Echoes of DHPC | February - March 2017

February / March 2017

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Echoes

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

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

Echoes IN THIS ISSUE:

03 Pastor's Message 04 New Adult Discipleship Classes 04 Hygiene Kits 04 Got old pictures?

05 50th Anniversary 06 R eflections on My Start at Desert Hills and the First Echoes Newsletter

February / March 2017

07 M y Thoughts and Remembrances at

13 C onnecting to One Another and Our

Desert Hills and Echoes

Church

08 4 0 Days of Prayer

14 16

for the Season of Lent

10 11 12

From the Congregational Nurse Church Dashboard

Faith-Based Grief Support The Personal Side of Covenant Groups My Corner of the World

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.

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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

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE BIRTH OF DHPC? It is important for a church to know its story and especially the story of its beginning. In a brochure that was produced early in the church’s history, the following story is presented which relates the birth of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church in 1967:

There are some fascinating bits of information that can be learned from this brief history of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church.

In the beginning a small group of people gathered in a private home, then they moved to the Carefree Inn and later they met in a shop in Carefree’s Easy Street. K.T. Palmer, founder of Carefree, chose and purchased the 7.5 acres of land that is the present church site and gave it for the purpose of a Presbyterian Church.

• When they outgrew a home, they were willing to move to different places so they could all meet together.

As the congregation experienced continuous growth it was time to build a church. Construction began in 1971 and the new church was finished and dedicated on the last Sunday in January 1972. Our congregation looks forward to further expansion as we grow in membership and mission.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church was officially organized as a congregation at a worship service on Sunday, April 2, 1967 at three o’clock in the afternoon.

The bulletin for the worship service lists fifty-nine members being received that day: thirty-four by letter of transfer, seventeen by reaffirmation of faith, and eight by confession of faith in Jesus Christ and baptism.

Seven elders and six deacons were elected and ordained to office, giving the church its first session and board of deacons. The members all made a promise to God and each other that day: “We promise to maintain this church by our attendance at its services, our support of its work, our gifts, our efforts, and our prayers, and to seek in its fellowship to glorify the name and further the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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• The people were willing to start small and in a private home.

• They grew from hard work, loving relationships, and generosity.

• They were officially organized as a church before they had a building.

• They had only fifty-nine members when they were organized, not hundreds.

• As is seen in the eight who were baptized, from the beginning, importance was placed on bringing people to faith in Jesus Christ and making disciples.

• Noticeably absent from the chartering service is the election and installation of a pastor.

• They were committed to furthering the Gospel and expanding the church.

Join us on April 2 as we celebrate what God did through a small group of people, worked over the years, and how the Lord is still at work among us today!

Peace in Christ,

Jim Echoes

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NEW ADULT DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES

GOT PICTURES OF THE EARLY DAYS OF DHPC?

Traditions in Worship

The 50th Anniversary Committee is asking all DHPC members to submit any old photographs you might have documenting our church history.

February 19, 9:45am in the Conference Room Church member Michael Wallace will explore the Traditions in Worship of our Reformed tradition.

What is Liturgy? What is our "formula" for worship?

Michael Wallace is a member of DHPC and a member of the Adult Discipleship Committee.

Michael has a degree in Theology from Emery University.

We would like to put together a booklet with these pictures as a remembrance of our heritage.

Please put your name on the back of the picture if you would like the pictures returned to you.

If you have any questions, please contact Laurann Cook at 480.437.1226 or Marcia Fishman at 480.516.3900.

"I Love to Tell the Story" March 5, 4:00-5:00pm

Join us for a fun and lively afternoon of role playing and telling our story. Learn how others in our congregation form relationships, share their lives and share Jesus with neighbors, friends and strangers.

HYGIENE KITS We are resuming the giving of hygiene kits to those less fortunate and who are homeless in downtown Phoenix. We are in need of NEW, UNOPENED travel size items such as: • 2 oz. cans of shaving cream • Individually-wrapped toothbrushes • Razors • Toothpaste • Shampoo • Socks • Lip balm • Washcloths You may also make a monetary donation to help purchase these items.

