Lord
of Life Lutheran Church Lord
of Life Lutheran Church 13724 W Meeker Blvd.
Sun City West, AZ 85375-3730
623-584-2000
info@lordoflife-scw.org
A member congregation of
the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
A Stephen Ministry Congregation
LifeLines
A
newsletter mailed out to members of Lord of Life each
month
(bi-monthly during the summer)
"Slow down, you move too fast; you got to make the morning last.” These are lyrics from the song Feeling Groovy by Simon and Garfunkel. As some of us know it is easier to sing these words than live them. I knew a pastor in North Dakota whose motto was: “I don’t hurry, I don’t worry and I don’t volunteer.” Unfortunately that was not my style. I am more inclined to function like another colleague who had a heart attack while preaching, but finished that service and did the second service before he told anyone.Many of you know about my “episode” during worship the first Sunday of April. As I have shared, thankfully it was not a heart attack but a reality check, and most likely stress related. As I have reflected on the experience, the message I was hearing was “slow down.” Sometimes it takes several reminders for this message to take hold. So later that week when I received a speeding ticket in front of my house, the officer said to me: “slow down.” After the initial resentment of getting a ticket, I chuckled to myself. There it was again: “Slow down.” And just in case I still didn’t get it, the third time I recognized the message was two days later when I had a blowout on I-10. We waited an hour for the tow truck. Slow down!
And that is where the rubber hits the road, so to speak. It is my internal governor that needs adjustment. I have deeply appreciated the many cards, prayers, words of encouragement and reminders from many of you to slow down. But I realize I am the one who finally needs to slow down, stop once in a while and pull over to rest. Ministry is like many other vocations that demand much of us and will take all we can give. But there are some unique dimensions to parish ministry that counselors recognize. Dynamics such as depression, burnout and role confusion are prevalent among clergy. It is difficult for us to know where our job ends and life begins since they are often one and the same. Our source of nurture and support and faith is also our work.
The week before my “episode” I participated in a retreat for clergy in our synod. The theme of the retreat was “Take a load off” with the goal of encouraging clergy to slow down. I preached the opening sermon and talked about things that cause stress in ministry and how Jesus invites us to take his yoke which is easy and his burden which is light. We are joined to Christ and not in this alone.
I didn’t recognize that I was preaching to my own heart until the following Sunday about 9:25 a.m. So how am I? A little scared. A little anxious when I feel a twinge in my chest. A little more cautious. And hopefully a little wiser. I realize I am a novice at this illness thing. Many of you have been down this path numerous times and know how it feels. So when you tell me to slow down I will try to listen. God uses many voices. Thank you for yours.
Pastor Kautz Return to FAST FINDER List Return to topChange in Worship Services
Just a reminder: beginning the first weekend in May
and continuing through September,
worship services will be Saturdays at 5 p.m.
and Sundays at 9 a.m.
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Prayer Service for Healing
Tuesday, May 13 and June 10
Lord of Life ChapelAs the heat of the Arizona summer returns once again, we invite you to come to a cool and restful place to experience the presence of Christ. All you need do is come, turn your burdens over to God and receive the assurance that your concerns and your prayers are known and heard. In scripture, song, and prayer, and in the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, we receive God’s blessing and experience the love and peace of Christ in a tangible way. Our monthly prayer services are open to anyone; we welcome all into God’s presence with open arms and hearts!
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President’s Corner
A visit with YOU…
We are all thankful for the return of good health to our beloved Pastor Kautz. He says he is okay but needs to alter his lifestyle, in fact, he needs to slow down a bit.This may have been a “wake-up call” to him and perhaps also to the rest of us. We sometimes forget how precious life is and we tend to take much for granted. When an incident such as his arises, we need to “wake up” and take a look at ourselves and perhaps slow down. God has generously blessed us and our job is to take care of ourselves so we can continue to serve Him and do His work. We have much for which to be thankful, each and every day.
We are taking a look at updating the sound system in the sanctuary. Fred Baldwin is heading up the task force to evaluate the equipment we presently have and explore new available technology. This will NOT be an extensive, elaborate system but an update of what we already have with the possibility of being able to add more electronics as is needed in the future. The present sound system is ten years old.
Our church is filled at every service. It is a “situation” whereby we are the envy of every other church. We had almost 2,000 people worshiping at Lord of Life on Easter weekend. This is not a problem, it is a blessing!
