May 2015 by Valley Presbyterian Church

VALLEY VINE valley presbyterian church

May 2015

Volume 60, Number 4

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." John 20:19-21

Dear friends, What was at stake in the upper room, where Jesus’ disciples were hiding behind closed doors? Unless those doors opened, there was no future for the Christian movement. If fear prevented their witness, then there would be no church, then or now. Imagine a world without any form of Christian action or witness. It would be a world without Christian influence on the rise of democracy, the creation of the university, the development of hospitals and hospices. History would have lost much of the work of Bach and Beethoven and Handel and Mozart; there would be no Chartres or Notre Dame, no Bible to influence Dante or Shakespeare; no Red Cross and no U2. All the millions of works of mercy and compassion, all the architecture and art and music, all the contributions to philosophy and literature would disappear. It is not clear that science, as we know it, would have developed in the West without the impact of Christian ideas and thinkers. What was at stake as the disciples huddled in nervous terror, afraid to engage their Greco Roman world? Everything was at stake! Everything hinged on the willingness of those first disciples to share their faith and pursue God’s kingdom.

Prayer that deepens the soul? Yes. Mission that enters into the pain and suffering and confusion of the world? Yes. A determination to make disciples and not just recruit members? Yes. Yes. Yes! But none of this works without courage. The courage of individual members to open the doors and overcome their fears. The courage to witness in 21st Century culture. The courage to make deep relationships with others, where spiritual questions and spiritual gifts and spiritual problems are discovered and addressed. The courage to allow the joy of Jesus to be the center of our thoughts and deeds and speech. The courage to deal with rejection and misunderstanding. The courage to see our workplaces and our neighborhoods and our homes as places to exercise our faith. For our church to grow, each one must have the courage and capacity to reach one. Everything in our future depends on this. Think of the power and the possibilities if all of us dealt with our barriers, discovered this courage and opened the doors of our lives. Yours faithfully,

And it still does. What will it take for Valley Presbyterian Church to grow? Preaching that honors scripture and connects to life? Yes. Music that glorifies God and moves hearts? Yes. Ministries to all the generations that teach, bless, encourage and comfort? Yes.

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

Who We Are happen in the basement of the Landes Center. “My sister’s down there- my older sister,” Sonora points out, “and I can annoy her more…”

5TH GRADE TRANSITION & CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION Valley Presbyterian Church has a story to tell. It’s a story about coming of age, deepening faith and understanding the ways we encounter God. One of the stops along our Children’s Ministry Milestones program is the transition from 5th to 6th grade. Most kids moving into 6th grade are starting middle school; it’s a time of excitement and anticipation for both parents and kids. It also signifies the move out of the Children’s Ministry program and into our Student Ministries. Recently 21 of our 5th graders, along with their families, were part of a worship service in the Chapel to celebrate the occasion. “I’m here because I am moving to youth group and I am showing my faith to everyone else and show that I believe in God,” states Mia. With an excited fist pump she laughs, “I’m going to the basement!” Most Student Ministry activities

Another 5th grader, Hannah, talks about the role her parents have played as she goes into 6th grade, “…they have always been there for me and always supported me. And now they’re seeing me move up to different level.” She goes on to talk about what she’s looking forward to, “I’m mostly excited about meeting new friends and learning more about God and Jesus and church.” In addition to the academic accomplishment and all the excitement that goes with it, the students have also been learning about Communion, what it means in the church and what it means for them. Sophia has a great perspective about it, “Communion means to me sort of a coming of age almost. I guess you’re old enough to actually celebrate and know what Communion means.” Others have a viewpoint that is a bit simpler, but not inaccurate. Chris says, “I like the Communion because…I get to eat.” And what a feast it is! Moving to a new school can be a great experience, but can also be filled with anxiety. As the 5th graders of Valley Presbyterian Church move into this new adventure, they do so learning more about the Savior that lives in them and works through them. On May 3 our 5th graders will assist the Pastors and Elders to administer Communion. It’s a culmination of what they’ve learned and another opportunity to be leaders in their community. Want to hear more about the 5th graders and their journey? Check out their interviews online: myvalleychurch.org/children.

Events

Get Connected Community Groups

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. May 7, Serving Family Promise at Valley Presbyterian Church May 14 & 21 meet at Chris Woodard’s home chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Sunday class on summer break. tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Sundays through May 17, 9-10 a.m. Room 409 davidturner@myvalleychurch.org

Beginning May 24 class on summer break.