Checks can be made out to DHPC (specify in memo box “Hygiene Kits”).

If you have any questions, contact John Thurston at 480.220.6685.

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DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CELEBRATES OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY! Mark your calendars for April 2, 2017 at 3:00 pm!

In the beginning… a small group of Christians met in homes, in a store front and at the Carefree Inn. Their dream was to enhance God’s word by providing a place of worship for families.

The journey to our current church and the congregation owes its beginning to the founders of Carefree who in 1946 dreamed of a community in the Upper Sonoran Desert, distinct from the surrounding communities, where residents would enjoy a unique lifestyle that would blend into the beauty and tranquility of the desert.

On April 2, 1967 the Service or Worship and Organization of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church was held at the Carefree Inn at 3:00 in the afternoon.

Construction of the church sanctuary began in 1971 and the first sanctuary was dedicated the following year. In 1981 a Christian Education Annex was added. The current sanctuary was dedicated on Easter Sunday, 1989, with the first sanctuary becoming our Fellowship Hall. A major addition was completed in March of 1996 which provided additional classrooms and administrative space.

In 2004, plans were in process to replace the former Fellowship Center with a new, multi-purpose building which would include classrooms, offices, kitchen, stage and event seating space. Our current Fellowship Center was dedicated in April 2008.

The plan included a special place of worship nestled in 7.5 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert surrounded by a mound of magnificent boulders, forming a natural setting in which to enjoy God’s great creation and to worship Him. The land was donated by Carefree founder, K.T. Palmer, and on April, 1967 Desert Hills Presbyterian Church came into being.

The church property became politically and jurisdictionally part of the City of Scottsdale when developers of the surrounding community (The Boulders) elected in 1980 to annex to the City of Scottsdale. Intellectually and emotionally the church is still attached to the Town of Carefree and its surrounds.

God has been very gracious to Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and we wish to celebrate our continued journey with God. On Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 3:00 p.m., we will celebrate our 50th Anniversary with prayer, fellowship, music, glorifying the name and furthering the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark your calendars for this joyous occasion!

DHPC

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REFLECTIONS ON MY START AT DESERT HILLS AND THE FIRST ECHOES NEWSLETTER

GLENN CARLSON AND MY RETURN TO CHURCH

by Bob Pohlman Although I left Arizona many years ago, and hence Desert Hills Presbyterian, I think of the church often and remember my time there with affection.

I was introduced to Desert Hills when, as a young newspaperman in 1978(?), I had occasion to interview a new pastor in town. That man was the generous, understanding, infectiously upbeat, and unassuming-but-powerful human ambassador of Christ, Glenn Carlson.

For a small community with a weekly newspaper (the Black Mountain News), a new pastor is news. So, I asked a few obligatory questions. What did he think he might accomplish as pastor in our little community? What did Christianity and faith mean to him? Why was it important for Cave Creek/Carefree?

How about Science vs. Creationist conflicts? And so on.

My interview went beyond the perfunctory as I became drawn in to his unadorned but deep expression of faith in the Grace of God. (I had attended Presbyterian churches as a boy in the East, but had never gotten past their intellectual arguments about the finer points of religion to develop a real sense of faith. At least not since I got to be of that superior intellectual, thinking age that is so dangerous for adolescents).

Here I was, a smart-alec kid, thinking he was smarter than “saved” people. I had quietly scoffed as a couple of that bornagain ilk laid hands on my head, as I sat in my office one day typing out a news story, and prayed for my soul. They were sweet and simple, I thought, and I’d let them have their game.

(I’ve thought of them often, too. May God bless them! You never know what prayer may accomplish?)

So, Glenn gently told me (without telling, you know?) to have an open mind – that God would reveal himself and wouldn’t demand much of me if only I would get out of the way. I’m still working on that all these years later, and I’m convinced that it’s work I’ll be doing until they throw a spade of dirt in my face.

But it all started with Desert Hills and Glenn Carlson. I’m filled with a special joy remembering those days. And I thank Desert Hills for saving my life.

