VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
January 2016
Volume 60, Number 12
“Missio Dei”— the mission of God .
Dear friends, Almost everyone who follows Jesus has a favorite section of the Bible, a favorite passage, a favorite character, a favorite verse. Part of the wonder of scripture is the immense width and depth of the narrative. There is so much material, so many fascinating people, so much cultural diversity. There are so many forms of expression, from poetry to song to prose to history to drama to philosophy to the apocalyptic.
meaning of the six decades of life together that we are celebrating through this 60th year. It is God’s wonderful mission to us and to this world that should be the song of our hearts, the music that sets the rhythm of our being and the direction of our doing, throughout all the challenges and celebrations still to come.
But the center of it all are the Gospels, and the heart of the four Gospels is the person and work of Jesus. The first chapter of John is the most profound meditation, the most singular account, of the identity and the significance of his life. I believe that it is the greatest chapter in all of literature, the most important set of truths ever claimed.
Blessings for 2016! Yours in Christ,
This January, we will spend four weeks examining the 51 verses of John Chapter One that describe the “Missio Dei”— the mission of God. Everything we do for God is rooted and grounded, empowered and founded, on what God has done for us. God, in Christ, is the first missionary. It is his mission that frames our lives as disciples and gives purpose to our work at VPC. It is the sacred
New Series starts Sunday, January 10
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424, Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@myvalleychurch.org Website: myvalleychurch.org
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Who We Are Valley Presbyterian Church has a story to tell. It’s a story about a community committed to personal spiritual growth and missional significance. In 2016 VPC is offering a number of classes to enrich your family, your finances, and your faith. Additionally, on February 27, VPC will host the town of Paradise Valley’s, Paradise Valley for Africa Day, benefitting our partners with Ministry of Hope and Villages in Partnership in Malawi.
Parenting the Love and Logic Way*
January 6 - February 3, 6-7:30PM, Calvin Center Cost: $40, registration required, myvalleychurch.org Understanding how to discipline kids while developing their personal responsibility and self control is key for any successful parent. Instructor Larry Kerby is a trained independent facilitator of the Love and Logic program.
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University* January 20 - March 16, 6-7:30PM, Fireside Room Cost: $93, registration required, daveramsey.com
This life-changing class, taught by Dave Ramsey and the FPU teaching team via video at VPC, will help you achieve your financial goals. You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your life forever.
1 Thessalonians and its Message for VPC*
January 6-27, 6:30-7:30PM, Chapel No Fee Paul’s letter deals with subjects like the sanctity of sex, the second coming, the “Rapture,” and different models of ministry. Come hear Dr. Jeffrey Weima, Professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, explain how this ancient letter has important implications for the church today!
Paradise Valley for Africa Saturday, February 27
The Mayor of Paradise Valley has officially decreed that February 27 be known as Paradise Valley for Africa Day.
VPC will partner with the City of PV to host a festival on the Kiva Elementary School field with music, food, games, fun runs, bike rides, and other fun activities. All proceeds raised will go to support Ministry of Hope and Villages in Partnership in Malawi, Africa. This will be an exciting day for our church, town, and global community! For more information visit: myvalleychurch.org/mission
*Childcare by reservation up to age 10
Mission & Service Mission
Chris Woodard, Director of Mission: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org
Family Promise
December 20-27 Thank you for of your help in our participation with Family Promise this week. We hosted eight wonderful families, saving FP $15,000 in hotel accommodations. It was a great time getting to know them, cooking meals, providing activities, and providing a place to stay the night. Also thank you for your generosity providing Christmas gifts for each child.
Angel Tree Gifts, Vista Del Camino Food Drive
Thank you for all donations during the Advent Season.
Christmas Memorials 2
Thank you for your generosity. $2,095 will be donated to Family Promise, a VPC mission partner whose goal is to end homelessness.
Love to cook? Tasty Spoon needs your help
Tammy Milne: tammymilne@myvalleychurch.org Some of VPC’s homebound friends are in need of a home-cooked meal during the holidays. Tasty Spoon provides meals to those suffering from illness, bereavement, or temporary financial hardship. It’s a simple way to show we care. Contact Tammy to get involved.
Ushers Needed 8 & 9AM services
John Lee: jwlims@aol.com, 602-318-3008 Serve the church one Sunday a month, meet members and visitors, and be an active participant in the church worship services. Contact John.
Church Office Phone Receptionist
Kris Bahr: krisbahr@myvalleychurch.org Serve the church by answering phones. Four-hour shifts available Monday-Friday. No experience necessary. Training provided.
