Jud Souers on Christian Living

Transcription

1 The Bell Tower News from The Church at Litchfield Park January 2014 INSIDE 2-4 Pastors Columns Trajectory, Do Over, Renewal 5 New Members Ten join November Christmas Photo Spotlight Hanging Greens, Cantata, Children s Pageant 8 In Appreciation: Notes of thanks 10 Just for Women Circles, Christmas Tea Jud Souers on Christian Living Plan now to attend the Jud Souers Seminar on Christian Living at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 15 and 22, in Souers Hall. Rev. Souers says, We have the opportunity to make two trips as members of the human family: out into the world seeking knowledge and understanding of the universe in which we live; and the other and perhaps even more challenging trip is within ourselves, seeking to understand ourselves. Rev. Judson Souers served The Church at Litchfield Park as senior pastor from Now retired, he is the church s pastor emeritus. He received his Elder s Ordination in the United Methodist Church. He has a Bachelor of Science with majors in Social Science and Radio and Television Communication and a Master of Divinity from Garrett School of Theology at Northwestern University. Rev. Souers has served Methodist churches in Illinois, each with membership growth, new facilities, and awards. He has also received two years of Clinical Pastoral Education. He has a scholarship in his name at the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois. He and his wife, Betty, pictured below, live in Litchfield Park. 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 s Corner Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. A trajectory for 2014 As the New Year begins, predictions of what the year will hold are prevalent. Financiers are guessing how the markets will perform, technology gurus are predicting what new gadgets will come out that will transform our lives, and politicians well, I won t go into what they are saying. I am not big on trying to guess what will happen in the future. Rather, I am a believer in determinate trajectory - that is, in purposely and methodically setting a course in a particular direction and doing those things that lead to moving closer to the goal or desired outcome. To be sure, there are things which happen, things that financiers, technology people, and even politicians worry about that we cannot control. But for the most part, setting a course and staying that course is a key to the health and prosperity of an organization. The first step is looking back and evaluating what has taken place over time, drawing a line through those events into the future, and matching that line with what we are fairly certain will take place. In doing so, there are some things that will likely happen and some actions we can take to stay on a positive course. For instance, because of the imminent arrival of F- 35s at Luke AFB, there will be many families moving into the area that will need a church. There are already families from Luke who have joined in recent months. Most of these families have come with children who are in our children s and youth programs. With our long history of ministering to military families, we are specially poised to provide spiritual support for them. Another thing we know is that our children s and youth programs are growing and having a big impact. In the past, the church has been the strongest and grown the most when this has been the case. Strong and thriving children s and youth programs bring people to a church. Families want their kids involved in good programs, and those past childrearing age love the vitality that children bring to a church. All of these developments are very positive and suggest that the future for our church will be bright. With these, however, come some challenges that we will face. First is the ever-present challenge of keeping up our facilities. Upkeep, repair, and replacement of our aging buildings and equipment are constant needs. Space is also a challenge as the Watt House and the classrooms are maxed out for the number of people using them. As more people and more groups use the facilities, scheduling also becomes an issue. These are exciting times, and the issues we face are problems many churches would love to have. I am most excited about the greatest unknown before us: how the membership of the church will rise up and meet these challenges. Based on the past and drawing a line of trajectory, the future looks very bright! Happy New Year, Pastor Dale 2

3 Executive Pastor s Spot Rev. James Butler If I had a do-over The fifth of January marks the anniversary of my fifth year at The Church at Litchfield Park. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve you as Executive Pastor. You are an inspiration to Carol and me! Since 1984, I served three congregations as senior pastor and our church as Executive Pastor. For twelve years, I worked in the insurance adjusting world, before coming back into full-time church work. So, I give the following with a view from the pulpit and the pew. If I had church to do over again: I would get connected with a small group with whom I could be honest and be myself. Over the last few years at church, small groups have become vital to my spiritual discipline of study and accountability. I overheard someone ask, How often do you need to go to church?" The answer: "Until you want to go." If you can imagine, the church is like a living com- PREACHING SCHEDULE Traditional Worship: 8:00 and 9:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship: 10:45 a.m. puter, made up of individual memory banks of living truths built over 4,000 years. This collective truth from God is available for you, if you will receive it. I would help others get connected with God and with one another. This does not mean putting others on the spot or having a newcomer spill their guts; rather it is remembering the little things such as nametags, welcome booths, helpful information and active listening. One task ahead for 2014 is to help those who are hearing impaired to feel they can participate in worship services. Lastly, I would extend the hand of friendship and ask those who have left the church to return. Even if they don t come back, it sends a message that we miss you and bless you. (continued on page 11, column 3) WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Date 8:00 9:15 10:45 Total January 05: January 12: January 19: January 26: Communion Sunday Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Kerri Sandusky Thanksgiving Eve Service 119 3

