Summer
Valley Presbyterian Church
May-August 2021
Belong
Come to a place where you
Sunday Worship Worship Safely
As COVID vaccination rates increase and infection rates decrease, VPC is constantly revisiting our mitigation protocols to ensure the health and safety of those on campus with changing levels of risk to individuals. Please visit vpc.church/gather to find the most upto-date information on masking, RSVPs, distancing, and overall capacity.
8:30AM, Sanctuary
VPC’s first service includes music, prayer, space for kids, preaching, scripture, and an emphasis on community. Music is commonly led by one of VPC’s Choral Ensembles and accompanied by our organ.
10:30AM, Sanctuary
Worship at 10:30AM has all of the same elements as 8:30AM, but music is led by a band with drums, guitar, and bass. Whether you decide to attend a specific service because of the time or musical style, you will find space to listen to where God may be leading you, where your heart can be put at ease and your troubles left at the door.
Livestream
8:30 & 10:30AM Services We invite you to join us from wherever you are on Sunday mornings, as well! The livestream is of the whole service, and is a great way to stay connected if you’re unable to make it to campus. You can watch the livestream from several platforms:
YouTube: Search ‘vpc.church’
VPC website: vpc.church/worship
Facebook: facebook.com/valleypresbyterian
Contents
VPC IS EXCITED FOR THE SUMMER! This Ministry Brochure contains a lot of
SUNDAY WORSHIP 3 information and allows us to go into MAY 4 greater detail about specific events. Let us know what you think! Worship 4 Email communications@vpc.church Valley Presbyterian Foundation 4 with your suggestions. Classes 4 STAY IN TOUCH WITH VPC Presbyterian Women 4 DURING THE SUMMER! Kids & Families 5 Community Groups 5 Groups 5 If you’re on vacation or miss a Sunday, you JUNE 6 can always stay a part of the conversation while you’re away! JULY 6 Watch previous sermons: AUGUST 7 vpc.church/watch VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) 8 Read the daily devotional: STUDENTS 9 vpc.church/pastor-joynts-devotionals CARE & HELP 10 Check out all upcoming events: vpc.church/events Mental Health 10 Deacons 10 COMING SOON 11
SUMMER SERMON SERIES: FINALE BEGINNING JUNE 4
3
May
WORSHIP VPC.CHURCH/GATHER
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
8:30 & 10:30AM, Sanctuary & Livestream RSVP: vpc.church/gather Watch online: vpc.church/worship Sunday School available for kids three through fifth grade
MAY 9 ORGAN DEDICATION & JULIA TUCKER FAREWELL
Celebrate the completion of our renovated organ and dedicate it to our church! This will be a service full of music, celebration and sendoff as we wish Assistant Minister of Music Julia Tucker well on her new adventure! Lan Qiu, violinist will be joining us and Julia will be playing an extended postlude for those that wish to stay.
MAY 16 STUDENT MINISTRY-LED & GRADUATE SUNDAY
Join us this Sunday for worship led by VPC’s amazing students. We’ll also be welcoming students who completed the Youth New Member Class as VPC members. This will be an uplifting and inspiring Sunday!
MAY 30 FAMILY WORSHIP (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL)
Parents, enjoy this special time with your children. Feel free to quietly explain the parts of the service to your children, guiding them to stand, sit, sing, or pray with the congregation. Childcare available for children 0-2 years old please make a reservation when you sign up for worship.
MAY 31, MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS
8AM, Sanctuary & Memorial Garden Katrina Carney: katrinac@vpc.church A “Roll Call” of deceased military veterans names will be read, including names of vets affiliated with VPC or relatives of VPC members. To add a name to the “Roll Call” email Katrina. Please provide names by Wednesday, May 26.
VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION VPC.CHURCH/VPF
VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION DINNER PLANNING MEETING Tuesday, May 4, 9AM, Room 415-416 Gloria Gabler: gigabler@gmail.com
The Foundation Dinner is returning in 2022 and we need your creative ideas! After a two year hiatus, we’re excited to bring this fundraising event back to VPC. We’re looking for teammates to join us as we plan for a fun evening together. If you would enjoy brainstorming with us, join us. No long-term commitment required.
