Vistas
PINNACLE
the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az |
September 2016
Installation of the Reverend Kelsy N. Brown Sunday, September 18 | 5:00 pm
Join Pinnacle and the Presbytery of the Grand Canyon as we celebrate God’s calling and the installation of Pastor Kelsy Brown. In 2013 Kelsy joined Pinnacle as an interim associate pastor. She has taught us, worshiped with us, ministered to us and loved us. She has provided direction to Pinnacle’s mission efforts with Harmony Ministries in Haiti, Habitat, UMOM and Andre House in Phoenix and PCUSA’s Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Oklahoma. Kelsy has baptized our babies, administered communion to those in our pews and those homebound, provided comfort to those grieving and has established our own Stephen Ministry group. She has welcomed individuals into membership, provided Bible instruction to youngsters during Vacation Bible School and Family Camp, taught a weekly faith formation class and leads our beautiful Vesper services during Advent and Lent. We are grateful to now welcome Kelsy as an installed Pinnacle pastor. Thanks be to God!
INSIDE... ADULT FORMATION schedule of classes announced SEE PAGE 4 ACTIVITIES FAIR is September 25 SEE PAGE 8 YOU ARE INVITED to join the mission trip in November SEE PAGE 10 ANNUAL CHOIR RETREAT nears SEE PAGE 11 PRESCHOOL PRESENTS Conscious Discipline® Workshop SEE PAGE 17
Tracings A Letter from Dr. Wes Avram
Dare we? In a beautiful essay called, "9/11, Tsunamis, and the New Problem of Evil", Bible scholar and former Anglican Bishop N.T. Wright asks a question I want to raise to you this month. After exploring how the Bible sees God acting in the world, he asks of us: Dare we stand at the foot of the cross, feeling the storm clouds darken overhead and the earth tremble beneath our feet, and pray once more for God to finish his new creation, to make the wolf and the lamb lie down together, to bid the mighty waves of the sea be still and depart for good, to establish the new heavens and new earth in which justice and joy will dwell forever? As we return from summer adventures and move into Dr. Wes Avram, our new program year, our first Sunday after Labor Day Senior Pastor will come on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The occasion seems to touch so much that's kept our attention these past few months--from attacks of terror throughout Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Africa, to natural disasters from hurricanes and floods, to the accusations flying in every direction that makes our politics these days. As we return to a fall pattern of life at Pinnacle, I'll take the occasion of Sunday, September 11, to start two weeks of preaching about a question all of this raises. It's the question of evil: what our faith says about why God's good creation seems so often to be something quite different than good, and how we can respond as believers. I invite you to worship with us on September 11, to hear music selected for that day as the Chancel Choir returns, and to respond in your own way to a sermon I'm calling, Evil in a World of Good: What's a Believer to Think? And then I invite you to return for the next week, to join with others as we give our lives to God in weekly worship. My sermon that Sunday will ask the next question: Evil in a World of Good: What's a Believer to Do? I invite you to remember the God of Love in all you do, and come together this fall with all the people of Pinnacle Church to experience and express Please see TRACINGS on next page 2
Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
TRACINGS from previous page God's healing, reconciling, and transforming love. Join us as we try to be for the world what N.T. Wright beautifully calls (quoting Isaiah), "agents, heralds, and living embodiments of that new creation in which the earth will be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the seas." See you soon. Joyfully,
Wes Avram Quotations here are from N. T. Wright, Surprised by Scripture (Harper One, 2014), pp. 127-8. Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
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Adult Formation for Fall 2016 The Adult Formation Ministry Group is excited to present the Adult Education schedule of classes for Fall 2016. Below is a listing of offerings available to you in the upcoming weeks. Watch for more as the season progresses.
