Desert Chapel News A monthly publication of Desert Chapel United Methodist Church - February 2015 Keeping a Holy Lent This Lent, we will be looking at how Jesus calls us to care for “The Least, The Last and The Lost,” as we consider the invitation to “take up our crosses and follow him.” Join us for worship filled with scripture and song, drama and sacrament as we prepare to celebrate the most amazing gift of all! Hang this handy schedule on your refrigerator, or wherever you will see it most, and plan to participate fully in the upcoming events for Lent! February 17 ~ Fat Tuesday Spaghetti Dinner from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad, French Bread, Dessert and coffee or Juice. Cost is $5.00 pp. February 18 ~ Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 p.m. Come and enter a season of reflection and repentance as we move toward the celebration of the resurrection! March 29 ~ Palm Sunday—Come enjoy the procession of the Palms as we recall Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. April 2 ~ Holy Thursday—worship begins at 7:00 p.m. as we recall the Last Supper and Christ’s arrest. April 3~ Good Friday—We will recall the agony of the cross—the most amazing Gift we have ever received. Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. April 5 ~ Easter Sunday—Come celebrate the resurrection of our Lord youth-led Sunrise Service at 6:30 am, Traditional Worship at 8:45 a.m. Easter Lilies The church is purchasing Easter Lilies to decorate the church for Easter. If you would like to contribute $10.00 for one of the Easter Lilies and designate: In Loving Memory Of, or In Honor Of, please complete the form below and drop it in the collection basket or give it to the ushers. You may take your Lilies home with you after the 8:45 a.m. Easter Service, otherwise they will be given to a nursing home. Deadline is March 29, 2015. Thank you! NAME___________________________________ Please designate: In Loving Memory Of:________________________ “OR” In Honor Of:_______________________________ Upper Room Are available in the Narthex. $1.00/each Worship Schedule 8:45 am Hymn Sing 9:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am Fellowship Time 10:30 am Sunday School-All Ages E-devotionals & Announcements Please submit Newsletter information for March via e-mail, or bring into the church office by Thursday, February 19, 2015. Thank you! 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. 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 is an official publication of Desert Chapel UMC 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 February 16, 2015 February Greeters: Gordon Falkofske Jim Holmes Darlene King Lois McCarty Bill Whitney Ushers: Don Carlson Keith Cox Dwight Detlefsen Jim E. Edwards Jim Holmes Jim Hudgins Marilyn Schulz Communion Servers: Sue Bartell Janis Hetzer Ryan Hetzer Leanna Kennedy Dakota Pruett Donna Sawyer Haily Spears Gail Streyffeler Laurice Streyffeler Connie Wegeng 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. February Thank you to the congregation for all the donations of Health Supplies for Superstition Mountain Elementary School. The supplies were delivered on Monday, January 26th. February 1 February 3 February 5 February 7 February 8 February 9 February 13 February 14 February 15 February 16 February 16 February 21 February 28 Michael Gray Ken Buttgen Valerie Pagel Naida Pino John Molnar Ralcie Ceass Duane Allen Jean Hansen SuzAnne Christ Ron Wheeler Marie Andrie Jason Abbott Melanie Germain February 7 Robert & Jacqueline Phillips Birthday & Anniversary List 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! Tami, the school nurse, as well as all those in the office were very thankful. Desert Chapel never fails with giving from the heart! Would you like to help send a child to camp that would not otherwise be able to afford it? February Mission Project will be Camp for Kids. For the month of February Desert Chapel will accept donations to help send children to camp. Sandy Heath School Missions Every Saturday in Woeller Hall 3 to 5 PM 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] to be forwarded to the prayer chain. Everyone Welcome! Church Goers, Visitors and Community. 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 be 10:00 am on February 21, 2015. Place of meeting TBA. Women who have not taken their walk to Emmaus, but are interested are welcome. Questions? Call Kathy Bausch’s cell phone at 928892-2144. Andrae Edward Crouch 1942 - 2015 To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things he has done, With his blood he has saved me; with his power he has raised me; To God be the glory for the things he has done. Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God; Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon God's word. Soon, and very soon, we are going to see the King; soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Soon, and very soon, we are going to see the King, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We're going to see the King. All three of these short hymns are found in our United Methodist Hymnal. They were composed by Andrae Edward Crouch who recently died at the age of 72. He was an American gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, record producer and pastor who was referred to as "the father of modern gospel music". Crouch also wrote secular music and worked with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Quincy Jones. He also conducted choirs who sang on shows of Michael Jackson (Man On The Mirror) and Madonna (Like a Prayer). He was noted for incorporating contemporary secular music styles into gospel music with which he was familiar. His original music arrangements were used in the films The Color Purple and The Lion King. He received seven Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004. Andrae's parents owned a dry-cleaning business and restaurant business In Los Angeles and during that time, they also had a Christian street-preaching ministry plus a hospital and prison ministry. While his father was preaching as a guest minister at a small church, Andrae was encouraged to play during the services. This led to his "honing his piano playing skills" and writing his own music. He wrote his first Gospel song when he was fourteen years of age. His musical talents were incorporated into various musical groups and Tim & Hal Spencer, music publishers, encouraged his recording career. In the 1960's and 1970's he helped to bring contemporary Christian music into the church. After the death of his father, Crouch and his sister became senior pastors at the church his parents founded. In December, 2014, he was hospitalized for pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He died on January 8th, after suffering a heart attack. The information for this review came from Google.Com, Wikipedia.com and the United Methodist Hymnal. Submitted by Eleanor Edwards Apache Junction Health Center WE NEED YOU!!! Every fifth Sunday (4 times per year) a group of volunteers go to Apache Junction Health Center and lead worship for the residents. Lead by Kathy Bausch, most volunteers simply sing, help find pages and visit with the residents. If you’re interested in helping on you may sign up in the Lobby or call Kathy Bausch’s cell phone at 928-892-2144. Central East District 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 10:30 am 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 are held on Wednesday’s 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 Mark your calendar and plan to join the Central East District for Worship & Workshops on Saturday, February 7 at Cross in the Desert UMC in Phoenix. You will not want to miss Rev. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., the keynote speaker. Rev. Weems is a preeminent expert on church leadership. After many years as a pastor and seminary president, he is now distinguished professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. 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! Desert Chapel Charger’s WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY AN ARK? (NOT BUILD ONE!) The Mission Committee has decided to make this a year long 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. On the east wall of the Sanctuary, there is an ark with a thermometer that shows our progress, as each gift, large or small, is added. Our committee has faith that because of the generosity of our congregation, we can make this happen. Please give this some thought and prayer and decide if you want to have a part in helping families to help themselves. Fat Tuesday February 17, 2015 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, French bread, Dessert and coffee or juice Cost of meal is $5.00. DESERT CHAPEL’S UMC CHARGERS PANCAKE BREAKFAST Saturday, February 21, 2015 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! Friday, February 13 6:30 pm in Woeller Hall A fun-filled evening with: A delectable meal Alluring desserts Enchanting company Proceeds to support The Youth Summer Mission Team Desert Chapel United MethodistNON-PROFIT WomenORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID, PERMIT #24 February 2015 Announcements APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 85120 Our local UMW group continues the goal of connecting members to the church and to each other. We also provide opportunities for spiritual growth. The Priscilla/Ruth Circle will meet at 1:30 PM on Thursday, February 5th at Woeller Hall. The program will be the Holy Stuff of Life #2, presented by Kathy Bausch. The hostess will be Virginia Brown. A Unit meeting will be held at Woeller Hall at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, February 12th. Ardis Gustafson will present a program titled “Welcoming Women in All Stages of Life”. The Hostess will be the Executive Board. UMW members are encouraged to take full advantage of our library. We have 12 new books on the shelves for 2015 and some selections from previous years. The United Methodist Women appreciate the support of the worshipping church family at our events; every dollar we take in goes for our mission projects - locally and around the world. All women are invited to visit our gatherings and