Bell Tower. The. 5 Campus Projects Repairs, Improvements. 6 Spotlight on Visitation Ministry. 7 Hallo-palooza Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 31

Transcription

1 The Bell Tower News from The Church at Litchfield Park October 2015 INSIDE 2-3 Pastors Columns Campus Challenges; Chess Games 5 Campus Projects Repairs, Improvements 6 Spotlight on Visitation Ministry 7 Hallo-palooza Trunk or Treat Saturday, October What s New Events, Activities and More What s Your Plan for 2016? by Russ Morrow, Stewardship Chair A year ago our church leaders began a method of planning that depends on a partnership with you and me, the congregation, to lead decisions for ministry and financial health of our church. This partnership in planning has allowed the board and staff to reach into our community, as well as care for the property, with the tools needed for sound decisions. As members of the congregation and community of The Church at Litchfield Park, we can help the board and the staff by sharing our giving intentions with them. In this partnership, we all participate in the budget planning process. During the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to join together again in this shared planning process and we will understand the importance of making our giving intentions known to the board and the staff with a commitment. During the past year (2015), our congregation made giving commitments of $40,500 more than the year before. As you can imagine, knowing the giving intentions of the congregation is vital to making important decisions for outreach and growth by our board of directors and by our staff. The plans we make as individuals and families, and share with the leaders of our church for 2016, will lead us into another year of extraordinary achievements! 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. Challenges of a Crowded Campus As of the second Sunday in September, our children s department is already bursting at the seams. During the 9:15 service, Nancy Montgomery had 16 children in one classroom while Joe and Rhonda Charles had 12 students in the room next door. This may not sound like much, but for classrooms designed to accommodate a maximum of 10 children, it s a lot. Adding to the complexity of the situation, the air conditioning system is passive convection which means that one unit provides air to multiple rooms and vents were installed between each room so that air can flow freely between the rooms. Not only does air flow freely between the rooms but sound as well. Further complicating the issue, as happens each year, the number of children attending will continue to increase as we get further into the school year. When our youth groups meet on Sunday evenings, they all gather in Souers Hall and following opening exercises, break up into middle school and high school groups to manage the large number of youth as well as to allow age appropriate discussion to occur. Because of the larger number of middle school students, they remain in Souers Hall (no other room is big enough for them) while the high school students go to another room. Currently, the choir room is the only room capable of accommodating the number of high school students. On top of the issues with our youth and children s departments is the situation with the Watt House. The WCSF Thrift Shop is out of room and has needed to open up the area of the Watt House reserved for community meetings in order to function. One of the essential elements for those attending the many recovery groups in the Watt House most days of the week is anonymity. It is vitally important that 2 those who attend those groups be in a place that is private and not interrupted by others. There are big challenges in coordinating the thrift shop schedule and recovery group meetings to accommodate all needs. Besides the inadequate size of the Watt House is the termite damage that has occurred to the building over the years. Although we have regular pest control service, we are slowly losing the battle to the little critters. Finally, a circumstance that I m sure most people who attend Sunday services are aware of is the need for additional parking. Last January, on a typical Sunday, a count was made of the cars at church for the 9:15 a.m. service. There were 88 cars parked on the church property (every one of the parking spots was filled) and over 100 cars parked on the streets and on the surrounding property. This was on a Sunday without any community events happening. The solution to all of these challenges is relatively simple, though not easy. If we were to acquire more land adjacent to the church property, we could resolve some of the immediate issues. The most viable solution is to procure land due west of our property because it would provide a seamless connection to our current location. Next would be to build a facility that would accommodate the WCSF Thrift Store, provide adequately sized children and youth rooms and rooms for community groups and raze the Watt House. The additional land and the area created from the removal of the Watt House would provide the necessary parking space. This solution would not only help the church, but would provide much needed parking for community events which take place at times other than Sunday morning. (continued on page 8)

