Vistas
PINNACLE
the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az |
June/July 2016
Kids Stay Cool at Pinnacle this Summer
Need inspiration for summer fun? There are plenty of ways for children and youth to stay involved and keep cool with their friends at Pinnacle this summer. Kids will enjoy many Beat the Heat activities, which include movie nights at Harkins Theater, water play at Splash Bash, and mission work, such as Read to Me night at UMOM. Youth will meet for study, discussion, dinner and a swim on evenings throughout the summer. They will also take a few trips to Wet’n’Wild for some fun in the sun. Kids of all ages will have a chance to enjoy time together as a church family at Family Camp in Williams this August. Read about some of these cool activities inside this issue, and be sure to check out our website to learn more.
INSIDE... THANK YOU, MARY! Executive Assistant to the Pastor retires SEE PAGE 2 WOMEN HELPING WOMEN: Days For Girls ministry in Haiti SEE PAGE 5 MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS See who just joined our Pinnacle family SEE PAGE 14 BEAT THE HEAT activities for kids this summer SEE PAGE 9
Tracings A Letter from Dr. Wes Avram
Retirement! Wow. How can we have so many on our staff at Pinnacle who look so young and yet still reach (or go past) retirement age?! Is it the water? Kudos to them. If you've been paying attention these past few months, you certainly know of the Hyltons' retirement on August 1. Work is well underway to bring professional leadership to take up their roles (I wouldn't dare say "replace" them). I write now to let you know about another, for you might have heard the recent announcement that our dear, even Dr. Wes Avram, very dear, Mary Albrektsen will also be retiring on August Senior Pastor 1. Wanting to give care to family in Minnesota and San Diego for more extended periods than vacation time allows, she's decided that moment has come. You might hear my gasp—both of gratitude for her and of wonder what my own work (let alone the church) will be without her. Mary has served as the Executive Assistant to the Pastor for thirteen years. Half of her time has been with our founding pastor, Larry Corbett, and half with me. You might not know that Mary is actually the Corbett's neighbor here in Scottsdale. I'm told that when she and Larry first talked about her coming to work with him, he said to her, "Let's not let working together ruin a good friendship." It didn't! And as I came into Larry's office, I was so impressed and thrilled by how easily and gently Mary made the transition from working with Larry to working with me. You might know that that's not always easy. I am more grateful than she knows. More than an Executive Assistant to the Pastor, however, Mary has become a loving and interested friend to the whole congregation. Her work has been a labor of love and commitment. She knows us all so well and adds value to our ministries in ways none of us truly realize. "Mary's touch" is quite extraordinary. As we're moving into the summer months now, we'll be looking for a good Please see TRACINGS on next page 2
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
OUR COMMON LIFE
Register Now for All-Church Family Camp! August 26-28 | Lost Canyon, Williams, AZ There is no better way to start the fall than by spending time with family and friends while growing in our relationship with God. This year we are going to look at Debra, one of the famous Judges in the Bible, as we learn to Let Our Light Shine. The total cost per person (12+) is $145; $85 for those ages (2-12). This price includes five meals (three Saturday and two Sunday), lodging for two nights, linens, and all camp activities, including zip line, climbing wall, Blob, water slide, pool tables and so much more. If you want to take some time for yourself, there is a coffee shop and plenty of trails and areas to simply spend time with God. Lost Canyon is a great place to get a camp feel with many of the comforts of home. Registration forms can be found on the church website at www.pinnaclepres.org/all-church-family-camp/ or picked up in the church office.
TRACINGS from previous page opportunity in the early fall to invite Mary and her husband, Ed, back for a proper celebration and thank you. In the meantime, let her know what a Godfilled difference she's been to us when you can. As a way of honoring Mary’s work among us, I know that you’ll all welcome whoever follows her and give that individual as much care and support you’ve given Mary these past 13 years. Thanks be to God for Mary Albrektsen! And thanks to Mary too!
Wes Avram Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
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MISSION AT PINNACLE
Backpacks, School Supplies, Socks & Underwear... ...are still needed for Vista del Camino’s annual “Back to School” program to provide assistance to area families. Suggested supplies include scissors, glue sticks, sharpened #2 pencils, colored pencils, colored markers, pens, rulers, spiral notebooks, and ruled paper (college or wide). Socks and underwear of all youth and young adult sizes (XS to XXX) are needed. Please note that Vista del Camino will only take new backpacks and supplies. If you prefer to donate money, please do so through the church office, and clearly note that the contribution is for the Vista del Camino “Back to School” Ministry. Donated items may be dropped off at the church office or in the boxes at the exits of the Sanctuary and Chapel. Vista del Camino needs to collect supplies before the July 15 deadline. If you have any questions, please contact Roselyn O’Connell at vdc@pinnaclepres.org. Thank you for your generosity.
