2020 Fall Echoes

Fall 2020

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

- James 1:17

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020 1

Fall 2020

Looking for an in-depth Bible Study?

Why not try the…

Wednesdays, 9:30 -11:30 AM starting October 7, 2020-April 28, 2021. Join us and discover the peace of meeting The God of the Bible in the pages of His Word. Engage Bible studies take you verse by verse into the richness of Scriptures in ways that impact your heart and illumine your mind. The apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans clearly presents the many facets of God’s grace available to all because all have sinned. In this 30-lesson in-depth study, you will engage with transforming truths about who God is, what He has done, and why He loves us. You will discover the secret to living in the Holy Spirit’s power. This is a Co-Ed Class. For more information or to register, contact Kathleen Harris at (602) 741-3429 / kharris@deserthills.org

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020

Senior Pastor’s Message

ITEN Update

Assistant Pastor’s Message

Walking Beside Ministry

Operation Christmas Child

Congregational Nurse

Troop Care

Fixin’ Bags / Student Ministry

Plant-Based Cooking

Church Dashboard / Stewardship Drive

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85266 Office Phone Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Phone: 480-488-3384 Fax: 480-488-0850 E-mail: admin@deserthills.org Website: deserthills.org WORSHIP (October-May) Traditional 8:15am Traditional 9:45am “The Gathering” Contemporary 11:10am SUMMER WORSHIP (June-September) Traditional 9:00am “The Gathering” Contemporary 10:30am

Echoes is published seasonally by and for the congregation of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you have received this publication by mistake or you would like to no longer to subscribe to the magazine, simply call the DHPC office at (480) 488-3384 or write to admin@deserthills.org. The next issue will be for Winter (December-February) and the deadline for submission will be November 1.

Contributions from any and all DHPC members are always welcome! Simply email your documents and pictures to editor@deserthills.org or drop them off at the church office.

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020

Jim Noble, Senior Pastor jnoble@deserthills.org 480-488-3384

ELECTION DAY It’s election season and the candidates are all out seeking our vote in the upcoming November election. I do want to encourage all of you to vote and remind you it is not only a civic responsibility, but voting is also a way we Christians can help the society we are in to become more like Christ. So, after prayerful consideration, and regardless of who you are voting for, please vote. The anxiety around the election will most likely grow stronger for the candidates, parties, and for all of us as the day of election draws closer. So pray!

This article, however, is not about the November election, it is about our election in Jesus Christ. The Bible makes clear that God elects, that is chooses who to save, who to adopt us as sons and daughters. The Scriptures are clear, election is about God’s choosing us and not our choosing Him. For many Christians, this day of election lies in the

future when after our death, we stand before the judgement seat of God and hear the results of the Lord’s vote. If true, then we are all presently running in life hoping for God’s vote at the end. If we are running in life hoping for election, then we are constantly living in a state of anxiety and uncertainty of our salvation until the day of election and the vote occurs.

However, our foreparents in the Reformed tradition read the scriptures in another way. The day of election did not lie in front of us, but actually had already occurred.

The day that God chose to come to earth and die for our sins, rising on the third day, and ascended into heaven for us, this is the day of our election. God already voted for us. Now we run in life not as people seeking election, but run as people who know they are elected. This brings about a significant change in how we run in the world. We no

longer run with constant anxiety and uncertainty of our salvation and election, but run in full assurance of our salvation and election. We run as those elected to be his witnesses, his ambassadors, his sons and daughters.

Looking further into the Scriptures, our foreparents realized that God also voted for humanity before he even created humanity. That’s right, before the foundations of the heavens and the earth God elected to create us, shape history for us, and to stick with his candidates who gone astray by electing to forgive their sins. Before the dawn of creation, the Lord chose us. What grace! What faith! What Hope! What love!

So, let us run in life as those who already are elected and authorized to serve.

Peace in Christ, Jim

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Brett Everett, Assistant Pastor beverett@deserthills.org 480-488-3384

I WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS Those who have studied Jesus’ last words from the cross, may recall his final phrase was, “It is finished.

