VALLEY VINE valley presbyterian church
March 2015
Volume 60, Number 2
When the studious Roosevelt died in 1919 at home in New York, and they removed his body from the bed, a book was found under the pillow. What I admire most about T.R. was his capacity to grow and learn.
Dear friends, A kindergartner on the very first day of school was returning home on the bus. His mother was there to greet him with a warm smile and a question, “What did you learn today?” “Not enough,” he said with a frown. “They want me to go back tomorrow!” In the Christian faith, we never know enough, praise be to God! For to live is to learn, and the definition of a disciple is a learner. Teddy Roosevelt has many admirers. He was a cowboy, an explorer, a big game hunter and a cavalry officer in the Spanish-American war. He was a vice-presidential running mate with William McKinley and travelled 20,000 miles by car and train in 1900, giving 673 speeches. T.R. became the unexpected President of the United States when McKinley was shot. Teddy had hobbies like boxing, judo, horseback riding and hiking. If toughness is admirable, consider that he was shot by an assassin in Milwaukee, and the bullet broke his ribs and lodged in his chest. But he insisted on giving his scheduled one-hour speech before going to the hospital! Under his Presidency, our nation emerged as a major power. T.R. created a first-class Navy, built the Panama Canal and negotiated peace between Russia and Japan, winning the Nobel Peace Prize. After his Presidency, he didn’t do a book tour or build a library—instead leading scientific expeditions to Africa and then Brazil, where he helped chart the River of Doubt. He called this trip his last chance to learn and be a boy.
As followers of Christ, we have the world’s best teacher and no limit to what we can learn about our amazing God. During this Lenten time, examine your own life. Where is your growing edge? What aspect of your spiritual life needs to deepen? What questions do you yearn to have answered? God can do marvelous things with a growing community of learners. One of the best ways to learn at VPC is from others, through friendship or in a small group. Classes and seminars bring life to scripture and scripture to life. Retreats and mission trips change our contexts and open up new vistas. Worship helps our hearts and minds connect. May Lent 2015 be a growing time for all of us. Yours faithfully,
Get to know Pastor Joynt!
‘You@VPC’
Conversations with David Joynt sign up: myvalleychurch.org Inquirers’ Class
Sunday, March 1, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Fireside Room Jane Russell: jalaru4@cox.net, 480-694-1186 Open to anyone who wants to join Valley Presbyterian Curch or has questions about faith.
VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
6947 E. McDonald Drive ▪ Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 ▪ Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@myvalleychurch.org ▪ Website: myvalleychurch.org
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What’s New A NOTE FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM communications @ myvalleychurch.org
The Communications Team considers ourselves blessed that we are able to see first-hand all the amazing ways God is glorified and lives are transformed at Valley Presbyterian Church. It’s a honor and a responsibility to promote all the great things going on in the life of our congregation and surrounding community. The activities in our church tell the story of a congregation dedicated to building community, serving others and learning about Jesus Christ. This month we’re going to start to look at new ways to connect individuals to that same story. All the content will remain; it just may be in a different area than it was before! Our goal is to deliver information to you based on what you get out of it: ‘Get Connected’ will highlight
ways to join existing groups and events around campus. ‘Mission & Service’ is where to go to find opportunities to volunteer and serve in church, around our community, and across the globe. ‘Educational Enrichment’ contains more class-based content that goes deeper in exploring our faith. ‘Families’ lets you know about everything for those with school-aged children and their parents. There will also be sections for Women, Care & Support areas and Church News. Also, we’re excited to begin the ‘Who We Are’ series, telling individual stories about the hearts of people in our church family. The initial change is starting this month, and gradual tweaks will be made over the rest of this year. We invite your feedback as we learn as a church how to better connect with each other, reach our community, and glorify the Lord. Mike Vreeland, Katrina Osborn & Carolyn Sostrom Communications Team
Who We Are MEET NINA PARKER....
