May 2024 Anno Domini

“All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish," they said. Jesus said, "Bring them here." Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to the congregation. They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand were fed.”
Matthew 14:17-21 (The Message)

6300 E Bell Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Tel (480) 948-1234
lacasadecristo.com
Key Dates This Month
  • Cinco de Mayo Family Event at Desert Horizon Park 12pm - 5/5


  • Pentecost Sunday - 5/19


Feeding the Crowd

I like how a date can represent a major historical event. Until recently, I had not heard of "5&2 day," celebrated annually on May 2nd by the cast of "The Chosen," which recalls the passage in scripture where Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a crowd of 5,000! The Chosen, a television series, has been described as the most authentic portrayal of Jesus' life and teachings. The goal of the creator of the show is to reach 1 billion people with the Gospel, probably to make Jesus more famous!

Just prior to the exchange in Matthew 14:17-21 (above), we are told in Matt. 14:3-12 of the execution of Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist. At this news, Jesus tried to slip away to a quiet place, but someone noticed and word got out and, before you know it, a large crowd formed. Many in the crowd were healed as Jesus took pity on them. But it was getting late in the day and the disciples urged Jesus to dismiss the people so they could go home to eat. Instead, Jesus took this opportunity to perform a miracle by not only physically feeding the people, but spiritually feeding them. Picture a grassy area large enough for 5,000 people to hang out and have a meal with the Savior of the world! Jesus' goal was to make THE Creator famous by reaching a captive audience!

Isn't that what we would love to see more of? Let's keep feeding the people in our lives... with delicious food and spiritual daily bread!

Nancy G.
Our 50th Anniversary kick-off on April 21 was truly a once in a lifetime event! Look for the next step to be the release of our congregation-wide survey on Pentecost weekend, May 18/19!
 
May is usually a time we think of graduations, end of the school year, and moving into summertime. With the call to discipleship of Jesus Christ, we never “graduate” into a time in our lives when we can say, “I have been there and done that for the church. Let the (fill in the blank) younger ones, newer members, older members, empty nesters, retirees do the work of the church. I have put in my time.”
 
As we recently covered in the call of Abram and Sarai in worship, we are never too old or too young to do the Lord’s work. 
 
Have you been missing from worship lately? Only tuning in online with no good reason to not be on campus? Did you miss all the excitement here April 21 and 28? A big party, nine baptisms in one day, and a new members class? 
 
Come share the Spirit! If you have been AWOL from the SS La Casa de Cristo ship that has embarked for our fiftieth, come share in the excitement!
 
As Abram and Sarai, also known as Abraham and Sarah, can attest, you never graduate or retire from the Lord's service!

In Christ,

Pastor Jeff Ruby, Lead Pastor
Hadrian's Arch in Jerash, Jordan
Hadrian's Arch was built as a city gate in Jerash, Jordan in the 2nd century. Hadrian was the emperor of the Roman empire at that time. The gate is an impressive triple-bay monument that makes up one of the largest known arch structures in the Roman Empire. It contains four columns with detailed capitals, giving the arches a distinctive touch. Today the arch is known as "Bab Amman" because it is the gate that faces towards Amman.



Even though this is located in Jordan, this gate helps us to visualize the grand city of Jerusalem. Hadrian had also taken over Jerusalem and rebuilt the city which was still in ruins from the first Roman-Jewish war. The north-side city gate constructed in Jerusalem had triple arches similar to the one in Jerash, built around the same time period. The ancient gate in Jerusalem is no longer complete, only parts remain. It has since been built up by a later-period gate. But, we can look to the standing monument in Jordan to visualize what one of the 2nd century gates in Jerusalem would have looked like.

Pastor Matt Knopf

Where is this piece of stained glass located in the Sanctuary? 
And who is depicted on it?
Besides Luke, which other book of the Bible did Luke write?
Revelation
Acts
Haggai
What time of day did the Apostles receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost?
9th Hour
9am
5pm
The answers will be in the next
What's Happening Wednesday e-News.

Knifty Knitters

Twenty years ago, Elly Johnson and Brenda Dettmann’s concern for those who were hospitalized or going through cancer treatment led them to form a ministry to bring knitters together for fellowship and a purpose… to knit prayer shawls for those in the congregation who were going through a trial. They estimate that the group, whose numbers have fluctuated over the years, has created between 1,500 and 1,600 prayer shawls! They have blessed so many with their talents and time spent knitting (about 30 hours per prayer shawl). Once a shawl is complete, the women pray a blessing over the shawl and it is then lovingly wrapped in a gift bag with a blessing, written on a card, to encourage the recipient.

Those who have been given one of these shawls have thanked the group by letting them know how appreciated and comforting such a gift is, and that they feel wrapped in prayer, peace and love!
Upper left: Knifty Knitters praying a blessing over the prayer shawls and hats.

