June 2023 Anno Domini

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matt. 6:25-27
La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church

6300 E Bell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Tel (480) 948-1234
lacasadecristo.com
Key Dates This Month

REMINDERS
We all need to be reminded from time to time what we know in our hearts to be true...God is sovereign and cares about each one of us deeply. The scripture passage above instructs us to not worry, but that is easier said than done. As parents, we may have a hard time letting our children spread their wings and take on something challenging or scary. We may worry about how we will afford college for them. As adults, taking care of our elderly parents brings with it another level of anxiety over their care and safety. But will it add a single hour to anyone's life?

After reading "The Power of Prayer and Fasting" by Ronnie Floyd, I had an opportunity to put into practice what I learned, because worrying was going to do no good. My nephew in NY had been in a rehab facility to 'get clean' and was going to be released but had nowhere to live. I asked several family members to fast and pray with me and, on the day he was released, the family of someone he had met in rehab took him in and gave him a job on top of a place to live! God is not a 'genie in a bottle,' but He does hear our prayers and He answers them. In this case, it was almost immediately! We know God's timing is perfect, but it is not our timing! Just continue to pray and trust Him.

Lord, thank you for your provision, your protection, your promises, and your peace which surpasses all understanding. And thank you for your Word which reminds us that you are always with us and will never leave us nor forsake us. That, alone, is a great comfort. Amen.

Nancy G.
Friend!

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times.”

A friend has many qualities. Among them are understanding, sympathy, empathy, trustworthiness, kindness, frankness, and honesty. All of these together add up to the one penetrating characteristic that marks the foundation of all friendship – love.
“Love is patient and kind, love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in what is right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never ends.” I Corinthians 13:4-8).
Jesus Christ is the world’s greatest friend. His love never comes to an end. He loves us no matter what. Christ is a friend who loves at all times.
A woman weary from long hours of watching her husband struggle for life in his illness, said to her pastor, “Thanks, pastor, for standing by.” A friend is one who stands by, prepared and ready to help, to help at any time, because they are the ones who love and are there in Jesus' name. Christ stands by as our sure friend.

Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for being our friend. Through Christ, we give thanks that your love penetrates our fears and our anxieties. Lead us to mirror from our hearts your amazing love as we share your love with others. Amen.

Pastor Joel Bjerkestrand, Visitation Pastor
Magdala

Magdala (or Migdal) is located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The ancient settlement began around the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE and lasted into the 3rd century CE. Excavations have uncovered a first century lake town with several structures and Jewish ritual baths. Of significant note is the uncovering of the oldest excavated synagogue in Galilee, and amongst the oldest in all of Israel. The Migdal Synagogue dates back to the Second Temple Period, giving new insight into the function of synagogues in the era of the Jerusalem temple. Inside of the synagogue sat the now-famous "Magdala Stone" which depicts the Jerusalem temple engraved into the sides of a rectangular quartzite stone. It is possible (many believe likely) that the creator of this art saw the temple in person in order to carve the creation, giving us significant information about the temple structure itself. On one side of the stone you can see the seven-branched menorah, one of the earliest known illustrations of the temple lampstands. As indicated by her name, it is believed that this is the town that Mary Magdalene is from.
Where is this piece of stained glass located in the Sanctuary? 

What is depicted on this piece of stained glass?
How many sacraments are in the Lutheran Tradition?
7
2
3
Zero
The Parable of Wheat and Weeds is in what book of the Bible?
Genesis
Jesse
Matthew
Song of Songs
The answers will be in the next
What's Happening Wednesday e-News.
The Bridge to Hope

Since 1989, the Bridge to Hope Ministry of La Casa de Cristo has provided a safe home for a mother to begin her journey to exit homelessness. La Casa de Cristo was the first church to partner with The Bridge to sponsor a mother in need. Our church is currently sponsoring a single mother with a 9-month-old son. One of our many team activities is helping to deepen our Bridge mom’s faith in God by bringing her to church and meeting her need for Christ and her understanding of the Gospel.
We also have fun monthly activities, team dinners, engaging speakers, and planned events. We are an active team and would love to have you join us.
The church is always accepting donations of clothing and household items. The Bridge to Hope receives no government funding and depends entirely on donations. For more information and to find out how you can get involved, click here.
From the Music Director

