Stephen Ministers

"Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian education organization founded in 1975 that produces training and resources known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth. These resources cover topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.

"Congregations and other organizations use these resources to strengthen and expand ministry. Individuals use them to improve their ability to relate to and care for others, grow in faith, and journey through life crises."

~http://www.stephenministries.org/

First Presbyterian Church of Sun City is a Stephen Ministries congregation.  Our Stephen Ministers are available to those suffering bereavement, illness, or other personal crises for prayer and support. To arrange for a visit from a Stephen Minister, call the church office at 623-974-3605.

One of First Presbyterian's Stephen Ministers is prepared to spend some time with you!

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Gene Downing (623-933-0642) or another Stephen Minister at church.

What We Were Doing in 2003

The FPC Travelers of January 2003 traveled to Luke Air Force Base and the World Wildlife Zoo.
On February 11th the Men’s Fellowship Breakfast entertained all women of the church at the first annual Valentine’s Day Breakfast. Dr. Douglas Wright discussed the “minor prophets” at University of Life while the monthly trip for the FPC Travelers was to Rockin’ R. Ranch.

The St. Patrick’s toast, in The SPIRE, for March was: “May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going and the insight to know when you’ve gone too far”. The FPC Travelers visited the Art Museum that month. ;)During April, University of Life focused on the “process of aging” which included fraud protection, humor and graciousness.

In May a group continued helping at the Westside Food Bank. The FPC Travelers toured the Culinary Institute in Scottsdale and the featured soloist at the Fellowship Potluck was Eric Manuelito, a Native American Flute player. Our wonderful cook book was in its beginning stages and the first bus trip to Algodones for prescription drugs took place.

In June 2003 our church became a partner in the “Coalition for Habitat for Humanity” and welcomed all member help.  In July Elder Don Steinhardt held Friday Morning Movies, one of which was “Marty.” September 14th was “Grandparent’s Day” with hot dogs, face painting and balloons for the kids!  In October the FPC Travelers visited Zion and Bryce National Parks for an “overnighter.”

On November 2nd a catered luncheon was held to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church. Guests at the Potluck on the 18th were entertained with “Dinner Theater,” an “Old Fashioned Soap Opera” by church members. December 2003 ended with a new “sound and loop system” in the Sanctuary, donated by a group of very generous church members.  The year 2003 closed with a 5PM Christmas Eve service followed by a catered Christmas Dinner.

Max and Norma Clark, Lorelei Macrow, Barbara Anderson, Dale and Lillian Mabee, Craig and Mary Lou Mc Coy and Dora Munger became FPC members in 2003.

~Donna Roth

 

The Early 2000's (continued)

In January of 2002, Presbyterians, world wide, opened their pockets to donate more than 1.2 million in support of the World Trade Center bombing of September 11, 2001.  The February 3rd Souper Bowl raised $825.00.  Carol Arseth, R.N., began a “Weigh Down Worship, Inc.” program for weight control.  On April 1, Dr. David Glen Walker and wife, Shirley, left for New Zealand on a month long International Pastor Exchange with Rev. Ralph Penno and his wife, Ruth. Dr. Wright returned to University of Life for the month of May, speaking about the book of Genesis. In October the FPC Travelers took a train ride thru the Verde Canyon, enjoying a noon box lunch and dinner at Castle Rock Café. Norma Mack accepted the position of Front Office Administration Assistant/Financial Secretary in the church office. A “Fall Academy” was begun with classes ranging from Native American spirituality to computer E mails. Lila Miller and Jane Leef Hundley became First Church members in 2002.

Rev. Dr. Barklind

On September 15, Rev. Dr. John Barklind was presented as candidate for Senior Pastor by the PNC. On December 15 Grand Canyon Presbytery installed Rev. Barklind as Senior Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Sun City. Rev. Barklind, a Minnesota native, had served the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, MO, for nine years before being called to Sun City. The Barklinds have three daughters and six grandchildren. As a couple he and wife, Rosemary, shared their ministry of God and enjoyed many hobbies together, from traveling to cooking. They are now retired and living in Little Rock, AR.

~Donna Roth

The Early 2000's

Whew! Our computer clocks survived the move into a new century!

