June/ July 2016
Desert Hills Presbyterian Church
Echoes
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
34605 North Tom Darlington Drive P.O. Box 874 Carefree AZ 85377 480-488-3384
Echoes
June / July 2016
In this Issue:
03 Pastor's Message 04 Pool Party 04 National Day of Prayer 04 Jamaica Missions 04 Operation Christmas Child 05 Bible School 06 D HPC Foundation Interview
07 G oing from Our Comfot Zone to Christ's Zone
08 10 12 16
India Trip Truth Project Congregational Nurse's Corner Dashboard
SUMMER HOURS AT DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH On June 5, we will begin our Summer Worship Schedule. As in past years, DHPC will hold two worship services, June 7 through September 25. 9:00 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary 10:30 am Praise Worship in the Fellowship Center Nursery care and Sunday School will be offered during both services. We will resume our Fall schedule on October 2, 2016.
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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 480488-3384 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 • J uoffice. n e / J u ly 2 0 1 6 church
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 602-5497217 or write us at editor@deserthills.org.
Pastor’s Message Jim Noble, Senior Pastor
jnoble@deserthills.org 480-488-3384
Calvin, Augustine, and us As I write this. we just celebrated Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Over eighty years ago, B.B. Warfield dubbed John Calvin—founder of the Reformed/Presbyterian Tradition—“the theologian of the Holy Spirit.” It is estimated that half of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion are dedicated to discussing the work of the Holy Spirit. One of his more popular quotes on the Holy Spirit is given below.
" Let us duly reflect upon the way in which the Spirit of the Lord acts upon the saints … When the Lord establishes his Kingdom in [his people], he restrains their will by his Spirit that it may not according to its natural inclination be dragged to and fro by wandering lusts. That the will may be disposed to holiness and righteousness, He bends, shapes, forms, and directs it to the rule of his righteousness. That it may not totter and fall, he steadies and strengthens it by the power of his Spirit."
be able neither to conquer nor even to fight.” [Institutes 2.5.14] Here, Calvin discusses how the Holy Spirit works on a person’s will in such a way as to aid and free the person’s will to act well. For Calvin it is not an either/or situation of either the Holy Spirit works or the individual chooses. Yes, everyone has choices, but we need the assistance of the Holy Spirit to choose what is right. Therefore, we all need to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to reside with us that we too may resist evil, be shaped for righteousness, choose what is good.
Jim
Blessings,
In this vein Augustine says: “You will say to me, ‘Therefore we are acted upon and do not act ourselves.’ Yes, you act and are acted upon. And if you are acted upon by one who is good, then you act well. The Spirit of God who acts upon you is the helper of those who act. The name ‘helper’ indicates that you also do something.” In the first part of the statement he indicates that man’s action is not taken away by the movement of the Holy Spirit, because the will, which is directed to aspire to good, is of nature. But when he directly adds that from the word “help” it can be inferred that we also do something, we must not so understand it as if something were to be attributed to each of us separately. But in order not to encourage indolence in us, he (Augustine) connects God’s action with our own in these words: “To will is of nature, but to will rightly is of grace.” Therefore he had said a little earlier, “Unless God helps, we shall
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MISSION TEAM HEADS TO JAMAICA JULY 18!
ALL CHURCH POOL PARTY
Join us in prayer as our Jamaica Mission Team of sixteen people from DHPC and Leupp head to our sister church in Mandeville, Jamaica, on July 18-26. Our team is excited to join with our brothers and sisters at Ebenezer in ministry activities!
Sunday, June 12 from 5:30-8:00pm Fun for all ages!
In past years, we have participated in street ministry, visited care facilities, orphanages, and prisons and joined with them in Bible Study and worship. We can’t wait to see what ministry is on planned on this trip! We anticipate watching the amazing work of the Holy Spirit everywhere we go!
Food will be served. The YMCA rock wall will be open for our climbing experience!
We’ll be sharing more details soon, and we will also be sending updates from Mandeville as our trip is in progress. Donations for our mission trip are still being accepted, (write "Jamaica" in the memo section of your check) and we thank all of you who have donated so far to our mission trip!
