VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
February 2017
Volume 62, Number 1 Dear friends, Our church is a community that gathers and sends. Every week we assemble for worship and then scatter for work and service. In this way, the church blesses the community as our members make a difference for Christ in their families, jobs, and civic activities. Every month or so, we say goodbye to members who are leaving for other locations, and we trust they will find ways to build the Kingdom wherever they go. In this way, our church blesses other communities of faith and other cities and towns. Occasionally, we bid farewell to a staff member who has taken another call, and we send them off to serve somewhere else. We learned recently that Jordan and Gabby Gustafson have accepted a new call to plant a church in Washington, DC. We are sad to see Jordan and Gabby depart from VPC. They have been a great blessing to our church, an inspiration to our youth and families, and a joy to work with for our pastors and staff. They have exhibited tremendous enthusiasm and dedication during their time with us. We certainly wish them Godspeed in their new church planting adventure in DC. To show our gratitude, we are encouraging anyone who wants to send cash gifts to support the Gustafsons to Kris Bahr, Director of Finance and Operations, throughout the month of February. Joseph Parisi will be our Interim Director of Student Ministry. He has been doing an exceptional job assisting Jordan this year and is a young man of great faith and devotion. Joseph is a college student currently and has over ten years of Young Life experience, serving as a leader for two and one-half of those years. He is a super athlete and has a strong sense of call into ministry. He will be supported by our staff as he steps into this new role—please pray for and encourage him. Our Youth and Children’s Committee has immediately initiated a search for a full-time Director of Student Ministry. They will contact colleges and seminaries and networks with youth ministries to try and locate our next leader. If you have names or suggestions, please pass them on to Sarah Brammer at smurley47@hotmail.com. Our committee will conduct an open process, bringing candidates to our staff and Session and giving our youth and families a chance to engage with them. There is no ministry more important in our church than our ministry to youth, and we are blessed to have exceptional young men and women in our midst to nurture and encourage. We are very determined to build on Jordan’s work and create an even stronger outreach to youth in the future. Hope to see all of you on February 5 as we conclude our First Annual Youth Week with a service led by our youth. Please pray for our search and read further for a special message from Jordan! Yours faithfully, Recently there has been a lot happening in the Gustafson household and as my church family I would love to share with you some exciting news. Throughout my life in ministry, God has placed on my heart a desire to both start new ministry and grow ministry forward for the sake of the Kingdom. Time after time, I have had the opportunity to be a part of this, which has opened up many conversations with people in ministry that I look up to about one day down the road planting a church to reach those who are not yet connected to the body of Christ. A few months ago, God graciously opened a door for an opportunity to enter into this work in church planting. After careful prayer and discernment Gabby, Norah, and I have accepted our next ministry call, which will be moving us to Washington, DC in order to plant a new church in the city. I am excited for the work that God is calling me to, and in my pursuit of obedience, I will be taking the biggest step of faith that I ever have. Our family will be moving this coming March and ask that you be praying for us and all that is to come. I am beyond thankful for this church and for all of you. We as a family have experienced so much life transition since being here, including starting our married life together and the arrival of our first little one, Norah. You as our church family have blessed and loved not only me but my family as well over these past three years, and for this I am forever grateful. I am excited for what God is doing and how He is moving; however, I am sad to be leaving my role at our church. VPC has helped to train me in ministry, has grown me in leadership, and has given me opportunity after opportunity shaping me into the minister that I am today. VPC will always be a part of my story and will always be in my heart. We look forward to visiting when we are in town and for the opportunity to share with you all of the amazing ways that God will be acting in DC. Thank you for your support and encouragement in ministry, and most of all, thank you for the many amazing relationships. They mean more to me than you will ever know. Lastly, thank you to our students for letting me be a part of your lives. I love you all and am beyond excited for the ways in which God is going to use you. You have blessed me in ways that are impossible to explain and I have been forever changed because of you. In Christ,
Who We Are: Coming together for global change
Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa is a unique opportunity to join with the local community to accomplish real and long-lasting change in Malawi. VPC members Matt Winter and Elizabeth Arendt took part last year and want to encourage you to take part in this year’s event. I was honored to be a part of last year’s Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa event. It was a demonstration of how caring, giving people in our community can have a profound effect on people living halfway around the Earth. The support shown by our community is saving lives, educating children and building vital infrastructure in some of the poorest places in Malawi. We can and do change lives when we join together for the benefit of others.
