Echoes of DHPC | June - July 2013

June / July 2013

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Echoes

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

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JAMAICA MISSION 2013

DESERT HILLS THEATER GROUP

SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES and more!

Echoes

June / July 2013

In this Issue 03 Pastor’s Message 04 Summer Worship 04 Ministry at the Heritage 04 Thank You from UMOM 05 A Foretaste of Heaven 06 Dismissal Fund Update 06 Troop Care Ministry 06 Knitters and Crocheters 07 Christmas Ornament Orders 07 Vacation Bible School 08 Membership Classes 08 Make Your Own Clay Nativity 08 Leupp Weekend 09 DHPC Theater 10 Chaplaincy for the Homeless 10 Thank You Sue Gilleland 11

Summer Youth Activities

12 Jamaica Mission 2013 13 April Leupp Visit 14 Dashboard

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 August September issue, deadline for submissions is July 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.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

Pastor’s Message

Pastor’s

Message Jim Noble, Senior Pastor jnoble@deserthills.org 480-488-3384

EPC News

For those of you unfamiliar with the Presbyterian form of government, a presbytery is a regional governing body composed of its member churches. Each church sends two elders for every pastor it sends as its representatives.

Our presbytery is the Presbytery of the West.

The Presbytery of the West met May 2-4 at Cherry Creek Pres. in Denver. Seven pastors (3 women and 4 men) were approved and received into the presbytery. In addition, two women in their twenties who are in seminary were approved for coming under care of the presbytery. All of us from DHPC were impressed by the quality, experiences, and humor of those being examined prior to being approved. We were also impressed with the presbytery for its genuine concern for each person it examined, asking not only theological questions, but questions about how God was working in their lives and how the presbytery could support them when they get stressed.

Several months ago the Presbytery of the West disbanded its committee for new church development in favor of forming a network of churches within the presbytery that are committed to starting churches. In order to be a part of the network a church must actively and financially partner with other churches in the presbytery to start churches. You will be happy to know that DHPC is part of the network, along with 25% of the other churches in our presbytery. And to think the network is only a few months old and already 25% of the churches are involved.

What a blessing!

Finally, our General Assembly (national governing body) will be meeting June 18-22. One of the exciting things about the EPC is that every church sends representatives to General Assembly. So, please pray for your representatives who will be going this summer. One of the major issues coming before the Assembly is the impact of the new healthcare laws and its exchanges upon the EPC medical benefit plan. If you want to find out more about this issue you can go to www.epc.org/benefits and watch the brief video.

Our Representatives to General Assembly are Steve Searle, Nan Boyer-Searle, Dave Hulbert, Jeanie Hulbert and Jacqy Kilgore.

Peace in Christ,

Jim

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS & SET YOUR CLOCKS: SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE IS HERE! Our Summer Worship schedule will be in effect June 2 through September 29 for this year. The two services will be consistent with last summer and early fall, including: • Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary • Praise Service at 10:30 in the Fellowship Center Nursery care and Sunday School will be offered at both services.

We will return to the three service times beginning on October 6.

Ministry at the Heritage On the second Thursday of each month, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church folks travel to The Heritage for a time of fellowship, singing, devotions, and prayer. Each visit is truly a blessed time of visiting, sharing our faith, praising the Lord, and praying for one another.

We invite our DHPC friends to join us whenever your schedule permits. We meet at 1 p.m. and stay until about 2 p.m., depending on how long you like to chat!

This ministry is jointly sponsored by the Music and Arts and Worship Committees. See Karin Thomas, Diane Hillwig, or Laurann Cook for more information.

The Heritage is located at 36590 North Pima Road, Carefree, Arizona 85377 (Southwest corner of Cave Creek Road and N. Pima Road).

Thank You From UMOM and The New Moms!

A gracious thank you to the women of DHPC who gave their love, kindness & generosity in the shower given for the pregnant, homeless women at UMOM. You provided each newborn with all of the necessities and more! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

--Kim Williams (Nurse Kim)

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

A Foretaste of Heaven: Dinner with Rwandans

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

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DISMISSAL FUND UPDATE We are pleased to announce that our second member loan for the Dismissal Fund has been paid six months early by members who made pledges to the Dismissal Fund. The next note is due at the end of 2014. We have pledges to pay that amount as soon as your pledges this year and next year arrive in the accounting office.

Blessings, The Dismissal Committee

THANK YOU DHPC & TROOP CARE MINISTRY Dear DHPC Troop Care Ministry, Thank you so much for the care package; it really brightened my troops’ day, and the food was good. It reminded us of home.

This has been a very humbling and rewarding deployment and we’re thankful to be blessed by your love.

God Bless, and Thanks!

Thomas Carron

ATTENTION KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS • Interested in joining with others to learn more about knitting and crocheting?

