Vistas
PINNACLE
the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az |
Valuing Values Dear friends,
January 2016
We are grateful for the divine gifts that inspire us to be: God-centered; Welcoming and Inclusive; Servant Leaders; Strivers for Excellence; Generous; Transformational through Education. This is how the Pinnacle Vision statement approved by session and sent to the congregation last month begins. It comes from a year of reflection, study, and conversation. These are the values we share in common, aspirations that shape the "feel" of the place, and values that should guide us as we do everything we do. Any of you committed to Pinnacle can describe ways we embody these values. You can also name ways we fall short. We're human, after all, and have dreams that are sometimes gloriously bigger than our capacities. One Please see VALUES on next page
INSIDE... PASTOR’S FORUM, Cat & Mice: Long & Short Views of the Land West of the Jordan SEE PAGE 3 THE ABBEY ROAD BAND comes to Pinnacle SEE PAGE 11
VALUES from page 1 of the great things about Christian vision is that it doesn't need to be make-believe. Because we can have confidence that we're being led by Christ (if we don't get in the way), we can see ways we can strengthen our work even as we're grateful for the blessings we have. So we enjoy even as we strive. And we strive to be: God-centered: Praying more, assured that God is leading us—even when we might have varied points of view. Welcoming and Inclusive: Stepping out to listen, to experience worship and fellowship in varied ways, being patient, and enjoying all kinds of folks. Servant Leaders: Alongside being ministered to by the church, experiencing the church as a place Dr. Wes Avram, Senior Pastor where we ourselves can minister to others. Strivers for Excellence: Working hard to do our very best for the sake of the gospel, to honor these values. Generous: Giving sacrificially of money, time, and moral support to a vision that might feel big, but that we know is in God’s hands. And supporting each other along the way. Transformational through Education: Accepting our call to be light to our community and to grow by calling others to join us in a new kind of conversation—open to varied perspectives and full of curiosity for how God moves in the world. I can’t think of any more exciting way of being church together in 2016 than exploring these values with you. Peace,
Many thanks to the Pinnacle Vision team: Ruth O’Brien, Dorothy Stingley, John King, Lee Loichle, Mark Leinweber, Mel Steele, Angie Heuser, Erik Heuser, Margaret Ebert, Sydney Hoehner, Casey Reason and Jerre Stead. Copies of the booklet are available in the church office.
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Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
ADULT FORMATION
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
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ADULT FORMATION
Interface: Faith & Science @ Pinnacle An Evening with Dr. Donald N. Page Wednesday, January 13 (note date change) | 7 pm | Chapel Library January’s meeting will be one week later than normal to accommodate the schedule of our guest, Professor Donald N. Page, from the University of Alberta. He is a Theoretical Physicist with a focus on quantum cosmology and gravitational physics, with research in relating quantum mechanics and consciousness. Dr. Page completed his post-doctorate under Professor Stephen Hawking at Cambridge University and his PhD in physics and astronomy at Cal Tech. He is deeply interested in the role of God in the universe and perhaps the multiverse. How big is this thing and how did it start anyway? Join us as we talk with Don about his experiences as a scientist and man of faith, “wrestling” with the big questions such as free will, miracles and the existence of evil in the context of modern cosmology and quantum theory. 4
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
ADULT FORMATION
Faith Formation: We Believe
Wednesdays | 6:00 pm | Fellowship Hall, Room 2 As Christians we all have faith in God, but what does faith look like on a day-to-day basis? Practicing faith is hard when we juggle family, commitments, jobs and busy schedules. Join us for a five-week class as we discover what worship, the Bible, communion and baptism and prayer have to do with our faith life.
LOVED AND LOST A Grief Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month 1 pm | Chapel Library
OUR CHURCH FAMILY SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED TO: Lois Orndorff and family on the death of her husband, Ron Orndorff Pat Brehm and family on the death of Pat’s husband, Donald Brehm Carol and Jim Stull on the death of Jim’s sister, Alice LeVan.
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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 https://pinnaclepres.ccbchurch.com, and from the Home page, click the Groups tab. 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. 6
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
OUR COMMON LIFE
Pinnacle Hikers Quartz Trailhead | Tuesday, January 12 | 8:30 am 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale Join us as we hike to a quartz outcropping with a side trip to the Taliesin overlook. The Quartz Trail is an easy four-mile hike, but the climb to the quartz outcropping is strenuous. Please bring water as none is available at the trailhead, and there are no restrooms. Although dogs are allowed on this trail, it is not recommended as the trail is narrow and there are some steep climbs.
