~ WALKING IN FAITH ~ JUNE-JULY 2019 NEWSLETTER Faith Presbyterian Church Sierra Vista, Arizona

Faith Presbyterian’s Mission Statement

We are Faith Presbyterian, and we seek to do God’s work through Christian worship, education, fellowship, and outreach ministry as we serve an awesome God….

PASTORS PAGE

Dear Friends,

While I write this, I am working on my summer plans. It is a common practice for pastors in mainline churches serving in congregations for over 7 years, to take a 3-month renewal or sabbatical. Due to my medical circumstances, I took half of it last summer and plan to take the other half this summer.

I want to share with you what it is not -- it is not vacation nor is it study leave. Those two are estab-lished in my call as your pastor. It is to be a time of renewal, rest, and a time to unplug from the daily life of serving a congregation. It is meant to be a time to “be” and not to “do.” It’s probably one of the hardest things for pastors to do! Some pastors travel, others go on directed retreats, others use the time to reflect on their call to ministry.

One of the reasons sabbaticals are more common now and supported as healthy practices among con-gregations and their leaders is because pastors are on call around the clock and most pastors aren’t wired with an “off button.” That is me! 3 day week-ends rarely occur unless we take the Sunday off, and holi-days often mean working to meet the needs of the remainder of the week. Pastors are acquainted with what is called “Chinese Water torture” - we cannot stop thinking about the needs of the church! While we keep one hand on the administrative responsibilities, we are always listening for God’s leading in our par-ticular congregations. There is the next sermon, the unexpected memorial service, conflicts that need to be resolved, new member calls to make, and several pastoral concerns during the week. Then, there are the joys of community life, the sharing in the sufferings of one another, and of course, creating celebra-tions which are often at the heart of our faith in Jesus Christ!

One of the greatest affirmations I have as your pastor is your willingness to share in ministry with me. Pastors that get burned out believe it is their responsibility to “do it all” without utilizing the gifts and skills of their congregation. I am grateful to lead a congregation that steps up and steps out. This is a congrega-tion with gifts!

While there are many things that a pastor carries alone, it is also the pastor’s responsibility to cultivate a healthy prayer life, a love for reading God’s Word and the proclamation of it, nurturing friendships outside the church, and a hefty dose of self-awareness.

I will use the remainder of those 6 weeks, a portion of my study leave, and a week or two of vacation during the summer months. I’ll visit the girls in Flagstaff, keep up with my Mayo appointments, and then perhaps get to Seattle and possibly Hawaii again. Fortunately, I have friends in nice places who have of-fered me a welcoming place – and space – without needing to be a guest so that I might unplug.

I am lining up guest preachers. Faith’s on-call Ministry is up and running and the Deacons are ready to do what they have always done. Judy is always at the helm to assist or find the help you need, and last but not least, your Elders are available to you should you want to talk or kibitz about church life. This is a church that works hard and loves with a generosity above and beyond the norm! That means that you also need to allow time to “be” rather than “do.” My last Sunday will be June 16th and I will return in Au-gust.

Yours in Christ’s Love,

Virginia

Almost everything

will work again if

you unplug it for a

few minutes …

including you.

Anne Lamont

FAITH STEPPING STONES

~ Happy June Birthday ~ Jane Riester 02 Gail Griffin 03 Pat Wettack 03 Ron Mayhew 04 Robin Murray 04 David MacCollum 10 Scott Bird 10 Larry Diekema 22 Tina Prescott 25 John Wettack 25 Jim Graham 26 Ashton Smith 30 Randi Williams 30 ~ Happy July Birthday ~ Shirley Portouw 02 Phil Crawford 07 Charles Lemley 07 Joyce Davis 08 James Louzy 11 Dustin Wyatt 11 Joann Mitchell 18 Mary Jane George 20 Richard Turke 20 Maria Isabel Garcia 21 Patricia Garcia 22 Jim Lewis 22 Amanda Wheat 23 Rick Hanson 25 Larry Bourne 29 Kenneth Cox 31

~ Happy June Anniversary ~ Richard & Freddie Turke 02 Sonny & Clara Beth Smith 14 Jim & Martha Louzy 16 Richard & Heather Carter 17 David & Dotie Brown 18 Casey & Kathy Jones 20 Larry & Joanie Heiserman 22 Charles & Diane Lemley 25

~ Happy July Anniversary ~ Brian & Erin Law 03 Ron & Marilyn Andres 26 Brent & Heather Coleman 31

SAVE THE DATE!

The Gaslight Theater in Tucson

Sunday, September 22, 2019 3:00 pm

“009 License to Thrill” Tickets are going fast.

