Senior Pastor
SIGNS OF THE CREATOR IN THE CREATION
Summers are often a time for lazy beach reading, the distracting low demand page turners, usually mysteries or romances. I have certainly read my share of the former! This summer I want to recommend a deeper read, a remarkable and pioneering book by one of our own members, Dr. Bill Miller. It is called Bioverse, and it is a pioneering study of advances in our understanding of cells which integrate microbiology, chemistry, and physics. Denis Noble, director of computational physiology at Oxford, a Fellow of the Royal Society, describes this beautifully written work as “stunning.”
Increasingly, we are finding our place in the universe “through microscopes, not telescopes.” The nature of human life and our relationships to the rest of creation is shifting in this new “era of the cell.” New facts about our microbiome reveal a complex partnership between microbes and our cells, and a form of cognition in the latter. This knowledge will revolutionize healthcare and biology.
Throughout the book, there are breathtaking insights into science and history. I will give you a few teasers…
I learned to frame human advances on cosmic timescale. The universe is 13.8 billion years old and microbial life began 3.8 billion years ago. Multicellular life has existed only 600 million years, primates like us five million years ago, and homosapiens a mere 200,000 years. If a mile were to represent our universe’s age, humans have existed for the width of a single hair. We’ve lived in cities for 1/40th of that hair and the rise of science is even more recent!
Yet, six consequential leaps achieved in the last six or seven generations have affected human life more than any other discoveries: antisepsis, vaccination, anesthesia, germ theory, medical imaging, and medications like antibiotics. Throughout the entirety of human history, life expectancy averaged between 30 and 35 years. The wisdom associated with older age was valued because it was so uncommon. This pattern persisted from the Paleolithic era through Roman antiquity until the last century, across the world in every civilization. In 1959, it was 48 and currently is 72.
The seventh great advance is coming, and it is the era of the cell. Bill’s faith will be evident to the reader and so will his ability to elucidate the story of modern science across every discipline. Read and enjoy and congratulate Bill on his achievement.
Yours Faithfully,
Back Schoolto Supplies
Stay after 9AM service or come early to 10:30AM
Back to School Supply Drive
July 7—28, Bags available July 7
Please return bags to VPC by July 28 Supplies help Title 1 Schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District
Troop 441 is fortunate to have experienced leaders on their Board and who engage as merit badge counselors at meetings. Kent McClelland's involvement with Troop 441 began in the fall of 1967 and was active until 1971. Kent's son, Devon, joined the troop in 2002 and earned his Eagle in 2006. Kent had so much fun with the troop he has continued on in a number of positions, including Hike Master, Advancement, and eventually Committee Chair. Kent said, “It’s been very gratifying to see so many bright young men go through this troop over these years and become the leaders they have become. Through all of this VPC has been a steadfast supporter of the troop and has offered so much to so many.”
SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 441 @VPC
A LEGACY OF TRADITION
Victoria Canada
Scouting America
Troop 441
Valley Presbyterian Church and Scouting America Troop 441 (formerly Boy Scouts of America) have a decades long connection. The Troop was chartered in 1960 at VPC with a very important Troop 441 member and founder, Walter Winius.
VPC has been a great partner with Troop 441. Every Tuesday evening dozens of Scouts file into Landes Center for their weekly meeting. It is a scene repeated throughout the decades that VPC has been a home to these Scouts. You will also see Troop 441 at VPC's Memorial Day service bearing the American flag in a traditional Flag Ceremony. VPC has been instrumental by providing a place for the Scouts to earn their Duty to God Merit badge, a cornerstone of the Scouting program. The Scout Oath begins with duty to God and the Scout Law ends with reverence. Scouting America recognizes that religious instruction comes from the family and faith community. VPC has provided many of Troop 441 Scouts the opportunity to learn and explore more about their faith.
