CROSS CURRENTS
VOLUME 2020 | ISSUE 10 | NOVEMBER
IN THIS ISSUE PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE TOOLE FAMILY - PAGE 2 -
ADOPT A FAMILY
SERVE OUR CITY
Our November 15 - Serve Our City, is almost here! We have so many projects that you can choose from as well as items that you can donate. More than 15 churches across the city are participating in some way! We will be blessing organizations such as Tucson Clean and Beautiful with the Kennedy Park Clean Up, Love Thy Neighbor Ministry (seniors in care facilities), GAP Ministries, First Responders, Interfaith Community Services, those who are homeless, families in need for the 12 Days of Thanksgiving, and more! Be sure to check out each Quadrant as you might find a ministry that you want to support in another location!
- PAGE 3 -
In order to help prepare for this city-wide event, we are collecting hygiene products on the SW campus. Donations can be brought to the Church Office.,
CHRISTMAS PLAY 2020
We are requesting help with the items listed below or check out our donation page at sapctucson.org/serveourcity!
- PAGE 4 -
TOPGOLF YOUTH FUNDRAISER - PAGE 5 -
STORIES FROM ADULT MINISTRY - PAGE 6 -
• • • • •
Full size shampoo and conditioner Toothbrushes and toothpaste Deodorant New socks for elderly men and women Gently used jackets and sweatshirts
Thank you so much for your continued generosity and kindness in helping those in need. We cannot wait to bless our city for Jesus! Questions? Please contact RuthAnn at rsmithrud@sapctucson.org.
PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE TOOLE FAMILY Calling All Prayer Warriors! In times of chaos, we often struggle with inactivity. What actions can we take to help? What can we do to fix the problem? By nature, we are doers. Though we are sometimes caught in a standstill of inaction, the most important thing we can do is pray. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” – 1 John 5:14 Please join our congregation on Saturday, November 7, for a 24-hour Prayer Vigil to lift up the beloved Toole family. Take time to enter into stillness as we unite our voices in a special way to pray for ongoing wisdom and healing during this difficult time in our church and in the world. Please visit sapctucson.org to sign up for a 10 minute timeslot of prayer.
ARIZONA TAX CREDITS
The Arizona legislature has retained and expanded some of the incentives for charitable giving for 2020. Your payments will make a positive impact on the recipient organization, while at the same time reducing your Arizona income tax liability dollar for dollar. The Arizona Private School Tax Credit is available for a contribution that provides scholarships or grants to qualified elementary and high schools. $1,186 for “married filing joint” and $593 for all others. The St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Kindergarten qualifies for this contribution. Note: tax credit donations may be made up until 4/15/21 for the 2020 tax year. The Private Learning Uplifting Students (PLUS) tax credit allows an additional credit above the original tax credit. The taxpayer must first donate the maximum 2
for the original credit in order to donate an additional amount for the PLUS “Switcher” tax credit. $1,179 for “married filing joint” and $590 for all others. The St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Kindergarten qualifies for this contribution. Note: PLUS tax credit donations may be made up until 4/15/21 for the 2020 tax year. A credit is available for payment of fees to an Arizona public school or charter school for extracurricular activities or character education programs. $400 for “married filing joint” and $200 for all others. A credit is available for cash contributions to a qualifying charitable organization (QCO). This includes those groups that provide services to chronically ill or disabled children. $800 for those filing as “married filing joint” and up to $400 for all others. A credit is available for cash contributions to a qualifying foster care organization (QFCO). $1,000 for those filing as “married filing joint” and up to $500 for
ADOPT A FAMILY 2020 In spite of the fact that it is 2020 and COVID is still keeping us socially distanced, St. Andrew’s WILL still do Adopt A Family. If you or your small group would like to adopt a family, please let me know as soon as possible. During this stressful time, many families have substantial needs. While we will not be able to do our ornaments in the traditional way, we can do it virtually with Sign-Up Genius, like is used for Service Worship. This system will allow you to choose specific gifts for families. You will be able to purchase them and then drop them off at the church at your convenience. There are
also many other ways you can participate. We will be looking for people to deliver gifts to families and shop for gifts. If you do not want to shop and would like to make financial donations that would be appreciated as well. More information will be coming soon. If you have questions, contact Kristin Enger at kcenger@gmail.com.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD CHURCH VOLUNTEER
It’s time for our annual Operation Christmas Child box donations! Amid all the craziness, it’s especially important to remember those less fortunate than us. This year, Samaritan’s Purse is offering a wonderful option for those who would prefer an online, no contact option. If you go to samaritanspurse.org/ operation-christmas-child/buildonline/, you can choose items for a box and they will pack it for you for $25. We hope many of you take advantage of this new opportunity. For those of you who prefer the traditional method, boxes and information will be available on the patio after church services November 1 & 8. We are planning on collecting full boxes on November 8 & 22.
