Mexico Ministries – “Feliz Navidad” Bags for Fuente de Vida

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Feliz Navidad project such a blessing. Whether you filled a bag, added extra items, donated financially, organized logistics, or helped with delivery, you truly became the hands and feet of Christ to children and families in Mexico.

On December 7, Pastor Robert led our congregation in a special time of prayer, blessing the children who will receive these bags and surrounding this ministry with love and encouragement.

125 Gift Bags Filled with Love

Together, three congregations partnered to fill 125 Trader Joe’s reusable gift bags for children ranging from newborns through middle school:

• Red Mountain UMC: 55 bags

• Tempe First UMC: 45 bags

• DFUMC: 25 bags

At a conservative estimate of $50 per bag, this represents approximately $6,250 in gifts and essential items shared in Christ’s name.

Coordinated by DFUMC

DFUMC coordinated this project, creating a wonderful opportunity for partner churches to join in the joy of serving together. This shared ministry extends well beyond our own walls and reflects the strength of collaboration in Christ.

Delivery to Mexico

The were delivered to Mexico on December 12. A special thank-you to Jane and Eric Peterson for personally delivering the bags to Fuente de Vida Mexico Methodist Church. We are also grateful for Pastora Gela, who worked with the Mexican government agency overseeing non-profits and tax-deductible donations to ensure the bags could cross the border duty-free, confirming they are gifts for local families and not for resale.

Christmas Celebration for the Children

The bags will be distributed at a Christmas celebration later in December, complete with a shared meal for the children. DFUMC has sent funds to help provide this special meal.

For approximately 80% of these children, this will be the only Christmas gift they receive this year, making each bag a deeply meaningful expression of Christ’s love. Every bag includes a warm sweatshirt and age-appropriate items designed to bring joy. Each bag is labeled with the child’s name, age, and gender so items can be selected thoughtfully and personally.

Items included in the bags:

• Warm sweatshirts, gloves, and hats

• Soccer balls and volleyballs

• Toiletries and hygiene items

• Toys and stuffed animals

• Play-Doh

• Plenty of Christmas candy

Gift bags are provided for children from newborn through middle school.

Special Teen Celebration

Instead of gift bags, the teens of the church will enjoy a special Christmas party designed to:

• Provide a safe, joy-filled celebration

• Give teens the opportunity to invite friends

• Build community and connection among older students

DFUMC and Red Mountain UMC are providing funds to support this teen celebration.

Once again, thank you to everyone who prayed, gave, shopped, packed, counted, organized, and delivered. Your generosity is sharing the love of Christ in a very tangible way this Christmas.

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Winter Coats for Homeless Seniors

This winter, our church family is reaching out to homeless seniors living on the streets with a simple mission: to keep them warm and remind them they are not forgotten.

In just the past month, more than 210 winter coats have been distributed to seniors in need. Along with coats, gloves, hats, and other warm items have been shared—bringing comfort and care to those facing harsh winter conditions.

The need remains great, and we will continue collecting donations over the next several weeks. New or gently used adult coats, warm layers, gloves, and hats are welcome. There is a particular need for XL and XXL coats, which are in high demand and often in short supply.

Every item given is more than clothing—it is a practical expression of Christ’s love to a senior who may be cold, vulnerable, and alone. Together, we can ensure no senior faces this winter without warmth and care.

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Christmas Gifts for Formerly Homeless Seniors

Thank you for helping us share Christ’s love with seniors who once lived on the streets and now reside in their own apartments through our Justa Senior Ministry.

This Christmas, you provided 170 gifts:

• 102 gifts for men

• 68 gifts for women

These seniors are experiencing something many have not had in years—waking up on Christmas morning in their own apartment, surrounded by dignity, stability, and the love of DFUMC. For most, these gifts will be the only Christmas presents they receive.

Each senior will receive a 1-pound canned ham, along with carefully chosen items such as scarves, hats, gloves, puzzles, candles, small kitchen items, books, candy, and cookies. Justa Ambassadors know these seniors by name, visit them weekly with food boxes, and personally select gifts they know each individual will enjoy.

Behind the scenes, your Missions Team has been collecting special items all year and spending many hours sorting, organizing, and wrapping gifts. The wrapping gatherings provided meaningful fellowship for church members and friends who joined in. Thank you to everyone who helped add the finishing touches with pretty bows and joyful hearts.

You are truly the hands and feet of Christ to these seniors.