Echoes of DHPC | April - May 2016

April / May 2016

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Echoes

GOD

AT WORK

IN DESERT HILLS

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

Echoes

April / May 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:

03 Pastor's Message 04 Leupp Visit 05 National Day of Prayer 06 C ount Your Blessings Mother's Day Brunch

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Operation Christmas Child

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Youth Band Garage Sessions Jamaica Missions Men's Breakfast

As in past years, DHPC will hold two worship services, June 7 through September 25.

9:00 am - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary 10:30 am - Praise Worship in the Fellowship Center Nursery care and Sunday School will be offered during both services.

We will resume our Fall schedule on October 2, 2016.

Echoes is published every other month 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 480-4883384 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 June - July issue, deadline for submissions is May 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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Music and Arts Festival From the Congregational Nurse Church Dashboard

This & That Homeschool Series

On June 5, we will begin our Summer Worship Schedule.

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VBS

Decision America Tour

SUMMER HOURS AT DESERT HILLS

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All-Church Pool Party

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FEELING SOCIAL? Be sure to “like” Desert Hills Presbyterian Church on Facebook! Simply go to the DHPC website: www.deserthills.org and click the Facebook icon.

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

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

Luther's Easter Sermon The historical witnesses tell of Jesus’ death on the cross, his burial in the tomb, and his resurrection on the third day. That first he appeared to the women, then to the twelve, and then to many others. Thus the Lord proved his resurrection to be a historical fact. But why was this done?

In an Easter sermon Martin Luther proclaimed: “St. Paul writes in Romans 4:25 as follows: ‘Christ was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.’ Paul is indeed the man who extols Christ in a masterly manner, telling us exactly why and for what purpose he suffered and how we should conform ourselves to his sufferings, namely, that he died for our sins.

This is a correct interpretation of the sufferings of Christ, by which we may profit. And as it is not sufficient to know and believe that Christ has died, so it will not suffice to know and believe that he rose with a transfigured body and is now in a state of joy and blessedness, no longer subject to mortality, for all this would profit me nothing or very little.

But when I come to understand the fact that all the works God does in Christ are done for me, nay, they are bestowed upon and given to me, the effect of his resurrection being that I also will arise and live with him; that will cause me to rejoice.

This must be brought home to our hearts, and we must not merely hear it with the ears of our body nor merely confess it with our mouth.”

Luther affirms that it is not enough to believe in the historical truth of Jesus death and resurrection.

Nor is it enough to simply understand that he died for our sins. Each person must believe in his or her heart that God did this “for me!” What results is a joy in the heart, but also a power works within our lives to make it real. Jesus is the seed that crushes all evil and brings blessings to the nations. (Gen. 22:18)

Luther continues: “All this is done, I say, by faith.

For if you believe that by this seed the serpent has been slain, then it is slain for you; and if you believe that in this seed all nations are to be blessed, then you are also blessed. For each one individually should have crushed the serpent under foot and redeemed himself from the curse, which would have been too difficult, nay impossible for us.

But now it has been done easily, namely, by Christ, who has crushed the serpent once, who alone is given as a blessing and benediction, and who has caused this Gospel to be published throughout the world, so that he who believes, accepts it and clings to it, is also in possession of it, and is assured that it is as he believes.

For in the heart of such a man the Word becomes so powerful that he will conquer death, the devil, sin and all adversity, like Christ himself did. So mighty is the Word that God himself would sooner be vanquished than that his Word should be conquered.”

Although Easter has passed for another year, I invite you to keep Luther's words in mind in the months ahead, receiving, accepting and resting in Christ alone for your salvation and trust in his power to free you from sin, death, and the devil. This is saving faith.

Peace in Christ,

Jim

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The Divine Stitcherhood

34 YEARS TOGETHER! DHPC’s ANNUAL VISIT TO LEUPP APRIL 23 & 24

Do you sew, quilt, knit, crochet or do some other portable craft? Join The Divine Stitcherhood and bring your project to the Lounge on Wednesdays from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. We encourage, inspire, challenge, and help each other – plus we enjoy a sweet time of fellowship, including prayer and devotion. In addition to personal projects, we also work on items for the Operation Christmas Child boxes. For more information contact Meg Gowin, Diane Hillwig, or Kathleen Harris.

