From the Baton of the Director of Music

Ten Reasons to Sing in the Choir

10. You’ll gain another family!

The choir is a group of people who not only sing together, but watch out for each other. We are a community. You express your soul in song.

9. Everybody needs a good midweek worship service!

Don’t let the words “choir rehearsal” deceive you. Yes, you will learn your choir part, but you’ll also worship God in the words and the music and leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your week.

8. American idol...

You don’t have to appear on American Idol to sing in the choir. One of the most amazing things about choir ministry is how God takes voices – some strong and others not so strong – evens things out and brings forth beautiful music.

7. No music degree needed

If not having a degree in music has been keeping you from singing in the choir, then your non-singing in the choir days are OVER! We have tools to help you learn the music.

6. Different perspective

We take each piece of music and deconstruct it and put it back together – looking at not only the music, but discussing the text and the mood of each piece. Singing is praying twice.

5. Team effort

You are never alone. There is a lot of communication through e-mail. We give listening links and any specific information you need for the worship service so you are never out of the loop.

4. Choir is fun!

You are guaranteed to smile in choir rehearsal - at least once.

3. Choir is an extension of the pulpit

There are many great hymns written for the congregation to sing. The Sanctuary Choir uses music which emphasizes the message of the day, bringing a rich dynamic to the theme or message; songs that teach, encourage, compel and call to action. The choir acts as musical ambassadors for the Word.

2. Always guaranteed a seat

On Christmas and Easter, you are always guaranteed a seat!

1. Gesang ist dasein - "To sing is to be." And "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise." - Martin Luther

JOIN the CHOIR starting September 10th at 6:45pm. Music Rehearsal Room

Jennifer Sheldon

Director of Music

From the Organist's Chamber

What’s my favorite hymn tune? It’s a cross between Engelberg's “When In Our Music God Is Glorified” and Hyfrydol, among others, “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” For the prelude on August 9/10 of this year, I played one of my favorite pieces: “Prelude on Hyfrydol” by Carol Muehlig. What I like about it is that it starts softly and grows and grows throughout the piece, till virtually all the stops are pulled.



Dr. Jeremy Peterman

Organist and Handbell Director

You probably know how to go back and watch our services online, so I won’t share that link with you; however, I also played it as my encore to the concert that our Sanctuary Choir performed in Prague on Oct. 11, 2023. Although you can’t see me till the end, you’ll get a good look inside the church. This is an organ that Mozart played on! You’ll find it interesting that I hadn’t had a chance to practice beforehand, so I was “winging” the registrations with the help of Jeff Harris, whom you’ll also see in the video.

Click here to watch Jeremy play “Prelude on Hyfrydol” in Prague, Czechia at the Church of Francis of Assisi.

🎼 Get to Know Your Choir

Mary Aiton

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Phoenix with my family in 2009. I come from an Irish family where everyone loves to sing, and some play instruments. I can play the clarinet at about an elementary school level…but that’s about it! According to my mother, my identical twin sister and I would sing together as toddlers! In high school, I participated in a competitive choir and performed in the school musicals, while also participating in the local church choir. In addition to singing, I love to paint/draw, horseback ride, exercise, and participate in activities with my family. 

Prior to the pandemic (during which I was pregnant with my daughter), I was a Licensed Professional Counselor who worked with children and adolescents. I am currently a stay-at-home mom. I live with my wonderful husband, Stephen, and we have four children: Connor (22), McKaela (20), Aidan (16) and Clare (4). Clare is a member of the Children’s Choir at La Casa de Cristo.

I will have been in the choir for one year this November. I am an alto who sometimes pretends to be a tenor or soprano. My favorite hymn is On Eagle’s Wings. Although it is not a hymn, I absolutely love Vivaldi’s Gloria. 

My favorite thing about the choir: I love having the opportunity to sing beautiful hymns with a group of kind and friendly people. Music is a powerful medium for evoking and expressing emotions. Listening to and singing beautiful hymns really helps me feel connected with God.  

As the Fall season promises activity and involvement ramping up here at La Casa, the season of suffering, of grief, the season of health challenges, or ‘fill in your blank’ continues for many… a sprinkle of pumpkin spice is nice but not nearly enough to sugar coat the deep soul needs we have. The Gospel love of Jesus meets us when we’re open to receiving the blessing of saving grace, over and over again. Daily.

Jesus IS the Savior of the world who saves us once for all eternity, but I’ve found that He ‘saves’ me daily from my own struggles and pain. He takes hold of my hand, He carries the burden, He leads gently, He loves in the midst of brokenness.

‘But how?’ you might ask…He reaches us personally through the hearts and hands of His people. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

My husband and I moved here to serve La Casa de Cristo two years ago this month. I am blown away by God’s love, through so many of you in my life. Thank you, La Casa!

Our living, loving Father is at work loving His kids through community. Women are being loved, gathered around tables of His Word in Bible Study and our MOMS/GrandMOMS ministries. Click links to find out more!

