2024 Annual Report (1)

Letter from the Session

Dear Church Family,

We hope this finds you well as the fresh new year begins. Looking back on the past year, we are pleased to highlight a few of the many blessings shared along with a quick look ahead.

The newly established Transportation Ministry was created to meet the needs of church members living in retirement communities who needed a ride to attend worship services and other events at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church (DHPC). In January 2024, a trial program was approved by the Session to provide transportation for DHPC residents of Merrill Gardens. The six-month trial was very successful, and in August 2024 the Transportation Ministry was formally established. Currently the Ministry provides transportation to DHPC members living in Merrill Gardens, Vi Silverstone, and Vi Grayhawk. Foothills Caring Corps provided vans and training for our drivers and assistants. DHPC is only responsible for the gas. All the members of the Committee are volunteers. As we continue to expand this service, the Transportation Ministry is always looking for additional drivers and assistants.

We have been blessed with growth in the Fitness at the Rocks program with approximately 90 participants attending each week. The unique programming enhances their lifestyle physically, socially, and spiritually. A multitude of activities have evolved this past year with the Fitness at the Rocks programs including Cardio Dance, Live Life Bible Studies, and the new Savvy Steppers program. Foothills Caring Corps has returned for a second year and Merrill Gardens is continuing with the program. Additionally, the seasonal Healthy Lifestyle luncheons have been a great success with 75-85 attending. These luncheons outreach into the community and provide speakers to expand participants’ knowledge and awareness of the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. Fitness at the Rocks and DHPC were represented at the Holland Senior Resource Center, inviting attendees to DHPC classes and events. The common threads found throughout the classes and events are the special friendships, bonds, and support. Many of our members and guests have shared their gratitude for the programs and prayers that are keeping them focused on health and fitness along with the social

Letter from the Session (Cont’d)

engagement in a fun and welcoming environment and providing a source of hope and joy.

The Desert Hills Community School of Music (DHCSM) had an exciting year of growth and new ventures with more planned for 2025. In addition to 13 instructors providing lessons to roughly 100 students, the school launched the new Community Band, held the 2nd summer band camp, conducted two new youth ensemble groups, won one of the two Kiwanis Club of Carefree major grants that funded instruments and a recording studio, hosted its first Piano Competition for 25 of Arizona’s top young pianists and put on eight performances at DHPC. With these events and more planned for the coming year, DHCSM will be a significant contributor to the Church’s outreach ministries.

The Search Committee has continued the search over the past year for the Assistant Pastor position. This summer, we partnered with a consulting group to aid in the search and source candidates for our unique position with a focus on the Children’s Ministry, Youth & Family Ministry, Outreach, and Fellowship areas. We are trusting in God’s plan and perfect timing as we start the new year hopeful.

We are grateful for your continued prayers over the leadership, ministries, and church community. Your generous outpouring and support impacts many and it is an honor to come alongside you.

May God bless you abundantly, Session, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP REPORT

December 31, 2024

*As of February 3, 2025, pending Session approval.

As of December 31, 2023, DHPC’s membership was 536 and 16 Affiliate Members.

Adult Discipleship __________________

Elder: Brad Ghaster

Staff Liaison: Pastor Brett Everett

Committee Members: Bill Billard, Cathy Hoxie, Dave Mason, Caleb Moody, and Amy Woods

Mission Statement

To help adults better understand the Word of God and to follow Christ’s teachings in thought, word, and deed. Through classes, programs, and activities, we hope to build disciples of Jesus Christ who are able to share the good news of the Gospel and be effective witnesses to a hurting world.

2024 Goals

• Formalize one or more new home groups.

• Continue to increase Pathway of Discipleship (POD) participation to 60.

• Create a “next steps” (Phase 2) plan for those who have completed a POD.

• Create and execute an ongoing offering of an Adult Sunday School class utilizing a consistent curriculum resource at 9 a.m. and/or 10:30 a.m. offered simultaneously with the worship services.

• Develop a clearly defined and published (communicated to the congregation) “Pathway for Discipleship” (a pathway for non-believers to grow into mature disciples) that will honor DHPC’s commitment to “More People, More Like Christ.”

2024 Accomplishments

• PODs continue to grow with 50 participants who have either completed or are in the process of completing the approximate one-year course.

• Completed 30 weeks of two church-wide Bible reading campaigns with 255 people participating in E100 and 125 people in The Essential Question.

• Provided consistent offerings of quality Bible and Topical classes throughout the year including Lenten and Advent studies.

• Purchased and delivered Lenten and Advent devotionals to the Congregation, Chaplaincy for the Homeless, and Walking Beside Ministry.

• Supplied gift bags to Music School participants to introduce them to the various opportunities available at the Church and to the Music School instructors to express appreciation for their service.

2025 Goals

• Publish and implement a Session-approved Pathway for Discipleship that honors DHPC’s commitment to “More People, More Like Christ.”

• Continue to grow participants in the Pathway of Discipleship program (PODs) to 60.

• Continue to offer quality Bible and Topical study classes throughout the year.

Building and Grounds

Elders: Joe Gilleland, Jim Ruud

Staff Liaison: Richard Cook

Committee Members: Oran Brown, Jay Budzien, Joe Caglioti, Ron Carson, Craig De Marcus, Paul DeMoss, Ruth DeMoss, Todd Gambrill, Joe Gilleland, John Glenn, Richard Hollinger, Drexel Jones, Carroll King, Brian Marchant, John Marr, Tom Martuscelli, Tom Masles, John Peters, Jim Ruud, Mary Stapelman-Budzien, Chuck Starnes, Linda Steiner, Jim Strohan, Bob Teal, Allan Watson, Les Wilkes, John Williams, Dave Zoetewey

Advisory Members: John Denaro, Hans Thiele

(All Members and Advisory Members have been a very big help with written comments or phone calls to the Staff Liaison, Building and Grounds Director Richard Cook, during the year 2024 and in our meetings.)

Mission Statement

Through familiarity with DHPC buildings, facilities, and grounds, and the use and needs of the Administration and Congregation, the Building and Grounds Committee shall aid and assist the Director of Building and Grounds with all related Building and Ground issues through recommendations, reviews, approvals, and the requests for approval of issues requiring the review and/or approval of the Church Session. Where possible, practical, and safe, the committee members, may from time to time, assist in the actual maintenance tasks which have been requested or identified. Our membership is open to all who want to serve our God and our Church and wish to share their skills.

2024 Goals

• Complete Bell Tower upgrades.

• Evaluate AC companies to partner with for consistent evaluation and service and replacement of more AC units as well as getting ‘time of use’ cash back from APS.

• Work with an architectural company to plan for the future development of the current campus.

• Initiate and complete upgrades to the Memorial Garden, adding reflection areas and outdoor service areas.

• Renovate parking lots to extend their useful lives.

• Renovate the hot water system in the Administration building.

• Renovate all parking lighting for cost savings and improved lighting.

2024 Accomplishments

• Volunteers assisted with the renovation of most aging landscape areas on our campus.

• Worked with the landscape architect and memorial team who completed updates to our Memorial Garden and reflection area. Also added outdoor furniture to these areas for seating.

Buildings and Grounds (Cont’d)

• Located issues with 12V landscape lighting and completed repairs.

• The campus phone system was replaced with a cost-efficient and more effective system.

• Established a system to bill Verizon monthly for power and solar usage.

• Contracted for the replacement of several old AC units; the service provider restored one unit to working condition.

• Contracted for the replacement of the hot water system in the Fellowship Center Kitchen.

• Contracted for cleaning and re-sealing of all 10 church roofs.

• Investigated lighting options for our parking areas and selected new replacement fixtures.

• Contracted for replacement of the failed freezer in the Fellowship Center Kitchen.

• Contracted for renovation of the hot water system in the Administration building.

• Established a Safety and Security team trained to assist with CPR, AED usage, simple medical issues, and physical issues.

• Contracted with an HVAC service company for quarterly visits.

• Began to evaluate electronic locking for campus buildings.

• Contracted for crack sealing of the campus parking areas.

• Contracted for an additional alarm keypad by the Sanctuary.

• Recycled all old paint and electronic materials.

• Contracted for an AED equipment service program.

• Reviewed the need and contracted for installation of additional exterior campus lighting.

• Contracted for work to aid the opening/closing of the Narthex doors.

• Reviewed options to extend the service life of the Fellowship Center Elevator and contracted for the work.

• Contracted for the re-keying of all exterior door locks.

• Initiated a review of the AT&T/Crown Castle work on the Bell Tower and recommended pursuing contract cancellation.

• Initiated review of the Verizon contract and recommended not to renew.

2025 Goals

• New lighting fixtures in all parking areas.

• Continue working with our architectural company to plan for the future of our Church.

• Review parking lots to extend the useful life of each.

• Review for possible replacement of the hot water tank system in the Fellowship Center youth area.

• Review the exterior of the Fellowship Center for painting and resealing and gather bids.

Respectfully submitted,

Elders: Joe Gilleland & Jim Ruud Director of Building & Grounds: Richard Cook

Care Ministries

Elder: Marilyn Strohan

Staff Liaison: Pastor Brett Everett

Committee Members: Deb McDermott, Pat Nichols, and Sally Grimes

Mission Statement

To provide communication and exchange of ideas with the Care Ministries within our congregation and surrounding community. These include Congregational Nurses, Faith-Based Grief Support Groups, Parish Shepherds, Walking Beside Ministry and Visitation Team.

2024 Goals

• Continue to meet with the Care Ministries periodically to see where coordination or enhancement may be recommended.

• Review regular reporting by the Care Ministries.

• Review new Care Ministry initiative options when appropriate.

2024 Accomplishments

• Continued our oversight of Care Ministries throughout 2024.

• Reviewed monthly reporting and visited with the Care Ministry leaders periodically to help identify areas of further connection and/or enhancement.

• Participated in monthly visitation to Merrill Gardens, dinner for Celebrate Recovery group meetings in September and December, occasional snacks and cooking demonstrations with Fitness at the Rocks, and occasional kitchen help at Memorial Services.

2025 Goals

• Continue to meet with the Care Ministries periodically to see where coordination or enhancement may be recommended.

• Review regular reporting by the Care Ministries.

• Work on planning for the launch of the Grief Share program at DHPC. Develop a project plan and work with others to progress towards launch.

• Provide dinner quarterly for the Celebrate Recovery group meetings.

Transportation

Committee Members: Ed Nichols, Shirley Klein, Dick Hollinger, Hendrick Zitter, Barbara Purnell, Kathy Rogers

Mission Statement

To provide transportation for members of the DHPC family residing in retirement communities who are unable to attend services and other activities at DHPC.

