June & July Valley Vine 2021

the

Valley Vine

June/July 2021 Vol. 66, No. 4 Valley Presbyterian Church

IN THIS ISSUE: Revelation Imagination Pastor David Joynt

Successes, Gratitude, & the Future Pastor David Turner

Growing Stronger in Faith Beth Glady

The Many Seasons of Students Faith Anderson

Cooks' Tour Memories Katrina Carney

A Solid Foundation: Scholarships Kris Bahr

God's Work in our Hands Stewardship

Update on Facilities Kris Bahr

News from Session

Karen Meyer

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT Dear friends, Bruce Metzger was a great New Testament scholar and director of the group who produced the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. He begins his commentary on Revelation this way: The entire Bible is a library, containing different types of books. Now different types of literature make their appeal to the reader through different avenues. For example, the Psalms of David touch one’s emotions: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Ps. 103:1). In the Bible are also books of law that involve commands: “Do this!” “Don’t do that!” Such books speak to our will, requiring us to respond positively or negatively. Still other biblical writings, such as Paul’s Letter to the Romans, appeal primarily to our intellect. We need to think carefully and patiently as we seek to follow the apostle’s theological reasoning.

The book of Revelation is unique in its appeal primarily to our imagination—not a freewheeling imagination, but a disciplined imagination.

This summer we will exercise our theological imaginations as we delve into the book of Revelation.

It was written towards the end of the first century by the apostle and gospel writer, John, while he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos.

Addressed to seven fledging church communities in the western part of Asia Minor, its focus is the return of Jesus Christ and the final establishing of God’s kingdom at the end of time.

Filled with verses of great comfort and images of absolute horror, Revelation has fascinated and repulsed readers for generations. It has given rise to exotic and elaborate theories about final things and also been ignored by many believers. We will seek to recover its original context and discover the crucial message it contains about providence and history.

God speaks in parables and stories, commands and proverbs, poetry and songs, and in natural and historical events. He also speaks through images and symbols, disclosing deep purposes. May God bless us, as together we enter the vivid and vital world of apocalyptic.

Yours faithfully,

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SUMMER SERMON SERIES BEGINS JUNE 6

Vacation Bible School TREASURED: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2021 MONDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 21-25, 8:30AM-NOON For kids three years old-5th grade Cost: $30/child (before June 7), $75 (after June 7) We are at capacity, but sign up for our waitlist.

We will reach out if space becomes available.

Embark on an epic quest TREASURED Vacation Bible School (VBS). Join us as we find our way through ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungles. At Treasured VBS, kids dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures. They will put faith on the map and discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold—it’s them!

vpc.church/vbs

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SUCCESSES, GRATITUDE, MITIGATION & THE FUTURE Up date

Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, I’m always reminded of a quote by an unknown author that simply says, “A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but because of its persistence.” No truer words were ever said— with persistence VPC David Turner provided a safe space to Pastor of Congregational Care gather and worship God 480-991-6424 ext. 121 during the pandemic. davidt@vpc.church We began this season of persistence on August 23 when we returned to our in-person worship. Utilizing a series of clear mitigation guidelines created by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Grand Canyon Presbytery, we were able to safely meet for the next nine months. We celebrate the accomplishment of having no COVID19 outbreaks at VPC! I want to personally thank all of you who diligently followed Session guidelines, despite the fatigue that came from months of wearing face coverings, having your temperature taken, and registering for worship.

These measures allowed us to gather as God’s people in a manner that was as safe as possible. We couldn’t have done it well without Mitigation Team captains Beth Glady, Elizabeth and Allen Mills, Ward Huseth, and Stacy Turner, and the 27 members of our church who served faithfully during those nine months.

In addition to our mitigation teams, we are indebted to Tammy Gallagher and the VPC Communications Team for printed materials and website assistance, as well as our Risk Management Team, who networked with medical personnel and health officials in order to provide guidelines to help us successfully navigate through this challenge.

Vaccinations are now readily available for all eligible populations, therefore we are no longer asking for worship registration, we’ve made wearing face coverings optional, and eliminated the physical distancing restrictions for most of the Sanctuary.

While we are committed to create a safe space for in-person worship, some may not be completely comfortable with our latest mitigation changes. You are still welcome to worship at VPC! We offer physical distanced and masked seating in the Sanctuary balcony, as well as the section on the sanctuary floor closest to the organ.

While we’re purposefully opening our church and returning to a sense of normal life, we will continue serving communion by way of individual packages.

