VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
December 2015
Volume 60, Number 11
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulder; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6
Dear friends, As the clock ticks, I write this newsletter under the growing pressure to meet a looming deadline. What a telling word “deadline” is! It evokes the picture of a physical line beyond which life, as we know it, comes to an end. Every target time associated with every task becomes a moment tinged with finality, a threatening border of dread. Is it not a strange way to emphasize the importance of timeliness and efficiency, by making the possibility of lateness seem like a mortal failure? The Christian faith, too, has its sense of urgency, but for a believer, deadlines become lifelines. Every task lives not under the shadow of death and failure, but under the hope of never-ending life. Urgency rests not on fear but on excitement and anticipation—our words and deeds are part of the way the Kingdom is coming. Our tasks become offerings to the One who holds time and eternity in His hands.
This Christmas we explore how the hope of Isaiah became real and personal in Jesus’ birth and life. We celebrate the Advent of the Wonderful Counselor, who is also a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace. Each of these names brings assurance and blessing. His first arrival strengthens our confidence in his final return, and our current experience of his grace and presence lets us live with a greater confidence than the prophet. As we pray and work toward the peace and justice and joy and righteousness Isaiah envisioned, may all our deadlines feel like lifelines. Yours faithfully,
Our God grants us opportunities to bless and serve, to witness and work, and each one is urgent and sacred. But everything we do is a marching toward God’s gift of peace, already made visible in Jesus, finally and fully known at the end of time. Isaiah the prophet has a hope of God’s future so strong, he used the past tense in 9:1-7 to describe events still to come. “To the people of Israel a child has been born a son has been given!” These words predate Jesus by over 700 years.
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424, Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@myvalleychurch.org, Website: myvalleychurch.org
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Who We Are Valley Presbyterian Church has a story to tell. It’s the story of a community of faith in the heart of the desert for the past 60 years. In 2016 VPC will celebrate its 60th Birthday! Starting in January we will look at the ways God guided our church family over the past six decades and dream about where He may take us in the next six. 2016 will be a time to reach back and celebrate the lives and stories of those who have made the corner of McDonald and Quail Run a beacon of Christ’s love across three generations. It will also be a time to look at what the future holds for our community, and how we can work together to make Christ known in the Valley, throughout Arizona, and across the world. Some of that reaching back to reach forward is already taking place! You may have noticed some new imagery popping up in different publications. A new logo, one which reaches back to past images and updates them for the present, will soon be fully in use. The visuals we use to represent ourselves are powerful, and allow our church to be recognized in the sea of images we encounter daily. Whether you see the arches of the sanctuary, the mountains around us, or the three parts of the Trinity, the new VPC logo signals that the cross is over us all. May Christ look over us in the next 60 years like He has for the past 60.
Mission & Service Thank you to everyone who worked with KABOOM!, MentorKids USA, and First Pentecostal Church to build the playground in God’s Garden in the South Phoenix Promised Neighborhood.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AND GIVE: Angel Tree Gifts
Starting Sunday, November 29 Get an angel from the trees located in all three worship spaces and bring back an unwrapped gift for a child. Gifts will be distributed at the MentorKids Christmas Party, to our Family Promise friends, and at a Christmas dinner hosted by our sister church, First Presbyterian Church of Tuba City, on the Navajo Reservation.
MentorKids Chistmas Party
Saturday, December 12, 10:30-1:30PM, Landes Center Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org We are hosting a festival, lunch, and playtime in the snow! There are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Campus Cleanup 2
Saturday, December 19, 9AM Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Painters, landscapers, and cleaners, come help prepare our campus for Christmas Eve.
Family Promise
December 20-27 Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org We will host eight families the week of Christmas through our relationship with Family Promise. If you would like to host, make a meal, or spend the night, contact Chris.
Vista Del Camino Food Drive
Starting Sunday, November 29, in all worship centers Please bring in canned food and other non-perishable food items to be collected on tables in worship spaces.
