Estrella Mountain Church

Our new website is up and running! Our emails are working again! Thank you for your patience as we worked to get it up and running again. If you sent an email this week please resend it as we probably didn't receive it.

With the transition to our new website our giving platform has also changed. If you give online please take time this week to update your giving on our new website.

Past newsletters can always be found on our website under Loving -> Newsletters.

If you aren't attending services, please email me (jennas@emcaz.org) with any updates, prayers and praises. Thanks!

Call, email or use social media to stay in touch. Of all people, we will be known by our love for others. Hugs and prayers and blessings. We love you!

If you know of anyone who needs help, or need to contact the office, please call (623.386.0300) or email (jennas@emcaz.org) and I'll respond as soon as possible.

Living every day in HOPE!

Jenna Schutten

Our next membership class is coming in January.

This time it will be three 1 hour classes on January 17th, 24th, and 31st. Please plan on attending all three dates as new things will be covered each time. We are doing three 1 hour classes in place of one 3 hour class.

Classes are January 17th, 24th, & 31st at 6:30 PM in the youth room.

To sign up, email Jenna (jennas@emcaz.org).

EMC Women's Ministry is hosting a local, 2-day retreat!

January 20th - 21st at EMC.

Every Word is a Seed: How Seeds of grace are planted in our life and the lives of others when we use the word of God to nourish our soul. 

Margaret Allen, author, speaker, philanthropist and mentor, invites you to sprinkle seeds of grace throughout your life, from softening your self-talk to embracing truthful and compassionate interactions with others. Planting these seeds from God's word in your life will inspire and refresh your spirit!

We will have 3 Teaching Sessions, Group Discussions, Fellowship, Worship, Lunch & Snacks

Friday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Registration Is Now Open: https://bit.ly/3cou9s7

Registration: 12/1 - 1/8 $75

If you would like to pay by check please register in the courtyard between services on 1/8.

Weekly Youth Events

Jr. High & Sr. High

• Youth Group: Sunday Nights 4:30 - 6:00 PM
• Volleyball & Games: Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:00 PM
• Girls Bible Study: Thursdays at 4:30 PM

Follow us on Instagram @emcstudents for what's happening this week. Questions? Contact David Sims at ignite@emcaz.org for more info.

Getting Healthy Group

Meeting the second and fourth Wednesday at 6:00 PM in the church office conference room.

A group of women meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month to discuss health and nutrition. Melissa DiLuzio is a certified holistic health coach and is teaching the group about nutrition! Prayer, encouragement, and accountability are also important parts of the group.

Questions? Contact Kristine Harkins kristine@dcharkins.com

Bible Study

Join us Mondays at 6:30 PM or Fridays at 9:30 AM.

The Monday evening group meets at 6:30 PM in the youth room. On January 2nd they started Isaiah by Melissa Spoelstra. Contact Sabrina Cohen with questions at scohen25@yahoo.com.

The Friday morning group meets in room 214 at 9:30 AM. They are currently on a break until February.

Kids Church is offered during the 9:00 AM Service

All our kids, from the toddlers up through 5th grade will meet in the courtyard for check-in and then head to their classrooms from there. 

Toddlers and Preschool will meet in room 214 and Kindergarten through 5th grade will meet in the Student Center. Each group will have a blast as they dive into scripture, sing worship songs and hear Bible stories about Gideon, Samson and Elijah, just to name a few! Every month the kids church works on a memory verse with the kids.

Children are always welcome to join their parents in the worship service.

Have questions? Contact Jessica Sims at jessicas@emcaz.org

All men are invited to join us Wednesdays at 7:30 PM or Fridays at 8:30 AM.

The Wednesday evening group is studying Acts and meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Contact Pastor Denny for more information dennyh@emcaz.org.

The Friday morning Al Thomason Men's Bible Study meets at EMC in the youth room at 8:30 AM.

Meeting the first Monday @ 6:30 PM and the third Thursday @ 6:30 AM, office conference room.

January Prayer Gatherings

• Monday, January 2nd at 6:30 PM
• Thursday, January 19th at 6:30 AM

February Prayer Gatherings

• Monday, February 6th at 6:30 PM
• Thursday, February 16th at 6:30 AM

EMC has a number of ways you can serve at EMC or with other ministries around Goodyear/Phoenix.

Serve at EMC

We are looking for volunteers to help with Kids Church, Ignite, Communion and more. If you are interested in serving at EMC please contact Jenna, jennas@emcaz.org.

Other Ways to Serve

BBQ Mission

BBQ Mission: Is a Christian non-profit organization promising to deliver hand made food to underdeveloped and marginalized communities of Arizona, and the world. Join them the 1st Saturday of the month, on Mondays, or on Wednesdays as they go out into the communities and serve.

Donations & Volunteering can be done through BBQMission.org

See what they are doing on their instagram page, @bbqmissionllc

You Matter Ministries

You Matter Ministries purpose and mission is to minister to those who are homeless and hurting by preaching The Good News of Jesus Christ, offering prayer, providing meals, hygiene packs, and when possible, a clean change of clothing. 

You Matter Ministries is looking for donations of peanut butter, jelly, and bottled water. Every week they come pick it up and distribute it in and around Phoenix. Please consider bringing some items to donate to them. Our donations cover what 16 churches gave in the past. With all the challenges of the past year, your generous heart shines through!

Circle On

Circle On provides blessing baskets to those in our community going through difficult times. They are looking for items to be donated for their blessing baskets. If you are interested in donating items please see the list below and drop them off in the basket in the back of the sanctuary.

Basket Items Needed: 

• Small baskets, ribbon
• Pampering items like, fluffy socks , lotions/ bath salts, candles
• Inspirational Books/Devotionals/Journals
• Cups
• Small blankets
• Chocolate/Candy, Tea/Coffee /Hot Chocolate
• Playing cards/Small games
• Gift Cards 

For questions about Circle On please reach out to Kim Bergay kbergay@yahoo.com.

When bringing donations during the week please bring them to the back of the church office. Drive around to the back of the church parking lot and look for the blue door. Office hours are Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM.

Next Blood Drive: 

Friday, April 21st 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

To schedule your appointment or for more information, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: ESTRELLA

We have booked dates for blood drives at EMC for 2023. As we get closer to the individual drives information on registering will be shared. Below are the dates we've secured for 2023.

• April 21st
• June 23rd
• July 28th
• September 1st
• November 3rd

The 2022-23 school year has begun! There are a few remaining spots for the current year, to register complete the application online. If you have questions about the preschool go to https://empreschool.com to learn more or contact Lisa Tucker, info@empreschool.com or 623.476.5578.