Sign up in the Narthex. Payment is due no later than August 28.

Finance Update

Our income continues to look good through April. Part of that is a bequest and the fact that some folks prepaid their pledges for the entire year. We appreciate that!

The clerk is in need of a larger secure storage safe. The small safes we have been using are now too small. The current safe is 17” wide, 17” deep, 20” high. We need either more width

or height by at least 10” greater.

Anyone have a gun safe or some-thing similar they do not need? Contact Bill Akins or Fred Whitley.

FAITH LEADERS

ELDERS FOR 2018

Bill Akins - Chair of Finance

Bill Braswell - Building & Grounds

Bill Brouwer - Mission & Stewardship

Rich Klucsarits - Finance

Reed Olson - Audit & Building and Grounds

David Rutgers - Building & Grounds

Beth Smith - Christian Education

Don Townsend - Chair of Building & Grounds

Ruth Van Otten - Worship & Music/Personnel

Sonja Vander Meulen - Mission & Stewardship

George Wheat - Chair of Personnel

Mike Winters - Chair of Mission & Stewardship

Cathy Rockwell - Treasurer

Mike Steiger - Financial Secretary

Fred Whitley - Clerk

Bill Brouwer - Clerk Pro-Tem

DEACONS FOR 2018

Marilyn Andres - Caring Visits

Bonnie Burleson - Kitchen, Memorial Receptions

Lou Burleson - Kitchen

Patrick Jones - Food Bank

Barbara Kepple - Secretary, Meals

Paul Lewis - VICaP, Caring Visits

Carolyn Malik - Peach’s Pantry - Cards

Jane Riester - Kitchen

Betty Spering - Caring Visits

Tom Spering - Meals, Memorial Receptions

Pam Winters - Moderator, Memorial Receptions

“Star-Spangled Potluck and Sing-Along”

On June 30th we will celebrate our country by having a picnic potluck and patriotic sing-along during coffee hour. Watch for a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Wear red, white, and blue !!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

OHANA SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 8

PENTECOST

Sunday, June 9

Wear RED to

celebrate

the birthday of the

Church and welcome

our new members!

Harry Bergtholdt

129 S. Apache Gold Loop

Santa Teresa, NM 88008

520-249-3369

he4berg@icloud.com

Harry would love to hear from you!

It’s always nice to keep in touch!

Margie Riley continues to be the coordinator for Home Communion services.

If you’ve served as an Eder or Deacon in the past or in a previous church and would like to join the Home Commun-ion team, please contact Margie at: rileymargie1944@gmail.com

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Mark your calendars…

Game Day is Thursday, June 13 and Thursday, July 18. If you’d like to play Dominos, Uno, or some other game, come and join us at 2 p.m. in Stevenson Hall. Drinks are always provided and most times refreshments.

Stretch and Balance Exercise Group

Monday mornings at 10 a.m.

Stevenson Hall.

The classes are FREE!

All are invited to attend.

FOOD BANK

Hunger has no season!!

Thank you for your donations!

~ Opportunity for a Christian Education Coordinator - Paid Position ~

Job Description

Purpose: To work with the Pastor and the Christian Education Committee in planning for, developing, and supervising the Christian Education Program and youth activities.

Hours: 8-10 hours per week

Responsibilities: Coordinate Christian Education Program for all age groups in the congregation.

• Coordinate and schedule Christian Education meetings at least quarterly

• Provide written report to Session as necessary.

• Prepare Christian Education annual report and annual budget submission.

• Inform the congregation of youth and Sunday School activities through the monthly newsletter and bulletin announcements.

• Manage and sign off on financial reimbursement forms.

• Purchase Christian Education supplies as necessary.

• Recruit, support, and provide guidance for the Sunday School teachers. Secure substitute teach-ers when needed and fill in when necessary.

• Plan/map/coordinate curriculum for the entire Sunday School year.

• Coordinate youth activities for special services as required, and, youth opportunities (choir, camp, movies, bowling, hiking, etc.) as needed.

Nursery Attendant Position Open

Summer hours 10 am - 12 pm

Sunday Morning

Job Description is in the office.

Hope’s last Sunday is June 2. We will need a volunteer the

first Sunday of each month until we hire a new attendant.

MISSION AND STEWARDSHIP

BY MIKE WINTERS

To all my Faith Presbyterian Family,

Thank you so much for supporting me in the Peach’s Pantry Get Fit Fundraiser! The 80 miles I walked is very minor when compared to the generosity of Faith! You helped the children of Cochise County by contributing over $1200. I am humbled to receive such support. In Christ, Mike Winters

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

There will be no collections for Peach’s Pantry until school starts again in August. However, we do appreciate the donations of food for the Food Bank all year long. “Hunger has no season!”