Troop 441 is a boy-led troop that allows the Scouts that cross over from Cub Scouts to learn real life leadership skills through participating in community service projects to helping with Eagle Projects to planning campouts. The Troop is a true hiking troop, with many miles spent in the Arizona deserts, mountains, and waterways. It is a breath of fresh air to see these young people learn to appreciate nature, exercise, and camaraderie. Through the years, Troops 441's experienced and dedicated leadership team has led a community with Scouts of all ages. Scott Canada, Scoutmaster for Troop 441, said, “Scouts has been an activity for me to engage with my son to build a deeper relationship. The boy scout setting has provided an opportunity to coach my son to build his leadership and learn to engage with his community in a quality way.”
Troop 441 is known for producing a large group of Eagle Scouts, the highest rank attainable in Scouting. Nationally, only 6% of Scouts earn the Eagle achievement; Troop 441 has produced 273! The growth these young Scouts achieve during their time in Scouting is inspiring. Their Eagle projects have an impact which are an achievement all on their own, as they learn the value of serving their community.
John Asher, Assistant Scoutmaster with a son who recently Eagled stated, “Through the endless hikes and campouts, the hard times and the easy times, I have had the opportunity to get to know my sons as boys and young men.” Some of the Eagle projects that have been completed this year include improving a bird habitat and an improvement project for an equine therapy center.
These lessons shape a Scout in some of their formative years. VPC member Charlie Dunlap stated “As a result of my son, Boots Dunlap, years of experience as a member in Troop 441 I saw many productive changes in him. Coming up through the ranks of scouting (Cub Scout to Eagle Scout) Boots became better organized, more responsible, better at completing tasks and solving problems. He became comfortable speaking with adults and to groups of people, generally became more mature and developed leadership skills from the scouting experience. All these skills became useful in later life. After college he became an Army Ranger and Infantry Captain with the 10 th Mountain Division serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to moving out of state, Boots and his family were involved members of VPC, where he served as a Trustee of the Valley Presbyterian Foundation."
2024
The Troop prides itself on developing leaders, but an essential element of Scouting is good old fashioned fun! One current Scout stated, “Scouts is a place that allows me to be myself with my friends without distractions.” Every Summer younger Scouts spend a week at Camp Geronimo near Payson and another group at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. Last Summer the Troop sent a group to Sea Base in Florida and the Bahamas to live on a sailboat and learn to sail. This Summer the Scouts are at Philmont Scout Ranch, where they participate in a 80-mile hike and backpacking adventure through 14,000-foot peaks in the mountains of New Mexico. These life-changing adventures are funded with the help of the yearly Christmas wreath sales at VPC. They are always grateful for the support from the VPC community during the holidays!
Thanks to VPC's continuous support, Troop 441 has been able to create fun and positive leadership-oriented opportunities. This benefits current members and honors the legacy of the hundreds of Scouts that were members of Troop 441. VPC has provided a wonderful and welcoming home for almost 65 years to Troop 441.
That respect for the
on through
and
his
My son, Micah, has been involved in Scouts, Troop 441, for eight years (since 1 grade). The last two years he's been involved in Boy Scouts meetings every Tuesday evening at VPC. We are also members of VPC and regularly attend church services and are involved in Student Ministry activities.
As parents, Ellen and I are always looking for opportunities to help our children gain valuable life experiences that will form character and prepare them to lead themselves and others. Being involved in Scouting and VPC provides my son with opportunities to grow as a young leader and in his Christian faith. We've seen him grow in confidence and independence as he is challenged to try new things in a supportive environment. The fact that Scouts and church are in the same place is a double bonus!!
VPC has supported Troop 441 since the early 1960's, helping hundreds of young men grow and develop into capable young adults. We see evidence of this every week as "graduated" scouts visit Tuesday meetings to support, encourage, and mentor younger scouts. It's an honor for us to be a part of both of these organizations that have invested so much into so many. We are so grateful for those who paved the way and for all the support from VPC over so many years.
Aaron Parrott
—Blessings,
Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony
The statue, "Field of Blue," was inspired by my father, a Glider Pilot who flew his first mission into France on D-Day. At a very young age my brothers and I were taught how to raise the flag each morning and take it down at dusk. It was always important to fold the flag correctly.
flag has continued
his children
to
grandchildren. I am very proud to have you make the "Field of Blue" a part of the VPC Memorial Garden.