4 Associate Pastor s Place Rev. Kerri Sandusky Renewal from the inside Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved. ~ Matthew 9:17 (NIV) Jesus talks to the disciples about wineskins as he talks to them about fasting. It is a response that comes immediately after Jesus talks to the disciples about celebrating. Jesus tells his disciples that they should celebrate while He is with them. Jesus goes on to talk about new wine and new wineskins. It is a theme of celebration and renewal. The Advent season brings about a definite time of celebration. We celebrate as we remember the Hanging of the Greens, the Cantata, the Children s Christmas pageant, the fellowship while caroling, and of course, the Christmas Eve services. These celebrations bring us together to remember the love and light of Jesus Christ. It is through these times that the church serves as a community which surrounds one another in fellowship and love. Jesus also brings about renewal. new, He also understands that there are times of discomfort. The discomfort can most definitely make us new. Jesus is much more concerned with our character than our comfort. Jesus instructs his disciples that new wine must be poured into new wineskins. In other words, we must allow ourselves to be renewed from the inside out. Through the activities of the church and the beauty of the its people, may you continually experience and celebrate the renewing love of Jesus Christ. Blessings, Pastor Kerri A New Year immediately brings with it the feeling of renewal. Whether it is a resolution list that is being evaluated from the previous year or making a new one, there is a sense of newness. It is as if through the birth of Jesus Christ, we are ready. When we submit to him, we have no choice but to be made new. Jesus wants to form us as new wine into new wineskins. The challenge of becoming new is that it is change. Change is uncomfortable. While Jesus can make us 4

5 November brings ten new church members Deb and Marc Gerdy (bottom left photo) were born and raised in Pittsburgh. They spent ten years in Michigan before settling in Goodyear. Marc is a purchasing manager with Charles Schwab. He enjoys biking, golf, swimming, rollerblading and football. Deb is a legal assistant and a real estate agent. She enjoys biking, travel, shopping and spending time with family and friends. Shannon and Jesse Doyle live in Buckeye and have two daughters. Jesse is a pilot with the United States Air Force, currently stationed at Luke AFB. He grew up as an Air Force brat. Not only is flying his career choice, it is also his hobby - he loves to fly! Shannon grew up in Florida, and worked previously as a speech therapist, but is currently a stay-athome mom. She loves to travel. Tom and Rita Kaiser have been attending for several years. Tom was born and raised in Montana and Rita hails from the United Kingdom. Tom is retired from the United States Air Force, and enjoys golf, while Rita, a homemaker, plays bridge, enjoys gardening, hiking, exercise and aerobics. Their life s highlight was meeting each other - which took place at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London. They have four children and five grandchildren. Ben and Cathy Norwood have two daughters and their third child is due in January. Ben is an F-16 pilot with the United States Air Force at Luke AFB, after serving previously in South Korea. Ben is from Little Falls, Minnesota, and besides loving flying, he also enjoys biking, golfing and shooting. Cathy is from Jonesboro, Georgia, and is a full-time mom. She also likes hiking, running, singing and reading. Steve and Sue Van Kirk - their biography is located on page 11, column 3. 5

6 Christmas Photo Album Hanging of the Greens on December 1, followed by fellowship, wassail and cookies in Souers Hall; Christmas Canticles choir and orchestra presentation on December 8 pictured below. 6

7 The Nativity: A Traditional Story of the Birth of Jesus Christ was presented on December 8 at 10:45 a.m. Written by Rev. Dale Hopely, the children s pageant was directed by Toni Davies, with accompaniment provided by Barbara Kolar. More color photos from the 2013 Children s Pageant are available on the church web site - click on link at Photos on pages 6-7 provided by Danelle Farris, Ken and Chris Martin. 7

