APRIL 2018

Palm West Alive

Tiny breeze or mighty

wind,

swirling round as God

commands.

Hats go flying.

Branches bend.

Little seeds spread

through the lands.

God Almighty makes

the wind;

great big gusts can

shape the sands.

Awesome is the

power of God,

when even wind

obeys his plans.

—MaryAnn Sundby

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Pastoral Staff:

Bruce Schipul, Senior Pastor pastorbruce@palmwestchurch.org

Peter Kyhn, Associate Pastor of Worship, Music and Discipleship pastorpeter@palmwestchurch.org

Office Staff:

Joyce Sopilnick, Church Administrator admin@palmwestchurch.org

Ruth Czach, Church Secretary secretary@palmwestchurch.org

Gary Biancini, Facility Maintenance Technician

2018 Diaconate

Moderator, John Sproule

Vice-Moderator, Nancy Landwert

Clerk, Rebecca Oaks

Treasurer, Chuck Crandall

Financial Secretary, Judy Walter, Interim Asst.

Education, Marilyn Ward

Fellowship, Jeannie Love

Finance, Terry Brafford

Inreach, Gary Lanning, Interim Chair

Media, Christine Norman

Missions, Nap O’Young

Outreach, Claudia Burr

Property, Tom Farris

Worship, Jerry Walker

IN THIS ISSUE

Senior Pastor, page 3

Pastor Peter Kyhn, page 4

Moderator, page 5

Treasurer, page 5

National Prayer Day, page 6

Sundays in April, page 7

Women’s Bible Study, Pictorial Directory, page 8

Library News, page 9

Looking Ahead, page 10

25th Anniversary, page 11

Missions, page 12

Global 6K for Water, page 13-14

Small Groups, page 15

Hope Bags, page 16-17

Outreach, page 18

New Members, page 19

Fellowship, Prayer page 20

Men’s Fellowship, page 21

Thank You’s, page 22

Singles Fellowship, page 23

Worship With Us

Sundays

Two Morning Services

9:00 am & 10:30 am

Sunday Nite Service, 6:00 pm

Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Phone: 623-546-2980 Fax: 623-546-9977 General Church Email: staff@palmwestchurch.org

Website: www.palmwestchurch.org

Palm West Alive articles must be submitted to the

church office by April 15 for the May 2018 issue.

Just A Reminder The church office is closed for lunch from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm each day.

Senior Pastor Rev. Bruce Schipul

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Finishing Well

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

I am so grateful to the many individuals who have affirmed my decision to conclude my ministry as your senior pastor sometime in early 2019. My decision was based on many factors, but none of them have to do with retirement. By this time next year I will have served in pastoral ministry for 42 years, ten of which has been here at PWCC.

About twelve years I was thinking about my life’s journey and what it would mean to stop being employed and instead do what God has always called me to do, apart from being a fulltime pastor. In essence, I contemplated what it would look like to be “retired.” The problem was and is, for most baby-boomers, retirement is not a positive goal. Instead, the final chapters of our lives are to transition to a new level of purpose and service and one that brings joy to us and to God.

During the summer of 2007 I read an amazing book entitled “Finishing Well: What People Who Really Live Do Differently.” (Integrity Pub, 2004). It is authored by Bob Buford who had a successful career in selling large networks of cable systems across the country. He left that all behind to turn to investing the remaining years of his life in the lives of others. He became chairman of the board of Leadership Network. The book Finishing Well shares the stories of 60 leaders from all walks of life that pioneered the art of finishing life well.

The book helped me to see that there is no such concept as retirement in Scripture – instead the Bible describes how we are to be faithful at all times and all seasons – but especially those in the last chapters of life that can have the biggest impact. The result? While I have referred to the conclusion of my ministry at Palm West Community Church as a retirement, I am not retiring in the sense of giving up on God’s call on my life. I am taking the opportunity to embrace a new level of purpose that is God-led and God-glorified.

Dallas Willard, one of the leaders interviewed by Bob Buford, was professor of philosophy for UCLA for forty years, and was a committed Christian. He described the difference between success and significance in that “success has more to do with outcomes I’m in charge of, while significance has more to do with outcomes I’m not in charge of. The beautiful thing about significance is that we resign the outcomes to God, and we let a power beyond ourselves take care of them. Success is focused on my action, my control, my outcomes, whereas significance is found in a much larger context.”

Os Guinness, also interviewed in Buford’s book, said that Christians must see the importance of recognizing “we can retire from our jobs, but we never retire from our calling. Calling gives us a sense of task or responsibility, right up to the last day we spend on earth, when we go to meet the Caller. That gives life incredible value, and therefore the prosperity of finishing well - to continue to have a sense of responsibility and engagement that makes each day enormously important.

