January Valley Vine

the

Valley Vine

January 2019

Volume sixty-three, Number twelve

Valley Presbyterian Church

IN THIS ISSUE:

Who was C.S. Lewis?

From the former editor of the C.S. Lewis Journal

Doing a mental health checkup Thinking about mental health the way we think about physical health

"I serve because..."

Stories of Sunday School volunteers

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT When you read this magazine, it will be 2019, and we will be 16 weeks from the great disruption. In four months, construction will begin to create a new heart at VPC. This work will temporarily disrupt the patterns of our life together, forcing us to adjustment schedules, locations, programs, and events.

I want you to look and pray for the blessings hidden in the adjustments and inconveniences. The Bible teaches us that times of disruption can be times of greater spiritual growth, greater dependence on God, and greater innovation.

It was during the two generations when the Israelites were camping in the wilderness, living an unsettled life without a fixed address, that they became covenant partners with God, leaving behind the mentality of slavery and embracing a future of freedom. Fortunately, our unsettled period is six or seven months, not 40 years! But we too can use it to grow in our understanding and connection to God. The exile forced God’s people to center their lives on the Torah, since they were torn from their Temple with its sacrifices and rituals. We aren’t losing our city or culture or even our campus, but we too have an opportunity to innovate in our life and liturgy when our Sanctuary is inaccessible or our buildings unusable.

Sometimes the disruption moments in our lives can be the times when we develop our faith and conviction. In 2001, when cancer treatments had made me unable to work, a friend suggested I view the time away from pastoral ministry as an extended retreat or a sabbatical, rather than seeing it just as something to be endured. So I began to read and reflect and pray, and in so doing enhanced my perspective for the years to come.

When we move into our renovated facilities, you and I will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reach out to friends and neighbors.

Let’s use the time of “disruption” as an opportunity to grow and deepen and prepare for the next exciting phase in the life of VPC. The wilderness sojourn led, eventually, to the Promised Land. The exile ended with a return and rebuilding of life in Jerusalem.

May the coming disruption end with a stronger congregation prepared for a deeper, wider work in God’s world.

Blessings for 2019,

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Highlighte d

EVENTS

INQUIRER CLASS

Inquirer Class MOPS

Spring gatherings resume Friday, January 11 9-11AM, Room 415/416 Cost: $60 for the semester

Sunday, January 27, Noon Fireside Room Sign up to join our community! vpc.church/inquirer Questions? Jane Russell jalaru4@cox.net, 480-694-1186

mothers of preschoolers

Oasis returns January 16 with six new classes, Oasis Kids!, Oasis Students, and food trucks!

Childcare is available for children 0-5. Sign-up for a class today: vpc.church/oasis

Alpha Course 6-8PM, Room 415/416, Cost: Free

Into the Wardrobe: The Story, Works, and Theology of C.S. Lewis With Dr. Grayson Carter, Fuller Theological Seminary, former editor-in-chief of the C.S. Lewis Journal 6-7PM, Chapel, Free The Art of Marriage 6-7:30PM, Room 412, Cost: Free

Women’s Bible Study: Battlefield of the Mind Facilitator: Rev. Kelly Nieto Room 415/416, Cost: Free (please purchase book) Holy Yoga Instructor: Jennifer Cecil 6-7:30PM, Room 409, Cost: $5 per class

Book Study - The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves 6-7PM, Room 419, Free (purchase book)

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WHO WAS C.S. LEWIS?

By Dr. Grayson Carter, Fuller Theological Seminary

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So, who is C. S. Lewis? For many people, this question is easy to answer. For others, not so easy.

Okay, he was an English writer and theologian, right?

Well, sort of… He wrote a funny book about Senior and Junior Devils, right? Yes! An another book explaining Christianity, right? And still other books about children, and a wardrobe, and an enchanted land called Narnia that adults like to read. And so on and so on… Yes, and yes, and yes!

Over six weeks in January and February we will explore the life and writings of C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), one of the most celebrated and influential Christian writers in history, whose books have sold over 200 million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages.