• Already have a great knowledge of knitting and crocheting and are willing to share your skill?

• Have a question on a pattern you are working on?

• Made a mistake and don’t know what to do next?

Come together to knit, crochet, and chat – we’ll enjoy each other’s company, work on projects, and learn new skills together.

We will begin meeting at 1:30 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning on June 5 in the Lounge.

Bring your own supplies, questions, and knowledge to help others.

We will have a special beginning crochet class on Wednesday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m. for those who wish to start from scratch or brush up on skills. If you are interested in learning to crochet and can attend the class, please call or email Diane Hillwig (480-459-5063 or dianehilllwig@gmail.com) for information. If you can’t attend this particular class on June 26, check with Diane for other options.

Meg Gowin will be leading the knitters and will answer any questions: 480-307-8020 or meggowin@gmail.com.

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

NEW HANDPAINTED DHPC CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS 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.

STEP BACK IN TIME TO BIBLE TIMES STORIES WILL COME ALIVE THROUGH CRAFTS, FAMILY TIME, MUSIC, DRAMA 29 a.d.

LIVE LIKE JESUS LIVED!

Vacation Bible School June 17-21, 2013 • 9:00a.m. - 12:00 noon Ages 4-Grade 5

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

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STEP BACK IN TIME TO BIBLE TIMES STORIES WILL COME ALIVE THROUGH CRAFTS, FAMILY TIME, MUSIC, DRAMA LIVE LIKE JESUS LIVED!!!

Vacation Bible School June 17-21, 2013 9:00a.m. - 12:00 noon Ages 4-Grade 5 DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 34605 North Tom Darlington Dr. Carefree, AZ 85262 Registration Fee: $10.00

PLEASE FILL OUT A REGISTRATION FORM FOR EACH CHILD. NAME________________________________AGE________GRADE in Fall 2013_______ ADDRESS_______________________________CITY_________________ZIP__________ PHONE__________________________E-MAIL ADRESS___________________________ CHURCH AFFILIATION_____________________________________________________ PARENTS’ NAMES__________________________________________________________ Please list names of persons/family members whoa re authorized to pick up this child ________________________________________________________________________ EMERGENCY CONTACT_____________________________________________________ OTHER THAN THE PARENT) PHONE___________________________________________________________________ PERMISSION TO PHOTOGRAPH___________ PLEASE INITIAL___________ SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS/FOOD ALLERGIES___________________________________ _____YES, I WANT TO VOLUNTEER! PLEASE CALL ME. For more information contact Kris Albrect at albrechtkris@hotmail.com or call 623-374-7276 .

VBS Volunteer Registration Form June 17-21, 2013 9:00a.m. - 12:00 noon DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 34605 North Tom Darlington Dr. Carefree, AZ 85262

NAME___________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP___________________________________________________ HOME PHONE_________________CELL PHONE_______________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS__________________________________________________ Volunteer area of interest: ___Crew Leader/Assistant (must be available the full week of VBS) ___Preschool Crew Leader/Assistant (must be available the full week of VBS) ___Station Leader/Assistant (must be available the full week of VBS) ___Crafts ____Drama ____ Nursery ____Snack Prep ___Registration ___Photography/video ___Decorations (prop building) ___Set up ____Tear Down ___At Home Prep

Availability ___Full Week__ Monday ___ Tuesday ___ Wednesday ___ Thursday ___ Friday Disclosure Have you ever been convicted of a felony?___ No____Yes If yes, when?________________ Where? ______________ What was the nature of the offense(s)?___________________

For more information contact Kris Albrect at albrechtkris@hotmail.com or call 623-374-7276 .

NEW FORMAT! MEMBERSHIP CLASSES STARTING AUGUST 11 Our new “Welcome to the Family” format for new members is an exciting schedule for classes that will be offered 8 weeks on Sunday mornings, beginning in August and running through mid-October. This will involve many of our church leaders, including Pastors Jim and Bob. Topics covered will still include: • Our Journey in our relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and with Jesus who is our Lord and Saviour • Christian and Reformed Tradition Roots • Our Denomination: Evangelical Presbyterian Church • What it means to be a Disciple • What it means to be an Apostle • How we can be More Like Christ • The meaning of being a Member of a Church The first week begins August 11, 9:30 a.m. Contact Nan Boyer-Searle at (480) 239-3751 or outreach@deserthills.org to reserve your spot or find out more!

COMING IN NOVEMBER: MAKE YOUR OWN CLAY NATIVITY SET The first two Saturdays of November, we will be creating Nativity Sets from clay. There will be a class for 10 people in the morning, and 10 additional people in the afternoon.

Ron Carson will teach us the method, and he promises it will be simple. Much more information will be coming, but if you are interested in creating a personal Nativity Set for your family, keep November 2 and 9 open on your calendar!

