Vistas
PINNACLE
the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az |
November 2015
INSIDE... PINNACLE ANNOUNCES ANEW Worship Leader SEE PAGE 3 BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY to Camping on the Green SEE PAGE 7 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY focuses on serving SEE PAGE 12
Tracings A Letter from Dr. Wes Avram
Worship ReNEW Worship ForNEW Worship ANEW After a long time of exploration, conversation, planning, and prayer, we are on the edge of a new worship experience on Sunday evenings called Worship ANEW. This will be 5 pm, Sundays, in Fellowship Hall beginning November 1. Less formal than our Sunday morning services, Dr. Wes Avram, Senior Pastor but still familiar. We'll enjoy a variety of musical styles, pastors without robes, a sharing of intimate communion as often as we can, and some experiences in worship we'll still discover. It'll be lively, youthful, and an expression of who we are as Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. A nice addition to our Sunday morning worship. Come on Sunday morning and Sunday evening. Come as your schedule allows. Come and learn new things of God, and make new friends. I look forward to seeing you there! Bring friends. God bless you all,
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Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
OUR COMMON LIFE
Music Worship Leader of Worship ANEW Named Pinnacle welcomes Jerry Maxwell as Worship Leader of our new Sunday evening service, Worship ANEW. Jerry’s role at Pinnacle will initially be contractual, with the possibility of converting to part-time staff contingent upon session approval of the position. His work is being funded by a designated gift from a committed member and giver to the church, as are all of the initial expenses for Worship ANEW. Jerry received his master’s degree in music education from Arizona State University in 2011 and now holds a Faculty Associate position at ASU teaching courses in music history and rock performance. As a performer and band leader, Jerry has been active in jazz, classical and pop idioms around the Southwest and Los Angeles and has performed in a multitude of praise and worship settings. He has been the arranger, manager, vocalist and guitarist in one of the valley’s most highly regarded R&B and jazz bands, The Collective. We encourage you to come Sunday evenings at 5 pm to introduce yourselves to Jerry and to experience Worship ANEW!
New Roles for Jim Welter and Carol Skewes Jim Welter, Director of Operations (Interim), has left Pinnacle and moved into a full-time position founding and directing Impact Phoenix, a community ministry. We wish Jim well and are excited by the lives he will touch. After over eight years of full-time service, Carol Skewes, Member Communications, has entered semiretirement. Carol is now working 20 hours per week for Pinnacle, remotely. She will continue to produce our Vistas newsletter, weekly e-news and work on other special projects. Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
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OUR COMMON LIFE
A Gift of Thanks
from Dr. Wesley Avram This communion set is a gift of thanks from me to the church for its support for me as I took my sabbatical in the Holy Land this past summer. It is my hope that it might be useful in our new Sunday evening worship service and any other service for which it will be appropriate. It is handmade by the sisters of the Beit Jimal convent outside of Jerusalem near Beit Shemesh. This is a convent of the Sisters of Bethlehem, alive and growing in numbers and faith. Their pottery and chocolate is known all over the area. Its sibling monastery, next door, was hosting a summer day camp for local Palestinian youth when I visited. On that location you can find a church with 5th century mosaics over the cave where some believe St. Stephen was buried. The monastery and convent were also the object of a 2013 attack by Israeli settlers, but the sisters continue their mission of reconciliation between Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and the convent and monastery have become a place where Israelis and Palestinians visit.
Giving Thanks Through Service Thanksgiving Morning, November 26 | 6:30 am Watkins UMOM Shelter God gives us so much, and we join together with family and friends every Thanksgiving to celebrate the many things we have to give thanks for. This year we would like to give thanks by giving back by serving breakfast to homeless women at the UMOM Watkins shelter on Thanksgiving morning. Help by preparing breakfast or coming down to help serve. Families are welcome. Contact Pastor Kelsy for more information at kbrown@pinnaclepres.org or 480-585-9448 ext. 254. 4
Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
ADULT FORMATION
Wrestling with Angels Conversations about Jesus Today Thursday Evenings, First Class is November 5 7 pm | Office Conference Room We have heard the glowing stories, the things that God has done… and yet we have questions and want to search these matters out. We are given the gift of questions! Jesus was the master of questions, of parables and our faith, our vital faith bubbles up, responding to the questions of life. Wrestling with Angels is a series of conversations with the people of the Church who seek a safe and honest dialogue about our spiritual life. We will use a variety of video prompts to stimulate conversation… and a schedule of these will be published. We begin conversations with Living the Questions. Our starting facilitator will be Rev. Warner Davidson. All are welcome.
