Echoes of DHPC | December 17 - January 2018

December 2017 - January 2018

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Echoes

Echoes

December 2017

IN THIS ISSUE:

03 04 04 04 05 05 06

Pastor's Message Stewardship Update Sanctuary Flowers Women's Retreat Divine Election Study

07 08 08 09 10

Your Missionary Needs You! Christmas Poinsettias Christmas Services Advent Sundays From Patrick McAvoy

Hope for the Homeless Session Updates

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.

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 February - March 2018 issue, deadline for submissions is January 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.

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 email Kathleen Harris at editor@deserthills.org.

Pastor’s Message Jim Noble, Senior Pastor

jnoble@deserthills.org 480-488-3384

Fear Not! God did more than interrupt lives at Christmas, he forever changed them. Mary was the first to give her life to Christ when she said to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

(Lk. 1:38) Mary conceived and gave birth to a son.

There was no going back.

Joseph was next to respond to what the Lord was doing. At first he hesitated, then accepted “what the Lord commanded him and he took Mary home as his wife.” (Mt. 1:24) This was no small or incremental change, but a complete surrender. It was radical and permanent.

No wonder the angels always began the Christmas message with, “fear not.” They knew that we humans often fear change, especially change that means one can never go back to the way things were.

The change is not something we can control or ever manage; it comes from the presence and work of the Lord. Emmanuel!

God is with us!

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This is the Christmas that we are preparing to celebrate. We are going to bring it into our homes and church, our schools and places of work. But where are the warning labels? Christmas is not safe for those who want to maintain their lives or go back to the normal routines after the celebration. Christmas calls us to surrender and loose our lives to the Lord.

The change produced is radical. It’s permanent.

And there is no going back.

Are you ready? The angels are still proclaiming, “Do not be afraid.”

Peace in Christ,

Jim

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STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

A Huge thank you! We have received pledge cards from 205 pledging units with a total of $815,000 pledged to date. Thank you to those who have pledged! If you have not yet pledged, please fill out a pledge card this month and return it to the church office.

Your pledge will help us achieve our 2018 goals.

To all of you, a huge thank you is due!

Steve Campbell

WOMEN’S RETREAT COMING FEBRUARY 24 “You’re my place of quiet retreat:I wait for your word to renew me.”

Psalm 119:114 The Message

We all need time to Renew... a time of spiritual refreshment... a time to unplug.

Come join us for a day of inspiration, reflection and prayer, a chance to fellowship and worship together in the beautiful surroundings of Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. A

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The flower chart for 2018 is now posted in the Narthex. The cost remains at $35.00 per arrangement. Payment must be made in advance. When you sign up for a specific Sunday, please make your check payable to DHPC, mark "flowers" in the memo section of your check, and place it in the offering plate.

We request just one arrangement per Sunday. If your preferred date is not available, please select an alternative date.

Blessings,

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SANCTUARY FLOWERS SIGN-UP IN THE NARTHEX

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day to share in the joy of the Lord!

We will learn more about, and practice, a spiritual tool that has been neglected in recent times but was central to Jesus’ life and ministry: silent prayer.

But don’t worry! We will have the opportunity to share and reflect together, to pray together, and to share in worship and communion.

Save the date now! Sign-up will be available after church services in January. Cost: $20 which includes coffee, snacks and lunch.

Sue Palmer

DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018

What do you believe about Election and what does the Bible say?

For God so loved the world that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ.

Nine weeks of video, study and discussion

Starting Sunday January 7th, 2018 at 9:45am December 24 (evening): in the Conference Room We light the Christ Candle.

Led by Dave Hulbert

It is Jesus Christ alone who brings salvation to the world.

Through Him, we are filled with HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE.

During Advent, our worship service times will remain the same, except for December 24, Christmas Eve: • 8:15 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary • 9:45 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary • 11:10 a.m. – Praise Worship Service in Fellowship Center

HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS GOLF TOURNAMENT GENERATES RECORD PROCEEDS

When does good news turn into ‘Great News’? When we all put our shoulder to the wheel and When does good news turn into ‘Great News’? When we make something happen! all put our shoulder to the wheel and make something

happen!

