December 2017 1 11 by Valley Presbyterian Church

valley vine

Valley Presbyterian Church December 2017 Volume sixty-two, Number eleven Dear friends, Christ and Culture. Saint and Citizen. Christian and American. You and I live out two main identities, within two primary stories. Where do our two identifies merge, and where do they diverge? Where do the two stories connect, and where do they clash? For followers of Jesus, similar questions arise in every time and place. How did Christian identity fit with Roman citizenship and with Greek values? Paul had to wrestle with this question. What does the enlightenment, the rise of science, or the tide of secularism mean for our faith and life together? Thoughtful disciples must learn to read the questions of their culture within the larger and more ultimate story of God’s Kingdom. Our cultural practices feel essential and inevitable, but in reality they are temporary and contingent. Medieval life with its hierarchies spanning politics and society, seemed at the time to reflect a necessary and natural order. The “divine right of kings” to rule now seems dangerous and incompatible with basic human rights and freedoms. I believe that all forms of cultural expression and identity are best understood in relation to the truths of scripture. They fit, finally, within a larger context of God’s creation, redemption, and renewal. All earthly kings, and indeed all earthly powers, are not fully known until they are seen in the light of the one true sovereign, whose reign is perfect justice and mercy. So you and I must look at world events, social mores, artistic endeavors, and political claims through the lens of Christian faith and practice. We must ask how the stories of our culture fit into God’s story. At the same time, God is active within every culture. His Lordship is real beyond the church! That means we should expect to find echoes and signs of Christian truth within the secular sphere. Missionaries to other cultures find points of connection that illuminate the narrative of Jesus. Outreach to the Dalits of India opened up new reflection on the Incarnation, because God chose to arrive among unclean animals in a barn, thereby elevating those whose exclusion was based on that same circumstance of poverty. You and I are missionaries to the American culture of our day. We must read events and movements in a Christian light, if we are to transform our culture and maintain the truth of our faith. But we must also seek the traces of God’s work among the longings and struggles of our time.

This will include hard questions and places where our values clash with broken behavior or confused norms. How should we approach questions of sexual harassment under the authority of a Lord who lifted women up toward equality and dignity in a radical way? How shall we recover an ethic of care and respect for women and men within a culture where people are presented as objects of casual desire? Where sexual activity is separated from covenant and fidelity, which are the best ways to honor and protect another? It will also mean we look at the positive connections between God’s story and our culture. This Advent we will examine classic Christmas movies that reflect deep truths of the Gospel, relating scripture and cinema. Here is a list of texts and films: December 3| First Sunday of Advent Sermon Title | “Frosty and the Great Return” Scripture | Acts 1:6-11 Movie | “Frosty the Snowman” December 10 | Second Sunday of Advent Sermon Title | “The Last Reindeer Shall Be First” Scripture | Luke 1:50-53 | 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Movie | “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” December 17 | Third Sunday of Advent Sermon Title | “Scrooged” Scripture | Luke 16:9-31 Movie | “A Christmas Carol” December 24 |Fourth Sunday of Advent Sermon Title | “The Grinch Grows His Heart” Scripture | Matthew 1:18-25 Movie | “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” Christmas Eve Sermon Title | “The Perfect Christmas” Scripture | Luke 2:1-20 Movie | “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” December 31 Sermon Title | “George Bailey and the Wise Men” Scripture | Matthew 2:1-12 Movie | “It’s A Wonderful Life” By invading our history at Bethlehem, God has made a claim to be the central character in the human story. In the coming weeks, we celebrate this fact as unavoidable truth and wonderful good news! Blessings to you in this season. Yours faithfully,

6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@vpc.church Website: vpc.church

Read the Valley Vine at its new home: VPC.CHURCH/VINE Would you rather receive the monthly Valley Vine via email? Send us your email address and we will get you all set up. The online version of the Vine is full color and can be accessed anywhere, from the email we send and the VPC website. If you are still interested in receiving a printed and mailed version of the Valley Vine contact Katrina Carney, katrinac@vpc.church or 480-991-6424 ext. 118. Printed copies will also be available in the Church Office and all Worship Centers.

