August/September 2016 Newsletter - Desert Foothills Lutheran Church

August / September 2016
Published Bi-Monthly
29305 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85266
www.dflc.org
480.585.8007
Volume 56 Issue 4
Desert Foothills Lutheran Church
S E P T E M B E R
11
Join us as we begin our new service times:
8:30 Traditional
11:00 Blended
9:45 Spiritual Growth (WOW, Youth, and Adult Studies)
2016 VBC
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Spiritual Olympics
Rev. Mark McCrory
Senior Pastor
Darren Hansen
Family Life Minister
Martha Betcher
Preschool Director
Christie Fletcher
Music Director
Church Council
Julian Fruhling
President
JJ Kieley
Vice President
Patty Wendel
Secretary/Administration
Howard Dicke
Treasurer
Carolee Deuel
Financial Secretary
Alan Steffe
Stewardship
Carol Chase
Outreach & Assimilation
Greg Deuel
Facilities
David Potter
Spiritual Care
Dori Hampton
Family Life Ministry
Ann Callies
Worship
Committee Chairs
Al Mascha
Memorial Garden Chair
Pastor Mark McCrory
Th
is summer we witness the greatest and most disciplined athletes in their
respected sports when they compete in Rio. We may not be professional
athletes, but we’re in a race nonetheless. Ours is of a spiritual nature. As disciples of
Jesus, we need to be every bit as disciplined as Olympic athletes. Much more is at
stake: our soul, our family and friends, our communities.
“Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay
aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” - Hebrews 12:1
If you’re going to run a race, how do you prepare yourself? First, you’ve got to lay
the weights aside. Notice athletes. They run in very light clothing. The less weight,
the better. One thing you’ll never see is someone in the Olympics, running in an
overcoat. It’s not going to happen. They get as light as they possibly can. You have to
lay aside every weight.
The Greek word weight does not mean something that’s sinful. It just means something that burdens you, holds you down. There are some things that are not bad in
themselves. Nothing wrong with an overcoat. You just don’t wear an overcoat when
you’re running a race. Paul said: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not
expedient” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Friend, it may be some recreational habit you have.
It may be some cottage in the woods. It may be some acquaintance, some hobby,
too much television or sleep. Paul is saying, “Something may be lawful for me, but if
it’s not expedient, if it doesn’t speed me on my course, then I need to leave it alone.”
Ask yourself, “Is there something in my life that’s hindering my walk with Christ?
Something that’s holding me back? Is there something that is excess baggage? Something keeping me from being all I ought to be for the Lord Jesus Christ? Whatever it
is, if you want to win the race, lay it aside. Good things become bad things when they
keep you from the best things.
As your pastor, I want to help you remove every hindrance, give you tools to be disciplined, and encourage you to grow in your faith. Providing an education hour for all
ages on Sunday mornings will be an effective “training program” to equip us for our
spiritual race. After twice surveying the congregation, I am excited to announce that
we will have a new Sunday morning schedule. On September 11, we will begin offering worship services at 8:30 (traditional) and 11:00 (blended), and 9:45 Spiritual
Growth (WOW, Youth, & Adult Studies).
I cannot encourage you enough to lay aside every weight, every distraction that
keeps you from growing closer to Jesus. September 11 is “Back to Church Sunday,”
and we will celebrate and worship and study God’s Word. We will begin to form new
habits, new disciplines, for worship and spiritual growth.
On your mark. Get set…
2
DFLC Technology
by Patty Wendel, Director of Administration
Behind the scenes at DFLC, a group of dedicated men have been working for
over a year to update the technology needs for our campus.
The scope of this year long project was immense – bigger than anyone could
have imagined. A project that began with the goal of updating the DFLC
webpage took us down a road that ended with a new internet provider (Cox Business), a completely redesigned and
built from the ground up wireless backbone structure throughout the entire campus, a move from a residential
wireless system to a professional business solution, and a dedicated MDF room from which our system will grow in
the future. There is not a place on this campus that each of these gentlemen have not been. They installed conduit
on all the roofs, pulled cable – miles of cable, climbed up and down ladders, rode the lift to the top of two very tall
ceilings, cut holes in walls that were concrete, worked through metal studs, hooked up complicated AP’s, and the list
goes on. DFLC has been blessed by all of the skills these men provided that enabled this project to be built with truly
volunteer labor. Very few churches would have the individuals who had the skill sets to pull this off; and, no church
would have a group of men who were willing and able to dedicate over 40 Saturdays and many week nights to bring
it to a successful conclusion. The only thing for us non-techie people to see of this project are the new AP’s that
adorn the ceilings in all our buildings. These enable anyone who is visiting our campus to access our secure wireless
network.