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (John 19:30a and Luke 23:46). Yet, these words were made so much more powerful with the reality of a resurrection and an empty tomb. Jesus knew the will of His Father better than anyone on this planet ever has or ever will. And in committing his spirit unto God in his dying moments on the cross, he did so with great trust in the Father’s love and care for him. This was not misplaced trust, was it? “ But, there’s more to the story, for Jesus’ words on the cross were not really his final words, were they? In fact, he made some incredibly powerful statements after his resurrection, and it’s his final word I want for us to consider here. For truthfully, it is sometimes very easy for us to read right over it and miss the huge implications. It was a word delivered at Christ’s ascension and intimately tied to the Great Commission. It is a word full of promise for it speaks volumes as to where Christ will be today and every day without fail in our times of joy and sorrow, temptation and trial, euphoria, smothering darkness, national angst and discord, and world pan-

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demic. The word is found in Matthew 28:20b, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Friend, I don’t know where life finds you today, but I do know we are living in an upended, uncertain,

and unrelentless world. Sure, some reading this are hopefully celebrating the joy that comes with knowing Christ and living enjoying the abundant life he promises. And, despite the smothering news this world delivers each day, life is good for them. It’s not perfect, but it is good.

Yet, so many others are simply crawling through each day, trying to eke out every hour in a life that promises no return of a sense of nor-

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020

malcy. Some are doing all in their power to remain sane and balanced as they try to peacefully coexist with the others dwelling with them in their quarantine prison – if indeed they have not been left to journey through it alone. Still others, have grown so very weary because of the demands of life and the constant stream of bad news bombarding us 24/7, that they have been left them feeling worn out, exhausted, depleted, and even hopeless.

Let me ask you, when was the last time you truly felt at peace, truly unafraid, and laser-focused on fulfilling the life mission Christ has for you? The question is almost unfair, is it not? There are so many distractions and uncertainties right now… too many variables and loose ends that must be tied up in this world.

But perhaps there is hope for us yet? For what if there was a way to get our lives back? What if we didn’t have to wait until after the election or for the discovery of a vaccine to renew our souls, restore our hearts, and rediscover the deepresounding joy of knowing Christ and serving him with lasting and eternal purpose?

I would argue that we can reclaim these things, but maybe we need to consider whether we are listening to

the right sources who can bring purpose and hope to our daily existence regardless of the circumstances we face in life. We’ve heard from all levels of government.

We’ve heard from the CDC and expert panels regarding pandemics, racial tension, political polarization, and endless more. And, who can argue that we have not had more than our fill of the media? But are we truly listening for that still small voice of God amidst the chaos? And have we forgotten what Jesus last said to us?

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” How should this translate for us? It says, “I AM WITH YOU! I have fully restored you to fellowship with the Father and have left my spirit to dwell in you. I have defeated your foes of sin and death.

What makes you think I can’t get you through whatever your day may bring? All the heartache, mess, trials and stress… all the discouragement, frustration, pain, or hopelessness… all the uncertainty and desperation… all the times when you cried out to the Father and thought Him seemingly silent… in the midst of hurt and suffering, broken relationships, sickness, financial or occupational woes, doubt and disbelief, I am with you! I have not forsaken nor abandoned you.”

Fellow Christian, in this simple phrase, “I am with you always,” Jesus is promising to EACH of us, that wherever we are and wherever life has taken us, he is still with us.

He is alive! FULLY ALIVE! He is stronger than anything or anyone this life throws at us. He cares for us - not just our salvation, but our very well-being. Remember, he promised to us abundant life and he will deliver. As we commit our

spirit and our daily situations into the Father’s hands regardless of where we may be, we must be encouraged. Jesus is with us! He will sit with us at a lavish table in a tent prepared for us in the presence of our enemies. And when life calls us to walk that path through the valley of shifting shadows, he is not only willing to lead us on his welltrodden path, but to carry us as well – until that faithful day when he comes to take us home! And even there, we will still never find a time, when he will not be with us!