Who We Are: How you can serve during advent

Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem was difficult and challenging. Two teenagers, on a long trip across desert roads, pregnant, looking into an uncertain future. For many in Phoenix, the journey to Christmas this year will be similarly difficult and challenging. VPC works with several ministry partners during the holiday season to help those in need. Please talk with your family and pray about ways you can be involved with our partners during Advent. Here are some opportunities: MentorKids Christmas Party Saturday, December 9 10AM-1PM, Landes Center The event includes a festival with food, rock wall, activities and snow. The event will conclude with a banquet following the festival where everyone will share a meal, sing some carols and all of the children will go home with a Bible, personalized with notes by you!

Family Promise December 24-31 There are always opportunities to help serve the families we host through Family Promise, especially during the holidays! Christmas Memorials: Proceeds will benefit Family Promise We invite you to donate a Christmas poinsettia in honor of loved ones. Deadline for acknowledgement in Christmas Eve bulletin is Monday, December 18. Plants will festively decorate our worship centers. We will be accepting donations ($15) through Christmas. Order online: vpc.church under ‘What’s New’ or call the church office: 480-991-6424.

December worship @ VPC

CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve

3PM*, 5PM * *Childcare for 0-2 available

7PM, 9PM

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP December 3*, 10, 17 *Communion

8AM 9AM 10:30AM 11:45AM

Regular Worship Schedule Chapel Sanctuary Landes Center Chapel

December 24 & 31 9:30AM* *Childcare 0-2 years old

One service Sanctuary

Highlighted Events

church@vpc.church

Christmas Concerts @ VPC PHOENIX GIRLS CHORUS A MERRY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Saturday, December 9, 4PM, Sanctuary Tickets: girlschorus.org/tickets A great night with one of the best choirs in the Valley.

VPC CHANCEL CHOIR FEATURING PHOENIX SYMPHONY MEMBERS SON OF THE HIGHEST: A CHRISTMAS CANTATA* Monday, December 11, 7PM Sanctuary, Free A powerful and unique VPC tradition.

THE ROYAL RENAISSANCE SINGERS SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS* Saturday, December 16, 6PM Landes Center, Free Hilarious festive fun for all ages!

*Childcare (0-5) available by reservation: nursery@vpc.church

ADVENT.ure A great way to start the Christmas season

Sunday, December 3 4:30-6:30PM, Landes Center VPC's Advent Wreath & Luminaria party!

Dove Tree Service of Remembrance

Tuesday, December 5 2PM, Memorial Garden Remembering your loved ones at Christmas

Mission & Service Not missing the opportunity 2,000 years ago the biggest opportunity of all time was missed-a chance to host the King of the Universe. We do not know who said no to the pregnant couple carrying the Christ child, but I do know an opportunity to serve in that magnitude will never happen again. How wonderful it is that every day we have opportunities to serve people in our community, city, nation, and world. When we serve others we are serving that child, the Messiah, the one for which there was no room in the inn. Thank you, VPC, for again opening your doors to those in our community that are without homes this Christmas season. Thank you for collecting food for those in our city that would go without. Thank you for hosting a wonderful Christmas party; sharing the love of Christ with our friends at MentorKids USA and giving them the wonderful gift of the Word of God. Thank you for being a church that does not shy away from opportunities to serve but wholly embraces the moment, making them Holy and glorifying our wonderful God. Merry Christmas to you all, how blessed we are to serve a God of love, and compassion. -Chris Woodard

Connect

MentorKids Christmas PartySaturday, December 9 10AM-1PM, Landes Center

VPC will give each MentorKids child a Bible and a gift card. Outside of each worship center there will be an Angel Tree (through December 9) with cards of the age and gender of all children in the program. Please chose a card, personalize it with a note, hand it to the mission team member by the tree and they will make sure the Bible, gift card, and note are wrapped and delivered to every child. Suggested donation: $20 per child.

