A case of water costs less than a trip to Starbucks. Pick up a case or two, bring them to church Sunday morning or during the week and put them in the lobby.

You can also donate through our website or dropping cash in the large water bottle in the lobby.

Give online today!

Arizona & US Partnerships - $38,000

Local Benevolence ($10,000) - Ongoing effort to provide housing, food, emergency utility help, counseling, and other financial assistance to people in our community.

From Gangs to Jobs ($4,000) - Helps troubled young men (18-30 yrs) develop job and life skills. To learn more, click here.

REACH Saturdays ($2,000) - From maintenance and cleaning projects to prepping and serving meals, these events allow us to work side-by-side to meet the needs of our community. To volunteer, click here.

Arizona Association of the Church of God ($4,000) - Sponsors children’s, youth and family camps, supports new churches, and encourages pastors and lay leaders.

CASS Homeless Shelter ($2,000) - Provides shelter, meals, counseling, job skills and addiction recovery for homeless individuals. To volunteer, click here.

Family Promise ($8,000) - Connects churches with homeless families in transition; MPCC provides meals and shelter for up to four families during hosting weeks, which take place twice per quarter. To volunteer, click here.

Youth Leadership & Outreach Training ($8,000) - Provides leadership training and life-changing outreach opportunities for Mountain Park students.

International Partnerships - $38,000

Andrea & Jon Hoefer ($10,000) – Now training to take the gospel to those who have never heard of Jesus, Jon, Andrea, and their two children will serve among tribal peoples. Visit website. 

Children of Promise International ($2,000) – Provides physical and spiritual care for orphans among unreached people groups around the world.  Visit website.

India Exploratory Trips ($2,000) – MPCC leaders will travel to India to determine viability of ongoing short term trips to support the work of indigenous believers. 

Tabernaculos De Dios ($8,000) - Provides funding for our sister church in El Progreso, Honduras, as well as community development projects and ministry retreats. This Spring, our donation will be used to build a new home for a widow and her family.

Feed My Starving Children ($8,000) - A non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s children in nearly 70 countries around the world. Visit website.

Short Term Cross-Cultural Trips ($4,000) - Provides scholarships for MPCC attendees participating in short term cross-cultural outreach trips for the first time.

Educational Resources ($4,000) - Provides speaker honorariums, travel expenses, and training materials for outreach education workshops at MPCC.

• Men's Wake Up Call - a weekly gathering on Tuesdays at 6:30 am at MPCC. A great way to start meeting other guys and a safe place to do life together.
• Tuesday groups - Men's HOPE 12-step recovery bible study, 6:30 pm at MPCC
  Enderson men's d.group - discussing various topics, 6:30 pm first & third Tuesdays at MPCC
• Wednesday groups - There are a number of men's d.groups meeting on Wednesdays. See below to take a look at each group.
• Thursday - Becka d.group discusses the Sunday messages, 7:00 pm at MPCC.

In addition to all the men's groups that meet, there are activities and events where men can make a difference while making new friends. Upcoming events include Mother's Day, Car Repairs, Trunk or Treat, Men's Retreat, just to name a few. Contact Jim Cooper or Curtis McFarland for questions about men's groups or events.

There are also opportunities to help with facilities work days, the maintenance team and the crisis response team adn various church projects. Contact Greg Battle for more info.

If you would like to see all the d.groups for men, click below to get the details and contact a leader. You can also see all the men's events on the MPCC calendar.

Find a men's d.group

Helping Others Who Are Grieving

Send a note, card, emails, or a Facebook message to the surviving family.

Call the people whose mom/dad has passed away and let them know you are thinking about them.

Ask how they’re celebrating Mother’s or Father’s Day. Provide a meal for them on the special day or include them in your celebration.

Identify someone else who has lost a loved one and simply love on them in an extravagant way.

Give them a hug. Make a call. Send some flowers.

Pray for them and with them. Your prayer could be in person, over the phone, or even written down and mailed.

Read Part 1
Read Part 2
Read Part 3

Do something you both loved. Read, drink tea, watch birds, play some Elvis...and be intentional in remembering your loved one.

Go for a walk. Go to the garden. Walk the beach—Nature heals. Remember your loved one in your quiet time.

Listen to music that brings hope and healing to your heart.

Write something to, or about, your mother, father or loved one. This could simply be a list of words or even a poem.

If you’re feeling down about your life, or struggle to keep going, remember all of the good things your Mom or Dad said about you. Write these things in a special journal, just for you, as a way of remembering your loved one while helping heal your own heart.

Remember how strong you are, and how you made your Mom or Dad proud as their son or daughter. Let that truth strengthen you.

Worship. Pray. Sit in the quiet of God’s presence. Connecting with God will connect you to what is real and help you focus on the important things in life.

Grab some of your favorite “comfort food.” Watch some home videos and have a good cry—ending your time by giving thanks for the blessings you shared together.

Read Part 1
Read Part 2
Read Part 4 

If memories of your parents are negative and painful, write a note to them. Then read it aloud (by yourself or with someone who will understand the complexity of your relationship). After you have read your letter, either seal it in an envelope or burn it to symbolize how forgiveness is an important part of your journey.

Honor your loved one by visiting a favorite place he or she liked to go. Share with family members the important part their parent(s) played in their lives. This event can honor the past while also creating new memories for the future.

Cooking and serving the departed one's favorite meal on the holiday is a fun way to honor them and bring purpose to the special day. On Mother's Day, place an arrangement of Mom's favorite flowers on the table to serve as an extra tribute. Serve the meal using Mom’s favorite dishes.

Watch one of Mom's or Dad’s favorite movies or dine out at one of their favorite restaurants. This will help bring to mind some special memories.

Wear some of Mom’s special jewelry or purchase a new piece of jewelry that reminds you of her. Have it engraved, if you like. For Dad, wear a special hat or anything else that reminds you of him.

If your Mom collected certain items, add to the collection (making certain this is a collection you want to keep current).

Family members can honor a deceased loved one by working together and planting a flower garden as a tribute. Every new bloom can bring a fond memory of the beloved person.

Visiting the gravesite of the deceased can also be a source of emotional and spiritual healing on significant days or holidays. Placing a special arrangement of flowers, or an item that reminds you of him or her, will make the tribute even more meaningful. Consider taking some helium balloons and releasing them one at a time as you say a word or phrase that honors your loved one.

On Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or meaningful holidays, contribute to your loved one’s favorite charity as a memorial tribute.

Lighting a candle placed near a photograph of the deceased helps bring focus and attention throughout your day to the loved one. As you light the candle, don’t hesitate to share verbally how much your loved one is missed. If you choose to do this at work, and your workplace doesn’t allow open flames, use a battery-operated candle. Each time your eyes are drawn to the flame, remind yourself of the reality of the Christian faith, that your loved one is now with Jesus, the Light of the World, and isn’t gone forever.

Honor your loved one in your garden. Add a yard ornament, flag, birdbath, rocker or water fountain. Or plant a tree of his/her favorite flowers. After you’ve finished planting, release some helium balloons or doves as a visual reminder that your loved one is in the care of our Creator.

Have surviving children draw a picture or create a piece of art that reflects what they’re feeling or what they remember about the loved one who has passed away. Or give them a new stuffed animal to help provide the comfort they need in a way they can understand.

Be intentional to look at photo albums or home movies. Make your own power point presentation of your loved one’s life.

Write a note or send an email to the “special” people in your life who “have been like a mom or dad” to you or have provided support and encouragement during the past year(s).

Write a note to others whose Mom, Dad or loved one is no longer alive. Your letter of encouragement allows you to grieve while at the same time helping others through this difficult season.

Identify someone else who has a similar loss and simply love on them in an extravagant way.

Spend time with people you love. Take joy in life. Take time to appreciate and listen to the people in your life. Count (journal) your blessings.

Read Part 1
Read Part 3
Read Part 4 

On Those Special Days

Even though holidays in general can be difficult for those who have lost a mom or dad, or really any loved one, Mother’s & Father’s Day and other special days (birthday, anniversary, first date, etc.) often add another layer of pain and grieving. However, these special days also provide another opportunity for healthy healing. It’s important to try not to avoid the day or pretend it’s not happening. Remembering is a way of saying I LOVE YOU!

In many cases, the days and weeks approaching these “special days” may produce more anxiety than the special day itself.  Decide ahead of time how you will spend the day. Will you spend it with others? Will you take some time alone for reflecting on your loved one? Maybe a little of both?

On Mother’s and Father’s Day, don’t forget to be sensitive to the couple who, for whatever reason, are unable to parent a child. They will also need to be the recipient of extra grace on these special days.

If you're a friend or colleague of someone who's experiencing pain of losing someone close to them, this series of articles can provide suggestions you can share to help show your support in a meaningful way.

Read Part 2
Read Part 3
Read Part 4

If you have additional questions, please contact Greg Battle.

Join the Team

We run short of many items; currently we are out of mayonnaise, tuna, jelly, and canned fruit.

If you would like to donate these items or any other items that we stock in our pantry, you can drop them off on Sunday mornings at the Food Pantry sign at the entrance to the church, or at the office any time during the week.   

Keep reading below to find an opportunity that interests you.

CASS Homeless Shelter Dinner

MAY 6 - Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) provides shelter, meals, counseling, job skills and addiction recovery for homeless individuals. MPCC volunteers work together to prepare and serve meals every six weeks and lead a recovery group. For additional information or to get involved, click here.

Family Promise

May 13-20 - Family Promise connects church communities to families who are in transition. We provide hot meals and a safe place to sleep for families who are working hard to regain their independence. For additional information or to get involved, click here.

REACH Saturday

May 19 - From maintenance and cleaning projects to prepping and serving meals, these events allow us to work side-by-side to meet the needs of our community. To learn more and get involved, click here.

United Blood Services Drive

May 20 - Be a hero by donating blood to United Blood Services on Sunday May 20 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. The UBS Bloodmobile will be in the MPCC parking lot all morning for your convienence. For additional information or to register, click here.

Bottled Water/Food Pantry Drive

May 20-27 - Help restock Mountain Park's Food Pantry and the Phoenix Rescue Mission Hope Coach. Together, these two groups provide hundreds of food boxes and thousands of bottles of water to needy families or homeless individuals in our community. Just bring your non-perishable food items and cases of water to church anytime between Sunday, May 20th, and Sunday, May 27th, and drop them off in the lobby. For questions, please contact Barb at bleclerc@mountainpark.org.

For more information on HOPE for Women, click here.

For more information on HOPE for Men, click here.

Writing Seminar - April 26, 7-8:30 pm 
Taught by best selling Author Vicki Kuyper. The class genre will be ʺFictionʺ - Lying to tell the truth, and ʺNon-Fictionʺ - Writing real life. Cost $10. Click here for details and to register.

Learn to Golf - April 28, 4-5:30 pm
Golf Lessons for any beginner over 18. Will be held at the Arizona Golf Resort in Mesa. Lessons will be taught by Brad Butler. Cost is $12 per person and limited to a class size of 12 people. Click here for details and to register.

Easter Lily registration cards are available at Hello MP on Sunday mornings. Fill out the card and return it with your payment to the volunteer at Hello MP or placing in the offering bag during the Sunday morning celebration. Deadline to order an Easter Lily is April 1.

A list of all honorees is published on Easter Sunday and available at Hello MP. For questions please contact Barb Leclerc.

Purchase a lily

Praise God for allowing us another morning to wrap up our work projects in San Jorge colony! Renovations on the Compassion building are now well underway; many homes have new screen doors and windows; foundation work began on a new home site for a family affected by HIV; and there have been many reports of toothbrush sightings in the colony, thanks to our dental hygiene team! Now workers from our sister church will continue the projects and send us updates throughout the year.

We also visited ProNino Orphanage today, home of around 65 children, most of whom were found living on the streets. Many of them were addicted to drugs when they arrived or were victims of sex trafficking. Others were runaways or unwanted children born of incest. Now they call ProNino their home, and friends and teachers their family.

