January VV 2020

the

Valley Vine

February 2020

Volume sixty-five, Number one

Valley Presbyterian Church

IN THIS ISSUE:

IF: Gathering & my call to ministry

By Karley Wilke-Nadler

The power of community

By Pastor Chris Woodard

New VPC leaders

Learn about Elders, Deacons, & Trustees

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT Friends, When you get this, I will have undergone some renovation and reconstruction. The purpose of the operation was to free my right lung and increase the airflow.

It is similar with the renovation and reconstruction of our Sanctuary. We are now just two months from our Easter opening and I am praying for increased “air flow.”

The Old Testament word for spirit and breath is the same, "Ruach." The spirit of the Lord is a kind of wind, invisible and powerful. The connection between the two is evident at Pentecost, where there was a mighty wind to emphasize the new and mighty life that God’s spirit was bringing to the church.

Will you join me in praying for a fresh and mighty movement of God’s Spirit in our renovated spaces?

For new and vital creativity in our worship? For new boldness in our invitations to others to come and experience God’s grace among our people? For new levels of input in our community and our mission partners?

And while you are praying for all these things, save some prayer time to thank God for Ed Glady and our Building Committee, for Greg Kreizenbeck, and for Porter Construction and all their workers.

We are well over 90% of the way toward our goal of $13.7 million dollars, and that is a regular item of profound thanksgiving for me! Well done VPC. Ancient people knew breath and life were connected.

Christian people know that only the spirit can bring the fresh, dynamic, joy filled life that never ends. Come Ruach, come!

Yours faithfully,

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Front Cover by Skyla Design on Unsplash

Highlighte d

EVENTS

Annual

Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 9, 10AM (following 9AM service) Join us following the meeting for a special congregational reception celebration on the Landes Patio.

Women's Ministry

Sip & Social Justice

Thursday, February 6, 6:30-8:30PM Twisted Grove Parlor + Bar (8220 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale) Cost: $25, Sign up: vpc.church/women The challenges women transitioning from the Correctional System face.

Wednesday, February 26 5:30PM—Free dinner, Landes Patio, 6:30PM—Worship, Landes Center Oasis Kids! for kids 2-5th grade, Nursery for kids 0-2 Reflect on God's salvation story.

IF: THE GATHERING, IF: VPC Women's Retreat Live-Stream Conference

Saturday, February 29, 8:30AM-4PM, Room 415/416 Cost: $25, Sign up: vpc.church/women A time to come together to grow closer to each other and Christ.

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COMMUNITY WITH JESUS

By Chris Woodard Pastor of Mission & Engagement

Chris: chrisw@vpc.church

As I look forward to the arrival of my first child, my wife and I are in nesting and planning mode. We are taking classes about what to expect when we bring this new life into our home, we are building furniture and painting the nursery, and we are activating our social network; friends, families and those who love us. Throughout this process I've thought back on my life and all the effort people poured into me to make me into the man I am today. I have been incredibly blessed with great friends, family, and mentors in my life. As I continue into this next phase of my life, I am thankful for the fact that I will not journey alone; there are those who care enough to reach beyond themselves and reach into my life. It is a wonderful idea to consider: that God has crafted these relationships so that I can experience a deeper sense of purpose in the context of holy community.

I fully believe that God does not want us to be alone, but that God’s desire is for us to be in community with Jesus and each other. And for that fact I am thankful for the community that I experience here at VPC. Being part of the Men’s Ministry over the past few years has been a blessing. Working with the leadership team to focus our efforts and craft a mission statement for our ministry has been of particular delight. I have enjoyed evening meals together as we share our life and hone in our purpose and early morning breakfasts where we dream for the future and plan opportunities for engagement. The leadership team is a blessing, and through their work they have helped to craft the mission of VPC Men’s Ministry, "helping men grow stronger, more confident, and more authentic in their relationship with Jesus."

We believe that the best way this can be accomplished is together. Just like we have workout partners to encourage us and hold us accountable, we need healthy relationships in our lives as we negotiate the difficulties of being a man in today’s culture (full disclosure: after I ran my last half marathon with Aaron Parrot a year ago, I have been on a workout hiatus, but I am attempting to get back at it, when I grow up I want to be as healthy and in shape as Jim Arner). I want to encourage you to be part of this ministry movement, a movement where men are coming together to support each other in life and know that you are not alone. Here is what it can look like for you:

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Come to worship. We want to be men who live a lifestyle of worship, and it begins when we come together to offer praise to God, for God alone is worthy of our worship. When you are at church, take time to meet each other. I know this can be awkward, but trust that people want to get to know each other because they want to feel as though they belong.

