VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
March 2017
Volume 62, Number 2 Internal questions, which come from believers, are a spur to spiritual growth. Mark 9:24 underlines the promise and possibility of honestly facing our doubts and questions—“I believe, Lord, help me with my unbelief.” Most of us have questions for God about things we don’t understand. As we ask our questions and seek answers in scripture and deliberation, we are equipping ourselves to help others with their questions.
Dear friends, Christian faith is strong and robust. A great deal of that strength rests on our tradition of openness to questions and issues. Rather than adopt a coercive approach that tells adherents to blindly trust ecclesial authority, authentic Christian communities, from the very beginning, have faced challenging questions that arise from within or from without. Outside questions, which are generated by critics, skeptics, or cynics, have been publicly addressed by Christian writers and apologists. Apologetics, from the word Apologia, meaning defense, is the art of showing the reasonableness of belief, so that followers and inquirers can trust that faith does not require a sacrifice of the intellect. Jesus was never threatened by questions but saw them as opportunities for dialogue and growth.
So you are going to help me construct our post-Easter sermon series by sharing your deepest questions about faith and life. During March, we will be collecting questions in a variety of ways. You can put your written questions in our question box at the back of worship. You can write me a letter or send me an email at davidj@vpc.church. You can ask your question directly to any member of staff. Or you can go online at vpc.church/questions and post it. Each week, we’ll deal with a serious and important question from one of our members or visitors. Faith and reason are both gifts of God! Genuine faith is always seeking deeper understanding. Let’s wade together into the deep end in search of the truths that strengthen our confidence in God’s goodness and grace. I can’t wait to see what is on your mind! Blessings,
vpc.church/easter 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: You’re in charge of the next sermon series
Pastor Joynt introduced the post-Easter sermon series, QUESTIONS, in his monthly message on the front page. Each week during the series we’ll address a question submitted by you, the VPC community. These questions can come from any part of your life, and concern any issue. Do you have a question about the life, death, or resurrection of Jesus? Have you wondered how to talk to a friend or family member about your faith? Are you curious about how our faith should inform our political understanding? Do you want to know what Heaven is like? All of these types of questions are what we are looking for. QUESTIONS will be an exciting and informative time at VPC. We hope you’ll join us on Sunday mornings, and we hope you’ll participate by submitting a question! There are several ways you can submit a question: -Email Pastor Joynt: davidj@vpc.church -Submit a question online: vpc.church/questions -Send Pastor Joynt a letter -Send a message on the VPC Facebook page: facebook.com/valleypresbyterian -Ask your questions directly to any member of staff We look forward to the creative, insightful, and powerful questions you will come up with!
Mission & Service Scottsdale & Paradise Valley for Africa update
The event, on February 25, occurred past the March Valley Vine print date- look for a report in the April issue!
Family Promise
February 26-March 5 Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church We will be hosting eight families through our relationship with Family Promise. If you would like to help host, serve food or stay the night we can use all the help we can get, contact Chris.
Cooks’ Tour: Crafters
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Tuesdays starting March 7, 9AM, Calvin Center Margaret Wheeler: 480-483-2609 If you enjoy using your skills to create things, then Crafters is for you. We are working on items to sell at Cooks’ Tour in November. Come join in the fellowship, fun, and creativity of this long-standing and dedicated group. For more information contact Margaret.
2017 VPC Mission Budget Accomplishment Chris Woodard: 480-773-5318
Valley Presbyterian Church, Your generosity and vision for the mission of God in our community, nation and world is amazing! For the first time since I have been Director of Mission, VPC set a mission budget of ten percent of the overall church budget. This means we will be able to bless our community in amazing ways. We will continue to work with MentorKids USA, Family Promise, our local schools, First Presbyterian Church in Tuba City, as well as Ministry of Hope and Villages in Partnership in Malawi. We would love to get you involved in one of these areas to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities; to share God’s love with others. This month, be in prayer concerning how God will use you this year to be His ambassadors, and then call me! I would love to get you connected to one of these wonderful ministry areas. Thanks for being a great church. Peace, Chris
Highlighted Events SPRING TERM STARTS MARCH 7 Register online: encoreuniv.org Questions? Email Tracy: eu@vpc.church
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY WOMEN’S GLEE CLUB Saturday, March 11 7PM, Sanctuary, Free
Inquirer Class
SUNDAY, MARCH 26 12:30PM, Fireside Room
For more information call Jane Russell: 480-694-1186 Register online: vpc.church/inquirer
Get your tickets today! Go to: vpc.church/legacydinner
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Students & Families CHILDREN
STUDENTS
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Sunday Nursery: Infants-2 years
Joseph Parisi: josephp@vpc.church Join as we worship together, engage in the Bible together, and have small group time with our grade levels.
