Christmas Celebrated
Family Promise
A beautiful Christmas tradition
Thank you for your commitment
CONCERT
SERIES 2017-18
valley presbyterian church The Royal Renaissance Singers Sing we now of Christmas Saturday, December 16, 6PM Landes Center, Free Christmas celebrated as it was in Merrie Olde England with beautifully dressed singers a caroling. Hilarious festive fun for all ages!
VPC Mental Health Team
VPC Hosting Family Promise December 24-31 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Family Promise rescues homeless families from the streets and provides emergency shelter and basic needs in program designed to assist their return to selfsufficiency. Family Promise partners with VPC to provide safe overnight shelter, food, and compassion to families in crisis. Contact Chris if interested in getting involved.
You are not alone!
CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS
267 families made a financial commitment to support VPC in 2018, totaling over $1.28 million dollars. We are also blessed by those who continue to give generously, even if they did not fill out a Commitment Card. Thank you to those who also committed to pray and serve at VPC, as well. The commitment of 267 represents 34% of our congregation, and the $1.28 million represents a 2.5% increase from 2017, with the same number of responses. God has indeed richly blessed VPC through your generosity!
We invite you to donate a Christmas poinsettia in honor of loved ones. Deadline for acknowledgment in Christmas Eve bulletin is Monday, December 18. Plants will festively decorate our worship centers. We will be accepting donations ($15) through Christmas. Proceeds will benefit Family Promise. Order online: vpc.church under ‘What’s New’ or fill out order form and return.
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
(excerpted from Lin Sue Cooney, AZ Republic) Losing someone you love isn’t a one-time hurt. Grief has a way of sneaking up on us. Just when things seem to be getting better, a familiar song, a whiff of perfume, an old photograph can innocently trigger a memory. Instantly, we’re pierced with pain. There is no miracle pill to take away the pain. No magic wand that restores the sparkle of the season. There are ways to survive the holidays and celebrate moments. Our GriefShare program begins January 3, 2018. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Karen Annis, annisscottsdale@aol.com, or Pastor David Turner, davidt@vpc.church.
Care & Support
Elizabeth Weiss, Pastor David Turner, & Susan Krecker at the 2017 NAMI Walk
NAMI-Family Support Group 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM St. Patrick Catholic Community Information: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org Living Grace Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-8PM Oasis Community Church Information: jilliannhogan@gmail.com or 480-234-7073 Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss1231@gmail.com, 713-203-5544 Mental Health 24-hour Crisis Line: 602-222-9444
Please pray for those recovering from recent medical procedures:
Marilyn Armstrong, Bobbie Bischoff, Linda Brady, Howard Briggs, Ginger Bunker (Jody Hass’ mother), John Churley, Dick Coffelt, Bob Combs, Marti Combs, Helen Farmin, Bill Gass, Sandra Gerlach, Gary Green, Lee Henry, Barbara Jewett, Sam Kingma, Helen Lawlus, Jim Lawrence, Mary Lorenz, Dee Melde, Dorothy Nern, Ruth Rehfeldt, Charlotte Reynolds (Debbie Cox’ great-niece), Neil Smith, Nancy Sumner, Virginia Tatum, Marjory Terrey, Ellie Van Denburgh, Liz Walter
VPC News
For more information about those in our community, call Tammy: 480-991-6424 x163
Prayer Chain
Church office: 480-991-6424, prayers@vpc.church We welcome requests confidentially for you or someone else. Please have permission from the individual before placing your request.
New Daily Devotional available today
week of December 10, 2017
Christmas Eve Service times:
3PM* • 5PM* 7PM • 9PM *Childcare for 0-2 years available
Sunday Morning
9:30AM, Sanctuary
A unique charitable opportunity: IRA Rollover
If you own an IRA and are 70½ years old or older, you may transfer a large annual amount directly from your financial institution to Valley Presbyterian Church or the Valley Presbyterian Foundation. For more information go to vpc.church/give or email Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Transfer shares of stock to support VPC
Last week one of our members came in to say they had purchased Apple stock at $22 per share back in the early 80’s. Today that stock is selling at $172 per share – not to mention the stock splits, etc. This example illustrates just one way you can make your contribution dollars go farther – maybe not to this extreme, but then again, maybe so! If you have stock that has appreciated in value since the time you bought it, you can advise your broker to transfer shares of the stock directly to VPC (very important –do not sell the stock, then donate the proceeds, as this will cause you to incur capital gain tax). You will receive a charitable contribution equal to the value on the date the stock is donated. Please contact Kris for more information: krisb@vpc.church
Learn more about these events inside the FOCUS:
Christmas Cantata @ VPC
Want to join the VPC staff team?