In addition to this project, the Website Redesign Team, made up of JJ Kieley, Dwayne Richard, and Alex Williams have
redesigned and launched our new webpage. You are all encouraged to visit this new webpage at www.dflc.org for
up to date happenings at DFLC. Additionally, there is a secure DFLC members’ module where you can find the church
directory, church documents, and church policies.
With all the improvements to our technology backbone,
the last year has also brought about improvements for the
operations of the Church Office. Updated software has
been purchased for managing membership data and
contributions; all data/contributions is being stored in a
cloud based secure location; new computers have also
been purchased for all of the DFLC staff which enables
each member of our team to be able to use new and
updated software.
This completed project will enable Pastor Mark and the
DFLC Leadership Team to design new and exciting means
of Connecting People to Jesus. It is exciting times at DFLC.
The DFLC Technology Build Out Team consists of:
(left to right)
John Wendel, Elliot Wendel, Wes Cooper, Alex Williams,
Paul Standish, Greg Deuel, Ryan Bird, (on the lift) Greg
Billmeyer, (not pictured) David Oakeson, Tom Lorenzo &
Alex Deuel.
3
Prayer Shawl
S
ummer brings on thoughts of rest, relaxation, vacation…but did you know that
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets and stitches all year round? The past couple
months have been very busy for our Prayer Shawl group. Since our shawl
blessing in May, we have given out 10 prayer shawls to those in need; and our ladies (and Dennis) have finished more
than 23 new shawls. Whether they spend their Summers here in the Valley, head North to get out of the heat, or
head back East to be with family, they take their yarn and needles with them. What a dedicated group of stitchers!
We feel very blessed to work with them.
If you, or someone you know, are interested in knitting/crocheting, we would love to have you join us. We meet the
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 9-10:30 am in the Conference Room. We furnish the yarn, and can provide needles, and patterns too, if needed. Please join us.
If you would like more information about our ministry, or if you are interested in knitting/crocheting for us but would
rather do it at home, please contact us and we will help you get started.
Blessings, and enjoy the rest of your Summer,
Barb Antosik - 480.473.0407
Kim Minneci - 602.494.1631
DFLC is going to the Czech Republic and Germany next Spring to celebrate the 500th Anniversary
of the Protestant Reformation. You can read all about our private tour by checking it out on our tour website at reformationanniversarywithdflc.grouptoursite.com. We need 14 people to sign up by September
30 to be able to go on this tour. If 21 people register the price drops by $160 per person and if 26 register,
the price will drop by $300 per person! There is a 35 person max for our tour. Please explore the website
and see all the exciting things we will get to see and do on tour! When you call or go online to register,
please make sure you use our group number 56627569. If you see my name (Darren) as the group coordinator, you’re in the right place! If you have questions, please ask Darren Hansen.
THE 500th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE REFORMATION
with Desert Foothills Lutheran Church
12 DAYS | June 10, 2017
Starting at $4,389 -Deposit $450
The history of the Protestant Reformation in the Czech Republic and Germany comes to life on this captivating journey to the cities where Luther
lived and preached. Step inside significant churches, see breathtaking
landscapes and uncover tangible history on this sweeping tour.
Your tour includes guided sightseeing, handpicked hotels, local cuisine and
more.
GROUP COORDINATOR CONTACT:
Darren Hansen
Group Number: 56627569
To reserve call: 617.619.1081
darren.hansen@dflc.org
reformationanniversarywithdflc.grouptoursite.com
4
Alan Steffe
Stewardship Director
As I am writing this Newsletter article, I am sitting at my 98-year-old
mother’s bedside, waiting for the Lord to take her home to Him. It provides ample opportunity to reflect on life here on earth and our ultimate
heavenly destination to be with our Lord.
We all know that at birth we bring nothing into this world, and at death we take nothing out of this world. While
living our life on earth, we are only recipients of many blessings showered on us by our Lord and Savior. He provides everything that we have and need in this life, with the expectation that we will be good stewards of all that
He has provided – our time, our talents, and our treasures. He expects that we will be faithful with them, that we
will cultivate them, and that we will return a first portion of them to Him in thankfulness for all that He has done
for us.
