Thanksgiving Eve Service - 2025 - Borrego Springs United Methodists Church


Coming Together in Gratitude


Pastor Mateo Mamea opened the service with a call to give thanks, followed by an opening prayer from Rev. Michael Plekon. Their welcome set the tone for a meaningful evening of reflection.


Readings, Music, and Reflections


Scripture readings were shared by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick and Diane Johnson. Pastor Mamea also offered the homily.


Music added warmth to the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir, directed by Jinny Perrin, contributed a beautifully sung anthem.


Voices From the Community


Martha Deichler spoke about the Borrego Ministers Association, sharing its purpose, how it supports residents in crisis, and why its work is an important part of community life.


Supporting Local Needs


An offering was collected to support the year-round work of the Borrego Ministers Association, which provides emergency assistance for residents across Borrego Springs.


A Shared Moment of Community


The service ended with a final hymn and blessing, bringing together residents, visitors, and local faith leaders in a shared expression of gratitude and community spirit.

The Thanksgiving Eve Service brought the community together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening focused on gratitude and reflection. Supported by the Borrego Ministers Association, the gathering blended hymns, readings, music, and brief messages from local leaders.

Share

Learn More

By Michael Plekon March 19, 2026
The Borrego Ministers Association received a $35,000 grant from the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund to support its food coupon program in 2026. The grant was presented by Anna Abatzoglou, MBA, Executive Director of the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund, and David Garmon, president of the BVEF board, at the BVEF Grant Awards Luncheon on March 18, 2026. BMA Treasurer Karan K. Kyzer accepted the grant on behalf of the organization, with BMA Director, Fr. David Madsen in attendance. The funding supports a long-standing community effort to address food insecurity in Borrego Springs and builds on a program that distributed more than $140,000 in food coupons in 2025.
February 25, 2026
A Community Celebration of Faith in Borrego Springs Each Easter, the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) brings together residents, visitors, and congregations from across the desert for a meaningful sunrise service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Held in a peaceful outdoor setting, this regional gathering reflects unity, spiritual renewal, and the strong bonds that connect us beyond any single church or community. Whether you live in Borrego Springs, nearby desert towns, or are simply visiting for the holiday, all are welcome to attend this annual expression of shared faith and hope. The Borrego Ministers Association supports Borrego Springs and surrounding communities year-round through outreach, support, and spiritual care.
February 4, 2026
St. Barnabas to the Methodist Peace Column On Sunday evening, February 1, a community vigil and walk with songs of hope, peace, and love was held in Borrego Springs. Participants gathered at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on Church Lane, where the route and plan for a silent walk were shared. The group then walked up the street to the Peace Column near Community United Methodist Church . The vigil was coordinated by Pastor Mateo Mamoa . In the Methodist church parking lot, members of the upcoming Jimmy’s Front Porch cast were waiting for the walkers and led a sing-along that included “Stand by Me,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and other songs.
January 2, 2026
Hi, I’m Chesney Hoagland-Fuchs, and I’m reaching out to you to support our Borrego Springs community. We need more health care workers here! Several recent BSHS graduates are now in Nursing School. But, one will not be able to continue without our help. We all complain about the economy, let's not let it derail a career and take a (future) nurse away from us. *PLEASE DONATE TO MEET $4000 TUITION AND FEES FOR LOCAL TO CONTINUE NURSING SCHOOL* The Borrego Ministers Association has generously offerred to manage the fund and disburse to the student. Any funds recived after the goal is met will go directly to the BMA general fund. This vital organization works tirelessly to uplift our community through various initiatives that bring hope and support to those in need.  Join me in making a positive impact today! Every dollar counts and helps us strengthen, and grow, the health of our community. Thank you for your generosity!
December 20, 2025
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Borrego Springs
November 23, 2025
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church & Borrego Ministers Association When desert temperatures soar in Borrego Springs, heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Recognizing this urgent need, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church , in cooperation with the Borrego Ministers Association , launched the Emergency Air-Conditioning Program to protect vulnerable residents from life-threatening heat.