Vistas
PINNACLE
the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az |
March 2016
Tracings A Letter from Dr. Wes Avram
Back in 2011, I began my Easter sermon at Pinnacle with a joke: A passenger in a taxi leaned over to ask the driver a question and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb, and stopped just inches from a large plate glass window. For a few moments everything was silent in the cab, and then the still shaking driver said, 'I'm sorry, but you scared the daylights out of me.' The frightened passenger apologized to the driver and said he didn't realize a mere tap on the shoulder could frighten him so much. The driver replied, 'No, no, I'm sorry, it's entirely my fault. Today is my first day driving a cab.... I've been driving a hearse for the last 25 years.' Please see TRACINGS on page 2
TRACINGS from previous page I don't remember where I got the joke, nor do I really want to remember. But I do remember why I told it, because there's an old tradition about Easter in some parts of the church, that on Easter believers should go out of their way to laugh. We're supposed to laugh the laugh of resurrection in the face of death, which is meant to be a laugh against the devil. I'm told that Martin Luther once said that the best Dr. Wes Avram, defense against evil (or as he said it, the devil) is healthy Senior Pastor laughter. There's something to that, so much so that even a bad joke can get a belly laugh on Easter. As you get this issue of Vistas we're close to Easter. I know we're still in Lent, though, which is meant to be a more solemn, reflective, even quiet time. I hope you find Lent that way, but I also hope that, if you're taking the time to experience all that Lent can offer your spiritual life, you're also remembering—deep in your spirit—the joy that waits for you. So now, even in Lent, this might be a word about Easter worth remembering. Embrace the joy of life in Christ even through the harder parts of your life—not to deny pain or difficulty, but to remember that Christ is sovereign and raised from death, and that he is with you every moment. He is Risen! Let's live that truth—with a quieter chuckle now, and a hearty laugh on Easter! Joyfully,
Wes Avram INSIDE...
PHOENIX BOYS CHOIR comes to Pinnacle SEE PAGE 8 RUMMAGE SALE is right around the corner SEE PAGE 11 BRING THE FAMILY to our Easter Eggstravaganza SEE PAGE 13 MEET PINNACLE’S newest members SEE PAGE 16
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Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
EASTER WEEK at PINNACLE Join us for these Holy Week services and activities.
Palm Sunday, March 20 8:00 am | Sanctuary | Chancel Choir & Soloists Nursery opens at 7:45 am | No Church School 10:00 am | Sanctuary | Chancel Choir, Soloists & Liturgical Dancers Nursery opens at 9:30 am Children’s Message, Church School for children, Teens remain in worship Holy Wednesday, March 23 5:00 - 7:00 pm | Walk the Labyrinth | Fellowship Hall 5:30 pm | Easter Potluck | Fellowship Hall Maundy Thursday, March 24 7:00 pm | Chapel Communion Good Friday, March 25 10:00 am | Good Friday Family Service | Sanctuary Nursery opens at 9:45 am 7:00 pm | Good Friday Service | Chapel No nursery Saturday, March 26 10:00 am | Fellowship Hall & Green Easter Eggstravaganza - Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sunday, March 27 6:30 am | Chapel Garden Sunrise Service Followed by Easter Breakfast No nursery or children’s programs 8:00 am | Sanctuary Children’s Message & Chancel Choir, Soloists, & Pinnacle Pealers Optional Children’s Program, Nursery opens at 7:30 am 10:00 am | Sanctuary Children’s Message & Chancel Choir, Soloists, & Pinnacle Pealers Optional Children’s Program, Nursery opens at 9:00 am 11:30 am | Chapel Communion Service, Chancel Choir, & Soloists Optional Children’s Program, Nursery opens at 11:15 am Sunday, April 3 | 10 am | Sanctuary The Sunday After - Special Music written by Steve Crosby & Michael Hegeman presented by Chancel Choir & Soloists Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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OUR COMMON LIFE
Pinnacle Hikers Tuesday, March 8 | 8:30 am Gateway Trailhead | 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale Join us as we take the signature hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The Gateway Loop Trail is a moderate 4.5-mile hike that offers expansive views of the south Valley. Water is available at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Tuesday, March 22 | 8:30 am Granite Mountain Trailhead | 21402 N. 136th Street, Scottsdale This hike takes us through a dense forest of trees and cacti with views of Mt. Ord, Four Peaks and the Mazatzal Mountains. The Granite Mountain Loop Trail is an easy 5.7-mile loop with minimal elevation gain. Please bring water as none is available at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on this trail. For more information on all hikes, contact hikers@pinnaclepres.org.
