Love and Service in Name of Jesus. by Jessica Vandling

Transcription

1 The Bell Tower News from The Church at Litchfield Park September 2016 INSIDE 2-5 Pastors Columns 6-7 El Paso Mission See our youth in action as hands and feet of Jesus 8 New Members Five welcomed in May; Recent Baptisms 9-10 Fellowship Rock n Roll night, paint project, golf 11 Mission Camp 4th and 5th graders Love and Service in Name of Jesus by Jessica Vandling A mission trip is not measured in the distance that one goes, but rather in the love and service that is spread in the name of the Lord; and three weeks ago that held true as twenty-four youth and five leaders started their mission trip to El Paso, Texas. We served diligently at four different organizations. On day one, the group headed to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank. There we distributed donated food to local pantries around the community, which would in turn feed hundreds of families. The food bank was conscious of the food that was packed; so our time was spent checking for lapsed expiration dates, contaminated food, or broken seals. If something, such as an open bag of cereal, could not be distributed to families, then it simply went out to the local pig farms to feed the animals. After four-plus hours, the youth packed 7,961 pounds of food for the hungry. The next day, we served at the Opportunity Center for the Homeless. There are twelve different shelters operated by the Opportunity Center; we served in the emergency shelters that provide housing and food. These shelters are available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. We provided, prepared and served lunch for the women s emergency shelter as well as prepared and served lunch to the guests at the men s emergency shelter. We also helped clean different areas and create some gifts for women as they enter the shelter. Additionally, we were able to eat with the guests and hear some of their stories. (cont.p.7) The Church at Litchfield Park 300 N. Old Litchfield Rd Litchfield Park AZ Phone (623) Fax (623) info@churchatlitchfieldpark.org Web: Chris Martin, Editor (623) chrismartinaz@cox.net

2 Senior Pastor Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Coincidence?? I just returned from Ketchikan, Alaska. I was there to officiate a service to spread Jim Goldade s ashes at Clarence Strait, located off the coast of Alaska. Jim is (IS as our faith teaches us that Jim has not ceased to exist but is with the Lord) the husband of Terri Goldade. Terri IS the daughter of Naomi Lumley, church member, who met and welcomed Jim at the Pearly Gates last spring. Jim was a commercial fisherman off the Alaskan coast (a la The Deadliest Catch ). He was the captain of many types of fishing vessels including huge commercial fish processing ships (I say WAS because they terminate your license when you go to heaven). One of Jim s favorite areas of the Alaska coastline is Clarence Straits. On my way to Sky Harbor, I received a call from Meg from The Inn on Creek Street where I stayed. She was letting me know my room was ready for check-in when I arrived. Meg is a college student from Baltimore who is working the summer in Ketchikan after earning her B.S. in anthropology from the University of Hawaii; she will begin her graduate work in disability education this fall. Her goal is to establish a program and eventually a residency for disabled young adults. Meg is a painter and hopes to use art as a way of helping young disabled adults find fulfillment and even a way of making a living. For those of you who know my daughter Bethany, you are aware that she is a disabled young adult who paints. As I listened to Meg talking, I was nearly ready to burst. Kimberly and I (and more so Bethany) know all too well the frustrations many disabled young adults experience because there are very few group home situations for them. If they live in a home, it is usually one which provides care for and is geared toward older adults. In the rare case there is a place for young adults in the area (like the home former NFL star Kurt Warner has established in the Valley), it is immediately full and impossible to get into. Even rarer, is a home that helps disabled young adults find meaningful, supportive activities and a way to make a living. Meg explained to me, without she or anyone from the hotel knowing what I do as an occupation, that I would be staying in the room known as the Preacher s Cottage. The next morning eight of us there for the event met for breakfast before heading out. One of the party, Steve, had grown up with Jim in Washington State. They both attended the same high school that Bethany attended, and, incidentally, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Steve was a paramedic there during the time of Bethany s car accident. Although he was not on the call when it occurred, he was present at the fire house for the Thanksgiving dinner we brought to the paramedics to thank them for saving our children. We sat at breakfast discussing mutual friends, many of whom attended the church I served nearby. We met the charter boat on the docks after eating for our one-hour journey to Clarence Straits. The captain commented on how certain he was that the event would be canceled because of the weather the forecast was for high winds and rough seas. He further warned that we would go out but might need to turn back around. As it turned out, the water was not merely calm, it was like glass. The captain shook his head in disbelief of the conditions that are rarely, if ever that good. (continued on next page) 2