Faith Formations The Prophets' Vision for Today Rev. Kelsy Brown Wednesdays, through Sept. 28 | 6:00 pm | Fellowship Hall, Rm 2 We are living in turbulent times where war, mass shootings and protests litter the news. This isn’t much unlike the times of the biblical prophets who preached “The Word of the Lord” to the people. Join us each week to hear a different prophet’s message and how it relates to us today. Read the prophet's message on our daily Bible readings found on our app, downloadable from Google Play or the App Store. CONTACT: kbrown@pinnaclepres.org
Interface: Faith & Science @ Pinnacle Faith & Science Roundtable Meetings Wednesday, Sept. 7 | 7:00 - pm Twisted Lizard Tavern & Grille, 10401 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd Join us this month as we start up again after the summer hiatus with a time of fellowship. The Faith and Science Roundtable meets monthly to discuss issues at the interface between faith and science in a respectful environment where it is ok to be a novice, an expert, or somewhere in between. All who are interested in the broader conversation between faith and science, including youth, are welcome to attend. CONTACT: faithandscience@pinnaclepres.org 4
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ADULT FORMATION
Pastor’s Forum Dr. Wesley Avram Sunday, September 11 | 11:15 am | Music Rehearsal Hall A monthly gathering, following worship, where Dr. Wesley Avram or guest speakers lecture or converse on topics of theological or cultural interest. CONTACT: office@pinnaclepres.org
Women’s Bible Study Mrs. Marti King Mondays, beginning Sept. 12 | 6:30 pm | King Residence or - Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 13 | 10:00 am | Chapel Library One book of the Bible – the Proverbs of Solomon – specializes in wisdom. It gives us direction and guidance that is practical, concrete, reasonable, wholesome, understandable, shrewd and fruitful. Study booklets will be available following both worship services on Sunday, Sept 4 and Sept 11. CONTACT: wbs@pinnaclepres.org
S.A.G.E (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment) Dr. Tina Campbell Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 14 | 11:30 am | Chapel Library S.A.G.E. (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment) is continuing its study and discussion of a variety of topics. This group enjoys study, fellowship, sharing, and a delicious lunch. All are welcome. Cost for the lunch is $5.00. CONTACT: tcampbell@pinnaclepres.org Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
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ADULT FORMATION
Praying for the World Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 14 | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary Lounge As a church family, we are deeply aware of the tragic cycle of violence around the world. As we navigate the complex maze of inner feelings, it is useful to know that we are not alone in our struggles or in our hopes. Join us weekly for this intimate gathering as together we pray for joys and concerns around the world. CONTACT: pray4world@pinnaclepres.org
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Dr. Wesley Avram First & Third Tuesdays, Sept. 20 - May 16 | 7:30 am | Chapel Library Men’s Fellowship Breakfast group gathers to discuss everyday issues in light of Christian faith. It is a great opportunity to meet other men in the church and share insights and fellowship. Coffee and doughnuts are served for $5.00 per person. No reservation is required. CONTACT: wavram@pinnaclepres.org
Religion Copes with Industrialization, Urbanization and Immigration Mr. John Chapman Sunday, October 2 | 11:15 am | Chapel Library The Age of Industrialization following the Civil War brought extraordinary progress, economic development and widespread prosperity to America, but it also exposed serious problems attendant to this transformation of society. How did religions respond to the challenges of this transformation? Can insights be gleaned from this experience which might help us to respond constructively to the issues of our own turbulent time? CONTACT: office@pinnaclepres.org 6
Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
OUR COMMON LIFE
Thank You Reception for Mary Albrektsen Sunday, September 18 | 11:15 am | Sanctuary Patio Join us as we show our gratitude to Mary Albrektsen, who has retired from serving Pinnacle as Executive Assistant to the Pastor for thirteen years. Her work has been a labor of love and commitment and we look forward to this opportunity to celebrate with her as she enters a new and wonderful phase of life.
OUR CHURCH FAMILY SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED TO: • the family of Lew Lehr Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
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OUR COMMON LIFE
Don't Miss the Activities Fair! Sunday, September 25 | 11:15 am | The Green Here at Pinnacle, there are dozens of groups that gather regularly to study God’s word, serve God’s people and fellowship with one another. From Women’s Bible Study, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast and Interface: Faith and Science Roundtable, to Activities Fair 2015 Pinnacle Hikers, Book Club, SAGE, Los Locos, Amigos and Dinner Groups, there is something for everyone at every age level here at Pinnacle. Join us for a fun-filled, hands-on Activities Fair. The Green will be covered with tented booths each offering a fun activity and yummy food for your dining pleasure. See you at the Fair!
Pinnacle Hikers Schedule for 2016/2017 Announced If you love to hike, check out our new brochure! There are fourteen scheduled hikes from October to April offering a variety of easy to challenging trails. In addition to the customary second and fourth Tuesday hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, three unique Saturday hikes at Maricopa County parks have been added. You can download a copy at MyPPC. It’s on our group page under the “Files” tab. You can also pick up a copy at either of the Church’s information kiosks. For more information, email Christine at hikers@pinnaclepres.org.
