Desert Chapel News
A monthly publication of Desert Chapel United Methodist Church - October 2014
Desert Chapel United Methodist
Sunday, October 26th
at
5:00 - 7:00 pm
The youth group is sponsoring
Trunk or Treat again this year and we need your help!
We need as many people as possible to come and
pass out candy from their vehicles – decorations and
costumes are fun, but optional! Don’t have a car? We
also need adults to staff the games, cook and serve the
food, and generally fellowship and welcome all from
the neighborhood who come to play.
This event is an outreach into our neighborhood, and
so donations of food (hot dogs, buns, chips, condiments, water and soda), and cash donations to help
with the costs of prizes, bounce houses, etc., are greatly appreciated. Donations may be made on Sunday
morning – if it is cash, please mark it “trunk or treat.”
Please see the sign up sheet in the Lobby!
Desert Chapel
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
POSTAGE PAID, PERMIT #24
United MethodistUS
Women
APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 85120
October 2014 Announcements
Our local UMW group continues the goal of connecting members to each other and providing opportunities for spiritual growth.
We will not have a Circle meeting in October. The first Circle meeting of the season will be held in
November. The time and place will be listed in the November Newsletter.
A Unit meeting will be held in Woeller Hall at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, 23 October 2014. A program
“Seeing the Power of Sisterhood” will be presented by Lyle Siebrecht. All women are invited to visit
our gatherings and join the group if you like what we do.
The United Methodist Women appreciate the support of the worshipping church family at our
events; everything we make goes for our mission projects - locally and around the world.
We promise suitable refreshments mixed with an educational program and discussions of Missions.
All will be presented with a great deal of fellowship.
Upper Room
Are available in the
Narthex.
$1.00/each
Worship Schedule
OCTOBER
8:45 am Hymn Sing
9:00 am Worship Service
10:00 am Fellowship Time
10:30 am Sunday School-All Ages
PEW PROWLER ALERT!!
The church is looking for a volunteer who would be willing to pew
prowl the pews any day MondayThursday, between the hours of
8:00-3:00. It will take about a hour
of your time. If your are willing to
help, please contact the church at
480-982-2259
Please
submit
November
Newsletter information via email, or bring into the church
office by Thursday, October
23rd.
E-devotionals &
Announcements
eDevotionals – did you know
that you can receive a daily
devotional from Desert Chapel? With a scripture, a prayer
and more – plus timely announcements, it’s a great way
to stay in touch with what’s
happening at church! Simply
put your email address on the
sign in sheet on Sunday and
write “eDevotional” and you
will be signed up. Are you currently out of town? Email the
church
at
[email protected] and
we’ll sign you up!
Desert Chapel News
Together
Tuesdays from
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Each Tuesday we gather in the
choir room at 6:30 pm for a time
of fellowship and Bible study.
We study the scriptures for the
coming Sunday, and enjoy time
with one another. EVERYONE
IS WELCOME – this is an excellent time to bring a friend to
introduce them to the faith! For
more info, please contact Pastor
Sharon at 982-2259.
is an official publication of
Desert Chapel United Methodist
Church
462 N. Palo Verde Drive
Apache Junction, AZ 85120-5611
Rev. Sharon Pajak, Pastor
Cynthia Norris, Administrative Asst.
Jim Rogers, Custodian
Alice Wagaman, Hand Bell Director
Lila Deidiker, Accompanist
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday
Telephone: 480-982-2259
FAX: 480-288-4242
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.desertchapelumc.org
Greeters:
Marilyn Smith
Steve Smith
Marie Spencer
Ushers:
Don Carlson
Keith Cox
Dwight Detlefsen
Jim E. Edwards
Marilyn Schulz
Steve Smith
Communion Servers:
Mariann Gray
Mike Gray
Bev Hren
Angela Kimler
Dakota Pruett
Donna Sawyer
If you would like to be a greeter, or communion server, or
usher, please call Jim Edwards
at 480-288-5903. If you are
interested and would like to
be liturgist or give the children
sermon please sign up in the
lobby.
Your help is greatly needed
and appreciated.
Thank You!