Last year’s Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa event was an incredible display of global collaboration. Together towns in Arizona were able to raise funds for multiple towns in Malawi. Partnerships were built between communities and will continue to grow as this year’s event includes more community members in Arizona, and reaches even more students in Malawi.
-Matt Winter, Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa Committee Chair
-Elizabeth Arendt, Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa
THIS YEAR'S FOCUS In the Zomba region of Malawi, students walk ten miles each way to school. This year Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa will begin funding a new boarding school where students can stay and learn during the week. WHAT YOU CAN DO At Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa, run or ride a child to school. It's 10 miles for them, and we want you to run or walk 10 miles, or ride 20 miles, in teams or individually. There will be a one-mile running loop and a five-mile bike loop. There are also several interactive opportunities during the event for all ages. THIS YEAR'S ROUTES Sign up today! Look for the Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa reps at the Welcome Center. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
Mission & Service
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February 26-March 5 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church We will be hosting eight families through our relationship with Family Promise. If you would like to help host, serve food or stay the night we can use all the help we can get, contact Chris.
Highlighted Events YOUR COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
This free annual festival, open to all in our community, will make an impact on thousands of lives in Malawi.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 CHURCH 9AM-NOON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN SOUTH PARKING LOT
RUN, WALK, OR RIDE
We challenge you to run or walk 10 miles, or ride 20 miles, in teams or individually. There is a one-mile running and five-mile bike loop.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY -Rock Wall -Laser Tag -Live Music -Photo Booth -Kids Zone -Food -Bounce House
VISIT THE WEBSITE
-Register for the fun run and fun ride -Read more about our project to construct a school in Malawi -Learn about partner organizations Villages in Partnership and Ministry of Hope -Donate (100% of donations go to our partner organizations in Africa)
scottsdalepv4africa.com
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 7AM GAINEY RANCH CLUBHOUSE Tickets: $30/Students $15
The road to a new beginning has opened DIVORCE RECOVERY MONDAYS STARTING FEBRUARY 13 CHAPEL PARLOR, 5:30-6:45PM
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Students & Families CHILDREN
STUDENTS
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
Souper Bowl Sunday Bake Sale
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church February 5, following the 9AM and 10:30AM services Join us for our annual Souper Bowl Sunday bake sale. All proceeds go directly toward supporting our students in their summer mission trips to San Diego and San Francisco. We look forward to seeing you after service! Thank you for supporting our students, they are the hands and feet of Christ this summer! Additionally, on February 5 our students will be taking part in Student Sunday by assisting and sharing in all our worship services. Please plan to join us and hear about all the ways that God is working in our students’ lives!
Take It Home Event: 4th grade families Serving as a Family February 12, 10:30AM, Room 415-416
Come and learn about the variety of ways in which we can serve our Lord, no matter what our age.
Lenten Launch: Kick off Lent with some family fun!
February 26, 4:30-6:30PM, Landes Center RSVP: Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church $10 donation to help offset costs suggested, but not required. We will work on part of the Lenten stage for Landes, create something we can use at home for our own family devotions, and participate in some special prayer time as families to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the Lenten journey.
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
VALLEY DAY SCHOOL
Meghan Gottfredson: meghang@vpc.church A play based and faith based first school experience. Registration for the 2017-2018 preschool year at Valley Day School begins the first week of February. Children must be 2 by August 31. Contact Meghan for a tour and all enrollment details.
Music & Arts MINISTER OF MUSIC
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
Choir Rehearsal
Youth, Women’s, or Instrumental Ensemble Forming
Andrea Saul Vocal Recital
If you are interested please contact Jennifer!
Valley Ringers Handbell Choir
Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Handbell Room Seeking new members.
Wednesdays, 7:30PM, Music Room Sunday, February 12, 4PM, Chapel Come hear our own Valley Singer, Andrea Saul in recital. Just two days before Valentine’s Day, Andrea will sing sacred and secular songs about love.