The beginning of Echoes My memory of the start-up of Echoes is vague (it was a long time ago) but I recall how Desert Hills membership—and the strong example of commitment and service our Pastor, Glenn Carlson set—called many to service. Even me. (It didn’t hurt that a human dynamo, Rhoda Coghlan, was excited about the idea and was driving the project.)

As we went on, my interview became less about my job and more about this man’s faith and my lack of it. (Excuse me for a minute, I’m getting a little emotional remembering that day.)

Finally, I asked Glenn that Science/Creation question or something like it and he gave me an answer I have remembered for nearly forty years and have shared with many others when we’ve discussed faith and doubt.

Anyway, as a writer by trade, it was my duty to step up. Rhoda and I got together and we worked down at the Black Mountain News office to put together some graphics, news and features that would help members keep up with the people and goingson of Desert Hills. I do remember well Rhoda’s gentle prodding – she never let any moss grow on her, or anyone she was around – and her fabulous laugh!

Paraphrasing (due to my poor memory), he said, “We of the Western Tradition – Greek and Roman thought – gather facts and use them to come up with the truth. That’s truth with a small “t”. The Bible was written by people who were of the Eastern Tradition. They knew the Truth – with a capital ‘T’ and their facts and stories merely illustrated it.” If that sounds deep, it is. And it was his depth, his conviction – devotion to a faith that was different than knowledge or just belief – that brought me to Desert Hills as a worshipper.

So we met and worked again and again, in gratitude to Desert Hills and the real Boss, to fill a need. I guess that’s it. We were given an example of service, Christ’s example, and we did our little thing. I only worked on it a short while. Rhoda – and many others, I’m sure – have done much more, but it’s nice to have been there at the start and to know that the Echoes still survives to serve our little family (and it is so much better now – way to go, Echoes Staff!

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MY THOUGHTS AND REMEMBRANCES AT DESERT HILLS AND ECHOES

by Rhoda Coghlan Along with reflections by Bob Pohlman here are my thoughts and remembrances about people who have passed through Desert Hills Presbyterian Church and the birth of the Echoes newsletter.

If you’ve been around awhile you may remember from 1971 to 1984 I was the publisher of the weekly Black Mountain News serving Cave Creek and Carefree. During that time numerous editors passed through the doors. Bob Pohlman was one. According to the findings in my daily diary, the first Echoes happened on Sunday, August 20, 1978. Bob and I met at the News office where we had all the available tools and thus began the monthly newsletter for Desert Hills. We continued this, usually on a Sunday afternoon, for many years. We have no recollection of when the job was terminated.

Additional items I found interesting in my diary were: On Sunday, April 24, 1977 Rev. John Bathgate gave his last sermon.

Saturday, January 21, 1978, I met Bruce Boyer at the Trois Amis French Restaurant in Cave Creek to discuss the new minister.

The very next day, January 22, 1978 we voted in the new, Pastor Glenn Carlson. The church records may show when I became a member. I’m thinking it was 1976. Wow! That adds up to 40 years. On January 7, 1979 I was installed as a deacon. Somewhere along the way I have also served as an elder.

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On to some personal notes: On March 10, 1979 my husband Buck Coghlan and I were married by Pastor Glenn Carlson. The ceremony was held outdoors beneath the three crosses facing the old sanctuary … a perfect day. Oh, then going back to 1976 Carl Dekle was the custodian at Desert Hills. During the summer Carl and Thelma would leave town so my son Brian Bockelman, a high school student, stepped in as a temporary.

As the years have passed by so quickly our son, Brian, now living in LA, became a member of Glendale Presbyterian in Glendale, CA. His three sons, James, Miles and Dale, were baptized in their infancy here at Desert Hills by Pastor David Philips.

These precious grandsons are now in California colleges. Yikes!

Thank you, Loving God. Your grace is amazing. You have guided me through the doors of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church into the arms of everlasting friendships. So happy to share my journey.