2016 Scholar Award Applications Due March 15 Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are 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. Applicants must be an active member of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church and show involvement in school, community and church activities. Applications may be requested from the church office or found 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 • March 2016
OUR COMMON LIFE
Treat Mama to a Stay-cation This Mother’s Day! May 6, 7 and 8 | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess This year, treat Mama like royalty and join us at the Fairmont Princess to celebrate Mother’s Day! We have a block of rooms set aside for the weekend. The rate is $199/night plus tax, which gives access to all five water areas, including water slides. There is an optional resort fee of $29.99, which includes complimentary self-parking, free admission for children to the Trailblazer’s Kids Adventure Club, and 50% off Well & Being at Willow Spa. Stay for one or two evenings, whichever fits your calendar and budget. We will have reservations for a group dinner on Saturday evening at one of the hotel restaurants and again on Sunday morning for a casual worship. The rest of the weekend is yours! To get this rate please call 1-800-344-4758 and tell them you are with “Pinnacle Take Mama Away.” Space is limited, so please make your RSVP before Sunday, April 3. Questions may be directed to Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org.
Mark Your Calendars for All-Church Family Camp August 26-28 | Lost Canyon, Williams, AZ Our 5th Annual All-Church Family Camp theme is Let Your Light Shine, as we talk about what it means to be a light in the world. Check out next month’s Vistas for registration and pricing information. If you didn’t go last year, be sure to mark your calendars as you won’t want to miss the fun this year. OUR CHURCH FAMILY SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION IS EXTENDED TO: Carol Skiff on the death of her son, Jeffrey. Nancy Froehlke on the death of her husband, Bob Froehlke.
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WHERE’S YOUR NAME BADGE? WEAR YOUR NAME BADGE!
JOHN CALVIN MINNESOTA
Lost yours? Order a replacement on the patio after church! $10 for the badge, with the change going to UMOM’s family support program.
INTERFACE Faith & Science @ Pinnacle
Wednesday, March 2 | 7 pm | Chapel Library Come join the discussion!
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Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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.
Message and Data Rates Might Apply
MUSIC AT PINNACLE
Pinnacle Hosts Martin Tel in Psalmody Workshop Saturday, March 12 | 9:00 am - noon | Music Rehearsal Hall Pinnacle is pleased to present Martin Tel in a workshop focusing on how the ancient Psalms can shape modern worship. Dr. Tel is the C.F. Seabrook Director of Music at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he directs the seminary choirs, facilitates the music ministry for daily worship, and offers courses in the area of church music. He will be working from the book Psalmody for All Seasons, which he coauthored, to show the way Psalms gives language for our worship today. Included will be a short worship service utilizing these ideas. The workshop is free, and all Pinnacle members and friends are invited to attend. Watch the website, e-news and Sunday bulletins for updates regarding details of the day. You may also contact Brent Hylton at bhylton@pinnaclepres.org or 480.585.9448 x213 for more information. The workshop is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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Pinnacle Concert Series Phoenix Boys Choir presents Vision of Peace
Friday, March 4 | 7:30 pm Premium Seating: $28; General Admission: $23; Student: Free
Join the world-renown Phoenix Boys Choir in this moving concert expressing mankind’s universal desire for peace on earth. With stunning beauty, the voices of the choir powerfully illustrate this dream with a selection of inspired choral masterpieces. The program features Haydn’s majestic Timpani Mass, written in tribute to his war ravaged homeland of Austria; excerpts from I Never Saw Another Butterfly, a musical tribute to the children lost in World War II; and Verleih uns Frieden (Grant Us Peace) by Heinrich Schütz, based on Martin Luther’s poignant text: “In these our days so perilous, Lord, peace in mercy send us”. 8
Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
December ‘63: The Music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Friday, March 18 | 7:30 pm Premium Seating: $45; General Admission: $27; Student: Free
The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons comes to life in this toetapping concert. December '63 showcases all the favorite songs from Frankie Valli, classics that have been thrilling audiences for decades as well as the most popular singles from the Broadway musical, Jersey Boys. This rocking tribute concert will have you reaching for the high notes right along with the musicians. Specific seating is available for this concert.
Ocotillo Winds Friday, April 8 | 7:30 pm General Admission: $20; Student: Free | In the Chapel The Ocotillo Winds are a refreshingly entertaining breeze from the desert Southwest. Their fast-paced programs are packed with the dynamic energy of three virtuosos: oboist Martin Schuring, clarinetist Robert Spring and bassoonist Albie Micklich. Enjoy repertoire from the French countryside, the Brazilian rainforest and downtown Phoenix. Pinnacle Concert Tickets are available at www.PinnacleConcerts.org or 480-303-2474 Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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PINNACLE FINANCE
Finance Report 1/31/2016 YTD Budget
1/31/2016 YTD Actual
Actual vs Budget
1/31/2015 YTD Actual
1/2016 vs 2015
%
Total Income
$1,096,423
$1,137,165
$40,742
$1,137,472
($307)
99.97%
Total Expenditures
$1,075,034
$1,061,324
($13,710)
$1,121,222
($59,898)
94.66%
Over/(Under)
$21,389
$75,841
$16,250
Cash BalanceRestricted
$112,155
$277,318
$(165,163)
Mortgage Debt
$196,618
$564,440
$(367,822)
Bank Line of Credit Balance
$200,000
$200,000
Total budgeted income for January 2016 was $173,687 but actual income was $112,610. $100,000 in pledge income was received in December that later was transferred to the Capital Campaign, thus resulting in a reduction of January pledge income of $100,000. January expense budget was $152,342; however, actual expenses for January came in at $144,006 for an expense saving of over $8,300.
