FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BLOOM: FAQs
What is Bloom’s full name? Bloom in the Desert Ministries, United Church of Christ (UCC)
What is Bloom’s website? bloominthedesert.org
What is Bloom’s Facebook page? facebook.com/bloominthedesertministriesucc
Where are church services held? Demuth Community Center 3601 E. Mesquite Ave. Palm Springs, CA
What time is worship? Every Sunday from 10 AM – 11am with hospitality immediately after.
Can I watch the worship service online? Yes. On Facebook live, YouTube, or the church’s website. Past services are available anytime on our church site or YouTube page: www.youtube.com/@BloomInTheDesert
Where is the Bloom office? 400 S. El Cielo Rd., Suite G, Palm Springs, CA 92262
What are Bloom’s office hours? Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
What is the Bloom office telephone number? (760) 327-3802
Who is the minister? Rev. Jeff Munnis
What denomination is Bloom? United Church of Christ: a mainline progressive Protestant Christian church.
Where can I learn more about the United Church of Christ? www.ucc.org
Is Bloom an inclusive church? Bloom is dedicated to the inclusion of all people in practices, policies, and worship. Bloom is an “Open and Affirming” (ONA) church in the UCC. For more information visit: www.ucc.org/lgbt_ona.
How can I participate in the ministries, activities, and leadership of Bloom? See the list of Ministries and Teams for the descriptions and related activities on our website.
Does Bloom have a music program? Yes. BloomTones is an open, vocal ensemble singing various arrangements of sacred songs. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 5:15 pm at the church office during choir season. BloomTones then performs during worship on the third Sunday of each month, except for a summer hiatus. Contact Ken Forney director.bloomtones@gmail.com
Are there spiritual education opportunities at Bloom? Yes, in person and via Zoom. Currently Bloom has study groups such as a Wednesday night "Bible Bites", and a Book Club. Other opportunities are a periodic Sunday Community Speaker Series and various occasional groups and meetings. Contact the Bloom office for a referral.
Who helps guide the direction of the church and its ministries? In the UCC, the local congregation is the highest authority and determiner of its ministries as laid out in its by-laws. Although Bloom has a moderator (a lay leader), decisions are made and guided through the Open Leadership Team (OLT) which meets every month on the second Wednesday at 6:30pm at the church office. It is open for all to attend, share ideas, and contribute; members and associate members may vote on action items.
Does Bloom have an electronic newsletter? Yes, BloomNotes is emailed weekly every Friday. Sign up to receive it at the home page of the church website.
Who do I speak to about joining Bloom? In the UCC, joining a church is called “covenanting.” Contact John DiNapoli, ministry coordinator for Church Growth at 202-215-0628 or dinoinps@gmail.com.
Are there requirements to becoming a member of Bloom? We welcome all who welcome all. We welcome persons from all backgrounds and faiths. As a practice, all Christians will be, or have been, baptized at some point in their lives. There is also the opportunity to be a member of Bloom by a profession or reaffirmation of faith. If you are moving from another church community, we can arrange for a letter of transfer. If you have never been and wish to be baptized, contact the minister or church office.