August 2022 Valley Vine

the

Valley Vine

August 2022 Vol. 67, No. 6 Valley Presbyterian Church

IN THIS ISSUE: From the Lakeside Pastor David Joynt

Awaken Café Grand Opening!

Highlighted Events Why They Teach

Stacy Turner, Melissa Brammer, & Debbie Voris

Oasis is coming soon!

What the Flowers are Saying Pastor David Turner

June Session Report Karen Meyer

Introducing new VPC Staff!

Evan Norris & Wes Cates

Office Refresh Kris Bahr

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT

I am writing this newsletter from an old hotel on the shore of Lake Michigan, nestled in the community of Epworth Heights, founded around 1900 by Methodists as a resort and a retreat. Gazing out across the great lake, I remember summers spent on the northern end of Lake Huron, in Canada.

There are constants to lakeside life: the sailboats passing along the horizon, the deep noted sounds of the occasional fog horn from passing freighters or ferries, the sunsets lighting up the western sky in the evening. But there are also variables. The frequent spectacular storms, for instance, shape and reshape the beaches, changing the shoreline from year to year. The vacationers have met for worship each summer Sunday, a spiritual constant for seven generations. But the visiting ministers, like me, change weekly. The congregation too is never constant, births and deaths shift its participants, and there are new arrivals and departures.

Amid life’s constant changes, even well-known places are both familiar and unfamiliar. The same is true of well-known people, even when we turn to our closest relationships, to the people we’ve bound our lives to in families, friendships, churches, and marriages we face the familiar and unfamiliar. In some ways the ones we love are thesamebutinotherwaysdierent,astheygothrough the seasons of life, the impacts of age, the various tasks and challenges of the moment.

Promises are the most important elements in a changing world. They rest on our trust that God is constantly at work in all the shifting variables, moving us forward to a great end, and shaping us to be better and holier selves.

ThisAugustwebegina4veweeksermonseriesthat examines the challenge of keeping our promises in marriage covenants. It is called Best. Marriage. Ever. We will learn from some of the scriptures most famous couples, including Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, Moses and Zipporah, and Joseph and Mary.

The world’s most famous single advisor on marriage, of course,isJesus.Hewill4gureprominentlyaswell.

It will be hard later this week to leave the 72 degree lakeside weather here in Michigan for the hotter temperatures of the Valley, but I can’t wait to explore these themes with all of you.

Blessings,

Cover art by Element5 Design from Unsplash.

2

Awaken Café Grand Opening Monday, August 15

What you need to know: Awaken hours:

7AM—2PM, Sunday—Friday (closed Saturday)

Awaken menu:

The drink menu is still being finalized, but the café will serve specialized coffee drinks. We will also serve tea and have a small pastry selection!

Take the Awaken Challenge:

Do you usually get coffee or tea before church? Do you meet at a coffee shop socially, or for work meetings? We're challenging the VPC community to make Awaken their destination for the next few months— we promise you won't want to go back!

Awaken is hiring!

We are looking for part-time baristas. If you are interested or may know someone who is, email the Awaken Café Manager, Evan Norris.

What will change on Sunday?

The beverages are going to get even better!

Have more questions?

Email Evan: evann@vpc.church 3

Highlighte d

EVENTS

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES IN AUGUST!

New Sermon Series begins August 7

Sunday, August 7, 9 & 10:30AM Worship

This tradition of blessing students (of all ages) from our community as they start the year is one of our favorite Sundays. We welcome all teachers, parents, and school staff to take part in this event as well!

Sunday, August 7 10AM Awaken Café

4

S u n d ay School Kic kof f august 14

SUMMER

Sunday School

Children 3 year old—5th grade Starting Sunday, August 14, 9 & 10:30AM Questions? Email Tina: tinag@vpc.church Register online: vpc.church/children Kids are invited to join their parents at the beginning of worship during the 9 and 10:30AM services, then go with their new teachers to class following the children’s moment.

Please register your kids!