VPC is looking for full-time custodial help. Interested? Email your resume to Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Visit VPC Session page!
Read bios and see photos of the Session team.
VPC Chancel Choir featuring Phoenix Symphony Members Son of the Highest: A Christmas Cantata Monday, December 11, 7PM,Sanctuary
vpc.church/session
Please pray for those at home or in a care facility:
Helen Adams, Don Akins, Carolyn Bathurst, Kathryn Bennett, John Berta, Joyce Black, Charles Buckley, Dottie Cober, Mary Corbin, Jane Corley, Bonnie Domaz, Lorraine Fercho, Donna Gardner, Luella Gross, Carol Hanson, Jean Hiser, Jeannette Huggins, Evelyn Jenkins, Jo Ann Jones, Claire Kooi, Jim Lorenz, Lois Nuernberg, Joyce Newlon, Todd (Helen) Orme, Judy Owens, Charlotte Phillips, Martha Sarchett, Mary Strasser, Edna Thomas, Jane White
FOCUS
valley presbyterian church
valley presbyterian church
NATIVITY PAGEANT
A Community Where Jesus Christ Transforms Lives 6947 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, 480-991-6424 vpc.church Pastors: David M. Joynt, David L. Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto
Sunday, December 17 9 & 10:30AM Services Rehearsal: December 16, 10AM-Noon
Welcome to VPC New to VPC? We’re glad you’re here! Let us know about you by filling out the Friendship Pad. We invite you to visit the Welcome Center after worship to learn more about VPC!
If you’re here with kids We have several fun and safe opportunities for kids from birth-high school: Nursery: Infants-2 years 8:45-11:45AM Sunday School: 3 years-5th grade 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM The Gathering: Jr. & Sr. High, 9AM, Landes Basement If your kids stay in worship, check out the worship activity cart in each worship center.
Special time for MentorKids!
Who We Are: What a poinsettia means Why we are here VPC is a community that believes God calls us to be in relationship. Sunday morning worship is a time to gather, connect, and give thanks to the Creator who loves us without end.
Get connected at VPC Want to learn more about what’s going on at VPC? Grab a Ministry Brochure, go to the Welcome Center after worship or visit vpc.church for information about classes, events, opportunities to serve, and anything you see in the FOCUS.
*childcare available by reservation: nursery@vpc.church
The most wonderful time of year!
The beautiful red plant we associate with Christmas has a rich and interesting history, one driven by the striking blooms and by a humble Christmas Eve gift.* The poinsettia is native to an area of what is now southern Mexico. It was brought to America in the early 1800's by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US Ambassador to Mexico, whom the plant is now named after. In the ensuing decades it was sold across the growing country, but it's tie to Christmas is still based back in Mexico... Pepita, a poor Mexican girl with a sad heart; she had no gift for the Christ Child on Christmas Eve. Her cousin, Pedro, told her, "Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes." Pepita gathered a handful or weeds, made a small bouquet, and laid them at the altar at her church. The weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, becoming known as the Flores de Noche Buena- Flowers of the Holy Night. At VPC, poinsettias continue to be a way to remember and support our loved ones and ministries. You can choose to donate a Christmas poinsettia in honor of loved ones. The plants will decorate our worship centers and the proceeds will go to Family Promise. You gift carries on Pepita's offering. It will add a festive element to our campus, and more importantly, it will help to bring families in the Valley out of homelessness. If you're interested in donating toward a poinsettia, contact Kris: krisb@vpc.church *Adapted from the Phoenix Flower Shop website: phoenixflowershops.com
Getting in the Christmas spirit
MentorKids USA Christmas Party Thank you to all who volunteered, donated, and wrote personal notes to the MentorKids. You truly helped make this event a success. All of the children went home with a big smile on their faces, and their very own Bible. Our prayer is that the Bible will equip and strengthen their spiritual growth and transform them and their families.
You have questions. Try Alpha.
Alpha Course* Wednesdays, January 24-March 21* 6-7:30PM, Calvin Center, Free Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto Register: vpc.church/classes The Alpha Course is a comfortable and safe place to learn more about Christianity and ask questions in a pressure-free, casual environment. Each session includes a meal, a DVD lesson, and discussion. *Childcare email: nursery@vpc.church
Nativity Pageant, December 17 9AM & 10:30AM Worship services Rehearsal: December 16, 10AM-12PM Kids 3y.o.-5th grade are invited to join us for this time-honored tradition retelling the Nativity Story! If your child would like to join us please contact tinag@vpc.church for more information.