3 Associate Pastor Rev. Kerri Sandusky It s More Than a Game Words often used to describe our faith include the adjectives pure, honest, and serious. In fact, many of the illustrations of Jesus depict him with a face that is both somber and focused. However, one picture in particular stands out to me. It is a picture showing Jesus laughing as he is surrounded by children. Jesus shows us a light-hearted and fun side to his love. This is a love that I wish I was able to witness more often. When describing our faith, how wonderful it would be to imagine ourselves laughing, smiling, and giggling sneakily. A few years ago our Sunday School students made their maiden mission trip to La Loma Village. Loaded with games, crafts, and filled with excitement, we set off to enjoy the residents and have some fun. We were greeted by welcoming and smiling faces. It was wonderful to witness the mingling and mixing of generations. I watched one of our third graders immediately head to his favorite game, the chess board, where he was approached by one of the residents. The game was on. It was filled with equal amounts of concentration and silence. When approaching their table, it was clear that they were having fun. But it was that true chess silence that stood out as they thought about their next moves. However, in between games there were cookies, drinks, smiles, and meaningful conversations. We traveled to La Loma at least twice each year. The chess games continued. In fact, days before the mission trip, the resident chess player would ask me if his younger partner would be coming. There were times when I would call the family to ensure the chess game would take place. By this time, the now fourth grader was on the chess team at school and was doing exceptionally well. Chess was more than a game it was strategic and competitive. But, at La Loma, it was still all about the fun. Chess had become a beautiful relationship between a fourth grader and a man. Sadly, a few months ago our resident chess player passed away. In the midst of their mourning, his family also celebrated a beautiful and full life. Meanwhile, the now fifth grader remembers fun chess games. But, he also remembers and grieves a friend with whom he shared both a hobby and a passion. This young fifth grader illustrated for me the fun in our faith. Sharing the love of Jesus Christ is part of that fun. It wasn t work to share his faith. Instead, it was a byproduct of a shared hobby. It was a byproduct of the fun of a game shared. It was a byproduct of a relationship. Perhaps when we think of discipleship and sharing our faith we should start with fun! In the midst of our fun whether it is chess or a multitude of shared activities - we are able to not just share our faith, but to live that love of Jesus Christ. In his enjoyment of chess, this fifth grader shared the love of Jesus Christ with others. This is a beautiful example of both faith and discipleship in their purest form. How fun is that? Blessings, Pastor Kerri 3

4 Arizona Department of Child Safety pleads for help in foster child crisis Diane Downing has a heart as big as anyone I know. Over the years I have witnessed her bring her family together from the Arizona foster child system. I have seen the children s lives she has touched and watched them blossom as she has provided a stable home life for them and, most importantly, given them love. Recently, I received an from Diane informing me of a critical need in the Arizona foster care system. Many young children are being housed in a facility more akin to a jail than a home because there are no foster homes available. The striking part, these are all children under eight years old, many of them infants and toddlers. The odds for children placed in this type of environment are not good. Seventy-five percent of the prison inmates in Arizona have been in foster homes at one time or another in their lives. The letter of need Diane forwarded me from the Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety was a plea for help issued to foster parents in Arizona. However, many of them are doing more than their fair share of dealing with this crisis. The need is first and foremost for more foster homes. Though the process takes time, the need is so great that many times temporary approval is given. Further, there is a need for underwear, socks, and shoes for the emergency placement center the mission committee will be addressing these needs shortly. Diane is a shining example of someone who has tailored her life around meeting the needs of others. She demonstrates what one person can do to change the lives of others. In the words of Jesus from the King James Version of the Bible, Suffer the little children to come to me, for such is the kingdom of heaven. In modern language, Do not prohibit the little children from coming to me, for they represent the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps, in this case, the Old English is more appropriate. If God touches your heart with this situation, perhaps you might consider how you can help. You can contact the placement center to assist at (480) Incidentally, Diane is a single mother who works full-time! Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Senior Pastor Thank you for your prayers and support during my recent illness and also for baby Michael. We are both doing much better. In Christ s love, Jackie Bomgardner We ve enjoyed keeping up with the church news this summer here in Minnesota. In our opinion, The Bell Tower is an outstanding publication - very informative and readable. Norm and Phyllis Carlson 4

