcome. The article from ResourceUMC also offers ways to say goodbye to your current pastor in a healthy way.
Annual Conference Information and Deadlines
What you need to know about the 2019 Desert Southwest Annual Conference.
Communications Training for local church August 10
Come join United Methodist Communications as we help church leaders begin a journey to build and implement a strategic marketing plan for their church. We will explore the planning process, branding ideas, social media, and more.
Young People’s Address at General Conference 2020
The United Methodist Young People’s Address is an opportunity be a witness about the church’s impact in one’s own life and in the lives of others. It is also a chance to cast a vision for future work together as Christ’s hands and feet in the world.
It’s Not About the Resurrection – It’s All About New Life
Easter Sunday is a day of celebration that life is different because of Jesus Christ. But may I tell you a secret?
Video: An Easter Prayer for United Methodists
Christians today take time for self-examination and reflection during Lent. “Going dark” for a few weeks prepares us to fully experience those first rays of resurrection light on Easter.
Learn to Manage Church Finances with this Simple Guide
Pastors and lay leaders now have a clear, easy-to-use guidebook for church finances with “Church Finances for Missional Leaders: Best Practices for Faithful Stewardship,” by Bonnie Ives Marden.
Register for Summer Camps
The Desert Southwest Camp and Retreat Ministries offers a variety of summer camps for elementary age children through just graduated seniors.
Conference Leadership Invitation
The ministry leadership of the Desert Southwest Conference is shared by over 300 people who serve on our many committees, task forces, teams, and working groups. Once more we are changing our nominations process for conference leadership. Listed below are the...
Do Your Church Programs Obscure Your True Mission?
Sometimes churches get so preoccupied with their own programs and a get-it-done approach to mission that they lose sight of their ultimate purpose. Lee Roorda Schott’s experience as a pastor behind prison walls taught her that the true essence of the church’s mission must be love born of real, authentic relationship.
Deep Roots, Wild Branches: Re-Missioning the Church from the Outside In
Across the United States and beyond, the God who “makes all things new” is up to something. Amid a Christian landscape that looks and feels like a desert of decline, new oases of the Spirit are springing forth. Inherited congregations, with long histories, deeply rooted in their traditions, are experimenting with cultivating “fresh expressions” of church and experiencing forms of revitalization.
Young Adult Work Day at Mingus Mountain Camp
Join other young adults on Saturday, April 27 at Mingus Mountain Camp as we prepare the camp for summer. Grab a friend or two and join us for a day trip that includes both hands-on service and fun activities.
A Mingus Mountain Camp Encounter
Join us for an evening of Mingus Mountain Camp experiences benefiting the Children and Youth Scholarship Fund.
Register for Summer Camps
The Desert Southwest Camp and Retreat Ministries offers a variety of summer camps for elementary age children through just graduated seniors.
Called Together By Grace: One Body
You are invited to join laity and clergy from across our conference on March 2 for a time to gather in worship as a community, experience our covenant together, and affirm our shared vision and values. I will share a message of hope and unity, including conversations about the implementation of the General Conference 2019 legislation.
The Cross Unites Us by His Love
Former Desert Southwest Conference clergy person gifts hand-made olive-tree wooden crosses to entire General Conference delegation. “I cried out to God to help me live out my call … the spirit led me” – Lerdahl
Have you registered for the Day of Learning
Join the East District Saturday, February 16, 2019 for a Day of Learning with Brian McLaren, author of We Make the Road by Walking, at First UMC, Mesa. Registration $15 includes lunch by February 1, 2019.
Register today for the Western Jurisdiction Disaster Academy
The Western Jurisdiction Disaster Academy is being held in Phoenix Arizona March 28-31 of 2019. This training opportunity will connect you with trainers from UMCOR and disaster coordinators across the country who will equip and prepare you to mobilize your...
Beginning on February 3rd the Desert Southwest Conference will be Praying Our Way Forward
Prayer is one of the essential ways we connect to God and to one another, and in preparation for General Conference 2019, prayer will be one way we can all participate in this unique and significant event in the life of our church and our connection. Beginning January...
