Vistas
PINNACLE
the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az |
February 2016
Finding Your Sacred Space Prayer is a sacred space but it is often found in places we least expect it. Of course we pray in worship, but most prayers are found in a few quiet moments in our day, when we hear bad news, during stressful times, or right before we fall asleep. What is important to know about prayer is that Jesus shows up to listen and speak to you. But prayer often gets set aside and placed at the bottom of our “to do” list in our busy schedule. We get it, it happens to us too, which is why we are encouraging each other to use this season to practice prayer, reconnect with God, and find your sacred space. Prayer opportunities begin February 10: • Morning Prayer as we pray for each other and the prayers of our heart: Monday - Friday, 9:15 - 9:30 in the Office Conference Rm. • Participate in the Praying for the World prayer group: Wednesdays, 5:30 pm in the Chapel Parlor • Lenten Vespers will focus on the Lord’s Prayer together: Wednesdays, 6:15 pm in the Chapel • Daily Facebook posts will list a prayer topic • Read Daily Devotions for the Season of Lent on Romans • Pray with friends, family or your own using the guide found in the back of the devotional • Ask a Stephen Minister to pray for you after worship each Sunday
Tracings A Letter from Dr. Wes Avram
The (in)famous composer John Cage once developed a piece entitled 4’ 33”, in which a performer walked onto a stage and sat at his piano in silence for four minutes, thirty-three seconds, and then bowed. Folks have interpreted what he did for years. I think he did it, at least in part, to act out the fact that every one of us hears different things—at least in part—even when we hear the same thing. Dr. Wes Avram, The church is a bit like that, as is the gospel we Senior Pastor preach. There's something familiar about it, and yet each one of us brings a little something different to it, wants different things from it, has different expectations for it, and hears different things in it. But that doesn't mean it's nothing. It's more than anything! When I preached last fall about "the gospel in seven words," I invited you all to consider what you might write on a blank piece of paper with the question on it: "How would you summarize the gospel in seven words?" I paraphrased John 3:16 for mine that morning: "God so loved world, that God gave . . . ." Several of you sent your own in—by email, on Facebook, or face-to-face. Thanks! With fear of missing somebody (apologies if I do), I thought you might enjoy seeing a list here of what you all sent in (see page 4). Check out our Facebook page if you missed your chance and want to give it a try yourself. Our blank page is the Holy Spirit's playground. Our words are our own attempts to respond. Our hearing is our own way of loving God. And the gospel we serve fills that page with an extraordinary message of God's truth for us. Thanks for your words! Peace,
See GOSPEL IN SEVEN WORDS on page 4 2
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
INTRODUCING OUR BRAND NEW MOBILE APP!
• Listen to podcasts • Read the blog • Access MyPPC • Give • View Vistas newsletter • Submit prayer requests
Download for free at the App Store and Google Play Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ passion and celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. This year we will reflect on God’s Word and faith by reading from the book of Romans and meditating in prayer.
for the votions Daily De of Lent | 2016 Season
Pick up your copy of Pinnacle’s Daily Devotions for the Season of Lent booklet in the Chapel or Sanctuary narthex, in the church office or on Pinnacle’s new mobile device app.
INSIDE... PASTOR LUC DERATUS visits Pinnacle SEE PAGE 9 PRESCHOOL offers workshops for parents and educators SEE PAGE 17
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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GOSPEL IN SEVEN WORDS from page 2 THE GOSPEL IN SEVEN WORDS (from Pinnacle members) Grace of the living God forgives us. Jesus forgives, loves and longs for me. God says--Live in My world joyfully, Jesus asked, "Can I have this one?" Christ's Spirit Lives Within Us. Believe. Act. I sin, God loves, Jesus saves, Spirit guides. Lovingly God creates, Christ saves, Spirit transforms. Transformed by God to transform the world. Blessed by God to be a blessing. God is Love and God is Grace. Mighty God, loving Son - Grace for everyone! God walks beside each one of us. Fear not, for I am with you. Christ died, buried, rose from the dead. Love, Justice and Peace. All are Welcome. God wants to be friends with you.
2016 Scholar Award Applications now Available Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now available for the 2016 Scholar Awards. This fund will provide up to $4000 for multiple scholarships. Interested students who have been accepted into or are now attending an accredited postsecondary school program are eligible. Obtain applications from the church office or at www.pinnaclepres.org/scholarship-fund/. Deadline for applications is March 15, 2016. Awards will be announced on Sunday, May 15, 2016. More information can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-scholarship-fund/. 4
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
OUR COMMON LIFE
Pinnacle Hikers Tuesday, February 9 | 8:30 am Lost Dog Trailhead | 12601 N. 124th St., Scottsdale Join us as we hike Sunrise from the west to enjoy 270-degree views of the Valley with an optional spur that overlooks Fountain Hills and Four Peaks. The Sunrise Trail is a moderate 5.6mile out and back that gains 1398 feet in elevation. Water is available at the trailhead. Hikers may want to bring a snack or trail-appropriate lunch. Although dogs are allowed, it is not recommended.