8 Deacon service began in 1978 Doug and I would like to express our deepest gratitude for all of the loving kindness and prayers extended to us during our health challenges...we know that we could never make it alone...and that our loving Savior is by our side. The food prepared by loving hands has been a real boost not only for our energy, but to meet and greet the dear people who have been such an extra blessing to us. We return our prayers to all and with humble thanks and warmest thoughts. In Christian love, Doug and Mary Crowell Thank you so much for the lovely flowers, so colorful and full of God's glory. They lifted my spirits and filled me with the love that came with them. I thank you also for the prayers as I know they are what is keeping me going. In His precious love, Tricia Barton Thank you for the Thanksgiving gift. I am overwhelmed. Your continuous love and support is a real blessing. I thank God every day for guiding me to The Church at Litchfield Park. May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. With love, Cid Hunter Thank you to our church family for the cards, flowers, food and prayers. We are so appreciative. Gene and Marilyn Bell It was Rev. Ray Plumlee, our seventh pastor, who established the Deacon program in Those that were selected to participate completed a 15-hour training program, were approved by the church council and pastor, and ordained by the church at a special meeting. The Deacons became the right hand of the pastor with responsibilities including assisting with Holy Communion at church, at home or the hospital. They visited members, ushered for services, funerals and memorials, witnessed for Christ and set a personal example as servants of Christ. The first Deacons were Chickie and Barney Kitchings, Robert and Dorothy Abbott, John and Karen Dennis, Ginny Douglass, Lou and Joann Forstner, Betty Hardesty, Marilyn Plumlee and Ray Zieske. Over the years the Deacons took on more responsibilities. It was the deacons that began the greeter program, Junior Deacon program, and sponsor program for new members. There are currently 95 people listed as active Deacons. Meredeth Stucky Historian stucky.ma@gmail.com (623) With the holidays behind us, we still have much to be excited about. The Church At Litchfield Park celebrates the uniqueness of each person and believes there is a place for you within our church family. We all have our own gifts, passions and purpose, yet we connect together in a loving and welcoming community of faith. There is a special place for you here. As puzzle pieces support and connect each other, so do we as Christ s believers. If you are considering joining our church family, or simply want more information, please attend a brief membership orientation on the third Sunday of each month, immediately following the 9:15 a.m. service, in the Fireside Room South. New members are received on the fourth Sunday of the month at both the 9:15 and the 10:45 a.m. services. If you have already been to an orientation session and are now ready to join, or if you have any questions about the process or alternate times needed for the presentation, please contact Janet Albert, Membership chair, at (623) or jmftaxtime@aol.com. Did you know that our church has a Facebook page? Like us at and stay updated with events and more. We have over 100 followers but we are missing YOU! Tag us in photos you take, join discussions, tell us what you like about CLP, and share the love of Christ. Dana Dale is the content creator and Chris Wickersham is the page manager. 8

9 83 from CLP cheered Phoenix Suns to a win over Sacramento Friday the 13th brought good luck to the Phoenix Suns with a victory over the Sacramento Kings. Many of the 83 Suns fans who attended the game from CLP are pictured above the welcome sign that flashed on the scoreboard. (Photos provided by Rob Gimbl and Michael Jordan) A Quick Look at the Budget: November 30, 2013 YTD Revenues $599, YTD Expenses 588, Net YTD Revenues over Ex- $ 11, 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) The Mission Committee thanks you all for your support of Homeward Bound, an area agency that provides transitional housing and comprehensive social services to families with children fleeing domestic violence and/or homelessness. Homeward Bound helps them to regain control of their lives and become self-sufficient. The Christmas project for Homeward Bound raised over $5,000, thanks to your donations and a large gift from Women's Christian Service Fellowship. If you are interested in volunteering at HB, they are always looking for individuals and groups, or help with one-time projects. You can help with children in the Kid's Corner Learning Center, with mailings, special events, seasonal projects, and tutoring children or adults. Call Vicki Pina at (602) if you are interested in volunteering. Visit their website to learn more about their needs: Please continue to pray for Homeward Bound and for their mission in our community. Ron Anderson Mission Chair (623)

10 WCSF s Christmas Tea The Women's Christian Service Fellowship held their annual tea the afternoon of December 1 in Souers Hall, which was beautifully decorated by Circle 2 members. Circles 1, 4, and 5 did a terrific job of displaying the food and they worked hard cleaning up afterwards; and Circle 3 provided entertainment for everyone's enjoyment. Joyce Story painted beautiful word pictures in sharing "Tales of Christmas." Dorothy Everett played piano music while we enjoyed our food and was joined by Barbara Kolar for two wonderful duets. Barbara also played the piano and led everyone in singing Christmas songs. A brief business meeting was held to nominate and elect new officers for The new officers are: Marcy Clement - president, Betty Gerlak - vice president, Barbara Gould - treasurer, Recording Secretary - Christa Denofsky - recording secretary, Chris Martin - corresponding secretary, and Dortha Apland and Dana Dale, members-at-large. Tickets were drawn for over 20 door prizes, and everyone had a great time. WCSF sends a great big THANK YOU to all the circles and to Alberto Hernandez for helping to make it such a memorable day. Marcy Clement WCSF President meclement14@gmail.com (602) Circle 1 will be meeting at Jean Belzer's home on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Jean lives at 3369 North 129th Drive, Avondale. Her phone number is (623) Circle 2 - contact Deb Campbell at (623) for information about their next meeting. Circle 3 - contact Gwynn Henline at (623) for information about their next meeting. Circle 4 - contact Judy Hilt at (623) for information about their next meeting. Circle 5 will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 23, at the home of Patti Bumann, W. Granada Road, Avondale. Co-hostesses are Dortha Apland and Dana Dale. Newcomers are always welcome! Contact circle chair Marcy Clement at meclement14@gmail.com or (602) to RSVP or if you have questions. Circle 6 will meet on Wednesday, January 8, at 6:45 p.m. in the Watt House, immediately following the family dinner in Souers Hall. Kids activities and nursery care are provided. Please contact Chris Martin at (623) or chrismartinaz@cox.net to RSVP or if you would like more information. The Thrift Shop will be open on Saturday, January 4, and Thursday, January 16, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Workdays are the days prior to sale days, when you may drop off your donations in the morning. Call Monica at (623) or Millie at (623) to schedule a specific drop-off time. Please make sure your donations are clean, and that all pieces/parts are there and in working order. 10