Care Ministries (Cont’d)

In 2023, the Transportation Ministry was merely a concept and did not exist until early 2024, when Session approved a trial program to bring our members from Merrill Gardens to DHPC for one service per month. Using Foothills Caring Corps vans and a completely volunteer team, we made our first trip on April 2. The evaluation period lasted through July, and in August, the Session voted to establish the Transportation Ministry as a fully functioning ministry.

2024 Accomplishments

• From April 2 through December, the Transportation Ministry made 28 trips, enabling over 21 members to worship in person. This equates to our members occupying more than 200 seats in the Foothills Caring Corps vans.

• The ministry has 19 volunteers, including drivers, assistants, and committee members.

• Currently, we provide transportation services once a month to our members living at Merrill Gardens, Vi Silverstone, and Vi Grayhawk.

• Our only cost is for gas, which runs between $25.00 and $34.00 per trip. To date, all funds have been drawn from a restricted account with money donated specifically for this ministry.

• We also collaborated with the DHPC Scouts for a van detailing day at the church.

2025 Goals

• Recruit additional drivers and assistants.

• Expand the service to include additional supported living facilities where our members reside.

• Operate multiple vans on any given Sunday.

• Provide transportation to Holy Week services, Longest Night services, and Veterans services.

• Assist with transporting members to Arts at the Rocks events.

• Help Band Camp attendees travel to and from the church.

• Collaborate with the DHPC Scouts for a second van detailing day in the fall.

Children’s Ministry

Elder: Margo Kowal

Staff Liaison: Kathleen Harris

Committee Members: Laurie Gusho, Leslie Jarand, Lisa Loran, Leslie Fajardo, Cyndi Moulton, Troy Smith, Barbara Wilkinson

Mission Statement

2024 Goals

• Develop a vision for the Children’s Ministry and a plan for executing that vision.

• Continue to train and equip members of the Committee to encourage strong leadership and accomplishment of the goals laid out in the vision, offering local, regional, and national opportunities for training to encourage more committee members to participate

• To continue a bi-monthly Rock Solid Kids gathering for 4th & 5th graders which began in Fall 2023.

• To hold Vacation Bible School in June/July 2024. The Committee will commit to the same week each year.

• Partner with other DHPC groups such as Music & Arts, Fitness at the Rocks, and Youth Group to draw in more families of young children to the program.

• Ongoing review of the effectiveness of the Children’s Ministry program.

• To develop a strong social media presence to retain existing families using Orange’s Parent Cue and updating the Children’s Ministry section of the Church website to attract new families.

• To increase the average regular Clubhouse attendance to seven children each week.

• To increase the average regular Studio 15 attendance to 15 children each week.

2024 Accomplishments

• One of the highlights of 2024 was our Vacation Bible School June 11-14. There were 29 students who came together in one large group to hear scripture then divided into four small groups for scripture discussion. Other rotations included arts and crafts, healthy snacks, music, video production, and two missions.

• Rock Solid Kids shared an evening of laser tag with Youth in June. Rock Solid Kids grades 3-5 grew from a bi-monthly meeting to the first Friday of each month 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. We provided crafts, games, snacks, and entertainment under Christian fellowship.

• The Clubhouse continued teaching the workings of Jesus and the love of God in a safe and welcoming environment.

• The Studio 15 children enjoyed learning scripture, discussing it, and the fellowship that goes along with it. The division into two classes has served the students well: grades 1-3 and 4-5.

• The Children’s Choir performed during Palm Sunday, June 16 following VBS, Sounds of the Season Concert, and at the Christmas Eve 3:00 p.m. service.

Children’s Ministry (Cont’d)

• The Children’s Ministry gained three new volunteers to be teacher assistants for 9:00 a.m. Sunday School.

2025 Goals

• Continue to grow the Children’s Ministry program by educating and supporting our leadership and encouraging more congregational member participation.

• To continue Rock Solid Kids for grades 3-5 on the first Friday of every month.

• To hold Vacation Bible School June 16-20, growing it from four to five days and looking into an optional afternoon extension if feasible.

• Continue to partner with Music and Arts and DHPC Mission groups.

• To grow our social media presence to attract and retain new and existing families.

Christian Education Initiative

Elder: John Thurston

Staff Liaison: Pastor Jim Noble

Committee Members: Brent Benham, Tom Masles, Eddie Smith, John Thurston, Lynn Silan-Torcolini

Mission Statement

• To encourage and promote Christian Education through scholarships, partnering with Christian education providers, and other means so that “More Students, More Like Christ.”

• To raise up the next generation of Christian leaders for the church and God’s Kingdom.

About a year ago, six members of DHPC formed the Christian Education Initiative Committee (C.E.I.C.) to investigate ways to provide Christian education opportunities for our youth. This committee is a formal Committee of Session with the mission of making “More Students, More Like Christ.”

The Committee commenced its effort by exploring various means by which C.E.I.C. could contribute to the advancement of excellent Christian education in our community. We investigated approaches such as participating in the construction of more schools, granting scholarships for Christianity-based study, assisting students with the tuition cost for private Christian schools, and forming a consortium of other churches to improve Christian educational opportunities.

After considerable study, the Committee agreed that providing scholarships and assisting students to afford the additional costs of a private Christian education would be the most appropriate initial choice for DHPC to undertake, given its number of members, friends, and resources.

We shared our vision with the congregation and found many others who shared our desire to improve opportunities for our youth to gain a Christian education. As a result, we have been able to accomplish the following through the generosity of our congregation even before any formal fundraising has taken place:

• Educated the congregation on the use of the ACSTO (Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization) program which allows tax credit donations to be used for scholarships to Christian schools.

• Created a partnership with the Great Hearts Charter School System to assist them with their first two Christian grade-school startups, called “Great Heart Christos”, where our congregation has provided funds for uniforms and lunch programs as well as scholarships for three DHPC youngsters.

• Selected two additional schools – Valley Christian High School and North Valley Christian Academy in North Phoenix, to be eligible for financial support from DHPC.

• Formalized two Christian scholarship application and approval programs:

o Heart & Mind Scholarships – for grades 1-12

Christian Education Initiative (Cont’d)

o Cornerstone Scholarships – for advanced Christian education, e.g. seminary, Bible college

o 2024 fundraising of $120,000 through the ACSTO giving and direct giving to DHPC helped 95 students with scholarships, meals, uniforms, and supplies for the 2024/2025 school year.

Financial support for these activities came from our congregation as a result of sharing CEIC’s mission and activities. In July 2025 we created more formal CEIC awareness through “Minutes for Mission”, a table in the courtyard to share information, and videos with our Christian School partners, etc.

Our plans for 2025 include:

• Continuing to conduct fundraising to further support and grow our reach for education, uniforms, meals, and scholarships for 125 students in need. Results will be periodically posted on a thermometer.

• Exploring the possibility of sharing our CEI program with other churches to cast a wider net and assist them with further expanding Christian education for youth.

• Visiting and accepting more schools that have statements of faith aligned with our own at DHPC, thus adding more Christian schools as partners.

We look forward to even greater support from the members and friends of DHPC this year.

Gratefully submitted by Christian Education Initiative Committee Chairman: John Thurston

Community Outreach

Elder: Donna Lando

Staff Liaison: Pastor Jim Noble

Committee Members: Bobbie Morgan

Mission Statement

• Design, maintain, and carry out DHPC’s ministry to actively participate in, spiritually support, and bless our communities within a 7-mile radius of the church.

• Design, maintain, and carry out a ministry of contact and cultivation of people, businesses, and organizations in our communities, leading them to a commitment to Jesus Christ and membership in his church.

2024 Goals

• We are a new committee.

2024 Accomplishments

• Participated in the Town of Carefree’s 40th Anniversary Celebration:

o Wings and Wheels occurred Saturday, November 9, at SkyRanch Airport in Carefree. This event was one of the numerous events that Carefree had as part of its celebration. Five DHPC parishioners displayed their classic cars.

o On December 7, Carefree’s VIP Gala evening was the final evening of the fourmonth celebration. Members of DHPC’s choir provided the music for the preevening activities.

o DHPC gifted Carefree with a cactus of the Echinopsis Terscheckii family in honor of their Anniversary. The cactus is located in Carefree’s Desert Garden.

• DHPC supported the Carefree Rural Metro Fire Department with their annual Christmas Toy Drive. The Fire Department works with Black Mountain Elementary School to help needy families. DHPC donated over 100 toys and gift cards for the event.

2025 Goals

• Identify two new ways to serve our local community by the end of March.

• Develop a plan to implement by June.

• Support service agencies in our community who serve the community (Foothills Caring Corps, YMCA, Food Bank, etc.).

Fellowship

Elder: Pat Christopherson

Staff Liaison: Kathleen Harris

Committee Members: Joanie Applegate, Jackie Brown, Sally Grimes, Pamela Gustufson, Lynne Plaugher, Alexis Sterling Popovich, Kara Thomas

Mission Statement

To provide social opportunities and activities that encourage people to develop friendships and strive to build relationships across generational lines.

2024 Goals

• To provide events and activities encouraging social interaction and sharing Christian fellowship.

• To provide outings that bring people of different generations together around a given interest and to explore new and innovative ways of building relationships among generations.

• To coordinate the work of the Fellowship Committee with other Session committees.

• To evaluate at the end of the year and maintain clear records of cyclical events for future use.

• To continue the Fitness at the Rocks program as it expands and offers a multitude of health and wellness activities so much enjoyed by many in our congregation.

2024 Accomplishments

• Continued the ever-popular Coffee and Donuts served on Sunday mornings throughout the year. In support of other committees, we also provided coffee, lemonade, and water to the Membership committee for those who signed up for the membership classes and for several events supporting Arts at the Rocks Sunday Concerts with treats, nutcracker ornament handouts for the Nutcracker Piano Concert, and cookies and cocoa for the Sounds of the Season Concert in December which included holiday decorations and sparkling lights on the Church patio to enhance the seasonal theme. Also, the Patriotic Music and Ice Cream Social/Bingo was well received.

• BrainSavers became Savvy Steppers expanding the program as it grows with a more robust agenda for Fitness at the Rocks adding additional classes to provide for the growth which has increased in excitement and enthusiasm. It has grown significantly in numbers with both member and guest participation. In addition to more classes, Fitness at the Rocks has added seasonal luncheons to the program including fashion shows, guest speakers, and healthy food demonstrations which have added to the curriculum and enhanced social engagement and informational fun. The overall goal of Savvy Steppers is to “Sharpen Your Mind”, “Strengthen Your Body” and “Lift Up Your Spirit.” Members have brought friends, neighbors, and family to classes, expanding awareness into the community. All have learned more about fitness for living a healthy lifestyle.

