echoes of dhpc | june-july 2014

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Echoes

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

June / July 2014

D E S E RT H I L L S Echoes • J U N E • J U LY 2 0 1 42

Echoes

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] or drop them off at the church office.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

April / May 2014

03 Pastor’s Message

04 Summer Worship Schedule

04 Membership Class

05 Stephen Ministry

06 Reflections on our Journey to

the Cross

07 Welcome New Confirmands

08 From Our Associate Pastor

10 From the Congregational

Nurse

12 Band of Believers Complete

Bible Study

12 Sister Churches

13 Play Auditions

13 Property Manager Farewell

14 Dashboard

IN THIS ISSUE:

FEELING SOCIAL?Be sure to “like” Desert Hills Presbyterian Church on Facebook! Simply go to the DHPC website: www.deserthills.org and click the Facebook icon.

You may also type “Desert Hills Presbyte-rian Church” in the search bar on Face-book. We have security set so that “tag-ging” of photos is not permitted, so check out the page and enjoy the photos and information about your church family.

3D E S E RT H I L L S Echoes • J U N E • J U LY 2 0 1 4

A YEAR IN PRAYER: ASKING THE SPIRIT

Jim Noble, Senior [email protected]

Pastor’sMessage

We will soon be halfway through our year with the focus on prayer and the Holy Spirit. I hope your personal, family, and community prayer life is growing deeper in the Lord. Our year of prayer is not simply to increase prayer in general, but a greater focus on the Holy Spirit in our prayer life. It is the Spirit that enables us to cry out, “Abba! Father!” and gives us the ability to express what is in our hearts when words fail us. We also are asking for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, a greater awareness of the Spirit, and a stronger empowerment by the Spirit in prayer.

On June 8th we will be celebrating Pentecost. The day of Pentecost is when the Jewish community celebrates the giving of the Law to Moses, but we Christians celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit. We know that the Law without the Spirit is dead and that we now live by the Spirit. Pentecost is a day in which we normally wear red to remember the fire of the Spirit that fills and leads us.

To further encourage and prepare us for the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost, the Session is calling the entire congregation to a day of prayer on Saturday, June 7th. The Worship Committee is preparing an opportunity for people to sign up to pray throughout the day. Whether you are at home, on vacation, or on the road somewhere we ask you to set aside time to pray for the outpouring of the Spirit. Gather with your loved ones and take each other’s hands and pray for the Spirit to reside with each other. Without the Spirit we are dead, with the Spirit there is life and joy.

This fall we will be praying our way through the Psalms. A schedule will be provided so that everyone can be praying and reflecting upon the same two Psalms each day. We will be encouraged to pray one Psalm in the morning and the second Psalm in the evening. Whether you make this a pattern for your own prayer life or incorporate it into a household practice is entirely up to you. Our Bible studies and Covenant Groups will also be encouraged to follow the schedule and the sermons in the fall will be on the Psalms that were the focus of the previous week.

Peace in Christ,

Jim


Desert Hills Presbyterian Church will begin our Summer Worship Schedule beginning Sunday, June 1 through September 28. As in past years, DHPC will hold two worship services during these months: 9:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

10:30 a.m. – Praise Worship in the Fellowship Center

Nursery care and Sunday School will be offered during both services. Band of Believers (4th – 6th graders) and Youth groups will meet during the 10:30 service.

Coming in FallSave the Dates!

Class 1 October 5Class 2 October 12Class 3 October 19 Class 4 October 26 For More Information or Questions Call or email Nan Boyer-SearleEmail [email protected] 480-488-3384Cell 480-239-3751

SUMMER WORSHIPSCHEDULE:

MEMBERSHIP CLASS SERIES


Stephen MinistryBeing ThereCaring for a person may involve various devoted actions in order to support him/her physically, emo-tionally and spiritually. It sometimes overwhelms us to even know where to begin. Why not just begin by simply showing up and being there for that person. By putting your life aside, even for a while, you are letting him/her know his/her life matters to you.