There will be no Mission and Stewardship meetings in June and July but will resume regular monthly meetings starting in August.

The Faith Partners Appreciation lunch was a great success on Sun-day, May 5. Mr Rogers Neighborhood theme, introduced during wor-ship by the backrow boys, carried over in Stevenson Hall. Everyone enjoyed the meal, fellowship and learning more about our Partners serving the community.

One Great Hour of Sharing total for 2019 is $2,382.76.

Volunteers are needed for the “Children’s Time” during worship this summer.

Please check the sign up sheet in the Narthex and select a date that is suitable for you or find a partner to share your message with the children.

Messages for children can be found on the following web sites:

Sermons 4 Kids, Dollar Tree Children’s Sermon, Worshiping with Children

The On Call Ministry Team:

Paul Lewis

Deborah Parker, Parish Nurse

Kathy & Randy Richard

Lila Taylor

Randi Williams

Mike & Pam Winters

STEPHEN MINISTRY

BY MARY DAVIS

FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST

If you enjoy going out for breakfast, then come join the Fellowship Breakfast on June 6 and July 4 at My Place at 8:30 a.m. The address is 1081 E. Fry Blvd. It’s a great way to begin the day!

Mark your calendar for the 1st Thursday of each month.

THE BLESSINGS OF SERVING AS A STEPHEN MINISTER

"Being a Stephen Minister enables me to give back a little bit of what God has blessed me with. It's a tangible way to serve God by caring for others. It's a life-changing experience---for me and for those I serve." Thomas, VP Marketing, Fort Myers, Florida

"Stephen Ministry has freed me from feeling I needed to have all the answers and solve other people's problems. Now I just listen and care---and trust God to do the healing. This ministry is a true joy. It has deepened my faith and allowed me to be transformed by our Lord Jesus Christ.” Patricia, Company Vice President, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

"Stephen Ministry has given me a way to serve God more faithfully by being his presence to those in need. In the process God has blessed me with skills I didn't know I had and enriched my life in more ways than I could ever imagine." Gene, Aerospace Engineer, Manassas, Virginia

"God gave me a heart for other people. Stephen Ministry gave me the skills I needed to minister to other people and bring God's love into their lives during a time of deep need. I'm humbled and awed to be used by God in this way." Charlotte, Manager - Care/Case Management, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We continue to seek people who will participate in Stephen Ministry training and then serve as Stephen Ministers. As you can see from the quotes above, Stephen Ministry allows one to serve a care receiver in a deep and meaningful way as well as helping with your own spiritual growth and journey. We are hoping to begin a Stephen Ministry training class later this summer or in the fall. Please prayerfully con-sider participating in this important ministry. Contact Rev. Virginia or Mary Davis (520-226-0462) with questions or if you are interested in learning more about this program.

Blessings, Mary Davis, Stephen Leader

Judy will be on vacation the week of June 10. She will return to her desk and duties on Monday, June 17.

“A person without a sense of humor

is like a wagon without springs,

jolted by every pebble in the road.” - Henry Ward Beecher

MEET THE NEW MEMBERS BY JOANIE HEISERMAN

Ann Drawbaugh raised her children alone, beginning when the boys were seven and nine years of age. And… as adults, her sons recently suggested that it felt time their Mom be with others. They didn’t want her to live alone. So, from Falls Church, Virginia to Sierra Vista, Arizona, Ann moved into Mountain View Gardens! She’s been attending Faith and shared that it felt good to her because people were friendly, welcoming and had a talented Pastor.

We all know Ann’s sister, Kathy and brother in law, Casey Jones; members of our church. Ann is delighted to have this time in her life, living nearer her sister. Meanwhile, she’s settling in, likes her new home at Mt. View and has begun making friends. Special note: Ann reaches out, has courage and you’d like her!

A long-time member of a Presbyterian Church in Virginia, Ann has served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday school teacher and Stephen Minister! She claims a readiness now, to relax. Ann will be a sweet one for us. She has an easy manner, warm eyes and ready smile. Let’s get to know her. Welcome Ann! Mountain View, 3477 Rodeo Dr. Apt. 302, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Cindy Hay, has a beautiful singing voice and a willingness to hop in and do what needs doing. She and her husband, Paul had visit-ed Sierra Vista churches until they came to Faith… and stopped. “This is it”, she said. The two had liked the spirit, enthusiasm, Pastor Virginia and the congregation. Cindy knew that she felt at home. She and Paul have eight children and are expecting a ninth grandchild! Recently they lived ‘on the sea’ in Bandon, Oregon, with their “fur babies”, (dogs and cats) and traded off cooking duties, always have and always will. Those who recently attended church-in-the-park will remember

that Cindy and Paul, along with the rest of the ambitious committee, were active in our stupendous picnic from its planning to clean-up.