• The Fellowship Committee has been very busy. In addition to those events listed above, the year 2024 also included the following:

Fellowship (Cont’d)

o Presbytery Meeting at Desert Hills – Dinner provided by Fellowship

o Guided Tour of the Museum of the West and luncheon at Arcadia Farms Restaurant, Old Town Scottsdale

o Tropical Social – A themed gathering with Short and Sweet leading the event including dinner and tropical décor

o Vacation Bible School Pizza Party

o Leupp Dinner and downtown music concert, bagged lunches the following day

o White Christmas, a live stage play in December

2025 Goals

• Coffee and donuts will continue, and we look forward to even more interesting and adventurous events. As we continue to expand and provide an extensive list of activities, adding a couple more committee members is a 2025 goal.

• Already discussing the return of several of our most popular and well-attended activities.

• We will continue our support of Fitness at the Rocks, support other committees when needed, seek out fresh and fun ideas for the congregation, and more ways to bring both our youth and our community into the Church, “More People, More Like Christ.”

*And on a sad note- We recently lost one of our DHPC congregation members and an integral part and an active, outstanding member of our Fellowship Committee. Rest in Peace, Pamela, in God’s loving arms. You will be remembered for your energy, enthusiasm, and determination and your love of God and others and greatly missed as a friend.

Fitness at the Rocks

Elder: Pat Christopherson

Staff Liaison: Kara Thomas – Director of Health & Wellness, Exercise Specialist

Members: Mary Kay Thurston, Susan Constance, Cyndi Moulton, Cindy Leek, Deb McDermott

Mission Statement

To provide health and fitness offerings that enhance the well-being of the body of Christ at DHPC, and the local community, physically, socially, and spiritually, in a welcoming and loving environment.

2024 Goals

• Promote the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle physically, socially, and spiritually, while sharing the love of Jesus.

• Director Kara Thomas to lead and expand wellness offerings for diverse health and fitness levels and age groups such as Senior Care health & fitness classes for DHPC participants,

Fellowship (Cont’d)

community outreach organizations, Family Fitness, the new Live Life Bible study program, and collaboration with our DHPC Music ministry.

• Provide workshops to enhance a healthier lifestyle for DHPC as well as an outreach to the local community to include topics on heart health, arthritis, osteoporosis, quality sleep, healthy nutrition, stress management, Alzheimer’s disease, the importance of socialization, and more.

• Outreach and educational events in collaboration with agencies such as Foothills Caring Corps, Neighbors in Need, Foothills Caregivers, Hospice, American Heart Association, Cancer Society, etc.

• Act as a liaison to invite participants to other DHPC church events, by sharing our bulletin announcements through health and fitness events, classes, newsletters, and workshops.

2024 Accomplishments

• New Savvy Steppers Fitness Circuit classes for active older adults were added to the health and wellness ministry this past year and the fitness classes have doubled in size. We had regular participants/members attend fitness classes all year. Morning Stretch was offered with regular members and guests for the past year. Flex, Core, and Restore classes doubled and tripled in size!

• The Fitness at the Rocks Monthly Newsletter was offered which features DHPC on the move to be: Physically, Socially, and Spiritually active! The newsletter highlights health and fitness classes, and workshops as well as featuring other ministries that enhance a healthier lifestyle and overall well-being. Photos were provided from our health and fitness events.

• Health and Fitness workshops were offered in 2024 accompanied by PowerPoint presentations, informational handouts, and special speakers from our medical community, such as our Congregational nurses. Among the offerings were: Exercises and Arthritis, Strengthen Against Osteoporosis, The Importance of Stress Management, The Importance of Socialization, Healthy Nutrition, Cognitive Health, and Senior Care Resources.

• Kara Thomas directed three Healthy Lifestyle luncheon events in 2024. There were 75-85 people in attendance which included DHPC members and guests.

• The Healthy Lifestyle Brunch in January 2024 rang in the New Year, featuring Executive Chef Paul Steele, from the Musical Instrument Museum and Food Network. The attendees enjoyed Chef Paul’s food demonstration as well as the chef’s delicious food which he and his staff provided.

• Chico’s provided a fashion show. Emily Florek, licensed nurse and esthetician, provided an information skin care demo. Health and Wellness Director, Kara Thomas, provided wellness updates and a fun interactive fitness demo during brunch.

• DHPC musicians provided live music. The Gospel message was presented and an invitation to visit other church events. The luncheon ended with all attendees singing a Christian hymn together … a very special time of worship.

• Spring of 2024 featured Healthy Lifestyle Happy Hour with a fashion trunk show and food

Fellowship (Cont’d)

demonstration with three chefs from our church. Deb McDermott, Ed Nichols, and Christina Tax.

• Our Fall November 2024 Luncheon Featured a Fashion Show by Daisy Blue, and a Cooking demonstration by Darla Gilchrist.

• The Spring and Fall luncheons also featured wonderful music in collaboration with our DHPC musicians.

• Kara Thomas, Director of Health and Wellness, lead the wellness update and interactive Fitness Demonstration inviting all to join in the fun. The gospel message of Jesus Christ was also presented. Participants were then invited to join in with our Art of Moving Prayer with our Congregational Nurse Mary Kay Thurston at the Spring luncheon and with Yoko Lien at the November luncheon. Both events ended with an invitation for the audience to sing a Christian hymn together.

• All Healthy Lifestyle events promoted our Arts at the Rocks programs, our DHPC School of Music, church service, and Bible study information.

• Results as an outreach: Members and guests loved the events and church invites. Several have attended our Arts at the Rocks Music concerts as well as fitness classes, and church services in person and/or Live Stream. Several Fitness at the Rocks Participants also shared how much they appreciate the classes’ unique format as faith-based program, helping the participants physically, socially and spiritually.

• Fitness at the Rocks also participated in the Holland Center Senior Care Expo, as an outreach.

• Kara Thomas represented the DHPC Fitness at the Rocks Health and Fitness Ministry for Seniors. The event was very well attended, and contacts were made. As a result, some participants visited DHPC and attended Health and Fitness classes, luncheons, workshops, DHPC music events, and church services.

• Healthy Nutrition Workshops by Deb McDermott was also featured with her Healthy Cooking live demonstrations. These demonstrations are fun, informative, and hands-on for members and local guests. Deb is passionate about cooking and sharing her knowledge.

• Monthly Cardio Dance and Fellowship classes are also provided with healthy snacks and loving fellowship. These classes encourage participants to enjoy a healthier lifestyle physically, spiritually, and socially… Another wonderful Outreach!

• Important Highlights for Outreach from 2024: Caring Corps has brought12-16 participants each month for the past 2 years.

• Merrill Gardens participated this year as well. They had a great time socializing, exercising, making new friends, and memorable experiences.

• A special thank you to DHPC member volunteers with Caring Corps: Shirley Klein, Ed Nichols, Scott Zeleznik and Drexel Jones, who provided the transportation with Caring Corps vans, to bring our neighbors to Fitness classes and events.

Fellowship (Cont’d)

• We have also had relatives of church members visit from Belarus, for a few months and attend our Savvy Steppers classes. It has been a blessing to see them have fun and meet new friends from our church.

• Live Life Bible Studies have been going strong

Goals for 2025

Continue to enhance health and wellness offerings and elaborate on these ideas such as:

• Director Kara Thomas to lead and expand wellness offerings for diverse health and fitness levels and age groups, Savvy Steppers Fitness Circuit program, Senior Care health & fitness classes, Healthy Lifestyle luncheons, and workshops for 2025, as well as Live Life Bible study fellowships.

• Continue to collaborate with Arts at the Rocks and our DHPC Music School as well, to promote our DHPC music at our events, enhancing our cognitive health and overall wellbeing. The neuromuscular connection through music is wonderful for the mind and body and uplifts our spirit. It also helps to reduce stress.

• Promote the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle physically, socially, and spiritually, while sharing the love of Jesus.

• Continue with After Care follow-up phone calls and/or visits to participants, checking on their progress.

• Continue with Monthly Newsletters, to enhance a healthier lifestyle for DHPC as well as an outreach to the local community to include topics on heart health, arthritis, osteoporosis, quality sleep, healthy nutrition, stress management, Alzheimer’s disease, importance of socialization, and more.

• Outreach and educational events in collaboration with agencies such as Caring Core, Neighbors in Need, Foothills Caregivers, Holland Center, Senior Living communities, and various medical associations.

• Act as a liaison in the community to invite participants to other DHPC church events, by sharing our bulletin announcements through health and fitness classes, events, luncheons, newsletters, workshops, and Bible Studies.

• Promote the love of Jesus and His gospel message through Fitness at the Rocks Ministry and be More People, More like Christ!

Music and Arts ____________________

Elder: Melissa Masles

Staff Liaison: Jeffrey Anthony

Committee Members: Susan Constance, Tom Masles, Karen Paisley, Lisa Kroese, Susie Brousseau, Pamela Gustafson, Elizabeth Douglas, Bill Williamsen

Mission Statement

Provide opportunities for people to express their faith and love of Christ through music and all the arts. Encourage the development of people’s gifts in their chosen area and thereby enrich the life of the congregation.

2024 Goals

• Create opportunities for people to express their faith and love of Christ by offering programs that support the interests of the DHPC congregation while attracting increased attendance and participation from members of the community.

• Diversify Arts at the Rocks events including a focus on engaging a gospel group in response to congregational requests.

• Continue partnership with the DHPC Youth Ministry to provide ushers and volunteers at Arts at the Rocks events.

• Continue partnership with the Fellowship Committee to coordinate events following Arts at the Rocks performance to attract maximum attendance.

• Create a sub-committee to source performances and events for the 2024-2025 Arts at the Rocks season.

• Offer a 2024 Arts at the Rocks Summer Series with 2 scheduled performances to engage the congregation and the community who are full-time residents.

• Continue to support the Desert Hills Community School of Music through participation on their board as well as offering assistance where needed.

2024 Accomplishments

• Arts at the Rocks 2024 Season included seven performances: The Yale Whiffenpoofs, The Merz Trio, the We3 Ensemble, the Fountain Hills Saxophone Quartet, and the DHPC Chancel Choir’s Sounds of the Season. The summer concert series featured Zazu West and the Fountain Hills Saxophone Quartet.

• Created a new brochure with a professional booklet format for the 2024-2025 season featuring cover artwork donated by church member, C. Parke-Hallstrom, and showcasing upcoming performances and the Desert Hills Community School of Music as well as recognizing the 2024-2025 season sponsors.

• Developed Scottsdale Road signage, newspaper ads, and patio sandwich board signage for each concert to advertise events to the community as well as the congregation.

Music and Arts (Cont’d)

• Raised $20,568.21 from individual donors and sponsors for the 2024-2025 Arts at the Rocks season.

• Raised $5,164.21 through at-the-door donations following performances held during 2024.

• Increased audience attendance at Arts at the Rocks performances.