This prompts several questions. “How are we doing in meeting the Lord’s expectations? Are we doing it on a regular basis? Are we taking time during our busy lives to even recognize all that the Lord has given to us?” Remember
that we do not know when the Lord will call us home to Him; therefore, we need to be ready at all times for the
inevitability of our last day on earth.
We need to daily remember the expectations our Lord has for us. If we are prone to put off until tomorrow what
we should and could do today, we may miss the opportunity, since we are never assured that tomorrow will come.
Once we are at death’s door, it will be too late to begin practicing good stewardship. Therefore, we need to practice good stewardship every day of our life here on earth.
The Lord has prepared a room for all of us in heaven and looks forward to welcoming us as His faithful followers to
spend eternity with Him. Since we can take nothing with us when we depart this world, why would we not regularly share with the Lord what He has given us while we are yet able here on earth?
From Your Treasurer
by Howard Dicke
As shown in the chart, Total
Offerings, as well as Preschool
Revenue, are just slightly behind
the budget plan. However compared to last year, Offerings for
the first months are running
17% ahead. Through June 2016,
total disbursements did exceed
revenue by $10,500 but this is
following seasonal trends and is
more favorable than plan.
5
by Carol Chase
As you read this article, we hope everyone is having a great Summer. It’s been a
hot one here in Arizona, but we are looking forward to the Fall and our upcoming
events and activities.



In June we recognized our Dads by giving them a few chocolate kisses for Father's Day and celebrated with
cake during Fellowship.
Many have donated bottled water for the Vets and we encourage everyone to continue, especially with the
higher temps. We now have a small donation box located on the Welcome Cart; if at any time you would like
to make a monetary donation, we will be happy to purchase water on your behalf. The Vets thank you.
We will be assisting Pastor Mark during his Faith classes to be held on August 20 and 27, from 9 am to
Noon. Please consider attending.
While Jack and I visited with the Veterans who are training to re-enter the work force, we asked what else we
could do for them. They mentioned that baked goods or snacks would be most welcome. If anyone would be interested in donating these items, please contact me; Jack and I will make sure that your donation is delivered to the
Vets at the Outreach Veteran Center.
Upcoming Events:
Blood Drive - details being worked on for sometime in the Fall
Document shredding - details being worked on
Packages from Home
We always encourage folks to join us for our monthly meeting held the third Saturday of every month at 9 am in
the Sunrise Conference Room in Fellowship Hall.
Saturday, September 17, 5 pm
6
Tuesday Morning
Women’s Bible
Study
A Peek At
Preschool
The Armor of God
As
When: Tuesday Mornings beginning September 13
Where: Fellowship Hall – Sunrise Room
Contact: Patty Wendel at pattywendel@dflc.org
817.307.0206
Babysitting Available – please call to RSVP a spot for
your child.
we begin the new school year, we are
thankful for the break the Summer has
provided...we return refreshed, renewed and
ready to take on all challenges. One big challenge
that we face this year is the replenishing of our
Preschool Financial Aid Fund for the 2016-17
school year. If any of you have it in your heart to
give to further Lutheran Education here at DFLC, it
would be greatly appreciated. What a blessing to
know that you took part in helping a child attend
Preschool, prepare for further education, and to
do so in a Christ centered school.
Join the ladies of DFLC as we dig deep into this study
this fall.
All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you —
unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of
your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak
havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart,
your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But
his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and
unarmed. If you're tired of being pushed around and
caught with your guard down, this study is for you.
If you would like to donate to the Preschool Financial Aid Fund, please make your check out to DFLC
and mark the memo section “Preschool Fin. Aid”. If
you have any questions, please contact Martha at
the Preschool.
The Enemy always fails miserably when he meets a
woman dressed for the occasion. The Armor of God,
more than merely a biblical description of the believer's inventory, is an action plan for putting it on
and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory.
Faithfully in His Service,
Martha Betcher, Preschool Director
by Mary Patton
Sunday School Superintendent
O
ur Children’s Ministry WOW will wrap up its first
Mini-WOW Summer Adventure season at the
end of August. Our small group of summer Bible adventure
seekers went on a Bible treasure hunt and learned what it means to put God First.
On September 11 our regular WOW season will kick off at 9:45 am-10:55 am in the preschool classrooms,
there will be four individual class rooms that will take our children ages 3 through grade 5 on the beginning of a three year journey through the Bible. Grades 6 through 12 will also be taking this journey at the
same time and will meet in the youth room. We have an amazing year planned for our children and
teachers, with six service projects scheduled that will keep our hearts and minds open to giving of ourselves as we give to the grace of others and the Glory of God, and connect people to Jesus.