Tuesday, February 23 | 8:30 am Tom’s Thumb Trailhead | 23015 N. 128th St., Scottsdale Join us as we hike to the top of Tom’s Thumb for stunning 360-degree views of the Valley. The Tom’s Thumb Trail is a moderately difficult 4.2mile out and back that gains 1000 feet in elevation. Please bring water as none is available at the trailhead. Although dogs are allowed, it is not recommended. For more information contact hikers@pinnaclepres.org.
Amigos
Brats n Beer Saturday, February 27 | 6 pm Legend Trail Community Center
$20/person | Sign up after 10 am worship Amigos is a group of those 50 years of age and older fellowship. Info: amigos@pinnaclepres.org
Pinnaclewho Vistas • February 2016 gather for fun and
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ADULT FORMATION
Wrestling with Angels Conversations About Jesus Today
A Pinnacle Presbyterian Adult Education Series
Animate Bible Thursday evenings | 7:00 pm | Office Conference Room We begin a new conversation about Jesus with this series. In a time when the Bible is used in religious, political and social debates, it seems increasingly important that those of us who claim a faith rooted in this sacred text have a sense of the challenges the Bible presents. The Animate Bible series was developed as a way of shedding some light on the way Christians think about and use the Bible. It looks into the questions we may have about Scripture.
OUR CHURCH FAMILY SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED TO: Diane Hall and family on the death of Diane’s husband, William Hall. The Sherry Gamble and Bob Finkbeiner family on the death of Bob’s brother.
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Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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MISSION AT PINNACLE
2015 Congregation Mission Work Pinnacle is always generous. Beyond regularly serving at Andre House three times each month, regular Open Table Team meetings, constant donations to Vista Del Camino food bank as well as other ongoing gifts and support to DUET and Foothills Caring Corp, we want to highlight the Missions of Pinnacle in 2015: January • Haiti Mission Trip: Congregation collected and packed medical supplies February • Haiti Sunday: Congregation donated funds to purchase 55 pew benches • Kids Can Mission donated 80 Bibles to Harmony Ministries • Congregation began working on our Habitat for Humanity build March • 25th Anniversary Mission Project: goal of 2500 cans of food exceeded and members work at St. Vincent de Paul garden April • Open Table #7 began • Kids Can provided lunch at the Habitat construction site May • Habitat for Humanity house completed • Pinnacle Women stocked the pantry at the new Habitat home • Backpack drive began for Vista Del Camino June • Haiti Team returned to Port-au-Prince for sanctuary dedication • Youth Mission Trip to San Francisco • Joined UMOM’s Read to Me program each month August • Kids Can Mission Camp served at UMOM, Senior Center, and at church September • Raised awareness for mission ministries at Activities Fair 8
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
MISSION AT PINNACLE
October • Visited MANA on 5th anniversary • Women inC collected items for UMOM • Club 45 children’s program volunteered at Vi Grayhawk November • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance mission trip to Oklahoma • Adopt-a-Family Program served Thanksgiving breakfast to 200 homeless women at UMOM December • $5,000 Foundation gift to UMOM to support building their new shelter
Pastor Luc Deratus to Visit Pinnacle Feb. 21 There’s an old Haitian proverb, simple and clear: “God says to you, you do your part and I will do mine.” Few have answered that call and worked more diligently at their part than our mission partner, Pastor Luc Deratus. He has spent a lifetime building churches, schools and medical clinics to serve the poorest of the poor in both rural Haiti and Port-au-Prince. He has no denominational support, but he has trusted God to find friends and partner churches over the years to support his ministries, build churches and schools, hire teachers and doctors, and rebuild those buildings when they’ve been battered and destroyed by hurricanes and earthquakes. He builds them—facilities, programs, care networks—and the people come. He teaches God’s love and God’s law, teaching about faith and hope alongside discipline and commitment to do and be better in faith and life. We’ll celebrate and talk about the church in Port-au-Prince that was rebuilt after the earthquake and dedicated last summer and what it has meant to the people. It’s definitely a story of “if you build it, they will come”. There were over 900 people there on dedication Sunday in June – and now there are over 1400 people attending just six months later! Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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MISSION AT PINNACLE
Days for Girls A new opportunity awaits for you to engage with young women to make a big impact! Days for Girls is a non-profit organization that seeks to create a more dignified, free and educated world by providing access to lasting feminine hygiene solutions. A small but mighty group of girls would like your help to make this possible. If you like to sew, organize, or simply want to be a part of this meaningful experience, we encourage you to join!! We need to collect colored washcloths, hotel soaps, gallonsized Ziploc freezer bags and colored girls underwear. We will be gathering together to make and compile DAYS FOR GIRLS hygiene kits on April 9. For more information please contact Beth Rank at vdc@pinnaclepres.org.