We need to be a welcoming church. The first impression by visitors is our hospitality. We all need to work a little harder at being more sociable and friendly, visiting with our new neighbors who come to Lord of Life, inviting them to the coffee hour and just welcoming them into our church family. Lutherans, by nature, are a little lacking in that respect, but it is not anything which we cannot improve.
We wish safe travel, a restful respite and much happiness with family and friends for our members who leave during the summer months. We will miss you and look forward to your return in the fall.
Blessings,
June Fredericksen
Two Congregation Council ProfilesJulie Gulden, Council Secretary
Julie Gulden and husband, Neil, are originally from Montevideo, Minnesota where they still own a farm so have a good excuse to “go up north” for a few weeks during the summer months.
They have two children: Dan, who lives in Seattle, and Stacy, who resides in Hudson, Wisconsin. Stacy brings her dog’s photo down for the blessing of the animals at Lord of Life! Dan is part owner of an outerwear company based in Hong Kong. Stacy is an Assistant Vice President with Hartford and works in Woodbury, MN and Hartford, CT. They
both have lots of frequent flier miles!The Guldens lived in many towns in Minnesota, spending the last 20 years in Rothschild, WI where Neil was in the window industry and Julie worked as a realtor. They retired to Sun City Grand in 2003 and visited several Lutheran churches but once they came to Lord of Life, they were“hooked.”
They were members of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Rothschild where Julie served as vice president of the council and was also on the call committee which she considered a most difficult task, but also the most rewarding.
Julie is a valuable member of the church council and serves as council liaison to the worship and music committee. She writes, “I feel truly blessed to be on the council at Lord of Life. Never have I worked with such an intelligent and dedicated group of people. I thank all of you for this opportunity.”
Lindsay Davidson
Lindsay Davidson grew up in Minnesota, one of seven children of Swedish parents. She graduated from Stillwater High School and attended nursing school after her three children entered elementary school.
Lindsay’s daughter, Lisa, lives in Minnesota where she is a busy stay-at-home mom, raising five children. Son Steven is a single person who has a career in brick masonry and lives in Woodbury, Minnesota. Her youngest son, Joe, lives in Surprise and enjoys his work at one of the Sun City Golf courses.
Lindsay and RW Sexe celebrated 17 years of marriage this year and thoroughly enjoy retirement after working together in their healthcare consulting business. RW’s experience in physical therapy and Lindsay’s RN degree proved to be a successful combination, personally and professionally as well.
Lindsay’s hobbies include tennis, golf, roller blading and skiing. She is a frequent attendee with the Lord of Life Food Bank Brigade. Lindsay’s experience working with many Lord of Life committees makes her an intricate part of the council. Lindsay is currently in her third year of service on the church council and is working with Pastor Jan’s Outreach Committee. Pictures of Council Members Highlights from Congregation Council Meeting Return to FAST FINDER List Return to top
From our Parish Nurse, Carol Hokaj Picture
“They shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them.” Ezekiel 34:30
Obviously, since you are reading this article, you are aware that Lord of Life does have a parish nurse. But are you aware of what that role is? Parish nursing is a blending of nursing and ministry. That sounds great but what does that mean? Typically the parish nurse is a seasoned nurse who comes with a broad base of experience in the medical profession and in life. Parish nursing is now recognized as a specialty field and specific training is provided.
But what does “the nurse” do? This can be somewhat tailored to the specific needs of the congregation being served. Generally, the parish nurse is an integrator of faith and health. The nurse does not have to be a member of the congregation in which they work but must have a similar faith base and feel comfortable with being a true adjunct to the pastoral team. The nurse is a health educator, promoting an environment that establishes wellness in body, mind and spirit. This may be accomplished by presentations provided by the nurse or some one else who is a leader in the field. This may also be accomplished with one-on-one office visits, visits to the hospitals, rehab facilities, group homes, hospice facilities, and members’ homes. Wherever the church members find themselves, the parish nurse is available. Because of the strong medical background, the nurse may review concerns with the person regarding diagnosis, treatment options, how to talk with their medical providers and even what questions may need to be asked. In our fast pace of medical delivery, this is something that may be overlooked.
