VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
April 2016
Volume 61, Number 3
Dear friends, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead dwarfs the significance of other events. You and I may follow the stock exchange, and the world economy may shift as it moves, but a billion people on Easter don’t gather every year to shout in reference to the NYSE “It is risen – It is risen indeed!” We celebrate the Resurrection in songs and anthems, in poetry and prose. But the Resurrection is more than a moment in the Christian year, a great festival. It should shape everything we do and all we are as followers of Jesus. We worship on Sundays because every Christian service is a celebration of the Resurrection. Sixty-four percent of Americans believe that the resurrection really happened. But what percentage live differently as a result of that belief? Many people, including many church members, spend more time admiring a dead Jesus than encountering the living one! It is easy to admire the historical Christ as a figure from the past. • The hopeless are moved by his miracles • The lawyers, by his Socratic ways and novel interpretation • The hesitant, by his courage • The radical, by his identification with the poor • Teachers by the genius of his stories • Communitarians by his success in uniting diverse groups and overcoming barriers • The guilty and hurting love his compassion • The successful marvel at his generosity • Leaders are struck by his people skills and entrepreneurial vision, • Humanists rejoice in the way he values every person regardless of background, age, or circumstance,
• Underdogs are wowed by the arc of his life from obscurity to fame • Psychologists revere his capacity to understand the roots of human motivation • Materialists wonder at his simplicity Unfortunately, the dead Jesus has more fans than the Living Christ has followers. It is not enough to admire Jesus, the historical figure, or even to believe in his Resurrection. We are called to love and obey and trust a Lord who is alive and who wants to be immediately and actually present with us, penetrating our souls, activating our thoughts, guiding our decisions. The Resurrection validates all Jesus’ assertions, including his claims to be the unique source of knowledge about God the Father, the final authority over life and death, and the sole purveyor of a new kind of life that overcomes guilt and sin and abolishes death. The Resurrection means that the encounters Jesus had with people in the first century can happen in the 21st century. He can still make our hearts burn within us as we understand the scriptures, as he did for the two disciples on the Emmaus Road. He can comfort us in our distress as he did Mary in the Garden. He can overcome our doubts as he did for Thomas, and free us from our guilt, as he did for Peter. He can call us and send us, just as he did the first disciples. He can grant us his peace even when we are afraid, as he did for his frightened followers locked in the upper room. He can fill us with his spirit just as they were filled. In April and May, we are going to study encounters Jesus had with people in the scriptures. But we must not look at these moments as historical curiosities. Instead, let us see them as paradigms, examples of the encounters he wants to have with us. For Jesus said “In every time and place, for those willing to trust, I am the Resurrection and the Life!”
Blessings,
Valley Presbyterian Church 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 - Introducing Right Now Media
Highlighted Events INQUIRER CLASS Sunday, April 10, 12:30PM Fireside Room
Beginning April 17, VPC has a gift for you! Our church has subscribed to a media service with thousands of Christian video sessions for you to access anytime and anywhere. RightNow Media has bible teaching and practical content for adults, youth, and children. There are bible studies by respected pastors and teachers, original RightNow videos, and recordings of Christian conferences. You can view these videos from your computer, tablet, or even your phone. Videos can be accessed by individual members and their families or streamed by Community Groups or bible studies. -Screenshot of the VPC Right Now Media homepage We hope that this resource will be useful to you in your walk with Jesus. Look out for an email invitation on April 17!
Inquirer Class Service of R EM EM BR A NCE
Bags available April 3 and 10 Return full bags April 17 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church ICM Food & Clothing Bank meets the basic needs of up to 150 families every day, six days a week.
CityServe Arizona’s HopeFest Phoenix
April 16, 10AM-2:30PM, Chase Field Sign up at: vpc.church/mission HopeFest Phoenix brings the community together to help meet basic needs of underserved individuals. Come for some or all of the day. Meet at the event or VPC at 8:30AM to join a group taking the light rail downtown. Learn more: cityserveaz.com/hopefest
Family Promise
May 1-8 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church VPC is housing four Family Promise families. Contact Chris to host, make a meal, or spend the night.
