valley vine
Valley Presbyterian Church May 2018 Volume sixty-three, Number four
Dear friends, There is a different view from the pew. My normal worship perspective is a privileged one – I get to see your faces as you sing and pray and bless one another. But on April 22 at 9AM, I was in the second pew from the front right side. Surrounded by small children and veteran saints, I had a different perspective and a different experience of our worship. Dick Fawley, on his birthday, gave his sweet tenor voice to express the great truths of Psalm 23. Beside him his granddaughter-in-law Lauren joined her soprano notes to his. For three generations, Dick has come to practices and services and created special moments through solos and choir anthems. Fifty years of faithful service and at 90 years of age, his faith once more resounded. I began to weep, as did most of the congregation, with the beauty and power of the moment.
A New Heart for the Valley is about creating more moments like these, where lives are touched and transformed, and where blessing spreads across the span of ages and stages. There is a good and great emotion that reinforces our faith, that cleanses and lifts up, bringing us closer to our Heavenly Father. Leading worship is a great privilege, but I need to spend more time in the pew! A New Heart for the Valley Campaign is about raising resources to create a single, physical heart for our campus. But it is also about raising our sights and seeing the great things God is leading us toward. Thank you for your presence here at VPC. Thank you for your service and generosity. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for supporting our wonderful staff. Thank you for believing that the best is yet to come. Your friend and pastor,
New part-time staff member and former Elder Susie Huseth gave one of the best children’s messages I have ever heard, capturing the promise and possibility of witness to awaken faith, using a baseball and a box. As she prayed and invited the children to church school, one younger shouted—“Yay! Yay! Sunday School!” Chris Woodard, in the week of his ordination exams, preached with passion and joy, expressing his gratitude to all of you for affirming and reinforcing his call. In just a few minutes, all of us felt the miracle of generations joining in praise and thanksgiving, in friendship and generosity. I’ve occasionally wept in a sermon, sometimes in a musical moment, never before in children’s sermon, and certainly not three times in one worship service!
6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@vpc.church Website: vpc.church
Who We Are: A New Heart for the Valley Capital Campaign
There is excitement in the air and a swell in each heart as anticipation grows for the renovations of Phase One of A New Heart for the Valley! So far more than $5,000,000 has been given or pledged by 47 households and the VPC Foundation. More than $640,000 of the total came from the 22 Pastors, Deacons, and Elders of the Session. Will you join these generous leaders to support where God is leading VPC? Be sure that you are part of the transformative changes at VPC and make your giving commitment on Sunday, May 6 in a special dedication at each worship service. Commitment forms have been mailed to you, please talk and pray about your level of support. You will have the opportunity to join with others and signify your commitment on Sunday, May 6. You can also submit your commitment online: vpc.church/anewheart.
ALSO, WE'RE GOING TO MAKE A REALLY BIG HEART Be a Part of VPC's Historical Heart Photograph Sunday, May 6, 10:15AM
After the 9AM worship service, meet the rest of the congregation out by the Sanctuary Fountain. We'll move everyone there into the shape of a heart and take a photo as a part of our celebration that morning. -Keith Kerber
Worship @ VPC Service of Remembrance for Military Veterans Monday, May 28, 8AM, Memorial Garden
A “Roll Call� of names of deceased military veterans will be read, including names of vets affiliated with VPC or who were relatives of VPC members. Please provide names by Wednesday, May 23. To add a name to the Roll Call contact Gary Green: 480-812-9446 or email: gjgreen@cox.net
VPC SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8AM 9AM 10:30AM 11:45AM through May 20
Chapel Sanctuary Landes Center Chapel
The final 11:45AM worship service before the summer break is Sunday, May 20. Starting Sunday, May 27, VPC will switch to a three service summer schedule.
Congregational Meeting
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PREACHING SCHEDULE May 6* May 13 May 20 May 27 *Communion
Sunday, May 13, 10AM, Sanctuary The Session has called a Congregational Meeting to elect Scott Freeman an Elder; he will replace Susie Huseth, who resigned to join the VPC Staff team.
Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt
Highlighted Events
church@vpc.church
May is Mental Health Month. Learn. Be aware. Get support. vpc.church/mentalhealth
HOUSE OF PRAYER RELAUNCH Sunday, May 20
VPC is a community that prays for each other. Learn more about this program and how you can be a part of it.
FAMILY WORSHIP SUNDAY
Sunday, May 27
Children ages 3 and above are invited and encouraged to join the rest of the congregation during worship.
Keep up to date on everything happening with VPC's A New Heart for the Valley capital campaign: vpc.church/anewheart Keep an eye out for new Phase One renderings, coming soon!
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Mission & Service
Chris Woodard, Mission Director: chrisw@vpc.church
Transformation emerging Stories are powerful. Through the narrative of a good story lives can be changed and movements can be inspired. God has a great narrative for the mission work at VPC; where lives are being changed and social movements are happening. God is using people at VPC and the relationships with MentorKids, Family Promise, Villages in Partnership, Ministry of Hope, Healthy Packs and others to have a wonderful impact for Christ in our community and world. As more and more people from our church are becoming involved with this incredible work, more stories of transformation are emerging. If you are involved in the mission work of our church, tell your story. Share with others how you see God at work in the ministry where you are helping. Believe that through your story you are not only impacting the lives that you are serving, but you are inspiring others to join the mission of God as well.
Family Promise Hosting May 20-27 VPC has another opportunity to assist with families in the midst of housing transitions. If you would like to help host, serve food or stay the night contact Chris. We can use all the help we can get.
Yucatan Mission Trip May 26-June 4, 2018, friendsofaccion.org We will be working with Friends of Accion, Inc. building a church and/or homes in the Yucatan jungle as well as hosting a Vacation Bible School for the children of the village. If interested contact Chris.
Malawi Mission Trip July 9-24, 2018 Now is the time to starting thinking and praying about your possible involvement in this life-changing experience. Contact Chris with questions.
Stories are powerful. Use your story of mission work to transform and inspire others. -Chris Woodard
Connect
Pastor Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church Reconnect with friends As the weather warms and the days get longer it’s a great time to reconnect with friends at church. Take some time after service to greet an old friend or make a new one.
If you are taking vacation this summer, or leaving for an extended time, know that we are praying for you and wish you safe travels! Stay in the know with everything happening at VPC online: vpc.church. We look forward to an exciting and spiritually enriching summer here at VPC. Looking for a way to connect? Sign up for Dinner for Eight. This is a chance to get to know each other in a smaller group over a shared meal. Look for sign-up information in Sunday’s FOCUS! -Pastor Mike Nieto
Phoenix Theatre Night, Little Shop of Horrors Thursday, May 24, 7:30PM Everyone is welcome. Tickets: Wandie Hulick, wild4uofa@aol.com
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PREPARING HEALTHY PACKS AZ BRAINFOOD WAREHOUSE
Community Groups Information visit: vpc.church/community_groups
Do you want to grow deeper in relationship with Jesus while you connect with other Christians? Our small groups meet throughout the month to study God’s word.
20-30s: Chris Woodard, chrisw@vpc.church Wednesdays, 7PM, Youth Room Lunch after church, May 6 Dinner at Chris and Brianna's, May 17, 6:30PM
30-40s: Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church Email Tina for upcoming events.
40-50s: Ed Glady, edward.glady@sandersparks.com Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 Bringing Heaven to Earth, April 8-May 20
50-60s: Sarah Burnette, sarahswiggins@gmail.com End of Season Brunch: Sunday, May 6, 10:30AM Camelback Golf Club, Cost, $8-$18 RSVP: lwebblynn@yahoo.com
60s-70s: Judith Robins, az29hiker@msn.com 1st Thursdays, 12:30-1:30PM, Camelback Golf Club 2nd & 3rd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104
70s+: Wandie Hulick, wild4uofa@aol.com
Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center May 3: Mexican Train & Taco Bar, 3-5PM, Fireside Room Cardmaking: May 10, 3-5PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: May 17, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club
Children & Families
Tina Gilbreath, Family Ministry Director: tinag@vpc.church
Why summer family worship for older kids at VPC?