Valley Presbyterian Church has a story to tell. It’s a story about dedicated followers of Christ who teach, serve, sing, build, grow, connect and love those in our church, community and world. ‘Who We Are’ is a new monthly feature for the Valley Vine created to celebrate the stories of individuals within the church. God is at work in each of our lives, and this space will be a place to learn about the experiences of others you might not otherwise hear. Nina had some apprehension about becoming a Sunday School teacher. “I was very nervous because I don’t have a teaching background,” she said. “I’m going to be responsible for what they know about Jesus.” It had taken a bit of coaxing to even get her to that point; the idea to become a Sunday School teacher had initially come from her children. Nina would, “go to worship, drop my kids off here at Sunday School, I was happy.” But her kids persisted, and she started out teaching children the same age as her youngest, who was five at the time.
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That was eight years ago. Nina, now a seasoned veteran of multiple Sunday School classes, looks back on how it’s been a blessing in her life and what helped her succeed. “Tina [Gilbreath] and Marie [Bitticks], they make it just super easy for us. They have everything planned, they supported me, just made me feel really comfortable.” And she sees how kids respond to the Good News, “when I’m telling them the story about Jesus, how they just listen, and when I’m asking questions they will raise their hands.” Adding, “I feel like I’m also learning with the kids.”
Nina responded to what God was asking her to do, and He supported her taking a step of faith. “Your comfort zone is a very beautiful place, but nothing grows there,” she says. Her story highlights the different ways God can call us to live out what He asks of us. “I think about how Jesus told his disciples to go out and tell everyone about God.” Nina reflects, “I feel like I’m doing the same thing in a small way.” Want to hear more of Nina’s story? Check out her interview online: myvalleychurch.org/ministries/children. Think God might be calling you to teach Sunday School? Contact Tina Gilbreath, Director of Children’s Ministry: 480-991-6424 x160 or tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org.
“Your comfort zone is a very beautiful place, but nothing grows there.”
Table of Contents What’s New Who We Are Events Get Connected Women’s Mission & Service Families Care & Support Educational Enrichment Church News
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Events Sonoran SonoranDesert DesertChorale Chorale& Run Boyspecial Run, Sunday, March 3 p.m. with guest Run Boy8,Run Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Tickets online: sonorandesertchorale.org
Come listen to The World Beloved: Bluegrass Mass by composer Carol Barnet and Librettist Marisha Chamberlain. Winner of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and guests on A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, Run Boy Run will bring their unique sound of American hymns and folk songs.
Tenth Annual LEGACY DINNer Live music by HOUSE of STEEL
Tenth Annual Legacy Dinner
Saturday, March 14, 6 p.m. Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
You’re almost out of time! Come for the reception, silent auction and wine bottle game. Fasten your saddles for a rousing live auction. Dance up a storm to the live band "House of Steel." Tickets ($125) available in the church office; online at myvalleychurch.org; through Penny McKee at 602-359-9520 or pendlepenn@earthlink.net.
Wear. Your. Boots.
