Echoes of DHPC | April-May 2014

April / May 2014

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

34605 North Tom Darlington Drive P.O. Box 874 Carefree AZ 85377 480-488-3384

Echoes

Echoes

April / May 2014

IN THIS ISSUE: 03 04 03 03 05 05

05 Ministry at the Heritage 05 Music & Arts Festival 06 Lent & Holy Week Schedule 07 Your Story 07 B uildings & Grounds Says

Pastor’s Message Bible School Church Picnic Holy Hikers March 8 Concert Divine Stitcherhood

08 09 10 11 12

From the Associate Pastor Chaplaincy Golf Tournament From the Congregational Nurse Visit Navajo Sister Church Dashboard

Thank You

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Echoes is a semi-monthly publication by and for the congregation of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in Carefree, Arizona. If you have received this publication by mistake or you would like to no longer subscribe to the magazine, simply call the DHPC office at 480-488-3384 or write to admin@deserthills.org.

The lead time for the publication is four weeks before the first month displayed on the cover. For the April May issue, deadline for submissions is March 10.

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

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The Echoes staff welcomes any and all feedback. If you would like to submit any questions, concerns or comments about the contents of this publication, please send them to editor@deserthills.org or drop them by the church office and we’ll make sure they are read and addressed as promptly as possible. Please allow 2-4 weeks for any necessary replies.

If you have been blessed with the ability to write or take pictures and feel called to use your talents to serve the Lord, Echoes would love to have you be part of our editorial team! Just call Patrick McAvoy at 602-549-7217 or write us at editor@deserthills.org.

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Pastor’s Message Jim Noble, Senior Pastor

jnoble@deserthills.org 480-488-3384

A DIVINE BLESSING AND SURPRISE We were blessed to have the orchestra from the University of Northwestern with us for a concert on March 7 and in worship on Sunday, March 8. The University has been offering concerts at DHPC since 2009 and this was the first time they were able to join us for worship. What an uplifting experience – one that we hope to repeat in future visits as we continue to build a strong relationship.

As if this was not enough of a blessing, we were surprised to learn of another point we had in common. As the youth quickly packed up their instruments to reach their 3:00 concert in Mesa, the orchestra director just happened to mention he was going to Jamaica this summer. “Why? Where?” we questioned.

With that, the director pulled out a document from the Jamaican Department of Education. The letter declared a partnership between the University of Northwestern and the Department of Education of Jamaica to help bring musical instruments and lessons to the schools in Jamaica. They were starting in the city of Mandeville!

As many of you know, DHPC has a sister church in Mandeville, Ebenezer United Church. This relationship goes back to 2007 and has produced many blessings for us both. Each time we are there in Jamaica we offer guitar, bass guitar, drum, and keyboard lessons through the church and schools.

of weeks to help further these efforts. Now we are able to contact our sister church and inform them that the Lord has more in mind than any of us ever thought or imagined.

Later in the week and before the orchestra flew home, we met for breakfast to share dreams, contacts, and plan next steps. We are all fully convinced that God brought us together and just happen to have the director make an off-the-cuff remark about going to Jamaica, so that we could help accomplish His purposes.

The University has even planned a training program where people from Mandeville are trained on instrument maintenance and repair so they can open businesses in Mandeville. What a blessing! Pray the Lord of the harvest to thrust out workers!

Peace in Christ,

Jim

Ebenezer has asked if we could expand this ministry and even requested if Karin Thomas, our Music and Arts Director, could come down for a couple

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MARKETPLACE 30 A.D. RETURNS TO DHPC’S VACATION BIBLE STUDY THIS SUMMER: JUNE 2-6, 9 A.M. TO NOON

THE HOLY HIKERS WOMEN’S MINISTRY SETS OUT THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH

“Marketplace II - It’s All New!” Do you remember the tunics, the pottery, the tents, and all the fun being where Jesus would have been?

A women’s hiking ministry has been formed and we are calling ourselves the “Holy Hikers”! Our first outing was held on March 3rd at the Marcus Landslide Trail in Scottsdale. Nine women participated in the 3.5 mile gentle hike, enjoying fellowship, spectacular views and blooming wildflowers.

Be sure to sign up and be part of all that is waiting for you to learn and do.

Registration forms will be available on the website, in the church office and on the patio.

Volunteers are needed so please sign up!

JOIN US FOR THE ALL-CHURCH PICNIC SUNDAY APRIL 13, 4-6 P.M., DESERT WILLOW PARK

At the mid-point of the hike, we settled down on some rocks for a brief devotion, a reading from the Psalms and prayer. Spiritually and physically refreshed, we enthusiastically agreed to hike at a different location the first Monday of each month.

We welcome you to join us on our next hike on Monday, April 7th.