Over the past 50 years, thousands of biographies, scholarly articles, essays, book reviews, masters and doctoral dissertations, and films about Lewis and his writings have appeared. At least two major motion pictures (Shadowlands) based on his life have been produced (both to critical acclaim), and his fictional work, The Chronicles of Narnia, is one of the most popular and cherished children’s works in history.

There have also been a number of Broadway (and off-Broadway) plays based on Lewis’ life and works.

Numerous Lewis societies and reading groups exist around the world (including one in Arizona!), several of which produce scholarly journals or newsletters. Lewis has also been on the cover of Time and Christianity Today, and featured in such magazines as Newsweek, The Saturday Evening Post, Reader’s Digest, and The Atlantic Monthly. Moreover, his influence on a number of famous and powerful people has been considerable: he has been quoted and read by numerous US Presidents, including the first President Bush, who cited Lewis in his famous “thousand points of light” speech. All of this compels us to ask not only who is C. S. Lewis, but what has been responsible for Lewis’ rapid – and remarkable – rise to fame, especially in the United States?

Several reasons can be advanced to account for Lewis’ fame and enduring popularity. First, in addition to his highly respected scholarly work in medieval and Renaissance literature, Lewis wrote a substantial number of books and essays covering a vast range of topics, including Christian apologetics, imaginative literature, science fiction, ethics, poetry, letters, social and cultural criticism, and autobiography. In short, Lewis was an astonishingly accomplished and prolific writer. His many works have enthralled and inspired readers – adults and children alike – throughout the world; they have successfully transcended nationality, language, culture, race, gender and age; they have brought untold numbers of skeptics and seekers to religious faith; and, they have sustained countless others in their Christian pilgrimage.

This six-week class will explore both Lewis the person and Lewis the writer. After coming to terms with the relevant biographical material (i.e., “Who is C. S. Lewis?”), and after forming an appreciation for the spiritual and intellectual context in which he lived and worked, a number of themes relating to Lewis will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to the theological ideas developed in his writings. Finally, we will consider Lewis’ powerful critique of – and response to – modernity and his anticipation of the rise of what is known as “postmodernism,” which became popular after his death.

Second, Lewis was a remarkable and likable figure who became the leader of an extraordinary and influential literary circle at Oxford University (where he taught for many years during the 1920s to the 1950s), The Inklings. The longer we live with Lewis the easier it is for scholars (and ordinary readers) to recognize his true genius, his remarkable virtuosity and his astonishing originality. At the same time, Lewis was no saint: like each of us, he experienced fear and failure, rejection and despair, and loss of confidence.

Perhaps it is this paradox surrounding Lewis and his life – genius and humanity, certitude and humility, saint and sinner – that provides an important clue to unlocking the secret of his abiding influence and appeal.

Blessings,

I hope you will be able to join us. We will learn a great deal about this remarkable Christian writer and scholar, and (hopefully!) have some fun along the way!

Grayson Carter Note: Dr. Carter will be teaching parts one and two of the C.S. Lewis class, the first of which begins on Wednesday, January 16, as a part of Oasis Community Wednesdays.

We hope to see you there!

Into the Wardrobe: The Story, Works, and Theology of C.S. Lewis With Dr. Grayson Carter, Fuller Theological Seminary, former editor-in-chief of the C.S. Lewis Journal

Wednesdays, January 16-February 27, 6-7PM, Chapel, Free, Sign up online: vpc.church/oasis

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MENTAL HEALTH CHECKUP

By Elizabeth Weiss VPC Mental Health Team Leader

Most of us get an annual physical every year in order to stay healthy, yet the exam rarely includes checking on our mental health, even though our brain is arguably the most important organ in our body! It seems like physical health is prioritized over mental health, even though emotional wounds can have long lasting consequences on our lives.

When we carry around untreated feelings of failure, insecurity, anxiety, or shame, it can have devastating consequences on our lives and relationships.

