| Frequently Asked Questions |
How is Desert Streams Church starting?
Conception Phase (December 2003-August 2004): From the very beginning, the
focus of Desert Streams Church has been on. We publicized our presence, and began
to meet and learn about the residents of Surprise, during this stage. Through direct
mail and personal visits, we invited interested neighbors to join us in this adventure of
faith.
Oasis (Small) Groups Phase (June 2004 and beyond): As people became interested,
we provided opportunities to meet in small groups for fellowship, worship, study and
prayer.
Worship Launch Phase (September 2004): Public worship began on September 12,
2004 at the Chaparral Center in Sun City Grand. We began with two worship formats, a
spirited traditional service and a contemporary praise service. Our goal was to make
worship at Desert Streams culturally relevant, uplifting, and invite participation by all
who are present. Worship at Desert Streams sought to engage all the senses through
drama, spoken word, video, music, dance and the arts.
Future Plans (October 2004 and beyond!): We want to become a healthy
congregation continually reaching out to the community of Surprise and firmly
committed to our mission statement: "Inviting everyone to a new life in Christ, a deeper
relationship with Christ, and spirit filled service for Christ." As Desert Streams grows, we
will develop new ministries for families, singles, youth, and children. Our emphasis will
be on worshipping in a vibrant, uplifting manner, establishing authentic community
through small groups, and making a positive, loving impact on the lives of people
around us through the development and use of our personal, unique gifts and talents.
Why is the congregation called Desert Streams?
The name Desert Streams is taken from the book of Isaiah, which is found in the Old
Testament. Speaking a word of hope to a weary people, Isaiah says, "waters shall
break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert" (Is. 35:6). We believe that God
loves us and that God will refresh us and renew us with living water. As our friends,
relatives, associates and neighbors observe what God is doing in our lives through this
living water, they too will want do discover Desert Streams.
Desert Streams was also chosen because of our location. The community of Surprise
is located in the Valley of the Sun—the desert. Every day we are reminded of the dry
conditions of the land in which we live and of our absolute dependence on water.
What denomination is Desert Streams?
Desert Streams is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Click here to visit Click here to visit the ELCA Web site where you can find information
about to visit the ELCA Web site where you can find information about our beliefs, faith
ELCA Web site where you can find information about our beliefs, faith understanding
and practice.] The ELCA is the largest body of Lutherans in the United States with over
5 million members in 10,760 congregations.
Who's providing the seed funds to birth this new congregation?
There are literally hundreds of people all across the United States who are behind the
birthing of this new faith community. Through generous offerings and intentional prayer,
members in congregations across the country have provided seed funds through the
ELCA's Division for Outreach and the Grand Canyon Synod to support this
congregation. In particular, three nearby congregations have taken on the role of
Mission Founders providing significant dollars over a five-year period to birth this new
ministry. These Lutheran congregations are Spirit of Grace, Sun City Grand; and Lord
of Life, Sun City West. The Lutheran Thrift Shop in Sun City is also providing significant
funding for Desert Streams Church.
Where will Desert Streams be located?
In August 2004, an eight-acre parcel of land was purchased for Desert Streams
Church. This parcel is located on the Northwest Corner of the intersection of Reems
Road and Hearn Road, about 1 3/4 miles South of Bell. In all likelihood, we will not
occupy this site for two or three years, and will continue to meet and worship at our
temporary location at the Rosefield Charter School.
Conception Phase (December 2003-August 2004): From the very beginning, the
focus of Desert Streams Church has been on. We publicized our presence, and began
to meet and learn about the residents of Surprise, during this stage. Through direct
mail and personal visits, we invited interested neighbors to join us in this adventure of
faith.
Oasis (Small) Groups Phase (June 2004 and beyond): As people became interested,
we provided opportunities to meet in small groups for fellowship, worship, study and
prayer.
Worship Launch Phase (September 2004): Public worship began on September 12,
2004 at the Chaparral Center in Sun City Grand. We began with two worship formats, a
spirited traditional service and a contemporary praise service. Our goal was to make
worship at Desert Streams culturally relevant, uplifting, and invite participation by all
who are present. Worship at Desert Streams sought to engage all the senses through
drama, spoken word, video, music, dance and the arts.
