Borrego Ministers Association

Celebrate St. Francis on his feast day, October 4, 2025 at the Blessing of Animals, at the Christmas Circle at 10am. Bring your pets!

BMA Late Summer/Early Fall Newsletter Father Michael Plekon, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, president, BMA Since the work of the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) never takes a vacation, it’s time to tell what we’ve been up to lately. And it’s time as well to ask your help as we always do. You know doing good is never out of season. Just to remind us all, the BMA is the work of all God’s people—Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Baptist, LDS, Jewish, Muslim, doubting, whatever faith you are or aren’t. All of us are “ministers,” not just Pastor Mateo Mamea, Fathers David Madsen, Michael Plekon or Tony Stanonik and other local pastors. Those who regularly meet on Zoom on Tuesdays are a cross section of the Borrego community, from Martha Deichler of the Community Resources Center (CRC) to Diane Johnson and Tammy Baker on the Water Board, Linda Stanley from Soroptimists, and Dale Jones of the American Legion, along with the pastors just named and other members like Pam and Mike McEvoy, George and Carole Thompson, Tery Neal, the Rev. Dr. George Abrams, Shirley Vialpando, and Joyce Merrick, our secretary and interim treasurer. Andrea McKenna is our gifted communications person. We check in with each other every Tuesday, pray for our sisters and brothers in need, go through the pastoral needs submitted since the last meeting, and review our upcoming events and services. Every month the Borrego Ministers Association provides about $4,000 in food coupons for The Desert Pantry and The Center Market. These coupons are distributed on Wednesdays at the Community Resource Center by Diana Fox. Each week, neighbors receive support through the “Let’s Go Borrego” program, operated by the CRC, to help offset medical transportation expenses. Donations also provide modest grants that help ease the burden of staggering utility bills and rent. This year, in coordination with a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, the BMA is administering a program providing temporary emergency AC units to families whose AC unit has broken down. These are “loaner” units, to be returned when home units are repaired or replaced, all this with the help of the HVAC business in Borrego. Those sisters and brothers who come to us are put in touch with County social workers to explore programs from which they might benefit. Likewise, people asking for help are connected with the food banks that operate every week at the CRC and St. Barnabas Church once a month. Connections to periodic dental and medical screening opportunities are made for our neighbors. The ways in which the BMA tries to assist neighbors is much larger. It can include connection with legal aid when a lawyer’s help is needed. Or consultation with a retired medical professional residing in Borrego. Connection with trained caregivers, with the English classes at the CRC and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors in town. BMA members have linked neighbors up with special assistance available through The American Legion for vets and Soroptimists for women heading households. It may get tiring, reading all these works of love that the BMA tries to do. But what you cannot see in this newsletter are the smiles, the faces that break into joy when we are able to help with overwhelming costs. Summer is a very tough time for Borregans. The 100+ temperatures are matched by increased utility rates. This comes on top of so many residents being laid off from the hospitality and related businesses till the winter/spring “season” of snowbirds and tourists returns in October. Despite setting aside a reserve fund for summer needs of our neighbors, we at the BMA see our funds depleting as we help sisters and brothers in need. The BMA has no paid employees, minimal operational costs, so virtually all contributions go directly to neighbors in need. Please consider renewing your contribution or making one if you have not. Doing so makes, as the prophet Isaiah says, “the desert burst forth in flowers.” ~Father Michael Plekon, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, president, BMA >> Please consider donating to the BMA

DAP Health’s Mobile Dental Unit will be in Borrego Springs on Sept 16, 10am–3pm, offering free dental screenings and protective treatment.

Camp Firelight returned to Borrego Methodist Church after 14 years, offering Bible stories, science, crafts, and fun for local children of all ages.

BVEF Makes Borrego Stronger, One Gift at a Time The Borrego Ministers’ Association (BMA) has received a generous $10,000 grant from the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) , a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and sustainability of the Borrego Valley and its residents. This grant will directly fund the BMA’s food coupon program, a practical support system for individuals and families facing hardship in Borrego Springs. These coupons are redeemable at local grocery stores—The Center Market and The Desert Pantry—ensuring that aid helps residents meet basic needs while supporting small, local businesses. BMA: Local Aid with Deep Roots The Borrego Ministers Association is a nonprofit coalition of local faith leaders and community members that quietly provides year-round assistance to residents facing crises. Their programs include emergency support for rent, utilities, transportation, food assistance, coordination of local charitable resources, and interfaith services that strengthen community connections. "In the hot summer, families really scramble to make ends meet, especially when they are let go from jobs in hospitality which slows down considerably," said BMA Chair Michael Plekon. " The BMA often can help them rearrange dollars so that rent and utilities don't put food and medication in jeopardy. Food coupons and the food bank can go a long way in helping." The BMA is often called upon when no other local option exists—ensuring that help reaches those in need swiftly, respectfully, and without red tape. A Partnership for Community Well-being The Borrego Valley Endowment Fund’s mission is closely aligned with the BMA’s work. Originally focused on ensuring quality healthcare in Borrego Springs, BVEF now also supports initiatives in community development and environmental protection. Their funding priorities include senior care, youth opportunities, skills training, housing, and food security—essential areas for a rural, unincorporated community like Borrego Springs. This grant for food support is part of BVEF’s larger commitment to promoting practical, local solutions that improve residents' quality of life. Gratitude for Local Impact The BMA extends its sincere thanks to the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund for this generous grant. Special appreciation goes to BVEF's Jim Dion and his role in facilitating the partnership. “We’re grateful for this show of support from BVEF,” said a BMA representative. “It helps us meet immediate needs while reinforcing the long-term strength and dignity of our community.” About the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund The BVEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Borrego Springs. The Fund supports health, well-being, and environmental stewardship throughout the Borrego Valley. Donations can be designated for specific needs or applied where most needed. To learn more, visit www.bvefund.org, email give@bvefund.org, or visit their office at 587 Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 128.