Community Outreach

We are called to share and serve others.

At some point in our relationship with God we are quickly pointed outward to others. It is not just a relationship between an individual and God, we are pointed toward community, toward others and ever outward beyond our comfort zone. We are called to share and serve others. We are called to move from self-centered to God-centered which will in turn move us to be concerned with all of God’s people.

Getting involved changes lives…not only others but ourselves!

The depth of God’s love invites us to care for God’s creation.

Our Climate Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions

Today is the day God cares for the integrity of creation, wills the healing and wholeness of all life, weeps at the plunder of earth’s goodness. And so shall we. (Companion Litany to Our Social Creed)

The United Methodist Church has long affirmed our individual and collective responsibility to address the unfolding climate crisis. We are called by our faith, informed by science, and led by our relationships with impacted communities to respond with renewed urgency.

As we answer this call, we are reminded that God has asked us to take care of creation and be good stewards of natural resources (Genesis 2:15). Moreover, we echo the Wesleyan tradition expressed in Charles Wesley’s poetical verses—“Author of every work divine, Who dost thro’ both creations shine, The God of nature and of grace” (Hymn XXVIII, Hymns of Petition and Thanksgiving for the Promise of the Father, 1746)—as well as John Wesley’s engagement with both natural science and the sacredness of nature (Sermons, “The New Creation,” 1785). More recently, the Council of Bishops exhorted United Methodists to seek the renewal of creation, stating, “We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it” (God’s Renewed Creation: A Call to Hope and Action, 2009). Recognizing that the climate crisis is a global challenge that requires global solutions, we are open to working with ecumenical partners in this endeavor. As United Methodists, we will continue to preach, teach, advocate, and witness for climate action globally. And we understand that we must do more. Recognizing our connection to and complicity in systems of oppression and exploitation, we commit to new ways of ministry that better embody God’s vision of justice for God’s people and God’s planet.

Within our distinct areas of ministry and throughout our global connection, we are embarking on a new course of action to match the urgency of this moment. We will work both to reduce the principal cause of climate disruption—greenhouse gas emissions— and to support a just and equitable transition that dismantles structural barriers to racial and gender equity and builds resilient, flourishing communities.

We (the undersigned) pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 across ministries, facilities, operations, and investments and to leverage the gifts of our connection putting equity and justice at the center as we build a net-zero emission economy by 2050.

In a time of profound change and anxiety in our church and in communities around the world, we know that the creativity and healing of the Holy Spirit is already in mission among us.

The life of sanctification in Christ constantly calls us into reconciled relationship with God and with all of God’s creation. Today we answer this call with determination and humility and invite all United Methodists to join us in this life-sustaining work.

Signatories on behalf of the endorsing agency (as of April 16, 2021)

Rev. Jeffrey Campbell, Acting General Secretary Discipleship Ministries

Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, General Secretary General Board of Church and Society

Roland Fernandes, General Secretary

General Board of Global Ministries

Rev. Greg Bergquist, General Secretary

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Ashley Boggan Dreff, General Secretary

General Commission on Archives and History

Dawn Wiggins Hare, General Secretary

General Commission on the Status and Role of Women

Moses Rathan Kumar, General Secretary General Council on Finance and Administration

Dan Krause, General Secretary

United Methodist Communications

Gilbert C. Hanke, General Secretary United Methodist Men

Harriett Jane Olson, General Secretary United Methodist Women

Barbara Boigegrain, General Secretary Wespath Benefits and Investments

Action Alert: Tell the Senate to Support the Call for U.S. Compliance with International Law in Israel and Palestine

As Church and Society remains steadfast in our witness for peace, new legislation calls for reporting on human rights violations.

Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 23,000 Palestinians — and that number is increasing by the moment — including 70% women and children. Aid from the United States is enabling this devastation and constitutes a violation of U.S. and international law.

To advocate for de-escalation of violence and protection of civilians in Israel and Palestine, Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a new resolution under Section 502B-c of the Foreign Assistance Act requiring the Biden administration to investigate and confront human rights violations in Gaza. This resolution can bypass Senate leadership and force a vote in the Senate.

As the violence continues in Israel and Palestine, Church and Society will be participating in a weekend of action for peace, including a prayer vigil outside the White House, calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire and de-escalation of violence, provision of humanitarian assistance, adherence to international law, and release of all hostages.

For decades, the United Methodist Church has condemned territorial expansion and aggression, supported justice for refugees, and advocated for ceasing arms sales to the Middle East. The Book of Resolutions (2016) states, “We seek for all people in the Middle East region an end to military occupation, freedom from violence, and full respect for the human rights of all under international law.” The United Methodist Church believes that war is “incompatible with Christian teaching” Social Principles 165.C.

Living into our mission of transforming the world means prioritizing durable solutions to root causes of conflict instead of militarized solutions that engender further violence. Now is the time for us to stand in our faith witness, raise our voices for peace, and urge Congress to prioritize policies that protect civilians.

You can use this form to contact your Senators today and ask them to support an investigation of human rights violations.

Music Ministry

Music is a vital part of the Desert Skies community. Our Houghton campus houses an Adult Choir, the Desert Skies Ringers (handbells), and Houghton Praise Band. Our Vail campus features our Vail Praise Band. Each ensemble rehearses weekly to enrich our Sunday services by continuously building repertoire and skill level.

Adult Choir

This 15-25 voice ensemble welcomes members of all ages and skill sets. Weekly rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 pm. The choir season runs from September-May. Our vast library ensures a yearly repertory that rarely repeats, while ensuring space for the highest quality music. We alternate between a Christmas Cantata and Holiday Concert every Winter, both of which are rehearsed beginning in September. Those interested in joining the choir should come to any rehearsal, or contact Ryan Phillips for more information at [email protected].

Desert Skies Ringers (handbells)

The Desert Skies Ringers enriches our services one Sunday a month and plays handbell literature for 3-5 octaves. Rehearsals run from September-May on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 pm. Ringers often join the choir on handbell parts and play in our Winter concert every other year. Those interested in joining should contact Raymond Ryder at musicraymond@desertskiesumc.org.

Houghton Praise Band

The Houghton Praise Band plays both services every second and fourth Sunday of the month and rehearses Saturday afternoons from 2-3 pm. With a repertory that spans the last two decades of praise band charts, this band works at a quick pace to learn and polish new music for worship. Those interested in joining should contact Ryan Phillips at [email protected].

Vail Praise Band

This band provides music for the entire service at our Vail campus and is always looking for new musicians to join. They perform around five praise songs per service and work at a quick pace to learn new music. Rehearsals are based on band availability. Any interested musicians should look under the employment section of our website. Musicians interested in playing or singing in the praise band should contact Alison Davis at [email protected].

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Community Outreach

We are called to share and serve others.

The depth of God’s love invites us to care for God’s creation.

Action Alert: Tell the Senate to Support the Call for U.S. Compliance with International Law in Israel and Palestine

Music Ministry

Our Tucson Location

Our Vail Location

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