The Bell Tower July/August 2017

Transcription

1 News from The Church at Litchfield Park October 2016 The Bell Tower July/August 2017 INSIDE 2-4 Pastors Columns 5 New Members; Thanks 6-7 Spotlight on VBS Memorial Day Images, Church News 9 Sock Hop; Mission News 10 Just for Women, Thrift Shop Changes 11 Graduation and Baccalaureate The Wizard and Me: A Dog s Tail by 4C This spring all the groups comprising the Children s Christian Community Choirs (4C) prepared and presented The Wizard and Me: A Dog s Tail. The script for the show was written by Sue Kujawski, based on the L. Frank Baum classic, The Wizard of OZ. Music was taken from the movie starring Judy Garland, and from Wicked, the updated version of the story. Told from the point of view of Toto, the little dog acts as narrator for the classic tale. The Adrenaline Youth Choir provided the talent for the major roles and the Youth Handbell Choir accompanied the songs and provided mood music. The Munchkins, played by the Joyful Noise Choir members, were accompanied by Chimin In, the children s chime choir. The Citizens of OZ were played by Voices in Praise. Big Wiz Bill Trejbal played the off-stage Wizard of OZ and filled the role of prompter and handbell techie. With Baker Gilbert and Dolores Broski running the sound, slides, and lights in the booth, the choirs presented the show at the Mother s Day Tea on May 14 and received a standing ovation. After a hot dog dinner on Wednesday, May 17, the show was presented to the church, and family and friends of the cast members. The entire cast traveled to Knott s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, to present the show to park visitors on May An enthusiastic audience greeted both shows. The cast had a wonderful time displaying their talents and enjoying the amusement park and the hotel. Ms. Jane Calhoun and Ms. Sue would like to thank all of the people that made this experience possible: Alberto Hernandez, Baker Gilbert, Bill Trejbal, Brenda Morgan and Patty Helm, and Pastor Kerri Sandusky. Of course above all, we could not have done any of this without the support of the choristers family and friends. We have the best choir families anywhere. (See more photos on page 12) 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. Writing Our History The history of The Church at Litchfield Park is a very important aspect of our identity because it is so vitally connected to the history of our community. The founder of Litchfield Park, Paul Litchfield, was a deeply spiritual man who supported and encouraged the spiritual identity of our community, including the establishment of our interdenominational church. As we serve in various capacities, participate in events and support the church, we are paving the way for future generations of people, who will in their turn, do the same for those who follow. Our history includes many events and activities that are chronicled in the volumes compiled by Meredeth Stucky, our church historian; we will showcase her hard work with a History Sunday in the fall. Meredeth s work, though it highlights the building and expansion of our campus and many activities throughout our history, is primarily about the people who have worshipped and served in this church for nearly eight decades. It is exciting to think that today, as you and I participate in the workings of this church and community, we are writing the history that will one day be told. I say all of this as a reminder that what we do today matters not only to us, but to the posterity of this church. The more faithful we are today and the more we focus on the legacy we will leave for future generations, the more positive an impact we will have on those yet to come. So to all of you who make this historic House of Prayer for All People function in order that we may together serve our unique brand of Christianity, your faithfulness will impact countless others well into the future. For this, let me say, thank you. In Christian Love, In Christian love, Pastor Dale 2

