July 2024 Anno Domini

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13

6300 E Bell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 948-1234
lacasadecristo.com
Key Dates This Month
  • Happy 4th of July!


  • Support After Loss - 7/8



  • VBX Begins - 7/15
Unity

In 1996, several tech companies were working together to come up with a single wireless standard so all electronic devices...our phones, computers, and speakers...could communicate with each other. Some engineers on the project (who must have been paying attention in history class!) came up with the name 'Bluetooth' after King Harald Gormsson, who is famous for unifying all of Scandinavia in the mid-to-late 900's. He even introduced Christianity to Denmark. This Medieval King had a dead tooth which appeared blue, and he was thus nicknamed. Even the Nordic symbols which signify his initials were used to create the bluetooth logo.

As the above scripture indicates, Paul's letter to the Ephesians instructs us to work to attain unity. Why? So that we will no longer be infants, influenced by the 'craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming' (v. 14), but to 'grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.' (v. 15)

And how do we become unified? Just as 'Bluetooth' unified many countries, and bluetooth technology causes devices of all kinds to communicate, we are unified in Christ when we follow His teachings.

The Holy Bible, our love letter from our Father, contains all the timeless teachings we need to grow and mature as Christians, especially in times of uncertainty and division.

I pray that we, as like-minded Christ followers, will make every effort to show our love for one another and work toward a common goal of spreading the Good News and becoming unified as the Body of Christ.

Nancy G.
July is a month that one normally associates with fireworks, fun, vacations, and a surplus of heat!
 
My hope and prayer is that everyone takes some time to enjoy family and recreation this summer. At the same time, there is a lot going on in this middle part of the year at La Casa de Cristo!
 
Many times we forget that, although behind the scenes, there are hours and hours of work that is put in by our volunteers and staff in preparation for these weekly ministries. In addition, week in and week out, we have many invisible hands that assist with so many things: volunteers and staff who lead four weekly services; care for children, youth, and seniors, outreach to all ages, and much more!
 
Many times, the ministry we see visibly is the result of countless hours of work, and yet, there is often even more ministry that may never be seen visibly, but is always done with a cheerful smile!
 
We are blessed here at La Casa de Cristo that, all year around, we have willing congregants with servant hearts. We are reminded we do what we do not just for fellowship, or to meet our own spiritual needs, but to live out our mission: “To love those who don’t know Jesus, and grow those who do!”
 
May your summer be blessed!

In Christ,
Pastor Jeff Ruby, Lead Pastor
St. Paul's Burial Site
St. Paul is buried under the altar of a Roman Catholic Basilica in Rome. Paul arrived in Rome for trial in the early 60s of the common era. He remained in Rome only a few short years before he was beheaded. Paul was then buried in the 'eternal city.' His tomb is marked by a marble stone with the Latin inscription PAULO APOSTOLO MART (Apostle Paul, Martyr). Paul's sarcophagus accompanies it. For many years it was covered in burial.


Today, however, there is a large glass covering, serving as a window-like structure, allowing pilgrims to peer through as they honor Paul. This enables the faithful to see directly into the tomb, as you can see in the picture. The church building that houses this sacred location is called St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls. The Apostle Paul plays a major role in the story of Christianity, framing theology for us, writing much of the New Testament, being a leading missionary, and much more.

Pastor Matt Knopf

Where is this piece of stained glass located in the Sanctuary? 
And who is depicted on it?
What is inscribed on the Liberty Bell?
Give me liberty or give me death
A passage from Leviticus
Four score and seven years ago
Pass the Stew
The bell in the prayer tower at La Casa de Cristo comes from where?
Belfast
Bel-Air
Belarus
The Netherlands
The answers will be in the next
La Casa de Cristo Weekly E-News.
Pastor Andrew Garman was called by the Board of American Missions to establish a congregation, which brought him to the middle of the Arizona desert in July 1974, right out of seminary. He knocked on 3,000+ doors and took a survey, asking folks if they had a church home, etc. From there, a mailing list was created and invites were sent out for a pot luck dinner. Some of those who attended submitted a suggestion for the name of the church and a vote was taken, which resulted in the name La Casa de Cristo. Pastor Garman called home to tell his family the name, and his younger brother Jim said, "I'll take two tacos and an enchilada!"
To grow the new congregation, they used the mailing list, but mainly counted on people who were already members to be invitational. They met in the Garman's living room, which had no furniture, so they sat on the floor. Janet Burgess was the office secretary who used a room in the Garman's home, equipped with a mimeograph and an address-o-graph!