Student Sunday Gathering

Students 6th—12th grade August 14, 9AM, Student Room Parent Information Meeting 9:30AM, Room B108

I'm unable to select this image & text?

BRUNCH

VPC HEALTH & WELLNESS OFFERING

PICKLEBALL 101, Saturday, August 20, 9 or 10:30PM, Landes Center Register: vpc.church/events No previous experience is necessary - we'll provide the equipment (or bring August 7, 10AMwill introduce you to basic paddle skills, scoring, your own). An instructor positioning, and game play. Ages 10 or older welcome.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) KICKOFF! Friday, August 26, 9AM, B106

More details coming soon! Childcare provided.

5

Family

MINISTRY

WHY THEY TEACH

I am so grateful to each and every Sunday School volunteer! Without them Children’s Ministry wouldn’t be possible. Many of our volunteers have full time jobs and still share their time and hearts with the children in our VPC community.

Tina Gilbreath

Director of Family Ministry tinag@vpc.church

Stacy Turner Melissa Brammer Debbie Voris

VPC Sunday School teachers

As we start another school year we thought it would be interesting to hear from three of our volunteers, who also happen to be teachers in their careers! After spending all week in a classroom, these incredible women also choose to spend theirSundaysinadierentclassroom,investinginthelivesofourkids.k you will be as inspired by their stories as I am!

—Tina Gilbreath What does the phrase, "Back to School" mean to you? For families it may mean back to a schedule, nightly homework, and sports or other activities.

For Grandparents maybe it means back to less time spent with their beloved grandchildren. For me it means going from a relaxing time back to a very busy time. It is an exciting time, getting ready for a new group of students and families. I pray for each new school year. I pray for God’s guidance and patience, I pray for the children and their families, I pray that I will not hide my light under a basket but let it shine in the classroom and with my colleagues.

Here's the thing: I LOVE TEACHING! I love the bright, smiling faces that walk into my life. I love the trust and excitement they have for learning. I love relying on God to see how He will work through me to touch each individual heart, and how they will touch mine. It’s fun to build the classroom into a small community.

I remember one instance in the classroom about three years ago, it was time to “Drop Everything and Read!” One of my students took out his Bible and asked me if it was, “ok to read in class.” He had hidden it in his backpack so his mom wouldn’t see it­—he didn’t think his mom would approve. We talked about faith and church, he asked questions about God, and we connected on a personal level and a spiritual level. You never know when God moments like that will appear!

I feel called to serve the Lord through teaching. Like ministry, teaching is all about building relationships with the people we serve. Over the years, I’ve had theopportunitytoworkwithaspeci4cfamilybothintheclassroomandat home. One day, before tutoring the boys, their parents asked me about Christian schools because they were considering a new school for their boys. We talked aboutthedierencesbetweensecularprivateschoolandChristiansc is where they sent the boys after asking me to write a letter of recommendation.

After the beginning the new year I asked the boys for a highlight at their new school. They told me they’d learned a lot about God in chapel but would like to go to Sunday School. I told them to ask their parents, and now they attend church. It is my hope and prayer that my students and families will get a glimpse of the love of Jesus.

6

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me!” (Matthew 19:14). I also love to teach Sunday School­—I spend most of my time in the preschool classes. Sure the kids are cute and love to play on the playground, but don’t misunderstand me, they are also very attentive and are learning a lot about the love and grace of Jesus. I’ve enjoy watching these small children grow into young men and women who love Jesus, do things like volunteer for Vacation Bible School, and serve in ministry. I am fortunate to teach at a school in the same area of town as VPC. It is fun to see my students not only in the classroom but also on Sundays. I love their hugs! I am often reminded of the truth from this Corrie Ten Boom quote: “The best learning I had came from teaching.”

—Stacy Turner

Teaching Sunday school has been a neat experience for me.

I get to watch the children make connections with the Bible stories and be a little part of their faith journey. Some of my favorite moments are when the kids share a “God sighting” of how they see God’s blessings each day. Their little eyes see so much, and the way they see God at work is inspiring. alsolovewhentheyoertoleadthegroupinprayer.