Changing Lives One Adventure at a Time
Events
MOTIVATING MOUNTINEER KEVIN CHERILLA
Changing Lives One Adventure at a Time In Arizona and around the world, K2AF continues to strengthen its mission to care for children, adults and families with special needs and life-changing medical circumstances by providing services and support to improve their quality of life.
Saturday, January 9, 8:30AM Landes Center, Tickets: $25 In 2009, Kevin took eight blind climbers to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Come hear his story and about his work to care for children, adults, and families with special needs and life-altering circumstances.
50,000
people impacted throughout Arizona, the United States and the World
Women’s ministry Bible study
Friday, January 8 $750,000 in “wishes” granted myvalleychurch.org/MOPS
Every other Thursday 7-8:45PM starting Jan. 14 $2.5MEvery other Friday in-kind donations distributed 9-10:45AM starting Jan. 15
Volunteer + Donate + Travel Kristen@K2Adventures.org | K2Adventures.org
480.797.2950 In Arizona and around the world, K2AF continues to strengthen its mission to care for children, adults and families with special needs and life-changing medical circumstances by providing services and support to improve their quality of life.
Inquirers’ Class
50,000
people impacted throughout Arizona, the United States and the World
INQUIRERS’ CLASS January 24, 12:30PM Fireside Room
Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers?
Register online: myvalleychurch.org/inquirers
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL DINNER & MEETING
$750,000 in “wishes” granted
$2.5M
in-kind donations distributed
Volunteer + Donate + Travel
Tuesday, February 2 6PM Dinner, 7PM Meeting Landes Center, Tickets: $12 Join us as we celebrate God’s work at VPC during 2015. It was a year of blessing! You shared Christ’s love with thousands, touched the hearts of children, fed, clothed, nurtured, and witnessed to people in need. 3
Families Children
Tina Gilbreath tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org
2nd Grade Parent Take-It-Home-Event: A Cheerful Giver
January 24, Room 415-416 Teach your family about what it means to be a cheerful Giver.
EXPLORERS! Games, Music and Theater
Tuesdays beginning January 19, 3:30-5:30PM Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Two Choirs: K-2nd & 3rd-5th grade Theater: 3rd-5th grade EXPLORERS! provides children with a safe and fun environment to learn about the world in creative ways. Music and theater are large components of each week, but no experience is necessary. Your child will engage with other EXPLORERS! to build, draw, play, craft, sing and perform with staff members from our Children’s and Music ministries.
Students
Jordan Gustafson: jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.org
The Gathering
9AM, Landes Basement Jr. & Sr. High Sunday gatherings
Midweek Gathering
Landes Basement Jr. High, 6-8PM, Sr. High, 7-9PM CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED
Childcare Available
Childcare is available at events and programs where you see the “Childcare Bear.” To reserve space email: nursery@myvalleychurch.org
Educational Enrichment Winter Term starts January 19, 2016. Register today. Keep on learning. ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING
Tracy Keller: tracykeller@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 165
Saturday Morning Speaker Series
January 9, 8:30AM, Landes Center, Tickets: $25 Featuring: Kevin Cherilla, K2 Adventures Foundation In 2009, 25 people completed a rigorous climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Eight of them were blind. Climbing expert Kevin Cherilla led the expedition. Today, K2 funds help people with life challenges; children, adults, and families both domestically and abroad. Come listen to his story.
Dr. Jeffrey Weima: Three-day seminar How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
Exceptional Opportunity, Dr. Jeffrey Weima returns to EU January 19, 20, & 21, 1-2:30PM, Fireside Room Cost: $35
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To register for classes, seminars or to purchase Speaker Series Tickets, please visit: EncoreUniv.org
Adult Education
Rev. Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@myvalleychurch.org
CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED
New Wednesday Classes starting in January *Please note: class dates and times vary
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth Jan. 6 - Jan. 27, 6:30-7:30PM, Chapel Facilitator: Dr. Jeffrey Weima No Fee
Parenting the Love and Logic Way
Jan. 6 - Feb. 3, 6-7:30PM, Calvin Center Facilitator: Larry Kerby $40, registration required, myvalleychurch.org
Finanical Peace University
Jan. 20 - Mar. 16, 6-7:30PM, Fireside Room Coordinator: Rev. Kelsey Woodruff $93, registration required, daveramsey.com What does Encore mean to you? • “I feel like I am part of the world again.” • “I hadn’t been to a church for 60 years.” • “I’d like to be a mentor.” Share your story. Like us on facebook or send us an email.
Get Connected Inquirers’ Class
Sunday, January 24, 2016, 12:30-3PM, Fireside Room Register online: myvalleychurch.org/inquirers or contact Jane Russell, 480-694-1186 Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers?
CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED
Community Groups: For more information visit: myvalleychurch.org/community_groups Thursdays, 7:30-9PM, Member’s home Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Come and enjoy fellowship and friendship, whether you’re in college or starting your career. Sundays, 9-10AM, The Crossing 104 Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Join others for discussion-based study in class, plus social/service activities year-round. Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Connects families with older kids, singles, and blended families. Bible study, social events, and service projects. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Fireside Room Sarah Burnette: sarahwiggins@gmail.com Empty nesters celebrating the opportunity to grow together in faith and fellowship. 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Judith Robins: judithrobins4386@msn.com Active seniors gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Thursday Fellowship: January 14, 3PM Mexican Train, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room January 28, 3PM Card Making, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: January 21, 11:30PM, Camelback Golf Club Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com
Sports Ministry: Della Berg: dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org, 480-991-6242 ext. 168 • Men’s Basketball: adults, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM • Youth Basketball: ages 8-16, Sundays, 1-3PM, Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45PM • Line Dancing: adults, Fridays, 10AM-noon • Martial Arts: ages 5 & up, Thursdays 4:30-5:30PM • Pickleball: ages 8-108, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays 6-8PM • Sportball: ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15PM • Twinkle Toes Dance: ages 3-5, Mondays, Room 404, 2:15-3PM Join the fun and fellowship!
All activities in Landes Center unless noted.
Music & Arts Minister of Music
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferhamm@myvalleychurch.org
Save the Date: “Slavery and Song” Sunday, February 21, 4PM, VPC Sanctuary
It’s a new year and a great time to try something new! If you have a love for music and desire to be a part of a wonderful ministry, consider joining the choir or handbell choir. Rehearsal schedule: Chancel Choir, Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00PM Valley Ringers, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30PM
Pastor Ian Gilmour, from Edinburgh, Scotland, will share with us his research of African-American spirituals, how they’re used in worship, how they enshrine key aspects of black liberation theology, and how they sustain the spirit to enable it to resist oppression. For this concert, VPC Chancel Choir will be joined by Mt. View Presbyterian 5 Church’s Choir.
Care & Support Congregational Care
Understanding the Journey of Dementia
David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Tammy Milne: tammymilne@myvalleychurch.org
Remembrances
Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of: Phyllis Dressel Charlotte Gamso Bill Keasler Warren Miller Don Robinson Thelma Simpson Bill Tucker
Mental Health Information
Call today, help is available. Ralph Engler, Mental Health Leadership Team: 480-855-7062 Mental Health 24-hour crisis line: 602-222-9444 or 911 AZ Teen Lifeline: 602-248-8336, teenlifeline.org
Hosted by Congregational Care & Hospice of the Valley Thursday, January 21, 9AM – noon, Landes Center Keynote Speaker, Maribeth Gallagher, Director of Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Program. Participants will learn to understand dementia, how it progresses, to develop strategies for making and maintaining connections, value the caregiver role, and explore ways to reduce stress. Continental breakfast included. RSVP by January 16, 2016: 602-636-5392 or email: events7@hov.org.
Marriage & Family Therapy
Appointment: 480-991-6424 ext. 114, leave a message. Individual, couple, and family counseling provided by Marriage and Family Therapy interns from Fuller Seminary, available to all for no cost.
Men Men’s Breakfast: Find your passion
Saturday, February 20, 7AM-noon Gainey Ranch Clubhouse Join us! This year promises to be a great time for men to come together in fellowship. We have an excellent lineup of speakers:
Dr. M. Craig Barnes: President, Princeton Theological Seminary Ron Wolfley: Former NFL player and local radio talk show host Dr. Robert Moffit: President, Harvest and co-founder, Disciples Nations Alliance
Women receive weekly women’s ministry email:
Send your name and email to: Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org
2016 Women’s ministry Bible study
Every other Thursday, 7-8:45PM starting Jan. 14 Every other Friday, 9-10:45AM starting Jan. 15 Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org Study: Seamless by Angie Smith.