Right: Hats lovingly made to send to South Africa with the Orchard Africa group going in June.

Lower left: A variety of prayer shawls.
Then along comes Pastor Garman with a special request to knit 50 hats for the children they will be loving on in South Africa during their trip in June with Orchard Africa. The Knifty Knitters went right to work on this special project and the results are beautiful, colorful and a sight to behold! Thank you ladies!!

Over the years, the Knifty Knitters have received many donations of yarn, but many times they purchase their own supplies. If you wish to donate yarn, the washable/dryable types are best. If you are looking for a fun group to join, give Knifty Knitters a try! Don’t knit? They will teach you! Only like to crochet? That’s okay too! There are several crocheters in the group. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month (September to May – no meetings in June, July or August) at 3:30pm in Room 107. If you have questions, visit lacasadecristo.com/g-groups and look for Knifty Knitters.
As I gaze around the Sanctuary I see so many people eager to join the Sanctuary Choir. Here is your opportunity to give the Sanctuary Choir a try. The choir sings in worship once a month during the summer season beginning in June. However you can join anytime. The Apostle Paul’s writing encourages the church to speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. “The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological,” Graham Welch, chair of music education at the Institute of Education at the University of London, said in a Heart Research UK statement. “The benefits of singing range from the physical — because it boosts oxygen levels in the blood — to the psychological — because it lowers stress and boosts feelings of community.”  You are always guaranteed a great seat in the Sanctuary and, remember, the higher you are in the Sanctuary, the closer you are to God (insert smile). We give listening links and specific information that you would need for the worship service. Singing in the choir builds harmony in body, mind and spirit.”  The choir uses music which emphasizes the message of the day, bringing a rich dynamic to the text.  Please contact jsheldon@lacasadecristo.com if you would like to stretch your vocal chords and sing in the choir.

Jennifer Sheldon
Director of Music and Worship
From the Handbell Tower

On April 28, the Carillon de Cristo handbell ensemble performed a monumental arrangement of “The Great Gate of Kiev” by Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881). Before being turned into a musical portrayal, the Great Gate of Kiev was first a drawing by a Russian artist and architect named Viktor Hartmann who, as columnist Don Morrison states, “entered a design competition for an ornamental gate in Kiev, capital of Ukraine. The gate was to commemorate a failed assassination attempt against its ruler, Alexander II, the Tsar of Russia.”
In the music world, Mussorgsky’s work is so well known that, when Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began in 2022, I wondered, "will the Great Gate of Kiev remain intact?” Well, I just recently learned that the gate was never built—the Tsar lost interest in the commemoration project and it remained known only by Hartmann’s painting and Mussorgsky’s music that was inspired by it. The majestic Great Gate of Kiev is the glorious finale to the 10-piece “Pictures at an Exhibition” all inspired by the works of Hartmann. Our handbell arrangement is filled with full and rich chords, scales, contrasting chimes sections, and even tubular bells (aka orchestral chimes)! If you missed it, watch it on our YouTube channel.
Dr. Jeremy Peterman
Organist and Handbell Director
🎼 Get to Know Your Choir


Carol Larson

I taught kindergarten in the Paradise Valley Unified School District for many years. I am now retired, and love to spend time with family and our grandchildren. I volunteer with MOPS at La Casa, volunteer at Desert Shadows and Sky Crossing schools as reading support for students, and love singing with the choir and playing piano.

I sang at La Casa with the worship team for 17 years, and just recently joined the choir. My favorite hymn is Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone. I am a soprano, and my favorite part about singing with the choir is singing praises to the Lord in fellowship with other singers who find great joy in singing also.

Words of scripture put to songs of praise gives me another way to remember precious scriptures and promises that the Lord has given to us. Reassurance, Joy, Hope, Comfort and Praise all become part of my daily routine as I sing and play at home as well as being able to share joy through music at church.

The Holy Spirit lives and moves and breathes within me. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to all of us. He gives me that blessed assurance that Jesus is always with me through it all.

It is always my hope that some part of a song being sung or words of a song touch someone in the congregation who may need to be reminded that the Lord is always with them through each and every day. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Hello La Casa WOMEN!

The momentum of God's love is powerful! God's love is an invitation to be expressed through community. Please allow me to offer a huge thank you for the embrace I've received here at La Casa, after only a few short months leading women's ministry. Your generosity and intentional touches have welcomed me into a new church family which is extraordinary! I want all to know the power of being 'invited in,' included, and loved so very well!

Are you hungry for connection and community? Have YOU registered yet, dear friend, for BRINGO? It's not too late. I invite you in. Friendship IS God’s idea. As our women’s ministry is growing to include all women, all ages, and all faiths, Saturday morning May 11 will be another opportunity to experience the joy of the LORD, together. Find out all the details at lacasadecristo.com/bringo.