You may not even talk, just enjoy each other’s com-pany. Silence can bring peace and joy if you let it.

Listen from the heart. Heartful listening allows a safe place for a person to freely express his/her fears, grief, hopes and dreams. Heartful listening means being fully and lovingly present for another individual with-out having to fix anything or make it all better.

Allow yourself to be open and receptive to whatever the experience may bring. Go with the flow.

Allow the person the dignity and respect to work through his/her issues in his/her own time and space. Don’t hurry the process.

Avoid “shoulds” and shouldn’ts”, avoid judgments, expectations and avoid labeling another’s experiences.

Remember, we have no right to place our belief systems on others.

Trust that love always prevails and practice acceptance. Remember that in each situation we are both teacher and stu-dent and that each situation creates a phenom-enal potential for growth for everyone involved.

Look for the opportunity to invite him/her to pray or pray together.

Stephen Ministry at DHPC hopes to bring warmth, care and blessing to the congregation and to grow as a nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for and their needs taken seriously, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

There are 28 Stephen Ministers currently serving. We are happy to announce that Curry Taylor, Shirley Klein, Sara Ray and Eric Steinberg were commissioned in April. Bon-nie Seiferth will soon become Stephen Leader on success-fully completing the training course.

No one is exempt from the problems of everyday living. If you would like a caring Christian to support you, please contact Stephen Ministers at DHPC.


REFLECTIONS OF OUR JOURNEY TO THE CROSSThe Journey to the Cross was an all-church event held at DHPC for the fifth year on Good Friday. The purpose of this meditative walk, designed and developed by Pastor Bob and Joyce Claus, was to prepare the hearts and minds of participants, drawing them closer to the Lord.

This was a prayerful, self-directed walk that led partici-pants through nine different stations in the Memorial Garden and behind Fellowship Center. Their journey began at a Gathering Station where participants were greeted by name and prayed over. The stations began with the heart of creation, ultimately led to the cross, and culminated with a blessing for return to the real world.

Sixteen DHPC members, including the Cana Covenant Group, prepared, manned, and disassembled this event. The following three comments express the general reaction of all 90 attendees.

“The Journey to the Cross was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had in my entire life! The presence of our Lord was with us every moment of our walk. I left, feeling I had our Father guiding us, spiritually, each and every step of the way! I want to give all that were involved...especially Joyce and Bob Claus...all the credit in the world, for the enormous effort in making this (the Journey) one of the most powerful experi-ences of my life!” — John Cisler

“I loved especially the sixth station when you filled out a card. It really made you reflect on your own life. At that point you do not know what you are going to do with the card. Then at the next station after you pray, you throw the card in the fire and release it to God. Very refreshing and liberating. The entire journey was lovely.” — Darla Gilchrist

“When I went through the stations of the Journey to the Cross, I was deeply moved as I meditated on the material presented. It was obvious that a lot of thought and meditation brought this result. Some of the most spiritually meaningful experi-ences I have had took place outdoors, i.e. church camp, casual, laid-back, and very personal.”

As I sat by the “camp fire”, I recalled the wonder-ful times in Council Circle every night at Lake Geneva’s Conference Point Camp, singing Chris-tian camp songs and listening to a pastor who challenged and inspired us. The last station was particularly special as Pastor Bob prayed for us.” — Susan Constance


WELCOME NEW CONFIRMANDS!IIt is a great honor to introduce the 8th grade students who were confirmed on May 18. Each student has written a statement of faith which are available upon request. As you read each students' statement may you be encouraged to hear how God has been at work in their lives and through their confirmation experience. Confirmation began with a retreat in Prescott at the beginning of September and students continued to meet twice a month throughout the school year. Each student that was confirmed has worked hard to attend classes and worship; complete weekly devotions; participate in six hours of volunteer service; interviewed an adult Christian about their

faith in Christ and presented their statement of faith to the Elders of our church. Please congratulate these students for their hard work and praise God for His continued faithfulness. This group of 8th grade students has set a wonderful example for our 7th grade confirmation students who will continue and complete confirmation next year. Special thanks to former confirmation students Ashley Murphy (class ‘08), Skye Cooper (class ‘11) and Graham Benham (class ‘13) who each contributed to the successful completion of another confirmation class. This group of students is also grateful for the support and care from the congregation and its commitment to youth discipleship. Please welcome these students as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and continue to encourage them in their faith in the years to come.

