Our Possessive Investment in Whiteness
Transcription
Our Possessive Investment in Whiteness
May 2015 ...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed Matthew 17:20 The Christian Education and Peacemaking/Social Concerns Teams bring you… Super Tuesday Morning May 5th, 10:30 am You’ve read about him in the newspaper, now meet him in person! The Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, Minister, activist and author of several books. Nominee to be General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ (also nurse Mimi’s husband). Dr. Dorhauer has long been committed to social justice, immigration justice, and justice for the L.G.B.T. community. While in theological seminary he studied white privilege and its effects on the church. Volume 43. Number 5 He will be talking about… News, insights and uplifting stories from and about your friends at Faith Church as we fulfill God’s redemptive mission in the world. May 2015 Dr. Harris Schultz ..... 2 Worship .................... 3 Deacons .................... 4 Pastoral Associate ... 5 Parish Nurse ........... ..6 Going Green ............. 7 Christian Education 8 Presbyterian Women ...................... 8 Monday Morning Book Discussion ................ 8 Peacemaking/Social “Our Possessive Investment in Whiteness” Concerns .................. 9 A light lunch will follow the 10:30 am talk in Illingworth Hall Fellowship .............. 11 Tickets $5.00 Christian Education 13 This is the first and last chance to meet and hear this amazing Christian man. Mission ................... 10 Library Lines .......... 12 What’s Happening In May...................... 15 A Note From Harris We’re Not Done Yet! When I took interim ministry education in the early 90’s this specialized ministry was committed to understanding what happens in congregations during the time between pastors. Early research suggested there are processes that all congregations pursue in efforts to continue their ministries. Previously I’ve mentioned processes such as the search for (a new?) identity and assessment of congregational heritage. As Faith Church nears the end of its interim time, it makes sense to mention another process: committing to new leadership and a new future. As you read the following, think about your experiences of the past 2 years, to determine what you think about Faith’s progress through the process. Committing to new leadership should be understood as a process that began soon after the last pastor’s announcement of departure was made. Early on members began to anticipate that ―it’s going to be different around here‖ and ―the church I’ve known is fading away‖. Within weeks of the previous pastor’s departure, thoughts about next pastoral leadership began to rise in congregational awareness. Somewhere, someone was thinking, ―I hope we get a good one‖ and ―Good. Now maybe we’ll get a pastor I like‖. avoidance and/or denial. Some congregations are challenged by unrealistic or unclear expectations of the next pastor. The absence of clear goals for the congregation’s future ministries, or the lack of articulation of goals discerned in the mission study phase of the interim, also hinder the process. Inability or unwillingness to disengage from the previous pastor may hamper the process too. On the other hand, signs a congregation is making good progress toward achieving the process includes an open focus on the future, backed by a clear sense of identity and resources to achieve desired goals. The willingness to manage separation anxiety around the changes being experienced demonstrates a congregation’s resolve to ―move on.‖ Enthusiastic preparations for the start-up of the new pastor, not just on the part of the PNC, but broadly experienced in congregational life, point to readiness the future. Signs of increasing levels of involvement and ownership in ministries are excellent indicators the congregation is more ready. Members will experience more spontaneous humor and good-natured give-and-take. Last, but not least, expressions of appreciation for the interim leadership will be apparent. In this case, not 1, but 3, interim pastors provided Faith Church opportunities to move through the changes. When they are achieved, the future will be bright and full of promise. So, what do you think about the congregation’s readiness for the future? Seriously, as the time goes on, there are hopes for a good match between congregation and new pastor. Consensus emerges about the visions for ministry and hopes and dreams for what the new leadership might look like surface. Signs of progress in the process of planning for a new future include securing leadership for the ―in between time‖. Unless there are critical issues to be resolved, a congregation will elect a pastor nominating committee (PNC) without undue haste or delay. Harris Interim Pastor Harris God blooms in many shapes and colors. Your generosity brings those beauties to our church and to our sick people. There are signs an interim congregation might be avoiding the natural, normal progress of this