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead | Tuesday, January 26 | 8:30 am 30301 N. Alma School Road, Scottsdale On this hike we will take in unique rock formations and expansive views of the west valley. The Cone Mountain Trail is an easy 4.1mile lasso loop with minimal elevation gain. Water is available at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on this trail. For more information contact hikers@pinnaclepres.org.
Wine Tasting and Italian Dinner Friday, January 29 | 6 pm | Legend Trail Community Center Celebrate the new year with a toast to your fellow Pinnacle Amigos. The $30 per person cost includes wine tasting and an Italian-themed dinner and will also include a silent auction of featured wines. Sign up and pay at the Amigos table after the 10 am service January 3, 10, 17 or 24. Amigos is a group of PPC members 50 years of age and older who gather for fun and fellowship. Contact amigos@pinnaclepres.org with any questions. Please join us! Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
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STEWARDSHIP AT PINNACLE
Stewardship Update As of December 10, 2015 The Stewardship Ministry Group would like to thank all of our Pinnacle family for their generous pledge commitment towards our 2016 campaign. Your pledges are the lifeblood of our church operations and our many missions. While we are off to a good start, there is still work to do. We need approximately 72 pledges and $255,000 to reach our pledge goal of $1,400,000. This goal is $50,000 over our 2015 goal. If you have not made a pledge, please give prayerful consideration. Again we thank everyone for your generosity!! God bless.
Thank you, if you have already made your pledge to God’s work at Pinnacle. If you have not done so, in Ministry we hope that you will give it prayerful consideration.
50
40
Number of New Pledges
350
Number of Total Pledges
$1,350,000
$1,300,000
Total $ Amount of Pledges
300
50
295 250
282
38
$1,100,000
$1,108,503
$1,145,497
$900,000
200
30
$700,000
150 20
$500,000
100 10
$300,000
50
2015 0
2016
2015 0
2016
2015
2016
$100,000
as of 12/21/15
VISTAS CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME To submit articles for Pinnacle Vistas, please contact Carol Skewes at cskewes@pinnaclepres.org. The deadline for the February issue of Pinnacle Vistas is January 10.
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Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
PINNACLE FINANCE
Finance Report 11/30/2015 YTD Budget
11/30/2015 YTD Actual
11/2015 A vs B
11/30/2014 YTD Actual
2015 vs 2014
%
Total Income
$576,521
$688,436
$111,915
$683,142
$5,294
0.77
Total Expenditures
$751,191
$751,599
$408
$794,431
($42,832)
(5.39)
Over/(Under)
($174,670)
($63,163)
($111,289)
Cash BalanceRestricted
$120,061
$189,109
($69,048)
Mortgage Debt
$501,794
$926,786
$424,992
Bank Line of Credit Balance
$200,000
$250,000
$50,000
For the month of November there was $15,300 of pledge income and $11,400 of loose offerings, coming in above budget. However, nonpledge giving was budgeted at $50,000 but $0 came in. For the YTD our income is $110,000 over our budgeted number. December is always a significant month for giving. Our February Vistas will report those figures. We’re grateful for pledges for 2016 as well as designated gifts to finish our debt reduction or meet our non-pledged giving goals. Our ministry depends on your generosity.
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
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PINNACLE FINANCE
Introducing Pushpay®, our new online giving portal which will enable you to give anytime online from your desktop, laptop or mobile device. To Donate online visit us at www.pinnaclepres.org/online-giving or text “pinnaclepres” to 77977 to donate from your mobile device. FAST, SIMPLE
& SECURE
Message and Data Rates Might Apply
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Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
Pinnacle Concert Series The Abbey Road Band
Friday, January 15 | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary Premium Seating: $45; General Admission: $27; Student: Free From their humble beginnings eleven years ago, The Abbey Road Band has become one of the most sought-after Beatles tribute bands in the U.S. They don’t wear wigs or costumes. They don’t try to look like the Beatles. What The Abbey Road Band does is sound like the Beatles. These four superb musicians share the passion of the Beatles’ music and have dedicated their musical lives to recapturing that perfect sound of the early Beatles’ performances. Specific seating is available.