View Photos

What We're Learning...

Honestly, we're tired, and a few of us are battling discontentment. There's a strong pull back toward the familiar sights, smells and tastes of home. In a small but very real way, we are learning to forsake our own desires to follow Jesus and finish the race marked out for us this week.

Others on our team were deeply affected by the children of ProNino. Besides quickening our desire to build an orphanage with our sister church, the experience caused us to reflect on our "adoption" into God's family. Once far from God, we now have all the rights and privileges of natural-born sons because of the grace we find in Jesus. Que bueno!! (How wonderful!)

What You Can Do...

Tomorrow, we relocate to a rural area called Canchias - home of the Heart to Honduras school where new pastors are trained and sent out to plant churches. In the next three days, we will renovate parts of the school and begin building relationships with leaders there. Please ask God to give us endurance and contentment and to make us a blessing to everyone we meet.

This will be my final blog post, since Canchias is a rural area without internet access.THANK YOU for joining us on this journey! We'll see you soon!!

Work projects continued today, and we are grateful to have made lots of progress. We also had a meaningful encounter with a widow's family on the outskirts of town. A few of us ladies traveled to see their home and decide if new screen doors and windows were needed. We found her mother (also widowed) in a small shack filled with holes, rot and decay - literally falling down around her. She posed for a picture with her granddaughters in the soot-covered kitchen where she cooks what little food they have over an open fire. When we told her the house was unsuitable to live in and that we'd like to build her a new house, she lit up like a light bulb and then bid us farewell with a wide, toothless grin and plenty of hugs! I even got a kiss on the lips!

View Photos

What We're Learning...

Two big lessons... (1) Pastor Jaime set the tone for the day by sharing John 17:20-21 and teaching about the emphasis Jesus placed on unity. As a result, many of us felt we worked better and enjoyed each other more today. (2) Its especially frustrating for some of us to start a project that we can't finish. From the start, our goal has been to hand these building projects over to our sister church to continue after we're gone. We're learning to let go of our results-driven, deadline-based American mindset and find contentment in knowing that we've worked hard and enjoyed getting to know people in the process.

What You Can Do...

Pray that we finish well tomorrow and leave the building projects in good shape for Pastor Jaime's church to continue the work. We will also visit a local orphanage tomorrow, so please ask God to use us to encourage the staff and children there.

6:30am-Breakfast 7:30am-Load buses 8:00am-Work projects (dental clinic for kids, building screen doors and windows, and home renovations) begin!!! 3:00pm-Wrap up work day and head to hotel for showers before dinner and debriefing.

View Photos

What We're Learning...

We're learning that hard work makes you tired and hungry... And for those two reasons, this post will be especially brief!

What You Can Do...

Tomorrow, we continue our work projects. Please pray that the love of Christ will compel us to work diligently even when we are tired and also for our conversations to be uplifting.

This morning, we headed to the beach with four school buses full of friends from our sister church and another truck full of food and supplies. After unloading our wares and setting up camp, Pastor Jaime gathered the new believers to teach them again about this holy sacrament meant to identify them with Jesus and point them back to Him. Then we all headed into the water, while a band of worshippers began singing and playing on the beach. As baptisms ended, everyone joined in, each singing in his own language...a fantastic mess of Spanglish!

We all gathered again for the evening worship service, where the front stage area became a sort of mosh pit for worshippers, all dancing and crying out to God in the most desperate ways. After a message from Pastor Jaime about the strong bond of friendship between David and Jonathan, we retired to our rooms for the night -tired in body, full in Spirit.

View Photos

What We're Learning...

There were three recurring conversations today.  The first centered on the beauty and diversity in the Kingdom of God. The second was inspired by the desperation with which the Hondurans worshipped in the evening service. The sight of it woke up our DESIRE for God, which is usually masked by our comfortable lives or temporarily satisfied by counterfeits. Last, some team members began questioning the definition of "mission" and "missionary." The church is already well established here in Honduras, and we are here to serve fellow believers. The joy in these folks' lives provokes us to envy their experience and knowledge of God. So...We've tried to imagine other impoverished places in the world where Jesus's name has never been mentioned...where there is no joy, no encouragement or hope. While we still haven't nailed down "definitions," we began calling this work trip a "Sister Church Visit." We are excited to be partners with this dynamic church and to help them take their next steps in ministering to a very special community.

What You Can Do...

We're ready to go to work! Please pray for the four work projects we'll begin tomorrow - fluoride treatments for kids, renovating Pastor Jaime's old house, screening over 30 homes to protect against insects, and starting construction on a new family home.

Thank you all for your prayers! Children's Day was a HUGE success! Over 300 children from the colony and Compassion house came out to play!! There really are not words to describe it, so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

View Photos

What We're Learning...

Two BIG lessons today... (1) The smallest gesture done with great love can have HUGE impact. (2) It is GOOD to play! Today brought us right back to Jesus, when he said, "Let the little children come to me." Imagine long days of teaching and healing the sick or interacting with stuffy Pharisees. It's no wonder He enjoyed children so much...beautiful, giggly, playful children. There was in fact a very real sense of His presence today as we enjoyed hours of soccer, obstacle courses, face-painting, musical chairs, and crafts. We're pretty sure we even saw Him hopping in the one-legged race...

What You Can Do...

Tomorrow we head for the coast to baptize 30 new believers and then to celebrate together at an evening worship service. Please ask God  to draw more people to Himself through these services and also for encouragement for the newly baptized.

We left Sky Harbor at 12:40am and got our first look at San Pedro Sula, Honduras almost 12 hours later. Once all 24 travelers and 52 bags and boxes were accounted for (praise God!), we loaded onto the bus for El Progreso to set up camp at the Casa Blanca hotel. Two hours and a shower later, we headed for the colony of San Jorge, home of our sister church. Much to our surprise, we were met on the road by trucks loaded with children holding homemade "Welcome" signs, waiting to escort us to the town center! Then, following a special tour of projects completed by previous work teams from Mountain Park (including the Compassion house and Pastor Jaime's new home), the staff and volunteers served us a delicious welcome dinner.

What We're Learning...

Day 1 came to a close on the dirt courtyard of the Compassion house, as beautiful Honduran children taught us a thing or two about finding joy in the simple things. Some of us shared photos or big bear hugs with kids we've never seen before, while others sang songs and danced the night away. Still, others simply watched...trying to take in the wonder of it all.

What You Can Do...

Please pray for 1) Saturday's Children's Day, 2) continued protection from illness and injury so we can be strong and productive all week, and 3) that we will look for God and see Him around every corner.

Register Now

It's Tuesday night, and our team is assembled in the church lobby amid piles of clothes, tools, Bibles, school supplies and whatever else we can cram into the 24 boxes that will travel with us on Friday. We first-timers strain our ears as trip veterans pour over their "what not to do - what not to eat - what not to wear" lists. We scribble frantically, trying not to miss a single detail. Soon, our leader, Greg Battle, takes the helm and begins rattling off the details of our back-breaking work projects as if they will be no more challenging than mowing a slightly overgrown lawn. The miracle is that we all believe him, and we are anxious to follow him. He is obviously the right man for this job. Soon, he deploys us to begin packing over a thousand pounds of supplies, and we tackle our first team project before heading home to reckon with our own packing lists.

What We're Learning...

We can't help but notice as we're working that we are all SO different - from our stories and talents, temperaments and styles, right down to our selection of clothing and footwear. Yet, we all want the same things - to see God... to serve God... to change the world... one life at a time... one day at a time - in Honduras over the next week and a half. 

What You Can Do...

Download the Daily Prayer Guide to help you pray specifically for our team over the next 10 days, and check back for more updates each day, beginning Friday, February 24th.

Register Now

Do I Have An Account?

If you have given online or registered online for any events in 2011, use the email address and password you set when you created your account. Click here to login and update your profile? If you've forgotten your password, click here to have your password emailed to you.

I Haven't Made An Account Yet

If you have yet to create an online account, click here to be taken to the registration page. You'll be asked for the necessary information to create the account. Once your account is created and confirmed, continue to update the remainder of the items in the profile page.

I Am Not Computer Savvy

Many households have adopted online banking, online billpay, online social networks as well as online shopping as a primary way of communicating. We do realize that for some this is not the case. If you do not have regular access to a computer or would prefer to update your contact information in person, please make sure to fill out a communication card during one of our Sunday morning celebrations and place it in the offering bag or turn it in at HelloMP. You may also call our offices if that is most conveinent. 

Dinners were a delicious feast nightly and filled with different MPCC families and friends serving, hosting, and helping. The meals were special as we sat with our Family Promise guests just like we would with any other friends who come to our home for dinner.

We saw God moving in us and around us last week! 3 families became gainfully employed and 3 other families advanced to transitional housing! Thank you Jesus!

Allan shared Sunday about how a meal builds fellowship, relationships and forms connections. We experienced this firsthand at Family Promise. Our MPCC friends and families prepared and dined with complete strangers who became friends and folks to pray for over supper!

We will be hosting Family Promise guests again March 4-11. Please pray about joining us and being a part of the solution and the magic!

SU Nights for students happens tonight at Desert Foothills Park. MORE INFO HERE!

*UPDATE, 1-24-12 @ 10:15am - Items for the Garage Sale can be dropped off at Mountain Park on Wednesday the 25th. If your drop off MUST occur today, you may leave it outside the gym, but we strongly prefer the 25th for all donations.

All classes and meetings at Mountain Park are still canceled for Tuesday, January 24th. This includes Women's Empower. 

*UPDATE, 1-23-12 @ 4:00pm - The church will remain closed through Tuesday, January 24 and possibly Wednesday January 25. As a result all classes and gatherings which meet at MPCC are cancelled. STUDENT UNION WEDNESDAY NIGHTS will be meeting at an alternate location which will be announced via email & text message. SIGN UP for the newsletter here.

The Mountain Park Church Offices will be closed Monday, January 23 for church-wide facility maintenance. We plan to re-open at 8:00 am on Tuesday, January 24. Any additional updates will be posted here.

Because of this closure we are canceling all classes and meetings at Mountain Park for Monday. Continue reading to see how your ministry or event may be impacted.

Garage Sale

We will begin accepting donations for the Student Union Garage Sale on Tuesday January 24. We had previously advertised Monday, January 23 as our initial drop off time but due to these immediate maintenance needs we will push that time back by 24 hours. If you have questions, please contact Beth Wolff.

Yoga Ministry

All yoga classes for Monday, January 23 have been cancelled. Regular class schedules will resume on Tuesday, January 24. If you have questions, contact Elena Porter.

In 2012, Mountain Park Community Church will join fellow sojourners in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and providing shelter for the homeless.  Read on to find an opportunity that interests you, and be transformed as you serve Jesus Himself, hidden under the distressing guise of the poor.

Family Promise

For the week of January 15th-21st, Mountain Park Community Church will provide shelter to homeless families, thanks to God and our friends at Family Promise. Our mission is to love and serve our neighbors by providing hot meals and a safe place to sleep, while they work hard to regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. While MPCC will provide supplies and food, we need volunteers to prepare and serve the meals and also to make sure the families have what they need during their stay at MPCC. Read more and register by clicking HERE.

Feed My Starving Children

Saturday, January 21st, 8am-5:30pm - Feed My Starving Children, a world-class hunger fighting organization, is coming to Mountain Park! Choose from one of four available shifts, and help package 100,000 meals for starving children around the world! Read more and register by clicking HERE.

Worship & CD Release Concert with Marshall Hall

Saturday, January 21st, 6:00pm - After a jam-packed week of serving opportunities with Family Promise and Feed My Starving Children, Marshall Hall will lead us in a celebratory evening of WORSHIP!  The line-up will include a mix of favorite worship songs, as well as tunes from Marshall's new CD, "Brighter One."

