VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
March 2016
Volume 61, Number 2
Dear friends, The Rev. Dr. Tom Parker said something telling and candid to me a few weeks ago. We were discussing discipleship, and he confessed that he’d come to realize that being a great teacher of scripture and theology was not enough. “People can grow in their understanding of God,” he said, “without this new knowledge impacting in any significant way their lives and behavior.” Informing does not necessarily mean re-forming or transforming! This insight is powerful. The mark of a Christian leader is not the ability to explain things, but the capacity to help people change and grow. Practice is the measure of preaching and teaching. Are people praying? Giving and sharing? Are they struggling to help this world take on a Kingdom
character? Do they keep promises? Do the fruits of the spirit show up in their relationships? Do they suffer with faith? Do they share the gospel with others in word and deed? Are they forgiving? Do people see them in action and think of Jesus? Rev. Kelly and Rev. Mike Nieto join us this month to help us find answers to these questions. Every church should be measured by the quality and character of its disciples. Pray for them in this large and exciting task. Bless them, and the rest of our leadership, with your ideas about how we can deepen the way we live into our faith at VPC. Yours faithfully,
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@vpc.church Website: vpc.church
Who We Are- The Nietos
Highlighted Events
“Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 As a clergy couple, our married life and ministry life are joined together. We are so thankful for the opportunity to work together and to minister as a family; our son Sam's third word was "church" and both our boys feel they have two homes, our house and our church. Many years ago, God brought together two college kids with very different gifts and skill sets, complementary strengths and weaknesses, yet with one foundation: Jesus Christ is Lord. This firm foundation has been our Rock during our many adventures together. We have traveled around the world, studied God’s word in seminary, welcomed two sons, and served in three ordained calls.
HOLY WEEK
EASTER SUNDAY
Maundy Thursday, March 24 6:30PM, Sanctuary
9AM, Sanctuary
Palm Sunday, March 20 8, 9, 10:30 & 11:45AM
March 27 7:30AM, Fountain Patio
10:30AM, Landes Center
Good Friday, March 25 Noon & 6:30PM, Chapel
11:45AM, Sanctuary
One of our family’s “theme” verses is from Psalm 27, waiting on the Lord and being encouraged or “taking heart,” that God is always at work in His way and in His time. We are so thankful that God has now called us to Valley Presbyterian Church and we know that He has once again led us to just the right place at just the right time.
CARING MINISTRIES
Very soon, the trucks will be packed and our amazingly mellow cat, Charlie, will go on another road trip to a new call. We look forward to partnering with each of you in proclaiming by thought, word, and deed that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
13-week DivorceCare Program for men and women at any stage of the divorce process.
Divorce Recovery
Starts Monday, March 14 7-8:30PM, Fireside Room tammym@vpc.church
May we rest in this knowledge of an almighty and loving God who gives us the great honor of helping others know the transforming love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We look forward to seeing you all soon! Mike, Kelly, Sam, Josh, (and Charlie)
Mission & Service Family Promise
February 28-March 5 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Four Family Promise families will be spending the night at VPC February 28-March 5. If you would like to host, make a meal, or spend the night, contact Chris.
Third Saturday work project
March 19, 11:30AM Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Come help make our campus beautiful in preparation for Palm Sunday and Easter. Register at vpc.church/mission
MentorKids
Mondays, 3-5PM Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Join our group who goes to MentorKids USA to help with their afterschool reading program.
ICM Food Bank
2
Mondays and Tuesdays, 7:30PM Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Volunteer teams help sort clothes, stock pantry shelves or greet clients. Carpool, contact Chris Woodard.
Wrapped in Prayer-Baptism Quilts
David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Few experiences are more moving than witnessing the baptism of a child at VPC. We see proud parents holding their special gift from God, and think back with gratitude for the church family that committed to point us to Jesus Christ. Our quilting ministry leaves a lasting blessing in the life of a small child. If you’d like to be part of something extraordinary by learning how to quilt or using your quilting skills for this ministry, please contact Pastor Dave Turner. These are unforgettable moments, when a parent covers their child in a quilt covered with hand-tied knots representing our prayers.
Ushers Needed: 8 & 9AM services
John Lee: jwlims@aol.com, 602-318-3008 Serve the church one Sunday a month, meet members and visitors, and be an active participant in the church worship services. Contact John.
