Quail Notes
December, 2014
CELEBRATING
Grace, Making Disciples, Making a Difference
Dear Friends and Members of Desert Hills Lutheran,
It is December and time for us to again find ways to welcome
the Christ child into the world and into our own lives. This
month can get away from us and sometimes we try to place all
our spiritual marbles into the marble bag on December 24th or
maybe even December 25th. The season of Advent was always
a way of helping us keep our focus and our thanks to God. We will have a
wonderful Christmas Concert on December 11 and each Sunday will help us
make our own journey to Bethlehem. In between we will take care of the
other activities of the season, but we won't forget the “reason for the
season.”
I mentioned in an E-Quail about our esteemed Administrator, David
Thatcher, retiring. He will be leaving us at the end of January but will be part
of the congregation following retirement. David has been so important in our
financial stability, the building programs and capital appeals. A consultant
came in eight years ago and said that my skills were not in administration and
he was right. Thanks be to God that we hired David. We wish him all the best.
We will miss his laughter in the hallways.
We also say goodbye to Larry Schwartzlow. He too has retired and, in fact,
has started his retirement already. He wanted to ride off into the sunset with
no fanfare. Larry has an amazing work ethic and devoted great energy into
making sure our place looked beautiful both inside and out. He will be missed.
That is all for now. I'll see you at worship! Merry Christmas!
Blessings, Pastor Martin
Christmas Concerts
December 5 & 6, 6pm — Joy Ringers & Lord of the Ringers
perform at the Tubac Luminaria Festival, Tubac
December 11, 3 & 7pm — DHLC Christmas Concert
Reflections of His Light at Desert Hills Lutheran Church, GV
Christmas Eve Worship Schedule
1:00pm & 3:00pm — A Country Christmas — Country Gospel Band
5:00pm — Traditional Worship — Celebration Singers
7:00pm — Traditional Worship — Chancel Choir
Christmas Day Worship Schedule
10:00am — Traditional Worship — Christmas Choir
In this issue:
Grace Notes ...............................
Lutefisk Dinner ...........................
Footloose Singles Group ............
Parish Nurse Notes ....................
Stephen Ministers ......................
Women’s Ministries ...................
DHLC Book Groups ....................
Fellowship Group Event .............
Men’s Ministries .......................
Photo Directory ..........................
“Looney Lutherans” Play............
Education Committee Events ....
Council Report ...........................
Estate Sale Donation ..................
Estate Sales Schedule.................
Global Missions ..........................
Meet the Authors.......................
Scandinavian Club ......................
Foundation Corner .....................
Thank You! .................................
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Verse of the Month
And the angel said to them,
“Fear not, for behold,
I bring you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.”
Luke 2:10
Grace Notes
MELODY
by Director of Music Ministry, Judy Starr
H
A
R
M
O
N
Y
As we come to the end of 2014, I would personally like to thank everyone who has participated in
the Music Ministry at DHLC. Some of us are here year-round and others are here for the winter season.
There are many hours of practice for musicians and singers. Thank you for your participation and for
touching the hearts of the members of our church. There are other staff members who help with sound,
lighting, bulletins, ticket sales and publicity. All of these things are critical to the success of the Music
Ministry. Thank you so much for your time and your support. The Worship Arts Team also contributes so much to our
concerts with the decorations and banners. They help the whole presentation so much.
We had a wonderful Halloween Organ Concert. It was fun to see so many people dressed in costume. It was a funfilled evening for everyone. (See the photos below.)
The Joy Ringers and Lord of the Ringers are performing at the Tubac Luminaria on December 5 & 6, at 6pm. Be
sure to stop by and support these great musicians from DHLC.
On Thursday, December 11, we will have our annual Christmas Concert, Reflections of His Light. There will be two
concerts on that day — 3pm & 7pm. Tickets are needed for seating. Both of these concerts fill up. We hope you will join us
for this holiday production.
One new church member said to me that she loves being here because the congregation loves to sing. It is so
inspiring to her. That is why she is attending this church. There is great joy in the service. So, you hymn warriors, keep up
the good work. You make a difference, too!
