June/July Valley Vine 2019

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Valley Vine

June/July 2019

Volume sixty-four, Number five

Valley Presbyterian Church

IN THIS ISSUE

Did someone say VBS?

By Marie Bitticks & Susie Huseth

The Service of VPC's Lay Hospital Chaplains

By Pastor David Turner

Measuring Our Lives

By Pastor Kelly Nieto

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT My first college class was in ancient Philosophy. I encountered on the first day an epigram from the pre-Socratic thinker Heraclitus: “You can never step in the same river twice.” He believed the cosmos to be in a constant state of motion, and flux, anticipating our current cosmologies involving the perpetual movement of light and energy within tiny particles, and stellar systems.

Heraclitus also described the church! Every congregation is in nearly constant motion. Every directory filled with names and photographs is out of date prior to publication. Our roster is hardly ever static for more than a few days. New people come, and visit, and join us, meeting elders after worship and making decisions to follow Christ and serve in our community. Students leave for college or graduate school, and many eventually become our gifts to other communities of faith across the country and the world. Great Saints breathe their last, and move into the care of our Heavenly Father. Jobs or family issues necessitate moves. A few misguided folks even make voluntary departures, preferring other locations to our beautiful valley.

These changes touch our staff as well. May was the last month of faithful work for my administrative assistant, Jeannie Wright, who moves into active retirement, split between Colorado and Arizona.

Her successor, Tamara Yanke, has begun her tenure keeping me on the straight and narrow. Pray for her, and take time to welcome her into our ministry team.

Kelly and Mike Nieto, along with Sam and Josh, move on to a new call in Virginia, and we honor them on Pentecost, June 9, with a reception following the 10:45AM worship service. These moments are painful and beautiful.

In God’s community we are always welcoming and saying goodbye.

The mixed emotions of gratitude and sorrow run deep as we let go of people that have blessed and touched us.

Romans 10:15, calls us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.” We feel the power, and difficulty in this calling when the staff, and congregation are in motion. But, fortunately, we know what Heraclitus did not.

Beneath the flux stands a God of constant purpose and redeeming power. No goodbye within the community of faith is forever. No relationship within the Kingdom is lost and turned into a permanent past tense memory. In every change there is providential opportunity to develop amid the loss and adjustment. As we welcome and let go, as we grieve and celebrate, God is calling us to trust and grow.

So pray for Kelly and Mike in their new leadership adventure. Lift up Jeannie in this new phase of her life. Encourage our Elders and Session as we adjust and plan for the future. And continue to rejoice and mourn with your whole hearts knowing that there is an abiding order and great goodness, that underneath all the change we see: “God has been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

(Psalm 90:1-2) May God Bless you during this hot summer.

2 Cover Photo by Annie Sprat on Unsplash

Yours Faithfully,

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EVENTS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2019

Monday, June 24-Friday, June 28, 8:30AM-Noon Register: vpc.church/vbs For kids three years old-5th grade Cost: $30 per child (before June 10), $75 (after June 10)

A summer adventure to remember

Summer Lunches!

June 9, July 14, August 11

Cupcakes by you!

SUMMER LUNCHES

Sunday, June 9, 11:45AM Landes Center, Free Join us after the 10:45AM service for good food and great people.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY: CUPCAKES BY YOU!*

Wednesday, June 12, 6-7:30PM, Fireside Room RSVP & register June 9: vpc.church/women Come participate in an evening of cupcake decorating! *Childcare available by reservation (0-5)

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IT'S MORE THAN JUST A CAMP

Every year, the VPC Family Ministry Team puts their heart and soul into creating and planning for Vacation Bible School. With 200+ attendees and volunteers, the event is nothing short of God’s work in our community.

VBS is an interactive setting for children to be brought closer to God, and also for adults and families to have opportunities that help them to know the importance God plays in each of our lives. We have two shining examples of the power of VBS from our very own Chirdren's Ministry staff, Marie Bitticks and Susie Huseth.

VBS has been a major highlight in my summer for the past 13 years. It started like many—­a cheap camp that my three year could go to! Where do I sign up? Then there was that box on the registration form: Volunteer?

By Marie Bitticks Children's Ministry Coordinator

Marie: marieb@vpc.church

& Susie Huseth Children's Ministry Assistant

Susie: susieh@vpc.church

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Ugh! Give up my three-and-a-half hours of being down to just one child? But then I heard, "If you volunteer, there is free childcare for your one-year-old." OK, I’ll do ONE day.