Sunday School: 3 years-5th grade
The Gathering- All students 6th-12th grade
8:45-11:45AM
9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM Registration: vpc.church/sunday-school-registration
Sundays, 9-10:15AM, Landes Basement
Annual 5 grade Transition Classes & Banquet!
Mondays, 6-8PM, Landes Basement
Jr. High Midweek
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March 26, 10:30AM following Children’s message Parents of 5th graders join us for a Take It Home Event designed just for you. We will share about the 5th grade class transition, and prepare you for ‘The Blessing’ a special part of the banquet (see this and other dates below) Don’t miss out! 10:30, 1st Transition class (5th graders), Room 417) 10:30, Parent Take it Home Event (room 415-416) April 2 10:30, 2nd Transition class (5th graders) April 9 10:30, 3rd Transition class (5th graders) April 16 EASTER NO Sunday School April 23 10:30, 4th and final transition class (5th graders) Transition Banquet, 3:30PM, Chapel (Invite your family)
Sr. High Midweek
Wednesdays, 7-9PM, Landes Basement
March 26
EXPLORERS!
Tuesdays, 4-5:30PM, No meeting March 7 Two Choirs: K-2nd & 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. Registration: vpc.church/explorers For more information contact: Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church or Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
VALLEY DAY SCHOOL
Meghan Gottfredson: meghang@vpc.church A play based and faith based first school experience. Valley Day School is currently enrolling students (age 2-5) for the 2017-2018 preschool year. Join us as we learn through play and grow in faith every single day! Children must be 2 by August 31. Contact Meghan for a tour and registration details.
Music & Arts MINISTER OF MUSIC
Valley Ringers Handbell Choir
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Handbell Room
New Youth Choir starting in March!
Choir Rehearsal
US Naval Academy Women’s Glee Club
Violin Recital, Lan Qui and Joy Pan
Email Jennifer for more details.
Wednesdays, 7:30PM, Music Room
Saturday, March 11, 7PM, Sanctuary, Free will offering The ensemble performs a diverse repertoire including classical, sacred, folk, patriotic, popular, and Broadway music.
Sunday, March 26, 4PM, Sanctuary, Free will offering
Men Men’s Book Study* The Good and Beautiful God
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30PM Chapel Parlor Facilitator: David Turner: davidt@vpc.church If you want to know more about the character of God, and how He can change your character, this study is for you.
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*Childcare email: nursery@vpc.church
Educational Enrichment DISCIPLESHIP
Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church, Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church *Childcare available by reservation (0-9 y.o.): nursery@vpc.church
A Study of the Cross: Transforms, Cleanses, Sanctifies, Shapes, Saves* Wednesdays, March 8-April 5 6:30-7:30PM, Calvin Center, No Fee Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto This class will explore the symbolism and power of the cross throughout scripture. What is the significance of wood in the Old Testament? Why is it important that Jesus was a carpenter? Come and deepen your understanding of why Jesus gave his life for us on a wooden cross.
Beginning in April
The Influential Disciple*
Wednesdays, April 19-May 24 6:30-7:30PM, Calvin Center, No Fee Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto There are two things that are non-negotiable when you read the New Testament: We are called to be disciples of Jesus and then called to make disciples of Jesus. Many times, though, the idea of discipleship is something weak, shallow or elusive for Christians. The Influential Disciple is a deep dive into five specific dimensions of discipleship: Spiritual Formation, Personal Wholeness, Healthy Relationships, Life Mission, Economics and Work.
ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING® Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 165 Learn more: encoreuniv.org Spring Term starts on March 7, 2017
• Join Scottsdale resident and former Congressman, Frank Riggs as he follows the evolution of the U.S. Constitution over its 230 year history. Thursdays starting March 9. • Learn about Christian citizenship and what role Christians play in American politics. ASU Professors will lead students through this political thought process. Tuesdays starting March 14.
Ambassador Program † Discipleship in Action Become an Ambassador and reach out to others from VPC and the surrounding community. Want to learn more? Stop by the Encore office today.
What does Encore mean to you? Share your story. Like us on facebook or send an email to eu@vpc.church.
Get Connected COMMUNITY GROUPS
For information visit: vpc.church/community_groups A place to study God’s word, build relationships, serve others, and grow deeper in your faith. Contact Chris for upcoming social and service projects. Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church Watch for upcoming social and service projects on VPC website. Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Bible study, social events, and service projects.