Our visit to Leupp this year will include sharing laughs, fun, outreach, and who knows what else! We have some people traveling to Leupp for the first time and we are excited about that!

Therefore, it is a good time for all of us to re-visit some basic information about our church's relationship with Leupp:

• God has led us to know that our relationship is the pri•

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mary key to our nearly 34 years of visiting and knowing each other.

We at Desert Hills Presbyterian do not visit Leupp to help our brothers and sisters in Christ there. Rather, we go simply because we love each other and want to fellowship together. That is why we call them a "Sister Church" and not a "Mission Church". In other words, they do not need “fixing”.

We laugh at our differences! Each group knows that: »» Native Americans such as the Dine have a cyclical, holistic world view. They see their lives and plans in one large picture, understanding how each depends on each other. They let things play out. »» On the other hand, we—the Bilagaanas—view our world in parts and segments, often one at a time, and want answers to everything. So we plan like crazy and do not let much just play out. It's just the way it is!

What does this mean? We can be ourselves at Leupp. We do not suggest how they could do things, or ask why they do not do things our way. We are two cultures together, and as we have been together all these years, we recognize we have more things in common than not.

We both love God, we both love to laugh, we both love to eat, we both love jokes, we both love music, love children, love traveling, etc. Join us!

Call Nan Boyer-Searle for more information and to get involved (480-239-3751).

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National Day of Prayer: May 5

You may recall that part of the 2015 church Mission Study for all participants was to check four areas that should receive

In 1775, the first day of prayer was declared by the Continental

more emphasis. The top two were "Young married/families"

Congress designating a time for prayer in “forming a new na-

and Community Outreach. The Anthem Day of Prayer provides

tion.” In 1988 President Regan signed into law a fixed date for

a great venue to reach all ages and to reach out to Anthem

National Day of Prayer on the first Thursday in May.

people who may like our 'Reformed Tradition'.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church will be celebrating National

Mark your calendars and join us as we observe this day with

Day of Prayer at an outdoor service on the patio at 12:15 pm on

prayer, music and fellowship.

Thursday, May 5.

Call Nan Boyer-Searle for more information and to get involved Our church, along with a number of Anthem residents, will also

(480-239-3751).

support the National Day of Prayer at the Anthem Community Park. It will be held at the Park's Amphitheater on May 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served before the service begins.

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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH – MAY 7 Celebrating our mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends and neighbors. You are invited to join us as we honor all the women in our lives.

So mark your calendar and if you would like, invite a woman who is a blessing in your life.

Saturday, May 7th 10:00 - 12:00 - doors open at 9:30 am Cost $10.00 per person $25.00 for families with daughters under 18 Reserved seating, tickets must be purchased together Admission by ticket only, hats optional!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS speaker and mentor.

CHILD BEGINS NOW!

We will be collecting new or gently used purses that

Last fall, DHPC packed 186 shoe boxes for “Operation

day to be donated to “Smiles Beyond The Bars”. Find out

Christmas Child”. These boxes were sent to children in

more at http://smilesbeyondthebars.com.

third world countries around the world. We hope to at least

Tickets will be sold on the patio on Sundays during the

double that amount this year, and we need your help!

Our guest speaker is Christy Osborn, author, conference

month of April or contact Judie Preston, Be looking now for items—many are on sale—such as

jp85377@gmail.com.

small toys, hygiene items, shoes, hats, school supplies, toothpaste and toothbrushes, just to name a few.

You can drop them off ANYTIME in Narthex 1, and they will be stored until our packing party in July. Help us again show children around the world that we care!

For more information or lists of desired items, visit www.samaritanspurse.org

ALL-CHURCH POOL PARTY Sunday, June 12, 5:30-8:00pm Fun for all ages! Food will be served.