Kids Can Makes Night-Night Bags for UMOM This year our Kids Can group worked on several projects, including buying a tree for our campus, purchasing lights for our friends in Haiti and making NightNight Bags. The Night-Night Bags are for kids in a homeless shelter for the first time. Each bag was decorated by our kids, and include fleece blankets, children’s books, a card and a flashlight. Each part of the project is purchased with the money the kids made through their fund raisers. Thanks for your support. 4
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
MISSION AT PINNACLE
Women Helping Women: Days for Girls Ministry in Haiti Sewing Circle Dates: June 12: 9 am - 12 noon • June 13: 6 - 8 pm August 17: 9 - 12 noon | Office Conference Room In April we had 45 preteen girls and moms gathered in the Fellowship Hall to pack 53 feminine hygiene kits for girls in Haiti. It was a great experience for our girls to help other girls who have no way to get sanitary supplies. Girls and women miss school, work and have many health issues because they have no way of tending to their feminine care needs. We hope to help women in our Haiti partnerships by bringing women’s hygiene kits with us on our next trip. Each kit is equipped with reusable sewn pads and cleaning supplies. We need your help with financial donations to buy fabric, underwear, hotel soaps, and Ziploc bags. This summer we will be hosting several sewing circles to help make the pieces for the kits. If you would like to help sew, please contact Beth Rank at vdc@pinnaclepres.org or Pastor Kelsy at kbrown@pinnaclepres.org.
Need a Listening Ear? Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one caring support to persons in need. This might be in times of loneliness, illness, grief or other troubling situations. Contact stephenministry@pinnaclepres.org.
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
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PINNACLE FINANCE
Finance Report 4/30/2016 YTD Budget
4/30/2016 Actual vs YTD Actual Budget
4/30/2015 YTD Actual
YTD 2016 vs 2015
%
Total Income
$1,595,258
$1,582,867 ($12,391)
$1,594,817
($11,950)
99.25%
Total Expenditures
$1,551,884
$1,500,936
$1,579,505 ($78,569) 95.03%
$43,374
$81,931
$15,312
Cash Balance
$176,866
$240,224
Cash BalanceRestricted
$231,038
$250,926
Mortgage Debt
$185,586
$550,385
Bank Line of Credit Balance
$200,000
$200,000
Over/(Under)
$50,948
Our fiscal YTD income exceeds expenses by $81,931; however, our actual income is below our budgeted income YTD by $12,391. Because our expenses continue to come in below budget, our overall net budget situation has us in a positive position. Comparing YTD income year over year, we find 2016 under 2015 by $11,950. Our mortgage debt is now $185,586 which is down by over $364,000 from last year.
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Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
STEWARDSHIP AT PINNACLE
Stewardship Update The Stewardship Committee would like to thank you for your generosity related to helping the Church move toward our 2016 pledge goal. Your commitment to the mission of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church continues to amaze us, and we cannot begin to express our gratitude! A FRIENDLY REMINDER: Giving usually goes down over the summer, which puts a big strain on cash flow. Please remember God’s ministries here at Pinnacle over the summer. Consider giving if you have not pledged. Consider additional giving if you have pledged and feel called to do more. You are all a blessing. Thank you!
IT’S EASY TO SET UP YOUR RECURRING GIFTS RIGHT FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE. After downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play, open the app and select the Give icon. Set the amount of your gift, the giving type (ie Donation), and then press Yes next to Repeat this gift. Continue following the prompts to complete the process. If you have questions or need assistance, Pinnacle’s finance office is happy to help. Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
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OUR COMMON LIFE
Back by Popular Demand - Pinnacle Pete As you make plans for your summer vacation and travel, we hope that you will once again take Pinnacle Pete, our roving “Flat Cactus,” along for the fun. Snap those selfies with Pete and email them to office@pinnaclepres.org and post your photos to your Instagram or Facebook pages using #pinnaclepete. Safe travels! For a large image, go to http://tinyurl.com/PinnaclePete, or use the image on page 15 of this issue of Vistas.
