March 2026 Cross Currents

CROSS CURRENTS ISSUE 02 | VOLUME 2026 | MARCH

From Pastor John Dear St. Andrew’s, Greetings one and all! This holy season of Lent we will be meditating upon Jesus’ Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are pervasive and can be found in Nobel Peace Prize speeches, in political debates, and discussions about ethics, justice, and theology over the millenia. Many say the Beatitudes are the most influential spiritual teaching ever uttered. It’s not only for every Christian, but anybody, no matter your creed, culture, or country. Like the Lord’s Prayer, the Beatitudes of Jesus are at the very heart of Christianity. Christians are unified in this belief: Jesus perfectly embodied the Beatitudes. He didn’t just teach them, He lived them. And if we claim to follow Christ, and if the Spirit of Christ resides in us, and if we believe we the church are the Body of Christ, the Beatitudes will also describe Jesus’ disciples–us. Lent is a spiritually fitting season to be baptized in the Beatitudes again. John Calvin called them “the school of the cross” and they train us to die to ourselves and be servants of The Servant and others. These eight blessings are paradoxical, inspiring, challenging, counterintuitive, countercultural, comforting, and uncomfortable. They will rock your boat and rock our world! I look forward to marinating in them with you all over the coming weeks.

Grace and Peace, Pastor John

sapctucson.org

PALM SUNDAY MARCH 29

7:30 AM COMMUNION 9:00 AM CONTEMPORARY 10:45 AM TRADITIONAL

MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 2

7:00 PM CONTEMPORARY

GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 3

7:00 PM TRADITIONAL

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 5

6:00 AM SUNRISE 7:30 AM COMMUNION 9:00 AM CONTEMPORARY 10:45 AM TRADITIONAL

Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Update Over the past three months, our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has worked to develop a Mission Discernment Profile (MDP), which is the equivalent of a job posting for an ordained position in the PC(USA). Now that our approved MDP is posted, the process of reviewing applicants' profiles and identifying possible candidates has begun. We are grateful for your continued prayers as we seek God's guidance throughout this discernment process.

SAPC Personnel Updates WELCOME KARIN!

We're pleased to announce Karin Fiore has accepted the Local Outreach Director position beginning March 2. Welcome to SAPC Staff Karin! We are so excited to have you join the team!

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for open positions? Please help us spread the word.

Associate Pastor Director of Adult Discipleship Assistant Youth Director View these positions and more at sapctucson.org/job-opportunities.

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Faith On Tap

Inspired by Pastor Mat, who was its founder, Faith on Tap is an amazing opportunity for men to build fellowship, hang out, eat some great food, partake in a fantastic beverage, and chat about life and God. Host Sean Johnson invites you to join other men at his home on Saturday, March 7, at 6:00 pm. This is a casual, no stress environment.

We’ll supply the food. It’s bring the beverage of your choice. The suggested donation for this month is $5.

Please text or call Sean at 815-416-9660 to get the address and RSVP. Please RSVP so we know how much food to cook! See you on March 7!

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Easter Blooms

Boy Scout Rummage Sale

If you would like to place a blooming plant in one of our Easter Worship Services, in honor or in memory of a loved one, you can sign up by visiting sapctucson.org or contacting the Church Office. The cost will be $25 and you may select whether you would like the plant to be placed in the Chapel for the 7:30 am Worship Service or in the Sanctuary for the 9:00 am & 10:45 am Worship Services. The plants in the Chapel may be taken home following the 7:30 am Worship service and the plants in the Sanctuary may be taken home after the 10:45 am Traditional Worship Service. Check with the Church Office early in the week if you would like to pick up your plant after Easter to see if there are still plants available. Some of the left over plants may be brought to Care Centers.

Support Troop 211 and find great bargains at our Rummage Sale on Saturday, March 28!

Join us in the parking lot of St. Andrew’s NE campus from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Browse a variety of items, including used camping gear, household goods, toys, clothing, and more. All proceeds support the activities of boys and girls in Scouting America Troop 211.

