Echoes of DHPC | February - March 2016

February / March 2016

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Echoes

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

Psalm 85:11

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

Echoes

February / March 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:

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Pastor's Message The Joy of Praying for Others Music and Arts Festival Alpha New Member Class Leupp Visit

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Franklin Graham Tour Tulips and Lilies for Easter New Welcome / Visitor Center The Season of Easter From the Congregational Nurse India Outreach

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 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

Our Vision: More People, More Like Christ We are not trying to create more Democrats or Republicans, more conservatives, liberals, or moderates, nor are we trying to help people become more like Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, or Marin Luther King Jr. – our focus is solely upon becoming more like Christ ourselves (we are still working at it) and helping more people become more like Him as well.

The more we become like Christ, the more we reflect the glory of the Lord and bring glory to His Name. (II Corinthians 3:18) To become more like Christ does not mean that we need to grow long hair, wear a robe and sandals, and become carpenters. Instead, to be more like Christ is to: Open one’s life fully to the work of the Holy Spirit, Resist evil in all its forms, Be faithful and true in all of one’s relationships, Participate in God’s ongoing ministry in the world, And support our brothers and sisters in the faith.

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All of this is accomplished solely through the strength and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as He abides in us and we abide in Him. (John 15:4) We grow as His disciples knowing that when we are fully trained, we will be like Him. (Luke 6:40) And like Him, we are sent out into the world as ambassadors – the Spirit of God making His appeal through us, “Be reconciled to God.” (John 20:21, II Corinthians 5:20) We invite you to join with us in bringing glory to the Lord as we become more like Him, and help others to do so as well. Let us together celebrate and tell of the great works of the Lord among all people groups. And at all times demonstrate that imitation is the highest form of worship.

Peace in Christ,

Jim

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of the church and last but not least, for my needs. God has a wonderful way of searching my heart and showing me places I need His help, too.

The Joy Of Praying For Others

After seeing "The War Room" movie, it is my hope and prayer that you too may be willing to answer God’s call and attend one of the Bible Studies or commit to expanding your prayer life for “others.” It is a real joy spending time in God’s presence.

Cathy Hoxie

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2 The Prayer Committee would like to share with you the joy we have experienced over the last few months as we have prayed together for the needs of our congregation and community.

Pat Nichols For months now I have been standing up in front of the sanctuary after service waiting for someone to come forward for pray. For many weeks, I watched as the congregation turned and left. Then, I decided to stand there with a smile on my face and pray a prayer of blessing over everyone. I was so happy when the first person came forward and we prayed together. I felt so close to that person. The next time I saw her, I blurted out, “I love you.” That must have been a message from Jesus to her, too.

As the prayer ministry has begun to take shape, and through participating in the War Room Bible Study on prayer and praying for others each Monday morning the pray"ers” have been brought closer together as we pour our hearts out to God for the sake of “OTHERS”, our church, community and world.

As we pray, joy floods my mind and heart and gives me such a spiritual lift. Each day and even in the middle of the night when I wake, I ask God to meet the needs of the people on the prayer list in the bulletin, on the prayer chain, for the staff

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Being part of the prayer ministry has been a blessing to me in several ways. As we pray and wait on God together each Monday morning, I experience His presence and the sense that we are expressing what it means to be the Body of Christ.

Not only have I drawn closer to God, but a special bond has been created with those I am praying with and those I am praying for. When I pray for someone who comes forward in church or in my individual prayer time each day, I feel that I am participating with Jesus in his compassion and caring love and fulfilling the scriptural admonition to "carry one another's burdens." (Gal. 6.2) What a joy!

Jacqy Kilgore Who are we as the Church? We are followers of Jesus Christ.

We are bearers of the light. We are brothers and sisters on this journey towards Eternity. Jesus reminded us of the first commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your mind, all your heart, and all your strength." He said, "The 2nd is likened unto it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Where do we run when we struggle with the disappointments of life, unfavorable health reports or face overwhelming loss?

- on our knees with tears streaming down our cheeks, we run to the Cross of Christ. Why? - Isaiah says it best, "By His stripes you are healed." We are all called to intercessory prayer (prayer for others). We are called to stand in the midst of their trials, health struggles, and life challenges. We are called to run to the Cross of Jesus and join their tears and their prayers for God's mercy and loving kindness.

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It is humbling to lift our voices for members and friends of our DHPC Community. And in our times of prayer, Jesus meets us and fills us with His presence. So why wouldn't we live our lives with an attitude of prayer in the presence of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

DHPC MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL COMING FEBRUARY 26 & 27!