LA CASA | WOMEN are supporting one another as we intentionally invest in relationships, spiritual growth, service, and prayer. We invite YOU to join us this month as the Fall Ministry season begins, and I want to personally help you find your ‘place’ around the table.

Please reach out to me at pwebb@lacasadecristo.com today!

With God’s love for you,

XO

Paula Webb

Director of Women's Ministry

The month of September brings a new series in La Casa Kids called: On the Move.

God often calls His people to take courageous steps of faith. Moses didn’t feel ready, Joshua and Caleb stood against the crowd and Ruth left the comfort of home to follow God’s plan. Each of them learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear--it’s trusting God to be with us in the middle of it. Our kids face their own moments that require courage every day: speaking up, showing kindness, or trying something new. And each time they lean on God’s Spirit, His presence shines through them.

We are excited to invite families into a special moment together that will help our kids take a step in their faith. On Sunday, October 5th, we invite our kids to bring their parents to La Casa Kids at 9:15am! It will be a time of worship and connection along with a big reveal of something exciting that is to come in La Casa Kids.

As we walk each day in our faith, I challenge you to look at the steps of faith in your own life. How are you following God’s call, even when it might be uncomfortable? Know this: God is with you always! Now, how can you take a new step? 

Staci Medina

Director of Children's Ministry





Renewing Your Mind

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

I am fascinated about how the brain works. I am a firm believer you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.

The term neuroplasticity means the brain has the ability to rewire itself based on repeated thoughts and experiences.

God designed our brains with the ability to change. We can transform our minds. I have experienced this in action.

Recently, a young couple was in the middle of a huge fight. It looked like the relationship was over and it caused a lot of pain for both. I wrote a prayer and sent it to the one who was struggling with forgiveness. She was beyond consoling and deeply wounded. Even though I knew she had very little exposure to Jesus and His good news, I know our God is good! I asked her to meditate on the words of the prayer, even if she doubted it would work.

This was the prayer: Lord, I pray that You would grant me the ability to forgive those who have caused me heartbreak. Help me to let go of the hurt and pain that they have caused, and to release any bitterness or resentment that I may be holding onto. Teach me to love as You love, to extend grace and mercy to those who have wronged me. Give me the strength to forgive, even when it seems impossible. Lord, I know that forgiveness is not always easy, but with Your Holy Spirit working in me, I believe that all things are possible. Help me to see others through Your eyes, and to show them the same forgiveness and compassion that You have shown me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Two days later, she reached out to me and told me she took a day off and spent the entire day rewriting the prayer repeatedly. The couple is back together, working on their relationship.

God is not only good. He is great, and He will renew our minds if we let Him.

Blessings,



Suzan Scudder

Director of Middle School Ministry

How do you define or see yourself? God tells us, through His word, that we are heirs of God (Romans 8:17), children of God (Galatians 3:26), His chosen people and special possessions (1Peter 2:9). This question of identity has been grappled with for thousands of years. Artists have used their talents to express their views in many different media. Painting, drawing, writing, and digital self-portraits are a few of the avenues used.

The National Gallery of Art has an educational series “Who Am I? Self-Portraits in Art and Writing” that goes into greater depth on this subject. This series is free to view on their website. View it here.

As you think of who God has created you to be and how he has gifted you, let this series speak to your heart and see how God has been moving through time in ways that perhaps you hadn’t thought of before. Many have heard of Vincent van Gogh’s life and some of his struggles. But, were you aware that his father was a protestant minister? How did God use Vincent’s family to transform or enlighten? How does he use you? May this series enrich your walk with God in a new way.

Blessings,

Donna Bosley

Operations Director

Lowering Drug Costs

The cost of prescription drugs is a common concern. Nearly 1 in 4 people age 65 and older report they cannot afford their medications. But some research and some questions can help you pay less without putting your health at risk:

• Go generic – Ask your healthcare team to prescribe a generic drug. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients and work as well as brand-name drugs but cost less.

• Research financial assistance – Several charitable organizations, drug companies and pharmacies offer financial assistance. Visit www.rxassist.org to access a database of programs that offer free and low-cost medicine help.

• Compare Medicare plans – Compare prescription drug plans online with the Medicare Help Finder. During open enrollment, you can switch your plan for the next year. Also, adults with limited income may be eligible for an additional Medicare Part D program called Extra Help.

• Bulk up – Ask your insurance provider or pharmacy if your plan allows you to fill a larger supply, such as three months instead of one month, to save on fewer co-pays. If you are starting a new prescription, your healthcare team may want to prescribe a smaller quantity and monitor how well you tolerate this drug. After this initial period, you may be able to get a prescription for a larger quantity. Also ask if there’s a higher strength pill that you can safely split.

• Know your options – Ask your prescription insurer for a list of covered (formulary) medications to share with your care team. You also can ask if your plan has preferred or in-network pharmacies, which may include mail-order pharmacies, for you to use to get the best co-pay.

Blessings...

Jean Knowling, R.N.

Parish Nurse