The YMCA rock wall will be open for our climbing experience!

Christy Osborn

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YOUTH BAND GARAGE SESSIONS UNDERWAY

Our youth band lessons have started with great success! We have been holding band lessons at DHPC every other week on Sunday mornings, and every Sunday evening out in Anthem.

Lessons have included guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboard, and even a bit of violin and ukulele! A huge thanks to the Frye family for the use of their garage!

DHPC MISSIONARIES GEAR UP FOR

JAMAICA

Our Jamaica team is gearing up for our trip to Mandeville, Jamaica to visit Ebenezer United Church (our sister church) in July. You'll be hearing much more about our upcoming trip!

Please being praying now that the Lord would richly bless our time together as we partner in ministry for Him!

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DHPC’S 4th ANNUAL

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2016 8:30—11:30 am DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 34605 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 (NE Corner of Carefree Highway & Scottsdale Rd.)

PAUL WESTPHAL BOYS AND MEN OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!

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For more information or to get tickets, please contact Kathleen at children@deserthills.org or call 480.488.3384.

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DHPC AT DECISION AMERICA TOUR’S ARIZONA STOP Twelve enthusiastic “Pray-ers" from DHPC joined thousands of Christians from all over Arizona to meet with Franklin Graham on the lawn of the State Capitol in downtown Phoenix on March 18th.

Mr. Graham is leading his Decision America tour of all 50 states in 2016 before their primaries. He spoke from his heart and from Scripture about the issues facing our country if we don’t turn back to God. This was not a political rally, but one of prayer and encouragement for Christians to pray for our country and its leaders; to VOTE for whomever God leads; and to consider running for political office so Christians can have people who love God and put Him first to vote for in the future.

The noon-day sun was hot but all the Christians around us seemed to be on fire for the Lord through prayer, music and worship. What a blessing!

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THIS & THAT HOMESCHOOL SERIES @ DHPC Have you heard the buzz about the homeschool families gathering in Fellowship Center on Wednesday afternoons? If you are curious feel free to stop by and say hello to our new friends.

You will often find us singing, reading, reciting poetry, painting, and sketching in our nature journals. Don’t forget to meet our parents who can often be found spending time with the Divine Stitcherhood group for fellowship and renewal.

This group of homeschoolers is very unique. They teach their children using a Christ-centered, Charlotte Mason approach.

The education is deeply rooted in Christian values, literature, arts, and natural sciences. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church is providing a place for these like-minded families to come together to encourage one another, find rest, and share resources.

The families are so grateful for the blessings provided by DHPC and the church members who volunteer their time according to their talents: art, music, photography, handicraft, naturalists. Thanks to Ron Carson, Susan Constance, Karin Thomas and Carol Young who have volunteered their time and talents with our students.

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If you are interested in learning more about the families and would like to volunteer your time, please contact Kathleen Harris at children@deserthills.org or call the church office at 480-488-3384.

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Registration forms are already available in the office or on the patio.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Kathleen at children@deserthills.org or call 480-488-3384.

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MOMENTS FROM THE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 We had a blast at the Music and Arts Festival in February, 2016! A total of 12 workshops were offered: Picasa, Designer Pillowcase Dresses, Instant Theater, “Drawing Stuff with an Old Man”, T’ai-Chi-Chih, Guitar, Fancy Napkin Folding, Wooden Pedestal Stand, Mosaic Cross, Calligraphy, and Stamped Greeting Cards.

Thank you to the wonderful and talented workshop leaders from DHPC who shared their creativity and inspired folks to try something different!

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from the

Congregational Nurse

OUR VISION: A GIFT FROM GOD When God created humankind, He gave us the beautiful gift of our eyes. We can enjoy the beauty of His picturesque world and the joy of seeing our loved ones. As my Aunt Mildred used to say of so many things, “That gives my eyes pleasure.” Unfortunately there are many things that can rob us of this gift, such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration or Diabetic Neuropathy.

Cataracts: Did you know nearly 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts? Did you also know that cataracts are one of the most curable causes of vision loss? A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens, blocking the passage of light needed for vision. They form slowly and cause no pain.