Bunny Business
Saturday, March 26, 9-10:30AM Valley Presbyterian Church, Kiva Elementary Fields Easter Bunny • Games • Snacks • Easter Egg Hunt Learn more: vpc.church
Legacy Dinner
Salute, Celebrate, Embrace Friday, March 18, 6PM Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch vpc.church/foundation
3
Get Connected
Families Children
Mark your calendars Vacation Bible School 2016 Cave Quest!
Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church
Palm Sunday Procession Rehearsal
Saturday, March 19, 9-10:30AM, Sanctuary Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church All children (K-5th grade) interested in the Palm Sunday Procession should plan to attend this rehearsal.
June 20-24
Saturday, March 26, 9-10:30AM, Kiva Field Easter Bunny • Games • Snacks • Easter Egg Hunt
We want all kids and volunteers back for Vacation Bible School FUN! This year we are going SPELUNKING. Plan to be in Phoenix and at VPC that week, you won’t regret it. Invite a friend to join you! We will have a couple volunteer training opportunities and as always there are jobs big and small: station leaders, snack helpers, crew leaders, volunteer appreciation team, and more! Contact Tina if you plan to join us to share Jesus with our little ones, this summer!
EXPLORERS! Games, Music, and Theater
Student
Palm Sunday Procession 9 & 10:30AM Services (3y.o.-5th grade) meet in Adult Choir Room at 8:40AM.
Bunny Business
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30PM Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church Two Choirs: K-2nd & 3rd-5th grade Theater: 3rd-5th grade EXPLORERS! provides children with a safe and fun environment to learn about the world in creative ways. Music and theater are large components of each week, but no experience is necessary. Your child will engage with other EXPLORERS! to build, draw, play, craft, sing and perform with staff members from our Children’s and Music ministries.
Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church
The Gathering
9AM, Landes Basement Jr. & Sr. High Sunday gatherings
Midweek Gathering
Landes Basement Jr. High, 6-8PM, Sr. High, 7-9PM
Educational Enrichment Rev. Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church
Tracy Keller: tracyk@vpc.church 480-991-6424 ext. 165 To register for classes, seminars or trips visit: EncoreUniv.org
Spring Term starts March 8, 2016 Catalogs available. Register today. Keep on learning!
“Cowgirl Up” Wickenburg Day Trip
Friday, April 1, 9AM-6PM Visit the Caballeros Western Museum and Historic Henry Wickenburg home. Register at EncoreUniv.org
What does Encore mean to you?
Share your story. Like us on facebook or send email.
4
Thursdays, 7:30-9PM, Member homes Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Come and enjoy fellowship and friendship, whether you’re in college or starting your career. Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church We are encouraging this community group to attend one of the Wednesday night classes and look for info about social and service projects. Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Connects families with older kids, singles, and blended families. Bible study, social events, and service projects. Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Sarah Burnette: sarahwiggins@gmail.com Empty nesters celebrating the opportunity to grow together in faith and fellowship. 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Judith Robins: judithrobins4386@msn.com Active seniors gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Thursday Fellowship: March 10, 3PM Mexican Train, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room March 17, 3PM Card Making, 5PM Dinner, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: March 17, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com
Sports Ministry: Della Berg: dellab@vpc.church, 480-991-6242 ext. 168 Adult Education
ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING
Community Groups: For more information visit: vpc.church/community_groups
Wednesday Classes Beliefs and Practices of the First-Century Church*
• Men’s Basketball: adults, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM • Youth Basketball: ages 8-16, Sundays, 1-3PM, Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45PM • Line Dancing: adults, Fridays, 10AM-noon • Martial Arts: ages 5 & up, Thursdays 4:30-5:30PM • Pickleball: ages 8-108, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays 6-8PM • Sportball: ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15PM Join the fun and fellowship!
Every other Wednesday, February 17 - April 27 6-7:30PM, Calvin Center Instructor: Dr. Andrew Pitts This course looks in detail at the beliefs and practices of the earliest Christians, as represented by the New Testament.
Minister of Music
The Holy Spirit: Not a Third Wheel*
Requiem Reflections
Wednesdays, February 17 - March 16 6:30-7:30PM, Room 409 Instructor: Ed Glady Learn more about the Holy Spirit and how forming a deeper bond with the Holy Spirit can and will deepen your daily walk with God. *Childcare Available To reserve space email: nursery@vpc.church
All activities in Landes Center unless noted.