Lutefisk Dinner — Friday, January 16, 4:30pm
Menu: Lutefisk with melted butter or white sauce, meatballs, potatoes, coleslaw,
lefse, rice pudding, lingonberry sauce and krumkake.
Tickets ($17) will be available starting December 6 & 7 after worship services and
from the receptionist during the week until sold out. There will be more tickets
available this year, so bring your friends. Upon arrival, tickets will be exchanged
for a number for the order of seating. There will be entertainment in the
sanctuary while waiting for your number to be called. This dinner is sponsored by
the Scandinavian Fellowship Group.
2150 S. Camino del Sol
Green Valley, AZ 85622-8352
520-648-1633  www.dhlc.org
Halloween
Organ
Concert
Photos
Worship Times
Saturday — 5:00pm
Sunday — 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00am
Holy Communion is celebrated the 1st & 3rd
weekend of each month at all services.
Sunday School Classes at 9:30am
September-May
Office Hours
Monday-Friday — 8:30am to 4:00pm
Pastoral Staff
Rev. Dr. Martin N. Overson, Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Richard Lind, Associate Pastor
Quail Notes newsletter is
published monthly.
E-mail articles for consideration for the
January issue by December 15 to
[email protected].
Limit articles to 300 words or less. The editor
reserves the right to edit submissions.
Footloose Singles Group
The Christmas dinner potluck will be on Sunday, December 14, from
2 to 5pm in the fellowship hall. Please sign up by December 12 and
designate what you will bring. The meat will be provided. We will
play Christmas bingo and sing Christmas carols. We will also have a
White Elephant gift exchange, so be looking for those great gifts.
The Footloose Singles group will be attending the Gaslight Theater Christmas
show on Friday, December 19, at 3:00pm. We will meet at the church at 1:30pm
for carpooling. The tickets ($18) must be paid for in advance at the church office.
Please purchase your ticket no later than December 3.
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Notes
Incorporating spiritual values into health education
Celebrating and Toasting in the Holidays Without Risky Drinking
People drink for many reasons, whether it is football season or celebrating the holidays with family and
friends. Research and scientists are still working on learning why people use, abuse and sometimes become addicted to
alcohol. About two-thirds of American adults had at least one drink during the past year, more than one in ten adults
grapple with alcohol dependence or alcoholism and one in five struggle with alcohol abuse. We know from research that
roughly half the risk for alcoholism can be explained by some genes as well as the environment, including friends and
family, your anxiety and stress levels and even your childhood experiences.
When it comes to harmful drinking, problems can range from neglecting family responsibilities, damage to the liver and
cause several types of cancer, inflammation of the pancreas and brain damage. Alcohol interacts with drugs that you may
be taking for a medical condition and can exacerbate the alcohol content in your blood system which can cause damage
to the liver. When it comes to holiday drinking, the consequences can range from making an embarrassing remark to
causing a deadly accident and/or being arrested for drunk driving. The reported problem with holiday drinking is that
people often drink for longer periods of time than they normally do.
If you decide to drink during a holiday celebration, drink responsibly! Pace yourself and limit yourself to half of an
alcohol-containing drink per hour, don’t drink on an empty stomach, alternate alcohol-containing drinks with nonalcoholic ones such as water, soda or juice and make sure you have a designated driver to get everyone home safely after
the celebration.
Resources: National Institute on Health and Human Services/Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
May God grant you wonderful memories, hope, joy, peace and a SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!
Anna Tometczak, RN – Parish Nurse
Upcoming Health & Wellness Events:
Red Cross Blood Drive at DHLC, Thursday, December 11, from 9am to 2pm. To schedule your appointment or for more
information, contact our Parish Nurse at 648-1633, ext. 29 or log on to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: desert.
Caregiver’s Support Group meets the second Thursday of the month from 10:30-11:30am. The next Support group
meeting is Thursday, December 11. Contact our Parish Nurse at 648-1633, ext. 29 or by email at [email protected].