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March 1 until Easter Sunday, April 16 Lent is a time when we focus our hearts on drawing closer to God. During Lent we transition from the darkness of winter to the new light of spring and prepare our hearts for the celebration of new life given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

This is a time to simplify our lives and devote ourselves to activities that draw us into a deeper relationship with God. One way to focus our hearts is devoting more time to our conversations with God - simply praying.

Here are some suggestions and resources to help you focus your heart on prayer during this Lenten season.

Pray for a friend.

Think of someone in your life that you would like to pray for. It could be a neighbor, family member, golf buddy, service person (hair dresser, barber, store clerk, etc.) Ask them how you could pray for them. Commit to pray for them each day during the 40 days of Lent. Send them a postcard letting them know you are praying for them. (Postcards will be made available for this purpose after Sunday Services on February 26.)

Use the book Pocket Prayers: 40 Simple

Prayers that Bring Peace and Rest for your daily prayers and devotions during the Lenten season.

This book by Max Lucado offers simple encouragement for those who struggle to pray. It contains forty guided prayers and complementary scriptures that point to the Source of all hope and strength - Jesus.

The book will be made available free of charge after Sunday Services on February 19 & 26.

Look for your copy at the Prayer Ministry table on the patio.

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Join the Lenten Prayer Blog.

Add your comments and thoughts to our new prayer blog.

Encourage one another by sharing your experiences during 40 Days of Prayer. Look for daily encouragement and more prayer ideas. Look for the upcoming announcement in the bulletin for information about how to access the Blog.

Join with the church, your covenant group or

Bible study group for a study of the book "Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer. "

In "Before Amen," author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of Biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

We hope you will choose to join with us in 40 Days of Prayer.

You can choose one or all of the above suggestions or consider other ways that you can deepen your relationship with Jesus over the coming weeks. Whether you observe Lent in a small or big way, you'll be amazed at what happens when you devote yourself to spending time with Jesus.

Join with us as we join together to draw closer to God. THE PRAYER MINISTRY Prepare for the Lenten Season.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1.

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.

MARK THESE HOLY WEEK DATES FOR 2017:

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PALM SUNDAY - April 9 MAUNDY THURSDAY - April 13 (Communion) GOOD FRIDAY - April 14 EASTER SUNDAY - April 16

More Information to follow in the April edition of Echoes!

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FAITH-BASED GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

You will find help, comfort and compassion.

Every Thursday, beginning on February 2, 4:00—5:30 pm in the Lounge This faith-based support group is open, co-ed, non-denominational and free of charge.

If you are dealing with the loss of a friend or a loved one, finding it difficult to find peace or move forward, or you are missing them more than anyone can know, we encourage you to attend our grief support group.

Facilitated by Dr. Pat Moseley Nichols, a recently retired Psychologist who is educated and experienced in grief counseling. She is a devout Christian, a member of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, and a qualified and caring professional, who worked as a therapist for 20 years.

She aligns the importance of God’s presence in the healing process with solid grief counseling, and bringing together human frailty and the power of God. For more information, contact Dr. Pat Moseley Nichols at 480.595.5751 or dr.moseley@cox.net

You will find others like you who are struggling with loss and whose hearts are aching.

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

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The Personal Side of Covenant Groups The last few issues contained topics relating to Covenant Groups at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. They were intended to be more informational rather than personal. Today, you have a chance to read the personal side of why participants are committed to a Covenant Groups.

Their answers range from 1-2 word phrases to small paragraphs highlighting their descriptions.

• Encouragement, Acceptance, Appreciation • Hospitality and Fellowship, Camaraderie, Support, Unifying • Inspirational, Joy-Filled • Blessed • Group faithful in prayer • Connected closer with the Lord

One Covenant Group participant compared her involvement to being a part of a “2 a.m. group”. It’s a metaphor that refers to the peace and freedom of calling fellow participants at any time— even in the wee hours of the night—when needing assistance and not having to apologize. It’s having a thankful heart for faithful friends who are committed to pray and care.

“After all these years, there is one word that comes to mind that best describes our Covenant Group experience...Family. It is a joy to be a part of a group who originally came together just to study God’s word, but wound up becoming a part of a family that has prayed together, worshipped together, celebrated together, grieved together, broken bread together, shared communion together, shared our understanding of God’s word with one another and served shoulder to shoulder in mission work.”