3 Associate Pastor Rev. Kerri Sandusky Dancing and Serving And David danced before the LORD with all his might. ~ 2 Samuel 6:14a The scriptures that provide pictures and drama are most often my favorite. It is in these illustrations that I can visualize and connect with the words and the events. In 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, David is restoring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. As the ark is carried into the city, we read that David is dancing and rejoicing. There are musicians, the sounds of lyres, harps, trumpets, horns, and cymbals. King David is dancing and celebrating. Why does the writer give us this image? Perhaps to remind us that when we serve the Lord it is cause for celebration! It is okay to celebrate The Church! A modern-day illustration of this celebration is our annual week-long mission camp. Last year was the first time we held this camp for our fourth and fifth graders. Each day, these kids met at the church for a prayer and a bit of Bible study. Then, we traveled to a different mission site each day where the kids were told about those who would benefit from their work. Then, we worked together. Honestly, I had never witnessed this type of celebration. These fourth and fifth graders embraced this work by literally running from job to job. They wanted to not only get the job done, but also get it done efficiently. While some would have thought the numerous times I had to ask the kids to slow down a bit frustrating, I truly saw this enthusiasm as a celebration. It provided a great deal of joy to watch these kids come to life as they served others. When we were done at the mission site, we returned to the church for lunch together. During lunch, we talked about the most meaningful moments of the day. Again, the celebration ensued as the words helping others echoed through the room. This is a cause for celebration! This year, we are preparing for another week of mission activities. The fourth and fifth graders will serve at Wigwam Creek Middle School, St. Mary s Food Bank, Feed My Starving Children, Homeward Bound, and The Church at Litchfield Park. Each mission site will provide them with a new way to serve others both locally and internationally. We are focusing this year on sharing the love of the Lord using Luke s gospel and the parable of the Good Samaritan. Like David, this is a cause for celebration! May we look at God s Church like David s with eyes of enthusiasm, excitement, and encouragement! When the church is alive and moving, why wouldn t we celebrate? Blessings, Pastor Kerri 3

4 Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. Lynne Kammeraad As Deep Cries Out to Deep Isaiah 30:18-19 ~ The LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Our family recently spent a week in Michigan. We were thankful for the beautiful weather, especially since prior to arriving rain was forecasted every day. We rented a home within walking distance of Lake Michigan, allowing for morning walks on the beach, opportunities to play in the sand, as well as a little swimming. One day in particular it was a little windier, which in turn produced larger waves, including a number of whitecaps. While my daughter and I were playing with our younger grandson Jacob, my husband Mike was watching our older grandson Josiah as he splashed in the water and attempted to jump the waves. Josiah was having a ball splashing and jumping, but didn t realize every time he jumped the current carried him a little further away from my husband and where the rest of us were playing in the sand. However, Mike never took his eyes off him and would occasionally walk over toward him to remind him come back closer to us. These gentle reminders were for his good. Had Mike not called out to him, Josiah, lost in the momentary pleasure of splashing and jumping waves, probably would have just kept floating down the shoreline or out too deep to hear his grandpa s voice. It also didn t help that he was enticed by a group of kids about the same age as him who were splashing and jumping waves a little further down the shoreline. As I continue to think about that experience, I am reminded of God s graciousness and compassion. Sometimes we get lost in the momentary pleasures of life and don t realize where the current is taking us. We may find ourselves further down the shoreline or in deep waters. When we do, we need to remember that God longs to be gracious to us. God waits on high to have compassion on us. The Lord s gaze is always fixed on us. We are never out of God s sight. Had Josiah floated too far down the shore or too far out, gotten too tired, or found himself in trouble, Mike would have dived into the water in a heartbeat. He would have responded to his cry for help. When we drift away or into deep waters the Lord will respond to our cries as well. Cry out to Jesus. The Lord will answer you and is waiting to show you how compassionate and gracious he really is. Blessings, Pastor Lynne 4