4
CLASSES
VPC.CHURCH/CLASSES WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: WHAT THE WOMEN SAW With Tina Gilbreath, Family Ministry Director Wednesdays through May 12, 6—7PM, Upper Youth Room
Do women matter to the kingdom of God? He saw, valued, and cared for women, and he still does today. He equipped them, listened to them, walked with them, healed them, and empowered them. And he does the same for you now.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY: CALLED TO ACT 5 UNCOMPLICATED DISCIPLINES FOR MEN
With Pastor Chris Woodard Wednesdays through May 12, 6—7PM, Room B106 & Zoom If you are a man who feels that spiritual growth is at times frustrating, but it doesn’t need to be that way! Speaker and author Vince Miller provides an understanding of five essential spiritual disciplines that ignite a lifelong journey of spiritual development.
FAITH ESSENTIALS WITH PASTOR DAVID JOYNT Wednesdays through May 12, 6—7PM, Chapel & ZOOM
If someone asks you what Christians believe—what would you say? If someone asked you what VPC believes, how would you respond? We will watch and discuss videos designed for everyone who wants to join our community.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
With Kathy Oppenhuizen & Beth Allen Thursdays through June 24, 6—7PM, Room 415/416 We will be discussing and reflecting on “You Set My Spirit Free, a 40 Day Journey in the Company of John of the Cross.” The focus will be on devotional readings enriching our daily spiritual lives as we remember Christ’s passion prior to his death and resurrection. Books are available on Amazon.com or Christianbook.com.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: THE BOOK OF MARK WITH FRANCES CHAN Facilitator: Jeanine Nesvig Fridays, May 7 & 21, 9:30—11AM, Zoom
Take this opportunity at the end of the week to build relationships with other women and strengthen your relationship with God. Each chapter of the book covers an attribute of God.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
ALL CIRCLES MEETING & BIBLE STUDY Wednesday, May 5, 9:30AM (Coordinating Team) 10:30AM (Bible Study), Sanctuary Jayann Fordon: 480-994-4193, jayann@hotmail.com Plan to join your PW friends and listen to Pastor Joynt present the last study from our Into the Light workbook. Coffee and a treat following. CRAFTERS Tuesdays starting May 4, 9—Noon, Chapel Conference Room Margaret Wheeler: wheelermargaret140@gmail.com This group of ladies from our Presbyterian Women gather regularly to create handmade Christmas themed crafts. If you have a special talent and would like to be connected with the group, contact Margaret.
KIDS & FAMILIES VPC.CHURCH/CLASSES
OASIS KIDS! & OASIS MINIS
SUMMER OF FAITH-TO-GO KIT
Oasis Kids! is a safe and fun environment to learn about the world in creative ways. Your child will build, draw, play, craft, sing, have fun, and learn more about Jesus with staff members from our Children’s and Music ministries. Oasis Minis is a similar experience with age-appropriate activities for your littler ones. Oasis nursery is available for parents who are registered in an adult class.
We hope we will see you a lot this summer, but we know that vacations, illness and other plans may keep you from joining us on Sunday morning from time to time. We have got you covered with our ‘Faith To Go Kit’. Each kit includes resources, family activities and guides for your family when you are on the road. In addition, it will include copies of our summer parent guides for worship, because of course you can watch our worship live stream no matter where you are.
Wednesdays, May 5 & 12, 6-7:30PM Oasis Kids, Room 415/416 Minis, Room 8 Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
FAMILY WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS OF KINDERGARTNERS & 1ST GRADERS WORSHIPING AS A FAMILY
Sunday Mornings, May 16 & May 23, VPC Sanctuary Email Tina Gilbreath to receive kit: tinag@vpc.church
Sunday, May 2, 9:30—10:30AM, Upper Youth Room, (Zoom available) Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church This class is designed to help parents guide their children in worship and give them techniques for encouraging a positive attitude toward worship, and enjoying worship as a family.
COMMUNITY GROUPS SUMMER SCHEDULE Some groups break for the summer, but make sure to check out these opportunities:
Young Adults
Boomers
Kaleidoscope
Defined: Who God Says You Are by Stephen Kendrick
Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church An authentic group of believers searching for God’s will in our lives. All in-person gatherings for this group are on hiatus. Beth Glady: beglady@gmail.com It’s been fourteen long months since Kaleidoscope has met in person, and it’s time to bring that long drought to an end! Email Beth to sign up for class and BBQ.