3 Coincidence, continued from previous page When we arrived at Clarence Strait, we had a beautiful service of scripture, words of committal, and a prayer. Terri s strength was amazing to behold and we all were emotional as we thought of the many times Jim had sailed through that area where we had placed his ashes. We reflected on the words of scripture which proclaim, The sea shall give up her dead, at the resurrection. One of Jim s good friends who was unable to be present carved some fishing buoys and fishing net looming needles to place in the water where we released the remains. Typically, when ashes are released into the sea, flowers or something that floats is released at the same time to give those present a sense where the remains go with the currents. We lingered in the area with the boat motor turned off, listening to the sounds of the sea and thinking about Jim. As we were about to leave, someone said it would be perfect if whales were to appear Jim loved whales. Two others exclaimed they had thought the same thing at the same instant. We then headed to get a close look at a gill-netter off in the distance, one of the types of vessels Jim ran in the area. However, someone looking back spotted whales in the area we had just left. It was a mother humpback whale and her calf. The captain turned around and took us back to where the buoys were floating on the surface. We watched in amazement as the whales breached the surface, blowing, waving their sail-like fins, and leaping completely out of the water for nearly an hour. Eventually we headed back for shore as we did, the rains followed us without overtaking the boat. Creek Street in Ketchikan. My hotel was here also salmon were running! Photo of all of us on trip. That evening, we gathered at the Preachers Cottage for a fresh-out-of-the-water salmon dinner that I prepared on the barbeque grill outside my room along with wine communion. It was our final gathering before we all departed the next day for home and a fitting ending to a time where we experienced events that put us all in awe. Some might contend that what took place over those few days was merely coincidence, but to those of us there, it was a visit from God. I will leave that for you to decide! God bless you all, Pastor Dale An island near Clarence Strait where we spread Jim s ashes. 3

4 Associate Pastor Rev. Kerri Sandusky One Constant: Jesus Christ Each of us works through various seasons in our lives: seasons of abundance, seasons of want, seasons of work, and seasons of pure Sabbath. One constant is our Lord and Savior. He is the way, the truth, and the life. His love is steadfast. As I look back to this summer season, some of the important insights the Lord illustrated are as follows: 1. Relationships matter. Philippians 2: 5, In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Relationships are essential to minister to others. Ministry is not about knowing the most facts, it is relating to others, caring for others, and listening to others. A willingness to formulate relationships is the only prerequisite to get involved in ministry activities. As we got out of our vans at Reynold s Home in El Paso, we watched children glance at us curiously as they rode by on their bikes. These looks evolved into a soccer game to group games to water balloon games. These children, who were essentially homeless, invited us into a relationship with them. The youth responded with lots of activity and lots of laughter. One of my favorite memories of Reynold s Home is watching one of the young boys pulling one of the youth to the playground. These kids were extremely relational. It was in the relationships and interactions that they felt safe, cared for, and loved. 2. Watch and listen. Psalm 34:15 - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry. Taking the time to observe and listen to others helps us to see wholly the gift of life the Lord provides. Each person we encounter has a story and a purpose. This was illustrated in my visit at the Opportunity Center in El Paso. When we arrived at the Opportunity Center, the first thing Ray Tullius, Executive Director, said was, You are in a war zone. He explained that this was the site of two emergency shelters that are always open for those in need of a meal or a place to sleep. As I listened to Ray, I learned that he had experienced homelessness personally. This gave Ray a unique perspective. While he talked about his experiences and how the Opportunity Center evolved, it was beautiful to watch him. We never stopped walking, and for every person he encountered he had a word, hand shake, or smile. The people called him Mr. Ray, and it was clear that they felt a kinship with him. One man who entered walked up to Ray and greeted him with a hug. It was clear that they had a long relationship. This man, Ray explained, had been homeless. Ray had helped him to find a job. The man was now working and trying to save money to move to Maine. He came periodically for lunch in order to save money. Ray had many stories of the people who had come through the doors. What Ray said that impacted me most was, If we just had ten more shelters. Watching and listening to Ray was a picture of God s love for others. 3. Thank God. Colossians 2: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. When we are thankful for the Lord, we live out of that thankfulness and love. Each week the Sunday school kids pray together. They are given the option to pray on their own, but if they are uncomfortable praying aloud or do not know what to say they can say Thank you, Jesus. It is a reminder that we are thankful to be together, thankful for what God does, thankful for who He puts in our path, and thankful in all circumstances. These are three extremely important words because it reminds us of our focus. The Lord has given us all that we have and one another. Blessings, Pastor Kerri 4

