Dayspring offers a variety of ministries for your personal spiritual formation.
Walking the Labyrinth
We are so fortunate at Dayspring to be among the few places in the Phoenix Area to be host to a Labyrinth. We are extremely grateful to the Ellingson family for this Memorial to George and LaVedna Ellingson. This gift to Dayspring actually extends the worship area of our beautiful patio garden and fountain. Walking the labyrinth can be personal meditation time providing you with a profound spiritual experience.
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a meditation prayer. It does not replace verbal prayer rather the intention is on forming a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. We meet the first and Third Thursday of each month, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm in the Library.
Time to Wonder
Do you sometimes yearn for some quiet time in the midst of your busy schedule? We share a time for spiritual formation where we can come closer to a deeper relationship with God. Led by Rev. Shirley Wells, we will seek to find the “Time to Wonder” through Scripture, prayer, lectio divina, and/or a book study. Come and join us!
Opening To God
You are invited, through Zoom, to an hour every Friday morning at 10:30 beginning January 22 to find new ways to listen to God. Each week we will have a time of silence followed by lectio divina or guided meditation or another new or different way to pray to God. We will explore practices from many traditions and times. Please email Pastor Shirley to register or for more information.
Praying Together
Praying Together is a community time for intercessory prayer. We come together each week on Tuesday afternoons at 3pm via Zoom to join with others for a time of prayer and renewal. We share community prayer concerns as well as those we bring to this meeting. This is an informal time –probably no more than 30 minutes –when we can call on the Spirit of the Living God to truly fall afresh upon us individually and as a community of faith. To learn more or for the Zoom link, please email Pastor Shirley.
Taize Prayer Service (TEMPORARILY PAUSED)
We hold a monthly Taize service at 5:00pm on the third Sunday of each month. The Taize Prayer Service comes from the ecumenical community of Taize, France. Gathered in the presence of Christ this is a time of meditative common prayer. We sing uncomplicated repetitive songs, uncluttered by too many words, allowing the mystery of God to become known through the beauty of simplicity. A few words are sung over and over again which helps us to go deeper into prayer. In between the chants we have a Scripture reading followed by silence. During this silence, we allow the Word to sink deep into our hearts. Brother John, a Taize monk, tells us, “Taize is time to rest in God, to let the words listened to and sung penetrate one’s being.”
Explorer's Class
This class provides a variety of different discussions for adults including Bible studies, contemporary theology, book studies, and issues current in church and society. Class members enjoy a variety of facilitators and lively discussion each week.
Contemporary Issues
This class is for anyone who wishes to discuss in-depth contemporary issues that challenge us as Christians. Current books, articles plus participation from those attending combine for stimulating discussions each week.
Wednesday Evening Fellowship
This five-week program offers food, fellowship, and classes for all ages! Occurring in the fall and spring, dinner is at 5:30 pm, followed by choir and classes.
Sign-ups are available for each session. Childcare is available.
Living the Questions
Living the Questions is an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers and instead strives to create an environment where participants can interact with one another in exploring what's next for Christianity.
Stephen Ministers
Stephen Ministry trains and organizes lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around our congregation. Lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministers help pastors provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it.
Prayer Team
The family at Dayspring is a support group for not only our membership, but the community-at-large. A significant portion of that support comes from our prayers. This group prays for our community individually as well as communally. Coordination of this group ensures prayer requests are met and all prayers are kept confidential.
AA / Al-Anon / AA Teens
Alcoholics Anonymous – Sundays at 4:00pm, Media Center.
AA Teens – Sundays at 4:00pm and 5:10pm, Room 202
Al-Anon – Sundays at 5:10pm in the Media Center
PFLAG
Meets the first Friday of the month at 7:00pm in the Adult Room. Event details at PFLAG Phoenix Website.
Crisis Response
The Dayspring church family not only supports the happy moments but also the tragic or difficult moments. This group organizes memorial receptions. They respond on short notice.
Meal Ministry
We understand that there may come a time when an individual or family experiences a particular hardship and needs the loving support of family, friends, and the body of Christ.
Our Meal Ministry can provide meals to people in need or crisis; to be a blessing to families who are welcoming a new child into their home; to be a comfort in a time of loss and grief, and to provide a tangible opportunity for church members to express their love and care for our church body and local community.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Throughout time, shawls have come to symbolize shelter, peace and spiritual sustenance. The members have lovingly donated their time and talents by creating hand-knitted and crocheted shawls for those in need. Prayer Shawls provide healing and comfort to the sick, the lonely and the elderly. In addition, members have knitted children’s sweaters for Guideposts’ Knit for Kids program and DIY Networks’ initiative with the Warm Up America organization. All are welcome, beginners too!
Other Hands
Other Hands is currently assisting at Westchester Care Center, located on Rural Road, just north of Guadalupe Road. Residents may have sewing, ironing, letters to be written, or some other need. The center may have planned some scheduled events, such as arts and crafts, story time or Bingo. Sometimes the resident just needs to talk to someone. Volunteers can also come on their own to visit those residents they have made contact with at the center. Some may go to play cards, others to read or to take a walk.
Quilters
This group is committed to making blankets and quilts for victims of domestic violence and other children in need. Quilting experience is not necessary. If you want to help, there are several ways you can share you talent and love: join the group the second Wed. Of month from Sept. through may, make a blanket of quilt at home to donate, or donate supplies to the group such as 100% cotton or flannel fabrics, batting, or crochet thread.
Yoga
We practice “gentle yoga” here at Dayspring. Yoga was designed to prepare the body, mind and spirit for meditation. By using deep breathing and movement in yoga and Chi Kung postures we come to a place of stillness at the end of our time together. The body and mind need quiet time for healing. Yoga helps us to get to a place where we connect with our inner self. It is our God connection, that’s the meditation....just listen. Anyone is welcome at any time. We modify the practice for your needs.
CPR/First Aid Clinics
These classes enable participants to receive certification from the American Heart Association and are scheduled on a periodic basis. Watch for upcoming class information. “Save a Life - Take a Class.”
Medical Closet
Items such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and shower chairs are available to people on a short-term basis, if not available through insurance. Contact the Church Office for more information.
Flu/Pneumonia Shot Clinic
Each fall, flu shots are available for adults who want to reduce their risk of contacting or transmitting this potentially life-threatening disease. Cost is minimal/free with Medicare A or B.