Music & Arts Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church Throughout Lent, the Chancel Choir will be exploring different movements from various Requiems. These will be presented in worship and will include movements from Requiems written by John Rutter, Johannes Brahms, Mark Hayes, W.A. Mozart and Gabriel Faure. Each Sunday you will find more information about the song and the Requiem in the bulletin. Join the choir! Rehearsal schedule: Chancel Choir, Wednesdays, 7:30-9PM Valley Ringers, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30PM
Thank you...
The music department wishes to thank the Valley Presbyterian Foundation for sponsoring a wonderfully successful concert on February 21. The Sanctuary was packed as members of both VPC and Mt. View gathered to hear choirs from both churches sing a concert of African American spirituals. Rev. Ian Gilmour from Edinburgh, Scotland shared with us his fascinating research on the history of spirituals. Thank you also to all the singers and musicians who worked so hard to present this concert! We are blessed with many talented singers in our Chancel Choir and we are looking forward to sharing our music with you this 5 Easter season.
Care & Support Congregational Care
David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Tammy Milne: tammym@vpc.church
Remembrances
Church News Recommended Reading “A Common Struggle” by Patrick J. Kennedy A personal journey through the past and future of mental illness and addiction.
Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of: Carol Fry Jimmy Eichmann Marilyn Kellough
Upcoming Events: Mental Health team attending NotMyKid Presentation on Internet Safety April 17, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Mental Health Workshop May 12, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Mondays, starting March 14, 7PM, Fireside Room Cost: $20, includes workbook Registration required: Contact Tammy or online myvalleychurch.org under “What’s New” 13-week DivorceCare Program, facilitated by Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Anna Kohls. Curriculum is DVD & workbook based, and is designed for men and women who are at any stage of the divorce process.
What is Deacon Sunday?
Divorce Recovery Program
Mental Health Ministry Information Mental Health 24-hour crisis line: 602-222-9444 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Call today. Help is available.
April 10, 2016
A day to recognize what God is doing through the faithful compassionate work of the Deacons, which leads to lives impacted for Christ. How can you get involved? In 2015 the Deacon’s ministry provided over $15,000 in food cards, assistance with utilities and transportation costs, help with medical needs, short-term housing needs, and much more for those in our church and community. Deacons have reached out to families with newborns, prepared communion, served at memorial receptions, repaired household projects, sent care packages to our students and military, visited hospitals, cared for the lonely, and coordinated flowers on Sundays. We all will have a chance to be blessed by the ministry of the Deacons and learn how we can share in this ministry.
Women 2016 Women’s Ministry Bible Study* Every other Thursday, 7-8:45PM Every other Friday, 9-10:45AM Leslie Woodard: lesliew@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women Study: Seamless by Angie Smith.
This study covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture.
Presbyterian Women
Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com
All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible!
Tuesday, March 8 Mary: 9:30AM, Jeanne Campo/Barbara McCreary Westminster Village Saguaro Room, 480-994-4116 Wednesday, March 9 Esther: 9:30AM, Sharon Vincent’s home, 480-947-5492 Naomi: 11:30AM, Beve Lane’s home, 480-860-5781 Rebekah: 9:30AM, Ginny Strachan’s home, 480-948-3389 Rachel: 9:30AM, Lara Robinson, 602-867-1570 VPC Chapel Parlor Ruth: 12PM, Ruth Rehfeldt/Joyce Jennings, 480-991-6424 VPC Fireside Room
PW Luncheon & Speaker
6
March 23, 11:30AM, Landes Center, $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, March 18 Presentation: Dan Abbott, Just Coffee
Coffee growing program sponsored by PC(USA) to help keep people working in Mexico and not crossing the border.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)*
Friday, March 11 & 18, 9:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@vpc.church
There is no update from the February Session meeting. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
New Website and email Addresses!
Launching Sunday, March 6 You may have noticed new website and email addresses in the Valley Vine. They will all go active on Sunday, March 6. Emails ending with @myvalleychurch.org will still work. We are excited to share with you an updated and enhanced way to communicate God’s story at VPC and all the events and programs to connect with others and the Lord!
2016 Per Capita $34 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 $34 per member, but every reimbursement coming in designated “Per Capita” allows us to support other areas of outreach.