We will also receive our offering either online or in the baskets in the entry area.

Again, I want to express my gratitude for your patience and persistence during this uncertain time. Looking back I believe we can all say that the path we carved was well worth the efforts to keep us and one another safe.

VPC Mitigation Changes (effective May 23) • Worship RSVP will no longer be necessary • Masks will be optional in worship and on campus with a few exceptions:

Sanctuary balcony & the west section

of floor seating will be set aside for

masking & social distancing • Indoor meetings/classes/events may still choose masking & social distancing as they deem appropriate 4

• VPC strongly encourages everyone who is able to get vaccinated

VPC will still livestream both Sunday worship services.

GROWING SPIRITUAL GROWTH STRONGER IN FAITH Discipleship &

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want my post-COVID life to look like. I’ve tried to understand the lessons I’ve learned since March 2020 and how I can apply them Ed & Beth Glady to my discipleship journey going forward.

Beth Glady As part of that effort, Elder, DSG Committee I’ve established goals like growing stronger in my faith, becoming closer in my relationship with God, and developing a greater understanding and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship and Spiritual Growth Committee (DSG) members recently set goals to help VPC members on their faith journeys. Of course, setting goals is fine, but how are those goals to be achieved? The Bible tells us to seek understanding of God's character by a deeper understanding of His Holy Scriptures, to dwell in His presence in prayer and quiet, and to spend time in community with others who follow Christ.

It is my hope that each of you will look at your lives and assess how you are actively pursuing a closer relationship with our Savior. Are you consistently studying God’s Word? Are you in fellowship with other believers who encourage and challenge you? Are you taking time to be with God so His Spirit may dwell in you and are you listening to where His Spirit is leading you? How are you open to following that lead?

VPC is full of opportunities for you to learn more about God and His Will, Word, and Ways. These opportunities help others who, like you, are seeking to grow, searching for community, and wanting to answer God’s call for their lives. You don’t have to have been a Christian for many years – in fact, it’s OK if you aren’t sure if you believe in or are ready to commit to Christ; all you need is an interest or desire to grow in knowledge, faith, and relationship with God through Christ.

I can tell you with great confidence that there is a place for you at VPC, whether through a class, Small Group, Community Group, or some other group or gathering.

In addition, Men’s and Women’s ministries offer casual and deeper opportunities to meet and grow with other men and women. All of these are open to you and to anyone you invite.

Summer activities are ramping up now! Visit the Classes page on the VPC website for additional information and to register: vpc.church/classes. Childcare is available for most activities with prior registration. Fall opportunities are now in the final planning stages with information coming out soon, so please look for it.

It is my privilege to be a part of a church who wants to help you grow closer to God. To that end, I look forward to assisting you in any way I can. See you soon at a class, Small Group, Community Group, or other opportunity!

Honoring Service Active Military Personnel

Tammy Gallagher: tammyg@vpc.church VPC would like to prayerfully acknowledge and honor those currently serving our nation as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. If you have family members who are actively serving, please email Tammy. Include branch of service, name, rank, and where they are stationed along with mailing address. The VPC Care Package Ministry will send a package to help them feel connected to home.

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Student

MINISTRY

THE MANY SEASONS OF STUDENTS

The hardest part of my first year here at VPC is watching the students grow up. Recently, Travis and I joined Tina, Children’s ministry, and the 5th graders as they held their transition banquet. Looking at each of the students with their families brought tears to my eyes as I remembered Faith Anderson that our own seniors are Student Ministry going to be graduating Assistant Director and our current 8th 480-991-6424 ext. 137 graders are going to faitha@vpc.church be moving up into high school. This time of transition is a celebration of a season God has led our 5th graders through in elementary school, and that now is a new season where they would join us to continue growing, maturing, and learning.

The first week the 5th graders joined us in youth group was wonderful! They brought so much zest and life. The following weekend, as they joined the older students for Sunday Gathering, the 5th graders brought energy and excitement as they acted out Bible stories. I felt so blessed to know each of these kids who had been so loved by the Children's Ministry staff: Tina, Marie, and Susie, as well as other volunteers who had poured their time, energy, and love into their lives.

Change is one of the few constants we have in life. It is exciting, but also incredibly hard. I look at the students on Wednesdays as we wind down our spring program, and get excited for all God has in store for them. My heart also realizes that with time, the Lord will lead each of them into new seasons of faith, schooling, and careers in the world.

