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.

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Pastor David’s Corner

This week for Pastor David’s Corner, we wanted to highlight an article from the Desert Southwest Conference regarding leave taking.

For many years the United Methodist Center has been a place for ministry work and planning in the Desert Southwest Conference and recently in a service of taking leave much was remembered and celebrated. 

“On Monday, May 11, 2026, the Desert Southwest Conference staff gathered one final time at the Conference Center on Meadowbrook Avenue in Phoenix for a staff meeting and then for a Service of Leave-Taking, marking the close of an important chapter in the life of the Conference. The staff meeting included prayers and a transition practice where staff took turns sharing what they are leaving behind, what they hope to gain, and how they hope God will bless this transition. There was a mixture of feelings from excitement to exhaustion, to a sense of loss and appreciation for one another. Following up the meeting, staff gathered with guests for a Service of Leave-Taking and reception, a welcome and necessary moment to pause, reflect, and mark the transition together. Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut led the service, with current and former leaders, staff, and guests in attendance, including retired Bishop Elias Galvan.

The Desert Southwest Conference has called the Conference Center home for approximately 33 years, after purchasing and relocating its offices to 1550 E. Meadowbrook Avenue in the mid-1990s. Over the decades, the building has served as a place for planning, discernment, ministry support, prayer, collaboration, and connection across the Conference.

During the service, Bishop Galvan and others shared memories from their years connected to the Conference Center and the life of the Desert Southwest Conference. Bishop Galvan recalled what it was like to be appointed to a Conference that, at the time, did not yet have a Conference office or Episcopal residence. He reflected on the significance of the day the building was officially purchased, saying it felt like “finally, the Desert Southwest Conference has arrived.” Since then, the building has been home to decades of ministry, innovation, leadership, and connection across the Conference.

Attendees also reflected on the interesting full-circle nature of the moment. Before the purchase of the Conference Center, Central United Methodist Church provided space on its campus for Conference ministry work. In the years ahead, once remodeling work at Central UMC is completed, the campus will once again become host to Conference work and shared ministry. Conference staff have already begun transitioning to remote and shared workspaces, while shared meeting spaces are becoming available at Velda Rose UMC until tenant renovations at Central UMC are completed.

The service invited staff and guests to reflect on the ministry that took place within the building’s walls and to formally release the space from its role as the Conference Center. The liturgy included prayers of thanksgiving, shared memories, a litany of release, and a prayer of decommissioning adapted in the spirit of The United Methodist Book of Worship’s Order of Leave-Taking.

The service concluded with the reminder: This building’s service has ended. Our ministry continues. Let us go in the strength of God’s Spirit to live into our vision of becoming a healthy church for a healthy world. Thanks be to God. Amen.”

https://www.dscumc.org/news-detail/desert-southwest-conference-holds-service-of-leave-taking-for-conference-center-19730370

 

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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 is for Kathie Magnuson. Kathie is a dear friend of Diane VanDyke.
A second prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Fred Pioro. Fred is the husband of a friend of Sandy Asendorf. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

 

DEATHS

 

None

 

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Barbara Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver.

 

OTHER

None

 

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

First UMC – Yuma

Fort Yuma UMC – Fort Yuma

Gila Mountain UMC – Yuma

 

(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 patricia@firstchurch.church.)

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Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

John and Vicki Beaver 5/2

Grier and Carolyn Cooper 5/13

William and Dana Devine 5/22

Grier and Carolyn Cooper 5/13

William and Dana Devine 5/22

 

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Bijan Mohraz 5/3

Frances Sawyers 5/10

Jack Sneathen 5/16

Gael Edwards 5/19

Jean Hamsher 5/21

Bonnie Rheaume 5/22

Janet Ambrose 5/30

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Wear Red for Pentecost!

Please join us in wearing red to celebrate Pentecost on May 24th!

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Here’s the Scoop on our Incoming Pastor, Mike Wilkerson – Part 1

Reverend Michael Wilkerson was born in Ocala, Florida, and spent much of his childhood moving throughout the southeastern United States. After graduating from high school, Mike enlisted in the Navy. After a few years, he was granted an ROTC scholarship at the University of Florida, and, upon graduation, received a commission and served on submarines. Following 13 years of military service, Mike returned to the University of Florida, where he earned a master’s degree and transitioned to civilian life. Mike then spent 20 years as a component design engineer at Intel Corporation in Phoenix. 

