DMAC 2026: Centering Christ
Welcome to the Desert Mission Anglican Church (DMAC) 2026 overview! As we embark on a new year, we pause to give thanks for God’s faithfulness through 2025 and to cast a clear, faithful vision for our church’s future. Read for leadership updates, financial insights, ministry priorities, and our shared commitment to discipleship and mission in 2026.
A Year of Gratitude and Faithfulness
Reflecting on 2025, we celebrate 20 years of worship and community at DMAC. Even in a season of challenge in terms of finances, attendance, and personal loss, we remain steadfast in our mission to be faithful witnesses of Christ. We have worshiped every Sunday without fail since our founding in 2005 — a testament to our commitment to worship as the core of church life.
| Area | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Worship & Community | We worshiped every Sunday this year, along with many special services. Every church is, at its core, a worshiping community, and we give thanks that God has blessed us with a heart for worship. |
| Sacraments & Membership | Three people were confirmed this year (Peggy, Jensen, and Ian). Ian also became a covenant member. One person was baptized (Debbie Darling). |
| Milestones | DMAC celebrated its 20th year as a church. |
| Ordinations & Vocations | Steward was ordained as a deacon. Rachael Toliver was also ordained to the diaconate. |
| New Life | Leaf Falk was born. |
| Missions & Outreach | DMAC began a monthly Missions Focus, building deeper connection with several local and global outreaches. |
| Local & Global Ministry | Bryan and Nadenia took multiple trips to minister on the Hopi Reservation. Steward took five trips to train pastors in Africa. |
| Global Partnerships | We helped facilitate training for pastors and church leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo. |
| Property & Administration | The church completed a lot line adjustment. |
| Remembrance | We acknowledge the tremendous loss of Pat Timm this year. We give thanks for her life, her faith, and her legacy. All who knew Pat knew Jesus better because of her. We continue to hold Del, Jamie, and the entire family in our prayers. |
Leadership and Governance in 2026
Our vestry continues to serve as the vital steward of DMAC’s resources and mission. We extend heartfelt thanks to our 2025 Vestry—Jamie Timm, Carolyn Paski, Kathy Bowersock, and Debby Lefebvre—for their tireless service. For 2026, we warmly welcome Ian Heisler to the 2026 Vestry, whose wisdom and integrity will strengthen our leadership team. Corporate officers include:
- Rector & Corporate President: Fr. Nathan R. Hale
- Vice President: Jamie Collins (also our lay delegate to the diocesan Synod)
- Treasurer: Carolyn Paski
- Secretary: Jamie Timm
Financial Health: Transparency and Stewardship
The 2025 financial report highlights several financial pressures, including a projected operating deficit of about $9,500 for 2026. Although total giving decreased in 2025, increased designated gifts and the timely resolution of the property line matter strengthened cash reserves. These factors provide a stable short-term position as leadership evaluates sustainable adjustments for the coming year.
Our budget committee, led by Carolyn Paski and supported by dedicated volunteers, has scrutinized every line item to ensure fiscal responsibility without compromising our mission priorities. We continue to trust God’s provision and ask for your prayers and participation in stewardship.
Our Identity: Embracing the Commuter Church Reality
DMAC is primarily a commuter church, with most members traveling 20+ minutes to worship. This reality shapes our ministry focus:
- Sunday-Centered Ministry: Recognizing Sunday as our main gathering, all ministries, including men’s and women’s groups, will hold at least one monthly meeting on Sunday mornings to maximize participation.
- Family Inclusion: While we cannot offer full-time childcare, children are warmly welcome at all Sunday gatherings, and we encourage mutual support among parents and ministry leaders.
- Faithful Attendance: We encourage all to strive for regular Sunday worship as a vital expression of faithfulness.
Discipleship: A Learning Community
Faithfulness includes ongoing spiritual growth. In 2026, we will continue:
- LES (Learning & Equippping) Sundays: Monthly learning sessions focused on deepening biblical understanding.
And we have a new, exciting opportunity:
- Biblical Greek Study: A unique opportunity to engage with Scripture in its original language, led by Deacon Steward Toliver, designed for all adults and youth interested in expanding their biblical literacy.
Our goal is lifelong learning about Christ, and from Christ, grounded in Scripture and community.
Acting in Love: Mission and Outreach
Love expressed through action remains central. DMAC is discerning a renewed missions focus that connects us both globally and locally. We seek to:
- Engage neighbors with practical and heartfelt outreach.
- Share testimonies of God’s work in our lives to encourage faith and obedience.
- Continue supporting ministries such as Inter-Tribal Anglican Mission, and all our external ministry partners.
Your input and participation in this discernment process are vital.
Covenant Membership: Commitment and Accountability
Covenant Members at DMAC formally commit to:
- Regular Sunday worship attendance.
- Giving of time, talent, and treasure.
- Ongoing discipleship and spiritual growth.
- Submission to godly authority within our church’s leadership structure.
We invite those interested to learn more about covenant membership, which strengthens our church’s unity and leadership.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Trust
Amid cultural and societal uncertainties, DMAC’s path remains clear: to make Christ the center of our attention in worship, learning, action, and mission. Our call is to imitate Christ in humility, generosity, and love. We rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and God’s provision, trusting that faithful stewardship and discipleship will bear fruit.
Join Us in 2026!
We invite you to be part of DMAC’s 2026 journey—whether as a visitor, regular attender, ministry leader, or covenant member. Together, we will worship faithfully, learn deeply, and seek to love each other and the world well.
Contact & Participation
For questions about leadership, finances, covenant membership, or ministries, please reach out to us. Your presence matters, and we look forward to growing in faith together.
“…since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.”
(Hebrews 12:1–5, NLT)