• Continued our Artists-in-Residence relationship for another calendar year with Fountain Hills Saxophone Quartet. The Quartet held 86 performances around the Valley during 2024 representing DHPC at every event.

• Through Melissa’s participation on the task force committee, the Music & Arts ministry supported the Desert Hills Community School of Music.

• Continued the collaborative relationship with Susan Berk, Director of the music and arts program at Sagewood Senior Living.

• Partnered with DHPC Youth Ministry to provide ushers and volunteers at events.

2025 Goals

• Continue creating opportunities for people to express their faith and love of Christ by offering programs that support the interests of the DHPC congregation while attracting increased attendance and participation from members of the community.

• Diversify the Music & Arts Ministry by offering more arts-related events as well as music related events.

• Continue to support the Desert Hills Community School of Music by promoting their programs at all Music & Arts events and providing assistance wherever needed.

• Expand the Music & Arts committee by including interested new DHPC members.

• Host a Sponsor/Donor Thank You event.

• Increase the visibility of DHPC in the community through the Artists-in-Residence program.

• Find ways for the Music & Arts Ministry to integrate our activities with other church ministries to promote DHPC.

• Participate in fundraising to continue to support Music and Arts free event offerings.

Nominating

Co-Chairs: Dawne Pender, Ron Bane

Staff Liaisons: Pastor Jim Noble, Pastor Brett Everett

Committee Members: Dave Zoetewey, Scott Core, Sheryl Bell

Mission Statement

To encourage and discover the spiritual gifts of leadership and membership in the context of God’s call on their lives.

2024 Goals

• To identify, encourage, and promote church members to accept specified roles as Elder(s), Deacon(s), and participants for the Nominating Committee and the Foundation.

• As a committee, to grow in our relationship with God, through prayer and scripture meditation, seeing God’s Sovereignty and His Timing at work.

2024 Accomplishments

• A Congregational Meeting to vote the nominees into office effective June 2025. This took place on January 26, 2025. Unanimous yes votes were accepted for the individuals presented.

• Upgrading Elder and Deacon position material and streamlining the process for the Nominating Committee.

Elders

Mission: Tom Lyon

Personnel: Mary Stapleman-Budzien

Fellowship: Cecilia Ralston

Music & Arts: Susan Constance

C.E.I.C.: Smith McClure

Deacons

Care: Ruth Dugue

Administration: Laurie Gusho

Service: Joe Zylwitis

Equipping: Shelly Core

Nominating

Joyce Watson, Karen Paisley, Bobbie Morgan, Liz Cottrell

Foundation

Allan Watson, Darla Gilchrist, Ed Nichols, Tom Masles

Respectfully submitted, Ron Bane, Nominating Committee

Personnel

Elder: Vicky Parker

Staff Liaisons: Pastor Jim Noble

Committee Members: Mike Popovich, Mary Stapleman-Budzien, John Thurston

Mission Statement

To represent the Church Staff and the needs of the Church in all personnel matters ensuring that we adhere to current industry and government regulations and EPC procedures. To achieve this, we will continue to examine files, systems, and personnel record-keeping for any improvements required.

2024 Goals

• Fund and encourage utilization of PTO.

• Review and re-balance staff workload where needed.

• Review benefit plans to offer packages that optimize options and benefits for employees.

2024 Accomplishments

• Evaluated the staff of the church office and identified the need for prioritizing workloads.

• Hired two new office administrative staff to enhance productivity and assume some of the tasks which were overburdening our executive staff.

• Realigned the medical benefits plan for all staff to make it more affordable and provide them with better coverage options.

• Successfully completed staff evaluations.

• Collaborated with the search committee to hire a third-party company to assist with finding a candidate for our Assistant Pastor position.

2025 Goals

• Continue to review and maintain our personnel documents and manuals.

• Revise our child safety program documentation to align with the current standards and needs of our youth programs.

• Promote a professional and harmonious work environment and maintain the longevity of our staff.

• Continue the search process to hire an Assistant Pastor to grow our youth program and assist with key tasks as directed by the senior pastors.

Student and Family

Elder: Michelle Balestra

Staff Liaison: Pastor Brett Everett

Committee Members: George Parker, Heather Everett

Mission Statement

To build up disciples of Jesus Christ by providing a ministry with and to youth and their families that integrates the Christian faith into all of life through worship/celebration, fellowship/extended family, education/discipleship, and mission/servanthood.

2024 Goals

• Create intergenerational ministry opportunities.

• Increase youth engagement and spiritual growth as well as overall expansion.

• Engage and support families of our youth ministries.

• Mission opportunities are created for students.

2024 Accomplishments

• Early this year, youth students delivered special cookies to members of the congregation that opened their homes to the students and spent time sharing their stories together.

• In spring, students had a lock-in overnight event with special worship, speaker, and fellowship time together. The first event like this for all the students attending and nostalgic for our youth leaders. Grateful to the many volunteers with a sleepless night pouring into the students!

• Confirmation class discipled by Pastor Brett came to a finish mid -year with 4 confirmands joining DHPC. Special thanks for all the congregation’s support over the past year making meals and praying over the students as they met each week.

• At the end of the school year, students spent some mission time at Feed My Starving Children in Mesa packing at stations with other adult DHPC volunteers side by side.

• Outreach in the summer brought over 40 students K-12 to the Laser Tag and Ice Cream event. This gave DHPC students an opportunity to invite friends and outreach to groups that meet on our campus.

• Other summer events included the family picnic on the patio for K-12 with approximately 50 students and family members joining us for Kona Ice and a grill out on the patio preparing for the new school year together. Students joined the following week for a special summer splash kick-off!

• This fall, we began a new Sunday School class for 6-8th grade students at 9 am to bridge the gap before a future confirmation class is formed. The youth leadership team has focused on balanced lessons and curriculum for students on a rotating calendar and mapped out plans for 2025.

Student and Family (Cont’d)

• In support of one of our DHPC students, the youth group headed off -site to a play nearby to cheer on one of their peers in an important role!

• During Leupp weekend, over 20 students came together for a special Sunday class with Pastor Brett and Sunday worship together. Wonderful teambuilding too in preparation for camps together in the coming year, beginning with a Winter Retreat planned for January.

• This holiday season has brought Friendsgiving, a special Advent series for our students to expand their knowledge further, Christmas party festivities, and a special Christmas pajama movie screening for a little fun to wrap up 2024.

• The ministry team began a new communication channel for families to plug into this year and we continue to see youth group attendance on Wednesday nights increase. We are truly blessed with an amazing group of students and their families!

2025 Goals

• Create high-impact retreat and camp opportunities for students

• Increase youth engagement and spiritual growth as well as overall expansion .

• Establish and implement a balanced youth ministry plan.

• Design a template for future ministry efforts that could be utilized as a framework for the future Assistant Pastor and youth leadership team.

• Re-evaluate current policies for students.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Balestra Elder, Student & Family Ministry

Welcome

Elder: Linda Stringer

Staff Liaison: Pastor Brett Everett

Committee Members: Beth Douglas, Jan Finnerty, Cindy Leek, Bobbie Morgan, Donna Lando, Jackie Brown

Mission Statement

The mission of the DHPC Welcoming Committee is to build a positive reputation of DHPC in our community by encouraging and equipping the Church family to be ambassadors of DHPC, cultivating Christ-like hospitality, shepherding guests through to membership, inviting them to commit to DHPC by using their unique gifts in service to the Lord to continue to grow in faith through worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service ministries of the Church.

2024 Goals

• Continue current and introduce at least two new Outreach Ministry events at our Church.

• Continue to review Outreach Ministry Committee tasks and processes for improvement opportunities.

• Support a seamless distribution and transition of current Outreach Committee activities between the newly formed Welcoming and Community Outreach Committees.

2024 Accomplishments

• Over 150 Worship service guests’ bags and more than 75 Christmas and Easter guest bags were provided.

• New Member Support: six new member classes were held in January and October. Two new member luncheons were held, and six new women members were hosted at the annual Ladies Tea.

• Prayer squares: over 1,000 prayer squares were made and provided for our Church guest bags and several other programs including Troop Care Ministry, Adopt-A-First Responder, etc.

• Father’s, Faith, and Fuel Day: 10 $50 gift cards were distributed to new guests.

• Adopt-A-First Responder: Occasional visits throughout the year brought prayer cards, church monthly announcements, and a few desserts. Also, Christmas cards along with $100 food gift cards were given to our four local fire stations.

• We supported Rural Metro’s Christmas Toy Drive again this year.

• 100 wooden crosses were provided to the Veterans at the annual Veterans Dinner.

• 500 Santa gift bags were filled and donated to the local Food Bank.

2025 Goals

• Welcome and host guests to our Church by creating an environment of hospitality and friendliness.

Welcome (Cont’d)

• Contact our guests and prospective members through relationships, and involvement in the Church, leading them to a commitment to Jesus Christ and membership in His Church.

• Coordinate new member classes and host the reception of the new members and their introduction to the Church.

• Facilitate the connection between new members and the various ministries of the Church. Help guide the new members through the first six months of their membership.

• Maintain a systematic method of tracking prospective members and contacts made on behalf of the church.

Respectfully submitted, Linda Stringer Welcome Committee Elder

Worship

Elder: Vickie Johnson

Staff Liaison: Jeffrey Anthony

Committee Members: Ron Carson, Frank McDaniel, John Dasher, Kathy Mulder, Ed Nichols

Mission Statement

To provide opportunities for expressing love for Christ through music and worship and encouraging the development and utilization of gifts which enrich the life of the congregation.

2024 Goals

• Continue to refine and grow our traditional worship service.

• Successfully launch and maintain our new family service.

• Provide safe services, on Sundays and special services throughout the year, in person, and via live streaming.

• Refurbish the sanctuary, pews, chancel furniture, and AV/sound area.

2024 Accomplishments

• Refined our traditional worship service, including communion training, and cantata prep with AV.

• Enhanced services, including updated live streaming.

• Refurbished the sanctuary, including reupholstered pews, new chancel furniture ordered and upgraded AV/sound equipment.

• Special services experience upgraded with full and partial orchestra elements.

o Lenten Services

o Ash Wednesday

o Maundy Thursday

o Good Friday

o Palm Sunday

o Easter services

o Christmas Eve Services – changed services to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm

• Remade all Chrismon ornaments for the sanctuary Christmas tree.

• Lisa Loran assumed responsibility for our Usher team.

• Organist – David White joined our team.

• Special thanks to all the volunteers who made opening our church possible during the past year:

o Kathy and Ross Mulder

o John Dasher

o Ron Carson

o Lisa Loran

o Everyone who ushered

o Those who chose to serve communion

o Richard Cook – Building and Grounds

Worship (Cont’d)

o David White – Organist

o Jeffrey Anthony – Chancel Choir

o Chancel Choir

o The committee that remade all the Chrismon ornaments

o Kathleen Harris who kept everything and everyone moving in the right direction

2025 Goals

• Complete the chancel furniture construction and installation.