Your parish nurse is just a phone call away. The parish nurse is available to provide resources and has direct knowledge of much that is available in the community and how to access it. For members new to the community, the nurse may be a resource for primary healthcare providers, specialists, insurance coverage and a variety of concerns. The nurse also is able to communicate with medical staff and family members. Many times the nurse serves as a liaison when family is out of town or even as an advocate if the person is now alone in life. Services of the parish nurse are available to both members of Lord of Life and visitors. Parish nursing is not homecare nursing. It is not a substitute for direct medical care or pastoral care but it’s a great place to start when you have health questions and/or concerns.
Did you know...
… that “your” parish nurse is in a rather unique situation of being a Sun Health employee and with that enjoys a closer working relationship throughout the Sun Health system?
… that last year almost 800 blood pressure readings were taken?
… that through visits, whether in the office or in homes/facilities or by telephone contacts, there were over 2400 interactions between church members, their families and the nurse?Typically, I am available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Because I do visiting, I encourage you to call if there are specific concerns you or a loved one wish to discuss. We can set up a time that is convenient to meet; I do return messages as soon as possible.
Pain ManagementOn May 12 at 1 p.m. Dr. Beat Bisenz of the Sun Health Pain Centers, an expert in his field, will be here to discuss how health issues such as
stress, anxiety and depression can result from chronic pain or make pain problems worse. Pain is a body’s natural response to a threatening
situation. When it becomes chronic it can impact every area of our lives. Call Sun Healthline at 623/876-5432 to register to attend “Behavioral Approaches to Pain Management.”
Return to FAST FINDER List Return to topLord of Life Card for Hospitalizations
We have created a business card for you to carry in your purse or wallet along with your health insurance card so that when you are admitted to the hospital you and the admitting personnel will be reminded to indicate Lord of Life as your congregation. We hope that this will increase the likelihood that we will be notified of your hospitalization. Of course, we still cannot guarantee it so we encourage you to notify us if you know in advance of an admission or surgery.
If you would like to have one or more of these cards, please stop by the church office. All you need to do is fill in your name, carry the card with you, and pull it out when you are in the hospital admissions process.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of places to volunteer at Lord of Life or through the ministries of Lord of Life. This month we will focus on some of the ways you can share your time and talent through Outreach. If you are interested in serving in any of these areas, please contact Pastor Bengston .
FRIENDLY VISITORS
Do you like to talk about a wide variety of subjects? You can become one of our Friendly Visitors. You will spend a little of your time with someone who cannot get out much but wants to stay connected to Lord of Life. It will give you an opportunity to bring a smile and to enjoy the conversation.
DELIVERING TAPES
Do you have a little extra time on your hands? You can fill in once in a while for our regular volunteer and deliver audiotapes to members so that they can enjoy our worship services each week. You will experience a change of scenery and a good feeling.
PREPARING MEALS
Do you like to cook? You can provide a meal for someone who has just come home from the hospital and needs some nutritious food in the first couple of days. You will be giving someone a good start on the road to recovery.
DRIVING
Do you find driving enjoyable? You can take someone to a medical appointment when regular means of transportation is not available. It is a great opportunity to meet and visit with someone new.
KNITTING/CROCHETING
Do you like to create with your hands while watching television? You can knit or crochet a prayer shawl for one of our members. The patterns are simple and recipients of the shawls truly appreciate the prayers and love that go into them.
PRAYING
Do you feel called to pray for others? Our prayer chain would be delighted to have you participate in this powerful prayer ministry.
CREATIVE PLANNING
We have exciting possibilities for the future of our care ministries at Lord of Life. Would you like to be on the ground floor, creating and organizing projects that will enhance our ability to meet the needs of our members and friends? If so, please contact Pastor Bengtson.
* If you will be around this summer and are willing to volunteer to provide any of these services,
please let us know.
Gratitude Gift
This Month: The Homeless
“The poor you will always have with you....” Matthew 26:11
In a 2006 survey of Maricopa County there were over 7300 homeless persons trying to survive while statewide the number was over 15,000. Your Stewardship Committee has designated the month of May as the time to place greater emphasis on the homeless and we are asking you to prayerfully consider giving a special offering for this cause through the Gratitude Gifts program. You will find an envelope in the May LifeLines for this opportunity and your gift will go a long way to giving aid to these who are unfortunate.