If you would like to be involved in a Covenant Group, either as a participant or facilitator, please call Marcia Fishman at 480-5163900.

• An extended family from the church family • Honed, meaning to be refined and sharpened over time My participation in our Covenant Group has brought to life for me the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as Yourself” (Matthew 22:38) and here’s why: • We invest in deep friendships with each other by giving of ourselves.

• Our loyalty to one another is based on mutual trust and love.

The Covenant Group Committee is in the process of developing a facilitator’s handbook with ideas and suggestions to start new groups. We are looking for individuals who feel led to be a facilitator. As a facilitator, you will receive support through a mentoring process which will make it easier for you to be involved.

Blessings in 2017!

• As a result, we are learning the deep joy of that loyalty.

• We share an intimate fellowship together; thus, we have a kind of connectedness where we can share feelings without fear of judgement.

• We bear one another’s burdens and heartbreak.

• “As believers, we are saved to stand together and encourage one another (John 13:34, 1Thess.5:11) and that is what we do”.

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Prayer Requests:

Jacqy

• May the Light of Christ shine brightly in us

God has shown His delight in this glimpse of His beautiful creation; children (offspring) of Adam and Eve, the living breath of God, hungering for Faith, Hope, and Love.

• Fish—for we are fishers of men!

• Islamic Chains of Darkness to be broken

As I look back on the past semester, I see the hand of God returning me to my first love, Jesus Christ. He is the one, He is the message, He is the story I will take overseas. Christ Alone.

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• Jesus to come upon Hamtramck in Holy Dreams and Visions • Khadra & Omar, the gatekeepers of this Yemen community

• Resettlement: our new location 1 6in the director’s home EMBER 20 T P E S / T AUGUS

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Connecting to one another & to our church

CONNECTING T

WE WERE CREATED FOR FELLOWSHIP: KOINONEA The Greek word “Koinonea” can be used for a particular aspect of Christianity or the dynamic whole of Christian living. First introduced in Acts 2, the people devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship (koinonea), to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

The essential element of koinonia is participation – Christ is what connects us. It is an interactive relationship between God and believers

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in Christ. The root of the word means “to hold something in common”. It can also refer to a relationship dependent on more than one individOPPORTUNITY TO FELLOW ual; it is interdependent also. It was never used or introduced until after Pentecost. 1 Corinthians 1:9 reflects a more inner unity with Christ and each individual person: “God is faithful, by At our monthly Koffee Klatch, we make new friends whom you were called into the fellowship of states, His senses of hum commonalities, such as home hour goes so quickly that we are always disappointe Son, Jesus Christ our Lord”.

is going to be back out on the patio, now that thing Center Lounge, which is located just inside of the m right.

At our monthly Koffee Klatch, we make new friends and catch up with old friends. We find lots of commonalities, such as home states, senses of humor, and we love to laugh, relax & enjoy each other! The hour goes so quickly that we are always disappointed the end is nigh, so we stay on a little longer. The Klatch is going to be back out on the patio, now that things are warming up. If it rains, we meet in the Fellowship Center Lounge, which is located just inside of the main entrance on the patio. The Lounge room is on the right.

WE WERE CREATED FO

The Greek word “Koinonea” can be used for a particular introduced in Acts 2, the people devoted themselves to the bread and the prayers. The essential element of koinon relationship between God and believers in Christ. The root o relationship dependent on more than one individual; it is inte 1 Corinthians 1:9 reflects a more inner uni

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into th

LEARN MO

LEARN MORE ABOUT US: MEMBER & INFORMATION CLASS

Saturday & Sunday March 25 & 26 This Class is designed to be as much “simply informational” as it is to provide an opportunity to become a member. We provide an intimate environment to share our information regarding our denomination, our beliefs, and ways to grow in faith. We also share about our experiences We cover all these areas in just one weekend: two hours on Saturday morning and two and a half hours the first half of Sunday afternoon. Those choosing to become a member, are voted into membership at the end of the Sunday class.

