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"This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them." Matthew 18:20. Our children are taught about Jesus and His amazing love through Bible stories and activities every Sunday. We have a small Sunday school that serves children from Pre-school through Jr. High. Though our classes are small in number, they are mighty in love, faith, and passion for Jesus. Each child is valued and engaged. We offer Seniors a time to be with friends, fulfilling their need for a warm, loving and caring church family. We meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 10:00am. All meetings begin with reading "Psalms 25:4-5. "Make me to know your ways O Lord, teach me you paths. Lead me in faith and teach me for you are the God of my salvation." We have a prayer chain, which prays for those who are sick or homebound. We spend time with members who need assistance or comfort in times when life presents challenges.
A Cursillo (ker - see - oh) is a three day learning, sharing, inspirational experience of living in a Christian community. The Spanish word for "Cursillo" means "a short course in Christian community living." Cursillo is a chance to strengthen and renew one's faith away from the world. Cursillo is a useful tool for Christian growth. Cursillo is a Christian community. Cursillo is a way of encouraging apostolic action in the Church and the world. Cursillo is NOT a retreat. It can be made only once in a lifetime; therefore, it is not a substitute for a retreat. During the Three Days the teachings of Christ are discussed in a climate of joy and unconditional love. If you're intersted in learning more about Cursillo talk to Pastor John. The Close is a Garden of beauty where families and friends enjoy gathering each Sabbath or during the week for a time of reflection or for special occasions like out-door weddings, anniversaries, or special services. The Close is a Garden of blessings where the names of loved ones appear on commemorative plaques mounted upon the garden wall. Also, the cremains (ashes) of loved ones may be buried in the garden grounds with a burial service provided by a pastor.
This is a form of exercise, which combines movements that are slow, and rythmatic with gestures based on American Sign Language. It is intended to relieve stress, bring strength and balance to the body, and peace and harmony to the mind and spirit. Class meets weekly on Wednesday evenings at 5:45 pm. The open format allows you to join at any time. Re-teaching and practice are part of the experience. The movements are gentle and uplifting and can be done sitting or standing. Those who wish may participate in praying these prayers occasionally for worship. For more information contact Anne Marie Freeman 480-892-1338.
The Community Outreach Team's mission is to live out our Vision Statement which states that we desire "…to become more diverse, creative, nurturing and welcoming…to our wider community". We live that vision out by sharing our campus to others: Lutheran Social Ministry of the Southwest partner with us in providing a food pantry, Tuesday and Thursday's, 9:00-11:30 a.m. St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, an independent catholic community that serves the Spanish-speaking population. Head Start, a government-sponsored program for preschool school aged children from families living on our near the poverty line. Serve as the host congregation for the Arizona Lutheran Cursillo Movement, a program that deepens the spiritual lives of our Lutheran community. There's a program for adults, high school and junior high youth. AA meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings and every Saturday evening in our community room. Women in Recovery meet weekly. In addition to the above, our congregation sponsor's ASPIRE (After School Program for Instructional and Recreational Education). The program provides elementary school children with an opportunity to complete homework in a tutorial setting. Assistance is included for English language learners as well. Extended academic, cultural and social lessons will be joined in the near future with recreational instruction as the program expands from its current three afternoons per week format to five. Effective January 2004, First Evangelical Lutheran acquired its own internet domain as www.FirstEvLutheran.com. Since that time Pastor John has worked diligently with the web master and various parish leaders to ensure that First Evangelical Lutheran has a strong web ministry and presence in this new century. This site not only provides information for the congregation, but serves as a vital evangelical tool, as yet another resource to spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! |