Fear is the background reality of modern life. We hold our fears in check most of the time, holding them down beneath the weight of probability, the strength of our general optimism, and the preoccupations of daily life. But fears still plague us, arousing our fight or flight responses and creating a generalized anxiety. The fear of crippling sickness or a sudden accident; we see a wreck while driving and our hands tighten on the wheel. We visit an ill friend and our hearts race as we leave the hospital. The fear of insignificance disturbs our sleep and gyrations in the economy sends a chill down the spine. Every news report is framed as an emergency or a threat to things we hold dear.
The antidote to fear is a faith-based character. Jesus came to relieve our fears and make our sorrows cease. He was fearless in the face of criticism and opposition. He didn’t quake in storms on the lake or storms in the public square. He showed courage in defense of the weak, confidence with the powerful, and did not allow humiliation to deter Him, or the prospect of death to discourage Him.
This Advent we will use sermons and devotionals to examine the characters of the most famous Christmas characters. Each one dealt with common and powerful fears but became an example of brave faith. Mary showed triumphant trust, Joseph counter-cultural courage, the shepherd’s awestruck wonder, the wise men hopeful seeking, and God Himself humble love.
Character counts, in life and the kingdom. Let’s deepen our characters together.
Yours Faithfully,
Pastor David Joynt davidj@vpc.church
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 9 & 10:30AM SERVICES, SANCTUARY
Presented by the VPC Chancel Choir & members of the Phoenix Symphony This year, we will present our Christmas gift to you during Sunday morning worship. We’ll sing Christmas tunes old and new, woven together through narration examining the art of communication through good old fashioned letter writing.
Sign up & rehearsal required: tinag@vpc.church
Celebrate the coming arrival of the Christ child with VPC's annual Nativity Pageant!
SUNDAYS, DECEMBER 25 & JANUARY 1, 2023, 9:30AM,
Bring 2022 to a joyous close at VPC. No Sunday School or Nursery.
ADVENT.URE
Wednesday, November 30, 6-7:30PM, Awaken Café Plaza, Sign up: vpc.church/events
It's an event to start the Christmas season! Families of all ages are welcome.
DOVE TREE SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Tuesday, December 6, 2PM, Memorial Garden, Pastor David Turner presiding. If you have lost a loved one, feel free to come to the Memorial Garden, write their name on a dove, place it on the tree, and offer a silent prayer. Join us as we remember those who have passed.
COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY SINGERS: A TRUE FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Thursday, December 8, 7PM, Tickets: $60 | $40 | $20, vpc.church/music
This concert is almost sold out! Celebrate our Savior’s birth and the true meaning of Christmas with classic favorites along with new and traditional hymns. Collingsworth songs will be featured in this memorable concert that promises to capture and instill the Christmas spirit within all who attend.
Saturday, December 10, 10AM-1PM, VPC South Parking Lot
Email Chris Woodard, Pastor of Mission & Engagement to volunteer: chrisw@vpc.church VPC is excited to host another awesome holiday event for MentorKids USA! We need 250 gifts by December 4. Please take a tag from a tree outside the worship centers.
VPC MOVIE NIGHT
Sunday, December 11, 5-7PM, Awaken Plaza, Free Spend an evening under the stars watching a movie. Bring a blanket and a lawn chair. Snacks will be provided and food will be available.
Monday, December 12, 7:30PM, Sanctuary, Free Come hear VPC's resident community youth ensembles perform your favorite Christmas music, including Carol of the Bells and Winter Wonderland.
VPC hosts over Christmas break
Sunday, December 18-Sunday, December 25
Email Chris Woodard, Pastor of Mission & Engagement to volunteer: chrisw@vpc.church
Family Promise rescues families from the streets to provide emergency shelter & basic needs in a 60-day program designed to assist their return to self-sufficiency. Family Promise partners with VPC to provide safe overnight shelter, food, and compassion to families in crisis.
Return gifts by Monday, December 19
Email Chris Woodard, Pastor of Mission & Engagement with questions: chrisw@vpc.church Please take a tag from a tree outside the Sanctuary, Awaken Café, or Chapel and bring back an unwrapped toy. Gifts collected by December 4 (need 250 gifts) go to the MentorKids Christmas Party, all other gifts go to our other mission partners.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON & PROGRAM
Wednesday, December 21, Landes Center, 11AM RSVP for lunch: Bette Hughes, bettehughes@juno.com. Christmas Sing-a-long and Christmas BINGO with prizes. Everyone is welcome!
The year is coming to a close as we enter the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration.
