SUN CITY WEST, ARIZONA

Volume 39-8 June Edition 2020

Inside This Issue

2 Pastor Jim

Communication with DPPC

3

Pastor Linda Pentecost

4

Faith Community Nurse Mary

Meals of Joy

5 Health Care News Low Vision Zoom

Gathering Foundation for Senior

Living Caregivers Zoom Meeting

6

ABS Topics 7

How to Connect with Zoom

8

Scholarship to Graduates Tania Lopez, Student

9

New Wilmington Mission Conference

224th General Assembly

10 Stephen Ministry

Angle Bees Capital Campaign

Celebration of Lives

11 Financial Report

We Want Your Picture Summer Address Form

Inserts

Policy for Reopening

the Church

Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11 Our speaker this year is Benjamin Crelin, Jim and Cathy’s younger son.

Ben is a recent seminary graduate currently completing his final Master’s in preaching at the University of Edinburgh. Ben is married to Hope (two years as of June 2), who is currently working remotely for Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Due to COVID-19, they have returned to the States until this fall, when they will move back to Cambridge for Hope to begin a PhD in Theology at the University of Cambridge. Ben enjoys racquetball and pickleball, reading novels and epics (especially The Lord of the Rings), and playing strategy games.

Speaker: Benjamin Crelin, Candidate for Ministry

Topic: Gospel Basics in Complicated Times: What’s Wrong with the World and What Do We Do About It?

Cost: Free Each morning from June 8 through June 11, a video will be posted on our Facebook page and the homepage of our website. You choose when to watch the video throughout the day at your convenience. A Question and Answer Zoom gathering will be held at 7:00 p.m. each evening to discuss the video of the day. (How to get on Zoom instructions are shown on page 7.)

Hope you are able to join us wherever you are located that day! No registration is necessary! Topics are displayed on page 6 of this newsletter.

From Pastor Jim

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Killing … arson … theft … hatred … violence … that’s all the media has shown you in the past couple weeks. When the Bible describes the world as dark, these are some of the things to which the Bible refers. At the core is sin. More specifically, selfishness.

What the world needs is light displayed in love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. More specifically, the world needs the mind of Christ. Much of the chaos and dysfunction in the world today is based on selfishness. In the Scriptures, the Lord says that at the root of sin is selfishness. Selfishness is human beings' fundamental defect. What we are seeing on the news every day in the world today is self-centered, self-serving, self-important attitudes and actions. Self-centeredness is the basic cause of much of our distress in life. At the root of almost every problem, every argument, every despicable act is selfishness. James tells us, “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.” (James 3:16) Most people of the world suffer from spiritual nearsightedness. Their interests, their loves and their energies are too often focused upon themselves. One could say all sin is selfish because no one ever sins for someone else--we do it for selfish reasons. The only way to overcome selfishness is to move from the thinking of the world to possessing the mind of Christ. Biblically speaking, we are to move from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light. Jesus’ teachings (and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to recall those teachings daily) can assist us in making that transition. Jesus underscored the fact that His disciples were to live lives overflowing with love rather than focusing only on themselves. To the rich young ruler Jesus said, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21). It wasn’t the giving away of his goods that Jesus demanded, particularly, but that he be released from selfishness and its devastating effect on his personality and life. Divine love is the opposite of selfishness. Giving is the opposite of acting selfishly. Thinking about or putting the other person first is a sign of being filled with God’s Spirit. Jesus teaches that you must die to selfishness-- or else self-destruct. That’s difficult to do since none of

us are able to change our ways by our own power. Someone has said, “You can't change the fruit without changing the root.” That's why Jesus spoke of being born again. Being born again shifts your primary desires from selfishness to the desire to serve God. Another way to say this is that at the core of your being, you first and foremost love God and His children, just as much as you love yourself. Only by receiving Jesus Christ and allowing Him to change you inwardly can you become a truly unselfish person. No other “religion” teaches putting others first even to the point of loving your enemies. Only Christianity teaches that you can be totally changed and become a person with a new nature. There is no cure apart from Jesus! Let us pray that the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, will enter into the hearts of all people and that His Light will change attitudes and actions. Amen!

Communication with Desert

Palms

We have been working to get information out to each of you in

several ways.

· Email · Automated Phone Calls - Sermon calls · Web Page (working on new web page) · Facebook Page (The Desert Palms Presbyterian

Church) · Streaming of the Sermons on our Web page · An online version of The Palms will be emailed

and found on our web page. If you want one mailed, please let us know.