The Mental Health Ministry is a group of VPC church members who have loved ones with a diagnosis of mental illness and/or have a mental health condition. We also understand that many of us have emotional or psychological issues even if we are never diagnosed with a condition. Our goal as a ministry is to support one another, and to reduce the shame and stigma that often surrounds mental illness through education, raising awareness, and sharing resources. We host educational classes led

by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Valley of the Sun at various times throughout the year.

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. We also partner with St. Patrick’s Catholic Community and their Behavioral Health Initiative, which provides education, resources, and trainings on mental health issues throughout the year We encourage each other to stay mentally healthy through fellowship and prayer. We also share information and offer book discussions on mental health topics. We believe that God created us to be connected with one another and He wants us to live authentic lives in community with other believers.

We offer a safe place to share our burdens without judgment. We strive to live out our motto, “You Are Not Alone.”

In January, we will be offering a six-week book study of Dr. Curt Thompson’s book The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves, a Biblical look at how shame affects our lives and “... seeks to destroy our identity in Christ, replacing it with a damaged version of ourselves that results in unhealed pain and brokenness.”

We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery.

“Dr. Thompson’s expertise and compassion will help you identify your own pains and struggles and find freedom from the lifelong negative messages that bind you. Rewrite the story of your life and embrace healing and wholeness as you discover and defeat shame’s insidious agenda.”

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Mental Health Resources and Upcoming Events vpc.church/mentalhealth National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

AZ Teen Lifeline

602-248-8336, teenlifeline.org

Mental Health 24-hour Crisis Line 602-222-9444

Family Support Website:

nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition

National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group

Monthly, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick’s Catholic Community Information: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org

Book Study - The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves

Wednesdays, January 16-February 20 6-7PM, Room 419, Free Registration online: vpc.church/mentalhealth This six-week study of Dr. Curt Thompson’s book is a Biblical look at how shame affects our lives and “...seeks to destroy our identity in Christ, replacing it with a damaged version of ourselves that results in unhealed pain and brokenness.”

Building the Resilient Church Conference

February 8, 8AM-5PM Pure Heart Church, 14240 N 43rd Ave., Glendale, AZ Cost: $25, Registration online: pureheart.org/brcc2019 Learn how the church can impact those affected by trauma, addiction, and mental illness and be a part of the solution to build a thriving and resilient church.

Community experts will address each issue and equip pastors and church leaders to respond with the best and most appropriate care to those in their church.

NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program

Wednesdays starting March,dates TBD, Free Questions? Email Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss1231@gmail.com VPC’s Mental Health Ministry Team is excited to announce that we will be offer this opportunity during Oasis Community Wednesdays. This free, 12-week class is for family, partners, and friends of adults living with a serious mental illness. This class is designed to help family members and friends understand and support their loved one living with mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. If someone you love is struggling with mental illness, this course is for you!

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"IT REJUVENATES MY FAITH"

By Tina Gilbreath, Director Family Ministry

Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be someTHING you do, it might be someONE you teach.

Sunday School volunteer work is filled with adventure, surprises, and unexpected situations. It’s not easy, but to those who have served in Children’s Ministry, it's worth it. We get to see God move in the hearts of rising generations. God has called a wide variety of wonderful volunteers to VPC. These volunteers serve for many different reasons, and that's what we want to share with you as you read below. All of these volunteers have told me that even during the challenges and frustrations that come with volunteering, they feel blessed by the experience. We are blessed by their efforts!

The following are all quotes from current Children's Ministry volunteers. As you read them, I pray you are encouraged at what a wonderful team we have working with our kids, and that God may tug on your heart to volunteer as well!

Sunday School volunteers all share a love of children and spending time with them, but many of their reasons go beyond that. When asked why they volunteer for Sunday school, below is how a few of them responded.

I SERVE BECAUSE OF… “The feeling of involvement in my kids’ spiritual lives” “The incredible feeling of being part of a greater cause.”“I promised I would at their baptism”- “my desire to help children learn how much Jesus loves them in a way I never knew as a child.”- “ I often learn things as they do” “The joy and excitement each of the kids bring to my day.”