Hosted by the Valley Presbyterian Foundation
Bunny Business Saturday, April 4, 9-10:30 a.m. Satruday,
Kiva Fields Easter Bunny - Games - Snacks - Easter Egg Hunt myvalleychurch.org/ministries/children
Easter 2015 Worship Services: Begin Again with the Risen Savior
7:30 a.m.- Sunrise at the Sanctuary fountain 9 a.m.- Sanctuary with brass and Chancel Choir 10:30 a.m.- Landes with the Worship Team 11:30 a.m.- Sanctuary with Chancel Choir 3
Get Connected Community Groups
Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Calvin Center wild4uofa@aol.com Thursday activities for 70s+ March 5 3 p.m. Mexican Train--learn and play! 5 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner
A place to study God’s word, build relationships; serve others, and grow deeper in your faith. For more information visit: myvalleychurch.org/community_groups Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Members’ homes chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org
March 12 5 p.m. Baked Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes 6:30 p.m. Leave for Phoenix Theatre Anything Goes, two-time Tony Award winning musical comedy
Every other Sunday, 9-10 a.m. The Crossing tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Sundays, 9-10 a.m. Room 409 davidturner@myvalleychurch.org
March 18 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch at Camelback Golf Club
Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fireside Room dpeterson085@gmail.com 2nd Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Next Meeting March 12 Room 409 jayann41@hotmail.com
SPORTS MINISTRY
March 19 3 p.m. Card making class No experience necessary 5 p.m. Irish Dinner March 26 4 p.m. Easy walking exercise 5 p.m. Beef Stew
Della Berg: dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org, 480-991-6242 ext. 168 Join the fun and fellowship! Be active and have a great time. All activities in the Landes Center • Pickleball: ages 7-107, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays 6-8 p.m. • Men’s Basketball: all ages, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. • Martial Arts: ages 5 & up, Tuesdays 6-7 p.m., Thursdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. • Line Dancing: adults, Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon • Sportball: ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15 p.m. • Twinkle Toes Dance: ages 2-5, Tuesdays, 2:15-3 p.m.
Women’s LUNCHEON & SPEAKER
March 25, 11:45 a.m., Landes Center Helen Wolfe: 480-994-0035 Cost: $10 April Bramini, Nurse Practitioner at the Women’s Health Center at Scottsdale Shea Hospital. RSVP to the church office by Friday, March 20 Guests/friends are always welcome!
SUNSHINE ACRES CHILDREN’S HOME
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March 8-29 collecting monies on patio. Sponsored by Presbyterian Women Our goal again is $8,000 to be able to give $100 to each child to spend on Easter clothes and needed supplies.
WOMEN’S PRAYER WALK
March 31, 5:45 p.m. Canaan in the Desert (40th St. & Shea Blvd.) Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org Prayer Garden walk and opportunity to lift up friends, family and our community.
SPRING FLING PROGRESSIVE DINNER
April 26 4:30-7:30 p.m. Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org Event for all women and a great opportunity to meet others in our church community. Purchase tickets online: $15 adults/$10 students Scholarships available Portion of ticket goes to Women’s Ministry Scholarship Fund
Mission & Service ICM FOOD AND CLOTHING BANK DRIVE
March 8 & 15-Pick up bag with list of food needed. Drop off your donations by March 22. Help to bring hope to many in our community.
BUNNY BUSINESS NEEDS YOU!
Donations by March 15 Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Individually wrapped non-chocolate candy for the eggs. Help to make this major outreach event a success!
SUNSHINE ACRES CHILDREN’S HOME
March 8-29 collecting monies on patio. Sponsored by Presbyterian Women Our goal again is $8,000 to be able to give $100 to each child to spend on Easter clothes and needed supplies.
3rd SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MISSION PROJECT March 21, 8 a.m. Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Campus beautification in time for all of our Easter guests.
THE SPRING FELLOWSHIP IN TEMPE
March 8, 5 p.m. Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Serve and worship with our friends at The Spring
FLOWER DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Ron Norris: nornorrisaz@aol.com Help make Sunday service flowers into arrangements for delivery to our homebound. We also need bud vases, drop off at the church office. Volunteer on New Sign Up Genius Account! myvalleychurch.org/careministries
USHERS NEEDED AT VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH! John Lee: 602-318-3008 If you enjoy meeting others and making them feel welcome, please consider becoming an usher. We need ushers at all services, particularly for the 9 a.m. service.
STUDENT MINISTRY LEADERS NEEDED!
Jordan Gustafson: jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.org Invest in the lives of our students, volunteer today!
THANK YOU TO... • all our Flower Distribution volunteers • all who helped participate with our City of Scottsdale Operation Fix It Program in painting over graffiti. • those who helped with the MentorKids Garden • Don Weiss for serving on the Mission Committee as elder and will now on the Board of Directors at ICM.