5 Campus improvements are nearing completion Long range planning chair Nancy Oreshack has announced plans for a church planning workshop on Saturday, October 17, in Souers Hall. All members of the Council on Ministries, Church Board, and all committee members are invited to participate. The day begins with continental breakfast at 8:00 a.m., followed by the strategies meeting at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be served around 12:00 noon, after which the meeting will conclude. If you have questions or would like more information, please noreshack@cox.net or call the church office: (623) Volunteers Needed for Rose Bush Care Our aging campus requires constant maintenance and repair to carry out our mission of worship, service, and fellowship. Financial support from the congregation and frugal expense management has allowed us to fund these major repairs. Roofing budget $70,000. The roofs for Zieske Hall, the classrooms, breezeways, Souers Hall and the choir room are in the process of being refurbished to varying degrees, based upon the type of roof and existing conditions. Do you have a green thumb with rose bushes? Do you know the best time of year for pruning and fertilizer? We are looking for volunteers to maintain our rose bushes and someone to lead the effort. If you would be willing to help, please contact Steve Charney at Steve.Charney@cox.net or (623) Parking Lot budget $22,000. The concrete and asphalt repairs are completed. Crack filling, complete re-sealing, and striping are scheduled for October 5. Playground Shade budget $12,500. This is an aluminum latticetype structure over the toddler play area. We are currently in the city approval process. Jack Wetzel Board President jswetzel@cox.net

6 Visitation Ministry by Lynn Logue I frequently hear what a special person it takes to visit people who are homebound, individuals in care homes, or hospice patients. This is actually not true. It does not take a special person, it just takes someone willing to share an hour or two of their time. For almost two years I volunteered with one of the hospices here in the Valley. I had the privilege of meeting some amazing people and found they usually blessed my life much more than I did theirs. My circumstances changed and I no longer volunteered but found I missed that beautiful feeling I had often received. importance of visiting others. I am blessed to have met this individual. What an inspiration of faith and trust. Not all conversations flow as easily as this one. Regardless of the conversation, it is the time you spend together that makes a difference. I would like to invite you to consider joining the visitation team and open your hearts you will be blessed. At one of the deacons' meetings, Rob Gimbl reached out for volunteers to visit CLP members who are no longer able to attend church. I expressed an interest and Nana Hamlin invited me to be on her team. During the few months I have been visiting church members with Nana, I realize that beautiful feeling emanates from giving a little of my time to those who need to hear a kind word, see a friendly face, or simply appreciate the visit. A few months ago, Nana and I visited a longtime member of the church. When she first attended CLP there were only four people present, her being one of them. She asked about her longtime friends and acquaintances, shared many stories about the church, and said she had witnessed many changes within the church over the years. As we continued our conversation, she shared her feelings about her family and her faith. A few weeks ago, I learned the woman we had visited had passed. This immediately brought a smile to my face and chill bumps on my arms as I reflected on our conversation. She was ready to go be with the Lord. She wasn t scared or hesitant to talk about her feelings and wishes. In fact, she made me recognize the 6 The visitation disciples began in order to minister to our homebound members and attendees. Visitation disciples are trained, organized into teams, and sent out to those who are unable to attend church. These monthly visits include praying and serving Holy Communion. Rob Gimbl, deacon chairperson, leads this ministry. If anyone would like to get involved, they can inquire at the church office. Rev. Kerri Sandusky

7 Celebrate at The Church at Litchfield Park 2016 Planned Giving Hallo-palooza Saturday, October 31 Our annual Hallo-palooza family event will take place on Friday, October 31, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. How can you get involved? Come to the church parking lot where you can park your car, decorate and open your trunk, and hand out candy to the kids of our community. This is a wonderful way to serve our community. You can also plan to come with your family to Trunk or Treat here at the church. Of course, you should invite others! There will be a hay maze, hotdogs, music, and lots of fun! Contact the church office if you d like to help with this annual event. In partnership, we all participate in the 2016 budget planning process. Please give prayerful consideration to your planned intentional giving. 7

8 Pastor Dale (from page 2) Last year at our annual meeting, the congregation authorized the church Board of Directors to negotiate with Dragon and Crane for the purchase of land west of our property. In the midst of our negotiations, the City of Litchfield Park purchased all of the land around the church. Further, the landowners have petitioned the city to change the zoning of the property to accommodate retail and dense housing on the lot across the street north of the church. As of now, we have met with the Litchfield Park City Manager and made him aware of our needs and our desire to purchase part of the property west of the church. We have been informed that it is too early for the city to consider such a request as they are looking at different ways in which they might utilize the property. None of this is necessarily negative. The challenges we face, most churches would love to be facing! They are all the result of good things that are happening and signs of a bright future. I encourage you to add these issues to your prayers. I am confident that God will direct us how to properly deal with the circumstances and provide the opportunities to address them. In Christian love, Pastor Dale A Quick Look at the Budget August, 2015 YTD Revenues $ 513, YTD Expenses 390, Net YTD Revenues over Expenses $ 122, 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) An Evening of Stepping Out Against Domestic Violence New Life Center and Hope s Closet invite you to join them as they unveil a visual display giving testimony to the problem of violence against women Clothesline Project Wine and Cheese Event Thursday, October 1 6:00-8:00 p.m. Hope s Closet, 415 N. Litchfield Road RSVP: dbevill@newlifectr.org SUNDAY ATTENDANCE Date 8:00 9:15 10:45 Total PREACHING SCHEDULE Traditional Worship: 8:00 and 9:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. October 04: Communion Sunday Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. October 11: Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. October 18: Rev. Kerri Sandusky October 25: Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. 8

