VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
December 2016
Volume 61, Number 11
Dear friends,
The presence of God can make any place holy and any space sacred. The pastureland beneath Mt. Horeb was transfused with glory, and Moses the Shepherd heard the Living One speak from the burning bush, “Take off your shoes, the place you stand upon is holy ground!” (Exodus 3:5). At Christmas, we remember that an animal stable behind an old inn was the birthplace of Emmanuel, God-with-us. Jesus’ presence brought the Kingdom of God near, whether he was crying in a manger, or revealing his Father’s will and ways in the precincts of the great Temple in Jerusalem. God’s presence changes everything and everyone, sanctifying the spaces within us and around us. You and I are stewards of God’s spirit and of all the spaces, personal, social, and physical, which he wants to shine with divine light. The Session has appointed a committee to help us steward the places and spaces that God has given us at VPC. Their official title is the Master Plan Committee, and they have been searching for an architectural and landscape team to guide us going forward. We are so blessed to have beautiful buildings and grounds in an incredible location, and as needs arise and modifications ensue, we want them to preserve our special campus, aid our ministries, and not create chaos through ad hoc changes.
It is vital that our leadership, architects, and our Master Plan Committee hear from you! It is our members who have the most intimate understanding of our buildings and outdoor areas. We will use surveys and meetings and digital forms to gather your views. What is sacred and special to you? What is functional and helpful? What needs some revision? What is missing? After a phase of serious listening to our church family, the architects will offer a long-range vision for our campus. Then there will be more opportunities for engagement and dialogue. At the end, we will have a picture of our future into which we can fit our current needs, like additional baby space or a better way of integrating worshiping communities and providing hospitality. God has made us as material beings, sensitive to our environments and responsive to the beautiful ways that nature and design intersect, and color and light and form intermingle. Get ready to share your perspective on the places and spaces that give us our unique location. We want all of them to be useful for us and a blessing to all we minister to—places and spaces transfigured by the presence of God; and filled with people that know and share his glory. More information will be coming soon on how to share your perspectives. In the meantime, pray for our Master Plan Committee! Yours faithfully,
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: Who are you inviting to Christmas Eve?
The way to Christmas
CHRISTMAS EVE 3PM*, 5:30PM* 8PM, 10:30PM *Childcare for 0-2 years available
3- Band, organ, and carols 5:30- Band, carols, and candle lighting 8- Chancel Choir, brass, and candle lighting 10:30- Valley Singers, carols, and candle lighting (in Chapel)
Music & Arts MINISTER OF MUSIC
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
Chancel Choir presents Mostly Messiah
Monday, December 12, 7PM, Sanctuary The VPC Chancel Choir, Valley Singers, and full orchestra will present selections from Handel’s Messiah and fun arrangements of Christmas songs including Fum, Fum, Fum, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, and Some Children See Him. This event is sponsored by the Valley Presbyterian Foundation and will be followed by a cookie reception.
Youth Choir
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All Junior/Senior High teens who are interested in singing in a Youth Choir, please contact Jennifer!
Valley Ringers Handbell Choir
Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Handbell Room
Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays, 7:30PM, Music Room
Afrizo Ensemble from Daystar University
Save the Date: Sunday, January 29, 4PM, Sanctuary Afrizo is a singing group from Daystar University in Kenya. Daystar is a Christian Liberal Arts College in Nairobi with a mission of training Christian servant leaders to transform Africa. Afrizo is a group of students who travel the U.S. every few years to raise scholarship money. They sing in English, Swahili, and African tribal languages, worshiping the Lord in a unique variety of languages and styles.