Tickets go on sale in the lobby on Sunday, January 1st, at just $5 (General Admission) or $15 (Artist Circle) .  ALL proceeds will help fight world hunger!

After each celebration join the party as we commemorate this huge day at Mountain Park. What can you expect? Well, let's just say it's going to be big! Food, inflatables, fun... it's going to be a big deal.

So on January 8, stay after the celebration, take a walk through the resource center and catch opening day fever!

Be sure to pick up one of these packets on Christmas Eve at either the 1pm, 3pm, 5pm or 7pm celebrations. If you forget or are unable to attend, you can download the resources below.

Merry Christmas and we'll see you on Sunday, January 1.

Download PDF

DAVE SHREIN
dshrein@mountainpark.org

BETH WOLFF
bwolff@mountainpark.org 

Student Winter Camp for 2012 is almost here and you need to get signed up! If you're a parent, sign your student up for what has the potential to be one of the most impactful weekends of their entire life. (As I write this, I remember when I was 14 at the same camp our students are going to and deciding that from here on out I wanted to live by life for something bigger than just me: JESUS!)

Middle School Camp

Prescott, AZ - January 13-16 

DETAILS HERE

High School Camp

Williams, AZ - February 17-20

DETAILS HERE

“Merry Christmas” becomes a heart-wrenching greeting for people grieving the loss of a loved one or an end to a dream. It is during the holidays when we sometimes fail to spend time with those in need of our compassion. Most likely, someone you know has recently experienced a death in their family, a broken relationship, failing health, a lost job, a shattered dream, or some other form of loss. This is your time to intentionally become the body of Christ for those who are grieving.

Listed below are examples of how you might support and encourage friends and family in your places of community:

• Specifically mention the loss.  For example, “I know this is the first Christmas without ______ (fill in the person’s name). Are you thinking about them a lot?  How are you feeling?  How can I help?”
• Invite the person over for dessert, dinner, or coffee.
• Ask them if you can help them with their Christmas shopping.  Walking the shopping malls can be a lonely time for those who find themselves in the midst of grief.
• Ask them to attend one of our Christmas Eve services with you or your family and then invite them over for dessert (this works well with people who do not regularly attend church). The time after the Christmas Eve service can be especially painful if someone has no where to go or no one to go home with. Pray about ways to open your family time to include a time with a friend in need.  Everyone will be blessed!
• Send them a card, or some flowers and specifically mention the situation and/or the deceased person’s name.
• Call or visit them on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
• Give them a gift that lets them know they are special in your life.
• Invite them to serve, within the community, with you, your family or your d.group.
• Use technology to communicate electronically and also as reminders of significant dates and people to remember.

It is important for us to focus on the Christ of Christmas. Rather than only agreeing with the notion that  “Christmas is for children” or “Christmas is for families,” remember this timeless truth: that Christ came to be in relationship with all of us; and that He calls us to be in relationship with each other.

This ‘calling’ on your heart, may be in response to an immediate family member, a neighbor down the road, or a colleague from the office. What is most significant this season is that people matter to God. Please, pray that God will transform your heart to encourage an ongoing awareness that people matter to you.

There is no one formula that will comfort someone who is feeling discouraged or lonely during the holidays.  To be like Christ is to simply be in “relationship” with someone.  Invite God to live and love through you.  Remember, in the midst of loss and pain, you really may be the only one person showing God’s love.

Giving your time, initiating intentional conversation and continuing to build authentic friendships are a sample of gifts that you can give to others who are grieving. May you let Christ’s light shine through you, and encourage your co-workers, friends and family to draw nearer to Christ.  May you be blessed as you bless others.

Give Online

Our online giving option is available 24/7 and is an easy way for you to make a contribution with your check card, credit card or checking account. You will need to sign up for an account in order to use this method, but it's easy and provides convienence for future gifts. In order for the gift to count towards 2011 it must post by December 31 at 11:59 pm. Give Online

Give at a Celebration

There are two opportunities to make a contribution during our celebrations. The first is Sunday, December 18 during either the 9:15 or 10:45 am celebrations. The second is on Christmas Eve at the 1, 3, 5 or 7 pm celebration. We will not be having celebrations on Sunday December 25.

Drop Off

Our church offices are open from 8-5 Monday through Thursday of the Christmas week and Friday from 8-1. We are closed Christmas day. We will reopen the church offices December 28 & 29 from 8-5 and December 30 from 8-1. You may drop off an end of year gift anytime between those windows.

Snail Mail

And of course there is always the option of mailing in your contribution. Our address is 2408 E Pecos Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85048. Checks will needing to be considered for the 2011 year will need to be postmarked by December 31st.

The following help is needed during the first and second weeks of January. Help us prep 2,000 binders, sort through 150 chairs for quality check and unpack and move the 400 new chairs for our facility.

If you are interested in jumping in and serving in the new year, contact Denise Strickland. 

Christmas Eve Day

Food Prep // Provide food & beverage for the many volunteers, staff and band who are at Mountain Park throughout the Christmas Eve day. Help prep food the day prior and/or help prepare the spread on Christmas Eve in the morning. Contact Cindy Galowitch

Attendee Refreshments // Help prepare coffee, hot chocolate and possibly some appetizers for all who attend our Christmas Eve celebrations. We would love to be able to make this available but will only be able to pull it off with enough volunteers. Shifts are typically 1-2 hours, depending on how many volunteers sign up. Contact Cindy Galowitch

Cleaing Crew // Help keep our church clean between celebrations. We need help cleaning up trash, restocking bathrooms, arranging handouts along with other tasks in between each celebration. Volunteer to help and make the Christmas Eve celebrations special for all those who attend. Contact Denise Strickland

Children's Ministry // Volunteer to help look after little ones for our guests. We provide childcare for children 3 years and younger and we need adults for all 4 celebrations. Contact Margo Schramm

Tear Down Cleanup // Be a part of the crew that helps to clean up the church after our 7 pm celebration finishes at 8 pm. Whatever is left uncleaned is finished by our midnight mass crew and we'd like to leave as little for them as possible. Contact Denise Strickland

Welcome Greeter // Provide a smile and a warm welcome as our church fills on Christmas Eve. As small and simple as this sounds, it is probably one of the most important jobs available on Christmas Eve. Contact Cindy Galowitch

Communion Prep (Midnight Mass) // Our midnight mass provides an opportunity for Christians to take communion together. Be a part of the team that preps the Lord's supper for those who come and celebrate the birth of Jesus at our midnight service. Contact Barb Lerclerc

Christmas Prep

Candles // Help us prepare over 3,500 candles for use at our Candlelight celebrations on Christmas Eve. Contact Barb Leclerc

Program Stuffing // Help prepare the over 3,000 programs that need to be stuffed with Mountain Park info. Volunteers are needed during our office hours anytime during the week of December 19-23. Contact Denise Strickland

Poinsettias // Volunteer to water the numerous memorial poinsettias decorating the lobby and auditorium. Contact Barb Leclerc

Children's Activity Bags // Prepare activity bags for our youngest visitors ages 4 and up by putting fun items in bags to hand out Christmas Eve. Contact Margo Schramm

Lights on Trees // We would like to light up the trees along Pecos Rd as well as the palm trees near the main doors. We would like to accomplish this as soon as possible. Contact Greg Battle

Arizona & US Partnerships - $34,000

Local Benevolence, $18,000
Ongoing effort to provide housing, food, emergency utility help, counseling, and other financial assistance to people in our community. Requests for assistance are researched and managed responsibly.

From Gangs To Jobs, $2,500
Helps troubled young men and women (18-30yrs) develop job skills.

REACH Saturdays, $1,500
From maintenance and cleaning projects to prepping and serving meals, these events allow us to work side-by-side to meet the needs of our community.

Arizona State Work of Church of God, $4,000
Sponsors children’s, youth and family camps, supports new churches, and encourages pastors and lay leaders.

CASS Homeless Shelter, $2,000
Provides shelter, meals, counseling, job skills and addiction recovery for homeless individuals. MPCC volunteers work together to prepare and serve meals at CASS.

Family Promise, $6,000
Allows MPCC to house and provide meals for homeless families who are working hard to get back on their feet and provide for their children.

International Partnerships - $41,000

Reaching Unengaged People Groups:

• Andrea & Jon Hoefer, $10,000
  Now training to take the gospel to those who have never heard of Jesus, Jon and his wife, Andrea, will serve among tribal peoples. They and their two children, Kaydence and Gideon, are part of our MPCC family while Jon completes his training as a missionary pilot and mechanic. To learn more, go to http://onedayeverytribe.blogspot.com.
  
• Children of Promise International, $2,000
  Provides physical and spiritual care for orphans among unreached people groups through Christ-centered orphanages; includes nutrition program, free schools, higher education opportunities, and family assistance. MPCC has supported seven children through CPI for more than nine years.
• Outreach to Muslims in India, $4,000
  Support an MPCC family working to begin a church planting movement among Muslims in Bangalore, India. Their work includes sharing the Gospel and building into local believers, teaching them to share their faith, disciple others and trust God for BIG things! Identity of couple kept private for their protection; please contact Lori Hall to learn more about this work.

Heart to Honduras, $15,000
Supports our sister church in El Progreso as they empower their people by providing clean water to communities, training future church leaders, and investing in other development projects; we also provide monthly support to our Heart to Honduras partner, Gordon Garrett.

Feed My Starving Children, $5,000
A non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s children in nearly 70 countries around the world. Our relationship with FMSC began this year with a food packaging event that provided 100,000 meals to impoverished children and more than 45,000 meals to families in Japan.

Short Term Cross-Cultural Trips (Mexico, Honduras and India), $5,000
“The heart cannot be moved by what the eye has not seen.” Short term trips can bridge the gap between our insulated lives and the physically and spiritually impoverished cultures of the world who know only devastation and hopelessness. This fund will provide gifts and materials for work projects, as well as scholarships for MPCC attendees.

Each memoriam/plant is $10; you may pick up your plant at the end of the 7:00 pm service on Christmas Eve. In addition, the names of your loved ones will appear in a scrolling video pre-service Christmas Eve and a printed list will be provided at HelloMP.

If you have any questions you may contact Barb Leclerc.

What does being thankful mean? According to Merriam - Webster dictionary, being thankful means conscious of benefit received, expressive of thanks, or well pleased or glad. Be thankful sounds like the easiest thing to do, but in reality we all know that being thankful is a lot easier said than done.

Another way we could look at being thankful is in a situation such as getting out of a bad relationship (not that I’m in any bad relationships). While the pain of ‘breaking up’ is not pleasant, we can remain thankful that God will take care of us during the transitional time, and in our hearts we know the ‘break up’ was for the best. We could also find thanks in a situation such as losing a loved one, and although losing somebody who is close to you is so hard, we can be thankful for the time that we had with that person. Another thing we can find thanks in is financial issues, we all know that financial issues can cause a lot of stress in our lives (even for college students) and it can hurt families, but it is important that when we go through struggles financially we remember all the things that we have and be thankful for those things.

I know that by me saying all these examples your probably thinking “yeah, but you don’t know how hard my life is right now.” However I am fully aware that situations life hands us can be extremely hard. God never intended that being thankful would come easy to us (maybe that’s what He reminds us to be thankful). 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “give thanks in all circumstances; for this God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse alone is God challenging us to be thankful. It doesn’t say to be thankful for all circumstances, rather IN all circumstances.

Why does he want to challenge us? Think about it. When you have actually taken the time to realize what you are truly thankful for, you realize things that you never would have before. Sometimes going through a hard situation in life can help us remember just how thankful we are for the love of God and all that He has given to us. God knows our true hearts and whether or not we are truly thankful. The importance of giving our thanks back to God is extremely crucial for us as Christians. God has given us all we could ever want and then some. He has given us our jobs that bring us money, our houses that cover our heads, and the food we have on our table. But not only that, God has given us eternal life! Which in itself is the greatest thing to be thankful for.