2016
Pinnacle Pete
Date Night Wednesdays, from June 15 - August 3 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm Pump-it-Up (June 15 only), Fellowship Hall (all other dates) Whether you have children or not, sometimes it is hard for couples to make time for each other. Let us help! Join us June 15 as we kick off Date Night at Pump-it-Up. After the first week, we will meet every Wednesday night throughout the summer at the church. The night begins with a time for couples to meet together for a brief discussion with Pastor Frank before we send you off on your date. Here is the best part... those of you who have children (potty trained and older) can leave them with us until you are finished with your date at 7:30 pm. Students 6th grade and older can join us as youth assistants to help facilitate the fun night for our preschool and elementary-aged kids. Children and youth will enjoy a few ice-breaker games followed by a quick and easy dinner. Then we will explore a Bible lesson through a variety of formats including videos, songs, engaging activities and projects. Each week is a stand-alone experience, so come as often as your schedule permits. Don’t just find time to nurture your marriage this summer, make time. 8
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Passport to Summer in Church School This summer in Church School we will look to stamp our passports with a journey closer to Christ. We hope that children discover that no matter where they are in the world, or in life, the story of Jesus can change them. Then, we will study how faith is our belief that what Jesus did can change us. Studies in the four Gospels and from Acts of the Apostles will reinforce that the “story” of Jesus is real and impacts us today. Two new memory verses will challenge the kids to guard God’s word in their hearts: Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not see. ~Hebrews 11:1 (NIrV) God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. ~Ephesians 2:8 Our preschool children will study people and places from the Old Testament, gleaning a greater understanding of God’s big story and the role we all have to play.
Beat the Heat! Summer means more downtime, more family time and more fun, but in Phoenix the heat can certainly get the best of us all! This summer don’t let the heat lock you inside. Come join your friends from Pinnacle and let’s “Beat the Heat” together. We have fun events planned for the entire summer, so come as often as you like. A full calendar and event descriptions can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/beat-the-heat/.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Pinnacle’s Children’s Ministry, please check our website at http://www.pinnaclepres.org/learn-children
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
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YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Jr. High Study & Swim Thursdays, June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 21 and 28 | 5:30 - 8:00 pm Held at Various Homes Summer is here, and what better way to beat the heat than with food, friends and fun? This summer Jr. Highers are invited to join us on Thursday nights for dinner, Bible study and time in the pool. We will be at Eliza and Evan Punches’ house through June and move locations for July. We will start with dinner, do a short study before heading to the pool. Join us one week or every week throughout the summer. Please make sure you bring a bathing suit and towel if you want to go swimming.
Jr. and Sr. High Wet‘n’Wild June 14 and July 22 | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Join us on June 14 and again on July 22 as we head to Wet’n’Wild for the day. If you need a ride, meet at the church at 9:00 am, and we’ll head to the park for a day of fun in the sun. We will return to the church at 5:00 pm. The cost is $40 if you don’t have a season pass, or free if you do. The cost of a season pass is $65 plus tax, so if you plan on heading to Wet’n’Wild more than once this summer, you may want to consider purchasing a pass. Don’t forget to bring money for food and beverage. Please RSVP to Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org. 10
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Sr. High Study | Animate: Practices
Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 18 and 25 | 5:30 - 8:00 pm Held at Various Homes Sr. High students, are you looking for something to do this summer? Starting Monday, June 6, and running seven weeks throughout the summer, our Sr. High students will embark on a journey to understand some Christian practices with the study, Animate: Practices. We’ll answer some of the questions we have about our faith and why, as Christians, we do what we do. We will start with dinner, followed by our study. Be sure to bring your bathing suits and towels just in case there is time to go swimming afterward. We will meet on June 6 and 20 at Colby Heuser’s house and June 13 and 27 at Tyler Bachinsky’s. Watch for July locations to follow. We hope you can join us this summer for a great time together for some fun and food.
PINNACLE ONLINE CHURCH WEBSITE Please visit Pinnacle’s Website, pinnaclepres.org, for the weekly calendar and activity listings, photos and other important news. MYPPC Log on to Pinnacle’s online community to update your profile, connect with your group members, check the church calendar, view your pledge and giving records, and find ways to get involved at pinnaclepres.ccbchurch.com.
MOBILE APP Download Pinnacle’s mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to listen to sermon podcasts, view Vistas newsletters, read the blog, give, access MyPPC, submit a prayer request and more! FOLLOW PINNACLE Join Pinnacle’s Facebook page or follow ‘PinnaclePres’ on Twitter to keep up with church events, news, and more.
VISTAS CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME To submit articles for Pinnacle Vistas, please contact Carol Skewes at cskewes@pinnaclepres.org. The deadline for the August issue of Pinnacle Vistas is July 10.
