SE Asia Missionaries

Update from our missionary family



After a two-month furlough in the US, Todd and his family are back in the mission field of SE Asia. Their summer included visits with family, friends, and supporters. 

Todd blessed La Casa by providing both a missionary update and the worship message on Sunday, June 30th. His sermon, 'Together Through Christ Jesus,’ emphasized Paul's teaching on diverse groups coming together into unity. Todd’s personal story of being immersed in a different culture for 18 years enriched his message of the Gospel.

As Todd completes a one-year cohort and spiritual formation program, as his wife Katie pursues a Counseling degree, and as their four children, 2nd – 10th grade, start a new school year, we’re asked to pray for their safety and spiritual growth. We pray that the Lord will teach our Missionary family, and ourselves, to grow in cross-cultural friendships and be bridge-builders and peace-makers in this world.

For more information about our Missionary Support Ministry, and to view the June 30th worship service at which Todd spoke, click here.

Organ Recital

How Do I Plan for an Organ Recital?



First of all, I hope you were able to attend my 8th organ recital at La Casa this past September! Most of my recitals have had just three words in the title, and maybe you’ll remember some: A New Year, Hymns to Him, Keys to the Keys, From Other Places, Made in America, Image and Reflection, Impromptu!, and now Bells and Belles. I usually find inspiration for my theme based on a casual remark in the year like, "Could we have more hymns in the recital?" (which turned in to Hymns for Him); in 2018 several people asked for Phantom of the Opera which ballooned into From Other Places and this year our bell choir has been working on a hard repertoire and also growing in size, so I found inspiration in pieces that were centered around bells… or belles, or that were simply bellissimo. Click here to view the recital.

And within each recital, of course, I have to balance loud and soft pieces, fast and slow, and esoteric with familiar tunes. In Bells and Belles, you may have noticed many French works; as church members and friends prepare to go to France in May 2025, I found some delight in learning some French pieces that had been on my to-do list for 15 years or so. Merci et à la prochaine!

Dr. Jeremy Peterman

🎼 Get to Know Your Choir

Lisa Larson

Lisa was born in Virginia but grew up in Prescott, AZ, which she considers to be her hometown. Her interests include spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, anything to do with water and the beach, game nights, and skiing, to name a few.

She relocated to Phoenix in 2018 and joined the Carillon de Cristo hand bell choir. Being a utility ringer, she can play any part Jeremy assigns to her, but typically you'll find her playing E6/7 or F6/7. Lisa's favorite piece to play is 'Finale from Symphony No. 2' by Widor, and her favorite hymn is 'Blessed Assurance.'

Lisa's musical journey started on the piano at age 5. In the 4th grade she took up the clarinet, and in 7th grade, she was assigned the bassoon. She played the trumpet for a year in college. She told us that she played in a steel drum band and the lead pan was by far the most humbling and challenging instrument to master. Of all the instruments she has taken up, her favorite ones to play are hand bells and the steel drum. As a member of Carillon de Cristo, Lisa's favorite thing is coming together to create beautiful music to glorify our Lord and Savior. She said, "I truly believe music connects us to God in unique ways and allows us to express our love to God with our whole being."

When asked how the Holy Spirit has affected her life, she told us, "I was born and raised in the Lutheran faith and am so very grateful to receive God's grace and to feel His love for me every day of my life."

La Casa | Women

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. Psalm 145:4, 13

God is weaving together the most amazing ‘tapestry’ of generations for His Glory. This reflects His heart for the family of God, men and women, young and old, altogether. As we prepare for life with Him in Eternity one day, the beauty of multiple generations gathering, is powerful! The All-NEW MOMS (and grandMOMS) ministry is in full swing and exploding with participation. Encouragement, love, and joy abounds. Our doors are wide open to welcome ANY mom at any time. It is not too late join… not ever!



Women’s Bible Study, The Christmas Table, and Women’s Refresh Weekend are designed with every woman’s heart in mind, at any age and stage! Everything we do is an opportunity to not only attend and connect yourself, but to also invite another along with you. Have you checked out our Women’s Ministry website recently? I invite you to click here. Let me help YOU find your place to belong. Your heart matters to God and it matters to me! 

With love,

XOXOX

Paula Webb

Director of Women's Ministry

The busyness of fall has commenced! The slow summer days have quickly turned into busy days filled with homework, activities, school events, church events and MORE. As a mom of three, most days, I feel like I can’t keep up! 

The advice I usually hear from people is to slow down, treasure the moment, take things off the calendar. While those are all very true statements, I continue to have the question, BUT HOW? The activities my kids are involved in, they love. The social events we commit to, build friendships. The church events we go to grow our faith. What does it look like to slow down? 

I’ve tried ALL sorts of solutions for this, none of which have been realistic for me, until recently. Generally speaking, I am not the most organized in HOW I read my Bible, meaning, I rarely have a schedule or plan I follow. I have noticed that sometimes the LESS organized I am with it, the MORE I feel God speak to me. 