Christmas Eve Dinner and Toy Give-away December 24, First Presbyterian Church, Tuba City

The Angel Tree toy drive begins on December 10. Please take an Angel tag with age and gender from tree located outside of each worship center. Please bring back an unwrapped toy by December 20. The Mission Team will deliver to the children in Tuba City at the Christmas Eve dinner.

Family Promise Hosting December 24-31

VPC has another opportunity to assist with families in the midst of housing transitions. If you would like to help host, serve food or stay the night contact Chris. We can use all the help we can get.

Malawi Mission Trip July 9-24, 2018

Now is the time to starting thinking and praying about your possible involvement in this life-changing experience. Contact Chris with questions.

Pastor Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church The Christmas invitation During Christmas time we celebrate the reality that God loves us and invites us into fellowship with Him through the life, death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate God’s loving invitation to us, please pray about inviting a friend or loved one to join you at one of our amazing worship services. If you feel God calling you to get more involved at VPC, consider joining us for our next Inquirer Class on January 28. As always, if I can be of any assistance connecting you to the life and ministry of the church, please don’t hesitate to reach out. -Pastor Mike Nieto

Chris Woodard, Mission Director: chrisw@vpc.church

Inquirer Class Sunday, January 28, 2018 12:30-2:30PM, Fireside Room Register: vpc.church/connect VPC is growing and God is at work! We invite you to become a part of our church family.

Community Groups Information visit: vpc.church/community_groups

Do you want to grow deeper in relationship with Jesus while you connect with other Christians? Our small groups meet at various times throughout the month to study God’s word and encourage each other to live it out loud.

20-30s: Chris Woodard, chrisw@vpc.church

Contact Chris for upcoming social and service projects.

30-40s: Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church

Watch for upcoming social and service projects on website.

40-50s: David Turner, davidt@vpc.church Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 Bible study, social events, and service projects.

50-60s: Sarah Burnette, sarahswiggins@gmail.com Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Empty nesters grow together in faith and fellowship.

60s-70s: Judith Robins, az29hiker@msn.com 1st & 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Study, fellowship, and refreshments.

70s+: Wandie Hulick, wild4uofa@aol.com Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center December 7: Mexican Train & Holiday Meal 3-5PM, Fireside Room

Children & Families

Tina Gilbreath, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry Director: tinag@vpc.church

Tips to get in the spirit Looking for some simple ways to make sure Christ is at the heart of Christmas festivities for your family? This may seem daunting, especially if you're already kneedeep in decorations, cookiebaking, and struggling to put up the Christmas tree. Here are a few simple ways to honor the holiness of Jesus' birth. 1. Observe Advent as a family. Come to ADVENT.ure on December 3 to get supplies, tips, and relax at the prayer stations. 2. Read the Christmas Story from the Bible as a family (Luke 2 or Matthew 1) 3. Bake (and eat!) a birthday cake for Jesus. 4. Include Christian ornaments and a Nativity scene in your Christmas decorations and talk about them with your children. 5. Make Christmas cookies and remember that Jesus is the true Bread of Life. Merry Christmas! -Tina Gilbreath

Students

ADVENT.ure December 3, 4:30-6:30PM, Landes Center Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss out on this opportunity to help your family focus on our savior as we enter the Christmas season. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. A $15 dollar donation to help cover costs is suggested but not required. RSVP to tinag@vpc.church.

Nativity Pageant, December 17 9AM and 10:30AM Worship services Rehearsal Required, December 16, 10AM-12PM Kids 3y.o.-5th grade are invited to join us for this time honored tradition retelling the Nativity Story! If your child would like to join us please contact tinag@vpc.church for more information.