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Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
OUR COMMON LIFE
JOIN IN! Find ways to get connected by viewing all the various ministry and social groups here at Pinnacle! Go to MyPPC at pinnaclepres.ccbchurch.com, and from the Home page, click the Groups icon. To see all groups, click the Advanced Search link and then Search at the bottom of the page. See a group that interests you? Click Join Group or Request to Join. Don’t have a login? If you are a member or attendee of Pinnacle, click Sign Up from the login page.
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MISSION AT PINNACLE
Mission Trip 2016 Our annual mission trip this year is November 6 – 12, with Oklahoma as a destination, to rebuild or restore areas ravaged by storms and floods. We invite you to join our team this year to share in this mission of caring, sharing and camaraderie. Contact Doug Brown at missiontrip@pinnaclepres.org or Pastor Kelsy Brown at kbrown@pinnaclepres.org
More Progress in Port-Au-Prince Last summer saw the dedication of the beautiful newly rebuilt Harmony Ministries Church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This summer, work has begun on rebuilding the school which was also destroyed in the devastating earthquake several years ago. For all this time, classes have been held in a small and rough shed-type building. Immediately after the school year was completed the end of June, work began on demolition and then construction of the school. It will be a very basic two-story cement block building with steel roof, windows to let in light and air, and some electricity. They are working as quickly as possible, hoping to get students in the facility sometime this fall. The school year begins again on September 5, so classes will initially be held in the Church and Sunday School rooms. Our mission partner, Pastor Luc, is grateful for Pinnacle’s support and prayers. Our mission team going to Haiti in January will be able to see the new school and perhaps even help with some finishing work. If you would like to know more about this mission, or help with the cost of construction, new school benches and blackboards, please contact Pastor Kelsy Brown at kbrown@pinnaclepres.org or Jan Loichle at haiti@pinnaclepres.org. Your prayers for Pastor Luc and this mission and praise for the progress are appreciated. 10
Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
MUSIC AT PINNACLE
Annual Choir Retreat Nears Saturday, September 10 | 8:30 am - Noon | Music Rehearsal Hall The Chancel Choir will begin its 2016-2017 season with its Annual Choir Retreat. Anyone interested in joining the Pinnacle Chancel Choir or just learning about the choir is welcome to join us. We will begin with fellowship and coffee from 8:30 9:00 am. Contact Dr. Sharon Hansen, Interim Director of Music and Arts, at shansen@pinnaclepres.org for more information.
Pinnacle Concert Series Friday, October 28 | 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 4 | 7:30 PM
Phantom Night Friday, November 18 | 7:30 PM
Concordia Choir, Rene Clausen, director
Mill Avenue Chamber Players
Friday, March 10 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 4 | 7:00 PM & 4:00 PM
The Four Freshmen
Celebration of Christmas
Friday, March 24 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 11 | 3:00 PM
Handel’s Messiah
Mark Hayes, piano with Stephanie Ann Ball, soprano
Friday, January 20 | 7:30 PM
Friday, April 7 | 7:30 PM
Piano Man Friday, January 27 | 7:30 PM
The 3 International Tenors
ProMusica Arizona presents The Unpredictable Adventures of Henry Hicklebee” Friday, April 21 | 7:30 PM
Jonathan Ryan, organ Pinnacle Concert Tickets are available at www.PinnacleConcerts.org or 480-303-2474
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PINNACLE FINANCE
Finance Report 6/30/16 YTD Budget
6/30/16 YTD Actual
Actual VS. Budget
6/30/15 YTD Budget
YTD 2016 vs YTD 2015
%
Total Income
$1,857,000 $1,890,566
$33,566
$1,894,874
($4,308)
99.77%
Total Expenditures
$1,857,000
$1,826,801
$30,199
$1,902,387
($75,586)
96.03%
Over/(Under)
$63,765
($7,513)
Cash Balance
$95,996
$175,608
Cash BalanceRestricted
$208,802
$205,693
Mortgage Debt
$138,025
$529,106
Bank Line of Credit Balance
$200,000
$200,000
Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2016, shows Pinnacle ended the year in the black by $63,765. This is mainly due to excellent control on expenses, vacated staff positions and exceptional giving by everyone. In the month comparison, June 12
Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
2016 vs June 2015, however, we found June 2016 expenses $17,100 more than the same month in 2015. This was mainly due to; a) timing of payments to Presbytery and Per Capita $3,400 more in '16; b) Property maintenance costs were $8,650 more than 2015 and c) a $4,000 extra cost for PushPay (new online giving company expense). June 2016 numbers indicate total income of $162,686 and expenses of $176,983.