5 New members join May 28 Bradley and Jenifer Sullivan became members on May 28. They live in Litchfield Park and have four children: Zeke, 13; Kaelyn, 10; Chloe, 7; and Andrew, 4. Jenifer is a stay-at-home mother and sales representative for Mary Kay who enjoys practicing yoga, exercising, cooking, and painting. She is interested in participating in the bell choir. Bradley is an F-16 pilot at Luke Air Force Base and enjoys swimming, running, flying, and playing the piano. He is interested in serving in property maintenance; both he and Jenifer would like to help usher and serve in the nursery. Both say the highlights of their lives were finding each other and falling in love after losing their first spouses to cancer in 2009, living in Germany from , and adopting each other s ren in Your generosity and kind expressions of sympathy are appreciated so much. You have been a big part of our strength through this sad and difficult time. Our faith has sustained us. We believe that love is stronger than death as we see each of you feeling our loss. We will be content to know that love is not affected by death it doesn t end, it doesn t diminish, it doesn t change. Instead, love is immortalized and eternalized through death. We ll put our trust in love, Lord. The Celebration of Life service for our Mom was phenomenal. We want to thank everyone who was a part of it. We felt her presence and the presence of the Lord. We know she shed some tears but wore her precious smile. We are forever grateful to all of you and will never forget the cards, the calls, the flowers, the food, and the prayers. God bless you, The Children of Joann Forstner Had a blast at the 50 s Sock Hop on Friday, May 19! Also want to thank Lisa and Alan Warne for planning this event. What a tremendous job they both did. The hamburgers and root beer floats were mighty tasty! A great time was had by all who attended. The audience participation events such as the Stroll and the Limbo contest were a big hit! We had some folks dressed in their 50 s garb, including Sharon and me. We are very blessed and thankful to be part of a wonderful church family. Another wonderful fellowship event! God bless everyone at The Church at Litchfield Park. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~Thessalonians 5:18. Warmest regards, Hank Tokarz 5

6 God of Wonders: Searching for Planet KOG 6

7 Celebrating vacation bible school 2017 Thank you to so many people for the prayers and love shown to the children of our community at VBS! The children searched for Planet KOG (Kingdom of God) all week. Thank you to the many children who attended, the adults who helped provide a safe environment, and Scout Troop 99 for the fun adventures! It was a beautiful week with LOTS of ways to witness the Kingdom of God. Blessings, Pastor Kerri (VBS photos by Catherine Broski and Cole Lozon) 7

8 Men s Fellowship Men s Fellowship will meet on Saturday, July 8 and August 12, at 7:00 a.m. in Souers Hall and will include breakfast. Please sign up in the breezeway or by calling the church office at (623) All men are welcome to attend. Chronic Illness: The Chronic Illness Support Group will meet Sunday, July 9 and August 13, from 11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room North. A chronic illness is typically any condition that is recurring or affects you for more than a few months. The group s goal is for participants to form relationships in meaningful ways, by supporting and encouraging one another in the midst of the trials they are experiencing. Kathy Bilak, Richard Wilharm, and Pastor Lynne Kammeraad are the facilitators. Caregivers: The Caregiver Support Group WILL NOT MEET in July; the next meeting will be on Sunday, August 27, from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room North. The goal of this support group is to teach and encourage self-care, as well as provide a forum of support and understanding from others facing similar situations. Participants in this group are bonding through shared experiences, personal stories, and resources. Kathy Bilak and Pastor Lynne Kammeraad are the facilitators. Memorial Day ~ May 28 The Col. John Scotty Clarke Wall of Military Service is a monument given to the church by Isabel Clarke in honor of her late husband. The wall (bottom photo) offers an opportunity for church members and their immediate families, living and deceased, to be recognized for their service in the U.S. Armed Forces. The monument is located on the west wall of the Garden of Memories expansion. A brochure explaining how to honor a family member will be available in the church office during the week. All proceeds from plaque sales will be used to maintain the Garden of Memories. Call the church office for details. (Photos by Amber Ingram, Ned Hannah and Michael Jordan) 8

9 50 s Sock Hop Was a Blast! MISSION NEWS During the month of July the Mission Committee for the New Life Center will be collecting the following items: shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, hair care products for African- American women, and beach towels. You may bring the items to church on Sundays and leave them on the marked table in the breezeway, or during the week you may leave the items in the church office. Thank you for your help. Jane Holdcroft Liaison for New Life Center PREACHING SCHEDULE Worship: 8:00, 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. July 2: Communion Sunday Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. July 9: July 16: July 23: July 30: August 6: Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. Rev. Lynne Kammeraad Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. (Photos by Shaun and Kristin McNamara) August 13: Rev. Lynne Kammeraad August 20: Rev. Dale L. Hopely, Jr. August 27: Youth Sunday A Quick Look at the Budget May, 2017 YTD Revenues $ 354, YTD Expenses 297, Net YTD Revenues over Expenses $ 57, 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 the church office at (623) or info@churchatlitchfieldpark.org. SUNDAY ATTENDANCE Date 8:00 9:15 10:45 Total

