Timing Makes a Difference
This last Sunday was one of those days where I got to do a lot of driving. My Charge Conference was at a church close to the New Mexico border. A 9:00 AM meeting sounded good when I approved the schedule, but I didn’t really think about what it meant for a departure time. One of the uses that I like for my GPS is figuring out how long it takes to get somewhere. In the old days my estimates were not always very accurate. My GPS has turned out to be a pretty handy tool!
Upcoming Investment and Tax Seminar
It is not too late to register for the Investment Diversification & The New Tax Act Seminar hosted by Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation's Stewardship Committee. The seminar is Thursday, November 8, 2018, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m, at First United Methodist...
Remember in November: Proposition 126
Proposition 126 is cunningly titled “The Protect Arizona Taxpayers Act.” Whether it would actually protect taxpayers is subject to debate. If voters approved this constitutional amendment, an entire category of taxes would be removed from the potential revenue sources...
Local Church Grants from UMCOM
Two grant opportunities are available for local churches from United Methodist Communications: New Church Start Grants provide customized services to churches that are less than two years old. These services may include advertising, awareness materials, social media...
Healthcare for Children and Families Builds Social Community
By Gerry Hills At both, the state and federal level, 2018 elections will determine the fate of health care for children and families. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation since 2009 the number of uninsured Americans has dropped from around 39% to 11% due to the...
Strength for the Journey Retreat 2019
Creating a respite from the challenges that come from an HIV diagnosis, the HIV Caring Ministries is pleased to host the annual Strength For The Journey retreat for those infected by HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. The event takes place at the Mingus...
Let’s Start a “Thankful Revolution”
There are many ways that we can make a positive difference in the lives of other people. One of these ways is very easy to do and doesn’t have to cost much time or any money. Are you interested in knowing more about it? It is the simple action of saying “thank you”.
Certified Lay Speakers in the South District
At the recent South District 3rd Annual Lay Servant Celebration on September 29, 2018, we had the honor and privilege of holding a commitment service to recognize six persons who had achieved the status of Certified Lay Speaker.
Prop 127: Clean energy for a healthy Arizona
By Jill Cristina-Krebs, Chair of Dove the Desert UMC Board of Church & Society, and member of the Desert Southwest Conference Board of Church & Society Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy (1 Corinthian 4:2, ESV) What is the current...
Pension staff plans for possible ways forward
Do you or your church members have questions about how any of the proposed plans for A Way Forward might affect your church? Plan to attend one of the Holy Huddles in your area to learn more about the proposed plans and get answers to your questions.
Resourcing through the connection
Is your church office administrator missing out on the tips, conversations, and resourcing that is happening on the Conference Facebook Communications group? Members of this group not only get direct contact with the Conference Communications Director, even better...
Remember in November: Criminal Justice Reform
By Dan Sagramoso What’s the current status of criminal justice in the U.S and in Arizona? The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. Arizona has the fourth highest rate in the U.S., with about 42,000 people in state prisons at any point...
September Apportionments: Giving God Our Best
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Then what would a video about giving God our best be worth? Priceless! Our Communications Department has recently completed an initial series of three videos that highlight how our apportionment giving truly is about...
Power and Responsibility
It is easy to talk about the power and responsibilities that other people have, but what about our own power? Each of us has some. Our choices effect the lives of other people. Our use of power can build people up, or tear people down. How are we using our power?
Pastor Appreciation Month
Did you know October is Pastor Appreciation Month? This month is set aside to honor our pastors for their sacrificial service. What are creative ways that you might say thank you? Our clergy need to be reminded how much we notice and appreciate all that they do....
Place Needed to Make Some Saw Dust
The Desert Southwest Conference United Methodist Men, affiliated with SAWs (Servants at Work, Indianapolis), has formed SAWs-Southwest to serve the needs for ramps throughout our conference and beyond. Taking on this tremendous challenge requires many subjects and...
$400 off on Christmas invitations
United Methodist Communications is offering free $400 towards Christmas Invitation tools including direct mail, banners, and invites for churches in the Desert Southwest Conference! The offer is valid until December 25, 2018, so act quickly! Some churches that have...
What does your church need to help inform the people in the pews?
Are the people in your community within and outside of your church are aware of the work from the Commission on A Way Forward? Do you need resources to help you enlighten your community regarding the proposals for the future of The United Methodist Church and the...
SNAP is at risk but you can help
By Kent Olson, Desert Southwest Conference Chair of Church & Society The Association of Arizona Food Banks publishes a quarterly newsletter entitled Hunger-Free AZ News. Their just-published Fall edition contains the following information regarding current legislation...
Stewards of Life
This last week I was able to stop for lunch with friends on my way home from meetings at Mingus Mountain camp. We were talking after lunch for a few extra minutes outside of the restaurant. A man named Mitch, who looked like he was at least my age, walked up to us and asked if we had a couple of dollars that we could give him. He needed $1.50 in order to ride the bus. As Christians, how do we respond when someone asks us for money?