Not Pictured: Kennedy Nelson


The Care Ministries of DHPC are an integral part of our church’s ministries providing for the care of members and friends.

Here at DHPC, the Care Ministries is comprised of two significant groups: The Board of Deacons with between 12 and 18 Deacons, and the Stephen Ministries with about 10 to 15 trained and active Stephen Ministers.

Over the last seven years, these two groups have been evolving in such a way that their work needed greater coordination to deliver intentional and proactive care. In February, the Session asked that the organization of the Care Ministries be expanded and coordinated for greater coverage and care of our members.

A Renewal of PurposeSince February, a task group was formed with representatives of Deacons, Stephen Ministers and pastors to organize both Deacons and Stephen Ministries to more effectively and efficiently fulfill our purpose of:

• Providing “intentional, coordinated, and proactive” care to our members

• By word (education) and deed (example) train and encourage members and friends to exhibit the “care of Christ” to each other and their neighbors.

Redefining the Ministry of Deacons, Parish Shepherds and Stephen MinistriesAs of this writing, the task group has made a presentation to the Session that accomplishes a number of goals:

1. It clarifies the difference between a Deacon and a Parish Shepherd

2. It clarifies and strengthens the Board of Deacons as officers of the church who are responsible for the overall care ministry of the church and works in closer coordination with Stephen Ministries

3. It integrates the Deacon Care Council into the Board of Deacons to coordinate the care of individuals in our church.

Session will vote on this at its June meeting.

“Making Ministry Real”Sounds a bit mysterious, doesn’t it? Through this new organization, we are striving to “make real” the Second Commandment of “Loving our neighbor as ourselves” in practical ways and by making stronger relationships whereby we exhibit the care of Christ through ministry.

Ministry is that “purposeful activity that either brings people into relationship with Christ or helps make them more like Christ, especially in and through the church.” Ministry is done by individuals, one-on-one, or by groups called committees or ministry teams. Ministry is most effective when the Holy Spirit is at work to accomplish Christ’s purpose.

The Ministry of the DeaconA Deacon is: (an abbreviated description)

• a man or woman who loves the Lord and who has a heart for people

• elected by the congregation, trained and ordained as an officer of the church

• a servant leader who by word and deed “delivers” care through a particular ministry

• doing the work of ministry and involves others in the joy and challenge of “delivering” care

Bob Claus, Associate Pastor [email protected] | 480-488-3384

From Your Associate Pastor

CARE MINISTRY EXPANSION IS UNDERWAY


A Deacon is not a “super” Christian, but a man or woman who first of all is willing to use their gifts, abilities and some of their time to accomplish the goals set out by Session. Deacons work in partnerships and teams of two or three to do their ministry.

The Deacon Board can have 15 to 18 Deacons divided into five ministry areas.

The Ministry of the Parish ShepherdA “parish” is a smaller geographic area where members of our church live. Each parish has about 10 to 30 family units who live in closer proximity to each other.

A Parish Shepherd is: (an abbreviated description)

• a man or woman (or couple) who loves the Lord and has a heart for people.

• asked by the Deacon Board and trained to “communicate the care and concern of our church”

• a helper, who like a good neighbor, reaches out through calls, emails, or notes to church members and friends a welcoming person to new neighbors who start coming to our church

We have, at this time, 18 geographic parishes that stretch between the 202 Loop on the South, Rio Verde on the East, Glendale and Anthem on the West, and North into Carefree and Cave Creek. See the map below.

We are looking for members to become parish shepherds.

