July 22, 2021 - What's Happening at Dayspring UMC

July 22, 2021

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Celebrate Christmas with us on the 25th... of July! Our service this Sunday will feature Christmas decorations, special Christmas music, and maybe even an ugly sweater or two! We hope you'll feel the holiday spirit as we lift our voices together to sing beloved carols we weren't able to enjoy in person this past year

MORAL MONDAY RALLY & MARCH

On Monday, July 26, three civil rights leaders, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Dr. William J Barber II, and Barbara Arnwine, are coming to Phoenix to lead a rally, march and nonviolent sit-in at Senator Sinema's office. Join the Desert Southwest Conference Board of Church & Society in collaboration with the Arizona Faith Network (AFN) and many Arizona community organizations and civil rights groups, for the rally and march starting at Kachina Park (at the intersection of N 42nd St and E Campbell Ave map) and marching approximately 1.5 miles to the senator's office. There, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Dr. Barber, and Barbara Arnwine will participate in a nonviolent sit-in along with Arizona activists and leaders.

While we will never endorse a specific candidate or party, activism runs deep in our Methodist roots. Read the UMC Social Principles HERE.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

Kids are encouraged to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, August 1. We will invite them to bring their school bags up front during Children’s Time for a special school year blessing.

STEP-UP SUNDAY

Step-Up Sunday is August 8. Our “official” return of the school year, all children and youth advance to their next classes on this date. Email Emily with questions or if you are interested in helping lead one of our Children’s Sunday school classes.

FAMILY PROMISE

We will host Family Promise, an emergency shelter for families and their pets, in person the week of August 8 - 15. Thank you for your generosity in supporting this program throughout the pandemic when the families were housed at the Family Promise Day Center. We are excited to have them back on our campus again! There will be sign ups after the 9am service on July 25, August 1, and August 8. Volunteers are needed to set up, cook, spend the night, entertain, and tear down. Please look for us after service starting July 25, or email Maria to sign up.

CHILDREN'S CHOIRS RETURN

Cherub, Children’s, and Youth choirs will hold their first rehearsals on Wednesday, August 11. Masks are required for all participants.

Cherubs (2.5 years - Kindergarten): 6 – 6:30pm

Children’s Choir (1st-6th Grade): 6 – 6:45pm

Youth Choir (7th-12th Grade): 6:45 – 7:30pm

Email Amanda for more information about Cherubs or email JulieAnne for Children’s/Youth choir information.

HANDBELLS RETURN

Our Handbell Choirs start rehearsals on August 17 from 6:00-7:30. New members are welcome to join - especially if you can read bass clef! Please email Julie Hackmann for more information.

CHURCH CAMPOUT

Our 24th Annual Labor Day All-Church Campout is on the books for Sept 3-6 at Hoyer Campground in Greer! It is hoped we can resume our regular activities of shared meals, church, group campfires, hikes, etc. Registration begins August 1, but you may preregister now: email Carol Muggeridge or call/text her at 480-221-6136.

HELP US WITH OUR IN-PERSON SERVICES

Usher Leaders are needed starting in August-September. We are looking for new leads to assist with ushering the end of summer and for both services in the fall. Candidates will also monitor the usher notification system we use. Some Spreadsheet knowledge will be helpful. The current Usher leaders will finish in August. We can assist with training if needed through August. This is a time for members wanting to serve Dayspring on Sunday mornings to step up. For more information email Pastor Shirley or call the church office at (480) 838-1446.

HELP US WITH OUR ONLINE SERVICES

Livestream production volunteers are needed to help with both the audio and video production of our services. Help us bring our services into the homes of those who can’t attend in person. No experience is needed, but comfort with technology and the ability to handle a fast-paced environment is important. Please email Kris with questions or to join the team!