DESERT CHAPEL United Methodist Church 462 North Palo Verde Drive, Apache Junction, AZ 85120

Telephone: 480-982-2259 Email: info@desertchapelumc.org

NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2020

THE DAY DRAWS NIGH!

Sometimes you just have to use “old” language! The day draws nigh – the time is coming when we will be able to meet together again!

IT’S NOT HERE YET . . . but it’s close!

The TREX Leadership Board has been in a months-long process of creating a plan that meets Conference, CDC,

and state guidelines for the times we are together. It would seem so simple, but the devil is in the details –

what product are we using to sanitize and is it on the list of products believed to be effective against COVID_19

(but not harmful to the carpet or the fabric on the pews?); who is sanitizing and how often; how will we do

communion and offering and worship, without singing or using a bulletin or shaking hands? On and on it goes.

The leaders have been fabulous – and ever so patient as we work through the process. And (fingers crossed)

the time seems to be near (nigh!) when we can meet again in person!

In fact, in our most recent notice from Bishop Bob Hoshibata, we have been given the green light to meet in person IN GROUPS OF 10 PEOPLE OR FEWER. That means we can begin Bible study again, small groups can meet again and the 12-step groups can begin to meet again. For people who are not connected online, this is a chance to begin to reconnect with the church family, in anticipation of the day we can worship together in one place.

There are, of course, some basic guidelines that we must follow to keep everyone safe. They are: • Masks – everyone must wear a mask (and we have some if you forget yours) • Sanitizer – everyone must either wash their hands or sanitize them when they arrive, to eliminate germs

from “outside.” • Symptoms – if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home until they have passed ~ and

if you have a positive test, or are exposed, please stay home for 14 days, and return only when you have had a negative test. We love each other and don’t want to share!

• Distancing – it is possible in the classrooms, the choir room and the lobby to hold small groups and keep people a minimum of six feet apart from one another. Please do so in order that we don’t share hidden illness.

The church has a whole policy that will be made public (as soon as it is blessed by the Conference Disaster Relief Board) so you may see just what we will be living. Soon . . . very soon.

Page 2 A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR, REV. SHARON PAJAK

IS ANYONE TIRED OF 2020 YET? I KNOW I AM!

Today, one of my colleagues posted on Facebook a picture of the 2 hurricanes that are bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico, expected to hit land at the same time, fairly close together. It’s the first time in more than 60 years that such a thing has happened ~ he finished his post with #2020.

And each night, as I watch the local news, I hear how many days we have been above 110 and 115 this summer – both records now – and how many days our lows have been above 90 – also a record. We have already, officially had the hottest summer on record, since they began keeping records more than 100 years ago. All this on top of the pandemic, the election, racism, protests, riots and violence. #2020 indeed!

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. I get discouraged with every new thing. Whether it’s an “act of God” or human caused (directly or indirectly), every day it’s “one more thing.” But when I get discouraged, I remember Paul’s letter to the Philippians where he wrote, “1Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord. … 4Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! 5Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6Don't be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. … ” (Phil 4:1a, 4-7, CEB translation)

He goes on, “12I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. 13I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:12-13, CEB translation)

Because we are in Christ Jesus, we have hope that no matter what comes, no matter how dire it is, we are not alone. God is with us through it all, and we have the freedom to trust in God, to depend on God’s word.

Let’s continue the very important work of praying for one another, praying for the people of our communities, our nation and our world. Let’s continue to choose to be the Body of Christ as we struggle to find a way to be the human race, beloved of God. Peace, Pastor Sharon

STUDY OPPORTUNITIES UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION EXPLORE

TOGETHER SMALL GROUP STUDY:

THE WALK We're excited to bring

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 2020 to you as an all-new ONLINE

experience SEPTEMBER 24-25

The online format is packed with leadership development content

through a live-streamed event, plus on-demand bonus material for every

member of your ministry team. Registration is now open.

For more details and to register, visit: li.cor.org.

Will meet again on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm

in the Lobby, beginning

SEPTEMBER 8. In this class, we explore in depth

the scripture for the coming Sunday

and enjoy fellowship and caring for one

another.

Your group can complete our Lenten study, THE WALK, which was interrupted by the Covid-19 shut-

down, or you can study something else. STUDY TOGETHER!