This study covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Friday, January 8 & 22, 9:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@myvalleychurch.org MOPS is a ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Open to moms throughout the community. Jan. 8: Speaker, Author & Blogger, Christina Lang Topic: How to talk to children about their bodies Jan. 22: MOPS in the kitchen. Freezer Meal Fun
Save the Date: Set Free-Women’s Retreat 6
April 8-10, Chapel Rock Conference Center Prescott, Arizona
Presbyterian Women
Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, January 12 Mary: 9:30AM, Jeanne Campo/Barbara McCreary Westminster Village Saguaro Room 480-994-4116 Wednesday, January 13 Esther: 9:30AM, Sandra Gonzales 3033 N. 52nd Pl., Phoenix 602-840-7214 Naomi: 11:30AM, Janet Nielsen 11515 N. 91st St. #103, Scottsdale 480-451-3514 Rebekah: 9:30AM, Ann Funk Sagewood, 4555 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix 480-451-9611 Rachel: 9:30AM, Lara Robinson VPC Chapel Parlor, 602-867-1570 Ruth: 12PM, Ruth Rehfeldt/Joyce Jennings VPC Fireside Room, 480-991-6424
Luncheon & Speaker
January 27, 11:30AM, Landes Center, $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, January 22
Church News SESSION
News from Session The Session started its December meeting with a report from the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. After discussing the process the Committee has gone through in the last year, Bob Aldag, Chairman, noted the Committee has a recommendation for the Congregation. It was determined a Special Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, January 10, after the 9:30AM worship service. During the service the Congregation will hear from the candidates, a married couple who will share the Associate Pastor position. The Congregation will then vote on Terms of Call at the Congregational Meeting. The Adult Education Committee recommended its name be changed to Discipleship and Spiritual Growth. The motion was passed. The job descriptions for the Director and Assistant Director of Encore University were approved. The Communion schedule for 2016 was presented and approved. Finance and Operations brought motions for 2016 on Pastors Housing Allowances, insurance coverage, and the makeup of the Audit Committee and Auditor. Fred Fetters was elected Treasurer and John Stuart Assistant Treasurer of the Session as well as the Valley Presbyterian Church Corporation. There was a good and fruitful discussion on the 2016 Budget. Each Committee will do further work on their section of the budget to be reviewed and approved at a Special Session Meeting on Tuesday, January 12. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
Kathy Arner Mary Artigue Sarah Brammer David Eaton Fred Fetters Gloria Gabler Ed Glady Lisa Keylon Lisa LaFon Richard Lockwood Darrah MacDougall Joan Nastro Prescott Pohl Shirley Polk John Samota Roy Schumacher Vicki Tatum Matt Winter Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
A Constellation of Lights: Robert Felix Ordination
Annual Congregational Dinner & Meeting
Attend “A Constellation of Lights,” the service to ordain Robert Felix as a Minister of Word and Sacrament and install him as Director of the new Lights ministry. Robert grew up at VPC and is now starting a new film-production ministry called Lights. The service includes a multi-media explanation of Robert’s new ministry. A reception with hors d’oeuvres and cookies is to follow.
Tickets: $12 on-sale beginning January 10 Jayann Fordon: jayann41@hotmail.com Join us as we celebrate God’s work at VPC during 2015. It was a year of blessing! You shared Christ’s love with thousands, touched the hearts of children, fed, clothed, nurtured, and witnessed to people in need.
January 10, 5:30PM, Sanctuary
Finance
Kris Bahr: krisbahr@myvalleychurch.org
Tuesday, February 2, Landes Center 6PM Dinner, 7PM Meeting
Church Office Closed
New Year’s Day, January 1, 2016
Valley Presbyterian Church Finances Year to Date through November 30, 2015 Actual Budget Total income $2,060,200 $2,125,800 Total expense $2,023,000 $2,078,800 Difference $37,200 $47,000
Foundation Legacy Dinner-Salute, Celebrate, Embrace Friday, March 18, 2016, 6PM Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch Della Berg: 480-991-6424 ext. 168 Celebrating the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary
Tickets: $125 on-sale starting January 10 online: myvalleychurch.org/foundation or Penne McKee: 480-947-0130 or pendlepenn@gmail.com
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Legacy Dinner
Salute, Celebrate, Embrace
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Valley Presbyterian Foundation
March 18, 2016, 6pm
Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch
Get your tickets starting January 10
Worship Times
Kilgore Chapel, 8 & 11:45AM Valley Presbyterian 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
Sanctuary, 9AM Landes Center, 10:30AM
Preaching January 3 January 10* January 17 January 24 January 31
Jordan Gustafson Pastors Mike & Kelly Nieto Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt
*Two Services on January 10 9:30 & 11:45AM 9:30: Mike & Kelly Nieto preaching 11:45: Rev. Kelsey Woodruff preaching Special Congregational Meeting following the 9:30AM service to vote on terms of call for the open Associate Pastor position.
Communion January 3
Pastoral Staff
David Joynt, David Turner, Kelsey Woodruff
Pastors Emeriti
Thomas A. Erickson, G. Wooden Garvin
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