Be a Picasso, a Pavarotti or a Martha Stewart for the day!

Join us Friday evening, February 26 and Saturday, February 27 for Creative Fun and Fellowship!

Carolyn Hallstrom To pray for my DHPC brothers and sisters has increased my faith, blessed my walk with the LORD, and drawn me closer to my church family.

Festivities run from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets are only $10 per person, $25 per family Lunch on Saturday is FREE! Sign up for workshops on the patio on February 14 and 21 or contact:

Jeri Cornwell Being on the prayer team has been humbling and also an honor to help my Desert Hills family when I'm not able to help in any other way. I have seen prayers answered. What a praise!

Our God is here for us always and in all ways!

• Karin at 480-488-3384 or music@deserthills.org • Diane at 480-459-5063 or dianehillwig@gmail.com Payment due at time of sign-up!

Workshops include:

THREE WAYS TO LEAVE A PRAYER REQUEST:

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1. Fill out a prayer card found on the back of the pews in the sanctuary or in the friendship pads in the Fellowship Center or at each of the prayer boxes. Place your card in one of the prayer boxes in the Narthex, church office or Fellowship Center entrance.

• T’ai-Chi-Chih • Designer Pillowcase Dresses • Drawing Stuff with an Old Man • Guitar • Fancy Napkin Folding • Cool Sock Animals

2. Call the church phone number 480-488-3384 and press #7 for the Prayer Line to leave your prayer request.

• Wooden Pedestal Stand • Instant Theater

3. Go to the church website: deserthills.org and click on "Prayer Request" from any one of the drop down menus.

• Calligraphy Basics • Mosaic Cross • Stamped Greeting Cards

Be assured that your request will be prayed for and you will be contacted, if you desire.

Join us for prayer each Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Center Lounge.

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GOT QUESTIONS? TRY ALPHA! Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Alpha is for anyone who’s curious.

We will meet on Saturday, March 26 due to Easter.

The talks are designed to encourage debate and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, honest and informal environment.

Got Questions or need more information?

1. Visit www.alphausa.org 2. Stop by the Alpha table on the patio for more information and to sign up for this life changing course!

3. Contact Bob Mock, elder for Adult Discipleship at robertmock1@me.com or Kathleen Harris at children@ deserthills.org or call 480-488-3384.

Each session begins with a light meal followed by an engaging video talk and small group conversation. This very relaxed atmosphere allows everyone to feel comfortable asking questions and exploring the answers of faith.

The course will be held on Sunday evenings beginning on Sunday, Feb. 21 and will run until May 1.

In addition, there will be a one-day retreat on Saturday, April 9 at Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree.

New Member Class Series Begins April 3 Interested in learning more about our church or in becoming a member? You can do both at our Member Class Series!

Our leaders of the various ministries will visit the last class and share opportunities and answer any questions.

The next Member Classes will be held April 3, 10, 17 and May 8, 12:45 – 2:45 p.m.

Questions? Feel free to call Nan Boyer-Searle at the church office 480-488-3384 or her cell phone 480-239-3751

We will share with one another and discuss, among others, the following areas: • Our personal relationship with Christ • The history of our reformed tradition • How to be a Disciple & Apostle • Ways to grow in our faith • What it means to be a member We have a lot of fun and make new friends. We explore together numerous components of our faith and what it means to be a Christian. Pastor Jim Noble teaches part of the subjects and others lead areas as well.

Our Sister Church of over 33 years, the First Presbyterian Church of Leupp, always hosts us with a new experience. Sometimes they teach us, take us somewhere, or provide a new experience for us.

We hope you will join us this year again, or for the first time! A number of us stay

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at a motel while occasionally a family needs to simply drive up for just one of our two-day visit.

Stay tuned for more details; they will be shared as we receive them!

If you have general questions, you can call Nan Boyer-Searle 480-239-3751.

“America is too young to die.” - Rev. Billy Graham Nearly 40 years ago, Rev. Billy Graham said something that is even more pressing today: “Will America turn to God at this late hour, or will America continue on the broad road that leads to destruction? … There is no possible solution to the problems we face apart from a change in the spiritual atmosphere.”

Billy’s son, Franklin Graham, is traveling to all 50 states in 2016 to hold prayer rallies, to preach the Gospel, and to challenge believers to take a stand and take action. He’ll be urging Christians to vote, to live out their faith in every part of their lives, and to pray for our nation just as Nehemiah cried out to God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore hope to His people.