Future Plans (October 2004 and beyond!): We want to become a healthy
congregation continually reaching out to the community of Surprise and firmly
committed to our mission statement: "Inviting everyone to a new life in Christ, a deeper
relationship with Christ, and spirit filled service for Christ." As Desert Streams grows, we
will develop new ministries for families, singles, youth, and children. Our emphasis will
be on worshipping in a vibrant, uplifting manner, establishing authentic community
through small groups, and making a positive, loving impact on the lives of people
around us through the development and use of our personal, unique gifts and talents.
Why is the congregation called Desert Streams?
The name Desert Streams is taken from the book of Isaiah, which is found in the Old
Testament. Speaking a word of hope to a weary people, Isaiah says, "waters shall
break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert" (Is. 35:6). We believe that God
loves us and that God will refresh us and renew us with living water. As our friends,
relatives, associates and neighbors observe what God is doing in our lives through this
living water, they too will want do discover Desert Streams.
Desert Streams was also chosen because of our location. The community of Surprise
is located in the Valley of the Sun—the desert. Every day we are reminded of the dry
conditions of the land in which we live and of our absolute dependence on water.
What denomination is Desert Streams?
Desert Streams is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Click here to visit Click here to visit the ELCA Web site where you can find information
about to visit the ELCA Web site where you can find information about our beliefs, faith
ELCA Web site where you can find information about our beliefs, faith understanding
and practice.] The ELCA is the largest body of Lutherans in the United States with over
5 million members in 10,760 congregations.
Who's providing the seed funds to birth this new congregation?
There are literally hundreds of people all across the United States who are behind the
birthing of this new faith community. Through generous offerings and intentional prayer,
members in congregations across the country have provided seed funds through the
ELCA's Division for Outreach and the Grand Canyon Synod to support this
congregation. In particular, three nearby congregations have taken on the role of
Mission Founders providing significant dollars over a five-year period to birth this new
ministry. These Lutheran congregations are Spirit of Grace, Sun City Grand; and Lord
of Life, Sun City West. The Lutheran Thrift Shop in Sun City is also providing significant
funding for Desert Streams Church.
Where will Desert Streams be located?
In August 2004, an eight-acre parcel of land was purchased for Desert Streams
Church. This parcel is located on the Northwest Corner of the intersection of Reems
Road and Hearn Road, about 1 3/4 miles South of Bell. In all likelihood, we will not
occupy this site for two or three years, and will continue to meet and worship at our
temporary location at the Rosefield Charter School.
Desert Streams' Values
Honors the teachings of Jesus and celebrates the transformation and hope Christ
brings those wanting to make a difference with their lives!
Click to view our By-Laws and Constitution.
Values the power of prayer, the relevant teaching of God's word, vital worship using
a diversity of musical styles, growth through small groups and discipleship, shared
leadership, and the living of one’s faith in daily life!
Invites you to join us as we grow in faith and build this welcoming, caring, Christian
community in Surprise, Arizona.
Our vision is to help people experience God's love through Jesus Christ and actively
reflect it to others. We believe this happens best through...
The Bible. God's Word is our foundation, practical in addressing everyday issues, life-
changing in its power and content. It's one place where we meet Jesus, and it is through
this Word that Jesus becomes real to us.
The Gospel. We commit ourselves to passionately sharing the message that God has
acted on our behalf in Jesus and that through the Holy Spirit we can experience a life-
transforming relationship with God. Martin Luther's understanding of this Good News
with a commitment to Word alone, Faith alone and Grace alone undergirds and shapes
our ministry.
Prayer. We are committed to surrounding all we are and do in prayer, seeking to put
God first in every aspect of our ministry. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit
through prayer, that prayer changes things and is an essential and important part of a
disciple's life.
Outreach. We commit ourselves to passionately sharing the love of Christ in relevant
and engaging ways with those not yet connected to Jesus or the church. Because
people outside the church matter to God, we will make them the priority of our mission.