5 Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. Lynne Kammeraad The Journey Whenever I m getting ready to go on any kind of journey there is a certain amount of preparation that goes along with it. I try to learn what I can about where I m going so I can determine what sights to see and what activities to enjoy. It also involves packing the right items for the particular climate involved. We are people on a journey and studying God s word helps us prepare for that journey. When we study God s word we learn more about the love that God has for us, which is most clearly experienced in the birth, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus as recorded in the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Through study our faith is awakened and strengthened. Just like children need to eat the right foods in order to be healthy and grow physically, we need to eat the right food in order to be healthy and grow spiritually. One of our spiritual food sources is the Bible. The more we study God s word, the more we ll grow. And the more we grow the more our hearts and actions will align with God s the things that break God s heart break ours; and that which God loves, we ll love. In his letter to the Church in Rome the Apostle Paul writes: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) The idea behind this is total transformation. The more we study God s word, the more the Holy Spirit will help us see the negative thoughts we think and habits we exhibit, and replace them with new thoughts and life-giving habits. According to Richard Foster, The mind will always take on an order that conforms to the order of whatever it concentrates upon. In addition to growing closer to God, we ll grow closer to one another, especially when we study God s word together in community. As we discuss what we learn with each other, we teach and learn from one another. There is so much truth to these words found in Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. The more we learn, the more we ll also discover that we still have to learn. It s kind of like going on a treasure hunt where X marks the spot. Whenever I ve had a question I m hoping to answer and start searching, once I get to X I find it often leads to more questions and I m off searching for more answers. Once you start the journey don t be surprised if it leads to a lifelong pursuit of traversing the pages of scripture. I d like to invite you come on a journey with me and others this fall. The adult Bible study this coming year is going to involve going on a series of journeys, as we travel from one location to another exploring the old and new testaments of the bible. Some of the locations we ll visit on our journey will include travelling from: Goshen to Sinai (4 weeks); Nazareth to Bethlehem (3 weeks); The Jordan to Jerusalem (6 weeks); Inside to Outside (3 weeks); and Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (4 weeks). This is just a sampling there s so much more! Oh, and no need to worry about directions or getting lost in the dark, because God s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. (Psalm 109:115) And God s light is on 24/7. Travelling mercies, Pastor Lynne Adult Bible Study ~ Souers Hall 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 13 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, September 14 5