Highlighted Events
ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
Sunday, December 4 RSVP for location
Service of
REMEMBRANCE
Tuesday, December 6 2PM, Memorial Garden
CHANCEL CHOIR'S MOSTLY MESSIAH Monday, December 12 7PM, Sanctuary
ANGEL TREE TOY DRIVE
Through December 18 In all Worship Centers
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Students & Families CHILDREN
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Sunday Nursery: Infants-2 years 8:45-11:45AM Sunday School: 3 years-5th grade 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM Registration: vpc.church/sunday-school-registration Nativity Pageant
Rehearsal: Saturday, December 17, 10AM-noon, Calvin Center (3’s & 4’s 11-noon only) Nativity Pageant, Sunday, December 18, 9 & 10:30AM Worship
EXPLORERS! Tuesdays, 4-5:30PM
Two Choirs: K-2nd & 3rd-5th grade December 6, final Explorers! of the semester
EXPLORERS! Winter Concert
Tuesday, December 6, 5:30PM, Chapel Registration: vpc.church/explorers (starts again January 17) For more information contact, Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
STUDENTS
Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church Join as we worship together, engage in the Bible together, and have small group time with our grade levels.
The Gathering- All students 6th-12th grade Sundays, 9-10:15AM, Landes Basement
Jr. High Midweek
Mondays, 6-8PM, Landes Basement
Sr. High Midweek
Wednesdays, 7-9PM, Landes Basement
CHRISTMAS EVE 3PM*, 5:30PM* 8PM, 10:30PM
*Childcare for 0-2 years available
Educational Enrichment DISCIPLESHIP
Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church 480-991-6424 ext. 165 Learn more: encoreuniv.org
Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church *Childcare available by reservation: nursery@vpc.church
Your Courageous Choice: The Holocaust & Christian Discipleship* Wednesdays starting January 11-February 22 6-8PM, Calvin Center, No Fee Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto vpc.church/classes
The Holocaust was a time when Europe’s Christian community faced a choice between helping those in danger or ignoring them and their distress. This class will explore Jewish history, the rise of Hitler’s regime, how Jewish victims and survivors wrestled with faith, the Christian response to Nazi plans of extermination, and how each of us faces the courageous choice of living as a disciple of Jesus Christ in our world today.
Financial Peace University*
Wednesdays, starting January 18-March 22 (no class March 1) 6PM, Fireside Room
Facilitators: Marie Bitticks & Jim Arner vpc.church/classes
ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING®
Winter Term starts on January 24, 2017 The Winter Term Course Catalog is out! Make a New Year’s resolution and Keep on Learning. Encore University, Discipleship & Spiritual Growth presents: Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust Special Event* Wednesday, February 8, 6:30-7:30PM, Calvin Center Experience Marty Brounstein’s engaging storytelling of the remarkable tale of two Christians who saved the lives of at least two dozen Jews during the Holocaust. Two Among the Righteous Few is about taking risks, living bravely and choosing courageously in the face of severe consequences.
No Fee-Book Signing & Complimentary Refreshments
What does Encore mean to you?
Share your story. Like us on facebook or send email.
Men SAVE THE DATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY MEN’S BREAKFAST Saturday, February 11, 2017 Gainey Ranch Clubhouse 4
Men, you will not want to miss this morning of great food, fellowship, and inspiration.
Get Connected 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.
SPORTS MINISTRY
Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Gloria Gabler: gigabler@gmail.com Empty nesters grow together in faith and fellowship. 1st & 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Judith Robins: az29hiker@msn.com Gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Facilitator: Chris Woodard Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com Mexican Train: Dec. 8, 3PM Holiday Dinner: 5PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: Dec. 15, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: Dec. 22, 3PM, Fireside Room
All activities in Landes Center
Brandon Fox: brandonf@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 106 Youth Basketball: Sundays, 1-2PM, 2-3PM, ages 8-16 Pickleball: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-6:30PM Sportball: Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15PM, ages 3-5
Grandmaster Han’s Martial Arts of AZ: Thursdays, 4:30-5:30PM, Calvin Center Men’s Adult Basketball: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM Adult Line Dance: Fridays, 10AM-noon
Mission & Service Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church
ALL-CHURCH TUBA CITY TRIP UPDATE
We had a wonderful time on our church mission trip to Tuba City. We worked hard cleaning and painting around the church as well as fixing walls and foundations. We hosted a clothing drive, vacation bible school, and BBQ for the community of Tuba. Thanks for all of your prayers and we are looking forward to next year!