Interface: Faith & Science @ Pinnacle Faith and Science Roundtable Wednesday, November 4 | 7 pm | Chapel Library What are the limits of our knowledge and how does being aware of them impact your life? How do faith and science perceive and understand the boundary between the "known" and the “unknown”? Are there questions that we shouldn't ask or should ask but not attempt to answer? This year, Interface: Faith and Science at Pinnacle is inspired by the idea that what we don't know is as important as what we think we do know. The Round Table will start the new season with an introduction to the topic of teaching from ignorance. Join us! Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
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ADULT FORMATION
OUR COMMON LIFE
Pinnacle Hikers Tuesday, November 10 | 8:30 am Sunrise Peak Trail | 12101 N. 145th St., Scottsdale This is a moderately difficult four-mile hike that gains 1218 feet in elevation. A short spur at the summit offers views of Fountain Hills and Four Peaks. Water is available at the trailhead (no bathrooms). Although dogs are allowed on this trail, it is not recommended as the trail is narrow and crowded. No hike is scheduled for November 24 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. For more information, contact hikers@pinnaclepres.org.
Compadres Thursday, November 19 | 6 - 9 pm Old Town Scottsdale Compadres, a fellowship group for adult singles, will be holding its next event in Scottsdale’s vibrant art scene with a Happy Hour at 5th and Wine followed by a self-guided art walk of Scottsdale’s Main Street galleries. We will carpool from the church to the restaurant, leaving at 5:30 pm. Sign up after the 10 am worship on November 1 or 8. For more information, contact Christine Schild at compadres@pinnaclepres.org. 6
Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
OUR COMMON LIFE
Camping on The Green Saturday, November 14 | Set up Camp at 5 pm | The Green Join us for a favorite fall tradition and pitch your tent on The Green in front of Fellowship Hall. Our evening activities will include a bbq dinner, games and activities for the children, a campfire with songs and s’mores and plenty of fellowship for the adults. In the morning we enjoy a quick snack and cup of coffee before the “come as you are” service at 8 am in the Chapel followed by the annual Deacon’s Pancake Breakfast. There is no charge this year! RSVP by November 1 to Kelly Horn at khorn@pinnaclepres.org to reserve your spot!
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PINNACLE FINANCE
Finance Report 8/31/2015 YTD Actual
8/31/2014 YTD Actual
2015 vs 2014
%
Total Income
$421,097
363,724
$57,373
14%
Total Expenditures
$435,725
480,315
$44,590
10%
(Over)/Under
($14,628)
(116,591)
$101,963
Cash Avail. for Operations
$122,901
$286,182
Cash Balance-Restricted
$112,074
$150,972
Total Cash Balance
$234,975
$437,154
As can be seen here, the cash balances are being drawn upon because of monthly shortfalls over the course of the year, and our line of credit is almost fully drawn upon. This is not unusual for early fall, but we will depend on pledged and extra giving to meet 2015 expenses. The annual Stewardship campaign is almost here, and we sincerely hope the results of this year’s Stewardship Campaign are helpful in turning the outgoing tide inward. With everyone’s help we’ll be successful.
Stewardship Update This is the time of year when we ask that you prayerfully consider your pledge for next year. Be on the lookout for your 2016 Stewardship Campaign materials that will be sent to your homes and inboxes. In worship later this month, you will hear Pinnacle members tell why they choose to give unsparingly in support of our ministries. As always, we depend on your generosity and are extremely thankful for all gifts.