It is the time…
• When we recognize people in our lives who help us navigate the joys and sad times we have experienced
• W hen we take count of the ways we serve our Church, community, country, and those far from home
& Candy Unruh• W hen we prayerfully and faithfully share our financial blessing and support God's work at VPC
VPC Pastors, staff, and Session use our pledge commitment to plan worship, programs, classes, and events for adults, students, and our children. Committed funds support our pastoral leadership, the administrative and plant maintenance staff, spiritual programs building our relationship with our Lord, and community outreach programs from concerts to Pickleball tournaments. Sharing our time and talents are foundational efforts which are vital to the life of VPC. Our treasure is also needed to support and ensure the on-going success of VPC.
Unruh Stewardship ElderThere are several ways to present your gift: cash/check donation, on-line giving, stock transfer, etc. See below for more information on the qualified charitable distributions (QCD's), an option already used by many of our members.
Jesus told his followers to give to everyone who asks (Luke 6:30), to give to those who can’t repay (Luke 14:13-14) and to fully give what we have freely received (Matthew 10:8). Paul established the principle that what we reap is a reflection of what we sow (Corinthians 9:6).
Thank you to those who have already completed the 2023 Commitment Card. If you have not yet submitted a pledge commitment, please considered Jesus’ words and make your commitment today.
Retirement-age individuals and couples may find that they don't need income from their traditional IRAs in certain years or all years. Their other sources of income may be sufficient.
Some may not want the IRA income because these withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax, and more taxable income may push these IRA owners into a higher tax bracket. In particular, a higher tax bracket can have adverse impacts on Social Security payments and Medicare benefits.
Regardless, starting at age 72 the IRS mandates traditional IRA owners take annual income withdrawals, known as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Failure to take these withdrawals could subject IRA owners to stiff penalties.
Thankfully, charitably-minded individuals and couples age 70½ and older have a tax-smart strategy available with traditional IRAs: the QCD, also known as a charitable IRA rollover. The QCD allows a donor to instruct a traditional IRA administrator to send up to $100,000 per year—all or part of the annual RMD—to an operating charity; couples who submit tax returns with married filing jointly status each qualify for an annual QCD of up to $100,000.
The IRA assets go directly to charity, so donors don't report the QCD as taxable income and don't owe any taxes on the QCD. In addition, the assets can be put to good use by a donor's favorite operating charity, making QCDs a win-win strategy.
Some donors may also find that the QCD provides greater tax savings than cash donations for which charitable tax deductions are claimed. This is because Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is reduced, and AGI is used in several key calculations, such as determining the taxable portion of Social Security benefits or what deductions and credits donors qualify for receiving.
In addition, a QCD allows a donor to receive a tax benefit from a charitable contribution even if the donor does not itemize deductions. This is the result of the QCD being excluded from taxable income.
Starting January 2023
Dinner available starting at 5:15PM ($5/person, $20/family)
Childcare (0-3) available by registration
With Dr. Jeff Weima, Calvin Theological Seminary Professor Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18 6-7PM, Sanctuary & Livestream
From seasoned scripture readers to those with very little knowledge, this class is for everyone! Is there a right way to read the Bible? What guidelines should we use to interpret scripture? Can we confidently know what God is saying in his Word? Dr. Jeffrey Weima will help answer these questions in an interesting, informative, and entertaining way. This series will likely change the way you read and understand God’s Word!
For kids 3 years old—5th grade 6-7:30PM
Register today! Oasis Kids! is a safe and fun environment to learn about the world in creative ways. Your child will build, draw, play, craft, sing, have fun and learn more about Jesus with staff members from our Children’s and Music ministries.
Middle School: 6-7:30PM
High School: 7:30-9PM
Middle School Program, 6-7:30PM, B108
Homework Space, 7:30-9PM, Awaken Café Connect and dig deeper with other students. Awaken Café will also be open as a homework room available for students and families to use after program is over.
High School Program, 7:30-9PM, B108
Homework Space, 6-7:30PM, Awaken Café Connect and dig deeper with other students. Awaken Café will also be open as a homework room available for students and families to use before the program.
With Phil Eaton, Ph.D., President Emeritus, Seattle Pacific University
Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15 6-7PM, Sanctuary
There is a lot of talk these days about how to be happy, but what we really long for is joy. Joy is much deeper, more lasting, more satisfying, and life changing. Complete joy is what Jesus promises to give us, yet we are not often joyful people. We will explore the path to joy through Scripture, Christian teaching, stories, art, and literature. We will learn how the ancient spiritual practices: prayer, reading Scripture, silence, solitude, and worship can lead us toward joyful lives.
Let's
With Pastor Chris Woodard Wednesdays, January 25, February 1, 8, 15 6-7PM, Room B106
We will walk together through the book of Mark. If you're familiar with the book or if this is your first time in a Bible Study, we invite you to come and see what God is doing in our community through the power of His Word.
