VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
August 2016
Volume 61, Number 7
Encouragement is oxygen to the soul. Dear friends, Thank you for your prayers, care, and encouragement. This has been an intense and challenging summer, with my wife, Julia, undergoing serious back surgery, and our son, Tristan, undertaking the second in a three-part series of oral surgeries. The wonderful support of the VPC community has made all the difference. Your cards have provided small bursts of warmth and joy. Your inquiries have given us the feeling of being encircled by concern. Your visits have brought smiles and cheer. Your cooking has relieved the pressure and added 12 pounds to my waistline! Your prayers have made all the difference. What could have been a time of sheer endurance, has been a time of blessing!
A member of our congregation helped us find and connect with Julia’s exceptional surgeon, Dr. Marciano. Another member helped Tristian through his trauma and his master’s thesis, with the gift of a laptop. There is a deep sense of compassion in our community and a remarkable generosity of spirit. We feel very blessed to be here! Our theme for the fall is “Together for Tomorrow.” It will be great fun to celebrate our 60th Anniversary on November 6, 2016, crowning six decades of faithfulness. And it will be exciting to look forward and consider all that God has brought us together for, at this moment, to accomplish. The U.S. landscape is littered with congregations that have succumbed to their generational challenges. They can celebrate their yesterdays, but due to decline, they are unable to embrace their tomorrows. But let me encourage you. VPC is a congregation that has not only a special past—it also has a great Kingdom future. Yours in faith,
SUMMER SERMON SERIES
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: Building strong marriages
Highlighted Events
Members Ellen and Aaron Parrot took The Marriage Course the last time it was offered at VPC, and had a great experience. We’re offering the course again this fall, starting September 7! The Marriage Course is set over a meal, and each couple sits together. “We enjoyed the way the course was set up to create a special space and time to be with your spouse,” said Ellen. “ We also enjoyed being able to have time to discuss the various topics presented, uninterrupted.”
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
“We would encourage couples of all ages and relationship stages to attend,” remarked Aaron. “It truly is a blessing to just slow down, connect, and enjoy a meal together, while at the same time learning to improve the relationship God has gifted you with.”
Sunday, August 14 9 & 10:30AM Worship Services
This year Ellen and Aaron will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with their kids, Micah (6) and Cira (3). Have questions about The Marriage Course? Email Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church.
THE MARRIAGE COURSE Wednesdays, September 7–October 12 6–8:00PM, Calvin Center Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto Cost: $30, register by August 29 Registration information coming soon
SUNDAY SCHOOL KICKOFF
Sunday, August 14 (Sunday School classes start Aug. 21)
Mission & Service Opportunities to serve: Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church If you have questions or would like to get involved in our mission efforts below, contact Chris. MentorKids USA Mondays, starting August 15 Work with students in their after school program. Family Promise September 11-18 VPC will be housing four Family Promise families. Contact Chris to host, make a meal, or spend the night. Sunday School teachers needed! Training August 10, 6:30PM, The Crossing Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church Is God calling you to share your faith with the next generation? Contact Tina to learn all the different ways you can help! Church Office phone receptionist Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Four-hour shifts available Monday-Friday. No experience necessary. Training provided.
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Navajo Elementary Thank you for helping kick off another successful year at Navajo Elementary School! Because you care about our Title 1 neighborhood school, every teacher received school supplies to start the year. Also, through our partnership with Healthy Packs, every student in need will get food for the weekend.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
SAVE THE DATE: COOKS’ TOUR 2016
11:45, Landes Center, Free
Friday, November 4, 2016 Co-chairs: Wandie Hulick, 602-316-3372 Jeanne Campo: 480-994-4116 Annual event benefiting our community and the world. If interested in getting involved, supporting or learning more about this one-day event contact either co-chair. Crafters Tuesdays, 9AM, Calvin Center, Margaret: 480-483-2609 We are working on items to sell at Cooks’ Tour 2016.
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!
Kitchen Treasures
Kathy Arner: 480-739-4291 Provide your special touch by making delicious homemade foods to sell at Cooks’ Tour 2016.