As you get to know each other, come be part of something fun! On March 28th we are having our annual Cornhole tournament. This is a fun time where completion leads to friendship and BBQ leads to community. Having fun is good! We all need a break from our daily grind to enjoy life.

Join us for a meal and Bible study. The third Tuesday of each month we meet for breakfast. We enjoy a meal together (bacon is good, in moderation), and take a brief look into scripture. This Spring we are walking through the Book of James. James is very practical and helps us see how we can live out a life of faith in today’s world. We are wrapped up for the morning by 7:30AM for those who need to head to work.

Learn and talk with other men. The Wednesday night Men's Study, 9 Attributes of a Man by Vince Miller, has a national men’s ministry and is the creator of this study.

Vince has this to say about his study, “In a world where everyone is attempting to define manhood, why not look to God who designed men. God's definition of real manhood is found in the ultimate man - Jesus Christ.

This study will empower you to become the man God wants you to be.” Each session is a standalone so come as your schedule permits.

You can grow in your relationships by doing life together. Small groups of men are gathering right now. These groups are designed to foster authentic relationships as we live out our together under the direction of Jesus. Grow in your understanding of who God is and what your purpose is as you deepen your relationships with other men.

Grow as we retreat together. September 25-27 will be our annual Men’s Retreat. This is a wonderful weekend where we remove ourselves from the distractions of our daily lives and invest in ourselves and each other.

We will have fun together, adventure together, worship together, and learn together. Our retreat speaker is Vince Miller of Resolute Men’s Ministry (yes, the same Vince Miller who created our Wednesday night study).

This weekend is always a highlight of the year!

Grow as we pray. Men let's be in prayer for each other, our families, and ourselves. Through prayer our relationship with God becomes more real and more intimate. Let God continue to mold you more and more as you connect through prayer.

Men, I am praying for you. Know that you are not alone. Know that God has crafted you to be in authentic relationships with Jesus and each other. I am excited for 2020 and all of the possibilities before us.

My hope and prayer is that we take the time to invest in each other as we grow stronger, more confident, and more authentic in our relationship with Jesus.

—Peace, Chris Woodard

2019 Men's Retreat

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WOMEN'S IF:GATHERING

By Karley Wilke-Nadler Women's Ministry Liaison

Karley: karleyg@vpc.church

“If God is real, then what?”

This is the question that got the IF:Gathering started.

Founder of IF:Gathering and author Jennie Allen felt like that is the question that God had laid on her heart. She also knew that she wanted to disciple a generation. The first IF:Gathering launched in 2004 (I was only 10 years old at that time!) Its purpose was to remind women that because God is real and He is who He says He is, we in turn have a job to do on Earth: tell others about him.

IF:Gathering is now in its 16th year and continues to be a resource for women to come and to learn what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and what effects that has on each and every one of our lives today. Today, IF:Gathering is not only an annual event, but has grown into a huge event where women all over the world are encouraged by speakers, teachers, and worship leaders. Additionally, IF:Gathering is a discipleship ministry that focuses on putting resources and tools in the hands of women in the church. God has grown this ministry into something bigger than Jennie Allen had ever imagined.

The physical IF:Gathering takes place in Texas in early February and, each year, dynamic women lead amazing sessions for thousands of women who gather to learn from them, regain strength and power, learn to trust God more deeply, and give all they have to God. So, how has IF:Gathering ended up in Paradise Valley, Arizona? At VPC? That is a great question! The answer starts with my personal experience with the conference.

I attended my first IF:Local at my church in Madison, WI in 2015. My roommate at the time and one of my closest friends, Rachel, invited me to IF:Local at Blackhawk Church.

I didn’t know much about it, but our Bible Study had gone through Jennie Allen’s book Anything: The Prayer That Unlocked My Heart and My Soul. Jennie’s book had changed my life and the way I looked at calling and the talents that God entrusted me with. After reading her book and with lots of prayer, discussion with spiritual mentors, and reflection, I changed my major and decided to pursue ministry and counseling as my full-time vocation.