11 CLP s first family movie night of the New Year starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, in Souers Hall. Hotdogs, popcorn and drinks are provided. Bring your camp chairs, pillows or sleeping bags along with your family and friends and join in this special family fun time! Movie lovers of all ages are invited films selected are always appropriate for young children. Last chance to sign up for Food, Fellowship and Fun! Look to the New Year for a great fellowship opportunity! Sunday, January 5, is the final day to sign up to join couples and singles of all ages to create a dinner club. You will then be paired with three other family units made up of couples or singles. Once a month for four months, each couple or individual in your personal club will host dinner, and other members of your club will assist. This will give folks the opportunity to meet in the comfort of someone s home instead of a restaurant to share a meal. Each family unit will have the opportunity to serve as host. We will join together to create intimate groups, get to know each other better, enjoy a little food and drink, experience fellowship, develop deeper, more meaningful relationships, and share the love of God together. Sign up in Souers Hall on Sundays. Sign up for Kiss Me Kate starting Jan. 12 Sign up in Souers Hall starting January 12 to see Kiss Me Kate, the Arizona Broadway Dinner Theater production on Friday, March 14. Tickets are $64.45 per person. Tickets include the show, dinner and gratuity. Payment will be due in the church office by February 14, or may be received with the offering on February 16. The show is one of Cole Porter s best musicals - remember I Hate Men and So In Love. Please plan on joining us for another wonderful evening of music and fellowship. Sign-up will follow. For more information contact Mary Meese at (623) New members, cont. Steve and Sue Van Kirk joined as associate members; their home church is in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Steve is an executive vice president with Swift Transportation and is retired from the United States Army. Active in Rotary, Steve says one of his life s highlights was living in Berlin when the wall came down. Sue is active with the United Way, and they both like boating, shooting, reading and time spent with family. Sue's life highlight is discovering life as an "empty nester," since they have five children and one grandchild. Pastor Jim, cont. I have seen church members leave church in anger or disappointment. More often, they just slip away. I remember when I was sixteen, a group of church youth visited me at home and invited me back. I didn't think that they had missed me. If they had not visited me, I probably would not be writing this today. Then Jesus told them this parable: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn t he leave the ninetynine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. " ~ Luke 15 Rejoicing in 2014! Pastor Jim

12 Wednesday Nights at CLP 4:30-6:00 p.m. 4C, Heavenly Handbells, G.O. Kids Rec Room, CLP Café ~ 6:00 p.m. Dinner ~ 6:45 p.m. Bible Study, G.O. Kids, Chancel Choir January 1 NEW YEAR S DAY NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES January 8 Chili, Cornbread, Salad, Apple Crisp January 15 Oven Fried Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Rolls, Cake January 22 Stew, Salad, Rolls, Pudding January 29 Spaghetti and Meat Sauce, Salad, Rolls, Brownies Activities and Rehearsals 4:30 p.m. 4C Chimin In - Fireside North 4:30 p.m. G.O. Kids Rec Room - K-5th, Classroom 6 4:30 p.m. Heavenly Handbells - Sanctuary 4:30 p.m. CLP Café - Souers Hall 5:00 p.m. 4C VIP - Fireside Room North 5:30 p.m. 4C Joyful Noise - Classroom 2 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir - Choir Room 6:45 p.m. Souers Seminar - Souers Hall (Jan. 8,15 & 22) 6:45 p.m. G.O. Kids Club - Classrooms 3 and 4 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