There are gradual physical changes we see throughout the year, like a growth spurt ­‑ middle school kids returning after Christmas getting taller ‑ though hopefully not taller than me just yet! It’s wonderful watching them become young men and young women. Not only do we have the ability to see their physical appearance change and grow, but to see their spiritual walk grow, as well. As I sit down with our students during small group time, I am amazed at how they process the hard things they are navigating in middle and high school. I see that God has crafted each of them for a unique purpose ‑ and that my time to travel with them is a small part of that beautiful tapestry God is weaving. He has a good plan for them!

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As we prepared for Student Sunday and Senior Summit, I got to see students preparing to share, lead, and be a present piece of the church, making their marks in our community.

Our Youth New Member’s Class finished up with seven new students who can continue pouring into the church community, and possibly even become Elders or Deacons one day. What an awesome responsibility! We are so proud of their choice to take this step of faith and look forward to their next steps in our church.

In preparation for Senior Summit, as I wrote my thoughts and prayers for each student, I wondered how they will each feel as they step onto their college campuses, into their future vocations. Will they remember all those who have joined them on their journey? Will they remember their value and worth in Christ? Will they remember that they are loved? I look back and remember my own collegiate journey.

Change was constant, but remembering those who invested in my spiritual walk, who loved me, sat with me, and cried with me echo in my mind even today.

I look down at my favorite bible, and turn the front page to an ink stain that is still legible. “It has been a privilege to walk beside you.” My youth pastor wrote this thirteen years ago. His faith in Jesus and love for others meant so much to me and my own walk. I see now his own heart, and I feel the same. It has been such a privilege to walk beside these students this past year. With bitter sweetness we celebrate our seniors and look forward to all God has in store. And with joy, we look forward to the summer and fall ahead with our middle and high school students and all that God has in store. As I contemplate these changes, I think, “What a beautiful part of life that change can be.”

5th Grade Transition Banquet

Youth New Members

CELEBRATING COOKS' TOUR 50 YEARS

Presbyterian Women

For the past 50 years, Cooks' Tour has tied VPC and the surrounding community together by donating to and partnering with local and global missions and creating lasting friendships within our congregation. Cooks' Tour has been running longer than any other event at VPC! After a COVID-induced pause last year, 2021 will mark five decades of making a difference in Paradise Valley and beyond.

Cooks' Tour began in 1970 with a desire to connect new members with events on campus. Many involved in Presbyterian Women at VPC banded together to create a special event to engage the public and foster camaraderie. By blending entertainment options like crafts, a Tea Table, The Garden Shop, Grandma’s Pantry, White Elephant Sale, Silent Auction, Home Tours and Sanctuary Tours, Cooks' Tour became a highlyanticipated staple each year. It required incredible amounts of volunteer work, and the VPC community was up to the task. Over time, the event grew, requiring trolleys and buses to address the high attendance.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS COOKS' TOUR 2021 Saturday, November 6 8AM-2PM, VPC Campus

Members of the community flocked to this event, and opportunities to aid missions in and beyond the Phoenix metro and grew. Over these 50 years, proceeds from Cooks' Tour have raised upwards of $1,000,000. MentorKids USA, Ministry of Hope, Malawi, Sunshine Acres, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Haiti, and Helping Hands for Single Moms are just a few of the many organizations Cooks' Tour has been blessed to support.

25 YEARS OF MEMORIES

I've been blessed to be a part of the VPC staff for 25 years. So many of my cherished memories from my time here are from Cooks’ Tour. From my first year on staff to today, I've been able to witness an event that has enriched our community, built countless friendships, and made substantial change in the lives of those in need.

It has been an honor to support Cooks’ Tour. I'll be brief‑I have enough memories of the event to fill a dozen issues of the Valley Vine‑but I'll share how the event and those involved have had a lasting effect on me: • The smiles and fellowship while serving at the Tea Table—welcoming folks to our campus. (And yes, sampling the incredible homemade cookies) Katrina Carney • Kay “The General” Koeb’s, birthday party Potluck prior to the big day was always Print & Production Manager

fun. The camaraderie and support for all of the volunteers was infectious.

480-991-6424 ext. 118 • Being inspired by the unique items the Crafters’ create every year. The unique katrinac@vpc.church

handmade kitchen items and Christmas ornaments were always astonishing.

• Kiki Swanson allowed me to pre-shop for fine costume jewelry at the Tiffany West shop.

• Smelling the aroma of fresh homemade baked goods and witnessing the creation of the best pickles in the world from the Kitchen Treasures Store showcased the broad talent of the volunteers.