DID YOU KNOW that it is easy and convenient for you to give to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church? You can use our safe, secure online Donation Central at www.pinnaclepres.org/online-giving/ for one–time or recurring gifts to Pinnacle using check or credit card.
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Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
MISSION AT PINNACLE
Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack Friday, November 13 | 5:15 - 7:30 pm (20 spots) Saturday, November 14 | 8:45 - 11 am (20 spots) Highlands Church | 9050 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale Join us at Highlands Church for a Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack event. We’ll join together to pack meals on-site for God’s children around the world. This Feed My Starving Children event enables us to learn about hunger and provide meals for children around the world while having fun together. Children in kindergarten and adults in their 90’s can work together to help end hunger. We have 20 spots on both Friday night and Saturday morning. If you are interested in joining us, please save you and your entire family’s spot by RSVPing today to Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org. Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
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MISSION AT PINNACLE
Haiti Connections Center of Hope (Haiti), Inc. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church members James and Nancy Lipscomb were deeply moved by the poverty and deprivation James witnessed in Haiti on a mission trip, and co-founded Center of Hope (Haiti), Inc. (“COHH”) in 2004. COHH operates a school COHH 5th grade teacher with some students and orphanage in Hinche, Haiti. showing off their books about what they want It is built on the belief that there is to be when they grow up. potential in every child, and one's economic situation should not be a barrier to unleashing it. COHH’s mission is to provide hope. COHH aims to educate those children who, because of their economic circumstances, are least likely to be in school. The students come from the most vulnerable parts of the population and often lack access to electricity or proper sanitation facilities in their homes. COHH provides students with everything they need, from backpacks and school supplies to uniforms, and receive two meals each day. Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 15 students. The curriculum adheres to the national curriculum, with special emphasis on reading and science. Education opens the door to opportunity, and the mission at COHH is to prepare students to walk through that door. For the 2015-2016 school year, there are 68 children in grades 1 - 5. Four of the students are orphans who now reside at COHH. COHH does not facilitate adoptions. Rather, the intent is to nurture and educate these children who have lost their parents to AIDS, death in the 2010 earthquake, or some other cause, and prepare them to be productive members of Haitian society. For more information, please visit www.centerofhope-haiti.org, www.facebook.com/CenterofHopeHaiti or contact Julie Atkinson at juliea@centerofhope-haiti.org. 10
Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
Pinnacle Concert Series
THE SPIRIT OF PHOENIX
Friday, November 20 | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary Premium Seating: $35; General Admission: $25; Student: Free As the primary performing group of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, The Spirit of Phoenix has been an institution in the Valley for over seventy years. Like the Phoenix of mythology, the men's chorus has risen to become one of the premiere performing organizations in the Society, capturing the title of International Chorus Champion three times. The chorus has performed extensively throughout the United States and Canada. This is barbershop harmony at its finest!
YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND THIS FREE WORKSHOP!
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AT PINNACLE
November means Service and Sacrifice. All hands on deck is the theme for Church School in November. Anchored in our memory verse, Let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16), we will explore the true meaning of a servant’s heart and the joy that comes from helping others. The children will walk though scripture lessons that reinforce God’s call to us to serve one another and will begin to explore the meaning of offering back to their church as the children begin to participate in the offering in November.
Club 45 November Events Focus on Serving Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack Friday, November 13 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Highlands Church 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, 85255 Fourth and fifth grade students are invited to join us for a special food-packing event in our neighborhood. We will join members of our congregation (see article page 9) and the community in making meals for starving children around the globe. Spaces are limited so RSVP to Kelly Horn to reserve your child’s spot at khorn@pinnaclepres.org.
