Spring Echoes 2020

Spring 2020

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

- John:3:16

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • SPRING 2020 1

Spring 2020

FEELING SOCIAL? Be sure to “like” Desert Hills Presbyterian Church on Facebook!

Simply go to the DHPC website: www.deserthills.org and click the Facebook icon.

You may also type “Desert Hills Presbyterian Church” in the search bar on Facebook. We have security set so that “tagging” of photos is not permitted, so check out the page and enjoy the photos and information about your church family.

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • SPRING 2020

Senior Pastor’s Message

Fellowship News / Troop Care

Assistant Pastor’s Message

Walking Beside Ministry

Lenten Bible Study Info

Senior High Youth Group News

Worship News

Women’s Retreat

Leupp Weekend News

Jacqy Kilgore Update

Concert Series

Church Dashboard

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 Summer (June-August) and the deadline for submission will be May 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 • SPRING 2020

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

Counting our blessings!

My family and I wish to thank you all for your prayers and support. If you have not heard, my surgery was a success and I’m making good progress on recovering. God was watching out for us as I went to the doctor for one thing and he noticed it was time for a PSA test. The results of the test led to the biopsy and the discovery of the cancer. We are praising God that it was caught early and that the surgery seems to have gotten it all. I go back in a few months for follow-up tests which will hopefully confirm that I am cancer free.

We are also blessed as Katelyn has completed her first semester at her new school, North Valley Christian Academy, and is enjoying it. She has met new friends and participated on the school’s soccer team and girls’ basketball team. She is looking forward to going on the school’s mission trip to Mexico in April where they will partner with One Mission to build houses and reach out to the local community. As parents, we appreciate having a school that supports Katelyn in her academics and her faith.

Finally, April 1, 2020 will be the 15th anniversary of my arrival at DHPC. It was not lost on me that I started on April Fools, but then I do believe laughing together makes life more enjoyable and the difficult times more bearable. Thank you for all the laughs, common efforts, and support over the years. I also thank you for your wisdom that help keep or get me/us on the right track, your grace when I failed, and your encouragement to keep moving forward. Together we have guarded the heart of the church to keep it full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-disciple. Together we have been faithful in mission and ministry to the Lord, each other, our community, and the world. As we move into the future I am committed to continue to work with you all to guard the heart of the church and be faithful in mission and ministry. Specific programs, ministries, and missions may change, but our heart and service to the Lord will not. I do believe we are at a critical moment in our church’s life and in the changing culture around us.

How we reach our community and the world for Christ is of upmost importance at this time. So please pray for wisdom and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the world.

Peace in Christ,

Jim P.S. We want to thank “A Secret Santa” for your wonderful kindness this past Christmas.

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

Discipleship Rocks!

On Sunday, February 9 and Monday, February 10, Desert Hills welcomed world-renown Christian psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman to DHPC to kick off what we hope will be an annual Discipleship event.

Though a name for the annual series has not yet been finalized, Dr. Leman suggested “Discipleship Rocks!”

On Sunday evening, Dr. Leman helped the audience understand the difference between men and women in an attempt to promote healthy marriage relationships as well as threw in some great information on parenting and grandparenting. There were roughly 165 in attendance – many of whom were from the community. One notable group consisted of seven young married couples who hired babysitters and then made a date night of it by having dinner together before the event.

Each of them expressed their sincere appreciation for the thoughtfulness and generosity of DHPC to bring in Dr. Leman and offer his sessions for free to the community along with FREE CHILDCARE! Monday’s session was intended to be DHPC’s gift to the young parents and families in our church and community. Over 45 local MOPS, young mother’s groups, preschools, and daycares were personally invited. Dr. Leman blessed the 57 young parents (and a few grandparents) with a challenging and vulnerable discussion on birth order, parenting style, effective discipline, etc. To the great delight of these young parents, he also afforded plenty of time to answer their questions.

All in all, both events were a smashing success and have provided great momentum for next year! This certainly would not have been the case had it not been for the GOLIATH effort and Christ

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-like servant hearts of so many folks at DHPC. Thank you to each person who hung advertising posters, placed articles in their HOA newsletters, invited friends, prayed for the event, posted communications in church bulletins, e-blasts, and Facebook “shares,” served as greeters, book table venders, room setters, A/V techs, and the most unbelievably amazing childcare workers! As to the latter, what a joy it was to see and hear so many little voices on our campus! And thanks to one musically-gifted volunteer, we even had them all singing!