If you're interested in donating items to the sale, please email troop211azfundraising@gmail.com.

2026 Deacon BBQ

Saddle up and join in on the fun and food at the 2026 Deacon BBQ on Sunday, March 8, from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm! There will be entertainment (including an SAPC favorite, Bill Ganz), games for kids, delicious food, and a lovely afternoon on the NE Campus Courtyard. All proceeds benefit the Deacon Benevolent Fund and the Deacon Fund.

Advance Ticket Prices $12/person $40/family (includes 2 adults & children)

At the Door Ticket Prices $15/person at the door $50/family at the door

This is a great opportunity to connect with friends, meet new friends, or invite friends to enjoy this wonderful event! For questions, contact Kelley at kelleytilly@yahoo.com.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT SAPCTUCSON.ORG!

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Change for Children: More Than Spare Change

Our annual Change for Children collection is already underway, having begun on Saturday, February 22. Handwoven baskets are available for you to take home throughout Lent as we support this year’s mission partner, Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE).

Heavenly Host Ministry

On Sunday, March 8, ACE will be our Moment for Mission. We are pleased to welcome Christa Woodward, ACE’s Director of Operations and Church Partnerships, who will share more about this year’s work in Malawi.

Easter is coming! Heavenly Host Ministry is forming a new group of volunteers to provide treats on Sunday mornings. Look for updates and details as we progress.

This year’s offering will support ACE’s Trauma Healing Youth Peer Groups, a new initiative designed to reach vulnerable adolescent girls and young women in rural and underserved communities. Many of these girls face significant challenges—early marriage, school dropout, exploitation, and the lasting effects of trauma. The peer groups provide safe, supportive spaces where they can learn emotional regulation, process trauma together, and build life skills that strengthen their confidence and resilience.

A heads-up notice is essential NOW for planning a Heavenly Host Easter celebration for our St. Andrew's family and friends to enjoy on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

ACE will also launch boys’ clubs focused on emotional literacy and suicide prevention. In Malawi, more than 90% of suicides occur among men, many of whom grow up without safe outlets to express emotion.

These clubs help boys develop healthy coping skills and reduce the risks that stem from unaddressed trauma.

We need volunteers to provide treats. We need muffins and quick breads, such as banana, pumpkin, zucchini or cinnamon swirl, to be delivered to the Gathering Place between 9:00 am and 10:00 am on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Your support helps create these healing spaces and equips trusted local mentors who walk alongside youth throughout the year.

We will collect donations after all services throughout Lent, with the final collection day on Palm Sunday, March 29. Change, bills, checks, and online gifts are all gratefully accepted. If you write a check or give online, please note Change for Children so it is directed to this year’s mission Learn more at childreneverywhere.org.

Dear Parents and Guardians

Please sign up by Wednesday, March 25, 2025 at sapctucson.org.

Thank you for signing up and supporting Heavenly Host Ministry.

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Preschool & Kindergarten We’ve been learning all about Community Helpers in our Preschool and Kindergarten classrooms, and we were so grateful for special visitors who helped make our learning come alive!

TRM Dinner The Tucson Refugee Ministry (TRM) is hosting a Beyond Borders Dinner on March 19 and all are invited. It will be an immersive evening featuring live music, ethnic food, and powerful stories from refugees sharing their experiences. Additionally, you will learn more about TRM and its mission to walk with refugees on the path to flourishing. Dinner is provided and a $15 donation is requested to help pay a TRM refugee friend who will be preparing the meal.

Our students had the opportunity to visit with the Oro Valley Police Department and Davis Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about how police officers serve and protect our community, as well as how dentists help keep our teeth healthy and strong. Students learned about making green and red food choices, how cavities form, and even how teeth are cleaned during a dental visit.

A heartfelt thank you to Officer Snyder from the Oro Valley Police Department for coordinating this special visit for our students, and to Dr. Adam Davis from Davis Pediatric Dentistry for sharing his time and expertise to teach us about dental health and hygiene.