6 Pulse and Ignite rock El Paso Mission Trip with love and service... 6

7 ...food and fun! Love and Service, from page 1 Before we left, the executive director, Ray Tullius, spoke to us about how the shelters started and have expanded. We then went on a walking tour of a variety of shelters for specific demographics: veterans, mentally ill, elderly, women entering the work force, and others. It was a beautiful display of God s love in the middle of El Paso. Ray Tullius explained that his experience of being homeless at one time in his life has shaped this ministry for him. He told us that half of the employees in the shelters are people who were homeless at one point in their lives. Day three took us to The Mustard Seed Café. Here, we met some new friends who provide meals three days each week for the public. With an on-site garden, guests can work in the garden as payment for meals. We helped in the café with setting tables and cleaning. Before lunch service, we split into groups and did prayer walks around the community. Each group prayed as they walked to schools where they were able to pray for the schools. It was a beautiful experience. After the lunch service, we helped beautify the area by pulling weeds and picking up garbage around the church in which The Mustard Seed Café is housed. Our fourth and last full day in El Paso was spent at Reynold s Home. This home is a branch of the Opportunity Center and houses single mothers with children. These mothers are all transitioning into the work force, so we were able to provide child care for the day. With water balloons, games, and activities in hand, we played for several hours. We also provided lunch for the crew of 20 children. The day ended with the youth group being able to hand out lots of gifts to the children. There were some great friendships made, and the kids we served were full of smiles. Reynold s Home was definitely an easy way to see what sharing the love of the Lord can do. While these four different organizations were our mission sites, there was much more that happened on the mission trip. We had Bible study/reflection time each evening. Our theme was Coming Home with the focus on the parable of the lost son. Each evening was spent on a different aspect of the parable. The talks included Bible reading, discussion, talks from the leaders, debriefing of mission sites, and prayer time. Our last reflection occurred at First United Methodist Church in Tucson, where we stayed after a day of driving and a tour of Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. This last night we were able to bring the mission trip to an end with Communion together. It was a week of love and service in the name of Jesus Christ. Adult sponsors and leaders on this trip were Allison China, Beth and Steve Charney, Rev. Lynne Kammeraad and Rev. Kerri Sandusky. 7

8 Five new members received on June 26 interested in serving on the Welcome Team and attending Adult Bible Study and Women s Fellowship. James and Claudia Garner live in Avondale. Both retired from the City of Phoenix, they have one child and two grandchildren. Claudia enjoys water aerobics, card making, flower arranging and reading. James enjoys hiking and sports, and would like to attend Men s Fellowship. They are both interested in serving on the Worship Committee and as kitchen assistants. Deanna Lattari lives in Goodyear. She is a retired registered nurse and community volunteer who enjoys pickle ball, mahjong, board and card games, reading, gardening and spending time with her family. Deanna has three daughters, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She is Robert and Janet McPherson live in Goodyear. They have four children and ten grandchildren. Retired from their own orthodontic practice, they now serve as mentors for mission dental practices in Kenya. They also enjoy outdoor activities, quilting and visiting their children. Both are interested in serving on the Missions Committee, as ushers, and attending adult Bible study. Make a Difference Day: House Painters Wanted The City of Goodyear s annual Make a Difference Day event will be held on October 22. Men s Fellowship has coordinated through City of Goodyear You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program to paint a house of a senior citizen. The project will start around 8:00 a.m. and should take 4-6 hours. We will be asking for volunteers: men, women, and youth are welcome. Sign-up sheets will be available the end of September. Most details are yet to be determined but if the idea interests you please watch for more information in the weekly bulletin. 8 The Church at Litchfield Park is pleased to announce the following baptisms in our church family: Cayson Alden Pangle, born June 14, 2016, to Patrick Lee and Kristen Pangle of Litchfield Park, was baptized on June 26 by Rev. Judson Souers, who also baptized Patrick Lee Pangle. Cayson s grandparents are Steve and Carla Double, and Richard and Debbie Pangle. Great-grandparents are Rev. Judson and Betty Souers, and Nancy Dempsey. Godparents are Scott and Caitlyn Prior. Greg I. Herzner of Litchfield Park was baptized on July 17 by Rev. Kerri Sandusky. Greg is the father of Evynn and Mason. Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit " ~ John 3:5 (NIV) Mary Morrison Clerk of the Council Membership Orientation to be held September 18 Would you like more information about becoming a church member? Join us in Fireside Room south on Sunday, September 18, following the 9:15 a.m. service. New members will be received during 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. services on September 25. If you have questions about membership, contact chair Peter Dale at pdale3@pdale.com, or call the church office at 623)