Lord of Life has many people who volunteer on behalf of the homeless and here is what three of them wish to pass on to you:
“Each Monday morning we meet face to face with the homeless as we volunteer at Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix. Their need for food, clothes and hygiene care is daily and constant. Thanks to you for your gifts of clothing as well as gifts of money. As you give a gift to these neighbors in need you give it to none other than Christ himself. I want you to know that the homeless are deeply grateful and bless you for your loving response.” Roger Anderson
“Our gifts of clothing through the Grace Room give people who live on the street for this chapter of their lives, however long or brief it may be, something you and I take for granted: the opportunity to put on clean underwear, socks, pants, and t-shirts. They have worn their current clothes for far too many days. We serve them in the name of Christ and some of them recognize that.” Richard Jessen
“I had the privilege to go to Grace Lutheran and help serve the homeless a sausage and pancake breakfast one Sunday morning. As I met those people I wondered why they chose to be homeless but later realized that they live in a very close society with their own set of norms which we don’t understand. They are there not by choice but by unfortunate circumstances and praise God that we at Lord of Life Lutheran Church can help. God is working through us the congregation to help feed, clothe and nourish the souls of the homeless poor. God loves all of his people and all His people need to know and experience that love. They will continue to need our financial support and our labors of love.” Dan MinnixYour Gratitude Gift for the homeless will provide food, clothing and shelter and as our summer heat rapidly approaches, will help save lives.
Elaine Lewellen,
Stewardship Committee Return to FAST FINDER List Return to top“As You Did It for the Least of These…”
Please join the Food Bank Brigade at 8 a.m. on Saturdays, May 10 and 24 and June 14 and 28. We meet at the Food Bank on Elm Street in Surprise (one block south of Bell Road, one-half block east of Dysart Road). The need for our help continues throughout the summer. If you have never participated before and will be around this summer, please join us. It is fun working together while making a difference in people’s lives. And we NEED you! You can pick up the required one-page form in the church office.
The Food Bank is always in need of canned and packaged food items, paper products and pet food — especially so in the summer. Donations must be unopened and with original labeling and be able to be put in our Food Bin at the church.
Did you know that our quarterly budgeted benevolence to the Food Bank of $1640 provides 11,480 meals to people? And this does not include monetary donations some of you make on the first weekend of the month at Lord of Life. In April, at a special Food Bank-sponsored event for volunteers, our congregation received a Certificate of Appreciation (now on the bulletin board in the narthex) for our Food Bank Brigade volunteers and other involvement in their mission. Thank you to all of you who give of yourselves to feed the hungry!
Summer Heat in Arizona
In 2007 Phoenix experienced 31 days when the temperature exceeded 110 degrees. This hits hardest on the very young, the very old, and the homeless (who can number between 7,000 and 10,000 on any given day — with facilities for housing for less than 3000). In 2005, 13 deaths occurred on the first night of 110-degree heat. In 2006 and 2007 no deaths occurred as the area became aware of the problem and addressed the issues. A person can produce as much as 2 to 3 gallons of sweat on a 110-degree day and this water must be replaced. The poor turn off expensive air conditioning when it is most needed.
The City of Phoenix has taken a very pro-active stance in dealing with this issue. They’ve gathered the resources of Maricopa County, food banks, service organizations, business and industry and the faith-based community. Plans are being finalized for the 2008 summer for providing Heat Refuge, Hydration Stations, Donor/Collectors and Wellness Checks.
Grace Lutheran has emerged as a leader in the faith-based community in providing services for the homeless and needy poor. Cooperating with Terros and the Phoenix Rescue Mission they are able to provide food, water and a safe place to escape the heat from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days of high temperatures in July and August. Lord of Life has become a Donor/ Collection station. Water brought to church is taken down to Grace as well as cash donations used for support of this program. We are at Grace year round helping with clothing distribution and helping staff the summer program as well.
You can begin now to gather bottled water and drop it off at the east end of the inside of the Social Hall, by the Quilters’ room, and cash donations may be left in the office and we’ll get them down to Grace.
Oh yes ... all those plastic bottles… this year the City Sanitation Department is establishing recycle bins in key locations downtown.
If you have any questions please contact Tom Welch, 546-3822.
