2020 Winter Echoes

Winter 2020/2021

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

- Isaiah 7:14

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • WINTER 2020/2021 1

Winter 2020/2021

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE TIMES (all services in the sanctuary)

4:00 PM 5:30PM 7:00PM Reservations required.

See the website and eblast emails for RSPV links.

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • WINTER 2020/2021

Senior Pastor’s Message Assistant Pastor’s Message Lay Leaders Walking Beside Congregational Nurse

Student Ministry

Children’s Ministry Operation Christmas Child Church Dashboard Advent Events

Save the dates!

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

ELECTION OF OFFICERS Sunday, January 31st ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, February 28th

WORSHIP (October-May) Traditional 8:15am Traditional 9:45am “The Gathering” Contemporary 11:10am

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 Spring (March-May) and the deadline for submission will be April 1.

SUMMER WORSHIP (June-September) Traditional 9:00am “The Gathering” Contemporary 10:30am

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 • WINTER 2020/2021

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

Merry Christmas!

It wasn’t a good time. Christ’s birth came in the midst of Roman occupation and its assertion of domination through census and taxation. It came when Joseph and Mary had to travel at a most inopportune time, being that she was about to give birth. The conditions of Jesus’ birth were not comfortable, but filled with overcrowding followed by interruptions from strangers coming to see the child. Surprising gifts were given such gold, as if he was a king, frankincense, as if was a priest, and the worst birthday gift ever, myrrh for his burial.

No, it was not a good time to be born, but it was the right time. The world needed a savior, a Prince of Peace, one who would save humanity from our sins. The world needed Emmanuel, God with us, who would comfort His people. So, while it was not a good time to be born, it was the right time.

Once again it is not a good time, but the right time for Christmas. It is not be a good time to celebrate Christmas with a pandemic, political unrest, economic uncertainty, fires and hurricanes, and so much more. This year there was conflict over a census that was taken, isolation instead of overcrowding, and yet this year a bright star shall appear in the night sky.

It is not a good time, but the right time for us to celebrate Christmas. It is the right time for us to seek out the Lord like shepherds and magi of long ago. It is the right time for us to join with heavenly host is declaring to the world, “Unto you a savoir is born, a child is given, who is Christ the Lord.” It is the right time for the world is yearning and hungering for a Savior, a Prince of Peace, Emmanuel - God with us. Christ was born, that we might be born again in Him. It is the right time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family. And may we all be the new creations that God desires us to be in the new year.

Peace in Christ Alone, Jim

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

It’s a matter of focus...

In an interview in Sports Illustrated some years ago, writer Tim Crothers shared this observation of former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher: "After almost every game, every practice, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher drives straight home to his wife, Kaye, and their three daughters. He doesn't do ads for cars or frozen yogurt. He exists inside his two passions, family and football, exclusive of everything else."

The author’s point was that Cowher is a deeply focused man when it comes to his life and mission. Perhaps there’s no better illustration of this man’s intense focus than when he was once invited to a civic luncheon in Pittsburgh and was seated next to a rather distinguished looking woman. In a polite way, Bill asked her what it was that she did in terms of occupation – to which she replied, "I'm the mayor of Pittsburgh.¹ While this may have proved slightly embarrassing to Mr. Cowher, it does teach us one essential truth: A person cannot

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effectively focus on everything.

In fact, a person who has set healthy priorities knows that we must even allow some things to fall by the wayside.

As we stand on the threshold of a brand-new year (and say goodbye to a year that will likely live on in infamy), I wonder, what will our focus be in 2021 as disciples of Christ? More specifically, where will our priorities lie?

Well, as we ponder these questions, I hope that we might consider the words of the Apostle Paul, who after spouting off a rather impressive list of his credentials and personal accomplishments in Philippians 3:4-6, comes to the realization that everything was a loss because “… of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus [his] Lord.” Yes, it was Paul who decided that he was going to "discard everything else, counting it all as garbage," so that he could "gain Christ and be found in him." (v. 8) Sisters and brothers, Paul's declaration here is a profound statement of his values and

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • WINTER 2020/2021

should reflect ours as well. For indeed, knowing Christ and growing in an intimate relationship with him should be our ultimate goal as Christians and our greatest priority in this life.

