August / September 2013
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church
34605 North Tom Darlington Drive P.O. Box 874 Carefree AZ 85377 480-488-3384
Echoes
Echoes 33rd General Assembly of the EPC SPECIAL
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 October November issue, deadline for submissions is September 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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August / September 2013
IN THIS ISSUE 03 04 05 06 07 07 08 09 09 09 10 12 12 13 13 13 14 15 15 16
Pastor’s Message Assembly Report: Tone and Spirit Assembly Report: World Outreach Assembly Report: Conversion Leupp News International Day God Sightings Christmas Ornaments Summer Hours Thank You from the Joneses Visit to Ebenezer Church Community Bible Study Join DHPC Heirloom Nativity Sets Crocheting and Knitting Ministry at the Heritage From Your Associate Pastor Stephen Ministry Christmas Musical Dashboard
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.
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
Pastor’s Message
Pastor’s
Message Jim Noble, Senior Pastor jnoble@deserthills.org 480-488-3384
EPC’S GENERAL ASSEMBLY: A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE At our orientation for the General Assembly, Jeff Jeremiah the Stated Clerk for the General Assembly provided an orientation for all us “rookies” or newcomers to an EPC General Assembly meeting. He outlined four components of every General Assembly meeting and I provide them here not only for your information, but also in case you get to go some time. First, General Assembly in the EPC is a place for all the churches to come together and worship the Lord. Our four days were permeated with prayer, celebrations of God’s work among us, and of course formal times of worship as well. Second, General Assembly is a time to equip and encourage leaders in our congregations. The entire first day of the General Assembly is devoted to equipping and this year we had Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg offer seminars on evangelism and discipleship. Next year, 2014, Tim Keller will be one of the main speakers. Third, General Assembly in the EPC is a time of fellowship where you can meet and connect with brothers and sisters from around the world, get caught up on life, and share insights and prayer together. In fact, the General Assembly wants to continue to meet each year rather than every other year, because this family reunion component is so
important. We were actually encouraged to make time to converse even if it meant stepping out of the business portion of the meeting. Finally, the General Assembly is a place where we transact the business that needs to get done at a national level. I want to note that it seemed like the least amount of time was spent on this portion. Part of the reason for this was the manner in which business was accomplished, but also because it really did not take up all the time. As one coming from an experience where the business was the reason for Presbyterians to meet, I at first was confused by the new environment, then quickly came to enjoy its freedom.
Peace in Christ,
Jim
Cherry Hills Community Church, Site of the 33rd General Assembly
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
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33rd General Assembly of the EPC: REPORTS & Feedback TONE AND SPIRIT OF ASSEMBLY By Steve Searle This was the first GA that I have attended of any denomination. The only prior events to which I could compare GA were two PCUSA/Grand Canyon Presbytery meetings, dating back to the mid-90s. The overall spiritual tone of the EPC GA was not at all what I anticipated. Given my experience in the past, I was expecting to attend a series of policy meetings and discussions, vote on the results of those meetings and discussions, and perhaps attend a presentation, or two. I also expected to be able to worship God. Boy, was I ever wrong!! The best way for me to describe GA is that it was like a four day worship service, with a little bit of business on the side. The Holy Spirit was definitely in attendance! Every speaker began and ended in prayer. The overarching attitude of the leadership was one of humble service. The business of the denomination was done “decently and in order”, and, even the polite disagreements during the business sessions were resolved without anyone becoming contentious. The love of God was omnipresent!
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One of the more impactful sessions was the “commissioning” of the missionaries, who are presently traveling to distant lands, primarily to bring the Gospel to Muslims. Most of them were young couples, with young children (some infants and a young couple expecting their first child soon). The last question asked of them during the “commissioning” required them to affirm that they understood that, during the time of their mission, they could experience extreme physical harm and even martyrdom. Not one of them hesitated to answer in the affirmative. It was very moving to me to realize that these saints have put their full faith in the Lord Jesus, and their very lives at His beck and call. I am, by comparison, a complete “slacker”! The face of Jesus was everywhere. The formal worship services were extremely Spirit filled. The music was outstanding. It was the family of God, the “Clan of Christ”! Also, “transitioning” churches – both independent and formerly PCUSA – were welcomed as long-lost “cousins”, with many voices saying “Welcome home!” We at DHPC are, truly, “home”!
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
WORLD OUTREACH By Jacqy Kilgore
for them is very real: for most the “yes” will come with personal sacrifice for Christ alone!