This event is sponsored by the Music and Arts Committee.

Saturday, November 2nd - Leupp Weekend • Food from different countries • Music from other cultures • Celebrating our love of Christ together Stay tuned for more details this fall!

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

PRESENTING: THE DESERT HILLS THEATER GROUP The Desert Hills Theater Group is a group of people who enjoy drama and also want to provide opportunities for others to enjoy drama. Our mission is to encourage an appreciation for drama and its role in enriching our understanding of Biblical truths.

We have provided worship dramas, performance opportunities and spiritual activities that enhance worship and your spiritual life. Perhaps you recognize or have participated in some of the events we have designed in the past three years: • • • • • • • •

Reformation Sunday Drama All Church Advent Celebration Mary and Martha Drama – Gathering Carefree Christmas Parade float Maundy Thursday Drama Music and Arts Festival – Drama Classes Journey to the Cross – Good Friday Sponsor theater events for families

ADVENT MUSICAL DRAMA 2013 A New Desert Hills Theater Group Offering for adults, families, and children of all ages!

Mark your calendars for this proposed event! We’re blazing new trails and hope you will climb on the bandwagon for a new adventure. With your help we can accomplish this mission. You can be a part of this musical production in the following ways: • • • • • •

Actors/actresses Production Costumes Scenery Technical support Advertising

The production will start rolling in late August/September with the musical presentation on Sunday, December 1. So mark your calendars!

Want more information?

Call or email any member of the Desert Hills Theater Team: Joyce Claus, Vicky Crowe, Ron Crowe, Kari Frye, Larry Soughan, Gail Thiele. Check your church directory for contact information for the team.

Want to join our team?

We are in need of new members. We welcome anyone with an interest.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

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SPOTLIGHT ON

THE CHAPLAINCY FOR THE HOMELESS Mission: The Chaplaincy for the Homeless exists to be an expression of God among the homeless population in the Valley. We do this by ministries of presence, direct service, advocacy and spirituality in order to assist homeless and poverty stricken people in their efforts to rebuild their lives.

Do you have time to volunteer? If so, the Chaplaincy is looking for volunteers: weekly or monthly, whatever works in your schedule!

Intake Volunteer: 8 am - 11 am, Monday through Friday Location: Chaplaincy for the Homeless, 1125 W. Jackson, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Meet and greet daily clients, coordinate the client list for the day, answer phones, assist with other administrative duties as needed.

Qualifications-basic knowledge of computer and data entry, pleasant, patient, dependable and able to handle sensitive material.

Direct Service Volunteer: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm, Monday through Thursday Location: Chaplaincy for the Homeless, 1125 W. Jackson, Phoenix, AZ 85007 Provide front-line client interaction by distributing hygiene kits, reading glasses, socks and other donations and organizing donations.

Qualifications-basic knowledge of computer and data entry, pleasant, patient, dependable and able to handle sensitive material.

Training is provided for all volunteer positions.

For more information on the Chaplaincy, please visit http://azhomeless.org or speak with Pastor Bob at bclaus@ deserthills.org or call 480-488-3384.

THANK YOU SUE GILLELAND FOR SEVEN YEARS OF MINISTRY! We offer a million thank yous to Sue Gilleland who has lead the gathering, purchasing and packing the hygiene kits given each month to the Chaplaincy for the Homeless. Sue has organized the volunteers each month as well as the items put in the bags.

Sue is retiring from this valuable ministry after seven years. We thank her for her hard work and dedication. She will be missed! Thank you Sue!

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

From the

Director of Youth Ministry Kevin Deasy • youth@deserthills.org

Summer youth activities The summer months for the Youth Discipleship at Desert Hills include time for fellowship, service, Scripture reading, and prayer. Students entering into 7th grade in the fall are invited to come and join the various youth activities this summer.

All students in middle and high school are encouraged to bring their friends this summer to Desert Hills during the hot summer months of June and July. All students will be encouraged to read through the book of Psalms this summer in order to refresh and enjoy time with God. The two main highlights for middle and high school age students will be an opportunity to be leaders at Vacation Bible School the week of June 17-21** and the team of high school students going to Hume Lake summer camp in San Diego June 30-July 5. I invite you, the congregation, to keep these youth activities in your prayers as these students take steps of faith to be led by the Holy Spirit this summer.

Here is a list of Youth Gatherings taking place on Wednesdays for ALL middle and high school age students and any adults who are able to assist or offer their house/swimming pool during the months of June and July: JUNE: 5th 12th 19th

26th

Movie Night Youth Gathering at Deasy’s* AZ Air Time: 2hrs at Indoor Trampoline Park. $10 per person (first 8 students to reserve receive this price. Any additional will pay normal rates.)