FALL KICKOFF
Friday, August 26
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Starts September 1 & 2
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Students & Families CHILDREN Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church Last Summer Sunday School August 7, 3 years-1st grade Sunday School teacher training August 10, 6:30-8PM, The Crossing 104 Is God calling you to share your faith with the next generation? Contact Tina to learn all the different ways you can help! Blessing of the Backpacks & Kickoff Lunch August 14, 9 & 10:30AM Worship Services Don’t miss out on this special time to celebrate our children. Kick-Off Lunch at 11:45AM. Children bring their backpacks to worship. Kick-Off lunch includes bounce houses and baby roller coasters! First Sunday of Sunday School August 21, Re-register on-line today: vpc.church/sunday-school-registration We ask all Sunday School families to make sure their information is updated annually! Take-It-Home event, parents of 3 year olds! August 28, 10:30AM, Room 415-416 Whether your family is new to Sunday School or not, come meet other parents and learn about our Sunday School program!
Get Connected Family Back to School Pool Party August 28, 4:30PM, contact Tina for more information. Celebrate the end of summer and have fun with our church family. STUDENTS Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church Jr. High Midweek Kickoff Monday, August 22, 6-8PM, Landes Basement Sr. High Midweek Kickoff Wednesday, August 24, 7-9PM, Landes Basement Join us for Midweek on Monday nights for Junior High and Wednesday nights for High School! We do all sorts of crazy awesome events, and always dive into the bible together to learn about the Gospel and how we as Christians should live out our faith. Don’t miss any of the action this fall and always be sure to invite your friends to join us! The Gathering- All students 6th-12th grade Sunday mornings, 9-10:15AM, Landes Basement All students from 6th to 12th grade are invited and encouraged to join as we worship together, engage in the bible together, and have small group time with our grade levels. After the Gathering we encourage all students to join us at our 10:30AM worship service in the Landes Center.
Educational Enrichment Discipleship Rev. Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church, Rev. Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church Childcare: nursery@vpc.church *Childcare available by reservation The Marriage Course* Wednesdays, Sept. 7–Oct. 12, 6–8PM, Calvin Center Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto Cost: $30, registration required by August 29 Registration information coming soon The Marriage Course is a part of Alpha Ministries, designed to strengthen marriages at all stages. Each evening includes a meal served to the couple, a lesson on different topics of married life, and times for the couple to privately discuss each topic. Couples sit at individual tables, there is no public discussion unless the couple would like to talk with our “mentor couple.” The course is based on biblical principles of marriage, but is also helpful for couples from non-religious background. We Bear Witness: A Trial Attorney Examines Testimony of the New Testament* Wednesdays, Sept. 7–Oct. 12, 6:30–7:30PM, Room 409 Facilitator: Ed Glady, no cost/No registration required
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Some view the New Testament as a collection of “nice” stories and letters on par with a Dickens novel or a Hemingway story – perhaps interesting, at times informative, but more fiction than reality. However, the New Testament powerfully testifies to the truth of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Spend six weeks with a trial attorney as we examine the testimony of those who authored the components of the New Testament. We can rely on the content of the words and memories found in scripture to guide us closer to Christ and the life He wants us to lead.
Day of Discipleship 2016: “My Story, God’s Glory”* Saturday, September 24, 9AM-Noon, Landes Center Facilitators: Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Kelsey Woodruff, Ed Glady What does it mean to be a “disciple” of Jesus Christ? When Jesus gathered his group of twelve disciples, He simply said, “follow me.” The Day of Discipleship is an opportunity to learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus today. We begin by asking, “what does ‘discipleship’ mean?” Then we will focus on discipleship as a story that reflects God’s glory. An internationally renowned speaker will share his story of how God has worked through him. Finally, we will have the opportunity to reflect and interact with our individual stories as a reflection of God’s work. This is an opportunity to hear Jesus say “follow me” to you right here and right now.
Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church 480-991-6424 ext. 165 Learn more: encoreuniv.org ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING®
Fall Term: October 11-November 17 Registration available, online, encoreuniv.org, or by mail. Catalogs available in EU office. Save the Dates… Saturday, October 22: Pat McMahon, TV and Radio Host Saturday, November 19: Jerry Colangelo, Business & Sports Executive
Community Groups
For information visit: vpc.church/community_groups A place to study God’s word, build relationships, serve others, and grow deeper in your faith. Contact Chris for upcoming social and service projects. Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church Watch for upcoming social and service projects on VPC website. Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Bible study, social events, and service projects. Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Gloria Gabler: gigabler@gmail.com Empty nesters grow together in faith and fellowship. 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Judith Robins: judithrobins4386@msn.com Seniors gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM Calvin Center Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com
Inquirer Class
Sunday, October 23, 12:30PM, Fireside Room Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers?