Contact info: Teri Ferro teri.ferro@cox.net

It is time for another old-fashioned all-church picnic.

Come to Desert Willow Park on April 13th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and enjoy the great food and fellowship.

If you missed the great hot dog topping contest last year now is your chance to be part of it. There will be games and activities for all ages. This is not just for those with young children!

Do you remember when – way-way back – when the whole church really did show up for the picnic? Let’s try to make it happen again!

If you would like to be a “Top Dog” this year contact Kathleen at CHILDREN@DESERTHILLS.ORG OR CALL 480-488-3384.

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Holy Hikers – left to right: Shirley Klein, Anne Harrison, Barb Fedderson, Diane Hillwig, Kathleen Harris, Teri Ferro, Cathy Hoxie, Diana Molling, Joyce Hammett

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN – ST. PAUL ORCHESTRA CONCERT – MARCH 8 We were treated to a concert by the University of Northwestern – St. Paul Orchestra on March 8, and also had the privilege of hearing them play for our 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services! Thanks to those who hosted students in their homes, prepared food, and attended the concert.

MINISTRY AT THE HERITAGE Folks from DHPC continue to visit The Heritage (assisted living) on the second Thursday of each month, from 1 – 2 p.m. We enjoy a time of fellowship, singing, devotions, and prayer – what a blessed afternoon!

We invite you to join us at The Heritage, located on N. Pima Road, just south of E Cave Creek Road in Carefree.

Questions? See Laurann Cook, Karin Thomas or Diane Hillwig for more information. www.heritagecarefree.com

MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL RECAP We had a creative weekend during the Music and Arts Festival on February 21 and 22. Many thanks to all who participated by attending workshops, with special thanks to those who led workshops.

We are surrounded by many talented people in our own congregation! We also thank Kathleen Harris for working in the kitchen for our tasty lunch.

THE DIVINE STITCHERHOOD - WHERE WE SHARE OUR “PURLS OF WISDOM” Come join us as we inspire each other, learn from each other, and fellowship together while knitting and crocheting! Maybe you do cross stitch, embroidery, felting, or some other craft? We’d love to include you!

We meet each Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the Lounge, so bring your own project of any kind, questions you may have, items for “show and tell”, and we’ll enjoy our time together.

If you are interested in learning the basics of crocheting or knitting, contact one of the ladies listed below.

Meg Gowin - meggowin@gmail.com or 908-930-5547 Diane Hillwig - dianehillwig@gmail.com or 480-4595063).

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LENT & HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE SIGNUP FOR EASTER TULIPS & LILIES – LAST DAY, APRIL 6 The sign-up charts for tulips and lilies are posted in the Narthex and also in the Fellowship Center. This is a lovely way to honor a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion. The last day of sign up is Sunday, April 6. You may take home your lily or tulips after the 11:00 service Easter morning.

PALM SUNDAY - APRIL 13 On Palm Sunday, Christians celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday Service will be April 13 at the regularly scheduled times of 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.

MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 17 We will be observing Maundy Thursday with a special service in our Sanctuary on Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m.

This is the Thursday before Easter, the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples. He shares a meal with them which is known as the Last Supper.

Holy Communion will be served at this service.

JOURNEY TO THE CROSS - GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Held in Memorial Garden, “Journey to the Cross” is a prayerful and worshipful walk /stroll preparing our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to God during Holy Week.

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Walk to nine different stations on a spiritual path over approximately 30 minutes, and leave the walk with a blessing for your journey into the world.

Journey to the Cross Stations 1.

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Calling on God’s Presence The God Who Calls Us Called to Follow Jesus Affirming Our Faith Bread for the Journey Surrender to God in the Garden of Gethsemane 7. The Cross 8. Anointing 9. A Blessing Journey to the Cross is sponsored

by Worship and implemented by the Cana Covenant Group: Bob and Joyce Claus, John and Sherry Cisler, Bob and Barbara Conti, Ken and Sue Gibson, Len and Darla Gilchrist, Bob and Elaine Shower Sign up for your individual or family Walk Time on the patio Sundays, March 30 – April 13 or call the Church Office at 480-488-3384.

Don’t delay – walk times fill up fast!

EASTER SERVICES APRIL 20 On April 20, we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We will be holding four Easter Services this year to worship the risen Christ.

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Sunrise service begins at 6:30 a.m. outside in the Church Patio

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Traditional services will be held 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary

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Our Praise service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Center

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SPECIAL DAILY OPPORTUNITIES FOR REFLECTION “The Cross” - a special 30 minute movie, special music by our members, prayer, reflection, and testimonies in the Choir Room.

Choose your time and RSVP by calling the church office: Monday, April 14, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Tuesday, April 15, 7:30 - 8:30 am Wednesday, April 16, 12:00 -1:00 pm Sunday School students will revisit the Prayer Class during Lent with Mrs. Jamie Benham teaching. This will be a wonderful time for everyone just as it was a few years ago.