If you have any questions, or need help, please call or text Kimberly Schmidt at 465-6517. Thank you for joining us in blessing children around the world.
COORDINATOR NEEDED Our faithful coordinator, Katrina Lantz, is retiring from her duties at the end of the year. We are thankful for Katrina and wish her well in retirement; enjoy your family time! We are in need of somebody to coordinate schedules for volunteers who assist in the Church Office, help process our monthly Cross Currents newsletter, and who attend the information desk on Sundays. The coordinator also helps with volunteer recruitment as needed, and substitutes when available. The position is primarily done remotely and takes a few hours monthly. Interested persons should contact Brad Engel in the Church Office at 297-7201 or bengel@sapctucson.org.
3
SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE
Plans are moving forward to open in-person Sunday School during the 9:00 am service on November 22. We will continue to have Sunday School LIVE on Zoom at 10:45 am. Because of this, we will not be able to offer in-person Sunday School at the 10:45 am service. Parents, make sure to be checking your email during the first weeks of November for more information about returning to in-person Sunday School.
CHRISTMAS PLAY 2020
This year the Annual Children’s Christmas Play will look different. We will have one or two rehearsals in December to prepare for a traditional “bathrobe” style play for the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Service. Children will be assigned a character in the Christmas story (angel, shepherd, wise person, sheep, innkeepers, etc.) These children will dress up as their character. Our older children will read the story and the younger children will parade across the front of the Sanctuary when their character is mentioned in the story. This will let us be social distanced, not share costumes, and still have a play. Look for more details coming at the end of November.
CHILDCARE UPDATE
Dear Parents We look forward to working with you and your kids again. We are limiting the number to ten children for each event, infant - 5 years old. We are using the SW Campus to avoid the sanitation and cleaning concerns for the Preschool. We have Room L and A adjoining so we can split kids up with ages. It helps us to know who is coming and ages, so we can provide adequate staffing. Please send your own diapering supplies and snacks. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Sign up for Sunday mornings or contact Anita at adegnan@sapctucson.org.
SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR CHRISTMAS MOVIES DAYS Make plans to attend our two Christmas movie showings! All ages welcome to join us in Friendship Hall on these dates: December. 6: Miracle on 34th St. (original version) December 20: The Star BYOP (bring your own Popcorn)
- Anita Degnan and the SAPC Childcare Team
CONTACT SHELLY AKINS, Director of Children’s Discipleship Ministry sakins@sapctucson.org || 520-297-7201 x233 HEATHER BRANNOCK, Assistant Director of Children’s Discipleship Ministry hbrannock@sapctucson.org 4
SAPC YOUTH UPDATE
We all know how difficult it has been with so many adjustments, but Tim and the other leaders are so thankful to keep our relationships with students going and able to still have great conversations about life and faith. The youth groups are meeting in-person and we are even getting some new students in the process! We are continuing to meet in the NE Campus Courtyard from 6:00 pm -7:30 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays weekly. Our goal is to cultivate connectivity and encouragement in a time that we can feel very alone and isolated. Because things are constantly changing, we recommend following @sapcyouth on Instagram and Facebook, checking the website, and opening any email updates sent out for updated information. We want to be able to pray and connect with our students and their families, so please feel free to reach out to Tim at tchristian@sapctucson.org.
PRESCHOOL & KINDER BOOK FAIR SHOP THE SCHOLASTIC ONLINE BOOK FAIR FROM HOME AND SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL! You’re invited to shop our Scholastic Book Fair from November 1-14, 2020! All purchases benefit our school and connect kids with new books, favorite characters, complete series, and more.
TOP GOLF YOUTH FUNDRAISER
We are looking forward to a little normalcy this November and holding our 2nd Annual Topgolf Fundraiser, November 14, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Join us for a fundraiser to benefit the Youth Ministry at Topgolf Tucson. This fun intergenerational event is great for the whole family! A brunch buffet is included and
COVID safety protocols will be in place. All proceeds go to support the Youth Ministry and the Youth Scholarship Fund. No Experience Required! Anyone can play Topgolf, from aspiring pros to those who’ve never walked 18 holes. Registration can be found at sapctucson.org
Be on the lookout for more events coming soon!