If your group would like to meet at the church, please contact Pastor Sharon at

spajak@desertchapelumc.org with the: Number of people, Space you will use

and the Time you will meet. If your group is open to the congregation or the

community, we will need to be sure to keep your numbers at 10 or fewer.

A MESSAGE FROM JEANNINE ALLEN Page 3

Lay Leader and Convener of THE LEADERSHIP BOARD

Another month has gone by and we are still awaiting word from the Bishop as to when we will be able to open our doors for Sunday Worship. The Church is continually being sanitized and presently the carpets and pews are being cleaned. We purchased a carpet cleaner and our Custodian is hard at work with this cleaning.

Did you see the Live Streaming? We will continue this even after we reopen the Church so that those who are not able to attend or who are away will still be able to experience worship with us!

The month of September, October and beginning November will be busy months for the Leadership Board. We will be working on our Church Conference in November, Pastor review and meeting with our District Superintendent in October and planning the 2021 Budget. We will also be reviewing our Goals and Objectives for 2021. Please pray for your Leadership Board during this time.

Also, during the next month or so, we are reviewing our current Leadership Board. We would like to add at least 2 “at large” leaders. If you would be interested in hearing more information about this, please let the Board know. As a reminder, Desert Chapel Leadership Board (T-Rex) is as follows:

Pastor Sharon Jeannine Allen, Lay Leader and Board Convener Merlin Gross, Finance and Treasurer

Bev Svoboda, SPRC Keith Hale, Trustee Andrew Holliday, Youth Representative

As most of you have heard, Gary Smith has stepped down from the Leadership Board. But, that does not mean his work with Missions and Community Outreach has ended. NO, Gary has committed that he will continue doing everything he has done in the past.

This month, I would like to recognize Gary Smith for all of his hard work. During the Covid-19 closure, Gary has continued to devote his endless energy to fulfill his vision and expectations for the Clothing Closet and Community Feast.

When the Church does reopen, please visit the new Clothing Closet with dedicated rooms for men, for women and a new room for children. The children’s room can serve as a free Clothing shop, a Sunday School room and a play room for our young kids. Thank you, Gary for making this happen!!

Community Feast now has support from Gold Canyon UMC and from the Salvation Army which is supplying a good portion of the food needed to prepare the Saturday meals. Pizza Hut donates pizzas to the meal every week. Menus are now being planned weeks in advance with a wide variety dishes and plentiful portions.

Enthusiastic crews of volunteers have stepped forward to staff both the Clothing Closet and Community Feast.

Gary has also taken on the project of writing and producing our monthly Newsletter. And it looks fantastic!

There is so much else that Gary has done for Desert Chapel and there will be much more to come. Gary, again, THANK YOU for all of your hard work. We know God guides you with every step you take. Thank you all for your continued support and I cannot wait till we can see each other in person and worship together. – Jeannine Allen

But the gospel doesn’t need a coalition devoted to keeping the wrong people out. It needs a family of sinners, saved by grace, committed to tearing down the walls, throwing open the doors, and shouting, “Welcome! There’s bread and wine. Come eat with us and talk.” This isn’t a kingdom for the worthy; it’s a kingdom for the hungry. ― Rachel Held Evans, ‘Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church.’

Page 4 WE ARE DESERT CHAPEL Members Affiliate Members Associate Members Friends Arizona Residents Winter Residents Homeless Young & Old

Leadership Board Staff Tenants Neighbors Donors Partners Supporters Volunteers

What do these people all have in common?

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They all meet on ‘Friends of Desert Chapel’ Our very own Facebook Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/906770886436083

BILL GARRIOTT

recently revealed

that he was a

Trophy Husband

CAROL GARRIOTT is the woman who snagged him. She’s a Force of Nature!

Jeannine Allen

480-215-1029

To update your name,

mailing address,

email address & telephone ←CALL→

Bev Svoboda

316-243-8561

WE ARE DESERT CHAPEL Page 5

Members Affiliate Members Associate Members Friends Arizona Residents Winter Residents Homeless Young & Old Leadership Board Staff Tenants Volunteers Neighbors Donors Partners Supporters

NANCY TOM You may know Nancy Tom as a fabulous flute player who shares her musical gifts with us in many ways, both with a typical flute and with a Navajo flute.

