Love, Joy, Peace...
From the weekly email 1/2/26:
New Sermon series: From Christmas to a New Way of Living
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Christmas Day has passed, but the meaning of Christmas has not.
We have just celebrated the astonishing news at the heart of our faith: God has come near. Light has entered the world. Love has taken flesh and dwelt among us.
But Christmas is not only about a birth. It is also about a beginning. The question Christmas leaves us with is not simply “Do we believe this story?” It is “How do we live because it is true?”
From the weekly email 1/2/26:
January & February Pastor's Bible Study: Sermon on the Mount
Beginning Thursday, January 8, and in coordination with the new sermon series, Pastor Ann will lead a study on the Sermon on the Mount using Amy-Jill Levine’s book Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven. Books will be available for $15 each (which covers the church’s costs). You can get a book after worship, through the church office, or during class. Alternatively, you can order your book yourself.
Everyone is welcome to join the class. Online attendance is an option for anyone who needs it. The first class will meet on January 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Patio Room and we will meet weekly through the end of the study. [Note: We will not be meeting on Thursday, January 29.]
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From the weekly email 1/3/26:
Food Boxes
Upcoming 7:30 a.m. distributions: Saturdays, January 17 & 31, 2026
If you're looking for ideas of what non-perishable items we can always use, we still need small jars of peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, canned vegetables, canned pasta sauce, and cereal. We also love gift cards for groceries!
The Food Box Crew thanks you for your participation in this much-needed mission!
January Youth schedule
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 Jan. 4   9:15 a.m. "Food & Faith" Devotional
Jan. 11 12:00 p.m.  "New Year for Youth" lunch (for grades 6-12)
Jan. 18     9:15 a.m. "Pay It Forward" service project
Jan. 25     9:15 a.m. "Wacky Winter Olympic Games"
Invitation from Friendship Village Tempe 1/14/26:
Share Our Stories
Thursday, February 26, at 1:00 p.m. in Friendship Village's Skirm Auditorium
The Friendship Village Tempe Diversity Team is pleased to welcome up to ten guests to join our residents at a special gathering. This is our fourth “Story Sharing Event” and is an opportunity to share personal stories, experiences, and perspectives around diversity, identity, and community.
When we share our stories, we help others feel less alone and more willing to share their stories. The story-sharing process creates community and connections with people with similar and different challenges. Listening is just as valued as speaking, and guests are encouraged to engage, reflect, and respond in whatever way feels right to them. Sharing is not required but is warmly encouraged in the spirit of connection and understanding.
Please contact Rosemary J or the church office with any questions. If you would like to attend, please call the Friendship Village Activities Department at (480) 831-3303 to make your reservation (first come, first served). We would love to have you join us!
Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
at the SRP Pera Club, 1 E. Continental Dr., Tempe
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UMOM's annual 5K is fast approaching! Join United Methodists and other community members from around the Valley for a family-friendly gathering on March 7 at the SRP Pera Club in Tempe to unite and walk to help end homelessness! Rally your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to register or join your team! Even if they can't attend in person, they can still cheer you on and support virtually. The top three fundraising teams will be celebrated and individually recognized, so don't wait!
All 5K and 1K registration fees include a T-shirt, event swag, and entry to the brunch and block party. Get $5 off the registration fee if you register by January 31 using the code EARLYBIRD26.
Entry fees:
    5K Run - $45
    1K Fun Walk/Run (for ages 13 and up) - $35
    1K Fun Walk/Run (under 13) - $25
    2 & under - free entry to brunch & block party
    To support a specific fundraising team by giving $25, click "Register" and "Virtual supporter," then choose your team.

You can also make a donation by clicking "Donate."
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Page updated 1/13/26