SPORTS MINISTRY
All activities in Landes Center
Brandon Fox: brandonf@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 106 Pickleball: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-6:30PM Sportball: Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15PM, ages 3-5 Grandmaster Han’s Martial Arts of AZ: Thursdays, 4:30-5:30PM, Calvin Center Men’s Adult Basketball: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM Adult Line Dance: Fridays, 10AM-noon
Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Gloria Gabler: gigabler@gmail.com Empty nesters grow together in faith and fellowship. 1st & 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Judith Robins: az29hiker@msn.com Gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Facilitator: Chris Woodard Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com Mexican Train: March 9, 3PM Irish Meal: 5PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: March 16, 11:30AM Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: March 30, 3PM, Fireside Room
INQUIRER CLASS
Sunday, March 26, 12:30PM, Fireside Room Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers? For more information call Jane Russell: 480-694-1186 Register online: vpc.church/inquirer
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Women Women’s Bible Study*
Abundant Simplicity by Jan Johnson Starting March 2 & 3 Every other Thursday, 6:30PM, Room 415 *Every other Friday, 9AM, Room 415 Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women Many of us long for simplicity. We long for an intentional life more connected to God. Simplicity is about choosing the engaging, relational life we were meant to live.
Progressive Dinner
March 26, 4:30-6:30PM, Fireside Room Cost: $15, or $10 student RSVP Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Join us for dinner with new and old friends! All women welcome. We will gather at the church for a three-course dinner, progressing from room to room throughout the campus. The money raised will benefit scholarships for the April Women’s Retreat and other women’s events.
Come to the Table: Women’s Retreat 2017
Speaker: Rachel Palmbush Friday, April 28-Sunday, April 30 Marriott’s Residence Inn, Prescott, AZ Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Register online: vpc.church/women Get away from daily distractions and spend time learning about God with women of all ages. There will be Biblical teaching, conversation in small groups, free time to relax, and community meals.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)*
Fridays, March 17 & 31, 9-11AM, Room 415-416 Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church What is MOPS? An international ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Our MOPS group is open to moms throughout the community, whether or not they attend VPC. We offer childcare (up to age 5) on a space-available basis.
Presbyterian Women
Luncheon & Speaker March 22, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, March 17 Speaker: Mary Danforth will talk about her mission trip to the Bay area. She studied human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and immigrants in the middle of the wealthiest area of the county with little hope for a better future. PW Circles, March 2017 Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, March 7 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Jeanne Campo, 480-994-4116/Barbara McCreary 480-451-2233 Wednesday, March 8 Esther: 9:30AM, Betty Heenan’s home, 480-948-8631 Sandra Gonzales, 602-616-0458/Sharon Vincent, 480-947-5492 Ruth/Naomi: 12PM, Room 409 Alice Paige, 602-404-5508/Bettie Ringle, 480-251-8384 Rachel/Rebekah: 9:30AM, Calvin Center Lara Robinson, 602-493-9064/Carlene Lawrence, 480-338-3304
Care & Support CONGREGATIONAL CARE
David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Tammy Milne: tammym@vpc.church
Remembrances
Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of Verne Bathurst, Jacqueline Bell, Betty Crow, Russell Donker, Mary Lou Butler-Frazier, Louise McCall, Joan Rinkenberger, Kenneth Royer, and Betty Jane Shoenhair-Graham.
Deacon Sunday
Sunday, March 26 Deacon Sunday is more than just a day to learn about what they do! It’s a day to recognize what God is doing through the faithful compassionate work of the Deacons; it leads to lives impacted for Christ, and promotes how you can get involved.
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Over the course of this past year, the Deacon ministry has provided food cards, assisted with utilities, helped with medical needs, short-term housing, and much more for those in our church and community, totaling over $14,000 in disbursements. Deacons have reached out to families with newborns, prepared communion, served at memorial receptions, repaired simple household projects, sent out care packages to our students and military, visited those in hospitals, cared for the lonely, and coordinated flowers on Sundays. On Sunday, March 26 come and be blessed by the ministry of the Deacons and learn how we can share in this ministry.
Divorce Recovery Program
Mondays through March 27, 5:30-6:45PM, Chapel Parlor Cost: $20 Registration required: vpc.church/divorce-recovery-registration Facilitator: Anna Kohls, Licensed Assoc. Marriage & Family Therapist Seven-week Program designed for men and women at any stage of the divorce process is open to all in our community.