CHRISTINA PRUETT For many years, Christina has been the quiet, in the back ground servant, setting up and serving the coffee fellowship we have had after worship. She has also

But did you know she entered data into the church giving and attendance records every week for several years? At first she alternated with a couple of other folks, but for at least a year Nancy did it by her herself, even soldiering on through the pandemic. After our office staff left Nancy also put together the newsletter for a couple of months. She has now retired from these very important positions and we want to say: Thank you so very much, Nancy!

spent several years as a co-leader for the BOLD Youth Group and teaching Sunday School to our youngest children. She did all of this while working full time at the AJ Walmart, where she is the Customer Service Manager! And on top of all of that, in June, Christina completed her Associate of Arts degree and has continued into a program to get her Bachelor’s degree. Way to go, Christina!

AMANDA CALLAWAY

Is Desert Chapel’s new bookkeeper. Amanda is from

Arizona, is married to husband, Colton, and has two daughters,

Lanelle, 6 and Persephone, 13.

MOLLY MUSGROVE attended Desert Chapel

faithfully until she moved to California to be near her

daughter. She is now planning a move to Alaska,

her former home state.

It was a great to visit briefly with

Hand Bell Choir member

STEVE PAGEL at Southwest

Mobility recently.

FIVE OF OUR CLOTHING CLOSET AND COMMUNITY FEAST VOLUNTEERS PATRICK CLYDE & LINDA McKIBBEN

JENSEN Desert Chapel

Members Winter Residents

and

COUPLE-IN-LOVE!

CAROL BAILEY

DOROTHY CAPEHART

MARILYN HILIAU

BEVERLY DYER HREN

RUTH MUELLER-MALICK

ANDREW HOLIDAY is the Youth Representative and youngest member of our Leadership Board.

ANGEL DETLEFESEN & CHRISTIAN MERAZ gave birth to their daughter, KIYAH, weighing in at 6 pounds 10 ounces, on August 19, 2020. Angel and her family have been members of our church since 2006.

Page 6 OUR SEPTEMBER MISSIONS

THE CLOTHING CLOSET. Our new and free Clothing Closet reopened on August 15. It has been moved and

now occupies Room 4 (men’s clothing, personal care and household items), Room 5 (women’s clothing) and Room 6 (children’s clothing and playroom). YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS MISSION AS A VOLUNTEER OR WITH YOUR DONATONS, ESPECIALLY, Children’s Clothing and Toys, Smaller-Size Men’s Clothing and Toiletries. Here is a list of the Personal Care Items we use, with some information about the cheapest places to buy them. But all donations are welcome!

HYGIENE ITEMS DESCRIPTION SOURCE & PRICE

Laundry Soap ALL - Pack of 39 Pouches AMAZON $6.99 / 18c ea Toilet Paper GENERAL SUPPLY 96 2-ply 500-sheet rolls AMAZON $65.00 / 68c ea Sanitary Napkins Donations No Cost to Us Diapers Donations No Cost to Us

BODY/SKIN CARE DESCRIPTION SOURCE & PRICE

SOAP Small bars from hotels Donations No Cost to Us BODY WASH Personal size bottles from hotels Donations No Cost to Us or bulk containers re-poured into small bottles Cost Unknown LOTION Personal size bottles from hotels Donations No Cost to Us or bulk containers re-poured into small bottles Cost Unknown DEODORANT Dukal Dawn Mist Antiperspirant AMAZON $40.84 / 43c each 2 ounce unscented roll-on Pack of 96 (RD20)

HAIR CARE DESCRIPTION SOURCE & PRICE

SHAMPOO Personal size bottles from hotels Donations No Cost to Us

or bulk containers re-poured into small bottles Cost Unknown

COMBS Medline Plastic black 144 Count MDS137007 AMAZON - $7.49 / 5c each

RAZORS TRAVELWELL Individually Wrapped Hotel Toiletries Amenities Smooth Shave Disposable Razor and Cream(10g) Boxed 100 Sets per Case Landscape Series

AMAZON - 39.89 / 40c ea

100 Box of Bullet Blades Black Razor Blades Disposable Stainless Steel Shavers High End Twin Blade Razors

AMAZON - $34.99 / 35c ea & FREE Shipping

SHAVING CREAM AMAZON – 43c ea

MOUTH/TEETH CARE DESCRIPTION SOURCE & PRICE

TOOTHPASTE Samples from Dental Clinics Freshmint Toothpaste, Metallic Tube .6 oz, Pack of 144