Sunday class on summer break. dpeterson085@gmail.com May 9, Bubbly Boomer Brunch, 10 a.m. at the Rohns’ home in Cave Creek 2nd Thursdays, next meeting May 14, 6:30-8 p.m. Room 409 jeter@forbin.net

Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Calvin Center wild4uofa@aol.com meets year round Extra upcoming activities for 70s+

May 7 3 p.m. Mexican Train 5 p.m. Mexican dinner

May 14 4 p.m. Service project, meet in Fireside Room 5 p.m. Build your own sandwich & salad May 20 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch at Camelback Golf Club May 21 3 p.m. Card making class 5 p.m. Patriotic Picnic with hamburgers and baked beans May 28 3 p.m. Movie 5 p.m. Luau

SPORTS MINISTRY

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 Wednesday, May 27 11:45 a.m., Landes Center Lunch: $10

RSVP by Friday, May 22 to church office 480-991-6424

CRAFTERS’ BOUTIQUE

Every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-noon, Calvin Center Margaret Wheeler: 480-483-2609 Join us to create items for sale at Cooks’ Tour 2015.

Mission & Service SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED!

NURSERY

FAMILY PROMISE

MISSION HIGHLIGHTS

Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Our regular Sunday School teachers get a break for the summer; we are looking for summer substitutes for children 3y.o.-entering 1st grade at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Lessons will be prepared for you! You just need to show up ready to have fun with our wonderful kids! May 3-10 Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org We are excited to host four families at our church through our partnership with Family Promise. We will be opening our doors to these families, serving them dinner, and turning our church into their home. Thank you all for allowing our church to bless those in need. If you have questions contact Chris Woodard.

COOKS’ TOUR-White Elephant donations

Accepting Saturdays, 9-11 a.m., Cooks’ Tour shed Kay Koeb: 480-946-2624. Donate gently used clothing, household items, costume jewelry, books, toys, collectibles, exercise equipment and Silent Auction items.

Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@myvalleychurch.org Our nursery needs you! We’re looking for friendly, energetic folks who’d be willing to spend an hour or two in our nursery rooms once a month or once a year!

Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org * We had an incredible 3 on 3 basketball tournament at God’s Garden in South Phoenix. Over 200 people from the community came out and many relationships were built. * We were a sponsoring church for HopeFest. This was an incredible event where thousands of people were served from our community. * We are hosting 4 families from Family Promise this month. If you would like to be a part of these ministries or if you have any questions feel free to contact Chris Woodard.

Families CHILDREN

Tina Gilbreath tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

June 22-26 Everest...Conquering challenges with God’s mighty power! Registration online: myvalleychurch.org/ministries/children/ 2015-vacation-bible-school

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

Men’s NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN

David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Getting get tired of the same routine? Get involved with new opportunities, connect with men and grow your faith. If you’re interested in trying something new check out the following opportunities. “Food & Fun” Breakfast Saturday, May 9, 8:00-9:30 a.m., Fireside Room RSVP: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Cost: $5 The coffee will be hot and the breakfast will be amazing! Join us for an early morning corn-hole competition on the church patio by the fountain followed by a hearty breakfast and a brief devotional by Pastor David Joynt.

“TOP GOLF” Thursday, June 11, Top Golf Tom Hillman: AZhillmanAZ@gmail.com Cost: $20 Let the fun begin! We are reserving an evening at Top Golf to hang out and show our golf skills. For our starting time and to reserve your place, contact Tom Hillman. SAVE THE DATE: Men’s Fall Retreat September 25-27, Living Springs Camp in Sedona, Arizona Join us for our 2nd annual Men’s Retreat north of Sedona in the cool Oak Creek Canyon. The weekend is a great time to get away to recharge and relax in a beautiful and serene setting with a fun group of guys. The weekend will be filled with activities, great food and opportunities to go deeper with our God. Registration coming soon. 5

Care & Support DIVORCE RECOVERY

MENTAL HEALTH

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. Our spring DVD series and small group discussion covers Changes That Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud. Come join Divorce Recovery as we undertake this journey of healing and transformation.

Family 2 Family Classes in the East Valley

Changes That Heal: Spring DVD Series

REMEMBRANCE

Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of: Art Bahr George Beall Nona Butt William Engel Katherine Mitchell Rosella Robinson Jack Schuler Maurice Wallen

Bentley Bahr Richard (Dick) Berg Alfrieda Cable Bud Garvin Marian Pfeiffer Alfred Schiller Lillian Steele

Memorial Day Veteran Service of Remembrance

May 25, 2015, 8 a.m., Memorial Garden Gary Green: 480-812-9446, gjgreen@cox.net To add the name of a deceased veteran to the “Roll Call” contact Gary Green.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Debbie Martinez, Education Coordinator: 602-244-8166, namimaricopaedu@gmail.com 12-week series for persons who have adult loved ones suffering from serious mental illness.