—George W. Lundeen
Valley Presbyterian FOUNDATION 2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
VPF Scholarships are helping students succeed!
Congratulations to this year's Valley Presbyterian Foundation scholarship students. The scholarships help students succeed in their academics and are a way to stay connected to VPC. God is at work in their lives! Please remember them in your prayers as they pursue their goals for a successful academic year.
Baylor University Exercise Physiology
Donovan Bitticks University of Arkansas Major Undeclared
Elizabeth Brammer
Fuller Seminary, Phoenix AZ Marriage & Family Therapy
Tyler Milne Northern Arizona University Mechanical Engineering
Carter Bitticks
Daniel Cronin University of Mississippi Finance
Nathaniel Dunckley Boston University Neuroscience
Linnea Kerber George Washington University Communication & Marketing/ Spanish & Interdisciplinary Arts
Autumn Cochran Point Loma Nazarene Environmental Science
Elizabeth Preston Macalester College Neuroscience/ Premed
Brooke Pryor
Sloane Ritchie Univerity of California Los Angeles Biology
Emily Rizor Northern Arizona University Communications
Mark Radonich University of Hawaii Engineering & ROTC
Luke Sleeth Northern Arizona Unversity History
Jacob Thomas Arizona State University Computer Science
Hannah Sleeth University Of Arizona Business
Isabella Will University of Arizona Journalism/Public Relations
Sophia Will Barrett Honors College, ASU Philosophy
Brent Weiss Arizona State University Mechanical Engineering
Olivia Holliday Scottsdale Community College English
Jack MacDougall Barrett Honors College, ASU Mechanical Engineering/ Spanish
Monday-Friday 7AM-2PM
Saturday & Sunday 8AM-1PM
Take VPC with you this summer
COMING THIS FALL
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Back to School Blessing
Children & Student Volunteer Commissioning
Sunday, August 11, 9 & 10:30AM Worship
Schools are a mission field where our children can share and show the love of Christ with their friends and teachers. All kids are encouraged to bring their backpack to church this Sunday!
*Childcare available for kids 3-35months (9:00 & 10:30 services)
Sunday School Kickoff
Sunday, August 18, 9 & 10:30AM Worship
Questions? Email Tina: tinag@vpc.church Register online: vpc.church/sundayschool
Kids are invited to join their parents at the beginning of worship during the 9 and 10:30 services, then go with their new teachers to class following the children’s moment. Please remember to register your kids!
Sunday Gathering for Middle & High School
Sundays, 9:15 & 10:45AM, B108
Sunday Morning Gatherings are an intentional time of Biblical discipleship for students to get rooted and grow deeper into their faith. Here we share our lives with one another, read the Bible together, pray, and have a safe space to invest in community.
Download the Mobile App! Search: vpc.church in your phone’s App Store
• Watch or listen to sermons & devotionals
• Stay connected to VPC’s community
• Learn about classes & events
• Make financial contributions
• Dig into Scripture
SAVE THE DATE
Oasis Community Wednesday Class: Politics, Polarization, & Peacemaking: The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics With Pastor David Joynt Wednesdays, September 11-October 23
These days, we’re all faced with this dilemma: How can Christians be disciples of Jesus Christ in the midst of political polarization?
This six-week course is not about supporting a candidate, political party, or policy position. It's about how we are present in conversations and stay in relationship in the process. The aim is to reorient Christian thinking about politics in an effort to heal political divisions. We do this by equipping Christians to honor Jesus as they engage in politics and the public square.
Created in response to a sense that an “exhausted majority” longs for resources to guide them navigate the turbulent waters that have come to define national politics and many of our churches, this course asks us to focus Christ before any partisan identity.
We’ll use video and workbooks from a national effort called The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics to spark conversation and reflection.
OASIS COMMUNITY WEDNESDAYS
Oasis Students
Starting August 21
Middle School: 6-7:30PM
High School: 7:30-9PM, B108
Connect and dig deeper with other students. Awaken Café will also be open as a homework room available for students and families to use after program is over.
Welcome Back Carnival
September 4
Classes begin September 11 6-7:30PM, Food served starting at 5:15PM
Get a look at upcoming classes, opportunities for kids, and connect and catch up with new and old friends over great food!