COOKS’ TOUR: White Elephant donations
Saturdays, 9-11AM, Cooks’ Tour shed Kay Koeb: 480-946-2624 Donate gently used clothing, linens, housewares, watches, jewelry etc. Give your treasures a second chance!
Sunday School teachers & volunteers needed! 2
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church Sunday School teachers, substitutes, and greeters needed for our children. Lessons are prepared for you; just show up ready to have fun with the kids!
For more information call Jane Russell: 480-694-1186 Register online: vpc.church/inquirer
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, April 10, 10AM Memorial Garden
Everyone is invited to this brief service after the 9AM service. We’ll take the opportunity to remember the lives, relationships, and experiences of loved ones who have gone before us.
Mission & Service ICM Food Drive
Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers?
Paradise Valley for Africa Day-Thank You
Thank you all for your help making our first annual Paradise Valley for Africa Day a huge success! We had a great outpouring of generosity and all the funds gathered will go to support our efforts in improving the quality of life for our brothers and sisters in Malawi. Thank you to the business and local vendors for donations and for keeping expenses low. Thank you to our community; schools, clubs, and organizations for participating in the run, ride, and jail. And thank you to our volunteers who made the event possible. When community comes together, global change happens.
COMING APRIL 17!
VPC is excited to introduce a new way to engage with the classes, Bible Studies, and small groups at our church. Stay tuned for more information! Questions? Email Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church
Presbytery of the Grand Canyon Senior Service Award
We are proud to honor David & Mary Ann Winter, VPC’s Presbytery of the Grand Canyon Senior Service Award recipients for 2016. David has served as an Elder for two three-year terms and is currently serving his second three-year term as Trustee for the Foundation. As a Stephen Minister, he has helped with the training for ongoing Stephen Ministers. For over 15 years, he has taught Bible and Christian history classes at VPC. Mary Ann has served as Chair of the Lay Hospital Chaplain Ministry for the past three years. She was Deacon Secretary for three years, and on the Communion Ministry for three years. She has taught classes for Encore University, served as Secretary for Presbyterian Women, and chaired the Centerpiece Committee for Cooks’ Tour.
Quotable Canvas creativity chocolate coffee
CREATE A MASTERPIECE Sunday, April 17, 3:30-6:30PM, VPC Campus, Cost: $20 No art skills required! Come to this fun workshop and create a canvas that will inspire using scripture and favorite quotes. You will leave with a joy-filled masterpiece. Email to register: lesliew@vpc.church
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Get Connected
Families Save the date: Vacation Bible School 2016: Cave Quest!
Children
Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church
EXPLORERS! Games, Music, and Theater
June 20-24
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30PM Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church Two Choirs: K-2nd & 3rd-5th grade Theater: 3rd-5th grade EXPLORERS! provides children with a safe and fun environment to learn about the world in creative ways. Music and theater are large components of each week, but no experience is necessary. Your child will engage with other EXPLORERS! to build, draw, play, craft, sing and perform with staff members from our Children’s and Music ministries.
Students
Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church
The Gathering
We want all kids and volunteers back for Vacation Bible School! This year we are going SPELUNKING. Plan to be in Phoenix and at VPC that week; you won’t regret it. Invite a friend to join you! We will have a couple volunteer training opportunities; there are jobs big and small: station leaders, snack helpers, crew leaders, volunteer appreciation team, and more! Contact Tina if you plan to join us to share Jesus with our little ones this summer!