· Video clips from Pastor Jim on our Facebook and Web Page

· Phone - leave message on our voice mails. · Devotions to be delivered (Please let us know) · Meetings by Zoom · Online giving (link on our web page)

Please make sure we have your correct email address and if you want to be included on the automated calls for Pastors Call, please let us know.

Please let us know if you have left for the summer! A form is in this issue with the information we need. Email or mail to the Church Office.

Please use the Church email: dppc@desertpalmschurch.org for questions, or to give us information. Please do NOT use the emergency telephone number unless it is a true emergency.

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Love One Another “When we love each other God lives in

us and his love within us grows ever stronger…” 1 John 4:12

These are difficult times, indeed. Our months of sheltering in place have been challenging for everyone. It has been a time to discover more about who we are and what matters the most in our lives. It has been a time of reflection on both life

and death. It has been a time for mourning the loss of loved ones we hold dear. It has been a time to seek God's presence and love. It has been a time to rediscover family life. It has also been a time of frustration and anxiety. The coronavirus pandemic has been a daily reminder of our human fragility. Pastor Jim and I miss seeing your smiling faces in worship and hearing our congregation and choir in song. We miss all the impromptu conversations that usually happen on a Sunday morning and we miss the usual frenetic activity on the church campus. But the church is very much alive. We are deeply grateful for the ways in which each of you is reaching out to others in the congregation and community. Like all of you, I have been feeling a sense of deep anguish over the murder of George Floyd, the subsequent national and worldwide protests, and the violence, destruction and looting in many cities, including our own. I am praying for police officers who care deeply about the people and communities they serve. I am praying for peaceful protests, and for reasoned voices to lead to solutions for positive change. We are the instruments of God’s love! We are the channels through which the power of love flows from the compassionate heart of God to every aspect of creation! John tells us “when we love each other God lives in us”; and as we remain true to love’s demands across the years, God’s “love within us grows ever stronger.” The light, the understanding that Jesus brought into the world is so simple, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” Be compassionate, be kind. He called it a new commandment but not as though we were to add it to the ten we already had. Because when we have love for each other and love for God, we have no desire to do any of the things outlawed in the 10 Commandments. The commandment to love: as a family, as a family of faith, as a national family, as a family of all peoples on earth, is a universal truth that is fundamental to humanity’s survival. The greatest privilege of being alive is to love one another as he has loved us and loves us still. These are dark times, but remember, God does His best work in the dark. Jesus came into a very dark world filled with oppression by the brutal Roman Empire. His death and resurrection began a change that broke the back of the most powerful and cruel reign of terror perhaps the world has never known. What other world empire has executed criminals by nailing them naked in a public place on a cross? But Jesus and His followers changed all that. And we can do it again. This is not the day to be passive followers of Christ. This is the day to pray and then to love and work. We have the love of Jesus to motivate us, the power of God by the Holy Spirit to enable us, and the love of God to inspire us. We can change our world. Love can overcome the hate and the healing power of Christ can defeat any virus. This is the time to get back into the word. “He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from all their destructions.” (Psalm 105:20). Blessings and peace, Linda Bailey, Associate Pastor

The Pentecost offering is appropriately received at Pentecost, just as the church is remembering the coming of the Holy Spirit with its wondrous animating activity in the life of the church. The children and youth who benefit from these gifts are themselves an animating presence in the church of today, whether members of Sunday schools or neighborhood children who receive hospitality and homework assistance. The Pentecost Offering should be an integral part of every congregation’s participation in the Educate a Child Initiative, since through this Special Offering each Church:

· serves the larger ministry of the PC(USA) by enabling programs for children at risk and supporting young Adult Volunteers and Ministries with Youth, which includes Youth Triennium.

· expresses its goodwill for children beyond

its own neighborhood by joining a portion of its treasure along with others in a coherent Presbyterian voice for children.

· regains 40% of the offering.

The Pentecost offering is one of the three Presbyterian Special Offerings in which Desert Palms participates. It is one of our favorite because it supports children and young adults at risk and we can chose locally where to send 40%. Recently we have sent our portion to Gila Crossing Church in Laveen, the Native American church we are partnered with, for their children. We have also supported Presbyterian Youth Triennium, which is a conference of Presbyterian youth from all over the PCUSA which meets every three years at Purdue University in West Layfette, Indiana. Gracious God, We pray that all children will be able to reach the potential you gave them. We are grateful for those who work alongside children at risk and give them hope. Give all of us the faith and courage to stand up for children and help build a brighter future for them. Amen

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MEALS OF JOY MINISTRY What a JOY! Congratulations to our meal ministry partner Meals of Joy on their $10,000 Grant from the Microsoft COVID-19 Fund Response Fund.