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Ecc. 3:1-4


As a church musician, I am guided by the liturgical seasons of the church year. There are so many exciting ways to form the music in accordance with this cycle. To give some insight into the church year, Christmas is a fixed date on December 25. Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after March 21 (the vernal equinox).

The first season of the church year begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas, or Advent. The name is derived from the Latin word for 'coming.' The Christmas season lasts for 12 days and ends the day before Epiphany. Then Epiphany can last between four and eight Sundays, when we celebrate the arrival of the Magi, the baptism of Christ, the wedding at Cana, and the transfiguration of Christ. We then enter the season of Lent, which lasts 40 days, reflecting the time that Christ spent in the wilderness. The last three days of Lent are the sacred Triduum of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Easter Sunday always falls between March 22 and April 25. In 2024, Easter will be on March 31. This brings us to the longest season of the church year: Pentecost! We celebrate the Holy Spirit throughout Pentecost which continues into Autumn. This season may last as long as 28 weeks and includes Trinity Sunday, which is the first Sunday following Pentecost. Not included on the graph is Reformation, which is the Sunday preceding All Saints.

Now you are well-versed on the calendar year of the Lutheran Church!
The Organist's Corner

With Dr. Jeremy Peterman

Ever wonder how big the bell in the bell tower really is? Ha! I guess I don’t know for sure either, but this picture can put it in perspective! (Gary Spears is pictured from our trip up there in May 2018 and he hasn’t changed a bit!) The bell goes off every weekday at 8:00am, 12:00 noon and 6:00pm. On Sundays it goes off 5 minutes before each service—7:55am, 9:10am, and 10:25am—and on Saturdays at 4:55pm. My organ prelude is supposed to start at precisely five minutes 'til service time as well, so next weekend see how close I am to the bell toll, and how timely the bell is as well! Gary works hard at keeping it exact.
🎼 Get to Know Your Choir

Mona Chan

I was born and grew up in a small rural farming community in NW Iowa. The basic foundation of my values reflect that influence. I worked in the medical profession from an administrative perspective and retired from MI to AZ in 2004. My husband, Frank, and I joined La Casa de Cristo that year and I joined the choir. As an alto, I love the harmony as we sing praises to our Lord through music. The older classic hymns are my favorites.

My hobbies are golf and making jewelry for family, friends and occasionally myself. Our immediate family is scattered over many states except AZ, which provides us wonderful travel opportunities. In 2022, we were blessed with a great-grandson and currently have another great-grandchild expected very soon. Both live in Florida. We are blessed!
MOMS Ministry at La Casa de Cristo

Did you know that we have many single moms in this ministry who struggle with making ends meet? Thanks to some generous people and our "Change for Change," we have been able to provide Fry's gift cards to single moms with only one income. With the increase of the cost of food, it has been very helpful for them to make ends meet.

MOMS will start up again on September 12 and 13, 2023. MOMS ministers to moms with children ages 0 to 18. Registration for next year is now open and you can find more information and register at www.lacasadecristo.com/MOMS/. Childcare is available. We meet about twice a month (only once in November, December and March) and have outstanding speakers to help you with your own faith, family and raising children. We hope you will join us.
When your marriage is better, everything is better!

MarriedPeople is a ministry headed up by David and Jennine Ulibarri which is intentional in helping couples focus on: loving God first, practicing your promise, showing respect and love, and having serious fun! We meet September through April of each year.

Four times a year, Night Out at La Casa takes place on our campus and is designed to inspire couples in large groups in a time of learning from experts. Dinner is provided along with a guest speaker, all while the kids are having fun in childcare.