At the 33rd General Assembly in Denver I was blessed to participate in the World Outreach Conference. Greg Livingstone, Director of WO, shared the heart of a denomination who has spent time on its knees not only seeking the answer ‘whom’ but also ‘where’. God has poured into the EPC a passion and a tenderness for the unreached Muslim world around the globe.
The Presbytery of the West has chosen to support missions in Sumatra. The mission couple in-country are raising up fellow brothers and sisters in Christ among the native people groups. As God answers their prayers, they pass the ‘reins of evangelism’ and move to new people groups. They seek your prayers for covering, perseverance, and boldness. They also pray for new members from within the Presbytery to come and work alongside them.
Previously EPC commissioned missionaries to other mission organizations. Today the EPC is commissioning missionaries through its own World Outreach. On Thursday evening 24 new missionaries were commissioned. The overwhelming majority were young couples with very young children. They all are passionate for the people groups they will serve. They go as Paul and Timothy to the unchurched with hearts overflowing with God’s amazing love. For most, the journey is so dangerous. They go as businessmen and women, equipping people in microindustry, technology, and education. A question was added this year to the service: ”Are you willing to serve and do you acknowledge that the cost may be persecution, martydom, even death?” The overwhelming reply was “YES!” To protect the identities of these missionaries, the online feed of the proceedings was stopped for the evening. The danger
If God has placed a tenderness in your heart for the people of Sumatra, won’t you answer. “Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord ... it is I, Lord.. I have heard you calling in the night...” This week as I spent countless hours catching up on emails, I saw a caption on the web: photos of ‘Hell on Earth’. The photos were daunting; places around the globe in darkness, people in despair. Who were those people --- India, Pakistan, Syria, Myanmar, Niger, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Cameroon, Rwanda, Egypt, Iran to name a few. Muslim peoples living in darkness, violence, and fear. A coincidence you ask...I believe God was connecting the dots. One way He is doing so is through EPC World Outreach.
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
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33rd General Assembly of the EPC: REPORTS & Feedback WE CAN’T CONVERT IN HEAVEN By Nan Boyer-Searle If Jesus came to you tonight and said, “I will save every single person you prayed to know me in the past week,” how many would that be? The first day’s General Assembly Workshop focused on how to help unbelievers know and accept our Lord. National speakers Lee Strobel (“The Case for Christ”) and Mark Mittelberg (“Becoming a Contagious Christian”), encouraged the delegates to be intentional in speaking with non-believing neighbors, family and coworkers.
• Try living as if this is our last month on earth.
Would this change how we interact with people about God?
• Remember that Christ’s most memorable actions
were done in response to interruptions in his schedule. Our mission is never just about tasks and achievements. It’s about loving and serving people God puts into our life.
• Be willing; we do not have to be pastors or
academics to make a difference in the lives of others.
Mittelberg
Due to culture changes, the unbelievers’ commitment to the Lord is more of a process, recently, and not as much an immediate acceptance of the Lord. They want information, evidence and a sense of “community” as Bible Studies and Covenant groups have. Our EPC friends have created a great model to deal with these potential Christians in a group. It is aptly named “Spiritual Discovery Groups”. Facilitators do not need to have a divinity degree! We use our own faith experience and ability to find answers.
Strobel
We learned about sharing the Gospel in practical ways, as Jesus would do. All of us have motivation to reach people for Christ because people matter to God and therefore matter to us. People are lost and are looking for answers. The role of our hearts, one-to-one or in a group:
• Be ready and willing to share what God has done for you.
• Don’t wait until an ideal moment to address faith, or we probably will never get to it. Carpe Diem!
The role of the Spiritual Discovery Group model:
• Offers the non-believer opportunities to ask questions.
• Often grows into a safe small group allowing
seekers to discover Biblical truths and not feel they are ‘taught’.
• Gives Leaders freedom to NOT have all the answers; rather, they explore answers along with nonbelievers.
An Unexpected Adventure “Talking about faith with a non-believer can be the difference between a numb life of predictability, and an exhilarating series of divine “coincidences”. --Lee Strobel
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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
Leupp News DHPC takes VBS to Leupp The following church people went to Leupp for four days to help with their Vacation Bible School this summer: Dorothy and Chuck Starnes Jacqy Kilgore Min Damm Nan Boyer-Searle Everyone had a wonderful time as Leupp used the same curriculum our church did, “Jerusalem Marketplace”. The photos tell the stories.