It will be ONE day for me to have some quality time with my three-year-old at church. Well, that ONE day turned to two days and then three days… I was having so much fun with all the kids and learning so much about our awesome God, I couldn’t NOT come back the next day!

Fast forward to today. That three-year-old I was cuddling with at VBS and that one-year-old that was in the nursery are now two of my favorite student volunteers! My role has changed from just showing up the week of VBS to praying for and preparing VBS almost year round. I do many things to prepare for VBS, but one of my main roles is recruiting close to 100 volunteers. This feels quite challenging at times, but the reward witnessing God at work through these volunteers is so worth it!

If you asked me my favorite thing about VBS, I would have a hard time answering. Is it the cheesy dance moves to VBS songs? Is it the amazing curriculum that uses all five senses to share God’s story for all different learning styles? Maybe it is seeing children who have never stepped foot in a church hear about Jesus for the first time. It could be witnessing children emptying piggy banks to bring in money for our mission component. Is it seeing the camaraderie, the laughter, and new friendships amongst the student volunteers? Is it watching the Holy Spirit give energy to an exhausted young mom, using what might be her only child-free hours to volunteer, or the working professional who takes time off to volunteer in the morning and then goes directly into work afterwards? I just don’t know!

I would like to take this time to thank YOU, my church.

Thank you, VPC, for all of your prayers for VBS. Thank you for all of your donations to VBS. Thank you for opening your arms to over 200 kids during VBS week. Thank you for making this huge impact in my faith and hundreds of others over the years through VBS. -Marie Bitticks

Valley Presbyterian Church's Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been something my boys and I have looked forward to for a few years. We started attending VPC in 2013 and our two boys went to their first VBS in 2014, when the theme was Weird Animals. I volunteered upstairs as a Crew Leader and my oldest son Cade was in my crew, he was seven at the time. Connor was four and was downstairs with the preschool groups. The boys and I had the best time. We bought the CD and listened, sang and danced to it non-stop for weeks: All around the world something's going on with Jesus’ love, it’s amazing!

We felt loved by Jesus and loved by VPC as well.

Everyone we interacted with that week had a servant’s heart and a special energy during VBS. We were sad to miss VBS the next year but came back in 2016 for Cave Quest. Connor was excited to be upstairs with the big kids and Cade was excited for more new music and stories. I was able to volunteer as the bible storyteller for the preschool groups and I enjoyed every second of it.

In fact, this is where my love for sharing the bible with kids started! I am excited that I get to continue that love during Valley Day School’s Chapel program and at Oasis Kids! on Wednesdays. We felt that Jesus was the light in our lives and we were once again refreshed and energized in our faith.

If we thought we had loved VBS before, 2018 made it even more fun! I had started my staff role in VPC’s Children’s Ministry and was now working with Tina (Gilbreath) and Marie (Bitticks) to put on this wonderful camp. Cade transitioned to Student Ministry and was a leader in one of our preschool rooms, where he thrived and was even called “big brother” by one of the preschool campers. My husband, Ward, took the week to volunteer at the games station (he might say he was forced into it, but admits he had a lot of fun).

Connor was ready to hear the song that when we are in need, “Jesus Rescues.” This time the whole family knew the songs and all the dance moves, and we knew all of the messages. VBS was a family event for us; we all enjoyed working together during the day and being tired together in the evenings.

VBS is more than just a week of camp for our family. It is a week of being at our home away from home with our friends, and immersing ourselves in Jesus’ love.

It is a crazy week, but it is one where we feel more energized for Jesus and for VPC when it is over. We learn a little bit more about ourselves and a little bit more about the wonderful people who surround us at our church.

We can not wait for this years’ theme, Roar. I encourage you to sign your kids up for VBS and encourage you to volunteer. Come down and see why this camp means so much to so many people!

-Susie Huseth

2017 VBS, Maker Fun Factory, was a special year because it was Cade’s last year as a camper. He was going into 5th grade and would be transitioning from camper to Junior Leader. That year taught us that we are built for a purpose, which was especially fitting because Cade knew he was built to be a leader and he couldn’t wait for the next year. I continued bible storytelling and continued to grow my love for sharing Jesus’ word with kids. We all felt at home at VPC.