Praying in public can be intimidating! It touches me to see God’s light shine through each child in their own unique way. I learn through the students’ experiences and deepen my connection with God as well.

I have had the privilege of teaching children in Sunday school and public school for many years! I can honestly say I love helping students learn and develop into the next leaders of our country. It is very gratifying to play a role shepherding children during their journey to adulthood.

Although Sunday School teachers and standard classroom teachers nurture children to become productive and healthy adults,theydosoindierentways.

In a standard classroom, teachers give students the skills that they need to acquire new knowledge and become competent decision makers and problem solvers. Public While I do not directly teach about faith as a public school schools play a vital role preparing students to become teacher, I feel called to share God’s love with others. All contributing members of our democracy. Even though I see children desire to be accepted, loved, and appreciated. No my public school students 180 days a year for six hours a matter what background my students have, I want them day, the time I spend with students in Sunday School has a to know that they are loved. There is so much division far greater impact. andcon5ictinourworldrightnowthatisevidenteven in a Kindergarten classroom. The students hear many As a Sunday School teacher I get to support the faith journey dierentviewsandbeliefsonallofthesamecurrent that topics children begin at home with their parents. Public school that adults do which can lead to lots of questions. In the standards can change from year to year, with students classroomweworkonacceptingdierentopinionsandevaluated on how they perform on standardized tests. But seeing each classmate as unique and special. Through in Sunday School, the standards never change! The message the example I try to set, and my style of teaching I hope is always about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Year after to demonstrate patience, understanding, empathy, and year the “beeline to the cross” is taught so children can hear forgiveness, and that my students embrace those qualities and understand the salvation message. In Sunday school as well. we don't look at how well students “perform”—all students are loved right where they are. Our work is so important As mom, Sunday School teacher, and school teacher I feel because we are teaching children the transformational like the role of “teaching” never stops. There are always love of Jesus Christ. Sunday School also gives students the moments to help the kids learn a new skill, whether it be opportunity to participate in Christian fun and fellowship. academic, social, or spiritual. I embrace the fact that I am The games we play and the songs we sing support the doing my best to model God’s love and that I know I make Bible lessons, but they also build relationships among the mistakes along the way. Even my mistakes can be a teaching students. In Sunday School no one worries about grades or moment of God’s forgiveness. There's a passage I keep in homework. They just get to be loved, accepted, and get to my mind and heart when I work with children, “let your light know each other. shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). I pray that I I value the work I do teaching students to read, write, and can be the light for the children and that they will shine their solve complicated math problems. I know teaching them lights for others. social studies and science will make them better citizens. I —Melissa Brammer can teach kindness, collaboration, and perseverance in my classroom. But, as important as these lessons are, they don't do enough to teach children the lessons of life and how to live the life God has designed for each unique person. These are the lessons that they learn in Sunday School. I take my responsibility as a public school teacher very seriously, and I often feel like once I am in my classroom, I have to shoulder that responsibility alone. But in the Sunday school classroom I know that I am never alone! The lessons I teach are not my lessons, but the lessons from the Maker. He has made each one of us and he has the perfect plan for each of us. Rather than value the work done as a Sunday School teacher, I am free to treasure each moment I spend with those precious children. Jesus carries the burden for us.

Sunday School teachers get to enjoy and love our students knowing that their futures are in His good hands.

—Debbie Voris

7

We know you're busy.

That's why VPC has one weekday evening with something for everyone. Classes that help you grow, programs for kids & students, and a meal. Check out everything coming in September!

Oasis Kickoff Carnival

Wednesday, September 7, 5PM, Awaken Plaza

Starting Wednesday, September 14 Faith Beyond Sunday Speaker Series 6-7PM, Sanctuary

Faith, Health & Healthcare: September 14

With Dr. Tony Will, Dr. Gus Armendariz, Banner Gateway CEO Lamont Yoder, & Dr. David Gullen

As A Christian In the Public Square: September 21 With Senator Jon Kyl

Impacting Education & Life-Long Learning: September 28 With Dr. Warren Pettit, Arizona Christian University

Shaping Our Families & the Next Generation: October 5 With Dr. Terry Hargrave, Fuller Theological Seminary

Oasis Kids!

