the
Valley Vine MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
May 2020
Volume sixty-five, Number four
Valley Presbyterian Church
IN THIS ISSUE:
Updates from VPC Ministries
Senior Pastor
DAVID JOYNT Benjamin Jowett offered an idiomatic translation of Plato’s Republic in 1871, and translated Book II section 396c, with a rhetorical flourish: “The true creator is necessity, who is the mother of invention.” Jowett may have known the Latin phrase, “Mater atrium necessitas,” the mother of invention is necessity. Regardless of its origins, this phrase has become not only a common aphorism but a common experience for all of us. Necessity is the mother of invention—particularly in a crisis. Wonderful women in our congregation produce headbands and masks for our first responders during a shortage. Your Senior Pastor gives himself a buzzcut in lieu of a barber. Nearly all of us adapt to technologies like Zoom and Facetime to hold meetings and keep connected. The COVID crisis has forced many new skills to be learned, many new practices adopted. Many of our members have had to apply old capacities in new ways. Parents have always been teachers but now they are frontline academic coaches every day. I have learned more about food collection, transport and distribution that I could ever have imagined. As I write this, Bashas is preparing another $15,000 order of goods for our Navajo Project, funded by fellow churches, including a $11,000 gift from Desert Palms Presbyterian Church. We are calculating boxes per family for 200 families for 2 weeks of food and a month of other supplies. Then we are calibrating numbers of boxes per pallet, and pallets per semi-truck. On this end there is collecting, sorting and packing; in the Navajo Nation there will be distribution. We will partner with Navajo churches in Luepp, Tuba City, Keyenta, Chinle, and Granado. At Keyenta, two other villages to the north and east will also participate, Ojotan and Dennahotso. At the Granado stop, families from Fort Defiance and Indian Wells will be picking up materials. The five stops will actually help nine areas. Please pray for the remainder of our work and for effective distribution. St. Mary’s Food Bank has supplied boxes and may also provide the transport. I want to thank all our VPC members for their generosity and all our sorting and packing crews for their energy and efficiency. Since you can’t come in and pick up our devotionals, which are still available in written form on our website, I have been learning how to do video devotionals. I hope to keep this up even when we are able to return to some form of regular worship. Your session has a sub-committee under Planning and Organization called Risk Management. They are helping us anticipate when and how to meet for worship as Arizona works through its phases of opening up. In the meantime, thanks to all our pastors and staff for their online and remote work. I’m amazed at the volume of events that have continued; Bible studies and Community Groups, educational meetings, experiences for children and youth, and lots of individual conversations of support and care for members and friends. You are a wonderful congregation and I am eager to see all of you in person. Lift up our nations, state, and local leaders, our medical experts and epidemiologists, our economists, and our VPC Session, as we figure out next steps. Pray for the defeat of COVID-19 and for the goodness and the glory of God to be known during this struggle. May His wisdom temper our decisions and his love overcome our fears.