Where and when and how do you pray?

YOU HAVE A STORY. DO YOU SHARE IT?

Buildings & Grounds Says Thank You!

Peter wrote that we need to be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope we have in us. (1 Peter 3:15)

On February 1st we had one of our campus-

Are you prepared?

timing was just in advance of EPC Presbytery

wide cleanup work parties, topped off with a delicious barbecue lunch on the patio. The of the West, which we hosted. Thanks to all

Before you can share your story, you have to know it.

Taking the time to answer a few questions and prepare will make all the difference.

of you volunteers who joined our army of workers. We had our landscape and facilities looking really fine for our guests.

Every shareable faith story about coming to Christ has three key components:

I’d also like to take this opportunity to invite any of you who have special talents or

1. Before: What was your life like before Christ?

2. During: How did you receive Christ?

3. After: What has your life been like since?

interests in maintenance of anything relating to our buildings and our property to please contact me, or any member of the Buildings

Here’s a three-minute plan for telling your story of how Jesus gave you hope and what He’s doing in your life today:

and Grounds Committee and let us know about it. We are currently establishing subcommittees to form the nucleus of our

• 30 seconds: Tell what your life was like before you received Jesus.

• 30 seconds: Explain what caused you to turn to God. • 60 seconds: Share the circumstances of how you received him into your life.

• 30 seconds: Repeat the prayer you prayed to receive Jesus Christ.

• 30 seconds: Explain how your life has changed since Jesus became your Lord and Savior.

work party teams. This should improve our efficiency and effectiveness when we undertake these all-church clean-up events.

Christ told us that all of us have different talents and abilities which, working together, can move mountains to His Glory. We

While those are specific and short times, we can run the risk of losing the person in the details.

have no intention of moving our beautiful

Remember, if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it!

this congregation is. Our Desert Hills

boulders, but what a wonderful work team Presbyterian Church facilities are for His Glory, so let us work together for that end.

If you are interested in helping others to share their testimony or wish to share your own story, feel free to call Nan Boyer-Searle, at 480-239-3751

Many thanks, and blessings to all, Joe Gilleland Elder for Buildings and Grounds

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From Your Associate Pastor Bob Claus, Associate Pastor bclaus@deserthills.org | 480-488-3384

An Important Life Conversation Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

Can you be certain that your family knows what to do in the event of your death? Have you made plans for your estate’s tax consequences? Does your family know your wishes in the event of a catastrophic illness?

Time after time, I have seen people who are one day in good health, only to lose their health to cancer, heart attack, stroke, or long-term chronic disorders. As I age, I am more aware of how important it is to plan for such eventualities. One of the first steps is to become informed on the basic tools for planning: Health Care Directives, Living Wills, Medical Power of Attorney, and Mental Health Power of Attorney.

That is why our church is hosting a seminar by Senior Bridge called, “Who Would Speak for You if You Couldn’t Speak for Yourself?” It will be held on Wednesday, April 16th, 2014 from 4 – 5:30pm here in our Fellowship Center. Senior Bridge is a recognized leader in senior care in the greater Maricopa County for 20 years.

SIGN UP at the table on patio! It is free! You will receive a complimentary resource kit to take home with you.

conversations, tough conversations, about what is considered “extraordinary” measures while a loved one is lying in an Intensive Care unit. Not knowing what your loved one wants makes these choices truly difficult.

Our Health Care Ministries Team – Mary Kay Thurston, our congregational nurse, Dr. Dorsett Smith, and I – will also be available at this seminar to present a Christian perspective.

This seminar will be held four days before Easter and one day after Tax Day… talking about God’s timing! It is important to remember and act on the Gospel in all our planning. At the heart of the Gospel is the death and resurrection of our Lord, who has made plans for us and communicated those in loving and gracious ways. You can do the same for your family!

Yours in Christ,

Bob

At this event, you will be provided with an overview of all those documents by a Certified Advance Care Planning Facilitator, Carla Sutter MSW/LISW. In addition, you can meet with health care providers for 10 – 15 minutes to understand specifics of your individual situation.

Whatever your plans are (or are not now), as Christians it is important for us to make these kinds of end of life decisions in the light of the Gospel. Over the years, I have been part of

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4th Annual Chaplaincy for the Homeless

Charity Golf Tournament Friday, May 16, 2014

Since 1988, the Chaplaincy for the Homeless has specialized in helping homeless people obtain the identification and documents they need to work, rent, and get assistance. Without this identification, the homeless escape life on the street and rejoin society as productive, self-respecting contributors are unable to.