Events 3PM: Band, organ, and carols 5PM: Band, Kid’s Chorus, and candle lighting 9PM: Chancel Choir, brass, and candle lighting 11PM: Valley Singers, carols, and candle lighting All services in the Sanctuary
A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS CANTATA December 14, 7PM Sanctuary
Presented by the VPC Chancel Choir, members of the Phoenix Symphony, and the VPC Praise Band.
FAMILY PROMISE HOSTING December 20-27 We will host eight families the week of Christmas. VPC is privileged to open our hearts and our campus to those in need.
Learn more: myvalleychurch.org/mission
Service of Remembrance
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE December 1, 2PM Memorial Garden Join us as we remember those who have gone before us during the past year. Feel free to come to the Garden to write the name of your loved one on a dove and place it on the tree. Names collected will be a part of the service.
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Families STUDENTS
CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED
Jordan Gustafson: jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.org
The Gathering
CHILDCARE AVAILABLE
9AM, Landes Basement Jr. & Sr. High Sunday gatherings
Childcare is available at events and programs where you see the “Childcare Bear.” To reserve space email: nursery@myvalleychurch.org
Midweek Gathering Landes Basement Jr. High, 6-8PM Sr. High, 7-9PM
CHILDREN
Tina Gilbreath tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org
Nativity Pageant
Sunday, December 20, 9 & 10:30AM Worship Services The well-loved annual tradition of the Nativity Pageant is near! Open to children three years old–5th grade, with mandatory rehearsal on December 19 10AM-noon.
EXPLORERS! Concert & Musical: No Room at the Shining Star Inn
CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED
Friday, December 11, 6:30PM Landes Center Come enjoy a performance by VPC’s Explorers! If you would like to help create some of the simple sets, contact Jennifer Hamm.
Educational Enrichment Winter Term starts January 19, 2016. Look for your Course Catalog soon!
CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED
Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@myvalleychurch.org
New Wednesday Classes starting in January *Please note: class dates and times vary
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth Jan. 6 - Jan. 27, 6:30-7:30PM, Chapel Facilitator: Dr. Jeffrey Weima
Parenting the Love and Logic Way Jan. 6 - Feb. 3, 6-7:30PM, Calvin Center Facilitator: Larry Kerby
Finanical Peace University
Jan. 20 - Mar. 16, 6-7:30PM, Fireside Room Facilitator: TBA
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ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING
Tracy Keller: tracykeller@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 165
SATURDAY MORNING SPEAKER SERIES
January 9, 8:30AM, Landes Center, Tickets: $25 Featuring: Kevin Cherilla, K2 Adventures Foundation In 2009, 25 people completed a rigorous climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Eight of them were blind. Climbing expert Kevin Cherilla led the expedition. Today, K2 funds help people with life challenges; children, adults, and families both domestically and abroad. Come listen to his story.
A STORY ABOUT ENCORE
Forever Young, a group of 10 women, all long-term VPC members, met on November 12 for special luncheon. They shared laughs, memories, and good conversation over lunch. This group has been meeting for decades supporting each other in prayer and strong faith. May we learn from these women how to remain solid in our beliefs, and how strong relationships with God and each other can keep us Forever Young!
Get Connected COMMUNITY GROUPS: For more information visit: myvalleychurch.org/community_groups Thursdays, 7:30-9PM, Member’s home Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Come and enjoy fellowship and friendship, whether you’re in college or starting your career. Sundays, 9-10AM, The Crossing 104 Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Join others for discussion-based study in class, plus social/service activities year-round. Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Connects families with older kids, singles, and blended families. Bible study, social events, and service projects. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, 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: judithrobins@reagan.com Active seniors gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Thursday Fellowship: December 10, 3PM Mexican Train, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room December 17, 3PM Card Making, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: January 21, 11:30PM, Camelback Golf Club Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com
SPORTS MINISTRY: Della Berg: dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org, 480-991-6242 ext. 168 • Adult Basketball: • Youth Basketball: • Line Dancing: • Martial Arts: • Pickleball: • Sportball: • Twinkle Toes Dance: Join the fun and fellowship!
men, all ages, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM ages 8-16, Sundays, 1-3PM, Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45PM adults, Fridays, 10AM-noon ages 5 & up, Thursdays 4:30-5:30PM ages 8-108, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays 6-8PM ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15PM ages 3-5, Mondays, Room 404, 2:15-3PM All activities in Landes Center unless noted.