We are so grateful for the community helpers who partner with us to help our children learn, grow, and feel connected to the world around them!

EVENT DETAILS Date: Thursday, March 19 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Address: 3355 N Fontana Ave Please register by March 8 at tucsonrefugeeministry.breezechm s.com/form/BeyondBordersDinner If you have any questions, please contact Marjie Brecht at

Marjie@tucsonrefugeeministry.com

SAPC Church Library Need an attitude check? Come study the Beatitudes with us and be blessed.

During the month of March, Pastor John will be starting a sermon series on the Beatitudes. (Matthew 5: 1-12). Do you hunger and thirst for more knowledge? The SAPC Library is here for you. We have several fine authors, including a book recommended by Pastor John: The Beatitudes Through the Ages- Eklund. Stop by the Library and check them out.

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Children’s Ministry VBS REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 22!

Registration for kids and volunteers opens on March 22 at sapctucson.org/kids. Get ready for a summer adventure that helps kids discover the amazing nature of God! At Rainforest Falls, children will dig into life-changing truths about God—their loving Creator who knows them and loves them forever. The week will be filled with faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures that help kids grow in their faith.

Who can attend: VBS is open to children who have completed preschool through 5th grade. Preschoolers must have a birthday before September 1, 2022.

We can’t wait to explore, learn, and grow together this summer!

HOLY MOLIES

SUPER FRIENDS

Holy Molies (4th & 5th graders) will meet on Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm in Room F. We’ll enjoy pizza, play games, and spend time together in Bible study. Our theme for the evening is “The Shield of Faith.”

Please have your child bring $5 to help offset the cost of dinner. Be sure to also bring a Bible and a filled water bottle. We’re looking forward to a fun and meaningful night together!

Super Friends will not be meeting on Sunday, April 5, as we celebrate Easter. We hope you enjoy this special time celebrating with your family.

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ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT & AMAZING GRACE EASTER FAMILY EVENT Easter Egg Hunt

SAPCKids is excited to host our Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 29, at 10:30 am on the NE Campus! Each year we hide over 1,000 Easter eggs, and we need your help to make it happen. We are currently collecting donations of: Plastic eggs, Small toys, Candy (no chocolate, please) This event also takes many volunteers to run smoothly. If you’re able to help, please sign up at sapctucson.org/kids.

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Amazing Grace Easter Family Event

Immediately following the Easter Egg Hunt, families are invited to take part in the Amazing Grace Easter Family Event on the NE Campus.

Families will walk together through Jesus’ journey to the cross—and to the joy of Resurrection Sunday. You’ll create together, eat together, and experience Holy Week through interactive stations, discovering that grace is a gift from God. Families will receive special gifts at each station.

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful and joy-filled Easter celebration!

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Youth Ministry LOVE IN ACTION

Thank you, St. Andrew’s, for your incredible support during our Love in Action Event in February! Together, we raised over $2000 to support World Vision in providing food, clean water, and care around the world, and Fresh Start International in their mission to offer new beginnings through sustainable services, support, resources, and restorative justice.

We are so grateful for your generosity!

SUPER SIGN-UP SUNDAY - MARCH 8 - 3:00 PM

Every July, our Middle School and High School students head to Forest Home Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains for an unforgettable week of games, worship, teaching, zip-lining, hiking, blobbing, competitions, night games, and meaningful friendships.

Spots fill quickly! Super Sign-Up Sunday is your best — and possibly only — opportunity to secure your place. Registration opens online at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 8. Camp dates are July 8–13, and the cost is $686 per camper.

Sibling discounts and scholarships are available. We can’t wait for you to join us!

Visit sapcyouth.com to find registration instructions and learn more!