And so, as you reflect upon 2020 – your relationships… your commitments… your thoughts, words, and deeds… your lifestyle worship… your love for God and investment in your relationship with Him… your love for neighbor and your intentional efforts to share the gospel and give reason for the hope that you have… what stands out as being your ultimate goal? As you take inventory of all that you accomplished and each of the areas of focus where you spent a considerable amount of time, what received top billing? Did you give God adequate time to instruct you in the way you should go?

Did you meet Christ daily in prayer and devotions? Did you make him a part of every piece of your life? Every decision? Every commitment? Every simple act?

And would your spouse or children, a sibling, coworker, or

friend, each attest to the fact that your relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important aspect of your life and your driving focus?

Whether you are one of those people who make New Year's Resolutions or not (I am the latter!), you might find this interesting. There is a story that tells of an amazing discovery in one man's attic. The discovery was a stack of brittle papers – the oldest dated December 31, 1898 with a paper for each sequential year after that through December 31, 1958. What made this "find" so amazing was the fact that on each of the papers was the same resolve. Each of the pages simply read, "Resolved, to be a better person on December 31 of [the following New Year], than I am today through prayer, Bible study, and service to my fellow man." For fifty-nine years, the

pages carried the same message, as did the daily witness and characteristic humility of the man who penned them. In the eyes of those who knew him, this resolution was the source of determination which carried him through marriage, the loss of his children, a career, failed business ventures, retirement, and a host of life's other uncertainties. Fifty-nine years of resolving to be God's man – day by day, month by month, and year by year.

Day by day and month by month… as we face the start of another year and put behind us what was for many of us a year we wish not to repeat or would love to forget, where will our priorities lie? Will we find ourselves satisfied with our current relationship with Christ or will we seek to know him in a deeper, more intimate and dependent way? What things must we allow

to fall by the wayside in order to bring Christ, family, and our service to God to the forefront?

My prayer for each of you for 2021 is that God will bring revival to our hearts and to our church. Furthermore, I pray that we as His body might become better people through prayer, Bible study, and service to each other and our communities. I believe that God will honor our resolve if and only if we, in unity, make Him our first priority. So… forget the name of your mayor (or even this pastor!) if you must, but this year, do not forget your King! God's blessings to each of you in this brand-new year! May it be a year filled with healthy focused priorities – a year focused on our One True Passion!

– Pastor Brett ¹Larson, Craig Brian, Choice Contemporary

Stories & Illustrations For Pastors, Teachers, & Writers, Baker Books, 1998, p. 209.

Meet...Ed & Pat Nichols

by Dave Hulbert, Elder for Leadership & Development Ed joined DHPC in 2000, Pat in 2005 and they were married in 2009. Both have been involved in many activities at DHPC. They do some activities together and others separately depending on their individual passions.

They both sing in the choir, are in a covenant group that conducts

the Fixin’ Bags campaign each Thanksgiving, and for a number of years served on the Nominating Committee. They also try and participate in the Fellowship activities offered. Pat has been a Deacon, started the Prayer Ministry, helped put together Fellowship Committees and established

a weekly Grief Group. Ed currently serves on The Session as the Worship Elder, having served on two previous Sessions.

As a church we have to acknowledge that the Lay Leaders of our congregation are a vital part of its ministry and its spiritual strength.

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SOUL FOOD

by Barb Conti Shirley Combs knew on the first day of business how God was going to use her restaurant. But after months of preparation and excitement, not a single person showed up for her grand opening. The minutes felt like hours as she waited for a customer with a truly empty stomach.

Heartbroken as she locked the front door to close for the day, she noticed a man wearing a weathered coat and carrying a small knapsack of personal belongings. She called out, asking if he was hungry. When he said yes, she said, “Well, if you know anybody else nearby that needs something to eat, get them and come back here for lunch.”

When a small group returned, she served them lunch for free.

Every day since, when lunch ends, Combs gives free meals to everybody waiting. In addition, she and the cooking staff make time to deliver the leftovers to shut-ins around town. Combs packs extra to-go boxes for her homeless guests and asks new visitors if they have a place to stay. Before any guests leave Combs’s café, she makes sure to pray with them and let them know her care is merely an extension of Christ’s love and grace for humanity.

