June/July 2023 Cross Currents

CROSS CURRENTS ISSUE 05 | JUNE/JULY | VOLUME 2023

From Pastor Pete Warm greetings to you, St. Andrew’s! Welcome to our June and July Issue of Cross Currents!

At SAPC, summertime means both ramping up (especially in our children’s and youth ministries) and chilling out (either traveling to beat the heat or finding a shady spot near a pool)!

Whether you find yourself busy or not, I pray that you are unhurried in noticing God’s presence and led by the Holy Spirit into times of worship and sensing the glory and supremacy of Christ.

This summer, on Sundays we will work through the companion New Testament books of Colossians and Philemon in a series I’m calling Jesus + Nothing = Everything.

The apostle Paul wrote two companion letters from prison that were carried together to the city of Colossae, located in the Lycus Valley of what is today Turkey. Paul sent the letters with two men, Tychicus

and Onesimus, which may seem like an unimportant detail, until we learn more about Onesimus’ relationship with that community. If you don’t know the story, I won’t spoil the drama for you. Feel free to study ahead!

In June and July, we will also be welcoming two amazing guest preachers from two of SAPC’s mission partners. On June 25, we will welcome Jennifer Tompkins, the Executive Director of Tucson Refugee Ministry to share with us good news of God’s work among the immigrant community of Tucson. On July 16, Dave Drum, the Executive Director of J17 Ministries will be speaking to us about what God is doing to bring unity among churches and Christians in Tucson. Both Jennifer and Dave are dynamic speakers, and very good friends and partners of SAPC. In July, I will have been here as the Interim Pastor for two

JUNE & JULY WORSHIP SCHEDULE June 4: Jesus + Nothing = Everything 1 June 11: J+N=E 2

years. As I’ve shared previously, interim pastorates can sometimes be up to three years, after which congregations are usually very ready to accept and call a new pastor! The single greatest thing you can do as the season of pastoral transition eventually Scriptures shifts to a seasontoofPonder readiness to welcome a new pastor is: to pray! The Pastor Nominating Capturing the Committee is hard at work, Crossroads with each member devoting many hours of careful attention to prayer and the wise discernment of whom God is calling to be the next pastor at St. Andrew’s. Thank you for your continued kindness and support of the leaders and staff of SAPC, who are tireless in their efforts of leading and supporting the ministry and mission of this congregation.

Whether it is a season of ramping up, or chilling out… we do it all for the Glory of God! Counting it All Joy,

June 18: Let Your Light Shine/VBS Takeover at 900 am Service *Carl Dahlen preaching at 7:30 am & 10:45 am Services June 25: Guest: Jennifer Tompkins, Tucson Refugee Ministry July 2: J+N=E 3 July 9: J+N=E 4 July 16: Guest: Dave Drum, J17 Ministries July 23: J+N=E 5 July 30: Service Worship: Serve Our Schools *Carl Dahlen preaching at 7:30 am Service

Pastor Pete Seiferth Interim Pastor / Head of Staff

CROSS CURRENTS

MISSION & LOCAL OUTREACH SERVICE WORSHIP: SERVE OUR SCHOOLS

Looking ahead to school, we have a huge list of schools that need help for our annual Serve Our Schools so please save the date for July 30! Watch for our sign up in July!

BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE We will collect backpacks and school supplies in July for the children at Gospel Rescue Mission, the Karenni children tutored by St. Andrew’s members, one of the refugee agencies and the Amphi Clothing Bank.

Supplies Needed: backpacks colored pencils highlighters crayons college rule paper If you don’t know what to buy, ask your children or grandchildren or write a check with backpacks in the memo line. Questions? Contact Jan Littlefield at 520-299-6851 or jan.littlefield@comcast.net.

Thanks for your help.

CHANGE FOR CHILDREN UDPATE

We would like to say “Thank you” to everyone for your generous donations to our Change for Children campaign this year. With your help, we raised $7,551 that will empower 37 different families through the Alliance for Children Everywhere Graduation Approach in Zambia, Africa. For more information on the Graduation Approach, please go to childreneverywhere.org.

Thank you again on behalf of Alliance for Children Everywhere!

We have so many schools who have asked for classroom snacks because they have children who come to school without breakfast.

According to some of the teachers in Tucson who work at schools in need, the kids living in poverty are simply starving. We will have a sign up later in the summer to help supply these much needed snacks.

Many of the elementary classrooms have also requested books. If you are cleaning out your child’s room this summer, please save those books for us! You can place them in the outreach/missions bin in the Gathering Place on the SW campus.

Finally, we have about 30 schools who have asked for prayer for the upcoming school year! We will have a list of these for you as well!

What a huge blessing to be asked to pray for our schools!!