Last regular Sunday School May 20, during 9 and 10:30AM worship
Parents are the best role models for teaching children to love, understand, and value worship. Family worship is an opportunity for together time and to show that we value time with our Lord! How wonderful for children to associate closeness and warmth of a parent with worshipping our Lord. Children absorb the music and words become familiar. They hear the messages in the lyrics, and learn the form and rhythm of worship. It’s easier for children to develop an appreciation and love of worship as a child than a teenager or an adult. If we want our children to have faith that lasts a lifetime, attending worship services is “...the closest our research has come to that definitive silver bullet.” -Stickyfaith by Dr. Kara Powell & Dr. Chap Clark
Please take a minute to express your gratitude to those who volunteer their time to teach Sunday School all year.
Children who have completed 1st grade (and older) will be worshipping with their families May 27-August 12. The way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the church, to God, and to one another. Let the children at VPC know that they are at home in this house of worship. The presence of children in worship is a gift to the church and a reminder that our congregation is growing.
Children 3 y.o. through entering 1st grade are invited to attend our special summer Sunday School. Our regular teachers will take some well-deserved time off in the summer. If you would like to help out with one of our Summer Sunday School classes, please contact Marie at marieb@vpc.church.
-Tina Gilbreath
NO Sunday School May 27 Nursery will be available for children 2y.o. and under. Children 3 years old and older get to worship with their family and our whole church community. Parents remember this is a unique time to share praising Jesus with your kiddos! Plan ahead for this special morning, talk with your children in advance about expectations, bring a bag of quiet activities (or borrow some of the items from our ‘worship carts’.) Let Tina and Marie know if you have questions or need tips.
Summer Sunday School June 3-August 8 during 9 and 10:30AM services, Room 404
Shipwrecked: Vacation Bible School 2018 Monday-Friday, June 25-29, 8:30AM-Noon vpc.church/vbs Register today, spots are going fast!
Students
Travis Kingma: travisk@vpc.church The fruits of the Spirit
Acknowledging our Students and Grads
It’s springtime and new life is budding up all around. For some of us, we are reflecting on how our students have grown in amazing ways. For others, there is a brewing excitement about new seasons and adventures ahead.
Are you or someone you know graduating from high school, college, grad school, or trade school? VPC wants to acknowledge you on Sunday, May 13 for your accomplishment. To be included in our recognition, email Katrina, katrinac@vpc.church. Deadline Wednesday, May 9. Please include school and degree.
Throughout the past few weeks, our students have been asking a simple question: What does it mean to embody Christ in our lives? In a very real way, we have begun exploring how we can demonstrate authentic discipleship by living out the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23a: By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we look forward to Summer events (Camp, Mission Trips, etc.) our aim is to better understand how God can use us to bless the world. What an amazing gift to be known as God’s fruitful beloved! -Travis Kingma
SUMMER CAMP AND MISSION TRIPS Final payments for FOHO Camps and Mission Trips are due May 13. Scholarship applications due May 6. Learn more online: vpc.church/students.
Forest Home (FOHO) Summer Camp June 10-15, 2018 Cost: $500 (scholarships available)
High School Mission Trip July 14-21, Denver, Colorado
Cost: $350 (scholarships available)
Middle School Mission Trip July 9-13, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: $150 (scholarships available)
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Learn & Grow
Pastor Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church
Spiritual Prayer
and for us to quietly listen.
Prayer is often summed up in three words: help, sorry, please. These three words are very important, and God wants us to communicate with Him when we need help, when we are sorry, and when we need something. He also loves to hear “thank you”
One of the most important foundations of church life and spiritual growth is prayer. I invite you to join the House of Prayer on Sunday, May 20. The House of Prayer is a year-round, ongoing ministry of VPC where a committed group of prayers covers our members and ministries in prayer. If you are already on the House of Prayer list, you will receive your new list of members to pray for in mid-June. If you would like to sign-up for the first time, fill out the commitment card on May 20th or sign-up via the online form. Let us pray! -Pastor Kelly Nieto
Encore University
eu@vpc.church
House of Prayer Re-Launch Sunday, May 20 If you already are a part of the House of Prayer, or if you would like to be a part of it, all you have to do is fill out the commitment form!