9 Women s Christian Service Fellowship welcomes all women who are members, visitors or friends of The Church at Litchfield Park. For information, please contact: Marcy Clement, President meclement14@gmail.com (602) Circle 1: Contact Catherine Noah at (330) for information. This group meets the second Wednesday of each month in the morning. Circle 2: Contact Jennifer Neal at (602) for information. Meeting dates and times vary. Circle 3: Contact Jane Holdcroft at (623) for details. Circle 3 meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month for lunch. Circle 4: Meets on the second Thursday of each month in the morning. Contact Marilyn Kimmins at (315) for information. Circle 5: Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Contact Marcy Clement at (602) or meclement14@ gmail.com for information. Circle 6: Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. in the Watt House. Contact Aimee Wickersham at (480) or abwickersham@gmail.com if you would like specific information. All women are invited to "Ladies Who Lunch" on Tuesday, September 13, at 12:30 p.m. for a Dutchtreat meal at Eest Asian Bistro, 3145 N. Dysart Road, Goodyear. Your reservation is required by noon on Monday, September 12, to assure adequate seating. Look for the signup sheet in Souers Hall on Sundays; for more information or to RSVP, please contact Kathy Christensen at speedbmp68@ hotmail.com or (623) ; or Chris Martin at chrismartinaz@ cox.net or (623) Join us and bring a friend; all women are welcome! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ SAVE THIS DATE: WCSF Christmas Tea Sunday, December 2 2:00 p.m. Souers Hall Circle 3 would like you to save your travel size toiletry items for their towel wrap project. A box has been placed in the church office for these supplies. Thank you ~ Jane Holdcroft Crafter s Fellowship Using our gifts in service to others, for the glory of God Feeling creative? Are you trying to find time to make adjustments to a special project or looking forward to starting a new one? Crafters Fellowship has a place for you! Join us at 5:00 p.m. each Sunday beginning September 11 in Zieske Hall for a fun time of work and friendship. Bring any project you would like to work on and be ready for some inspiring fellowship. If you have any questions please contact Dana Dale at (623) or dana@pdale.com, or Rhoda Toews at (623) or eulb1@cox.net. We are looking forward to seeing you there! Thrift Shop Open 8:30-12:30 Saturday, 9/3 & Thursday, 9/15. Drop off your donations on 9/2 or 9/14, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Contacts: Monica Sproull (623) Millie Ezell (623)

10 Join us in celebrating the re-opening of Souers Hall on Friday, September 16, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. with a FREE family night featuring the sounds of the 1950's! Come enjoy hamburgers, fries and rootbeer floats in the courtyard starting at 6:30, and break out your dance moves or just enjoy listening to your favorite tunes from the 1950 s with our very own D. J. Hank Torkaz. Sign up in Souers Hall on Sundays. All are invited! Save the date: Hello, Seniors! Our next dinner/show at the Arizona Broadway Theater is Friday, February 3, 20l7, featuring the well known musical, Camelot. Watch for more information to follow. A Quick Look at the Budget July, 2016 YTD Revenues $ 460, YTD Expenses 461, Net YTD Revenues over Expenses $ (1,787.89) Revenue and expense summaries were prepared by Lori Orth, church treasurer, as part of the monthly financial reports to the Board of Directors. If you have questions, please contact Lori at Lorilovestennis@aol.com or (623) Sign up for the second annual U. S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Golf Classic which will be held on Saturday, October 1, at Tuscany Falls Golf Course in Pebble Creek. The cadets are preparing to spend the evening of December 6 aboard the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor. They will be part of the celebration ceremonies honoring the USS Arizona Memorial on December 7, marking the 75 th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Registration or sponsor forms are available in Souers Hall for the fundraiser golf tournament. Cadets from the Veterans Pride Division have posted the colors during our worship services on holidays such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and are led by Tim Rilley. PREACHING SCHEDULE Worship: 8:00, 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. September 4: September 11: September 18: September 25: Communion Sunday Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Lynne Kammeraad SUNDAY ATTENDANCE Date 8:00 9:15 10:45 Total