We will continually seek to create an inviting climate of warmth and hospitality that
welcomes all to come and hear about Jesus at their own pace.
Worship. We believe there is an ache and need in each person's heart that finds its
satisfaction and nourishment in times of vital, meaningful worship. Worship is the
primary time when the "family" of Desert Streams gathers to honor God through praise
and song. We seek God's guidance for daily life through God's word read and applied.
Through the sacrament of Baptism we welcome new disciples. We pray for the needs of
others during our worship. On a regular basis, we through the Sacrament of
Communion to live out our faith through action and service. For worship to be vital and
meaningful, we believe it must be culturally relevant, uplifting, and participatory. So at
Desert Streams, we honor heritage while at the same time employing the tools and
sounds that are a part of our "shaped-by-media" culture. Worship at Desert Streams
will engage all the senses through drama, spoken word, video, music, dance and the
arts.
Discipleship. At Desert Streams we encourage people to join the adventure and
journey of discipleship by creating a culture in which Bible study, devotional and life
reflection are central. Learning to follow Jesus with one's whole heart, mind and soul is
the aim. The teaching focus, while certainly content based, aims more at equipping
adults, youth and children to live a lifestyle that is Christ's style. We believe this
happens best through small groups where people gather to learn, pray, grow in
fellowship and serve. Our vision is for a church with dozens of smaller discipleship
groups for youth and adults that meet regularly at times most convenient to those
participating.
Serving. As we give ourselves away in love and service to others, our own lives take
on fuller meaning and value. We seek to be a community that will serve as Jesus
served. People, we believe, are eager to make a difference with their lives and leave a
legacy of significance. Putting flesh to our faith is a mark of meaningful discipleship.
Stewardship. We are blessed to be a blessing. As faithful stewards of resources that
belong ultimately to God, we pledge to share a portion of what God has first given us to
further the work of God's kingdom through the ministry of Desert Streams. We affirm
that the biblical concept of the tithe is a goal toward which God invites committed
disciples to aspire.
Children and Youth. We intentionally structure ministries that communicate love and
spiritual truths in a way that is appropriate to each age group. Children are a gift to God
and have an important and vital place in this ministry.
Empowerment. The goal is for each worshiper at Desert Streams to experience the
kind of personal involvement, at their self-chosen pace and level, that leads to their
understanding that they are "a minister" and have at least one ministry in which to
exercise their spiritual gifts and one small group activity in which to actively participate.
Innovative Excellence. We are passionately committed to doing whatever it takes
within the context of the Gospel to build a church that reaches all people and helps
them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Risk, relevance, change, flexibility, excellence
and the freedom to fail grow out of our desire to connect the Gospel to the community.
Welcoming of All. We commit ourselves to being a church for every generation. We
pledge ourselves to diversity, consciously welcoming all.
Community Church. We pledge ourselves to be a faith community welcoming disciples
of all Christian backgrounds. We minimize our denominational affiliation in order to
maximize our call to be a community church with Jesus as its head, serving the most
people possible.
Honors the teachings of Jesus and celebrates the transformation and hope Christ
brings those wanting to make a difference with their lives!
Click to view our By-Laws and Constitution.
Values the power of prayer, the relevant teaching of God's word, vital worship using
a diversity of musical styles, growth through small groups and discipleship, shared
leadership, and the living of one’s faith in daily life!
Invites you to join us as we grow in faith and build this welcoming, caring, Christian
community in Surprise, Arizona.
Our vision is to help people experience God's love through Jesus Christ and actively
reflect it to others. We believe this happens best through...
- Real and meaningful connections with Jesus
- Relevant and vital teaching and music
- Renewed lives through discipleship and learning
- Relationships that are genuine and caring
- Relaxed, good-humored atmosphere
- Radical, life-changing commitment
The Bible. God's Word is our foundation, practical in addressing everyday issues, life-
changing in its power and content. It's one place where we meet Jesus, and it is through
this Word that Jesus becomes real to us.
The Gospel. We commit ourselves to passionately sharing the message that God has
acted on our behalf in Jesus and that through the Holy Spirit we can experience a life-
transforming relationship with God. Martin Luther's understanding of this Good News
with a commitment to Word alone, Faith alone and Grace alone undergirds and shapes
our ministry.