Thank you members and staff of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church for helping Homeless ID Thank you members and staff of Desert Hills Presbyterian Project, Inc. achieve a milestone: our Hope for the Homeless Golf Tournament set a new record Church for helping Homeless ID Project, Inc. achieve a for fund raising on September 29th at the Raven Golf Club—over $29,000 over expenses! milestone: our Hope for the Homeless Golf Tournament set a new record for fund raising on September 29th at the Raven Golf Club—over $29,000 over expenses!

Led by eight member sponsored teams, DHPC set the pace for 69 players and an outstanding Led by eight member-sponsored teams, DHPC set the tournament. Jim Scotti’s team tied for first place with a low net of 61! Way to go Jim! pace for 69 players and an outstanding tournament. Jim

Scotti’s team tied for first place with a low net of 61! Way to go Jim! Thanks to all the participants, workers, and the many of you who could not play but contributed to this great cause.

John Thurston, Tournament Chairman

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Session Updates DHPC’S CARE MINISTRY UPDATE

Parish Shepherds are led by Bev Shannon. She has 18 parish shepherds that call or email members in their geographic area on a regular basis. They are essential to care/communication in our church community. They ask members how they are doing and if they have any questions of the church, if they have any prayer requests or needs the church might be able to meet. They then communicate any needs to the appropriate resources. This is a friendly voice from the church, keeping up a connection. Often shepherds go above and beyond the phone call, doing much more and forming lasting relationships with their flock.

The Care Council is made up of Jim, Simon and Rob and the Congregational Nurses, Mary Kay Thurston and Veronica Fuller.

They meet every other Monday to communicate current needs, pray for and plan upcoming visits for the week. By group text, they report and communicate further needs throughout the week (anywhere from 40 to 60 texts per month). All communication is confidential, unless permission is given by the church member to share.

The work of the Prayer Ministry and Visitation will be in the next Echoes.

Veronica Fuller MUSIC & ARTS UPDATE Craft it Forward

• Made music themed Christmas trees which will be distributed to our home bound members.

• Made music themed ornaments which hang on a brass stand for our Leupp brothers and sisters Nativity Workshop • Ron and Sandy Carson graciously offered a two-day workshop for those who wished to add to their Nativity set or to make four angels.

Found Object Art • Led by Darla Gilchrist on January 13th.

Knitting Workshop to be announced

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DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018

JACQY KILGORE’S MINISTRY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT! “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Acts 2:46-47

and drop it in the offering plate or bring or mail it to the church office. I would love to share a cup of coffee and God’s vision for the Syrian refugees. If you have any questions or would like to hear about God’s vision for the Syrian refugees, please call me at 480.363.8199.

There are two ways you can support me. First, your tithe to DHPC supports me through the Missions budget. DHPC has generously included me in the 2018 budget. Desert Hills has set up a restricted account in my name and will send 100% of your donation to my account at World Outreach.

Have you walked in God’s favor? The Lord’s kindness is beyond what is due. August was the beginning of walking in the Favor of the Lord. The Bible says, “You have granted my life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit.”

Secondly, you can also personally support by making a pledge through www.EPCWO.org. Simply click on the “Give/Support” box and a menu will list missionaries by name. My listing is “K. Jacqy (546)”. Fill out the amount and the timing from the menu.

Please remember to fill in your personal information, indicate method of payment, account information, and authorize payment. Click “SUBMIT”. (You will receive a receipt from EPCWO).

As a new missionary, my job is raising support. Sound overwhelming? It can be! But the God of Abraham and Jacob goes before me; He prepares the way. Time and time again I have visited churches from Memphis to Corinth and Pascagoula to Ocean Springs where I have experienced the Lord’s Favor. Mission committees tell how God has changed the way they do missions; it is no longer about just sending a check. It’s a partnership in the Kingdom Work God is doing around the world.

You may also want to mail your check to EPCWO (write my name on the memo line: K. Jacqy (546). Please indicate whether your financial support is monthly, quarterly, yearly or one-time.

Please fill out all the boxes on the pledge card and mail to: EPC World Outreach 5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 510, Orlando, FL 326224407.

Job 10:12

On November 26th, I will begin officially asking my faith community, DHPC, for support. My TOC (Terms of Call) is not part of the DHPC financial budget. As a missionary, I am responsible for raising my support through the offerings of people just like you. My ministry budget is $66,300 per year which includes all my living and ministry expenses. Before I can depart for the field, I must have pledges totaling the full amount of my 3-year commitment.