9AM, Landes Basement Jr. & Sr. High Sunday gatherings
Midweek Gathering
Landes Basement Jr. High, 6-8PM, Sr. High, 7-9PM
Educational Enrichment Discipleship
Rev. Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING
Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 165 To register visit: vpc.church/encore Registration is open for the following lectures: Wednesday, April 6: Nancy Burgess Arizona Auto Adventure: Clarence Boynton’s 1913 Travelogue Thursday, April 7: VPC’s own Hutch Davis A Career of Making Electric Power Wednesday, April 13: Sterling Foutz Turquoise History and Industry Thursday, April 14: Marshall Cole , WWII Paratrooper Spring Forward! Encore is looking ahead and we are busy making plans for the Fall. We invite you to share your ideas with us. What classes would interest you? Do you know someone who would like to teach a class? Make new friends and share your faith story – become an Ambassador. We have a place for YOU. Contact Tracy.
Wednesday Class Beliefs and Practices of the First-Century Church*
Every other Wednesday, February 17 - April 27 6-7:30PM, Calvin Center Instructor: Dr. Andrew Pitts This course looks in detail at the beliefs and practices of the earliest Christians, as represented in the New Testament.
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
Mother’s Day Men’s Chorus
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Rehearsal, Wednesday, May 4, 7:30AM, Choir Room Sing Sunday, May 8, 9AM, Sanctuary We invite all men to join the men of the Chancel Choir on Mother’s Day. This is a great opportunity with a short time commitment. All are welcome!
Thursdays, 7:30-9PM, Member homes Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Come and enjoy fellowship and friendship, whether you’re in college or starting your career. Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church We are encouraging this community group to attend one of the Wednesday night classes and look for info about social and service projects. Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Connects families with older kids, singles, and blended families. Bible study, social events, and service projects. Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Sarah Burnette: sarahwiggins@gmail.com Empty nesters celebrating the opportunity to grow together in faith and fellowship. 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Judith Robins: judithrobins4386@msn.com Active seniors gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Thursday Fellowship: April 14, 3PM Mexican Train, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room April 7, 3PM Card Making, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: April 21, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com
Sports Ministry: Della Berg: dellab@vpc.church, 480-991-6242 ext. 168 • Men’s Basketball: adults, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM • Youth Basketball: ages 8-16, Sundays, 1-3PM, Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45PM • Line Dancing: adults, Fridays, 10AM-noon • Martial Arts: ages 5 & up, Thursdays 4:30-5:30PM • Pickleball: ages 8-108, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays 6-8PM • Sportball: ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15PM
Stayed tuned for a new class coming in June. Join the fun and fellowship!
*Childcare available by reservation (0-10) To reserve space email: nursery@vpc.church
All activities in Landes Center unless noted.
VPC Leadership Opportunities Called to Lead: Be a part of the future of VPC We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. -Romans 12:7
Music & Arts Minister of Music
Community Groups: For more information visit: vpc.church/community_groups
Summer Music Opportunities
As the choir takes a much deserved break during the summer, we are looking for musicians to participate in our worship services. If you sing or play an instrument and would like to be a part of worship on Sundays during the summer, contact Jennifer. We are looking for soloists and people who would like to be a part of a small ensemble. This is a great way to “get your feet wet” in the music department and add to worship.
Do you feel God is calling you to take a leadership role at VPC? Do you know someone who would make a great leader? VPC is beginning the annual process of getting recommendations for three important leadership opportunities: Elder- Lead specific ministry areas within the church Deacon- Provide care and compassion to those in need Foundation Trustee- Manage investments for ministry needs The All-Church Nominating Committee (ACNC) is eager to hear your suggestions. Contact either chair: Joan Nastro, jcnastroaz@aol.com or 5 Ed Glady, edward.glady@sandersparks.com
Care & Support
Church News Deacons – Ministry of Care and Compassion
Congregational Care
David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Tammy Milne: tammym@vpc.church
Remembrances
Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of: Robert Hulley Mary Bisbee Cornelia Snoey Joyce Jennings Oscar Butt Marjorie Walker Delores Robinson Ronnie Weingart Lois Galat Sergei Snegireff Oletta Hollis
Service of Remembrance
Sunday, April 10, at 10AM, following 9AM service, Memorial Garden
Mental Health Ministry Information Mental Health 24-hour crisis line: 602-222-9444 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Call today. Help is available.