10 Women s Christian Service Fellowship welcomes all women who are members, visitors or friends of The Church at Litchfield Park. For more information about the group, please contact: Marcy Clement, President meclement14@gmail.com (602) Circle 1 meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Circle 2 has varied meeting dates and times. Circle 3 meets at 11:30 a.m. for lunch on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Circle 4 meets at 10:0 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Circle 5 meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Circle 6 meets the third Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. Join the "Ladies Who Lunch" on Tuesday, July 11, at 12:30 p.m. at Arriba s Mexican Grill, W. McDowell Road, Goodyear. Your reservation is required by noon on Monday, July 10. Location for the luncheon on Tuesday, August 8, at 12:30 p.m. will be Red Lobster Seafood Restaurant, W. McDowell Road, Goodyear. Reservations will be due by noon Monday, August 7. Look for the signup sheet in the breezeway on Sundays. To RSVP, please contact either Kathy Christensen at speedbmp68@hotmail.com or (623) ; Chris Martin at chrismartinaz@cox.net or (623) Circle 3 would like to remind you as you are traveling this summer to save any travel size personal care items soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. These items will be used for the New Life Center with our ongoing towel project. There is a bin in the church office where you may drop off your donated items. ~ Jane Holdcroft Thrift Shop leadership steps down, new chair Amber Gilbert steps up Millie Ezell and Monica Sproull (near right) were honored at the 9:15 service on May 28 as they step down after many years of service at the WCSF Thrift Shop. You have been a blessing to so many and we all thank you. WCSF would like to introduce the new thrift store chair, Amber Gilbert. Amber (far right) has been working with Millie and Monica for many months learning the ropes and getting to know all the volunteers. Amber has really enjoyed working with everyone and is very excited to be of service to the community. We are all excited Amber will be leading this ministry. Welcome, Amber! WCSF is looking for two women to work with Amber as co-chairs. You must be a member of the church and commit to two to four days a month from August through May. If you would like more information about the job description and time commitment, please contact Amber Gilbert at amontey11@gmail.com or call her at (623) Thank you! Marcy Clement WCSF President 10

11 Graduation and Baccalaureate celebrated Recent high school graduates John Wintroub, Jordyn Rodillas, and Maverick Gamez received $1,000 community service grants from the church to further their education during morning worship on May 21. (See The Bell Tower June edition for more information about the grant recipients and their future plans.) The 2017 graduates were also honored during a Baccalaureate service that Sunday evening, led by Rev. Kerri Sandusky. Healishia Downing, Janette Villegas, Tyler Watkins, and John Wintroub were recognized during the service. Each of the graduates was addressed personally by both siblings and youth peers. Jordan Armijo and Gabriel Downing addressed Healishia Downing; Samantha Villegas spoke words of encouragement to Janette Villegas; Nate Vasiloff spoke to Tyler Watkins; and Samuel Hopely paid tribute to John Wintroub. Additionally, Jordan Armijo performed Hillsong United s song, Oceans, accompanied by Debra Weber. The meditation focused on Hebrews 12:1-3 and the importance of a new race our graduates are facing. The seniors were reminded to lean on the Lord and their church family as they run this new race. Youth parents hosted a cake and punch reception in Souers Hall following the service. Left: Rev. Kerri Sandusky addresses graduates at the Baccalaureate service. Above: Rev. Dale Hopely greets John Wintroub and Maverick Gamez during worship. Right: Jordan Armijo sang during Baccalaureate service. Below left: graduates John Wintroub, Healishia Downing, Janette Villegas, and Tyler Watkins. Below right: audience at service. (Graduate and Baccalaureate photos by Ned Hannah) 11

12 The Wizard and Me: A Dog s Tail 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