current news & Events


In-Person for SunDay Worship

You can watch our hybrid worship service live on our webpage at https://www.desertpalmucc.org. At Desert Palm, we aim to provide an extravagant welcome to all by ensuring that our worship service and campus are accessible. We offer Large print bulletins, Assistive hearing devices, an ADA-compliant restroom, and Accessible parking spaces.


Other Upcoming Events

Saturday, December 14th, at 10 AM

Desert Palm regular attendee Ken and his fiance, Hiromi, are inviting the Desert Palm community to their wedding ceremony on Saturday, December 14th. A light reception will follow.



Holiday Activities

  • 11/30 Decorate the Sanctuary for Advent and Christmas, at 10 a.m.
  • 11/30 Youth Holiday Ornament Craft ,10 a.m.-noon.
  • 12/08 Charlie Brown Christmas rehearsal schedule, 10 a.m. after church.
  • 12/15 Charlie Brown Christmas rehearsal schedule, 10 a.m. after church.
  • 12/21 Charlie Brown Christmas rehearsal schedule, 10 a.m. to noon, Dress rehearsal.
  • 12/21 Longest Night Service (dinner 5:30 pm & service at 6 pm), reach out to Rev. Tom for more information.
  • 12/22 Sunday morning  During All Music featuring chancel choir.
  • 12/24 Traditional Christmas Eve service 9 pm.
  • 12/24 Charlie Brown/Family Friendly service 6 pm.
  • 12.24 Charlie Brown Christmas Performance 6 p.m.

  

Tickets to Narnia

Dec. 14, 11 a.m.,

East Valley High School, 7420 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207
This free event for youth and families will showcase a musical adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first book in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series. The story follows four English children who step through a wardrobe into the enchanted land of Narnia, where they meet mythical creatures, the White Witch, and the noble lion Aslan. Rides from the church will commence at 10:15 a.m. from the church parking lot.

The Christmas Fund

                                                     For the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund

December 15, 2024

The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund has been a tangible expression of God’s love and light in the world for over 115 years. One of the four Special Mission Offerings of the United Church of Christ, The Christmas Fund, provides UCC congregations and members an opportunity to reach out in compassion to those who have faithfully shepherded our Church and who now find themselves facing worrisome financial needs.
 
The United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the charitable arm of the Pension Boards, on behalf of the whole church, passes on this direct support so that these needs may be met and our support may be felt. This is done by providing pension supplementation, health premium supplementation, emergency grants and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks to individuals and families in need.
We will be collecting this offering on Sunday, December 15, 2024. You can contribute in one of two ways:
 
1.) You can write a check payable to Desert Palm and make a note on the memo line for The Christmas Fund.

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 The Christmas Fund.
I encourage you to give generously to this fund, so that we may help those who have helped us. DONATIONS must be to the church by December 18, 2024.

May the light of Christ fill us with hope, peace, joy and love.
Marie Parsey



foster kids christmas stocking drive


                                                                                  Sunday, November 17th
Foster Kids Christmas Stocking Drive For more than 15 years, Desert Palm has partnered with a social service organization to provide holiday gifts for children in foster care and special programs. Southwest Human Development offers training, licensing, supervision and support for hundreds of foster care families as well as programs and services to support children’s growth and development. Again this year, we will receive gift tags from SHD with a child’s name, age, and requested gift items. Desert Palm members pick up a tag, shop for gifts in the amount of $35 to $40 and return them in a gift bag to the church. Southwest Human Development makes arrangements to pick up the gifts and distribute them to the children and families.

Tags will be available on Sunday November 17 and gifts should be returned by Sunday December 15. If you are unable to shop in person, you may donate to the project and we will have “super shoppers” to purchase the gifts. You may give cash or checks to Desert Palm – be sure to make a notation for “foster kids.”