Family Support Group

1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. Mountain View Presbyterian Church Tom Lacey: 480-467-9130

Mental Health 24-hour Crisis Line 602-222-9444

Marc Community Resources Inc.

Andy, Information and Referral Coordinator: 480-994-4407, Mentalhealthaz.org

DEACON MINISTRY

David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Tammy Milne: tammymilne@myvalleychurch.org Deacon Sunday was a huge success! Thank you to all of our Deacons for your time and energy promoting our wonderful ministries. Your efforts resulted in attracting over 20 new volunteers to help support your programs...but we are always looking for more. Contact Tammy Milne if interested. We also wish to thank those who donated almost $2400 to the Deacon Fund which supports the ministries as well as those in need in our VPC family and the community. Please be sure to watch the Deacon Video online at myvalleychurch.org.

Educational Enrichment

ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING Tracy Keller encore@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 165

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR COMPLETE! Thank you to everyone who helped engage, educate and equip our church and community. 2014-2015 Stats: • 3 Terms • 820 students enrolled • 102 course offerings • Over 250 new students Fall Term begins October 13, 2015. Catalogs will be mailed out the first week of August.

Volunteer curriculum coordinators met in April to ensure next year’s offerings continue to be fresh and exciting. We are grateful for their expertise and willingness to reach out to the community and recruit new faculty. We welcome your suggestions, so share your ideas.

ADULT EDUCATION STUDIES Wednesday evenings in June dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 168

Summer Series Begins June 3 Class information coming soon.

Church News

Through the generosity of many of our members and in partnership with the Valley Presbyterian Foundation, the church is able to initiate some much-needed campus repairs. By the anticipated completion date of July 2015, the Chapel and Crossing will have a new roof, new water pipes will run on the east side of campus and the Landes Center will receive 400 new chairs. If you want more information about these projects or other campus repair opportunities, contact Della Berg: dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org. Thank you to all who have helped to address the needs of our beautiful campus.

FINANCE

Kris Bahr: krisbahr@myvalleychurch.org Valley Presbyterian Church Finances Year to Date (Through March 31, 2015) Actual Budget Total income: $616,000 $653,000 Total expense: $529,000 $550,000 Total difference: $87,000* $103,000** *$87,000 difference represents several one-time yearly contributions **Current total contributions are $16,000 behind budget

NEWS FROM SESSION

Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session: 480-368-6567 On Saturday, April 18, the Session had a retreat to continue its study on Ordination Standards. At the monthly April meeting more time was devoted to the issue. An Annotated Bibliography on the Bible and Homosexuality was distributed; this is an on-going work and more references will be added. Church members are encouraged to suggest articles and books. If you would like a copy please contact Jeannie Wright, jeanniewright@myvalleychurch.org. The current list will be on the website soon. The Foundation reported over $80,000 was raised for “Fund the Need” projects: $23,916 to purchase 450 chairs for the Landes Center and $30,672 to repair the Crossing and Chapel roof were approved by the Session. A motion passed requesting $1,020 from the Foundation Preservation Fund for Phase One of a two-phase sign project, with the end result of a new church sign along McDonald Drive with the name of the church and service times. 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

Foundation FOUNDATION – MEET THE TRUSTEES Richard (Dick) Lockwood, Trustee 480-778-1829

Dick joined Valley Presbyterian Church in 2008 and became a Deacon in 2009, Treasurer of VPC and member of the Finance and Operations (F&O) Team in 2011. He became chairman of F&O in 2013, an Elder and President of VPC in 2014, and member of the P&O Committee. Dick and his wife Ruth moved to Scottsdale in 2004 from the Poconos in PA. They have four children, two grandchildren, and one new great granddaughter; their special needs son Kevin travels often from NJ and loves his church. Dick retired in 2000 as VP and Regional Manager-Europe for Verizon Intl. Wireless…he and Ruth spent 10 years as expatriates in New Zealand, The Czech Republic, and Italy. As an active member of VPC’s Finance Team, Dick knows how important it is to maintain a growing, thriving Foundation for the future benefit of our beautiful campus as well as our vital ministry programs. Family, travel, golf and exercise are important aspects of his life. Contact Dick if you have any questions regarding the Foundation and the ministries it supports.

Worship

Sermon Series through May 14 David Joynt, preaching May 24 Jordan Gustafson, preaching

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

May 31 David Turner, preaching Weekly Kilgore Chapel 8 & 11:45 a.m. Sanctuary 9 a.m. Landes Center 10:30 a.m. Communion May 3 Pastoral Staff David Joynt, David Turner Pastors Emeriti Thomas A. Erickson, G. Wooden Garvin Office will be closed on Monday, May 25