Thank you so much for your support of Tucson’s children!

Questions? Please email RuthAnn, Local Outreach Director, at rsmithrud@sapctucson.org.

“I received new insights into prayer and a renewed sense of connection to others!”

SERVICE WORSHIP: A CONCERT OF PRAYER

Thank you so much for pouring out your love on April 30, Service Worship! We were able to bless Mentoring Tucson’s Kids with Baggins for lunch and a great football game led by the Donovans!

We also collected $1,095 in gas cards for Community Renewal so that they can give them to those in need. Survivor Shield Foundation was thrilled with the number of women’s clothing donations. Watch for that to pop back up in November with Serve Our City. And finally, thank you for all the teacher appreciation items! You are so generous!

Special thanks to everyone who either watched the prayer service online or attended in person! We had an amazing turnout, and those who attended loved the fellowship and praying together. A few of our many positive comments included “I received new insights into prayer and a renewed sense of connection to others!”

“Gratitude for a church who demonstrates its concern for and love for our community and who prays for it.” “Thankful for God and this morning – time to focus on Him, on our city, on people’s need for a loving God. The music, Scriptures, and prayer were all amazing!”

ISSUE 05 | JUNE/JULY | VOL 2023

HELP BUILD A HOME FOR A FAMILY

Home represents so much to us – a place for family, security, meals, sleep and relaxation. If you didn’t have a home, how much would be missing from your life? Many people living in Rocky Point, Mexico don’t have secure homes. 1Mission is a non-profit that works to strengthen communities in need and one big part of this is providing safe, secure homes for deserving families.

October 7-10, St. Andrew's will be sending a team to help build homes in Rocky Point with our friends from Pantano Christian Church. If you are interested in helping a deserving family who is working to strengthen their community, please consider joining us.

There are opportunities to work on the house, work in the kitchen cooking meals for everyone, or help with a vacation bible school type activity. No prior experience is required, just a willing heart. This is a great family trip. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Oxnam at 520-471-3811 or kevinoxnam@gmail.com. We hope that you can join us.

ST. ANDREW'S PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Thank you for all your prayers and support during our 2022-23 school year! It was a year of growth and positivity on campus, and we are so thankful to all those who commit their time, energy, and finances to help our students learn through play in a faith-based environment.

Are you looking for a way to get involved with our Preschool and Kindergarten?

You don’t have to wait until school starts to help support this important ministry! If you are able and feel called to give, we are always in need of replacing toys that have been well-loved and updating new equipment for our Preschool and Kindergarten. To view, please click on our link https://a.co/j62xJqo or scan the QR code below. We thank you for your support and for making a difference in the young lives and families that we serve!

AMPHI CLOTHING BANK

Amphi Clothing Bank needs your gently used clothing. As you are going through your kids' closets this summer and getting them ready for school in August, please donate your outgrown, gently used clothing to the Amphi Clothing Bank. The Amphi Clothing Bank provides gently used clothing to any child in need in the Amphi School District from preschool to highschool. It is easy: you can bring the clothing to the box in the Gathering place any Sunday or contact Sandy Kreamer at sandrakreamer@gmail.com to arrange for a pick up. Thank you in advance for helping all kids feel ready to go back to school.

CROSS CURRENTS

SUMMER CHOIR Do you love to sing? Come join the Summer Choir! Here is how it works: Each Sunday the choir is scheduled to sing, we will meet in the Choir Room at 10:00 am prior to the Traditional Service and prepare a simple anthem and introit for worship that day. That’s it! EVERYONE is welcome and encouraged to participate, including children, families, and friends. No choral experience is required. This is an excellent opportunity for those not currently participating in the Chancel Choir to “try out” the choir experience. There is no commitment to continue in the fall. Join us! July 2, 9, 16, 23 and August 6, 13, 20.

SAPC IS GOING TO EGYPT AND ISRAEL!

You are invited to join your friends from SAPC on tours of Egypt and Israel in March of 2024. While Israel is the primary trip and will have the most people (we have 80 spaces available), there is also an optional trip to Egypt prior to the Israel trip with about 30 spaces available. Egypt is planned for March 3-11 and Israel is planned for March 11-21. Both trips include virtually all costs except for lunches. At the time this article was submitted, prices had not yet been finalized and registration was not open. We expect that the Israel tour will cost about $5000 and adding the Egypt tour will be an additional $3500 (approximately). Both estimates assume double occupancy. Registration is expected to be open in June. Both of these tours promise to be amazing trips. If you are interested, or want more information, please contact Kevin Oxnam at kevinoxnam@gmail.com or 520-471-3811.

CHECK THIS OUT News from SAPC Library Team Are your church activities, Bible study classes, and even social gatherings tapering off for the summer? Will you be on vacation and have spare time to read, listen, or view some stimulating Christian media?