Birthday &
Anniversary List
OCTOBER
October 2 Penny Austin
October 4 Krysten Brewer
October 5 Charlene Hays
October 5 Katelynn Miller
October 8 Madyson Dynne
October 11 Steve Pagel
October 13 Clarence Ruckdashel
October 13 Leon Hockett
October 16 Norm Ross
October 20 Lila Deidiker
October 20 Connie Wegeng
October 22 Elizabeth Pajak
October 25 Bob Lynn
October 26 Jacqueline Phillips
October 27 Orlene Remaly
October 28 Zeke Damrell
October 29 Andrew Detlefsen
October 29 Angel Detlefsen
October 29 Madison Biggs
October 30 Mildred Groom
October 31 Caleb Crist
October 2
John & Linda Molnar
October 10
Charles & Beverly Ruckdashel
October 18
William & Sandy Heath
October 23
Rod & Marjorie York
October 28
Howard & Ruth Wells
If your name was not listed on the
Birthday/Anniversary list (or you
know someone who should be),
please call the church office with the
information. We truly do not mean to
leave anyone out. Thank You!
Prayer Chain
Are you in need of prayer? Do you
have something hanging on your
heart and want to know that your
brothers and sisters in Christ are
lifting you up? Are you concerned
about a loved one and want some
company in caring for them?
James 5:13-15 says, “Are any
among you suffering? They should
pray. Are any cheerful? They
should sing songs of praise. Are
any among you sick? They should
call for the elders of the church and
have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the
Lord. The prayer of faith will save
the sick, and the Lord will raise
them up; and anyone who has
committed sins will be forgiven.”
Prayer requests may be emailed
to:
[email protected], or to
[email protected] or you
may call the office at 480-982-2259
to be forwarded to the prayer chain.
We have two regular monthly gatherings: On the first Saturday of
every month we gather at 9:30 am
at Mickey D's Restaurant on the
trail where Bob Olson is our leader.
Woman's Gathering will resume
in November 15th at the home
of Kathy Bausch.
Women who have not taken their
walk to Emmaus, but are interested are welcome. Questions? Call
Kathy Bausch’s cell phone at 928892-2144.
Every Saturday
in Woeller Hall
3 to 5 PM
Everyone Welcome!
Church Goers, Visitors
and Community.
I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
Timothy Dwight
Timothy Dwight was the grandson of Jonathan Edwards,
the well-known Calvinist preacher. He was considered a
precocious child as he learned the alphabet in one lesson,
began reading the Bible at age four, learned Latin in grammar school and entered Yale College at age 13, graduating
at age 17. He was to become a farmer, preacher, student and representative in the
state legislature. In order to supplement his low-paying salary as a pastor, he opened
a private academy. The academy became successful and this led to his being elected
as the President of Yale College in 1795.
The last two decades of the 1700's were a "low-water mark" for morality, especially on
college campuses. Many students were considered atheists. According to Robert
Morgan, the Rationalist movement seemed to turn most professors and their students
into infidels. College churches were almost extinct and any Christian students went underground; they had to meet in secret and keep their minutes in code.
It was during this period, that Timothy Dwight became the President of Yale College. He began debating upper classmen and gave challenging sermons in the college
chapel. Gradually, some students began considering Christianity and after seven
years of "preaching, teaching and praying", Dwight became aware of a religious revival
which led to at least one third of the student body becoming believers. This spiritual
awakening spread to other colleges and led to a new generation of spiritual leadership. His hymn, "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord" reflects this spirit of revival. Carlton feels
that "The author extends a portion of Psalm 137, the poignant song of the exiled Jews,
beginning 'How could we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?'
(Psalm 137:4) into a Christian hymn that extols the virtues of the church."
I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord, the house of Thy abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved, With His own precious blood.
The information for this review came from the Companion to the United Methodist
Hymnal by Carlton R. Young, Then Sings My Soul, Book 2 by Robert J. Morgan,
google.com, www.gbod.org/resources/history-of-hymns and the History of Hymns, "I
love Thy Kingdom, Lord" by C. Michael Hawn, professor of sacred music at Perkins
School of Theology.
Submitted by Eleanor Edwards
Apache Junction Health Center
WE NEED YOU!!!
Every second Sunday of each
month and on the fifth Sunday
(4 times per year) a group of
volunteers go to Apache Junction
Health Center and lead worship
for the residents. Lead by Bob
Olson, most volunteers simply
sing, help find pages and visit with
the residents.
If your interested in helping on you
may sign up in the Lobby or contact Bob Olson at 480-986-9822.
Bible and Bread
Mid-Week Bible Study
Come join us at Mickey D’s
Café (2 blocks east of Ironwood on the north side of
the street – NOT McDonald’s!), we gather at 11:00
on Thursdays for lively conversation on the book of
Revelations. Facilitated by
Pastor Sharon – every one
is on their own nickel!