Families CHILDREN
KIDS CHORUS
Wednesdays, February 4-April 29 4-5 p.m., Chapel Julia Joynt: kidschorus@myvalleychurch.org
5th grade transition to Student ministry
March 22 Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org All 5th graders are invited to gather for the first of four classes on the meaning of communion. At the end of the classes, the whole family is invited to join us in a special worship service with communion and a dinner. (*Fifth grade parents please plan to join us for a special parent Take It Home class at the same time as the first 5th grade class.)
If you love to sing, hang out with your friends after school, learn more about Jesus and share His amazing love with others, then give Kids Chorus a try! Open to grades 3-6. Special Dates: Sunday, March 29: Sing in worship
Palm Sunday Procession
Saturday, March 28, 8:45-10:45 a.m., Sanctuary TinaGilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org All children interested in the Palm Sunday Procession should plan to attend this rehearsal.
MOPS: MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
March 6 & 22, 9-11:30 a.m., Fireside Room Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@myvalleychurch.org MOPS is a ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Moms need encouragement during these critical and formative years. Our MOPS group is open to all moms of preschoolers through kindergartners throughout the community. Childcare available for children up to age 5.
STUDENTS
Jordan Gustafson: jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.org
The Gathering
Sundays, 9 a.m., Landes Basement Grades 6-12
Junior High Midweek
Mondays, 6-8 p.m., Landes Basement
Senior High Midweek
Wednesdays, 7-8:45 p.m., Landes Basement
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Care & Support DIVORCE RECOVERY
MENTAL HEALTH
Changes That Heal: Spring DVD Series
Marc Community Resources, Inc. Information & Referral Coordinator
Mondays, April 13-June 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Crossing 104 Lisa Bateman: lisabateman@myvalleychurch.org myvalleychurch.org/care--help/divorce_recovery_ministry Cost: $25, scholarships available
Andy: 480-994-4407 mentalhealthaz.org
If you have specific mental health-related questions, contact Andy. He helps people navigate the oftenconfusing Arizona mental health system. Andy can refer people to free community behavioral and mental health support groups for adults in the Phoenix Metro area.
Dr. Henry Cloud leads this series and identifies four aspects of the personality of God that, if we cultivate them, it would greatly improve our day-to-day functioning. God has promised that the “good work” He began in us will, “carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group
Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of:
1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. Mountain View Presbyterian Church Tom Lacey: 480-467-9130
Marty Love Marvin Price William Toy, Jr. and to Bert teVelde on loss of his father
Mental Health 24-hour Crisis Line 602-222-9444
Educational Enrichment ENCORE UNIVERSITY
LIFE ACADEMY
Adventures in Lifelong Learning
Spring Term March 10-April 16
ADULT EDUCATION STUDIES
Visit EncoreUniv.org for courses or to register! Course catalogs also available in the office. Encore offers a diverse program of classes,lectures, speakers, travel and seminars designed to engage people “50 and better.”
Presbyterians in the 21st Century
Tracy Keller: encore@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 165
Did you know?
Air Force One Pilot and Retired Colonel, Scott M. Turner was part of the Notable Careers course during the Winter Term, and spoke about his experiences flying for three U.S. Presidents!
Café Volunteers Needed!
Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Fireside Café Tracy Keller: encore@myvalleychurch.org We are looking for a few volunteers for the lunch rush! Sign-up to help and take one Encore class for free!
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Wednesdays Feb. 25—March 25 dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 168 Rev. Dr. David Joynt 4:30-5:30 p.m. Room 409 Presbyterian theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ.
Immigration & the Bible
Bryan Fergus 6:30-7:30 p.m. Chapel Immigration is a hot issue within Arizona. How are Christians to respond to the rhetoric and the humanitarian problems that stem from illegal immigration?
C. S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters
Dr. Dub Putnam & Ed Glady 6:30-7:30 p.m. Room 409 This legendary author addresses the subtle tactics the enemy of our soul employs to bring us to live a life void of a true relationship with Christ.