I hope to share more on this subject over my journey of discovery of God’s plan for significance in my life beyond PWCC. - bps

Vision Plan Affirmed

On Wednesday, the March 21 Fellowship Dinner and Program, we also held a congregational meeting. The membership affirmed (95%) the recommendation from the Diaconate and Vision Leadership Team to include the following:

a. First, we will proceed to search for and hire a part-time Faith Community Nurse (FCN) as soon as possible. FCN will work closely with the senior pastor in providing pastoral care and also be a resource to both our Stephen Ministry and Pastoral Assistance Team.

b. Second, with support from Transformation Ministries, the Diaconate will establish a search team (approved by the congregation) that will search for a Lead (Senior) Pastor. Their selection will be presented to the congregation for approval. This new pastor will begin ministry with us on or after January 1, 2019. Pastor Schipul will then announce a specific date for his retirement. This plan eliminates the need for an interim period and interim pastor.

c. Third, early in the new pastor’s ministry we will search for and hire a Women’s Ministry Director (part-time) to lead women’s volunteers, foster discipleship and develop leaders.

Our leadership will provide ongoing updates on the progress of this vision. We ask each of you to pray for God’s leading in all facets of this vision, especially in the calling of our next Lead (Senior) Pastor to continue God’s vision for Palm West Community Church.

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Peter Kyhn, Associate Pastor

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary

Survey of Our Congregation’s Sacred Music Favorites We need your input to compile the official list of congregational sacred song favorites. Below,

write in the titles of your favorites in the following categories. Please write or print clearly

only one (1) entry per category.

Your favorite:

Traditional Hymn_____________________________________________________

Gospel Song_________________________________________________________

Chorus_____________________________________________________________

Contemporary Hymn__________________________________________________

Country-Western Hymn_______________________________________________

Traditional Spiritual___________________________________________________

Christmas Carol______________________________________________________

Easter Hymn________________________________________________________

Patriotic Hymn______________________________________________________

Wedding Hymn______________________________________________________

Gaither Hymn_______________________________________________________

Fanny Crosby Hymn__________________________________________________

Thank you for your input! For timely tabulation of responses, please return your completed

survey to the church office No Later Than April 22.

_____________________________________________

Your Name (optional)

Moderator Moments John Sproule

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Thanks be to God that once again…

Spring has sprung in Sun City West just like this time, every year. Well, the same can be said for PWCC members getting contacted by our wonderful Nominating Committee volunteers as they once again repeat our annual opportunity of contacting PWCC members with opportunities to serve in various Ministry positions for 2019.

It’s an exciting time in the life of PWCC, as Pastor Bruce has so clearly stated the opportunities and vision that our membership has identified as important to the growth and life of PWCC. Simply, to continue to provide ways to be serving our Lord, family, and community.

PWCC’s “vision and opportunities” can only be accomplished through our dedicated volunteer committees. As a non-participating PWCC member, one is still a benefactor of these achieved opportunities. Simply by saying “Yes” when you are contacted by our nominating committee, you will not only continue to be a benefactor, you will now also be in a position that benefits others at the same time. What a blessing.

Become an important part in achieving PWCC’s vision; say YES when contacted OR don’t wait, call the Nominating Committee Co-Chairs, Carol or Coy Brown (623-398-5775) and learn first-hand, share your passion/interests with either of them. The opportunities are there.

As you prayerfully thank God for the many spiritual gifts that He has bestowed upon you, please follow His lead and say “yes” to His call. Recalling this scriptural reference regarding obedience to God’s calling in our lives?

Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Help us help you get involved with so many others to achieve God’s purpose for our church. It’s an awesome opportunity that will benefit you and so many others at the same time. For more details, simply contact the Browns at (623) 398-5775, or myself at (615) 864-6338.

God Bless,

John Sproule

johnosproule@aol.com

God is calling us to come, He will hear, He will heal

Will you come?

Will you give God an hour of your day on May 3?

All are Invited and All are Welcome!

NATIONAL PRAYER DAY

May 3, 2018

Church on the Green Trinity Bible Church

Beth Emeth Congregation Sun City West Posse

Salvation Army U. S. Armed Forces

Palm West Community Church Joyful Praise Trio

Music by Bryan Hitch

Participants in the Service

Palm West Community Church

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal

their land.

It is our opportunity to come and pray for our nation.