You’ll love the NEW option to shop for Book Fair exclusives directly from the interactive booklist and enjoy these special online shopping features: • Over 6,000 items, including new releases, best sellers, and value packs • All orders ship direct to home • FREE shipping on book-only orders over $25* • All purchases support our school and earn 25% in rewards Visit our Book Fair Homepage and click “Shop Now” to get started: h t t p s : // w w w. s c h o l a s t i c . c o m / b f/ standrewspreschoolkindergarten Happy reading!
CONTACT TIM CHRISTIAN, Director of Youth Discipleship Ministry tchristian@sapctucson.org || 520-297-7201 x228
5
Stories from Adult Discipleship Ministry:
EXPERIENCES IN SAPC CONVERSATION GROUPS, BOOK STUDIES, AND FELLOWSHIP EVENTS - STORY ONE -
Just over a year ago, a small group of people met to discuss a book by a local Christian pastor with the intention of deepening our faith. We are now on our fifth book, and our regular meetings are a highlight in the week. Each of us are at a different place in life; some retired, some working full or part time, and some with small children at home. Our time together is focused on the book we have chosen, but we also discuss current events; both in the world and our lives. When COVID hit and we began meeting on Zoom, we realized how important it was to stay connected and encourage one another. One of the books that we found amazing was Devotional Classics by Richard Foster. It’s a collection of readings by authors both current and from 6
centuries ago. To see the relevance in something that was written hundreds of ago showed us how active God still is in each our lives today. Having a small group, (6-8 people), has allowed us to develop trust, be vulnerable, and build treasured friendships. We can’t wait to meet in person again, but we have all bonded in a way that has allowed our faith to grow. If you’d like to start your own, please reach out to Connie Randall for suggestions or some of the titles we have read together. - BY CATHI KENTERA, CONVERSATION GROUP
- STORY TWO -
When we began attending St. Andrew’s last year, it had been a while since I’d had any one-on-one
time with Christian women. I felt starved for that. So when I learned about Faith Uncorked it sounded like just what I needed. And it was - a group of great ladies enjoying food and drink and each other, and laughing our way through the evening. What could be better? I feel really blessed that God supplied me with this fellowship at the exact point when I needed it most. If I had my way, we’d be meeting weekly instead of once a month. Many thanks to Connie Randall for running the show, and to all the ladies who have made this a really bright spot in my life! - BY VEE HARRINGTON FAITH UNCORKED (Please join us for our next Faith Uncorked on November 13!)
- STORY THREE -
St. Andrew’s recently offered a book study on the Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism, by Jemar Tisby. We gathered over Zoom for this opportunity to listen, learn, and discuss how racism and bias impact our lives, the church, and the image of God. In his book, Jemar Tisby talks about the importance of education, which leads to informed action, which leads to justice and repair. So we began a search for justice and reconciliation that started with a hard look at American Christianity’s racial history and its ongoing implications. When our group finished the 8-week book study, many have continued to gather to look at “What to do next?” Here is some of what’s been happening over the past three months: We’re praying— • for God’s presence, wisdom, and guidance. • to have open hearts and minds and eyes to see others’ experiences that are different from our own. • to value the image of God in each person. • to partner and gather (remotely for now) with members of other churches in our community. Martin Luther King, Jr.
suggested that the most segregated hour in American was 11:00 am on a Sunday morning. Is this still true today? We’re listening-• to African American authors, speakers, and leaders through assignments before our sessions. • to each other and to members from a similar group at Northminster Church. • to amazing local leaders doing racial justice work who have been invited as guest participants. We’re learning-• more about our history. • more about what it will take to “create” a more perfect union. • what some of the experiences are of people of color. • who our neighbor is. • where we have opportunities to improve things and how we can be a voice and advocate for our neighbor. We’re caring by--asking, praying, and planning-• Help me understand your viewpoint? • What has your experience been? • How can we help? What steps can we take? • Lord, how can we share this discussion group to our friends
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS COFFEE BREAK
SAVE THE DATE for December 5! Stop by and get your Christmas goodie bag with a devotional, coffee/tea, and a guide on how to take a personal retreat. Our hope is for each of you is to slow down and take some “you” time during this busy, stressful year. Contact Connie Randall at crandall@sapctucson.org, for details.