2 Blessings to you in Jesus’ name,
Moving for ward
TOGETHER
God is good. His work through us all makes it possible to touch the lives of so many. Ministry outreach is important to our congregants and that is why we want to keep connected with you as well as be your spiritual resource as we all navigate through this unprecedented time brought about by the novel COVID-19, coronavirus. Our ministry leaders are currently working on a schedule of online events and resources to keep you engaged with daily Bible studies, devotionals, cyber events, and our weekly worship service. Sign-up to receive the latest news about what is happening on and off campus at vpc.church. God bless. Choose to connect: Many of the things we did in person are still happening, but in new and different ways. Family Ministry, Student Ministry, and Congregational Care are just a few examples of areas that are sending out resources and staying connected. VPC's website has resources for all ages and stages and is updating frequently. Keep in touch with VPC: Website: vpc.church Facebook: facebook.com/valleypresbyterian Instagram: 'vpc.church' Choose to praise: vpc.church/worship VPC is still gathering to worship every Sunday! The forms and timing may feel different, but God is still glorified. Each Sunday at 9AM, we will have a worship experience on the VPC website and on Facebook. Look for an email Sundays by 9AM with instructions. Choose to support: vpc.church/give VPC still needs your financial and prayer support in these difficult times. God is at work at VPC, and the vital ministries and mission partners are still serving our community and world. If you have not done so, we invite you to set up online giving. It's safe and secure, and you can also set up reoccurring payments. If you have questions or need assistance walking through the initial set-up, call Kris Bahr: 480-991-6424 ext. 112. We may be physically separated from each other, but we know that we will make it through this season together. VPC is a place where you can Belong because VPC can be a part of each of your homes and lives. Blessings and safety to you from the VPC staff 3
C are &
SUPPORT Help Through the Crisis I recently read a story that underscored how some in our society have responded to inconveniences or the fear of the unknown due to the coronavirus pandemic with impatience or selfish hoarding. Anyone looking for paper goods or disinfectant at the grocery store know what I’m talking about. I've seen that the quote, “Crisis doesn’t create character, crisis reveals character,” is real in today's society. But when I think about our church, I see a different story. In the middle of this crisis, knowing that some people have been laid-off or their small businesses are struggling, we have had so many lives set aside funds to help alleviate some financial stress. These people are caring beyond themselves, they are living the vision God has for the church. If you are experiencing financial stress from being laid-off or the closure of your small business, we encourage you to contact one of the pastors, we would love to talk with you and help as we can. VPC is a family and caring for each other is what families do. —Pastor Dave Turner
Communit y
GROUPS
20-30s: The Book of Galatians presented by Kyle Idleman 6:30PM, 2nd & 4th Thursdays, via Zoom Questions? Email Chris: chrisw@vpc.church Through biblical study and engaging lessons, Kyle shows that true freedom is found in surrender, not self-dependence. Because our gospel is not one based on our works, but faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Be sure to watch the Right Now Media presentation prior to our group meeting at rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/229928. Kaleidoscope: Studying the Book of Luke Sundays, 10:30AM, via Zoom Email Ed Glady to get the Zoom link: beglady@gmail.com There is also a weekly email that is sent out recapping the week's study and connecting the group to opportunities at VPC. Kaleidoscope is also sending out a daily shelter-in-place devotional. Boomers: Study with Bill McKee Sundays, 11AM, via Zoom Register: vpc.church/classes The study loosely follows Life Without Lack 4 by Dallas Willard.
Discipleship &
SPIRITUAL GROWTH Looking for a way to connect? Many of our classes are continuing to meet via ZOOM.
New One-time Opportunity:
God in My Mess: Staying Emotionally Healthy During the Covid-19 Crisis Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30PM, via ZOOM Registration required: vpc.church/classes We want to invite you to join us for this special opportunity that will encourage and equip you to navigate this new terrain and all the normal feelings that accompany change, uncertainty, and social distancing. Hear from Dr. Shelly Reed, PsyD, S-PSB, as she responds to your questions, shares ideas, and provides education on ways to cope with the impact of COVID-19 on you and those you love. —Beth Glady, Discipleship & Spirtual Growth Elder
Family
