On May 14, the 9:00 Explorer's Class and the 10:30am Contemporary Issues Sunday School Class will host Professor Jennifer Linde from the ASU College of Communications for a class on civility in public and personal conversations involving controversial topics. Professor Linde will introduce the audience members to consider a provocative statement, assume a position of agree or disagree in an atmosphere that promotes respect and equanimity. The goal of the session is to reacquaint us with the notion that we can have differing viewpoints and disagree without demonizing the opposition. Please join us as we welcome Professor Linde and we learn about civil dialogue. Email Jim for more information.

We recognize our graduates on Sunday, May 21 during services. If you or someone in your family is graduating from high school or beyond, please email us their name and a photo by May 14 so they can be included in the celebration.

At the regular unit meeting on May 25, UWF will work with Women4Women to assemble feminine hygiene kits which are distributed to schools, libraries, and other locations to help homeless or low-income girls and women obtain needed supplies that they are unable to purchase. Donations are welcome, and anyone wishing to donate individually wrapped items may place them in a box in the narthex through May 21.

The new house we're building is part-way finished! The build site is near downtown Glendale. Start time is 7:00am this Saturday, May 13, and we do still need a couple volunteers. Carpooling is available. Email Mark Boyle for more information or to volunteer. No previous construction experience is necessary.

Paradise Valley United Methodist Church invites you to a discussion on environmental issues in Arizona and the Western U.S. next Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30–8pm to be held in the Paradise Valley UMC Library and online. Dr. Larry Olson, retired ASU Professor of Environmental & Resource Management, will discuss the need to change the way we use water, how to source and use sustainable energy, the disproportionate impact of environment policy on the poor and disadvantaged, and how individuals can make a difference. Learn more. Register HERE.

Volunteers are needed to pack food boxes of approximately 70lbs that we share for a $15 donation. This is a great chance to spend time in the Arcadia neighborhood, interact with neighbors, reduce food waste and bring healthy food to local families. Our next event is this Saturday, May 20, from 5:00-10:00am. If you’re interested, please email Amy.

We celebrate Pentecost on May 21 this year. Often referred to as the birthday of the church, Pentecost celebrates the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in a special way.

We traditionally wear red on Pentecost, because the color red is a visual reminder of the “tongues of fire" that empowered the apostles and others to proclaim the good news of Christ's resurrection in many languages to the crowds of pilgrims from many lands (Acts 2:3).

The next Taizé Service will be held in Fellowship Hall next Sunday, May 21, at 2pm. (Please note the different time!) This is a time of quiet, meditative prayer and simple music, allowing the mystery of God to become known through the beauty of simplicity. 

The Dayspring choir leaves Phoenix on May 24 for their residency in Portsmouth, England, becoming the choir-in-residence for five Evensong services the week of May 29, including the Feast of the Visitation of Mary on May 31. You’ll have a chance to hear their repertoire at a concert on May 21 at 4pm in the Sanctuary. Please come to hear some magnificent music and to offer your generous support to the choir and our remarkable music program.

After a recommendation from Dayspring leadership, the congregation was informally polled and it's been decided we will have a combined service starting at 10am in Tempe during the summer starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.