As we approach the coming of a new year with joy and hope, it is a very comforting feeling to know that our Lord is always with us, directing our path. We must make careful choices on which paths to choose to achieve His goals and aspirations for our lives.
COVID made us all aware of the global effect of viral infections: the need for vaccines, social distancing, and face masks. We must also be aware of spiritual infections that can be dangerous and even deadly. The writer of Hebrews wrote about a “root of bitterness springing up” in an individual, the result being that many “become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15).
What is the perfect antidote for this malaise? Spending time every day reading God’s Word and seeking Him for strength and protection against the perils of this world. His love and guidance can bring comfort in the most difficult situations we face.
VPC is excited to help you gain a deeper understanding of what it means to receive the free gift of grace from God and how we can offer this free gift to others through Oasis Community Wednesday classes and events that we are offering this winter.
• Dr. Jeffrey Weima from Calvin Theological Seminary will lead the class How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth for three Wednesday evenings in January.
• Dr. Phil Eaton, President Emeritus, Seattle Pacific University will speak on the subject of Longing for Joy for four Wednesday evenings starting in January. Joy, unlike happiness, is the promise to be changed into someone we really want to be. It is the promise of transformation, becoming more Christ-like in our whole being.
Outside of Wednesdays, Presbyterian Women will study the first book of Peter, and our Men’s Breakfast Bible Study is undertaking reading the entire Bible chronologically in 365 days. What joyful adventures!
Love is the motive for working; joy is the strength for working.
It is such a blessing to be a part of a church that focuses on teaching the truth of God’s word and how we can apply it in our everyday lives. Oasis Community Wednesdays are an integral part of our weekly worship and fellowship experience. The time we spend together learning and growing in our faith is the key to navigating life's trails and trials. As we go forward into the new year, may we choose today to be a carrier of joy as we interact with others. May we be a super-spreader of Christlike traits wherever we go.
Finance & Operations Director 480-991-6424 ext. 112 krisb@vpc.church
Look at our Spring and Fall ministry brochures, and you’ll see over 20 pages filled with:
Worship services
Concert series
Classes every day of the week
Bunny Business, VBS, Trunk or Treat
Student mission trips and camp
MOPS, men’s groups, women’s groups
Mission
Fellowship gatherings
Counseling and support
With the help of many volunteers, it is the job of 16 full time and 7 part time staff to plan, organize and implement all these ministries. It takes each person in our VPC community to support these efforts with their time and talents.
One more very important thing makes all this possible your generosity of resources. Our Foundation, plus some miscellaneous income, provides about 10% of operating income, while over 90% of the church’s income comes from your donations, given back in gratitude for what God has given you.
Each year in November, our staff and elders submit their budgets for the coming year. Session strives to use the resources entrusted to us in ways that honor God. We don’t always know what the new year will bring, though. Here is just one example of an item in the 2022 budget, and how the actual turned out much different:
Livestreaming of worship services is a by-product of COVID which has turned out to be life-changing. A large part of our congregation still watches online, and many others are able to connect even if residing elsewhere in the summer. This does not come without a cost.
• Investment of new computer hardware and software: $23,000
• Cox internet : previous cost $500/month; current fiber cost $1,245/month
• IT support company: previous cost $2,200/month; switch to company better equipped to help manage IT environment cost $4,300/month
• Technical expertise to run the audio visual system
VPC has always been blessed by the generosity of its members, and we are reaching out to you now with a special request. Our goal for November and December is to raise an additional $150,000. As you consider your year-end giving options, we invite you to help us reach that goal.
Gratefully,
Kris Bahr, Director of Finance & Operations Finance & Operations Committee Stewardship Committee
Session received the annual report from Student & Family Ministries. Both had good years in 2022 and are looking forward to growth in the number of students and volunteers and more family involvement in 2023. Pastor Travis Kingma and Family Ministry Director Tina Gilbreath are doing amazing jobs.
Mary Artigue noted the Negotiation Committee sent a counter offer for dismissal to the AC a couple of weeks ago. They are waiting to meet to discuss the proposal in detail. Session must approve any final offer.
480-368-6567
Pastor Chris Woodard gave an update on Awaken Café. Café manager Evan was hired in July and is doing a very good job alongside his three part-time baristas. There were 35% more transactions in October than September. The committee continues to fine-tune prices as well as vendors. Currently, about one half of the patrons are members and one half are neighbors.
Session approved 10 new persons for membership.
Session amended the Agreement for the Use of Valley Presbyterian Church Property to include the addition of Section X: Nursery Use Guidelines and Section XI: Awaken Café Use Guidelines.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at: kgmeyer@cox.net
Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session Karen Gill Meyer Clerk of Session6947 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, 480-991-6424 vpc.church
Pastors: David Joynt, David Turner, Chris Woodard, Travis Kingma