For kids 3 years old—5th grade 6-7:30PM

Back for another great year of play, music, friends, and learning about our great God!

Oasis Students 8

Middle School: 6-7:30PM High School: 7:30-9PM

Flower

MINISTRY

WHAT THE FLOWERS ARE SAYING

When have you been the recipient of a beautiful bouquet of flowers? Was it in celebration of an anniversary or clean bill ofhealth?Maybethe5owersmarkedasomberoccasion,the passing of a loved one or a time of struggle. Chances are, the 5owersmeantmorethanjustasplashofcolor.Eachstem represented someone who cared for you, appreciated you,andrememberedyou.Wegive5owersasawayofsaying, "I love you."

Pastor David Turner Congregational Care davidt@vpc.church

That sentiment, the acknowledgment of a special person or aspecialtime,thewaythat5owersspeaktoourheartan that’s what we want to communicate to everyone who enters the Chapel or Sanctuary on Sunday. It’s more than a decorative display! Flowers are a way we express love and appreciation to those we honor, but they also provide a warm welcome to everyone who gathers to worship our great God. It is another way to simply say, “You are important; you are loved and you are appreciated.”

After welcoming us and reminding us that we’re loved in worship,these5owersgoontoblessothersoutsideoft Chapel and Sanctuary. Through the faithful work of our Deacons every Sunday, bouquets are broken down into smaller arrangements and taken to members of our congregation who are unable to join us in person for worship. These beautiful arrangements carry the same purpose and message: “You are not forgotten; you are important and appreciated.”

tsnotunusualfortherecipientsofthese5owersto get emotional. For many, tears are a sign of their gratitude and appreciation to their church family. I’m constantly moved bythecardsreceiveexpressinghowthe5owersliftedth spirits. These messages speak to their love and gratitude for each of you. One such card came from Corenthel Greene whowrote, Themagni4centarrayofbeautiful5owers received reminds me of God’s creation of a beautiful world.

The beauty of God’s love is expressed in many ways by Valley Presbyterian Church. I am truly blessed to be a part of a loving congregation.”

If you would like to take part in this expression of love extended to everyone who worships with us and those who need a little encouragement, please contact Tammy Gallagher: tammyg@vpc.churchtoschedulea5oraldonation.

God’s Blessing to you always.

9

News from

SESSION

JUNE MEETING REPORT

KrisBahrreportedonalltheactivitiessheoversees,whichincludeall4nance duties, The Property Committee, and the IT Committee. On June 1, Kris celebrated her 28th anniversary at VPC. Session is grateful for Kris and her dedication to VPC! Jon Kyl reported the Negotiation Committee is discussing VPC’s dismissal with the AC Committee of the Presbytery. Any proposal for dismissal will be received and approved by Session before it is delivered to the Presbytery for its consideration and approval.

Karen Gill Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

Jim Arner and Ed Glady updated the Session on the Kiva School construction project. The redevelopmentrequiresanewagreementbetweentheScottsdaleUni4edSchool VPC, which will supersede and replace the 1998 and 2006 agreements. The agreement will allow VPC to use Kiva's parking, Kiva to use VPC’s driveway, and a settlement by the SUSD for giving up the parking lot.

Elizabeth Mills will chair the new VPC Security Team. This Committee will assess, recommend to Session, and then implement a campus wide security plan for VPC. Session did not meet in July. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

—Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer

WELCOME EVAN NORRIS ADDITIONS! & WES CATES! VP C S TAFF

Evan Norris, Awaken Café Manager After an extensive and exhaustive search, Evan joins the VPC team to formally open and manage the Awaken Café. An aspiring entrepreneur, he comes to us after working with local small business Cartel Roasting Co. Evan’s wife, Kayli, is currently working toward her Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary.

EvanlooksforwardtoturningAwakenCaféintoadestinationforcoeelo and a place where people love to gather. He sees this position as an opportunity to invite our congregation and community one step closer to the Lord, and is excited to use Awaken as a tool to bless others in our city.