FRIDAYS
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Fall Kick-off: Wild Hope
Friday, September 6, 9-11AM, Landes Center
MOPS is dedicated to the message that mothering matters and that moms need encouragement during these critical and formative years.
Women’s Bible Study Kickoff
Friday, September 13, 9-11:30AM, Room B106 Women of all ages and stages are invited to this great event!
ALSO ON THE HORIZON
Beyond the Broken Heart Grief Class With Pastor David Turner
Wednesdays starting September 18, 4-5:30PM, Chapel Register with Tammy Gallagher: tammyg@vpc.church VPC is a community where you don’t have to deal with the storms of life alone. We will walk alongside you in your journey. Experience encouragement and support in this group setting and spiritual growth through the healing power of God’s presence.
Stephen Ministry Faith Friends Training Fall 2024
Questions? Email Pastor David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Our Stephen Ministry is growing, and we are in need of trained Stephen Ministers to serve as care givers.
Open Door Socials
Returning Fall 2024
Want to host? Email Pastor David Turner: davidt@vpc.church
Connect with long-time and people new to VPC’s community in a relaxed atmosphere in a home. If you are interested in hosting, contact Pastor David!
FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MAKING YOUR WILL
Is making or updating your will toward the end of your to-do list? You’re not alone. According to caring.com’s 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Survey, only 32% of Americans have a will in place.
Creating a will, however, is one of the most important things you can do to bless your family. It ensures your wishes are protected, your dependents are cared for, and your loved ones are spared unnecessary heartache and expense.
But there’s more!
Your will can also be a meaningful way to communicate what’s most important to you, elevating it to an act of worship that honors the Lord and cultivates a legacy of generosity.
Like any task, beginning is usually the hardest part, so here are some ideas to help you get started:
Step one: Pray. As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Step two: Use the following questions to jumpstart your planning. Your answers will guide the practical decisions you’ll outline in your will.
FIVE QUESTIONS:
1. How do you want to be remembered?
This is a big question, but the answer doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small by picking three personal attributes and build from there.
2. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Your loved ones need your wisdom, born out of the experiences that have shaped you. Sharing what you’ve learned will inspire the generations that follow you.
3. What values do you want to pass on? You have principles that guide the decisions you make. Document them for your family. This is a beautiful part of your legacy.
4. What stories do you want to share with future generations?
Think about how you came to faith in Christ or ways God showed His faithfulness to you.
5. What people and organizations embody the values you’ve identified by answering these questions?
Because their values align with yours, this list of individuals and institutions is a natural place to find your executor, guardian of your children, and beneficiaries of your estate, including ministries that matter to you, like Valley Presbyterian Foundation.
If you would like to learn more about making or updating your will, please contact Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church for a copy of our Christian Will Guide or visit vpc.christianwill.org to bless your family with an up to date will.
News from SESSION MAY & SESSIONJUNEREPORT
Karen Gill Meyer Clerk of Session
June 2024
May 2024
Session approved the Amended Restated Articles of Incorporation in January; they were approved by the congregation at the 2024 Annual Meeting.
VPC’s Security Task Team, Kiva Elementary School, and Temple Solel are meeting monthly about “greater campus” safety and security.
Session approved a balanced budget for 2024.
Session approved Tina Gilbreath as a candidate for a Commissioned Lay Pastor I after completing the required ECO classes.
Seven students and 11 adults have joined VPC since January.
April's Volunteer Appreciation Sunday went very well. It recognized volunteers and also helped create a culture of volunteering.
The Transition Committee brought Restated Bylaws, which are in line with ECO’s tenets and rules to the Planning & Organization Committee, and then to Session. After a good discussion, the motion to approve the Restated Bylaws was suspended so the Transition Committee can make some adjustments. The motion will be brought back to Session in the fall and then to the congregation.
VPC will host the Mission Connexion Event in November. About 120 churches will participate and discuss mission possibilities globally.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns: kgmeyer@cox.net or 602-568-2196.
Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
Bahr
Valley
Pastors: David Joynt, David Turner, Chris Woodard, Travis Kingma