Treasurer’s Update for May 2008
To sum up the financial performance for the month of March in one word, how about — WOW! There were five Sundays this March plus the earliest Easter in our lifetime; talk about the planets all lining up in our favor. These facts no doubt led to the greater-than-expected March income, in particular the huge Plate Offering of $13,223.76 — we expected $5,000, as most of our Associate Members were still in town along with the usual Spring Training visitors. The total income for March was $11,170.73 over the plan and brought the first quarter total income in at $17,213.89 over the year-to-date’s planned income. Now, since Easter was in April last year, the only real credible comparison with last year’s first quarter income performance is that the 2008 Promise Offerings were over $14,000 ahead of 2007.After two months, the Gratitude Gifts program is providing about one-half of the expected contributions that were put into the 2008 budget, but those budgeted expectations had no historical basis since the program was new at Lord of Life this year.
The Staff, Service Teams and Committees have done a great job of managing expenses during the first three months of 2008. The year-to-date total expenses are underrunning the year-to-date planned expenses by over $9,000.
The first quarter Extended Ministries’ distributions were completed in March and included the February Gratitude Gift offering checks that our members made payable directly to the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance (West Side Food Bank).
The value of the Lord of Life Mission Endowment Fund is $543,459.43 after all of the 2008 planned distributions have been made. Lord of Life’s portion of the Clarence and Doris Spilker Revocable Trust account remains at $533,766.54.
The number we watch every month, the year-to-date net total income minus the year-to-date net total expenses, was $80,463.05 at the end of the first quarter. The budgeted number we planned for was $54,289.81 which puts us $26,173.24 ahead of the first quarter plan. This greatly improves the treasurer’s sleep at night.
Thank you for your continuing, faithful support of the missions and the Lord’s work here at this place.
Prayerfully,
Dean Lewellen, Treasurer Return to FAST FINDER List Return to topStewardship Report
Our Membership
as of March 31, 2008Full 892
Associate 305
Total 1,197
Units 755Weekly Attendance Averages
2008 2007
March 1,265 1,032
Congratulations to the members of Lord of Life. In April you responded with $341 in cash and
853 pounds of food for St. Mary’s Westside Food Bank.
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In addition to 911, remember these Emergency Numbers!
When in sorrow . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..call John 14
If you want to be fruitful . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..call John 15
When you have sinned.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Psalm 51
When you worry . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Matthew 6:19-34
When you are in danger . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Psalm 91
When God seems far away.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Psalm 139
When your faith needs stirring .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . call Hebrews 11
When you are lonely and fearful . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Psalm 23
When you grow bitter and critical .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call 1 Corinthians 13
For Paul’s secret to happiness .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Colossians 3:12-17
For understanding of Christianity .. . .. . .. . .. . call 2 Corinthians 5:15-19
When you feel down and out. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Romans 8:31
When you want peace and rest.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .call Matthew 11:25-30
When the world seems bigger than God . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Psalm 90
When you want Christian assurance . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Romans 8:1-30
When you leave home for labor or travel . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Psalm 121
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Psalm 67
When you want courage for a task .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Joshua 1
For how to get along with fellow humans .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Romans 12
If you are depressed . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Psalm 130
If your pocketbook is empty . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Psalm 37
If you are losing confidence in people .. . .. . .. . .. . call 1 Corinthians 13
If people seem unkind .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..call John 15
If discouraged about your work . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Psalm 126
For dealing with fear . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Psalm 34:7
For security . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . call Psalm 121:3
For assurance .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. call Mark 8:35
For reassurance . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . call Psalm 145:18To learn how a Stephen Minister could walk with you during your time of need call Pastor Barbara at 584-2000. Pastor Barbara Bengtson. More Information Return to FAST FINDER List Return to top
THANK YOU MESSAGES have been received from...
Virginia & Dennis Rehder
Alison & Hugh Swimley
Jim & Gwen Wallace
Carole Beghein
Bob & Mary Anderson
Shirley Nelson
(The notes are posted
on the narthex bulletin board.)
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From the Library Shelves....
The church library is located inside the Social Hall. Have you been there recently? You can find many Christian classics, books on tapes, and videos. Here are a few to consider borrowing. Please remember to sign out the media on the clipboard at the desk. We have a wealth of resources old and new!
Reviewed by Ann Nelson
PLAN B: Further Thoughts on Faith
Author Anne Lamott reads her book on 5 CDs, an unabridged edition. Her single-parent journey raising Sam resonates with the reader, bringing laughter and moments of contemplation. Questions about current politics and people struggling with faith may lead you to wonder just how a Christian can possibly pray for an enemy… or a president with whom you might be drastically upset. Anne is an earthy Democrat living her Christian life in daily walks with her dog and in days holding the hand of a dying friend. You will laugh, and gasp (language rated X) and perhaps, pray.