process. One of the more visible sings is more anxiety than normal in the interim period. Trying to rush the process is another sign of May 2015 Bill Hogan, Generosity Team 2 Mustard Seed Welcome to Worship May 3 “Uncle Andrew’s Example” Dr. Harris Schultz, Preaching Acts 4:32-37; Psalm 112 I John 2:15-17; Mark 10:17-31 When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May 10 “What Your Mother Expects” Dr. Harris Schultz, Preaching Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98 I John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 Roger T. Nicholson Sr. 3/19 Irene Ehler 4/8 May 17 “Seeking the Perfect Church” Dr. Harris Schultz, Preaching Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; James 3:13-18 Mark 9:30-37 May 24 Pentecost Communion Sunday “Multilingual Christians” Dr. Harris Schultz, Preaching Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-34 Acts 2:1-21 May 31 Trinity Sunday “God Far, God Near” Dr. Harris Schultz, Preaching Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm. 29 Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17 February 2015 May 2015 3 3 Mustard Seed Mustard Seed 2015 DNA Assignments Please or over office if to you. note there are some deacon changes. You will be introduced to them in church the phone. Get to know each other! Please call your deacon or call the church you are ill, especially if you are hospitalized. This is the way the staff can minister Barbara Munn, Moderator of Deacons. NOTES OF THANKS have been received from the following for visits, cards, prayers, and other courtesies extended by the staff and church members: Sue Kloessen. May 2015 Faith Church strives to ensure the comfort and safety of our congregation, visitors and staff by encouraging a ―fragrance free environment". Many people have allergies or respiratory problems which are aggravated by scents, colognes, aftershave, scented soaps, and lotions. In the interest of all who attend worship, fellowship and other functions at Faith Church, we ask that you embrace our ―fragrance free environment‖ and help those with respiratory or allergy sensitivity. Thank you. 4 Mustard Seed From Dale McCurdy As Mother’s Day approaches I, of course, think of my mother who would have been 105 years old this year. She was a full partner to my Dad’s various businesses from farming, ranching, and later our Family Restaurant Business. Mom was the one who taught me how to love. I also think of the other ―Surrogate Moms‖ who nurtured me along the way. Three of the most important were Mrs. Brost, Mrs. Khurt and Mrs. Thomas. I wouldn’t think of referring to any of them by their first names! They were all Sunday School teachers in Murdo, South Dakota, population 800, where I grew up. They were educated women, articulate, talented and simply terrific teachers. From them I received a foundation in the faith which has lasted my whole life. What a blessing they have been. Aunt Helen served as a temporary Mom while my parents spent a couple of months in California every winter. She was a preacher’s kid, a pillar of the church, and the kindest person you’d ever meet. With her I could be totally myself. It didn’t hurt that she loved to bake sweets, something my Mother never did. Edwina Ritsema was a choir member when I was in my first full-time church position. She adopted me instantly and sang in the choir until she was 99 years old. She was elegant, a great storyteller, and as non-judgmental as they come. The fact that she was something of a character was frosting on the cake! In public life there are women who inspire me as well. Women like Maya Angelou with that wonderful speaking voice and her amazing poetry. Did you know that she was a member of the cast in the 1952 touring production of ―Porgy and Bess‖ with William Warfield and Leontyne Price? As we celebrate this cultural holiday you might consider ―naming‖ the women in your life who influenced you. The women who helped you grow in the faith. The teachers who inspired you and the family members and friends who loved you, along with those who love you still. May 2015 O God we give you thanks for our Mothers and for those who helped us grow. We pause now to remember all the women who have done the work of the church and those who continue to do so. May we always be grateful for the gifts you give us in the these women who loved us. After a spring break, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent the holidays. One child wrote the following: "We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live here in a big brick house, but Grandpa got retarded and they moved Arizona. Now they live in a place with a lot of other retarded people. They live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on big tricycles a n d wear nametags because they don’t know who they are anymore. They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have got it fixed up because it is all right now. They play games and do exercises there, but they don't do them very well. There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with their hats on. I guess they don't know how to swim. At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out. Then they go cruising in their golf carts. My Grandma used to bake cookies and stuff but I guess she forgot how. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing every night Early Bird. Some of the people can't get past the man in the dollhouse to go out. So the ones who do get out bring food back to the wrecked center and call it potluck. My Grandma says Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment I want to be the man in the dollhouse. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren.” 5 Mustard Seed tive energy by forgiving and moving on. 5. Make time for fun and relaxation. a. Set aside time every day to do something you enjoy. b. Keep your sense of humor including the ability to laugh at yourself! 6. Adopt a healthy lifestyle. a. Exercise regularly. Physical exercise such as walking, gardening, cleaning house releases endorphins to combat stress. b. Eat a healthy diet. Restrict caffeine and alcohol. c. Get enough sleep. It helps the mind and body recharge. d. Meditate to attain feelings of peace and balance. This can be done while walking or even waiting for an appointment. From your Consider the lilies . . . “. . . Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. . . Consider the lilies, how they grow. . . If God so clothes the grass of the field, . . . How much more will he clothe you - you of little faith! (Luke 12:22-28) Jesus tells us, ―Do not worry‖ and tells us to trust in God. We can also help free ourselves from stress and put balance in our lives with the following tips. To manage your stress, first identify the causes, then: 1. Avoid unnecessary stress. a. Learn how to say ―No,‖ graciously and stick to it. b. If possible, avoid people who stress you out. c. Pare down your ―To Do‖ List and prioritize. 2. Alter the situation. a. Learn to express your feelings instead of bottling them up. b. Be more assertive about your needs but also willing to compromise when necessary. c. Manage your time. Multi-tasking is not always most efficient! 3. Adapt to the stressor. a. Look at the big picture. Is this really worth getting upset over? b. Adjust your standards. Perfectionism is a major source of stress! Sometimes ―good enough‖ is the right answer. c. Focus on the positive. 4. Accept the things you can’t change. a. Focus on what you can control – your reaction to the situation. b. Share your feelings with someone you trust. Talking something over can change your perspective. c. Learn to forgive. In the same way that God forgives us, free yourself from negaMay 2015 The internet can be a great source of information. I found this on the Presbyterian (USA) National Health Ministries web site and wanted to share the information and site with you. Mimi Monday, May 4 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Illingworth Hall Medicare in 2015 and Social Security Retirement Benefit Planning Attendees will learn about the basics of all Medicare Programs (Part A, B, C, and D, and Medigap Supplements), services provided under each part of Medicare, costs under each part of Medicare, and what’s new in 2015. Changes to Medicare as a result of the Affordable Care Act will also be covered. Social Security benefit planning will also be covered including filing options, online tools, calculators and other benefits for family members. Additional resources for assistance will be provided. Please join us, all are welcome! Registration is required, please call: 623-207-1703 to reserve you place. 6 Mustard Seed United Nations Climate Change Conference Pastoral Care and Hospital Visitation Environmentalists are now looking ahead to the December 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. March 31, 2015, was set as a loose deadline for countries to submit their pledges for how far they intend to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in future years. To date firm pledges have been made by the EU (European Union) and six other countries. More than 100 others are expected to filter in throughout coming months. The United States is one of the countries who has made a pledge. Others are the EU, Gabon, Russia, Mexico, Norway, and Switzerland. Mexico is the first developing country to formally promise to reduce its global warming pollution. Per cent reductions in greenhouse gases pledged by these countries varied from 25% to 50% by 2025 or (mostly) 2030. The G7 top developed countries in the world will meet in Germany in June. It is felt the G7 meeting can ensure success for the Paris climate deal. This could be a moment for Berlin to reassert leadership on climate matters ahead of the UN Summit. The G7 will need to announce strategic confidence building measures to maintain momentum. The three most obvious measures would be: 1. An articulation of how these G7 countries will demonstrate their commitment to meet the $100 Billion obligation. 2. How they will listen to the needs of the most vulnerable countries and take climate impacts seriously. 