Finally, I would like to extend sincere gratitude to a special family in the church who underwrote the event and who is passionate about seeing folks develop into lifelong disciples!

For those who helped in any way, I pray that you were truly blessed by the fact that the lives of so many were touched and that resources were shared to inspire heathy household discipleship for years and prayerfully generations to come.

May the Lord bless you all for your faithfulness to serve Him, our church, and our beloved community! Folks, we are just getting started! ~Pastor Brett

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As a result of your ministry, men will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.

(2 Cor. 9:13-14)

become the church that is committed to reaching and ministering to all generations?” Related to this driving question: Do we see the need to provide ongoing support and resources for young families and do we wish to establish a positive reputation in our community as a church who cares for those around us of all ages? What will caring for children, youth, and families look like at DHPC and what is Jesus asking of us? In the days ahead, DHPC leadership will be considering thoughts relating to these types of questions. Specifically, two things our Adult Discipleship committee will be focusing upon are how do we best support families for household worship and is DHPC poised to start an outreach, gospel-centered ministry to the young families around us – something like a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) charter of our own.

If thoughts pertaining to this have stoked a fire in you, I would invite you to join us as we dream big. Your church leadership covets your input and I would be honored to sit down with you for discussion. I’ll even buy the coffee!

Looking forward to dreaming big with you! ~Pastor Brett

A Church For All Generations One of the key points of focus for DHPC in 2020 is a commitment to establishing a balanced family ministry offering for children, youth, and their families. 2020 will be a time for seeking the Lord’s wisdom and direction and dreaming big.

One of the things that most attracted me to DHPC when I first came to interview was the strong sense of family and the incredible source of wisdom and experience our older congregation possesses. As a person who has worked with church youth and with Youth for Christ for 28 years, few things excite me more than healthy intergenerational ministry – that is, generations who are committed to do life in Christ together and to always strive to learn from each other.

Needless to say, the Discipleship event with Dr. Leman has inspired me and others! Not only was it nice to see our commitment as a church to the young families in our church and community and their overwhelming response of gratitude and appreciation for us, but it was also thrilling to see and hear young children on our campus as they interacted with our adults!

The question that I am eager to see answered then in 2020, is “How far as a congregation are we willing to go to Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • SPRING 2020 7

Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m.

The Good Friday worship service will reflect and remember the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. He died for our sins, and it is only through Him The Season of Easter... that we have been saved.

Ash Wednesday Worship Service – February 26 Easter Services – April 12 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26.

On Sunday, April 12, we will commemorate the resurrection of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church will be holding our tradition- our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will be holding FOUR al Ash Wednesday Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctu- Easter Worship Services this year to show adoration for our ary. Please add this date to your calendar as we begin our risen Lord. walk toward Jerusalem, following Christ to the cross, and then Sunrise Worship Service will begin at 6:30 a.m. outside on the to the empty tomb. This worship service will include hymns, Church Patio. prayers, and the placement of ashes as a sign of our condition Traditional Worship Services will be held at 8:15 a.m. and and repentance. Communion by Intinction will also be served. 9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Palm Sunday – April 5 The Gathering Worship Service will be held at 11:10 a.m. in On Palm Sunday Christians celebrate the Triumphal Entry of the Fellowship Center.

Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. It is the week before his death and With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection resurrection and also marks the beginning of Holy Week. of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in Palm Sunday Worship Services on April 5 will be at the reguthem all. (Acts 4:33) larly scheduled times of 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary, Easter flowers, a new way of ordering... and 11:10 a.m. in the Fellowship Center.

