Dayspring United Methodist Church
1365 E. Elliot Road, Tempe, Arizona 85284
(480) 838-1446

Dayspring has the distinction of being one of the few churches in the Desert Southwest Conference that has shown growth over the last year. I'll admit that it hasn't been dramatic growth, but we have more than held our own in membership increase, worship attendance and financial support - benchmarks by which the Bishop and Cabinet measure the health of a church.

Last week clergy in the Central East District met with the Cabinet to discuss the topic of ministering successfully in a post-modern culture. Frankly, I'm not really sure what a "post-modern culture" is but I heard enough to know that churches, (and clergy), are struggling to survive — much less, to be relevant — in this "post-modern culture." That, of course, started me thinking again about why this church is so extraordinary. I doubt we could define it, but whatever it is that sets us apart, I wish we could bottle it and give it to others.

I don't want to brag, but we have had a number of visitors in the last few months who have commented on what a wonderful feel Dayspring has when they walk in the door. One woman said she it was an "electric" feeling; another young man said that people greeted him with warmth and sincerity — that they weren’t "faking it" when they welcomed him to Dayspring. Others have said it's the worship or the music or the programs or the classes... Regardless of what we call it, it boils down to the people who attend Dayspring — your genuineness, your generosity, your graciousness, your love of God that you extend to others is what keeps people coming to this church.

Does everyone who walks through the doors of Dayspring experience that? Sadly, no. Some people don't feel the warmth or the spirit of this place, can't find their niche and continue their search elsewhere. That's always distressing to me, but, as the saying goes, "You can please some of the people some of the time..."

So, how do we minister successfully in a "post-modern culture?" Seems to me you're doing a pretty good job! Thank you for your faithfulness and your witness — it makes a difference!

Blessings,
Jane Tews

Waggoner Park in Tempe
(at Terrace and Carver Roads
less than 1 mile from Dayspring!)

We’ll provide hot dogs, hamburgers
and all the fixin’s,
plus water & lemonade.
Please bring a dish to share.

Everyone is welcome.
See You There!

(Restrooms will be open, but shade is somewhat limited)

Dayspring has been asked to be part of a Lenten Prayer Vigil sponsored by the Conference Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. As a church, we will be praying from 6pm on Wednesday, March 31, until midnight on Friday, April 2. For those who would like to pray at the church, the Sanctuary will be open and the Labyrinth will be available in Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evening from 6pm – 9pm, and Thursday and Friday from 8am – 7pm. Please plan on taking some time during our assigned hours to be in prayer.

In addition, the organizers have compiled a Lenten Prayer Vigil Booklet entitled, "Extravagant Hospitality," that can help guide our prayers:

Let us be in prayer as we journey through this Lenten Season together.

Lent is a time to prepare for Easter, a time for us to journey together toward Easter and the reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant. Lent is not necessarily about being miserable, sad, and funereal in anticipation of Good Friday...

Read more...

Dayspring has just organized a new Church & Society team and we want you to know who we are and what we will be doing.  Unlike Missions which performs acts of mercy (feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, going to Tochimozolco to minister to the sick), the Board of Church & Society's mission is to change those social systems which contribute to these societal problems through legislation, publicity, and education on the biblical mandate for justice. In the coming months you will see tables on the patio and information in the narthex and the bulletin which promote the goals of Church & Society.  We welcome your questions and your feedback on what you think this important team should be doing.

Jane Baker
Chair

There are many of you that have, over the years, either donated or borrowed medical equipment from Dayspring. As most of you know, over the years, storage and space issues have become more problematic, so over a year ago, Dayspring then donated most of the medical items to a local charitable organization that had tremendous need for them.

Since that time Dayspring is now equipped with two wheelchairs, one larger size and one smaller in size. There also are two different styles of walkers and canes available. These items need to remain in the ushers' closet so that they can be used for those who may need assistance while on the Dayspring campus. Anyone who has a temporary need for these items must go through the church office and sign these items out for daily use.

If you, or anyone you know of, may have the need for specific medical equipment or supplies, you may contact polly@dayspring-umc.org and she will be happy to help you in finding resources for your specific needs.

If any of you have medical equipment that has been borrowed, would you please return the items or notify Polly so we can update the existing inventory so we are assured we have the proper equipment on hand when a medical emergency does arise.

The 2009 Dayspring Business Directory, a listing of businesses that are owned by or employ members of the Dayspring family, is now available on-line (see below).

Clicking on the booklet below will bring up a fullscreen display, and you can flip backward and forward through the pages by clicking on the arrows to the left and the right of each page.

Our 1st - 6th grade Sunday School children have been busy learning about and practicing "The Parable of the Talents." Each child was given $5 and was told to make something they could sell to increase their money.

Tables will be set up in the courtyard on Feb. 28th and March 7th for them to sell their "wares." Be sure to stop by and consider purchasing some of their items!

All money raised will go to the UMOM New Day Center.

Join us for dinner at 5:30 and classes at 6:30 & 7:30 or come to eat before choir practice (or just to eat!). Meals feature a full salad bar, and "home cooked" hot fare that is sure to please - desserts are homemade, too! Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for high school age & below, with a $15 family limit.

Below is a "sneak peak" of the classes being offered. Watch your Sunday bulletin for registration information.

The Gospel of Judas, leads us to explore Judas; Was he really the vile person he is portrayed as in the Gospels? An ancient gospel, the Gospel of Judas gives a different perspective of this man who betrayed Jesus. This will be a DVD/discussion series led by Jane Baker at 6:30.

Jews and Christians, a Journey of Faith, a video/discussion series led by Jim Chamness at 7:30. This class will examine how contemporary Jews and Christians perceive each other, confront prejudice and stereotypes and build respect and understanding despite differences.

In The Movement of the Spirit; Writing Your Spiritual Auto-Biography, participants meet in a small group of trusted friends to tell their stories and to consider God's work in their lives. George Smoot will facilitate this 6:30 class.

The Dayspring Library Book List is available here (below):

H1N1 (Swine flu) Symptoms

Click here for a table that shows the differences between the symptoms of the H1N1 flu and the common cold. This table may be updated frequently, so be sure to check back from time to time.

A couple of very important links to more detailed information about the swine flu are included in that document, and we repeat them here for your convenience:

• Know What to Do About the Flu (Flu.gov)
• 2009 H1N1 Flu and You (CDC)

Polly Smith
Dayspring Health Care Advocate