Meals of Joy currently delivers 700 meals to West Valley seniors weekly and our dedicated DPPC Meals of Joy volunteers are honored to be part of this amazing organization and its mission to prepare fresh, tasty, home-delivered meals for seniors who are unable to prepare their own food, desire convenience or independent living, patients recuperating at home and after the loss of a loved one. Caring for DPPC members and the community is part of our call and mission. Our DPPC/MOJ volunteers deliver on average 135 meals a month to those in need. PS…We LOVE our volunteer drivers and our volunteer coordinators, Linda Chattin and Jayne Schlemmer! Thank you for all you do! Would you benefit from receiving meals? Would you like to volunteer as a delivery driver? Contact Kimberly Hill at kimberly@desertpalmschurch.org or Nurse Mary at Mary@desertpalmschurch.org

From Your Faith Community Nurse Mary

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For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things

he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 We all continue to live in new and unique ways through these challenging times. Much of our focus has been on staying safe from the spread of the COVID-19 virus over the past few weeks. I want to encourage you to continue living a healthy lifestyle as we continue to protect ourselves from the virus. Reminders of ways to live well. How are you doing in each of these areas?

· Eat Well: Include lots of fruits and vegetables.

Include 3 fruits and 4 vegetables every day. · Stay Active: Walking outside in the early morning

while looking at God’s creation. · Learn New Things: During this time of isolation,

learn something new. Take an online course, play a new game…..

· Get Enough Sleep: 7-9 hours is recommended. · Monitor Your Medications: Take your

medications as prescribed. Talk to your doctor if you are having side effects or the medication is not helping you.

· Stay Connected: We must be creative during this time; phone calls, zoom gatherings, patio visits with appropriate social distancing.

· See Your Doctor Regularly: Many physicians have offered video or phone visits if you choose not to go to the office. Do not ignore your regular health care needs.

· Set aside time for your spiritual health; devotions, watching online worship services, prayer.

· What Brings You Joy? Reflect on what brings you joy each day and include that into each of your days.

· Treat yourself to this nutritious and refreshing

smoothie from mayoclinic.org.

Ingredients

1 cup fat-free, no-sugar-added vanilla frozen yogurt

3/4 cup fat-free milk

1/4 cup frozen no-sugar-added orange juice concentrate

Directions

In a blender, combine the frozen yogurt, milk and orange juice concentrate. Blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately. Serves 2.

The Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) has funds available for residents over 60 years old living in Peoria, Sun Cities, Waddell and Youngtown) who need assistance with utility bills and medical bills.

Food pantry assistance is also available. To learn more about the program and discuss qualifications, call 623-979-3911 ext 401 or email jsalas@fsl.org.

Caregivers! Are you willing to try a new way of gathering for our Caregivers Support Meeting? I am inviting you to join me on Zoom. The details of the meeting are below.

If you are new to zoom I have attached directions on how to connect to Zoom. You will want to do this before the meeting day. Please reply to this email if you plan to attend. Always feel free to email or call me for more information and share with other caregivers.

You could also choose to join the support group via phone if you prefer. Just let me know if that is your preference and I will send you the instructions. Upholding you in thought and prayer during these challenging times. Stay cool. Mary

Mary Nordtvedt RN, Faith Community Health Nurse Desert Palms Presbyterian Church 651-238-0994 (cell) What: Caregivers Support Meeting When: Monday, June 8 Time: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Zoom Join Zoom Meeting (Click on the link below) https://zoom.us/j/97559328020?pwd=T045YXlYUjFsUjhtRGEvOCtFdndiQT09 Meeting ID: 975 5932 8020 Password: 776985

Low Vision Resource Gathering

Wednesday, June 24, 10:30 a.m.

via Zoom

This group is a warm, supportive group that is for anyone that is living with low vision.

If you are interested in attending, email Mary

Evening 1, June 8, 2020 “What’s Wrong with the World?”

On the first day, we will look at the reasons people give

to explain the world’s problems.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, we may wonder at all that is going wrong in the world. Moreover, why do people so often act in selfish ways that hurt other

people? Together we will examine reasons given by secular sources and ask whether they are satisfying.

Evening 2, June 9, 2020 “Idols of the Heart”

We will consider the Bible’s explanation for what’s wrong with the world.

Rather than look at the problems “out there,” we will examine our own hearts.