Also, four times a year, Date Night gives couples the chance to have one-on-one time while their children are cared for by La Casa de Cristo's wonderful MPKids volunteers. We provide you with a date night bag full of fun things to talk about and do on your date.

Make this the year that you decide to invest in your marriage. For more information about MarriedPeople and to register for 2023-2024, go to lacasadecristo.com/marriedpeople/
G-GROUPS
In the Girlfriends ministry, we have many special interest groups. If you would like to get involved in any of these groups, please contact the person listed below:
 
Christian Fiction Book Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 9:30am.
Contact Susan Hughes at shughes@suesusie.com.

Gamin’ Gals meets monthly off campus from 7:00-9:00pm. Contact Jen Heisig at bheisig@hotmail.com.

Hiker Chicks meets October-May. Contact Pam Trueblood at ptrueblood@cox.net.

Knifty Knitters meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 3:30pm.
Contact Elly Johnson at elly@leasingarizona.com.

Lit ‘n Lattes Book Group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3:00pm.
Contact Cheryl Burross at ckburross@gmail.com.

Peace by Piece Quilting meets the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:00am.
Contact Vickie Muente at mickey1814@cox.net.

Soul Food meets at various restaurants on the 2nd Monday of the month at noon.
They also do a service project a couple of times a year at La Casa de Cristo. Contact Susan McGiffert at Susan@SusanMcGiffert.com.

Jennine Ulibarri, Director of Women's Ministries
Ignite Kids

May was an amazing month in Children’s Ministry. We celebrated our moms on Mother’s Day by doing activities family style during our open house morning. At our final Ignite of the school year we celebrated the kids as they “Moved Up” to the next grade. Each child was given a special gift that contained bracelets: one to keep for themselves and, most importantly, one to give a friend or stranger as an invite to La Casa.
 
We continue to be blessed by our AMAZING volunteers! We truly couldn’t do it without them and we thank God for their time and talents.
 
We are excited for VBX 2023, God Seas You! We are in great need of volunteers to help make the week run smoothly. Please consider volunteering as we need ALL HANDS ON DECK! A new volunteer from 2022 said, “I was hesitant to volunteer for VBX as I wasn’t sure if I would know what to do. Boy, was I wrong! I ended the week filled with joy as I watched the kids in our community learn about the love of Jesus. Volunteering was simple and fun and I cannot wait to volunteer next year!”
 
If you haven’t already, please invite your family and friends to join in on the fun! We look forward to a great week of VBX 2023. 

Staci Medina, Director of Children's Ministry
"Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 NLT
 

This verse, combined with the definition of community as “a unified body of individuals,” you get what the La Casa youth group strives to be.  Some recent examples of this are...
  
  • When you celebrate each other’s “highs” and find compassion and understanding in the “lows”

  • When you’ve had a long day of school, homework, practice and/or confirmation, and you still want to be at Girls/Guys' night or RENEW

  • When you share something in small group – maybe a doubt or faith struggle – and you find understanding and support to seek answers

  • When a student, who hasn’t been to youth group for some time, walks in on a Sunday morning or Tuesday or Wednesday evening and they hear people call out “Hey, ***! We’ve missed you!”

  • Or there are several students calling or texting them to say “Hey! Where are you?”
 
These are just a few of the ways the youth group seeks to be a community where we “build each other up.”  

Suzan Scudder, Director of Jr. High Ministries
Save the world...buy a placemat!

Years ago, I met a lady named Linda. Linda had a unique job; she was a certified foster and adoption trainer for families that were looking to be licensed. 
 
I remember one Saturday morning she was teaching a class about the power of the brain. She was talking about how to heal kids of trauma. In the middle of an incredible discussion about 'survival brain' versus 'the thinking brain,' she stopped, somewhat abruptly. 
 
She had the room's attention. For that matter, she had mine as well. 
 