NOTE: Nursery & Sunday School Schedule Changes December 24 & December 31 NO Sunday School (Children 3 years old-5th grade) December 24 & 31 Nursery availability (0-2 years old) December 24: 9:30AM, 3 & 5PM services December 31: 9:30AM service. Children 3 years old and up get to worship with their family and our whole church community. Plan ahead for this special morning, talk with your children in advance about expectations, bring a bag of quiet activities, and let Tina and Marie know if you have questions or need tips.

Joseph Parisi, Student Ministry Director: josephp@vpc.church The core of the Gospel

As we are coming closer to the Christmas season, we begin to encourage our kids to look beyond the lights and to the core of the Gospel. Our study through the Gospel of Mark has been well received, and we are more than excited to tie it all together by looking back to the coming of Jesus! During this time, we will also be focusing on serving others in our community by partnering with Family Promise, MentorKids USA, and Lions Club. In addition to the weekly events, we would like to invite all of our families to participate in ADVENT.ure on December 3. This is a wonderful time for the family, there will be prayer stations, luminary making, and much more. For more information about Student Ministry, please see our website page: vpc.church/students. -Joseph Parisi

Student & Parent Small Groups Sundays, 9AM, Landes Basement Sign up online: vpc.church/students Student Ministry Small Groups are where students can engage in learning and talking about faith. Each student will be placed in a small group led by adult volunteers. Parent and student classrooms will be separate, but the curriculum will be the same. Breakfast will be provided after each class for students and parents to come together to fellowship. Email Joseph with any questions.

Jr. High Midweek Mondays, 6PM, Landes Basement Jr. High Midweek is a weekly event focused on fun and excitement. Expect exciting games such as Couch Olympics, Knockerball, and many more! At the end of each night there will be a biblical message that is applicable to each Jr. High student.

High School Midweek Wednesdays, 7PM, Landes Basement High School Midweek is a weekly event focused on fun and building community. Each week there will be adventures, small groups, worship concerts, game nights, and so much more! At the end of each night there will be a biblical message that is applicable to each High School student.

Learn & Grow

Pastor Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church

Discipleship As we enter the season of Advent and the end of this year, join us in reflection on the Trinity at the Advent: Trinity Class. To celebrate the Incarnation as we begin a new year, we will offer opportunities to strengthen your depth of understanding and knowledge of the Christian faith in the Alpha Course (invite a friend!) To strengthen your finances, check out Financial Peace University, to continue to reflect on how God created us in relationship with one another in the second part of Wired that Way. On January 27, the annual Day of Discipleship returns with the theme Re-Claiming your Faith. Over 500 years ago, the events of the Reformation fundamentally changed the direction of the Christian faith as men and women re-examined their relationship with God and the church. What does this mean for us today? Come and share in meals, a feature speaker, and break-out sessions exploring how we can re-claim our faith here and now.

Advent Study: The Trinity* Wednesdays, November 29 - December 13 6:30–7:30PM, Calvin Center, Free Registration & Childcare: vpc.church/classes, or kellyn@vpc.church Facilitators: Mike & Kelly Nieto

The season of Advent is a time of anticipation, waiting for God’s kingdom to come. Jesus Christ, God made flesh, is the physical representation of a spiritual community in the triune God. Each week, we will explore the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth!

Save the Date: The Alpha Course Wednesdays, January 24- March 21 No class on Wednesday, February 14 Financial Peace University Wednesdays, January 24- March 28 No class on Wednesday, February 14 Day of Discipleship Saturday, January 27, 9AM-12PM

-Pastor Kelly Nieto

Encore University

miken@vpc.church

Winter and Spring Classes Encore University Winter/Spring 2018 Combo Catalog is available! Winter Term January 23–February 22 Spring Term March 6-April 12 (No Classes Holy Week 3/25-31) Encore Ambassador Training Luncheon Saturday, January 20, 2018 11:30AM, Fireside Café Looking for a way to minister to others? Become an Encore Class Ambassador and help introduce our students to VPC! Class Ambassadors receive their class free. Encore University Chapel Service Thursdays during Encore term January 25, February 22, March 8, & April 12 12:30-12:50PM, Chapel No registration required