Free AMAZON - $22.72

TOOTHBRUSH Samples from Dental Clinics Free DENTAL FLOSS Samples from Dental Clinics Free MOUTHWASH No Source Unknown

FIRST AID DESCRIPTION SOURCE & PRICE

BANDAIDS Pro Advantage P150125 Flexible Large Adhesive Bandages 2" x 4" (Pack of 50)

AMAZON - $7.97 /16c ea FREE One-Day

ANTISEPTIC WIPES Curad Alcohol Prep Pads , Thick Alcohol Swabs (Pack of 400) - CUR45585RB

AMAZON – $16.99 /4c ea Prime FREE Delivery

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT Ever Ready Triple Antibiotic Ointment .9gr Pkts - 144 Count

AMAZON - $12.95 / 9c ea Q TIPS 99Cent Store 99c

COTTON BALLS 99Cent Store 99c

COMMUNITY FEAST is prepared every Saturday afternoon. As the Covid-19 shutdown continues, this is a

‘take out’ rather than sit down meal. Community Feast now has several very valuable partners who support the program with financial and food donations and with volunteers: Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, The Salvation Army and Pizza Hut.

But Community Feast is still a Desert Chapel mission, it is still free, and everyone is still welcome. You can support Community Feast with financial and food donations, but especially by volunteering.

Many Fridays, we start food preparation at 10:00 am, and always on Saturdays at 10:00 am. During the shutdown meal bagging and distribution occurs between 2:00pm – 4:00 pm.

‘BE STILL MY SOUL’ Hymn Review Page 7 By Eleanor Edwards

Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10

John Fischer reminds us that: God stays the same, though everything around Him moves, He is the one constant in the universe - the sun that always shines, the star that never goes out. Lights in the heavens are merely reflections of His glory. . . . We must relinquish our need to have everything revolve around us. We must turn and make our lives revolve around Him and what He wants for us.

This song was often sung during World War II as it seemed to comfort the people of nations, tired of an ongoing war when news of the front was discouraging and peace seemed so far away. Virgil J. Bachman of Our Saviour Lutheran Church In Port Huron, Michigan wrote in his church newsletter:

I had probably sung ' Be Still My Soul' many times before, but it was not until I sang it in a small stucco church in a tiny village of France during World War II that it became part of my life - - - it seemed the roof of that little village church actually opened up as we weary, dirty GIs blended our voices under the leadership of the Chaplain and the church's old pump organ.

Bachman stated that he felt the Lord was directly speaking to him in a very personal way and God seemed to whisper, “Don't give up, I'm still in command, yes, even here. I'll guide the future as I have the past.” Bachman thought of his dead and missing friends and the words of the hymn gave a “soothing, personal assurance at that moment and in that spot, Peace either here or in eternity.” He left the church feeling that the Holy Spirit had given him this peace and that he could return to his loved ones and to God's service.

KATHERINA A. VON SCHLEGEL (1697-1768) wrote the lyrics to ‘Be Still My Soul.’ JANE BORTHWICK translated the hymn into English in the 1800's.

JOHN SIBELIUS (1865-1957) composed the music in 1899 from his well-known Finlandia which contained a majestic, nationalistic spirit.

This hymn teaches us so well that we all need to learn daily “They who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”

Be still, my Soul, the Lord is on thy side! Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain, Leave to thy God to order and provide – In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul,- thy best, thy heav'nly Friend, Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

So you're tempted to get anxious. You are wondering whether God really cares. You feel like you are being tossed on a stormy sea.

Be still my soul, thy God doth undertake To guide the future as He has the past. Thy, hope, thy confidence let nothing shake, All now mysterious shall be bright at last, Be still my soul, the wind and waves still know, His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still my soul, the hour is hastening on, When we shall be forever with the Lord, When disappointment, grief, or fear are gone, Sorrows forgot, love's purest joys restored. Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past, All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

The information for this review came from Then Sings My Soul, Book II, by Robert J. Morgan, ChristianMusic.suite101.com, Amazing Grace by Kenneth W. Osbeck and Be Thou My Vision by John Fischer.

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DESERT CHAPEL United Methodist Church 462 North Palo Verde Drive Apache Junction, Arizona 85120

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YOU are God’s cherished creation! YOU are welcome at Desert Chapel! Desert Chapel United Methodist Church Newsletter September 2020