Pastor Jeff’s Lenten sermon series is based on John Philip Newell’s Sacred Earth Sacred Soul. “This book," Newell writes, "is about reawakening to what we know in the depths of our being, that Earth is sacred and that this sacredness is at the heart of every human being and life-form. To awaken again to this deep knowing is to be transformed in the ways we choose to live and relate and act.” This Sunday’s sermon is “Into the Wilderness."

Dayspring partners with Borderlands to bring unsold fresh produce from regional farms directly to our neighborhoods. Volunteers are needed next Saturday, February 17, from 6-11am. If you’re interested, please email Pastor Michael.

The Taizé service comes from the ecumenical community of Taizé, France. Gathered in the presence of Christ, this is a time of meditative common prayer. During the service, we sing uncomplicated, repetitive songs, uncluttered by too many words, allowing the mystery of God to become known through the beauty of simplicity. Email Pastor Shirley for more information. The next service is this Sunday, February 18, at 4pm in the Sanctuary.

We have a stand-alone lenten devotional, Mary Oliver and the Poetry of Lent, available online and in print starting this Sunday, February 11. Every journey needs a guide - and what better guide to the 40 days of Lent than the beloved poet, Mary Oliver? Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, Oliver is widely celebrated as an accessible, insightful observer of the natural world, the life of faith, and the interplay between the two. Imagine a six-week journey with Oliver at your side, illuminating ancient passages of scripture; provoking bite-sized meditations on key Lenten themes; and pointing toward everyday practices for individuals and families. Print copies are available in the narthex or church office or you may download the devotional HERE.

We are offering three different studies during Lent, Journeying with Jesus: Renewing Ourselves in the Gospel of Luke (Tuesdays, 10-11:30 am, Friendship Village, Feb. 20 - Mar. 26), Multiplying Love: A Vision of United Methodist Life Together (Wednesdays, 10-11 am, Dayspring Tempe Room 112, Feb. 21 - Mar. 20), and The Poetry of Lent: Poems of Mary Oliver (Thursdays, 10-11 am, Zoom, Feb. 15 - Mar. 21). Please go to dayspring-umc.org/lent for more information.

Chandler Children’s Choir presents a program featuring their four wonderful choirs with singers age 8 to 18 from all over the East Valley in their 2024 Community Concert on Saturday, February 24, at 2pm at Dayspring Tempe. This concert is always an event to remember. This free-admission program is open to everyone in the community. No tickets are needed. Doors open at 1:30pm.

Parable of the Talents is coming up on February 25. Our children have been working hard and will showcase their talents following the 10:00 service. All money earned goes to the Project Hope clean water project in Africa. 

Please email Andrea to sign up or if you have any questions. This event is open to all children, so join us as we put this parable into action to do some good in our world.

Please RSVP to take part in “Sacred Earth: Common Ground,” a gathering with other faith communities to share stories that connect us with the earth and each other. It takes place at Dayspring Tempe on Sunday, February 25, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. After a brief welcome and introductions, guests are divided into small groups, where each person is invited to tell a three-minute, personal story about an experience of standing on Holy Ground. Dayspring will be joined by Crosier Village, a Roman Catholic Priory Church, and the SEMA Foundation, a Muslim community service organization.

Yoga isn’t about twisting your body into a pretzel. It’s a healing practice for body, mind and soul. Anyone who breathes can do yoga! With a gentle yoga practice, you will improve your flexibility and joint health. Equally important, you will calm the nervous system, promoting inner peace. The results can be life-changing: clearer thinking, balanced emotions, and a deeper connection to your Inner Self and the Divine. Class meets on Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am, in Room 112, starting February 29. Open to church and community members alike. $10 per class. Bring a yoga mat to place under your chair, which is provided. Please note: Participants must sign a liability waiver before class. Questions? Email the instructor.

Beginning March 10, we will begin offering a number of unique opportunities on Second Sundays. FaithUnplugged with Pastor Michael, Love Lessons with Dr. Gary Lovejoy, Body & Spirit with Connie Stultz, United Methodist Men, and more. Watch for more info.

One of our Dayspring families just found out their lease will not be renewed and are losing their home before the end of this month. If you have or know of an apartment or house this family may be able to rent, please reply to this email or contact the church office at (480) 838-1446.