STEWARDSHIP AT PINNACLE
Stewardship Update As of August 10, 2016 IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PLEDGE towards our 2016 campaign. We have currently received 329 pledge commitments for $1,295,934. To reach our 2016 goal of $1,400,000, we are in need of $104,066 in additional commitments. To match our 2015 pledge commitment total of $1,351,863, we will need an additional $55,929 in pledge commitments. The Stewardship Committee thanks everyone for your faithfulness and generosity! "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to". ~Deuteronomy 15:10
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YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Informational Confirmation Meeting for 8th - 12th Grade Students and Their Parents Sunday, September 11 | 11:15 am | Teen Center Confirmation Class is an important step in a Christian’s life. It is a time designed to help students make an informed decision whether to make a public profession of faith in Jesus, the Christ, as their Lord and Savior and to accept their responsibility in the life of Christ’s Church at this point in their life. There is no expectation that all participants will be or must be confirmed; just to learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. An informational meeting for all students interested in being a part of the confirmation process and their parents will be held on Sunday, September 11. Confirmation will begin in October. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Pastor Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org. The registration form can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/confirmation-class.
Sunday Night Experience Grades 6 - 12 | Starting Sunday, September 11 Sunday nights will look a little different this fall, with new leadership and new times. Students won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to come together. Whether musically, through study, in games or in fellowship, we will learn to live into our calling to be a light in the world. TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
3:45-4:30
Jr. and Sr. High African Drums
Music Rehearsal Hall
4:30-5:30
Jr. High Youth Group
Teen Center
4:30-5:30
Sr. High Handbells
Sanctuary
5:30-6:00
Jr. and Sr. High Dinner
Teen Center
6:00-6:45
Jr. High Handbells
Sanctuary
6:00-7:00
Sr. High Youth Group
Teen Center
Sonoran Youth Choir will remain at 11:15 am on Sundays. 14
Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
September Church School Tackles Trust Trust. It is a concept we hear about every day but an action we rarely offer in total obedience. This month in church school we will enjoy a deep study of the life of Joseph, as detailed in Genesis. As we explore the ups and downs of his life, we see examples of his unconditional and unwavering trust in God. This is the kind of trust we hope our children think about and live out for their entire lives. Our memory verse comes from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding,” (NIrV). Our own understandings can get us into trouble, but when we trust the Lord, no matter what, we create a firm foundation that the world can’t shake.
Parents Night Out September 9 | 5:30 - 9:00 pm | Fellowship Hall Looking for a night out with your significant other? Bring the children (potty trained through 5th grade) to Pinnacle, where our team of adult and youth leaders provides an evening of games, Bible activities, crafts and a movie—best of all, dinner is included! A modest donation of $5 per child is suggested to help us defray the cost of dinner and supplies. RSVP to Kelly Horn at khorn@pinnaclepres.org in order to reserve your space.
Children’s Sabbath September 25 | 8:00 & 10:00 am Worship Services Each year Pinnacle joins an international, interfaith event known as Children’s Sabbath. Sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund, this special day asks churches across the world to put children at the forefront of their thoughts, prayers and worship. Join us on September 25 for this great Pinnacle tradition that promises you a new perspective. Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
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PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Congratulations Mary Ann and Kelsey! Join us in celebrating two of Pinnacle Preschool’s staff whom just graduated with their Masters Degrees in Early Childhood Education! Congratulations to Mary Ann Biermeier and Kelsey Vosough! Mary Ann, a graduate of Northern Arizona University, started teaching at Pinnacle 15 years ago and is currently the Director of Professional Development. Kelsey, a graduate of Arizona State University, is starting her second year teaching with Pinnacle this year, and both Mary Ann and Kelsey can proudly Kelsey Vosough & say they graduated with honors. Mary Ann Biermeier As a NAEYC accredited preschool, we are excited to have the caliber of these ladies as part of the incredible staff of Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool.
Tallulah Workshop Saturday, September 17 | 10:00 am - Noon | Preschool Atelier PPP’s Tallulah Project is a mosaic tile mural that creates a passageway depicting landscapes of Arizona and how they are transformed by water. The word Tallulah is Native American meaning running water. It is fun and easy to make clay leaf tiles! Leaf tiles are only $10 each or $20 for each family member to make one. To order your family water tiles or to sign up for one of our workshops, please contact the preschool office at 480.585.9448 ext. 2. 16
Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool offers Conscious Discipline® workshops in the fall and spring of each school year. Two workshops will be offered this month. The cost to attend each session is $50 per person. Register online at tinyurl.com/ppp-cd or contact the preschool office at 480-383-9448 x 2.