Stephen Ministers: The After People
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
… after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
… after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life.
… after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
… after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.”
… after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
… after your son or daughter honks the horn, waves and drives away – and the house suddenly seems empty.
… after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on and your loved one is led away.
… after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” They are ready to come alongside you – or your friends, neighbors or relatives –
and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed. If you would like to speak with someone about having your
own Stephen Minister, please call Emilie Odde, 393-0639 or Wally Mohr, 625-2682. If you would like information to
become a Stephen Minister, please call Betty Behm, 648-0271 or Katharine Baker, 398-6767.
A new Stephen Ministry training class has been scheduled for 2015. The dates are February 17 through March 17,
Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30am to 1pm. If you have any questions about this ministry, don’t hesitate to call Katharine Baker,
398-6767 or Betty Behm, 648-0271.
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Women's Ministries at DHLC
Monday, December 1, 9am to 10:30am
Bible Study—Lot's Wife: A Pillar of the Community
A vast array of Christmas goodies will greet you; bring
your friends, family, house guests and neighbors and
enjoy this lively video and group discussion.
Monday, December 8, 11:30am to 1:30pm
Catered Luncheon
Each year we explore a different holiday tradition and this
year it will be Christmas in the Philippines with a visit
from FASCOT - Filipino-American Sampguita Club of
Tucson - who will entertain us with their colorful dress
and native music and dance. Tickets are $5.00 and will be
available between services two weeks prior to the
luncheon or at the church office. Ticket deadline is
Wednesday, December 3 and they will go fast!
Saturday, February 14, 8am to 3pm
Lighten Up ... Be Open to Joy & Laughter - Mini Retreat
Return of delightful Moravian Bishop Kay Ward! Tickets
($20) will go FAST! They will be available at the
December Bible Study and Luncheon. And they are the
perfect Christmas gift.
The Women's Ministries will be
sponsoring a New Unwrapped Toy Drive
for infants to children 12 years old.
Suggestions are: learning toys, books,
dolls, blocks, crafts, action figures, board
games and movies. A detailed list of toys may be found on
the Women's Bulletin Board or on the large Christmas box,
both in the fellowship hall. Absolute deadline for your
donations is Sunday, December 14. There will also be a
collection for Safeway Gift Cards to benefit the Crossroads
Mission in Nogales. Your generosity is GREATLY appreciated
during this holiday season.
As we go to print, the totals from our Boutique Sale are
nearing $10,000! Checks will be presented to the Navajo
Lutheran Mission School, Youth On Their Own, the Amado
Youth Center and “51 Homes For Veterans.” Thrivent
Financial Services contributed $300 to our efforts this year. A
huge thank you goes out to all who donated, worked and
prayed for this successful event.
26th Synod Convention/Gathering Notes - NAU Campus, Flagstaff, AZ - October 24-26
Grand Canyon Synod includes southern Utah, Nevada and Arizona. Peggy Bowker, Judy Gunson, Mira Johnson, Mazie
Hastings and Suki Kisling represented DHLC. There were 118 attendees; plus 7 scholarship students from U of A and NAU.
Moravian Bishop Kay Ward spoke on Lifeline Connections. LOVE offering (proceeds to the W-ELCA Grand Canyon Synod)
was $3720 and Sunday offering (1/2 Churchwide; 1/4 NAU; 1/4 ASU and U of A) was $3,229. Newly elected officers: Laura
Krueger, President; Suki Kisling, Vice President; Susan Drane, Secretary; Marlene Haller, Treasurer
Fall Retreat, October 23-25, 2015, Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ
Ladies Literary Society
Fellowship Group
The Ladies Literary Society is a book
discussion group that meets the 4th Friday
of the month except December when we
meet on the 3rd Friday, at 1pm. We
welcome all who enjoy a good read and
discussion. Following is a list of our upcoming books:
December 19: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
January 23: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
February 27: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer
March 27: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Once again by popular demand the Fellowship Group has
reserved 60 seats at the Gaslight Theatre for the
performance of Two Gun McGraw—Showdown in Old
Pueblo for the Sunday matinee on January 18, at
3pm. Tickets are $18 each and are available at the front
desk (tickets must be purchased by January 1). Food and
drinks are available for purchase at the theatre. There are
handicap seats available so you need to mention that when
you purchase tickets. Doors open at 2:15pm. These tickets
always get sold out quickly so buy your tickets soon.