Friends and Fellowship at the Vi
Sunday, November 22 | 1 - 3 pm | Vi at Grayhawk 7501 Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, 85255 Club 45 students are invited with their families for an afternoon with the residents of the Vi’s Memory Unit. We will provide fall-fun activities to share along with good old-fashioned games and just plain hanging out. We will work with the staff at the Vi to provide a fun-filled and engaging afternoon for their residents. Students and their families are both invited to this event. Please RSVP to Kelly Horn at khorn@pinnaclepres.org. 12
Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Banner Carriers Needed for Advent Sundays 10 am Service Every Sunday until Christmas Beginning November 29 Advent is the time of year when we wait expectantly for the birth of Jesus. During the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Eve, our children will carry Advent banners into worship during our 10 am service and the 5 pm service on Christmas Eve. If your child is interested in carrying one of these banners, please contact Kelly Horn at khorn@pinnaclepres.org. YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Confirmation Mentor Ceremony Sunday, November 1 | 11:15 am | Chapel Confirmation is an important moment in one’s faith journey. It is the time when students examine their faith, and for many, affirm the commitment that was made for them when they were baptized. We invite you to join this year’s confirmation students, family and mentors at the Mentor Ceremony. Here we will pray for the confirmands and commission their mentors as they begin this journey together.
Winter Jam November 6, 2015 | 4:45 pm - 12 am | Cost $10 | All Ages Winter Jam is a Christian concert series featuring ten artists, including For King & Country, Lincoln Brewster, Jamie Grace, Newsong and more, for just $10. We will meet at the church at 4:45 and then head to Gila River Arena. Doors open at 6 pm with open seating, and the concert begins at 7. We will leave the concert early and return to the church at 12 am. Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
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YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Engage Welcomes Teen Lifeline for 6th - 12th grade Students and Their Parents Wednesday, November 18 | 6 - 7 pm | Teen Center Depression and suicide are often things we don’t like to talk about as a society or as a church, but more and more teens and young adults are affected by depression and suicide each year. Jr and Sr. High students are invited, along with their parents, to learn about teen suicide, including myths, warning signs, personal feelings, and risk and protective factors. Teen Lifeline is an organization with the mission to end teen suicide, provide a “connection of hope” to teens in crisis and empower youth to make healthy decisions. Teen Lifeline provides a master’s-level clinician, accredited by the American Association of Suicide Prevention, to talk about this tough issue. If you are a Jr. or Sr. High student, parent of a student or know someone who is, please join us in educating ourselves on depression and suicide and how we might make a difference in someone’s life.
Sr. High Mission Trip July 8 - 17 | Belize, Central America Sr. High students, have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to another country, to see parts of the world that most people don’t get to see, all while serving others and the church? Next July, those currently in 8th12th grade will have their chance to do just that as we head to Belize. Those students who are interested are encouraged to register soon. Contact Rev. Frank Harmon at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org for more information. 14
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PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Empty Bowls Pre-K Project Each of the PreK 4 and 5-year old classes have made individual clay bowls by hand and will be sharing a simple 500-calorie meal with each other on Wednesday, November 18 at 11:30 am. Families make a donation of $15 per bowl, and all money raised will be donated to UMOM New Day Center of Phoenix, which is the largest homeless shelter for families in Arizona. Last year, through the incredible community support we received from PPP families and Marjon Ceramics, we were able to donate over $1,500 to UMOM New Day Centers. This annual project is a beautiful lesson of how little hearts can make a huge difference in our community.
SAGE Volunteer Readers Attendees of Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment (SAGE), are invited to read stories to our preschoolers on Wednesdays at 10:45 am (prior to SAGE). Both the children and seniors benefit from these interactions. Readers get to experience the joy, enthusiasm and zest for life that the preschoolers have, while the children benefit from their wisdom, kindness and caring. It also allows the church to see the wonderful things that happen here, while bridging the church and preschool communities. If you’re a part of SAGE and would like to be added to our calendar of readers, please contact the preschool office at 480-585-9448 x2. Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
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PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Pinnacle’s Pastors & Director of Children’s Ministries Visit Preschool Classrooms As a mission of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, the preschool has invited the Pinnacle pastors to be part of our everyday lives and events happening at the preschool for the past 20 years. This year, Pastor Kelsy Brown, Pastor Frank Harmon and Kelly Horn, Director of Children’s Ministry, will be visiting with the children throughout the school year. They will spend time in the classrooms with the children once or twice a month for 10-15 minutes to sing songs, tell stories and share the love God has for us through play. We will share stories and songs from The Storybook Bible and talk about Noah, Abraham, Joseph and David and Goliath. This is not formal Bible teaching, but rather sharing through stories and songs the love that God has for each one of us. Thank you Pastor Frank, Pastor Kelsy and Mr. Kelly! We appreciate the time you make in your day for our preschoolers!