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
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HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAYS June 1 George Sheaffer June 2 John Beghin Sarah DeWeese Karter Hirsch Dominic Mancini Kiah Reason Brice Reason June 3 Lin Ogden Karen Sherrin Ryan Skarnulis June 4 Declan Bryce McKenzie Elich Linda Moorhead June 6 John Babb Sally Ball Lisako Inoue June 7 Trevor Balvin Austin Jones June 8 Marilyn Hargitt Joshua Skarnulis June 11 Warner Davidson Jennifer Franklin Tom Hampton Ashley Rimkus Emma Rodriguez Hudsyn Taffe Eliza Wilson June 12 Richard Altermann Georgia Cranford Cole DeRuiter Will Hackbarth Rod Houston David Sobek 12
June 13 Caitlin Bussey Mark Cline Jenni Eisel David Fitzgerald Melissa Gress Matt Noel Kevin Prenzno June 14 Alice Gerald Casey Reason Austin Schmidt June 15 Susan Rose June 16 Jennifer Gustafson Jessica Keegan Alaina Keegan Drake Kress Logan Lewis Connie Thompson June 17 Peggy Gurler Dean Hutton Matthew Shell June 18 Steve Bonniwell Christopher Cranford Matthew Dahlby Cap Dean Babs Heidbreder Greg Mantle Mary Polhemus Merrill Turley June 19 Jane Conner Michele Drummond Benjamin Sidoti Estelle Wade June 20 Nicholas Bianco Brodie Mancini Jen McCabe
June 21 Kourtney O'Connor Bella Rusy June 22 Paul Franklin Jim Moore June 23 Marcy Clark Ryan Giles Noah Levie June 24 Beatrice Clubb Scott Forrest Lisa Levey Celia McNally Kolton O'Connor June 25 Carol Bower Dick Heisler Penny Holland June 26 Steve Esposito Lauren Henry Donna Mobley Carolyn Reid Ben Skarnulis Zachary Skarnulis June 27 Beth Farhart Susan Glava June Hanson Haylie Lauen Bob Rose Kailin Silbert June 28 Pamela Bailey Brooke Davis Brad Gazaway Kaye Morris Cameron Wright June 29 Amelia Decker Gerry Stenson Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAYS July 1 Kenadie Manzeck July 2 Roxy Hobbi July 3 Martha Beattie Averi Mancini Tracy Rhodes Mac Thomas Teahen July 4 Don Balsley Henry Wessel July 5 Chris Barber Jimmy Beasley Monique Reindersma John Thompson July 6 Tyler Casas Ruth Davidson Bethanne Outcalt July 7 Keith Reese July 8 Kari A Martin Dick Stewart Trey Yarwood July 9 Anita Baudler Rick Hess Gene Kolasny July 10 Harriet Clarke J. Alan Cramer Allie Murray Emily Vedder July 11 Emily Fitzgerald Ted Langdon Carlton Richie Julia Weis July 12 Ashley Beasley Marina Martin Joanne McDowell
Megan McKnight July 13 Nolan Edwards July 14 Rick Blomquist July 15 Anton Decker July 16 Sarah Beghin Beverly Everist David Harris Billy Lampkin Thea Niemann Kristin Stewart Paul Wise July 17 Ann Goulka Lisa Helt Sue Klinefelter Kay Lyon Lynn Stoneberger Jim Yeakley July 18 Rachel Gibbons Joseph Sidoti Robert Smith Lauren Taffe July 19 Zack Hobbi Terri Hollander Caroline Johnson July 20 Marvin Bower Emerson Collins Brent Hylton Kellan Pattison July 21 Janet Macfarlane Tom Martin Mary Pickett July 22 Jack Gustafson Sara Crosby Hartman Mollie Hughes Yuko Inoue
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
Bomar Stacy Haley Sweitzer July 24 Maria Biggs MacKenzie Kaul Tom Simpson July 25 Margaret Corcoran Megan McIntyre Johnny Rosenfeld Nancy Waugaman Alex Wood July 26 Mary Albrektsen Richard Harrer Bill Robertson July 27 Jane Barber Linda De Fusco Todd Hirsch Brian Pomp Fletcher Rich Allison Rugen Peter Vedder July 28 Lucas Felt Terri Richards July 29 Jim Enke Nicki Gervase July 30 Liz Dalton Christine Globokar Scott MacGregor David Stingley July 31 Stephanie Hampton
DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY ON FILE? If not, please call the church office.
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MEET OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Chuck & Janet Christoph
Betty Eberle
Eddie, Marcie, Katie & Ed Eberle
Lexi & Nicolas Holgate
If you are interested in learning more about Pinnacle or are thinking about becoming a member, please join us at our next New Connections class on September 11 at 11:15 am in the Sanctuary Parlor. George & Judy Welu
OUR CHURCH FAMILY SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED TO: • Kim and David Schaller on the death of David’s father, Robert Schaller • The family of Tom Hoye • Christine and John Kilbridge on the death of John’s mother, Ethel Kilbridge • Dot Roby, Lisa Roby, and Laura and Brian Wright on the death of husband and father, Mac Roby • Bob Staley on the death of his wife, Liz Staley 14
Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
2016
Pinnacle Pete
Take Pinnacle Pete with you as you travel and snap some photos of Pete with you and/or your family. Email your photos to office@pinnaclepres.org or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pinnaclepres. See page 3 for more info. Pinnacle Vistas • June/July 2016
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
25150 N. PIMA RD. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 | PINNACLEPRES.ORG