7
DFLC 2016 Vacation Bible Camp...
Women’s June
Ministry Event...
8
by Dori Hampton
FAMILY BIBLE STUDY is back and ready to launch on Sunday, September 11, from
10:00-10:45 am. Featured topic is “Sticky Faith”. This five session video study provides powerful strategies and practical ideas, enabling you to impart a deep and
lasting faith in your children. Don’t worry if you can’t make this study session. There are more “Sticky Faith” sessions, as well as more parenting topics to come. Please contact Michelle
Rowley if you are interested in joining at 480.518.5716.
DFLC Women’s Ministry
A group of 30 DFLC Ladies and their friends enjoyed an evening of fun fellowship on Friday, June 24. The evening included lots of laughter, food, and devotion on the sweetness of Christian friendship. We hope you will
join us for the next event.
Operation Shoebox collections for August and September are school supplies. There are plenty of great
deals at locals stores. Please drop your contributions in the box located in the Narthex. Please contact Karen
Bird with any questions at birdhouse1250@hotmail.com
Family Movie Nights are Back!
Join us Saturday, September 17, 5 pm, as we feature “Peter Pan”. Pizza, salad, and drinks will be served.
Please bring one canned food item per person to help Foothills Food Bank. A $10 donation per family is suggested. Bring a blanket, pillow, and a snack to share. Mini Lock-In will follow from 7-9 pm, ages 6 yrs through
high school. RSVP to Karen Bird at birdhouse1250@hotmail.com.
Darren Hansen, Family Life Minister
This Summer we are having short Bible Studies between services in
the Youth Room. Beginning Wednesday, September 14, we are adding a Mid-week Youth Group Gathering and Bible Study that will
take place every other week, alternating with Confirmation classes.
Youth events to look forward to include a Winter Camp, a Spring
Camp, Confirmation Camp, weekend outings, movie nights, a Creation Apologetics Tour of the Grand Canyon,
Christian concerts, Youth Conferences and more. Many of our activities will take place in the midst of God’s
beautiful creation, which will be our theme and focus for the next couple of years. Anyone in grades 6-12 are
welcome. If you’d like to volunteer to help out with this vital and exciting ministry, please talk to Darren Hansen about how you can serve.
DFLC is attending Faith and Family Night at Chase Field on Friday, August 26. Following the game between
the D-Backs and the Reds there will be a player testimony and a concert by Matthew West. We have reserved
100 seats right behind home plate in the upper level reserve section. The cost per ticket is now only $15.00.
Please email Darren Hansen (darren.hansen@dflc.org) if you would like to join us. The deadline to reserve a
ticket is Thursday, August 11.
Confirmation will begin on Wednesday, September 7 at 6 pm. All 7 th and 8th graders who would like to be
Confirmed are invited to join our new classes. We have a brand new curriculum that we are very excited
about. The 7th and 8th graders will be taught in separate classes focusing on the Bible and the Lutheran Catechism. Class will end at 7:30 pm. Parents are asked to please attend Confirmation with your child. We believe
by attending as a family, this will further assist you in building a “Sticky” Faith in your child. Confirmation class
will be held on alternating Wednesdays. The Wednesdays we don’t meet, we’ll have our Youth Group midweek meetings and an Adult Bible Class.
9
.
It is a New Year
and we are in
full swing
collecting for our
shoeboxes!
August 9
11:30 am
Emily’s Café
September 13
11:30 am
Heart & Soul Café
Let's see if we can't put more smiles
on children's faces this year
8700 E. Pinnacle Pk.
4705 E. Carefree Hwy.
August– School Supplies: Pens,
Pencils, Erasers, etc.
September–Flip-Flops (child sizes)
DONATIONS:
L
unch Bunch meets the second Tuesday of each
month. Restaurants are suggested and selected by
the group for the following month. No reservations,
or time commitments necessary. The only
requirement is that you have a good time and a good
lunch! Bring a friend, neighbor or family member for
some good food and fellowship!
Please place all donations in the Operation
Christmas Child box in the Narthex.
Join the Women of DFLC for the 2nd Annual
Christmas by Candlelight
Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 7:00 pm
Christmas by Candlelight is an evening
that celebrates the coming of Christ.
It is an opportunity for women of all ages to set
aside the hustle and bustle of holiday
preparation to reflect on Jesus and His birth
while sharing beautifully decorated tables,
a dessert, a special program and...the glow of
candles and friends!
