VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
January 2017
Volume 61, Number 12 Dear friends, A church is a place for the broken and the blessed. It is a place where we are blessed when we bring our brokenness to Jesus, the one who said “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven,” the one who comes to heal and help, to restore and renew. To begin 2017, our devotional and worship themes will center on the ways God blesses his broken saints, and the way we can become blessings to others. Abraham and Sara were “blessed to be a blessing,” and in the economy of grace, every Kingdom gift God gives is deepened and multiplied as it is shared. Look for our new series to begin January 8 and to lead us toward the great celebration of Easter on April 16. One longtime blessing to our church and community has been Valley Presbyterian Day School (VDS). For decades, our preschool has embraced children and families in a gracious and loving way. Julie Johnson has served the school for ten years, first as an outstanding teacher and then as a dedicated Director. Her time as Director concluded in December, and we are grateful for her passion for our children, our teachers, and our school. The VDS Board and the VPC Session have selected Meghan Gottfredson as our new Director. She has been leading our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program as well as our church nursery over the last several years and has brought an engaging spirit and contagious faith to both roles. Meghan graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Journalism and received her graduate degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from the University of California, Irvine. She has eight years of classroom experience in the public school system with first and second graders (in California, Tucson, and Phoenix). She has also facilitated staff development training at both the school and district level, coached new teachers, and mentored student teachers.
Meghan is married to her college sweetheart, Bryan, and is the mother of two beautiful daughters, Julia and Emily. Please pray for Meghan and for our teachers at VDS as we enter a new year and a new era of cooperation and connection between our church and our preschool. One of the best ways to be a blessing is to welcome little ones in Jesus’ name and to encourage them to grow as special children of God. MOPS will continue to be a key element in our ministry to women within our programs for discipleship and spiritual growth. Rev. Kelly Nieto will oversee a great steering committee of leaders, and Meghan will continue to lend her warmth to our outreach to young moms. May VPC continue to be a place where all our Kingdom gifts are shared and multiplied. Yours faithfully,
SERMON SERIES STARTS JANUARY 8
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@vpc.church Website: vpc.church
Who We Are: Advent generosity by the numbers Valley Presbyterian Church has a story to tell. It’s a story about a community who knows that everyone deserves a Christmas season filled with hope and promise. The community at VPC was able to give at least a small measure of that hope to others during Advent. Through numerous opportunities, you stepped forward to provide for those in need. Thank you to all who helped support the ministries that are so vital to our community and to others in the Valley. Here are some of the ways you showed God’s love:
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Nights hosting Family Promise
-a volunteer sleeps at the church each night
400+
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Families hosted through Family Promise -around 30 people sleeping and being fed each night
Angel Tree Christmas presents given -for MentorKids, Family Promise, and Tuba City
300+
MentorKids Christmas Party attendees -kids, families, staff, and members of VPC
40 $1534 $1965 At-home members received Christmas gifts -provided by VPC’s Deacon Ministry
Mostly Messiah Christmas Concert offering -proceeds benefit Family Promise
Memorial Poinsettia money raised -proceeds benefit Family Promise
Music & Arts MINISTER OF MUSIC
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
Youth Choir
All Junior/Senior High teens who are interested in singing in a Youth Choir, please contact Jennifer!
Valley Ringers Handbell Choir
Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Handbell Room
Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays, 7:30PM, Music Room
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Afrizo Ensemble from Daystar University
Sunday, January 29, 4PM, Sanctuary Afrizo is a singing group from Daystar University in Kenya. Daystar is a Christian Liberal Arts College in Nairobi with a mission of training Christian servant leaders to transform Africa. Afrizo is a group of students who travel the U.S. every few years to raise scholarship money. They sing in English, Swahili, and African tribal languages, worshiping the Lord in a unique variety of languages and styles.
Andrea Saul Vocal Recital
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. You’ll hear songs by Mozart, Faure, Vivaldi, and Bizet.