Pastor’s bible study will
resume on Wednesday’s
beginning October 1st at
10:00 am in room 1 with
Pastor Sharon.
We are
studying the book of Acts
from the New Testament.
All are welcome to join
us for this informal sharing
of insight inspiration and
understanding.
Hope to see you there!
Come and Join Us!
d
W e Nee
per!
Toilet Pa
We
Badly
For years we have saved the
front labels of Campbell products. It has been changed
and we re now collecting the
bar codes. Also, new products have been added. V8
juices we save the caps. A
list will be posted in the lobby.
The latest products added are
BIC and Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your continuing support to the Clothing Closet and
we have been truly blessed with your donation. Arizona climates
are especially a hard time for our people in need.
Washcloths, towels, soap, deodorants (roll on), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, lip balm, razors, toilet paper, depends (size large
and x-large), sanitary napkins, laundry soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and wipes. (Your generosity is much appreciated)
Volunteers are always needed on Saturday’s from 3:00 pm to 5:00
pm. Join us for Community Feast and let’s show our community how
Desert Chapel serves Apache Junction. We will accept donations
during that time, or at the office Monday-Thursday between the hours
of 8:00am—3:00pm. Please do not leave clothing, furniture or any
other items on the Church premises. We would like to keep our
Church grounds clean and free of clutter. Thank You!
The Gift of Giving
A couple of weeks ago, some of the youth in our congregation came to me and said, “we want to
make friendship bracelets and take them to the children who are in the hospital.” I said okay (of course!)
and you can read about the results in another article in this newsletter! (It’s called “Jared Boxes”)
But I was impressed that these young members of our congregation (and most of them are full members) wanted to do something for someone who is hurting. They have come to the conclusion that it’s
not all about them, and that to love God means to love others as well, and loving others means giving.
I wonder how many of us have lost our way through the months and years of economic chaos, recession, and uncertainty? How many of us have worried so much about taking care of ourselves and our
loved ones that we have forgotten how to give to others in need?
When I was first out of seminary, the church I was appointed to was in a financial crisis – the 1987
stock market crash had cost some major donors everything, and the church’s building loan went into
foreclosure. As the leadership struggled to find a way to pay the debt and get back on even footing, the
senior pastor made a comment that has stuck with me for 24 years: he said, “people will stop getting
their hair cut before they stop giving to the church.”
Is that true? Do we place our commitment to the Lord and to the body of Christ above things like
haircuts, manicures, the newest phones (iPhone 6, anyone?), new flat screen TVs and the satellite service to bring 800 channels, new cars, new homes, etc.? Is our commitment to the Lord and to the body
of Christ more important than the things our culture tells us are important?
As I reread the scriptures around giving for the upcoming season of Stewardship, I am reminded that
the reason we give is not to pay the bills, not to keep the doors open, and not even to feel good. The
reason we give is, simply, God gave us everything, and we show our faith in God by giving back 10% of
our income, trusting that God will make sure we have what we need.
When I was in college, I went to Sunday School with a classmate. The leader for the day told the story of her young adult son who had a job and was living on his own for the very first time. This son was
having a heck of a time making ends meet, and kept calling his parents for help. His mother asked how
much he was giving to church, and he said, “I can’t afford to give to church.” She challenged him to give
10% of his income right off the top (and she promised to help with the rest if he came up short). A
month later, her son said, “You were right! I gave 10%, and I learned that I had enough to make it on my
own.”
In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul wrote, “ 6Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small
crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. 7You should each give, then, as you have
decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. 8And God is
able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more
than enough for every good cause. 9As the scripture says, "He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever." 10And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you
with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. 11He
will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts
which they receive from us. 12For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but
also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God.” (Good News Translation)
As our youth have performed a service of generosity and compassion to the children in the hospital,
and by doing so have produced an outpouring of gratitude to God – both in the children and their families and in the youth themselves – let us follow their example and give generously as we work together
to meet the needs of God’s people and produce an outpouring of gratitude to God.
See you in church!