If the Holy Spirit can also be felt in the breeze, He was definitely in the Park on the evening of May 5th at the National Day of Prayer Gathering at Anthem Park. Did you know that we have a large number of people living in the west area who attend our church, many of whom are members and regular attenders? Several of our members who live in the Anthem, Tramonto and surrounding areas supported the first Desert Hills Presbyterian Church outreach for National Day of Prayer in the large community park. The larger area there has become known as the “Northgate” region. We will be looking toward more outreach opportunities to share Desert Hills Presbyterian Church with the large areas just east of I-17 in the future!
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD PACKING PARTY: JULY 23 Join us on July 23rd at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Center for a Christmas in July packing party! Come and help us pack or bring your own box/boxes that are filled. If you are unable to be there, feel free to drop off any items to Narthex 1 ANYTIME. Be sure to write a "love note" and pray for the child who receives it along with $7 for shipping. Note: you can track your own box this year by donating your $7 online at www.samaritanspurse.org. For more information or lists of desired items, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.
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Registration forms are already available in the office or on the patio. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Kathleen at children@deserthills.org or call 480-488-3384. D E S E RT H I L L S D E S E RT H I L L S
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PASSING THE BATON: AN INTERVIEW WITH EDDIE SMITH, PAST PRESIDENT OF THE DHPC FOUNDATION By Dave Bell, DHPC Foundation President Dave: Eddie, after several years working to create an endowment fund for DHPC, why have you resigned as a director? Eddie: Well, Dave, there are two main reasons: First, I was asked to join Session as the head of the Personnel Committee, and the Foundation bylaws prohibit Session members from being directors of the Foundation. But we can serve as a nonvoting member of the Board, which I am doing. Secondly, the foundation is now completely developed and "ready for business." It now needs someone better equipped than I to promote the foundation to those who want to support DHPC's Christ-centered work in the future. You are that guy and I'm glad you are the new president.
Dave: Thanks, I'm looking forward to working with the Foundation Board as we move to stage two. How do you anticipate donations flowing into the Foundation? Eddie: As you know, the foundation offers one endowment fund and four special purpose funds. I expect most of the donations to the endowment fund will come from testamentary gifts: Assets left to the Foundation by the donor's Will, or from life insurance, property deeds, etc. On the other hand, we would expect that gifts to the four special purpose funds will—for the most part—be cash gifts to support more specific programs either currently or later by a Will.
Dave: Is help available to members and friends of DHPC's congregation that would like to discuss the foundation and how to structure a donation that meets their specific objectives? Eddie: Yes. All anyone desiring assistance or just information on any aspect of the Foundation program needs to do is call any member of the Board or Donna in the DHPC office. We will happily answer any questions. We can also provide a list of estate planning attorneys, should that be needed.
Dave: Giving to the DHPC Foundation will no doubt provide a great deal of personal satisfaction to those who love DHPC and want to help insure its continued growth and Christian service. Are there any other benefits? Eddie: Yes. Our Foundation can be used in several advanced estate planning concepts such as Charitable Remainder Trusts which could have very positive tax savings for the donors.
Dave: Anything you would like to add in closing? Eddie: Only that the DHPC Foundation provides an excellent opportunity for those among us who want to see Christianity spread and strengthened to participate in that wonderful work now and in the future, even beyond their own time on this earth.
Dave: Thanks for your work in establishing the DHPC Foundation and your comments today. Eddie: My pleasure entirely.
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GOING FROM OUR COMFORT ZONE TO CHRIST’S ZONE As you share your faith with others, I pray that they may come to know all the blessings Christ has given us. - Philemon 1:6 Willow Creek’s Pastor Bill Hybels wrote the following: Isn't it obvious that no single style of evangelism, and certainly no single evangelist, is ever going to be able to relate to such a diverse population? This is why every single believer, every single one of you is so important to the cause of kingdom expansion. There are people who desperately need to hear the message of Jesus Christ who are not going to listen to it seriously unless it is communicated to them by somebody just like you or just like me.