9 Mission news Opportunities to get involved and learn more about the missions that CLP supports Good News - Great Joy Samaritan's Purse "Operation Christmas Child" spreads the joy of sharing God's love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children around the world. Please pack a shoebox - a Christmas present - for a child in need who may never have had a present before. The journey of every shoebox gift is guided by prayer. Pick up your shoebox to pack on Sunday, October 18 or 25 in the breezeway. Please return your box the following Sunday. Volunteers are needed to help distribute and collect shoeboxes. Call Judy Anderson at (623) Homeless Youth Connection: Their annual Empowering Breakfast is Thursday, October 22, from 7:00-8:30 a.m., at Tuscany Falls Golf Resort. RSVP at (623) This is a free breakfast where you can find out more about homeless youth in our area. New Life Center: Brighter Day Luncheon is Friday, November 6, from 12:00-1:00 p.m., at the Renaissance Hotel at Westgate. Sign up in Souers Hall. Carol O'Connor will be our table captain. This is a free lunch and you learn so much about this charity in such a short time. Tours of New Life Center are available before the event if you register ahead by calling (623) Mission of Mercy: Their annual "Mercy in the Morning Breakfast" will be Thursday, December 3, from 7:00-8:30 a.m., at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. This is a free breakfast for us to help and to learn more about what this organization is doing to help the growing uninsured and underinsured medical needs in our area. Open Arms Home for Children: The annual holiday concert to benefit their children in South Africa will be the evening of Saturday, December 5. This is a free annual event to learn more about how we can 9 help and are helping these special abandoned children who now have a loving, caring place to grow and learn and so much more. Feed My Starving Children: Sign up in Souers Hall for the next packing event in Mesa. We carpool from church on Saturdays once a month, usually in the morning. However on Saturday, November 14, we will be doing an EVENING packing event where we leave at 6:00 p.m. and be back about 10:00 p.m. This is a powerful way to do hands-on work for God's children who are really starving. Youth signing up without parents need permission slips. Help with Colorado flood disaster: The Missions Committee is offering an opportunity to go on a mission trip to help with the Colorado flood disaster. The date has been set for April 3-9, 2016, with Ron and Judy Anderson leading a group to Loveland. Sign up in Souers Hall if you are interested, or call the Andersons at (623) Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank: Leanne Leonard is the new Executive Director of the Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank. Leanne brings over eight years of leadership and administrative experience in the non-profit area, including academic organizations, mission, and community church organizations. Her specific expertise includes team leadership, project management, and process improvement with an emphasis on building stakeholder relationships. She has a Master s Degree in Leadership and a Bachelor s Degree in Communication and Psychology. Leanne worked most recently for Ottawa University where she was the Director of Business Programs and a full-time faculty member. Prior to that she worked for the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors, Sanderson Ford, and she was an assistant in the Washington Elementary School District. As Leanne worked with her church and went on mission trips to Uganda, her passion for working with people in need in our community grew and she is excited to finally work directly with the local community. As we greet Leanne, we will say good bye to Anthony Amezquita. We thank Anthony for his hard work and dedication during the year that he served as Interim Executive Director and we wish him well as he moves forward toward his Masters in Social Work. Board of Directors Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank

