PARISH  MINISTRIES

New to All Saints of the Desert? We are glad you are here. This guide introduces ways you can connect, find support, and get involved—whether you are visiting for the first time or looking for a next step. If you have questions at any time, please stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday morning or contact the parish office at 623-974-8404.

Welcome Ministry (A great first stop for visitors):
If you are visiting, we especially want you to feel at home. While everyone at All Saints is glad to welcome visitors, the Welcome Ministry takes particular care to help each person feel at ease. With a friendly hello, they help newcomers get connected, introduce them to fellow parishioners, and gladly answer questions about the Episcopal Church and our parish.

Bickman Rose Garden:
When you arrive at All Saints of the Desert, it is hard to miss our beautiful Bickman Gardens, with the Rose Garden at its center. We are always grateful to volunteers who help care for the roses. It takes minimal time, and members of this ministry will gladly show you everything you need to know. If you are interested, please talk to Lorraine Timpson or contact the parish office at 623-974-8404 or e-mail: info@desertsaints.org.

Desert Angels – Ladies of ASOD (Connection, growth, and service):
Desert Angels is a group of parish women who gather for spiritual growth, friendship, and community service. Meetings are a welcoming time to connect with one another and strengthen our shared life at All Saints of the Desert. E-mail: info@desertsaints.org for more information.

Events (Join in - everyone is invited):
This ministry is a wonderful way to take an active part in parish life and to get to know others in our community. The group gathers periodically to share ideas and plan events and service activities in a friendly, collaborative spirit. Past events have included parish dinners, holiday gatherings, hikes, BBQ lunches, and holiday toy drives that bless both the parish and the broader community. One Requirement is you must love to laugh! For more information, please contact the parish office at 623-974-8404 or info@desertsaints.org.

Frontline Ministry - (Helping our parish operate well):
Behind the scenes, dedicated volunteers help keep our church running smoothly each day. They support daily operations, help oversee the accounting of weekly offerings, and maintain our website and Facebook page.

Grief Group (A safe place to share and be supported):
Grief touches each of us in diverse ways, and you do not have to carry it alone. This gentle support group meets in the Library after Sunday Service on the 1st and 3rd Sundays to share, listen, and offer comfort. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Patrice at this email: deacon@desertsaints.org.

Hospitality (Easy way to meet people):
Wine and Cheese Fellowship take place on the third Saturday of each month—come, enjoy friendly conversation and time getting to know one another.  Each Sunday, parish teams host Coffee Hour after worship, offering a variety of treats and a warm space to visit and connect. Sign-up sheets are available in Reeves Parish Hall.

Intercessory Prayer (If you would like someone to pray with you):
The Intercessory Prayer Group meets Wednesdays at 10AM in the Parish Office meeting room to pray for our church family and the needs of the wider world, and to send encouraging notes along the way. Intercessory prayer is simply praying on behalf of others, and all are warmly welcome. Contact this e-mail for more information: info@desertsaints.org.

Library (Resources for learning and encouragement):
Our library offers more than 1,000 books, including Bibles, devotionals, biographies of church leaders, reference materials, religious novels, hymnals, music resources, and videos such as “Great Courses” with course guides. Many of the resources aid our Bible studies. The space is also an amazingly comfortable place to relax on a comfortable sofa with informative reading.

Men of ASOD (Fellowship and breakfast—visitors welcome):
Men of ASOD includes all the men in our parish. Our mission is to nurture men’s fellowship by exploring God’s teachings together through open discussion and reflecting on how to personally live them out each day. We also build strong spiritual and social friendships by supporting church activities and community events throughout the year. Meetings are scheduled in the Reeves Parish Hall for breakfast on the second Wednesday of each month at 8AM. Please call the office at 623-974-8404 for more information.

Pastoral Care Team (Support when you or a loved one needs it):
Led by Father Harry and Deacon Patrice, trained lay ministers bring the Eucharist to parishioners who are homebound or hospitalized, offering the sacrament along with companionship and a reassuring connection to the church family. If you feel called to this ministry, or if you know someone who would be blessed by a visit, please contact Deacon Patrice at deacon@desertsaints.org.

Vestry (Governing Body of the Parish):
The Vestry acts as the governing body of the parish, overseeing its mission and ministry, managing the church's finances, including budgeting and fundraising. It supports the clergy in spiritual and administrative matters and ensures the maintenance and care of church property and facilities. It facilitates communication between the congregation and church leadership, and it organizes and oversees parish programs and outreach initiatives. The Vestry consists of the Executive Team with the Rector, Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, Treasurer, and Clerk and six Vestry members that meet monthly.

Veteran’s (Serving our neighbors together):
Since January of 2015, parish members have prepared and delivered meals to up to one hundred veterans at the U.S. Vets shelter in Phoenix every second Friday of the month. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve—and to honor those who have served our country. Please contact Zoe Arnold at info@desertsaints.org or contact the parish office at 623-974-8404.

New visitor next steps: After Sunday service, you are warmly invited to Coffee Hour in Reeves Parish Hall—an easy place to meet people and ask questions. If you would like help finding the right ministry or support, please contact the Welcome Ministry team, any Vestry Member (We wear "Vestry" badges) or contact the parish office at 623-974-8404.