MINISTRY Are you juggling work with full time parent responsibilities? Navigating second grade math for the second time? We understand no matter what age child(ren) you have your life has changed during the current circumstances. We know your child(ren)’s faith is important to you too, so we are providing simple and easy ways for you to keep nurturing your child(ren)’s faith during this unusual season. Join Children's Ministry for midweek! It’s as easy as… 1. Get our weekly email: we send out lessons and activities for your family to grow in faith. 2. VPC Kids Zoom, Wednesdays 5:45-6PM, K-2nd Grade small group time, 6PM, all ages join us for the message, 6:15, 3rd-5th grade small group Families receive an email with links to VPC Kids Zoom and a video link for preschoolers. Don't miss extra special small group times too! 3. Different printables or activities will be included in the email for midweek. Join us Sunday is a easy, too. Look for the VPC email with worship information and click on the Sunday Parent Guide. It will include ‘home church-family worship’ activities and printables that will connect to the Sunday sermon and children’s message. Just print these out before worship and your child(ren) can do them before, during or after the online Sunday worship experience. We miss you ALL and look forward to being able to connect in person again soon. In the meantime, please know that our children’s ministry team (staff and volunteers) are here for you and praying for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any special requests, concerns, or questions. —Tina Gilbreath, Family Ministry Director
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Men's
MINISTRY Early in the morning this week some VPC men gathered via Zoom to continue our study in the book of James. Some of the guys were proudly showing off their "quarantine beards," others, like me, had tired eyes, sipping coffee to wake up. We spent time catching up and shared how our lives have been affected by COVID-19. It was a special moment; we could be honest with each other about how we were doing, and it created a continued sense of community. We began our study of James with section titled, "Patience in Suffering," – I thought to myself, this is a divine appointment (we picked this study back in August). This passage is full of hope. It is a reminder that, yes, we will all suffer at some point in our lives, but God is present in these difficult times, continually restoring us and refining us through the process. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trial of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4 God is interested in our happiness and our holiness. I do not have to go through this testing alone; there is VPC's community. Join us Wednesday nights via Zoom for our study in Galatians. We will continue to foster community and support each other as we dive into God’s word. I believe that God is present in this moment and is doing a wonderful work in our lives! —Pastor Chris Woodard
Mission
MINISTRY VPC is spearheading a program to secure food and supplies to be delivered to the Navajo Nation. We are working with the PCUSA, Bashas’ Grocer, Shamrock Farms, and St. Mary’s Food Bank to respond to the request of community leaders of the Navajo Nation. Hundreds of families across the Navajo Nation are in extremely remote places and are without basic needs due to stortages and limited access to stores. This partnership ensures those families will receive food and cleaning supplies to help bridge the gap during this period. If you would like to be part of this effort you can donate supplies (the list of needed items is at vpc.church/mission) or volunteer to receive and pack goods at the church. Please contact me if you are able to help: chrisw@vpc.church. VPC is also making a difference in our local community. Our mission partner MentorKids USA has identified families without necessary tools for children to continue their education online from home. VPC has committed to ensure these children have what they need to succeed in school by donating $2,500 to purchase Chromebooks. These have already started to be delivered, and the families are incredibly grateful. Their children can continue school and will not fall behind in their education. VPC has also committed $10,000 to Family Promise as a matching grant through Help Us Move In. Funds will go directly to meet the financial needs of over 100 families in Family Promises's graduate program, who are some of the most vulnerable right now. This will keep families in homes and keep families together. Thank you for being a church that is led by God’s love to respond to the needs of our community. 6 —Pastor Chris Woodard
Music &
WORSHIP Worship sure looks a lot different right now, doesn’t it? The music department is working hard to bring you inspirational music every week. We hope you enjoy our musical selections as much as we enjoy making them. The VPC staff is really honing our skills in broadcasting! (Led by Mike Vreeland). Every week we get better as a team and production staff. The hardest part about this time apart has been the absence of our the Chancel Choir, which is such a vital ministry in our church. Not being able to share music with each other and with you has been heartbreaking for all of us. We stay connected through phone calls and emails, and during Holy Week I recorded a daily song and devotional that I sent to them. Physical distancing makes it impossible to gather, and when singing together is what connects us, it is hard! On Easter Sunday, you saw a project that VPC Assistant Minister of