January 2018 Valley Vine by Valley Presbyterian Church

valley vine

Valley Presbyterian Church January 2018 Volume sixty-two, Number twelve Dear friends, What do you hope for in 2018? I am praying for dynamic worship that deepens our faith, for a complete ministry team that will know robust health and energy in their work, for clarity and excitement about our campus transformation, and for another year of growth and outreach. The first sermon series in 2018 will be called The Originals. We’ll examine the faith, lives, and service of six key New Testament leaders who were critical in Jesus’ ministry and the launch of his church:

January 7- January 14- January 21- January 28- February 4- February 11-

John Barnabas Andrew Matthew Mark James, brother of Jesus

One of our best resources in the quest to be authentic followers of Jesus is found in the stories of previous people who lived fully and faithfully despite challenges and obstacles. Devotionals will be available the first week of January. Have you seen the new model of the Master Plan? It is mobile but currently sits in our Administration Building, the Erickson Center, on the first floor. The designs have exceeded every one of my expectations and have delighted our Master Plan Committee and Session. We asked Jones Studio to envision a single primary worship space, a new heart for our campus and a greatly improved facility for families, for hospitality, and for outreach. Without building any new structures, they have envisioned a way to reorganize and renew our existing spaces that accomplishes all these goals in a way that is beautiful and powerful. It is a transformational plan – thank you to all the hundreds of members, young and old, who shared ideas and shaped priorities. Now it gets even more exciting as you will get to see the details of the design and the proposed phases. Everyone wants to know how much we will do and when will we start. And so you can pray for Session as we measure costs, congregational passions, and financial capacity during the first months of the new year. Nothing is more critical for VPC than reaching and forming the rising generation of disciples and leaders. The departure of our energetic youth director, Joseph Parisi, to pursue his undergraduate degree at GCU full time in 2018 has provided a chance to rethink the structure of our youth ministry.

As we enhance our connection between our growing work with children and families and our work with youth and young adults, Tina Gilbreath’s job will grow and be retitled from Director of Children’s Ministry to Director of Family Ministry. She will communicate and connect with all the parents we minister to and help with planning and volunteer recruitment across the age range – from 1 to 22. This support will be crucial for the new leader of our youth ministries, whom we are currently seeking. We are looking for a director/pastor with seminary training and strong church experience who can grow and deepen our efforts with middle school, high school, and college youth. Please pray for Elders Susie Huseth and Darrah MacDougall, Elder-to-be Doug Eaton, and Boots Dunlap who will lead our search. Thank you to Chris Woodard for helping organize our program until we find our new leader. We have found our third custodian, Randy Lewis, to complement John Pelton and Will McGaugh! We are grateful to John and Will for their extra efforts during this search, and I am confident that this is the strongest group ever when it comes to skills and energy. Please welcome Randy and congratulate Will on the birth of his daughter, Grace. We are also fine tuning the shared pastoral call of Mike and Kelly Nieto. They moved from one shared position in Discipleship and Spiritual Growth (DSG) to two full-time positions so Mike could lead Encore University. With two small children, this has proven to be quite a challenge, so using the Goldilocks’ Principle, we will be setting out a position that is the equivalent of 1-1/2 time. Kelly will lead DSG, and Mike will assist Dave Turner in pastoral care, with an emphasis on visitation. All the Encore courses and advertising are set for semesters two and three, and Becky Bennett will help Shelby Trimaloff administer that program in the winter and spring. As I look back at 2017, I rejoice that for the first time in over 20 years, VPC grew in membership. In the last three years, we moved from deficit to stability and then to a small surplus in our budget despite the loss of our largest giver. Our Valley Day School has grown 25% and welcomed 50 new families. And the addition of Julia Tucker has enhanced the creativity of our worship. It has been a year of great blessing, but I am praying, and I hope you are too, that 2018 will be even better! Yours faithfully,

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: Who owns your faith? Want to be more involved at VPC? Want a deeper relationship with Christ? Join us for VPC's second Day of Discipleship. When Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenberg Cathedral door, he was reclaiming his faith in Christ alone. We all need to continually Reclaim our faith in Christ, and the Day of Discipleship is focused on helping each of us to find new and better ways to reclaim our faith based on our blessings and hope in Christ.