As their numbers increased, they moved from Desert Shadows Elementary School media center to Desert Shadows Middle School music room and then the cafeteria. Just a few years in as a congregation, they acquired 6140 Thunderbird Rd. where they had worship services and opened the preschool. Music was provided by a wonderful pianist, Eleanor Zoellner.

La Casa de Cristo is in its 50th year as a congregation, with a rich history of serving where God has planted it. Continue to be invitational and obedient as our founding pastor has been.
From the Organist’s Chamber
 
Wow! It was so rewarding to write an arrangement of “To God Be the Glory” on Father’s Day. Several members had mentioned wanting to sing that hymn over the years, so we finally got it in! It’s one of those fantastic hymns that many of us grew up singing—likely in another denomination—but it’s sadly not in the 3 Lutheran hymnals we consult.
What to do?? If there’s a hymn that you’d love to sing or hear, reach out to our Director of Music, Jennifer Sheldon, or me and we’ll try to work it in! People were so excited about "To God Be the Glory" that on the same day I got three other requests: "O Zion Haste," "Earth and All Stars," and "The Church’s One Foundation." Oh… and if you ever want to sing with the choir or have a hidden instrumental talent that you’d like to share in church, we know just what to do with that too!
Dr. Jeremy Peterman
Organist and Handbell Director
🎼 Get to Know Your Choir


Marcia Core

Growing up I moved A LOT, attending three different high schools! My Dad was in civil service and after high school we moved to Frankfurt, Germany. During our time there I attended the University of Maryland extension campus in Munich. After 3 years, we moved back to the states and landed in Indiana, where I worked full-time as a computer operator and went to school part-time at the IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) campus. Finally, almost 10 years after graduating from high school, I earned my B.S. in Computer Technology from Purdue University.

I moved from the Seattle area to Arizona almost 20 years ago to work for Mayo Clinic and am now an IT Application Architect supporting the Epic EHR (Electronic Health Record). I’ve been attending La Casa de Cristo for over 4 years and have been an Alto in the choir almost since the beginning. I also joined the handbell choir and love how Jennifer and Dr. Peterman continuously challenge us. I have learned so much from their leadership and enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow musicians.

My favorite hymn is “It Is Well With My Soul,” written by Horatio Spafford. What strikes me the most is the story behind the hymn. The fact that he could express such peace after he had suffered so much (the death of his son from scarlet fever, then his four daughters who drowned while crossing the Atlantic Ocean) is a reminder that we can have hope regardless of our circumstances.

My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. It reminds me that I need to quit being so self-sufficient sometimes and give up the notion that I am in control. I’m an introverted geek who likes to have things planned out, but I have discovered that God has a much better plan for my life, and I just need to follow His lead and enjoy the ride!
Women's Ministry

Ladies! As I’ve mentioned to many of you, this being my first ever summer season in Phoenix… I refuse to complain about the heat. You see I started to get anxious in anticipation of this unknown ‘beast!’ In the spring, many well-meaning people, wanting to warn me, offered their ‘good lucks’ and ‘oh, just waits!!’ Admittedly, I grew afraid. So, I had to make a decision. I didn’t want to miss out on all of God’s promises (wonderful provision like the grumbling Israelites forfeited, wandering and grumbling for 40 years)! Grumbling then is no different than grumbling now.
 
Something wonderful has happened.

Our women’s summer bible study has contributed to my successful commitment to seeing beyond the heat, to the goodness in these days. So much of God’s best has come from gathering in these sweltering evenings, forming new friendships, and opening His Word altogether. One woman shared, in the midst of pain in her life, "This study has strengthened me and reminded me that meditating on scripture changes everything."

Yes, indeed. God’s Word does have the power to change everything! And, I might add, the 99-cent large ice cream cones at McDonald’s help, too!

XOXOX

Paula Webb
Director of Women's Ministry
It’s July! Not only does it mean that it’s one of the hottest months of the year but, for Children’s Ministry, it means it’s time for Vacation Bible Xperience. 

As we get ready for VBX 2024, Above the Treetops (July 15-19), there are a few things I ask of YOU, the person that is reading this article:

1) Pray: This is a week that many of the kids and parents in our community hear about Jesus for the first time. I ask that you pray for God’s presence to be evident in every part of our VBX experience, from the time they walk onto our campus until the time they leave. We pray for hearts to be moved and for each person to leave knowing that God loves them.

2) Donate Peanut Butter and Jelly: During VBX we collect plastic jars of Peanut Butter and Jelly to donate to our local food bank, PV Community Food Bank. Every year when we bring the donation in, the food bank is incredibly grateful for our contribution. Let’s help those around us, together.

