FOCUS
VPC Sanctuary Christmas Tree The Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary is always festively decorated, but did you know the significance behind the decor?
Christmas Memorials
We invite you to donate a Christmas poinsettia in honor of loved ones. Deadline for acknowledgment in the Christmas Eve bulletin is tomorrow, December 17. We will be accepting donations ($15) through Christmas. Proceeds benefit Family Promise. Order online: vpc.church/christmas or fill out card available in all worship centers and in the church office.
The lit Bethlehem star with eight points which tops the tree is a symbol of Epiphany when the Wise Men visited baby Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew the Wise Men were guided from the East. White doves symbolize peace, purity, love, and the Holy Spirit. The glass ball ornaments in white, silver, and red suggest moons, stars, and planets expressing heaven's beauty on earth. May we feel joy and peace as we celebrate the beauty of our Christmas tree!
VPC MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY vpc.church/mentalhealth
Coping with the holidays Loneliness and isolation can be a concern for many people during the holidays. • Pick up a winter hobby or join a group. This will give you planned interactions. • Volunteer with a local non-profit. It is humbling and rewarding and you may just make some new friends. • Keep on the lookout for free holiday activities happening in your community. • If you know that you have a tough time during this season, tell people to check up on you. -Canadian Mental Health Assoc./Alberta
Update Dear Valley Presbyterian Church, Working among you as a fundraiser and campaign director for the last 12 months has been a blessing in many ways. I am excited about the forthcoming renovations but a more exciting and deeper blessing has been learning about what God is doing in and through many of you, His faithful followers! Watching and experiencing your generosity has been wonderful. So far, more than 250 VPC households and the Valley Presbyterian Foundation have committed $9,003,300! More important to me than the actual pledges and gifts is learning how God motivates each one of us to be generous. One $200 gift stands out to me. A gentleman came to my office one Monday after hearing me explain the project during Sunday worship. He asked for a pledge form and stated that he and his wife can’t afford much because of recent bills and difficult health issues. He stated with enthusiasm “I think this is an amazing project and we want to be sure to be part of it!” Music to my ears! It is not the amount that matters, but our faith in God and what God is doing at VPC. It is my hope that everyone will want to be part of making A New Heart for the Valley a reality.
What We Don’t Know About Trauma: Unique Causes and Solutions Saturday, January 12, Fuller Seminary (1110 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ) 8:30-11:45AM, $40/$15 students Register: vpc.church/care
We have a challenge gift in front of us that will cover the last $500,000 if we can raise the remaining $1,196,000 needed to reach the goal (it’s getting smaller every week). I hope you will pray and give whatever God leads you to give so you too can say, “I want to be part of making A New Heart for the Valley happen.” Pledges can be paid over three years. If you cannot give at this time, please commit to praying for success and that A New Heart for the Valley will not only be physical transformation but a spiritual one for VPC!
This practical workshop will focus on the impact of loss, crisis and trauma on each family member – parents, spouses, and children. Trauma events, including sudden incidents, long-term terminal situations, etc., will be discussed as well as the impact of trauma on the brain. Newest research and counseling approaches will be shared.
Advent Blessings, Rev. Keith Kerber
Care & Support
Please pray for those recovering from recent medical procedures:
Lyn Ambrose, Lynn Black, Pat Ciccone, Gloria Diefenderfer, Helen Farmin, Brian Fisher, Gary Green, John Hale, Barbara Jewett, Jo Ann Jones, Kay Koeb, Carl Lauer, Jim Lawrence, June Lightburne, Carole Marr, Jan McKenzie, Dee Melde, Dorothy Nern, Ron Norris, Nancy Savoy, Nancy Sumner, Ellie Van Denburgh, Kotzie Wheeler, Andrea Winius, Anna Wyatt
Memorial Service: Ruth Napier, Orangewood Presbyterian Church, December 19, 2PM Prayer Chain: 480-991-6424, prayers@vpc.church
We welcome requests confidentially for you or someone else. Please have permission from the individual before placing your request.
week of December 16, 2018
Christmas Eve Valley Presbyterian Church
3PM* SANCTUARY Valley Singers
5PM* SANCTUARY
Chancel Choir, Worship Band
7PM SANCTUARY Valley Singers
9PM CHAPEL
Worship Band, communion
Candlelighting at all services
Pledge Today. Let’s fully fund A New Heart for the Valley in 2018! View Renderings, Videos, Testimonials and Frequently Ask Questions at: vpc.church/anewheart Contact Rev. Keith Kerber at 480-991-6424, ext.165 or keithk@vpc.church.
VPC News
Church offices closed December 25 & 26 In observance of the Christmas holiday.
Church offices closed January 1 In observance of the new year.
*Childcare for 0-2 years available
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 23 9:30AM, Sanctuary with Nativity Pageant
Please pray for those at home or in a care facility:
Carolyn Bathurst, Kathryn Bennett, Joyce Black, Herb Blinn, Charles Buckley, Bonnie Domaz, Lester Goss, Roger Fercho, Donna Gardner, Norma Jean Garity, Corenthel Green, Luella Gross, Sara Hammond, Louella Hermanson, Jean Hiser, Jeannette Huggins, Evelyn Jenkins, Heather Kirk, Claire Kooi, Jim Lorenz, John Mueller, Lois Nuernberg, Joyce Newlon, Mary Strasser, Virginia Tatum, Helen Wolfe For more information about those in our community, call Tammy: 480-991-6424 x163
Valley Presbyterian Church
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, 480-991-6424 vpc.church Pastors: David M. Joynt, David L. Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Travis Kingma
Nativity Pageant Rehearsal: December 22, 10AM-Noon Email Tina to RSVP: tinag@vpc.church