3. What additional pledges they can provide jointly to signal the irreversibility of their decarbonization pathways. Watch for related news stories in coming months. Submitted by: Ruth Mehl May 2015 7 PLEASE NOTE: Due to privacy and HIPAA Laws, the hospitals no longer send notification to us regarding those members who have been admitted. Please notify us, or have someone other than the hospital notify us, if you are admitted to the hospital. At Faith Presbyterian Church we seek to be effective and consistent in our pastoral care. That care is dependent on members notifying the church when either they or a family member enters the hospital. Our Pastoral Care team takes turns, on a rotating basis, with the visitation ministry and special care when people are in the hospital. Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: Rev. Harris Schultz Dale McCurdy Mimi Dorhauer Donna Buchanan Dale McCurdy Mimi Dorhauer or Dale McCurdy Mimi Dorhauer or Dale McCurdy We believe that a planned schedule will insure better and more complete pastoral care, especially when members are in the hospital. e-mail addresses Are you one of those people who uses your computer and e-mail at home or at work? Would you like to receive a regular newsletter called ―Focus on Faith‖? If you have e-mail and are interested in staying informed via the internet, submit your address to Roda Wright ([email protected]) and follow the regular weekly updates. Thanks for your help! Mustard Seed Presbyterian Women have a long Please Note: the PW Coordinating Team will meet on May 14 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Room. GATHERING - May 14 The fun begins 10:30 a.m. Luncheon $6 at 12:00 noon “Annual Birthday Party” Installation of 2015-16 Leaders Tickets available at reception desk during the week or the PW table in the Narthex May 10 & 17. Book Discussion, Monday, May 11 10:30 a.m. Calvin Library Monday Morning Book Discussion group will continue throughout the summer—join us on the second Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Library. In 2015, we will answer the call to show Jesus’ love to the world by offering our prayers and financial support to the Community of St. Therese of Lisiex (CSTL) and to the Bethesda Christian Community Center. Both groups minister to women affected by poverty and violence. CSTL leads women in Memphis, Tennessee, from prostitution, addiction and trafficking to self-reliance and wholeness. Bethesda reaches out to women in a violenceriddled neighborhood of Barranqillla, Colombia. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving and for your ongoing prayers for women struggling with oppressive situations. As you have been blessed, so may you bless others. “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcom Gladwell. Creative Ministries Offering Committee Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA) This non-fiction book examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success. Gladwell repeatedly mentions the ―10,000 Hour Rule,‖ claiming that the key to success in any field is practice, practice, practice! Please join us to share your experiences and insights into Gladwell’s hypotheses. May 2015 tradition of caring for others and helping those in need. Ever since Hallie Paxson Winsborough, in 1922, challenged each member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the PCUS to give a penny for each year of her life as a ―birthday gift‖ for Miss Dowd’s School for Girls in Japan, Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Offering has helped fund mission projects that improve the lives of women and children around the world. While the projects and donation amounts have changed, Presbyterian Women’s commitment to improving the lives of others has not. We continue to need broad, consistent support from Presbyterian women and others in order to continue funding mission projects like the ones selected for 2015. Our goal for 2015 is $500,000.00. 2014 - 2015 Horizons Bible Study Reconciling Paul: Thursday Bible Study Circle First Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Faith Church Iona Room Wednesday Royal Oaks Bible Study Circle Third Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. In Royal Oaks Chapel 8 Mustard Seed Food Banks May 3 is Food Bank Super Tuesday Peacemaking/Social Concerns and Christian Education May 5 at 10:30 a.m. Illingworth Hall The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer John has served as Conference Minister of the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ since 2008. Coming to the Southwest from the Midwest, he fell in love with the mountains and the desert. He served on staff of the Missouri Mid-South Conference for five years after having served two churches in Missouri, each for almost 8 years. He will soon celebrate his 28th anniversary of ordination in June, the same month in which he will celebrate his 31st wedding anniversary. John and his wife, Mimi, have three adult children: John and daughter-in-law Kelley, Adam, and Molly; and a grandson