Be sure to pick up a bulletin on Sunday, March 15. Inside you will find an Maundy Thursday – April 9 envelope for ordering tulips and lilies to decorate our sanctuary for the EastMaundy Thursday is the day on which Jesus celebrated the er holiday. Flowers are a lovely way to remember a loved one at this special Passover with his disciples, sharing a meal with them, which is time of year, or to just celebrate the joy of the season. Please fill in the inforknown as the Last Supper. We will be observing this day with mation on the front of the envelope and enclose your $9.00 check or cash, a special service on Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m., and Commun- place it in the offertory plate, or give it to an usher. If you miss the 15th, ion will be served. envelopes will be available in the narthex through Sunday, March 29. We will no longer be placing the sign-up sheet in the narthex. You may take Good Friday – April 10 your flowers home after the fourth service on Easter.

Our Holy Week special worship services continue on Good

It’s Not About Me, by Mike Moomey, Gathering WorshipDirector pening here. Don’t view singing with church as an opportunity to sing in a way that sounds like the culture you live in, or The worship team for The Gathering have been spending a like a past era you wish you lived in – come to sing to lend time of devotion going through a book written by the Gettys. your voice to the timeless, boundless sound of the congregaThe Gettys are best known for the song “In Christ Alone” tional voice singing to the One who is eternally worthy of our which Keith Getty wrote with Stuart Townend. The book has praise.” -Excerpt from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s, Sing! How been incredibly insightful and challenging for every aspect of Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church a worshipful life - from personal life to family life to church I do not know about you, but this is a convicting message. life. We recently spent time discussing the chapter on singing We fight daily to get out of the world’s consumeristic mentaliwith the local church. There was a particular section that was ty, something that goes against the powerfully stirring to me. With it, I would like to encourage very grain of Christianity. And yet, it you, the congregation at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church: often creeps into our life and wor“So when you are called to sing at church, stop drinking ship. With all my heart, I want my your coffee for a moment, put your phone away, and look worship to be pleasing to the Lord, around and listen to the people standing about you. You are and to recognize that it is not about not an only child. This is your family. You and these folk me but all about the Lord…and around you are the only eternal pieces of this fading world. about the Lord’s collective people.

You are called to serve them by singing with and to them.

When we see our singing together in this way, we will happi- Let us forget ourselves and sing all kinds ly compromise when it comes to the style of the music, the of songs and styles with one another and instruments used in the music, and so on. Of course, we’ll find to one another as we worship God, subparticular hymns and arrangements more to our own tastes, mitting to one another out of reverence but there is something bigger and so much more exciting hap- for Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-21)

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • SPRING 2020

Clan of Christ Trivia Questions...

Q: How many years have Leupp and DHPC been sister churches doing ministry together as the clan of Christ?

A: 38 years and still counting!

Q: When do we spend a weekend in ministry and worship on the reservation?

A: The last weekend in April…so...

MARK YOUR CALENDAR…April 25-26, 2020!

Q: What is Naomi House?

A: A home for Navajo abused and orphaned children and a Leupp ministry we support.

Q: What was uniquely special about our last two Leupp weekends with our Navajo brothers and sisters?

A: We were privileged to see historic sacred Hopi mesas and ancient Navajo ruins requiring a native American escort for passage.

Q: What is in store for us this year?

A: The adventure continues. We never know if it will be doing ministry together or sharing unique multi-cultural, multigenerational experience. We do know that being together in worship and ministry is always wonderful.

Q: Who is going to Leupp this year?

A: Why not you?

MORE INFORMATION TO COME – WATCH FOR IT! Or contact Chuck Starnes at (623) 580-7637 / cstarnes33@gmail.com Beginning April 26th…

Adult Bible Study on Sundays 9:45am-10:45am

“For God So Loved the World...the Greatest Love Stories Ever Told” This study will run eight consecutive Sundays beginning April 26th. While the eight sessions will be related in theme, each session can stand on its own. So there’s no reason to be concerned if a week is missed. Each session will be structured for discussion, not lecture or presentation. Lew’s role as leader will not be as a lector but rather, as more of a maintainer of structure to facilitate thoughtful, open discussion.

The Topics for each of the 8 Sundays is set forth below: 1. The Trinity 2. Creation of the Heavens and Earth 3. Creation and Fall of Man (Male and Female)

4. The Savoir 5. Redemption and Sanctification 6. Fruit Happens (abiding in Jesus Christ and He in you) 7. Developing and Maintaining your Personal Relationship with Jesus 8. The Rose Beyond the Wall (Life Everlasting) There will not be a specific text. Lew will prepare suggested scripture references to study the week before each study along with occasional suggested optional outside reading materials.