3) Watch our opening at 9:15am daily: Watch to see what God is doing on the campus of La Casa de Cristo. The worship, excitement and community are evident, even when you see this small glimpse into our day. You can find it on any of our streaming platforms, or go to lacasalive.com.

THANK YOU for your support, your love, and most of all your prayers as we go Above the Treetops to experience adventures in the Bible together!

Staci Medina, Director of Children's Ministry

I am still in awe of the overflowing feeling of the Holy Spirit, who has taken hold of my heart since returning from Summer Camp in Sedona with about 40 people, 99 percent of them were teens.

My main topic of teaching was the "Fruits of the Spirit" or Virtues, as I like to refer to them. I also teach how to obtain the fruits that are growing and changing us through Spiritual Disciplines.

The word 'discipline' might not seem like something they would want to learn at camp. Once you start reaping the rewards of the fruits, virtues, growing stronger, you want to learn more.

One of the teen boys who attended camp texted this: "On the way back I saw a car with the word virtues on it; it was like the Holy Spirit was with me." What more can any of us ask for than to feel the Holy Spirit with us no matter where we are, no matter what we are going through.

In a previous article I wrote, I challenged you to pick a verse and meditate on it for a year. Here is another challenge that will grow your virtues and connection with the Holy Spirit, if you choose to take it. Pick a new spiritual discipline and work on it every day throughout the summer. Spiritual disciplines are those practices (such as prayer, Bible study, meditation, fasting, confession, solitude, worship, and celebration) found in scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers.

When you are praying, do you sit in silence and solitude for a while to hear God speak? If you go to Bible study and read scripture, do you memorize any verses? If you go to worship service, do you bring someone new and grow your church community? I could go on, but you get the idea.

There are students in our congregation working on their Spiritual Disciplines this summer. I am going to join them. Won't you do the same?

I will leave you with one of my favorite verses on the discipline of prayer:
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Suzan Scudder, Director of Middle School Ministry
Tech Talk

Have you ever had trouble opening this e-news to see it in its entirety? Do you know the difference between a text message and an email? Experience any difficulty posting to social media? Did you know your smart watch can detect if you fall and can call to get you help?
 
Join us in the air conditioning in Room B at 1 pm on July 9 for Love of Learning. This month’s Tech Talk will provide you an opportunity to have questions answered from our panel of LCdC’s technology experts. During this one-hour class we will attempt to answer as many questions as we can in the time we have. When you sign up, you will notice the form has an area for you to submit a question or two that you would like to ask. Please bring your small technology items with you (phone, iPad, laptop, Kindle, iWatch, etc.). If you prefer to take notes or learn about technology you have not yet purchased, please still plan to come. I already have it booked in my google calendar (or learn what that means). See you soon.
 
Do you still have a library card? I have to admit I have no idea where mine is, however I have recently learned that if you have one, or you go get a free library card in Arizona, there are resources you can access (even if you leave the Valley for the summer). Don’t drive anymore? How about audio books or books for your e-reader that you can check out for free and never leave your home? This is a way you can take a cost-free vacation without packing, traffic, or the TSA!

Check out the following apps from the app store on your smart device: Freading, Hoopla, or Libby. Need more assistance? We are happy to help in this way at Tech Talk.
 
Find out all the details at lacasadecristo.com/lol

Blessings,
Donna Bosley

The Water’s Fine
 
High-impact exercises, such as running, aren’t often a great fit for people with pain, balance or joint issues. Water is often gentler and aquatic exercises can be a great choice for older adults or people with chronic conditions. And with the hotter temperatures now, exercising in water is a great alternative. When you are submerged up to your neck, the water cancels out about 90% of your body weight. This can significantly reduce the stress on your weight-bearing joints and bones. When you’re not having pain and it seems fun, you will usually continue with the exercises for the long term. As you gain strength, you can make the exercises more intense by performing them faster. As your ability improves, you can add resistance equipment such as foam dumbbells, water weights, a kick board, or hand paddles. Exercising in water can help improve your balance. If you are not confident in your swimming abilities, stay next to the edge of the pool or stick to the shallow end. You can get effective exercise in waist–to-chest-deep water. NEVER exercise in water alone! Stay hydrated even though you are in the water. Jump on in – the water’s fine!

