Are you looking for opportunities to get more involved? At Dayspring, we believe everyone has unique gifts to share — and that when those gifts come together, our community grows stronger, more vibrant, and more welcoming. Whether you enjoy teaching children, cooking a meal, singing in the choir, working with technology, serving in mission, or simply lending a hand where it’s needed, there’s a place for you here.

We invite you to complete our new Interest Survey! Hard copies are available in the narthex (lobby) and church office, or you can access it online HERE. There’s absolutely no commitment — this is simply a way for us to learn about your interests and help you connect with opportunities that might be a good fit. Even if you’re not sure how you’d like to serve, filling out the survey is a great way to discover new possibilities and consider ways you can make a meaningful difference. Together, we can make God’s world more sustainable, peaceful, just, compassionate, and inclusive.

This Saturday, September 6, our Church & Society team invites you to Resistance in Action: A Social Justice Resource Fair at VUU in Chandler (6400 W Del Rio St, Chandler, AZ 85226). The free event, held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., will bring together local organizations and individuals committed to making a difference.

What makes this gathering unique is its focus on collaboration across movements — from racial and environmental justice to immigration and economic equality. With open access for all, the event is designed to be welcoming and empowering, equipping participants with tools and resources for meaningful engagement. Learn more

Join us Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 8:00 a.m. in the Desert Botanical Garden amphitheater for an interfaith Peace with Creation service, part of the Season of Creation. The gathering will include prayer, public testimony, and calls for urgent moral action in the face of climate impacts in Arizona. Rev. Jeff Procter-Murphy will be among the faith leaders offering prayers. Admission to the Garden is included with your free admission to the service.

Learn more

Presented by Bright Stars of Bethlehem, the Hope Abounds Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening of inspiration and connection. Featuring Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb and Rick Steves, this virtual and in-person event will share firsthand stories of Palestinian students — their challenges, resilience, and triumphs in pursuing education. Join the Gala online or attend the Dayspring Watch Party this Saturday, September 13, at 5:00pm in the Palo Verde Room. Email Bethany with questions. Learn more

Sunday, September 14, is Second Sunday! Join us for a morning full of food, music, and unique experiences for all ages. Chef Nikki will be rolling out hundreds of delicious breakfast burritos, while live music fills the Fellowship Hall. Throughout the morning, you’ll find engaging workshops and spiritual activities—including the return of the Celebrating the Divine Feminine service and the Love Lessons workshop. We’d love to see you there! Learn more

The Exploring Contemporary Issues Class is looking forward to restarting in September. This full Fall Line-Up will encourage, intrigue, and challenge us all. Starting September 14, Pastor Mark will lead a Second Sunday discussion of “Christ and Culture” from a 1951 book by H. Richard Niebuhr. Then on September 21, Randy Hamilton will lead a three-week discussion on Mysticism. Please plan on joining us in the Palo Verde room for class at 9.00 a.m. (except 2nd Sundays… when we meet in Rm 112). All are welcome. Email Mark with questions.

We’re looking for two assistant volunteers for this Sunday’s class from 9:00–10:00 AM. Assistants support the Sunday School teachers and help the class run smoothly.

What assistants do (simple + supportive):

• Welcome kids and help with check-in
• Assist the Sunday School teachers during lessons
• Assist with supplies, crafts, and activities
• Encourage participation during the lesson and activities
• Quick tidy-up at the end

Your presence truly matters—kids feel seen, supported, and safe when caring adults show up.

With grateful hearts, we celebrate Faith Wagner and Kelly Burmeister—your joyful, steady service has been such a gift. Thank you for your continued support of Children’s Ministry; we truly couldn’t hold Sunday School without your dedication.

Interested? Please contact Jessica Nuñez-LaMarre at 480-773-4176 or jessica@dayspring-umc.org.

We are so excited to launch Dayspring Children’s Ministry’s new website, packed with essential information. 

Explore:

• What to Expect (including videos)
• Sunday School flow & classroom structure
• Curriculum overview
• Parent Guide
• Volunteer opportunities & how to get involved
• Vision & values
• Contact information

This past weekend, Children's Ministry held a Snow Cone Sale to support Project Hope, an organization that builds wells in Liberia to bring clean water to communities without reliable water sources. The children did a wonderful job, and we are sooo grateful to everyone who came out to support this amazing cause. As we work to raise funds for their 17th clean water well, we will host two more Snow Cone events on September 21 and 28! A heartfelt thank you to the Ellis family for their extra volunteer effort. We appreciate you! 

Be ready when it matters most! Join us for First Aid, CPR, and AED Training on Saturday, October 4, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. In just three hours, you’ll gain the confidence and lifesaving skills to respond in an emergency—whether at home, work, school, or in the community. The cost is only $25, and your training could one day make all the difference. Sign up today and be prepared to save a life! Email Kris by September 27 to register.