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Pastor David Send Off Celebration

Mark your calendars for June 7th at 10:00 am, as we will be hosting a celebration in Asbury Hall honoring Pastor David’s years of service at First Church.

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Peace with Justice Offering

Our communion rail offering for the month of June is in honor of Peace With Justice ministries. This fund supports United Methodist ministries that work towards social justice locally and globally. They work for the justice and dignity of all people, peaceful solutions to problems, and helps train leaders to help create social transformation within our world.

Learn more about it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3aTYoYluWU

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Blood Drive – June 14th

Our next blood drive will be on June 14th from 8:30 am – noon. If you’d like to sign up for a specific timeslot, reservations are encouraged. Please contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 with questions or to make an appointment or visit www.donors.vitalant.org (Use the blood drive code: firstunited)

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From you Lay Leadership Development Committee (Nominations)

Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are just that – gifts, given to Christian believers for the building up of the whole body of Christ. They are not given for personal gain, but for ministry in the world. Learning about the spiritual gifts we have, as well as helping our congregation learn about their gifts, can be useful when we pair it with opportunities to engage our community. Such gifts of God’s Spirit include wisdom, shepherding, exhortation, helping, discernment, faith, and compassion.

The following links are to learn more and to discover you own spiritual gift.

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/equipping-leaders/spiritual-gifts

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/spiritual-gifts-inventory/en

What’s next? After you discover your gift, pray to God to enhance and use your gift, call the pastor, tell a friend.

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Thank You From Iglesia Aliento

Thank you to everyone from First United Methodist Church who participated in the Gran Fiesta de Mayo street fair at Iglesia Aliento, the sister UMC church in downtown Phoenix serving Spanish speakers.

We had 10 people help set up, and with help with face painting, corn hole games and bouncy house and cleanup, and attended the worship service: Brad Sheets, Carrick Sears, Clarisa Cox-Gonzalez, Rachel Amorin, Dan Cox-Gonzalez Chrissy and Brad Cox-Perry and their three children, Aiva, Cullen and Cuinn.

Thanks also to five members of FUMC who attended the street fair and shared in the outdoor Spanish worship service held at Iglesia Aliento: Janet Spiker, Caitlyn Pulley, Marilyn Seese, and Uli Estrada.

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Annual Conference Van Drivers Needed

Van drivers are needed during the Annual Conference in Sun City to shuttle delegates to and from parking and the conference. If you are interested in learning more, please email info@firstchurch.church. Various times Thursday through Sunday, June 18 – June 21.

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Annual Conference Mission Project 2026- The Solidarity Fund

Grounded in our United Methodist call to love our neighbor and seek justice, the Desert Southwest Conference has established a Solidarity Fund to support immigrants facing financial hardship amid increased immigration enforcement.

In many of our communities, detention and deportation leave family members be-hind. Those families still need to pay rent and other important bills, while they work to understand ways that they will continue to support themselves. Additionally, the fear of detention and deportation is keeping people from work, school, medical care, and essential services, placing immediate strain on families who are already vulnerable.

This fund offers direct, short-term assistance for basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, and medical expenses. By sharing our resources, we bear one an-other’s burdens and offer a tangible witness to God’s compassion and care for immigrants among us. Your generosity is a faithful act of solidarity with our immigrant sib-lings and neighbors, affirming the sacred worth of every person. Our May Communion Rail Offering benefits The Solitary Fund to share our generosity in gratitude for God’s compassion to others.

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The Desert Southwest Conference Celebrates 70 Years of Women in Ministry- Share Your Stories and Pictures

“Can you believe that 2026 marks seventy years of women being ordained in The United Methodist Church?

This is a milestone for our denomination and people the world over. Even as we know we have more work to do toward equity and justice for all people formed in the imago Dei, we give thanks for the impact of women in ministry.

Other upcoming celebrations include a new live episode of the General Commission on Archives and History’s (GCAH) ‘Un-Tied Methodism’ podcast releasing on May 4 with General Secretary Ashley Boggan and guest Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain to reflect on this historic event. Listen to Un-Tied Methodism now >>

We plan on celebrating this milestone as part of our 2026 Annual Conference. The DSC’s Commission on the Status and Role of Women invites you to share your stories of women’s ordination ministries. Please share your pictures and personal stories with us.

