Dear Members and Friends of the Desert Southwest Conference, Grace and peace to you in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ!
As a result of my decision to request retirement, under ¶ 408.2a of the 2016 Book of Discipline, the office of resident bishop for the Desert Southwest Conference becomes open. As prescribed in the Book of Discipline, the Council of Bishops has the responsibility of determining, who will serve as the episcopal leader for the Desert Southwest Conference until a new bishop is elected at a regular Jurisdictional Conference.
On July 2, 2021, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church announced that the Council has voted to approve the recommendations from the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops for the episcopal coverage for the Desert Southwest Conference, Phoenix Episcopal area.
Following proper procedure, the Council of Bishops announced that Bishop Grant J. Hagiya, resident bishop of the California-Pacific Conference, will serve as your bishop for this interim time. Please be assured that this is not in any way a step toward merger of the two conferences, but simply a plan for episcopal coverage for the Desert Southwest Conference. Details about any welcome events will be announced soon.
In the meantime, a transition team has been constituted and plans for a smooth transition are being developed. I know Bishop Hagiya as a cherished colleague and friend, so I ask you to please welcome him with open arms and warm hearts! For those who are interested in more details about the role and election of bishops in The United Methodist Church, click here. If you have any questions, please feel free to email my office.
In Christ, Bishop Bob |
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“Leading Bible Study” Lay Servant Ministry
This Advanced ZOOM class is taught by long time Bible Teacher Eli Reeves from Lakeview UMC in Sun City. Two ZOOM Classes will be offered in mid-July, one during the day and one evening class.
The Daytime Session is: Wednesday to Friday – July 14, 15 and 16, 8:30 A.M. to Noon
The Evening Session is: 5:30 – 9 P.M. Wednesday to Friday – July 14, 15 & 16, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
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Introduction to Lay Ministry
Lay Servant Ministries “The Basic Course : Introduction to Lay Ministry” This Basic ZOOM class is taught by Jeannie Ward, the West District Lay Leader from Prescott Valley UMC.
To register for the classes go to: https://dscumc.org/lay-servant-ministries-training-sessions/ The class is $15. If you have to cancel or postpone you will get a credit for a future class. There will only be twelve (12) students per ZOOM class so please register as soon as possible. The book you need to purchase and read completely before class begins is Lay Servant Ministries (the Participant Book). It is available at Cokesbury.com or Amazon (also in e-book formats).
The Daytime Session is: Wednesday to Friday – August 25, 26, and 27, 8:30 A.M. to Noon
The Evening / Saturday Session is: Thursday and Friday – August 26 & 27, 5:30 to 9 P.M.
Saturday Morning Class August 28, 8:30 A.M. to Noon
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“Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century” Lay Servant Ministry
Lay Servant Ministries “Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century” This Advanced ZOOM class is taught by Pastor Linda DeAtley from Lakeview UMC in Sun City. Two ZOOM classes will be offered in October, one during the day and one evening class.
To register for the classes go to: https://dscumc.org/lay-servant-ministries-training-sessions/ The class is $15. If you have to cancel or postpone you will get a credit for a future class. There will only be twelve (12) students per ZOOM class so please register as soon as possible. The book you need to purchase and read completely before class begins is Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century. It is available at Cokesbury.com or Amazon.
The Daytime Session is: Wednesdays – October 6, 13, and 20, 8:30 A.M. to Noon
The Evening Session is: Wednesdays – October 6, 13, and 20, 5:30 to 9 P.M.
Blessings,
Betty Stewart, West District Director Lay Servant Ministries
bettyboop491@cox.net or Cell #480-658-7713