- Pastor Mike Nieto

MOPS

Molly Livak: mollyl@vpc.church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) finishes the year with a bang! Last MOPS of 2017 Friday, December 8 9-11AM, Room 415/416

We will hear from two of my favorite speakers, Barbar and Charlie Dunlap. We will be discussing family goal setting! The Dunlap’s have been speaking about this topic for over 20 years, and have a lot of great insight to share. You won't want to miss out! -Molly Livak

Men’s Ministry

Chris Woodard, Men’s Ministry Director: chrisw@vpc.church

Finding the right tree One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting the Christmas tree for our home. My wife and I head up the Mogollon Rim, where the trees are covered in snow and the roads are lined with ice. We drive as deep into the forest as our car will take us and search for the perfect tree. It is a wonderful moment when the tree is found and we take it back to our home. We then spend the rest of the day decorating the tree and house, setting the perfect mood for the holiday seasonwhere the tree becomes the center of the home. This is a wonderful tradition and it serves as a reminder for me that at the center of my life I want Jesus. Spiritual growth of a person and family happens in the home. Men, this holiday season, be the father, the husband, the grandfather, and the son who brings the true meaning of Christmas to your family and loved ones. I want to encourage and support you in your walk with our Lord so that you can share the love of Christ with others. May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas.

Third Tuesday of the Month Breakfast December 19, 6:30AM RSVP by Sunday prior, vpc.church/men All men are invited to join together the third Tuesday of the month for breakfast at VPC. Gather at 6:30AM and breakfast will begin at 6:45AM. We will hear testimonies from each other and will focus in on our topic for the month.

Family Promise December 24-31 Men, if you're interested in assisting with meals for our families, contact Chris.

Men's Breakfast and Golf February 10, 2018 More information coming soon: vpc.church/men Do you love breakfast? Do you love golf? Good! Look for more detail for this great event coming soon.

-Chris Woodard

Women’s Ministry

Kelly Nieto, Pastor: kellyn@vpc.church

Get more involved At VPC Women’s Ministry, we have several opportunities for bible study, to study God’s word together, and learn more about who God is and who we are. Are you a part of a bible study yet? It’s never too late to join! Presbyterian Women offer several different days and times to come together and learn more about the book of Hebrews. Twice a month, on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings, groups of women gather to learn more about finding home in the presence of God and then sharing God’s hospitality with others. Have you wanted to make a new friend or see how to get connected in the women of VPC? The annual Christmas Ornament Exchange is a time to celebrate the season and spend time together. How will God call you to get more involved in the Women’s Ministry at VPC?

-Pastor Kelly Nieto

Women’s Ornament Exchange

Sunday, December 10, 4-6PM RSVP to Kelly, kellyn@vpc.church, for address Bring an ornament and something to share (appetizer, dessert, beverage) and come and enjoy this time together as a community!

Women’s Bible Study*

Thursday, 6:30-8PM Dec. 14 Fridays, 9-10:30AM, Dec. 1 & 15 Room 415-416, Free Registration & Childcare: vpc.church/classes, or kellyn@vpc.church Facilitators: Beth Glady (Thursday), Kelly Nieto (Friday) Author and Bible teacher Jen Pollock Michel takes us on a journey through Scripture to uncover the meaning of home. We’ll discover our holy yearning for a place to belong, how God provides that place for us, and how we can model His hospitality in our lives each day.

Presbyterian Women (PW)

PW Circles Tuesday, December 12 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Wednesday, December 13 Esther: 10AM, Karen Annis' home Lydia: 9:30AM, Calvin Center Sarah: 12PM, Room 409

PW Luncheon and Speaker

December 20, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by December 15 Coronado High School Advanced Choral Ensemble

Care & Support

David Turner, Pastor: davidt@vpc.church

Deacon’s At-Home Visitation Ministry One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as I’ve served Christ over the years is the ministry of presence. Simply being present with someone in need of companionship can be incredibly powerful.