This Thanksgiving instead of going around the table saying what nice “things” you’re thankful for, share about the blessings of friendships, the health of family and friends and for the basic necessities that God has provided. Happy thanksgiving everyone☺ McKenzie Smalley

You are not alone.

Here you can connect with support, encouragement and advice to survive the holidays.

GriefShare

We offer two classes - One for adults and one for children. These special workshops are for those who have difficulty getting through the holidays after the loss of a loved one. Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 6:30-8:30 PM in Room 204 at MPCC. There is a $5.00 class fee. Click the button below to register.

DivorceCare

We offer DivorceCare for adults. This special workshop is for helping those who have experienced divorce get through the holidays. This class is offered on Wednesday, December 7 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Mountain Perk Café at MPCC. There is a $5.00 class fee. Click on the button below to register.

Register Now

We need you to make our new directory complete. We have chosen to partner with Lifetouch for professional photography that will connect our family and tell our story.

Convenient

Lifetouch will photograph at Mountain Park. In your one-hour session you will:

• Check-in
• Be professionally photographed
• Immediately view your portraits
• Have an opportunity to purchase additional portraits for your family

This Ain't No Ordinary Portrait

Though you could have your portraits taken in a traditional pose like the heading picture, the Lifetouch team does a great job of capturing lively, authentic scenes. So, if you've got a family pet or a prized family treasure, bring them with you and the photographer will be sure to incorporate them into your poses.

Register Now

Would You Like to Earn a $25 Photo Package?

Hosts are needed to help at the check-in table each day during the photo shoots. If you have a couple of hours to spare between 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday and Friday, or 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, you can earn a $25 photo package. Contact Cindy if you are interested.

We are searching for adults to GET IN THE GAME and volunteer Wednesdays to invest time with our students and be helpers for the activities each week. The commitment would be weekly for roughly 2-3 hours each week. There are many different tasks to help with but the one thing students need more than anything else is consistent adult influence in their lives. This makes a huge difference and you could be that difference.

If you are interested in learning more or ready to volunteer contact me, Dave Shrein over email or call the church. I can answer any questions you may have.

At Mountain Park we love celebrating baptism. On Sunday, October 30 we are holding our next baptism celebration. For those individuals who have committed their lives to walking with Jesus and have yet to be baptized, this is a great opportunity for you to take that next step.

Baptism can be intimidating if you're unfamiliar with the purpose. We have created a section on our website to help answer any questions you may have about it's significance and if now is the right time to be baptized. Visit the Baptism at Mountain Park page. You can also email Denise Strickland with additional questions.

If you feel you're ready to be baptized we would love to invite you to make October 30 the day. Contact Denise to sign up. There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 6:30 pm that should be attended by anyone interested in participating in the Sunday celebration.

This fall Mountain Park is having a "Give to CHAIRity" opportunity. We have experienced a rapid amount of growth in those who call Mountain Park their home church which is great, but because of this growth, we've run out places for everyone to sit. This is an a chance for you to help us purchase additional chairs to ensure that everyone has a place at Mountain Park.

This opportunity is whatever you make it. Each chair adoption costs $50. If you are able, we are asking that you sponsor enough chairs to seat your entire family. If that isn't a possibility right now, we'd encourage you to adopt whatever you can at this time.

If you're ready to "Give to CHAIRity" now, click the button below and sign in. If you've yet to register for an InFellowship Account, click here for a short tutorial. Once logged in, when the option appears for you to select a fund, select "Adopt a Chair." From there you can continue with the appropriate information and the amount you wish to contribute.

If you have questions with the online giving feature contact, Dave Shrein.

Give to CHAIRity Now

Women's H.O.P.E.

H.O.P.E. stands for "Help Overcoming Painful Experiences." This group offers support for women who seek God's grace and healing from injuries and pain which come as part of life events and experiences. We use a book called "The Twelve Steps - A Spiritual Journey" as a guide. This study guide provides direction for this group, combining biblical principles which begins the process for one's journey toward lasting change and renewal.

Read More

Women's F.A.I.T.H.

F.A.I.T.H. Group uses a working guide called "HURT to HEAL" for women who seek God's grace and healing from the hurts of life. It includes biblical principles and contemporary, current experiences. The goal is to strengthen and encourage your journey toward lasting change and renewal. Ultimately, you can begin helping others to experience the same.

Read More

In this clip from the message "The Gospel Collides with Life," Pastor Dave Shrein spells out what the Gospel is and what it means for the Christian.

Yesterday, August 14, we all got together to talk about the Gospel. We had over 180 students participate in our middle school (9:15am) and high school (10:45am) gatherings. It was amazing to see so many students interested in knowing what it means to come alive in Christ. We have over 30 d.group leaders this year ready to take these 180 students into smaller groups (d.groups) and help develop these 6th-12th graders into young men and women in love with Jesus. 

Check out this video to see a piece of what we talked about on the 14th.

Xplore :: read more / signup
a 6-week study for people who want to explore global outreach

DivorceCare :: read more / signup
A safe place for people struggling with divorce or separation

DC4K :: read more / signup
A safe, fun place to help your child heal from the pain of divorce

Parenting Worshop :: read more / signup
“Revolutionize Your Parenting Using Love and Logic,” taught by family counselor Jen Miller

GriefShare :: read more / signup
A caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University :: read more / signup
This life-changing program teaches you how to eliminate debt, save for the future, and live like never before

Skills for Change :: read more / signup
“Building a Confident You” focuses on developing your personal relationship with God as well as your sense of self

Empower PM :: read more
This gathering of women includes a variety of worship, devotionals, personal stories, and a choice of  two small group options

Hot Topics/Hot Dates Marriage Series :: read more
Listen to a fun “hot topic” by Mark & Vicki Kuyper the first Wednesday of each month, followed by a “hot date” on the third Wednesday

I was surprised. 

Take the next 6 minutes.

Remind yourself of what an amazing God we serve.

Thank him for standing up even when everyone around him was falling down.

Forward this incredible story to a friend.

Watch.

Financial Peace University consists of a 13-week video curriculum taught by financial expert Dave Ramsey. The program is highly entertaining with a unique combination of humor, informative financial advice and biblical messages. The course fee is $79 if you register in June, $85 in July and $93 in August. Fee is per family and covers all materials plus membership to FPU.

The next Financial Peace University course begins August 17, 2011 and meets every Wednesday through November 16 (no class October 12 for fall break). Childcare is available at 6:30 pm for $5 per child ($10 max per family). Dinner is available at 5:45-6:30 for a suggested donation of $5 per person age 12 and over.

Register and pay online at the Dave Ramsey website.

REGISTER NOW

Several years ago, Mountain Park built a Compassion International facility for children at our sister church in El Progreso, Honduras. Unfortunately, more than 50 of these children are still waiting for sponsorship through Compassion. For many months we have tried to sponsor these children but there are many sponsorship restrictions for sister churches.

Earlier today, however, we received word that we can sponsor these kids through a special radio program tomorrow morning, Wednesday June 15th, at 6:00 am Arizona time! For just $38 a month, each child will be provided food and clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, and important life-skills training. Most importantly, the children will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.

Please consider calling in to sponsor a child! The telephone number for the KTSY radio station/program is 208-459-5879. Please ask for a child from Project #HO-238. As our partnership with our sister church continues we will have the incredible opportunity to visit our Compassion kids together during future short term trips to Honduras.

Please feel free to contact Lori Hall directly if you have questions, and PLEASE do let her know if you sponsor a child tomorrow morning! Our hope is that we will have a sponsor for each of these children!

I have a 20 minute commute to Mountain Park each day. It's not so bad though... the San Tan 202 pulls right up to 24th & Pecos so it's really just freeway the whole time. I’m the kind of person that always has to be doing something and while I'm driving is no exception. It’s probably due to when I was younger, I was always working on some sort of project. I remember building America West Arena (back in the good ole' days) out of Legos one summer because I was bored. That being my personality, I don’t just roll in silence to church. I have rotated between music, sermons, audio books, and sports talk radio. That last one I had to stop listening to… it just caused me to freak out how into sports those guys were. Nothing against sports fanatics.

Currently I’m in a hybrid mode where I don’t know what I’m really focusing on doing in the car (aside from driving) but I did have a song stuck in my head this morning as I prepared to leave. It was Awakening from the latest Passion album. Once I was in the car, I turned on the music. During my drive I kept dialing up the volume. There was a strength coming through the speakers that I had not felt in a while. As the song continued I felt my heart being softened. Have you ever felt that, your heart being softened right in the moment? I became aware of my need for God.

There’s Something About Music

As much as I love the podcast sermons I listen to throughout the week, I was reminded this morning that there is power in music that is not found anywhere else. The power of a song ascending both in word and in melody to bring glory to God is something so powerful that no matter how many words are used in a sermon, you will never get that sense of ascension without music. We are so blessed to have such a variety of music to choose from through iTunes, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Napster and all the other outlets available. I think it becomes easy to forget the gift of music because there is so much noise drowning out the beauty.

There is another song that came on after Awakening, Aftermath by Hillsong United. If you haven’t heard this one, I’d encourage you to listen to it. You can get it on iTunes or Amazon. You can listen to it and read the lyrics at this YouTube video.

The Mountain Park Internship program ranges from 3 months to 1 year cycles and often we have candidates who require unqiue housing accomodations for a nominal to zero cost. Their needs are unique because the nature of an internship is unique. Most interns continue to work a separate job in addition to their internship to keep up with typical living expenses.

If you have an extra room in your home and are in a position to host an intern for a nominal or zero cost, please contact us. Let us know you are interested in becoming a host candidate and we work with you to come up with a housting application. The application can then be used to help pair you with an intern who is the best fit for your house environment.

Opening up your home to a young person is a big ask but it is an incredible opportunity invest into the future of God's church and bless a young person as they seek to bless others.

We are currently looking to place 3 month summer interns. If you're interested in participating in our host program or have additional question, please contact Dave Shrein, our Internship Director.

If you missed this past Sunday, you'll want to watch this. If you were there you will want to watch this. If you are a Christian, watch this! Pastor Allan Fuller shares how the cross is at the center of everything. It is the point of Jesus' entire mission. The cross is in the way of everything, and that's the point.

Arts & Crafts, Basketball Camp

For 1st-6th graders we offer activities like basketball camp and arts & crafts camp. These events take place the second week in June and costs $50 per child. Those registering multiple children can benefit from a $10 discount. More Information & Registration

Baptism can be intimidating if you're unfamiliar with the purpose. We have created a section on our website to help answer any questions you may have about it's significance and if now is the right time to be baptized. Visit the Baptism at Mountain Park page. You can also email Barb Leclerc with additional questions.

If you feel you're ready to be baptized we would love to invite you to make June 12 the day. Contact Barb Leclerc to sign up. There will be an informational prior to the Sunday Celebration.

Contact Barb

The hours that the sets will be open & available will be from 8:30 am to 12 pm. At noon we will begin clean up and tear down the sets. The stations will be open during the celebrations so you can attend one celebration and take your family picture the second celebration.

In addition, we will have refreshments available in the front of the church along with a gift for moms so be sure to arrive early to take advantage of everything to celebrate mom!

Before coming to Phoenix I was an associate pastor in Cincinnati. During my last year there (2005) I was asked to lead a bible study on Wednesday nights. As I was crafting my plan for the year I was thinking about how often I heard a bible story – or a message on a section of the bible – and I had no idea where it fit in the overall story. Wouldn’t it be great if I had a skeletal structure for the overall story upon which I can attach the stories that move me?

I’ve seen many books that walked through the bible – but what about the ongoing story after Revelation chapter 22? What about the past 2000 years? What about our role in the story? What if there was a structure that covered the whole thing?

I had the privilege of spending that entire year studying and preparing for a journey I called “The Greater Story” – a phrase inspired by John Eldredge’s little book “Epic.” This process was the greatest theological education I had received in my life! I poured through books on the overall story of the bible. I learned more that year than I did during my three years of seminary.