Desert Palm has always generously stepped up to support this worthwhile project. Thank you! If you have any questions, feel free to see me at church or call me at 480.327.7467.
Rebecca Bond


Longest Night Service

Saturday, December 21st, 6PM Desert Palm West Patio
Please note, in solidarity, that this service is traditionally held outside. If you plan to attend, please dress warmly. This annual service takes place at whatever I-Help location is hosting on the winter Solstice. Desert Palm is the host site this year. The names of unhoused people who have dies in Tempe will be read. Marc and Claudia will support us through music and song. All are invited. If you would like to volunteer, Please contact Pastor Tom directly.  

budget meeting

Sunday, January 19th (post church)

Women’s Book Study

9:30-11:00 This group will meet ever first and third Thursday of the month. We'll be discussing the introduction and first chapter of Aging as a Spiritual Practice, by Lewis Richmond.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89221561211?pwd=ypaex9kLAQ4Q6ez8hbzoQYr0pRP2WA.1

Meeting ID: 892 2156 1211
Passcode: 664533

Caregiver Support Group

4:00-5:00 every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84723489375?pwd=UgLWBmvJ3DKlvdUU7ISn1WA5bJpGvs.1

Meeting ID: 847 2348 9375
Passcode: 983476

True colors


Attention all coloring book enthusiasts! Whether you're a child, teenager, adult, or adult at heart, we need your help. Our home-bound members are running low on colored pages, and we would be grateful for any contributions. If you would like to donate supplies or drop off pages, please contact Pat Quinnett at (480)818-2203. The recipients have expressed immense joy upon receiving our little works of art and have even requested that the creators sign their name on the back with "Colored by (your name)." Please take the time to share and spread the love of coloring!

15 years of

making a difference

This I-HELP program is celebrating 15 years of providing comprehensive emergency shelter in partnership with an array of faith organizations that provide nighttime facility access.

The I-HELP model serves as a cost-effective and scalable solution for ending homelessness. As the homeless population continues to rise, in turn, the volume of affected people unable to access services is also rising. 

The I-HELP shelter program provides a safe place to sleep and a spectrum of services to prepare men and women for employment, financial stability, and permanent housing. 

Today, you can sponsor one night of shelter and additional services for a man or woman in need for $35 and help us celebrate 15 years of making a difference. 


Click here to learn more. 


Secondary Title

COFFEE HOUR

At DPUCC, hospitality is a vital aspect of our ministry. We believe that coming together for COFFEE HOUR and engaging in conversations after Sunday worship is an excellent way to strengthen our church relationships.

WHAT DO THE CAREGIVERS DO?

Desert Palm Caregivers offer assistance to members of the Church, their immediate families, and those who actively participate in the Desert Palm UCC community. There are no financial requirements to receive these services, and they are provided free of charge. However, donations to Desert Palm UCC are appreciated. Please note that these services are dependent on the availability of volunteers.
 
TRANSPORTATION:  take someone to and from medical and/or social service appointments within 15 miles of the person’s residence. No transportation for work, social activities, or shopping.
 
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY MEALS:  provide dinners for up to 3 days in case of an emergency.
 
RESOURCES:  information regarding additional services available in the community if our volunteers cannot provide assistance.
 
WE WELCOME VOLUNTEERS!
If you can provide occasional transportation and/or Meals, please contact one of the coordinators:
Marion Durham (durhamjm@live.com)                     
John Linda (johnlinda1901@yahoo.com)
Jim Ewing (jewing@me.com)    
Leslie Schefski (lschefski@cox.net)
Barbara Hofflander (hofflander@cox.net)
Ethel Utter (eutter1062@aol.com)

MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES, dial 988

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.

Sunday worship

You can watch our hybrid worship service live on our webpage at https://www.desertpalmucc.org. If you missed a service and want to go back and watch the video, go to our youtube page and select "live." And please note we aim to provide an extravagant welcome to all by ensuring that our worship service and campus are accessible. We offer Large print bulletins, assistive hearing devices, an ADA-compliant restroom, and accessible parking spaces and a Braille bible.