The Deacon’s Ministry faithfully does this with all the time through the At-Home Visitation Ministry. Our Deacons, as well as members of the church, are paired with one or two elderly individuals who are limited to their home. Twice a month they spend a little time listening and sharing a little of their life with them. During the holiday season, when people can feel most lonely, they bring a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas gifts as we near Christmas Day. In addition to the visits, gifts, and meals, this team also participates in serving Communion to our at-home friends three times a year. The next At-Home Communion is scheduled for January 7, 2018. If you know of someone who would love to be visited by our At-Home Visitation team, please contact Tammy Milne at tammym@vpc.church. -Pastor David Turner

Mental Health

Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss@gmail.com

The Mental Health Ministry team would like to extend holiday wishes to all! We hope that you and your loved ones have a safe and blessed Christmas season. We are grateful to the VPC community for its support in 2017 and wish everyone a healthy and peaceful 2018.

Mental Health – Coping with the Holidays

The holidays can be times of stress for everyone. During this time, we may find ourselves at extended family gatherings or at parties with people who do not understand about our illness. Some people may be uncomfortable and not know what to say…others may say hurtful things or offer cliché advise out of ignorance and the stigma of mental illness. It is all right to excuse yourself for some time away. There are times when solitude can be a time of replenishment, reconnection with yourself and can be deeply satisfying. There are many opportunities to volunteer during the holiday season. The satisfaction of giving to others can help you put your own problems in perspective.

Set realistic goals and be flexible. The holidays are about love and caring for one another. We would all do better to let go of the image of the “perfect” holiday and focus on accepting ourselves and our loved ones without judging, criticizing or advising. Focus on Making them a special time for you and your family, no matter what the circumstances. Celebrate this season of hope and expectations. Celebrate the many blessings in your life.

Brookline Nursing School: Blood Pressure Testing Sunday, December 3. 8AM: Chapel, 9AM: Fireside Room, 10:30AM: Landes Patio

Member Marti Combs and a group of nursing students from Brookline College will be performing Blood Pressure Tests and providing educational materials.

Dove Tree Service of Remembrance December 5, 2PM, 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, place it on the tree and offer a silent prayer. Join us for the Dove Tree Service of Remembrance. Pastor David Turner will preside.

Remembrances Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of Audrey Hejhall, Carol Jenkins, Jesse Pogue, and Ralph Thomas. Coping with Grief During the Holidays

(excerpted from Lin Sue Cooney, Arizona Republic)

Losing someone you love isn’t a one-time hurt. Grief has a way of sneaking up on us. Just when things seem to be getting better, a familiar song, a whiff of perfume, an old photograph can innocently trigger a memory. Instantly, we’re pierced with pain. -Coping with loss is even harder during the holidays. What used to be a festive time of decorations and parties now seems meaningless. We’re paralyzed by the thought of shopping and socializing. How can we continue old traditions like nothing has changed? -There is no miracle pill to take away the pain. But grief experts say there are ways to survive the holidays and celebrate moments. -Honor the old and create the new. No matter what you do, the memory of your loved one will be with you this holiday season. Find a way to honor and acknowledge that while creating new family traditions to share going forward. -Set limits. Let everyone know that you will not be overdoing, over-shopping, over-cooking, over-pleasing or overworrying this year. This is not a time to be a perfectionist. -Accept help when it’s offered. Plan ahead. Don’t be afraid to say no. Choose activities that will make the holidays enjoyable for you.

