November 2015 by Valley Presbyterian Church

VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church

November 2015

Volume 60, Number 10

Dear friends, Within the human story there are special places and particular moments where reputations are won, where fortunes are made and where lives are enabled. Prizes are given in Stockholm for discoveries in science that forever identify the winners as Nobel Laureates. On baseball diamonds, legends are created in October. Football heroes are identified in January under the glare of Super Bowl lights. It is when plays sell on Broadway, when critics applaud at Carnegie Hall, when paintings are unveiled at the Getty, that artistic endeavors acquire the patina of greatness. Fortunes are created and success acknowledged when the bell is rung on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

So does the Kingdom Story unfolding all around us. Each of us plays a different part in that story, a unique role, determined by our particular talents and opportunities. But all of us can advance the plot by being generous. Generosity is the great equalizer in Christian endeavor. For generosity is proportionate and not absolute. No matter what we own or how much we earn, whether rich or poor, we can be generous in proportion to our income and capacity. Generosity is a shared task, because through generosity, the other kinds of work are made possible. Without generosity, there is no witness offered, no justice sought, no love embodied, no comfort given. Generosity is the footnote in every Kingdom sentence. God celebrates, and will reward, all we do and say in His name – especially our generosity. I hope you can attend November 22 and celebrate the reality of this generosity. If you come and listen carefully, you will hear the applause of heaven. Yours faithfully,

In every area of human endeavor, there are stars and pioneers. I will never be among them. Most of us never experience these rarified moments of recognition and acclaim. We will never lead a fourth quarter drive to win a championship, close out a seventh game, grace the front of the Wall Street Journal, push the frontier of science back, or captivate a crowd whose paid eagerly for the privilege of experiencing our creative talents. Yet within the Kingdom Story, within the everlasting story of grace and redemption, you and I can earth the applause of the citizens of heaven, and the grateful regard of our Creator God. Heaven values our acts of faithful kindness, our triumphs over temptation, our fruitful witness, our hard-won integrity — these too are marks of greatness. The earthly story has its heroes with their dazzling talents.

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 Valley Presbyterian Church has a story to tell. It’s a story from the other side of the world, where our Malawi Mission Team found a deep and abiding passion for Jesus from people living in profound poverty, bereft of an entire generation of parents wiped out from AIDS. Hear it from two of the team members: I learned so much from the mission to Malawi with Ministry of Hope. I learned gratitude for what I have in the United States, including family and friends and my basic needs met on a daily basis. I learned compassion for people in need of medical care, attention, and food. I learned what commitment looks like from Ministry of Hope volunteers who have served for over a decade and bring their whole heart to Malawi each year. Most of all, I learned how much Christians in the United States need Christians in Malawi. Christians in Malawi embody worship in an incredible way. I have never seen a group of multiple generations love one another, worship, and connect to God in the way I saw Malawian men, women, and children sing and praise our Lord. -Elizabeth Arendt

I reflect on the fact that when God is the common denominator between us, we share many blessings. I adventured on a trip to one of the poorest countries in the world 10,000 miles away, with three people I barely knew. Once in Africa we joined another United States MOH mission team, MOH staff, and African Bible College students. The thousands of MOH adults and children villagers all knew God, and that’s why it worked. If you ask any person- from any of the above groups of people- they will claim that they individually were the one blessed. When we serve God together we each are blessed in many different ways. -Kathleen Forcucci

Mission & Service VPC MISSION AT WORK:

Our Malawi Mission Team had an amazing time working with Ministry of Hope. Our church was able to provide mobile medical clinics, food for over 2,500 orphans, support to the crisis nursery and much more. Cardboard City in Scottsdale with Family Promise was a huge success. Hundreds gathered for fellowship, packing hygiene kits and sleeping outside in the rain in cardboard boxes. Our church has begun a partnership with Healthy Packs and Navajo Elementary to provide weekend meals for children identified by the school as in need of food.

45 ANNIVERSARY OF COOKS’ TOUR th

Join us on Friday, November 6, 2015 Get your tickets now. Helen Wolfe: 480-994-0035 & Beryl Hassig: 480-905-1257 Home Tour: $25: Luncheon: $15 Online: myvalleychurch.org/cookstour or Call: 480-991-6424 FEATURING: Crafter’s Boutique, Costume Jewelry, Silent Auction, Home Tour (beautiful homes), Kitchen Treasures, Luncheon, White Elephant Sale. Over $1 million has been raised over the past 45 years to support mission needs in our church, our community, and throughout the globe. Join us for this annual opportunity to bless others across the city and around the world.

