February Valley Vine

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Valley Vine February 2021 Vol. 65, No. 12 Valley Presbyterian Church

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT Dear friends,

In a sense, the Christian life is lived at the foot of the cross. We will spend six weeks right there during Lent this year. Our series is called “Seven Last Words,” and in it we will look at the seven sentences Jesus spoke during the crucifixion.

The word 'crucial' is from the Latin word crux, which means cross. Every one of Jesus’ “final words” is crucial for understanding the nature of God, the meaning of salvation, the purpose of suffering, and the new life available through faith. The theology of the cross is the true center of Christian thinking. It should shape our ethics, our attitudes, and our intellects.

The series begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, at 6:30PM, in the Sanctuary. It continues on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30AM, from February 21-March 21. On Palm Sunday, March 28 and Maundy Thursday, April 1, we will look at the traditional gospel readings that depict Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the Last Supper. The seventh word will be the focus on Good Friday, April 2. April 4 is the great celebration of the Resurrection!

I hope and pray that these weeks will deepen our understanding of the cross and will draw us closer to the power and grace of our amazing God. Daily devotional materials will be accessible in these forms: printed booklets, digital versions, and daily videos.

Love and Blessings,

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Front Cover by Daniel Olah on Unsplash

Highlighte d

EVENTS

ALPHA—Asking the big questions about life, faith, and God

Mondays, February 1-March 15, 7-8PM, ZOOM Explore and discuss life’s big questions together.

Register: vpc.church/classes

Annual

Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 7

9:30AM (following 8:30AM service), Sanctuary Looking back at 2020 and ahead to 2021

New Sermon Series Starts Ash Wednesday, February 17

6:30PM, Sanctuary & Livestream Oasis Kids & Minis join worship, leave after Children's Message

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Something for the whole family.

Learn more & sign up: vpc.church/classes

Oasis Community Wednesday brings people together to eat, learn, and build relationships. Carving out time to come to church during the week is challenging. That’s why VPC sets aside Wednesday evenings, where together we can spend time growing closer to God. *Childcare is available for all Oasis offerings: kids 0-35 months in the nursery, 3-5 in Oasis Minis, and kids K-5th grade at Oasis Kids! Students in Middle and High School also meet as a part of Oasis Community Wednesdays.

OASIS ADULT CLASSES Sign up and learn more about all opportunities: vpc.church/classes 10 GREAT DATES

With Tina & Todd Gilbreath Wednesdays through March 24 (no class February 17 & March 10) Upper Youth Room, 6-7:30PM A marriage boost for couples of all ages! Whether you want to grow as a couple, need a little relationship tune up, or just want a date night with your spouse, come join us for 10 Great Dates this spring. Each week Todd & Tina facilitate an opening segment and assignment (based on the book 10 Great Dates, which is provided). The rest of class is for you and your spouse to enjoy a date together and to discuss your assignment.

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH: THE BOOK OF ACTS

With Pastor Chris Woodard Wednesday through March 24 (no class February 17) Calvin Center & via Zoom, 6-7PM (Meeting ID: 829 9937 6983) Learn about the start of the Christian church according to eyewitness accounts gathered by Luke.

Class will be lecture and discussion as we learn from scripture, pastors, and each other.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY: The Book of Mark

On Right Now Media by author and Pastor Frances Chan Wednesdays,February 10, 24, March 10, 24, April 7, 21, May 5, 19 6-7:30PM, Zoom, VPC Facilitator: Melissa Milnor Also offered: Fridays, February 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 7, 21 9:30-11AM, Zoom, VPC Facilitator: Jeanine Nesvig Take this opportunity during the week to build relationships with other women and strengthen your relationship with God. Eleven-session study of the Gospel of Mark from beginning to end. Register online to receive the ZOOM invitation and free access to Right Now Media.

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OASIS STUDENT GATHERING MIDDLE SCHOOL

Wednesdays, 6-7:30PM, B108 Homework Space, 7:30-9PM, Awaken Café For all ages on campus at VPC. Awaken Café will also be open as a homework room available for students and families to use after program is over.

HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesdays, 7:30-9PM, B108 Homework Space, 6-7:30PM, Awaken Café For all ages on campus at VPC. Awaken Café will also be open as a homework room available for students and families to use after program is over.

OASIS MINIS & OASIS KIDS! Wednesdays, 6-7:30PM (excluding February 17, March 10, March 31) Oasis Kids!: Room 415/416, Oasis minis: Room 7 Register: vpc.church/children 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.

Oasis Minis! is a similar experience with age-appropriate activities for your littler ones. Oasis nursery is available for parents who are registered in an adult class.

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Additional

CLASSES

ALPHA

LEARN, GROW & BE LOVED

ASKING THE BIG QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE, FAITH, AND GOD

Mondays, February 1-March 15, 7-8PM, Zoom Register online: vpc.church/classes or mtviewpres.org/alpha Alpha is an eight-week series of exploring the Christian faith. Each session looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome.

It’s an open, informal, and honest space to explore and discuss life’s big questions together.

FAMILY WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS & KIDS FAMILIES OF MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLERS

How to talk to your kids about dating & sex (with as little awkwardness as possible) Sunday, February 21, 9:30-10:30AM, B106 (Zoom option available) Questions? Email Tina: tinag@vpc.church Register online: vpc.church/classes Nervous to talk to your students about sex? You’re not alone! Young people today are inundated with ideas that fall short of God’s good intentions for dating and sex. They need us to help them discern what is and isn’t true. Join us for a panel discussion to cultivate space for parents and ministry staff to dialogue about how to care for and communicate with the next generation.

FAMILIES OF 2nd & 3rd GRADERS: Serving Together

Sunday, February 28, 9:30-10:30AM, Upper Youth Room (Zoom option available) Email Tina to RSVP: tinag@vpc.church This class is designed to help kids and adults understand the variety of ways in which we can serve our Lord, no matter what our age. Participants will engage in a service activity during the class.

COMMUNITY GROUPS BOOMERS (1945-1965)

N.T. Wright’s book New Testament in Its World Facilitator: Dr. Jerry Burnette SUNDAYS, 11:30AM, Zoom RSVP for Zoom link: Sarah Burnette, sarahswiggins@gmail.com Jerry will share DVD’s by theologians N.T. Wright and Michael Bird. DVDs are taken from Wright’s new book titled New Testament in Its World. It includes the historical study of Jesus, Jesus and the early church, and two of Paul’s letters. All are welcome.

SAGES (1925-1945)

Bible Study: Jesus Calling Contacts: Wandie Hulick, 602-316-3372, wild4uofa@aol.com Kathy Oppenhuizen, 602-370-1176, kathyop1024@gmail.com We will be discussing readings from Jesus Calling, a daily devotional, including scripture, for each day. We will stay connected through weekly emails and/or group phone conversations. The books will be supplied to each person involved. Contact Kathy Oppenhuizen or Wandie Hulick if you would like more information. All are invited.

YOUNG ADULTS (1970-1990), Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.chuch KALEIDOSCOPE (1955-1975), Ed Glady: beglady@gmail.com SEEKERS & SHARERS (1935-1955), Paul Paige: paulpaige9@gmail.com VOYAGERS (1935-1955), Cheryl Shaff, cherylshaff@gmail.com

6 These groups are on hiatus. Contact each group's leader for more information.

WOMEN WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY: The Book of Mark

On Right Now Media by author and Pastor Frances Chan Wednesdays,February 10, 24, March 10, 24, April 7, 21, May 5, 19 6-7:30PM, Zoom, VPC Facilitator: Melissa Milnor Also offered: Fridays, February 12, 26, March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 7, 21 9:30-11AM, Zoom, VPC Facilitator: Jeanine Nesvig Take this opportunity during the week to build relationships with other women and strengthen your relationship with God. Eleven-session study of the Gospel of Mark from beginning to end. Register online to receive the ZOOM invitation and free access to Right Now Media.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN: All Circles Meeting/Bible Study

Study presented by Pastor David Joynt Wednesday, February 3, 10:30AM, Sanctuary RSVP: Ruth Brannan, zrbrannan@q.com Develop a deeper connection. We are studying Into the Light – Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament by P. Lynn Miller. Join us as we study and fellowship together. Everyone is welcome. Bring your spouse, family and friends.