NAMI-Family Support Group

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community Information: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org

Living Grace Support Group

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-8PM, Oasis Community Church Information: jilliannhogan@gmail.com or 480-234-7073

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

Music

Jennifer Hamm, Minister of Music: jenniferh@vpc.church Lifting your gifts in song

It’s a cool December evening- the air is crisp with the feeling of Christmas. Mall are decorated, Christmas commercials and movies are on TV, and everyone is hustling to get their errands You are feeling the need done. to disconnect from the outside world. What better way to do that than to go to a Christmas concert? Your experience will be magical and will put the Christmas spirit into your heart. You will arrive at the concert and greet faces familiar and new while hearing the orchestra warm up in the background. The choir is in place and the energy in the room is contagious. The director enters and you watch as she takes the podium, raising her baton to cue the orchestra, and you sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the beautiful music that is about to take place. An hour later, you leave more refreshed, more fulfilled and ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. VPC has three opportunities for you to have this experience this December. The first is a concert by the Phoenix Girls Chorus. They will help you celebrate the season with a wintertime trip to merry old England! It will be a beautiful performance of familiar carols, jolly tunes and glorious cathedral music to lift you into the holiday spirit.

The Chancel Choir’s annual Christmas Concert will be a little different this year. They will present “Son of the Highest”, a Christmas cantata complete with actors re-telling the Christmas story. You will hear familiar and new Christmas songs, accompanied by a full orchestra, throughout this journey to Bethlehem. The final concert is from The Royal Renaissance Singers. This is a family friendly event that will magically transport you to the time of Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth. With lively, costumed singers and audience participation, it will be a fun concert! We hope we can help you disconnect and take some time for YOU this season. - Jennifer Hamm

A Merry English Christmas Phoenix Girls Chorus Saturday, December 9, 4PM, Sanctuary Tickets: Premiere: $25, Adult: $15, Student/Senior: $10 Son of the Highest: A Christmas Cantata* VPC Chancel Choir featuring Phoenix Symphony members Monday, December 11, 7PM, Sanctuary, Free Sing We Now of Christmas* The Royal Renaissance Singers Saturday, December 16, 6PM, Landes Center, Free *Childcare (0-5) available by reservation: nursery@vpc.church

Valley Day School

Meghan Gottfredson, Day School Director: meghang@vpc.church

Thank you This season is a reminder to be grateful and to give thanks. At VDS, we are extra thankful for... -Sweet little faces anxiously waiting for school each morning. -Loving parents and grandparents who make our community such a special one. -Amazing teachers who go above and beyond each and every day -Unexpected hugs -A beautiful playground that is always filled with laughter -Tiny handprints on artwork, walls, and just about everything else -A church that fully supports our ministry to children and young families Thank you, VPC, for partnering with us over the last 54 years! We are grateful for you. -Meghan Gottfredson

Foundation

Charlee Turner, Foundation Administrator: charleet@vpc.church Giving is the cornerstone

Holidays are around every corner at this time of year. There is so much thanks to give! God’s continuing blessings of generosity and love shine through as inspiring examples for us all. Every year our Foundation volunteers go above and beyond to fundraise for our Church. Our annual Fund the Need has become a very successful tool for targeting specific and much needed projects at VPC, with immediate returns. This year the Board of Trustees, Foundation Dinner Committee, donors, and other departments came together to raise funds to coordinate for the removal and replacement of several major kitchen appliances in Landes Center Kitchen; a need that allows the multiple ministries of Valley Presbyterian Church to fellowship with the community and gather around something as important yet as simple as a meal. Giving is the cornerstone of Valley Presbyterian Foundation, and as such, we’d like to give special thanks to our Legacy Society members who have remembered VPC in their will. While your gifts are not immediate, the example you have set is. We are reminded of that fact through the stories of Lester Raynar and Barbara Patterson, both Legacy Society Members that have been laid to rest – Barbara Patterson most recently.