11 With grateful thanks Lisa, Brad and I want to thank the church for your kindness and support for the service for our father, Bud Schneider. We wish to also express our deep appreciation to all of the volunteers that day and to the wonderful pianist who provided a lovely atmosphere for such an important and special occasion. Pastor Dale was perfect in his words and presence. Thank you so much. With love, Lisa, Brad and Leslie Thank you all so much for the support in my graduation and upcoming future. I absolutely adore the keychain! It s a blessing being a part of your church and community. All my love, Morgan Ruhlen Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful flowers with us. They are so uplifting and cheerful. We certainly appreciate and enjoy them. Sincerely, Marge Moore and Pat Wilson The many prayers, cards, phone calls and visits have been a wonderful blessing in our lives. For the eight years that we have been attending The Church at Litchfield Park, we have always felt at home and loved, but never more so during the past two months. With your love and prayers and God s grace, Richard s healing will come quickly. Richard Wilharm & Carol Sachs Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity! The scholarship money will help with my tuition greatly (especially because I plan to be in school for a while)! Also thank you for the Amazon gift card and keychain. Your church is absolutely beautiful (loved the new stained glass) and talking with some of the members after the service was wonderful! Thank you for helping me with my dream to become a doctor! Sarah Graham VBS participants donated $ to Open Arms Homes for Children in South Africa for their education resource center: The funds raised will create a new library and homework center at Open Arms. We wanted to create a place where children could check out books, do research for homework, and use a computer if they need one. Thanks in part to the efforts of VBS children last year, we now have 1,700 books in our library at Open Arms! We will be putting up a small sign outside of the resource center dedicating this room to the VBS children at The Church at Litchfield Park. Bob Solis, Founder/President Open Arms Home for Children Summer Mission Camp This ministry drew 19 4th-5th graders, who served at (top to bottom) Andre House, Feed My Starving Children, St. Mary s Food Bank, Homeward Bound, and CLP (bottom center). 11

12 Wednesday Nights at CLP: 4:30-6:00 p.m. 4C, Rec Room, CLP Café ~ 6:00 p.m. Dinner ~ Chancel Choir rehearsal begins Wednesday, September 7 Cartoon Corner 6:45 p.m. Bible Study, Chancel Choir September 14 Baked Ham, Potato Salad, Rolls, Fresh Fruit September 21 Taco Salad, Refried Beans, Rice, Sherbet September 28 Oven Fried Chicken, Baked Beans, Salad, Rolls, Brownies Activities and Rehearsals 4:30 p.m. 4C Chimin In - Fireside North (3rd-5th) 4:30 p.m. Rec Room - Classroom 3 (K-5th) 4:30 p.m. Heavenly Handbells - Sanctuary 4:30 p.m. CLP Café - Souers Hall 5:00 p.m. 4C VIP - Fireside North (2nd-5th) 5:30 p.m. 4C Joyful Noise - Classroom 6 (K-1st) 6:45 p.m. Adult Bible Study - Souers Hall 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir - Choir Room 6:45 p.m. Rec Room Classroom 3 The Church at Litchfield Park 300 North Old Litchfield Road Litchfield Park AZ CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT NO 2 Litchfield Park AZ