Here at Mountain Park, I try to use the summer to plan the message series’ for the following year. In the summer of 2009 I wondered how we could look at “The Greater Story” in 2010. I presented the idea to our creative team and it received very modest response. It felt somewhat like, “You can do that, Allan, if you’re no longer interested in being interesting or relevant.” Ouch.

It’s amazing what a name change can do. It’s amazing how branding affects our response. For some reason, “The Greater Story” sounded like an unpopular elective. But when I said, “What if we call it ‘The Whole Shebang’?” – that felt more like a party!

Our staff quickly rallied around the idea and came up with tools to strengthen the journey. We wanted to have an outline for each message with space to make notes. We wanted to have a binder to keep the notes together so that they entire journey could be consolidated for each participant. We wanted to use the bible each week and let it be the source of the story – so we made bibles available for free every week. If you were here, you may remember our little jingle, “Bring your bible, bring your binder, this is your short reminder…”

My hope was to tap into the brilliance of a tv series like “24.” When I grew up, tv shows did not have a story that carried over from week to week. Bo and Luke Duke were joyfully driving their Dodge at the beginning of every episode. The hook with “24” is that you do not want to miss any show. Each episode is part of an overall story.

The reality and beauty of our “Whole Shebang” journey is that we are experiencing a taste of that kind of excitement for God’s story. Early in 2010, one attendee wrote:

“I love learning the context and history of what is going on around the verses we are looking at. It helps me to understand the big picture, but also challenges me to look into it more. I look forward to the rest of the series!”

God’s story is incredible. It’s brilliant; it’s bold; it’s beautiful; it’s exciting; it’s life-changing. It should keep us on the edge of our seats.

Take the next 5 minutes and do what Jerry Bridges encourages believers to do in his book The Discipline of Grace and preach the Gospel to yourself. So often we relegate the Gospel to those just coming to faith in Christ and we move on to other, deeper understandings of faith. The truth is, the Gospel is for sinners and until we go to be with God, we are still sinners. This video is a great illustration of that story, our need and the greatness of our God to bridge the gap.

Click the thumbnail, watch the video and then leave a comment just below on this page... what did you think?

If you weren't able to attend our Easter Sunrise Service here are some photos of what you missed!

Facebook Photos :: Flickr Photos

Then one day everything came to a grinding halt as the machinery broke down. The mechanics were called in, but try as they may they couldn’t fix the problem. So Henry Ford called in his old friend, Charlie, the man who built these machines and said he needed help. Stienmens came by and in a little while, after tinkering around with some wires and buttons he had those turbines up and working again.

Soon after that Henry Ford received a bill for $10,000. (back then, that was an unbelievable amount of money) Now this seemed outrageous to Ford so he wrote his friend a note, “Charlie, doesn’t this seem a little out of line for just tinkering around with a few wires and switches.”

A few days later a new invoice was sent and Stienmens added a personal note to it, “For tinkering around with a few wires and switches, $10, for knowing where to tinker $9,990.

Principles to Build On

Building strong families is kind of like that. You have know where to work on it if you want it to run smoothly, and you have to constantly tinker with it. There is no magic parenting formula that can be applied equally to every child and in every situation. The good news though is that there are some principles that go into what it takes to have a family that you can be proud of.  What it takes to make a strong family and one that loves God.

So what makes a family strong? Well, Professor Nick Stinnett, chairman of the Dept. of Human Development and Family at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, did a study called, “Family Strengths Project” several years ago.

In this study he looked at strong families across ethnic lines, financial lines, even geographical lines. He looked at families, whether single-parent or couples, from the United States to Switzerland to Germany to Austria to South Africa and to South America. The only criteria being that they had to rate themselves very high in marriage happiness and in their satisfaction in parent-child relationships.

Some of the questions that were asked of these families were “How do you communicate?” and, “Do you experience power struggles?” and, “How do you deal with conflict?”

Their goal was to discover what goes into the making of a strong family. Here are the six things that were in common with all these families.

Strong families:

1. Are committed to the family
2. Spend time together
3. Have good family communication
4. Express appreciation to each other
5. Have a spiritual commitment
6. Are able to solve problems in a crisis

Number five on that list caught my attention because without a strong spiritual grounding in the reality of God, our families will never be what God has designed them to be.

The Bible says in Ephesians 6:4, Fathers (but it applies to mom’s as well) Do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the instruction of the Lord.

If you want to get to the bottom line of parenting, this is it. We are called to consistently and intentionally teach and model for our kids what a relationship with God looks like.

Where to Start?

There are some wonderful books and resources out there to help you become a better parent, but if you’re looking for a starting point I would encourage you to begin here. When you bring God into your family it is no longer you or your spouse trying to figure out how to survive as a parent. Now, you have the One that designed it all in the first place slugging it out with you. God is now at work in their hearts and their minds encouraging, correcting and molding them into His image.

As parents we all desire to raise kids that loves God, loves others and makes wise decisions. If you haven’t done so already, start this off by brining God back into your family today.

Download our Easter Lily registration card in PDF form here and bring it with you on Sunday morning to the info counter along with payment. (Get Adobe Reader here)

A list of all honorees is published on Easter Sunday and available at the Info Counter.

A Letter from Pastor Jamie in El Progreso

Heart to Honduras has recognized year 2011 to be THE YEAR OF THE CHILD.  In honor of this laudable notion we, Mountain Park Community Church, will also adopt this theme for our 9^th annual Honduras Golf Tournament Dinner Auction.  We are hoping that Pastor Jaime Rodriguez, wife Mindy and family will be able to join us on Saturday, November 12^th at Club West for our golf outing and later that evening our dinner auction at Mountain Park.

Very much like Mountain Park, Abierto Brazos (Open Arms) our sister church in the community of El Progreso, Honduras is experiencing a lot of growth.  Through the amazing works that Pastor Jaime and his staff are doing in this community, the blessings are reaching far beyond the doors of the church.  Jaime is especially excited about the number of children coming to church.

 With the increase of more members attending church, more challenges have occurred.   A good problem . . .  !  Many of the new members that attend Abiertos Brazos travel from outside the community of El Progreso, and many of them on foot.  Jaime and his staff are praying for a school bus to assist with accommodating those who have to travel a long distance.

Jaime is a visionary . . . and he foresees the potential transforming into blessings.  Abiertos Brazos has gone from 4 members in 2004 to 450 members in 2006.  Currently, they are over 700 members strong, and are at capacity with their existing building, which will also soon need to be address.  Several miles down the road amidst a sea of sugar care, there is property for sale; 20 acres to be exact.  We’ve been told this particular area has been called the killing fields due to the roomer of finding several bodies.  It is Jaime’s prayer and vision, as well as Heart to Honduras’, to relocate Abiertos Brazos to this location.  In a conversation with Jaime last year, he envisioned the area would soon be A FIELD OF LIFE.

During the summer of 2010, Pastor Greg met with a Compassion representative who ironically had connections with El Progreso and Phoenix.  Rene Martinez, a Compassion host similar to Jaime, runs a Compassion International building in a neighboring city to El Progreso.  The meeting between Rene and Greg happened when Rene was visiting his adult children who work for a non-profit organization in Phoenix.   The connection between Greg, Jaime and Rene is just a reminder of how small the world is.

Within the community of El Progreso, it is commonly known that many children are homeless orphans. Nevertheless, an awareness as well as outreach by Abierto Brazos and Pastor Jaime has begun to address the issue.  Abierto Brazos has begun a relationship with a neighboring orphanage and has considered creating an orphanage in the community.

Compassion International plays a huge role in the community of El Progreso, and as a Compassion sponsor, our sister church has brought much needed resources in the way of education and infrastructure.  This program provides a direct life-line to kids.  Jaime has informed us that over 250 kids are being sponsored through Compassion; however, over 70 kids who are a part of the church are without sponsorship.  Jaime is working on a strategy to have direct sponsorship from Abierto Brazos to Mountain Park through Compassion International.  This is exciting news!

We are praying for you daily.  May you always feel God’s presence,

Pastor Jaime

A Letter from Pastor Jamie in El Progreso

The church of El Progreso is very grateful and we are privileged to be in relationship Mountain Park Community Church, our Sister Church in Ahwatukee, Phoenix. We are excited to know that both of our churches are growing rapidly.

Saturday, November 26th, our Children’s Pastor Jorge Zepeda was married in the church. We have a facebook page so you can go there to check out the pictures from the wedding. Speaking of which, everything that is going on with the church and community is posted on our facebook. Our facebook address is:BrazosAbiertos.com. Please sign up and be our friend.

Once again, we thank Pastor Greg for committing to baptize 40 new believers in our church. We are very excited about this event. We are also excited about the new construction that will begin with my house. This is a true blessing to me and my family.

The Water Project that Mountain Park has worked on over the years is still functional well however we are in need of chlorine tablets to supplies the holding tank.

As we were speaking, all the children of Brazos Abiertos are getting medical exams. Each child is having a general check up done; ears, eyes and dental exams were also being done on each child. The medical doctors came to the area because of the lack of basic medical attentioin to the kids of this community.

We are excited about being able to take the kids from our church to the Zoo. It is our goal to take all 280 children to the Zoo. As of today, we have taken 150 of the 280 to the Zoo and are planning to get the rest of them there soon.

We are very excited about the monthly communication strategy of Mountain Park Community Church with Brazos Abiertos. We look forward to our future . . . together in bringing the Kingdom to earth.

Pastor Allan, may God always smile on you, the church, and your ministry forever.

Pastor Jamie Rodriquez

Of all the churches in the early Bible days after Christ has ascended into Heaven, the church of in Philippi serves as a shining example of what a community of Christians should look like.

What We Can Learn from 1:3-6

In most of his books to the various churches, Paul opens up with greetings that are appropriate for those churches. Usually it's a prayer for grace on them because they've got a lot of work to do. For this church in Philippi his opening is one of thankfulness.

"I thank my God everytime I remember you." As you learn throughout the book, Paul has a special relationship with the people at this church and though he is their teacher, he also considers them his dear friends. He is writing this letter from prison, but this church in Philippi causes a spirit of thankfulness to overflow.

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day till now…" This picture is so relevant to us today. We can all relate to a time in our lives where our circumstances were so difficult but just knowing that there was someone out there who, though absent in body, were with us in spirit, bearing the burden with us, serves as such an encouragement.

"…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Part of his encouragement is from the fact that he knows that God is on a mission and that regardless of whether Paul is able to continue to minister… regardless of how things go for him… regardless of what happens, he finds joy in the fact that it is God who is at work and God's work cannot be stopped.

Response

1. Who do you have in your life who encourages you like the church of Philippi encourages Paul?
2. Is there a person or a group of people who have your back and are there for you no matter what the trouble… they say "where you go, I will go." 
3. What do you learn from Paul's words to his dear friends, the Philippians?

Please feel free to leave your comments below.

In our group we are reading Chapter 2. It's titled "You might not finish this chapter," and that title comes from the thought that before we know it our life could be over. I am in my home right now and the reality is that once I get in my car and begin driving today my life could indeed be over.

Why I'm Telling You About This

Reading through the chapter was insightful and challenging, but there is one portion that I really connected with and it just so happened to be a verse from Jesus. While speaking at a friends funeral, Francis opened up the Bible and shared the words from Matthew 10:32-33. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." To me those words are intense. They don't leave room for messing around. You're either in or out.

I think we can relegate that verse to acknowledging God in word only. If someone asks us if we're a Christian in order to adhere to this verse we must say yes. I think that's true, but I think what Jesus was getting at runs deeper than that. We shouldn't limit the power of Jesus' words to only responding in the affirmative when presented with opportunity to acknowledge him, but I think that verse reaches further into our lives. I don't believe it is calling us to be reactive, but pro-active. When combined with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) this is a teaching that ought to propel us to living lives where all we want to do is find opportunities to acknowledge, even confess Jesus before others. 