We need to challenge Christians to live out their faith at home, in public and at the ballot box.

Despite the cold temperatures and blustery winds, over 2,500 people joined Franklin Graham on the steps of the Capitol in Iowa calling out to God to heal our land.

The prayer ministry at DHPC is organizing transportation for the Arizona rally March 18th at noon, on the steps of the Arizona House of Representatives at 1700 W. Washington Ave., Phoenix 85007.

We pray you and your friends will join us!

Go to: https://decisionamericatour.com

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For additional information contact: Jacqy Kilgore 480.363.8191 jacqyk@msn.com Robert Smith 623.551.1321 robms@cox.net Pat Nichols 480.595.5751 dr.moseley@cox.net "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

—2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV

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The sign-up chart for Tulips and lilies will be posted in the Narthex and also in the Fellowship Center beginning Sunday, March 6. This is a wonderful way to honor a loved one or to celebrate this special occasion. The last day to sign up will be March 20.

YOU ARE DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH! By now, you all have likely noticed the new Welcome/Visitor Center, located on the patio by the stairs. The center is a very generous donation from the contractors who remodeled our sanctuary, Property Preservation Services. We are humbled and thankful for their contribution.

Nice as it may be however, it is You, the Church, that will be remembered by our guests.

Over 400 visitors last year!

The Outreach Committee is re-doubling its efforts this year to reach out to visitors and build relationships for the future. During the first half of 2015, DHPC welcomed over 400 local and out-of-state visitors to our church!

These newcomers often go unnoticed and may feel unwelcomed. Desert Hills cannot rely solely on the efforts of our patio greeters; we ALL need to be involved in order to reach all our visitors.

This is where we need YOUR help: • Do you remember the first time you visited this or any other church?

• What was your first impression?

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• Greeters at the entrance are really helpful, yet the genuine warmth of the church is expressed not by a greeter, but by You. • You are the warm heart of the Body of Christ. When you reach out to someone you don’t know you are telling them that they are welcome and appreciated.

• Please take a moment to look around for that new visitor, someone standing alone on the patio, and extend a smile and a greeting or handshake.

• You may well be the start of a new church experience for one who really needs community. They may even become a new friend!

Please also take them to the Welcome Center so that we may provide them with information about our church. Let all of us show our guests that they are truly loved in Christ.

Thank you!

Your DHPC Outreach Committee

• Did you feel welcomed?

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• Did anyone greet you? Most of us have felt that uncomfortable awkwardness of being a stranger in a new environment. Let’s not allow that to happen with our guests.

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The Season of Easter Ash Wednesday Worship Service - February 10 Good Friday - March 25 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church will be holding our traditional Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

Please add this date to your calendar as we begin our walk toward Jerusalem, following Christ to the cross and then to the empty tomb.

This service will include hymns, prayers, and the placement of ashes as a sign of our condition and repentance. Communion by intinction will also be served.

Palm Sunday - March 27 On Palm Sunday Christians celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. It is the week before his death and resurrection and also marks the beginning of Holy Week Palm Sunday Services on March 27 will be at the regularly scheduled times of 8:30, 9:45 and Praise Service at 11:00 in the Fellowship Center.

Our Holy Week special services continue with a Good Friday service which will be held on Friday, March 25 at 7:00 pm.

Good Friday services reflect and remember the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. He died for our sins and it is only through Him that we have been saved.

Easter Services - March 27 On March 27, we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will be holding FOUR Easter Services this year to worship our risen Lord.

Sunrise Service begins at 6:30 am outside on the Church Courtyard.

Traditional Services will be held at 8:00 am and 9:30 in the Sanctuary.

Praise Service will be held at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Center

Maundy Thursday - March 24 Maundy Thursday is the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples, sharing a meal with them which is known as the Last Supper.

We will be observing this day with a special service in our Sanctuary on Thursday, March 24, at 7:00 pm and Communion will be served by Intinction.

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from the

Congregational Nurse

Medications can be helpful and medications can be harmful. No medication is totally safe, especially if it is not taken the exact way it is intended. This is true for prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.

They can be very important health care tools if taken correctly.

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Read the label.

It is important to know what you are taking and why. When your doctor orders a medication for you, need to ask some questions to your doctor or his nurse:

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1. Why am I using this medicine?