There are people in your arenas of influence who need someone your age, with your personality and temperament, with your level of spiritual understanding, with your particular background and interests and career motivations. They need someone just like you with your unique style to talk to them about Christ. It's high time we all reject the notion that there is only one acceptable way to spread the news. We've got to reject the notion that you have to become someone you're not in order to be greatly used by God to spread the Word. You just have to be you, and you have to be usable. If you'll be you and be usable, just watch what the Lord can do. Take one more step in your faith walk Wherever we are in our faith walk, there is one more step we can take, to share and be the Lord with others:
• Become “other” focused • Share what He has done for us • Offer to pray for, or with, our friend, neighbor or relative
• Pray for God to lead us to someone who could use our support
• Grow in spirit and knowledge through Bible Study or Covenant Group
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India
going to hard places not to die but to live the gospel
Easter Morning, 35 'workers' gathered in an upstairs room from Delhi, Jaipur, Haryana, and Lucknow. Our hearts burst into hymns of praise floating into the streets of the Nizamuddin neighborhood.
After 3 days in Delhi with brothers & sisters in the Lord, we prepare to continue our Trek to Patna… one of the poorest states in India.
We were blessed to hear the stories of the 12 workers in Patna. They have come with very young children to make India home and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Patna is the Capital of the State of Bihar population 2+ million people. It ranks #2 city in the world for air pollution. This is our new home. Our hosts Makuknd & Nandinee Raj, their infant son Abishek, and their sister Prity welcomed us.
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“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches. Jesus said, “if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. The workers in Patna are seed planters. They work in textiles, jewelry, metal works, Che (Community Health Education), water wells, and micro-finance.
Bhitai is a village 3 hours drive from Patna; 5,000 people live without running water, sewer, and little electricity. The village is located on both sides of the National Highway. Families on the North-side herd water buffalo; a source of milk... higher in minerals, calories, & calcium.
The people on the South-side are snake catchers: Cobras, found in the surrounding fields.
This is a picture of India and the Kingdom of God. There are many colors, patterns, textures; some silk, brocade, velvet, satin or chiffon. In the beginning God created the most beautiful tapestry beyond compare. Someday we will see ourselves as He sees us. His Beloved.
God blessed us by showing us the widow of the Bible. She opened her heart and served us Chai Tea. And then she lifted her hand and told us she believed in the One True God. Together we joined our hearts in prayer. May the Light of Christ shine thru her life to the precious people of Bhatia.
Some He has called as apostles, teachers, administrators, mercy givers, wise counsel, miracle workers, healers, generous givers‌ But the greatest of these is LOVE. I thank you for your generous financial support, your prayers, and most of all your love. When I look at your faces, I see the face of Jesus, my Lord.
Jacqy Kilgore EnVision Trek India
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Who is God? Are there absolutes?
Why am I here?
“Do you Does God care? really believe that what you believe is really real?” SM
Is there something more?
Do I really matter? Where did evil come from? Do heaven and hell exist?
What is truth?
An In-Depth Christian Worldview Experience
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Focus on the Family's The Truth Project® is a DVD-based small group study that practically and personally introduces viewers to the truth claims of God.
TheTruthProjectLessons Veritology: What Is Truth?
Philosophy & Ethics: Says Who?
Anthropology: Who Is Man?
Theology: Who Is God?
Science: What Is True?
History: Whose Story?
Sociology: The Divine Imprint.
The State: Whose Law?
The American Experiment: Stepping Stones.
Labor: Created to Create.
Community & Involvement: God Cares, Do I?
Sunday afternoon (4:00 to 6:00pm) starting June 5th for 13 weeks (we will Sunday afternoons (4:00 to 6:00pm) starting June 5th for 13 weeks (we will break for break forJuly July4th 4thand andLabor LaborDay Dayweekends) weekends)ininthe theFellowship FellowshipCenter CenterLounge. Lounge. For information contact Bob Mock, robertmock1@me.com or call (602)
For information contact Bob Mock , robertmock1@me.com or call (602) 717-2988 or call the church office at (480) 488-3384.
717-2988 or call the church office at (480) 488-3384.
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© 2006 Focus on the Family
Unio Mystica: Am I Alone?