Everyone is invited to attend!
The Bookmen
The Bookmen meet Wednesdays weekly at
7:45am at Manuel’s Restaurant for breakfast,
fellowship and lively book discussion. All men
are invited to join this group.
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Men's Ministries at DHLC
Men’s Bible Study meets weekly in the patio room on
Thursdays at 1pm. All men are invited to attend. We are
currently studying 1st Kings.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast—There is NO Men’s Fellowship
Breakfast in the month of December. The next
scheduled breakfast is January 22, at 8:30am
in the fellowship hall. Our speaker in January
will be Wally Mohr. He will be doing a
presentation on our country’s national parks.
All men are welcome to join us, so please set aside time to
attend the breakfast fellowship.
Handy Man Services is here to provide help to
members and friends of DHLC. Handy Man
Services remained busy throughout the summer
and has become even busier now that more
people have returned to Green Valley. We expect this to
continue. If you would like to request services from this group,
please let us know. The contact person is Marv Berke at 6480148 or [email protected].
Handy Man Services is looking for additional helpers.
If you are willing to help, please contact Marv using the
above contact information. It would also be nice to know
what type of services you feel comfortable providing.
Men@Work—The group meets on the first
and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the
Patio Room of the church. In December the
dates are the 2nd & 16th. We have a great time
and would like to see the group grow and become a
source of enjoyment and fellowship for a larger number
of men. If you have any questions or would just like to
learn more about the group please contact Tim Warlick
at [email protected] or call/text him at 336-7567.
Men’s Health Group meets on the 3rd
Monday of the month from October thru
May. In December it will be meeting on the
15th. The meeting will be held at 9am in room
102, the back portion of the Chapel. Mark
Dec will be presenting Friends In Deed and the services
they provide to our communities.
WoodWorkers—This group is currently working on
Lenten Jig Saw Puzzles. There is work for
both skilled and non-skilled woodworkers.
If you are interested in helping with this
project, please contact Louis Guthmueller
at 399-9241 or [email protected].
December 2-6 & December 9-13
Thank you to those who signed up for the
December picture appointments. Plan to be
here at your appointment time which should
take approximately one hour. Bring a can of
food for the community food bank and you will receive an additional
5% off if you should decide to purchase pictures. You will receive one
free photo. Please note that the background for your picture will be
blue.
The next appointments to sign-up for the directory will be
announced through the bulletin and the E-Quail for January photos.
DHLC Sponsoring “Looney Lutherans” Play
The Looney Lutherans will present a play
on Tuesday, January 27, at 7pm at DHLC.
Tickets ($10) for the play will be on sale
beginning December 15. Mark your
calendars for this entertaining event.
The Looney Lutherans are a trio of wacky
gals using music, comedy and some help
from the audience, to share some ageold wisdom for living a long and healthy life the Lutheran way. (But
you don't have to be Lutheran to love 'em!) This trio of Looney
Lutherans were the founding members of the hit musical Church
Basement Ladies at the Plymouth Playhouse in Plymouth, Minnesota.
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Desert Hills Lutheran
is a Busy Place!
The calendar is constantly changing.
Check the weekly calendar
in the weekend worship
bulletin for upcoming
events. The most current
monthly calendar is on
our website which can be
accessed at www.dhlc.org
and then clicking the calendar tab or by clicking
the links at the top or bottom of each weekly EQuail.
The two electronic screens in the church are a
good place to look when you come in for an
event/meeting and want to find out what room
to go to. They are located in the reception area
and in the west hallway.
If you have a meeting or event and need to
schedule a room, please go to the front desk and
fill out the appropriate form. Calendar changes
should be given to Jan Howard by calling 6481633 or emailing [email protected].