When we think about putting our faith into practice, we might think about the work of our Deacons. In the book of Acts, as the early church grew, the disciples brought believers together to prayerfully select seven people and appointed them for a ministry of care and compassion. So what does this ministry that our Deacons are called to look like at VPC? Here are examples of three of the Deacon ministry areas: Baby Welcome We love to celebrate new babies! It’s a great way to make a wonderful connection with a young families and encourage them as they raise their child in the life of our church family. Communion Prep This is a fun-loving team meets the Saturday before communion Sunday and prior to special worship services to prepare the elements of the bread and cup. They ensure the elements are prepared so the focus of our worship is experiencing the presence of our Lord. Lay Hospital Chaplains This ministry of encouragement with those who are in the hospital or rehabilitation or recovery centers offers brief visits, a smile, and prayer in those times when encouragement and a friendly face is most needed.
Learn more about Deacon ministries and see a full list: vpc.church/deacons
Presbyterian Women workshop)
Words are powerful, inspiring, and encouraging! Fun workshop where we will create a canvas that can be used to direct our days and decorate our spaces through scripture, favorite quotes, or meaningful sayings. You will leave with a joy filled spirit and a masterpiece in your hand. No art skills required. Bring a friend and be entered to win a manicure and pedicure.
Set Free-Women’s Overnight Retreat
April 8-10, Chapel Rock Conference Center, Prescott Leslie Woodard: lesliew@vpc.church Waiting list! Register and facts: vpc.church/women
With Joy Retreats creates a sacred space to rest, learn and worship. Speaker Ginger Ciminello and Life Coach Carey Bailey provide fresh Biblical perspectives for applying the transformative power of God’s truth to our day-to-day reality.
2016 Women’s Ministry Bible Study* Every other Thursday, 7-8:45PM, Calvin Center Every other Friday, 9-10:45AM, Calvin Center Leslie Woodard: lesliew@vpc.church Study: Seamless by Angie Smith.
This study covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture.
Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, April 12 Mary: 9:30AM, Jeanne Campo/Barbara McCreary Westminster Village Saguaro Room, 480-994-4116 Wednesday, April 13 Esther: 9:30AM, Pat Ciccone’s home, 480-948-7608 Naomi: 11:30AM, Iris Colbert’s home, 480-990-1298 Rebekah: 9:30AM, Mary Lorenz’s home, 480-951-0343 Rachel: 9:30AM, Lara Robinson, 602-867-1570 VPC Chapel Parlor Ruth: 12PM, Ruth Rehfeldt, 480-991-6424 VPC Fireside Room
PW Luncheon & Speaker
Downton Abbey Luncheon and Hat Fashion Show April 27, 11:30AM, Landes Center, $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, April 22 Speaker: Shirley Avery, Designer and entertainer Where a hat if you have one. All are welcome.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)* 6
Mission giving was discussed. Session would like to have fewer mission projects so each can make a larger impact. Currently the Mission Committee and other committees around our campus are giving to many projects which is splintering our overall mission effectiveness. David and Mary Ann Winter were confirmed as the Valley Presbyterian Church recipients of the Senior Service Award of the Presbytery of the Grand Canyon. $10,000 was approved for air conditioning repairs around campus; more funds will probably be needed. In March, Session approved repairing the roof on the 400 building. A new Protection Policy focusing on children under 18 has been researched and was put into effect. Session approved entering into a license agreement with Right Now Media. This allows VPC members of all ages to have access to classes and other educational material from home. The kick-off and training will launch April 17. There was a report on the PV4Africa mission project; the committee felt it was a great first year start.