Interested in joining the Planning Team
or hosting a table, contact Patty Wendel at
patty.wendel@dflc.org or 817.307.0206
10
Looking Ahead
August
Ken & Martha Kessler
Phil & Kim Minneci
Ellen & Jim Sheets
John & Judi Anderson
Mike & Stacy Bowdish
Ryan & Karen Bird
Chris & Christie Fletcher
Kevin & Laura Halcik
John & Joan Leinonen
Gary & Sherri Hill
Paul & Pat Standish
David & Connie Young
Richard & Bonnie Sisson
September
Dave & Helen Potter
Daniel & Sara Alexander
Kris & Andrea Powell
Robert & Merry Austin
Ron & Lois Behm
Tom & Lois Dopler
Carl & Dawn Hunt
August
Helen Potter
Nancy Warnemunde
Olive Mascha
Jerry Crueger
John Leinonen
Lori Hansen
David Oakeson
Jim Schmidt
Terri Kretzmann
Emily Frazier
Daniel Mathesius
Bernadette Karlin
Lexi Bowdish
Dwayne Richard
Barb Antosik
Gwen Shaneyfelt
September
Joan James
Libby Senderhauf
Martha Koch
Mira Manzeck
Bonnie Sogn
Kennedy Sogn
8/6
8/6
8/12
8/14
8/19
8/20
8/22
8/22
8/23
8/24
8/24
8/26
8/27
8/28
8/30
8/30
9/2
9/5
9/6
9/6
9/6
9/6
August 1, 1954
August 1, 1981
August 1, 1959
August 6, 1975
August 7, 1999
August 7, 1999
August 8, 1998
August 9, 1980
August 15, 1959
August 16, 1992
August 21, 1965
August 26, 1965
August 30, 1986
62 yrs.
35 yrs.
57 yrs.
41 yrs.
17 yrs.
17 yrs.
18 yrs.
36 yrs.
57 yrs.
24 yrs.
51 yrs.
51 yrs,
30 yrs.
September 2, 1972
September 4, 2014
September 7, 1997
September 11, 1965
September 16, 1960
September 16, 1978
September 27, 2013
44 yrs.
2 yrs.
19 yrs.
51 yrs.
56 yrs.
38 yrs.
3 yrs.
Eileen McDougall
Bob Saathoff
Ruth Linn
Al Mascha
Haeju Choi
Bob Council
Pat Standish
Laura Bird
Wilfred Burgett
Ron Sogn
Judy Tiede
Dawn Hunt
Robert Koch
Randy Piette
Andrea Powell
Roma Hook
Bob Husemoller
Marc Horrell
Lauren Piette
Jack Kieley
Vinnie Gulotta
Tatum Horrell
Lori Mathesius
9/7
9/7
9/9
9/10
9/11
9/12
9/12
9/14
9/17
9/17
9/17
9/18
9/21
9/22
9/25
9/26
9/27
9/28
9/28
9/29
9/30
9/30
9/30
11
August 9
Lunch Bunch
September 11
Back to Church Sunday
August 10 & 24
Prayer Shawl
September 13
Lunch Bunch
August 16
Council Meeting
September 14 & 28
Prayer Shawl
August 20 & 27
Exploring the Faith Class
September 17
Family Movie Night
August 26
Faith Night Diamondbacks
September 20
Council Meeting
September 7
Confirmation Begins
You may view a full & updated
calendar at www.dflc.org
Interested in learning more about our faith?
Want to join our Church Family?
Sign-up on the Connection Card in your
Ministry News for Pastor Mark’s next
August 20 & 27
9 am - Noon
Sunset Room
2016
Attendance Numbers
DFLC is averaging 251 souls in worship through
the first 29 weeks of 2016.
The average for the same time period in 2015
was 213 souls.
That is a very healthy 18% increase.
We sow the seed, God waters, nourishes and
brings about a harvest. Thanks be to God for
making us partners with Him in bringing the Gospel to more and more people.
National Youth Gathering 2016
New Orleans
Desert Foothills Lutheran Church & Preschool
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
29305 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
Sunday Worship Services:
9:00 am - Traditional*
10:45 am - Blended**
Beginning September 11
8:30 am - Traditional*
11:00 am - Blended**
9:45 am Spiritual Growth (WOW, Youth, and Adult Studies)
* Communion Services are on the first, third and fifth Sunday.
** Communion Services are on the second and fourth Sunday.
480.585.8007 www.dflc.org