Over time, Combs has learned the specific needs of the people she serves, and the result is that the scope of her operation has become both larger and more holistic. Understanding many of the roots of poverty, she began hiring people experiencing homelessness and addiction. That led to managing one homeless shelter using two homes as apartments and providing many significant and essential services—even personally taking people to medical appointments.

So, what lessons can we learn from

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Shirley Combs’ story?

• Trust in God for He works • Instead of becoming despondent, through us and enables the Spirit’s depressed, or fearful of losing her gifts to be utilized for both the investment, she found an opporbenefit of others and His glory. tunity within her situation to serve If this article piques your interothers. est and you would like to talk to • She used the spiritual gifts God someone in confidence, please call had given her to expand the puror text one of our team members. pose of her restaurant.

• By loving and taking care of her Barb Conti 602-448-7280 neighbors she fulfilled the second Laurann Cook 714-270-8121 greatest commandment: Love Joe Gilleland 480-575-8406 your neighbor as yourself.

Moon Kahn 480-391-2034 • She embraced her God given powShirley Klein 602-881-0936 er to redefine her the situation in Marsha Lindquist 480-513-1132 life because she knew God’s purSara Sebransky 480-888-6192 pose was to transform her into “Soul Food” by Tim Rhodes, Blessed To BE, Christ likeness.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • WINTER 2020/2021

Quarter Four Guide, In Touch Ministries

DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS GIFTS & TRADITIONS

by Mary Kay Thurston, RN “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”

James 1:17 NIV A harried woman and her children were ending their day of holiday shopping. To express her frustration and stress, she stated that whoever created Christmas should be strung up and shot. A bystander brought to her attention that someone had already crucified Him. Before you get caught up with your tasks, lists, and expectations, put them into perspective. Ask yourself what you should be celebrating: the hectic, stress-laden, financially burdened holiday season, or the gift of peace and hope.

Even though God gives us all we need for a healthy, happy life, we tend to disturb it by “spending’ and ‘observing’ the holiday on human terms. Look at the holiday traps that take up your time. Categorize your holiday tasks as “need to do,”

“should do,” “want to do,” and “expected to do.” Which ones really address the Christmas spirit? Just because you are invited to attend an

mas story you heard as a child or its impact on you as an adult? Think about the music of Christmas and how a stirring rendition of “Joy to the World” or a quiet performance of “Silent Night” displays love and peace in a harried world. Don’t let commercialism or stress overshadow the gifts of love and sharing that you offer your loved ones. Remember the spirit of Christmas, share your presence with others, reduce your stress, and create meaningful traditions that demonstrate God’s love. (Source: event or have habitually participated www.webMD.com) in an activity doesn’t’ mean you have Advent Prescription: Repeat the to continue that activity. Prioritize all following scripture frequently of your activities. By weeding out throughout each day. those that distract you from the true meaning of Christmas, you will find “Be Still and Know that I am God” less stress and more enjoyment from Psalm 46:10 NIV your choices.

Advent is a time for hope, peace, Merry Christmas!!!!!! joy, and love, not mounds of gifts, Always remember… chaotic rounds of parties, or copious “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” amounts of food. Consider what has real meaning for you. Is it the Christ-

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

Sunday, December 13th 2:30-4:30pm (Childcare available upon request.)

For information & questions contact: Marsha Lindquist (480) 513-1132 /marsha.lindquist@yahoo.com To register contact: register@deserthills.org Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • WINTER 2020/2021 9

by Chris Haidet, Director of Family & Student Ministries We have a lot of exciting life change videos, blogs, events, things building as we approach and a full calendar and links to the holiday season and are finally our friends, partners, and social leaving the crazy year of 2020.

But before we venture into our winter activities, I want to share what happened at our Build-Up event in November. On the 14th and 15th, we hosted a 2-Day event focused on training up our stu-

media platforms. The website is also designed to be a gateway for new students looking for a place to belong. We are hoping this new platform will help spread the news of our DHPC Student Ministry (The HangOut) and provide a fun and uplifting environment. You can access our website at hangoutnation.com.