• Communion training for elders and deacons.

• Spring Cantata – 3/9/2025

• Fall Cantata – 10/26/2025

• Encourage household worship

Respectfully submitted, Vickie Johnson Worship Elder

Missions

Elder:

Mark George

Pastoral Advisor: Rev. Jim Noble

Deacon Members: Rhonda Noble, Heather Everett, Chuck Starnes, John Thurston, and Tom Lyon

Mission Statement

Our purpose is to facilitate the participation of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church (DHPC) in God’s mission of gathering, nurturing, equipping, and sending people into the world through acts of compassion and words of faith and salvation that will build up and expand the body of Christ locally, regionally, and globally. As Missionaries we seek to follow Jesus’ Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

2024 GOALS

• To continue to focus on the Great Commission locally, as well as globally and specifically, the role that DHPC will play in supporting missionaries.

• To continue to faithfully communicate with the congregation about the activities and needs relating to the ministries and missionaries DHPC supports.

• To encourage the DHPC family to become more involved in missions to spread the love of Jesus to our community and beyond through prayer, education, participation in local opportunities, and a greater level of communication with supported missionaries.

• To continue to evaluate potential missionary candidates and organizations for DHPC sponsorship.

2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• EPC World Outreach (WO) Workers

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) General Assembly and the EPC Presbytery of the West provide the framework for the guidance of both global and local mission activities. Both are supported by you and have produced tremendous results. Following are missionaries that DHPC supports who are associated with EPC/WO:

Brian & Keri are focusing on resourcing workers in the Middle East and North Africa doing member care full-time with a full caseload. Brian and Keri are skilled at equipping, preparing, and supporting personnel.

Sean & Angie continue to lead the Presbytery’s Global Church Planting project. They utilize a business platform that enables expatriates & national church planters to work in remote, unengaged Muslim communities in a developing SE Asian country through a sea cucumber farming business.

Missions (Cont’d)

Their presence continues to impact the villages with the gospel & jobs. Sean mentors & resources the church planters. The project grew in sustainability with impacts reaching beyond financial returns to social/environmental/spiritual outcomes.

John & Carleen team with Sean & Angie in SE Asia. John is the visionary and science officer of the maritime project. The sea cucumber project is the only farm of its kind in the country. These two pioneering WO couples are encouraged to see social and spiritual progress in this remote location. mccurryje@gmail.com.

All these workers send their deep appreciation to DHPC. To receive occasional newsletters from EPC WO, go to: https://www.epcwo.org/reach/

• New Communities of Faith/EPC Church Planting Support

Open Door Presbyterian Church (ODPC)

In 2024, DHPC prayerfully and financially supported this EPC church plant in Richardson, TX. ODPC opened its doors for worship in 2023 and has established itself in its community and has a growing congregation.

• International Theological Education Network (ITEN)

International Theological Education Network (ITEN) focuses on theological education and leadership training for nationals. Simply put, the purpose of ITEN is to develop teachers among unreached people who will develop teachers among other unreached people. ITEN works in tandem with World Outreach church-planting efforts among unreached people groups, particularly Muslims. Following are missionaries that DHPC supports who are associated with EPC/WO:

Pastor Bill Massaquoi graduated from the Arizona State University School of Global Management in May 2024. DHPC prayerfully and financially supported Bill, his wife Faith, and their three boys while he earned his degree. The family is now living in Philadelphia, PA, and working at a Liberian church that focuses on ministering to immigrants. Bill teaches Discipleship and Bible study classes. Faith works with the Children’s ministry. Their goal remains returning to his home country of Liberia to recruit and train Christian leaders.

• Local Church Missionary

Pastor Rick Schaeffer started All Souls Neighborhood Church out of his home in Phoenix. The church has a growing congregation that meets in Rick’s home. Rick desires to develop leaders in the church as well as leaders who will spearhead missional ventures into Phoenix and throughout the world. Ed and Nan McCallum assist Rick by providing guidance and instruction for the church.

Missions (Cont’d)

• Local yet Global Impact

Operation Christmas Child – International Mission Support

For a second year in a row, 2024 saw DHPC break our previous record by donating 376 gift-filled shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse, which were delivered to children in the Philippines and undisclosed hard-to-reach areas. The shoeboxes are part of a ministry to spread the gospel around the world. Over 100 pairs of The Shoe That Grows were also sent. Since 2015, DHPC church members have donated 2,942 shoeboxes and 936 shoes. Our goals for 2025 are to build up our OCC committee and to explore other ways of giving to this ministry.

• Local Ministries

Chaplaincy for the Homeless: The Chaplaincy’s mission is to bring hope to the homeless by sharing the word of God. They do this by helping our homeless brethren leave the streets and by attaining a higher quality of living by sharing with them the love of Jesus Christ. The Chaplaincy is in the process of remakin g itself after a couple of years of little growth. They ended 2023 with only six members on the Board of Directors and just enough money to complete their mission. The previous Chairman's term ran out and John Thurston returned to lead the Chaplaincy. They now have 11 board members and have completed a successful offsite meeting plotting their course for 2025 through 2027. They will be issuing a business plan in January for the next three years. Thei r target is to double the size and influence of the Corporation. Their business practices have changed since their inception in 1988. They no longer issue identification documents as a main business although they can issue them if they must. Their role is providing Sunday Services throughout the valley, providing clothing to those in need, providing pastoral counseling at different facilities (or in the parks and under the bridges) in the Phoenix area, assisting the homeless to get off the street and into a rehabilitation facility or to their apartment or home, and providing marriage and baptism to the many who ask. They are currently looking to acquire more Chaplains to further expand in all areas of Phoenix. For more information, visit www.azchaplaincyforthehomeless.org

Foothills Food Bank: In 2024, DHPC supported the local Foothills Food Bank by preparing individual bags of cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items for Foothills Food Bank neighbors on a monthly basis. These “Compassion Packs” are filled with essentials like laundry soap, paper towels, dish detergent, and hand

Missions (Cont’d)

sanitizer. DHPC also donated to the Food Bank’s new building project on Carefree Highway. This project will consolidate many charitable organizations in one building. This will aid people to be able to find the assistance they need in one location and allow agencies to work together to help those in need. DHPC will be recognized with a brick on a wall of donors and a park bench in the new building’s courtyard.

Foothills Caring Corps (FCC): The mission is to “help older adults and individuals with disabling conditions who reside in the Northeast Valley – Foothills Community to remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. This is done through a force of volunteers and staff who provide in-home services, transportation services, community services, and support. These services provide access to activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health.” Services consist of friendly visits and phone calls, pet visits, medical transportation, group van trips, mobile meals, shopping assistance, caregiver relief, minor home repair, business correspondence and computer help, health advocacy, and mobility equipment loans. If you would like to volunteer for or receive services from FCC, please visit the website at www.foothillscaringcorps.com.

Neighbors in Need (NIN): A collaboration of area churches and agencies working to bring connections to our neighbors in need and the agencies that provide services. NIN helps the agencies to meet needs that are not currently being met. These are challenges facing youth/families, v eterans, working adults, and the elderly in our community, and ways are found to address these challenges. For more information, visit https://neighborsinneedaz.org

Troop Care Ministry (TCM): The mission of the TCM is “to provide troop care support, from a faith-based perspective to the local community, DHPC, and Leupp Presbyterian Church.” This mission is carried out by the TCM Team with the help of many DHPC volunteers. TCM sent care packages to active-duty personnel related to our church family that included “Daily Breads" and messages of support. Grocery gift cards were donated to the Family Support Flight at Luke AFB, and water and snacks went to their Operation Kids program. Throughout the year, on patriotic holidays, TCM lined the church driveway with flags. With the help of many volunteers, TCM hosted a Veterans Day Celebration in November with a full audience. TCM brought boxes of used books and CDs/DVDs from the Desert Foothills library to the VA hospital for their patients.

Missions (Cont’d)

• Sister Church Relationships

Mandeville Jamaica, Ebenezer United Church: Pastor Khereen Wilson Bailey

DHPC has shared a bond with our sister church in Jamaica since 2007 when we went looking for a “Church of Peace” with which to build a relationship. In early 2024, DHPC sent a mission team consisting of DHPC members and Leupp Presbyterian Church members to Jamaica to celebrate the life of Samuel “Sammy” Smalling. Sammy was not only a leader at the church but a wellrespected leader in Jamaica. Pastor Noble and Pastor Kelly participated in the celebration of life service. In July, hurricane Beryl caused damage to Ebenezer United Church and the entire island of Jamaica. DHPC raised money to assist in rebuilding the damaged areas of the church. DHPC continued to provide resources to our sister church which will improve their services and help spread the gospel in their community.

Leupp, Arizona, Leupp Presbyterian Church: Pastor Calvin Kelly and Native American Ministry

We have been the Clan of Christ with Leupp for 42 years and continue to keep our relationship strong in faith and friendship. Pastor Kelly has stepped back from some of his duties and has encouraged younger church leaders to take a more active role. In 2024, DHPC continued to participate in many activities with our sister church including Youth Summer Camp, Music Camp, the DHPC spring visit to Leupp, the trip to Jamaica, the Hope Resurrected and Sin Ilini Singers ministry, and the Leupp annual visit to DHPC in the fall. DHPC continued to provide resources to our sister church which will improve their services and help spread the gospel in their community. Our sister church continues to be our prayer partner. We are truly blessed to be One in Christ in the Clan of Christ together.

2025 GOALS

• To continue to focus on the Great Commission locally, as well as globally and specifically, the role that DHPC will play in supporting missionaries.

• To continue to faithfully communicate with the congregation about the activities and needs relating to the ministries and missionaries DHPC supports.

• To encourage the DHPC family to become more involved in missions to spread the love of Jesus to our community and beyond through prayer, education, participation in local opportunities, and a greater level of communication with supported missionaries.

• To continue to evaluate potential missionary candidates and organizations for DHPC sponsorship.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark George Missions Elder

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 2024 Mission Expenditures

Charles B. Jennings Memorial Garden _

Staff Liaison: Richard Cook Member: John Marr

Mission Statement

To serve the physical needs of our congregation when they meet Jesus face to face.

2024 Goals

• Hire a contractor for the Memorial Garden Expansion.

• Improve the landscaping of the Memorial Garden, as well as the future expansion of the garden.

• Continue to promote the Garden to increase sales of Niches, in order to pay down, or pay off, the loan with DHPC completely.

• Coordinate and deliver the final resting place of Members’ ashes.

• Maintain the garden and honor our Veterans at every opportunity.

2024 Accomplishments

• A contractor was hired, and the Memorial Garden was expanded.