• VBS 2018 CLOSING CONCERT

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THE MINISTRY OF BEING PRESENT

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the faithful servant. Diligently preparing for the coming of the King, the servant invests their time and talents to serve their Lord and His kingdom. Jesus contrasts that to a servant who is unfaithful; someone who had no time or interest for the work of the kingdom. To the righteous, the King said, “Come you who were blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you… For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Looking in on someone who is sick or visiting someone who is lonely are acts of mercy that cost us little, yet can leave a lasting and profound impact. These simple acts help others experience the compassion of Christ.

By Pastor David Turner

David: davidt@vpc.church

When I think of compassion, I think of our Lay Hospital Chaplain Ministry. This Deacon ministry embodies Christ's compassion by serving those in need. Lay Hospital Chaplains bring comfort and encouragement through visits to anyone in our VPC family admitted to nearly a dozen area hospitals in both the East Valley and downtown Phoenix; to those recovering in 13 area rehabilitation centers; to those nearing the end of their journey in this life in several hospice centers; or to those who are lonely and simply in need of someone to sit by their side. This ministry is staffed by active Deacons and members of our congregation who love God’s people, love God, and are willing to be present with someone in need. That combination is a powerful recipe to witness God’s amazing work. Sometimes the most powerful statements about a ministry are from the people engaged in that work. The following reflections are just a sample of the experiences of our Lay Hospital Chaplains: As I look back at my short time of being a Lay Hospital Chaplain, I smile. I volunteer weekly at a hospital as an average citizen, but visiting as a Deacon has a much deeper meaning to me as I meet VPC members on a very spiritual level. In addition to getting to know them in a more profound way, I also have had the opportunity to meet the patient’s family and occasionally their friends. Feeling God’s presence in the hospital and rehabilitation facilities has graced both the patients and me. I realize what bringing prayer to a patient means in these stressful situations. I feel blessed bring some comfort to them.

-Linda May Bucher

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My most recent visit is the best example of how important our visits are to those in the hospital or next level of care.

I happened to be on vacation and was near one of our parishioners and was able to stop in to see her. Not only was she very happy to see my husband and I, but also excited to hear news from VPC and see pictures from well-wishers!

Seeing how happy and excited she became just because we were there made me realize how important our visits are! I feel blessed to be able to do this and feel it is a gift!

-Debbie Cox

I learned the impact Lay Hospital Chaplains make when a family member suffered a major stroke and needed to be in Assisted Living. She was uplifted by both visits and communion. Lay Hospital Chaplains and friends from VPC came to see her on a regular basis. The visits not only uplifted her, but also they were encouraging to me. We felt God’s presence at those times, and the experiences made me want to do the same for others. As LHC visitors, we try to bring joy and encouragement to those hospitalized, or in rehab, and to do the same for their families, through the conversation and prayer we share. And, I find the visits are a two-way street. I nearly always come away blessed by the patients’ faith, attitude, and desire to share their fears and concerns, as we pray together. The hugs and smiles received from them are uplifting and bring joy, plus, often those visits are the beginning of deeper friendships.

God is so gracious to give us those gifts.

-Mary Ann Winter As a VPC Lay Hospital Chaplain for many years, it has been my joy and pleasure meeting and praying with those in the hospital. Some were there for a short time while others had very serious and long-term illnesses. For me, praying before entering someone’s room for God’s guidance and wisdom became important to be in the moment. Many times I knew the patient so I felt comfortable greeting them. Sometimes I stayed long if the patient wanted to talk. On each visit God was completely in the room with us and prayer came easily. Most wanted to hold hands, which I loved. The closeness of prayer deepened each and every moment, sometimes crying, yet ever being present with our Lord. The closeness took away all of the sterility of the hospital room, pain and fear for just a little while.

Peace was overwhelming. God bless all chaplains and their patients.

-Lyn Ambrose

By visiting people in the hospitals God has blessed my mind and heart by seeing their happy smiles when they know that Valley Presbyterian Church knows the reason they are in the hospital and keeps them in their prayers.

One time we visited a lady in a rehab home. There was a piano in the visiting room so I played a short tune. Then I played the hymn “Jesus Loves Me.” The lady immediately came to the piano and as I played she sang along with us.

You could tell by the smile on her face she was having fun.

And as we left, she wanted to hold hands and say Amen.

-Joanna Barringer As a back-up Lay Hospital Chaplain at Shea Hospital, I feel blessed that I can visit patients – carrying the spirit of the Lord to them. We may pray together, perhaps share a bit of humor and, most of all, feel our Lord’s presence. Since Dave asked me to help with the Lay Hospital Chaplains, it has been a very inspiring journey. The first time I made a hospital visit I was with Mary Ann Winter, who is so great at what she does and met this lovely patient. It seemed like we had an instant connection and I continue to see her whenever I can. We never know where or why God puts us in certain places, but I have certainly felt that He put me here to be there for others in their times of need and I am eternally grateful.

