As United Methodists, we follow in the footsteps of our founder, John Wesley, who sought to improve the lives of those who suffered from debilitating conditions such as poverty, starvation, illiteracy, imprisonment, slavery, addictions, and disease. We decry the widening gap between the rich and the poor and the concentration of wealth in the hands of ever-smaller percentages of the global population. We lament that too many of the world’s people lack the basic resources necessary for survival and pledge ourselves to work toward the eradication of the roots and effects of poverty. We further lament the multiple causes of poverty, such as war, famine, diseases, and desertification.
—The United Methodist Church, 2024 Social Principles
Hunger & Poverty in the U.S.
In support of this social principle, C&S team members will be delivering checks supporting the work of the following local agencies in December. We welcome others to join us and to learn more. For information, contact Bethany Lambrecht at blambrecht1225@gmail.com.
- Frank Elementary, Guadalupe
- George Gervin Elementary, Phoenix
- Iglesia Aliento, Phoenix
- Friends @ 1st, Homeless Outreach, Mesa UMC
- Justice for Our Neighbors
Feel free to email Bethany for further information, current needs, or ideas for issues.
Loving like Jesus, Acting for Justice and UNITED in Hope.
Despite a growing economy and the immense wealth of the United States, many communities, families and individuals continue to struggle with poverty and hunger.
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,
-Jesus
you did it to me.
The persistence of poverty and hunger in the shadow of glorified riches lies in stark contrast to a faithful vision of our common life together.
While churches respond to immediate needs by providing food, clothing and shelter, we are called also to challenge the systems and practices that have led to economic inequality, poverty and hunger. In relationship with people impacted by our broken economic system, we can together give life to a new vision – one that embraces God’s economy of abundance and ensures that all God’s children have the opportunity to thrive.
-General Board of Church & Society
Climate Justice
We are committed to ministries that address both the impacts and root causes of the climate crisis. The adverse impacts of global climate change disproportionately affect individuals and nations least responsible for the emissions. We therefore support efforts of all governments to require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and call on individuals, congregations, businesses, industries, and communities to reduce their emissions.
—The United Methodist Church, 2024 Social Principles
This short video can remind us of our calling:
We show up and VOTE.
We hold leaders to their word.
Nos presentamos y VOTAMOS.
Hacemos que los líderes cumplan su palabra.
A shared commitment.
Dayspring UMC and Valley Interfaith Project
Decisions made this November shape critical priorities.
Un compromiso compartido.
Dayspring UMC y Valley Interfaith Project
Las decisiones de este noviembre determinan prioridades críticas.
VIP Accountability Session — October 8, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Central Phoenix Elección General 2026 — 3 de noviembre (¿Necesita ayuda para VOTAR? Vea abajo).
Sesión de Responsabilidad de VIP — 8 de octubre, Iglesia Católica Saint Francis Xavier, centro de Phoenix
Why this matters right nowPor qué esto importa ahora
On October 8th, Dayspring Church & Society team members, along with 500 members from other VIP Partner Institutions across Maricopa County, are showing up to address candidates and represent OUR PRIORITIES. El 8 de octubre, miembros del equipo de Iglesia y Sociedad de Dayspring, junto con 500 miembros de otras Instituciones Socias de VIP en todo el Condado de Maricopa, se presentarán para dirigirse a los candidatos y representar NUESTRAS PRIORIDADES.
By signing below, you become part of THOUSANDS OF VOICES — real people across the Valley represented by VIP and Dayspring who expect ANSWERS & SOLUTIONS to critical issues we face. We want commitments from candidates BEFORE we cast our ballots, and we’re putting them on notice that we expect ACTIONS once they’re elected. Al inscribirse a continuación, usted se convierte en parte de MILES DE VOCES — personas reales de todo el Valle representadas por VIP y Dayspring que esperan RESPUESTAS Y SOLUCIONES a los problemas críticos que enfrentamos. Queremos compromisos de los candidatos ANTES de emitir nuestro voto, y les advertimos que esperamos ACCIONES una vez que sean electos.
This is the VIP HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AGENDAEsta es la AGENDA DE DESARROLLO HUMANO de VIP
Your signature adds real WEIGHT, and there’s real POWER in large numbers. Su firma tiene un PESO REAL, y hay PODER real en los números grandes.