Highlighted Events
PARENTING THE LOVE & LOGIC WAY
Wednesdays starting January 11 Email Kelly: kellyn@vpc.church to register
DAVE RAMSEY’S FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Wednesdays starting January 18 Register online: vpc.church/classes
Inquirer Class
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 12:30PM, Fireside Room
For more information call Jane Russell: 480-694-1186 Register online: vpc.church/inquirer
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL DINNER & MEETING
Tuesday, January 31 6PM Dinner, 7PM Meeting, Tickets: $13
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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
The Gathering- All students 6th-12th grade
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
January 1: Services 9 and 10:30AM Nursery: Infants-3 years No Sunday School Take It Home Event: 2nd grade families, Cheerful Giver January 22, 10:30AM, Room 415-416 This class is designed to help families talk about stewardship with their kids and put in place some of the elements of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace class.
Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church Join as we worship together, engage in the Bible together, and have small group time with our grade levels. January 1, 2 & 4: No meetings 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.
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 6-8PM, Calvin Center, No Fee Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto vpc.church/classes
The Holocaust was a time when European Christians faced a choice between helping those in danger or ignoring them and their distress. 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.
Parenting the Love & Logic Way* Wednesdays, January 11-February 8 6-7:30PM, Room 415/416, Cost: $40 Facilitator: Larry Kerby vpc.church/classes
This class will teach you how to help your children take ownership of problems, make more responsible choices, and see the logical consequences of their actions.
Dave Ramsey’s, Financial Peace University* Wednesdays, starting January 18-March 22 (no class Mar. 1) 6PM, Fireside Room Facilitators: Mike Bitticks & Jim Arner vpc.church/classes
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Make a New Years’ resolution to get your finances in order! Whether single, married, or have kids, this life-changing class will help you achieve your financial goals.
ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING® Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church 480-991-6424 ext. 165 Learn more: encoreuniv.org Winter Term starts on January 24, 2017 The Winter Term Course Catalog is out! Make a New Year’s resolution and Keep on Learning. Encore University, Discipleship & Spiritual Growth presents: Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust Special Event* 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. Two Among the Righteous Few is about taking risks, living bravely and choosing courageously in the face of severe consequences.
No Fee-Book Signing & Complimentary Refreshments
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: Jan. 12, 3PM Pizza Night: 5PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: Jan. 19, 11:30AM Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: Jan. 26, 3PM, Fireside Room
INQUIRER CLASS
Sunday, January 22, 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
Mission & Service Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Thank you for your Advent generosity!
Thank you for your help in making this Advent season special for all of our ministry partners. We hosted eight families through our relationship with Family Promise, hosted over 300 people at the MentorKids Christmas Party, collected several pounds of food for ICM, partnered with First Presbyterian Tuba City for their annual Christmas Toy giveaway and dinner, and shared the love of Christ and the Hope of Christmas with all.
Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa Saturday, February 25, 2017 VPC South Parking Lot
It’s time to start preparing for VPC’s biggest event of the springScottsdale & PV for Africa! Look for more information coming soon.
Men 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 & Stephen Heinzel-Nelson Saturday, February 11, 7:30AM 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 Stephen Heinzel-Nelson- Co-founder of Villages in Partnership in Malawi, Africa
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Women Women’s Bible Study*
Living Life Together by Shauna Niequist Thursdays, January 5 & 19, 6:30PM, Room 415/416 *Friday, January 6 & 20, 9AM, Room 415/416 Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women There are messy parts in all of our lives that we would rather not reveal— strained relationships, stretched finances, and cluttered living rooms. 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, January 13 & 27, 9-11AM, Room 415-416 Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@vpc.church January 13: Speaker: Michelle Gulbas Topic: Diet, Health & Wellness for the Busy Mom January 27: Activity: MOPS Bootcamp MOPS is a place to gather, connect, and be encouraged. *Childcare: nursery@vpc.church
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Luncheon & Program January 25, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, January 20 PROGRAM: Women of the Bible Colorful, fascinating portrayals by actress, Anita Gutschick PW Circles, January 2017 Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, January 10 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Jeanne Campo, 480-994-4116/Barbara McCreary 480-451-2233 Wednesday, January 11 Esther: 9:30AM, Jayann Fordon’s home, 480-994-4193 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
Care & Support CONGREGATIONAL CARE
GriefShare
Wednesdays starting January 25, 1-3PM, Room 414 Register: encoreuniv.org, No Fee Facilitators: Karen Annis & Bill Gass Congregational Care and Fellowship Ministry offers grief Remembrances support. The class schedule coincides with Encore University’s Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the term, and is open to the public. Each session contains a video family and friends of Connie Alexander, Dottie Blades, presentation and sharing/discussion time. A Stephen Minister Bob Lavidge, Ed Hermanson, and Gen. Seth McKee. can be arranged for individual help if requested. Contact Tammy for more information. David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Tammy Milne: tammym@vpc.church
Deacon Flower Ministry: A small gesture can mean so much!