Reclaim your faith

Keynote speaker Jimmy Farley, a Fuller Seminary graduate, will help us see how the Reformation is still relevant today. Then you will have a choice of three breakout sessions that will help you personalize how you can Reclaim Your Faith: Reclaiming Your Faith by Sharing- Pastor David Joynt Recognize and appropriately respond when opportunities arise to share your faith with friends and family. Reclaiming Your Faith by Healing- Pastor David Turner Will give skills for listening and acting effectively when someone in our church family is hurting. Reclaiming Your Faith by Serving- Chris Woodard Will help to find ways to use our time and talents to meet the needs of our larger community.

DAY OF DISCIPLESHIP

Saturday, January 27, 8:30AM-Noon Landes Center, Free Breakfast & lunch provided Childcare: nursery@vpc.church

Worship @ VPC

VPC SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8AM 9AM 10:30AM 11:45AM

Chapel Sanctuary Landes Center Chapel

We will wrap the morning up with discussions over lunch together. We hope to see each of you there as we seek to help each other grow in our faith, experiences, and ministry! Day of Discipleship is here as you look for ways to grow closer to your church family and identify ways to plug yourself in.

PREACHING SCHEDULE January 7* January 15 January 21 January 28

Pastor Kelly Nieto Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt

*Communion

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 2

Tuesday, January 30, Landes Center 6PM Dinner, 7PM Meeting, Tickets: $13

Valley Presbyterian Church Ministry Brochure January-May 2018 Available January 7

Highlighted Events 2017-18 vpc concert series

church@vpc.church

WE3

PIANO, VIOLIN, & VOCALIST TRIO Friday, January 19, 7PM Landes Center, Free A powerhouse of combined talent paying tribute to timeless tunes!

THE ALPHA COURSE

Wednesdays, January 24-March 28 6-7:30PM, Calvin Center, Free Learn about Christianity and your place in the world Register: kellyn@vpc.church

Wednesdays, January 24-March 28 6-7:30PM, Room 409, Cost: $100 Get your finances in order in the new year Register: kellyn@vpc.church

Inquirer Class

INQUIRER CLASS

Sunday, January 28 12:30-2:30PM, Fireside Room Sign up to join our community! vpc.church/inquirer 3

Mission & Service Accomplish something great There was a time in my life when I would run the PF Chang’s Half Marathon; my brother Jon and I would not miss a year. Finishing the race was a great moment; we were tired yet elated because we had accomplished something great. Now, we as a church have the opportunity to run, walk, or ride not simply to accomplish a great feat, but for a great purpose. Through our annual Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa festival we will raise funds and awareness for education in Malawi. Children there are currently walking up to 10 miles a day to get to school and teachers are riding their bikes up to 20 miles. We can help! Our financial efforts will go to build a secondary school for children in the rural area of Zomba. As an act of solidarity we will simulate these realities at the event, allowing us the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Malawian teacher and student. This event is open for all in our community and neighborhoods; please spread the word and help us make the secondary school a reality. -Chris Woodard

Connect Friends, it’s a new year and a new season. With the new year comes a fresh opportunity to reevaluate the way that we spend our time and our talents. God has an AMAZING plan for you and wants to use you right where you are. We are here to help in any way we can! If you are looking to get more involved at VPC or would like to make VPC your church home, we are offering an Inquirer Class on January 28 at 12:30PM in the Fireside Room. If you would like to know more about us, or how to become more involved in the life and ministry of Valley Presbyterian Church, please consider attending this time of fellowship and fun! As always, my door is open anytime, please stop by to visit or pray sometime soon. -Pastor Mike Nieto

Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa

Saturday, February 25, 2018 9AM-Noon, VPC South Parking Lot Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa is a unique opportunity to join with the local community to accomplish real and long-lasting change in Malawi.

Malawi Mission Trip July 9-24, 2018

Now is the time to starting thinking and praying about your possible involvement in this life-changing experience. Contact Chris with questions.