Music & Arts Minister of Music:
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferhamm@myvalleychurch.org
A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Monday, December 14, 7PM, Sanctuary Presented by the VPC Chancel Choir, members of the Phoenix Symphony, and the VPC Praise Band. Come hear some new and familiar Christmas songs set to narration (written by Kay Randolph and Jennifer Hamm) read by Pastor David Joynt. Cookie Reception to follow. Concert and Reception sponsored by Valley Presbyterian Foundation
WELCOME HYUNMI LEE, VPC’S NEW ORGANIST Hyunmi and her husband moved last year to the Valley from Chicago, where she had served for six years as Assistant Director of Music at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Orland Park.
Originally from South Korea, Hyunmi attended the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, earning a Graduate Professional Diploma in 2008. She completed her Master’s Degree at DePaul University in 2012, and a Post Master’s Certificate in Performance in 2014. Hyunmi also worked as an apprentice coach at the Chicago Opera Theater in 2009. In addition to her position at VPC, she is currently the accompanist for Valley Women’s Ensemble in Phoenix. 5
Care & Support CONGREGATIONAL CARE
MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
Appointment: 480-991-6424 ext. 114, leave a message. Individual, couple, and family counseling provided by Marriage and Family Therapy interns from Fuller Seminary,available to all for no cost.
David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Tammy Milne: tammymilne@myvalleychurch.org
REMEMBRANCES
Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of: Lyle Carson Miron “Dub” Putnam Alvin Jones James Robert “Bob” White
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Tuesday, December 1, 2PM, Memorial Garden A tree of remembrance has been installed in the Memorial Garden. If you have lost a loved one, feel free to come to the Garden to write the name of your loved one on a dove and place it on the tree. The names collected will be a part of the service.
UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY OF DEMENTIA Hosted by Congregational Care & Hospice of the Valley Thursday, January 21, 9AM – noon, Landes Center Keynote Speaker- Maribeth Gallagher, Director of Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Program. Participants will learn to understand dementia and how it progresses, to develop strategies for making and maintaining connections with the person with dementia, and value the caregiver role and explore ways to reduce stress. Continental breakfast included. RSVP by January 16, 2016: 602-636-5392 or email: events7@hov.org.
Men SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL MEN’S BREAKFAST Dr. M. Craig Barnes: Saturday, February 20, 7AM-noon Gainey Ranch Clubhouse Join us! This year promises to be a great time for men to come together in fellowship. We have an excellent lineup of speakers:
President, Princeton Theological Seminary Ron Wolfley: Former NFL player and local radio talk show host Dr. Robert Moffit: President, Harvest and co-founder, Disciples Nations Alliance
Women receive weekly women’s ministry email:
Send your name and email to: Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org
Favorite Things Christmas Gift Exchange
Sunday, December 6, 4:30-6:30PM RSVP for location details Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org Bring one of your favorite things to share! ($10 or less, wrapped)
2016 Women’s ministry BIBLE study
Every other Thursday, 7-8:45PM starting Jan. 14 Every other Friday, 9-10:45AM starting Jan. 15 Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org 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.
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MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Friday, December 11, 9:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@myvalleychurch.org MOPS is a ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Open to moms throughout the community.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CIRCLES Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com
All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible!
Tuesday, December 8 Mary: 9:30AM, Jeanne Campo/Barbara McCreary, 480-994-4116 Westminster Village Saguaro Room Wednesday, December 9 Esther: 10AM Brunch, Karen Annis 8648 E. Onyx Ave., 480-368-9825 Naomi: 11:30AM, Donna Yorston 7011 E. Jackrabbit Rd., 480-947-8126 Rebekah: 9:30AM, Mary Berkley 12000 N. 90th St. #1059, 480-451-2258 Rachel: 9:30AM, Lara Robinson VPC Chapel Parlor, 602-867-1570 Ruth: 12PM, Ruth Rehfeldt/Joyce Jennings VPC Fireside Room, 480-991-6424
Luncheon & Speaker
December 16, 11:30AM, Landes Center, $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, December 11. Wonderful choral group from Coronado High School.