We invite you to explore your library and let God lead you to a perfect book.

The library is open every Sunday.

We have Bible studies, inspirational books, biographies, fiction, and DVDs for all ages tiny tots to super seniors.

Our Youth and Young Readers section offers teens and tweens fiction classics like Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, Heidi, Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island, the Narnia series, Pollyanna, and Charlotte’s Web, as well an extensive biography selection.

Rediscover reading to fight the summertime blues!

SAPC SECURITY TEAM

The St. Andrew’s Security Team continues to look for more volunteers to join our team. The Security Team stands watch during special times for our Preschool & Kindergarten, Vacation Bible Study and the three worship services on Sundays. Our current team works very well together and looks forward to new volunteers to join the team to help fill out our schedules. Team members volunteer for dates and times they can serve to fit in with their personal plans and schedules. We will continue to balance security while still being a welcoming and inviting church. We appreciate everyone's positive responses and encouragement for the Security Team. If you have any questions or would like to join the team, please contact Don Spiece at dspiece@gmail.com.

PRAY FOR EACH OTHER

Did you know that St. Andrew's has a new resource for prayer?

You can not only submit a prayer request, but you can view the prayer requests of others and pray for them. If you'd like to share a public prayer request or if you are led to pray for others, go to the Prayer & Care page under Ministries for more information. Submit your prayer request at sapctucson.org/prayer. You can choose to make your request public, or you can also make it private so it only goes to our team and your request is kept confidential. For questions, contact our team at care@sapctucson.org.

ISSUE 05 | JUNE/JULY | VOL 2023

FAITH UNCORKED

Women of all ages are invited to our monthly women’s fellowship on June 2. This will be our summer send off! Being together will encourage each of us, help us with all of our life stuff, and we’ll have FUN! Bring your favorite appetizer and beverage. We’ll meet from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Cherie MillerGray’s home at 55 E. Naranja Dr., Tucson, AZ 85737. RSVP to Connie at crandall@sapctucson.org.

ADULT MINISTRY SUMMER CLASS: RENOVATION OF THE HEART

Our St. Andrew’s pastors (past and present) often quote Dallas Willard in their messages. Rev. Carla Williams (honorably retired 2015) is offering a summer opportunity for continued learning via Zoom!

We will be reading and discussing pastor/scholar/theologian Dallas Willard’s landmark book Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ.

As Dr. Willard notes, Christ followers long to become more like our Lord Jesus, and Willard leads us into a deeper understanding how spiritual transformation happens. This conversation group requires some basic knowledge of Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels.

Two options are available for this 11 week group, starting the week of June 19: Tuesdays, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Fridays, 9:30 am – 11:30 am To register contact Rev. Connie at crandall@sapctucson.org or Rev. Carla Williams: revcarla@comcast.net

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

Mark your calendars! The Friday Women's Bible Study is taking a break for the summer but will resume on September 15 with a study on the Parables. We will do in person and Zoom groups.

For more information contact Jan Littlefield at jan.littelfield@comcast.net or 520-299-6851.

PRAYING TOGETHER

First Sunday of Each Month, Beginning June 4, 2023 Jesus’ words in Mark 11:24: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Let’s pray together for St. Andrew’s and our community once a month between the 9:00 am and 10:45 am services on the SW Campus. We will meet in the Breeze Way by the Prayer Tower from 10:15 am - 10:45 am. Come as you feel led. Contact Connie at crandall@sapctucson.org for questions or to RSVP.

GET CONNECTED LIVE Save the date! The Adult Discipleship Ministry will be hosting Get Connected Live on Sunday, August 20, at St. Andrew’s. This is an opportunity to find out the many ways to get involved, get connected, and meet those who are leading each ministry.

CROSS CURRENTS

YOUTH MINISTRY SUMMER KICK-OFFS! High School Pool Party - June 6 Middle School Pool Party - June 7 Youth Group is back for the summer with our pool parties! We will be beating the heat, splashing around in the pool, playing mermaids, and hanging out with all our friends! The High School Summer Kick-Off Pool Party will be Tuesday, June 6, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. The Middle School Summer Kick-Off Pool Party will be Wednesday, June 7, from 6:15 pm - 8:15 pm.

Locations are TBD and information will be sent out soon! Get ready for a fun-filled summer!

MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION DAYS June 12 and June 15, 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm We are continuing our tradition of Middle School mission days during the week of VBS! Mission work is not just something we go and do, it is a part of our life. During the middle school mission days, we will get a chance to serve in our own community and perform acts of Christ's love. We will be doing two mission adventures following VBS on Monday and Thursday. Students may do one or both of the days. You can register online at sapcyouth.com!