A 5-week Summer Season Bible study will launch June 4-July 2 on Tuesday evenings. I invite each of you into serving and connecting opportunities to join in this community that we call La Casa WOMEN, and to experience God’s love. Details and registration can be found here.

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,…’ ~ Jesus (Matthew 25:35)

Thank you, La Casa, for inviting me in. I am eternally grateful!
XOXOX

Paula Webb
Director of Women's Ministry
Last month, I talked about how God is there, no matter what. I wrote about bedtime with my daughter, Claire. After reading my contribution, Nancy Gerardo told me about something she used to do with her own kids. She would go through the alphabet with her kids at prayer time and they would thank God for things that started with the letter of the day.

I thought to myself, what a fun, simple idea to try! Let me tell you, it has been a GREAT success, not only for Claire but for myself! I think sometimes I tend to get focused on the people and the blessings that are within my tight knit circle, you know, my immediate family and friends. There is, of course, NOTHING wrong with thanking God for these things, but this simple activity got me thinking outside of the box.

As we laid in bed and got to the letter “C”, we began going through different things God made…we started off with Claire, cookies, cats and continued on with the letter. Suddenly, Claire said excitedly, "I HAVE SOMEONE!" I said “who?” She said “Cameron!” As soon as she said the name Cameron, I knew exactly who she meant. You see, Cameron is a grocery bagger at our local Fry’s. Whenever we go, he greets us with a big smile, a joke and usually uses a silly voice to say something. Claire looks for him each time we go to the store. I said “what a great idea Claire! That’s so great you thought of Cameron.” She said,” He always makes me smile.”

As we have continued on with the letters, we have both thought of many things that we normally may not pray for each night. No matter what your age is, I challenge you to do this same activity: start with A and thank God for things that start with that letter. God has created SO many wonderful things, what will YOU thank Him for? 

Staci Medina, Director of Children's Ministry

Here we are in the month of May and, as I sat down to write, I realized May means something different to different people depending on the season of life they are in.

My first thought was, it is the end of school year and graduations will be taking place, but that season only applies to some. Of course, I also thought about Mother’s Day, which again means something different to all of us depending on family dynamics.

For me, it is also the end of the 23-24 Refuge group and Confirmation classes, when I will say “Good Luck” to those going into Hi School and “Welcome” to those who are entering the group.

Then there are summer events to think about: summer camps, pool parties and gym jams. For families, that might mean travel, relatives visiting, or completing jobs around the house. No matter what lies ahead, most of us will be busy and, with that, sometimes comes stress and worry.

As I write, God keeps entering my mind. After all, Colossians 3:23 tells us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," and Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

It comes down to trusting, acknowledging and putting God first. As a reminder, here are a few ways to put God first during the summer months and beyond: Start your day with prayer. Wake up and thank Him for another day and ask for guidance to cope with the difficulties. Pray you will feel His presence throughout the day. I am focusing on one verse for a year. Pick a verse and put it on a note card where you will see it every day. Jesus' first command is to love God, but it is also important to live that out by loving others. So, if you are looking to put God first, consider finding ways throughout the day to help others. This help can come in simple forms, like holding the door, donating food and resources - anything that expresses love for others.

There are many more ways to put God first, but if you start your day with prayer, remember it is important to end your day with prayer. Put God first by reading the Bible or use a devotional that is designed to help you learn and grow. What better way to pursue putting God first than to start and end the day with Him?

Suzan Scudder, Director of Jr. High Ministries
Mindfulness

Mindfulness is when you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress. Mindfulness is a quality that every human being already possesses; it’s not something we conjure up, you just have to learn how to access it. Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

Practicing Mindfulness in Action:
1.    Take a seat. Find a place to sit that feels calm and quiet to you.
2.    Set a time limit. If you’re just beginning, it can help to choose a short time, such as 5 or 10 minutes.
3.    Notice your body. You can sit or kneel however is comfortable for you. Just make sure you are stable and in a position you can stay for awhile.
4.    Feel your breath. Follow the sensation of your breath as it goes out and as it goes in.
5.    Notice when your mind has wandered.  When you get around to noticing this – in a few seconds, a minute, five minutes – simply return your attention to the breath.
6.    Be kind to your wandering mind. Don’t judge yourself or obsess over the content of the thoughts you find yourself lost in. Think positive thoughts.
When we practice mindfulness, we’re practicing the art of creating space for ourselves – space to think, space to breathe, space between ourselves and our reactions. While mindfulness might seem simple, it’s not necessarily all that easy. The real work is to make time every day to just keep doing it!