• The Landscaping was improved as well as the future expansion of the Garden was identified.

• The Garden was promoted to increase the sales of niches.

• Coordinated and delivered the final resting place of Members’ ashes.

• The Garden was maintained by Building and Grounds, and Veterans were honored at every opportunity.

2025 Goals

• Continue to monitor the Garden and make landscape additions and Garden repairs as needed.

• Procure updated Memorial Garden brochures.

• Continue to promote the Garden to increase sales of niches.

• Coordinate and deliver the final resting place of Members’ ashes.

• Maintain the Garden and honor our Veterans at every opportunity.

Deacons

Elder: Marilyn Strohan

Staff Liaison: Pastor Brett Everett

Deacon Members: Laurann Cook, Moderator/Secretary; Rick Weber, Treasurer; Barbara Chamberlain, Min Damm, Sally Grimes, Pete Peterson, Richard Hollinger, Deb McDermott, Amy Woods, Pat Nichols, Rolene Dinsdale and Catherine Campbell

Mission Statement

Deacons are called to provide an intentional, coordinated, and proactive ministry of care and compassion to our church family and friends. Our ministry through example and witness tended to inspire and encourage members to demonstrate the care of Christ in their families, in their neighborhoods, and in our congregation. The Deacons of the Board serve on Ministry Teams in one of our ministry areas.

Ace and Margaret Fogdall Scholarship Fund

Chairperson: Laurann Cook

Members: Sandra Carson, Marcia Fishman

Mission Statement

To encourage and promote education through a scholarship fund designed to provide a semiannual stipend to dedicated and worthy students who by their contribution to church, school, and community have demonstrated good Christian character. The scholarship is given to supplement expenses required to fund a 4-year Bachelor or a Bachelor of Science degree; or a 2-year community college Associate of Arts degree with the intent to transfer to a 4-year accredited program for a bachelor’s degree.

2024 Goals

• To provide scholarships to high school graduates who are members of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church or members of Leupp Presbyterian Church

2024 Accomplishments

• During 2024, we provided semi-annual stipends to three students for a total of $4,500. Each semester, students provide their transcriptions and must maintain a 3.0 (B) cumulative grade point average (GPA) for Level 1 funding; a 2.75 cumulative grade point average for Level 2; or a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average for Level 3 funding.

Scholarship funds are generated from the rental of the bell tower for cell phone equipment. The bell tower was constructed with monies donated by Ace and Margaret Fogdall. The Fogfall’s

Deacons (Cont’d)

stipulated that all rental fees be applied to fund scholarships for DHPC and Leupp Presbyterian Church students.

Active students receiving scholarships during 2024 are: Hannah Everett, Katelyn Noble, and Abigail Benham.

2025 Goals

• To continue to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduates who are members of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and Leupp Presbyterian Church.

Respectfully submitted, Laurann Cook Scholarship Chair Administration

Deacons: Laurann Cook, Moderator/Secretary; Rick Weber, Treasurer; and Barbara Chamberlin

Purpose

To be responsible for managing organizational functions including but not limited to managing finances, providing meeting minutes, and communications to Session.

2024 Accomplishments

• Held regularly scheduled Deacon meetings every other month.

• Submitted minutes and communications to monthly Session meetings.

• Worked with Pastor Brett to help organize monthly homebound communion.

• Helped serve communion to people at Merrill Gardens and where needed.

• Met with people possibly interested in being on the Deacon Board and filled all vacancies on the Board of Deacons.

• Continued to host memorial receptions following a Memorial service.

• Helped Walking Beside Ministry deliver Easter bags and Christmas bags to shut-in congregational members.

• Sent out birthday and holiday cards to DHPC Staff and condolence cards to church and non-church members.

2025 Goals

• Maintain and improve efficient administration of the Board of Deacons.

• Continue to provide a Memorial Service reception.

• Review Deacon forms and documents to improve Board Administration.

• Continue to provide assistance to other ministries as needed.

Deacons (Cont’d)

Congregational Nurses

Committee Members: Cyndi Moulton, RN BSN, and Mary Kay Thurston, RN

Mission Statement

We strive to reach out with loving, compassionate hearts, give others our “presence” and remind them of God and Jesus’ presence while helping with the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Desert Hills Presbyterian Community.

2024 Goals

• Continue seeking ways to help with the holistic, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the DHPC Community.

• Hold Blood Pressure Screening Clinics monthly between services on Sundays.

• Continue making visitations to members and attenders who are in the hospital, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, or in their homes as the need arises in assisting to answer questions, help educate regarding their health condition, medical counseling, or find community resources they might need and give spiritual encouragement through prayer.

• Hold a CPR/AED Training Session for those wanting to be trained or recertified.

• Attend Deacon meetings as ex officio members and Faith Community Nurse Networking monthly meetings.

• Mary Kay Thurston to continue with The Art of Moving Prayer as the need arises.

• Encourage other DHPC RNs to take the Faith Community Nurse Training to share in this.

2024 Accomplishments

• Blood Pressure Clinics were held monthly.

• Held CPR Training in February and AED training in August.

• Worked with Kiwanis for two blood drives.

• Cyndi and Mary Kay together worked 858.68 hours; drove 3,539 miles; made 894 phone contacts; made 190 nursing home, hospital, or home visits, and 42 rides to appointments. Along with the delivery of the church flowers with the help of Kurt Koch and Georgie Hulbert.

• We attended monthly Faith Community Nurse Networking Educational meetings by Zoom, DHPC Deacon meetings in person or by Zoom from January through November, and monthly Care Council Meetings.

• Worked with Fitness at the Rocks to create educational events.

2025 Goals

• Continue seeking ways to help with the holistic, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the DHPC Community.

• Continue to help with First Aid as needed at DHPC.

Deacons (Cont’d)

• Hold monthly Blood Pressure Screening Clinics monthly between services on Sundays.

• Create bulletin announcements for flu and current vaccine recommendations.

• Continue making visitations to members and attenders who are in the hospital, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, or in their homes as the need arises in assisting to answer questions, help educate regarding their health condition, medical counseling, or find community resources they might need and give spiritual encouragement through prayer.

• Mary Kay Thurston to continue with The Art of Moving Prayer as the need arises.

• Continue to assist with Fitness at the Rocks as needed.

• Hold a CPR/AED Training Session for those wanting to be trained or recertified.

• Continue working with Kiwanis to do blood drives.

• Attend Deacon meetings as ex officio members, Faith Community Nurse Networking Meetings, and Care Council Meetings.

• Encourage other DHPC RNs to take the Faith Community Nurse Training to share in this Congregational Nurse Ministry.

It has been a blessing and an honor to serve as your Congregational Nurses here at DHPC in 2024 and we look forward to continuing in this service. We are happy to serve and to God be the glory.

Respectfully submitted,

Cyndi Moulton, RN BSN, and Mary Kay Thurston, RN

Equipping

Deacons: Catherine Campbell, Rolene Dinsdale, Amy Woods

Monday Prayer Team: Catherine Campbell, Rolene Dinsdale, Amy Woods, Cathy Hoxie, Beverly Keele, Gretchen Kinder, Faith Massaquoi, Nan McCallum, Pat Nichols

Purpose

To work alongside associated Session committees to define and develop education, training, and activities that will help members become more conformed to the image of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and for the sake of others. These activities include but are not limited to the development of healthy spiritual disciplines, prayer practices, and the identification of spiritual gifts.

2024 Goals

• Oversee the Sunday Prayer Team, the Monday Prayer Team, and the Session/Staff Prayer Partners. Add at least four members to the Sunday Prayer Team and two members to the Monday Prayer Team.

Deacons (Cont’d)

• Support Adult Discipleship by keeping track of those involved in a POD. Design a new bookmark to send with a congratulatory note to those who have completed a POD for the first time.

• Host at least two luncheons for the Confirmation Class and their Prayer Champions to spend time together and establish connections.

• Work alongside Session committees that would like additional support in providing education, training, and activities that will help members become more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

2024 Accomplishments

• Added two members to the Monday Prayer Team! The Monday Prayer Team corporately offered to the Lord 3,529 prayers for individuals; this does not include the additional weekly prayers for DHPC staff, ministries, bulletin requests, and local/national/worldwide concerns. Follow-up of prayer requests was a shared responsibility of the team, done with genuine care. Cathy Hoxie continued the vital ministry of keeping track of weekly prayer requests.

• Provided a Sunday Prayer Team (Catherine Campbell, Susan Constance, Barb Conti, Rolene Dinsdale, Marsha Fishman, Carolyn Hallstrom, Cathy Hoxie, Amy, and Steve Woods) to be available to pray with individuals and/or take prayer requests after church services.

• Emailed Parish Shepherds with information on how to contact a Monday Prayer Team member with any prayer requests for their flock. Also invited them to join our Sunday and/or Monday Prayer Team.

• Maintained assignment of a Prayer Partner to each Session member. Rolene Dinsdale emailed the Prayer Partner before each Session meeting as a reminder to pray and included specific prayers to consider that were appropriate for the upcoming meeting.

• Sponsored a final luncheon for the confirmation class and their assigned Prayer Champions. We thank Brad and Kirsten Ghaster, Mark and Kim George, and Joe Gilleland for faithfully praying for their confirmand for the duration of the class.

• Assisted Adult Discipleship by keeping track of those involved in a Pathway of Discipleship (POD) group. Mailed a congratulatory note and Scripture magnetic bookmark to those who completed a POD.

2025 Goals

• Oversee the Sunday Prayer Team, the Monday Prayer Team, and the Session/Staff Prayer Partners. Continue to build the Monday and Sunday Prayer Team.

• Spearhead DHPC’s “Bring a Friend” program for the March 22, 2025, Will Graham Look Up Celebration at the Fountain. Bring a Friend is an effort to pray for those who don’t know Christ and bring them to the Look Up Celebration event.

• Support Adult Discipleship by keeping track of those involved in a POD group and mailing a congratulatory note to those who complete the study.

Deacons (Cont’d)

• Work alongside Session committees that would like additional support in providing education, training, and activities that will help members become more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

Parish Shepherds

Members: Beverley Keele, Myra Sherriff, Ann Freim, Laura Justus, Diane Mackintosh, Marilyn Strohan, Cecelia Ralston, Patricia Murray, Diane George, Lisa Loran, Rolene. Dinsdale, Mo Mason, Fay Wilkes, Judy Zoetewey, Sheryl & Ron Bell, Anne Wellington, Kathleen Jones, Donna Kline, Barbara Jorgensen, Jenifer Zylwitis, Beverly Everist, Noemi Campbell, Diane Bannister, Jan Finnerty, Tammy Warner, Linda Stiener, Bev Shannon

Purpose

To offer an intentional, coordinated, and proactive ministry of care to members and regular attendees of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church to support the care ministries and to alert the pastoral staff and care council of situations where more intentional and intensive pastoral care may be needed.