THIRD SATURDAY WORK PROJECT

Saturday, November 21 Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org We will be partnering with First Pentecostal Church, MentorKids USA and KABOOM! to build a playground space in God’s Garden in our South Phoenix Promise Neighborhood. If you would like to help with this build day, sign up: myvalleychurch.org/mission

MentorKids

Mondays, 3-5 p.m. Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Join our group who goes to MentorKids USA to help with their afterschool reading program.

ICM FOOD BANK

Mondays and Tuesdays Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Volunteer teams help sort clothes, stock pantry shelves or greet clients. Weekly carpool, contact Chris Woodard.

Events

INQUIRERS’ CLASS November 8, 12:30 p.m. Fireside Room

Inquirers’ Class

Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers?

2016 COMMITMENT CARDS “I get to see God at work every day, to dream Kingdom dreams and to encourage generosity. I am given the privilege of asking you to invest in God’s Kingdom, which is the best investment anyone can ever make.” -Pastor David Joynt

What investment will you make in God’s Kingdom in 2016? Bring your Commitment Card on Sunday, November 22.

3RD SATURDAY MISSION PROJECT

Saturday, November 21

VPC joins First Pentecostal Church, MentorKids USA and KABOOM! to build a playgroud in God’s Garden in our South Phoenix Promise Neighborhood. We need your help to make this a success!

Sign-up online: myvalleychurch.org/mission

Families STUDENTS CHILDREN

Tina Gilbreath tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED

TAKE IT HOME EVENTS

Kinder Prayer: for parents of Kindergarten November 8, 10:40-11:40 p.m., Room 415/416 This class is designed to teach techniques and equip families to pray frequently with their children. To help them be more comfortable with a variety of approaches, tips and techniques for age appropriate prayers. Cheerful Giver: for parents of 2nd grade November 15, 10:40-11:40 p.m., Room 415/416 This class is designed to help families talk about stewardship and put in place some of the elements of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace class with their children.

EXPLORERS! Games, Music and Theater

Tuesdays, through December 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org 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: jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.org The Gathering 9 a.m., Landes Basement Jr. & Sr. High Sunday gatherings Midweek Gathering Landes Basement Jr. High, 6-8 p.m. Sr. High, 7-9 p.m.

CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED

ALL CHURCH ADVENT WREATH/LUMINARIA PARTY

November 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Landes Center Opportunity to come together as a church family to celebrate and prepare for Advent, and to take home materials to continue that preparation as a family at home.

CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

Childcare is available at events and programs where you see the “Childcare Bear.” To reserve space email: nursery@myvalleychurch.org

Educational Enrichment To register for classes, local trips, or purchase Speaker Series tickets, please visit

CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED

EncoreUniv.org.

ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING

WEDNESDAY CLASSES

Tracy Keller: tracykeller@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 165

September 30-October 21 October 28-November 18 Learning From Our Ancestors: Dr. David Joynt 4:30-5:30 p.m., Chapel

SATURDAY MORNING SPEAKER SERIES November 14, 8:30 a.m., Landes Center, Tickets: $25 Featuring: Robert Robb, The Arizona Republic Editorial Columnist and Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl Topic: Policy Making & Politics

Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@myvalleychurch.org

God & Horrendous Evil: Dr. Andrew Pitts 6:30-7:30 p.m., Chapel A.D.- The Bible Continues: David Turner & Ed Glady 6:30-8 p.m., Calvin Center

How the Scriptures Came to Us: Bill McKee CANCELLED

Travel Opportunity December 10, Prescott Day Trip “Everybody’s Hometown” Come enjoy a guided tour of historic downtown of Prescott, Arizona. Lunch at the Hassayampa Inn and view the holiday lights in the Courtyard Plaza. Help Wanted Café Cashier, Office Assistance, and Volunteers. Consider only two hours a week for Encore University.