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Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
STEWARDSHIP AT PINNACLE
Stewardship Update As of January 26, 2016 IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PLEDGE towards our 2016 campaign. We need approximately 36 pledges and $144,000 to reach our pledge goal of $1,400,000, which is a $50,000 increase over the pledge dollars committed during our 2015 campaign. Thanks to everyone for your faithfulness and generosity.
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 Dawn Sheaffer at dsheaffer@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 • February 2016
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PINNACLE FINANCE
Finance Report 12/31/2015 YTD Budget
12/31/2015 YTD Actual
12/2015 A vs B
Total Income
$922,736
$1,024,770
Total Expenditures
$922,691
$917,318
Over/(Under)
$45
$107,452
$5,930
Cash BalanceRestricted
$117,969
$256,280
($138,311)
Mortgage Debt
$499,211
$770,689
$271,478
Bank Line of Credit Balance
$200,000
$250,000
$50,000
12/31/2014 YTD Actual
12/2015 vs 2014
%
$102,034
$971,896
$52,874
5.44%
($5,373)
$965,966
($48,648)
(5.04%)
For the month of December we were expecting a net income of $174,716 but actual net came in just below that number by roughly $4,100. However, as can be seen above, Fiscal year-to-date we have exceeded the net income budget by $107,452.
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Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AT PINNACLE
February Church School Cooperates God designed us as human beings to need each other, but, more importantly, to need God. We are created to have a divine relationship so that we can participate in work together with God… so that we can be God’s hands and feet. In February our children will explore the simple question, “what can we do together?” Our memory verse:, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NIrV) reminds us that we can all make a bigger difference in our world together with God. In Godly Play, our preschoolers will explore the faces of Easter starting with a revisit to the “Holy Family” and leading towards a deeper understanding of this most holy event.
President’s Day Movie and Lunch Club 45 Kids and Friends Monday, February 15 | Time: TBD (midday) | Cost $10+/Harkins 101 Theater | 7000 E. Mayo Blvd, Scottsdale Let’s celebrate our country’s leadership with a day of fun and fellowship. We will catch an early matinee and then trek to a restaurant in the complex for lunch together. Each student should bring enough money for his or her own snacks and lunch. Contact Kelly Horn at khorn@pinnaclepres.org by Friday, February 12, to sign up. Details will be provided on February 12 upon receipt of RSVPs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about our children’s ministry, please check our website at www.pinnaclepres.org/children-families/.
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Club 45 and Kids Can Take the Show on the Road Sunday, February 28 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Vi at Grayhawk | 7501 E. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale Our Club 45 and Kids Can ministries will take our talents on the road to Vi to share some entertainment, fun, and fellowship time with our friends in the memory unit. Whether your child wants to share his or her talent or just be part of the audience, all are welcome to come and bless these wonderful residents with the gift of our presence. RSVP to Kelly Horn at khorn@pinnaclepres.org by February 12.
Vacation Bible School 2016: Let Your Light Shine June 6-10 | Children ages 4 through 5th grade Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. ~Matthew 5:16 Registration for Vacation Bible School will open on March 1. This year’s VBS, Let Your Light Shine, will be unlike any other VBS experience in the Valley…even the world! We are creating a completely original and engaging week of Bible studies, mission, science explorations, games, music, and more! Registration will be limited, and it pays to sign up quickly with an early registration discount. More information will be published in the coming weeks. Join us this summer so your children can grow in the Holy Spirit and learn new ways to let their light shine brightly for the whole world to see! 14
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Souper Bowl of Caring February 7 | 8:00 am & 10:00 am Services Last year it was estimated that Americans spent $14.3 billion on Super Bowl related activities, such as food, drinks, party favors and even new televisions. While the rest of the nation is spending billions of dollars on something that won’t really make a difference in their lives, the youth of Pinnacle will join local schools, businesses, and community organizations to tackle hunger through Souper Bowl of Caring. Following the 8:00 and 10:00 services the youth of Pinnacle will be collecting money for Souper Bowl of Caring. Unlike the money spent watching the Super Bowl, all money that is collected through the Souper Bowl of Caring will benefit Andre House, one of our ministry partners that helps feed the poor. Please join us by bringing your change and donations to worship on February 7. Teens and parents willing to serve please contact Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org.