For more information, contact Lew Dymond at lew.dymond@gmail.com or (970) 402-1824.

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SPRING 2020 - FREE!

Mark your calendars!

Bring a friend or neighbor to an event and share our breathtaking church and its members with our community.

You can make a difference!

Sunday, February 23, at 4:00 PM Forté Handbell Quartet Based in Colorado Springs, Forté is an advanced quartet marked by artistry, energy, and dedication to their craft. In pursuit of musical excellence, Forté strives to explore, innovate, inspire, and glorify God through the gift of music.

They perform a wide variety of styles, including but not limited to Celtic, techno, pop-country, classical, contemporary Christian, and new age. Their goal is challenging audiences’ perceptions of what handbells can really do.

You’re in for a real treat. Sign up for Forté’s Workshop to be held prior to the concert from 2:30 to 3:30. Seating for the Workshop is limited, so call the office to reserve your spot.

Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 PM Jasper String Quartet Come enjoy an evening of classical music with the winner of the prestigious CMA Cleveland Quartet Award, Philadelphia’s Jasper String Quartet have been hailed as “sonically delightful and expressively compelling” (The Strad) and their album, Unbound, was named as one of the 25 Best Classical Recordings of 2017 by the New York Times. The Jaspers perform pieces emotionally significant to its members. They will be playing selections from Mendelssohn Op. 44 No. 1, Smetana Quartet No. 1 "From my life", and Four Seasons for String Quartet, as well as other classical selections.

Sunday, March 8, at 8:15AM, 9:45AM, 11:10AM Services & 7:00 PM Concert University of Northwestern, St. Paul Band & Orchestra The UNW Symphonic Band & Orchestra unite to present their Spring 2020 Tour “Music in the Southwest”. The ensembles, with conductors Dr. John S. Herlihy and David Kozamchak, will perform a diverse range of contemporary and classical repertoire, including two new pieces written and orchestrated by noted UNW Alumni and featuring guest alum performer Grammy-nominated songwriter Natalie Cromwell. This concert of big band classics and symphony sounds is sure to engage and inspire.

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Mahjong...Meets bi-monthly on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays in the Fellowship Center.

at 12:30pm.

Beginners Welcome! Questions? Contact Celide Dymond at (970) 402-1820.

Let’s Play Bridge! Join us for co-ed (FUN, PARTY) bridge on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lounge. Please sign up on the patio or email Kathleen Harris at kharris@deserhills.org or contact Kathy Shields at(602) 820-5427 if you have any questions.

Save the dates...

Lunch Bunch... at Terravita Country Club, Wednesday., March 11th, at 11:30am (pay with credit card) Questions? Contact Jolene Fraizer at (815) 592-6754.

Book Group... March 21st, 6pm, at the Thieles’ residence, “Grant” by Ron Chernow

Progressive Dinner... Sat.urday, April 4, Interested in hosting? Call Alexis Sterling-Popovich (520) 488-9588.

Wine & Cheese Tasting...Saturday, May 2, more info TBA.

Interested in helping to plan these fun activities?

Contact Jolene Frazier at (815)592-6754 or stop by the Fellowship table in the courtyard on Sundays.

SERVE THOSE THAT SERVED US - JOIN US! FAITH! Defined as a complete trust and confidence in someone or something. FAITH! Does not make things easy, It makes them possible Our Church’s Troop Care Ministry (TCM) is a member committee that provides Troop Care Support from a FAITH based perspective to those service members that are active and those that have served at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and Leupp Presbyterian Church.

We would like to welcome YOU as an additional member to our exciting Team of 11. You would become actively involved with the current Team in HONORING our service members through...

Periodic issuance of Greeting Cards and Grocery Cards to service members, An Annual Veterans Day Memorial Dinner, Monthly book collecting for delivery to VA Hospital, Quarterly packaging and mailing of personal care packages to our deployed active service members, and Participation with the Veterans Heritage Project in arranging Veteran member interviews to be published/ filed as stories in the Congressional Library in Washington DC. INTERESTED? Please Contact Shirley Klein, Arch Rambeau, Rhonda Noble or any member of TCM. Meetings are once a month at the Church on Sundays.