Take comfort in that. Embrace what this day brings. We may not like it, but we can still find joy in spite of it, for Jesus has overcome the world and not only walks with us but has indwelt us with his Spirit! Thanks be to God for His faithfulness unto us!

So, what is my challenge for you as we continue to weather the storm? Take time each day to: • Focus on the Promises: Rid yourself of distraction and focus on Christ’s promises for you as found in his word. Turn off the computer, TV, smartphone, or tablet, take a pause from Facebook and Twitter, and pick up the Bible.

Personalize each promise you discover in terms of what does it mean for you personally and how can it help you gain a new perspective for your day?

• Fast and Pray: Talking and listening to God in prayer can calm and strengthen our spirit and bring peace of mind. And fasting not only can bring us to deeper spiritual understanding, but it can boost and strengthen our immune system as well!

• Dump Your Fears: Take the time to consider each day what fears you possess. Give them to

the Lord and claim the promise that He has not given you a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

• Come Alongside Another: One of my greatest joys and privileges is to hear all the stories of how members of the DHPC family have blessed others in the church family and community by coming alongside them in some form of assistance or to bring encouragement. Meals, cards, texts, phone calls, emails, running errands, visiting, transporting to doctor’s visits… you name it and our church family is doing it – many in secret and all without asking anything in return!

These are our heroes! I am so very blessed by, proud of, and grateful for each of you who have discovered that, when we help one another, we are showing this world we are truly children of God who understand the mission Christ has set before us. Be sure to thank those who have gone above and beyond in these difficult and trying times to provide us all with great care – your Congregational Nurses, Parish Shepherds, deacons, elders, Walking Beside Ministers, office staff, and of course, those individuals who have personally cared for or encouraged you in a moment of need or perhaps, when you least expected it.

May the peace of Christ be with you, ~Pastor Brett

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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES Drive runs through November 1 Now through Nov. 1st, you can pick up your boxes and purchase a pair of The Shoe That Grows for $20/pair, and/or a soccer ball and pump (only 50 available) for $4!

Need ideas for what to pack inside your box? Check out the ideas listed in this edition of Echoes, or go online to https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-myshoebox-suggestions/ Many items may be purchased at stores like Target, Walmart, Office Depot, and grocery stores!

Questions? Contact John or Mary Denaro (480.488.8979), Heather Everett (480.710.2904), or Rhonda Noble (480.433.2870).

The Amazing Journey of a Simple Shoebox Gift Begins with You and Results in Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication.

more than 100 countries, volunteer National Leadership Teams train pastors and community leaders who want to share The mission of OCC is to provide the message of the Gospel and God’s love in a tangible way to chil- bless children. The leaders learn dren in need around the world, and how to host child-friendly outtogether with the local church world- reach events, and how to implewide, to share the Good News of Je- ment The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship program. sus Christ.

Outreach Events Pastors around Packing the world host outreach events in From children to seniors, peoplaces where people may not ple pack shoebox gifts each year know Christ and invite them to to bless children in need around follow Him. Other churches use the world. Parents often use the the boxes as resources for outproject to teach their kids about reach in orphanages and other atgiving. Year-round volunrisk areas. In many places, they teers support these efforts across also offer The Greatest Gift, a the country.

Gospel story booklet Samaritan’s Worldwide Distribution Purse developed for shoebox reLong before shoeboxes arrive in cipients. After hearing the Gos-

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020

pel Story, and how God loves them, children are surprised with a Shoebox filled with gifts from a stranger from across the globe, a Christian, who is providing a tangible example of God’s love.

Discipleship & Multiplication As a result of what they learn in The Greatest Journey, boys and girls grow in Christ and share with friends and family.

The students also invite others to their graduations where the Gospel is shared. This often brings parents, siblings, and friends to accept Christ and become active members in the local church.

Families are reached, churches grow, new churches are started, and communities are transformed.

What Goes In My Shoebox?

Check out stores like Target, WalMart, Office Depot, and even grocery stores for box items.