Min helps with weaving
Jacqy & Dorothy teach dancing with Eunice Kelly
Able is a new Believer, who helped in the kitchen
Min & Dorothy work costumes
Desert Hills First Ever INTERNATIONAL DAY! SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2
Midmorning through Afternoon • Sister Navajo Church from Leupp, AZ Visits Us • Celebrating Desert Hills’ Diverse Cultures • Featuring Special Foods From Around The World • Enjoy A Fabulous International Food Sampling Feast • Learn A Simple “Americana” Dance, Courtesy of Our Ancestors • Desert Hills Members Will Share Their International Cultures All Ages Will Love This Fun Event!
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
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GOD SIGHTINGS How is God at work in your life? Give glory, honor and praise by sharing your own God Sightings! Please email what God has planned in your heart and life to godsightings@deserthills.org and we’ll be sure to run it in the next issue of Echoes.
In June I flew to California to scatter my husband’s ashes on the Sonoma coast. As our small family gathered on the beach for this special time, we shared our thoughts and memories. As we did that we noticed a sea otter playing in the surf. The ashes were scattered as we hugged and cried, and then my grandson said, “Nana, look up.” I did, and to my amazement there was a flight of birds in “militarylike” formation: about six on one side of the triangle and the missing man was represented by 5 birds on the other side. What an awesome sight!!! My husband loved all animals, but he fed the birds at our home faithfully every day. At his service the memory notes showed birds in flight with the comment “GOING HOME”. This was so very meaningful to our family because prior to scattering his ashes, there had not been a bird in sight!! At that moment I knew Evan was in Heaven, with Our Lord, and his struggles here on Earth were over.
I stopped and approached the animal on foot fully expecting it to flee. It didn’t move. When I got close I saw it was a half-grown kitten. He sat perfectly still while I picked him up and placed him on the side of the road thinking maybe there was a farm house close by where he lived. The kitten made absolutely no movement except to raise his head and look me straight in the eyes. At that moment I knew God had sent me this kitten to help me through that night and all the upcoming ones. We took him home, found out he was a Cornish Rex cat and also deaf. This breed is rare, especially in a small town county. To this date he has enriched our lives so much, he truly is a special cat and is so in tune to both my husband and I. He still looks me straight in the eyes and I can see my mother smiling down at me.
- Debbie Hudson
Praise be to God and Peace to our family!!
- Mary Ann Fricker
My mother, whom I was very close to, had passed away and we were in Mansfield, Ohio for her funeral. After the graveyard service and visits, with my brother, my husband and I were driving my mother’s car back to her home which was on a lake about 30 miles outside of Mansfield. We were driving on an old country dirt road through the woods and I was praying to God to please help me get through the night. It was 10 pm and dark when dead center in this old dirt road my headlights picked up a little white form laying in the road.
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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
NEW HANDPAINTED DHPC CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER Limited Edition supports Children’s Ministries – Reserve Yours Today for $20! We know… it’s 100+ degrees and we’re already talking about Christmas? But we have a very good reason! In lieu of the annual year-end cookie dough sale to help raise needed funds, DHPC’s Children’s Ministries has commissioned a fully original, completely hand-painted Christmas ornament through Brenda Schodt at Southwest Ornaments. Since each of these ornaments is hand-painted based on the original design above, we’re taking orders right now and the ornaments themselves will be available for pickup around October. Brenda’s beautiful ornaments can be found at Sky Harbor Airport and the Desert Botanic Garden as well as through her website, www.southwestornaments.com. However, the only place you’ll find this one-of-a-kind ornament is through DHPC’s Children’s Ministries, and only for a limited time. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! To reserve your ornament, just stop by the church office anytime and ask Kathleen to add you to the list, contact her at children@deserthills.org, or call her at the church office at 480-488-3384. Bring cash or check for $20 per ornament in advance, if possible, and you’ll be guaranteed to receive the exact quantity you order when our shipment arrives! We’ll let you know when your ornament(s) is/are ready for pickup once the weather cools again and the holidays draw nearer.
SUMMER HOURS REMINDER Summer Worship hours will continue through September 30! Traditional Worship Service - 9:00 | Praise Worship Service - 10:30 On October 6 we will resume our three worship services.
