Established in 1957, our congregation has stood as a place where faith becomes action, and where connection becomes community care. For decades, we’ve believed that church doesn’t end at the sanctuary doors; it begins the moment we step out to serve the people around us.
In Apache Junction, that calling feels especially vivid. We see our neighbors, we know their stories, and we feel their hopes. That’s why our mission work isn’t an occasional project — it’s the rhythm of who we are. Whether we’re supporting families in need, partnering with local organizations, delivering meals, offering prayer, or simply showing up with open hearts, our commitment is steady and sincere.
At Desert Chapel, connection isn’t a slogan — it’s a spiritual practice. We believe God meets us in the simple moments of kindness: a shared meal, a conversation on a doorstep, a donated blanket, a warm smile on a hard day. These are the places where love becomes tangible, where faith becomes visible, and where our community becomes stronger.
Apache Junction has shaped us, inspired us, and trusted us. Being known as “the Heart of Apache Junction” is not a title we claim lightly — it’s a responsibility we embrace with gratitude. As we continue to grow, serve, and reach out, we remain committed to walking alongside our neighbors with compassion, hope, and the steady belief that together, we can lift one another up.
Desert Chapel UMC: rooted in 1957, growing in love, and always here for our community.
Our vision is rooted in the belief that the church is strongest when every member is actively engaged in ministry. By nurturing participation across all areas of church life and encouraging the formation of short-term small groups, we create space for deeper relationships, shared leadership, and spiritual growth. When members are empowered to serve according to their gifts, the church becomes a living, breathing reflection of Christ’s love in action.
We are also committed to truly knowing our neighbors. Through door-to-door surveys and prayer, we seek not only to introduce ourselves, but to listen—learning directly from our community what their hopes, needs, and concerns are. This intentional presence allows us to build trust, offer prayer, and respond with compassion, ensuring that our ministry is shaped by the voices of those we are called to serve.
Caring for the poor remains central to our mission. By assisting guests of the Community Feast and Clothing Closet in connecting with public and nonprofit resources—such as housing support, addiction treatment, and utility or rent assistance—we move beyond temporary relief toward lasting stability. Serving as a hub for grief counseling and pursuing on-site parish nurse services on Sunday mornings further extends holistic care that honors physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
We recognize that our facility is a vital tool for ministry. Improving landscaping, resurfacing the parking lot, and painting the building exterior are not just maintenance tasks—they are acts of hospitality that signal welcome, safety, and pride in our shared space. By partnering with ministry-driven nonprofits that share our values, we can expand the reach of our facilities and multiply the impact of our mission throughout the community.
Finally, we seek to build strong and meaningful community relationships. By fostering unity among churches, advocating for accessible public transportation, and engaging in events throughout Apache Junction, we affirm that the church does not exist apart from the community but within it. Together, these efforts reflect a faithful commitment to presence, partnership, and hope—working toward a future where the church is known as a place of connection, care, and transformation for all.
After meeting as Sunday School beginning in 1950, Desert Chapel UMC began in 1952 as the “Protestant Community Church” a local, independent congregation, to meet the needs of the small but growing community near the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. Desert Chapel joined the Methodist Church in 1957. From the very beginning Desert Chapel has had a special relationship with the community of Apache Junction, supporting the local community through outreach ministries and faith-based programs.
Since then, Desert Chapel UMC has expanded the scope of its community services to include drug support programs, and community outreach through our Clothes Closet, Community Feast and Food Box programs .
The needs of 21st-century communities seem to be growing by the day. Our centers have expanded to meet these needs. Over the years, we have learned that what people need most is someone who will listen to their concerns - someone they can turn to for support when the going gets tough. And that's what Desert Chapel UMC is all about.
In 2007 Desert Chapel celebrated it's Jubilee year, 50 years of service to the community. Thanks to the work of Lyla Siebrecht and Elaine Slate, the history of Desert Chapel has been put into a PDF file that can be read by all.