IF: THE GATHERING, IF: VPC Women's Retreat Live-Stream Conference

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My life path had already radically shifted in the months leading up to IF:Gathering, but little did I know that IF:Gathering would rock my heart and bring me closer to God than I had ever felt before. I felt unequipped and did not fully recognize my place in God’s world. I knew that God was leading me into ministry, but the thought of actually doing it evoked so much fear. Then, Christine Caine, an Aussie speaker, founder of A21, and author who is on fire for the Lord, talked about fear and how fear stands no chance against God’s authority and truth. For the first time in my life, I laid (literally on the ground with tears in my eyes) everything down at the feet of Jesus and entrusted God with my life. I didn’t know how He would use me or what I could do that would make a difference in the kingdom, but I knew I needed to lay everything down at the feet of Jesus and trust Him for my future. I went back to my notes and journaling for Christine’s talk and wrote, “Everything I have is yours, God. I trust you. It came from you and now I bring it all back to you.”

Since 2015 I have attended an IF:Local every year. I see my faith renewed and my hope furthered. I make new connections with women and feel encouraged to continue on the path that God has set before me.

I leave feeling lifted up, blessed, and with a deeper connection with God. What more could I want?

Worship at IF:Gathering

This year when I learned there wasn’t an IF:Local anywhere close, I thought “Why not bring it to VPC, MY local church. The place where I feel so loved and daily encouraged by the woman around me?” If IF can change the way that I love God and others, it can change the way that you do, too. IF:VPC is about coming together as a community of women, young, old, single, married, or widowed, to proclaim the truth of who Jesus is and why that truth changes our lives. IF is a place that you can come, broken and worn out, and be renewed in the freedom that we find in Christ.

Whether you are tired in your faith or on fire for the Lord, IF:VPC is for you. This year, IF:VPC is focusing on being set free and living in freedom and hope and through Jesus (Romans 8:2 is the theme verse). We’ll focus on how sometimes we tend to accidentally put our hope in things other than Jesus, like our friends, activities, spouses, jobs, kids, and our goals. We then look up and wonder if there is more to life, and if this is the life that Jesus promised us. Jesus has already made good on His promise of life and peace, and we are the ones missing out on it. At IF:VPC, we are going back to the main thing, Jesus. He has set us free, so what if we lived out that truth every day? We invite you to join us as we come together to remind each other of the freedom we have in Him, the way of life and peace, and the glory that has been promised for our future.

Rachel and Karley at IF:Madison West 7

NEW VPC LEADERS Each spring VPC welcomes new Elders, Deacons, and Trustees who have heard and accepted God's call to serve as leaders for the next three years. Let's get to know them!

Elders: Class of 2022 VPC's Session is made up of 18 Elders, members of the congregation who have heard God's call to lead.

Marilyn Cage— When did you being attending VPC? 1956 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

I have always felt loved and supported by the VPC community; the Church is my “home.”

What is something interesting about you?

I was the first baby baptized at VPC. I'm a native Arizonian.

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Tony Will— When did you being attending VPC? My wife Kristen and I joined VPC and got married by Pastor Steve Beard in 1999.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

It is one of the pillars/foundations of our family. With our daughters we continue to develop our faith journey. We are truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.

What is something interesting about you?

Many people may know that I work as a family physician in Glendale, Arizona. However, many people may not know that I have been a clinical associate professor of family medicine and teach medical students at our clinic for the past 17 years at Midwestern University.

Deacons: Class of 2022 Deacons provide vital services to VPC members and community.

Boots Dunlap— When did you begin attending VPC? 2014 as a family. My wife (Kirsten Gladding) grew up at VPC. What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

To glorify God as a family of imperfect Believers, each offering his/ her God-given gifts in unified harmony, so that God’s perfect Love may undeniably infect our community and beyond.

What is something interesting about you?

When I was seven, my dad wanted to teach me a lesson about wondering away from the family by leaving me at a museum after I had gone exploring. Realizing my family had left without me, I boarded a tour bus full of seniors headed to the Grand Canyon.

When my father returned and found me missing, he went into panic and reported that I had been kidnapped. Several hours later my excursion was interrupted when the bus was pulled over by a State Trooper who, upon bringing me back to my father, had some choice words on parenting.

Gus Armendariz— When did you being attending VPC? I have attended VPC and raised my children here for over 20 years.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

Community with old friends, making new friends, worshiping the Lord, growing in knowledge and discipleship.