Men
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UNSTOPPABLE: Men’s Breakfast 2017 Men, don’t miss one of the best mornings of the year! Featuring Ron Wofley & Dave Pasch With Vic Pentz Saturday, February 11, 7AM Gainey Ranch Clubhouse
Dave Pasch & Ron Wofley- Radio play-by-play and color announcers for the Arizona Cardinals Vic Pentz- Former Senior Pastor of the largest Presbyterian church in the US, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, in Atlanta, GA
Educational Enrichment DISCIPLESHIP
Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church, Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church *Childcare available by reservation (0-9 y.o.): nursery@vpc.church
Your Courageous Choice: The Holocaust & Christian Discipleship* Wednesdays starting January 11-February 22 6:30-7:30PM, Calvin Center, No Fee Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto vpc.church/classes
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.
A Study of the Cross: Transforms, Cleanses, Sanctifies, Shapes, Saves* Wednesdays March 8-April 5 6:30-7:30PM, Calvin Center, No Fee Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto This class will explore the symbolism and power of the cross throughout scripture. What is the significance of wood in the Old Testament? Why is it important that Jesus was a carpenter? Come and deepen your understanding of why Jesus gave his life for us on a wooden cross.
ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING® Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 165 Learn more: encoreuniv.org Spring Term starts on March 7, 2017
• Join Scottsdale resident and former Congressman, Frank Riggs as he follows the evolution of the U.S. Constitution over its 230 year history. • Learn about Christian citizenship and what role Christians play in American politics. ASU Professors will lead students through this political thought process.
Encore University, Discipleship & Spiritual Growth presents: Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust Special Event* No Fee 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.
What does Encore mean to you? Share your story. Like us on facebook or send an email to eu@vpc.church.
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
All activities in Landes Center
Brandon Fox: brandonf@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 106 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
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: Feb. 9, 3PM Meatloaf: 5PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: Feb. 16, 11:30AM Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: Feb.23, 3PM, Fireside Room
INQUIRER CLASS
Sunday, March 26, 12:30PM, Fireside Room Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers? For more information call Jane Russell: 480-694-1186 Register online: vpc.church/inquirer
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Women Women’s Bible Study*
Living Life Together by Shauna Niequist Thursdays, February 2 & 16, 6:30PM, Room 415/416 *Friday, February 3 & 17, 9AM, Room 415/416 Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women There are messy parts in all our lives that we would rather not reveal. What if we invited others in and experienced the beautiful acceptance and deep connection of Christian community? Author and speaker Shauna Niequist is passionate about living life in community.
MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers)*
Fridays, February 10 & 24, 9-11AM, Room 415-416 Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church What is MOPS? An international ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Our MOPS group is open to moms throughout the community, whether or not they attend VPC. Where do my kids go while I’m in MOPS? We offer childcare (up to age 5) on a space-available basis.
Come to the Table: Women’s Retreat 2017
April 28-30, Prescott, AZ Registration starts February 19 Questions? Email Kelsey: kelseyw@vpc.church Look for more information soon about this great weekend of rest and relaxation!
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Luncheon & Program February 22, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, February 17 PROGRAM: Love Songs with Julia Joynt & Jennifer Hamm PW Circles, February 2017 Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, February 7 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Jeanne Campo, 480-994-4116/Barbara McCreary 480-451-2233 Wednesday, February 8 Esther: 9:30AM, Betty Meyer’s home, 480-951-2908 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
*Childcare: nursery@vpc.church
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 Ron Dunlap, Carolyn Gleave, and Michael Rons.
Divorce Recovery Program
Mondays, February 13-March 27, 5:30-6:45PM, Chapel Parlor Cost: $20 Registration required: vpc.church/divorce-recovery-registration Facilitator: Anna Kohls, Licensed Assoc. Marriage & Family Therapist Seven-week Program designed for men and women at any stage of the divorce process is open to all in our community. Share this information with friends who are ready to take the next step in their journey. For more information contact David or Tammy.
NAMI Basics Class
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Saturdays, February 4, 11 & 27, 8:30AM-1:30PM, Room 409 Registration required: Debbie Martinez, 602-759-8177 or namimaricopaedu@gmail.com NAMI Basics is a free program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. It is a specialty class for Professionals who work in the school system, the juvenile justice system, CASAs, or any other individuals who work with children.