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Sharing the Love of Christ What makes Christian caregiving distinctive? In the excerpts below, care receivers share how their Stephen Minister made a difference in their lives and what Christian caregiving looks like.

DHPC’s Walking Beside Ministry is similar to the Stephen Ministry program which we had for many years.

Our Walking Beside Ministry was designed particularly to meet the specific needs of DHPC members and our extended family, friends, and neighbors.

By virtue of our Christian faith, all of us are uniquely equipped to relate to the deep spiritual needs of others.

Every Christian’s job description includes the responsibility of being a spiritual care provider. WBM team members, most of whom are former Stephen Ministers, also have a “specialist” function to ensure that another’s spiritual needs will not go unrecognized and unmet. We integrate spiritual needs into the various kinds of care a person might require or request. We plant and water, while God, in His wisdom, is responsible for the result according to His will and plan.

While these examples are from the Stephen Ministry database in St. Louis, Missouri, they could have been written by any one of our team members. They are used to protect the confidentiality of our care receivers. Here are the care receivers’ comments.

“When things seemed like too much to handle, my Stephen Minister brought normalcy and calm. With him by my side, I knew I could make it from one week to the next. I could feel God’s presence when my Stephen Minister was there.” -James “Although my needs changed as I went from wife to caregiver to widow, my Stephen Minister’s love and support remained a constant. She was there at every stage of my journey, helping me through some of the most difficult moments of my life—so I could begin to heal.” Susan “My Stephen Minister was a consistent presence walking with me throughout my divorce. He would always show up, and most importantly, he refused to give up on me. I’ll forever be grateful for the way he changed my life.” -Ralph “When I was with my Stephen Minister, I felt Jesus

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was with me. I saw the love of God in her eyes while we talked and prayed, and it would fill me with such comfort and peace. It helped me know that I could make it through.” -Ashley If you or someone you know is hurting, feeling overwhelmed, or just needs someone to lift them up in prayer and fellowship, you can learn more about our Walking Beside Ministry by talking with one of our team members or Pastors.

Barb Conti Joe Gilleland Moon Kahn Shirley Klein Sue Palmer Sara Ray Julie Wild

home: home: cell: cell: cell: cell: cell:

480-419-8232 480-575-8406 480-391-2034 602-881-0936 602-909-7964 480-888-6192 480-440-9022

Care Receivers Tell Their Stories, stephenministry.org “Christian Caregiving – A Way of Life by Kenneth C. Haugk

Youth Christmas Party, December 22, 2019

Testimonials from the Senior High Youth Christmas Eve Project...

UCYC High School Summer Camp 2020

Do you ever feel stuck? The world can make us think that pursuing success, followers, and influence is the most valuable thing about life. These things are empty. We’re so focused on our own timeline that we rarely think of anyone else or of our relationship with God. When we live life this way it’s hard to find purpose, connection, or hope. A man named Joseph in the Bible can teach us something about pursuing God’s purpose in our life. Joseph was abandoned by his family, sold into slavery, and thrown in prison for years.

Even in his suffering Joseph focused on God’s timeline. Join us this summer at UCYC as we learn how God’s purpose can direct our lives and how His timeline can give hope in all circumstances.

High School Summer Camp July 19th - 23rd, Prescott, AZ Cost - $389.00 (fundraising opportunities available) REGISTER NOW! Contact Rachael Moomey to register - 602.717.9219

On Christmas Eve I had a lot of fun giving out gifts to workers who worked on the Holidays. In Proverbs 11:25 it says, “The generous person will prosper, and whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” It was unique to see how happy we made the works.

It was a good way to spread the joy of Christmas like how Jesus’ birth spread joy to the world. I think that we should do it next year.

-Katelyn Noble

visited the Walgreens right across the street.

We only brought in 2 or 3 gift bags & were planning on going back to the car & getting more. When we brought in the first 2 bags, every employee, including the ones that didn’t receive a bag yet, were so grateful that we would do this. One employee brought out her manager and asked us to tell her our story.