Communion Preparation
Did you ever wonder how grape juice gets in those tiny communion cups used in the 9AM Worship Service? Curious where to get communion bread with no crust, perfect for little kid PB&J sandwiches? Well I did, and when a friend asked me to help out with Communion preparation, I didn’t hesitate to volunteer. Deacons prepare 1080 cups and fill them with a (pretty cool) cup-like device. The team also prepares six loaves of bread and two loaves of gluten-free bread, then cuts it all into 1450 pieces! Three times a year the team also prepares communion for our At-Home church members, distributed by teams of Elders and Deacons to members of the church unable to attend the church. The best part of this ministry is seeing the church coming together on Sunday morning to take part in a 2000 year old tradition. Yours faithfully, Knut Herrmann
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org
Family Support website:
nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition
Church News NEWS FROM SESSION
The VPC Session team is made up of 18 members of the congregation who have heard God’s call to help lead the ministry areas of the church. Each Elder serves a three-year term, and is assigned to work with a Session Committee like Outreach, Stewardship, or Finance. The Session meets monthly to help guide VPC in the direction God is leading. They work together with VPC staff to create the events, programs, and experiences that make our community a place where Jesus Christ transforms lives. The Session Moderator is Pastor David Joynt. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact, Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session at 480-368-6567. At the Annual Meeting on January 31, the congregation voted in a new slate of Elders to replace those ending their terms. VPC’s newest Elders are:
Beverly Cooper Jim Gabler Tom Hillman
Susie Huseth Bill Sturgeon Kris Williams
VPC’s Elders bring incredible faith and experience to their role. On March 6, VPC will launch a new page on the website. To learn more about Session: vpc.church/session.
VPC finances year-to-date as of January 31, 2017 Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Income
Actual
Budget
Variance
Faith Giving Other Income Total Income Expense Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Encore Worship & Music Total Expense
$215,000 $48,000 $263,000
$212,000 $43,000 $255,000
$3,000 $5,000 $8,000
$49,000 $83,000 $12,000 $16,000 $10,000 $15,000 $185,000
$49,000 $85,000 $12,000 $17,000 $10,000 $16,000 $189,000
$0 $2,000 $0 $1,000 $0 $1,000 $4,000
Net Income less Expense
$78,000
$66,000
$12,000
Support VPC’s ministries!
Be a part of God’s work in the Valley and around the world: vpc.church/give
TEXT TO GIVE
Text the amount of your donation to 480-372-8548 –it’s as simple as that!
SESSION
Mary Artigue Beverly Cooper Jim Gabler Ed Glady Gary Green Tom Hillman Susie Huseth Michele Ingram Sam Kelsall Lisa Keylon Kirby Kongable Darrah MacDougall Roy Schumacher Marge Sellers Cheryl Ann Shaff Bill Sturgeon Janel Willert Kris Williams Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
Nursery Coordinator
VPC is seeking a cheerful and loving individual to coordinate the nursery and childcare at VPC. This part-time person must love babies and children, be able to plan age appropriate activities, as well as train, schedule, and supervise caregiver staff. Contact Tina Gilbreath for more information or send resume: tinag@vpc.church
2017 "Per Capita" $34 per member
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), each church pays a predetermined amount, determined by church membership, to bring leaders together and serve the denomination. VPC covers the $34 per member, but reimbursements coming in designated “Per Capita” allows us to support other areas of ministry.
Foundation Foundation: Charlee Turner, charleet@vpc.church
Step Into the Future: 2017 Legacy Dinner
After dinner the live auction will inspire your imagination with trips and experiences both locally and abroad.
Friday, March 31, 2017, Tickets: $125 The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch Full table and priority options available. Email Kris Bahr with inquiries: krisb@vpc.church
Finally, take part in the most important portion of the night, Fund The Need, where we work together to fund important projects on the VPC campus.
The evening is packed with something for everyone!
Collegiate Scholarships Available
Browse the silent auction during our cocktail hour. Keep an eye on the ever-popular wine raffle. Then enjoy a meal from the amazing staff at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. Take a chance with the balloon raffle-there are incredible prizes!
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church Applications and guidelines are available for college scholarships online: vpc.church/foundation Accepting applications through May 1.
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Adventures in Lifelong Learning®
EncoreUniv.org
SPRING TERM 2017
MARCH 7 - APRIL 6, 2017
Sunday Worship Times Kilgore Chapel- 8 & 11:45AM Sanctuary- 9AM Landes Center- 10:30AM
Communion March 5
Season of Lent Ash Wednesday March 1, 6:30PM, Sanctuary
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
Palm Sunday April 9, regular service times
Maundy Thursday April 13, 6:30PM, Sanctuary
Good Friday April 14, Noon & 6:30PM, Chapel
Easter Sunday April 16 6AM, Fountain 9AM, Sanctuary 10:30AM, Landes Center 11:45AM, Chapel
Pastors
David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Kelsey Woodruff
vpc.church