Finance
Prayer Garden at Canaan in the Desert
Legacy Dinner-Salute, Celebrate, Embrace
April 8-10, Chapel Rock Conference Center, Prescott Leslie Woodard: lesliew@vpc.church Waiting list! Register and facts: vpc.church/women
With Joy Retreats creates a sacred space to rest, learn and worship. Speaker Ginger Ciminello and Life Coach Carey Bailey provide fresh Biblical perspectives for applying the transformative power of God’s truth to our day-to-day reality.
Quotable Canvas* (Childcare 5 and under)
Sunday, April 17, VPC Campus, 3:30-6:30PM Leslie Woodard: lesliew@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women Cost? $20 (Ticket scholarships one at-risk youth to attend an art
workshop)
Words are powerful, inspiring, and encouraging! Fun workshop where we will create a canvas that can be used to direct our days and decorate our spaces through scripture, favorite quotes, or meaningful sayings. You will leave with a joy filled spirit and a masterpiece in your hand. No art skills required. Bring a friend and be entered to win a manicure and pedicure. *Childcare Available To reserve space email: nursery@vpc.church
Monday, March 28
Mary Artigue Sarah Brammer David Eaton Jim Gabler Ed Glady Lisa Keylon Gary Green Michele Ingram Sam Kelsall Kirby Kongable Richard Lockwood Darrah MacDougall Joan Nastro Roy Schumacher Marge Sellers Cheryl Ann Shaff Janel Willert Matt Winter Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
Valley Presbyterian Church Finances Year to Date through January 31, 2016 Actual Total income $226,400 Total expense $184,000 Difference $42,400
Foundation
Set Free-Women’s Overnight Retreat
Church Office Closed:
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
MOPS is a ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Open to moms throughout the community.
Tuesday, March 22, 5:30PM, Meet at 40th St. & Shea RSVP: lesliew@vpc.church
SESSION
News from Session
Friday, March 18, 2016, 6PM Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch Celebrating the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Tickets: $125, in the church office, or contact Penne McKee: 480-947-0130, pendlepenn@gmail.com Online: vpc.church/foundation Questions? Call Della Berg: 480-991-6424 ext. 168 What happens at the Legacy Dinner? This is a night that changes the life of the church. At this year’s Legacy Dinner, you will find wonderful raffle and auction items, from fun excursions for you, and contributions to our church campus “Fund the Need” beautification projects. Join us again this year at this elegant and fun event! “It is a wonderful thing to see hundreds of our Church family members out for the evening having fun together.” Mickey Rufenacht “It’s great fun to see people outside the hallowed halls enjoying themselves while ensuring the future of this wonderful church.” Penne McKee
Live Auction Items: • • • •
3-Night stay at condominium in Rocky Point, Mexico Dinner for 10 at home with Chef/Pastor & Julia Joynt 4-Night stay at Sedona condo plus Cadillac rental car Exquisite Dinner for 8 at Montelucia Resort
Fund the Need projects • Church Signage • Landscaping • Fireside “Loo” Renew What’s Fund the Need? Three important campus improvement projects have been identified; the goal of Fund the Need is to fund these projects completely in one night. It’s an exciting and tangible way for people to see their resources turn into tools for ministry.
Scholarships Available
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Applications and guidelines are available for college scholarships online: vpc.church/foundation Accepting applications through May 1.
7
EASTER SUNDAY March 27 7:30AM, Fountain Patio
HOLY WEEK
Palm Sunday, March 20 8, 9, 10:30 & 11:45AM
9AM, Sanctuary 10:30AM, Landes Center
Maundy Thursday, March 24 6:30PM, Sanctuary Good Friday, March 25 Noon & 6:30PM, Chapel
11:45AM, Sanctuary
Sunday Worship Times
Kilgore Chapel, 8 & 11:45AM
Sanctuary, 9AM
Landes Center, 10:30AM
Communion
March 6
Pastors
David Joynt, David Turner,
Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto,
Kelsey Woodruff
The VALLEY VINE USPS 621-060, is published monthly by VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Periodical Postage paid at Scottsdale, AZ. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342
Valley Presbyterian Church
valley presbyterian church
New Website and email addresses! Launching Sunday, March 6
Starting March 6, go to vpc.church to learn about how God is moving at VPC!