Wes Cates, Assistant Director, Student Ministries We are so excited to introduce you to VPC’s new Assistant Director of Student Ministry, Wes Cates! Wes and his wife Megan are Arizona natives and high school sweethearts. They have two beautiful, fun, and feisty daughters: Parker and Reagan. Wes earned his BS in Biology with a minor in Christian Ministry in 2013 and his MA in Strategic Ministry in 2015. He served as Student and Family Ministries pastor at a multisite church in Jacksonville, Florida from 2015-2019 before moving backhometoFlagstatohelplaunchacollegeministryandcommunitycent adjacent to Northern Arizona University's campus.

nhisfreetime,youcan4ndWesplayingorwatchingsports,spendingtimewit his family, hunting for collectible HotWheels, or perfecting the culinary arts; speci4callyAmericanBarbeque.

10

As the Assistant Director of Student Ministry, Wes loves helping students and volunteers get to know Jesus and discover the ways that they have been shaped to contribute to their church, community, and world.

Finances &

OPERATIONS OFFICE REFRESH! It all started with a vision by the Property Committee in the summer of 2021.

Do you think there is any waywecould4ndthe funds to freshen up the north end of our campus, andspeci4cally,toreplace the 20+ year old carpet in the Education and Administration buildings, Kris Bahr and maybe do a little Finance & Operations Director painting at the same time?

480-991-6424 ext. 0112 krisb@vpc.church As the Valley Presbyterian Foundation began planning its 2022 annual dinner, the suggestion was made that perhaps the Fund the Need component could fund this much needed project?

On April 1, 2022, that is exactly what happened! Over $77,000 was raised, and that’s all the impetus we needed to start the project.

Under the talented and energetic direction of Becky Bennett, carpet and paint colors were chosen. When theprojectstarted,wedidntanticipatemovingo]ces aspartoftheplan,butstatookadvantageofthe opportunitysincedesksand4leswerealreadyina state of disruption. The Communications Team (along withKoni,thecolorprinter)relocatedtheiro]cesto the4rst5oor,bringingmoreenergyintothatspace.

Beckymetwitheachmemberofstaindetermining what our wishes and needs were, drawing out meticulousmapstoguidestaaswellas5ooringand paintcontractors.Eachmemberofstawitho]ces in the Admin building packed boxes, threw away tons of old material, and pretty much “cleaned house” in anticipation of the upgrades.

On June 29 and 30, the old carpet was entirely removedandnewcarpetinstalledinthesecond5oor classrooms of the Education building. On July 1, work started in the Administration building, and by July 21 all the new carpet was laid and painting completed. By the end of August or mid-September, new blinds will be installed, and a frosted glass wall installed on the main 5oortoencompassthenewcopycenter.

There are so many people to thank for making this a reality. From the Property Committee, who envisioned VPC finances year-to-date as of June 30, 2022: the project, to the Foundation, who made funding Actual $ Budget $ Variance $ possible,tothestawhoallparticipatedingettingIncome the spaces ready. Special thanks go to Becky Bennett for Faith Giving 1,165,400 1,140,000 25,400 Other Income 84,400 48,800 35,600 her design expertise and project management, and to Total Income 1,249,800 1,188,800 61,000 the Facilities Team of Darvin Butler and Raymond Pena (and Jim Arner, honorary member of the team) for all Expense Pastoral Ministry 235,000 237,000 2,000 their heavy lifting, moving furniture up and down and Admin & Facility 560,500 552,600 -7,900 all around.

Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care 52,800 26,300 -26,500 Please stop by the office and say “Hi” and check out our new digs!

Christian Education 178,000 201,000 Worship & Music 148,900 152,400 Total Expense 1,175,200 1,169,300

Net Income less Expense

74,600

19,500

23,000 3,500 -5,900

55,100

11

VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

12

New Sermon Series begins August 7

NON-PROFIT PERIODICAL 621-060 SCOTTSDALE AZ