News
June 27, 2025
Worship Online with Us
If you are unable to attend our Sunday morning worship services in-person, please join us online. We stream both services Sunday mornings live at 9 and 11 a.m. and both are available to watch later if you can’t watch live. We also have many previous services available to watch if you missed one. Please don’t forget to let us know you are watching with the “I’m Here” button at the top of the page.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Pastor David’s Corner
Grace and peace to you this week.
During Annual Conference two weeks ago, the following call to action was presented and affirmed body of delegates. It was asked that this be shared in local congregations. I commend this to you for prayer and conversation.
Blessings,
Pastor David
Call to Action: Walking with Migrant Communities Toward Justice and Hope
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” – Matthew 25:35
In the midst of a national climate marked by fear, dehumanizing policies, and constant threats against our immigrant communities, the United Methodist Church in the Desert Southwest Conference raises its voice—and its actions. In this region, where cultural diversity runs as deep as the faith that binds us, we cannot remain silent. Recent ICE raids in the Phoenix area and other parts of our country have reignited the anxiety of thousands of families. Many remain locked inside their homes, afraid, while parents risk their safety simply by going to work.
In response, we do not act with resignation but with bold and active faith. During our Annual Conference—and in moments of prayerful witness such as the vigil we had this morning—we affirm that the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to walk alongside migrant communities, to amplify their voices, to pray with them, and to work tirelessly for justice and transformation.
This call did not arise in isolation. It emerges from collective discernment and commitment, including the work of the Asylum/Refugee/ Immigration Task Force and participation in national gatherings like the GCORR Summit in Nebraska. There, clergy and leaders from directly affected communities identified concrete priorities: community organizing, legal and legislative advocacy, pastoral accompaniment, mental health support, and the development of culturally appropriate resources. It also builds upon work already done at events like The Gathering 2025, which featured theological grounding, migrant testimony, and an early call to action.
That is why we now issue this clear call to our Conference and all who walk in solidarity with us. We commit to deeply listening to those directly impacted and creating safe spaces where their voices shape our mission. We will host strategic forums not just to diagnose needs but to develop a concrete, community-informed action plan.
Our commitment includes a deeply spiritual focus. We will hold interfaith and ecumenical vigils (including this week’s Annual Conference prayer vigil) to pray, to resist in hope, and to be guided by the Spirit in our advocacy. We will equip our communities through retreats such as “Know Your Rights & Advocacy,” and we will launch awareness campaigns to dismantle the false narratives that criminalize and dehumanize our siblings.
To accomplish this, we recognize that we already have vital resources: the experience of clergy leaders serving immigrant communities, the support of JFON, our Hispanic/Latino Committee, Church & Society, and our Justice and Outreach offices. But we also acknowledge that we still need legal and emotional support for affected families, and financial resources to ensure rapid response, pastoral care, and dignity in accompaniment.
We are aware of the real barriers ahead: an anti-immigrant legislation such as Proposition 314, a hostile political climate, entrenched systems of racism, and legal concerns among
our churches and partner agencies. But we believe that through courage, prayer, and unity, God’s people can bear witness to compassion and justice in powerful ways.
Therefore, in the next 90 days, we commit to concrete next steps: a strategic immigration forum that will set the course for our work in 2025 and 2026. This will include the organization of a public prayer vigil (both virtual and in-person), accompaniment and support efforts for our immigrant communities, training and awareness for ally communities, an event during the next Annual Conference, and the launch of a call to churches, committees, and allies to actively engage in this sacred work.
This call is for all of us—clergy and laity, local churches and faith leaders, nonprofit partners and people of goodwill. It is pastoral, yes—but it is also urgent and prophetic. While we may not be able to change everything overnight, we can begin—with boldness and love—to build the Kin-dom of God here and now, where every migrant is welcomed as a beloved child of God.
May the peace of the Prince of Peace sustain us.
May the Spirit of Justice move us.
In hope and solidarity,
The Asylum/ Refugee/Immigration Task Force of the Desert Southwest Conference
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Annual Conference Mission Project
Please see the video below from the United Methodist’s annual conference in Nevada. They are launching a project during this month to help feed hungry children in the state. Please click here to donate: https://dsc.brtapp.com/page/donate/annual-conference-mission-project.