An important biblical concept we will reflect on is “idolatry,” but we will find much more than just golden statues.

Evening 3, June 10, 2020 “The Gospel”

We will study the Bible’s solution to the world’s problems: the Gospel.

While the Gospel is the fundamentals of Christianity, we might actually miss the real depth of the Good News.

The Gospel isn’t just how we become Christians, it is also the fuel by which we live a life of discipleship following after Jesus. We will take a closer look at how

the Gospel leads us into confession and repentance.

Evening 4, June 11, 2020 “Gospel Moments”

On our last day, we will practice applying to ourselves what we’ve learned. We will use a “Gospel Moment” paradigm to look for how Jesus’ life, death, and

resurrection make a tangible difference in our day-to-day lives. We may even have some guests share their own

“Gospel Moments.” We will leave better enabled to apply the Good News to ourselves and help others to do the same!

Adult Bible School June 8 - 11, 2020 Video each day

Zoom discussion each evening at 7 p.m.

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Daily Devotionals

Many of you stop at our kiosks and pick up the devotionals. With the Church Office being closed right now, if you want one of the devotionals, please let us know and we will get it

to you.

Email:

dppc@desertpalmschurch.org, or call the church and leave a message with one of the staff.

Zoom Directions

Note: You will be asked to enter your Meeting ID and your password (depending on the device). You will be given the meeting ID or link to join the group Zoom meeting. Just enter them when asked by your device.

If you are using a computer: As you look at the zoom invitation, jot

down the Meeting ID Number and the Password as you may need these to access the zoom.

You will see the Link Address beginning with https: (and below Join Zoom Meeting) Click on this link twice.

You may need to click on Join Zoom. You will then be asked to join by video or join by audio. Click on the blue box that says JOIN WITH VIDEO

You will be on the screen along with your friends. We'll be able to see you and hear you.

If you are using an I-phone: You must get the app on your phone before a zoom

session. (Bulleted items below...)

You must get the app on your phone. Locate the App Store on your phone. (Has the letter "A" on the icon). Go to "ZOOM Cloud Meetings

· Click on GET. · It will then ask you for your Apple ID and/or your

Password (Have these ready). Enter these and then press install.

Next Steps ....

1. Touch the zoom app icon to open Zoom 2. When the app opens, touch join meeting (should

be a blue oval) 3. Enter the meeting ID in the top box, then touch

Join (blue oval) 4. Then you will be asked for the meeting password,

enter the password (touch join or ok) 5. You are now connected, you will be asked to join

by Internet Audio, touch yes or ok 6. You should now be able to hear everyone, and

everyone should be able to hear you

If you are not able to see anyone, you may need to touch “Start Video”.

If you are using an I-Pad: If you do not have Zoom on your I-Pad you must do the

bulleted items prior to a zoom session.

· You must get the app on your I-Pad. Locate the App Store on your I-Pad. (Has the letter "A" on the icon). Go to "ZOOM Cloud Meetings

· Click on GET.

It will then ask you for your Apple ID and/or your Password (Have these ready).

Enter these and then press install.

Next Steps

1. Touch the zoom app icon to open Zoom When the app opens, touch join meeting

(should be a blue oval)

2. Enter the meeting ID in the top box, then touch Join (blue oval)

3. Then you will be asked for the meeting password, enter the password (touch join or ok)

4. You are now connected, you will be asked to join by Internet Audio, touch yes or ok

5. You should now be able to hear everyone, and everyone should be able to hear you

If you are not able to see anyone, you may need to touch Start Video.

Thank You Received! Notes of appreciation for expressions of caring, cards, visits and prayers by you and the church have been received from:

Judy Poff for the many thanks for the cards and phone messages she received due to Bruce's passing, May 12. Judy stated: “I so appreciated those who wrote personal notes of concern.”

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SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

FOR CLASS OF 2020

The Desert Palms Scholarship Committee has completed its evaluation of the high school class of 2020 and selected

thirteen new members for our program.

The process was done completely online as the original collection of seventy-one applications was culled to twenty-three for online interviews using Zoom. As many as fifteen committee members listened to the candidates’ responses to questions asked by three interviewers.

After all were completed for each of our four high schools, Peoria, Valley Vista, Dysart and Willow Canyon, each committee member ranked them one to six. It is not surprising that there was a consistent ranking at both the top and the bottom for each school. After one scholarship was awarded for each school, the committee took the remaining candidates and selected nine more.