DISCIPLESHIP & SPIRITUAL GROWTH SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Presented by Kathy Oppenhuizen & Beth Allen Thursdays, February 18-March 25, 6-7PM, B106 Register: vpc.church/classes All are invited to a six-week group study for a journey between Ash Wednesday and Easter. We will be discussing and reflecting on You Set My Spirit Free, a 40 Day Journey in the Company of John of the Cross, edited by David Hazard.

This class focuses on devotional readings that enrich our spiritual lives as we remember Christ’s passion prior to his death and resurrection. Books are available on Amazon.com or Christianbook.com.

CARE & SUPPORT NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Eight-week programs in February or March via Zoom Registration: education@namivalleyofthesun.org Questions? Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss1231@gmail.com NAMI Valley of the Sun is pleased to offer this essential class for family members of those living with a mental health condition. We offer NAMI Family-to-Family classes throughout the year at various locations throughout Maricopa County. Currently, due to COVID all programs virtually via ZOOM. We remind you these classes are designed specifically for family members or caregivers and not the relative who is living with a mental health diagnosis. You are welcomed to and encouraged to attend this class with other family members or caregivers who support your loved one, but all will need individual registration forms.

February 19 & 20 8AM-2PM, Landes Center Schedule appointment: RedCrossBlood.org (Sponsor code: vpc) Info: tammyg@vpc.church Join VPC and help save lives at our Deacon-sponsored community blood drive. With your blood donation, they will also test a sample for COVID-19 antibodies.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. The need for blood is constant, but only thee percent of the U.S. population donates. By rolling up a sleeve, donors can play a critical role in the treatment of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for 7 leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

Valley Presby terian

FOUNDATION

A SOLID FOUNDATION

We all know nothing is accomplished without a great Foundation – whether a home, business, or church. In 1976 a group of 12 individuals – under the leadership of Dr. L. Wilson Kilgore – recognized this fact, and thus began the Valley Presbyterian Foundation. This month starts a series of articles to familiarize everyone with the Foundation at VPC - its origination and purpose, its various funds, and how it supports all areas of VPC.

Lynetta & Ron Norris

Ron Norris Trustee

1) What is the Valley Presbyterian Foundation? What is its purpose?

From Dr. L. Wilson Kilgore (Pastor Emeritus of VPC) on March 22, 1976: "At our Annual Meeting an action took place which we feel will help stabilize the financial life of this congregation across the years. At that time the Valley Presbyterian Foundation was formally organized and the trustees elected."

"The purpose of this Foundation is to do the long-term thinking and executing of plans for capital gifts that the congregation will need for the upkeep of its buildings and for the purposes of its life and mission in the decades and centuries ahead ... We feel that we need to have a financial security other than that made possible by the annual pledge and loose offering system."

“The Valley Presbyterian Foundation has been established for the purposes of: (1) Educating our congregation to the capital needs of our Church; (2) Securing gifts and bequests for these needs; (3) Investing such funds with sound business judgment; and (4) Distributing such income in accordance with the wishes of the donor when the use is designated, and when undesignated to distribute the income in a manner most advantageous to the aims of our Church.”

2) Is the Foundation competing for the same dollars given to the VPC budget?

No. Gifts made to VPF are above and beyond giving to VPC's operating fund, commonly through one’s estate. We have established the Valley Legacy Society as a part of VPF; you become a member by remembering VPC or VPF in your estate planning.

3) Please explain the financial support provided by Vally Presbyterian Foundation to the Church.