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Morning Bible Study Hoover Hall Classroom

9:00 am Beginning April 8:

THE PSALMS: LEARNING TO SING A NEW SONG (Psalms 96,98) The April Sunday BIBLE STUDY will be aimed at examining and experiencing the Hymnbook of the Bible - the Psalms. For over 3000 years this hymnbook of the Israelites, Jews and Jesus have inspired, awakened, disturbed and confounded enthusiasts and distracters alike. We will present themes, structures and styles - all to the end that we might sing our own new song to our own broken and benighted world. 10:30 am April 1 through April 30 Cristy Schipul continues to lead “Talkback” Class following the 9:00 am Worship Service at 10:30 am in our Hoover Hall Classroom. This is an opportunity for Worship Service attendees to go deeper into that morning’s Message and Scripture applications preached on that particular Sunday.

Sundays in April

9:00 am and 10:30 am Worship Services

Pastor Bruce

April 1 The First Commandment – What’s Most Important Exodus 20:1-3

April 8 The Great Commandment: Matthew 28:16-20 (Communion Sunday)

April 15 How to Respond When We Break God’s Commands (Proverbs 28:13)

April 22 Prayer – Why Pray? (2 Samuel 15:1-17)

April 29 Prayer – Why Pray? (Luke 11:1-13)

Sunday Nite @ 6:00 pm

April 1 Easter Sunday—no evening service

April 8 A View From The Pew - Drama Team

April 15 Italian Dinner & Movie—Secrets of Jonathan Sperry 5:00 pm

April 22 Modern Worship—Acoustic

April 29 No Evening Service

Beginning May 6, 2018

10:00 – Worship Service,

8:30 am Sunday Bible Class – Hoover Hall Classroom

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Pictorial Directory Shirley Kesterke

The pictures are taken and we are now awaiting the arrival of the new directories. That will be a while but worth the wait.

We want to thank everyone that had their picture taken for the church pictorial directory. It is helpful to put a name with a face!

We also want to thank everyone that worked on the team. Thanks to the people who signed everyone up on Sunday mornings. Also thanks to the people who were hosts and hostesses greeting those getting their pictures taken. They also filled out the necessary paperwork. These two “jobs” help us to get acquainted with newer people in the church.

Women’s Bible Study Alice Paluch

Beginning April 5 Women’s Bible Study will begin the DVD series “In Pursuit of the Apostle Paul” with Dr. Constantine Campbell. We will follow the life transformation of Paul from Jerusalem across the Mediterranean world to Rome where he was martyred. Peggy Obradovich and Merle Schwebke will be the facilitators. The study will continue for five to seven weeks.

Please join us on Thursdays at 9:30 am in the Hoover Hall classroom.

Combined Choirs on March 11 Combined PWCC and Crown of Life Lutheran

Faith Community Nurse Opening

With the affirmation of the congregation to proceed with the staffing plan, we are accepting resumes for the Faith Community Nurse with a minimum of 3-5 years nursing experience combined with passion for visitation, coordination, and pastoral care. Preferred Parish Nurse and/or Stephen Minister certified. Must be able to drive. Submit resume to church office to the attention of Joyce Davis.

Library News & Book Reviews Marilyn Ward

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DON’T FORGET: The library continues to collect Bibles for missionaries.

The Daily Bread Devotional for April, May and June are placed on the display shelf outside of the library.

This is a new listing of MISSING OR OVERDUE BOOKS or DVDs FROM THE CHURCH LIBRARY:

When God and Cancer Meet: True Stories of Hope and Healing by Lynn Eib

The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham by Billy Graham

A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot

When God Disappears by Shane Stanford

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer

Lenore, What Have You Done Lately by Michael Downtain

Abandoned to God by Oswald Chambers

Is Evolution a Reasonable Scientific Theory? DVD 341

What the Bible is All About by Henrietta Mears

Traveling Light by Max Lucado

Our materials are stamped with the church name and have an identification Palm West Label on the first page of books and on the cover of DVDs.

Please help us recover these items.

CHECKING OUT LIBRARY MATERIALS:

When there are no volunteers in the library, you may check out materials by completing the check-out sheet on the table. Please be sure you put your name, the name of the book or the DVD. and the I.D. number which is on the first page of the book or DVDs.

Thank you for the donations of books and materials which have been left in the library. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

New York Times bestselling author, Francine Rivers has written a story of redemptive love. This amazing tale reminds us that mercy can shape the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece. If you begin this story, you won’t want to put it down as it captures you with the first page to the last. A successful LA artist, Roman Velasco, appears to have everything he could possibly want―money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. As she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together . . . until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship―and both their lives―forever. For those of you who like Francine Rivers, this is a griping story and shows mercy and redemption.