TENDING THE PROMISE As of January 31, 2016 Pledges
$2,770,102
Debt Principal Paid
$2,316,025 (on both notes)
Debt Principal Balance
$196,618
Our mortgage balance was paid down $425,851 during our 2014-2015 fiscal year and an additional $29,896 in our current fiscal year. The mortgage balance as of December 31, 2015 was $499,211. An additional payment to the mortgage was made from our Tending the Promise Campaign in January of $302,593, so our ending mortgage balance stands at $196,618. 10
Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FRIDAY, MAR. 18 | 8AM - 4PM & SATURDAY, MAR. 19 | 8AM - NOON
PROCEEDS BENEFIT
RUMMAGE SALE PINNACLE TEENS MISSION TRIP TO BELIZE KITCHENWARE, TOOLS, TOYS,
CLOTHING, SHOES, LINENS,
ELECTRONICS, BOOKS, ART, COLLECTIBLES & MORE!
VISIT AND SHOP OUR
EXCLUSIVE & PRIVATE
VIP SALE
THURS, MAR 17 | 2-6PM
Rummage Sale Collection Starts March 11 The annual Rummage Sale is fast approaching! Please save your items to make this Rummage Sale the best ever! The sale dates are March 18, 8 am - 4 pm and March 19, 8 am - 12 noon. There will be a private sale for Pinnacle members, friends, staff and Preschool families on Thursday, March 17, 2 - 6 pm. We will begin collecting items at Fellowship Hall from Friday, March 11, 8 am - 4 pm, through Tuesday, March 15. Pickup of large items will be scheduled at that time. For those who need pickup of large items before then, we do have limited space to accommodate you. Please contact Susan Forrest and Peggy Purkey at rummagesale@pinnaclepres.org to make arrangements. The rummage sale is the primary funding source for the youth of Pinnacle Presbyterian as they carry the Gospel into the world. Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Paintball Saturday, April 2 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Splatter Ranch | 7025 E. Jomax Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85054 Looking for a little excitement, a little adventure? We have just the thing for you. If you are Jr. High age or older (including parents, college age, friends and anyone else who might like to play), you are invited to Splatter Ranch Paintball Park for a day of paintball. The cost is $50, which includes everything you will need from paintball guns, masks, chest protectors and, yes, paint. Paintball is a cross between Capture-the-Flag and Tag, with the added fun of participants shooting paint at each other. Plan on meeting at Splatter Ranch at 8:00 am so we can get our equipment and be ready to play by 9:00. All will need to have a Splatter Ranch waiver, and anyone 18 or younger will need to have a Pinnacle medical waiver form on file. Both of these forms can be found on our website at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-youth-forms/. Please RSVP to Frank at fharmon@pinnaclepres.org. CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
March Church School Focuses on HOPE! In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world. (John 16:33, NIrV) As we prepare for Easter in Church School, we will study the idea of hope and all that it can mean in our confusing and sometimes scary world. We learn that we can always find hope in God’s power, God’s fulfilled promises, God’s work in us, and ultimately in God’s love for us. 12
Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE
Easter Eggstravaganza March 26 | 10:00 am | On The Green Join us for every child’s favorite Pinnacle Easter tradition. An expanded offering this year will include a family-style egg hunt, concessions, music, games, puppet shows, prizes of all shapes and sizes, and even a photo bomb with Peter Rabbit! Bring your family and bring your friends for this fun fellowship time at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church.
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 opens 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 for all who submit their paperwork before April 1, and that’s no joke! Go to http://tinyurl.com/PinnacleVBS to register! Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Inspire Early Childhood Leadership Series Playful Learning: Creating with Wire and Recycled Materials March 5 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $40 | Preschool Atelier Join us for this “hands-on” workshop. No need for expensive plastic materials —open-ended materials are all around us. Learn strategies to create your own in-home or classroom recycling center and mini atelier. Discover the agility of creating with wire and the surprising ways children transform trash into treasure.
Week of the Young Child: Engaging Families in the Life of the School April 16 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | $40 Places of learning should be beautiful and reflective of our communities. Join the Arizona Commission on the Arts as we discuss community-based art projects that bridge relationships in our communities. Learn all about transforming your school environment by engaging families in the life of the school. Learn about the ACA grant writing process and how to engage and sustain family involvement in long term project work.