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. This will be a great time to have fun, play games and grow closer to God and each other. If you wish to go and have not signed up, contact Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org for availability. Registration and medical forms can be found on the church website at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-youth-forms. Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
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 pickup 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.
Sr. High Mission Trip to Belize July 8 - 18 The deadline for those in 8-12th grade who want to join us on our Summer 2016 mission trip to Belize has passed. If you are new to Pinnacle or still haven’t signed up and are interested in joining us, check availability with Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org. We want every student be a part of this life-changing opportunity. Registration forms can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-youth-forms/. 16
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Parent Workshops in February Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool offers informative Saturday workshops for both parents and educators. Register online at www.pinnaclepres.org/inspire or by calling the preschool office at 480-585-9448 x 2.
Helping Children Self-Regulate with Conscious Discipline® Saturday, February 6 | 9:00 - noon | $40 per person Join Conscious Discipline® instructor Diana Brown as we examine strategies to create a self-regulatory learning center in your classroom or home, respond to emotional upset in a way that fosters the development of self-regulation, and learn the five steps to selfregulation of thoughts, feelings and actions.
Building Resiliency in Young Children Saturday, February 13 | 9:00 am - noon $40 per person Join Conscious Discipline® instructor Diana Brown as we examine strategies to help children build resiliency and confidence. The School Family is a metaphor for creating positive school cultures that support the social and emotional competence of both teachers and children, reducing behavioral problems and increasing academic achievement.
Read Me A Story: Reading Aloud to Cultivate the Art of Listening Saturday, February 20 | 9:00 am - noon | $45 per person Learn from the master! Join award winning children’s author Conrad Storad as we discover strategies for making read-a-louds fun and engaging. Extend your voice, humor and listening skills. Here is your chance to develop a positive and creative approach to engaging children in literacy development. Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS February 1 William Bryce Michelle Decker February 2 Greg Barber Kathy Cline February 3 Fred Dodge Michelle Lonergan February 4 Luke Niemann February 5 Kevin Nolan Ethan Rimkus February 6 Landon Biggs February 7 Ruth Dugué Mackenzi Ives Herb Nagel Tyler Watson February 8 Mickaela Elich Elliot Loken Michelle Patton February 9 Donald Cosgrove Emma Kessler Ashley Potter Christie Slegers February 10 Dick Eichof Gary Glava Aubrey Gress Jan Loichle February 11 David Emig Ben Emig Will Klemmer February 12 Jim Blankenbaker Christian Fechtmeyer Alan Smith David Van Driel 18
February 13 Rudy Brenalvirez Judy Callahan Aaron Hill February 14 Wendy Brown Bill Holgate James L. Lipscomb Flynn Stewart Cristina Van Driel Lyle Willson February 15 Andrew Avram Jody Boyd Dawson Dopp Trey Harmon February 16 Steven Croll Norm Petersen Scott Powell February 17 Steve Jesson Courtney Myers February 18 Matthew Biggs Ted Crow Marcus Downing Bob Staley Craig Starkey Sara Stockett February 19 Jim MacAllen Jim McDowell Liesel Nolan Bob Pollock John Prenzno Toni Yarwood February 20 Bill Camp Katie Cavin Nancy Dueker Steven Loken Donald Luke Jim Moore Nolan Wessel
February 21 Sherry Gamble February 22 Amber Lenniger Grant Lisk John Simpson February 24 Bob Armstrong Jo Ann Dixon Marti King Susan Storch February 25 Colleen Diedrich Trisha Mancini Todd Mason February 26 Lynn Alsager Barb Callison Tom Pilgreen Bud Potter Nick Roe February 27 Kevin DeRuiter Delaney Dopp Althea McConnell February 28 Olivia DeRuiter Don Dolan George Jones Megan Mathews Emily Mitchell Lily Rogers Robert Slegers February 29 Muriel Langdon
DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY ON FILE? If not, please call the church office.
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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VISTAS CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME To submit articles for Pinnacle Vistas, please contact Carol Skewes at cskewes@pinnaclepres.org. The deadline for the March issue of Pinnacle Vistas is February 10.
Pinnacle Vistas • February 2016
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
25150 N. PIMA RD. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 | PINNACLEPRES.ORG