In December, we will be hosting Matt Baird on the 18th. Matt is the lead singer of Spoken and has traveled the world performing to thousands. This event will be

or at itickets.com.

On January 27th, we will be launching our Wednesday night midweek program (The HangOut) for students. This will be a high energy program designed to be a welcoming, first experience to our student ministries. We will have live music, drama, games, snack bar, arcade, videos, and a message geared to introducing Jesus to all who come. The HangOut is a place

where students can be known, dents in the arts. The Build-Up make friends, share talents, and weekend had professional trainexperience the love and message ing in Drums, Keys, Guitars, of Jesus. Along with our midBass, Videography, and Drama. week program, we will be We also had Steve Russo, who launching small groups, service was a youth evangelist with the teams, leadership teams, and Graham Association, Focus on hosting events and going on acthe Families teen radio host, and tivities, camps, and trips. Everya professional drummer and thing we do can be found on member of the Recording our calendar at the hangoutnaAcademy (Grammys). Steve tion.com. spoke to our students at the I am so excited for where Build-Up event and to our God is taking this ministry, and student Sunday morning durthe people he is bringing along ing youth group. side to help lead. If you would be We launched our Student Min- open to the public and Matt will interested in joining this team, istry website this fall. This web- be hosting our students for a pre- please contact me or a member of site is for our students and parconcert backstage Q&A. Tickets our student ministry committee ents and features helpful links, are $6 and can be purchased live and will get you plugged in.

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • WINTER 2020/2021

by Susan Constance, Elder for Children’s Ministry Hello, my name is Ollie.

WHOOO am I? I am the owl

Story presentation, memory verse practice and prayer. The final activity will happen in small groups with Bible story related games, Journal and Prayer.

Each week the children will learn a memory verse such as “God is with you wherever you go”, Joshua 1:9. Also, a Key mascot for the new Children’s Question, “Who’s got it?”from Ministry program, “Orange”. the leaders, and children answer, When I fly into the Preschool “God’s got it”! Basic truth is Clubhouse on Sunday mornings “God loves me”. the adventure begins!

For elementary students (K – Starting February 7th, for Pre- 5th), we will follow a similar forschool (birth-age 5) the on stage mat with more age appropriate “Prelude”, sets the scripture messaging and presentation. theme for the day with the Host, When the children arrive each Storyteller and Worship Team Sunday, they will go directly to leading theme-related songs and the Children’s Check-in Area. dance. Small Groups will enjoy The process there is all about sea fun interaction activity related curity. to the Bible Story, such as a ShavAny child who misses Sunday ing Cream Fire connecting to the School will be able to enjoy all of story of Shadrach, Meshach and this online. For all the children, Abednego. The entire group the online version will provide then will convene for the Bible opportunity for child-parent in-

teraction and reinforcement!

The entire program is designed for interaction between parents and children, including worship services.

The “Orange Program” works well in a colorful, welcoming atmosphere. The Children’s Ministry Team is working towards this goal, with much help from Buildings and Grounds, preparing the space needed to meet the needs of the program. We will set up work days which will include painting, building and organizing. If anyone is interested in helping us, please contact Chris Haidet (480-329-7097) or Susan Constance (480-627-9613).

Thank you in advance!!

2020 DRIVE A SUCCESS! Thank you to everyone who contributed to our drive this year! In spite of lower attendance numbers at church due to Covid19, our church sent 275 packed shoe boxes, and 150 pairs of “The Shoe That Grows.”

If you purchased your shipping online to track your box(es), please let us know the destination of your box! We’d like to know where in the world our boxes go to!

God bless you!

The OCC Committee: John & Mary Denaro, Heather Everett, and Rhonda Noble

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Advent - A Time of Prayer, Scripture & Reflection An Invitation to Be Still and Prepare Him Room - on the DHPC YouTube Channel

Engaging Adult Education Classrooms!

Fun Children’s Sunday School Experiences!

Exciting Student Opportunities!

You are invited to a …

DHPC OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 30th, 1:00 - 4:00PM

Come, See, and Learn about all the

CHURCH DASHBOARD provided by Bobi Tomlon, Controller

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church ECHOES • WINTER 2020/2021

exciting things happening in 2021!