-Tom Paige One of the most important goals we have is bringing the Body of Christ to those who are unable to be a physical part of us. Sometimes we encounter doubts, and through our own testimony of faith we can encourage someone who expresses anxiety of their place in our own local body and more urgently in the triumphant Body of Christ. These moments can be uplifting to both as we bring hope and encouragement to a brother or sister in Christ.

-Woody Johnson

LAY HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS TISH DELAHANTY & WOODY JOHNSON WITH NANCY SAVOY

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MEASURING GOD'S MOVEMENT & MOMENTS TO MOVE ON

By Pastor Kelly Nieto

Kelly: kellyn@vpc.church

It’s amazing to stop and think how much we measure in our everyday lives. We measure our bank accounts by money in and money out, we measure our weight by the scale, we measure our time by decades, years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds. On long road trips, we measure our progress in miles. We look for our destination on the road sign, and we see how many miles are left.

How do we measure where we are spiritually? What is the journey? The journey is this for the Christian disciple: becoming more like Christ as we grow in our knowledge of Christ. Of course, just learning isn’t growing in knowledge. Learning is key to gaining information, but we need the Holy Spirit and a community to help us spiritually grow in our knowledge of Christ so that we may become more like Him. Knowledge is a deep, constant stream of understanding we draw from as we live each day. It is an understanding contained in our minds, hearts, and spirits.

What knowledge is most critical for this journey of Christian discipleship? As the Apostle Paul expresses to his friends, he wishes for everyone to know how wide, long, high, and deep is the love of God, and for each one to know that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Every day of our lives, we need to return to these truths.

It gives us the strength we need for each day.

We also need to know that God’s presence remains with us always. We can rely upon God’s promises to never leave us or forsake us and this knowledge gives us the physical and spiritual energy for each day.

Lastly, we need to know that God is in charge of everything. As David reminds us in Psalm 139, there is no place we can go where God is not in charge, and God is always at work for the good of those who love Him. This knowledge gives us the rest we need for each day, placing burdens and cares in God’s hands.

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Over the past year, the Discipleship and Spiritual Growth ministries have focused on community. When Jesus embarked on his earthly ministry, he gathered around him a community of followers to teach them and to encourage him. In following Christ, we follow Christ’s example! On Wednesday nights, Oasis has created communities of disciples learning from God’s Word, Christian history, and how God asks us to live with one another as spouses and parents. Community Groups meet throughout the week to study God’s word and to serve in mission. Small groups continue to meet and new small groups are forming.

If VPC is a place to learn and to grow, how do we know if it's happening? When studies are over, the group looks forward to the next one. Before the class begins, and after the class ends, people are spending time with one another, eating, and fellowshipping. We see the excitement for service and mission growing as our groups return to Feed My Starving Children, and also spending time with the resident families from Family Promise.

Most importantly, we hear stories of dramatic encounters with God. After the study on Revelation, one attendee remarked, “After this class, I have really grown in my love for Jesus and wanting to love him more.” After encountering C.S. Lewis through a class taught by Dr. Grayson Carter, several attendees are inspired to look more deeply into C.S. Lewis’ works, to explore the theological content of what he shared.

After Friday morning bible study, one of the ladies said, “I just love this group, we are all ages and different backgrounds, but we all can connect with each other because Jesus connects us.”

In John Bunyan’s fictional account of the disciple “Christian”, he progresses slowly and encounters difficulties along the way. A few times, he comes to discover that he has been going backwards or in a circle. Just in time, he meets someone who helps lead him back to the correct path. As a spiritual analogy, “Christian” is someone we can all relate to! For the people of God, the journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land took 40 years because they had a hard time trusting God’s love, presence, and power. We all have this same struggle.

We are on a journey to becoming more like Christ.

Sometimes we go in circles for a bit, sometimes the spiritual progress is slow, yet if we rely on God’s love, God’s presence, God’s power, and the community of believers, we will always be moving forward.

Over the past three years it has been an honor to serve you and serve with you. I am incredibly fortunate to wake up each morning and have opportunities to share God’s word and to be encouraged by each one of you. Thank you to all those who have worked with me, prayed for me, and listened patiently to me! May God continue to bless you and VPC on the journey.

Summer Lunch!