Summer Bible Study Jesus Speaks: The Seven Churches of Revelation Wednesdays, June 6-July 25 (no class July 4) 6:30-7:30PM, Calvin Center, Free Registration: vpc.church/classes In the first chapters of the book of Revelation, John receives a specific message from Jesus for seven different churches in Asia Minor. Each of those churches had different characters, strengths, and weaknesses. Even two thousand years later, we as the church can learn what Jesus still asks of us as we prepare for His future return!
RightNow Media If you aren't using RightNow Media, email Pastor Kelly for an invite! Over 10,000 videos and Bible studies for kids and adults are completely free. Access to this great resource is provided to you for free by VPC.
MOPS
Molly Livak: mollyl@vpc.church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Friday, May 4 9-11AM, Room 415/416
Adventures in Lifelong Learning™ Encore University has spent the last five years successfully providing adventures in lifelong learning for hundreds of students and faculty. Much of Encore's success has been due to the diligent and creative work of Encore Director Becky Bennett. Her skill, passion, and dedication to EU is incredible, and her work has touched hundreds of lives over the past five years. As the Spring Term ends, Becky is moving into much deserved retirement. Her departure, combined with planned campus renovations, means VPC will be unable to provide a slate of Encore classes in the fall. Instead, an abbreviated version of Encore, which will involve a breakfast speakers series, will be offered in the winter and spring of 2019. We plan to invite world-class speakers and authors, with opportunities to study the speaker's works together in advance of these exciting events. Stay tuned!
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-Pastor Kelly Nieto & Elder Jim Gabler
Our MOPs year is coming to a close! I’ve loved getting to know all of our fabulous members this year! I can’t wait to share our favorite things & summertime survival essentials at our last meeting! Get excited for our 2018-19 year! We’ll kick off our year with our huge play date in August! Our theme for next year is Find Your Fire! We’ll live expectantly, surrender daringly & breathe freely! -Molly Livak
Moms Morning Out
Tuesdays, May 22 & 29, June 5, 12 & 19 9-11:30AM, Registration: vpc.church/women Cost: $15 first child, $10 each additional sibling Mom’s Morning Out gives you five Tuesdays during the summer for a break. We offer child care for children age 0-5. Questions? Email Brianne, nursery@vpc.church *Limited space available. Registration will close the Sunday prior at 5PM.
Men’s Ministry
Chris Woodard, Men’s Ministry Director: chrisw@vpc.church
Engaging in lives My father, my big brother, my youth pastor, my best friend. These are a few of the men in my life that have shaped me into the person that I am today. As men of God we need to be actively engaging in the lives of each other; as mentors, peers and learners. We have been called into community to live out holy lives, fueled by the Spirit and in the context of authentic relationships. Men, be on the lookout for relationships that God is creating for you. Maybe it is a new friend, a person to learn something from or a life to be encouraged. Whatever that connection may be, know that I am praying for you. I am praying that you have the eyes of Jesus to see a new friendship, a new life to touch, a relationship that will change and spur on your walk with God. The third Tuesday of every month men get together for breakfast and fellowship. This is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and engage in a new relationship. Know that when you do you are living out the kingdom of God here and now. -Chris Woodard
Women’s Ministry Summer is on its way! The Women’s Ministry team at VPC is putting together a “Summer of Fun and Friends” with different events as the heat turns up and our air conditioners work harder. Our first event will be a cupcake decorating extravaganza, come and learn how to decorate like the pros and then see how those decorations taste! As the summer goes on, we will have service opportunities, a game night, and a movie night. If you do not already receive VPC Women’s Ministry emails, please email me to get on the list and have all the info. Before we get to the summer, take some time to come and hear Kathy Arner and Chris Woodard share about the mission ministries at VPC at the May 23 Presbyterian Women's Luncheon, 11:30AM in Landes Center. For the Fall, remember to put the annual Women’s Breakfast on your calendar, Saturday, September 15, 8-11AM at Orange Tree Resort! -Pastor Kelly Nieto
Third Tuesday of the Month Breakfast May 15, 6:30AM, Landes Center RSVP by Sunday prior, vpc.church/men All men are invited to join together for breakfast at VPC. Gather at 6:30AM and breakfast will begin at 6:45AM. We will hear testimonies from each other and be focus in on our topic for the month.