Weekly Class
Sundays starting May 2, 8:45AM, Room B106 We will start off with a Ray Vander Laan series (to be determined) and then move on from there to other video series.
Kick Off BBQ
Saturday, May 1, 6PM, Glady’s home
Sages
Wandie Hulick: 602-316-3372, wild4uofa@aol.com Kathy Oppenhuizen: 602-370-1176, kathyop1024@gmail.com The Sages are looking forward to returning to Sunday morning Bible Study in the fall. Everyone is welcome to join our study.
Seekers & Sharers
Paul Paige: paulpaige9@gmail.com Alice Paige: kelfield@cox.net We are a group of retired people who find meeting in the daytime comfortable. Group is on hiatus until the fall.
Sarah Burnette: sarahswiggins@gmail.com Boomers will meet virtually through the summer and plan live classes with Zoom option at the end of September. Sundays, May 2 & May 16, 11:45AM, Zoom Video Study led by Deborah Pettitt, Trained Psychotherapist Director, Family Christian Counseling Center of Phoenix Zoom Meeting ID: 894 2399 3659 Passcode: boomers
Virtual Movie Nights by ZOOM
Fireproof with Kirk Cameron Friday, June 18, 7PM Gripping story of a heroic fire captain trying to save his marriage before it goes up in smoke. All Saints with John Corbett Friday, July 16, 7PM Based on a powerful true story of a pastor ordered to shut down a tiny church. Instead, their faith united them to save their community. Zoom Meeting ID: 803 080 8201 Passcode: Sarah
Voyagers
Cheryl Shaff: cherylshaff@gmail.com Voyagers meet regularly for potluck meal and bible study. Group is on hiatus until the fall.
5
June WOMEN’S FUN & GAMES NIGHT
Friday, June 4, 6—8PM, Awaken Café & Plaza Beth Glady: beglady@gmail.com Join us for a fun-filled evening of assorted games and snacks! We have missed you all – and look forward to a great evening.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays, June 6—August 1, 8:30 & 10:30AM worship Kids 3 years old through entering 1st grade Marie Bitticks: marieb@vpc.church Children three years old through entering 1st grade are invited to attend summer Sunday School. Our regular teachers take some well-deserved time off in the summer. If you would like to help out with one of our Summer Sunday School classes, contact Marie. Kids entering 2nd grade and up are invited to stay in worship. We welcome this time for parents to model participation in worship.
WOMEN’S FUN & GAMES NIGHT
Friday, June 4, 6—8PM, Awaken Café & Plaza Beth Glady: beglady@gmail.com Join us for a fun-filled evening of assorted games and snacks! We have missed you all – and look forward to a great evening.
MENTORKIDS USA SUMMER CAMP
Mondays—Fridays, June 7—July 2, 8:30AM—Noon Paiute Promise Neighborhood, Scottsdale Week of June 21—25, VBS at VPC Volunteer opportunities available Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church MentorKids USA need our help with registration, food prep; making sure everyone is having fun safely. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and develop relationships with people from the Paiute Promise Neighborhood.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2021: TREASURED Monday-Friday, June 21—25, 8:30AM-Noon For kids three years old-5th grade Cost: $30 per child (before June 7), $75 (after June 7) Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Embark on an epic quest…TREASURED Vacation Bible School (VBS). Join us as we find our way through ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungles. At Treasured VBS, kids dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures. They will put faith on the map and discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold—it’s them!
July
SINGLE SERVICE—FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE, JULY 4
Sunday, July 4, 9:30AM, Sanctuary & Livestream (Childcare available for kids 0-2, no Sunday School) VPC will have one combined worship service over the 4th of July weekend. We invite you to join us in the Sanctuary or via livestream!
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays, through August 1, during 8:30 & 10:30AM worship Kids 3 years old through entering 1st grade Marie Bitticks: marieb@vpc.church
MEN’S MINISTRY FATHER-CHILD CAMPING TRIP
Friday, July 16—Sunday, July 18, Woods Canyon Lake, AZ Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church
Children three years old through entering 1st grade are invited to attend summer Sunday School. Our regular teachers take some well-deserved time off in the summer. If you would like to help out with one of our Summer Sunday School classes, contact Marie. Kids entering 2nd grade and up are invited to stay in worship. We welcome this time for parents to model participation in worship.