The Ministry of Stephen Ministers Stephen Ministries is a specialized ministry in which men and women are trained for 50 hours in the skills of one-on-one listening and caring ministry. The four compass points of Stephen Ministries are compassion, trustworthiness, confidentiality and skillfulness. Every Stephen Minister is required to be supervised by a Stephen Ministry Leader.

Our church has trained 29 Stephen Ministers over about 15 years with about 10 to 12 active at this time.

What This Means to YouSo what does this mean to you as a member and friend of DHPC?

1. You are surrounded by caring members of your church family

2. On any given week, we have between 40 and 60 members and friends who need care

3. Your neighborhood has church members who care about you; get to know them!

4. You can share your joys and concerns with your pastors, deacons, parish shepherds or Stephen Ministers so we can pray and care for you, spiritually and in practical ways.

Keep on Caring,

Bob


CongregationalNursefrom the

TIPS FOR A SAFE SUMMERFor many Americans summer means fun in the sun. Kids are out of school, adults are on vacation and it’s time for outdoor activities. Sunshine is beautiful, cheerful and raises our spirits but since we live in Arizona, we have to be even more safety minded than people in cooler areas of the country.

DehydrationThe Arizona sun can be too much of a good thing. We can suffer from dehydration, skin cancer, heatstroke and sunburns. Heat exhaustion and dehydration symptoms include light headedness, dizziness, confusion and feeling very hot. Drink water often and don’t wait until you “feel” thirsty. As we age, our “thirst” sensation and our total body water decreases and it is easier to become dehydrated.

Older adults dehydrate faster than younger people. Other factors that

cause us to dehydrate are certain medications such as diuretics, caffeine and alcohol. Carry water with you wherever you go. It is easy to become dehydrated in our hot, dry climate before we are aware we are thirsty. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of liquids a day. If you exercise or play actively add an additional 4-12 oz. of fluids every 20 minutes.

We lose 1 to 2 liters of fluids daily through by perspiring, breathing, and urine and stool elimination. If your urine is dark yellow, you need to drink more fluids and water is your best option. If you or your child are strenuously exercising for 1 hour or longer you might want to an electrolyte replacing fluid.

What we eat provides about 20% of our total water intake. Foods such as watermelon and tomatoes are 90% water. Homemade fruit juice popsicles are a great summertime treat to help replenish fluids.

If you have concerns about your fluid intake or have health issues, check with

your physician, nurse or registered dietitian to help determine the amount of water/fluid that is right for you.

Be Sun Savvy For babies less than 6 months of age avoid sun exposure. It is usually not recommended to use sun screen on babies unless advised to do so by the baby’s physician. Do not have infants in the hot sun. Cover babies with hat, light weight long sleeves and long pants.

For children six months and older, the first and best defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation exposure is covering up. Have kids wear a hat with a 3 inch brim or bill facing forward, wear sunglasses that provide 97 – 100 % UVA & UVB protection. Wear tight-woven cotton clothing and play in the shade. Use child-safe sun screen of at least 30 SPF (sun protective factor) on all exposed skin. Don’t forget the ears and nose. They are “popular” sites for skin cancer to develop years down the road.


Adults follow the same advice. Wear hats, sunglasses and protective clothing. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Use around 1 oz. with each application. If you do get sunburned, apply cool compresses to affected areas. When you are around water or sand you will burn faster as they reflect the UV rays. Use sun screen on both sunny and cloudy days. The UV rays come right through the clouds. If you have any suspicious looking skin lesions, have them checked by your general physician or dermatologist. Skin cancers come from sun damaged skin which could have happened years ago.

Summer SafetyThe US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that summer also is the time of year people are most likely to be injured. In 2001 3.7 million people went to hospital emergency rooms. Enjoy summer activities with safety in mind.

Wear a helmet and other safety gear when biking, skating, skate boarding, riding scooters, all-terrain vehicles and horses. Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 85%.