Cindy enjoys playing on-line games, reading mysteries, autobiographies, and historical fic-tion. She and Paul like gardening both inside and out. And they love people. Cindy shares that she and Paul are looking forward to being members of Faith. One can easily see that Cindy and Paul have both energy and generosity in their bones. At this moment,… please thank and welcome Cin-dy Hay!

Paul Hay, already an attendee of the Men’s Tuesday Lunch, and a part of our Finance Com-mittee, brings with him, a raft of talent and experience. He was a baritone in the Bandon Church Choir, a Lay Leader, Worship Leader and part of the Chime Choir and stepped forward for duties asked. Paul loves live- theater. He’s an actor who has also directed and produced mu-sicals and plays, such as, Sound of Music; Wizard of Oz and an Agatha Christie mys-tery.

Soon, be looking on doorstep or in your mailbox because Paul and Cindy are designing a magazine called Sierra Vista Connections. It will be a free magazine with stories and ideas that will feature a new Sierra Vista, family each month. Not novices in this department, the Hays, are already selling ads, meeting folks and planning the magazine’s lay-outs and format.

At home, Paul says he always takes care of his “honey-do” list, enjoys barbecuing and likes to read self-help and marketing books. It certainly appears that Paul enjoys a big serving of creativi-ty and we are delighted… that he wants to share with us. Hello Paul! 2810 Ridge Crest Street, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

NURSING HOME MINISTRY

BY MARGARET JO COGSWELL-VAUGHN

The Mother’s Day Tea at Life Care was a big success. The residents and families were entertained by the musical director of the Life Care Bell Choir, Monica. She also has been giving keyboard lessons to the residents. Two residents played songs that they had learned to rousing applause. The professional photographer was a big hit with the residents and families.

As always, the Life Care Store can use donations of jewelry, knick-knacks, pillows and room decorations.

The Activities Department at Life care is looking for crafters for a “Christmas in July” celebration on July 25

th.

The NHM is very appreciative of all the crafty people in the congregation who are making the “lap-ghans” for the care home residents. If you like to sew and have some extra fabric, the NHM has patterns to make tote-bags to go on wheelchairs or on walkers. There is not a time-limit for these items. There is always a need for these handy bags.

The next meeting will be June 6th. There will not be a meeting in July. If you want more infor-

mation on anything above, please contact me, Margaret Jo, at 803-1069.

Montlure Presbyterian Church Camp will be held at the Wilderness Ranch in Pinetop/Lakeside, Arizona again this summer. It offers a beautiful space with multiple sleeping cabins, outdoor gathering and reception spaces, a fully equipped commercial kitchen and dining hall.

Patricia and Bianca Garcia will be attending the Senior High Camp from June 2-7.

Ryley and Max Shows will be attending the Juniors Camp from July 7-11.

The Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be at Purdue University from July 16-20.

Patricia Garcia, Bianca Garcia, and Christina Wyatt will be attending from Faith.

“Here’s my heart” - our young people are saying to us, to the church, to the world! “Here’s my heart!” God says right back to us!

August 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

4

5

6 Fellowship Breakfast “My Place” 8:30 am NHM 2:00 pm Conference Rm.

7 Mental Health First Aid 12:30 - 4:30 pm SH

8

Mental Health First Aid 9:00 - 1:00 pm SH

9

Pentecost WEAR RED! New Members

10 Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

11 Deacons 1 pm

12

13

Game Day 2 pm SH

14 .

15

16

Father’s Day

17

Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

18

Session 6 pm

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21

22

23

24 Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

25

26 27

28 29

30Star

Spangled Potluck & Sing-Along

JUNE 2019

JULY 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

2 3

4Office Closed

Fellowship Break-fast “My Place” 8:30 am

5 6

7

8 Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

9

10

11

12

13

14

Communion

15 Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

16

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Game Day 2 pm SH

19

20

21

22

Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

23

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29 Stretch/Balance 10:00 am (SH)

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Faith Presbyterian Church

2053 East Choctaw Drive

Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

Phone: 520-378-9400

Email: faith@faithpresb.org

Website: faithpresb.org

JUNE AND JULY JOYS!

Rev. Virginia Studer, Pastor

Judy Mayhew, Secretary

Office Hours Mon - Fri 9 am - 2 pm

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am

Summer break for Sunday School -

Will begin again in September