MentorKids Christmas Party- Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who helped make the 2017 MentorKids Christmas party a great success!

2017 MentorKids Christmas Party Pastor Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church

Fresh Opportunities

Inquirer Class

Chris Woodard, Mission Director: chrisw@vpc.church

Sunday, January 28, 2018 12:30-2:30PM, Fireside Room Register: vpc.church/connect Is it time for you to make a commitment and become a member of VPC? We welcome you to come learn more about how our community can serve you and how you can make an impact in our community.

Community Groups Information visit: vpc.church/community_groups

Do you want to grow deeper in relationship with Jesus while you connect with other Christians? Our small groups meet at various times throughout the month to study God’s word and encourage each other to live it out loud.

20-30s: Chris Woodard, chrisw@vpc.church Wednesdays starting January 10, 7PM, Room 501 Dinner at Chris and Brianna's, January 25, 6:30PM

30-40s: Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church

Watch for upcoming social and service projects on website.

40-50s: David Turner, davidt@vpc.church Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 Bible study, social events, and service projects.

50-60s: Sarah Burnette, sarahswiggins@gmail.com Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Empty nesters grow together in faith and fellowship.

60s-70s: Judith Robins, az29hiker@msn.com 2nd & 3rd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Study, fellowship, and refreshments.

70s+: Wandie Hulick, wild4uofa@aol.com

Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center January 4: Mexican Train & Pizza, 3-5PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: January 18, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: January 25, 3PM, Fireside Room

Children & Families

Tina Gilbreath, Children’s Ministry Director: tinag@vpc.church

Ripe with opportunity True story- I love January! January is one of my favorite months, for two reasons. All the stores are filled with new storage containers, calendars, file folders, and all kinds of things to help you get organized. The second reason I love January is that the beginning of a new year is ripe with opportunity, a fresh start, a clean slate, a second chance to get on track, to refocus, to re-prioritize. The great news is that we can have a fresh start in Christ every minute of every day, we don’t need to wait until January we just have to invite him into our lives. Happy New Year! -Tina Gilbreath

Sunday School Resumes

January 7, 2018 Join us after Christmas Break as we return to our regular schedule of Sunday School during 9 and 10:30AM worship.

Cheerful Giver: Take It Home Workshop

2nd grade families January 21, 2018, 10:30AM*, Room 415/416 *following the children’s message This class is designed to help families talk about stewardship and use some of the elements of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace class with their children. Contact tinag@vpc.church to RSVP or for more information.

EXPLORERS! resumes

January 23, 4-5PM (Doors open at 3:45PM) Register kids in grades K-5 today! 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. Register at vpc.church/explorers

2017 Nativity Pageant

Students

Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Jump into January!

Student ministry has tons of great things going on this month, check it out!

Junior High & High School Sunday Morning Gathering Starts again January 7 9AM, Landes Basement Jr. High Midweek Starts again Monday January 8 6PM, Landes Basement

High School Winter Weekend Friday, January 12-Monday, January 15 Stay in Munds Park, ski in Snowbowl The annual Student Ministry Ski Trip for High School students is not something to be missed! We'll have a great time on the slopes with new friends. Interested? Email Chris Woodard.

Jr. High Midweek is a weekly event focused on fun and excitement. This spring we're bringing the Winter Olympics to VPC! Opening Ceremonies start January 8, with different events and activities each week. This is a great opportunity to invite friends to share in the fun!

High School Midweek Starts again Wednesday, January 10, 7PM, Landes Basement High School Midweek events are focused on fun and building community. We meet weekly for a variety of activities, from small groups, worship concerts, to game nights, and much more! At the end of each night there will be a biblical message that is applicable to each High School student.