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Congregational
Nurse's Corner INTRODUCING
VERONICA FULLER Dear Members and Friends, For the past 3 years I have been serving as the Congregational Nurse here at DHPC. It is now my privilege to introduce you to Veronica Fuller, who is also a Registered Nurse and a member of DHPC. She has taken the Faith Community Nurse training and holds an active RN Nursing License in Arizona. She is joining me in serving DHPC as an additional Congregational Nurse to help meet the needs of our congregation. Veronica was born in Richmond, Missouri and is number eight of 11 children in her family. Her mother worked as an Operating Room Scrub Tech and four of her sisters are also nurses, and they served as good role models. She says she just likes to help people, give back and serve others and the health profession is a good way to do that. She graduated with a BSN from Research College of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri. She is married to Chet Fuller and they have three sons and one daughter. She worked about seven years in cardiovascular-thoracic surgical ICU in Corpus Christi, Texas then Norfolk, Virginia, moving all over following her husband in his military career as a pilot.
Veronica says, “I just liked to serve in the kids’ Christian schools, our churches and in the community—it’s kind of ‘my thing’ wherever we move. So since moving to Arizona and all my kids leaving home, I am anxious to serve once again in my church and community. I love driving for the Foothills Caring Corp and love meeting our homebound in the congregation. I look forward to using my nursing background to help those in need.” Our duties as Congregational Nurses are to supplement the pastoral care that Rev. Jim and Rev. Rob can and will continue to provide to you. We encourage you to contact us as resource persons and confidantes especially for any medical situation you may encounter. We are unpaid volunteers who set our own hours. Our first priority is to visit those of our congregation who are known to us as being affected by a chronic or acute condition. The concept of “Congregational Nurse”, “Parish Nurse”, or “Faith Community Nurse” was started in Chicago, Illinois in the middle 1980s with Rev. Dr. Granger Westberg. Faith Community Nursing is now an international ministry, with around 60 to 70 Faith Community Nurses in the greater Phoenix area. It is a specialty area of nursing practice recognized, approved and regulated by the American Nurses Association.
While moving every few years, she volunteered in whatever stage her kids were at the time, such as visiting new moms and babies with Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society in California, counseling at Crisis Pregnancy Centers in California and Indiana, teaching pregnancy classes in California and Japan, subbing as a school nurse in Indiana, Arizona, and Ohio, etc. She always taught their Sunday School classes in various churches, as well as some volunteer respite/companion service with Hospice of Cincinnati.
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Congregational Nursing focuses on the intentional care of the spirit, the promotion of an integrative model of health and the prevention and minimization of illness within a faith community. Healing, health and a sense of well-being are all tied together with a person’s body, mind and spirit. Our overall goal is to help our congregation become a place of holistic health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. We want to assist you to become a more active partner in the management of your own health.
We want to help you to know good health habits along with helping you trust God’s healing spirit to keep you in a state of wellness even when perfect health is not possible. Sometimes people just need a smile, a caring, listening ear, a few words of encouragement and prayer to help them connect or re-connect with God’s healing mercies. It is our hope to be able to help in this connecting process. Below is our contact information. Call or email us if we can be of help to you. In Christ’s service,
As a part of the DHPC faith community, we will work with our pastors, Stephen Ministers, Deacon Board and Care Council as a:
Mary Kay Thurston, RN nurse@deserthills.org • 480-220-6679
• Personal health counselor and advocate
Veronica Fuller, RN veronicafuller@fuse.net • 513-646-3051
• Health and wellness educator • Coordinator for community referrals and volunteers • Helper with developing volunteer programs or support groups
• Interpreter of the relationship between our faith and our health
In everyday experience, we can answer some of your medical questions, find a community agency to help you or your relative manage at home, listen to your concerns, offer encouragement and pray with and for you. We will not prescribe medications or provide actual medical care. All contacts will be confidential unless permission is given to share information with those of your choice. There will be no fees charged for this service. We will hold a Blood Pressure Clinic the second Sunday of each month on the patio, and will occasionally organize CPR/AED Classes, and Flu Shot Clinics in the fall.
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EVERY PICTURE TELLS A THOUSAND STORIES: OUR VISIT WITH LEUPP
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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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