What does that look like? To pro-actively seek ways to acknowledge Jesus to all men? I think it manifests itself in all different ways and I think to each of us the answer will be different. The essance of the message remains steady, but our tactics will look different as a result of what surrounds us.

God's Throwing A Parade: I'm Invited

I don't want God to be reactionary with me. I don't want him acknowledging me only when asked. Rather I want to be adored by my Heavenly Father. I want to live a life that God is proud to parade. To live a life where he doesn't model a shamed parent… you know that parent in the grocery store who loves their child dearly but has to go around apologizing for the behavior of their kid when she doesn't get lucky charms in the cereal isle. I want God to hold my hand proudly and parade me as a prize. I don't think that's too much to ask… as a matter of fact, I think that's well within the realm of an acceptable desire. Who doesn't want to be adored by their father… earthly or heavenly?

What does this look like for you? How can or do you acknowledge him pro-actively in all areas of our life? Please comment and share from your experience.

Christians are no exception to having our favorite pets. We have things that bring us comfort & safety as Christians. It would be great if God was always the one bringing us comfort & safety, but sadly we often relegate his relevance to our comfort & safety to the post life (we just want to get into heaven). What do I think is the Christian's favorite means to attain comfort and safety here and now? Legalism.

Gettin' all Legalistic on Your Behind

Stop having sex. Don't drink. Don't swear. Pray. Do a quite time. Give money to church. Volunteer. Go to Sunday services. "You'd better do these things if you want to be loved by God." It seems to me that we, Christians, love to get all legalistic about things. It could be for a variety of reasons. It could be to puff ourselves up. Make ourselves look better than everyone else around us, like the religious leaders in Jesus' day. It could be for reason of not even knowing where to start in trying to live a Christian life... "well, I'm a Christian now. I guess I'll stop drinking." But I think those are just symptoms of a greater problem.

Gettin' all "Jesus" on Your Behind

The heartbeat of legalism is self-help Christianity. This so called self-help Christianity is the brand of faith where you figure out a way to clean yourself up for God. You accumulate a list of all the things you did and didn't do in the name of Jesus and then at the end of that day, week, month, you present your list to God and try and convince him to say "red rover red rover, send insert your name over!" The problem with this brand of faith is that it lacks one fundamental understanding about God: why Jesus came.

Jesus came to set the captive free. He came to fulfill the law, to be a trailblazer. But somehow we still want to earn God's approval. Even on our best days, when we have made all the right choices, done all the right deeds, we are not beyond the need of God's grace. And even on our worst days, when we have sinned greatly and don't feel like we deserve what Jesus did, we are not beyond the reach of God's grace (take from The Discipline of Grace).

We love to be legalistic about things because it is a way we rely upon ourselves and assure ourselves of our salvation. But Isaiah & Paul say:

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." Isaiah 64:6

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ," Philippians 3:7-9

That second verse from Paul is pretty powerful. He had a lot to tack on to his spiritual resume... I mean, he wrote half of the New Testament. I would imagine it would be easy for Paul to get a book deal and be a best selling author in the "Christian Living" section of Barnes & Noble. He could have written books that would make Joel Osteen jealous. But instead he says he counts all his accomplishment as a loss. The only thing that matters to him is that he has Jesus in the end.

Response

What are some of the favorite legalisms Christians tend to hold on to? Obviously sex, drinking and swearing are huge... what are some other legalisms we try to abide by to earn salvation and how does Jesus release us from them?

Each sitting I find myself really drawn to a particular verse each time:

Those three verses alone could give you a clear picture of who Jesus is. In Matthew 6:21 he is a wise teacher who understands the condition of the human heart when it comes to money. No matter how many years have passed, this statement is still true today. We can be found when the trail of our check book is followed. What is it that we love? what is it that we invest in? Our money will testify on our behalf every single time.

JESUS IN ACTION

In Matthew 9:6 he speaks with compassion and authority. He knew the needs of the paralytic were much greater than regaining the ability to walk. With authority he addressed the greater needs first but then with compassion and power he gave the ability to walk. Imagine being a close friend of Jesus in this moment. I am thinking about my buddy Isaac right now… I would say that we’re pretty close and we know pretty much everything about one another. I can’t imagine the two of us hanging out and all of the sudden Isaac forgiving sins of some guy on the street and then giving him the ability to walk. I would think inside my head “I can’t believe what just happened! Seriously, did that just happen?” That’s probably very similar to what the disciples felt every time Jesus did something great. I can’t imagine it getting to a point where they’re like, “yeah, that’s our rabbi. He does stuff like that all the time.” NO WAY! I wouldn’t be able to maintain composure.

And then in Matthew 9:35 we hear what Jesus’ wrap was around town. He’s a guy who goes around to all the neighboring areas, talks about God and “heals ever disease and every affliction.” Now that’s cool. Just stop and think about that……………. he heals ever disease and every affliction. The people surrounding him at the time were seeing him heal physical ailments but his miracles paved the way for humanity to be healed from spiritual depravity. He was doing so much more than what people could see. In the words of Allan, “Jesus Had an Agenda.”

JESUS STANDS ALONE ALONG SIDE US

I would love to have been around when Jesus was walking. I don’t think many people would express the opposite… “I would have hated to be around him.” Even people who don’t believe Jesus is God would want to go back and hang out with Jesus. The reality is that there is none like our God. No other God has had the wrap that Jesus has. No other God has accomplished the things Jesus has accomplished. No other God proclaims the ability to forgive sin. Jesus stands alone on so many fronts and someone who is that set a part would normally be difficult to find. However, through his Word,  God has made himself, Jesus, available to all and even though he isn’t here in physical form, he is here inside our hearts. And we get to hang with him.

VINTAGE JESUS

This Thursday, May 19, is 242 Night and we will be continuing in the Vintage Jesus study. I have been loving this study because Jesus is the center of the Christian's world and it has been incredible to dialogue each week about who Jesus is. Please go to our website and "Like" the page or share it on Facebook.

Info for Vintage Jesus

FRESHMEN WELCOME POOL PARTY

On Saturday, May 21, we are welcoming the incoming Freshmen into 242. This is a very important day for our group as we get to make a first impression on graduating high school seniors. Please do everything you can to join us. Food will be provided, but you'll want to bring your swimsuit and a towel. If you've got someone who you'd like to invite to check out the 242 group, this is a great opportunity in a non-threatening environment... Please be there on Saturday!

Info for the Freshmen Welcome Pool Party

242 LADIES RETREAT

Lastly, the 242 Ladies Retreat is in June and spots are limited on this weekend just for the ladies. It is probably one of the least expensive trips you will ever take! The cost is $50 and includes accommodations, meals and for those carpooling with the group, gas. All ladies between 18-28 are invited to join the gals from 242 for a great weekend of relaxation and community.

Info for the Ladies Retreat

If you're a man and you want to get fired up about being a man in love with Jesus, take 5 minutes and watch this video. Don't just watch it, but watch it and ask, "how does this change me?"

So, you’ve made Mountain Park your new church home. What is it about our community that you really connected with?

I feel like Mountain Park is a place you just can’t get away from… No, that’s not a bad thing in this situation. Other churches I’ve visited have been different because, once I was out the door, my mind told me “Ok, Jordan, on to the next thing…” and I never thought twice about the message or the songs or the people I met. BUT, when I leave Mountain Park, it’s always on my mind. I remember the message I heard at random times during the week, I am always thinking about the next time I’ll get to see the people there, and I’m always excited to go back for more! I’ve never felt that about a church before, and it’s addicting.

It’s been said that you work at ASU. Is that true?

Who told you that? Oh right, I did… Yes, I work in Stadium Control. “But Jordan, Stadiums are usually pretty structurally solid, right?” I get that question every decade. No, my job is basically to make sure people are behaving themselves at sporting events, like football games, volleyball, etc. It’s a pretty easy job, aside from the occasional drunk person. I get to go places that the regular fan doesn’t usually get to go, so it’s kind of like a backstage pass at times, which I think is cool because it’s interesting to see how the whole “College Sporting Event” works on any given saturday.

No, I can’t get you free tickets to sporting events… Sorry guys…

Did I see you online somewhere? Are you a YouTube superstar?

You caught me. I do a little video recording/editing now and again. My video capabilities are limited because I have a PC, which doesn’t do as well as I’d like, sort of how Macs handle that kind of stuff. I also play the guitar and sing, so what better way to let my far-off friends and family know what I’m working on than posting it on youtube, right? As for the superstar bit, I’d have to get at least 2,000 more views before I could actually put that on my business card.

Mac or PC?

As stated above, I use a PC, but would LOOOOOOVE a mac, because it most effectively fulfills my technological needs for video fun! Unfortunately, that dream aint cheap, and I’m not the Monopoly guy.

What were the circumstances surrounding you deciding to follow Jesus and embrace everything it meant to be a Christian?

I’ve always been a “Christian” since I can remember. It wasn’t until some events as recent as last Decemaber that I actually decided to devote all my cares, concerns, strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to Jesus, and become a follower of him. I have to tell you, life pretty much rocks when you do that, I highly reccommend it. Now, I’m not saying life is all footloose and fancy free, far from it. I’m saying that I really truly understand that passage that says God will never give you more than you can handle, I’ve handled some pretty tough stuff and I can honestly say I’d be a very different person if I didn’t have God on my side!

People have noticed dog tags around your neck. Are you in the military?

Well, the dogtags I wear actually aren’t mine. They’re my dad’s from when he was in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He gave them to me years ago, like when I was 15 or 16, and I’ve worn them just about every day since. I really respect him for doing what he did in service to our country, and have decided that I too will be joining the military by way of the Air Force. I’ll be joining after I gaduate so I can be an officer and hopefully become an airlift pilot! My first big dream in the military is to salute my dads at my basic officer training graduation.

What is your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Well like a lot of other guys, I have an xbox which serves as a conduit to a few of my good buddies that share my affinity for games. That’s my recharge because my friends always cheer me up no matter if I’m sad or already happy! My relaxation happens when I’m alone, just me and the guitar. I’ve spent many, many hours just strumming nonsense because it’s just a theraputic thing to do.

Have you ever participated in a pyramid scheme?

I feel ashamed to admit it but yes… I used to be a part of the mega-ultra-pyramid-scheme-atron known as CUTCO. I got through 5 days and said, this seems to have filled the quota for “job I’ll never list on my employment history.” I’m not bashing the company or the product in any way, I kept all of my sample knives because they rock! But, that job takes a special person, and I don’t care to be it…

What are 3 things that we should know about you but probably would never guess on our own?

Batman is my favorite Superhero, because he’s the only superhero classified as such without having super powers!
I have never had a flying dream
If it’s interesting enough, I can quote a movie pretty well after seeing it 2 or 3 times…

You’re in the backseat of a Ford Astro Van for 12 hours… what would you have taken with you and what would you do during that time?

That all depends on how much room there is. If there is plenty of room I’d probably play my guitar as long as I could, if not so much room, I’d probably take a nice collection of some movies with my laptop and have my own private movie marathon.

Its been said that you’ve had a couple tours at Mountain Park. Share with us your history with the church!

Well my parents used to help with music here back when we met at Mountain Point High School like 18 years ago. So my first ‘tour’ of Mountain Park was pretty much playing Sega Game Gear backstage listening to them sing. The second ‘tour’ started a few years ago when I was asked to start playing guitar for the main service.

So you play guitar… what was your inspiration for picking up the ax for the first time?

My inspiration had to be because I sucked at drums. I had this 70’s Slingerland kit that was red and I was so hyped to get it. After like 3 months of not taking any lessons or getting any better, I put the sticks down. Around that same time we went on the vacation to Colorado with this other family and he showed me some chords and stuff. So went home, sold the drum set and bought a guitar.