• My own personal shopper, Betty Knotts, always looked out for great deals (our favorite, shoes) for me in the White Elephant donations tent.I can't count how many item I've been able to bring home throughout the years!

• Home Tours offered me the opportunity to go off campus and connect with the ladies of VPC in a way I wasn't able to during the day-to-day planning of the event.

• Seeing the excitement of the Silent Auction last minutes of bidding and winning the prize. I have the cutest little handpainted turtle stool on my front porch‑something I won in the Silent Auction. Everytime I look at it I'm reminded of all the people I've been able to know through Cooks' Tour

By far, my greatest treasure is the relationships and conversations that blossomed into friendships I will cherish forever.

Everyone has served with grace, passion, and played a crucial role in my personal and professional growth at VPC. You are angels with wings of blessings.

To all the wonderful people and “saints” who have gone, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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Valley Presby terian

FOUNDATION

A SOLID FOUNDATION: SCHOLARSHIPS

The April 2021 issue of the Valley Vine highlighted the two types of scholarships offered by the Foundation to members of VPC: (1) Academic and (2) Student Trips.

We are pleased to present the recipients of the 2021 Foundation Academic Scholarship! These outstanding young men and women have served our church and the community well. We wish them much success in their future endeavors.

Kris Bahr

We encourage you to do what so many others have done since 1976, and

Finance & Operations Director consider including VPF in your estate planning, thus becoming part of the 480-991-6424 ext. 112 Valley Legacy Society. Contact Kris Bahr for details. krisb@vpc.church

Elizabeth Brammer

Kristen Brammer

Elizabeth Ford

Charles Gillett

Camille Kerber

Linnea Kerber

Nathanael Kerber

Morgan Lightburne

Emily Martin

Jackson Martin

Laura Milne

ASU, Barrett Honors College Education (English Teacher)

University of Miami Film Producer

Arizona State University Pre. Med., Medical School

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Loyola Marymount University Pre-Med., Medical School

George Washington University Advertising, Marketing

Arizona State University Business Administration, Business Sustainability, Religious Studies

Arizona State University Paralegal or Lawyer

Whitworth University Computer Science/Philosophy

Northern Arizona University Nursing

Grove City Gollege/Princeton Biblical, Religious Studies

Grand Canyon University MBA, Special Education

GOD'S WORK IS IN OUR HANDS: Taking time to talk about stewardship and giving

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?

It's the premise that everything in the world belongs to God. We're entrusted with many gifts, and it's our responsibility to manage these gifts and resources the best we can.

It doesn't mean all Christians will make the same choices about how to spend their time and money. It means we do our best and God will make good with what we've given.

Stewards of the Gospel

Understanding the Good News of Jesus Christ, which we are called to live out in the power of the Spirit and share with others.

Making the most of the time God has given us, striving to find healthy balance in work, rest, play, and service.

Stewards of truth

Embracing the life and lessons of Jesus Christ in all things.

Stewards of our time

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

-1 Peter 4:10

Stewards of each other

Accepting responsibility to relate to those around us in loving, open, and compassionate ways.

Stewards of the earth

Its natural beauty, resources, and living things. God placed us in relationship with creation and entrusted us with its care.

WHAT'S KEY TO ALL THIS?

Stewards of our gifts

Identifying them and assessing how we can put them to work for our own growth and to share God's love with others.

Ultimately stewardship is about relationships. Our relationship with God, our relationship with each other, and our relationship with God's creation.

How is God calling you to use your gifts? Learn more:

vpc.church/give Adapted from content by Peter Whitelock, Maria Showalter, and Tapan Munroe.

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PROPERTY OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Finances &

A New Heart for the Valley has given us beautifully remodeled spaces at the south end of our campus, and we want to keep those spaces looking and functioning at an optimal level.

At the same time, the north end of campus has, shall we say, more Kris Bahr Finance & Operations Director “mature” spaces that we 480-991-6424 ext. 112 also want to maintain, krisb@vpc.church preserve, and enhance.

The Finance and Operations Committee (F&O) quickly recognized the importance of having a team of experienced, dedicated individuals to come alongside the Facilities staff to share in these efforts. In March of this year, the following people were recruited to serve on this vital Property Committee: Tom Ambrose, Russ Henzel, Becky Bennett, Jim Arner, Terry Thomas, and Kris Bahr.