Students in the 2017 Christmas Cantata 5

Learn & Grow

Pastor Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church

It all begins with Alpha January is a month of new beginnings- may this next year begin for us with a time of spiritual renewal with The Alpha Course. Over 29 million people have gone through the Alpha Course, exploring questions of faith and life. Classes are simple: dinner, then a video about questions like “Who is Jesus?” “How does God guide us?”, and then small group discussion. Bring a friend and enjoy this time with the great news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also in January, Day of Discipleship returns with this year's theme: Reclaim Your Faith. The events of the Reformation fundamentally changed the direction of the Christian faith as men and women re-examined their relationship with God and the church. Come and share in meals together, a feature speaker, and break-out sessions exploring how we can reclaim our faith here and now. -Pastor Kelly Nieto

The Alpha Course*

Wednesdays, January 24- March 28 (no class on Feb. 14) 6–7:30PM, Calvin Center, Free Registration: kellyn@vpc.church Childcare: nursery@vpc.church Facilitators: Mike & Kelly Nieto

Encore University

eu@vpc.church

Register today- classes are filling fast! WINTER TERM: January 23-February 22 SPRING TERM: March 6-April 12 (no classes March 25-31)

Our daily routines can sometimes seem mundane, robotic and chaotic; sometimes it truly is “the daily grind.” However, even during the responsibilities of the day, what a joy it is to open the weekly email from Jane Russell listing visitors to VPC and find that some are students of Encore University! I now look forward to these emails, I love seeing the Encore students who are compelled to come back to our campus on Sunday! Not for one of their Encore classes, but to experience a Sunday service with us; to hear the Word of God; to absorb the beauty of our church and feel the warmth and fellowship of our members. To think that an Encore student’s heart may be changed for Jesus is the jackpot of all jackpots in my book! -Shelby Trimaloff

Encore Class Ambassador Training Luncheon Saturday, January 20, 11:30AM, Fireside Café, Free Become an Encore Class Ambassador and help introduce our students to VPC! Class Ambassadors receive their class free.

Reclaim Your Faith: Day of Discipleship 2018*

Saturday, January 27, 9AM-12PM, Landes Center *Childcare available by registration: nursery@vpc.church Who owns your faith? What decisions, stereotypes, or assumptions have kept you from growing closer to God? This event will strengthen your relationship with God and point you toward ways to get more involved in His work.

Wired that Way: Part Two*

Wednesdays, January 10-31 6-7:30PM, Fireside, Cost: Purchase the book Registration: kellyn@vpc.church Childcare: nursery@vpc.church Facilitators: Kelly Nieto, Elizabeth Weiss God made you with certain personality traits that affect how you interact with God, others, and yourself. Feel free to join us even if you didn't attend Part One!

Financial Peace University*

Wednesdays, January 24-March 28 (no class on Feb. 14) 6-7:30PM, Room 409, Cost: $100 for kit Registration: kellyn@vpc.church Childcare: nursery@vpc.church Facilitators: Jim Arner, Joe Vaughn Is one of your New Years’ Resolutions to get your family finances in order? Do you want to learn how to make and stick to a budget, get rid of debt, and start saving for retirement or college? Whether you are single, married, or have kids, this life-changing class will help you be intentional about where your money is going so you can achieve your financial goals.

MOPS

Molly Livak: mollyl@vpc.church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Come join us in January Fridays, January 12 & 26 9-11AM, Room 415/416

It’s not too late to join! If you are a new mom, haven’t had a chance to attend a meeting yet, or just want to come see what our group is about! Start your 2018 off right & join us on Fridays! -Molly Livak

Men’s Ministry

Chris Woodard, Men’s Ministry Director: chrisw@vpc.church

Men, who will you be in the New Year? As I am writing this, Phoenix finally received rain and ended a 103 day dry streak. There have been times in my life when I have had long dry streaks; feeling like a sponge that has been overly wrung. During these moments there are two options: to run away from God and lean on our own ability or to lean into God and allow the giver of life to fill you up. I am thankful that God’s Spirit is always pursuing us, drawing us back into the presence of God even when we resist- and believe me I have resisted. God uses community to help us through these times and I am thankful for the men of our church that are joining together, to share life together, and to support each other.

Third Tuesday of the Month Breakfast January 16, 6:30AM RSVP by Sunday prior, vpc.church/men All men are invited to join together the third Tuesday of the month for breakfast at VPC. Gather at 6:30AM and breakfast will begin at 6:45AM. We will hear testimonies from each other and will focus in on our topic for the month.