2024 Goals

• Contact families in each parish once a month

2024 Accomplishments

• We added four new parishes this year. We are up to 26 parishes.

2025 Goals

• To contact each parish member once a month.

• To add one new parish for each new member class.

Service

Committee Members: Min Damm, Pete Peterson, Dick Hollinger

Mission Statement

To provide an intentional, coordinated, pro-active, and distinctively Christian ministry of care and compassion to the people of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and friends – encourage DHPC family members to develop their own skills to care for other people.

Deacons (Cont’d)

Purpose

To meet short-term physical care needs that may include but are not limited to Meals, Memorial Services, and “Helping Hammers” to perform household tasks for church members.

Service Report 10/2/24 thru 1/14/25

12/13/24 Replace bulbs, move items in backyard, move broken furniture 1 12/20/24 Remove filters, clean filter, fix loose garage door, change filters, clean behind fridge 2 12/31/24 Move furniture 1.25 1/6/25 Fix doorknob & tighten hinges on garage door .5

Walking Beside Ministry

Committee Members: Barbara Conti, Laurann Cook, Marty Foster, Carolyn Hallstrom, Moon Kahn, Beverley Keele, Shirley Klein, Kurt Koch, Thea Miller, Barbara Purnell, Kathy Rogers, and Hendrick Zitter.

Deacons (Cont’d)

Mission Statement

To provide encouragement, inspire hope, and promote healing for people confronted with serious life issues and transitions by walking alongside them for a time.

2024 Goals

• Continue our one-on-one ministry and 15 projects ministering to group needs.

• Start up a transportation ministry to bring DHPC members living in various local care, assisted living, and retirement residences to worship service in partnership with Caring Corps.

2024 Accomplishments

• A Transportation Ministry was initiated to bring DHPC members to one worship service and one exercise class a month. The first transport was in April.

• Two new sub-ministries were initiated: Passages and Celebration of Life luncheons.

• Made 480 calls to those who were sick or have lost loved ones.

• Sent 824 cards for Get Well, Thinking of You, Sympathy, Valentine, 90+ Birthday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

• Sent 816 emails and texts to those who were sick or needed support.

• Delivered 20 Easter and 53 Christmas gift bags to shut-ins, surviving spouses, and sick.

• Organized 8 luncheons for women caregivers.

• Delivered 2 Spirit Bags to the hospitalized.

• Mailed 28 grief books to those who lost loved ones over the last year.

• Had 161 coffees, lunches, or dinners with care receivers.

• Partnered with Messinger Mortuary to present an end-of-life planning seminar.

• Hosted 3 Celebration of Life luncheons on major holidays.

• Partnered with Hospice of the Valley to present a seminar on normal aging and dementia.

• 374 visits made to those sick or in need of encouragement and support.

• Presented a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar for our church and community.

• Presented a Candlelight Service of Reflection & Healing followed by a light supper for our church and community.

2025 Goals

• Reorganize our ministry for growth and effectiveness in meeting people’s needs.

• Expand and improve our one-on-one ministry.

• Collaborate with other ministries to meet the common needs of diverse groups.

Finance

Elder: Oran Brown

Pastoral Advisor: Pastor Jim Noble

Deacon Members: Scott Core, Allan Watson, Robert Teal, Jennifer Zylwitis

Mission Statement

The Desert Hills Presbyterian Church (the Church) Finance Committee is responsible for encouraging financial contributions to the church by both members and others (stewardship). The committee makes the initial decision on how the Church’s funds will be spent subject to Session approval.

Finance Committee

As Finance Elder, I am privileged to chair the Finance Committee. The committee’s members provide the Church with the benefit of collective talents, talents that come together to bring wisdom and ability to decisions that would not be available with any one of us alone.

The Finance Committee reviews the Church’s financial statements each month when they are prepared by the Church’s controller, Bobi Tomlon. Bobi also provides information on Church expenditures, tracks pledges, and member contributions. She keeps track of member contributions that are restricted to specific Church ministries, and she provides a statement to every member showing their contributions for the year.

The Finance Committee creates a suggested budget each year based on requests from the Church’s elders and Church staff for their ministries and areas of responsibility. The suggested budget is compared to the anticipated resources that will be available to meet budget expenses, and any changes are submitted to the Session. The committee selects individuals who will be responsible for the annual stewardship campaign, and it will assist when requested or appropriate for Church ministries.

Pastor Jim Noble, an ex officio member, is essential in providing an in-depth overview of the Church’s ministries and the vision that directs the Church’s efforts in outreach and bringing God’s Word to our community.

2024 Notable Events

The Desert Hills Community School

of Music

The DHCSM was spun off into a single-member Limited Liability Corporation in 2024. The change’s chief purpose was to limit the liability of the Church since we have many children involved in the program and utilize instructors who may or may not be church members. The Church remains the owner of the LLC, but the school’s expenses are now charged to DHCSM rather than the Church accounts.

Finance (Cont’d)

Building and Grounds Improvements

The Charles B. Jennings Memorial Garden

The upgrades to the Memorial Garden were completed in 2024, adding new meditation and worship areas for all. New permanent seating was added, and additional furniture was ordered and has been installed. Sites for future columbariums in the garden were established.

Sanctuary Upgrades

Upgrades to the Chancel furniture were approved by Session in 2024. The DHPC Foundation provided a substantial portion of the funding for the new custom Chancel furniture which is expected to be installed in 2025, hopefully before Easter.

Money Management

The DHPC T-Bill ladder, Vanguard accounts, and other sources yielded interest income of $68,529 in 2024 vs. $42,000 in the 2024 budget,

The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower contains Crown Castle / AT&T cell phone service equipment. The lease with the company specified that the tower would be returned to its original appearance after the equipment was installed. That provision has never been met, and the lessor has stated it cannot be done. Since the tower is both a memorial and an important part of the Church’s brand, DHPC has brought suit to evict the company and obtain funds to restore the tower to its original condition. Funds expended in the legal effort were $18,000 in 2024. The lease extends for another 33 years and gives the company essential control of the tower if the Church does not take action to assert its rights.

2024 Accomplishments

2024 Budget Results (based

on 12/31/2024

draft financials)

The 2024 pledge budget was $1,071,014 and the non-pledge offering budget was $300,000. Total receipts from all sources were budgeted to be $1,597,014. The actual results for the year were $1,067,633 and $392,480 respectively, with total receipts from all sources totaling $1,597,320. Total expenses for the year were $1,468,610, excluding depreciation, leaving a surplus of $128,710. Depreciation charges totaled $272,300, which is an accounting entry to reflect wear and tear on the church facilities, and do not impact the Church’s actual expenses unless incurred.

2025 Budget Campaign

The 2025 Stewardship Campaign, using the working 2025 budget approved by Session, sought to raise $1,205,000 in pledges. The actual result of the campaign was $1,068,640 in pledges at

Finance (Cont’d)

year-end for 2024, leaving a $136,360 shortfall in the 2025 pledge budget. The non-pledge offering budget was set at $375,000 for the new year to reflect expected results more closely. Receipts from all sources were budgeted at $1,637,667. The expected expenses for 2025 are shown in the following chart.

2024 PROPOSED BUDGET EXPENSES

*Staff cost for 2024 shown above includes expected costs for an assistant pastor assuming the position is filled. Until the position is filled, a part of the budget costs will be used to cover search costs for the position.

2025 GOALS

Foundation Grant

The Foundation approved an unrestricted grant of $62,425 plus $13,464 for music support within the church in January 2025. The music school also received a grant of $20,446.46 from the Banwart Account managed by the Foundation. The Session will decide what the church funds will be used for by seeking approval from the Foundation. The Finance Committee will work with Session to find appropriate uses for the new funds that meet the grant policies of the Foundation.

Finance (Cont’d)

Budget Monitoring

The Finance Committee will work with Session on any budget requests that are outside those anticipated in the 2025 approved budget.

Stewardship Campaign

Finance will continue its stewardship work in 2025. With supportive help from Pastor Jim Noble and Associate Pastor Brett Everett, we had a productive campaign this year even though it fell short of the requested budget. We hope that the 2026 campaign will enjoy a stronger degree of congregation participation.

Closing Financial Condition

The Church’s closing 2024 financial reports are attached.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Combined Balance Sheet - Modified

Operating Receipts & Expenses

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church 2024 Mission Expenditures

DHPC Foundation

The Foundation was created to provide each member and friend of the Church with the ability to provide help to the Church year in and year out far beyond our own lifetimes. This contrasts and complements giving each year to support the Church’s budget – the focus of the annual pledge drive. Contributions placed in the collection basket on Sundays (or donated via the website) support the cost of the Church’s operation for the year in which the contributions are made. In contrast, most gifts to the Foundation become part of the Foundation’s endowment. The endowment is intended to be a source of help to the Church as close to forever as possible on this side of heaven. The concept is that gifts to the Church in the collection basket will come from the contributor’s current income but in contrast , contributions to the Foundation will primarily come from the contributor’s life savings. Contributions to the Foundation can be made either as bequests in the contributor’s will or related trust or by means of contributions made during the contributor’s lifetime. The Foundation actively encourages every member and friend of the Church to include a bequest to the Foundation in his or her estate planning documents.

Each year the Foundation makes a portion of its endowment available for grants to the Church in response to Grant Requests made during the year by the Church’s Session. Grants made from the Foundation in 2024 include: a grant to provide funding for the Memorial Gardens Expansion Project and a grant for Memorial Garden outdoor furniture, a grant to provide funding for New Chancel Furniture, a grant to provide funding for the Cornerstone Scholarship, a grant for funding portable lighting in the Fellowship Center, a grant to provide funding for the Youth Winter Retreat, grants to provide funding for a Choir Scholar, and grants to cover the cost of professional musicians who perform at the Church during the year such as the orchestral performances at the Palm Sunday Cantata, Reformation Sunday Cantata and Christmas Eve services. Some of these grants were made from special -purpose funds contributed to the Foundation. In all the Foundation made approximately $68,000 in grants during 2024.

On December 31, 2024, the Foundation’s endowment had a market value of over $1.3 million. The Foundation’s endowment is primarily invested in a long-term diversified pool at the Arizona Community Foundation (“ACF”). The investments are managed by a team of highly qualified investment experts assembled by ACF. It is the aspiration of the Foundation that its endowment will serve as a source of perpetual help to the Church and that the real value of the Endowment will grow over time through bequests and other contributions and through long-term investment appreciation.