THANK YOU FROM THE JONESES Dear Church Family, We wish to express our sincere thanks to all of you for your kind expressions of sympathy, prayers, cards and phone calls after the loss of our Dad, David Sanders. It has meant so much to both of us. Love in Christ, Van and Tonya Jones
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
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Highlights from the DHPC-Leupp Jamaica Visit to Ebenezer Church boys looked so hurt and sad. Most of them were bare-footed with very old clothing. They were polite and very interested in the singing, testimonies they heard, and activities we did with them. They loved the puppets! Some team members took the older children outside for games, and some did artwork. Clark Benham had a book on making various types of paper airplanes, and so many boys were trying out new paper airplane designs! The puppets and singing added some much-needed joy, and Sister Jackie from Ebenezer gave a testimony to her victory over cancer, and she then commanded those boys that they are not to grow up and shoot somebody, stab someone, and they are to be good fathers. It was intense and emotional, and I believe her words will stay with them. While the boys don’t appear to have much of a future, they are loved and valued by God – and there are programs in place to help them live productive and Godly lives.
It is impossible to condense an incredible trip into words, but here are some highlights for me:
We had music lessons at Ebenezer Church several days. Karin Thomas and I worked with the children on keyboards, and we used roll-up, battery keyboards. Dick Dietrich worked with the students on drums, and Gerald Todacheenie got the kids interested in guitar. It was a lot of fun to work with children who were eager to learn something new!
The people of Ebenezer United Church are amazing. They are warm, genuine, passionate for our Lord, thankful, grateful, generous, fun, and hospitable. They know and practice the Word of God in everyday living, in their conversations, and in their praying. I am humbled by their bold and vibrant witness, and was impacted by their deep prayer lives. The singing is so spiritual and refreshing. The songs will be forever in my heart. The Ebenezer ladies are great cooks! We had wonderful food that was generously provided by the church on several occasions. What a blessing to feast with them and try some new foods! The preaching we heard was challenging, direct, truth-filled, and inspiring. We heard from Rev. Khereen Wilson-Bailey, her husband Rev. Clifton Bailey, a Bishop, Sister LaToya, Sister Jackie, and our own Rev. Jim Noble. We heard testimonies and devotions from our team members, our Jamaican brothers and sisters, and also heard witness in general conversations with our sisters and brothers. We were continually surrounded by the Presence of the Lord. We visited two different boys’ homes on Tuesday, and those
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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
trees grew right up to the edge. On Saturday we had street ministry at 7 a.m. Yes, you read that time correctly! It was fascinating to see the people begin to mill about as we set up. We had some trouble with the generator providing power for the microphones, but people came and stood off a little ways and they could hear what was happening. The Ebenezer people rounded them up and brought them forward for prayer, although many came forward on their own .
On Wednesday, we joined the Jamaicans by fasting until 1 p.m., which incorporated a fantastic time of worship, prayer, and preaching. We also had Bible study later in the day. Of course, there was singing – there was always singing, no matter where we went or what we did! On Thursday morning, we broke into teams with the Jamaicans and went house to house in the neighborhoods, inviting people to the street ministry that evening. It was so interesting to see the homes, the goats in the yards, the wild dogs wandering around, the laundry being cleaned in buckets in the yard and then hung on the clothesline. We seemed to attract children along the way, and they wanted to hold our hands, use our cameras, and loved to pose for photos. People were very willing to talk with us, and my team encountered a 17-year old girl who grew up in a church, but has turned her back on religion – the reason? Hypocrites in the church. It brought tears to my eyes as I wondered if I have caused someone to turn away from our God.
The worship service on Sunday was so beautiful. Even though we spent a lot of time during the week getting to know many of the Ebenezer members, there were many at worship we had not yet met. They were very gracious, friendly, and interested in meeting us and chatting. They had decorated their sanctuary in a beautiful blue and yellow color scheme to celebrate their 174th Anniversary. Jim arrived wearing the exact same colors in his shirt and tie – amazingly, he forgot his tie and had to borrow one from Tom Lankford. He had no idea of their color scheme when he chose his shirt and borrowed the tie. More amazing was the fact that Ebenezer’s “colors” are the very blue and yellow that Jim was sporting!! Afterwards, Ebenezer had cake and some yummy food for us to eat. (Yes, it seems like we were always eating something delicious!!)
Our first street ministry was on Thursday evening, and I was shocked at how many people came out. We had wonderful music provided by Jamaican singers, Dick and Gerald on guitars , our bus driver Collin on drums. The sermon was given by the Bishop, plus testimonies from our team. The puppets were a big hit once again! On Friday, we had a day of refreshment as we drove to Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, which was quite a long bus ride. We enjoyed the view from the bus, because everything is so different! The roads were windy, bumpy, and narrow, and there was a lot of horn-honking around blind curves plus a friendly “hello” honk. The Falls were gorgeous, and we could hike up them, then we spent time on the beach. It was not the sort of beach where people would stretch out on towels to get some sun, but most just walked along the sand or went swimming in the beautiful blue water. Interestingly, there was shade on part of the beach because the
We can’t wait to see our friends again, and we thank God for allowing us the privilege of sharing a blessed week with them, learning from them, growing with them, serving with them, and witnessing with them. Wow! When you see a team member, ask them about their experience – because they will want to share different things from their unique perspective!