Prayer. We are committed to surrounding all we are and do in prayer, seeking to put
God first in every aspect of our ministry. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit
through prayer, that prayer changes things and is an essential and important part of a
disciple's life.
Outreach. We commit ourselves to passionately sharing the love of Christ in relevant
and engaging ways with those not yet connected to Jesus or the church. Because
people outside the church matter to God, we will make them the priority of our mission.
We will continually seek to create an inviting climate of warmth and hospitality that
welcomes all to come and hear about Jesus at their own pace.
Worship. We believe there is an ache and need in each person's heart that finds its
satisfaction and nourishment in times of vital, meaningful worship. Worship is the
primary time when the "family" of Desert Streams gathers to honor God through praise
and song. We seek God's guidance for daily life through God's word read and applied.
Through the sacrament of Baptism we welcome new disciples. We pray for the needs of
others during our worship. On a regular basis, we through the Sacrament of
Communion to live out our faith through action and service. For worship to be vital and
meaningful, we believe it must be culturally relevant, uplifting, and participatory. So at
Desert Streams, we honor heritage while at the same time employing the tools and
sounds that are a part of our "shaped-by-media" culture. Worship at Desert Streams
will engage all the senses through drama, spoken word, video, music, dance and the
arts.
Discipleship. At Desert Streams we encourage people to join the adventure and
journey of discipleship by creating a culture in which Bible study, devotional and life
reflection are central. Learning to follow Jesus with one's whole heart, mind and soul is
the aim. The teaching focus, while certainly content based, aims more at equipping
adults, youth and children to live a lifestyle that is Christ's style. We believe this
happens best through small groups where people gather to learn, pray, grow in
fellowship and serve. Our vision is for a church with dozens of smaller discipleship
groups for youth and adults that meet regularly at times most convenient to those
participating.
Serving. As we give ourselves away in love and service to others, our own lives take
on fuller meaning and value. We seek to be a community that will serve as Jesus
served. People, we believe, are eager to make a difference with their lives and leave a
legacy of significance. Putting flesh to our faith is a mark of meaningful discipleship.
Stewardship. We are blessed to be a blessing. As faithful stewards of resources that
belong ultimately to God, we pledge to share a portion of what God has first given us to
further the work of God's kingdom through the ministry of Desert Streams. We affirm
that the biblical concept of the tithe is a goal toward which God invites committed
disciples to aspire.
Children and Youth. We intentionally structure ministries that communicate love and
spiritual truths in a way that is appropriate to each age group. Children are a gift to God
and have an important and vital place in this ministry.
Empowerment. The goal is for each worshiper at Desert Streams to experience the
kind of personal involvement, at their self-chosen pace and level, that leads to their
understanding that they are "a minister" and have at least one ministry in which to
exercise their spiritual gifts and one small group activity in which to actively participate.
Innovative Excellence. We are passionately committed to doing whatever it takes
within the context of the Gospel to build a church that reaches all people and helps
them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Risk, relevance, change, flexibility, excellence
and the freedom to fail grow out of our desire to connect the Gospel to the community.
Welcoming of All. We commit ourselves to being a church for every generation. We
pledge ourselves to diversity, consciously welcoming all.
Community Church. We pledge ourselves to be a faith community welcoming disciples
of all Christian backgrounds. We minimize our denominational affiliation in order to
maximize our call to be a community church with Jesus as its head, serving the most
people possible.
How Can I Contact Desert Streams?
The Desert Streams' Office telephone number is:
623-215-8139
Desert Stream's mailing address is:
P.O. Box 8687, Surprise, AZ 85374
Currently the office of Desert Streams is located at:
15676 N 164th Lane, Surprise, AZ 85388-1117
The Desert Streams' Office telephone number is:
623-215-8139
Desert Stream's mailing address is:
P.O. Box 8687, Surprise, AZ 85374
Currently the office of Desert Streams is located at:
15676 N 164th Lane, Surprise, AZ 85388-1117
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