SUMMER
REPORT
All four
of our camps were well-attended this year, with many children and teens
committing their lives to Christ, some for the first time. Camps are
amazing times for everyone involved, and function as both evangelism and
disciple-making tools. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and
support of our camps.
A special
thanks to all of the NYI and Children’s Council members, counselors and
camp leaders for their service to this ministry. Summer camps are hot
and exhausting, but you have invested your time and energy in a
life-changing event, and you have been a witness and an influence for
Christ. You will find lasting benefits and blessings for spending your
time and energy with our young people, and we thank you.
The
district Impact Team had a successful trip to Mexico in June, and I was
delighted to be able to go with them. I was impressed with the open
hearts and willing hands of all the team members and sponsors of this
event.
One of the
highlights of the district year took place in Prescott in July. Dr.
Jack Eyestone and Rev. Gary Haines faithfully preached the Word with
both humor and tears, and there were seekers at every service.
The worship times were blessed with praise songs and the hymns of the
church, led by Jeff Fillis, Brent Waldfogel and Kristan Farley and our
praise band, and our musicians are the best! Our children's workers
ministered to 49 children over the first weekend, and a comparable
number during the week and following weekend. The youth had their own
services and speaker, but joined the evening services; they were led by
Kurtis Strunk and a team of adult volunteers..
Despite a
few rain showers the first weekend, the days were clear and beautiful.
You can click on the link to view some photos of CampMeeting.
On the
fourth of August, some of our local
school bells started ringing, and the days are just getting hotter than
usual. On the 8th, the Olympics began with a bang – what an
outstanding opening! -- and baseball fans have started thinking about
end-of-year standings. Stores are already displaying fall decorations
and Halloween costumes – autumn will be here soon.
Family Camp is the next “big” event on the district calendar, and we
hope to see you in Camp Pinerock on Labor Day weekend. Marcie Leitsch
has been working with her council and our camp staff for this special
times for families, and Tim Green will be arriving to be the speaker.
If you’ve never been – this would be a good year to start!
A number
of churches are celebrating anniversaries this fall, and of course, our
own denomination is celebrating 100 years. If you click on the photo
for prayer in left sidebar, you will see a note of congratulations from
a sister denomination. AND you will see an important note from our
Board of General Superintendents concerning the General Assembly to be
held in Orlando in 1009.
As for the
local churches, please contact the church office for information
concerning the following:
Willcox –
50th – September 21
Peoria –
90th – September 27-28
Scottsdale
First – 50th – October 4
SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO: A PrimeTime Laymen’s Retreat in February
– the 20th and 21st – at Mesa First.
Byron Schortinghouse
District Superintendent
Where in Arizona-Southern Nevada are we?
I have a $5 gift card for the
first person to e-mail me at
lschortinghouse@arizonadistrict.org and correctly identify this
church photo below (and is NOT the pastor of said church).
Bob Wilton of Scottsdale First Church correctly identified the church
below as Gilbert Family - we have another winner!
New
Church Specialties has launched a campaign dedicated to helping
believers recapture the same love and passion for the church that Christ
felt. The church is made up of imperfect humans, and the flaws and
problems that result can sometimes tempt you to leave and seek an
individualized experience in your Christian walk. Visit