Diane
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
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COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY BEGINS OCTOBER 16TH Classes held each Wednesday morning 9:30-11:30
Community Bible Study, now in its fourteenth year in the Desert Foothills area, will resume meeting on Wednesday mornings, beginning on October 16th. New participants are welcome.
This year’s study for the Carefree CBS class will include two books in the Bible: Mark and Galatians. Mark is a vivid account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ; Galatians is an outstanding treatment of Christian liberty.
This is an interdenominational Bible study for men and women from a variety of backgrounds. The enrollment of the Carefree CBS class last year included about 100 men and women from over twenty different churches in this area. The teaching leader of the Carefree Class is local resident Amy Woods.
The commentary and questions help students to make important discoveries in following Jesus on his earthly journeys and to see Him as the prototypical servant as well as a man of action. In Galatians, Paul’s declaration of justification by faith alone based on the finished work of Jesus Christ sheds light on the freedom from bondage of the Law that is to be enjoyed by Christians.
Community Bible Study, a national organization with no church or denominational affiliation, provides studies with commentaries and questions prepared by a team of Bible scholars, writers and editors. All leaders in Community Bible Study are trained volunteers. There are 628 classes throughout the United States and abroad. Each week participants are encouraged to do individual study, answer questions and read the notes that are provided on the Bible passages being studied. The Wednesday morning program includes fellowship, small group discussions, and teaching by a trained lay leader.
Classes will run from October 16 through April 23, Wednesdays 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at DHPC. Anyone interested in the study who has not already enrolled or who would like more information is encouraged to call Gretchen Mills at 480 595-9591 or visit communitybiblestudy.org.
TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN DHPC BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR! Membership classes begin August 11 or October 6.
Option #2: October to Advent
Option #1: August Series
Nine one-hour classes, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Meet in the classrooms. You may still join if you can only attend seven of the nine classes, October 6, 13, 20, and 27; November 3, 10, and17; December 1 and 8. New Member Recognition Sunday, December 15.
Four two-hour classes, 12:15 – 2:15 p.m. Meet in the Fellowship Center. You may still join if you can only attend three of the four classes, August 11, 18, 25, and September 8. New Member Recognition Sunday, September 15 You also may attend one or more classes from this series and complete the last class(es) in the later series.
You also may attend one or more classes from the first series and complete the last class(es) in this series. Contact Nan Boyer-Searle at (480) 239-3751 or outreach@ deserthills.org to reserve your spot or find out more!
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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
MAKE YOUR OWN HEIRLOOM CLAY NATIVITY SET – TWO TIMES AVAILABLE Interested in creating a nativity set from clay that will be cherished by your family for years to come? Ron Carson will guide us through the process of creating the various figures of your choice for a complete nativity set. Ron promises us the process is very simple and one doesn’t need to be “artistic” to have success! This project will take two sessions to complete, and you will need to attend both sessions. The first session will be on Saturday, November 9 and you may choose a time of 9 a.m. OR 1:30 p.m. The second session (stain will be applied) will be on Saturday, November 16, and you may choose a time of 9 a.m. OR 1:30 p.m. The cost for this project is $5 per nativity set. There are limited spots available, so be sure to register as soon as you know your plans for November. The workshop will be held at Ron’s home, and directions will be provided to those who register. Please make your reservations by calling or emailing Diane Hillwig from the Music and Arts Committee. Diane’s phone is 480-459-5063 or email her at dianehillwig@gmail.com.
INTERESTED IN KNITTING OR CROCHETING? Come join us as we inspire each other, learn from each other, and fellowship together while knitting and crocheting! 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, contact Meg Gowin (meggowin@ gmail.com / 908-930-5547) or Diane Hillwig (dianehillwig@gmail.com or 480459-5063)
MINISTRY AT THE HERITAGE Folks from DHPC continue to visit The Heritage assisted living facility 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
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
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From Your Associate Pastor Bob Claus, Associate Pastor | bclaus@deserthills.org | 480-488-3384
CARE MINISTRY GROWS TO MEET YOUR NEEDS Parish Nurse Program
Deacon’s Ministry Review
Our church’s Care Ministry is growing and changing as the needs of our congregation change. In the last several months, the Deacons presented a proposal to Session on creating a Parish Nurse Program. The Parish Nurse program was started in Chicago by Dr. West Granger. As a physician, he saw how important it was for the church to expand its Care Ministry to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its members.