Save the Date: 2018 Men's Retreat Friday-Sunday. September 21-23 UCYC, Prescott, AZ VPC is excited to hold its fifth annual men's retreat. This will be a great weekend where new friendships are formed over food, activities, and fellowship. As we escape the normal routine of our lives and retreat to the hills of Prescott we have an opportunity to hear God's word more clearly and through that clarity deepen our relationship with Jesus.
Men’s Adult Basketball Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM Landes Center, year round, no fee Mike Bitticks, michael.bitticks@gmail.com Looking for a way to begin your day with some great fun and exercise? Then our morning Men’s Basketball program is for you. Join us for a quick game before you head off to work. Showers and lockers available.
Kelly Nieto, Pastor: kellyn@vpc.church Presbyterian Women (PW) Circles
Tuesday, May 8 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Wednesday, May 9 Esther: 10AM, Barb Bearg's home, 480-947-5252 Lydia: 9:30AM, Calvin Center Sarah: Noon, Room 409
PW Luncheon and Speakers:
May 23, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by May 18 Kathy Arner and Chris Woodard: Mission Ministry at VPC
2017 Cooks' Tour distribution totals $30,000
Sunday, May 20 in worship services Each year Cooks’ Tour is blessed to be able to partner with local and global mission causes to help meet the needs of others. Monies collected during the annual event are distributed to ministries through a application process.
“Summer of Fun and Friends”* Cupcake Decorating
Wednesday, June 13, 6-7:30PM, Fireside Room *Childcare: nursery@vpc.church Watch for more details to come on upcoming events!
Save the Date: Women’s Breakfast
Saturday, September 15, 8-11AM, Orange Tree Resort
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Care & Support
Pastor David Turner: davidt@vpc.church
Grateful for Your Generosity The words, “thank you” are a simple yet important expression of gratitude for not only what others have done to bless us, but they’re also words that express value to the people we share them with. No one is too important to be above expressing these simple words. Perhaps that is why one of my favorite verses in the Bible is Paul’s expression of appreciation to the believers in Philippi when he wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…” Then he continues to express how through this partnership, God is continuing a good work in them. I write this to you because I too want to express my gratitude for your generosity in contributing to the Deacon’s Ministry since the beginning of this year and by doing so, not only catching a vision of this ministry, but sharing in God’s amazing work of compassion. -Pastor David Turner
Mental Health
Remembrances Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of Carol Hanson, George Keown, Alison Johnston, Avis Tempas, and Edna Thomas.
Grief Support
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30PM, Chapel Parlor, Free Facilitator: Shirley Polk, Registration: vpc.church/grief Navigating the grieving process. This discussion-based class is designed to give you tools to recover and to hope again.
Grief Share
Wednesdays through May 23, 1-2:50PM Chapel Parlor, Free Facilitators: Karen Annis & Barbara Mardian Registration: vpc.church/grief We believe recovery doesn't come from knowledge, but from Christian hope, personal support and emotional release.
Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss@gmail.com
May is Mental Health Month! "When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, sometimes it’s a lot to handle. It’s important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable. So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally. That is why this year’s theme for May is Mental Health Month – Fitness #4Mind4Body – is a call to pay attention to both your physical health and your mental health, which can help achieve overall wellness and set you on a path to recovery." -Mental Health America As Christians, we believe a key part to staying mentally healthy is having a strong faith life which includes Bible study, fellowship, serving others, and prayer. God loves and cares for ALL of us: mind, body, and soul, therefore it is honoring Him to care for our mental and spiritual health as well as for our physical health. To learn more or join our Mental Health Ministry team contact Elizabeth Weiss.