Education Committee Events
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Maggie Ramlow will present a Christmas program, Kenneth Bailey’s A Clear View of
Christ’s Birth, on Thursday, December 4 & Friday, December 5, from 9 to 10am in the sanctuary. This is a
repeat of last year’s program.
MARTIN LUTHER KING IN THE WORLD TODAY: The education committee is meeting with Troy
Justesen and Judy Starr to plan an interactive program of video and music that will begin at 11am on Martin
Luther King Day, January 19, to be held in the sanctuary. The program will address human rights in the world
today. With MLK and civil rights in the 60's began awareness of human rights for all. If you had personal
experience with these issues that you would like to share, please let Maggie Ramlow know at
[email protected].
In the Spring we will continue with learning about THE PARABLES. The dates are March 12 & 13, from 9 to 11am, in the
fellowship hall.
Congregation Council Meeting Highlights
November 18, 2014
The Treasurer’s Report indicated that contributions to the 2014 Unified Fund are 7% ahead of
last year. Expenses continue to be under budget. Contributions to the 2014 Debt Retirement Fund are 5%
ahead of budget. It was another “Praise the Lord” financial report.
Plans are proceeding to start serving a noon meal on Sundays starting in December.
Dick Hansen, chair of the Audit Committee, reviewed the audit report from Terry B. Cogan, CPA.
The Council met with Kevin Ford from TAG Consulting regarding engaging them to work with our congregation
through a congregational survey and comparing our ministry with that of other churches to determine strengths and areas
needing attention; coaching our staff; having focus groups regarding church strengths, weaknesses, potential opportunities,
hopes and dreams; and identifying our core values. The Long Range Planning Committee of the Council recommended that
the Council consider engaging TAG Consulting. Following the meeting with Kevin Ford, the Council approved engaging TAG
Consulting for work in 2015.
Estate Sales Donation to
Local Food Bank
Christmas Concert
“Reflections of His Light”
Thursday
December 11
3pm & 7pm
No Admission Fee
Tickets Required for Seating
Tickets Available in Church Office
Free Will Offering
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
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Don Brown, church council liaison for the
Estate Sales Team of Desert Hills Lutheran Church,
presented a $1,000 check to Mary Jane Goodrick,
Executive Director of the Food Bank of Green Valley.
The check is in response to the Food Bank’s “Color
My Feathers” campaign to purchase and distribute
turkeys for the holidays.
The DHLC Estate Sales Team consists of 3035 volunteers serving Green Valley residents by
arranging and conducting estate sales. A commission
is charged for this service and helping the Food Bank
is our way of giving
back
to
the
community.
The
sales season is from
October 1 through
April 30 of the
following year. Sales
may be scheduled
on a weekly basis except for church holidays weeks.
Estate Sales Schedule
Two DHLC Estate Sales are scheduled for December. Sales are held Thursday (7:30-11:30am) and Friday
(7:30am to closing) unless otherwise noted. Watch for our ad in the Green Valley News for information on
each sale. Be sure to stop by and shop!
1) December 4 & 5
2) December 11 & 12
Canoa Seca Estates II
Country Club Estates
3776 Del Reyecuelo
1441 Maravilloso
Global Missions — Alternative Gifts for Christmas
Christmas is coming and we can help with your gift list! On December 6/7, 13/14 and 20/21,
Global Missions will be offering you the opportunity to give a gift for family and/or friends while
giving to people around the world. You purchase an animal or service, receive a gift card so you
can notify your recipient that an animal or service has been given in their name and the funds go
to the ELCA. The ELCA uses your gift to procure what you have designated and gives it to the
person or group in need. The ELCA is careful with your gift and will also provide training so your
gift can really make a difference. This is not a “hand out” but it is a “leg up” program. Will you participate in this important
program with us starting December 6? Thanks from the Global Missions team.