Get ready for some tent camping with your kids; hiking, fishing, cookouts etc. Guys can come and go as they please.
MENTORKIDS USA SOCCER CAMP
VPC HOSTING FAMILY PROMISE
Monday-Friday, July 12—July 16, 8:30AM—Noon Paiute Promise Neighborhood, Scottsdale Volunteer opportunities available. Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church MentorKids USA need our help with registration, food prep; making sure everyone is having fun safely. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and develop relationships with people from the Paiute Promise Neighborhood.
6
Sunday, July 18—Sunday, July 25 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church
Family Promise is a program that keeps families from becoming homeless in the midst of health or employment uncertainty. VPC partners with a network of churches to provide dinner, a place to sleep, and breakfast. Volunteers are always needed!
August LAST SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK OFF
Sunday, August 1, 8:30 & 10:30AM worship Kids three years old through entering 1st grade Marie Bitticks: marieb@vpc.church
Sunday, August 15, 8:30 & 10:30AM Register online: vpc.church/sundayschool Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Children three years old through entering 1st grade are invited to attend our special summer Sunday School. Kids entering 2nd grade and up are invited to stay in worship. We welcome this time for parents to model participation in worship.
Fall Sunday School semester starts on August 15! Kids are invited to join their parents at the beginning of worship services, then go with their new teachers to class. Please remember to register kids!
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS, COMMISSIONING OF CHILDREN & STUDENT VOLUNTEERS, FAMILY WORSHIP SUNDAY*
VALLEY DAY SCHOOL KICKOFF
Sunday, August 8, 8:30 & 10:30AM Worship
Schools are a mission field where our children can share and show the love of Christ with their friends and teachers. All kids are encouraged to bring their backpack to church this Sunday! *Childcare available for kids 0-2
Tuesday, August 17, 9AM Meghan Gottsfredson: meghang@vpc.church Valley Day School has been serving our community’s preschoolers and their families since 1963, and we’re thrilled to kick off our 58th school year. Our enrollment is full for the coming preschool year, but we always keep a wait list. Tours for the 2022-2023 preschool year will begin this fall. If you’d like to find out more about the registration process, please contact VDS Director, Meghan.
BRING YOUR PARENTS TO SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us for a special experience with your child. Meet their Sunday School teachers, see their classroom, meet other families with children the same age, and learn some tips for helping your child(ren) continue to grow in faith at home! All children from each age group and their families should plan to attend the indicated worship time on these dates: August 22
8:30AM
Three & four year olds
August 29
8:30AM
Kinder & 1st graders
August 22
10:30AM
2nd & 3rd graders
August 29
10:30AM
4th & 5th graders
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS Sunday, August 8, 8:30 & 10:30AM Worship
7
Vacation Bible School is back in person!
TREASURED: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2021 MONDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 21-25, 8:30AM-NOON For kids three years old-5th grade Cost: $30/child (before June 7), $75 (after June 7) Embark on an epic quest TREASURED Vacation Bible School (VBS). Join us as we find our way through ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungles. At Treasured VBS, kids dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures. They will put faith on the map and discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold—it’s them!
8
vpc.church/vbs
Students
SUMMER STUDENT TRIPS & EVENTS VPC.CHURCH/STUDENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TRIP: PHOENIX, AZ
HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP: NEXT STEP MINISTRIES
If you are in Middle School (entering grades 6-8), we invite you to join us as we serve our neighbors in Phoenix. This is going to be an amazing week as we have the opportunity to serve our community.
We are excited to serve in New Meixco! We will come alongside others from around the US to participate in construction projects over the week. This will be a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a context different than our own.
FOREST HOME: LAKEVIEW
FOREST HOME: CREEKSIDE
Summer Camp at Lakeview is an experience designed to challenge, encourage, and engage students who are entering grades 9-12 in the fall. This will be an unbelievable week!
Creekside is the place for campers to get away from the academic and social pressures of Middle School and focus on their identity in Christ. This trip is for students who are entering grades 6-8.
Tuesday, June 1—Saturday, June 5 Cost: $150, SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! Travis Kingma: travisk@vpc.church
High School, Sunday, July 18—Friday, July 23 Forest Home, California Cost: $530 (Scholarships available)
Sunday, June 13—Saturday, June 19, Crownpoint, New Mexico Travis Kingma: travisk@vpc.church
Middle School, Sunday, July 25—Friday, July 30 Forest Home, California Cost: $530 (Scholarships available)
OTHER EVENTS: DETAILS AVAILABLE ONLINE SOON!