Youth Gathering at Deasy’s*

JULY: 3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st

NO Youth Gathering: Happy 4th of July Youth Gathering at Deasy’s* Feed My Starving Children Tempe packing site (11 spots open: packing time 4-5:30 pm) Youth Gathering at Deasy’s* Paintball Outing (more information to follow)

*Youth Director, Kevin Deasy’s house will be the default Youth Gathering meeting place. All 7th-12th grade students are invited for games, fellowship, and Psalms from 6:30-8:00 pm. If you would like to offer your house/swimming pool for the students on one of the Youth Gathering nights then please contact Kevin at youth@deserthills.org. **Students wanting to be leaders for VBS will need to fill out a Leadership application & attend leader training. Please contact Kevin for more information.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

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JAMAICA MISSION 2013 DEPARTS IN JULY A mission sends forth people somewhere to serve. This has been part of God’s plan since the beginning.

We will become servants of each other, of our congregation, of those we meet and of those that support us.

Our JAMAICA TEAM 2013 is in full gear and will be crossing geographical and cultural boundaries to Ebenezer Church in Mandeville, Jamaica on July 22-29.

Jesus said in Luke 10:2: “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few, pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers in His harvest.”

Our mission trip in Jamaica has us involved in street ministry, evangelism, prison ministry, music ministry and a project within a boys’ home.

We will participate in Bible studies, church worship, and other mission activities with our Jamaica brothers and sisters.

You will be kept abreast of updates from us throughout our time in Jamaica.

Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

Ebenezer United Church, Mandeville Jamaica

Those called by the Holy Spirit to go to Jamaica this summer are: Brent Benham Clark Benham Graham Benham Min Damm Richard Dietrich Diane Hillwig Linda Keenan

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Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

Jacqy Kilgore Carolyn Lankford Tom Lankford Dedrick McCabe* Jim Noble Katelyn Noble Steve Searle Karin Thomas Gerald Todacheenie* Jennifer Todacheenie* Tiinisha Todacheenie* *Members from Leupp Our fundraiser concert was not only incredibly fun but also very successful in launching our efforts to raise $5,000. This helps our Leupp brothers and sisters, along with some of our own team members, to have the opportunity to be able to serve in Jamaica.

Please keep our JAMAICA TEAM 2013 in your daily prayers as we prepare, travel and serve on our Jamaica Mission Trip!

Leupp Illuminations

By DHPC Visitors in April Some Special Experiences and Learning Opportunities On Our Annual Fellowship Trip Younger children sang with hand motions at Sunday’s service

From Connie Traugh: My first trip to Leupp was so much more than my imagined expectations. The Holy Spirit surrounded my adventure from the minute my new Sister in Christ, Min, stepped into my car until I dropped her back home again. Our Navajo family welcomed us with open hearts as we gathered in fellowship and worship. Both days at Leupp consisted of continuous awe-inspiring moments! Two edifying and uplifting testimonies brought me to an emotional high. A connection and bond that evolved between Dedrick McCabe and myself was assurance the Holy Spirit hadn’t missed a beat! Dedrick took us from where he had been to where he was now with his God-given words expressed in a rap poem titled “God’s Soldier.”

I too write emotional poetry and that is where our bond was born. We have since exchanged poems via email. God has laid upon my heart to continue to encourage this young man to wisely use his words to reach the hearts of others. Dedrick is 1 of 4 from Leupp that is joining our Team when they head to Jamaica this summer. Just imagine the incredible work God has planned for this Jamaica Mission trip!

Catching up with old friends, the Begays & Jacks

From Vicky Parker: Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, communication is open, even though sometimes challenging and where time schedules are very flexible. In my opinion this describes the kind of setting that is found in a little town called Leupp, Arizona. My first visit to the reservation was more than ten years ago and I have not missed a visit since. It was, and always is, the most awe-inspiring experience to spend time with these wonderful devoted Christian families. I am thankful for our “Clan of Christ” relationship which has grown and flourished so much over the years. I truly wish that every member of our congregation could get to experience a visit to Leupp and fellowship with these humble people.

Getting ready to teach about Blue Corn mushe

From Ron Crowe: I particularly enjoyed hearing about and visiting the North Leupp Family Farm (NLFF), not far from the Leupp church. This provided insights into various aspects of Navajo living and a chance to get to know a few more people. Tyrone Thompson and Hank Willie shared their enthusiasm to encourage healthy eating and to pass along the knowledge related to farming and nutrition to future generations. NLFF allows families to have a plot to plant as they choose.

Some of the crops are used by the Star Charter School and some are offered at markets. NLFF has a grant and is working to install a solar electric system to power their water system, freeing them from the diesel system they currently use. We even tried some salad fixings!

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes • June / July 2013

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