ADVENT OPPORTUNITIES
Angel Tree- Please take an angel from trees in each Worship Center and bring back an unwrapped toy. Gifts collected by December 8 will go to the MentorKids Christmas Party, all other gifts will go to ICM, Tuba City and Family Promise. ICM Food Drive- Please take a bag, fill it with the requested items and bring back by Christmas Eve. MentorKids Christmas Party- We will be hosting over 300 from MentorKids on December 10. There will be food, presents, games, fellowship and snow. We need your help to make this a great event. Family Promise- We will be hosting eight families through our relationship with Family Promise from December 18-25. If you would like to help host, serve food or stay the night we can use all the help we can get.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
The staff of VPC would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who helped make the events of the past month so exciting, full of fellowship, and outreach to our community. From Trunk or Treat, to Cooks’ Tour, the 60th Celebration, and ADVENT.ures none of it would have happened without your help. To everyone who cooked, moved tables and chairs, welcomed visitors, handed out information, and much more, thank you for serving God on behalf of VPC!
CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS
We invite you to donate a Christmas poinsettia in honor of loved ones. Deadline for acknowledgement in Christmas Eve bulletin is Monday, December 19. Plants will festively decorate our worship centers. We will be accepting donations through Christmas. Proceeds will benefit Family Promise. Order online: vpc.church under ‘What’s New’ or call the church office: 480-991-6424
GIFTS OF THE HEART CHRISTMAS CARDS
Cards designed by Dick and Tom Van Arsdale. You will have the opportunity to make donations to designated missions including education, housing or hunger. Order forms available in the church office.
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Women *Childcare: nursery@vpc.church
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY*
Pulling the Thread by Jen Hatmaker Thursday, December 8, 6:30PM, Room 415/416 *Friday, December 9, 9AM, Room 415/416 Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women
ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
Sunday, December 4, 4-6PM RSVP & location: kelseyw@vpc.church Celebrate Christmas with the women of VPC! Relax with food and friends around the tree. Bring a snack, treat, or drink to share, and a wrapped ornament for the white elephant exchange.
MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers)*
Friday, December 2, Room 415-416 Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@vpc.church MOPS is a place to gather, connect, and be encouraged.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Luncheon & Special Music December 14, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, December 9 Music: Coronado High School Choral Ensemble (free-will offering) PW Circles, DECEMBER 2016 Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, December 13 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Jeanne Campo, 480-994-4116/Barbara McCreary 480-451-2233 Wednesday, December 21 Esther: 10AM, Karen Annis’ home, 480-368-9825 Sandra Gonzales, 602-616-0458/Sharon Vincent, 480-947-5492 Ruth/Naomi: 12PM, Room 409 Alice Paige, 602-404-5508/Bettie Ringle, 480-251-8384 Rachel/Rebekah: 9:30AM, Calvin Center Lara Robinson, 602-493-9064/Carlene Lawrence, 480-338-3304
Care & Support 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 Louise Andrews, Heather Bell, Orland Freeman, and Charles Vincent. Service of Remembrance & Memorial Garden Dove Tree December 6, 2PM, Memorial Garden
If you have lost a loved one, feel free to come to the Garden, write the name of a loved one on a dove, place it on the tree, and offer a silent prayer. Paper doves and pens are available in the Memorial Garden.
Stephen Ministry
Karen Annis 480-510-5385 Penne McKee: 602-359-9520 Stephen Ministers offer individual Christian care to people going through tough times. If you or someone you know needs a Stephen Minister, contact Karen or Penne.
At-Home Friends Receive Thanksgiving Dinner
We have an amazing Thanksgiving Angel in our midst who has a heart for our at-home friends this time of year. Once again we were able to provide Thanksgiving Dinners to our friends who would not be provided with the traditional meal elsewhere. The meals were delivered on November 23 by a team of volunteers who visited 12 of our friends at-home. Thank you Thanksgiving Angel!!