Music, Julia Tucker, was involved with. A friend of hers reached out with an idea to record a virtual Hallelujah Chorus! Julia recorded the organ accompaniment, then singers were asked to record themselves singing and send their video in. The outcome was fantastic, and fun to be a part of! We hope to do a something similar with our Valley Singers in the coming weeks. Speaking of Julia, she passed her doctoral comprehensive exams this week!! Congrats (soon to be) Dr. Julia! Music can lift our spirits during this time, and I hope you’re finding ways to use music in your lives. I’m singing to my neighbors twice a week (even taking requests!). Music brings people together and I’m blessed to be able to share that with people. We miss you all, but in the meantime, we’ll be there for you each Sunday online! —Jennifer Hamm, Minister of Music
Student
MINISTRY Quarantine Crew Zoom Hangout Sessions Tuesday-Friday, Middle School: 1PM, High School: 3PM Email Travis: travisk@vpc.church or Karley: karleyg@vpc.church for passwords You will need to download the Zoom app in order to connect. This is a time to connect and love one another while following social distancing guidelines. Please let us know if these times do not work for your students as they begin online classes, we are flexible on these times. We aren't sure what various schools are doing and would love your help to find the best time to meet. Forest Home Camp for Middle & High School Students Sunday, July 19-Friday, July 24, Cost: $530 Details & registration: vpc.church/students As of right now, our trip to Forest Home is still ON! Please stay tuned for updates regarding Forest Home. Any decision to attend or cancel this trip will be made to put your students' safety and protection first. We will be asking for full payments (which are refundable if the trip is canceled at a later date). Student Sunday is May 17 Worship on this Sunday will be awesome! We are excited to incorporate many of our students into the experience. —Grace & Peace, Pastor Travis Kigma
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Women's
MINISTRY None Like Him, 10 Ways God is Different From Us by Jen Wilkin Fridays bi-weekly,9:30AM, via Zoom Register: vpc.church/classes You are invited to be part of our small group community where we encourage, support, and grow in God’s word. We meet to build relationships with each other and to explore together how to apply the Gospel to our lives. Jen Wilkin is a speaker, writer and teacher of women’s Bible studies. Other books by Jen Wilkin include In His Image and Women of the Word. —Karley Wilke-Nadler, Women's Ministry
Communications
TEAM
Connection is everything. During this strange, challenging season in our lives, our connections are more important than ever. Our connections to our families, friends, and faith community are a barometer for our spiritual, mental, and emotional health. Through our spheres of isolation we see how much we need the connections that make up the rhythms of our lives. Times like these highlight the unique purpose a faith community plays in society. I cannot imagine trying to navigate this global crisis without the friendships and foundation that VPC provides. I worry for those who are not connected to a community of faith, to those without the web of spiritual and emotional support that a church provides. And I know that there are those even within our community who feel isolated and alone. That is why it is so important for us to stay connected to you. The VPC Communications Team is working each day to create opportunities to connect with your faith. From worship services to devotionals, songs, and social media posts, we know that we are stronger together, with our common faith to bind us. Please let us know how we can be here for you in these trying times. Is there a facet of your experience at VPC that we can create virtually? We welcome your ideas and encouragement as we work to bring the vibrant and vital VPC community to you. Stay safe and stay healthy. 8 —Mike Vreeland, Communications Director
Valley Day
SCHOOL
It was with a heavy heart that we closed the doors to Valley Day School during that second week of March. These were choices I’d never imagined I’d have to make, conversations I'd never imagined I’d ever have to have, let alone with 126 families. These were and are unprecedented times, and the safety of our families and staff weighed heavily on our decision making. But we weren’t alone. Businesses, schools, and organizations across the country were wrestling with the same decisions. Endless questions that raced through my mind: how would our school survive this closure? What would this mean for our preschool families? When would we be able to reopen? I’ve never had to rely on God’s Word and His direction more closely than during these past six weeks. He has provided wisdom when we’ve needed it most. He has calmed fears when our hearts have been overwhelmed. Through all of the uncertainty, God has been right beside us. This pandemic has eliminated our ability to make plans and challenged our creativity in more ways than I can count. During those early days of quarantine, we struggled to come up with ways we could still support the children and families of the Valley Day School. In a situation like we’ve never