In 2023, the Foundation developed a completely new website now available either by clicking the “Give” tab on the Church’s website (deserthills.org) or by going directly to the Foundation’s website (deserthills.org/dhpc -foundation). Our website is designed to help the congregation understand what the Foundation is all about and to provide practical help to the congregation in preparation for their own estate plans. For

DHPC Foundation (Cont’d)

example, the website provides the names and contact information for lawyers who stand ready to help members of the congregation with their estate planning needs.

There is one downside to the good news discussed above: the size of the Foundation’s endowment has the potential to discourage future gifts (either because of a mistaken attitude that the Foundation and the Church “don’t need it” or because of embarrassment that one’s future gift would be much less than earlier larger gifts). Looking to 2025 and beyond, we all must avoid giving in to such negative views. On the Foundation side, we will be grateful that every contribution – regardless of size - will add to the Foundation’s ability to enhance our Church’s ministry far into the future. We hope that everyone will bear in mind Jesus’ teaching that the smallest gift may be the most important (Luke 21:1-4).

Foundation board members as of the February 23, 2025, congregation meeting are: Susie Brousseau (class of 2027), Woody Chamberlain (class of 2027), Marsha Lindquist (class of 2026), Darla Gilchrist (class of 2026) Lisa Loran (class of 2025), Eddie Smith (c lass of 2025), and Allan Watson (class of 2025). The terms of the directors are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Board is up for election each year. The class year shown for each director indicates when that director’s position will next be up for election by the congregation. Lisa Loran and Eddie Smith have reached the term limit of their directorship positions as of this year’s congregational meeting. New directors for the class of 2028 are to be Tom Masles, Ed Nichols, and Allan Watson.

Ex offico members of the Foundation Board are: Jim Noble DHPC Senior Pastor and Oran Brown DHPC Finance Elder.

The newly elected Board met on February 20, 2025, and elected: Allan Watson as President, Darla Gilchrist as Vice President – Finance, and Susie Brousseau as Secretary.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation Balance

Sheet As of December 31, 2024

$1,425,660

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation

Profit and Loss Comparison

January - December 2024

Desert Hills Community School of Music

Committee Members: Lee Batson, Ruth Dugue, Lisa Loran, Melissa Masles, Gail Thiele

Staff Liaison: Jeffrey Anthony, Jim Noble

Additional members: Heather Baldwin, Vitaly Serebriakov

Mission Statement

To offer world-class music instruction that draws students of all ages and ability levels from all over the Valley. To bring people into DHPC through lessons, ensembles, concerts, and other programs, and to leverage music as a vehicle for outreach into the local community. To make music instruction available to students with financial need through sponsorship and scholarship programs.

2024 Goals

• Launch a Community Band for adults in the local area.

• Continue growing the Flute Choir and Saxophone Ensemble.

• Establish programs for voice and violin and bring on teachers to lead them.

• Establish a relationship with the new band director at Cactus Shadows High School and seek to provide masterclasses and other services to support music education in the local schools.

• Host a Piano Competition, juried by top pianists and educators in the state, for students throughout Arizona up to age 18.

• Hold summer programs, including a second Band Camp (June 3 -7, 2024) and another summer strings workshop.

• Explore offering AP Music Theory or other classes for high school and/or college credit.

• In partnership with Scottsdale Philharmonic, hold masterclasses for students auditioning for All-State/Regional band and orchestra (January) and work on building/expanding the program in late 2024/early 2025.

2024 Accomplishments

• Deepened connection to DHPC in several ways:

o Students performed at major DHPC events, including the 2024 Annual Meeting, Veterans Dinner, and the first Christmas Eve service, as well as at several Sunday worship services.

o Instructors played for DHPC’s two cantatas and Sounds of the Season.

o Two families joined the church through the music school and many others visited and/or participated in services and youth events.

• Moved closer to closing the budget gap, ending 2024 with $104,169 in reserve and $20,446 with the Foundation.

Desert Hills Community School of Music (Cont’d)

• Launched a new Community Band in January 2024. The first band session (Jan –Mar) included 20 members; the second session (Sept – Nov) included 28 participants from DHPC and the surrounding communities.

• In partnership with the Scottsdale Philharmonic, held masterclasses for young musicians preparing for Regional auditions. Seven students participated, all of whom came from outside the school. Six of the seven made it to Regionals and credited the workshops with their success.

• Held the first Piano Competition for students from the state of Arizona. Twentyfive of the state’s top young pianists competed for cash prizes in front of a live judging panel. The format, which allowed anyone from DHPC and the local community to come to watch the young pianists, was a unique departure from traditionally closed competitions.

• Added a voice program and a new voice teacher.

• Added two new students to the Advanced Music Program.

• Band Camp (June 3-7, 2024) included 21 students, a 31% increase over 2023. DHPC congregation members provided 8.5 scholarships for students who would otherwise not have been able to attend. Received a $5,000K grant from Kiwanis to purchase equipment for a Recording Studio elective as well as eight ukuleles and six hand drums for elective classes.

• Won one of two Kiwanis Club of Carefree Major Grant Awards, which included funding to purchase (1) string and wind instruments to create youth ensembles and (2) equipment to create a small portable recording studio to teach students how to record and produce music.

• Launched two new youth ensembles – clarinet choir and saxophone quartet – in Fall 2024.

• Established a relationship with the new band director at Cactus Shadows HS and Sandra Day O’Connor HS. Held initial meeting with North Valley Christian Academy (NVCA) about potential ways to partner.

• Launched an instrument rental program to generate additional income for the school and make instruments accessible and affordable for local students.

• At DHPC, put on a total of eight performances in the sanctuary, all of which were open to the public. These performances included two student recitals, two faculty recitals, three community ensemble concerts, and “The Nutcracker” for two pianos. Outside DHPC, Artistic Directors Vitaly Serebriakov and Svetlana Obregon Saens performed with the Scottsdale Philharmonic for 2,000+ audience members, raising awareness of the school throughout the Valley and bringing in new students. The Fountain Hills Saxophone Quartet represented the school in a performance at The Holland Center (February), which subsequently brought some of those audience members to other School of Music and Arts at the Rocks concerts at DHPC. Students also performed for Kiwanis Community Days ou tside the Kiwanis Marketplace in downtown Cave Creek (December).

Desert Hills Community School of Music (Cont’d)

2025 Goals

• Have a balanced budget for 2025 without having to draw from reserves.

• Begin working more closely with Arts at the Rocks to coordinate concerts and other programs where there is synergy between the school and Arts at the Rocks.

• Bring in an outside consultant to further strengthen the vision and direction of the music school and its effectiveness as a Christian ministry.

• Continue growing the community ensembles, to include the Community Band, Saxophone and Flute ensembles, and youth ensembles. The latter includes expanding participation as well as launching string and brass ensembles.

• Begin working with NVCA to support its new band program and continue seeking ways to work with other local middle and high schools.

• Expand the piano competition to include more competitors, an added day of masterclasses, and a winner’s recital at Tempe Center for the Arts.

• Continue to grow adult and kids’ private lesson participation.

• Continue to grow the Advanced Music Program.

• Book performances for faculty, ensembles, and piano competition winners at venues outside DHPC to get the word out about the school more widely.

Respectfully submitted,

Heather Baldwin Director of Administration

Desert Hills Community School of Music

Neighbors in Need____________________

We are excited to announce that Neighbors in Need AZ (NINAZ) has been awarded a generous grant from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree to launch a new program in partnership with local organizations called Solid Ground. This initiative will provide eligible households those with youth aged 18 or younger with financial assistance and access to educational resources. Eligibility is contingent upon households first exhausting resources from other community agencies. However, with the additional support provided through Solid Ground, many families will be able to overcome the financial hump and regain stability, getting their feet back on solid ground.

In addition to this exciting program, NINAZ has been actively collaborating with the Foothills Food Bank as they prepare for their relocation, a move that will not only expand their capacity as a food bank but also establish a more comprehensive resource center. To support this transition and enhance service delivery, one of our two Community Navigators has taken on the role of Community Navigator directly within the Food Bank. Meanwhile, our second Navigator joined the Foothills Caring Corps to focus on providing dedicated support to seniors in our community. This strategic placement of our Navigators ensures that their expertise is leveraged to address the unique needs of these organizations while streamlining the process of connecting neighbors to essential resources.

NINAZ remains committed to equipping our volunteers and community members with tools to better support their neighbors in need. This includes offering training in areas such as de-escalation techniques and supporting those with depression or anxiety. In addition, NINAZ is collaborating with the Foothills Caring Corps to develop a series designed to help individuals and families navigate important but challenging conversations, including topics such as end -of-life decisions, retirement home planning, and other critical conversations. These resources aim to empower our neighbors to be more proactive and prepared for life’s many transitions.

Finally, our collaboration with The Salvation Army has expanded to better serve our community. This year gaining approval to assist neighbors not only with utility applications through Project SHARE but also with full utility assistance applications, allowing us to address a broader range of needs. Looking ahead to 2025, we will partner with The Salvation Army to manage their iconic kettlebell drive. To support this initiative, we plan to hire a dedicated individual to oversee the drive and ensure its success. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing meaningful assistance to our neighbors in need.

Community Needs and Assistance Overview

This year, we addressed a wide variety of community needs, ranging from housing concerns to financial guidance. We recorded a total of 169 contacts, categorized as follows:

Neighbors in Need (Cont’d)__________

▪ Utility Assistance: 26

▪ Rental Assistance: 17

▪ Transportation Assistance: 14

▪ Live-in Help: 13

▪ Physical Health/Medical Issues: 12

▪ Homelessness Support: 11

▪ Financial Guidance: 11

▪ Gas/Shower/Thrift Store Vouchers/Car Repairs: 9

▪ Housing Requests: 9

▪ Metal Health and Emotional Support: 8

Referrals and Collaboration

▪ Applications for SSD and ACCCHS/SNAP: 7

▪ Moving Assistance: 7

▪ Employment Assistance: 6

▪ Eviction Prevention: 6

▪ Immigration Issues: 5

▪ Insurance/Tax Assistance: 4

▪ Childcare: 2

▪ Home/Yard Repair/Maintenance: 1

▪ Food/Clothing Support: 1

NINAZ received 108 referrals from the community and partner organizations, distributed as follows:

▪ Self/Web Referrals: 35

▪ Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center: 32

▪ St. Vincent de Paul: 13

▪ Cave Creek Unified School District: 7

▪ Concerned Neighbors: 5

▪ Various Outside Agencies: 4

▪ Foothills Caring Corps: 3

Notable Outcomes

▪ 25 neighbors engaged with the Community Navigators for three or more interactions

▪ 32 referrals were made to resources outside the service area

▪ 9 applications for utility and housing assistance were submitted through The Salvation Army

▪ 34 referrals were directed to external agencies

NEIGHBORS IN NEED AZ BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2024

NEIGHBORS IN NEED AZ ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS & EXPENSES

December 31, 2024