This is a very gratifying ministry of VPC. The person who delivers a bouquet has an opportunity to provide comfort, and company, and to let people know how they are cherished. Here’s how every member of our congregation can participate: Donate flowers for the Sanctuary or Chapel Call Ron Norris: 602-617-1601 or Katrina Carney in the church office. Choose your date and flower color combination. You can donate in memory of someone or acknowledge a special event. Deliver flowers after service on Sunday Deacon Flower Ministry members take the large arrangements and create three bouquets for delivery. Pre-assigned delivery addresses are available each week. Pick up the bouquets in the Fireside Kitchen and be on your way. Call Tammy in the church office to be put on the delivery schedule. Your generous contribution adds beauty to our service and spreads VPC’s love and compassion to those unable to be with us for Sunday morning worship.
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VPC Mental Health Ministry Book Discussion
Monday, January 30, 6-8PM, Fireside Room RSVP: tammym@vpc.church Elizabeth Weiss, esweiss1231@gmail.com, 480-699-2982 Change your Brain, Change your Life: Revised and Expanded by Daniel Amen, MD The breakthrough program for conquering anxiety, depression, obsessiveness, lack of focus, anger, and memory problems. Dr. Amen is a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain-imaging expert who heads the world-renowned Amen Clinics,. He is also a Christian who speaks openly about his faith. Book available in paperback and at local libraries.
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community Information: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org
NAMI Basics Class coming in February, 2017 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 Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity by investing in TOGETHER for TOMORROW. Over 257 households turned in commitment cards (59 increased their pledges over last year), bringing expected faith giving for 2017 to $1.7 million. As we give glory to God for the blessings of the past 60 years, we look to the next 60 with joy and anticipation. Valley Presbyterian Church Annual Congregational Dinner & Meeting Tuesday, January 31, 6PM dinner, 7PM meeting Tickets: $13, on sale starting January 8
Spotlight 100+!
VPC has several centenarians in our church family! As we begin a new year, let us celebrate those in our midst whose very presence are a blessing. VPC’s 100+ Club: Charlotte Phillips Helen Adams Martha Sarchett Ruth Adams Edna Thomas Charllie Ann Campbell
VPC FINANCES YEAR-TO-DATE AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 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 Net Income less Expense
Actual
Budget
Variance
$1,530,000 $44,000 $477,000 $2,051,000
$1,605,000 $53,000 $423,000 $2,081,000
$-75,000 $-9,000 $54,000 $-30,000
$428,000 $971,000 $154,000 $223,000 $110,000 $174,000 $2,060,000
$444,000 $971,000 $158,000 $252,000 $131,000 $184,000 $2,140,000
$16,000 $0 $4,000 $29,000 $21,000 $10,000 $80,000
$-9,000
$-59,000
$50,000
SESSION 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
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Monday, January 2 New Year’s Holiday
Monday, January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Other income includes $100,000 from prior years’ Memorial Garden space sales. Support VPC’s ministries! Be a part of God’s work in the Valley and around the world: vpc.church/give
Foundation Foundation: Charlee Turner, charleet@vpc.church
FUND THE NEED
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Chapel Area Landscaping
McDonald Drive Church Sign
Step Into the Future: 2017 Legacy Dinner Friday, March 31, 2017 The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch Tickets: $125, online sales start January 15
Grab your dance shoes and mark your calendars!
Sanctuary Area Bathrooms,“Renew the Loo”
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Valley Presbyterian Church Annual Congregational Dinner & Meeting Tuesday, January 31 6PM Dinner 7PM Meeting
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES Kilgore Chapel- 8 & 11:45AM Sanctuary- 9AM
Landes Center- 10:30AM
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 Sanctuary- 9AM
Landes Center- 10:30AM
Nursery (0- 2 Y.O.) No Sunday School
COMMUNION
January 8
David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Kelsey Woodruff
PASTORS
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
SERMON SERIES STARTS JANUARY 8
vpc.church