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
BAPTISM: Declan Yokoji Bryce, child of Anita and Alan Bryce ORDINATION INTO MINISTRY Emily Beghin
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MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS
June Hanson
Jim and Jo Hawn
Not Pictured: Rudy Brenalvirez Elaine and Spike Paul Rose and Chuck Smilgys
Edie and John Randall
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HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS November 1 Caroline Jones Dawn Sheaffer November 2 Dennis Niven Jacqueline Olmert November 3 John Boyd Christopher Esser Julia LeClaire Mel Steele November 4 Dabney Buckley Lindy Murillo Giavanna Smith Alexander Stein November 5 Joel Ball Anita Bryce Betty Cope John Mattox November 6 Addie Bush Lily Kilbridge Steven Swanson November 7 Crissie Blomquist Elaine Paul November 8 Barbara Buzzelli November 9 Lillian Bliss Jack Hart Kacie Keller Kennedy Keller Pat MacAllen Connor Upchurch November 10 Tyler Gress Lauren Leinweber Wynn Simpson Michael Vedder November 11 Serena Fechtmeyer Nathan Jones 18
Jordan Rodriguez David Schaller Thomas White November 12 Alexis Mann Richard Rogowski November 13 Jodi Christensen Katherine Uelner Savannah Watson November 14 Troy Ball Margaret Kurtz November 15 Philip Hotchkiss Jessie Lampkin David McIntyre November 16 Alex Feldman Tommie Highwart Chuck Leonard Sue Menard November 17 Shanna Altermann Benjamin Bankoff Jake Bigler Kaelyn Gress Lisa Lucky Gail Lucky November 18 Cathy Coker November 19 Susan Beasley Betty Durham Robin Esposito November 20 Julie Fiala Jane Heidel Henry Olson November 21 Drew Keegan November 22 Charles Belluomini Diana Englund Stanley Hutchison
Heather Lewis Ellie Simpson Ray Williams November 23 Suzanne Becker Rhegan Blankenship November 24 Jim Hogshire Ken Moffitt November 25 Brad Beasley Meredith Downing Greg Moorhead Nancy Schamadan Curt Stewart Vicki Watts November 26 Connor Bright Harold Byers Joyce Kasmar Stephanie Mason Sue Park Christian Reiss November 27 Wendy Neideck Jack Wilson November 28 Devin Southworth November 29 William Holloway Sandi Innes Ian Lisk Dave Mathews Kathie Matney Ken Salt Ted Weis November 30 David Conner Homer Holland Alexandra Loken DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY ON FILE? If not, please call the church office. Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
VISTAS CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME To submit articles for Pinnacle Vistas, please contact Carol Skewes at cskewes@pinnaclepres.org. The deadline for the December issue of Pinnacle Vistas is November 10.
PINNACLE ONLINE CHURCH WEBSITE Please visit Pinnacle’s website, pinnaclepres.org, for the weekly calendar and activity listings, photos and other important news. You can also listen to sermons online.
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VISTAS, YOUR WAY Pinnacle Vistas is available in both printed and digital flipbook format. If you would like to change the way you receive your copy, please contact Carol Skewes in the church office at cskewes@pinnaclepres.org. Printed copies are always available in the church office and in brochure kiosks in the narthexes of the chapel and sanctuary.
Pinnacle Vistas • November 2015
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
25150 N. PIMA RD. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 | PINNACLEPRES.ORG