(If you would like to view this video on Vimeo or in higher resolution please click here: https://vimeo.com/1071525013).
Congregational Prayer Requests
(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)
PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Yesenia Lopez. Yesenia is a friend of Heather Hume. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.
DEATHS
None
PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Mark Pettit, Mary Price, Bonnie Rheaume, Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens, Loraine Stewart, Brenda and Jim Unsworth
PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Haven UMC – Jerome
Lakeview UMC – Sun City
Liberty UMC – Buckeye
(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Congregational Celebrations and Praises
(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
Fred and Ginny Karnas 6/12
David and Jean Rupley 6/12
Mike and Sandy Fox 6/15
Stan and Jill Brown 6/16
Larron and Karen Horton 6/22
Mike and Sandy Fox 6/15
Stan and Jill Brown 6/16
Larron and Karen Horton 6/22
SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)
Sarg Magyar 6/11
Phyllis Chase 6/13
Dennis Domer 6/15
Carolyn Allen 6/17
Alice Kraft 6/17
Ann Flaherty 6/25
Lyn Warder 6/27
Billie Nightingale 6/30
Donna Andrist 7/3
Bill Carpenter 7/4
Jeff Shank 7/4
Merrill Davison 7/5
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Spirit Month
July is spirit month, where we spend each Sunday celebrating a certain theme by dressing up, having themed food, and activities. The 6th is red, white, and blue day, the 13th is island breeze, the 20th is Disney day, and the 27th is Christmas in July.
NOTE: We will have themed food available at the 10:00am hour on all weeks, not just the First Sunday Social Hour. So plan to be there at 10:00am if you would like some yummy treats!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Iglesia Aliento Volunteers Wanted
Iglesia Aliento is hosting a children’s summer camp and is looking for volunteers. The camp is Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for 2.5 weeks starting July 1st. If you or anyone you know would like to sign up to help to volunteer, please fill in the sign-up form or contact Iglesia Aliento. If anyone who wants to participate does not have a recent background check, you can contact Jessica Morris to get one.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
First Church Foundation – Hats off to Students!
From the early years of its inception in 1954, the First Church Foundation has been awarding educational scholarships to members of the church. Over the past ten years the Foundation has granted more than $445,000 in post high school and theological scholarships.
In May, the following students were awarded scholarships by the Foundation – Christopher Boadu, Ian Elder, Erin Sullivan, Skye Goodman, Josh Boadu, Grace Cooper, Mattie Cork, Morgan Pinkerton, Mary Ellen Shaver, Maya Smith, Hali Cork, Jessica Morris and Cade Rogers.
Congratulations students! Your church is behind you!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Food Pantry Updates
The shelves of our food assistance pantry are in need of the following items: cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, packaged or canned tuna, canned soup, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars please), fruit cups, apple sauce, granola bars, hard or chewable candy. For all canned goods, please provide only pop top cans. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Giving Report
Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday Social Hour
Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be July 6th. We look forward to seeing you!
Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)
Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.
Young Adult Small Group
This is a small group for anyone in our church 18-40 looking to dive deeper into their faith and connect with other younger people. We meet every Sunday afternoon in room 102 at 3:00pm for a time of community, Bible study, and prayer (and if anyone away at college would like to join in, contact Sammi Burkhart for a Zoom link to participate virtually). Come join us in the book of Romans.
Community Yoga Classes
First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.
Afternoon Book Group
The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 22. The book for July is The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers.
Visit our website https://FirstChurch.church and click on the “Give” button at the top of the home page, or scan the QR code at the bottom of this message with your mobile device for a quick and easy link to the giving page. You can set up a recurring frequency or give when you want to by making a one-time gift using your checking or savings bank account.
You may also give electronically using your bank’s bill pay service.
Another way to give electronically is Text-to-Give with your debit or credit card.
- Enter (888) 303-7535 in your cell phone text messaging program and a dollar amount without including a “$” sign as the message (example: type 20 to give twenty dollars).
- You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit or credit card information.
- After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
- For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!
Check Your Spam and Junk
Sometimes email from our Church’s domain, “.church” isn’t recognized by all email providers. Please check your spam and junk mail folders periodically to see if something from First Church or other senders to your address might be filtered out of your inbox.