- “the light of Jesus shining through those sweet faces.” - “I feel like I make a difference.” - “I firmly believe God’s word can change lives. I came to know Christ at 10 - through a Sunday School teacher!”- “I love our church community and the kids and families.” – “we enjoy getting to know the kids”- “I feel the love & light of Jesus shining through me when I’m teaching the Bible stories.”

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These volunteers are highly talented and busy people. We know it isn’t always easy to show up.

I SERVE IN SPITE OF… “The fact that my children are now beyond Sunday school age”- “my gaps in knowledge of the Bible.”- “a hectic schedule.” - “all the other things I could be doing on the weekend” - “ sometimes feeling overwhelmed or “too busy” And at the end of the day the blessings they receive make it all worthwhile.

WHAT I LEARN WHEN I TEACH... “it's a great way to step back, engage, and realize the important things in life.” - “it gives me the opportunity to work with people I like, exercise patience and deepen my faith.” - “it keeps me connected to Christ when all of the busyness of life tends to pull me away.” - “because my faith is deepened as I delve into the Bible to prepare each week’s lesson.” - “I get to be part of these littles ones growing up to love and serve the Lord....” - “spending time with these kids blesses me because it renews and rejuvenates my faith each week.” - “when I realize that we may have had an impact that influences their walk of faith as they grow up” “In Luke 18:17 Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Children stand close to the kingdom of God’s doorway.

They possess a sincerity of faith and an honesty of conviction that we adults need to be around.”churchrelevance.com.

Our Children’s Ministry volunteers bless us, too!

Our teachers take time to get to know the children in their class. They worry, pray and care for all of those little ones. They make a point to make sure each child feels welcome and loved.

A few weeks ago one Mom shared how her son, excited to see his Sunday School teacher, was extra pleased that she said "hi" to him and remembered his name! These simple acts are a blessing, but the biggest blessing is how they share Jesus’ love with each child they see.

Thank you to our current core Sunday School volunteer team. They are an amazing group!

Kathy Arner, Vanessa Beauchamp, Mike Bitticks, Melissa Brammer, Sarah Brammer, Stephanie DeHaven, Mike & Monica Ek, Katy & Grant Emerick, Jamie Erbach, Kate Fassett, Tammy Giannina, Todd Gilbreath, Amy Greer, Mike & Jen Holliday, Julia Joynt, Leigh McDaniel, Jane McNeil, Linda Miller, Carmel Putnam, Jim Schaller, Myrna Smith, Vicki Tatum, Sally & Randy Thomas, Stacy Turner, Deb Voris, Laura Vreeland, Peggy Weiss, Aurore Yasinsky If you’d like to join our team or learn more about the blessing of children’s ministry, contact the Children’s Ministry team to learn more.

Tina Gilbreath Director Family Ministry: tinag@vpc.church Marie Bitticks Children’s Ministry Coordinator: marieb@vpc.church Susie Huseth Children’s Ministry Assistant: susieh@vpc.church Brianne Bergfeldt Nursery Coordinator: brianneb@vpc.church

vpc.church/children

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Ministry Brochure

JAN-MAY '19

Did you know that you are already in the upcoming Ministry Brochure? Among the events, classes, programs, studies, services, and experiences in the new brochure there is something for you.

Starting in January, VPC is offering classes about parenting, marriage, mental health, C.S. Lewis, and more during Oasis Community Wednesdays, alongside Oasis Kids! and Oasis Students. VPC's Adventures in Learning team is offering books studies and classes on painting.

There are Bible Studies, opportunities to serve the community, and opportunities to care for others in the VPC church family.

There is something for you.

Grab a copy or read the new Ministry Brochure today!

2019 January-May Ministry Brochure Available on campus and online: vpc.church/ministrybrochure

Annual Meeting

& DINNER

Valley Presbyterian Church Annual Congregational Dinner & Meeting Tuesday, January 29 6PM dinner, 6:45PM meeting Tickets: $13, on sale starting January 7 Church office, Sundays on patio or online: vpc.church Join us as we celebrate God’s work at VPC during 2018.