What is something interesting about you?

I'm a first generation US citizen born to immigrant parents from Mexico.

Bryan Gottfredson— When did you begin attending VPC? 2008 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

The VPC Community is an amazing and diverse group of individuals and families. I love getting to interact with people from all different walks of life yet are principled in the same faith ideology.

What is something interesting about you?

I am married to VDS Director Meghan Gottfredson!

Kelly Eaton— When did you begin attending VPC? 2014 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

I think the VPC community is really special. I’ve met lots of people since we started attending. Everyone is friendly and there are many opportunities for me to be involved and to grow in my faith and knowledge in Jesus. It feels like a big family to me.

What is something interesting about you?

I attended preschool at Valley Day School.

Christy Miller— When did you begin attending VPC? 1999 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

This community has become our extended family over the years and has been a great source of strength and joy for me.

What is something interesting about you?

I lived in Rio de Janeiro for a short time!

Todd Gilbreath— When did you begin attending VPC? 2005 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

VPC is a place I can grow my faith and offers great volunteer opportunities to use my gifts and talents.

What is something interesting about you?

I'm a third generation Arizonian.

Jim Schaller— When did you begin attending VPC? 1995 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

It is a big part of my life. I love being part of a dynamic and vibrant church family.

What is something interesting about you?

I have sole custody of a 16 year old girl who was adopted at birth and will be 17 next month……..Yikes!

Allen Hall— When did you begin attending VPC? 1959 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

For over 60 years, VPC has been the center of my life, through the many aspects of Church life; from being in the Youth Choir and Youth group, a Senior High Leader, an Usher, and an Elder.

What is something interesting about you?

My wife Bunny and I were married in the Sanctuary by Rev. Wilson Kilgore, and raised two sons from baptism through Senior High and Youth choir. Our sons also earned their Eagle Scout badge through VPC who sponsor BSA Troop 441.

Ginny Carter— When did you begin attending VPC? 2017 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

It is an honor and privilege to be part of a church body that is dedicated to growing disciples through inspiring worship and Bible study, fellowship, and service.

What is something interesting about you?

I'm a fifth generation Texan.

Kay Randolph— When did you begin attending VPC? 2018 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

I am thrilled to have our whole family worshiping together at VPC. Because I had been choir director at Mountain View Presbyterian for the past 31 years, it has been a long time since we have all steadily worshipped together and it means the world to me.

What is something interesting about you?

I was in music ministry for 47 years!!

Sean Rollinson— When did you being attending VPC? 1984 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

VPC has been a constant in my life. No matter what is going on, if I choose to ask, VPC is there with open arms. I want to continue to contribute to the wonderful community that has been so supportive of me and my family.

What is something interesting about you?

Even though I don’t get to participate that often, I love to barefoot waterski! I started waterskiing when I was five years old and barefoot waterskiing when I was 13. I was also a waterski instructor for two summer, when I was in my early 20s.

Gary Stuckey— When did you begin attending VPC? Became member in 2015 but attended regularly before then.

Sister-in-law Janet Kec introduced me to VPC. What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

I love the community, I love the people, and I love the sermons. It all fits together with what I enjoy about church life.

What is something interesting about you?

Traveled extensively in the US and internationally - both with my career and for personal reasons. My favorite place is Dubai.

Maris Thomas— When did you begin attending VPC? Consistently in 2017 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

Gary Stuckey and I were married at First Presbyterian in downtown Phoenix. It is no longer a Presbyterian Church. We want to make sure VPC remains active forever!

What is something interesting about you?

I live and grew up in Chandler. My mother was born in Chandler.

Therefore, I am what is becoming rarer and rarer: An Arizona native. I have been a pilot and a Harley "Biker."

Beverly Tozer— When did you begin attending VPC? 1984 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

VPC has been our church family for 36 years. Our three children were raised in the church. Our son and his family now attend regularly. Our youngest son and four of our grandchildren were baptized here. Two years ago our daughter was married here. VPC has been our anchor in both the good times and the difficult times in our life.

What is something interesting about you?

In 1975 I attended medical school as a single parent of a four year old son. This was at a time when there were few women in medical school and almost no mothers. My son, Sean Rollinson, spent a lot of time with me in lecture halls sitting quietly while playing with little cars. He even spent the night in hospitals with me on the occasions I didn’t have a sitter. He was known and loved by all the students and faculty at the medical school and was in a sense “adopted” by them.