By January of 2000 the new Annex, which had been completed in December of 1999, was in use Sunday mornings with Bible Study led by Dr. David Glenn Walker. Rev. Clarke’s first four sermons in January were based on the TV series All in the Family! Rev. Otto Wedul had begun a group to call on church visitors in their homes. The Zabriskies took a group to the Holy Land in February as Wanda Morrell and Gitta Cryder Opatz planned a Valentine’s Day Party for church members. In March of 2000 Dr. David Steele spoke at University of Life telling “The Story of Moses”. In October the FPC Travelers visited the Kartchner Caverns and Tucson for 2 days. The Associate P.N.C. nominated Rev. Gary L. Kush to fill the position vacated by Rev. Rick Meyers. The year 2000 closed with a catered dinner for church members following the 5 PM Christmas Eve service. Among those joining the church in December were Max and Shirley McVicker, Iva Delle Filipi and Mary Lou and George Hall.

Rev. Dennis Clarke retired in Feb. of 2001 and Dr. David Glenn Walker stepped in as Interim Senior Pastor. Thirty-seven couples were celebrated at a 50th Anniversary Party in March. Nancy and Harry Wilson were honored by Grand Canyon Presbytery in April for “outstanding voluntary service to church and community.” For several years the Wilsons had collected Christmas money, toys and clothing for Agua Prieta, a mission on the border near Douglas, Az. On April 18th a large group left for Branson, Mo. for six days. A retirement party, planned by the “Party Girls,” was held on May 2nd for Rev. Dennis and Eileen Clark at Sundial Recreation Center. On July 1 Harvey and Joan Moore left on a six month pastoral mission tour to Maui. In October, University of Life discussed the proposed amnesty for illegal aliens. Educational seminars were held during the year on computer skills, financial issues, and HIV, and Jan Brewer spoke at a potluck about the current situation in the United States. Wayne Parker donated a piece of walnut wood for the creation of our currant Joash box. The carvings were done by Ken Lipp and the lining by Beryl Weylau. Rev. Kush offered a seminar on “Unplugging the Christmas Tree,” methods for coping with Christmas stress. The PNC would continue its search for a Senior Pastor as 2001 closed with a 5PM Christmas Eve Service and catered dinner.

~Donna Roth

Swain Hall

Swain Hall is First Presbyterian's fellowship hall.  Present since the church was first built, the hall has been constantly improved and upgraded over the years, and was renamed Swain Hall in honor of Rev. G. Christie Swain, our second Senior Pastor, who served the church from November 2, 1969 through February 28, 1974. 

The original Fellowship Hall was formally dedicated on October 19, 1966, three days after the dedication of the church itself.  The dedication of the hall was celebrated with a catered dinner featuring swiss steak, ice cream, and cookies.

Swain Hall seats 180 people, and both round and rectangular tables are available.  The front of the hall contains a stage with projection screen, a lectern, and a grand piano.  Restrooms and a kitchen and serving area with pass-through adjoin the hall.  This year all the upholstered chairs there have been professionally cleaned in anticipation of our 50th anniversary celebration.  For information about renting Swain Hall for meetings or receptions, please contact the church office at 623-974-3605.

First Presbyterian and AI

"Appreciative Inquiry is a collaborative, strength-based approach to both personal and organizational development that is proving to be highly effective in thousands of organizations and communities in hundreds of countries around the world. It is a way of bringing about change that shares leadership and learning - fully engaging everyone in the organization.

"By focusing on the organizations strengths, you can evolve into a true 'center of excellence'. Rather than focusing on problems, Appreciative Inquiry elicits solutions."

~http://centerforappreciativeinquiry.net/

Early in 2013, First Presbyterian Church of Sun City held its first Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit Meeting.  Involving as many of the members, associate members, and frequent attendees as possible, the summit identified our strengths (ministry, mission, and fellowship) and enabled our AI Task Force to create and distribute new brochures that better explain the benefits of belonging to our church.

Now it's time to Appreciate Our Anniversary.  This month we're holding an AI summit to kick the planning for our 50th anniversary celebration into high gear.  If you are one of our congregants, or interested in becoming one, we invite you to join us in Swain Hall from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 18, to share your ideas. Remember—two heads are better than one, and sometimes six or seven or 50 are even better!

The September Fellowship Dinner will follow at 5:30 with turkey and ham sandwiches and chips. Sign up for both events in Swain Hall after worship, or call the church office to RSVP.

Men's Breakfast Fellowship

For many years the men of our church have been getting together to enjoy breakfast and fellowship.  During the summer (June-September), the group meets at 7:00 am each Tuesday at the Royal Cafe, 10793 Grand Avenue in Sun City.  During the remainder of the year, they meet at 7:30 am on Tuesday at the church in Swain Hall.  All men are welcome - stop by and join us for breakfast and a good time!