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The Character of a Methodist – Part 2
It was more than he could handle. John Wesley’s movement was about taking the love of Christ beyond the institutional walls of a stiff and cold church and making that love practical, accessible, and truly transformative for the people who were at the very margins of life, struggling to exist.
Count Your Blessings
Any day is a good day to count our blessings for contentment and gratitude bring us peace and happiness. Oh, to be like the apostle Paul when he said in Philippians 4: 11b-13 …
District Office Closed for Thanksgiving 2019
The East and West District Office will be closed Thursday, November 24 for Thanksgiving. We will return to the office Monday, November 28.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
May your holiday be filled with peace, love and joy.
2020 Lay Servant Ministries Schedule
Lay Servants are to serve the local church or charge in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. Classes are offered monthly in the East and West District of the Desert Southwest Conference.
The Five Hour Challenge: Turning Your Church Outwardly Focused
Are you looking for ideas to turn your church towards an outward focus?
Mark’s Musings – The Potter’s Mark of Love
In the past few years I have discovered a love for collecting ceramics (yes, one of my many collections). It started with Mata Ortiz pottery. Over the years we have bought many Mata Ortiz pieces to give as gifts. My collection started when my eye was caught by a javelina made by master potter Nicholas Ortiz. Several Mata Ortiz potters are represented in my collection, but Nicolas Ortiz remains my favorite. In addition to the javelina, my Nicolas Ortiz pieces includes a rabbit and two turtles. I was totally satisfied with collecting Mata Ortiz pottery, then over the summer I discovered some other potters.
Appointment Announcement November 8, 2019
The Rev. N. Susan Brims, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, announced that Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata intends to appoint Rev. Tom Kiracofe as the pastor (serving less than full time) at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Phoenix, AZ...
The Golden Standard of Data
Why is this important to us, as the church? Churches throughout the nation were directly responsible for helping define population numbers that would, in turn, help the government to allocate billions of dollars toward federal state & community funding.
Moving forward with grace not persecution
As new 2020 restrictions loom, Western Jurisdiction Bishops Pledge Safe Harbor for LGBTQ+ United Methodist clergy and intend to set aside complaints against clergy accused of being gay or performing LGBTQ+ weddings. Sign on to join them in support. #UMC4All
October Apportionments Again Decline
The current financial decline, as far as we have been able to determine, is based on the financial challenges faced by many of our churches due to the long, gradual decline that the UMC has been experiencing for many years. It has not yet been significantly affected by the turmoil in the denomination based on the human sexuality issue. The impact of that issue on our denomination could certainly accelerate future financial challenges…