Nancy Vessell— When did you being attending VPC? 2016 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

The first sermon I heard at VPC was based on the Bible and

scriptures. That is what I was searching for. I am still growing to become part of the community.

What is something interesting about you?

I grew up in East Tennessee and Southern Indiana. My father was a minister at a Christian church. I grew up going to weeklong revivals, and summer Church Camp. It was a wonderful childhood.

Laura Vreeland— When did you being attending VPC? 2010 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

The VPC community has celebrated with us though joyful times and supported and encouraged us during difficult times. I love being a member of this church and raising my kids here.

What is something interesting about you?

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia.

VPF Trustees: Class of 2022 Since 1976, the Valley Presbyterian Foundation has served as a resource for VPC to sustain capital needs, music program, and mission ministries.

Sue Chappell— When did you begin attending VPC? 1986 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

It means a lot to me to be part of the VPC community. We raised our two children at VPC, my parents are interred in the Memorial Garden, an now my three grandsons are being raised at VPC. I've made wonderful friendships through volunteer activities and groups. I am dedicated to the future of VPC. What is something interesting about you?

I have read the Bible, cover to cover, for three consecutive years.

Scott Freeman— When did you begin attending VPC? In 1970, and received my third grade Bible in 1975. Our first three children have received their third grade Bibles.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

We are grateful for our VPC members, volunteers, and staff for creating supportive environment where our family belongs. The children’s and student ministry in particular has been an integral part of equipping our children with the teachings of scripture, preparing them for the work of the Kingdom.

What is something interesting about you?

My wife Laura and I were married in Scotland. Our first three kids were born in the same hospital I was. I drive a truck that is older than my wife.

Doug Peterson— When did you begin attending VPC? 2012 with my wife, Robbie.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

I love VPC because of the fellowship and learning opportunities. From small group studies to the Sunday morning classes, there are so many ways to gather with other believers and learn about my faith.

What is something interesting about you?

I love long-distance bicycling and someday hope to bike across the United States.

John Voris— When did you begin attending VPC? 1993 What does it mean to you to be a part of the VPC community?

It's our place for family and friends to celebrate our corporate life in Christ. The VPC family is rich in knowledge, experiences, culture, relationships, and love. We feel enriched and supported just walking into His house.

What is something interesting about you?

We have twelve grandchildren and one in escrow. We took eight of our grandchildren on a national park vacation in 2018 – it was totally amazing!

They learned a lot, more importantly we learned about each other.

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20/20

Gratitude for the places along the way, from the bay to the desert

I remember when I was young, many of the movies (black and white, of course) were about hard working reporters and how they shook things up. They typed on big old clunky typewriters that rattled away and created a noisy clatter in a room full of them. At the end of the movie they got the big scoop, providing a positive end for everyone. But as we left the theater we were always aware that our hero's story was not done. They were off to the next thing, the next scoop, while we were off to the lobby.

By Bill Sturgeon VPC Stewardship Team What will our next story look like in 2020? Are we excited for what God has in store

for us? I know I did not always look forward to what God might be planning for me.

In my early life my “travels” with Jesus was very sporadic. The Methodists had me first, and although it was for a very short time (less than three years) it did take... in our Lord’s own time. My own family in those days was too busy to spend much time at church. My Mother and Dad were church goers in the early “flapper” days in small towns in Pennsylvania, but then the Depression intervened, and WWII, and a move to California. Work (even then) was a 24/7 experience. There just wasn't time for God in our lives.

However, as a kid, I did have experience with the Lord through the Hurlbut’s Bible, a Bible for children. I read those stories, they became my major touchpoint with the faith, aside from a few teen Wednesday evenings and attending weddings and funerals. Sundays were spent earning money for the family. Marriage, however, had me back in church, thanks to my beautiful bride, Sandra.

In our early days, we went sporadically to Berkeley Presbyterian while I attended law school and Sandra taught. Sundays were my only partial day off and so many of those days were spent with family or friends or just exploring the wonderful Bay Area. After graduating from law school and into my first job as an Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco, Sandra found our first church home at Calvary Presbyterian.