You can fill multiple boxes.

You can designate each box for a boy or a girl. Age ranges are 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14, you pick.

Be sure to include a note to your recipient and pray over your box. A $9 donation per shoebox is critical to provide for shipping and other ministry expenses.

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS For All Ages: Comb Hairbrush Toothbrush Washcloth Bar Soap Colorful Band-Aids Flashlight Reusable plastic containers, such as a cup or waterbottle.

For Older Children: Lip Balm GIFT IDEAS Compact Mirror Start with a quality “wow” Nail Clipper and File item such as a stuffed animal, doll, harmonica, musical recorder, Emergency Sewing Kit soccer ball with pump, shoes, or TOYS clothing outfit that will capture For All Ages: the child’s attention the instant he Ball and Pump or she opens the box.

Tennis Ball Note: For your WOW gift, Finger Puppets DHPC will once again make Slinky available The Shoe That Grows Interactive toys (lights, for $20 a pair and, new this year, sounds)—be sure to include deflated soccer balls plus hand extra batteries pump (limit 50) for $4!

Play cars/trucks/boats CLOTHING & Plastic tools ACCESSORIES Plastic Dinosaurs For All Ages: Dress-Up Items Shirt For Older Children: Underwear Yo-yo Shoes and Socks Plastic Toy Figures Flip-flops Small Frisbee or Kite Sunglasses Tote Bag/Purse Hair Bows Friendship Bracelets For Older Children: Wrist watch

CRAFTS, ACTIVITIES & SCHOOL SUPPLIES For All Ages: Pencils and sharpener Colored pencils Pencil Case Crayons Markers Chalk Coloring Books Notebooks Glue Stick Adhesive Tape Watercolor Set Playdough Stickers Jump Rope For Older Children: Solar powered calculator Scissors Protractor Ruler Blank Index Cards Puzzles Lego Craft Kits Bead Jewelry Kits DO NOT INCLUDE Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

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Update from Blake Zandenbergen Troop Care Ministry continues to serve our active duty and veterans throughout the pandemic for our church. Your support has ensured local active duty families in need received grocery gift cards through our spring card drive, and troops from our congregation continue getting quarterly care packages with notes of our support, encouragement, and continued prayers. While our book donation program to the VA hospital has been put on hold, we will sign and deliver

over 1,000 Christmas cards this season from DHPC. Please remember our troops in your thoughts and prayers as we near the holidays. October 13 is the Navy’s birthday followed by the Marine Corp’s on November 10. Veteran’s Day is November 8, and this year our celebration dinner will be virtual. If you’ve never attended, take a moment to watch the presentation that will be posted to the church website in November. This Thanksgiving, as you remember all you are

thankful for during these challenging times, know that your Troop Care Ministry team is thankful for your continuing support in our effort to lift up our troops through faith and caring.

October 6 Recipe Demo: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Discussion Topic: What produce is in season now here in AZ?

The DHPC Fellowship Committee presents…

October 13 Recipe Demo: Homemade Salad Dressings Discussion Topic: What fruits and vegetables are most important to buy Organic?

October 20 Recipe Demo: Apple Pear Crumble Dessert Discussion Topic: What are prebiotics and probiotics?

with Deb McDermott Tuesdays, in October from 10-11am via Zoom All are invited to attend these LIVE online cooking demonstrations hosted by member Deb McDermott.

To RSVP, obtain Zoom Info and Recipe Instructions, please contact the church office at (480) 488-3384 or admin@deserthills.org

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020

October 27 Recipe Demo: Spiralized Vegetable “Pasta” with Avocado Cucumber Sauce Discussion Topic: What are some of your favorite kitchen tools?

Questions? Contact Pat Christopherson (480) 515-4330 / christopherson@cox.net

Update from Ed and Nan McCallum—serving with EPC’s International Education Network Reasonable estimates tell us there are 5 million pastors outside the U.S. They serve the 75% of the word’s Christian population living mostly in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It is sobering to hear that about 85% (4.25 million) of them have had little or no theological training or have no access to it.