Swimming pool safety is critical and essential. Place barriers such as fences at least 4 - 6 feet high completely around pools with doors and pool alarms to prevent unsupervised access. Do not let children in pool area without a responsible adult closely supervising them. Do not leave them alone for even one minute. Give children ages one and up swimming lessons. Use approved life vests for children rather than inflatable floaties. Keep rescue equipment at pool side i.e. a shepherd’s hook fiberglass pole, a life preserver and a cell phone. Keep away from canals and fast moving water such as during our monsoon season flooding. Never swim alone in a lake or the ocean.

Grill SafeSafety for outdoor cooking is important year round for people in Arizona. Never

bring charcoal grills indoors. Burning charcoal produces deadly carbon monoxide. When cooking outdoors with a gas grill, check air tubes into burners for any blockages from insects, spiders or food grease. Be observant for gas leaks. If you detect one turn off the gas at the tank, do not attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed. Call for help. Newer grills have improved safety devices to prevent gas leaks.

Practice Summer Safety. Remember it is always better to be safe rather than sorry. Have a HAPPY BLESSSED & SAFE SUMMER and remember to continually Praise the Lord. Without God, life degenerates into a purposeless trek to nowhere

Mary Kay Thurston, RN FCN

Congregational Nurse for DHPC


THREE BAND OF BELIEVERS COMPLETE THE STORY BIBLE STUDY

Inspired by DHPC’s recent “Bible in 365” initiative, three members of DHPC’s 4th – 6th grade group, Band of Believers, com-pleted a 31-week study of The Story for Teens, Zondervan’s chronological version of the NIV translation from Genesis to Revela-tion. Congratulations to these young Bible scholars!

Pictured left to right: Rylee McAvoy, Logan McAvoy, Lorne Fowler

We will be experiencing a wonderful International month this summer when a team of 14 folks from Scotland and a team of 14 folks from Jamaica will be visiting DHPC!

The team from Scotland (�Monkton and Preswick North Parish Church) led by Rev. David Clarkson, (left) will be here from June 30 - July 13. Many of you may remember Rev. Clarkson, who spent a summer as an intern here.

On the very next day, a team from Jamaica arrives �, led by Rev. Khereen Wilson-Bailey. The Jamaican team will be here from July 14-24th.

We look forward to participating in ministry events with each group, as well as occasions for fellowship as we meet and greet both teams! Both teams will be spending a few days with our brothers and sisters in Leupp.

There will also be opportunities for our congregation to help out with housing and transportation, or being dinner hosts for an evening, etc. If you are interested in knowing more about those opportunities, contact Karin Thomas at 480-313-2494.

Watch your bulletins for more information about sched-uled events!

DESERT HILLS WELCOMES TEAMS FROM OUR SISTER CHURCHES IN SCOTLAND AND JAMAICA IN JULY!

� �


FAREWELL FROM YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER

All careers have to change to a new direction at some point. This June will be my last as your Prop-erty Manager. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the support, prayers and cama-raderie developed over the years serving the Lord. There were so many high points in the 14 plus years, and to have served with so many wonderful pastors like Dave Philips, Jim, Bob and soon-to-be Pastor Kevin Deasy.

Many thanks also to the wonderful staff of Kathleen, Karin, Nan, Donna and Bobi. To have shared in the life and times with them was beyond wonderful. But it was truly rewarding to have known and served with you, the congregation of Desert Hills, who always answered the bell when help was needed.

Over the years a big thank you is due starting with Elder Tom Mills, through Ron Brockman to Joe Gil-leland and the entire Buildings and Grounds team for their unending support.

And finally to my wife Carol of 54 years for her love and support of my role and specially tolerating the late night and early morning calls from Safeguard . This is not a good bye, but aloha until we meet again.

Blessings to all, Larry Soughan

CHRONICLES OF SUBURBIA AUDITIONS COMING THIS AUGUST We all had a great time preparing and watch-ing the Christmas Musical, "Manger Mania," by our children and youth last Christmas. This year, we'll be preparing and presenting "The Chronicles of Suburbia," motivated by the C.S. Lewis story, "The Chronicles of Narnia." Look for more information and the opportunity to sign up for our preparation starting in August. Talk to Vicky or Ron Crowe, 623-465-7156, for more information.

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

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