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EVERYONE should be paying attention to their mental health!
Support Groups: vpc.church/mentalhealth Living Grace Support Group
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-8PM, Oasis Community Church Information: jilliannhogan@gmail.com or 480-234-7073
Family Support website:
nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition
Mental Health 24-hour crisis line: 602-222-9444 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 AZ Teen Lifeline: 602-248-8336, teenlifeline.org
Music
Jennifer Hamm, Minister of Music: jenniferh@vpc.church Try it out!
At a former church job, I attended a church function as the new music director. I was introduced to John, whom I was told was a fine singer. He immediately said to me, “Oh, please don’t ask me to sing in the choir!” He went on to give me every excuse in the book of why he couldn’t sing... “my wife wants me to sit with her in the pew… I’m too busy on Wednesday nights… I like to vacation on the weekends occasionally… I’m not sure I’ll fit in with the rest of the group…I don’t read music too well...” I convinced the man to give it a try and he quickly became one of my most dedicated choir members.
Whatever the reason, June is the month to try. You don’t have to commit to every Sunday in June either. We welcome you on any Sunday. Come give it a try – maybe you’ll like it so much, you’ll be back in the fall!! - Jennifer Hamm
Summer Choir Every Sunday during the month of June Choir Room, 8:30AM, sing in 9AM worship service
Gloria by Vivaldi
VPC Chancel Choir and professional orchestra
You might be like my friend John. Maybe you’ve considered joining the choir, but thought up every excuse you could think of to not do it. Well, June is the perfect month to try it out! Every Sunday through June, we invite anyone to join the choir. No Wednesday night rehearsal – just come on Sunday morning and learn a song to sing at the 9AM service. Maybe you normally attend a different service, and just want to sing in the 9AM service for a month. Maybe you don’t have time during the regular choir season to commit to the group. Maybe you’re not sure you’ll like it.
Valley Day School
Meghan Gottfredson, Day School Director: meghang@vpc.church
Valley Day School Chapel Worship As the weather turns warmer, we are beginning to wrap up another wonderful preschool year at Valley Day School. We have watched children grow and friendships bloom. Our community of preschool families is a special one, and it has been our pleasure to support them as they navigate the early years of raising children. The summer’s approach has us preparing for the coming preschool year. Our classes are almost completely full, and we are thrilled to be welcoming over 35 new families to our campus this August. Please keep all of our families and our staff in your prayers. Depending on your child’s age, it’s not too late to register for the 2018-2019 preschool year at VDS, as a few spots in next year’s program still remain. We have very limited availability, but please don’t hesitate to contact the VDS office with inquiries. -Meghan Gottfredson
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Foundation
Charlee Turner, Foundation Administrator: charleet@vpc.church Time and talents
I recently noticed a common trait among the members of the Valley Presbyterian Foundation Legacy Society; they have all been deeply involved at VPC. Many are past Board of Trustees members, some have been employed by VPC, and others have been Elders, Deacons, and dedicated volunteers.
Scholarship Opportunity! Deadline May 4 Apply online: vpc.church/foundation
Foundation is now accepting applications for our Erickson, Kurz, and Simmons Scholarships. Last year, 12 scholars were granted funds. On average, applicants receive $1,000 toward tuition and/or book fees. Turn your applications in today!