Some have called this situation a “theological famine.” God has given the EPC’s International Theological Education Network (ITEN), a role in theological famine relief.

In our work with ITEN we focus on two partnerships in Southeast Asia (specifics withheld due to security concerns). In one of them the Lord has worked in amazing ways to build his church with about 300,000 believers. But most of their dedicated pastors have had little or no theological training. Few of them have any study resources. With our in-country partners we have arranged to bring 30 key leaders into a large city for training with ITEN leaders. They will take that training and teach others in their regions (2 Timothy 2:2). Ed has been the point person coordinating arrangements and teaching.

Covid-19 caused us to postpone the start of training this past March. It has also caused us to shift gears for this fall. Rather

than teaching in country we have revised curriculum and classroom arrangements to be able to do the first two courses remotely.

Our first course in a series of twelve will be “Understanding, Applying, and Teaching the Bible.” One effect of theological famine is that leaders and churches easily fall prey to false beliefs and practices. The core of the course is learning to study the Bible using the method Ob“O I A” cake celebrating completing a class in SE Asia on Observation, Interpretation, Application

servation, Interpretation, and Application (see picture). Pastors without training often start with the question, “What does the Bible mean to me and to my people today?” The course teaches how to answer that question by way of a “journey” that starts with understanding what the Bible meant when it was first written.

Then we build bridges from our time to theirs based on principles in God’s word that never change.

The second class in October is “Spiritual Formation.” Leadership in a church requires skills, but developing Christian character is a higher priority. Lists of leadership qualifications in the

New Testament always major on character. Experience tells us that the wider the gap between character and skills the greater the danger of a leader falling and failing. Character of leaders formed by God’s word and the Holy Spirit in a healthy environment shaped by grace-filled spiritual disciplines is foundational for a healthy, outward-focused church. Our second class in October – Spiritual Formation – covers this ground.

Desert Hills plays a key role in “theological famine relief” in Southeast Asia by: Providing support for McCallum’s living and ministry expenses Providing support for ITEN’s SE Asia program coordinator Supplying Navajo jewelry as gifts expressing the unity of the body of Christ Prayer – please pray specifically that: ° The door will remain remain open for 30 leaders to travel to classes in October ° Available technology would function well ° The church in this region will remain faithful and strong under great pressure from society ° Cross-cultural workers from this region would be raised up to go nearby unreached peoples

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A HELPING HAND Have you ever had heartache so deep or hardship so difficult that you felt it was almost impossible to endure? Would it have been helpful to know that there is a cadre of people ready and willing to listen, support and lend a helping hand?

Unplanned major events deeply affect our lives, and sometimes involve a grief journey into an emotional valley.

We all experience valleys in life but consider the fact that they could be of our own making.

For instance, when we choose to disobey God and, as a result, our fellowship with Him grows cold. Or perhaps other we suffer because of situations beyond our control such as job termination, marital infidelity, or betrayal by a friend. …“The determining factor in how we view hardship is our perspective. If we focus only on the negative aspects of our earthly life, we will likely be drawn into despair and desperation. But when we look at problems from an eternal standpoint, our thinking and attitudes can be transformed in the following ways: Instead of letting difficulties wear us down, we won’t lose heart, because we know we’re being renewed from within. As we respond in submission to

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whatever God allows in our life and trust in His good purposes, our character is shaped into Christlikeness and our hope is restored.

The despair of feeling that our adversity is inescapable and never-ending will be replaced with strength to endure. Paul said he was afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down, and constantly threatened with death, yet he called it all “light and momentary” compared to eternity (2 Cor. 4:8-11, 2 Cor. 4:17 NIV).

victoriously cross the bridge of adversity.”

Thankfully, God promises to be with us and to use every heartache or hardship—even those we create—for our benefit. Romans 8:28 assures us “… that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”.* “In our world of loneliness and despair, there is an enormous need for men and women who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, cares, reaches out and wants to heal. In that heart there is no suspicion, no vindictiveness, no resentment, and not a tinge of hatred. It is a heart that wants only to give love and receive love in response.”** This is the mission the Walking Beside team members fulfill for others.