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A View From The Pew A Drama Presentation

On Sunday evening, April 8, your PWCC Drama Team will present a lighthearted series of sketches about church life from the potluck to the excuses people make for missing church. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for a fun evening.

Leader of Transformation Ministries to Speak Sunday May 6 in both Morning Worship and the Evening Program

Dr. William “Willie” C. Nolte has served as the CEO/Mission Lead since 2011. He has served churches in the mid-West and then in Northern California. Willie received his BA from Judson College, Elgin, IL; an MA in Old Testament Biblical Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL; a Master of Divinity from the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, CA; and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Western Seminary in Portland, OR. Dr. Nolte has been a mentor pastor and pastor cluster facilitator and has been highly involved as a community leader in a variety of outreach ministries. Willie has been married to Joy for thirty-eight years. They have four adult children, four grandchildren.

Looking Ahead Mark Your Calendars!

Congratulations to Gwen Shoemaker who is the recipient of the Hometown Heroes Award sponsored by a partnership of the Recreation Centers of Sun City West, Independent Newsmedia, and the residents of Sun City West. This award was presented on February 22 to various leaders in our community for their individual achievement in serving our community (education, mentoring, business, community, and emergency response). One of the Hero awards is given to a person who makes an impact in the religious community. For over 30 year Gwen Shoemaker made sure the disabled veterans Christmas trees were displayed at Sundome Plaza Shopping Center and encouraged the collection and distribution of gifts given through this project to help disabled veterans and their families. Gwen is faithful in her spiritual life, praying for those in need. She is always willing to volunteer for mission projects, helping prepare meals for memorial services and much more. We are so glad that Gwen is a part of Palm West Community Church.

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The committee is busy getting things in line for a beautiful 25th Anniversary Celebration. We

have scheduled Palm Ridge for the event on Sunday, December 16th 2018. What a momentous

and exciting occasion! Mark your calendars so that you will have it on your schedule as you

plan for this next December. This is a full week before Christmas, so you will be able to

celebrate Palm West Community Church’s 25th Anniversary with us, and then take off to

celebrate Christmas with your family.

The dinner will be served by Sharko’s Catering Services for this great celebration. Our theme

will be:

Transformed by God

In Order to Transform Our Community

Here at Palm West Community Church, we are blessed in so many ways by God. He has

given us a wonderful church family and the opportunity to be involved in God’s work here at

PWCC. I know many of you, as I have, feel the blessing of being a child of God, and feel and

know the presence of the Lord working here.

This dinner will take the place of our traditional Christmas Fellowship Dinner and will have

great entertainment for you as well.

Tickets will not go on sale until October, 2018.

25th Anniversary Celebration at

Palm West Community Church

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Missions Ministry Nap O’Young

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Mission Update from Deliris Carrion-Joseph, IM missionary to Tijuana, Mexico

Deliris reports that the multiple boxes of yarns donated to Deborah’s House last year have been put to good use. She and the ladies of Deborah’s House thank PWCC for the generous donation of materials.

Here are some photographs of the yarns being put to good use.

The administrator of the institute that runs Deborah’s House had resigned since last year, leaving Deliris with a very busy schedule; she apologizes for not being in touch with us. Deliris also extends an invitation to any Palm West members who might want to visit Deborah’s House in Tijuana, Mexico. The facilities can accommodate a couple of nights stay. If you have any interest, please contact me.

World Vision Global 6K For Water (Walk, Run or 24 K Cycling for Water at Palm West Church)

The Global 6K Walk/Run for Water project is an outreach effort seeking to invite participants from within and outside of our church and Sun City West. It is a joint project with Missions because the outcome is to accomplish the goal of supplying clean water to those in need. Claudia Burr of the outreach team is the leader of this event with team members from the mission and outreach teams.

May 19, 2018 is a Saturday designated by World Vision as the day organizations throughout the globe participate in walking/running 6K, or 6000 meters. A bicycle ride of 15 miles was added at PWCC to allow cyclists to participate in this event. The distance of 6K (3.7 miles) represents the average distance a child must walk daily to obtain potable water for his or her family. Participants registering to walk this symbolic distance pay a registration fee of $50 (85% of the fee is for the water project; 15% for overhead) which goes to World Vision to provide water or build infrastructure to supply fresh water. This event was initiated by World Vision to bring awareness and raise funds to alleviate the lack of potable water in many parts of the world, mainly in underdeveloped countries.