11:30AM Lunch 1:00PM Shotgun Start $150 Per Player includes Golf, Cart, Lunch & Prizes Call Tom Wilcox at Blackstone Country Club with Questions 623.707.8710 Entry Form on Back or Register Online: www.azhomeless.org

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Blackstone Country Club ∘ 12101 W Blackstone Drive ∘ Peoria, Arizona 85383

from the

Congregational Nurse

“I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.” Psalm 69:29 NIV Allergies are unusual, irritating, and potentially dangerous reactions of the immune system to a normally harmless substance. These reactions occur in about one out of every three people. They will attack the respiratory tract, digestive tract, or entire body, but the type and severity of the reaction will depend on the individual’s level of sensitivity to the offending substance.

There are three categories of allergic reactions.

Mild reactions are localized and include a rash, watery or itchy eyes, and congestion. Moderate reactions can spread beyond the original site of irritation and cause severe itching and difficulty breathing. The worst reaction, anaphylaxis, affects the whole body and is rare but lifethreatening. Within minutes severe swelling will make breathing and swallowing difficult, and may include abdominal pain, vomiting, and mental confusion. Persons severely allergic to bees, shellfish, or peanuts should carry a dose of epinephrine to quickly reverse this reaction.

Since allergies can’t be cured, it is important to determine and avoid the triggers for allergic reactions. Triggers can be environmental (wind, pollen, poison ivy, pollution), chemical (perfume, smoke, cleaning materials, latex rubber, medications), or foods (shellfish, peanuts, wheat, milk, soy, strawberries, eggs). In addition, do not overlook items from the surroundings like animals, mold, bee stings, or dust.

Whether an allergy is diagnosed through the medical testing of a physician or the detective process of an individual, finding the source of the allergy is like solving a mystery. Be observant to symptoms and the activities leading up to them.

Look for connections between a reaction and any changes in diet, environment, or product use. Also consider others and eliminate bringing potential triggers into public venues whenever possible.

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Through process of elimination, irritants can be discovered and reactions prevented. (Source: HON (Health on the Net) approved http://allergies. about.com/) Then the LORD said to him, “…you will have a son of your own to inherit everything I am giving you.”

Genesis 15:4 NLT Studies have shown that allergic tendencies may be inherited. If neither parent has allergies, a child has about a 15% chance of developing them.

The chances increase to 30-50% if one parent has allergies and to 60-75% if both parents have allergies. This inherited tendency only means the child will react to allergens. Your child may or may not react to the same allergens as you so it is important to monitor your child for allergic symptoms, obtain a diagnosis, and find the best control for the allergic reaction.

“The wind blows south, and then turns north.

Around and around it goes, blowing in circles.”

Ecclesiastes 1:6 NLT People allergic to substances in the environment will experience more problems at specific times of the year. Their symptoms will be worse during times of high winds when offending pollens are spread about. Late mornings or early afternoons have higher pollen counts which will cause more discomfort. The heavy air from high temperature and humidity will trigger an asthmatic’s allergies.

Different types of pollen (tree, grass, ragweed, flowers, etc.) are prevalent at different times of the year. For these reasons it is important to know what specific allergens trigger your symptoms.

March through May seems to be a bad allergy time for many people in Arizona while August and September are the worst months for allergies in the Midwest. Some people have allergy problems 12 months of the year due to varying allergens in different seasons.

“The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me.” Job 30:27 NIV Many people think allergens, the substances

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that cause irritation, are limited to poison ivy or animals when many things can cause a reaction.

Common culprits include: honey, peanuts, wheat products, strawberries, perfume, scented candles, mold, latex rubber (balloons, gloves), grass, soaps, or even medications. To help others, know that the cologne you are wearing could bother asthmatics. Label your food dish if it contains allergens like peanuts or shellfish. Take non-latex balloons to the party. Little steps like these can go a long way to prevent someone’s discomfort.

“Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Habakkuk 2:2 NIV To diagnose an allergy, first keep a diary; note what foods were eaten, animals or plants that were near or touched, or any activity that might have triggered a reaction. When a reaction occurs, look for a link between the symptom and a prior activity. If none are found, physicians may order blood and skin tests to determine the allergen.

The skin tests can be uncomfortable but will help determine the allergen. Allergies can’t be cured but once diagnosed, treatment can begin and symptoms relieved.

References / Resources:

www.webmd.com/allergies/default.htm - provides overview of allergies, diagnosis, treatment, and management of symptoms http://allergies.about.com/ - general and allergen specific information reviewed by the site’s medical board and HON approved http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/ allergies_immune/allergies.html - site is specifically designed for kids with allergies www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/allergy.html material provided by the National Institutes of Health

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid PAID Cave Creek, AZ Permit No. 9

34605 North Tom Darlington Drive P.O. Box 874 Carefree AZ 85377 480-488-3384

or current resident

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