Adventures in Lifelong Learning™
Winter Term: January 23-February 22, 2018 Spring Term: March 6-April 12, 2018 Catalogs available Register online: encoreuniv.org Shelby Trimaloff: shelbyt@vpc.church Stop by the Information Table We offer a diverse program of courses, lectures, speakers, travel and seminars designed to engage persons “50 and better." So come along and experience the adventure!
Phoenix Girls Chorus A Merry English Christmas Saturday, December 9, 4PM, Sanctuary Purchase tickets: girlschorus.org or at door Chancel Choir presents Son of the Highest: A Christmas Cantata Monday, December 11, 7PM Sanctuary, Free VPC Chancel Choir and Phoenix Symphony members. Reception to follow.
A prayerful advent opportunity
Advent: Preparing our Hearts for Christmas
Advent Study
Advent Study: The Trinity* Wednesdays, November 29-December 13 6:30–7:30PM, Calvin Center Registration & *Childcare: vpc.church/classes, or kellyn@vpc.church
The season of Advent is a time of anticipation, waiting for God’s kingdom to come. Jesus Christ, God made flesh, is the physical representation of a spiritual community in the triune God. Each week, we will explore the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth!
Women's Ornament Exchange
ORNAMENT EXCHANGE
Thursdays during Advent December 14, & 21, Chapel, 6:30-8PM
Sunday, December 10 4-6PM, Tina Gilbreath's home RSVP: kellyn@vpc.church
No Santa, no Jingle Bells, no shopping. You are invited to a weekly Advent opportunity for self-guided, individual reflection and contemplation. A quiet place to make space in the busyness of the Season. Come and go as your schedule permits.
Celebrate Christmas with the women of VPC! We'll relax with food and friends around the tree. Bring a snack, treat, or drink to share, and a wrapped ornament for the white elephant exchange.
Calendar of Events
Sunday, December 10 2nd Sunday Advent Worship The Screwtape Letters Class Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship The Gathering (6th-12th grade) 40s-50s Community Group Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship 70s+ Community Group Bible Study Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Worship
Chapel Fireside Room Nursery Sanctuary Youth Room Room 409 Rooms 404-417 Nursery Landes Center Calvin Center Rooms 404-417 Chapel
8AM 8AM 8:45AM 9AM 9AM 9AM 9:15AM 10:15AM 10:30AM 10:30AM 10:45AM 11:45AM
Monday, December 11 Jumpbunch (ages 3-5) Jr. High Midweek Christmas Concert-Son of the Highest
Landes Center Landes Center Sanctuary
2:15PM 6PM 7PM
Tuesday, December 12 Bridge & Mah Jongg B.O.Y.S. Club Pickleball Session Boy Scout Troop 441
Fireside Room Chapel Parlor Landes Center Fireside Room Landes Center
9AM 9:30AM 4:30PM 6PM 7PM
Wednesday, December 13 Presbyterian Women Lydia Circle Presbyterian Women Sarah Circle Sportball Valley Ringers Rehearsal Youth Choir Rehearsal Advent Study Sr. High Midweek
Calvin Center Room 409 Landes Center Bell Room Choir Room Calvin Center Landes Center
9:30AM 12PM 2PM 5:30PM 6:15PM 6:30PM 7PM
Thursday, December 14 Men’s Basketball Martial Arts Pickleball Advent, Preparing our Hearts
Landes Center Calvin Center Landes Center Chapel
6:30AM 4:30PM 4:30PM 6:30PM
Friday, December 15 Womens Bible Study Line Dance Tumble Masters (age 3-5) Alcoholics Anonymous
Room 415-416 Landes Basement Room 409 Landes Center
9AM 10AM 2:15PM 7:30PM
Saturday, December 16 Nativity Pageant Rehearsal The Royal Renaissance Singers Concert
Sanctuary Landes Center
10AM 6PM
Sunday, December 17 3rd Sunday Advent Worship The Screwtape Letters Class Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship The Gathering (6th-12th grade) 40s-50s Community Group Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship 70s+ Community Group Bible Study Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Worship
Chapel Fireside Room Nursery Sanctuary Youth Room Room 409 Rooms 404-417 Nursery Landes Center Calvin Center Rooms 404-417 Chapel
8AM 8AM 8:45AM 9AM 9AM 9AM 9:15AM 10:15AM 10:30AM 10:30AM 10:45AM 11:45AM