In Loving Memory
Swindler, Alvina C. Alvina C. Swindler passed away on Aug. 26, 2014. She was born in Arlington,
SD on December 18, 1914. She was raised and went to high school in Mott, ND and married
Wilmer Swindler of Mott, ND December 11, 1935. She was a homemaker, active in her church
and choir, loved to play card games, do crossword puzzles every day and argue politics. They
lived in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before moving to Newcastle, WY and Gillette, WY. In
Gillette they opened the first 25 cent car wash and also the How-De-Do drive-in and the How-De
-Do trailer park in the late 50′s. After they left Gillette, they made their home in Apache Junction,
AZ. She had a very full and healthy life until her death. She loved her family visits, and especially the annual family
reunions in Apache Junction. She is preceded in death by husband Wilmer, son Jerry, two brothers, Sigurd and
Walter Overgaard and 6 sisters: Jennie Swanston, Elizabeth Eckelberg, Esther Overgaard, Edna Schrimpf, Eleanor Reineke, and Elsie Jacobson. She was the last of her siblings and was looking forward to her 100th birthday celebration in December. The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” on December 21st which was the day
planned for her “100th birthday celebration” at the Desert Chapel United Methodist Church. She is survived by
her son, Dean Swindler of Show Low, daughter JoAnn Austin of Spokane, WA; 5 adoring grandchildren: Douglas
Misner, Kristin Galecki, Michael Swindler, Tonya Carty and Tina Edenfield; 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her family and friends will forever miss her presence in their lives. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Desert Chapel United Methodist Church, 462 Paolo Verde Dr., Apache Junction, AZ
85120.
DESERT CHAPEL’S UMC
CHARGERS
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Well, here is the season for Chargers meetings
and pancake breakfasts. Our first Chargers
meeting will be on Sunday, November 9th, at 4
pm in Fellowship Hall. We will enjoy a dish of
chili and discuss our plans for the 2014-2015
season. We would love to have you join us as
we are a fun-loving, work-loving group of people
trying to raise money to help with the budget of
the church. Members are asked to bring their
own chili to add to the pot. Won't you join us on
that afternoon?
Our first pancake breakfast is on Saturday, the
15th of November, from 7 to 9 am. All the pancakes you can eat, plus two eggs, two sausages,
applesauce and juice or coffee - all for $3.50. We
need to have more of a representation from our
church congregation - we do have quite a few
from other churches and parks but need your
support. See you there!!
Saturday
November 15, 2014
7 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Desert Chapel UMC
462 N. Palo Verde Dr
Apache Junction, AZ
All you can eat pancakes”
served with eggs, sausage, applesauce, coffee or juice.
Cost: $3.50 per person
COME JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND!
Church Conference has been scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m.
at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2936 N. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ
All reports are due in the office by Thursday, October 30, 2014.
WOULD YOU LIKE
TO BUY AN ARK?
(NOT BUILD ONE!)
The Mission Committee has decided to make this a yearlong special project for 2015.
For $5000.00 we can purchase a
Gift Ark through Heifer International
and become an "Ark Angel". We
realize this is a large amount of
money, but it would benefit families worldwide who are poor and
hungry. Every gift will multiply for
years to come.
Very soon we will have a large poster displayed in the lobby showing
our progress as small and large donations appear. Our committee has
faith that because of the generosity
of our congregation, we can
make this happen.
This project is, of course, in addition
to the others we already support.
Please give this some thought
and prayer and decide if you want
to have a part in helping families
to help themselves.
We have recently received many
requests for assistance, many
more than we can meet with our
current cash flow, always at it's
lowest in September. As we discussed these needs in Church
Council, we realized that many
folks may not know about our
"Pastor's Discretionary Fund." This
is the fund we use to help people
with things like electric bills, gasoline, rent, and more. It is
only funded when someone makes a donation (as donations were made in memory of Pat Edwards last winter). It
is not a part of the general fund, and help can only be given
when there is money in the account. If you would like to
make a one time donation, or even a small monthly donation over and above your regular giving, we can bless even
more people in need. Simply place your donation in the offering plate, and mark it "Discretionary Fund."
Taking Jared Boxes to the Hospital
By Sammi Ewing
The youth group have made Jared Boxes to take to the
Cardon Children’s Medical Center. Jared boxes are boxes
of activities used to lift up the spirits of chronically ill children. The Jared Box project started in 2001 by the children
at Our Lady of Victory School in state College, PA to honor
their classmate, Jared. He was a brave little boy who lost
his battle to cancer with courage faith that continues to
inspire us all. We came up with the idea to create these
boxes while talking about going to the children’s hospital.
The Jared box contains activities for the kids to have and
play with and draw on. We came up with the idea to do this
when we were talking to Marie and Pastor about going to
the children’s hospital and visit the kids and play games
with them, so Pastor gave us the idea on creating these
boxes. Inside the boxes are coloring books, markers,
crayons, puzzles, a bottle of bubbles, bouncy balls, and
notepads to pass note to each other.