A Missionary Pledge Card is available in the church office. It will also be available in the Church Office. Please complete the card

Your commitment of support is more than a pledge of dollars.

You are partnering with me in the work of the Kingdom of God in Lebanon. Numbers 31:27 says, “divide the plunder into two parts between the warriors who went out to battle and all the congregation.” God is crediting you who supplied the worker as we (together) battle for the lost children of God. I praise the Lord for the provision and the partnership He planned from the beginning. I look forward to sharing what God is doing in my life as I prepare to leave in late spring for Lebanon.

Jacqy Kilgore

• D E C E M B E R •2 0 D 1 7E -C JEAM NB UE AR R Y 220011 7 8 ECHOES H I L L S ECHOES

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CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS The special order chart for Christmas Poinsettias will be posted in the Narthex, and in the fellowship hall, beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This is a lovely way to remember a loved one or commemorate a special occasion during the Christmas season. Be sure to indicate on the chart the occasion or loved one you are remembering.

The cost of each poinsettia is $10.00 and the last day to sign up is Sunday, December 10.

Remember to indicate "poinsettia" in the memo section of your check.

You may take your plant home after the third service on Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING & EVENING SERVICES Because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, we will be having two Sunday morning worship services and three evening worship services on December 24.

Christmas Eve Morning Worship: • 9 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service • 11 a.m. – Praise Worship Service Christmas Eve Evening Worship: • 5 p.m. – Family Worship Service • 7 p.m. – Communion Worship Service • 9 p.m. – Lessons and Carols Come give glory to the newborn King with us!

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DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018

ADVENT SUNDAYS December 24 (evening): The Christ Candle.

December 3 The Candle of Hope.

As we light this candle, we pray that God’s hope will be in us, and shine through our lives until our Lord returns.

December 10 The Candle of Peace.

May the light of Christ’s peace burn brightly in our lives.

• 9:45 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

December 17 The Candle of Joy.

We welcome the good news of Advent with joy and join our hearts in proclaiming Joy to the World.

December 24 (morning): The Candle of Love.

For God so loved the world that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ.

DESERT HILLS

It is Jesus Christ alone who brings salvation to the world.

Through Him, we are filled with HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. During Advent, our worship service times will remain the same, except for December 24, Christmas Eve: • 8:15 a.m. – Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

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• 11:10 a.m. – Praise Worship Service in Fellowship Center

December 31, New Year's Eve

• 9:00 am - Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary • 11:00 am - Praise Worship Service in the Sanctuary

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DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018

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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

In April 2007, the first full-color magazine-style version of Echoes was mailed out to DHPC members, regular attendees and friends. Since that issue, I’ve been honored to put my God-given time and talent to work as the latest in a long line of Echoes editors, building on the great work that had been done since Rhoda Coghlan and Bob Pohlman produced the first issue back in the late 70s or early 80s.

That amounts to 87 regular issues of Echoes—it was initially a monthly publication before migrating to a semimonthly cadence starting in 2011—plus two special editions over the last 10-and-a-half years. That’s a pretty good run, and now is a good opportunity for me to step aside and let a new editor fill my shoes and bring some fresh energy and vision to the process.

Producing a small magazine is no individual task, and I’ve been blessed to have one person in particular at my side the entire time: our prodigiously talented art director, Alex Parrish. Every six weeks or so I would ship him off a Word document and a handful of photos and half-baked ideas, and a week or so later I’d have a masterpiece waiting in my inbox. Alex, thank you brother; for your patience, your flexibility, and most of all for sharing your incredible gifts with our congregation.

Special thanks as well to Donna McIntyre for being the axis around which the entire Echoes production spins.

From helpful deadline reminders to sweeping for errors to handling the print production, we literally could not have done it without you!

Lastly, I’d like to thank our regular columnists over the years—Pastor Jim especially, who has contributed from the start—and everyone who’s ever taken time to draft and submit an article or a photo. Every issue of Echoes begins with an empty Word document, and it’s your contributions that fill the pages and bring each issue to life.

Thank you for the opportunity to share so many of the wonderful ways the Holy Spirit is at work with DHPC over the last decade. May the Lord continue to bless everyone involved with Echoes as Kathleen Harris eases into the editor’s chair beginning with the February/March issue!

Patrick McAvoy Editor, 2007-2017