I heard that you have a friend that lives with you in your room. Care to introduce us?

Yup, I have a dog named Bella.

Let’s say a light bulb in a Wells Fargo were to go out randomly, would you be able to help fix it?

I could send someone out there to fix. Basically every Wells Fargo in the United States has to call my department for any building maintenance need, which can be something minor like a light bulb or something crazy like a roof leak.

If you had a blank piece of paper set in front of you and had to draw something, what would that something be?

I always draw this same pointy headed guy. I don’t really know why. Maybe just out of habit.

You’ve led worship a couple times for 242 Night. Is that something you do pretty regularly?

Pretty much every week. I’m the music guy for the Student Union and I play in the main service on Sundays that we don’t meet in SU. I love playing with a band and my band right now in Student Union is great. We are making some good music.

What’s one thing about you which no one would know just by looking at you?

That I am a wordsmith. I rarely lose in Scrabble or any other word games.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen in your life in the last 3 1/2 years?

Lets see… went to Hawaii, got a dog, went on some roadtrips. I’ll have to go with getting a dog. I just taught her how to speak, that took like a year for her to learn that!

When did you decide that you wanted to make Jesus #1 and serve him? What were those circumstances?

It was really more Jesus choosing me. The way everything worked out was that my dad had lunch with Jonathan Foster (interim worship pastor before Marsh Hall) and my dad said that I played guitar and gave him my number. So Jonathan Foster called me up and I played that week and pretty much every week after. I made an early decision to not turn down any invitations to play because I knew that there was a reason I was there. Then they started growing me into different roles within the church and I couldn’t be happier with where I am now.

Would you share a bit about your history at Mountain Park?

I’ve been coming to Mountain Park since I was in fourth grade when my now step-dad started bringing me. I grew up through Hot Church, and started singing in the worship band. It’s been a long and emotional journey through many leadership changes and transitions, but God has certainly grown and changed me through the process. I have been in leadership for several years, from leading worship around the church, being a student leader, leading small groups, and helping keep the student ministry program alive and well. God has certainly found many ways to use me at Mountain Park over the years!

So I’ve noticed different hair colors over the past few months… care to share insight into your creativity?

Honestly, I get bored, and I’m excessively creative. It’s a dangerous combination. Let’s see, I’ve gone through blonde, dark brown, light brown, auburn, purple (not my fault), brown with red streaks, orange (also not on purpose), platinum, and of course, hot pink. But I’m trying to take a break and make sure my hair doesn’t fall out, so I’m getting it done professionally now.

There is a rumor that you own a rat. Is this metaphoric or do you really own a rat?

Unfortunately for some, it’s not at all metaphoric. I actually own two rats, and have owned 6 all together (RIP). You could say I’m a die-hard animal lover. I also have 2 dogs and 3 cats at home, and our house feels pretty empty right now. The coolest pets I’ve had would have to be my Mali Uromastyx (basically a tiny dinosaur), and my Veiled Chameleon. I’ve worked with animals for a few years now, from pet care and sales at PetSmart to being a certified dog trainer. I’m currently working on becoming a certified dog groomer.

It seems that anyone you knows you, knows that music is a big part of your life. Why is that?

Music is my passion and the greatest gift that God has given me. I’ve learned more about myself and God’s infinite grace through music, and my biggest dream is to bring people to Him through my voice.

Who has had the biggest influence on your walk with Christ?

I can’t say there’s one specific person who gets this award, although my mom definitely deserves a big mention for helping keep me on a good path through life! But God has a way of putting very influential people in my life for short periods of time to teach me exactly what I need to learn at that time. God is awesome like that!

What is the greatest thing you’ve learned over the past year about our God?

He’s A LOT smarter than me. I’ve tried in the past to control my own path and have failed miserably. I’ve learned that when I let go and let God take over, he blesses me with more than I could ever imagine!

If there is one thing that everyone must know about you (besides what you’ve already shared), what would that be?

I love art and crafts of any sort! I knit, sew, cross-stitch, bake, scrapbook, and make jewelry, along with other various projects I find. I have my own jewelry line with products made from real gummy bears, and I make lots of other accessories as well! I’m at peace when I’m making something with my hands.

What is one factoid about you that doesn’t really serve a purpose but is fun to know?

I never grew up, and I’m still obsessed with Pokemon!

How long have you been in the Phoenix area and what brought you here?

I have been here since June 2008. I moved here with my parents because we had sold our family business back in the Midwest. We moved here because of the beautiful weather, except for the 120 degree days 

How did you hear about MP and twoFORTYtwo?

Two friends of mine, Lauren and Jeremy, introduced me to the church.

I think I’ve seen you in war gear somewhere on the internet, can you shed some light on this?

My dad and I started a leadership development company called Character Quest. Our company utilizes U.S. Army Ranger based missions to teach our clients about team, leadership and character development. During their four-day training session they learn how to orienteer and build team cohesion. They are then introduced to an enemy team that provides a layer of adversity via paintballing. My role is to lead the enemy faction. This would explain my army gear 

Here is a link to the Character Quest Youtube Channel.

What is one thing you enjoy in life that no one would ever guess about you?

I love filming. I recently started a Youtube channel and I enjoy taking my video camera with me and capturing life. I will only live one life, so I figure why not record it!

Ok, so you’re on a deserted island, what are 3 books you would bring and 3 movies you’d bring?

Books: Stephen King Dark Tower 7, Bible, Malcolm Gladwell Blink

Movies: LOST dvds, Star Wars Episode 3, 300

Are you a Mac or a PC?

Mac!!!!!

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?

I am working on getting my PhD. in Leadership to be a professor and consultant. I hope to be completed within the next 3 years. I am very excited!

Tell us something about your relationship with the Lord.

I believe God works in amazing ways. He has led me down many paths that I have grown ethically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I am excited to see what God has in store for my life in the years to come.

My husband, Dale, and I recently went to Tubac, a DELIGHTFUL small village 45 miles south of Tucson on I‑19. Tubac is home to over 130 art galleries, furniture and gift shops, and wonderful restaurants, and is FILLED to the brim with an amazing assortment of items in every price range from all over the world. Pottery, tiles, mesquite furniture, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, textiles, blown glass, baskets, olive oil and framed art of every description fill darling shops in this small village. In a lifetime of looking through shops in great places like Tucson, Scottsdale, and Santa Fe, I have never seen such an accumulation of art in one place.

I hesitate to single out shops because all of them were delightful, but I encourage you to make your way through town past beautiful St. Ann’s Church to La Paloma de Tubac (1 Presidio Drive, 520-398-9231). We drove around to get the lay of the land, and discovered this marketplace brimming with pottery, textiles and glassware from all over Latin America. Owner John was a great source of information, and Debbie and Roger helped us “edit” our purchases and load our car.

Across the street from La Paloma was a beautiful spa, The Floating Stone Inn & Aqua Spa, that looked fabulous. We didn’t go in, but we will when we go back to Tubac! We asked local merchants where they would stay in Tubac, and several recommended The Tubac Golf Resort & Spa and the Tubac Country Inn. Both looked beautiful from the outside. We mentioned that we’d like to bring our bicycles to ride around town, and a merchant said that the Golf Resort will loan bicycles to guests for the weekend.

We ate at a great place called the Old Tubac Inn that had THE BEST green chili stew we have ever had! (And I’m married to a picky Texan!) Amazing smoked pulled pork sandwiches also topped our list. Other places to dine that we’ll try next time included two Mexican restaurants, Elvira’s Restaurant and Wisdom’s Café, and Shelby’s Bistro (520-398-8075). Tubac has a great variety of cuisine from fine dining to ice cream shops and sandwiches.

Two extra stops to make on your trip would be visits to the White Dove of the Desert, the Mission San Xavier del Bac, and San Jose de Tumacacori Mission (520-398-2341). If your husband isn’t excited about this trip yet, you can mention the Titan Missile Museum in Sahuarita (25 miles south of Tucson on I-19, about half way from Tucson to Tubac).

All four of us left excited to return to our new favorite destination in Southern Arizona. Tubac is an excellent get-away for a night or two or to take out-of-town guests for a “taste of Arizona.” If you’ve already been to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, this is where I’d go next! For more information about Tubac, see www.visittubac.com.

Kim Knight is a frequent contributor to the INTEREST newsletter and is active with EMPOWER Women's Ministry and the Career Transition Team at MPCC. Kim and her husband, Dale, live in Ahwatukee.

Bell’ Italia Pizzeria

Are you an East Coaster? How about an Italian East Coaster? Whether you answered yes or no, Bell’ Italia Pizzeria is for you! Tucked into the southeast corner of 48th St. and Chandler Blvd., you might miss it if you aren’t looking for it.

This intimate little pizza place is a gem. Owned and run by the Caputo family — Mario, Paola, Matt and Sam — they make you feel like family. Originally from Connecticut, they have been open in Ahwatukee for over nine years, and I have been a regular for at least four of those. My girls have grown up there! Well, not really, but they know us by name and ask for my girls whenever I’m there without them.

Upon arrival, you’re free to choose your own table. Some tables have been reserved by regular customers, but there are still plenty of places to sit. If you have little ones with you, they will be entertained by making their own pizza dough creations with the child-size cutting board, cookie cutters, and miniature rolling pins. Mario will even bake the imaginative shapes made by those little hands. If you have big ones with you, they can watch the latest sports game on the two corner TVs.

The walls are covered with black and white family photographs taken in Italy when Mario and Paola were young. You can feel and taste the traditions carried on through the years. In the background, you’ll be serenaded by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Dean Martin.

The menu has everything you would want and expect from any Italian restaurant: pizza, calzones, pasta, sandwiches…the works! My girls always have pizza, one pepperoni and one cheese, please! Matt or Sam will cut it any way you want it. Each pizza is made to order and Mario makes the dough fresh daily. The pizza is a perfect replica of a slice from New York: crispy on the bottom, but not too crispy — a perfectly done crust with one or two small bubbles. When you pick up the slice, be sure to fold it in half to eat and use two hands, like any good East Coaster would!

I have ordered many items off the menu, but my go-to item is the eggplant parmesan hero. For you non-East Coasters, a hero is another term for a hoagie, sub or grinder. Covered, but not drenched, in their homemade marinara sauce, with scrumptious melted mozzarella cheese snuggled between two toasted pieces of Italian bread, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Delizioso!

We never have enough room for dessert, but Matt usually sends us home with a cannoli or two. My dad is an Italian pastry snob and this cannoli takes him back to the little bakery near his Grandmother’s house in Westbury, NY.

Bell’ Italia is open daily from 4:00 – 9:00 pm. Mangia!

Jill Lindsey, a registered nurse originally from New York, is a new D-group leader and volunteers with First Touch at MPCC. She lives in Ahwatukee with her husband, Randall, and two daughters.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Remember the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz? He wanted so badly to be the strong heroic type but he was afraid of everything. He would work himself up to face the challenge and talk real big, “Put ‘em up, put ‘em up,” until he came face to face with it and then he would run away scared to death. When he finally met the wizard, he was given a metal of bravery. All of a sudden, he saw the courage he craved was already in him, he just hadn’t recognized it.

God would not command us to do something we are incapable of doing; He would not set us up to fail. He must see something we do not see. How do you feel walking into a room where you don’t know anyone or what to expect? Is it a little intimating? Now think of a time when you walked into a room with a bunch of your friends or family; you still didn’t know what to expect, but at least you did not face it alone.

God is always with you so you are never alone. He is the best, biggest, “My dad is better than your dad” family member or friend that you could ever have. He has already won and conquered anything you will encounter. Maybe you’re afraid because you forgot He is already there and is with you. You can face anything with God on your side.

Mindy Mikrut leads one of the women's Bible studies at MPCC. She and her husband, Jim, live in Ahwatukee with their son, Logan.