Jacob Ellar. John loves baseball (a die-hard Cardinal fan!), long bike rides, golf, hiking, kayaking, poetry, and good art and literature. He has an M.Div. from Eden Theological Seminary (class of '88), and a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary, having studied White Privilege and its effects on the church. He is the author of three books: Steeplejacking: How the Christian Right is Hijacking Mainstream Religion, Where All Are Welcome: God’s Manifesto for Extravagant Welcome, and a third book, Beyond Reluctance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World. John has an unflagging commitment to justice including immigration justice, environmental justice, and support of justice for the LGBT community. He considered it an honor to marry the first gay couple when it became legal on October 17, 2014, for same sex couples to marry in Arizona. John is the nominee to be the next General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, and will stand for election before their national delegates on June 29th. May 2015 9 Sunday. Barrels will be in the breezeway to receive gifts of non-perishable food items, or you may choose to make a financial contribution in one of the pink food bank envelopes to be found in the pew racks in the sanctuary. All food or monetary gifts received during the month of May will be given to the Valley View Community Food Bank in Sun City. We receive a thank you note every month for our contributions to the Valley View Food Bank. Let us continue to generously support the important work of our Food Banks. Submitted by: Ruth Mehl Food Bank Donations for May Canned Tuna Please place your donations in the bins in Illingworth Hall. Thank you! Recognition by PC(USA) Office for Public Witness Our Peacemaking/Social Concerns Team has been sending a contribution each year to the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness in Washington D.C. We also respond to their calls for action when issues supported by our General Assemblies come before the Congress. We learned recently that Faith Presbyterian Church, along with ten or so other local churches, will be publicly recognized on April 18, at the Advocacy Training Weekend in Washington, DC, for our long time support of the Office of Public Witness. We will be receiving a certificate soon. It seems that not too many churches are aware of the work of this office. Submitted by: Ruth Mehl Whether large or small, your generosity is always appreciated. Jackie Wolff, Generosity team Mustard Seed Hogar de Esperanza y Paz Home of Hope and Peace (HEPAC) Let’s continue to keep this troubled border and it’s people, and Home of Hope and Peace (HEPAC) in our prayers. The Hogar de Esperanza y Paz (Home of Hope and Peace—HEPAC) community center is located in an impoverished neighborhood just three miles south of the border wall that separates Nogales, Sonora from Nogales, Arizona. HEPAC provides a nutritious lunch for more than 100 schoolchildren; offers educational classes for 325 adults that are completing their elementary and high school education; facilitates Culture of Peace workshops that address the issues of trauma and violence; organizes educational Kids Camps during school vacation; and operates a women’s artisan cooperative. HEPAC also organizes educational delegations that enable people to witness the reality of life in Nogales, and develop relations with individuals and organizations that are working for social justice. Their successes have included continuing to provide lunch for the spring Kids Camp with 150 children! They’ve also organized 12 delegations so far this year, most of them have spent three nights or more at HEPAC! “I want to study and that’s why I come every day to eat at HEPAC,” said Marvyn. “I want to have the strength for school. HEPAC is where I come to play, to run, and to climb the tree. Here I feel safe with my friends. I know that I’ll receive a plate of food every day. The volunteers love me very much and they always talk to me with affection. I enjoy the Kids Camps because I learn many things and I’m with my friends. I work in the garden during the Camps and I eat the vegetables and fruit that we harvest”. At the Mission Team’s April meeting in 2014, Jeanette Pazos and Scott Nicholson came to present a program about HEPAC. They expressed ―thank yous‖ to our church for the gifts of guitars and handbells that were given to them when a group from Faith Church travelled to the border. Miriam Bedwell and Bill Lindsay (Mission Team members), along with many other members were on this trip approximately 11 years ago. Scott and Jeanette urged members to visit again. They also informed us they no longer receive money from Borderlinks. At our March 2, 2015 Mission Team meeting, the Team accepted the proposal to send HEPAC the following donations from the gift money we’ve received: $1,000.00 to HEPAC for programs during the years. $500.00 for Kids Camp. May 2015 Submitted by: Carol Ryman, Mission Team You can’t take it with you when you go. Give generously and be remembered