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Blessings...
Jean Knowling, R.N.
Parish Nurse
Scott Akin
Margie Alex
Dave Anderson
Karen Archibald
Michelle Ausdemore
Steve Auton
Amanda Bacus
Morgaine Barnes
Pat Becker
Janet Berg
Sydney Berner
Mitchell Berner
Stephanie Bettis
Jennifer Blalock-Wallert
Brian Bohart
Jan Boykin
Cheryl Budde
Keineth Bunish
Terry Bunish
Matthew Busch
David Busch
Kaley Caldwell
Jennifer Calvetti
Jesse Calvetti
Bob Cantazaro
Keri Carpenter
Sara Carpenter
Brent Carr
Alyssa Castro
Audrey Christiansen
Mary Church
Brett Clark
Jodie Clark
Maxwell Clement
Jim Cockerham
Lillie Colclough
Baerbel Coulson
Levi Crichton
Brent Crichton
Debi Danner
Susan Daugs
Lisa Daugs
Tom Dohmeier
Kelly Dyer
Kristina Dyrr
Stephanie Eck
Kathryn Ellefsen
Charlie Erlandson
Romy Erlandson
Jared Faraci
Cherlyn Faulds
Alan Fernandez
Pat Foley
Sue Frandson
Greg Gauer
Harrison Gaunt
Tyler Geise
Debbie Geise
Denise Good
Jody Goodvin
Josh Green (Roderick)
Bill Gronlund
Kelly Hall
Mikey Hanson
Henry Hanson
Danny Hanson
Shawn Harmon
Cale Haug
Carroll Haydon
Doug Hayes
Jane Hedman
Ray Heilman
Carmen Herrington
Stacy Hilgendorf
Joan Hockamier
Dylan Hoffman
Preston Holding
Sandy Holding
Nancy Hood
Diane Howard
Becky Huls
Pat Humphrey
Jessica Ingersoll
Kristin Jacobs
Gabby Jeannet
Heather Jennings
Connor Jennings
Laura Jobke
Kendall Johnson
Liam Keegan
Pete Klees
George Kokodynski
Kate Kokodynski
Craig Kruse
Dick Kulczycki
Karen LaLone
Jeanie Ledet
Jose Leon
Lexie Lesser
Jeremiah Long
Dean Lundquist
Melissa Lyng
Kathy Lyng
Jolene Madden
Barb Maglich
Karen Majeske
Mitchell Mallinak
Dan Mangelsdorf
Joyce Mann
Amy Mariucci
Sharon Martin
Angela McCormick
Roxane McLaughlin
Emily McLaughlin
Dean McMillan
Diane Meza
Frances Millbranth
Katie Mitchell
Carissa Moll
Lane Moulton
Mindy Mulder
Ryan Mulder
Lucy Muller
Heather Muller
Billie Murphy
Dylan Nelson
Terry Nelson
Pat Oberg
Mandy Olmut
Noel Olmut
Kathy Olsen
Alexandria Olson
Jim Overman
Bil Perry
Trish Peters
Lars Petersen
Cynthia Peterson
Brenda Peterson
Michelle Poletti
Kari Price
Nancy Prinsze
John Raines
Christobel Rajan
Kevin Redifer
Gloria Rice
Alyssa Rosales
Lisa Rounds
Nicole Ruggiero
Kierstin Saldana
Liz Salmins
Lindsay Sanneman
Olivia Schanafelt
Lily Schmal
Owen Schmal
Nathan Scholten
Neva Schwartz
Shirley Scott
Dawn Seagren
Vicki Seidner
Andrew Setter
Doug Shaffer
Keegan Shaft
Meredith Shepard
Frank Shirvinski
Jerry Simcox
Zeek Simpson
Brynn Sinclair
Tony Smith
Vickie Smith
Baron St. Clair
Del Steinmetz
Lori Sun
Bonnie Swanson
Sarah Szanto
Johnny Tassone
John Tassone
Thad Theil
Gary Tooker
Kay Truemper
John Ulrich
Nick Vakula
Erika Verley
Claire Wahlberg
Brian Wahlberg
Jacob Walker
Marilyn Walsh
Doris Webber
Jim Weeldreyer
Donna Weeldreyer
Travis Weese
Lauren Weiler
Logan Weiler
Rob Westra
Pam Whiteman
Ethan Williams
Ethan Wolff
Bryson Wood
Kyle Wood
Dylan Wood
Jana Woods
Brandon York
Amanda Yu
Jessica Zeman
Bill Zint
Diane Zwick
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Carl & Janet Bosch
56 years
Betty & Anthony Cataffo
51 years
Maureen & Leighton Fisk
62 years
JoAnn & Joe Girardi
60 years
Bob & Susan Hughes
56 years
Rick & Janet Knopf
53 years
John & Becky Layman
54 years
Rod & Ellen McKinley
53 years
Chuck & Karen Nelson
65 years
Bob & Linda Nixon
51 years
Art & Sharon Simpson
52 years
Dan & Bette Stevens
60 years
Bill & Erika Verley
59 years
Dave & Sharon Wayne
60 years