Unless otherwise designated by the donor, money given to VPF is invested with the goal that donated principal will not be spent. The current distribution policy specifies that a certain percentage of the average of the previous three years’ market value is made available to support VPC. 4) How is the money invested?

Valley Presbyterian Foundation Trustees have responsibility for the preservation and investment of VPF funds. Autus Asset Management currently manages the VPF portfolio.

5) Can I designate a specific purpose for my donation?

Yes. Although we encourage donations to the General fund, there are 23 funds in total.

Now that we have whet your appetite, we trust that you are looking forward to learning about these 23 funds, and how the earnings support the ministry and facility needs of VPC. We hope you will be inspired to join the Valley Legacy Society yourself!

If you have any questions about the Foundation, please contact Kris Bahr at krisb@vpc.church.

Estate Planning Seminar Tuesday, March 16, Sanctuary, 3 & 5PM Register: vpc.church/classes Speakers: Bill McKee & Sam Kelsall Introduction of The Economics of God’s Plan, A mandate for Surplus Creation.

Introduction of Estate Planning has three subsections: Estate Creation, the preservation of that Estate, and the distribution of the Estate upon the 8 death of the owner.

SHARING OUR TIME, COMMITTEE TALENT, & TREASURE Stewardship

When the All-Church Nominating Committee asked me to chair the Stewardship Committee I thought about messages I've heard time and again from the pulpit: We are all called to share our time, talent, and treasure with the Lord.

Jim & Candy Unruh

I accepted the call from the ACNC. I've had the opportunity to work with current committee members to expand my perception of the work of the Stewardship Committee.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary cites stewardship as: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care of resources.

Stewardship Committee Chair The word stewardship first appeared in English during the Middle Ages.

It functioned as a job description indicating the office of a “steward,” or manager of a large household. We, as individuals, are being called to be stewards of the resources that God has given us. VPC represents God’s household.

Candy Unruh

We've all heard the adage “it takes a village.” Over the next several months we will be highlighting areas where VPC stewardship is at work. We will be exploring financial stewardship and how the committee can encourage the congregation to prayerfully examine their resources relative to VPC. Our gratitude, the reasons why we give to a place like VPC, are a part of our stories.

Working with new members of VPC, the committee will focus on the multitude of opportunities to encourage them to use their time, talents and treasures to support VPC. We will offer on-going communication to ensure they are growing in their spiritual journey.

The committee will continue to explore ways and platforms to make it easy and seamless to financially support VPC. This includes on-line giving, pledge cards and special appeals. It is the committee’s desire to reach as many individuals in all life stages and share the joy and gratitude of being a steward of VPC. Author and theologian Walter Brueggemann wrote, "money and possessions are gifts from God. The call from God is to share those gifts and possessions with our neighbors out of a motivation of love." The Stewardship Committee will strive to meet this challenge and share with you how VPC is being a steward to those in our community, both locally and globally.

We pray that you look forward to the forthcoming Stewardship messages.

—Prayerfully submitted, Candy Unruh

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LOOKING BACK...

OPERATIONS LOOKING AHEAD Finances &

When Session approved suspending in-person worship effective March 22, 2020, we were looking at uncharted territory. Who knew it would be five full months before we opened the doors for worship again?

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind was how we were doing financially. Very quickly I saw many of you trying online giving for the first time. As I made trips to the post office, I was overwhelmed by the volume of checks still being mailed in. It was humbling to see how you continued to support our church and its ministries in the midst of all the uncertainty in the world around us.

Kris Bahr

Finance & Operations Director When we learned that churches could apply for the Paycheck Protection 480-991-6424 ext. 112 Package, both VPC and Valley Day School submitted applications. At that krisb@vpc.church time, we had no way of knowing whether giving would be sustained, and

without classes, VDS was not collecting tuition. We wanted to protect our staff from layoffs or reduction in hours. Both VPC and VDS received PPP loans (which were forgiven early in 2021), which ensured that staff were provided for.