Dodgeball Tournament Movie Night VBS Volunteer Pizza Lunch & Water Slide Hang Out
Pool Party
9
Care & Help
David Turner: davidt@vpc.church, 480-991-6424, ext. 121 Tammy Gallagher: tammyg@vpc.church, 480-991-6424, ext. 163 VPC is a community of caring people that wants to see you healthy and whole, as God intended! You are welcome to talk to any of our Pastors, but please seek out these opportunities below to help with challenges you may be facing.
MENTAL HEALTH VPC.CHURCH/CARE
PERSEVERANCE CONFERENCE
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 8:30AM—1PM, Online Register online: vpc.church/care Never in our lifetime have we witnessed or lived through a global pandemic. Depression, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and suicide are on the rise. Economies are suffering, medical facilities are overwhelmed, seniors are dying, lockdowns are a regular occurrence, and places of worship are trying their best to minister to the community. But in the midst of all this uncertainty there is hope and encouragement! Learn as you hear from experts on specific ways to persevere and stay the course. Cost includes access to the recorded conference for 90 days. Contact Tammy for financial reimbursement.
MINDFULNESS AND RESILIENCE: A SELF-CARE REMINDER FOR NAVIGATING THE POST-PANDEMIC LANDSCAPE
May 12, 8:30—10AM, ZOOM Presented by Behavioral Health Initiative Ministry of St. Patrick’s Catholic Community Register online: vpc.church/care Guest speaker: Dr. Nika Gueci, Executive Director of ASU Center for Mindfulness, Compassion, and Resilience will talk about how mindfulness can keep you “in the moment” to help reduce anxiety and free up room in your mind to better care for yourself and others.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have faced challenges in life that can impact their mental health. There is a need to find ways to cope with these challenges to maintain mental health. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
AZ Teen Lifeline
602-248-8336, teenlifeline.org
Mental Health 24-hour Crisis Line 602-222-9444
Family Support Website
nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition
National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI
Support Groups: namivalleyofthesun.org/support-groups Classes: namivalleyofthesun.org/classes
Grace Alliance Support Groups
Mentalhealthgracealliance.org/grace-group-locations
Elizabeth Weiss
esweiss1231@gmail.com or (713) 203-5544
DEACONS VPC.CHURCH/DEACONS
Deacons provide vital services to church members and our community. They are always in need of volunteers to serve in over 12 ministry areas (a few are highlighted below). After-Care Ministry—This ministry provide follow-up contact for people released from hospitals and rehabilitation clinics, connecting them to support ministries such as Tasty Spoon, Stephen Ministry, or Pet Pause. Baby Welcome—This group make contact with the new parents in the church. They deliver a basket of gifts and provide the family with information on baptism, the nursery, Valley Day School, MOPS programs and Tasty Spoon. Communion Preparation—An energetic group meets the first Saturday of every month to prepare the communion elements used for the next day’s worship services. They make sure that each of our worship centers is perfectly in order for the joyous and holy partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
10
Flower Donation—This team of Deacons encourages members of the church to donate flowers for the weekly worship service. From one-time donations to annual contributions, this team also maintains an online database to aid Valley in this ministry. Health & Wellness—Members of this ministry work in conjunction with community resources to provide health and wellness related on-campus events such as heart screenings, immunization programs, blood drives, and AED & First Aid training for VPC and the surrounding community. First Impression—Members of our church are trained to be an on-campus welcoming presence and assist visitors and members by helping them find the services they are seeking, as well as answer questions or direct them to additional resources. We will launch this exciting ministry in the fall. Tasty Spoon—This team recruits congregational members to prepare fresh cooked meals for someone who is homebound, recently released from the hospital, sick or recently had a baby.
Coming soon! COOKS’ TOUR TH 50 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Saturday, November 6, 8AM-2PM
TRUNK OR TREAT
Saturday, October 30, 5-7PM, Location TBA
VPC CONCERT SERIES Returning this Fall
11
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, 480-991-6424 vpc.church
12
Pastors: David Joynt, David Turner, Chris Woodard, Travis Kingma