Audio Non-Fiction
AN38The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth
Author M. Scott Peck, M.D. recounts cases from his practice as a psychiatrist and explains his belief that
spiritual growth is the same as mental growth. From discipline to grace, Peck presents such growth as both arduous and lifelong. If you missed this classic in the last century, this may be your time to read it.
Conduct, Lessons of Life, Morals, Ethics
PB012Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
Author Azar Nafisi and seven of her most committed female students read forbidden Western classics in the
Islamic Republic of Iran from 1995- 1997. Harmless fiction but western fiction, read by women in an increasingly conservative and religiously fundamentalist country, is the backdrop for concrete examples of what life is like in such a society. “To have a whole life,” writes Azar, “one must have the possibility of publicly shaping and expressing private worlds, dreams, thoughts, and desires, of constantly having access to a dialogue between the public and private worlds.” (p.239)
Contemporary Social Issues
SA033
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Mission Corner
An Update
Many of you know that Eve’s Place provides shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic violence which has reached epidemic proportions in Maricopa County. We have been blessed by a hard-working and talented Board of Directors, wonderful and consistent support from churches, service organizations, businesses, first responders, and government entities in our local area, and tremendous response from individuals willing to volunteer at Eve’s Treasures (our thrift shop) as well as at the safe house and at fundraisers.
We are grateful for the generosity of so many in donating items to the thrift shop and the house. Thanks to that generosity, since its opening in November 2007, business at Eve’s Treasures has been booming, providing needed funds for the house. We are able to pick up large donations, such as furniture, and appreciate these “big-ticket” items as well.
The number of people we can accommodate at one time has gone from eight in the original house that we rented in Surprise in 2006 to 38 in the home that we have purchased and are in the process of moving into as this is being written. That does not include infants and cribs. The house is now fully staffed 24 hours a day; client advocates not only work with the residents of the house, but also cover a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence.
Significant developments have occurred within the last year. We received a Pulliam grant to hire an Executive Director about a year ago, and a Department of Economic Security grant last November that enabled us to increase our bed capacity from 20 to 38. Recently our Pulliam grant was renewed. Our major fundraisers— the Touch of Hope Spa Party in February, the Grand Ball in April, a golf tournament in September, and the Celebration of New Beginnings in October — continue to grow each year, thanks to the support of businesses and individuals who provide sponsorships, donate auction items and spend countless hours in planning and preparation. Because of this any dollars raised from the events go directly to Eve’s
Place. We partner with a variety of agencies to provide services for the residents of the house. One of the exciting new developments is the hiring of a Children’s Program Coordinator. We plan to focus on the needs of the children who come through the house at the same time that we seek to empower the women to make choices and use resources that will enhance their lives and the lives of their children.If you want more information about Eve’s Place (623/584-0473) and Eve’s Treasures (623/583-1434) or if you would like to make a donation of time, goods or money, please call the above telephone numbers or check out our website at www. safetyatevesplace.org. If you know of anyone in an abusive situation who needs help, please suggest that they call the Crisis Hotline at 623/537-5380.
Greetings from Desert Streams
Our Lord continues to richly bless the ministry of Desert Streams Church. Easter Sunday attendance grew by 29 percent to 251 people. We had wonderful times of worship and praise as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and pondered its meaning and effect upon our lives today.
We have completely moved the offices of Desert Streams from a room in Faye’s and my home to our new Outreach Center. Faye and I are now setting up office hours and working to equip lay ministers to take over many of the weekly office chores. We now have two immediate goals before us. First we want to transition Faye from her role as Administrative Assistant to that of Involvement Coordinator. In her new role, she would be working individually with“Streamers,” to help them discover their spiritual gifts and guide them in their involvement in the ministry of Desert Streams. Our second goal is to approach ministries that are having an impact on the people of Surprise and invite them to use our Outreach Center to strengthen and expand their ministry.
On April 26th, Desert Streams will host a community bridge event. It is an expanded “Streams of Cream Ice Cream Social” that also includes a Contemporary Christian Music Band Concert. We are prayerful that this will be a significant event in proclaiming the good news through music, inviting people to become involved in the ministry of Desert Streams, and highlighting the expansion of Young Life into the Surprise area.