Palm West Community Church has registered as a Host Site and is currently seeking to enroll participants. During the rest of March, the PWCC Global 6K team is being formed. We are the first Host Site in the Phoenix West Valley area to be part of Global 6K. All are welcomed to serve/participate during the day of the event as either non-participant (cheer squad or helper) or participant (walker/cylicst). Grandparents, invite your grandchildren who live locally to participate and cheer them on!

Non-participant Helper roles are essential to the success of this awareness/fund raising event. These roles include handing out bib numbers to walkers and cyclists, provide directions on where the path turns, hand out bottled water to participants, drive golf cars along the route to pick up anybody who may have an immediate need and other essential roles.

Participants can register on the World Vision Global 6K site (www.teamworldvision.org) and click on “ Find A 6K Location” & then “Arizona” to find the host site “Palm West Community Church”.

https://www.teamworldvision.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=register.start&eventID=921&teamID=9676

Report from the Global 6K combined Mission & Outreach Team

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Donors: If neither Helper or Participant roles fit, you could choose to support participant(s) of your choice by donating any amount under the participants’ names. If you do not know any of the participants, you can click on “Support Us” after you have found the Palm West Church Host Site. If you have difficulties online, any member of the PWCC Global 6K team will be glad to help you do this.

Donors not comfortable with internet transactions may simply place an offering to PWCC with a note “Global 6K”.

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Mark & Cindi Barnett

Finding the Right Bible Studies By Rachel Gilmore

This is the first of a three-part series; taken from smallgroups.com

Here is a question that strikes fear into the heart of many small-group leaders: what are we going to study next? Like the proverbial fork in the road, choosing new material can be a deceptively simple decision filled with potentially disastrous consequences. Some studies are too hard, some are too easy, some are too homework-driven, and some are too unrelated to life—all in all, there's nothing worse than getting your group members all moving in the same direction only to have people immediately get lost or wander off track.

So how do you choose which way to go?

Know Your Destination

In order to find the best material for your group, you first need to know what your group's study goal is. Consider whether or not your group wants to:

Begin building its biblical knowledge (meaning, learning the Bible from scratch).

Use existing biblical knowledge to dig deeper into a particular book of the Bible.

Focus the study time around issues that connect faith with real life—things like Christian dating, marriage, parenting, developing spiritual friendships, finding a personal mission field, keeping true to Christian values in the workplace, and so on.

Devote study time to a particular area of spiritual formation: prayer life, becoming more compassionate, resolving conflict peacefully, living patiently according to God's time, and so on.

Spend most of your time together in hands-on service projects.

Support and encourage one another emotionally and spiritually, building up friendships and faith.

Just as God created us to be individuals, all small groups are also fearfully and wonderfully made. What works for one group may not work for another, so don't be discouraged and don't waste your time comparing yourself to others. When your group formed, hopefully you talked about your study goals. (If not, now's the perfect time.) However, the longer a group has been together, losing and gaining members, it's possible that these goals have changed or become assumed and unspoken.

The next time you approach a fork in the study road, make time during your meeting to talk openly about group goals. Ask the questions above. Let people share their thoughts and opinions. Pray for God's wisdom and discernment. Then come to a consensus—affirm your group goal and prepare to move in that direction with your next curriculum choice.

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Hope Bags Claudia Smith

How do you describe the joy we all felt as we worked together on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Everyone was

so cooperative and helpful, and the 2018 Hope Bag Operation went off smoothly. Folks from PWCC, Grace

Community in Sun City Grand, Mountain Ridge, Bellevue Heights Baptist Church, Inspire, Calvary Chapel in

Surprise all worked together to achieve our mission. (See pictures of joy)

We can’t begin to share all of the work that went into this mission this past year, but, we do want to

especially thank our wonderful teams and team captain who worked mulitple hours to prepare for the bags

to be filled. The recipient who receive the Hope Bags will feel all the love and care that went into each bag.

Here are some statistics for the 2018 Operation:

1,455 Hope Bags were filled and given to the missions

1,025 Bibles were placed in women’s Hope Bags

1,000 + pieces of literature were placed in children’s Hope Bags

35,000 + items went in the bags

$24.00 was the average cost of the bags

Approximately $35,000 Total Cost

178 Handmade Quilts were made by 8 ladies

16 People were present Friday the 9th to set up the tables for Saturday

90 people came Saturday the 10th to help fill and move the Hope Bags

(We filled in the bags in just under two hours)

Some of the behind the scenes activities were: All scraps of material left over from Hope Bag Sewers were

given to quilters to use in their quilts. Many people came numerous times to sort and count the many items,

and roll soap into washcloths, and separate packaged items.