Church News SESSION
NEWS FROM SESSION As detailed in my letter to the congregation dated November 4, 2015 the Session, after many months of research and prayer, formed its Teaching Position on Marriage and Sexuality. Additionally, Session has been busy on many other fronts. In October, Session received the Valley Presbyterian Foundation’s Annual Report. The Foundation’s purpose is to generate and hold funds for use in the mission and preservation of our church. It touches and supports many initiatives. The endowment has received approximately $200,000 in gifts this year and has approximately $4.5 million in assets. In addition, the Foundation raised $77,000 from the Fund The Need fundraiser at the 2015 Legacy dinner. These funds were used to repair the roofs in the Chapel and Crossing, complete several plumbing repairs, replacing original piping that had rusted away, and purchase 400 chairs for Landes Center. In November, Session received the Deacons’ Annual report. Our Deacons serve VPC in many ways, including the Ministries of Hospital Chaplain, Transportation, Staff Appreciation, Memorial Receptions, Handyman, Flower Distribution, Baby Welcome, and Communion Preparation. Further, the Deacon Fund helps people in need by funding such things as counseling, lodging, utilities and car repairs. Session approved a new logo for VPC which will be formally introduced church-wide in December. On November 8, Session received 22 new members. Finally, with regret, Session accepted the resignations of Elders Dick Fawley and Ruth Lukian.
Kathy Arner Mary Artigue Sarah Brammer David Eaton Fred Fetters Gloria Gabler Ed Glady Lisa Keylon Lisa LaFon Richard Lockwood Darrah MacDougall Joan Nastro Prescott Pohl Shirley Polk John Samota Roy Schumacher Vicki Tatum Matt Winter Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me. Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
#GIVINGTUESDAY A DAY DEDICATED TO GIVING BACK
FINANCE
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA MEMORIALS
AMAZON SMILE
December 1 myvalleychurch.org/giving As people around the world unite for a common purpose to celebrate generosity and give, we invite you to help realize our dream of creating a welcoming environment and support our landscape beautification project. You’ll enjoy the beauty of your generosity each time you’re on campus! Give in memory or in honor of a loved one. Donating poinsettias at Christmas is a cherished tradition at VPC. Your plant will decorate our worship centers during the season. Order online: myvalleychurch.org, under ‘What’s New’ fill out a card in any worship center, or call the church office: 480-991-6424 Please return order by Friday, December 18 for the bulletin acknowledgement on December 24. We will be accepting donations through Christmas.
Extra money will be donated to Family Promise.
Kris Bahr: krisbahr@myvalleychurch.org Valley Presbyterian Church Finances Year to Date through October 31, 2015 Actual Budget Total income $1,857,300 $1,941,200 Total expense $1,852,400 $1,909,100 Difference $4,900 $32,100
Amazon Smile is a unique way to support organizations like VPC when you Chiristmas shop online. Learn more at: myvalleychurch.org Under ‘What’s New’
The church office will be closed Friday, December 25 and Monday, December 28.
Foundation SAVE THE DATE: LEGACY DINNER - SALUTE, CELEBRATE, EMBRACE Friday, March 18, 2016, 6PM Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch Celebrating the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary For more information contact Della Berg: 480-991-6424 ext. 168
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Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Chris Woodard
Worship Times Kilgore Chapel 8 & 11:45AM Sanctuary 9AM
Landes Center 10:30AM
Communion
December 6
Christmas Eve Services
Pastor David Joynt, preaching Thursday, December 24 Sanctuary 3, 5, 9, & 11PM
Pastoral Staff
David Joynt, David Turner
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
Valley Presbyterian Church
December 6 December 13 December 20 December 27
3PM: Band, organ, and carols 5PM: Band, Kid’s Chorus, and candle lighting 9PM: Chancel Choir, brass, and candle lighting 11PM: Valley Singers, carols, and candle lighting
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Preaching
Thomas A. Erickson, G. Wooden Garvin
Pastors Emeriti