June 9, Noon Landes Center, Free Get out of the hot sun and eat some cool food with good people at VPC this summer! Everyone is invited. Bring a friend!

Nieto Farewell Reception

Summer Lunch will also be an opportunity to celebrate and say goodbye to the Nieto family. If you would like to help with the Reception/Summer Lunch event or participate in a Love Offering for the Nietos, email Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church.

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A CLEAR VIEW TO THE EAST

VPC SANCTUARY BALCONY STAINED GLASS WINDOW The largest stained glass window in the VPC Sanctuary, the balcony window, is now completely visible. It is stunning when the early morning light shines through!

Many more new features to come will make the Sanctuary a dynamic place for worship.

To date, 285 VPC member households have contributed more than $8M toward A New Heart for the Valley. Many VPC saints who await us in heaven contributed to A New Heart for the Valley by leaving all or part of their estates to the Valley Presbyterian Foundation. The VPF has contributed more than $1.5M to the remodel.

By Keith Kerber

Keith: keithk@vpc.church

The Building Committee expects to receive estimates for the Fireside Room, Calvin Center, current Choir Room/ Student Ministry wing, and Nursery remodel in the next week. An extensive update will be provided.

To learn more or to make a pledge/contribution to A New Heart for the Valley, visit vpc.church/anewheart or contact Rev. Keith Kerber at keithk@vpc.church, 480-991-6424, ext. 165.

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News from

SESSION

MAY SESSION REPORT

• During its May meeting, Session received the Annual Report from Valley Day School. VDS had 141 students this past year including 36 new students. It is full for next year with a current waitlist of 31 children. VDS is one of the most affordable Christian preschools in the area. The relationship between VDS and VPC continues to get closer. The School is the healthiest it has been in many years. The VDS Golf Tournament raised $6,000 this year- funds will be used for much needed playground improvements. Next year’s budget is projecting a surplus of revenue and includes a 2% raise for the teaching staff.

Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

• Session thanked the Director, Meghan Gottfredson, for her hard work and Brianne Bergfeldt, VDS Board President, for her leadership.

• The Building Committee reported on the progress of the construction. The organ has been taken to Georgia for repair, and demolition in the Sanctuary should be finished by the end of July. Then reconstruction will begin and is expected to be done by December.

• Session called a Special Congregational Meeting for June 9 at 10AM to accept the resignations of Kelly and Mike Nieto.

• The new system of accepting members into VPC after worship was instituted on February 10. Since then, 29 members have been received, including five students. Each new member is assigned a Connector who helps them find the best way to meet their needs and places to serve.

• Dick Coffelt and Bob Aldag were elected Presbytery Delegates for 2019 and 2020.

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Blessings, Karen Meyer

Finances &

OPERATIONS 25 YEARS OF DEDICATION

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On June 1, Kris Bahr, Finance & Operations Director, will celebrate 25 years of service VPC!

Across the tenure of three Senior Pastors, Kris has worked tirelessly and meticulously behind the scenes on the finances, administrative and daily facility operations at VPC. She keeps books balanced, Kris Bahr oversees audits, is the go-to Finance & Operations Director person for questions about 480-991-6424 ext. 112 anything and everything, krisb@vpc.church and countless other responsibilities.

To celebrate Kris and her 25 years of service to VPC, the staff will be taking a team trip to an Arizona Diamondback game on Wednesday, June 5. The D-Backs are one of Kris' great loves, and the staff is excited to share the day with her at a great ballpark.

The church office will be closed from Noon-5PM on June 5.

When the final chapter is written about Valley Presbyterian Church, there will be names we all recognize and people we've never heard of. There will be voices we heard each week and those who never said a word, but nonetheless made significant contributions to God's kingdom. From pastors to parishioners, staff, and teachers, many will have helped to do God's work at VPC, but few will have done as much, for as long, and in as many ways, as Kris Bahr.

We thank Kris for her generous, selfless service and her excellence as a key staff person for all VPC ministries.

Congratulations on this 25 year milestone, Kris!

VPC finances year-to-date as of April 30, 2019 Income

Actual $

Budget $

Variance $

Faith Giving Other Income Total Income

633,926 87,321 721,247

676,000 76,350 752,350

-42,074 10,971 -31,103

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

168,339 351,626 46,686 110,936 68,396 745,983

168,342 376,216 43,688 122,150 70,213 780,609

3 24,590 -2,998 11,214 1,817 34,626

Net Income less Expense

-24,736

-28,259

3,523

Expense

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