Men's Breakfast and Golf February 10, 2018 More information coming soon: vpc.church/men Do you love breakfast? Do you love golf? Good! Look for more detail for this great event coming soon.

Men, this New Year, make a resolution to become a part of a group of men to experience that life that God has gifted us with. Groups are forming now, if you are interested in a group please contact me. -Chris Woodard

2017 Men's Retreat

Women’s Ministry

Kelly Nieto, Pastor: kellyn@vpc.church

Part of God's Plan In celebration of the Christmas season, the women of VPC enjoyed the annual Christmas Ornament Exchange! One ornament passed into a few different hands before being taken home with a beautiful story: a mom who had lost her dad this year shared with us how her daughter saw a red cardinal at her grandfather’s funeral and seeing this bird reminded her of her Pop-Pop. What was the ornament this young mom took home to her little daughter? A red cardinal. We know that God is at work in all the moments we share together as the women of VPC. This Spring, prepare for those moments of God meeting you in a special way through the friendship of other women! -Pastor Kelly Nieto

SAVE THE DATE: Women’s Progressive Dinner: Women’s Retreat:

Sunday, March 11

Friday-Sunday, April 20-22

PW White Elephant Spring Sale:

Friday & Saturday, April 6 & 7

Women’s Bible Study*

Fridays, 9-10:30AM, January 19, February 2 & 16 Room 415-416, Free Registration: vpc.church/women, or kellyn@vpc.church Childcare: nursery@vpc.church, Facilitator: Kelly Nieto For women of all ages to explore God’s Word in a small group setting. This Spring we will be studying “The Armor of God,” looking at why we need spiritual armor in a spiritually dangerous world, and how to understand each piece of what it means to “put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians).

Presbyterian Women (PW)

PW Circles Tuesday, January 9 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Wednesday, January 10 Esther: 10AM, Lyn Ambrose's home, 480-998-2198 Lydia: 9:30AM, Calvin Center Sarah: Noon, Room 409

PW Luncheon and Speaker

January 24, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by January 19 Speaker: Norma Jean Coulter, Arizona Women's Hall of Fame She will talk about the background of the Hall of Fame and stories of some of the women who really made Arizona history.

PW Tour-Sunshine Acres

January 31 Contact Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com

Care & Support

David Turner, Pastor: davidt@vpc.church

Pastoral Care Communication Update In the past, the Congregational Care Ministry has sent out two separate email communications on a daily basis. The “Prayer Chain” is sent to a limited number of people who pray for those listed. The second email, the “Pastoral Care Update,” contains detailed reports of visits and includes medical status, location (hospital/rehab), and prayer requests. This has been sent to a larger group of people who have been part of our Care Ministry for years. It has come to our attention that many people believe the entire congregation receives these emails. Because of this, many people are hesitant to advise the church of their personal medical issues. With increased concern for privacy and limiting access to personal medical information, the Congregational Care Ministry-with the support of the Sessionhas agreed to limit the distribution of the Pastoral Care Update only to those serving in a care ministry under Congregational Care. This change will take place with the start of 2018.

At-Home Visitation – Communion

Sunday, January 7, 12:15–3:30PM Contact Tammy Milne 480-991-6424, ext. 163 or tammym@vpc.church We will be serving communion to our At-Home members. We are reaching out for volunteers to assist on this special day. Please contact Tammy as soon as possible if you wish to assist in this rewarding ministry project. Training is provided and you will be matched with an experienced Elder or Deacon.

Divorce Recovery Program

Mondays starting January 29 (no class February 19) 5:30-6:45PM, Chapel Parlor, Cost: $20 Registration: vpc.church/divorcerecovery or Tammy Milne at tammym@vpc.church Facilitator: Anna Kohls, Masters in Marital and Family Therapy and a Masters in Education Seven-week Divorce Recovery Program designed for men and women at any stage of the divorce process. Registration required. Program is open to all in our community, so please share this information with friends who are ready to take the next step in their journey. If you’d like more information contact Pastor David Turner: 480-991-6424 ext. 121.