WATER BASEBALL June 14 Some of you have experienced the amazingness that is WATER BASEBALL! This is your chance this summer to slip-n-slide into home plate! Join us for this combo of baseball, slip-n-slide, kickball, and water shenanigans! Time and location TBA.

FOREST HOME July 2-7 Cost $530

Forest Home is just around the corner! We are beyond excited about this incredible week in the San Bernardino Mountains with students entering 6th grade through graduating seniors! It is an amazing adventure filled with games, worship, teaching, zip-lining, hiking, blobbing, competitions, friendship, and more!

We still have some Middle School spots available and High Schoolers can be added to the waitlist if they are interested! Don't forget to send in your final payments

by June 18!

Keep an eye out for emails in June with packing lists and detailed information.

ISSUE 05 | JUNE/JULY | VOL 2023

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

SUPER FRIENDS PIZZA PARTY Join us for a pizza party with our CDM families at Peter Piper Pizza on Ina and Thornydale on June 4 from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm. No advance registration required. Payment for your family will be made directly to Peter Piper Pizza at the event. We hope you will join us for an afternoon of fun!

VBS UPDATE We are getting closer and closer to Stellar VBS on June 12-16!

We have 134 kids registered so far for VBS as of May 15. Do you want to shine Jesus’ light with us? Adult Crew Leaders Needed!

Jump in and help kids learn about God’s love for them. You would be in charge of leading kids from station to station and building relationships with a small group of children. Contact Heather at hbrannock@sapctucson.org to volunteer. Join us to see what we learned during VBS week on Sunday June 18 at the 9:00 am service.

VBS Snack Donations Needed We are asking for donations for breakfast items for our VBS volunteers and we are asking for items such as fruit, muffins, pastries, paper goods, etc. All donations need to be dropped off on the SW Campus kitchen by 8:00 am each morning. Thank you for helping to bless our VBS volunteers!

VBS Decorating Party Our annual VBS decorating party is June 8 from 4:00 pm- 9:00 pm. Come and help make and hang decorations. Let Heather know if you’re coming because she’s ordering pizza! Childcare is available upon request.

No Sunday School June 11 There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on June 11. Heather is making final preparations for VBS! Childcare will be available for kids five years old and younger.

SUPER FRIENDS SUMMER OUTING AT OV AQUATIC CENTER Please join our Super Friends for an all church outing at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center on July 2 from 2:00 pm 4:00 pm.

No registration required. We will simply be hanging out for some fun at the pool! The price is $5 per family (up to 6 people) at the door. We hope to see you there!

CROSS CURRENTS

PRAYER & CARE

MYTHS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS

FROM YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY NURSES It’s likely that we’ll all struggle with our mental health at various points in our lives. We all deserve support to overcome these struggles without our misconceptions about mental health standing in the way.

MYTH #1 It's uncommon to struggle. - One in five Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.

MYTH #2 Mental health struggles are inevitable, so there's nothing you can do. - For some, professional mental health may be the answer. For others selfcare and coping skills can bring relief.

STEPHEN MINISTRY What would feeling better look like?

Dealing with multiple issues over a long time can make you weary. You might have forgotten how to experience hope and joy.

A Stephen Minister would love to come alongside you and help you rediscover what feeling better looks like. Stephen Ministry is a free confidential resource that our church provides-just for you. For more information visit sapctucson.org/care or call the Church Office, 520-297-7201, or Cheryl Smith at 520-271-6591

In Memoriam:

Myth #3 People should be able to handle mental health problems on their own. - Just as you would seek a physician for a physical ailment, you should have the same expectation for a mental health issue.

Myth #4 Mental health disorders are a sign of weakness or lack of willpower. - Mental disorders are medical conditions just like diabetes and heart disease. They are caused by a variety of factors including genetics, environment and life experiences.

Myth #4 People with mental health conditions can’t be successful at work. - This myth sends a discriminatory message. Those with milder form of illness are in fact employed and want to work. research shows doing so can improve their health and quality of life.

Myth #5 Children and teens don’t have mental health issues. - Mental health issues are easy to overlook in young people, but even young children can show symptoms. getting help early may reduce the severity of the illness and minimize the risk of secondary problems like substance abuse and trouble in school

Pete (Elinor F.) Truitt April 26, 2023 Paul Lewis April 29, 2023

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church doesn’t have mental health staff available, but Faith Community Nurse Ministry is able to make referrals. Contact Louise Doran at 520-529-7748 Reference: Joe Grasso, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist

FINANCIAL UPDATE April total revenue

$253,833

Year to date revenue

$1,000,195

Monthly revenue required

255,156

YTD revenue required

1,058,444

Difference

($1,322)

Difference

($58,249)