Summer Adventure Camp Registration Begins Summer Adventure Camp 2016 has new and exciting activities planned for this year’s campers. Priority registration begins March 7, and opens to the community Monday, March 21. Classes will be grouped according to age and limited to small sizes, so be sure to sign up early and reserve your child’s spot. Held weekly, Monday - Thursday from 9 am – 1 pm, it’s easy to tailor around your summer vacation plans. Children who are reliably toilet trained and turn three prior to June 1 through those entering Kindergarten in the fall are welcome to join the fun. Dates, activities and registration information will soon be available on the website at www.pinnaclepres.org/summer-adventure-camp/. 14
Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Read to Me @ UMOM March 22 | 5:00 - 8:00 pm UMOM New Day Center | 3333 East Van Buren | Phoenix Those from ages 5 - 105 are invited to join us for an evening of mission work at UMOM where we’ll read to children as part of the Read to Me program. This is a wonderful way for your family to work alongside some amazing kids! To participate, contact Diana Englund at readtome@pinnaclepres.org.
A special “Thanks” to Lynda Elliott (far left) for receiving a $250 grant from Thrivant Financial to purchase books for the Read to Me program.
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 Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS
John & Linda Babb
David Bowen
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Lucas & Melissa Felt
Barb Lathrup
Haley Sweitzer
Susan Gardner & Lou Ehrhardt
Beth & Tom Harmon
Kasey & Steve Horrell, with Q
Phil & Ellen Killey Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS
Penny & Ken Kollmeyer
Kathi & Foster Thomas
Connections
New
membership class
Interested in joining Pinnacle? This class is for you. Sunday, March 13 | 11:15 am | Sanctuary Parlor
Childcare available
Please call 480.585.9448 or email office@pinnaclepres.org to sign up
Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAYS March 1 Kate Fantetti Barbara Harris Lizzie Norman Todd Weber March 2 Blake Baerveldt Andrew Bush Alison DeRuiter Sue Howard Kim Schaller March 3 Susan Bauer Natalie Dopp Betty Lee Shirley Norris March 4 Allyson Mitchell Morgan Neely Steve Schroeder Luke Woods March 5 Justin Blankenship Nancy Brickman Grace Gramling Joe Gramling Claire Gramling Ed Hargest March 6 Charlie Collins Henry Collins Jane Goodfield Lee Loichle Donna McIntosh-Fletcher Chloe Mobley Brianna Mobley Taylor Mobley Michelle Rogers March 7 Sheila Bright Kim Bussey Kristi Downing Peter Glanville Gary Wefel March 8 Joy David Chuck Hollander Frank McDaniel 18
Lauren Moore Adam Murillo March 9 Dylan McCabe Tori Sheaffer C.J. Silbert March 10 Nancy Hargest March 11 Meredith Brenalvirez Russell Reese Tanya Rosenfeld Fran Steele Roger Tambellini March 12 Grant Sobek March 13 Phil Bianco Becky Comstock Andy Cooper Michael Hammer Keegan Kowal Doug Petersen Tiffany Uelner March 14 Alison Armstrong John Croll Laura Fitzgerald Graysen Forrest Gary Kleinkopf Brenna Renae Rose March 15 Gail Cleve Ashley Cramer Lora Lee Duncan David Smith March 16 Andy Belluomini March 17 Susan Lamont Eloise Rank Claudia Rank Jenny Schroeder March 18 Missy Plotts March 19 Austin Feldman
Kathryn Hamilton Judy Helms Dan Perin Sydney Scudder March 20 Molly Edwards Brian Sidoti Ron Spillers March 21 Wesley Avram Min-min Cranford Carol Davis Celia Felt Tracy Hughes Clyde Watts March 22 Robert Duncan Kendyl Hirsch March 23 Ron Davidson Allan Everist Erica Honing Mary LaMagna Bev Roselieb Kristen Uelner Chip Wise March 24 Olivia Feldman Drake Forsythe Ben Gazaway Brooke Harper Braden Veale Alexa Veale March 25 Patricia Auch Wil Hamilton Harrison Noyd March 26 Brad Babits Landon Lewis Alfred Lindemulder Paul Rooker March 27 Don Heinonen March 28 Mckenzie Biondo Stephanie Honing Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAYS Lindsey Lasater John Richards March 29 Reece Augustine Jacqueline Bliss Kathy Carr Georgine Dickinson Rachel Evans
Len McDonald Libby Nelson March 30 Patricia Dermody Don Hall Christopher Noel Betsy Reisert
DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY ON FILE? If not, please call the church office.
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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 April issue of Pinnacle Vistas is March 10.
Pinnacle Vistas • March 2016
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
25150 N. PIMA RD. | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 | PINNACLEPRES.ORG