Church News NEWS FROM SESSION
Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session: 480-368-6567 At the February meeting the Session welcomed newly elected elders. All but one were installed and ordained at the 9 a.m. service on February 15. The remaining elder will be ordained in the near future at the 11:30 a.m. service. The Session voted to move the start time of the fourth service from 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. starting the Sunday, April 12. This will give the lead pastor time to conclude the 10:30 a.m. service and greet participants at the end of worship. Three delegates to Presbytery for this year were elected; they are ruling elders, Gloria Gabler, Roy Schumacher, and Dick Lockwood. They will join our pastors in representing Valley Presbyterian Church at the Presbytery. It is hoped our retiring delegates, Bob Aldag, Dick Coffelt and Don Swanson, will continue on the Presbytery Committees that they have been serving on. Each elder was given a prayer partner; they will pray together for 15 minutes each week. David Joynt moderated further discussion on Ordination Standards. Each elder was asked to submit questions they want deliberated. There was good discussion on moral reason and the difference between discernment and politics. The session will wrestle with tradition, scripture, and confessions in an open, honest way and strive not to use the tactics of politics. Everyone will be honored. A retreat is planned for April to give the elders a large block of time to study, discern and find answers to the questions they have. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, Karen Meyer
SESSION
Kathy Arner Mary Artigue Sarah Brammer David Eaton Dick Fawley Fred Fetters Gloria Gabler Ed Glady Lisa Keylon Lisa LaFon Richard Lockwood Ruth Lukian Darrah MacDougall Joan Nastro Prescott Pohl Shirley Polk John Samota Roy Schumacher Vicki Tatum Matt Winter Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
ALL CHURCH NOMINATING COMMITTEE (ACNC)
Dick Fawley, Chair: acnc@myvalleychurch.org, 480-945-9130 Called to Lead? Your recently elected All Church Nominating Committee (ACNC) wants you to suggest people who would make excellent leaders for the future of Valley Presbyterian Church. We are searching for people dedicated to promoting the kingdom of Jesus Christ in our church, our community, and the world. If you know someone who would make an excellent Elder, Deacon, or Foundation Trustee, or if you yourself would like to serve, please contact Dick Fawley, Chair of the ACNC Potential candidates will, when elected, serve a three-year term in beginning February 2016. Nomination forms are also available at the office. We thank you for your assistance and look forward to receiving your suggestions. 2015 ALL CHURCH NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Dick Fawley, Chair Joan Nastro, Co-Chair Sandra Sturgeon, Deacon Rep Sarah Burnette Ed MacDougall Bill McKee Doug Peterson
2015 Per Capita $31 per member—What is ‘Per Capita’?
A part of belonging to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), each church pays a predetermined amount to bring leaders together and serve the denomination. The amount for each congregation is determined by the number of members. Valley Presbyterian Church covers the $31 per member, but every reimbursement coming in designated “Per Capita” allows us to support other areas of outreach. Please make checks payable to Valley Presbyterian Church, noting “Per Capita” in the memo. Envelope enclosed in this issue
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Worship at Valley Begin Again
for the Lenten season by Pastor Joynt available online at: myvalleychurch.org
Daily Devotionals
Kilgore Chapel—Traditional 8 & 11:30 a.m. Sanctuary—Traditional 9 a.m. Landes Center—Contemporary 10:30 a.m.
Valley Presbyterian Church
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
Preaching March 1 Dr. Bruce Main President & Founder UrbanPromise
March 8,15 & 22 David Joynt
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES PALM SUNDAY March 29, 8, 9, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. MAUNDY THURSDAY April 2, 7 p.m., Sanctuary GOOD FRIDAY April 3, Noon & 7 p.m., Chapel EASTER SUNDAY April 5 7:30 a.m. Fountain 9:00 a.m. Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. Landes Center 11:30 a.m. Sanctuary Pastoral Staff David Joynt, David Turner Pastors Emeriti Thomas A. Erickson, G. Wooden Garvin
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