Combined support to our mission partners from the Operating and Capital funds exceeded $600,000, including - $60,000 in food and supplies to the Navajo Nation, a collaboration between Bashas, Shamrock Foods, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and numerous volunteers at our on-campus packing events; $120,000 to Villages in Partnership in Malawi to build a secondary school; $150,000 to Family Promise toward their new building; $100,000 to MentorKids for the Paiute Neighborhood.

Although classes and mission trips were cancelled, work continued on our buildings and grounds.

Besides completion of the A New Heart for the Valley project, we also saw the repair of eight stained glass panels in the Chapel, installation of security cameras around campus, and repair of hot and cold water lines to the Sanctuary. Major projects coming up in the next month are recoating the Administration and Landes Center roofs, and replacement of the a/c unit in Landes Center lobby.

With gratitude we look back at 2020 and thank God for his faithfulness, and thank you for your faithful support. With great anticipation we look ahead to 2021 and how God will continue to work in our midst!

VPC finances year-to-date as of December 31, 2020 Income

Actual $ Budget $ Variance $ Faith Giving 1,799,700 1,910,000 Other Income 450,100 417,500 Total Income 2,249,800 2,327,500

-110,300 32,600 -77,700

Pastoral Ministry 454,800 461,800 Admin & Facility 979,400 1,078,900 Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care 296,600 181,100 Christian Education 262,200 366,500 Worship & Music 235,500 239,200 Total Expense 2,228,500 2,327,500

7,000 99,500 -115,500 104,300 3,700 99,000

Expense

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Net Income less Expense

21,300

0

21,300

News from

SESSION

JANUARY 2021 MEETING UPDATE

At the January Session meeting, Pastors David Joynt and David Turner ordained the Deacons and Elder who were unable to be ordained in-person during worship. Session voted on behalf of the Congregation. The 2023 Deacons class is: Barbara Dunlap, Penne McKee. Betty Gullen, Dave Gullen, and Thom Corrigan. The 2023 Elder is Jeanine Nesvig.

The Officers of the Valley Presbyterian Corporation for 2021 are: Jim Arner, President; Kris Williams, Treasurer; Tom Ambrose, Assistant Treasurer; and Karen Meyer, Secretary.

Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

The Session adopted a balanced budget for 2021 with income of $2,404,400 and expenses of $2,404,400 (subject to modification among the line items by Session, while maintaining a zero balance budget.)

Session has requested to the Presbytery that Chris Woodard be accepted as a permanent Pastor. Charles Gillett was accepted as a Candidate for Ministry by the Presbytery and will attend Princeton Seminary.

Other items during the Session meeting: Barbara and Thomas M. Clark were voted into VPC membership. The 2021 Communion schedule was approved. Lisa Keylon has been appointed to the Risk Management Committee.

In 2021, Marilyn Cage, Gary Green, Jane Russell, and Jim Arner will serve as delegates to the Presbytery.

With thanks and gratitude, the Session said farewell to retiring Elders: Jane Russell. Eric Frazier, Larry Linkin, Krista Braden, Doug Eaton, and Boots Dunlap.

If you have any question or concerns, please reach out to me. Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer Church office will be closed Monday, February 15 in observance of Presidents' Day.

Annual Congregational Meeting Looking back at 2020 and ahead to 2021 Sunday, February 7, 9:30AM (following the 8:30AM service) This annual meeting is held to affirm Pastoral Terms of Call, review finances from 2020, present the 2021 budget, and elect the 2021 All-Church Nominating Committee.

Welcome VPC Class of 2023 Elders Mike Ek Knut Herrmann Ed MacDougall Linda Miller Jeanine Nesvig Terry Thomas

Deacons Chris Canter Thom Corrigan Barbara Dunlap Betty Gullen Dave Gullen Betty Heenan Ward Huseth John Lee Jane McNeil Bo Micek Melissa Milnor Sharma Torrens

Trustees Beverly Cooper Gloria Gabler Mark Nesvig Carmel Putnam

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