Dear Members and Friends,

Why is it that the old saying about "living in interesting times," comes to mind. I couldn't recall where that even comes from so I GOOGLED it and found it's an old Chinese curse (wishing upon someone that "you live in interesting times"). That's because the phrase evokes associations of peril and social upheaval, clearly something we can all relate to about now. Thankfully we have the recent ceasefire in Gaza to hold onto (as tenuous as that is), and how about Bishop Budde's wonderful sermon preached in the National Cathedral. Wow!

And we've got our wonderful faith community, our shared sacred space where we gather to sing and reflect on these tumultuous times. Those of you who have been able to attend in person or watch online know that we've been exploring the life of Jesus as a frame for understanding our respective spiritual journeys (with Advent being an opening to the sacred; Jesus' baptism a symbolic expression for plunging into the sacred mystery of life;  etc.). We'll be returning to that topic during Lent, looking at suffering through the lens of spiritual growth and healing. Rev. Shea Darian will be offering a special series of Lenten workshops on the subject of grief and healing. You can learn more about her work here, Doing Grief. 

If you've seen Desert Palm in the news as of late, that's largely due to the efforts of our Communication Task Force, headed up by Pat Speer and Rebecca Bond. 

And speaking of spreading the news, Susan McCall is helping us get our rental space listed on the commercial real estate market. Our hope is to retain a classroom and office so we have programming space during the week. 

I would be remiss not to note the passing of Leland Fairbanks, M.D. Leland's celebration of life is set for Saturday, February 8 (with a viewing at 10am and the service proper at 11am). If you'd like to contribute cookies or help with the reception please contact me as our usual reception coordinators are tied up. 

And last but not least we recently welcomed four new members. They are:
Remember there's a link to our electronic directory at the bottom of every update, but in case this helps, here are the names and emails of our new members:
Ken Maruyama & Hiromi "Mimi" Maruyama
kenichiasu@hotmail.com
Dale Domzalski
dddomzalski@yahoo.com
Emily D. Smith
emilydianesmith25@gmail.com

And so it is, that despite living in "interesting times," the Church continues to be the body of Christ, welcoming all, standing in solidarity with the marginalized, and reverencing the sacred through song and spoken word. 

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tom

Volunteers Needed

Sunday, February 2.

There will be a short meeting for people who can volunteer for about one hour per month (or less) to help count and deposit the offering. The meeting will be after the service in the office. Interested? Call or email Sue Keen

(jancarnation@yahoo.com . 480-570-1071)

Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10AM viewing, 11AM service
(Those wishing to bring cookies or help with coffee/drink set-up should reach out to Pastor Tom.)

Because Dr. Fairbanks was a well known public figure who has helped strengthen the wider community as a public health activist, there are some fine tributes to him online:  

Re his involvement with the AZ Interfaith Movement (AZIM):
https://interfaithmovement.com/movement/tribute-to-dr-leland-fairbanks/

A broad celebration of his life and work:
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2025/01/25/az-anti-smoke-fighter-leland-fairbanks-obit/77930482007/

An Offering to Help Our Youth
Sunday, February 16, 2025
 

‘Sow the Seed’ is a special Southwest Conference offering that helps to provide grant awards to support ministries of faith formation of youth undertaken by churches in the conference. The awards focus on children and youth under 18, families with children, and / or young adults between 18 and 25 years old. Any church or UCC ministry group can request a grant of $2000.00 to support their work in faith education, spiritual formation, service programs and activities or ministries specifically for these populations.

Sow the Seed has also been there to support conference wide youth activities. All contributions need to be into the church office by February 25, 2025. As always you have two ways to give:

1). You can write a check payable to Desert Palm and make a note on the memo line for Sow the Seed.

2). Or, you can use the ‘Give’ feature on the DPUCC website. There will be a donation option and a drop-down box where you can select Sow the Seed.

Thank you, Desert Palm, for supporting our children and youth!
Marie Parsey, Community and World Offerings

The Christmas Fund Offering contributions were $ 1,700.00.For the Veteran’s of the Cross and the Emergency Fund Thank you, Desert Palm, for your generous response to the financial support and ministry of the Christmas Fund. As of December 26, 2024

The offering from our church along with many other UCC churches, gave congregations an opportunity to reach out in kindheartedness to those that have faithfully devoted themselves to the Church and now find themselves facing unexpected financial need.

May we continue to be mindful that our significant contributions assist in bringing hope to those who so faithfully and selflessly served to bring the gospel of “Good News” to all people. 

Thank you, Desert Palm!
Marie Parsey

Nonie Bernard, Claudia Bloom, Kathy Berry, Rebecca Bond, Al Bravo, Jacob Bravo, Gary Delin, Dale DeWood, Dale Domzalski, Barb Doerrer-Peacock , Natalie Gallatin, Marybeth Riley-Gilbert, Ava Haller, Sonja Haller, Calyx Harrell, Matthew Heath, Sharon Heath, Candice Heath, Ben Hedquist, Rena Huber, Oliver Izzett, Todd Johnson, Sue Keen, Kenneth Kulhawy, Lee Laskowski, Michael McCall, Pete Pancrazi, Erin Quintus, Susan McCall, Caleb Messner, Heather Oliver, Mary Petrich, Connor Sample, Emily Smith, Linda Stewart, Josh Soto, Vincent Thiefain, Josh Thomas, Jim Turner,
Mark Williams & Chuwen Wang.

                   YOUTH AND CHILDREN THAT THANK YOU!
Daniel Athitakis. Ben Bravo, Lily Caples, Martin Cross, Jack Gilbert, Luke Gilbert, Antonia Grajales, Emilio Grajales, Olivia Haller, Ivy-Peral (Vi) Meier, Alice Robbins, Alexsis, Harper Solien, Leo Solien, Alexander Tomayo & Santiago Tomayo.

Did you know that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration manages approximately 200 call centers across the country? These centers are designed to provide support for those experiencing mental health crises or struggling with thoughts of suicide. It's great news that there's now a new phone number to access mental health emergency services - simply dial 988.

Our New Youtube Channel

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