•
•
•
•
here and around the country; to other churches in the community? How can we partner with other churches currently involved in “Discussions on Race” - Groups at Northminster, Southside Presbyterian, J17 Ministries, Living Waters... How can we create an account that can receive funds from Christians and churches in the community to be shared with African American churches and individuals in our community? How can we be more active and engaged in our community - in areas of racial justice, education, employment, housing, health, voting, mentoring? What would Jesus do? How can we be “Daniels” and courageously stand for racial justice in our spaces and circle of contacts?
As the Church, please consider how you can be a part of the transformation that is needed. If you are interested in learning more or participating in another Color of Compromise book study, please contact Lynn Guyot at lynnguyot@icloud.com or Connie Randall at crandall@sapctucson.org. - BY LYNN GUYOT BOOK STUDY
SAPC COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES Let’s bring a St. Andrew’s blessing to our College Students! Signup to bless our College Students November 30 - December 6, then mail or drop off blessing packages week of December 7. Find out more at sapctucson.org/adm.
7
In Memoriam Merrilee England 9/28/2020 Bob Matte 10/25/20
FINANCIAL UPDATE
SEPTEMBER TOTAL REVENUE MONTHLY REVENUE REQUIRED DIFFERENCE YEAR TO DATE REVENUE YTD REVENUE REQUIRED DIFFERENCE
$141,659 136,936 $4,724 $1,397,427 1,480,416 ($82,989)
FAITH COMMUNITY NURSES NEW STEPHEN LEADERS LONG-DISTANCE CAREGIVING TIPS Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges. If you find yourself in this role, here’s a summary of things to keep in mind.
1. Know what you need to know. Learn as much as you can about the illness, medicines, and resources that might be available. Information can help you understand what is going on, anticipate the course of the illness, prevent crises, and assist in healthcare management. Make sure that one person has written permission to receive medical and financial information. Put all the vital information in one place –perhaps a notebook or a secure online document. 2. Get in touch and stay in touch. Many families schedule a conference call with doctors, the assisted living facility team, or nursing home staff so several relatives can participate in one conversation and get up-to-date about a relative’s health and progress. Sometimes a social worker is good to talk to for updates as well as for help in making decisions. Don’t under estimate the value of a phone call and email contact list since it is a simple way to keep everyone updated on your loved ones needs. 3. Organize the paper work. Your family member might be reluctant to share information and you may need to explain that you’re not trying to invade their privacy or take over their personal life – you are only trying to assemble what will be needed in the event of an emergency. If they are still uncomfortable then ask if they would be willing to work with an attorney or another family member or a friend. For more local information, please contact St. Andrew’s Faith Community Nurse Coordinator Louise Doran 529-7748. 8
At St. Andrews, Stephen Leaders are laypeople who share a common passion: bringing Christ’s love and care to hurting people. They use their gifts of teaching, leadership, organization, and administration to help make Stephen Ministry happen. Stephen Leaders recruit, train, lead, and support Stephen Ministers. The steps to becoming a Stephen Leader involve attending intensive Stephen Ministry Leadership training. We are so thankful that the following Stephen Ministers trained to become Stephen Leaders: LARRY ALLEN Larry retired in 2009 from Air Products and Chemicals after 31 years, where he held domestic and international management positions. He and Susan, his wife of 51 years, located to Tucson in the same year. They both have enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle for hiking, cycling, and golf. Larry is involved with the University of Arizona, where he serves on the Advisory Board for Astronomy and leads tours for the Tree Ring Lab and the Mirror Lab. He also represents the University at STEM events in schools and in the community. Larry and Susan feel very blessed to be part of the St. Andrew’s community. JAN FORAN Jan and her family (Tim and now grown daughter Julie) joined St. Andrew’s in 2000, shortly after relocating to Tucson from Arlington, TX. Since then, Jan has actively served the St. Andrew’s community as a member of the Personnel Committee, a facilitator in Women’s Bible Study and in Alpha, and is currently a Deacon. Jan retired from Human Resources at Raytheon and is enjoying the pursuit of her passion as a retirement coach, travelling with husband Tim, and visiting her daughter Julie, son-in-law Gavin and 2-year- old grandson Jude in Vancouver, BC, Canada. We are so thankful that these wonderful individuals followed the Lord’s calling by joining Cheryl Smith, Hartmut Wagner, and Betty Barney on the Stephen Ministry Leadership team. To find out about how Stephen Ministry can help you or someone you know, contact us through one of our pastors, visit sapctucson.org/caring-ministry, or Cheryl Smith at 520-271-6591.