She pulled out a plastic placemat that you can buy at Hobby Lobby. She said, "If you forget everything I have taught you over the last several weekends, don’t forget this. In fact, if it is the only thing you do consistently, you will heal the children that are placed in your home."
 
"Buy a plastic placemat for each of the children in your home and decorate them; make sure you put their names on them. Three to five times a day, pull those placemats out and put them in the child’s spot at your table and provide food."
 
She spent the latter half of the day explaining the importance of a child belonging at your table...the importance of giving them a seat at this table and providing food regularly.
 
Little did I know that this would unlock all sorts of important wisdom for the families that I have been serving in ministry over the last decade.  
 
My goal over the next few articles is to share with you why eating with your children is so important and why it’s probably the most important thing you can do for your family. My desire is to convince you to make this a priority if you aren’t already doing so. 
 
So, check back in July for the next installment. 
 
Ryan Callahan, Director of High School Ministries
Grace Growers Gardening Group
It’s not too late to cultivate some new friendships. We had a very successful first meeting of Grace Growers last month. We would love to have additional people join us so we can grow the group. We will be meeting inside in the air conditioning on Friday, June 9 at 10am in the conference room of the church office. Typically, we will meet on the tenth of each month at 10am. The only exceptions are: if the 10th falls on a Saturday, we will meet on Friday. If the 10th falls on Sunday, we will meet on Monday. Please come with your ideas of how we can beautify the campus together.
 
Desert Foothills Library is hosting a free program on Wednesday, June 7, from 3:30-4:30 where you can meet AZ authors, Patricia L. Brooks and Earl Goldmann, who will discuss their inspiration for the art of writing and share their latest titles. Desert Foothills Library is located at 38443 N. School House Road in Cave Creek. 480-488-2286. This husband and wife have a wealth of life experiences to share. Earl began writing at 82 and is currently writing his third book at age 90! It’s never too early or late to explore your God-given talent.
 
Blessings,
Donna Bosley
On June 3rd, the Mobile Mammography bus will be on the La Sagrada campus to do mammograms for both La Sagrada and La Casa de Cristo congregants. To schedule an appointment: call 480/967-3767.

There will be no scheduled presentations or programs during the summer months, but watch the What's Happening Wednesday e-news for upcoming events such as: Care for the Caregiver, Medicare 101, DUET services, flu immunizations, female incontinence, and CPR training.

Now that the hot summer is upon us, one of the best things you can do for your overall health is to stay hydrated. The human body is comprised of about 60% water. Mild dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body’s water content. This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, and increased fatigue. It can impair energy levels, your mood and lead to reductions in memory and brain performance. It is commonly recommended drinking around 9 cups of fluid in a day for women and 13 cups for men, on average. Or you can use the body weight formula: take 1/3 of your body’s weight and drink that number of ounces in fluid per day. Each person’s hydration requirements are different, depending on factors like medical history, medical conditions and any medications being taken. Talk to your doctor to come up with a personalized hydration plan that meets your unique needs. To stay well-hydrated: drink at regular times throughout the day; drink before you feel thirsty; get your fluids from water or low-calorie beverages, such as sparkling or flavored waters; drink before, during and after exercise. Let’s drink (water) to your health!!

