My name is Barbara Olson. I was born in Minnesota...the land of 10,000 Lakes, but we really have more! When I was a little girl, my family moved to Atlanta, Georgia for five years where I earned the title of "Yankee." I had no idea what that meant at the time. We then moved back to Minnesota where I went directly into 4th grade. The very first time the teacher called on me, I stood up next to my desk and said, "Yes, Ma'am" with my southern drawl. The whole class laughed and I earned the title "the funny girl from Georgia." I became an item for show and tell (I think they just wanted to hear me talk)! I started talking and apparently have never stopped!

Twenty-two years ago, Susan Bettcher and I went to Pastor Garman and said we should have a grief program at this church, and his immediate response was, "Why don't you girls do that." So we started Heart to Heart Grief Support group classes and earned the title of the "Grief Ladies." The Lord, my family, La Casa de Cristo, and Heart to Heart helped to heal not only my heart, but so many other broken and shattered hearts with love, laughter and sunshine.

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The next six-week session of La Casa's Heart to Heart Grief Support group begins Tuesday, Oct. 17 and runs through Nov. 21, from 10am-12:00 in room 207. Facilitated by Barbara Olson, the class is designed to assist you in: moving through the grieving process by providing the support of others who are also living with grief, allowing you to express your thoughts in a safe and supportive environment, and helping you discover ways to keep loved ones present in your heart while you build hope for your future. You do not have to be a member of La Casa to attend, so please share this information with friends who may need loving support.

With Dr. Jeremy Peterman

I grew up in Iowa, went to college and started a family and career in Minnesota, moved to New Jersey for seven years, then Georgia for seven years, then Arizona. I play flute and piano and have sung Soprano in choirs and choruses since cherub choir. Highlights include being a member of the Masterwork Chorus in New York City which regularly performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

My favorite hymn is Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. The melody and the words are beautiful and uplifting. It can be soft and sweet or powerful and grand. We are blessed to have talented music leaders at La Casa and wonderful people in the choir who enjoy singing together and praising God through music. Being in the choir is both rewarding and fun.

MOMS meetings resume on September 12 and 13, 2023. We minister to moms with children ages 0 to 18. 

Registration is now open and you can find more information and register at www.lacasadecristo.com/moms/. We have outstanding speakers to help you with your own faith, family and raising children. We hope you will join us.

Childcare for infants through age 5, known as MOPPETS, is available. We need volunteers to help Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, beginning in September. Please read the testimony below and prayerfully consider helping in this wonderful ministry. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Jody Goodvin at jgoodvin@lacasadecristo.com

I retired in February of 2015. I knew that I wanted to keep busy and also wanted to get more involved with La Casa. Since my grandsons were no longer little ones, I reached out to Kristen Cross about volunteering in the nursery. God’s little children are happy and care-free, bringing smiles to the face and certainly uplifting any mood. I have found such joy in rocking the infants or sitting on the floor playing with the toddlers. I have watched them grow and move on as they age out of the nursery. But the relationship doesn’t always end there. To this day, I am still "Grandma Marilyn" to some of the children that I cared for! It’s true...when I volunteer, I am getting more out of it than I think I give. Come and join in the fun!!! ~ Marilyn Harwell

WOW! What an amazing Vacation Bible Xperience we had this summer. We learned that God Seas Us through Bible stories, music, games, crafts and MORE! We had 150 volunteers who made the week possible with their big smiles, positive attitudes and their heart to serve others. During our week, we collected Peanut Butter and Jelly for the PV Community Food Bank. We donated 1,047 pounds to help those in need. This amazing donation was the highest in VBX history! THANK YOU for your donations!

Ignite Kids begins August 13 with the new series, At the Beach. We will pick up a good beach read (the Bible) and learn how to dig a little deeper in our walk with Jesus. Registration is open on our website and we cannot wait to see your kids! Click here.

One of my favorite times of the year is when we do our long-time tradition for our 3rd graders, Operation Bible. Students are taught about what’s in the Bible and how to use it in our Operation Bible class that takes place on Thursday, August 17 at 6:30pm. They learn that God’s Word is alive and active! Upon completion of the course, students receive their very own Bible at the Sunday worship service on Sunday, August 20. Fun fact: Our very own quilting group here at La Casa made the Bible covers the students will decorate for their very own Bible. Click here.

Staci Medina, Director of Children's Ministry

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26

Suzan Scudder, Director of Jr. High School Ministry

Rocket Languages offers free online language courses where you can learn sixteen different languages. Cloud Library, through Desert Foothills Library, makes searching for your favorite books a breeze. Download the app or visit the digital collection here. If you are looking for some free music to listen to, Freegal has music for you to download and keep. You can access millions of songs from 60 countries here.

All info sourced from the following page: dfla.rog/digital-library-ebooks-and-more.

Like flossing your teeth or taking your vitamins, slathering on sunscreen is something you probably know you should do every day, but may skip doing. Protecting yourself from the sun is important for preventing skin cancer. But…if you don’t find that particularly motivating, think about this: Sunscreen is anti-aging!! What is the best sunscreen to use? It would be one that a person is willing to use. All three types of sunscreens (mineral, chemical or sun-protective clothing) can protect you from UVA and UVB rays – as long as the sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum” or “full spectrum.” Generally, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and skin cancer and UVA leads to skin aging.

You need sun protection every day, even with limited time in the sun or when driving. Sun comes in through your car windows; windows block UVB, but not UVA rays. Sun exposure is cumulative and, over the years, this can lead to skin cancers and will definitely lead to skin aging.

How much sunscreen should one use? For your face and neck, a teaspoon will do. For your body, you need an ounce of sunscreen, which is the equivalent of two tablespoons, or enough to fill a shot glass. If you are outside, reapply every two hours. The SPF in makeup is not enough. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30, and a lot of makeup includes only 15 or 20 SPF. Additionally, it may only block UVB rays. Plus, most people put on only a thin layer of makeup – not usually enough to give adequate coverage.

In addition, wear a wide-brimmed hat if going for a walk or if at the pool. Utilize long sleeves whenever you can. Sunscreen……….the best anti-aging skin product there is!