Commitments we’re asking the candidates to make:Compromisos que les pedimos a los candidatos que hagan:
Access to Health CareAcceso a la Atención Médica
Too many Arizonans choose between rent and medicine. VIP is pushing to protect and grow access to AHCCCS and Medicare, and to remove the paperwork barriers that block people from care they qualify for. Demasiados habitantes de Arizona deben elegir entre pagar la renta o sus medicinas. VIP trabaja para proteger y ampliar el acceso a AHCCCS y Medicare, y para eliminar los trámites que bloquean la atención que la gente merece.
Economic OpportunityOportunidad Económica
A strong Arizona needs a workforce that can reach living-wage jobs. VIP supports skilled-trade training pathways, like Arizona Career Pathways, that give underemployed adults a real route to better income. Una Arizona fuerte necesita una fuerza laboral con acceso a empleos con salario digno. VIP apoya programas de capacitación en oficios, como Arizona Career Pathways, que dan a los adultos subempleados una ruta real hacia un mejor ingreso.
Humane Immigration ReformReforma Migratoria Humana
Families across Maricopa County live under the threat of harsh local immigration policy. VIP supports comprehensive, humane reform and opposes legislation that tears families apart without addressing the real need for a skilled workforce. Familias en todo el Condado de Maricopa viven bajo la amenaza de políticas migratorias locales severas. VIP apoya una reforma integral y humana, y se opone a leyes que separan familias sin resolver la verdadera necesidad de una fuerza laboral capacitada.
Housing You Can AffordVivienda Accesible
Home prices in Metro Phoenix have climbed to record highs over the past four decades, and evictions keep growing with them. VIP supports legislation that protects affordable housing and slows the homelessness crisis. Los precios de las viviendas en el área metropolitana de Phoenix han subido a niveles récord en las últimas cuatro décadas, y los desalojos siguen aumentando. VIP apoya leyes que protegen la vivienda accesible y frenan la crisis de personas sin hogar.
Neighborhood Investment & SafetyInversión y Seguridad Vecinal
Lighting, sidewalks, parks, and libraries vary widely just a few zip codes apart. VIP supports real investment in the infrastructure that keeps every neighborhood — not just some — safe. El alumbrado, las banquetas, los parques y las bibliotecas varían mucho entre un código postal y otro. VIP apoya una inversión real en la infraestructura que mantiene seguro a cada vecindario, no solo a algunos.
Thank you — your commitment has been recorded.Gracias — su compromiso ha sido registrado.
A copy of this page has been prepared below for your records.Se ha preparado una copia de esta página para sus registros.
Questions about this sign-up? Contact Gene Penna, Dayspring Church & Society — gene.penna@gmail.com ¿Preguntas sobre esta inscripción? Contacte a Gene Penna, Dayspring Iglesia y Sociedad — gene.penna@gmail.com
The Poor People’s Campaign
Regardless of our political affiliation, all of us can acknowledge the challenges that millions of poor and low-wealth people confront each day—challenges which severely limit their prospects to flourish and in many cases to even survive. While politicians of both parties express concerns for the problems faced by middle class families, we hear very little about the issues confronting more than 140 million poor and low-wealth Americans.
Better politics and politicians aren’t sufficient for addressing the hardships that so many American families confront. As Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote a half century ago, our nation must undergo a “radical revolution of values.”
A new “moral fusion” movement, the “Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival” has responded with a renewed call for a values revolution. The Campaign has issued this invitation:
If you believe it’s time to rise, join us!
We rise to demand that the 140 million poor and low-income people in our nation — from every race, creed, color, sexuality and place — are no longer ignored, dismissed or pushed to the margins of our political and social agenda.
We rise not as left or right, Democrat or Republican, but as a moral fusion movement to build power, build moral activism, build voter participation…
We rise to change the moral narrative and demand an end to the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy/militarism and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.
We rise to challenge the lie of scarcity in the midst of abundance.
We rise to lift the voices and faces of poor and low-income Americans and their moral allies with a new vision of love, justice, and truth for America that says poverty can be abolished and change can come.
If you’re interested in a revolution of values, you can learn more at PoorPeoplesCampaign.org
Small Steps Toward Sustainability
A Prayer for Our Country
Spirit of the living God, guide us in the way of peace,
keep us on the path of justice and the way of love
for the whole of the human family.
We pray for those who weep today as our elections reveal winners and losers.
Our hope for a more inclusive and unified country remains our prayer,
and that the Gospel and the church bring healing
and help to those most in need.
—GBCS Board President, Rev. Allison Mark and Bishop Julius C. Trimble
GBCS General Secretary, UMC Church and Society