experienced before, we discovered new ways to reach out and new ways to connect. By the end of March, our preschool teachers were Zooming with their classes, making videos of story time from their homes, and facilitating virtual "show and tells." Ms. Sunshine was filming music lessons and Ms. Susie was linking her weekly chapel lessons to YouTube. We were connecting with our families throughout the week in very different ways. We were praying for them more. At times our work has felt disorganized and not as polished as what kids would have experienced in the classroom. But God loves to create beauty from ashes, doesn’t He? He has been using our preschool ministry to do big things in the midst of challenge, and it has been incredible to see His hand in all of it. Valley Day School is still here. We’re working from our homes like many of you. We’re busy teaching preschool via the internet and dreaming about next fall. We can’t wait to be back on campus with all of our students, and we’d love to ask for your prayers. Pray for our teachers who are scrambling to learn all kinds of new technology in order to reach families the best way they can. Pray for our families - some who have lost jobs, some who are medical professionals working on the front lines of this disease, and pray for those who are searching for meaning in all of this. Our doors will open again sometime soon. It may look different when they do, but whatever change may come our way, we can lean into the promise that we have an amazing God directing our path. —Meghan Gottfredson, Valley Day School Director
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Valley Presby terian
FOUNDATION
Valley Presbyterian Foundation Scholarship Program Applications available May 1, applications due June 1, vpc.church/foundation Supporting the higher education of our students and community is so important! That’s why Valley Presbyterian Foundation Trustees are happy to once again offer academic scholarships. Since 2010, VPF has awarded over 147 scholarships to our applicants. Our scholars have served their church and community by displaying their faith and using their God-given talents. Our goal is to offer greater financial help for the students requesting help in furthering their studies to attain their career goals. The VPF Scholarship is available to the following personnel who are members of VPC; • Undergraduate college students • Graduate Students • High School Seniors attending a college, university, community college or an accredited trade school • VPC Staff Applications are available online beginning Friday, May 1 and must be submitted by Monday, June 1 to be considered for scholarship. All applicants should carefully read through the guidelines prior to applying. We will notify all those who applied of their status on Monday, June 15. The growth of the Foundation is vital to our church community. It is through the Foundation’s donor program that our church can offer scholarships in the form of education and supplemental activity funds to our students and families, as well as many other costs. That is why we need your help. Contact Kris Bahr, krisb@vpc.church, to learn more about how you can continue to give past your lifetime as a Legacy Giver. Congratulations to all that are moving ahead in their lives. VPF is proud to be part of this growing portion of your life.
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News from
SESSION
Session met virtually Tuesday, April 21. It was decided services would continue to be delivered digitally. No determination on when Sunday worship would reconviene on campus.
Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns: 480-368-6567.
—Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
Finances &
OPERATIONS
Thank You!!!
On behalf of our entire staff, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you have continued to support the mission and ministries of VPC over the past several weeks. When the painful decision to move worship services to online only was made mid-March, there was a lot of uncertainty as to how this might impact the church. However, your response has been simply overwhelming. The number of families who contribute online has risen from about 50 per month to over 100 in the last 30 days. Many others continue to mail in checks, both for Faith Giving and for A New Heart for the Valley. Giving for the month of April is on target with both budget and prior year – praise God! —Kris Bahr, Finance & Operations Director 480-991-6424 ext. 112, krisb@vpc.church
VPC finances year-to-date as of March 31, 2020 Income
Actual $
Budget $
Variance $
Faith Giving Other Income Total Income
554,700 86,700 641,400
560,000 86,100 646,100
-5,300 600 -4,700
Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility *Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Worship & Music Total Expense
112,800 237,200 14,600 74,900 50,100 489,600
113,700 242,300 15,300 89,700 52,500 513,500
900 5,100 700 14,800 2,400 23,900
151,800
132,600
19,200
Expense
Net Income less Expense
*In addition, $61,700 mission support to MentorKids, Family Promise, Ministry of Hope and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance provided upon repurposing of VPF Kurz Scholarship Fund.
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