Blessings...
Jean Knowling, R.N.
Parish Nurse
Debbie Acosta
Lori Alles
Arden Andersen
Christina Anderson
Craig Archer
Makenna Arthur
Karen Artz
Kristine Bacon
Jeff Bales
Julie Bales
Paul Bangart
Linda Barber
Brian Baumann
Joan Blalock
Wendy Blumke
Kathy Bosley
Brad Bosley
Ryan Bostrom
Verdell Bothun
Laurel Braa
Katie Browning
Abby Browning
Shannon Bundschuh
Alice Burgess
Vicki Burr
Ryan Busch
Nancy Butters
Tim Butters
Kayla Calvetti
Brock Cannon
Don Carlson
Dave Chambers
Mona Chan
Rebecca Chan
Sam Christensen
Steven Christensen
Larry Christian
Rick Chrzanowski
Reese Clark
Bob Coombs
McKenna Coughlan
Savannah Crichton
Sharon Crothers
Emma Curley
Chloe Dake
Vicky Darby
Hank Daugs
Jessie DeFrancesco
Corey Degenstein
Jan DeJarnett
Jack Dempsey
Caysie DeVary
Chris Dickerson
Blake Donnelli
Gail Donovan
Cindy Doty
Mandi Dunham
Randy Dyrr
Scott Eckert
Bruce Elliasen
Grace Erlandson
Peggy Fawcett
Lacey Fedorka
Tom Fetcho
Chris Fluharty
Sarah Fow
Becky Franson
Al Franson
Bill Froyum
Ava Gallagher
Savannah Gangsei
Christina Garden
Tanner Goodvin
Larry Goodvin
Adriana Gray
Karli Green
Jeremy Hanson
Karen Hanson
Jeff Hanson
Matt Hatfield
Ben Hatfield
Becca Hatfield
Marty Hedstrom
Peggy Hoagland
Scott Hoffman
Sharon Hoveln
Jim Howie
Doug Ingersoll
Scott Jacobs
Traci Johnson
Scott Johnson
Merrill Johnson
Barb Jones
Michael Jones
Dick Kemp
Russell Kidd
Cristy Klonowski
Sheila Kohl
Paul Kondrich
Meg Kondrich
Jackie Kostas
Helen Kuss
Rita Laaveg
Davis LaBelle
Sandra Lagerblade
Larry Lang
Carol Larson
Tim Larson
Julie LaRue
Erin Leon
Pam Lindvig
Jenny Logterman
Arlee Lund
Donna Mayfield
Sam Mayfield
Abbie Maynard
Ryan Meloche
Natasha Mendez
Sue Mersing
Corinne Mitra
Jessica Montgomery
David Muente
Makenna Mulder
Van Muller
Katie Murwin
Dale Nelson
Kathy Nelson
Tyler Neuhaus
Michael Noble
Tom Osburn
Mike Otterson
Ellie Pendleton
Nancy Perry
Bennett Price
Audrey Price
Krissy Puleo
Barbara Raines
Emmy Randall
Malcolm Redding
Jeannie Redon
Duane Reuer
Michael Richards
Will Richards
Tammy Robinson
David Romoser
Heather Romoser
Tom Rosin
Lisa Ross
Faith Seratte
Carole Sexton
Jennifer Sheldon
Liz Shipman
Peyton Shuff
Isabel Siebers (Crane)
Sharon Simpson
Zach Simpson
Brian Slade
Leah Smigiel
Derek Smigiel
Glenn Smigiel
Diane Smith
Pat Snyder
Carl Solberg
Sara Solem
Stephanie Solheim
Steve Spangrud
Tracy Spooner
Emily Staffo
Roxanne Steffe
Ben Steimel
Greg Stenberg
Roger Sterling
Delaney Strizich
Steve Theil
Louise Thoreson
Laurie Tietjen
Tim Toltzman
Jennine Ulibarri
Louise Ulrich
Stephanie VanGorder
Bill Verley
Michelle Vignaroli
John Wade
Tyson Wahlberg
Allyson Warsa
Lynne Weaver
Colleen Wiley
Dee Willis
Brandt Wise
Vivi Wittrock
Sophie Wood
Dillon Woods
Judy Yates
Dodie Yee
Nick Yonke
Donna Zollner
Pam Zukowski
Jerry Zwick
‌
‌
‌
Joel & Sue Bjerkestrand
55 years
Bob & Elayne Campbell
66 years
Clay & Linda Cline
54 years
Herb & Chris Fluharty
61 years
Henry & Donna Hanson
58 years
Dick & Marilyn Kemp
71 years
Rex & Kathy Salthun
53 years
Cindy & Larry Schommer
51 years
Duane & Pat Thoms
56 years
‌