We talked for a good amount of time with them & when we brought in more bags & handed them out to the rest of the employees, On Christmas Eve we went store to store one employee started crying because she handing out gift bags with a $10 Starbucks thought it was so amazing we would take gift card, a devotion book, a candy cane, a time out of our Christmas Eve to do this. prayer card, chapstick, & a Desert Hills card.

This Walgreens visit really affected me beWe handed them out to every employee in cause it showed me how much one little act of every store we stopped in. Some of the people kindness can mean to someone. So thank you we gave them to were young teenagers an Desert Hills for making this great learning some were older people. Something that experience possible. amazed me was that no matter the age, their -Hannah Everett reaction was still genuine and so thankful.

One visit that impacted me was when we Save the date!

CHILI COOK-OFF Sunday, March 15, 5:00-6:30pm $10 for dinner and 3 votes.

(Tickets will be sold March 15-22 on the patio; children 3 and under free.)

PRIZES!!!

Potato bar, ranch bean salad, and mild chili available.

Bring extra $$ to buy votes for your favorite chili or chili cook!

Contest Entry: Contact Rhonda Noble to register - No entry fees.

480.433.2870 or pasttracker65@gmail.com Proceeds to pay for high school youth group Christian summer camp.

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by Cathy Hoxie Retreat? Why do I want to go backwards?!? Shouldn’t we always be advancing? Yes, but sometimes the most strategic thing we can do is to retreat, to take a step back from the front lines, quiet our hearts from all the noise and reassess our lives. In the midst of their excitement about “all they had done and taught,” Jesus called his disciples to retreat. “He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.’” (Mark 6:31) Jesus, himself, felt the necessity of retreat, “Even though Jesus lived in perfect unity with his Father, he retreated often to a quiet place to listen to the voice of God....we see him regularly retreating to the mountain, into the wilderness, across the lake, and into the garden in order to stay in tune with God’s heart and plan for him.”1 If Jesus needed rest and retreat, what about us? God is calling and inviting us to retreat, to come away for awhile and rest with him. He knows how important it is for us. “What a wonder it is, as Jesus’ disciples, to be invited by him to conversation and communion, selfcare and replenishment.”2

of uninterrupted closeness to God.6 This is accomplished through “solitude, silence, rest, listening and responding to the Spirit of God deep within.” 7 The purpose is “always twofold: to become more deeply grounded in God as the ultimate orienting reality of our lives, and to return to the life God has given us with renewed strength, vitality, and clarity about how we are called to be in God for the world.”8

How is a retreat beneficial?

A retreat can benefit us in many ways depending on what we might be struggling with at the moment. Here are some ways a retreat might be beneficial.

Retreat from the fight - maybe you are tired and wounded from all the struggles. Putting distance between yourself and the battle can help you gain new wisdom, strength and strategies for engaging the fight. 9 Rest - maybe you just need some rest. God understands that need and his invitation to you on retreat is to just stop and rest, to put aside for a little while all of your daily activities and responsibilities.

Relinquish - maybe you need a time to just let go of your grip on the things that are weighing you down.

What is retreat?

You just need to be still for a while, cease striving and “Retreat in the context of the spiritual life is an exlet God be God. (Ps. 46:10). “The spiritual practice of tended time apart for the purpose of being with God retreat is a primary tool God can use to teach us one of and giving God our full and undivided attention; it is, as Emilie Griffin puts it, ‘a generous commitment to our the most basic dynamics of the spiritual life—how to relinquish ourselves to God.”10 friendship with God.’”3 Release - maybe you need a time of inner healing Why do we need retreat? and restoration. “The practice of retreat provides the Because of the speed and pressure of our modern needed time and space to be with the difficult, hurting lives, “There has never been a time when the invitation places of our lives—not for problem solving or fixing to retreat is so radical and so relevant, so needed and so (because not everything can be fixed) but to stop holdwelcome.”4 ing it in so bravely. It provides the context in which we Everyday life crowded with activities, commitments, can release emotion, let go a little bit (or a lot) in God’s responsibilities, and information overload leaves us presence, and allow God to comfort us as only God tired and crushed. “If we are honest, many of us have can.” 11 given up hope that we will ever be rested.”5 Replenish - maybe your tank is empty from all Even those of us who may be alone, can benefit from your responsibilities and activities. Through the the encouragement of joining together with others in rhythms of retreat with more time and space for prayer the common purpose of spending time in the presence we gain new strength and stamina. of God. Respond - maybe you need guidance and direction The purpose of retreat. for a decision in your life. Retreat can be a time to recogThe primary purpose of retreat time is ”simply to be nize and respond to God’s activity in our lives and to in the Presence...The paramount aim is to have a period join with him and discern his will for us. We need quiet

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in order to listen for his wisdom to help us make wise choices.