Broadway Comes to Pinnacle Friday, January 29 | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary Premium Seating: $45; General Admission: $27; Student: Free Broadway comes to Pinnacle in one massive concert of blockbusters! From West Side Story to Les Miserables, and from Oklahoma to Phantom of the Opera, this show will appeal to music lovers everywhere. The most popular songs from the most successful musicals will be presented in a one-of-a-kind setting. No acting or costumes here - just tremendous songs performed by spectacular singers. Specific seating is available. All tickets available at: www.pinnacleconcerts.com Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AT PINNACLE
January Church School Focuses on Self-Control “A person without self-control is like a city whose walls are broken through.” ~Proverbs 25:28 A journey into Proverbs this month reminds us of the importance of self-control, choosing to do what you should do, even if it’s not what you want to do. And this month, we’ll learn that self-control really has more to do with God than self. Throughout the Bible, God talks a lot about self-control. As a fruit of the Spirit, self-control is a response to the changes that He is making in our lives. On our own, we are helpless to control anything, but with God’s power we have an advantage. We have the power of the Holy Spirit living within us and are able to do what we should do even when it’s not what we want to do. So with the New Year, we all will seek a new commitment to listening to God and the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, bringing us new confidence and control.
Club 45: Fun & Games at Vi January 24 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm Vi at Grayhawk | 7501 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale Back by popular demand!!! Our Club 45ers and their families are invited to join us for fellowship with residents of Vi at Grayhawk’s care unit. Working with their weekend activity coordinator, we will play games, sing songs, do crafts, watch football, and more. This is simply a low-key way to get our children involved in the lives of another generation and to provide an avenue for the kids to become a blessing in our community. RSVP to Kelly Horn at khorn@pinnaclepres.org. 12
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Let Your Light Shine Can you even believe it is time to start planning for Vacation Bible School? This year your children, ages 4 through grade 5, will not want to miss a one-of-a-kind faith experience. Let Your Light Shine will be an original and creative VBS experience. Through the theme of light, children will experience faith and fun in a totally new and unique way. Our original event will separate Pinnacle from all other VBS opportunities in the valley, in the state, and maybe in the world! Watch for more details and registration information.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about our children’s ministry, please check our website at www.pinnaclepres.org/children-families/.
YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Sr. High Mission Trip Meeting Sunday, January 3 | 11:15 am | Teen Center You have seen articles and heard talk, and now we will have our first meeting for those students in 8th - 12th grade, and their parents, who have interest in going on this year’s mission trip to Belize. If you have not signed up for this life-changing mission opportunity, this might be your last chance. We will talk about cost, fundraisers, locations, safety and provide additional trip information. Forms can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-youth-forms. We hope that you will join us on January 3 as we learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
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YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Sr. High Camp Pondo January 15 - 17 | Big Bear, CA | Cost $225 We have just a few spots left for those Sr. High students who want to join us in Southern California for a weekend retreat at Camp Ponderosa Pines (www.pondo.org). You won’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity to join hundreds of high school students in stretching your faith Last year’s Winter Camp in Greer, AZ and expanding your relationship with God. There will be fun, games, snow and an option of skiing and snowboarding on Saturday afternoon. The cost for transportation and the camp is $225. Meals while traveling, snacks at camp, and skiing or snowboarding is additional. We’ll meet at Pinnacle at 1:30 pm on Friday, January 17, and return around 6:00 pm Sunday night. Spots are limited, so please contact Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org for availability. Registration, medical and permission forms can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-youth-forms.
Souper Bowl of Caring February 7 | 8:00 am & 10:00 am Services While the rest of the nation is preparing for a football game, the youth of Pinnacle will join local schools, businesses, as well as community organizations to tackle hunger. Following both the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services the youth of Pinnacle will be collecting money for the Souper Bowl of Caring. All money collected will go to benefit Andre House, one of our ministry partners that helps feed the poor. Teens, please contact Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org if you can help. 14
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Jr. High Winter Camp February 19 - 21 | Leinweber’s Cabin (Cornville, AZ) Students in grades 6 - 8 will be returning to Cornville this winter for our annual Jr. High Winter Camp. The cost for the weekend is $125 per student, and $100 for each additional sibling. Registration forms and $50 deposit are due January 10, and final payment is due by February 7. This will be a great time to have fun, play games and grow closer to God and each other. Registration and medical forms can be found on the church website at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-youth-forms.