Rather than seeing adversity as a thief of all joy and a hindrance to a good life, we should look beyond the present to what the trial is producing for us in heaven – “an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17).

Viewing troubles through an eternal lens is an act of faith, which pleases God. It increases our trust in Him, gives us greater passion for our heavenly inheritance, and strengthens us to

*In touch.org daily devotions by Dr. Charles Stanley, November 7, 2016 and September 19, 2020 **“In the Name of Jesus,” Henri Nouwen.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020

If you would like someone to walk beside you for a while or someone to talk to in confidence, please call or text one of our team members.

Barb Conti Joe Gilleland Moon Kahn Shirley Klein Sara Sebransky Marsha Lindquist

602-448-7280 480-575-8406 480-391-2034 602-881-0936 480-888-6192 480-513-1132

Mary Kay Thurston, RN Are you sick and tired of hearing about Covid-19? I am and I think almost everyone is.

Unless you are over 100 none of us have ever had to endure a pandemic such as this. At this writing time, several Pharmaceutical companies are working feverishly to develop a safe and effective vaccine. We pray that it will be out and available as soon as possible. Until that time is here, we must continue to be vigilant in following the guidelines we have been following since last March. Stay away from large crowds, wear a mask when out of your home in public places or when around someone who is sick, wash your hand often and thoroughly then turn off the water with a paper towel or cloth towel (remember the water was turned on with dirty hands), wear disposable gloves when in possibly contaminated public places, practice social distancing, don’t touch your face with unwashed hands. If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick, get tested for the Covid-19 virus and while waiting for the results isolate yourself from others.

When a vaccine is available, I recommend taking the vaccine.

You will not only be protecting yourself but also protecting everyone with whom you might be in contact. Most of us here at DHPC are in the vulnerable age range and many of us have underlying conditions making us even more vulnerable. That being said, it is Flu Season. Please protect yourself from the Respiratory Influenza by getting the Flu Vaccine. If you contract Influenza, medical authorities are saying you will probably be more likely to contract the Covid-19 Virus because of your weakened immune system from being sick with the “Flu”. Influenza is also deadly especially to the elderly and those with underlying conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions which compromise a person’s immune system. Even though we are not holding a Flu Clinic here at DHPC this fall, the Flu shots are readily available at various pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS and Safeway and of course at your primary care physician’s office. If you have any questions as to whether you should take a flu

shot, ask your Doctor…… get a professional opinion.

MASKS: This is what the CDC is recommending: CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. They should cover your nose and mouth and should be at least 2 layers or preferably 3 layers of tightly woven fabric.

Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.

Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others (source control).

A face shield is primarily used for eye protection for the person wearing it. At this time, ...continued on page 14

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...continued from page 13 it is not known what level of protection a face shield provides to people nearby from the spray of respiratory droplets from the wearer. There is currently not enough evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. Therefore, CDC does not currently recommend use of face shields as a substitute for masks.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, do not visit public areas. Stay home except to get medical care.

As much as possible stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If you need to be around other people or animals, wear a mask (including in your home).

The mask helps prevent a person who is sick from spreading the virus to others. It helps keep respiratory droplets contained and from reaching other people.

“Hang in there”………… this pandemic will pass. Keep practicing good health practices. Keep breathing deeply, Keep moving, don’t just sit still all day in front of your computer or watching TV, and MOST IMPORTANTLY……. Keep Praying and Praising Jesus.

Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.

I Thessalonians 5: 16 “Rejoice always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

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ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK? Be sure to “Like” DHPC DHPC posts many great photos on Facebook – if you want to see what’s happening at various church events, go to: facebook.com/deserthills/ or use the website: www.deserthills.org to see the latest posts.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020

Update from Pat Nichols

Life has changed so we are having to change with it (with God’s help!).