In the spring, the Leadership Development Team, led by Barbara Conti and Greg Bischak, conducted a review of the Deacon’s Ministry by interviewing Deacons, Parish Sheperds, and a random number of members. The purpose was to assess how well the geographic parish system was working after about one year, what improvements could be made, and ways to communicate the value of the Care Ministry in our church.
While Jesus was not a doctor, he was a healer and when he healed, our Lord met the needs of people in all dimensions – restoring not physically only but their relationships to a healthy place with compassion, forgiveness, truth, and hope. We will provide more information once the Session accepts and approves our proposal. We have high hopes because the Parish Nurse will assist any member who needs to talk about their health issues with complete confidentiality and provide information on medical issues. Meal Ministry Program Under the auspices of the Deacon Board, we have created a Meal Ministry team overseen by Myra Sherriff to provide meals to members on a short-term basis. Myra has been instrumental in creating, organizing, and recruiting members to provide meals by using a website called, “Lots of Helping Hands.” The key to this Meal Ministry is volunteers who sign up with Myra onto the “Lots of Helping Hands” site, so that all are notified when a meal is needed. It is a great way to meet people who are from our congregation who need meals until they get well and back on their feet. Contact Myra directly at 480-502-9431 or at sherriffmyra@aol.com.
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As a result, the Deacons are moving forward with the geographic parishes by refining the definitions of the boundaries for the nineteen parishes. In the near future, we will provide a map that shows all the parishes and the names of your Parish Deacon and Parish Shepherd. Caring Relationships Series and Stephen Minister Training Coming Soon In the fall, we anticipate that George and Cathy Hoxie will continue their series on “Caring Relationships” and we start a new training program for Stephen Ministers. Because God cares, we care. Blessings,
Bob
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • August / September 2013
STEPHEN MINISTRY OPEN YOURSELF TO GOD THE HEALER
caring. People realize you may need help. With prayer comes care.
“Let us understand that God is a physician,” wrote Saint Augustine. “Because God the creator is the source of all life, God must also be the source of what restores people to life: healing.”
Understand that miracles can happen, but..... When we or a loved one become seriously ill, our instinct is to pray for a cure, for deliverance from the disease. Praying for a miracle is a natural and very human response to serious illness.
As our creator, God knows us inside and out. “For it was you who formed my inward parts, you knit me together in my mother’s womb,” says Psalm 139:13. God who is so close to us and knows us so intimately also knows best what we need. Support one another in prayers. The first step in praying for healing is to see how every form of healing, even medical treatment, is part of God’s healing. Prayer not only presents our concerns to God, it also brings them to the attention of others. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends and your faith community to pray for you when illness threatens. You feel less alone and you enter into a larger community of
Cast And Crew Call For “Manger Mania” A Christmas Musical The DHPC Theater Group is producing an exciting Christmas musical titled “Manger Mania” on December 8. Don’t miss being part of this production! Registration and practices start soon. Casting Call: Children and youth are invited to be a part of the production.
Many stories can be told of miracle cures, when medical science cannot explain the remission of a disease. Prayer can’t guarantee we will get better or never get sick. What we can be sure prayer will do is help us to trust that God helps us to heal in the way that’s best for us, whether that healing be recovery, strength, closeness to God’s compassion and love, peace, or support. Take Heart. “Prayer,” the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard wrote, “does not change God, but it changes the one who prays.” In prayer we turn to God and ask for God’s healing presence in our lives, which can change and heal us in many ways. Prayer helps us feel less isolated and afraid when we or loved ones are ill. It draws us closer to one another and to God.
“Sing, Shout, and Dance” Practices: Practices for children and youth are weekly on Wednesdays beginning on August 14, 4:00 – 5:30 in Fellowship Center with final production on December 8.
Registration: Registration for cast and crew will be held Sundays. Look for the Manger Mania table on the patio and three cool wise guys! Or call church office.
Questions: Please call Vicky or Ron Crowe at 623465-7156 with any questions.
Production Support: Youth and adults are needed in supportive roles. Help is needed with costumes, props, scenery , choreography, programs, lighting, audio, and makeup.
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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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