Grace Community Church of Sun City Grand gave many items and financial donations to this ministry. We

are grateful for their many years of participation and giving.

________________________________________

NOW...for the 2019 Hope Bag Operation……..we have already begun to collect and inventory items. We

are trusting the Lord to guide us in finding two additional churches to come alongside in this ministry. The

needs continue to grow in Maricopa County, and we would hope to be able to increase the number of Hope

Bags we can give to the missions who support and help enhance the lives of abused and underprivileged and

homeless in our own backyard. We feel this can be accomplished by seeking open doors and hearts for this

ministry in other churches. God will open doors where He wishes, and we are putting this new adventure

totally in His hands. Please be in prayer for this expansion.

We truly are grateful for everyone who donated items, gave financially, and helped in this ministry. YOU are

the people who have God’s heart for the recipients and make this ministry possible.

May God truly bless you as you continue to bless so many others.

TOGETHER—IN UNITY FOR THE LORD

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Hope Bags (continued

Outreach Ministry Claudia Burr

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Greeting one another with love and friendship is a wonderful experience! As an ambassador for Christ, each moment you are with others is an opportunity to share His love with a smile, a kind gesture, and greeting of excitement or care. If you see someone at church that you don't know, take a moment to greet them personally and you will be blessed!

There are many ways to gather and invite a friend or family member to a place where loving kindness is present. We have upcoming events where you can ask someone you know who does not have a church family or does not know Jesus Christ in a personal way to enjoy opportunities to be with loving Christians.

Join us each Monday morning at 7:30 to walk the trails of Sun City West as a Prayer Pacer. Did you know that 30 minutes of walking 1) improves circulation, 2) shores up your bones, 3) leads to a longer life, 4) lightens your mood, 5) leads to weight loss, 6) strengthens muscles, 7) improves sleep, 8) supports your joints, 9) improves breathing, 10) slows mental decline, 11) lowers Alzheimer's risk, and 12) helps you do more longer. We pray for our community and each other while on the walk! Join us!

Coloring Fellowship is scheduled for each second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall! Join the Fellowship and destress in a caring environment. Invite a friend!

The NBA Suns will play on Friday, April 6, 2018 Game Time 7:00 pm against the New Orleans Pelicans. We will meet the bus in the church parking lot at 4:00 PM for boarding. Cost is $49 per person and if you want the all-you-can-eat concession, an additional $14 for a total of $63! It's a real bargain and a fun night of fellowship – dropped at the front entrance with easy walk in and exciting game action! Invite a friend and sign up today in the lobby or foyer. The bus holds 43 so let's fill the bus!

Italian Dinner and a Movie Sunday, April 15, 2018, 5:00 pm. Invite a friend to an Italian dinner and movie; enjoy the fellowship! The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is a wonderful movie featuring Gavin MacLeod who influences young teenagers. His age of 75 brings wisdom and kindness that we can all enjoy and share. Please bring a salad or dessert for 8-10 to share. Sign up today!

Ladies' Tea, Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:30 am. This is a time to celebrate family, have fellowship, enjoy conversation with our sisters in Christ, and get to know the women on our church staff. A joint venture with Fellowship, Inreach & Outreach ministries should be a wonderful time to invite a friend! Reservations will be made mid-April.

Global 6K, Saturday, May 19, 2018. We will host the Global 6K for Water event at PWCC and have invited clubs and churches in the area to join in. Our initial goal is $2500 but we hope to help many communities globally through this event. World Vision challenges us to help with water sanitation and hygiene, healthcare and immunization, food security, education and economic development. Sponsor a participant for $25 or participate in the walk for $50. Any donation can be made directly to the church annotating Global 6K in the memo section of your check or sign up online. Fliers with details are in the foyer. Invite friends and family members to participate or sponsor a participant as walkers, runners or cyclists!

If you have a desire to serve and enjoy event planning, visitation and fun, please contact Claudia Burr, Chair of Outreach PH: 480-371-7409, EMAIL: jandcburr@yahoo.com. We welcome new members to our team! Members: Karen & Keith Berger, Jan Cooper, Tina Glenn, Doris Hamel, Dolores McCaslin, Allen & Sharon Fitch, Evelyn & Jack McKenna, Beverly Morgan, Gene & Lavon Roeben, Claudia Smith, Bobbe Walker, and Darrell & Sharon Wilson. Ambassadors for Christ, relating to people where they are! Join our team today!

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Phil & Sherry Burdick, residents of SCW. Phil (Marine Veteran). Served 16 years as Campus Minister with Campus Crusade for Christ, as elementary school counselor (created a program for anti-violent behavior, then served as a pastoral counselor, and taught Bible classes.