The Goals and Objectives of the Committee are: 1. Maintain property at a high state of repair and readiness 2. Ensure a safe place to meet and work 3. Improve work efficiency 4. Improve planning processes for overall facilities management 5. Enhance budgeting and forecasting

This committee has been helping monitor certain tasks associated with the A New Heart for the Valley project, such as understanding the goals of the new landscape appearance (you may have noticed the trees in the New Heart area have undergone their first professional arborist pruning to prepare for this year’s monsoon season, and to promote the healthy growth of the new and old trees in and around the Sanctuary and Plaza). Major projects completed in 2021 include roof repair on Landes, Administration, and Education buildings; Landes lobby a/c compressor; Landes fire alarm panel; and Memorial Garden wall repair. A couple of items on our wish list ‑ as funds permit ‑ are repairing and refinishing the shed, and painting and carpeting the buildings at the north end of campus.

Monthly meetings are held to update the schedules of recurring and routine tasks, research costs, and prioritize scheduling. Serving as extra sets of eyes and ears, the committee works with Kris Bahr and the sextons, Darvin Butler and Will McGaugh, in identifying issues that need attention.

We have been blessed with a beautiful church campus in one of the most beautiful locations in the country. We do not take lightly the awesome responsibility to be good caretakers of what God has given us. We know that you care deeply as well. At any time, feel free to reach out to any member of this team if you have comments, concerns, or questions.

VPC finances year-to-date as of April 30, 2021: Actual $ Budget $ Variance $ Income Faith Giving

694,000

690,000

4,000

Other Income

34,000

34,700

-700

Total Income

728,000

724,700

3,300

Expense Pastoral Ministry

157,200

157,500

300

Admin & Facility

312,100

312,900

800

Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care

14,400

14,300

-100

Christian Education

96,300

108,600

12,300

Worship & Music

110,000

106,700

-3,300

Total Expense

690,000

700,000

10,000

38,000

24,700

13,300

Net Income less Expense

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News from

SESSION

MAY REPORT

Session accepted seven students to VPC's membership: Mark Radonich, Kate Radonich, Isabella Detorrice-Wynne, Sam Keylon, Mac Winter, Autumn Cochran, and Jack MacDougall. Session also accepted and welcomed Katherine Cannon Haley, Cindy Carole Wasensky, Phillip W. Eaton, and Sharon K. Eaton.

Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

Meghan Gottfredson, Director of the Valley Day School reviewed the difficult times caused by the pandemic and celebrated the reopening in September, 2020. She thanks God for leading every step of the way. VDS is full for next year with a waiting list. Adam Walter is the 2021-2022 VDS Board President.

Jim Arner, Ed Glady, Mark Nesvig, Allen Mills, and Steve Lindley are negotiating McCarthy Building Companies, the construction company tasked with rebuilding Kiva Elementary School.

Construction is slated to begin this summer. They are working on an agreement to allow 80 workers to park in VPC's south parking lot and to permit the construction trucks to enter the Kiva job site through our entrance from MacDonald Drive. An agreement will need Session’s approval.

If you have any question or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

—Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer

VPC 2.0 &

SESSION

JUNE/JULY UPDATE

VPC's Session is giving periodic updates regarding the VPC 2.0 Committee’s recommendations on denominational reaffiliation. Please take a minute to read the points below. Any questions or comments email Lauren Pearson, Executive Assistant to Pastor Joynt, laurenp@vpc.church.

VPC 2.0 Recommendations to Reaffiliate: This gives all members of our community time to • Between April 18-25 there were five informational think and pray more deeply about the VPC 2.0 report meetings to explain the VPC 2.0 team’s and its recommendations. recommendation to seek dismissal from the PCUSA • Feel free to share questions or perspectives with and join a new Presbyterian denomination called ECO. our leaders through Lauren Pearson.

• Grand Canyon Presbytery was also given the VPC 2.0 report, with recommendations, in April.

• Questions and points of view will be shared with the IC from our Presbytery, unless otherwise requested.

• The Grand Canyon Committee on Ministry (CCM) has formed an Investigative Committee (IC) to talk to VPC pastors, staff, Session, and congregation.

This Committee will be trained in the Presbyteries’ gracious discernment and dismissal process.

• Notes from all five Informational Meetings will also be conveyed to the IC for the sake of clarity and transparency.

• The IC will develop their own schedule of meetings, in-person or virtually, to begin engaging with us. We will keep you informed of those meetings when they are scheduled.

• Judging by the experience of other churches this will take a minimum of six months.

Please continue to pray for the Grand Canyon Presbytery and for VPC’s Session in this season of discernment!

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