2016 Per Capita $34 per member
Quotable Canvas*
Friday, April 8 & 22, 9:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@vpc.church
At the February meeting, Session welcomed a report from Vicki Tatum, chairman for the Organ Renovation Project, and her committee members, Bob Turpin, Paul Paige, and Jennifer Hamm. They discussed why the sanctuary organ must be renovated. Renovation will take about three years- 18 months until the project can begin, and 18 months to complete. This gives a window to raise about $1 million to fund the project. One VPC member has donated $40,000 to the Valley Presbyterian Foundation for the deposit. Session approved the payment of $40,000 from the Foundation as a deposit for the restoration of the organ in the Sanctuary. The committee already has other gift requests out. New Deacons and Elders were ordained or installed in February.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me. Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
Women Sunday, April 17, VPC Campus, 3:30-6:30PM Register: vpc.church/women Cost? $20 (Ticket scholarships one at-risk youth to attend an art
News from Session
MOPS is a ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Open to moms throughout the community.
*Childcare available by reservation (0-5) To reserve space email: nursery@vpc.church
What is ‘Per Capita’?
SESSION Mary Artigue Sarah Brammer David Eaton Jim Gabler Ed Glady Lisa Keylon Gary Green Michele Ingram Sam Kelsall Kirby Kongable Richard Lockwood Darrah MacDougall Joan Nastro Roy Schumacher Marge Sellers Cheryl Ann Shaff Janel Willert Matt Winter Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
Finance
A part of belonging to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), each church pays a predetermined amount to bring leaders together and serve the denomination. The amount for each congregation is determined by the number of members. Valley Presbyterian Church covers the $34 per member, but every reimbursement coming in designated “Per Capita” allows us to support other areas of outreach.
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Valley Presbyterian Church Finances Year to Date through February 29, 2016 Actual Total income $401,600 Total expense $368,900 Difference $32,700
Foundation Scholarships Available
Legacy Dinner 2016
Memorial Garden
Net proceeds from the event are estimated just under $100,000! This money will not only supplement ministry funds for VPC, but also provide immediate funding for landscaping improvements around the Chapel, a street sign at the McDonald Drive entrance, and renovation of the restrooms outside the Sanctuary.
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Applications and guidelines are available for college scholarships online: vpc.church/foundation Accepting applications through May 1.
Since 1977, the Memorial Garden at VPC has provided a beautiful setting for interment of VPC members and other loved ones. Of our 1,019 spaces, 187 are currently available for $2000 each. Each space includes a cast bronze plaque and may be used for up to two urns. We also have a Memorial Wall at the north side of the Garden. Plaques may be placed on the wall in memory of a loved one who may be interred elsewhere. The cost for a wall placement plaque is $750. Money from each sale goes into our Memorial Garden fund managed by Valley Presbyterian Foundation. Earnings on the fund support landscaping and maintenance of the Garden. If you have questions about the Memorial Garden, please contact Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church.
Thank you to all who celebrated Valley Presbyterian Foundation’s 40th Ruby Anniversary on March 18 at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. It was a fun and successful event for the Foundation and VPC, which it supports.
This wonderful event would not have been possible without the tireless work of the many volunteers, the many donors of auction and raffle items, and the participants. Thanks again to all who supported this annual event in the life of our church. Photos from the event can be seen at: ImagesByBillPhillips.com
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New VPC website visit:
vpc.church
We are excited to share with you an updated and enhanced way to communicate God’s story at VPC and all the events and programs to connect with others and the Lord!
new series starts April 3
Valley Presbyterian Church
Sunday Worship Times
Kilgore Chapel, 8 & 11:45AM
Sanctuary, 9AM
Landes Center, 10:30AM
Communion
April 3
Pastors
David Joynt, David Turner,
Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto,
Kelsey Woodruff
The VALLEY VINE USPS 621-060, is published monthly by VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Periodical Postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342