by many for ever. Ron Langer, Generosity Team … A person may become a Faith Church affiliate member and still belong to his or her home church… Submitted by: The Evangelism Team 10 Mustard Seed “Artist of the Month” May 14 6:00 p.m. in Illingworth Hall - Tickets $7 “Bingo Night” 6:00 p.m. in Illingworth Hall Tickets $7 Hosted by our own Bill Hogan Fun, Fun, at Faith. Come one, come all and enjoy a wonderful evening. Dinner at 6 p.m. and BINGO will follow. We do not play Bingo for money—we play for fun! Winners will select a gift from an array of items. Gifts for this event are solicited and may be dropped off in Illingworth Hall. A box marked “BINGO” is located under the coat rack! Thank you for your donation! May 28 6:00 p.m. in Illingworth Hall - Tickets $7 Movie Night “Miss Potter” Thirty years old and single, Beatrix Potter lives in London with her social-climbing parents, who are exasperated that she has turned down any number of eligible young men. Her only real friends are the animals which, since childhood, she has lovingly drawn and made up stories about. She finally succeeds in selling a book of the stories, and it becomes Norman Warne's first project. He quickly falls in love with both the book and Beatrix and together they carefully arrange publication. This proves the first of many successes, offering her the possibility of escaping from both her parents' way of life and London. Tickets for Thursdays@Faith events will be on sale two Sundays prior to the event and at the reception desk during the week. We invite all who attend Thursdays@Faith to bring their own place settings. If you are unable to do so, place settings will be provided. May 2015 11 The Artists of the Month for May is Barbara Benson who is displaying her artwork in Illingworth Hall. If you are interested in displaying your creative work please contact Vi Rice or the Church Office. Faith Breakfast Bunch Whether you are new to Faith Church or have been a longtime member, you are invited to join us at 8:30 a.m. at the Old Country Buffet in Glendale on Saturday, May 9. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends. Small Dinner/ Luncheon Groups The perfect way to get to know and meet new “faith friends”! We will be putting together small groups for dinners or luncheons shortly. If you would like to be included, please call the church office. Groups will meet in June, July, August, September in either our homes or restaurants. Singles are most welcome! Come; join in the fun and make new friends. Mustard Seed Library Lines By Kathy De Beer February 27, 2015 FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PASTOR “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the Many are familiar with Anita Diamant greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13,'13 because of her popular novel, “The Dear Pastor, Red Tent”. It imagines the trials of women in Biblical times. Diamant Thank you! As President of The Board of Pensions of the writes, ―In my first novel, The Red Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I am deeply grateful to you, Tent, I re-imagined the culture of your session, and your congregation for receiving the biblical women as close, sustaining, and 2014 Christmas Joy Offering. strong, but I am not the least bit nostalgic for Through this important Offering, you support the Assisthat world without antibiotics, or birth control, or tance Program of the Board of Pensions, providing help the printed page. Women were restricted and and hope - to PC(USA) retired pastors and other church vulnerable in body, mind, and spirit, a condition workers with income and housing needs, and current teachthat persists whereverr women are not ing elders, missionaries, educators, and other church workpermitted to read.” ers with urgent financial needs. (The Offering equally benefits Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges.) Her newest book, “The Boston Girl” is about family ties and values, In 2014, the Assistance Program provided more than 1,200 friendship and feminism told through grants - nearly $5.3 million in assistance - to qualifying the eyes of a young Jewish woman retired and current church workers and their families. growing up in Boston in the early With your help, we can continue to extend a financial lifetwentieth century. Addie is born to line, and God's love, to PC(USA) church workers in need. immigrant parents who were Grace and peace, unprepared for, and suspicious of, America The Reverend Frank Clark Spencer, President and its effect on their three daughters. Addie’s intelligence and curiosity take her to a world her parents can’t imagine — a world of short Please call the church office 623-974-3611 skirts, movies, celebrity culture, and new opIf you have difficulty getting through on our portunities for women. regular line use 623-974-3706 “The Last Days of Dogtown” is set When you feel the church can assist you in any in early 1800’s Massachusetts. Dogway. town is inhabited by widows, or When you or a member of your family is admitted