One of VPF's goals is to continue to grow the Legacy Society, but the first goal for our whole community should be to grow the number of people who commit their time and talents to their church. Your participation will create a sense of ownership for the life and future of VPC, a sense of ownership that can include securing its financial future. There are many ways to volunteer at VPC. Some are asked to be Elders, Deacons, or Trustees. Others volunteer to teach Sunday School, or sing in the Chancel Choir, or usher, or provide expertise on any of our teams. Opportunities like these abound, and one opportunity leads to another. These opportunities provide a true sense of participation in the life of VPC, and lead to the sense of ownership and desire to assure the financial security of our congregation. 2018 FOUNDATION DINNER
-Tom Ambrose, President, Valley Presbyterian Foundation
Recognizing VPC's amazing volunteers 2018 Senior Service Award Since 1985, the Presbytery of Grand Canyon has been honoring outstanding voluntary and supportive service to church and community by Senior members of our congregations. We are proud to announce that Russ Henzel was nominated to receive Valley Presbyterian Church’s Senior Service Award. A 40-year member of VPC, Russ sang in the choir for 25 years and has been on Session three times. Upon retirement, he took on the task of improving the sound quality in the Sanctuary by adding equipment and working at the sound board. From there, sound quality for the 10:30AM service in the Landes Center was added to his tasks. Eventually Russ took on the installation and maintenance of the video equipment and related computers as well. Finally, he recruits and schedules other AV volunteers.
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Outside of VPC, he developed websites for several volunteer organizations and has built seven Habitat houses. He is currently active in volunteering at the Arizona Science Center.
Volunteer Opportunities Family Promise
May 20-27, VPC Campus Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Family Promise families will be spending the night at VPC starting May 20. If you would like to host, make a meal, or spend the night, contact Chris.
Church Office phone receptionist Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Four-hour shifts available Monday-Friday. In need of substitutes, especially for the summer. No experience necessary. Training provided. For more information contact Kris.
MentorKids USA
Meet at church Mondays, 3-5PM, church van carpool Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church MentorKids volunteers come alongside and tutor students in specific areas, build relationships, and provide stability that may not be present in kids’ homes.
VPC Leadership News From Session From the April 24 Session meeting: At the April meeting Session received an update on A New Heart for the Valley. Session appointed a Building Committee, which will report to P&O, that will act as a liaison between VPC and the architect and contractor and also receive reports from VPC’s Owner’s Representative, Jim Chamberlain. The committee will be composed of Ed Glady (Chairman), Kris Williams, George Bosworth, and Terry Thomas. David Joynt and Kris Bahr will be ex-officio members. -Session approved a letter of Agreement for pre-construction services with Concord General Contracting. -Keith Kerber reported that, to date, $4,940,600 has been committed to A New Heart for the Valley by church leadership (Elders, Deacons and Foundation Board). -Bob Aldag and Dick Coffelt were elected Presbytery Delegates for 2018. -Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, May 13, to elect Scott Freeman an Elder. He will replace Susie Huseth, who resigned to join the VPC Staff team. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 480-368-6567.
-Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 13, 10AM, Sanctuary Session has called a Congregational Meeting to elect Scott Freeman an Elder; he will replace Susie Huseth, who resigned to join the VPC Staff team.
Leader Spotlight Cheryl Ann Shaff Outreach Committee I consistently show my willingness to serve the Lord. I focus on the "Big Picture" items for the wellness of our Church and I welcome new members! Growth is basic for the Church to maintain its outreach.
Finances & Operations Welcome Tim Walker! Tim Walker joined the VPC staff as the newest member of the Facilities team on April 23. A native of North Dakota, Tim and his wife Sara have most recently resided in Missouri. He brings with him over 20 years’ experience as custodian at a church, school and YMCA. He is excited to be back in Arizona and is enthusiastic about working with our staff and members and helping to take care of our beautiful campus and buildings. He will primarily work the early shift Tuesday – Saturday. -Kris Bahr
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
VPC finances year-to-date as of March 31, 2018 Income
Actual $
Budget $
Variance $
Faith Giving Other Income Total Income
518,710 70,231 588,941
525,000 110,305 635,305
-6,290 -40,074 -46,364
Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Encore Worship & Music Total Expense
117,893 253,579 55,055 47,754 12,854 45,807 532,942
117,887 266,454 57,222 62,796 19,300 49,803 573,462
-6 12,875 2,167 15,042 6,446 3,996 40,520
55,999
61,843
-5,844
Expense
Net Income less Expense
Church office closed Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.
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