Ingredients:

1 c. double-strength coffee, cold (make by adding half the water as normal)
1 c. half-and-half
½ c. Hershey’s chocolate syrup
whipped cream

Directions:

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. Pour over ice and top with whipped cream.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Spray a 13”x9" pan with non-stick spray

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. crushed gluten-free Mi-Del brand animal cookies (you can buy these at Walmart, Safeway, or Whole Foods)
1/2 c. melted butter
2 c. (12 oz bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/3 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chopped nuts

Directions:
Combine animal cookies and butter in small bowl. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts. Press down firmly. Bake for 25-30 mins or until lightly browned.

Jen Isbell recently returned to Mountain Park and enjoys attending the Empower PM and Prayer Shawl Group.

Beth will continue as MPCC project leader this year, and Kerry Williams of Foothills Baptist Church will facilitate a new drop-off location for shoeboxes. They will need volunteers as well, so be watching for information later this summer on how you can help.

+   “I Testify of Him” combines music and pictures of the divinity of Jesus Christ from a woman's view. The gorgeous voice of singer Jenee Wright Prince perfectly expresses the touching lyrics of Steven Stewart and Hilary Weeks.

1 – 12 oz carton of gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup (Pacific brand is best brand I have found!)
9 oz frozen green beans, thawed
1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce (try San-J brand)
1/2 cup milk (can substitute soy milk or unflavored almond milk)
Dash of black pepper
1 – 5 oz bag of Kettle Brand sweet onion flavor potato chips

Preheat oven to 350 F
Put chips in a Ziplock bag and crush them.

Combine soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper in bowl.

Add the thawed beans and 1/2 of the crushed potato chips.

Mix all together and place in 9x11 or 8x8 casserole dish.
Bake for 25 mins or until bubbling.
Top with remaining crushed chips and bake for additional 5 mins.

• Separate toaster – Either have two toasters or have a four-slice toaster and designate a side for gluten-free bread products. You have to watch out for those pesky crumbs!
• Squeeze bottles – These have made life a whole lot easier for identifying gluten-free mayo, ketchup, jelly, etc.
• Plastic cutting boards – They prevent any little crumbs from mixing with gluten-free items.
• Large plastic serving spoons to stir/cook with – The wooden slotted spoons are crumb magnets!
• Beware of sharing anything in a jar or tub with gluten-free items. Use a spoon to scoop out what you want without touching it to non-gluten-free items.
• Use brightly colored dot stickers to designate gluten-free items in the pantry. This will help new gluten-free folks and non-gluten-free cooks when preparing meals.
• Keep your gluten-free bread and bread products in the refrigerator to last longer.
  

I hope you find these kitchen tips helpful. I would love to hear from others what their go-to gluten-free products are. These items cost more than their "regular" versions; it can be extremely frustrating to pay $7 for a loaf of gluten-free bread that tastes like the bottom of your shoe! Also there is a gluten-free expo on April 28 with tons of vendors. I  have never been but I plan to attend! Go to phoenixceliac.org for more details. God Bless! 

Jen Isbell recently returned to Mountain Park and enjoys attending the Empower PM and Prayer Shawl Group.

Glynnis Whitwer of Proverbs 31 Ministries recently wrote a thought-provoking blog about loneliness on Encouragement for Today. “Loneliness can strike at any time, in any situation a woman might experience,” Glynnis asserted. “Age, finances, employment, geography … none of these guarantees a life less lonely.” Loneliness seems to be increasing even while so many more communication vehicles are available to keep us connected. Is it because our friendships are not as deep or open as in the past? Glynnis discusses the challenge of finding and keeping good friends, our loneliness, and our relationships – both interpersonal and with God.

If there is one thing that can be said of life, it is unstable! Things are going to change, and change can be scary. I don’t know about you, but my tendency is to dwell on the change and try to mitigate its impact on me personally and my loved ones. I plan, scheme and calculate what to do. I diagram, document and organize how to do it. I stay up late and get up early and the next thing you know, I can think of nothing else. The challenge consumes me. There is no rest, there is no peace, and there is no harmony.

When my plans involve trusting something other than God, there is only turmoil and stress. Having a plan is not wrong. Having a plan that does not involve God or is contrary to His plan is wrong. It’s not just wrong, it’s not smart! God has plans of His own for me and they do not include me getting tied into knots over the obstacles that come my way. His plan involves me giving up my little PIECE of what I can do to accept what He has already done and trusting Him through the process.

The minuscule PIECE that I bring to the solution compared to what God brings is not even a fair comparison. And yet I stew, and worry, and fret. I am tired and I need some rest, so I am going to trust God to be my salvation, my rock and my fortress, just like He promised.

Trade Your PIECE for His PEACE.

Mindy Mikrut leads one of the women's Bible studies at MPCC. She and her husband, Jim, live in Ahwatukee with their son, Logan.

From the moment he cast seven demons from her (Mk 16:9), Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus. When others abandoned him, she remained near. Now she stands nearby, watching Jesus’ crucifixion (Jn 19:25), and she follows Jesus to the burial place (Mt 27:61). On the morning after the Sabbath, she goes to the tomb (Jn 20:1). Perhaps she goes to anoint Jesus’ body with oils or to weep. Maybe she just wants to visit the tomb. But what she finds upsets her terribly. While John and Peter come and go, Mary stays, grieving and investigating (Jn 20:11). What appears to be the loss of Jesus’ body is painful for her, especially so soon after the heart-wrenching loss of his life. It is at this point of deep distress that Mary becomes the first person to witness the resurrected Christ, an honor granted to a woman who has fully given her life to her Lord.

One-Track Heart

The disciples did not believe the news. They called it “nonsense” (Lk 24:11). As much as they longed for Jesus to be alive, surely the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ resurrection would not be made first to a group of women – especially with Mary’s background.

(In Jewish culture, women were considered second-class citizens. But Jesus transcends culture and honors women – he teaches them, welcomes their presence and appears first to women at his resurrection.)

Mary’s grief had been profound. How could she go on? What meaning could life hold with Jesus gone? Her eyes red and swollen from weeping, she thought she saw the gardener. Then he spoke her name: “Mary.” Her heart raced again at the memory. “I have seen the Lord!” Her witness was sure, for she knew him well.

She was among the women who traveled with Jesus and his disciples, “helping to support them out of their own means” (Lk 8:3). All four Gospels record her at the cross, outside the tomb as Jesus is laid to rest, and among those who came to anoint his body after the Sabbath. Even death could not quench the fire of her love and the constancy of her presence with him.

There was no mistake: Jesus chose Mary Magdalene to be the first of his followers to see him risen from the grave (Jn 20:18). He wanted personally to end her bewilderment at the empty tomb. He waited for her, longing to reward her single-hearted devotion and loyalty. He was glad to see her. Mary’s was a love that Jesus trusted, a love that he cherished.

There is a reward for faithfullness far beyond our ability to comprehend or predict. When God calls us to a life of single-hearted devotion to Him, we need to hold on to it with everything in us. Anything others might think or say can't begin to touch the wonder we will know when we see Him face to face and hear him speak our names.

Celiac disease has changed my life in a good way, even though at first I didn’t see it that way. I had to stop focusing on all the things I could no longer eat and think of all the healthy new foods I could try. I am so much healthier now than I was before going gluten free and I thank God for that. It is a daily conscious effort but one that is so very worth it.

I would like to take the opportunity every month to share gluten-free tips, advice, recipes, and product reviews that I have learned over the years. I am not an expert by any means and look forward to learning more about Celiac and the gluten-free life. If anyone is interested, I would love to start a gluten-free group. Please email isbelljenny@hotmail.com if you have questions, comments, or recipes to share.

Five fast tips when looking for GF foods:

1. Fresh is best. Non-packaged foods are almost always naturally GF, not to mention healthier!
2. When in doubt, DON’T (it’s not worth it).
3. Find restaurants that have GF menus or call ahead. 
4. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or call companies. 
5. Always double check. Manufacturers can change ingredients or sources at any time. Just because the item was GF three months ago doesn’t mean it is now. 

Jen Isbell recently moved to Phoenix with her son Logan and attends Empower PM.

Patrick was taken prisoner by Irish raiders when he was 16 and held captive in Ireland as a shepherd. During this period, he began praying to God for solace and became a devout Christian. According to his writings – his “Confessions” – he had spent six years in captivity when he believed God spoke to him and told him to leave Ireland. He escaped to Britain, where he wrote that an angel visited him in a dream and told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. After 15 years of religious training and ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish population to Christianity.

During his ministry, St. Patrick founded at least 365 churches in Ireland with schools where youth were trained for ministry and the foreign mission field. His mission was very successful and no martyr’s blood was shed, but his life was often in danger. On numerous occasions he and his companions were seized and carried off as prisoners, and at least once he faced imminent death. Yet each time he was able to escape. St. Patrick was so successful in converting the island to Christianity that according to the Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland, just six years after his arrival, Ireland’s laws were rewritten to reflect the Gospel.

So how did he banish all the snakes from Ireland? According to History.com, “The ‘banishing of the snakes’ was really a metaphor for the eradication of pagan ideology from Ireland and the triumph of Christianity.” Actually, there have never been snakes in Ireland. Scientists suggest the ice age made the island too cold for reptiles and the icy ocean surrounding Ireland likely kept snakes away.

St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday in Ireland. Many Irish attend mass on this day, March 17, and offer prayers for missionaries worldwide. To learn more about St. Patrick, read “Who Was St. Patrick?” on History.com, and the “History of St. Patrick” on StPatricksDay.com.

This recipe is great because it is versatile. Try it substituting shrimp, steak, or tofu for chicken and adding other veggies.

1/3 cup gluten-free soy sauce (Asian food aisle) 
2 Tbsp brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced (or use less if you are not a garlic lover)
1 tsp ginger, grated (I buy ginger root, freeze it and grate it or if it is not frozen, put it in a garlic press)
1 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 lbs chicken (or other protein), cut into bite-size pieces
1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
1 large yellow sweet onion, chopped into large chunks

Combine the first six ingredients with 1/4 cup of water to create marinade; pour over chicken and marinate at least 10 minutes. Remove chicken (save the marinade) and stir fry in 1-2 Tbsp oil until thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside. Add broccoli and onion to pan; stir fry for 1 minute, then add 1/4 cup of water, cover and steam for 3 minutes. Add marinade and chicken to veggies and cook 1-2 minutes until marinade is boiling (since raw chicken was in it earlier).

Serve over rice or rice noodles.  This also makes delicious leftovers for a salad!  Serves 4.

I have heard Luke 6:38 a million times, about giving and how if you give, you will receive it back, more than you can contain. I never noticed it before now, but the thought and the context really starts in the prior verse where it talks about judgment, condemnation, and forgiveness. I have to share with you that when this light bulb went off, I wanted to flip the switch or unscrew it, anything to turn it off. Say it ain’t so!

It is common knowledge that we are not to judge others and that we should forgive, but consider the principle here. Even the “Lord’s Prayer” requests that we be forgiven “as we forgive” others.  How could I have missed this? This is real, this is big: the measure that we use will be the measure we receive.

No wonder I sometimes feel worthless or insignificant; I have made others feel that way. When I feel inadequate and unacceptable, do I remember the times I condemned others by my words and actions? God covered all the bases here, didn’t He? He included the arrogant, the self-absorbed, the holier-than-thous, the grudge nurturers, the gossipers, the sinners.

The good news is that this math works both ways. If we bless others, forgive them, and give, we will receive blessing in return. If you are one who always gives others the benefit of the doubt, grace to you! If you easily forget when you are wronged and forgiveness is easy for you, mercy is yours! If yours is the gift of generosity and you love to bless others, blessings to you! Chances are you have not mastered all areas and are still working on some. Let’s hope the math goes in our favor and we are better at the positive than we are at the negative.

Leave the light on and do the Math

Mindy Mikrut leads one of the women's Bible studies at MPCC. She and her husband, Jim, live in Ahwatukee with their son, Logan.