Introduction to Conscious Discipline® (Part 1 of 4) Saturday, September 24 | 9:00 am - Noon | Fellowship Hall Rm 4 Introduction to Conscious Discipline® is targeted for early childhood educators, organizations and caregivers serving Preschool thru Grade 3. Join Conscious Discipline® instructor Diana Brown as she explores ways to integrate social-emotional learning, discipline and self-regulation so you can spend less time policing behaviors and more time teaching vital life skills.
Introduction to Conscious Discipline® (Part 2 of 4) Saturday, September 24 | Noon - 4:00 pm Fellowship Hall Rm 4 Diana Brown
Helping children with Self-Regulation is the second in the Conscious Discipline® series. Join Diana Brown, Conscious Discipline® instructor as she discusses how to respond to emotional upset in a way that fosters the development of self-regulation, as well as the five steps to help children self-regulate their thoughts, feelings and actions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool, please check our website at www.pinnaclepreschool.org
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HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS Sep 1 Bruce Bender Susan Buskirk Justin Laurent Dorothy Stingley Sep 2 Alice Colston Kelley Bill Hyatt Sep 3 Barbara Moffitt Lea Reinke Sep 4 Katherine Globokar Aaron Slegers Sep 5 Nancy Lindemulder Joan Potter Brock Richard Ryan Taffe Sep 6 Judy Durocher Carly Lenniger Shea Lenniger Marsha Lindquist Olivia Matheson Elisabeth Parten Katie Rich Richard Rimkus Mark Teahen Sep 7 Kelsy Brown J.P. Collins Tomoki Inoue Nancy Martin Rick Simonetta Sep 8 Matt Bussey Emily Clearwater Breanna Granger Katie Nutter Sep 10 Mekenna Martin Sep 11 Mary Noyd Mary Lou Roof Charlie Rusy 18
Sep 12 Nick Barbato Danny Barber Cassandra Hendricks Sue Larson Grace Rosenfeld William Schoedinger Scott Uelner Sep 13 Amy Belluomini Joseph Corbett Bob Dueker Blake Evans Nancy Lashutka Matthew Lucky Sep 14 Amy Fedyna Josh Hylton Ted Mobley Sep 15 Scott Fischer Fred Lamont Barbara Sitzler Sep 16 Allyson Baer Cindy Bartkus Sep 17 Cailyn Baerveldt Leslie Mann Bruce Porter Sep 18 Dan Buskirk Gavin Rogowski Sep 19 Sandi Baker Donald Gardner Wyatt Hill Sep 20 Elaine Heffernan Brad Jones Diane Ruebling Bernadette Smith Susan Stanton Sep 21 Becky Boren Marlene Crane Noah Rash
Owen Stewart Sep 22 Kimberly Bianco Gena Brown Kasey Horrell Johnathan Lane Sep 23 Danika Bussey Matt Lucky Jake Muth John Napolitan Carrol Svedeen Sep 24 Jonathan Coughenour Regis Dugué Bill Pickering Marilyn Sorenson Sep 25 Bri Cooper Will Esser Cooper Plotts Sep 26 Dorothy Haag Al McConnell Wes Topping Linda Vaughan Katelyn Wise Sep 27 Doug Drake Sean Englund Bill Frankel Fay Gates Kira Rugen Hale Stewart Sep 28 Becky Blomquist Andrea Johnson Beth Rank Sep 29 Andrew Levie Daniel Levie Kathryn Van Driel Sep 30 Larry Eisel Chuck Gurler Andrew Newman Kahili Southworth
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PINNACLE ONLINE
CHURCH WEBSITE Please visit our website, www.pinnaclepres.org, for the weekly calendar and activity listings, photos and other important news. You can also listen to sermons online.
MYPPC Log on to Pinnacle’s online community to update your profile, connect with your friends and group members, check the church calendar, view your pledge and giving records, and find ways to get involved at https://
FOLLOW PINNACLE Join Pinnacle’s Facebook page or follow ‘PinnaclePres’ on Twitter to keep up with church events, news, and more.
pinnaclepres.ccbchurch.com Pinnacle Vistas • September 2016
MOBILE APP Download Pinnacle’s mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to hear sermon podcasts, view Vistas newsletters, read the blog, give, access MyPPC, our church calendar and more! 19
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
25150 N. PIMA RD. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 | PINNACLEPRES.ORG