The awardees were notified on a Zoom conference with the committee. As you could imagine this was an extremely emotional experience for them. Suddenly they knew that their tuition and books would be covered for the next two years at the community college, relieving their families of the expense. For some it was the difference between continuing their education and entering the work force as there was no family money available for them.

This committee really stepped up in extraordinary times to complete a process that was turned upside down by Covid-19. Along the way we discovered a better way to get exposure to more committee members with the online interviews, a process that will probably become a norm for us in the future.

We continually told each other WE CAN DO THIS! Now that has switched to WE DID THIS!!

TANIA LOPEZ COMPLETES HER

JUNIOR YEAR

In 2017, Bob Lind, a resident of Sierra Winds at the time, came to me and told me that he had become rather fond of one of the dining room servers, Tanya Lopez. She was a senior at

Dysart High School, one of the schools where we awarded scholarships. A good student, Bob knew that the financial situation in her family left very little money for college expenses. Bob had Tania fill out an application, and after an interview, she was accepted into our program. Her performance was exemplary during her first two years at Glendale Community College. She earned A’s in almost all of her classes, and as she prepared to leave community college began the process to seek funding for her two final years at ASU. Bob Lind passed away in early 2018, but he had not forgotten about Tania. In the spring of 2019, I got a call from David Lind who asked if I could meet with him and his brother, Dan. They informed me that Bob had left $50,000 in his Will to finance the final two years of Tania’s education. It was an emotional experience when Bob Williamson and I informed her that the rest of her education had been provided for by a man she knew affectionately as Mr. Lind. Tania just completed her junior year at ASU, and her GPA stands at 3.96, territory with which I am unfamiliar. I informed Dave, a resident of Dallas and Santa Fe with his wife Miranda, of her success and received the following in a responsive email:

“Bruce, this is the best news all day! Thank you for keeping me posted. I know my mom and dad are smiling and are so happy for Tania. Her accomplishments are just amazing. We are so glad to be a part of the program and to see such success. It is wonderful. I know I speak for many others in thanking you for all you do.”

In addition to this money designated for Tania, Dave and Miranda award $6,500 from their foundation annually to be used for other students. We may not be finished with the Lopez family for a few years. Tania has a younger sister still in high school who is also a good student. Bruce F Outzen Scholarship Chair

224th General Assembly June 19, 26-27, 2020 The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is in unprecedented times. Within a few short months, an unknown and unseen virus has ravaged nearly every corner of the planet. Loved ones who were healthy have been struck down. Families have had to grieve without having an opportunity to personally say goodbye.

Our churches are facing difficult times as pastors and staff find new, innovative ways to minister from a distance as the future of their churches remain in question.

For the first time in our denomination’s history, we are preparing for a General Assembly that will be totally online. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly has had to make some difficult decisions as we looked at numerous options ranging from a full assembly agenda to our final decision to shorten the assembly and to focus solely on critical business issues.

In making these decisions we recognize that these unusual times prevent us from living into the fullness of who we are. Part of the grief COVID-19 has invited into our lives is the inability to be fully ourselves within the parameters of what we can do with what we have in a particular time frame. In other words, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is much more than standing rules, budgets, and elections. As our Stated Clerk recently said, “We are not divorcing ourselves from the work of social justice.” We are about justice. We are advocacy. We are theological and we are prophetic. But in these times of a pandemic, this is the necessary response in considering the health and well-being of the hosting community, commissioners, advisory delegates, observers, and staff.

We ask the church to join us as we step into these uncertain times with the faith and certainty that God will sustain and embolden us into the future.

More information at ga-pcusa.org

New Wilmington Missionary Conference

As a teenager I attended the New Wilmington Missionary Conference, and years later so did Michael and Benjamin. I haven't attended for many years because of the distance between Arizona and Pennsylvania. But this year because of COVID-19 the Conference will be virtual. The Theme is "We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight". The dates are July 17-19 and the cost is free. It will be something new and different. I really do not know what to expect. The following article is a press release about the conference. If you appreciate Mission Work you might want to check it out. --Pastor Jim

For the first time in its 115-year history, the New Wilmington Mission Conference will meet online, July 17–19. Programming will be provided for all ages, and there will be no charge to participate in NWMC 2020. “Because we are an international conference bringing people together from around the globe, and because we do not want to put any of our participants at risk, we have made the decision to move to a virtual platform for 2020,” said the Rev. Ginny Teitt, director of NWMC and organizing pastor of Concord Presbyterian Church near Columbus, Ohio. “We hope to capture the fun and joy that is often a part of the morning meeting, and we hope to provide opportunities for the meaningful interaction that has made the NWMC dear to so many for so long.” This decision was a tough one, Teitt said. “The NWMC Board of Managers has ‘Zoomed’ together for virtual meetings where a task force was assigned to gather a list of criteria to inform our decision. Like many others agonizing over the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we prayed, wrestled, listened and waited, hoping things would change.”