Eight years ago, the church began filling bags of food containing the necessary items to make a complete dinner, to give to the Foothills Food Bank for their Thanksgiving Turkey distribution. The last two years we gave out small bags for financial donations and the Food Bank purchased the food.

Due to Covid, we will not be giving out small fixin’ bags but ask that you consider making donations directly to the church with a notation on the memo line of the check, “Fixin Bags”.

The need for food is still GREAT in our community so let’s dig deep in our pockets and keep our giving going from DHPC. Money will be collected from NOW until Nov. 12. Questions?

Contact Pat Nichols 480.595.5751 God has blessed us in so many ways at DHPC! “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

-Luke 12:48b

Update from Chris Haidet It has been a fun, but crazy time in our Student Ministries department. COVID has thrown a curveball to many things, but ministry is still moving forward. We are so excited to see our students slowly come back. We have been meeting on Sunday mornings for youth group. During this time, we hang out, watch videos, eat food, play group games, and dig into God’s Word. We have been going through Genesis 1-11.

A few activities have kept our students busy: assisting with Operation Christmas Child, a photo scavenger hunt around town and to a few house parties. However, this is just a microscopic percentage of what we want to do. As things begin to open up, here are some of the additions we will make: •In a few weeks will be launching our Student Website and Social Media platforms. Be looking for “hangoutnation.com” •We will also be starting our small group discipleship groups in October. This will be an amazing way to dig deep into God’s word in a smaller group format.

•In November we will be launching our music, production, and drama ministries. This will kick off at our “Build Up” event for students on November 15th.

•In January 2021, we will be launching our Wednesday Night LIVE Weekly Youth Group in addition to our current Sunday Morning program. This midweek program will be high-energy, media-driven, and outreach -oriented.

This will be the gateway into all other programs. We are truly excited to see students bringing their friends.

•So many more events will be hitting 2021, like Winter Camp, Summer Camp, Discipleship Now weekend (Wintercast), Jamaica Missions, Navajo missions and so much more!

We have a Parent Meeting October 18th directly after 3rd Service in the Fellowship Center, please make every effort to attend. Thank you again for allowing us to minister to your students.

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CHURCH DASHBOARD provided by Bobi Tomlon, Controller

Letter from the Session…

September 25, 2020 Dear Fellow Christian, With the pandemic this has been a very different year.

One we have never experienced before or ever want to experience again. From our hearts, we thank you for your monetary gifts that helped us through these trying times. Presently, we are close to the income anticipated in the 2020 budget and below those numbers for expenses. We have received a government PPP loan and anticipate not having to pay it back. We ARE in good financial shape – thanks to you! May God continue to bless you all!

It is that time of year again – stewardship! This year’s theme is “ALL GIVING MATTERS.” ALL of us are important and matter. ALL GIVING whether it be time, talent or treasure matters. ALL GIVING MATTERS to further our Lord Jesus Christ and DHPC. Big and small gifts are appreciated and can be used by God. We are given so many gifts from God, and we are called to give back. We hold the promise of God’s awesome power at work within us and through our gifts. So we share our gifts so that God can use them and grow them just like the mustard seed becomes a tree big enough for birds.

Our 2021 requesting budget anticipates a “normal” year. Your Session continues to make plans for the coming year and we ask you to prayerfully seek God's direction when deciding on your financial support for all the ministries here at DHPC. It is our desire that pledges reach $800,000+ this year. Everyone increasing their pledge would truly be blessing to ALL of us!

Your Session continues to position our church for the future. During 2021 it is our intent to FOCUS our efforts on improving The Gathering worship experience and expanding our Family and Youth ministries. These areas at the present are mere mustard seeds but we believe they can grow into large trees! Our traditional service provides an exceptional worship experience and we are striving both now and into the future to improve the quality of its streaming capability.

So please help us continue to accomplish these goals by returning a pledge card to the church as soon as you possibly can. You may mail it to our controller or place it in the pledge box outside the sanctuary. Pledge dedication Sunday is October 25th and we would appreciate your decision of support by then. Thank you in advance!

In Christ We Serve, Your Session

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • FALL 2020