Deacon Memorial Receptions
VPC supports grieving families by offering to host a reception following memorial services for their loved one. It’s an opportunity for family and friends to gather and share memories. We are blessed to have volunteer hostesses serve these receptions. Hostesses are not responsible for cooking or preparing food. Each service and reception are approximately two and a half to three hours. Most memorial services are Friday or Saturday and range from 40-350 people. It’s a humbling experience to assist and honor families experiencing loss. If you have a heart for those who have lost a loved one, please consider volunteering for this team and contact Carol Rose, 480-947-0139.
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community 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
Session has been very busy over the last couple of months! In January, the Session elected officers for 2017: Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk; Fred Fetters, Treasurer; and John Stuart, Assistant Treasurer. -The 2017 Communion schedule has been set. -The Boy Scout Troop 441 Charter was renewed for 2017. -The Session passed the recommendation of the Campus Master Plan Committee, chaired by Jim Unruh, to hire Jones Studio to develop a campus Master Plan for $75,000. A Congregational survey has been created and distributed. The Plan should be completed by May and can be done in phases. -VPC ended 2016 with a $27,000 surplus, and Session passed a balanced budget of $2,365,150 for 2017. -Jennifer Hamm reported on Worship Ministry to the Session; it is very impressed with the progress Jennifer has made and the programs that are planned for the future. -Dick Coffelt, Bob Aldag, and Gary Green were elected as delegates to Presbytery for 2017. -The session elected Ed Glady, Chairman, and Susie Huseth, Vice-Chair, of the All-Church Nominating Committee (ACNC). The Session recommended to the congregation four at large members for the ACNC; they will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. -The Valley Presbyterian Church Corporation elected Officers for 2017: Sam Kelsall, President; Karen Gill Meyer, Secretary, Fred Fetters, Treasurer; and John Stuart, Assistant Treasurer. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
VPC FINANCES YEAR-TO-DATE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Income Faith Giving Encore Other Income Total Income Expense Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Encore Worship & Music Total Expense
Actual
Budget
Variance
$1,755,000 $44,000 $505,000 $2,304,000
$1,825,000 $53,000 $568,000 $2,446,000
$-70,000 $-9,000 $-63,000 $-142,000
$471,000 $1,085,000 $190,000 $247,000 $119,000 $192,000 $2,304,000
$479,000 $1,079,000 $262,000 $281,000 $140,000 $205,000 $2,446,000
$8,000 $-6,000 $72,000 $34,000 $21,000 $13,000 $142,000
$0
$0
$0
Net Income less Expense
Other income includes $72,500 from prior years’ Memorial Garden space sales. Surplus of $27,000 reduced the amount included for 2016.
2017 "PER CAPITA" $34 PER MEMBER
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), each church pays a predetermined amount, determined by church membership, to bring leaders together and serve the denomination. VPC covers the $34 per member, but reimbursements coming in designated “Per Capita” allows us to support other areas of ministry.
SESSION
(Through January 31) 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
NURSERY COORDINATOR
VPC is seeking a cheerful and loving individual to coordinate the nursery and childcare at VPC. This part-time person must love babies and children, be able to plan age appropriate activities, as well as train, schedule, and supervise caregiver staff. Contact Tina Gilbreath for more information or send resume: tinag@vpc.church
SUPPORT VPC’S MINISTRIES!
Be a part of God’s work in the Valley and around the world: vpc.church/give
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Monday, February 20 Presidents’ Day
Foundation Foundation: Charlee Turner, charleet@vpc.church
Step Into the Future: 2017 Legacy Dinner
Friday, March 31, 2017, The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch Tickets: $125 Full table and priority options available. Email Kris Bahr with inquiries: krisb@vpc.church. Grab your dance shoes and mark your calendars! The evening is packed with something for everyone! Browse the silent auction during our cocktail hour. Keep an eye on the ever-popular wine raffle. Then enjoy a meal from the amazing staff at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. Take a chance with the balloon raffle- there are incredible prizes!
After dinner the live auction will inspire your imagination with trips and experiences both locally and abroad. Finally, take part in the most important portion of the night, Fund The Need, where we work together to fund important projects on the VPC campus.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 7AM GAINEY RANCH CLUBHOUSE Tickets: $30/Students $15
Kilgore Chapel- 8 & 11:45AM Sanctuary- 9AM
Landes Center- 10:30AM
COMMUNION February 5
PASTORS
David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Kelsey Woodruff
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 E. McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 480-991-6424 church@vpc.church vpc.church
vpc.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
Valley Presbyterian Church
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