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.

p

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2018 Annual Meeting & Dinner

News from

SESSION

In December, Session received an update from Building Committee Chair, Ed Glady. Robert E. Porter is the Committee’s selection for contractor for A New Heart for the Valley; the contract will be reviewed for approval by Session in January.

The following were elected officers of the Session as of January 31, 2019: • Fred Fetters, Treasurer • John Stuart, Assistant Treasurer • Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk They were also elected officers of the Valley Presbyterian Church Corporation.

Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

Mayer Hoffman McCann, an independent CPA film, was hired to audit the financial records of VPC and Valley Presbyterian Foundation for 2018. Kris Williams, Jim Arner, Fred Fetters, the 2019 Foundation President, the 2019 Foundation Treasurer, and Kris Bahr will serve on the Audit Committee.

Please call me with any questions or concerns.

OPERATIONS WAYS TO GIVE Finances &

Prior to 2003, our congregation paid their pledges to the church primarily by putting an envelope into the plate during worship.

Some paid weekly, some monthly, some quarterly and some annually – but cash and checks (plus an occasional stock gift) were primarily used.

Kris Bahr

•

IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) – each year we see an increase in the number of people who are directing all or a part of their RMD to VPC. In 2018, about 35 people have chosen this method for payment of Faith Giving or A New Heart for the Valley pledges.

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Appreciated Stock – about 15 people have donated appreciated stock to VPC in 2018, some for Faith Giving and some for A New Heart for the Valley.

Almost 15 years ago, after much discussion, VPC began accepting credit cards. Soon after, an initial group of about 50 households signed up for credit card giving.

Fast forward a few more years, and we linked online giving to our website. More of our congregation were able to set up their account online and establish one-time or recurring donations.

If you have not already done so, please consider these additional options for making your gifts to VPC. Whichever method you choose, please know how grateful we are for your continued support!

Here is a breakdown of how contributions to VPC are made: • Offering Envelopes – on an average week, between 100150 people still put their offering in the plate on Sunday morning, either with assigned envelopes or loose checks.

There is always a spike the first Sunday of each month as monthly contributors are paying their pledge.

4. IRA RMD – direct your financial advisor to make checks payable to Valley Presbyterian Church.

Finance & Operations Director 480-991-6424 ext. 112 krisb@vpc.church

•

Online/Credit Cards – about 50 people have set up recurring contributions online. December always brings additional donations via this method for year-end giving.

(Note – online giving can also be made by E-check, setting up donations from your checking account).

The Church Office will be closed Monday, January 21, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

1. Website – vpc.church/give 2. EasyTithe smartphone app (use same user ID and password as website if you have account set up) 3. Text to give – text amount to 480-372-8548 (user ID and password required first time only)

5. Stock donations – contact the Finance office for instructions.

VPC finances year-to-date as of November 30, 2018 Income

Actual $

Budget $

Variance $

Faith Giving Other Income Total Income

1,643,157 297,416 1,940,573

1,650,000 352,784 2,002,784

-6,843 -55,368 -62,211

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

436,542 970,515 132,032 272,797 168,001 1,979,887

438,525 991,176 130,302 321,633 174,677 2,056,313

1,983 20,661 -1,730 48,836 6,676 76,426

-39,314

-53,529

14,215

Expense

Net Income less Expense

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Faithful New series Starts January 6

Learn more: vpc.church/oasis

Returns Wednesday, January 16 Cost: $30 per child (before June 10), $75 (after June 10)

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2018: SHIPWRECKED JUNE 25-29, 8:30AM-NOON For kids three years old-5th grade COMMUNITY WEDNESDAYS

vpc.church/vbs

David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Travis Kingma

PASTORS

8AM- Kilgore Chapel 9AM- Sanctuary 10:30AM- Landes Center

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES

Christmas 2018

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

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