Jean Knowling, R.N.
Parish Nurse
Tanya Adam
Mary Estelle Amberg
Daina Anderson
Jordan Anderson
Shannen Antunes
Darci Aronson
Alan Bacon
Richard Bailey
Dean Bakke
Troy Bales
Dacun Banks
Ray Bell
Sheila Beran-Parker
Christine Berg
Randy Berry
Carly Bettis
Charlie Bimer
Rita Block
Kimberly Bogues
June Bohr
Susan Bolitho
Michael Bostrom
Diane Bothun
Judy Bourassa
Hannah Brennan
Brian Brooks
Carter Brown
Nick Buccino
Bill Buck
Bethany Budd
Nikolas Burandt
Jo Burley
Merilee Carlson
John Cervin
Shelley Chambers
David Costlow
Jessie Coughlan
Sue Cox
Austin Curtis
Nathan Dean
Nikki Deffner
Asher Delaware
Frank Dickson
Rick Dorsey
Samantha Faraci
Pat Faur
Stephen Flaaen
Kathy Fontenot
Scott Fortune
Nancy Foster
Marty Frampton
Eric Gauer
Judy Gayer
Diane Gerdts
Jerry Gilbert
Lisa Gurney
John Guzman
Donna Hanson
David Hanson
Sam Hanson
Scott Harmon
Elizabeth Harris
Joel Haug
Pat Heldt
Thomas Holben
Melanie Hosbein
Steve Jeras
Cara Jones
Karen JUNGEL
Bryce Kartler
Emily Kilburn
Erin Klump
Pastor Matt Knopf
Sue Kulczycki
Ed Lake
Kate LaRue
Nancy Lasater
Jami Layman
Joan Leach
Micah Lindquist
Nancy Long
Glen MacDonell
Chad Mantei
Mitch McAnallen
Kim McLaughlin
Andy Mersiowsky
Megan Miller
Marty Minter
Robert Mitchell
Lisa Mitchell
Zack Mitra
Shelly Mueller
Tracy Nadzieja
John Nelson
Mark Olson
Ed Palmquist
Barbara Parker
Vern Parsons
Julie Pavlik
Katrina Pederson
Corey Peter
Jeremy Peterman
Alex Polan
Bob Porter
Gary Randall
Peggy Redding
Bernie Rierson
Landon Rinehart
Joy Rogers
Kelly Rosenbalm
Kaitlyn Ryan
Kathy Salthun
Lexi Sand
Dave Sanneman
Dick Sar
Joyce Saults
Shirley Schmeiser
Jeri Schuster
Paul Seidman
Roy Semmens
Jerry Sharp
Beverly Siebler
Art Simpson
Carmen Simpson
Ashley Simpson
Kristine Sinclair
Craig Smith
Cindy Smith
Ann Smith
Scott Spiker
Cal Spooner
Morgan Spooner
Lynn Stevens
Tiffany Stewart
Laura Stockslager
Devan Theiler
Bill Thomas
Heather Tomaszewski
Brad Trump
Jim Ulrey
Jill Vasquez
Ruthie Wade
Lloyd Wallace
Sharon Wayne
Adam Weiler
Blake Whiteman
Pam Wilder
Wayne Wilke
Nikki Work
Gordon Yee
Michelle York
Rick Young
Walter Yu
Bryan Zonsius
Arden & Laurel Andersen
60 years
Steve & Susie Bane
52 years
Daniel & Kathy Bosley
54 years
Terry & Keineth Bunish
52 years
Tom & Karen Clark
58 years
Dave & Marty Frampton
57 years
Al & Judy Franson
58 years
Don & Roxy Fronko
52 years
Bill & Mickey Gronlund
64 years
Gary & Jennifer Haarer
55 years
Elmer & Arlene Hansen
66 years
Loren & Judy Harmon
62 years
Frank & Pat Heldt
50 years
Tim & Nancy Hood
54 years
Jim & Heidi Jurs
53 years
Darrell & Aileen Knudson
65 years
Frank & Esther Kovacs
51 years
Barbara & Al Kulvinskas
59 years
Sterling & Rita Laaveg
55 years
Dave & Elsie Leicken
60 years
Jim & Gayle Leonard
55 years
Oron & Sue Mersing
58 years
Carl & Dianne Mumford
60 years
Jim & Donna Murphy
63 years
Ken & Pat Oberg
69 years
Tom & Missy Osburn
56 years
Rick & Janis Powell
56 years
Duane & Linda Reuer
58 years
John & Darlene Skarda
60 years
Dale & Donna Smiler
69 years
Burt & Gwen Traub
63 years
Marcia & Bruce Trey
51 years
Randy & Peggy Wensman
52 years
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