Prayer Chain submissions will include a very brief description of how we can pray for a person - including those on the Pastoral Care Update list – and is open to all in our congregation who would like to pray for those on the list. Our hope is that, in time, everyone in our congregation will be part of the Prayer Chain and actively pray for those who have shared their joys and concerns. -Pastor David Turner

Mental Health

Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss@gmail.com

NAMI Basics

February 10, 17, & 24, 8:30AM-2PM, Room 409, Free Registration Required: namimaricopaedu@gmail.com or Dawn Dibbern, 602-759-8182 NAMI Basics is a free, educational program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. NAMI Basics helps parents and other family caregivers understand the illnesses that are causing those behavioral difficulties, and the critical role family play in the treatment of those illnesses.

Building the Resilient Church Conference

Friday, February 9, 8:30AM-4PM, Free Pure Heart Church, 14240 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale, AZ Registration: Brenda Cochran, bcochran@pureheart.org Churches around the nation are striving to understand and respond more effectively to the high prevalence of trauma, addiction, and mental illness. Be inspired and encouraged as Pure Heart shares their story of becoming a traumainformed church where the broken are not only accepted but cared for. Come be a part of a global movement that seeks to raise up a thriving and resilient church.

Remembrances Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of William Chaffee, Joel Dobson, Shirley Bauer, Bill Gass, Carol Jenkins, John McClellan, Jane Parfet, Nancy Parker, and Neil Smith.

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

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

Music

Jennifer Hamm, Minister of Music: jenniferh@vpc.church Lifting your gifts in song

I hope you were able to enjoy some of the wonderful music we provided through our concerts in December. We have three more concerts to offer you this spring. On January 19, I hope you’ll come out for a special treat. We3 is a piano, violin and vocal trio that performs timeless tunes, interpretations of popular, Jazz, Swing, Blues, Standards and so much more. You’re sure to enjoy a night of nostalgia and a lot of fun when these three vibrant talents come together! On February 25, our own organist, Julia Tucker will give a spectacular recital using both the Chapel and Sanctuary organs. You will not want to miss this! The choir will wrap up the season on April 8 performing Vivaldi’s Gloria with members from the Phoenix Symphony. I want to say a huge thank you to the Valley Presbyterian Foundation who sponsored VPC's Christmas Cantata. We are so blessed to be able to sing such beautiful music with a full orchestra and I hope you were blessed as an audience member. - Jennifer Hamm

Valley Day School

WE3

PIANO, VIOLIN, & VOCALIST TRIO Friday, January 19, 7PM, Landes Center, Free A powerhouse of combined talent paying tribute to timeless tunes. From favorite songs by the Ink Spot songs to new and familiar interpretations of popular, Jazz, Swing, Blues, Standards, you’re sure to enjoy a night of nostalgia and a lot of fun! When these three vibrant talents come together, it’s a delight for audiences of all ages. Recent performances include: Phoenix Theatre, The Nash, Reflections Lounge at Wild Horse Pass Hotel, and Jazz in the Hills at the Emerson Art Gallery. We3 is: Nicole Pesce-piano, Suzanne Lansfordviolin, and Renee Grant Patrick-vocalist, daughter to the late George Grant of the World Famous Ink Spots.

Valley Ringers Handbell Choir Rehearsal Wednesdays starting January 10 5:30-6:15PM, Handbell Room Julia Tucker, Director Youth Choir Rehearsal Wednesdays starting January 10 6:15-7PM, Choir Room

Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Wednesdays starting January 10 7:30-8:30PM, Choir Room

Meghan Gottfredson, Day School Director: meghang@vpc.church

2018-2019 Preschool Year enrollment begins soon! For 54 years, VDS has been one of the best kept secrets in town. For many, its been the preschool of choice – a place to learn through play and to grow in faith each day. Our loving and dedicated teaching staff ensures that opportunities to play and learn are age-appropriate and child-centered, and we strive to foster the emotional, social, and spiritual growth of each child in our care.