10 Women s Christian Service Fellowship is for 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 Julia Duff at (623) 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 d like specific information. All women are invited to "Ladies Who Lunch" on Tuesday, October 13, at 12:30 p.m. for a Dutch-treat meal at the Olive Garden Italian Kitchen, W. McDowell Rd., Litchfield Park. Your RSVP is required by noon Monday, October 12, to assure adequate seating. Look for the sign-up sheet in Souers Hall on Sundays. If you need more information or to RSVP, contact Kathy Christensen at (623) , speedbmp68@hotmail.com; or Chris Martin at (623) , chrismartinaz@cox.net. Come and join us and bring a friend; all women are welcome! Thrift Shop Hours WCSF s Thrift Shop will be open Saturday, October 3, and Thursday, October 15, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Donations are welcome the days prior, only between 8:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Monica at (623) or Millie at (623) to schedule a specific drop -off time. Please do not leave items in the church office or outside the thrift shop doors. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is again busy crocheting and knitting prayer shawls for those in need. Our prayer shawls carry prayers for God s love, peace and mercy to so many. We all need to be reminded of God s love, that others care and that we are never alone. This ministry is so rewarding. If you knit, crochet, or want to learn, please join us on the second Thursday of the month, in the Fireside Room North, from 1-3:30 p.m. Thanks to those who have donated funds and materials for our ministry. We are able to produce so many more shawls because of your generosity. If you are interested in joining our ministry, making a donation for yarn, or if you know someone who would benefit from a prayer shawl, please let us know. Our shawls have been delivered all across the country in the name of The Church at Litchfield Park. How wonderful is that! Nancy Montgomery mamadough@cox.net (623)

11 Can you give some time to help in our Sunday school classrooms? Teachers and aides are needed during all services. There are many opportunities to serve in children s ministries, including helping with the upcoming Hallow-palooza and children s Christmas pageant. Sign up in Souers Hall, talk to Amber Gilbert or Pastor Kerri, or contact the church office: (623) Save the date! Good Times Fellowship is once again sponsoring a dinner/show, Fiddler on the Roof, at the Arizona Broadway Theater on Friday, March 4, Details will follow. Contact Mary Meese at (623) POWWOW is coming back Produce on Wheels Without Waste is returning to The Church at Litchfield Park on Saturday, November 14, from 8:00-11:00 a.m. After a successful market day last May, the church has scheduled multiple produce sales on our campus in the coming months. POWWOW is a non-profit organization and outreach of Borderland Food Bank in Nogales, which rescues surplus produce from growers. For a $10 donation, anyone can shop for up to 60 pounds of fresh produce. There are no financial qualifications for this opportunity all are welcome to participate. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped to set up and staff the market in May. If you are interested helping with this ministry, contact the church office: (623) or info@churchatlitchfieldpark.org. Men's Fellowship is starting a three-part book study as part of their monthly breakfast fellowship meetings. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month in Souers Hall. Joe Bemis will lead discussion about the book, "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge, which invites men to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God. We'll be discussing chapters 1-3 on October 3. Breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m. in Souers Hall; please sign up in Souers Hall to RSVP for the breakfast or to receive updates. You may also contact Eric Jameson at ericmjameson@gmail.com or Rob Gimbl at azrobert4@gmail.com for information. Add these dates to your calendar now: October 3, November 7 and December 5! Sunday, November 15 12:00 p.m. Save the date now! CLP s annual church picnic is planned for 12:00 noon on Sunday, November 15. It s free for everyone, and will offer hamburgers, salads, drinks and desserts. Plan to bring a dessert or salad to share. Games, music and activities will be provided on the front lawn of the church. Bring your friends and invite newcomers to share in the family-oriented fellowship. If you would like to help set up for this special event, please see Rob Gimbl between services in Souers Hall or him at azrobert4@gmail.com. You may also contact the church office at (623)

12 Wednesday Nights at CLP: 4:30-6:00 p.m. 4C, G.O. Kids Rec Room, CLP Café ~ 6:00 p.m. Dinner ~ 6:45 p.m. Bible Study, G.O. Kids, Chancel Choir October 7 FALL BREAK NO DINNER OR ACTIVITIES October 14 Fish and Chips, Coleslaw, Jell-O, Cookies October 21 Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Cupcake October 28 Chili, Cornbread, Salad, Brownies Activities and Rehearsals 4:30 p.m. 4C Chimin In - Fireside North (3rd-5th) 4:30 p.m. GO Kids Rec Room - Classroom 2 (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) 5:00 p.m. Nursery Care available until 7:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 4C Joyful Noise - Classroom 6 (K-1st) 6:45 p.m. Adult Bible Study - Zieske Hall 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir - Choir Room 6:45 p.m. GO Kids Club - Classroom 2 (K-5th) Cartoon Corner 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