Recalibrate - maybe you need to assess some areas of your life to see if there are places God may be leading you to make some changes. “In the stillness of retreat, I am able to see more clearly how I am being pushed and pulled by other people’s expectations, by my own inner compulsions, and by the basic necessities of life in our culture, and I realize how far I’ve drifted from living my heart’s truest desire.”12 On retreat I can decide to adjust and readjust my way of life so that it will conform to what God desires for me.13 Reengage.

Hopefully, we will leave retreat renewed and refreshed and be able to reengage our lives with more energy and insight. By remembering the things God told us in the quiet of retreat we will be better able to face the pressure and struggle of our ordinary days. As

we experience these benefits we will be encouraged to make the practice of retreat a regular part of our lives.

God is calling you and inviting you to rest and retreat. Respond to His gracious invitation. You will not be sorry you did.

Footnotes: 1 Ruth Haley Barton, Invitation to Retreat, The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God (IVP Books, 2018, Kindle Version) Location 1348.

2Barton, 94 3 Barton, 124, Emilie Griffin, Wilderness Time: A Guide for Spiritual Retreat (New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1997), 3.

4 Barton, 139 5 Barton, 450 6 Barton, 1900, John Oliver Nelson, Retreats: An Introductory Manual, ed. Mary Lou Van Buren (Cincinnati: General Board of Global Ministries, 1981), 21.

7 Barton, 702 8 Barton, 1744

WOMEN’S RETREAT Come share the joy of the Lord in a time of reflection & renewal.

We will…

WORSHIP, BE CREATIVE, & LEARN about the power of silence before God. Saturday, March 21st 8:30am to 3:00pm At Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center 7415 E. Elbow Bend Rd., Carefree, AZ

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Women’s Retreat

Cost: $30 (scholarships available) (includes snack & lunch) Wear comfortable shoes for walking the grounds.

Invite friends.

Sign-ups on the patio on Sundays, For further information contact Cathy Hoxie: Choxie512@gmail.com / (510) 207-1544

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As I look back on where I've been, it is truly amazing to have notched one year and four months in the ME. The first year of language living in the wall of noise— with a tied tongue was challenging to say the least. But here I am in 2020, learning a new dialect, Syrian. I’ve discovered new favorite places in the neighborhood like Matom Joseph's, home of the best shwarmah in Beirut, a pizzeria around the corner which makes the best breakfast pizza (manaeesch in Arabic), and my favorite dukan (convenience store) owned by Andre’ and Ilda. Have you ever been to a Library? No, not the ones with books and magazines; in Beirut it is the name for office supply stores (French). Sometimes Lebanon can be so confusing.

We surpassed Day 100 of the revolution and survived the ‘Week of Rage’, all part of the protests for a new government; a new cabinet was announced last week; sadly the citizens don't care for those appointed so the protests continue. The best news this week was from the banks who announced account withdrawal increase to 26 million LBP a month ($18,000), previously limited to 4,000 LBP. Small steps forward as stores continue to shutter; it will take months if not years for the economy to recover.

I thank the Lord for placing us in a bubble here in the Beirut suburbs where life has continued with few interruptions. Christmas festivities included a tent party in the middle of one of the busiest streets in our neighborhood; traffic was literally at a standstill the entire night. We were so thrilled to bless new parents with baby carriers because of your generous offering. I also provided Christmas food bags and purchased a used refrigerator for a family whose stove, refrigerator, and washing machine all broke in early December. The families were overwhelmed by your blessings. Love came down at Christmas. Carols, children’s choir performances, Christmas plays, and a potluck dinner were enjoyed by the entire team during Christmas Week. A few days later, we welcomed the New Year on the Unnerstall’s rooftop watching fireworks from across the Beirut skyline. What a beautiful site on a clear and starry night!