For more information call Jane Russell: 480-694-1186 Register online: vpc.church/inquirer
Final Sunday Summer Lunch
August 14, 11:45AM, Landes Center, Free Everyone is invited to VPC’s Last Summer Lunch! Join us after the 10:30AM service for good food and fellowship in a wonderful air conditioned building! Lunch is free but donations are accepted. RSVP is appreciated but not required: vpc.church/event-calendar
SPORTS MINISTRY
All activities in Landes Center
Della Berg: dellab@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 168 Sportball Begins September 7, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15PM, ages 3-5 Men’s Adult Basketball Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM Grandmaster Han’s Martial Arts of AZ Thursdays, 4:30-5:30PM Pickleball Thursdays, 6-8PM Adult Line Dance Fridays, 10AM-noon Youth Basketball Sundays, 1-2PM, 2-3PM, ages 8-16
Music & Arts Minister of Music
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church Choir Potluck August 31, 6PM, Fireside Room New members welcome! This is a great opportunity to come meet the choir members, fellowship, and sing a little! Contact Jennifer for more information. Valley Ringers Rehearsal Resumes September 7, 5:30PM, Handbell Room I am so excited to share our handbells have been totally refurbished for the fall and are in perfect working order! You should join, you don’t need to know how to read music, but a heart for music is needed.
Choir Rehearsal Starts Again! September 7, 7:30PM, Music Room We are seeking new members to sing in the choir. Singing in choir is good for your body, soul, and mental health. Singing in choir elevates your spirit, soothes pain, boosts heart health and helps your memory. And what better way to glorify God than through song!
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Care & Support
Church News
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: Donald Few Christine Grinnell Doris Hayes
LaVonne Mulder Allan Winter
Mental Health Ministry Book Discussion Tuesday, September 13, 6-7:30PM, Fireside Room Elizabeth Weiss, esweiss1231@gmail.com, 480-699-2982 In Patrick Kennedy’s best-selling book, A Common Struggle the former congressman and youngest son of late Senator Ted Kennedy details his personal and political battle with mental illness and addiction. He explores mental health care’s history in the country and his and other families’ private struggles. VPC’s Mental Health Ministry educates the congregation about mental illness, reduces shame and stigma, and supports those afflicted and those who love them. Join us as we discuss Kennedy’s thoughtful look at how shame and stigma kept his family from receiving the help they needed. Join us to learn more about the breakthroughs in diagnoses, treatments, and health care for mental illness. The book is available at local libraries, at Amazon.com, and most local bookstores.
SESSION
News from Session
Pet Pause: Therapy Dog Ministry Interested in having one of our Pet Pause visitors bring some cheer and a wagging tail to your home? Contact Tammy Milne. Visits begin in September Our furry friends are waiting for your call! Divorce Recovery-Discovering Hope & Thriving Again! Mondays, September 19-October 31 6:15-7:30PM, Room 409 Registration: vpc.church/drcare Where do you turn when hope seems distant? For many going through a separation or divorce, feelings of hurt mix with anger and confusion about how to move forward. We want to encourage you and give you the tools to thrive. VPC is offering a new seven-week Divorce Recovery program designed for men and women at any stage of the divorce process. Each week covers a different topic and is followed by group discussion. Meeting others on the same journey as you, and gaining insights for healing, are vital for moving healthily forward. Contact Tammy Milne for information.
