November 27, 2025

Thanksgiving Eve Service 2025

A Community Gathering in Gratitude



The 2025 Thanksgiving Eve Service brought churches, neighbors, and visitors together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude and connection. The gathering reflected the shared ministry of local faith leaders and the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association, which supports residents throughout the year.


Pastor Mateo Mamea of Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church opened the service with an invitation to enter the evening in a spirit of thankfulness, followed by an opening prayer from Rev. Michael Plekon. Scripture readings were offered by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick and Diane Johnson. Pastor Mamea later shared the homily, encouraging gratitude as a daily practice.


Music played an important role throughout the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir—directed by Jinny Perrin—sang a beautifully unified anthem that added warmth to the evening.


Martha Deichler also spoke, sharing stories about the Borrego Ministers Association and its role in supporting local residents in times of need. Her message highlighted the shared compassion and cooperation among the community’s churches.


An offering was received to support the BMA’s year-round assistance programs, which provide help with emergency needs for individuals and families across Borrego Springs.


The service concluded with a final hymn and blessing, leaving those gathered with a renewed sense of gratitude and community. The evening reflected the strength of Borrego Springs’ faith community and the shared commitment to caring for neighbors.

April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
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April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
April 6, 2026
The annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs took place on Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church on Church Lane. Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association, the outdoor service brought together local congregations, residents, and visitors for a shared Easter celebration at sunrise. Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service as part of the Borrego Ministers Association. Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service is a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition held each Easter morning behind the United Methodist Church and hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. St. Barnabas Took Part in the Service Members of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church participated in the service alongside others from the Borrego Ministers Association and the community. A Community Gathering at Sunrise Residents and visitors gathered early, bringing chairs and dressing for the cool desert morning. The annual service continues to reflect community participation and cooperation among local churches in Borrego Springs. Easter Message from St. Barnabas  “Christ is risen. Indeed he is risen. Happy Easter from the priests and people of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. May you experience the new life and joy of the Risen Lord.” Fathers David Madsen and Michael Plekon
Show More

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