4 minute read
Letter From Pastor Jim
Beloved Desert Hills family, One look at the church calendar and the rooms full of excited faces and great ministries, and it is easy to see that our faithful God is doing something wonderful in our midst. The year 2022 brought expanding ministries to children and youth, more quality adult Bible studies and classes, fitness classes, beautiful Arts at the Rocks concerts, Desert Hills’ very own music school, and more. It also brought some incredible campus beautification and improvement projects – a gorgeous exterior paint job for the sanctuary, sealed and painted parking areas, covered solar parking, a remodeled and configurable fellowship center stage area and numerous audio-visual improvements campuswide. Our first two new member classes were full and we climbed over a membership of 500 for the first time in many years. And with all the expanded ministries came the need to bring on some very talented staff members who have already made huge contributions. In all this, I, like you, know that this growth and these blessings are truly a gift from God. For this, we should celebrate and express gratitude for His provision. Yet with all this growth, I would like to celebrate another group who has been incredibly faithful – that being YOU - my amazing church family! It is no secret that increasing our number of programs, ministries, and mission opportunities has also brought the need for additional resources and staff. More so, your church leadership is only getting started, for 2023 will bring even more by way of new ministry offerings as we turn our focus outward to our surrounding community, create more gospel bridges to draw people to our campus, and welcome all who gather here as family. Early next year we will be kicking off an exciting new worship service that will cater to younger families and their children. This will be fully complemented by a host of support ministries relating to children, youth, adults, hospitality, and assimilation. We will also be expanding our care-related ministries with new support groups, classes, and activities. In addition, we will be challenging more of you to become part of our home group ministry as we remain committed to becoming more like Christ and doing life together. And because our campus is getting older, we will be taking care of some much-needed capital improvements to ensure our campus stays attractive, cool, and leak free. Consequently, while we will continue to trust in the Lord’s provision and faithfully strive to fulfill His mission to the north Scottsdale/Carefree/Cave Creek area and beyond, I know it has been your financial generosity and prayers which have enabled us to keep all our ministries progressing, to add exciting new ministries, to keep the lights on, and to bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You truly have caught the vision of Desert Hills being the light on the hill (in front of the Boulders!) that impacts our community. I cannot thank you enough for your support! Yes, we are certainly moving in the right direction. And my fervent prayer is that we will continue to pull together to make great strides in remaining a Great Commission Church and celebrating our faithful God by loving each of our neighbors.
To that end, it is my desire that as you read the enclosed report, you will be able to better understand our present financial situation and what we expect in 2023. More so, as we embark upon our stewardship campaign, I would respectfully ask that you please prayerfully consider how your pledge of time, talent and treasure can help us continue to do the work God has for us. Together, let us remember that everything we each have is a gift from God, that He promises to meet all our needs according to “the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19), and that He will certainly protect our finances if we obey and cheerfully give Him the first fruits of our labor (2 Cor. 9:7). And let us strive then to trust and obey and to courageously step out in faith.
Gratefully and Prayerfully,
Jim Noble Senior Pastor, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church