The other day, I opened my Bible to a random page and I landed on the book of Job. That particular day, I had woken up with great anxiety. It wasn’t that something specific happened, I just felt anxious. As I read about Job, I learned that he felt every way I was feeling that morning. He was frustrated, felt alone and felt overwhelmed. These were ALL very familiar feelings to me. Do you know what Job did? He fell to the ground and worshipped (Job 1:2.) Now, I would love to tell you that from then on, Job felt great! However, he continued to go through many emotions and struggled to sit still. He continuously poured out his heart to God with all the ways he was feeling. Many friends and leaders stepped in to say to him (in my own words) “Hey Job, God’s got you. It may not feel like it in this moment, but He is here. Keep going.” 

Now you ask, but what does this have to do with being busy? My realization is this: It’s hard to hear God when I am not taking the time to listen. Spending 10 minutes in the morning, simply reading His word and hearing His comfort and peace has made all the difference for me. While things aren’t neccesarily being crossed off the calendar (yet), by spending time in His word, it gives me a purpose, a reminder and great joy in resting in Him. 

I’ve learned that in the busyness, I need to make room for Him. I suggest to start small so it isn’t overwhelming. I pray that in this season, you find room for Him, no matter how busy it feels.

Staci Medina

Director of Children's Ministry



A Ride, A Reminder: Grateful for New Mercies

You may not know this about me, but I drive for Uber on the side. Through this experience, I’ve been learning so much about the human journey—the struggles, the joys, the ups and downs we all face.

For many, their ride becomes a moment to unburden their hearts, and I get a front-row seat to their stories.

One Friday morning at approximately 9:35 am, Michael got into my car. He had a backpack and a jar of applesauce in hand. I asked how he was, and he smiled and said, "I’m doing great. I’ve had plenty of water and some food today." What followed was a vulnerable sharing of the challenges he’s faced over the last few years. Michael shared how he intentionally looks for things to be grateful for, because when he doesn’t, something just feels off.

His words struck me deeply—I needed to hear that reminder. In that moment, I realized how often I complain, when really, I should be more mindful of the blessings in my life.

Then, as if on cue, God whispered to my soul, reminding me of Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.”

It hit me—no matter how much we complain, every day is a new opportunity, a fresh outpouring of His mercy.

So now, I pass this question on to you: what will you do with the new mercy God has given you today?

Ryan Callahan, Director of High School Ministry

Have you ever visited Arcosanti, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, or Boyce Thompson Arboretum? Have you gone to the Heard, Gilbert Historical or Mesa Historical museums? Want to learn and experience any of these and more?

You can enjoy these experiences for free by checking out a culture pass from your local Phoenix Public Library. A culture pass provides free admission for two people at various cultural institutions. Bring your library card to your local branch, let them know which culture pass you would like. The library staff member will give you a date due slip, good for seven days from time of check out, which is your ticket admitting two people to the venue of your choice. You will not need to return the slip, it expires on its own. Culture passes are limited to one per family at a time. You may select up to two passes per month. What a fun and inexpensive way to explore!

Love of Learning is changing the meeting date for October only. We will meet on Tuesday, October 22 at 1pm in Room B for the Art of Beading with Mona Chan. Join Mona and learn about beading. You will be able to make and take home a stretchy wrist bracelet. Register here.

Blessings,

Donna Bosley



What Time of Day Do I Take My Medicine?

Did I take my blood pressure medication this morning? Or was that the pill for my diabetes? Maybe I should stop taking some of this medicine, since it’s so hard to remember so many pills?

If you are having trouble remembering your medication, it might be time to make a daily medication schedule. Keeping track of medicines can be tricky, especially if you are treating several health conditions. The more medicines you take, the easier it is to make a mistake. But with a few tips, even managing multiple conditions can become a smooth routine.

Build a schedule around your day

Gather a list of your medicines, both prescription and non-prescription. Double check that your list matches the one that is in the system at your healthcare provider’s office. Confirm with your pharmacist what medications can be taken together and if the recommended time of day is day or night.

Create a blank chart. You can make your own or download one from the internet.

Split your daily schedule into segments that match your routines. For example, you may have morning medicines and bedtime medicines. Experts recommend taking medicines fewer than 4 times a day.

Start with medicines that are time specific

Some medications have to be taken at a certain time each day. It may be helpful to add these medicines to your schedule first, since they have less wiggle room.

Find the most convenient time to take other medicines

For medicines that can be taken any time each day, find a time that is convenient and easy. But always remember that certain medicines may have side effects. For example:

If your antidepressant makes you sleepy, take it at bedtime.

If a medicine causes you nausea, you may feel better taking it after eating.

Add each medicine to your chart until it is complete.

How to remember to take your medicine

Make your chart visible. Tape it somewhere you’ll see it each day.

Use a pill box. This can help you stay organized.

Set an alarm.

Ask for help. Have someone help you create a chart.

These tips will help you stay organized, as well as independent!

Blessings...

Jean Knowling, R.N.

Parish Nurse