What are you grateful for? Last month we had our annual church conference, which is always an important time to reflect on the past year of ministry. I am so grateful to serve this amazing community of faith. Consider a few of the highlights from the life of our community this year:
In January, Dayspring was honored by the City of Tempe with a Diversity Award at its annual M.L.K. Jr. Breakfast.
Our campus restoration efforts began in January and are nearly complete, thanks to the hard work of our Trustees, along with Dayspring members’ generous ongoing commitment to our All Things New capital campaign.
In addition to our enduring support of missions, as a result of the capital campaign we gave $25,000 to UMOM for its new women’s shelter, $15,000 to our medical and dental clinic in Tochi, and $10,000 to our local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. I’m grateful for Dayspring’s heart for missions!
And I’m grateful for the broad menu of opportunities for spiritual formation for all ages, as well as the exceptional music program that also spans the generations.
Our first community “Giving Garden” was planted late spring, with over forty people – including many from beyond Dayspring – involved in this new ministry.
Dayspring’s 50th Anniversary on May 7th included a combined worship service led by ten present and past clergy, followed by a wonderful catered lunch in the courtyard and fellowship hall. I’m grateful for the five decades Dayspring has provided hope and healing in Tempe.
I believe Dayspring United Methodist Church wonderfully embodies its core values:
· Welcoming, Nurturing, Empowering
· Progressive, Thinking Christians
· Compassionately Serving All People
· Emotionally Stirring Sacred Music
· Committed to Youth and Children
I am profoundly grateful to serve with such a talented, mutually supportive and committed professional staff. And the level of commitment, capability and devotion displayed by our lay leadership never ceases to amaze me.
It is a high privilege to serve such an inclusively minded, Spirit-infused and mission-driven church, and I look forward to another rich and meaning-full year.
With a grateful heart,
Pastor Jeff