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VPC Mental Health Ministry
Elizabeth Weiss, esweiss1231@gmail.com, 480-699-2982 The Mental Health Workshop “Mental Health & God” held on October 29 was very well attended (50+). The MHM team and Pastor David Turner are reviewing comments & suggestions from the attendees in order to plan our next workshop to be held in the spring of 2017. The North Valley Walkers raised $2930 at the NAMI Walk on October 15. NAMI exceeded their goal of $175,000 this year. A very impressive turnout. The Faithland component was well received. The Mental Health Ministry team would like to extend best wishes to all. We hope that you and your loved ones have a safe and blessed Christmas season. Let us remember, too that for many, the season brings acute feelings of loneliness and sadness. Perhaps we can mitigate those feelings by reaching out to someone in need with a call or an invitation for coffee and a chat. We are grateful to Valley Presbyterian Church and community for its support in 2016 and wish everyone a healthy and peaceful 2017.
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community Information: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org
Family Support website:
nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition
Mental Health 24-hour crisis line: 602-222-9444 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 AZ Teen Lifeline: 602-248-8336, teenlifeline.org
Church News NEWS FROM SESSION
The Session received an extensive update on the Student Ministry program from Jordan Gustafson. The ministry’s approach is to be sustainable, relational, missional and attractional. The Junior High Midweek and the High School Midweek programs have seen significant growth in attendance and outreach. There has also been a substantial increase in summer trips’ participation. The biggest challenge is finding adult volunteers, especially those between ages 18-30. Upcoming initiatives include a soft launch of a year round college and young adult ministry. It is obvious that Jordan has a huge heart and dedication to the ministry. The chairpersons of the various Deacon Committees reported how their programs help different populations in our congregation. The Session accepted the 2015 Audit of Valley Presbyterian Church and Affiliates. It also approved hiring Mayer Hoffman McCann to audit the financial records of Valley Presbyterian Church and Valley Presbyterian Foundation for 2016. The Audit Committee for the 2016 report will be composed of Sam Kelsall, Chair; Richard Lockwood; Fred Fetters; 2017 Foundation President; and 2017 Foundation Treasurer; along with staff, Kris Bahr. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me. Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
VPC FINANCES YEAR-TO-DATE AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2016 Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Actual Income Faith Giving $1,412,000 Encore $44,000 Other Income $463,000 Total Income $1,919,000
$1,470,000 $53,000 $402,000 $1,925,000
$-58,000 $-9,000 $61,000 $-6,000
Expense Pastoral Ministry $383,000 Admin & Facility $889,000 Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care $142,000 Christian Education $201,000 Encore $96,000 Worship & Music $156,000 Total Expense $1,867,000
$399,000 $892,000 $143,000 $231,000 $116,000 $165,000 $1,946,000
$16,000 $3,000 $1,000 $30,000 $20,000 $9,000 $79,000
$52,000
$-21,000
$73,000
Net Income less Expense
Budget
Variance
SESSION 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 Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27.
Other income includes $100,000 from prior years’ Memorial Garden space sales. Support VPC’s ministries! Be a part of God’s work in the Valley and around the world: vpc.church/give
Foundation UPDATES
VPF was happy to host the 2016 Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon where more than sixty members attended the “Thank You” event to learn more about how their lifelong contributions are helping to grow VPC’s facility and programs. Speakers for the event included Rev. Dr. David Joynt; Jennifer Hamm, Minister of Music; Linda Miller, Scholarship Committee Chair; Larry Glenn, Property and Preservation member; and Beverly Cooper, Legacy Dinner Co-Chair and ranged in topics from the “60 for 60” goal to our music and scholarship ministries, and more. To learn more about Valley Presbyterian Foundation stop by the Foundation Office or visit vpc.church/foundation.
SAVE THE DATE: FOUNDATION LEGACY DINNER March 31, 2017
FUND THE NEED
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Chapel Area Landscaping
McDonald Drive Church Sign
Sanctuary Area Bathrooms,“Renew the Loo”
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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
Sunday Worship Times
Kilgore Chapel- 8 & 11:45AM Sanctuary- 9AM Landes Center- 10:30AM
Christmas Eve
3, 5:30, 8,10:30PM
Sunday, December 25 9:30AM, SANCTUARY
Sunday, January 1
9AM, SANCTUARY 10:30AM, LANDES CENTER
Pastors
David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Kelsey Woodruff
vpc.church