Plan Ahead for the Rummage Sale! The annual Pinnacle Rummage Sale is fast approaching! Please save your items to make this year’s rummage sale the best ever! The sale dates are March 18, 19. We will begin collecting items at Fellowship Hall Friday, March 11, 8 am - 4 pm, through Wednesday, March 16. Large item pick up will be scheduled that week. For those who need their large items picked up before that time, we do have limited space to accommodate you. Please contact Susan Forrest and Peggy Purkey at rummagesale@pinnaclepres.org to make arrangements. This rummage sale is the primary funding source for the youth of Pinnacle as they carry the Gospel into the world. Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
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PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Fall 2016-2017 Registration Info Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool will begin registration for the 20162017 school year this month. Parents new to the PPP community are strongly encouraged to attend a tour of the preschool prior to registering for the 2016-2017 school year to learn more about our dynamic school. Tours are offered on a regular basis and scheduled in advance to limit the number of interruptions in the classrooms. These informational tours are intended for parents only. Later, if the decision has been made to enroll your child in the preschool, you can schedule a time to bring your child by to see the school. Please visit www.pinnaclepres.org/registration-tuition-info for available tour dates and contact the preschool office at 480-585-9448 x2 to RSVP. Priority Registration is reserved for families that currently have children enrolled at Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool, have been church members for six months or more, or whose children are siblings of former students. Priority Registration begins January 8, 2016. Open Applicants are those families in our community who are new to Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool. Open Registration begins January 18, 2016. The deadline for registration forms and fees is February 1, 2016. Notification of placement is on February 22, 2016. Wait lists are formed for families who are interested in the current school year. Interest lists are formed in September 2016 for families inquiring about future opportunities. Our program runs for nine months and closely follows the calendars of our neighboring public schools. 16
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
From the children of Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool
Our hearts go out to all those who so generously contributed their time, commitment and support throughout our Empty Bowls 2015 journey. From the very beginning of the very special process of creating the bowls with the children and glazing them... to the day of our event with generous donations of lovely flowers and delicious noodles, our beautifully dressed tables, special stories, lovely songs and prayers and many helping hands. Together our treasured community raised $1,500 for UMOM Homeless Shelter of Phoenix!
Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
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HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS January 1 Bashir Ararso Susan Evans January 2 Bryan Babits Mary Brockman Mitch Christensen Beth Heisler Lamar Kelsey Dania Kinney January 3 Oscar McNally Becky Niven January 4 Sally Ann Allison Tina Hirsch January 5 Lila Kleinkopf January 6 Sharon Miller January 7 Grant Bryce Ashley Lonergan Sean Lonergan Zachary Rash Lynn Veale Nancy Way January 8 Phyllis James Gabrielle Morris Wave Simpson Jerre Stead Paulette White January 9 Michael Bankoff Kirsten Bigler Doris Bowers Marilyn Braun Jim Callison Joan Fudala Charlotte Murray Claire Pickett January 10 Wilson Coulter Brent Diedrich 18
David Patton Jana Skarnulis January 11 Holly Fechtmeyer Shawn Howard Charles Lucky Rebecca Slegers Jim Stull January 13 Joan Dopp Christine Schild Larry Willson Cameron Wood January 14 Sofia Mancini Mary Miller Terry Swicegood January 15 Steven Hill June Keegan January 16 Phillip Ball Lois Benson Audrey Bush Randy De Fusco Laura Stone January 17 A.J. Dahlby Glenda Earle January 18 Timothy Matura Pattie Whittington January 19 Bonnie Marshall Molly McDonald Chuck Smilgys Cody Thorstenson January 21 Arleen Hazen Cheryl Jung John Kilbridge Wyatt Richards January 22 Graham Armknecht Caroline Armknecht
Susan Baer Jennifer Kaul Hayden Lewis Tristan O'Connor January 23 Kim Baerveldt Chelsea Ball Susan Brousseau Katherine Rosenfeld Morgan Sheaffer Smith Rick Sherrin January 24 Sean Doche Molly Lampkin Lisa Patel Melisa Rose Kathryn Topping January 25 John King Tyler Phillips Jan Premo Emma Wilson January 26 Viviana Biggs Elaine Coulter Margaret Ebert Emily Joachim Mary Helen Lynn Ruth O'Brien Candy Richards Carol Stull Gary Zimmerman January 27 Logan Leonesio Sake Reindersma Kallie Schmidt January 28 Evan Armstrong Lesley Bush Isabelle Emig Gordon Fiala Mike Foley Cal Michael Teahen January 29 Sue Borman Elsa Davis Pinnacle Vistas • January 2016
HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS Jordyn Doche Jewel Hunt Hoffmann Suzanne White January 30 Betty Crow Jack Fantetti Ginny Lonn
Isabel Matheson Collin Thorstenson January 31 Jacob Copple Kallianne Downing Dan Fowlkes
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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 • January 2016
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
25150 N. PIMA RD. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 | PINNACLEPRES.ORG