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
Welcome to VPC New to VPC? We’re glad you’re here! Let us know about you by filling out the Friendship Pad. Visit the Welcome Center after worship to learn more about VPC!
If you’re here with kids
We have several fun and safe opportunities for kids from birth through high school: Nursery: Infants-2 years 8:45-11:45AM Sunday School: 3 years-5th grade 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM Student Gathering: Middle & High School 9AM, Landes Basement If your kids stay in worship, check out the worship activity cart in each worship center.
Why we are here VPC is a community that believes God calls us to be in relationship. Sunday morning worship is a time to gather, connect, and give thanks to the Creator who loves us without end.
Get connected at VPC Want to learn more about what’s going on at VPC? Grab a Ministry Brochure, visit the Welcome Center after worship or visit vpc.church for information about classes, events, opportunities to serve, and anything you see in the FOCUS. *Childcare available by reservation: nursery@vpc.church
Wednesdays starting January 16, 2019 Learn more and register:
vpc.church/oasis
explore life faith meaning
Childcare available
C.S. Lewis:
His Story, Works, and Theology
Believers can renew and deepen their understanding of core Christian doctrines. Seekers will find a comfortable, safe place to learn and ask questions. Bring a friend!
VPC Hosting Family Promise: December 23-30 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Looking for a way to serve during the holidays? VPC is hosting Family Promise families. This is a meaningful way to give back and help during a season that is filled with need. Family Promise rescues homeless families from the streets, provides emergency shelter, and basic needs. Family Promise partners with VPC to provide safe overnight shelter, food, and compassion to families in crisis. Contact Chris if interested in getting involved.
Christmas Eve Valley Presbyterian Church
SANCTUARY
3PM* Valley Singers 5PM* Chancel Choir, Worship Band 7PM Valley Singers
CHAPEL
Watch our stories alphausa.org/stories
THE ALPHA COURSE 6-8PM, Room 415/416
Who We Are: Family Promise
C.S. Lewis: Part 1 with Dr. Grayson Carter 6-7PM, Chapel, Free A close-up look into the story, works, and theology of C.S. Lewis. For several years, Dr. Carter served as the editor-in-chief of the C.S. Lewis Journal, exploring the global impact of C.S. Lewis’ life.
9PM Worship Band, communion Candlelighting at all services *Childcare for 0-2 years available
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 23 9:30AM, Sanctuary with Nativity Pageant Nativity Pageant Rehearsal: December 22, 10AM-Noon Email Tina to RSVP: tinag@vpc.church
The Art of Marriage 6-7:30PM, Room 412, Free Biblically-centered teaching and real-life stories highlighting the challenges and beauty of God's design for marriage. Spend time exploring the unique way God has made you for each other!
Holy Yoga 6-7:30PM, Room 409, $5/class Holy Yoga is a type of yoga practice that combines stretching and movement with worshipful moments and prayer. All levels are welcome, no yoga experience necessary. Bring a yoga mat and a friend!
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 30 9:30AM, Sanctuary
Calendar of Events Sunday, December 16 Worship Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Student Gathering (Middle & High School) Kaleidoscope Community Group Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Sages Community Group Bible Study Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade)
Chapel Nursery Sanctuary Landes Basement Room 409 Rooms 404-417 Nursery Landes Center Calvin Center Rooms 404-417 Rooms 404-417
8AM 8:45AM 9AM 9AM 9AM 9:15AM 10:15AM 10:30AM 10:30AM 10:45AM 10:45AM
Monday, December 17 VDS Sunshine Room Christmas Concert
Room 409
11:15AM
Tuesday, December 18 Bridge & Mah Jongg B.O.Y.S. Club Valley Day School Christmas Concert Boy Scout Troop 441
Fireside Chapel Parlor Room 409 Landes Center
9AM 9:30AM 11:15AM 7PM
Wednesday, December 19 Valley Day School Christmas Concert Presbyterian Women Luncheon Saguaro High School Choir Holiday Songs Oasis Childcare (0-5 y.o.) Advent Study: The Four Gospels Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sanctuary Landes Center Chapel Nursery Chapel Choir Room
11:15AM 11AM 12:30PM 5:30PM 6PM 7:30PM
Thursday, December 20 Men’s Basketball Sages Community Group-Card Making
Landes Center Fireside Room
6:30AM 1PM
Friday, December 21 Line Dance Alcoholics Anonymous
Landes Basement Landes Center
10AM 7:30PM
Saturday, December 22 Nativity Pageant Rehearsal
Sanctuary
9AM
Sunday, December 23 Family Promise-December 23-30 Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Nursery Worship Sanctuary Kaleidoscope Community Group Room 409 Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Rooms 404-417 Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Nursery Sages Community Group Bible Study Calvin Center
9:15AM 9:30AM 9AM 9:45AM 10:15AM 10:30AM
Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Worship Worship
2:45PM 3PM 4:45PM 5PM 7PM 9PM
Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day Church Office closed Wednesday, December 26 Church Office closed
Nursery Sanctuary Nursery Sanctuary Sanctuary Chapel