Sherry taught in elementary school for 35 years, enjoys piano and organ, reading, and line dancing. They both love to RV.

Rose Marie Danner is resident of SCW, was previously a member of PWCC, also served as our secretary, first as a volunteer, and then as a member

of the staff. She was teacher in Phoenix for 27 years .

Grace McKinney is a resident of SCW having moved here from Florence, Alabama. She was married to a Baptist Pastor (now deceased) who served several churches and then became chaplain of a maximum security prison in Maine. She has a daughter who lives close by. Grace worked in the clerical field and was a stay-at-home mother and once led church choir and sang solos.

The next Prospective Membership Class will be held on

Tuesday, April 17, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Sign up when at church or email/call the church office.

Unveiling Grace: Out of the Mormon Church and into the Arms of Grace

Dr. Lynn and Michael Wilder (audio recordings of their presentation are available on request). Lynn Wilder is a former tenured professor at Brigham Young University. She and Michael left the Mormon Church after coming to grips with the Bible. They presented their journey of faith and how the Bible changed their lives. They authored 7 Reasons We Left Mormonism

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WORSHIP SERVICE PRAYER TEAMS

I would like to thank each one who has so willingly chosen to be a part of the PRAYER TEAM on Sunday mornings. It truly is a blessing to take part in serv-ing God in this area. I ask that you would pray about joining us as a Prayer Team member. It is a thrilling challenge as you let God speak through you to encour-age someone who is hurting.

I also encourage anyone who is hurting and needs prayer to come and let us pray with you. It is difficult to step out and move to the front or the Prayer Room, but it is a privilege for us to pray with you about any-thing that concerns you.

If you would like to join our team, please contact me, Christine Norman, by calling 623-594-3713 or let the office know so they can contact me.

"We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense.”

Oswald Chambers

HAVE YOU TALKED TO GOD TODAY? HE IS WAITING

COME SIT AT THE TABLE FRIDAY MORNINGS 9:30 AM

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 6:00 PM DON, GINI, DOLORES, CHARLIE, BARB,

CHRISTINE, CRISTY, VICKI, WILMA, BOB, BURT, CAROLYN, DAVE, DIANE, BRIAN,

HELGA, SHERRY, DAVE, WILL BE THERE WITH YOU.

OH....YOUR PRESENCE IS A PLUS OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN.....

COME FRIDAY MORNINGS 9:30 AM AND/OR

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 6:00 PM.

ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL CHRISTINE NORMAN, CHARLIE LOTZ,

DOLORES McCASLIN, DON BAKER.

Fellowship Jeanne Love

From the feedback I received, the lasagna (from Tailgaters at the corner of Reems and Bell) was a success.

Thank you for the side dishes; only a few containers didn’t go home empty. The help in the kitchen was WONDERFUL.

I thank each and every one of you who helped with the beginning, middle, and end of the whole process. As you experienced, many hands make the load light.

Next month, I WILL remember to put coffee grinds in the coffee pot before plugging it in!

If you are not receiving our daily prayer list and would like to, please contact the church office 623-546-2980 and ask to be added to our email.

Keith S. Gilroy

Men’s Breakfast

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND JUDAISM?

Pastor Jack Zimmerman of Jewish Voice Ministries International will answer these questions at the Men's Fellowship breakfast on Friday, April 13, 2018. Of the major world religions, Christianity and Judaism are probably the most similar; however, there are important differences between Christianity and Judaism.

Sign up to have fellowship, prayer, a hot-breakfast, and the opportunity to hear Pastor Jack Zimmerman speak about Christianity and Judaism.

Homeless Youth Connection was founded because one man, Larry Cervarich, was overwhelmed

when he read about the struggle homeless teens in the West Valley faced each day just to stay in high

school. The fact that these kids had nowhere to go, many homeless youth do what they have to do in order

to survive, such as sleeping in cars, bartering sex for shelter, or residing with abusive family members who

threaten to “kick them out.” Without real support, the homeless youth, often referred to as “youth on

their own,” could find themselves living their lives in a chronic state of confusion.

HYC is a preventive program to the potential negative life experiences they face. HYC was founded

on the vision of providing basic needs so that the homeless youth don’t have to worry about where they are

going to sleep that night or where their next meal is coming from. They can focus on staying in school and

getting their diploma.

Beginning with a goal of providing for their basic needs, in the initial year, 2010-2011, HYC assisted

80 homeless teens with basic needs. Today, HYC is now serving over 60 high schools within the West and

East Valley area. Last year support was provided to 400 plus students and this year 700-800 students will

receive life changing support. HYC is a great program that provides hope and changes live.