Now that the initial grief, shock and disappointment of not being able to gather on the campus of Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, are wearing off, Teitt said, those emotions are gradually being replaced by “excitement, imagination and expectation that God is doing something extraordinary through NWMC 2020.”

“Global communication and sophisticated internet platforms for virtual gatherings are a huge blessing for these unprecedented times,” Teitt said. “There will be opportunities for updates, inspiration, speaker presentations, testimonies and discussion, while participating online from home.” She said ideas are being considered to explore ways to offer community, encouragement and mission vision. “We are imagining possibilities, including skits and entertainment,” Teitt said.

Conference typically brings together hundreds of individuals and families from the New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, area as well as some 30 states and 20 countries. Teitt and conference leadership on the Board

of Managers hope this year’s virtual conference reaches even more participants since they won’t even have to pack a suitcase or board a plane to take part.

This year’s scriptural theme, chosen for the conference long before the pandemic, is 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” “I’m amazed and encouraged and deeply blessed by the talented and creative people who are prayerfully discerning and working so hard for NWMC 2020,” Teitt said. “We believe that the future course of the conference will be impacted by this experience.”

Information will be available on the NWMC website as it becomes available, nwmcmission.org.

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Capital Campaign

Desert Palms Presbyterian Church is celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2020. Our buildings, and all the things inside them, need to be renovated and/or replaced from time to time. Air conditioners break beyond repair. Chairs wear out. Carpets need to be replaced. Unlike daily expenses, these needs arise infrequently and require major expenditures not covered by our annual Operating Budget. The Property Committee maintains a spreadsheet of anticipated improvements and major repairs that are not included in the annual budget. These have been identified and quantified as Capital needs we will likely face in the next ten years.

At our annual congregational meeting in January, 2020, we approved a capital campaign intended to cover the first three years of that expenditure plan. However, due to the Covid-19 virus, that campaign was placed on hold. We are now asking members and friends to contribute funds for a specific need when that need arises. Pastor Jim recently announced the purchase of replacement chairs for Fellowship Hall that were ordered just prior to placing the Capital Campaign on hold. The cost per chair is $50, and donations can be made designating that the funds be used toward the chairs.

Other immediate needs include making needed repairs and improvements to the roof above Fellowship Hall, improved exterior lighting, Office computer replacements, replacing our telephone system which is failing, remodeling the restrooms in Fellowship Hall, and resealing the West parking lot. We can’t wait for these major expenditures, and are asking your commitment to help meet these needed financial expenditures. Your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar from our General Endowment Funds.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE OF MEMBERS

Sympathy and Prayers for the families of the following:

Don Duff, former member, died April 17, 2020.

Jerry Sachs, Charter member, died on Saturday, May 9, 2020.

Bruce Poff died Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Dick Walker died Thursday, May 14, 2020.

Pat Sinfield died Saturday, May 15, 2020.

Ginny Bagni died Saturday, May 23, 2020.

Roger Lansberry died Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

The Angel Bees are a group of quilters who volunteer their time and talents to make small quilts for compromised children, and adults with

developmental disabilities and others in need. The fabric is donated by members of the church as well as many others. Each year the Angel Bees donate numerous quilts to the Salvation Army for the Angel Tree for disadvantaged children. Additionally, quilts are donated to other organizations such as Choice Pregnancy Center, Rainbow Acres, Habitat for Humanity, and others as various needs are recognized. These small quilts are freely and lovingly given to those who need to feel wrapped in the arms of love. The Angel Bees were interrupted by the Covid-19 Virus and drafted into making faces masks for those that needed them. The Bees have made hundreds of face masks for distribution to members of the church and throughout the community. The latest project has been to make masks in preparation of the opening of church and so far over 100 have been completed.

Stephen Ministers don’t just provide care for people experiencing a major crisis, they

also provide care and support for people weighed down by the challenges in life. If you are feeling down, lonely, stressed or discouraged, perhaps you could benefit from the support and encouragement of a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers will tell you that through a caregiving relationship, God brings forth new life and renewed faith in both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister.

