Please join David Schildkret and Pastor Shirley for a concert honoring Dorothy Schildkret this Saturday, November 15, at 2:30 in the Sanctuary. This is not a memorial service (she didn’t want one). Dorothy DID want music, and she wanted Shirley to speak. Whether you knew Dorothy or not, your spirit will be uplifted by the glorious singing and playing. She also loved animals and was a stalwart volunteer for Liberty Wildlife, so this concert doubles as a fundraiser for the organization closest to her heart.

Join the City of Tempe and Dayspring's Resilience Hub for a workshop to prepare for this spring’s Asset Mapping Program, this Sunday, November 16, at 11:15 in the Palo Verde Room. We will create a plan for disruptions and build resilience as a community. Bring your ideas! This workshop will define the Neighborhood Asset Mapping Program - a volunteer-driven effort to catalog neighborhood assets and community resources.

Whether you’re new to Dayspring or want to explore more about what membership is all about, you’re invited to join us for a new member orientation session this Sunday, November 16, from 11:15am to 12:30pm in Room 112.

Are you interested in serving at Dayspring but not sure where to start? Join us for our upcoming Volunteer Training Session in the Sanctuary this Sunday, November 16, following the 10:00 service. This interactive session will equip both new and returning volunteers with practical tools, safety guidelines, and spiritual grounding for meaningful service. We’ll cover best practices for hospitality, communication, and teamwork, as well as tips for creating a welcoming environment for all who come through our doors.

The Dayspring youth are selling Butter Braid pastries starting this Sunday, November 16, following the 10:00 service on the patio. Pickup is on December 14 and 21. If you haven’t tried these delicious Butter Braids, now’s your chance! This fundraiser will support the youth program and summer Sierra Service Project trip!

Join us Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00pm as we welcome acclaimed Palestinian theologian, author, and activist Dr. Mitri Raheb to Dayspring Tempe. Dr. Raheb, one of the most influential voices on peace and justice in our world today, will speak on Rebuilding Hope After Genocide. This is a rare in-person opportunity to hear from a leader who is shaping the global conversation — don’t miss it.

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

Insisting on Hope this Advent

Wednesdays at 5:30pm & Fridays at 10:30am (Zoom)

This Advent, join us as we explore Luke’s Gospel and the angels’ timeless message: “Do not be afraid.” Together we’ll reflect on how faith, courage, and hope can guide us through fearful times — just as they did for Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

Each week includes art, poetry, hymns, and guided reflections that help us form a new relationship with fear — one that leads to love and action. Devotionals will be available at the end of November (e-reader and print options).

To request a digital copy or sign up/request the Zoom link, please email the church office.

Hope that trembles is still hope. This season, let’s insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.

Join more than 70 local vendors at the Dayspring Preschool and Kindergarten’s 40th annual Holiday Boutique on Friday, November 21, from 9:00-7:00 and Saturday, November 22, from 9:00-4:00. Admission is free. There will be food and entertainment throughout the weekend. 

Now more important than ever, the 2025-26 Borderlands season starts this month! Dayspring partners with Borderlands to bring unsold fresh produce from regional farms directly to our neighborhoods. Starting the fourth Saturday of November, we will host this monthly event. Volunteers are needed to pack food boxes weighing approximately 70 pounds. Our next event is on November 22 from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. If you’re interested, please email Pastor Michael at michael@dayspring-umc.org.

Our annual food drive is Sunday, November 23. We will have a refrigerated truck in the parking lot to collect donations for BOTH the United Food Bank in Mesa and Guadalupe’s Community Action Program. Last year’s Fall Food Drive collected 3,651 pounds of food, including 72 turkeys, and $430 in cash donations for the United Food Bank in Mesa, which provided nearly 5,200 meals to those experiencing food insecurity in AZ. This year, we're responding to a greater, urgent need, so we’re hoping to collect even more! 

Join us on Saturday, November 29, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. in the Palo Verde Room as an immigrant family from Iglesia Aliento shares their powerful story of seeking asylum— their journey from Guatemala to the United States and their experiences building a new life in Phoenix. This family is one of six sharing their stories on Saturdays throughout Advent at locations across the East Valley.

The evening will include a traditional home-cooked meal prepared by the family, storytelling from each family member, including children, and small-group discussions reflecting on what we’ve heard. Centered on the theme “Hope Along the Journey” and inspired by Psalm 121:1–8, this gathering offers both healing for the storytellers and a deeper understanding for all who listen.

For questions or to RSVP, please email Rosemary Anderson. Child care and children’s activities (ages five and up) will be provided following the storytelling portion.

Mark your calendar! Dayspring next hosts Family Promise from November 30 through December 7. Volunteers will be needed to prepare meals, host overnight, and extend generous hospitality to families in transition. Email David with questions or to volunteer.

We are collecting toys for the HopeKids Holiday Toy Drive again this year. New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the box in the narthex by December 14, and will be delivered to Arizona families who have a child battling a life-threatening medical condition and are in financial need as a result. Learn more