MOONLIGHT DINNER & AUCTION

Save the date for the Moonlight Dinner and Auction — our annual youth fundraiser! Proceeds support Youth Missions, Youth Scholarships, and our Youth Intern Program. The event will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 6:00 pm in Friendship Hall. This special evening depends on the support of our community, so please consider volunteering or attending. Tickets go on sale at the end of March!

DONATIONS NEEDED We are currently accepting donations for the Moonlight Dinner and Auction. Popular items in the past have included timeshares, dinner parties, service projects, sports memorabilia, large diamonds, and private yachts. If you would like to donate or have questions, please get in touch with Tim Christian at tchristian@sapctucson.org. Thank you for helping make this event a success!

SAPC Financial Update As of January 31, 2026 Thank you for your support of our ministries. Please contact Brad in the business office at (520)297-7201 if you have questions.

YTD Offering

YTD Expenses

Actual

$212,019

$233,417

Planned

$205,088

$268,051

Difference

$6,931

$(34,634)

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Stephen Ministry

In Memoriam

Parenting young children is a beautiful, exhausting, joy-filled, and sometimes overwhelming season of life. Between sleepless nights, busy schedules, work demands, and the emotional weight of raising little ones, many parents quietly carry more than they should alone.

Barbara ‘Oz’ Vulkoff January 13, 2026 Matt Rockenback February 9, 2026

Stephen Ministry offers a compassionate, confidential space for parents who need

From Faith Community Nurses

At a young age, Rebecca spent hours exploring wildlife in woods, rivers, lakes and tall cornfields of northern Iowa, nurturing her love of botany and astronomy. Camping out under starry skies, with the sounds of crickets and light shows courtesy of lightning bugs created curiosity about the world. Visits to extended family on working farms with animals especially horses - served as early inspiration for drawing starting at age 5. So much to share with others through sketches about travels to new places.

From ancient times, fragrances have played a significant role in daily life, religious ceremonies and special occasions. Matthew 25:6-7 tells of a woman anointing Jesus with costly perfume. The following are key considerations regarding perfumes and church: Strong, synthetic fragrances can trigger serious reactions like asthma attacks or migraines, forcing chemical sensitive individuals to leave church or stay home.

Often individuals wearing heavy perfumes have become desensitized to it, and unknowingly apply excessive amounts that overwhelm others in confined spaces.

Cultural/Generational differences may view fragrance as a personal, traditional, or a modest accessory, while others considerate it a distraction or physical hazard.

Suggested guidelines for scents in church are as follows: Moderate usage ensures the scent is only detectable by those immediately beside you, not down the aisle.

Consider others: Opt for milder, more natural, or no scents, out of courtesy for those with allergies or chemical sensitivities. “Fresh” laundry scents are as overwhelming as strong perfumes.

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

withus!

For more information visit sapctucson.org/care or call the Church Office, 520-297-7201, or Cheryl Smith at 520-271-6591.

GANZ Gallery Artist REBECCA March 1 to April 12

Wearing Scents at Church

Connect

someone to listen and care.

Whether you’re navigating postpartum challenges, family stress, grief, illness, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stretched too thin, a trained Stephen Minister walks alongside you one-on-one.

Her natural curiosity for learning lead to attaining multiple degrees, some with honors.

Rebecca created art early on, but didn’t devote time to painting until 2010. Since then, her impressionistic approach includes multiple media such as acrylic, watercolor, casein, pastels, and collage. She is an artist member of several artist organizations such as Rhode Island Watercolor Society, Sonoran Plein Air Painters, and National Collage Society to name a few.

Primarily self-taught with mentoring by professional artists Brienne Brown, Stephen Quiller, Greg Wallace, and Jill Carver, her curiosity about design and different painting techniques has broadened over the years. To view Rebecca's work with a list of Exhibitions and Awards visit coachrganz.com.

sapctucson.org 520-297-7201 7650 N Paseo del Norte Tucson, AZ 85704

As an adult, she has spent time in 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe and Africa. Rebecca currently resides in Tucson, AZ with her husband, Bill.

@sapctucson SCAN ME

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