Registration for currently enrolled (returning) families, alumni families & VPC families begins Monday, February 5. Registration for new families begins Tuesday, February 20. Preschool tours are offered by appointment on Thursday mornings, and registration forms can be found on our website. Please contact Preschool Director, Meghan Gottfredson, if you’d like to come visit our campus. -Meghan Gottfredson

Classes are available for children age one (and walking) to age five. The school day is 9AM-Noon, days of the week vary depending on your age/class schedule. Early Bird and Lunch Bunch programs are available for potty trained children. Valley Day School monthly enrollment costs: Sunshine Room (1 Year Old strong walkers & 30 months by Aug. 1) M, T, or W classes ($95-$275 per month) T/TH 2 Year Old Classes – $215 per month T/TH 3 Year Old Classes - $215 per month MWF 3 Year Old Classes - $275 per month MWF 4 Year Old Classes - $275 per month 4 Day Class (M-TH) – 4 & 5 year olds - $335 per month 5 Day Class (M-F) – Oldest 4 & 5 year olds - $395 per month

Foundation

Charlee Turner, Foundation Administrator: charleet@vpc.church Foundation Sunday is coming in January!

This month, we celebrate the lives and legacies of past members who thoughtfully remembered Valley Presbyterian Church in their wills during Foundation Sunday – a program and platform to highlight the work of the Foundation as a vehicle to investing long-term towards the growth and financial security of the church and its multiple ministries. As you plan your New Year’s Resolutions, we invite you to consider joining our Legacy Society as a member. Your commitment will have a future impact on ministries such as Music, the Stephen Ministry, MentorKidsUSA, scholarship funds and more! It’s simple! Just remember VPC in your will. There are no immediate or long-term costs.

Foundation Sunday

January 21 – Sanctuary 9AM; Landes 10:30AM Remember the life and legacies of those providing for the long-term financial security of the church and its ministry. Learn more about VPC’s Foundation and work! Cake, refreshments, Memorial Garden and Kitchen Tours will follow each service on the patio.

Save the Date! March 23 Annual Foundation Dinner Roaring Twenties

A Night That Can Change the Life of Our Church Join us for VPC’s biggest FUNdraiser of the year! You don’t want to miss an evening of auction, dance, and laughter! Proceeds support various needed projects and ministries of VPC. Email Charlee: charleet@vpc.church for information.

Please join us as we welcome our incoming class of new Board of Trustee members Beth Allen, Daniel Gonzales, Shirley Polk, and Kris Williams. Each trustee was thoughtfully chosen for their special talents, spirit of giving, and dedication to the Lord's work.

2017 Foundation Dinner Balloon Raffle

-Charlee Turner

TIME, TALENT, & TREASURE church@vpc.church VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES @ VPC We are accepting donations for the Spring Sale! Saturdays, January 6 & 20, 9-11AM Cooks’ Tour Shed, Lynetta Norris: ljoynorris@aol.com Donate your old treasures to support mission needs in our community. Cooks’ Tour is collecting items as they prepare for the Spring Sale. No large furniture or TVs. Have items you would otherwise donate to Goodwill or Red Cross? Drop them off here instead! Cooks’ Tour Spring Sale (White Elephant), April 6-7, 2018.

Church Office phone receptionist

Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Four-hour shifts available Monday-Friday. In need of substitutes. No experience necessary. Training provided. For more information contact Kris.

MentorKids USA

Meet at church Mondays, 3-5PM, church van carpool Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church MentorKids volunteers come alongside and tutor students in specific areas, build relationships, and provide stability that may not be present in kids’ homes.

Coming in February... Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa

Saturday, February 24 9AM-Noon, South Parking Lot Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa is a unique opportunity to join with the local community to accomplish real and long-lasting change in Malawi.

NAMI Basics

February 10, 17, & 24, 8:30AM-2PM, Room 409, Free Registration Required: namimaricopaedu@gmail.com or Dawn Dibbern, 602-759-8182 Free educational program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Family Promise

February 25-March 4 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Family Promise families will be spending the night at VPC starting February 25. If you would like to host, make a meal, or spend the night, contact Chris.

Men's Breakfast & Golf February 10 Details coming soon.

VPC Leadership News From Session

Leader Spotlight Elder Gary Green Mission Committee Chair

There is no Session report from the December meeting. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 480-368-6567. -Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session

Visit VPC Session page! vpc.church/session