join the group if you like what we do. We promise suitable refreshments mixed with an educational program and discussions of Missions. All will be presented with a great deal of fellowship. A Season of Change Is Upon Us! If you’ve been listening in church the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about our task to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We all know the world is filled will challenges that sometimes make us crazy, and most of us feel powerless in the face of what is going on “out there.” The truth of the matter is, we can make a change in the world around us, but it’s up to us. Complaining about it won’t help. Getting mad and walking away won’t help. Sitting in silence won’t help. And pretending it’s not happening won’t help. What will help is for each and every one of us to begin to live out the faith and the values we profess. Jesus said, “love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” It’s easy to love God with our hearts … even our souls … but what about our mind and our strength? How much time and energy do we spend on things that are not pleasing to God? Or, to put it the other way around: how much time and energy do we spend praising and glorifying God? It’s not as simple as it seems. We need to stop ourselves constantly and ask, is what I’m about to say, is what I’m about to do, something that brings glory to God? If not, then we shouldn’t do it! How much time and energy do we spend on things that don’t get us any closer to bringing about the transformation of the world? Dave Tom began the new year by asking us if we would commit to doing our personal best and our congregational best—isn’t that simply loving God with all our strength? Jesus also said to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving our neighbor is a very broad statement—it goes way beyond finding them likeable. It goes way beyond tolerating the loud noise or the weeds or the barking dogs. Loving your neighbor means getting to know them, learning their story and sharing our own, and reaching out to meet their needs, and allowing them to help us meet our own. Loving our neighbors also means reaching out to any human person with whom we come into contact—the teller at the bank, the checker at the grocery store, the pharmacist at the drug store, the kids waiting at the bust stop, the person on the corner with a sign asking for help. Every human person is our neighbor, and we need to love them. Several months ago, one of our members repeatedly encountered a man outside the drug store where she picked up her prescriptions. She told me that she realized he was living on the bench, and began a conversation with him. She learned that he couldn’t get housing because he couldn’t get identification—he didn’t have the means to get copies of his birth certificate, his social security card, etc. She decided to help this gentleman out, and over the course of several weeks they worked, Welcome To Our New Intern and finally one day I received a text sayWhen one door closes, another opens … or something like that! ing they had finally gotten him what he When we lost our second youth leader in 2 years, God provided us needed—he had identification and the with a young man with a passionate faith and the necessary skills to lead in worship and help the youth grow in their faith! ability to move back into mainstream society! She saw a stranger and recogJT Hunsaker is here to lead the youth group and to start a Contemnized him for a neighbor, and he beporary Service here at Desert Chapel. JT is 23 years old and a nacame a friend. tive of the East Valley, having been born in Mesa and raised in Gilbert. He is a When we actively love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves, the world will begin to transform around us, as God’s light shines brightly from the Heart of Apache Junction! See you in church! Pastor Sharon student at Manhattan Christian College (in Kansas) where he is a senior getting ready to graduate with a degree in Worship Ministry after this internship. In his spare time JT enjoys listening to weird music, playing video games, and blogging on the internet.” JT is already reaching out to the Christian groups at Central Arizona College and Chandler Gilbert Community College for young adults interested in forming a worship music team, and is planning to begin worship design in the near future. If you are interested in being part of the team which will design and execute contemporary worship, call JT at 480-982-2259, or email him at [email protected]. Saturday March 21 7am-2pm Pancake Breakfast 7:00 - 9:30 am Special display of historic race cars. Desert Chapel United Methodist Church 462 North Palo Verde Drive Between the Trail and University/Superstition Blvd. in the Heart of AJ Up to 20 Classes Judged Cars & Trucks Motorcycles Awards & Plaques Vendor Spaces Live Music & DJ Kid’s Movies and PANCAKES! Presented by: For advance entry and other info: call/text (602) 625-2180 (480) 986-7800 Email [email protected] Website www.desertchapeumc.org www.racepast.com
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