phans, spinsters, scoundrels, to the hospital so that visits can be arranged and whores, free Africans, and "witches." the proper people notified. Among its inhabitants are Black Ruth, who dresses as a man and When a new family moves into your neighborworks as a stonemason; Mrs. Stanley, an imhood. perious madam whose grandson, Sammy, When your class or group plans to meet so that a comes of age in her brothel; Oliver, who surroom can be assigned for you and placed on the vives a miserable childhood at the hands of his church calendar. aunt; and Cornelius, a freed slave. At the center is Judy, fiercely independent and deeply When either your home address or phone numlonely, who, nonetheless, builds a life for herber changes so the church records can be self against all imaginable odds. amended. When you are planning to move - either out of town or locally - so that church records can be amended. May 2015 12 Mustard Seed 'Faith After Dark'….. Wednesdays 6:30 p. m. Council Room Christian Education Team Announcement: Your Christian Education Team is in the process of planning for the years—2015 - 2016. We are looking for FRESH IDEAS and resources (facilitators). If you have an idea, please write what you would like to do, and put your proposal in the Christian Education mailbox in the Church’s reception area. Thank you! Faith Church Candid Moments . . . Led by Bev Fletcher All Faith members and friends wanting to partake in fellowship and Bible study are welcome. Come join us with your ideas for Bible study and other activities. We have a potluck on the 3rd Wednesday of every month before our Bible study. LOOKING FOR USHERS Faith church cannot run without our loyal volunteers, and ushering is one of those volunteer activities. Ushers cover 312 positions in a year, and unfortunately our ranks are shrinking. If you have not ushered within the last year, please consider committing to 4 Sundays a year, it would be a big help. If you can commit to more than 4 Sundays, you would be loved even more! Dr. Satanum Boonyakiat, his wife, and Dr. Harris Schultz - April 12 Please call Althea Alderson, or see her after worship on Sundays. (If you are only here in Thank you to our the winter months please indicate the months palm gatherers: Bill Anderman, Bob Imbrie, you are available). Bob Blean, Allan Bradeen Thank you to all those who regularly give of and Walter Riordan. themselves in service to Faith. Disposal team: Tal Rice, Bill Hogan, Harry Beckner, Althea Alderson, Usher Coordinator & Head and Allan Bradeen. Usher The moment we’ve all been waiting for . . . “We have a candidate!” April 12, 2015 Thank you to our dedicated and hard working PNC Linda Trovato, Chair, (Matt Alderson, Bill Anderson - not in the photograph), Bill Anderman, Bev Fletcher, Gerri Kiessel, Tal Rice, Adrien Spencer, Ron Yankowski. May 2015 13 Mustard Seed Faith Quilters Faith Quilters meet every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. in the Knox Room. Our dedicated group of quilters is bringing joy to others through their ministry of making cuddle quilts, soft children’s toys and dresses. Their quilts and toys are donated to the New Life Shelter in Goodyear New Life Center offers shelter, safety and services to families seeking independent, violence-free lives. Comprehensive programs demonstrate respect for the individual and a serene environment in which families can heal and plan for the future. The passion and commitment of New Life Center is best demonstrated by its mission: "Saving Lives, Building Futures... Empowering Women and Children Escaping Domestic Violence." Donations from the Faith Quilters this year total: 95 Cuddle Quilts 92 Soft Toys - going to the center and visitors If you would like to join this wonderful group, enjoy fellowship and creating meaningful items for this mission, please feel free to join us on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Knox Room. Donations of fabric and other sewing items are greatly appreciated and always welcome. In April we said goodbye to Ruth Phelps, one of our original members of the Faith Quilters from 1991-2015, who left us to move nearer to her family. Faith Presbyterian E-mail Addresses Pastor Dr. Harris Schultz ....... [email protected] Pastoral Associate Dale McCurdy [email protected] Parish Nurse Mimi Dorhauer ..................... [email protected] Administrative Assistant Roda Wright ....................... [email protected] Outreach Assistant Louise Collins .................... [email protected] Bookkeeper Kathy Windis ............. [email protected] Building Superintendent Peter Bugilan .................. [email protected] Pastor Contact Numbers If you would like a pastoral visit, or know of a member or friend of the church who is in the hospital or needs special attention, we ask that you first call the church office at 623-974-3611. The pastor, pastoral associate and parish nurse appreciate your help in obtaining this information. If unable to be reached at the church, the pastor can be contacted at the numbers below. Church Phone ............................. 