Some people notice a gradual painless blurring of vision, double vision in one eye or fading or yellowing of colors. Symptoms of cataracts in older adults may be sensitivity to glare and/or bright light, or they may have trouble driving at night. If someone needs frequent changes to his or her glasses or contact lens prescriptions, they should be evaluated for cataracts as well.

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Each year, more than 1.6 million of these delicate eye surgeries are performed in the United States. New techniques developed over the past decade have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most successful procedures available, in terms of restoring quality of life to patients.

Cataract surgery is most often done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The cloudy natural lens can be replaced with an artificial lens to give the eye proper focusing power. In most cases, the improvement in the patient’s vision is profound.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can steal sight from an individual with little or no warning. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve. It often occurs without any obvious symptoms. Many people don't discover they have glaucoma until the disease is advanced. In fact, 50% of the estimated three million Americans that have glaucoma are unaware they have it.

Seeing your eye doctor on a regular basis is the most effective way to detect and manage this eye disease. Once glaucoma

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is diagnosed, management of the disease may help slow the progression and preserve a patient's remaining vision. Clear fluid called “aqueous humor” is produced and circulates in the front portion of the eye. This fluid nourishes the front part of the eye and is largely responsible for maintaining the pressure inside the eye.

In a healthy eye, the eye produces a small amount of aqueous humor and an equal amount of this fluid flows out of the eye to maintain a healthy eye pressure which the doctor measures as intraocular pressure (IOP). When the aqueous fluid doesn’t flow out of the eye properly, it causes pressure to build up in the eye. If left untreated, elevated IOP causes damage to the optic nerve fibers and may lead to blindness. Peripheral (side) vision is usually affected by glaucoma first. If the disease is not treated, vision loss may progress and can lead to total blindness over time.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration

may occur as part of the body’s natural aging process. The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Diagnosing AMD in its earliest stages may help slow or manage its progression. In its earliest stages, a person may not be aware they have macular degeneration until they notice slight changes in their vision or until it is detected during an eye exam.

The macula is a small part of the retina and affects our central vision – that’s how we’re able to drive, read, and recognize faces. Although a person's peripheral vision is left unaffected

by AMD, the most important aspect of vision -- central vision -- is compromised. Macular degeneration by itself rarely causes total blindness and even those with advanced macular degeneration can continue to have some vision using their peripheral vision.

More than 2 million Americans age 50 and older have AMD. Having regular exams to diagnose any eye disease and ongoing monitoring of your vision are key to preserving as much vision as possible. Currently there is no outright cure for macular degeneration but treatments may slow the progression or even improve vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is damage to

the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye due to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It is the leading cause of blindness among Americans under the age of 65. Currently more than 5 million Americans age 40 and older have diabetic retinopathy. Complications of diabetic retinopathy include retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include: fluctuating, blurry and/or distorted vision; eye floaters and spots; development of shadows or blind spots in your field of vision; double vision; near vision problems unrelated to nearsightedness.

If you are diabetic, you should see your eye doctor at least once a year for a dilated eye exam, even if you have no visual symptoms. Diabetes damages delicate blood vessels in the retina, causing them to bleed or leak fluid.

You can significantly reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy by using common sense and taking good care of yourself, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, have routine physical exams and eye exams and if you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly and keep it under control.

No matter what our “Physical Visual Clarity” may be, for our “Spiritual Visual Clarity” we must keep our eyes on HIM, our Lord Jesus Christ, and He promises to keep His eyes on us. As the hymn says “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full on His wonderful face, and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Psalm 38:18 tells us “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love….” and Psalm 34:15 assures us “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry…”

DHPC Congregational Nurse: Mary Kay Thurston, RN 480-220-6679 nurse@deserthills.org

Resources for Low Vision Problems Arizona Department of Economic Security Rehabilitation Services Administration Arizona Talking Book Library 602-255-5578 www.azlibrary.gov/braille D E S E RT H I L L S

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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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