2. How long should I use it?

3. When should I start to feel better?

4. What problems should I watch for?

5. Should I take it on an empty stomach or with food?

6. Is it safe to drink alcohol with it?

7. What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

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Know the medicine.

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What is the brand name?

Does it have any other names?

What does the pill or capsule look like?

What is the color, shape and what does the package look like?

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I f it looks different the next time you get it, ask the pharmacist why. It could be the same medication by a different pharmaceutical company or it could be the wrong medicine.

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F ind out what is in the drug. Do not use the medicine if you are allergic to anything in it. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about changing to a different medication if you are allergic to an ingredient.

Don’t use two drugs with the same or similar ingredients.

Do not use two drugs for the same problem unless your doctor, nurse or pharmacist suggests it and says it is okay to do so.

Read the warnings carefully.

Read the side effects carefully and report any you have to your doctor. Just because a side effect is listed does not mean you will have that side effect. Most of the side effects listed occur only in a small percentage of people.

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Follow the directions.

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o not skip taking your D medicines unless instructed by your doctor to do so.

Do not take more than the suggested dose.

Do not share medicines.

Do not take medicine in the dark or without using your glasses. It is too easy to make mistakes.

Keep a list of all the medicines you take including over-the-counter vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other products you use.

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S ome herbal medications and prescription medications “Interact” adversely with each other. What is right for one person may not be right for you.

Remember just because something says it is “Natural” or “Organic” does not necessarily mean it is “healthful” or right for your situation.

The FDA passed a law about labels on OTC (Over-theCounter) products. They must have a new label called “Drug Facts” This label will show people the best or safest way to use the OTC drugs.

Your list of medications should include: 1. N ame of all medicines, prescriptions, vitamins, herbs and any over-thecounter medicines you are taking.

2. Date you started each 3. Dosage and when to take it 4. Reason for taking it 5. Special instructions such as things to avoid such as food, alcohol, activities 6. Allergies or adverse reactions to any medications Write down or type your list into your computer and save it in your documents. Make changes to the list as needed, print a copy of this list. Keep a copy with you and especially take it with you to every doctor appointment.

Some resources for information about and proper medication use include: • Area Agency on Aging, 24-hour Senior Help Line, 602-264-HELP (4357) www.mayoclinic.org • Banner Good Samaritan Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222 • Partnership for Prescription Assistance, 1-888-477-2669 Your local pharmacist and healthcare physician, of course!

Some of the Information above taken from “Tips for Using Medications Wisely” presented by Maricopa Elder Behavioral Health Advocacy Coalition (MEBHAC)

World Outreach EnVision Trek to Patna, India March - April 2016 The Evangelical Presbyterian Church is planting churches in unreached Muslim communities around the globe through Engage 2025. EPC’s Engage 2025 is seeking to send 13 church planting teams of 6-8 people to work in unengaged locations where Muslims have no access to anyone who will tell them about Jesus.

This March, I have an opportunity to join the EnVision Trek in Patna, India. I have heard the Lord calling and I have replied, “Yes, Lord, Send me.” I have taken exams, completed interviews, and I am now praying for a people the Lord has chosen for me to carry in my heart. EnVision is an opportunity for me to experience, first-hand, the people Engage 2025 is working with.

Patna is in the Indian state of Bihar; 103 million people live there. Although 84% of the population is Hindu, 20 million Muslims live in Bihar; the majority live in Patna. They have no one to share the Gospel and no followers of Jesus among them. Dan and Stephanie are the first couple on the ground in Patna. They are sharing the gospel and living among the poorest of the poor, those beneath the ‘Untouchable Caste’. The Engage 2025 team is working in small business to provide skills and loans specifically to Muslim women to help them become self-sustainable.

I need your help. First of all, I need prayer partners who will lift me up as I prepare for the March 24th EnVision Trek. Please pray for the other members of the team as we begin training sessions via Skype in preparation for what God has prepared for us.

I also need financial support. I will be purchasing airline tickets and have minimum expenses on the ground in India. The estimated cost of the trip is $2100. I am hoping to stay an extra 2 weeks and work alongside the Engage 2025 ministry with the people of Patna. Your financial gifts can be made to Desert Hills Presbyterian Church/Jacqy Kilgore India. All gifts are tax deductible.

Please pray God will speak to my heart as I discern His plan. I am abiding with Him as He leads and guides me to the peoples He prepared at the beginning for me to share the Love of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for prayerfully considering my request.

In the Precious Name of Jesus Christ,

Jacqy Kilgore

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