623-974-3611 Dr. Harris Schultz .................................... ext. 19 Dale McCurdy, Pastoral Associate .......... ext. 21 Mimi Dorhauer, Parish Nurse ................... ext.20 Dr. Harris Schultz 623-414-2183 .................................. (cell phone) Dale McCurdy: 623-826-3150 .................................. (cell phone) When we “Rejoice in God’s Blessings” and His generosity, let us be generous in return. Parish Nurse, Mimi Dorhauer: 623-776-6174 .................................. (cell phone) Eleanor Marshall-White Generosity Team, PW Moderator May 2015 14 Mustard Seed Help Support your local Kiwanis Club that meets here at Faith Church each Tuesday morning. The Kiwanis Club collects used printer cartridges to re-cycle. Proceeds help needy children. A colMimi Dorhauer, Parish Nurse, will lead free lection container has been placed on the reception desk exercise classes on Monday and Wednes- to receive your used cartridges. Don’t throw those ink day in Illingworth Hall from 9:30-10:30 a.m. cartridges in the trash! The class will focus on four aspects of fitness: flexibility, balance, stretching, strengthening. Changes: Please make sure you note the Participants may choose to stand for part of the following changes in your Church directory. exercise session and the remaining portion will take place in chairs. This is not an aerobics class and no exercises will be done on the floor. This class is designed for the ―able‖ and ―not so able‖ bodied person. Lightbeams Low Vision Support Group: Will be held in the Westminster room on Monday, May 11, at 1 p.m. Please feel free to invite others who may benefit from this support group which is open to the community. Take advantage of the free Blood Pressure Clinic provided at Faith Church on Sunday, May 10. Mimi Dorhauer and volunteers will take blood pressures at 11 a.m. in Illingworth Hall. CHURCH WEBSITE: The Faith Church website averages over 150 visitors per day. It is intended to serve the needs of our members as well as those who may be searching for a church home. The site includes news of future events, past sermons, descriptions of our ministries and mission, and directions for finding our church. Check it out! Pass this information along to friends and family. If you have any suggestions or ideas on the website, pass them along. The site address is: www.scfaith.org The Chapel is open each day for prayer and meditation. Prayer Cards, on which to write the names of people you would like included in the prayers of the Prayer Group, are available. On Sunday morning you will find the Prayer Cards in the Narthex. Please feel welcome to make your prayer requests known. I want to thank you for your generosity of coffee purchases. Sermons in print: Copies of sermons offered by the pastors are available in the display case in the Narthex or in the church office. May 2015 Judy Dessert, Generosity Team 15 Mustard Seed Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Sun City, AZ 85351 Permit No. 38 16000 N. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City 85351-1604 Mustard Seed Editor Louise Collins Lord, we thank you for: [email protected] Printers Bill Hogan Harry Beckner Interim Pastor [email protected] Church Office 623-974-3611 E-mail [email protected] Web Site www.scfaith.org Or current resident Or current resident Please remember Faith Church as a Beneficiary in your Will, Trust or IRA. MOTHER’S DAY MAY 10, 2015 Buy your Mother’s Day cards on Sunday, May 3 - Suggested Donation $10 Healthy Women Healthy Families is a PC(USA) program that helps women and their families live healthier, more productive lives by providing the services they need to protect and restore their health. Through our gifts to Healthy Women Healthy Families, children are getting immunized, women are learning to grow and prepare nutritious foods, families are being protected from malaria, women are receiving prenatal care. These and other preventive and care services, are being provided through the health programs of our Presbyterian partner churches in Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Southern Sudan. Healthy Women Healthy Families is a year-round ministry to meet year-round needs. At this time of year an annual mission activity provides a special opportunity for us to support Healthy Women Healthy Families while we honor women in our lives at Mother’s Day. The Healthy Women Healthy Families Mother’s Day Project makes attractive Mother’s Day cards available in exchange for a donation. The Mother’s Day cards will be available at our church on Sunday, May 3. This is a simple but meaningful way to honor our mothers and help improve the lives of families in Africa. Faith Presbyterian Church is an inclusive, welcoming, caring community, committed to serving Jesus Christ, who calls us to love God and to love one another. We worship, study and grow in understanding as we work for justice and peace in the world, inspired by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, great things are possible. (From Matthew 17:20)