Ministries

Health Ministries

Our Health Ministry is a Blending of Spirituality and Nursing to Support Holistic Health. Desert Palms Presbyterian Church has a Health Ministry Team that supports and guides the Faith Community Nurse and the programs. We support and care for the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the faith community. Click the link below to learn more!

Health Ministries

Outreach

Desert Palms is a hub for community events in Sun City West and the greater West Valley area. Click the link below for more information. 

Outreach

Missions

Desert Palms supports local and world missions. We believe in impacting our community and the world for Christ. Click the link below to learn more.

Missions

Deacons

The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office. (see 1 Timothy 3:8–13)


It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper. (Book of Order, G-6.0401–02)


Deacon Ministry at Desert Palms

Helping to create a friendly beacon of hope and light to the Desert Palms community through sympathy, witness, and service is what the Deacons are all about. Through our committees, Communion, Congregational Life, and Care and Support, each deacon has an assignment for service. The Deacon Care Program is the primary focus of each of the deacons at Desert Palms; to provide opportunities for sharing joys and concerns, and to provide hope and care when needs arise, deacons are involved almost daily with parishioner’ concerns. When asked what they enjoy most about serving as a deacon, most deacons say that getting to know people on their deacon care list is the best part.


By Sherry Blackman | Presbyterians Today - May 1, 2020

Since the early church, the office of deacon has been an integral part of ministry, with men and women called to care for the needs of the faith community. In the Book of Acts, Stephen was among the first of seven deacons appointed by the elders to alleviate the burgeoning care of widows and orphans. With the appointment of these deacons — which comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant” — the elders were then able to focus on preaching and teaching. (See Acts 6:1–6)


Our Stephen Ministry provides one-on-one lay ministry in a confidential, compassionate, Christian manner to anyone who is hurting. Class leaders, facilitators and support groups meet the first Tuesday of each month. Please speak to Pastor Linda if you have interest becoming a Stephen Minister.


Stephen Ministry began in 1975 when the Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist, trained nine members of his congregation in St. Louis to be Stephen Ministers. They assisted him in providing Christian care and support to people in the congregation and community who were experiencing life difficulties. These trained caregivers were so enthused about their ministry that they encouraged Dr. Haugk to offer Stephen Ministry to more congregations. Today, more than 12,000 congregations, from 160 Christian denominations are involved. They are located in the U.S., Canada, and 24 other countries.


In 1990, when Adele Schrag became aware of this program, she was inspired by the concept and brought it to the attention of Pastor Jim Hagelganz. With his support and encouragement, she started Stephen Ministry at Desert Palms through a memorial fund for her husband, Bill Schrag. The first Stephen Leaders, Adele Schrag, Carol and Bob Johanson, Marianne Ohlson and Ed Hanson, initiated recruitment, training classes and Pastor Stan Burtless was the first Pastoral Advisor to the program.


Today, Stephen Ministry continues to be an important ministry at Desert Palms. You could say that Stephen Ministry is God’s Love in action through the dedicated work of Stephen Ministers who have been carefully trained in bringing Christ’s love to people in need. They are ready to listen, share, and support you as you face a difficult decision.


For more information, please contact us by clicking the link below.

Contact Us

Tour of the Scriptures

Bible Study

Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Join Pastor Jim for “A Tour of the Scriptures” on Mondays. Two options are available at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary and 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. The 10:30 a.m. class is also shown over Zoom. Contact the church office to receive the link.


The Immerse Bible Reading Experience offers a vibrant, transformative relationship with God and others through his Word. Each week, transparent community happens in Bible Reading Groups, where participants share their observations and questions based on their immersion in God’s Word. These warm and inviting group experiences set the table for life-changing Bible reading. Immerse is built on three core ideas: reading a naturally formatted Bible, reading at length, and having unmediated discussions about it together.



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