Calvary was a wonderful way to begin our walk with the Lord. We became involved in our young married’s group, making several life-long friends. Our first child was born and baptized there. We learned about stewardship from Senior Pastor Carl Howie and others. Our standard of living had been modest, and in those days we believed we needed to begin our giving modestly. As our financial resources grew our giving grew, but it was nothing impressive. A move across the Bay made it necessary to leave our first church, and we joined Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, where we stayed for almost 35 years.

Our friends came from LOPC, our neighborhood of young growing families, from our association with Rotary International, and my law practice. We learned that to be happy one must invest time, talent, and treasure in a community of believers.

It was at LOPC where Sandra and I truly were invested with our family and others.

However, the demands on a young couple do not make it easy to invest in a church like we would want. Although we attended regularly on Sundays and served as Deacon and Elder, teacher and friend, we spent far too much time pulled away for my business, Rotary, kid's activities, and far too little time in becoming closer to Christ. We served in the church, we taught, and we tithed. We felt like Christians to the core! It's a good end to our story.

Now as the audience leaves this chapter, if you look back at our family, you'd see us move to Arizona. It was not until we came to VPC that we learned how much we did not know about our faith. That was the next part of the story for us, and it's a story God has been telling through our lives ever since. We are grateful to have learned so much, and grateful to learn how much we have yet to learn. What is your story of gratitude, and how is that story still being told today?

Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel

10on Unsplash

News from

SESSION

At the January Session Meeting, David Joynt, David Turner and Chris Woodard thanked the retiring Elders: Tom Hillman, Beverly Cooper, Jim Gabler, Bill Sturgeon, Scott Freeman, and Kris Williams for their service and their amazing contributions to their committees.

David Joynt introduced the Elders who will be starting in February. Tony Will, Christy Miller, Bryan Gottfredson, and Jim Schaller spoke about their life at VPC. Boots Dunlap and Marilyn Cage, the other incoming Elders, were not in attendance.

Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

Jennifer Hamm reviewed the 2019 Worship/Music Ministry. Julia Tucker is an amazing organist, the choir has grown to 40 members, Valley Singers (5 members) are very impressive, Contemporary Worship music is at its best and the Oasis Kids! are having fun and doing well.

Ed Glady reported on the progress in the Sanctuary. The 60-year-old heating and air conditioning hot and cold water pipes have been replaced. The anticipated opening date is Easter. The demolition permit has been secured for the Education Building and the Building Permit is expected soon. The completion date is anticipated to be at the end of summer.

VPC's Building Committee is composed of: Ed Glady, Kris Williams, Kris Bahr, Terry Thomas, George Bosworth, Russ Henzel, John Pelton, Greg Kreizenbeck, and Ryan Sniezek. It has added Jim Arner, incoming Finance Elder and Session Representative.

The By-Laws were amended to have the Annual Congregation Meeting in February rather than fifth Tuesday of each year.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 480-368-6567.

Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session

Finances &

OPERATIONS SOME SURPLUS GRATITUDE

This report of finances for the year ended December 31, 2019 can best be summed up by one word – GRATITUDE. On the Operating side, VPC ended the year with a surplus of almost $25,000, attributable to your generosity along with expense savings among Kris Bahr Finance & Operations Director all committees. Session recommends applying 480-991-6424 ext. 112 the surplus toward the krisb@vpc.church cost of the new hot and cold water lines in the Sanctuary.

2019 was the year of HVAC. Two new air conditioning units were installed in Landes, and one major unit was installed in the Chapel. Thanks to the support of Fund the Need at the annual Foundation dinner, these costs were all covered outside of the Operating budget.

Over $12 million has been pledged to A New Heart for the Valley, with over $8.2 million, or 69%, already paid in full. The Sanctuary is on schedule to be ready for Easter, and work on the classroom building and plaza is starting now.

Thank you for the tremendous support you have shown over the past year. We look forward with great anticipation to what God has in store for us in 2020!

VPC finances year-to-date as of December 31, 2019 Income

Actual $

Budget $

Variance $

Faith Giving Other Income Total Income

1,938,703 344,650 2,283,353

2,000,000 380,900 2,380,900

-61,297 -36,250 -97,547

Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Worship & Music Total Expense

442,456 1,090,548 186,007 331,948 207,535 2,258,494

498,100 1,167,100 140,400 360,400 214,900 2,380,900

55,644 76,552 -45,607 28,452 7,365 122,406

Net Income less Expense

24,859

0

24,859

Expense

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