Meet the Authors
On Saturday, December 6, the
annual "Meet the Authors"
Book Fair will be held in the
DHLC fellowship hall from 1-4
pm. This event is sponsored
by the Santa Cruz Valley
Chapter of the Society of
Southwestern Authors and
will feature a large number of
authors from Arizona. Short readings will be
conducted by a variety of authors in different
genres.
Thank you for your support of this event!
Scandinavian
Club
The Scandinavian Fellowship Group will meet
Tuesday, December 9, at 5pm (back to regular day
and time). Rev. Herb Chilstrom will reflect on the
subject "Swedish Saints: an assumption, an
oxymoron, or none of the above." All are
welcome! Bring a dish for potluck, your own plate
and silverware. Everyone is welcome!
NO German Heritage Group until
January. Watch the bulletins and
E-Quail for further meeting information.
Foundation Corner - Three Wise Gifts
Perhaps we can thank the three wise kings from the east for our
tradition of gift giving at Christmas. Just as the Christ child received
three different kinds of gifts, His church today continues to need
three kinds of wise gifts. The first is that of our regular weekly
giving that we refer to as tithing. The second gift is that which we
refer to as offerings where we can support ministries for which we
have a passion. The third type of gift is that which we refer to as
legacy giving. Legacy giving is where we take a portion of all that He
has provided us throughout our life and return that portion to
God’s continued work here on earth. These gifts come from our
estate plans in thanks to Him for all that He has provided us. This
Christmas won’t you please consider a legacy gift of your own? To
receive assistance on how to give an end-of-year tax-wise legacy
gift, contact our ELCA Foundation Gift Planner, Greg Shepherd, at:
909-910-6823 or [email protected].
Willing Witness Workshop—Save the Date!
Plan on attending this very educational workshop conducted by our
congregation’s gift planner, Greg Shepherd, Thursday, January 29
at 12pm. You will learn how you can witness to your loved ones
through your will and trust as well as how to leave tax-wise gifts
from your estate. Come learn about Christian preambles, charitable
gift annuities for increasing your income, wealth replacement
strategies, give-it-twice trusts and new tax laws regarding IRAs. The
workshop will last from 12 to 1:30pm and lunch will be provided.
Greg Shepherd has 25 years experience in the financial services
industry and seven years working as a Regional Gift Planner for the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has worked with
hundreds of members from over 50 congregations throughout the
southwest and has been working with our congregation and the
DHLC Foundation for the past year.
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Pastor Martin always says that you don’t need the right words when sadness happens,
you just need to “show up.” And that’s just what you did. You showed up to visit, you
showed up with food; you showed up at Wayne’s service with wonderful hugs, you
showed up with memorials in his name. My neighbors and unchurched friends were so
impressed with how you gave and showed your love. And that wasn’t all! Special thanks to Judy Starr and the incredible
Resurrection Choir, to Lorelie Conrad on trumpet, to Gordon and his great organ renditions. Your music went straight to my
heart. Untold thanks to all my WELCA friends for the beautiful tables and millions of cookies. And lastly, a giant hurray to
Troy Justesen for putting together the pre-service photo montage (a huge job!) and for Pastor Martin and his message. You
have all blessed me and my family and we are very grateful. Thank you!
Carol Pohl and Family
Larry and I would like to thank everyone for all their concerns, prayers, cards and phone
calls. Also grateful thanks to Pastor Richard Lind and Visitation Minister Antony Potter for
their visits and prayers while Larry was in the hospital.
God’s Blessings to you all … Larry & Jackie Schwartzlow
Please Notify Us!
Please be sure to make the church office aware of the desire for pastoral visits,
communion at home, hospitalization, condition changes or moves to different
facilities or home. Be sure to let us know the name of the hospital or facility.
We want to stay in touch with you!
CELEBRATING
Grace, Making Disciples, Making a Difference
Non Profit Org.
US Postage Paid
Permit # 16
2150 S. Camino del Sol
Green Valley, AZ 85622-8352
www.dhlc.org
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material
Please Deliver Promptly
Please notify the church office of
any address changes.
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Green Valley, AZ