TIME, TALENT, & TREASURE church@vpc.church VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES @ VPC 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. MentorKids Christmas Party December 9, 10AM-1PM Be a part of putting together an amazing Christmas celebration for the children and families of MentorKids!! Bouncies, climbing wall, popcorn, face-painting, SNOW, food, and much more!! Volunteers are needed for any length of time from 9:30AM-2PM to help set up, run the party, and clean up. Sign-up: vpc.church.church/mission 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 18. Plants will festively decorate our worship centers. We will be accepting donations ($15) through Christmas. Proceeds will benefit Family Promise. Order online: vpc.church under ‘What’s New’ or call the church office: 480-991-6424.

Mrs. Patterson’s gift will strengthen the ministry of our Church for generations. Through it, VPC will be known as a church that values classical music and being a witness to our people and community at large. This thoughtful gift and story of giving started with a seed planted by Mr. Lester Rayner many years ago. Upon his passing, Mr. Rayner too left Valley Presbyterian Church a lasting gift; a gift that made such an impact on Barbara that she then made the decision to do the same. We invite you in the New Year to learn more about the Legacy Society and members Barbara Patterson and Lester Rayner during Foundation Sunday scheduled for January 21, 2018. Enjoy your Holidays ,VPC! -Charlee Turner

VPC Boy Scouts Troop 441 Pick up Holiday Greens orders December 3

Thank you for helping to make Troop 441 Greens sale a success! They raised over $10,000 to fund activities and scholarships.

Eagle Court of Honor

Tuesday, December 5, 7PM, Chapel Join us as we celebrate three new Troop 441 scouts receiving the coveted Eagle Rank: Kees te Velde, Carter Boyd, and Michael Rowe. The event will be followed by a reception in Landes Center.

Coming in January... New Sermon Series

Star the year off right at VPC as we hear how God's Word can speak to what goes on in our everyday lives.

New Classes

Throughout January VPC will begin offering several great educational opportunities, with something for everyone. Stay tuned for more details!

New Ministry Brochure

Every event, class, program, and service opportunity from January 1 - May 31.

Inquirer Class

Sunday, January 28, 12:30-2:30PM Fireside Room Is it time for you to make a commitment and become a member of VPC? We welcome you to come learn more about how our community can serve you and how you can make an impact in our community.

VPC Leadership News From Session

Leader Spotlight Elder Roy Schumacher

This month, Session received the Deacon's Annual Report. The programs Deacons operate to help people with various needs are incredible! Session also got an update from Director of Youth Ministry Joseph Parisi, who is doing an amazing job with VPC's students. -Session approved requesting $7510.79 from the VPF Preservation Fund for the purchase of a needed new stage and other accessories for Landes Center. -Recently, RCI completed an inspection of all fire safety and sprinkler systems on campus. Five fire batteries, ductwork and sprinklers in various parts of the campus, and a cartridge tank and fire extinguisher for grease fires need to be replaced or repaired in order to be compliant with the City of Phoenix regulations. Funding for this was approved. -Session extended an interim policy until fall 2020 which will, consistent with the 5% funds distribution policy of Valley Presbyterian Foundation, distribute unrestricted VPF fund income to VPC for capital projects, mission ministries and other operating needs of VPC as determined by Finance and Operations in accordance with the Session approved budget and VPC policy and procedures. -Session elected Jim Gabler, Chairman, and Jane Russell, Vice Chairman of the ACNC, for 2018. Other members of the Committee will be elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. -Session approved continuing to fund 100% of employer cost and 75% of dependent cost of health insurance coverage for 2018.

OutReach Committee Chair I've been attending VPC since 1997 and joined in 2000. My wife, Judy, and I were married at VPC in 2000. Along with Judy, I've served to organize, promote, and host numerous weekend marriage retreats. I've also volunteered to help with various events over the years.

Welcome baby Grace McGaugh! VPC Custodian Will McGaugh and his wife Rachael welcomed their daughter, Grace Riley, on Sunday, November 26.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 480-368-6567. -Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session

Visit VPC Session page! vpc.church/session