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establish roots

This Cla is to prov an intima denomina share abo We cov Saturday afternoon membersh

connect. grow. serve.

For more information or to signup, call Nan Boyer-Searle: 480-239-3751

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from the

Congregational Nurse

IMMUNITY & AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES Our human bodies are a miracle in and of themselves! Psalm 139:13 tells us God knit us together in our mother’s womb. All of the different systems of our body work together with amazing accuracy and perfection for the most part but occasionally in our humanness, things happen or go wrong.

Our body’s immune system helps to protect us from disease and infections. The normal immune response is to protect our body against invasions by micro-organisms (little things we cannot see with our eyes) and prevent infections from developing, by attacking foreign antigens (harmful substances that causes the body to produce antibodies).

A second function of our immune response is to remove damaged cells and help our different types of cells stay uniform, unchanged and healthy. The third function is to destroy foreign cells that come from a mutation or change (alteration) in normal healthy cells.

We get our immunity in two ways: 1. Through “innate” immunity which is present at birth 2. Through “acquired” immunity. Active acquired Immunity comes by invasion of the body by foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses or fungus. This invasion causes our body to make “anti-bodies” against those micro-organisms.

We also get active acquired immunity naturally from a disease or artificially through vaccinations or immunization shots such as flu, tetanus, smallpox, chickenpox etc. It takes time for this immunity to develop, but it is long lasting

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because “memory cells” are retained for that particular antigen.

Passive Acquired Immunity comes from a person “getting the antibodies” to an antigen rather than “synthesizing” or making the antibodies themselves. This can happen by receiving immunoglobulins in utero from your mother or through injections with gamma globulin. Passive immunity is short lived and does not retain memory cells for the antigen.

Auto-immune diseases happen when, for some unknown reason, your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake and destroys them. These diseases can affect many parts of the body. No one is sure what causes autoimmune diseases, but they tend to run in families. Women—especially African-American, Hispanic-American and Native-American— have a higher risk for some autoimmune diseases. Risk factors for autoimmune diseases also include age, exposure to environmental agents and previous infection.

More than 100 autoimmune diseases are known and they are usually grouped as to the area of the body affected and some with very similar symptoms make the diagnosis often frustrating and stressful. Many times the first systems are fatigue, muscle aches and low fever. The classic sign of an autoimmune disease is inflammation which can cause redness, heat, pain and swelling. These diseases are characterized by flare-ups and remissions.

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Some examples of Auto-Immune Diseases and systems include Systematic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and Celiac Disease.

There are many types of medicines to treat autoimmune diseases depending on your needs and which disease you have. There are treatments to relieve symptoms, replace vital substances the body can no longer make and to suppress the immune system activity, to help control the disease process and preserve the organ function.

Basic things you can do to help yourself feel better apply to all of us, with or without Autoimmune Diseases: 1. Eat well balanced healthy meals including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat free milk products and lean sources of protein. Limit saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.

through self-help books, tapes, classes, support groups or talking with a counselor to help you manage your stress and cope with your disease.

5. Most importantly PRAY and connect with our Heavenly Father!

1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety (worries and cares) on Him because He care for you.

Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you…

Psalm 37:5 - Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you.

Sources for information in this article taken from the website https://medlineplus.gov, the Eighth Edition of Medical-Surgical Nursing Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, and the Holy Bible.

2. Get regular physical activity but be careful to not overdo it. Discuss this with your doctor as to what exercise and how much is right for you. Some types of gentle exercise programs work well for people with longlasting muscle and join pain such as The Art of Moving Prayer/Sign Chi Do done here in DHPC Fellowship Center on Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:00PM, Yoga, or Tai Chi. 3. Get enough rest and sleep. Rest allows your body tissues and joints to repair. Sleep is a great way to help both your body and your mind. Most people need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

4. Reduce Stress. Stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms of some autoimmune diseases to flare up. Ways to simplify your life and cope with daily stressors will help you feel your best. Many relaxation techniques are available

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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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