Our hope is to tell the story of how women in ministry have impacted our annual conference, our denomination, and the beloved kingdom of God. Please submit your pictures and stories at https://dsc-reg.brtapp.com/StoriesofWomensOrdinationMinistriesStorySubmission. If you have any questions or want to offer additional comments on this project, please contact Rev. Sylvia Harris, the COSROW Chairperson.”

Link:
https://www.dscumc.org/news-detail/celebrate-70-years-share-your-stories-pictures-of-women-in-ministry-19684084

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Power Up With Pastor David (Online Zoom Gathering)

Join Pastor David online each Thursday from 1:00–2:00 PM, May 7 through June 11. This is a time to connect for support and caring, sharing, and prayer.

Join using this link:
https://dscumc.zoom.us/j/88689272753?pwd=CR2R5vLbgObdtDbBxftrEL6Z6PhTsT.1

Meeting ID: 886 8927 2753
Passcode: Pastor

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4-Week Book Study: The Alchemist

Join Pastor David for a four-week journey through The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho—a timeless story about following your dreams, listening to your heart, and discovering the deeper meaning of life’s journey.

Together, we’ll explore themes of purpose, faith, courage, and the ways God can work through our hopes and longings. Whether you’ve read the book before or are encountering it for the first time, this will be a meaningful space for reflection, conversation, and connection.

Details:

· Duration: 4 weeks, Wednesday, May 27 – June 17, 10:00am – 11:30am

· Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Available through your favorite distributor.)

· Format: Group reading with discussion and guided reflection

· To register: Call the church office at 602-263-5013

Come ready to share, listen, and grow as we consider how this story speaks into our own lives and journeys of faith.

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Desert Southwest Conference Orientation to Ministry Event

God’s call never ceases or stops. Want to discover how you can respond to that still small voice? This is one way.

“What is this event: A gathering to explore call, process, and connection.

What does it include: A panel exploring calls and pathways with elders deacons, and local pastors. Outlining the process toward ordination, licensing, and associate membership. Several UMC seminaries discussing degrees, certification, and financial aid. A free dinner will be available.

You should register if you: Feel like serving in ministry makes you come alive, seek candidacy certification, are curious about any of the steps in the process, desire to learn more about seminary opportunities and funding. Hope to build relationships that can help you discern your call.

Register at: https://dsc-reg.brtapp.com/2026O2M.”

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Strategic Plan

A team of church leaders and staff has worked over the last year to develop and refine a comprehensive Strategic Plan for our church. Our Strategic Plan incorporates our vision: An inclusive community of faith where ANYONE can experience the goodness and grace of God, and identifies goals to be achieved in many key ministry and program areas. The plan includes ideas from our all-church survey, and will help us better identify and deliver on the many things that are needed to keep First Church growing and vibrant and sustainable. It serves as a kind of roadmap for our next few years!

The full Strategic Plan, which contains all the particulars, target dates for completion, and who is responsible, was approved by our Church Council earlier this year. A condensed version that identifies the key areas of focus and key goals to be achieved, is available in the About Us section of our church website at Strategic Plan and Core Values. You can also click here to read a PDF copy.

It’s important that we not just HAVE a Strategic Plan, but that we LIVE the plan! To help us do that, a team will meet regularly to evaluate the progress we’re making and to provide reports to church groups and the congregation on our achievements. Along the way, this team will also identify any changes that may be needed in the Strategic Plan, and any additions to accommodate new ideas and initiatives.

We are excited about the Strategic Plan, and we believe it will be a dynamic and important tool for the future of First Church. If you have questions about the plan or the process, please contact the church office.

First Sunday Social Hour Hosts Still Needed!

We are still looking for a few spots on our First Sunday Social Hour host calendar to be filled, so we wanted to open up the spots to anyone who thinks it sounds fun to host, not just groups, but individuals, family, or your group of friends!

We are still looking for anyone willing to host August and October. The set up can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be. This is an easy, no pressure way to help support the church. Contact the church office or Sammi Burkhart if you are interested in signing up.

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Reminder- Text Message Updates are Available!

If you’d like to opt into text message news and updates from our church, please contact the office to be added onto the text list!

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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 June 7. We look forward to seeing you!

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Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for May 26th. The book is The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods.

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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.

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First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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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.

1. Enter (888) 599-4262 in your cell phone text messaging program and type GIVE $xx as the message (example: type GIVE $20 to give twenty dollars).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and bank information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with GIVE and the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

 

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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.