Borrego Springs Leader Receives United Methodist Honor Virginia “Jinny” Perrin has received the 2025 Lay Member Recognition Award from the South District of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, which includes San Diego, Imperial, and parts of Riverside and Orange counties. This Lay Member honor recognizes individuals who serve with consistent dedication in both their congregations and communities. Jinny’s love of music began early. Both of her parents were music educators and church music leaders, and she held her first choir director position while still in college—directing a children’s choir. Over the decades, she has contributed in countless ways to the spiritual and cultural life of Borrego Springs. Among her many ongoing commitments, she also performs with the Flotilla of Flutes, sharing her talents beyond Community UMC and supporting music throughout the community. Below is the official nomination submitted to the UMC Laity Board: Virginia “Jinny” Perrin arrived in Borrego Springs August 1981, the new K-12 music teacher in our schools and began attending Community UMC. She stepped up to become the church musician in January 1984, following the untimely passing of our pastor, Norman Wright, who was also the pianist, organist, and choir director. Jinny immediately provided piano and choir music for Sunday worship and began taking organ lessons. After 4 lessons, the organ teacher suddenly passed. Jinny continued to study independently and became our very competent organist. During her 42 years serving as Music Director of Community UMC and working with the various pastors, she has enriched and enhanced our worship experiences and encouraged many others in contributing to ministry through music. She has worked with the children/youth programs over the years, provided music at additional holiday worships, weddings, and life celebrations. The music ministry Jinny provides, has drawn many people to worship and participate at Community. Jinny is also active in the organization and operation of Community UMC. She serves as Chair of the Simple Board of Governance. She serves and advises the Trustees and continues to be active in caring for church property. If there is something that needs attention, Jinny is there to assist. Beyond Community UMC, she helps plan and provide music at the ecumenical Thanksgiving and Easter Sunrise worship events of the Borrego Ministers Association , including co-organizing and conducting the annual religious themed Christmas concert. She is active in the community of Borrego Springs, providing and participating in music opportunities in Borrego Springs with the Performing Arts Center , the Community Concert Association , even going to the elementary school to lead holiday singing with the students, plus other music programs. Since retiring from teaching, she spends summers at a family home in Iowa, which is located adjacent to Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp/Retreat Center. There is a small chapel at the camp and Jinny helps to coordinate, support, and provide music at the chapel, which serves summer residents in the area. This is but a brief overview of the many ways Jinny is active and shares her gifts in our church and community. We give thanks to God for her presence with us. Jinny is a quiet leader, although not afraid to speak out when necessary. She is a vital and active contributor to the operation of the church. She gets things done. She shares the gift and joy of music with others, encouraging and welcoming others to join in the joyful noise. She is dependable, you can count on her to help. She is a respected and appreciated member of the Community UMC and the community of Borrego Springs. She is a true gift! This award affirms Jinny’s decades of service in music, church leadership, and community involvement. Her commitment continues to enrich both Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church and the broader Borrego Springs community.

BVEF Makes Borrego Stronger, One Gift at a Time The Borrego Ministers’ Association (BMA) has received a generous $10,000 grant from the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and sustainability of the Borrego Valley and its residents. This grant will directly fund the BMA’s food coupon program, a practical support system for individuals and families facing hardship in Borrego Springs. These coupons are redeemable at local grocery stores—The Center Market and The Desert Pantry—ensuring that aid helps residents meet basic needs while supporting small, local businesses. BMA: Local Aid with Deep Roots The Borrego Ministers Association is a nonprofit coalition of local faith leaders and community members that quietly provides year-round assistance to residents facing crises. Their programs include emergency support for rent, utilities, transportation, food assistance, coordination of local charitable resources, and interfaith services that strengthen community connections. “In the hot summer, families really scramble to make ends meet, especially when they are let go from jobs in hospitality which slows down considerably,” said BMA Chair Michael Plekon. “The BMA often can help them rearrange dollars so that rent and utilities don’t put food and medication in jeopardy. Food coupons and the food bank can go a long way in helping.” The BMA is often called upon when no other local option exists—ensuring that help reaches those in need swiftly, respectfully, and without red tape. A Partnership for Community Well-being The Borrego Valley Endowment Fund’s mission is closely aligned with the BMA’s work. Originally focused on ensuring quality healthcare in Borrego Springs, BVEF now also supports initiatives in community development and environmental protection. Their funding priorities include senior care, youth opportunities, skills training, housing, and food security—essential areas for a rural, unincorporated community like Borrego Springs. This grant for food support is part of BVEF’s larger commitment to promoting practical, local solutions that improve residents’ quality of life. Gratitude for Local Impact The BMA extends its sincere thanks to the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund for this generous grant. Special appreciation goes to BVEF’s Jim Dion for helping facilitate the partnership. “We’re grateful for this show of support from BVEF,” said a BMA representative. “It helps us meet immediate needs while reinforcing the long-term strength and dignity of our community.” About the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund  The BVEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Borrego Springs. The Fund supports health, well-being, and environmental stewardship throughout the Borrego Valley. Donations can be designated for specific needs or applied where most needed. To learn more, visit www.bvefund.org, email give@bvefund.org, or visit their office at 587 Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 128.

Celebrate the annual Blessing of the Animals in Borrego Springs each October. All pets and people are welcome for this joyful, inclusive community tradition.

On June 12, 2025, the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) received a $5,000 donation to support its ongoing work providing short-term assistance to residents in need. The check was presented at Rams Hill by Lead Housekeeper Patty Ramos and received by Fr. David Madsen, pastor of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and a BMA member. Also present […] The post Rams Hill Donates $5,000 to the Borrego Ministers Association appeared first on Borrego Ministers Association.

The Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) received a heartwarming boost to their community outreach efforts with a generous $5,000 donation from Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs.  The funds are earmarked to assist with the emergency needs of local women supporting their families, providing critical aid during challenging times. The Soroptimists’ donation aims to help women facing unexpected hardships, from covering utility bills to providing grocery vouchers or travel assistance for medical appointments. By empowering local women, this contribution strengthens the entire community. “This donation underscores our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls in Borrego Springs,” said Kathy Dice, Soroptimist President. “We see firsthand how life can change in an instant. This support will go a long way in helping women keep their families safe, secure, and hopeful.” Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs focuses on helping women and girls achieve their dreams through scholarships, awards, and targeted programming to help them define goals and make educational plans. Their partnership with the BMA ensures that critical resources reach those who need them most. The BMA works year-round to support neighbors in need, offering programs like grocery coupons for local markets, rent and utility relief, and travel assistance for medical care through the ‘Let’s Go Borrego’ program. Every dollar donated is carefully allocated to provide timely, meaningful assistance to Borrego Springs residents. The Borrego Ministers Association is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 92-3678192). Contributions from local businesses and residents ensure that vital support continues to be available for those in need. Empower women and girls in Borrego Springs— donate today to fund education, career opportunities, and a stronger community. To make a donation, visit borregoministersassociation.com/donate . Every act of kindness helps keep Borrego Springs a compassionate and resilient community.