For more information about requesting a Stephen Minister or to learn about opportunities for Stephen Minister training, please contact Pastor Linda, or any of our Stephen Ministry Leaders: Suzanne Burke, Kathe Cochrane, Jan Ettele, Nora Timson, or Carole Jean Soine.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Through APRIL 2020

Our financial status for 4 months of 2020 is a positive net income of $43,140 compared to the budget of a positive $68,090. 2020 four months ACTUAL BUDGET Total Income $443,079 $476,154 Total Expenses $399,939 $408,064 Net Income (loss) $43,140 $ 68,090 Income for the month of April was below last year by $6,571 and below budget by $5,721. Expenses for the month were greater than last year by $7,299 and below budget by $21,092. Expenses were well managed for the month of April. However, there are several projects in process or required over the next several months that are not planned, but absolutely necessary. We must continue to maintain our beautiful campus and have encountered bees, termites, weeds, damaged walls, roof leaks, and normal ongoing maintenance. We are falling below the net income budget and are currently below plan by ($24,950) due to lower income than planned. We expect that trend to continue. Our expenses are primarily fixed due to the large percentage going to our staff and pastors as well as utilities, insurance, and maintenance. We are deferring all non-critical expenses and have seen improvement with lower than normal utilities and printing costs. We continue to be negatively impacted by the closing of the church offices and worship services. You can mail checks to the church, drop them off using the office door mail slot, send via electronic funds from your bank, or take advantage of online giving via the tab on the DPPC website. Endowment funds were positive for the month of April. It may seem worrisome watching the stock market swings, and we are diligent in managing our investments. However, we remain focused upon the long term results such as the 5-year growth in the Vanguard 500 index with a 9.1% growth rate. We have been blessed as a congregation to have the financial resources to maintain our beautiful campus and expand our programs and activities. Thank you for your continued and faithful support of DPPC. Charlie Green, Chair Financial Affairs Committee

We miss you and your smiling faces!!!! Project “Expressions of Joy” is underway! Nothing fancy…maybe a picture of yourself engaging in your favorite

hobby that has kept you busy during this time, out on a walk by a tree in full bloom, with your pet or on the couch watching your favorite television show...We want to see your smiling faces! Your smiles, like a burst of sunshine will help us connect with each other during this time of social distance. We plan to use these pictures during one of our upcoming Virtual Sunday Services to share “Expressions of Joy” during worship. Although we cannot be together physically, we can still be seen, connect and Give God Glorious Praise! Please send your pictures or “selfies” to kimberly@desertpalmschurch.org or dppc@desertpalmschurch.org

DESERT PALMS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2020 SUMMER ADDRESS

(Please fill out and mail/bring to the Church Office) Name:___________________________________ Summer Address:__________________________

________________________________________ Zip Plus 4: __________ Phone:_______________ Emergency Info: ___________________________

________________________________________

IMPORTANT Date Leaving: _________________________ Date Returning:________________________

Do you want to receive The Palms this summer by mail or email? ___ Yes ___ No Email:

Please let us know if you are leaving for the summer!

11

Desert Palms Presbyterian Church Reopening Policy after COVID-19 At the May meeting of Session a policy was

approved regarding reopening the church campus. Here are some of the highlights:

In the shadow of our national emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is necessary to remember who we are and whose we are: “In life and in death, we belong not to ourselves but to our faithful savior, Jesus Christ” (Heidelberg Catechism). This is as true during a pandemic as it is during seasons of joy, health and wellness.

Further, “We are the Body of Christ, and each members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). That is, we are connected to one another in a covenant of love through Jesus Christ. Understanding who and whose we are, Desert Palms Presbyterian Church (DPPC) seeks to affirm that we have a responsibility of care to each other and, together, for the communities we serve. Therefore, Session has created a policy for the well-being of our members and the communities we serve.

Recently, a significant point of controversy centers around the appropriate timing of reopening our churches. The political, economic and medical conversations of the wider society impact our churches, too… the health and well-being of our congregation is primary; therefore, national, state and local health department advisories have been helpful in making decisions both now and in the future.

The best counsel Session can provide is 1. Be cautious, 2. Start small, 3. Add activities in gradual, progressive steps, 4. Continually evaluate our local health situation, 5. Be vigilant.

Medical Observations

1. Our people should be encouraged to discuss their personal situation with their own physician. Accepting this caveat, other observations include a reminder that people with the following underlying conditions are considered to be at greater risk:

a. People over 60 – however, not everyone is the same, which is why folks should talk to their doctor, b. anyone with an immune-compromising condition, c. anyone with poorly controlled diabetes, d. anyone with pulmonary disease, e. anyone who has had a transplant.

f. Also noted: “Energetic is not the same as low-risk,” so folks should talk to their doctor.