Session met in July. At that time, the Valley Presbyterian Day School gave its annual report. Ashley Case, Board President, reported the school has had a fantastic year! The four-week summer program had approximately 40 children each week, which was nearly double last year’s numbers. The program was full, with 124 students, this past year. There is a wait list for 2016-2017. A motion passed by Session in 1988 stating proceeds from the sale of plots for the Memorial Garden be distributed to Valley Presbyterian Foundation (VPF) until a perpetual care fund of $140,000 was established. After that, funds would go to Valley Presbyterian Church (VPC). This was never enacted. The value of the Memorial Garden fund was $383,000 on May 31, 2016. Based on this, a motion was passed to transfer $156,000 from VPF to the church for 78 plots sold since mid-2009, at a cost of $2,000 each. Further, a motion was passed updating the funding requirement to provide for annual earnings to maintain the Memorial Garden ($225,000 x 5 percent, equaling $11,250 annually, for monthly maintenance and seasonal upkeep), specifying a review of the amount every three years. The transfers will be done after the Foundation Trustees review this in September. There was discussion about how to integrate our campus and bring together our worship services. After further discussion, Session decided there should be an evaluation of our entire campus. A motion was passed to have a Master Plan done by an architectural firm that specializes in church campuses at a cost not to exceed $15,000 and to have the Planning and Organization Committee form a sub-committee, chaired by Jim Unruh, to oversee the plan. The Planning and Organization Committee recommended requiring a one-time expansive background check for all employees and contractors, including musicians and soloists, to decrease risk and potential liability. The motion passed.
Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
VPC finances year-to-date as of June 30, 2016 Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Women MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers) Kick-Off and Playdate!* Friday, August 26, 9-11AM, Landes Center Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@vpc.church VPC is excited for MOPS to begin again! Join us for a great time of connecting and play as we launch the new year. Women’s Bible Study: Pulling the Thread by Jen Hatmaker* Begins September 1 & 2 Thursdays, 6:30PM, Room 415 Fridays, 9AM, Room 415 Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Registration information coming soon!
Be Still: 2016 Women’s Breakfast Speaker: Jeannie McCoy September 17, 7:30AM-noon, Orange Tree Golf Resort Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church Speaker: Jeannie McCoy Registration information coming soon! Presbyterian Women Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com Circles, Luncheon and Speaker (resume in September) Remain active and volunteer for one of the many Cooks’ Tour opportunities. Contact Wandie.
*Childcare available by reservation (0-6) Register & childcare: nursery@vpc.church
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Total Income Total Expense Income minus expenses
Actual $1,223,000 $1,147,000 $76,000
Budget $1,338,000 $1,159,000 $179,000
Giving has never been easier! Deficit -$115,000 $12,000 -$103,000
We are thankful for all your generosity. The summer is a challenging season, with high AC costs and increased electrical demand. We would gratefully receive whatever additional gifts and offerings you can provide during this time.
11:45AM Worship Service Summer Break
The 11:45AM worship service is on summer break resuming Sunday, September 4.
There are several ways you can support VPC’s ministries and be a part of God’s work in the Valley and around the world: Online: vpc.church/give Register and give quickly and easily. Information is SSL encrypted and never shared with third parties Text: 480-372-8548 You can text to give anytime!
Foundation Fund the Need update
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Support for these projects received at this year’s Legacy Dinner are already at work! Check here for monthly updates.
Men A New Perspective: 2016 Men’s Retreat Lead by Rev. Bryan Fergus Teaching pastor at Calvary Community Church and past VPC class instructor September 30-October 2, Prescott Pines Camp David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Registration: vpc.church/men
Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.
Mary Artigue Sarah Brammer David Eaton Jim Gabler Ed Glady Gary Green Michele Ingram Sam Kelsall Lisa Keylon Kirby Kongable Richard Lockwood Darrah MacDougall Joan Nastro Roy Schumacher Marge Sellers Cheryl Ann Shaff Janel Willert Matt Winter
What we see and experience impacts how we live, but often our field of vision is less than perfect. What would it be like if our vision for Christ was brought into sharp focus? If seeing Christ better is something you’re interested in, our Men’s Fall Retreat is for you! We will look at new perspectives for how Jesus calls us to live through his teaching on the Sermon on the Mount. Our weekend will be a chance to relax and enjoy an array of recreational activities, including indoor basketball, rock wall, a high ropes course, horse shoes, swimming pool, miles of hiking trails, and much more.
Chapel Area Landscaping
McDonald Drive Church Sign Sanctuary Area Bathrooms, “Renew the Loo”
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Beginning September 11: Celebrate our past and embrace our tomorrow
Valley Presbyterian Church
Sunday Worship Times
Kilgore Chapel, 8AM
Sanctuary, 9AM
Landes Center, 10:30AM
Communion
August 7
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