Thank you to Men’s Fellowship

Thank you for your support of the Military Ministry of Cru. Since 9-11, your financial gifts have provided over 4.9 million exposures to the gospel with over 600,000 indicating first-time decisions for Christ! Over 300,000 small groups have been facilitated and over 2.6 million Rapid Deployment Kits delivered.

Blessings,

Joe Ludwikowski, Executive Director

I would just like to express Paula’s and my thanks for the many cards and payers for her recent hospitalization and the loss of my son. What a wonderful family of friends we have at Palm West. We thank all of you for your care and concern.

George Berscheid

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On behalf of my daughter, Heidi Grimstad, and myself, we want to thank all of those who prayed for us, sent encouraging cards and for Pastor Bruce visiting both of us in the hospital. I am now completely recovered and Heidi was able to return to Washington state where she will be in recovery for up to a year.

We believe in the power of prayer and we both know that we have witnessed many blessings during this time. I ask that you continue to pray for Heidi while she is in recovery.

What a wonderful and supportive church we have.

In His name,

Eva Ellis

God was listening to your faithful prayers for my healing. We serve an awesome God. I want to express our gratitude to Pastor Bruce for everything he has done for us and for many cards, telephone calls, flowers, food and visits from PWCC believers.

There are so many wonderful passages to be remembered in the Bible that helped me get through the past five months of hospitals and being homebound that I can't even choose a favorite. I always felt God's presence, knew that He was sovereign over the situation and that His grace is always sufficient. The Lord's unwillingness to give us instant relief is not neglect I have learned but instead time to get closer to Him. Time to count our blessings.

Jack and I have both been blessed by you. Thank You!

Standing on His Promises, Evelyn McKenna

MONDAYS AT BIRT’S BISTRO

Meets at 10:00 am Birt’s Bistro is at 16752 N. Greasewood St. (Surprise), just south of Bell between R. H. Johnson Blvd. and El Mirage Rd. This is a casual, unstructured time for women to meet other women, buy a cup of coffee or a light meal. Bring a friend or make one there. Stay for 20 minutes or two hours. Find support, conversation, encouragement.

For more information, e-mail us at staff@palmwestchurch.org

We hope you can join us!

MONTHLY LUNCHEON AND BENEFIT

We invite all women of the church to join us on April 9, at 11:30 am. We will announce the location in our Sunday bulletin. Please sign-up on the table in the Narthex or in Hoover Hall foyer before that date. Venita White

Supporting Refuge Relief for 2018

Women’s Ministry

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Singles Fellowship Fannalou Guggisburg

Singles Fellowship Games is a group of congenial Palm West singles who invite other singles to join us for fun, food, and fellowship, also known as socializing. As some recent studies reveal, socializing benefits us in several ways. When we get together with friends to play table games, it really is good for our brains and also for our hearts. Interacting with other singles over board games challenges and stimulates our brains. It’s way better than jumping to conclusions for mental exercise, and much more fun.

Having a good time also reaps joy and mirth. Laughter has long been known to enhance our health: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Prov. 17:22 NASB) An earlier verse says, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face…” (15:13) In our circle of good Christian camaraderie, we find encouragement, understanding, and blessing that is good for the heart, mind and soul.

So don’t stay home alone. Mark your calendar for April 2 and 16, at 2:00 pm, and come join us in Hoover Hall classroom.

1. Jim visited the service With hopes for healing high. He hadn't been to church of late But thought he'd give a try.

2. His spirit needed nurture, His faith reserves were low. A friend urged him to visit, So he made plans to go.

3. Behind two Chatty Cathys He found a pew to sit; Relieved to find some seating, He soon regretted it.

4. They griped about the organ, Made comments on each song, And all throughout the service Their talking carried on.

5. They criticized the choir In elevated speech, And even kept on gabbing When the Rev. got up to preach.

6. By time for the Decision, Jim's spirit felt bereft: His soul was robbed of nurture, So he got up and left.

7. Two loud and rude companions Who sat in front of Jim Hijacked the worship spirit Without a thought for him.

8. When people come to visit As strangers in the pew, And leave, put off by talkers, Think long, could it be you?

-Rev. Fannalou Guggisberg 21 March 2012

Shush!

Palm West Alive Palm West Community Church 13845 W. Stardust Blvd. Sun City West, AZ 85375 Phone: 623.546.2980 Fax: 623.546.9977 Church e-mail: staff@palmwestchurch.org www.palmwestchurch.org

“A Spiritual Oasis in the Desert”