The Session of DPPC has determined that reopening the church will happen in incremental steps. Remember that the ministry of the church has been taking place during the COVID-19 shut down.

In-person activities at the church need to take place with cautious appreciation for what this virus can do to the generation that DPPC serves. In light of that truth, guidelines to protect the well-being of those present at any church function must follow best practices of not spreading COVID-19. Best practices required that all participants at church functions:

· Wear a mask · Practice social distancing … six feet whether

standing or sitting around tables · Wash hands regularly or use hand sanitizer · Do not participate if feeling ill · Following the instructions of those who have

volunteered to coordinate meetings in safe ways

· Assisting in cleaning area used DPPC will commit to …

· Offering masks to those who forget to bring theirs

· Providing access to hand sanitizers · Reminding people of appropriate distancing · Removing paper products that are handled by

multiple people · Eliminating as much as possible items that

have been shared in the past (i.e. offering plates and communion trays)

· Determining appropriate numbers for each space and event

· Cleaning physical space after each use before the next use

DPPC’s return to in-person activities will occur in progressive increments:

· Begin with the reintroduction of staff office hours established by Session

· Followed by intentional and gradual adding of activities according to our congregation’s ability to maintain Covid-19 related precautions. (Requests must be submitted to the church office.)

· Calendars will be filled with a focus on the ability to clean spaces between activities. Followed by in-person activities including worship.

In-person Worship Guidelines

Who should come?

Each person must make the decision of what is best for themselves and their families. Stay home if:

1. You are feeling sick or have a fever. 2. You have a sick family member at home or have

been recently exposed to someone who may be sick.

3. You are a primary caretaker of a vulnerable person.

4. You have been traveling or in large crowds. 5. You are at risk because of preexisting conditions

or age. 6. You are unwilling to wear a mask while at church.

What will be required?

1. Masks are required to be worn. No singing 2. Accommodate physical distancing, even using

multiple services, if necessary. 3. Seating every-other pew. Markings on pews to

indicate where to sit in order to maintain social distancing. Other rooms may be utilized such as Fellowship Hall when sanctuary is full.

4. Doors remain open or opened by gloved volunteers stationed at all doors.

5. Continue virtual worship as an alternative offering for worship. When worship returns to in-person, those without virtual access should have first access to the sanctuary.

What is going to be different for now?

1. Numbers of people in each service will be limited based on social distancing and seating capacity.

2. Seating may be assigned or designated to help keep people physically distant.

3. Greetings with handshakes and hugs are not acceptable

4. Offerings will be received at conclusion of worship in boxes by exits

5. No hymnals, bulletins or paper products 6. Communion plates will not be passed 7. Planned traffic flow for entering and exiting.

Seating by greeter/usher. Front of sanctuary filled first front to the back. When exiting dismissed from back of sanctuary first.

Things to remember as we

return to church

¨ Be Healthy: Public places on campus are frequently cleaned and sanitized. It is important for individuals and families to take personal responsibility to protect themselves.

¨ Be Smart: Social distancing and spacing

must be practiced by all individuals on campus. All are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for handwashing and hand sanitizer use. Masks or cloth face coverings will be used.

¨ Be Holy: Remember to be patient and kind.

Miscellaneous

¨ Live streaming worship will continue ¨ Palms will be offered digitally. ¨ Phone tree, web site, email and Facebook

page will be sources of communication. ¨ “Cleaning Teams” need to be established to

sanitize all rooms after every gathering. ¨ No food or drink will be distributed from

church. No coffee bar at Fellowship Hour. ¨ Outside groups are expected to follow the

same guidelines practiced by the congregation.

The Session of Desert Palms has approved Virtual Communion as a means of participating in the Lord’s Supper for our Sunday morning live stream services. Remember, that when we

participate in the Lord’s Supper in this way, we are not partaking of the meal alone, but with the whole community of faith, even online. In preparation for our Sunday live stream service, we ask that you set apart your bread and wine or grape juice for use during the service. Put aside enough so that each person who will partake can have some of both elements. Share the elements at home at the same time as they are shared in the virtual worship. Partake of the bread and cup as you would during in-person worship: reverently, giving thanks to God for Christ’s act of love on the cross and God’s grace and mercy. We will be experiencing Communion like we did before on Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. in our live stream service, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together in virtual Communion. Though physically separated from one another, we are still bound together as family through our baptism. As members of the household of God we will join together, virtually, yet still present to one another as we gather from across the miles.