Our women's and men's Bible study groups continue to grow. This year, we have added a young mom’s group and now have 5 Bible study groups meeting

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weekly. I had the wonderful privilege of facilitating one of the woman’s groups last week in the discussion of Luke 5:33-37. I am so thankful for Ennas, a young Syrian newlywed, who translated. It is so uplifting when all the ladies join in the discussions. Jehovah Jireh is our Provider. Four fathers also attend Sunday morning worship with us each Sunday; the same group of dads who asked to begin a men’s Bible study group. The Church in multiplication. The Sunday evening Syrian worship service continues to grow as more and more men come to meet Jesus. Praise the Lord. Three weeks ago, I began tutoring 3 elementary children in English. Needless to say, I have a new appreciation for their difficulties in learning a new language: new alphabet and sounds and learning to write from left to right —or for me right to left. I also began volunteering in the local school one day a week.

A new year brings new perspectives of gratitude and thankfulness for God's wonderful plans to welcome me into this beautiful Syrian community. I have learned how to make lentil soup, malfoofh (stuffed cabbage leaves) and cousa meshe (stuffed zucchini with rice and ground lamb). I have also experienced the quiet beauty of simplicity and humbleness. This week my heart overflows with blessings and joy. A neighbor of Amal, whose son was turning 8, rather loudly informed her there would be no birthday party in her home. Amal is my language teacher. I quickly decided we would have Fatah’s celebration at my house! On Thursday afternoon, Amal and I went shopping for birthday party supplies, cake, and treats then returned home and begin cooking Kupsah and making tabouli. That night, Amal, her 5 children, her 2 grandchildren, her sister and 3 of her children all gathered in my home. A little boy, 8 years old, went from a week of tears to a night of laughter and the biggest smile ever as he celebrated his birthday. Yes, there were tiny fingerprints and maybe some icing on my sliding doors, and yes, a key was found at the bottom of my toilet the next morning ... but all of it was pure joy. The kind of overwhelming, heart filling Joy only the Father can provide. It’s in those moments that you treasure the fingerprints and as you mop the icing off the floor, you laugh at sweet memories remembering God’s promises to provide a new family when

you leave your family to follow him.

I close with gratitude and thanksgiving for your love and your willingness to join me on this journey as we embrace all the Father has planned for His good purposes.

His is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.

Jacqy K. Engage 2025 Lebanon Prayer Requests: For the Shalom of Christ to cover Lebanon.

REVIVAL .

For godly leaders with a heart for the people.

Please pray for husbands who have lost jobs and cannot provide for their families.

For the banks to release the transferred funds for the food coupons to the Syrian refugees provided by EPC Syrian Relief Fund.

For Lebanese families who have lost jobs, cannot pay rent, and have no where to live.

Pray God's hedge of protection over Lebanon. May the Lord send His mighty angels to prevent evil insurgents from causing chaos and destruction not only in Lebanon but throughout the ME. Praise the Lord for His answers to our prayers.

Praise the Lord. He is Alpha and Omega. King of Kings. He has the whole world in His hands!

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LENT DEVOTIONALS DHPC is distributing a FREE Lent Devotional entitled, “By His Wounds We Are Healed”, written

by Pastor Paul Scheidt. The devotional may be picked up from the table in the courtyard. You are welcome to take one for your family. This is a wonderful family devotion to use during Lent.

Copies are also going in homeless hygiene kits, our Troop Care packages and more!

Questions? Contact Shelly Core at snscore@msn.com

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85266

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Phone: 480-488-3384 Fax: 480-488-0850 E-mail: admin@deserthills.org Website: deserthills.org SUMMER WORSHIP (June-October) Traditional 9:00am *Youth “Sunday Study” (grades 4-12) 9:50am “The Gathering” Contemporary 10:30am Childcare and Sunday School (ages 3-grade 3) is offered for all services.

WORSHIP (November-May) Traditional 8:15am and 9:45am *Youth “Sunday Study” (grades 4-12) 10:35am “The Gathering” Contemporary 11:10am Childcare and Sunday School (ages 3-grade 3) is offered for all services. *Except on the first Sunday of the month.

CHURCH DASHBOARD

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provided by Bobi Tomlon, Controller