Get Connected COMMUNITY GROUPS: For more information visit: myvalleychurch.org/community_groups Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m., Member’s home Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org Come and enjoy fellowship and friendship, whether you’re in college or starting your career. Sundays, 9-10 a.m., The Crossing 104 Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org Join others for discussion-based study in class, plus social/service activities year-round. Sundays, 9-10 a.m., Room 409 David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Connects families with older kids, singles, and blended families. Bible study, social events, and service projects. Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Fireside Room Sarah Burnette: sarahwiggins@gmail.com Empty nesters celebrating the opportunity to grow together in faith and fellowship. 2nd Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Crossing 104 Judith Robins: judithrobins@reagan.com Active seniors gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Calvin Center Thursday Fellowship: November 12, 3 p.m. Mexican Train, 5 p.m. Dinner, Fireside Room November 19, 3 p.m. Card Making, 5 p.m. Dinner, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: November 19, 11:30 a.m., Camelback Golf Club Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com

SPORTS MINISTRY

Della Berg: dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org, 480-991-6242 ext. 168 • Basketball: men, all ages, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. • Basketball: youth, ages 8-16, Sundays, 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m. • Line Dancing: adults, Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon • Martial Arts: ages 5 & up, Thursdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. • Pickleball: ages 8-108, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays 6-8 p.m. • Sportball: ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15 p.m. • Twinkle Toes Dance: ages 3-5, Mondays, Room 404, 2:15-3 p.m. Join the fun and fellowship!

All activities in Landes Center unless noted.

Music & Arts Note from Minister of Music…

Jennifer Hamm: jenniferhamm@myvalleychurch.org

CHANCEL CHOIR

Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m., Choir Room Come sing with the choir!

HANDBELL CHOIR

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Handbell Room Visit if interested in what’s involved in playing handbells. No commitment, come and try it out!

SAVE THE DATE: CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Monday, December 14, 7 p.m., Sanctuary “A Baby Changes Everything” Chancel Choir, 10:30 Worship Team, and members of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.

PHOENIX GIRLS CHORUS CONCERT

Sunday, November 15, 4 p.m., Sanctuary The two advanced Phoenix Girls’ Chourus ensembles, Bella and Cantabile, will share selections from their recent fall concert as well as an exclusive preview of music programmed on upcoming holiday and spring concerts. Featured on this program are movements from Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” as well as beautiful settings of folk, spiritual, and sacred texts. You will be transported by the luminous sounds and the lovely spirit of these talented young women... don’t miss this special performance at Valley Presbyterian Church! Free will offering.

Care & Support CONGREGATIONAL CARE

DIVORCE RECOVERY

REMEMBRANCES

A five-week workshop designed for men and women who are at any stage of the divorce process. Cost: $10 Scholarships are available. Register online: myvalleychurch.org/divorcerecovery

David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Tammy Milne: tammymilne@myvalleychurch.org Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of: Martha Ahner Jean Campbell John Clay Sr. Millie Frantz Chuck Jenkins Elizabeth McMillan Fred Merrill Carole Schwenn Matthew Werner

CARE GIVER’S MINISTRY WORKSHOP

Saturday, November 7, 8:30 a.m.– noon, Fireside Room

Valley Presbyterian Church has a heart for those in need. We will be offering a workshop for those who would like to be involved in the care-giving ministries as well as those already involved. Representatives of Hospice of the Valley and Banner Healthcare will be participating. Continental breakfast provided. Register online: myvalleychurch.org/caregivers

NAMI BASICS EDUCATION PROGRAM

Saturdays, November 7-21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Calvin Center

Sponsored by: Valley’s Mental Health Leadership Team Free three-session program is designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Registration required: namimaricopaedu@gmail.com or call 602-759-8177. Space is limited.

Tuesdays, November 10-December 8, 6:30-8 p.m., Room 409 Facilitated by Sheila Rud, MC, LPC, CSAT

MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY

Appointment: 480-991-6424 ext. 114, leave a message Individual, couple, and family counseling provided by Marriage and Family Therapy interns from Fuller Seminary, available to all for no cost.

GRIEF SUPPORT SESSIONS

Wednesdays, through November 18 Facilitated by Stephen Ministers: Karen Annis and Ken Royer

Registration through Encore University is encouraged.

HOUSE OF PRAYER

Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org Signup: myvalleychurch.org/hop or contact Leslie

VPC is a faith community that believes in the power of prayer. Last year the members of our church were prayed for each day by more than 250 “House of Prayer” participants. Would you like to be a part of this life-changing venture? Sign up today and in a few weeks you’ll receive your (short!) list of people to pray for.

Women RECEIVE WEEKLY WOMEN’S MINISTRY EMAIL:

Send your name and email to: Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org

WOMEN’S MINISTRY BIBLE STUDY

CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED

Every other Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. Every other Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org Study: Chase by Jennie Allen.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED

Fridays, November 6 (off campus), November 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Calvin Center 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. Open to moms throughout the community.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN LUNCHEON & SPEAKER

Wednesday, November 18, Landes Center, $10 Phoenix Art Museum presents Christmas through the Ages. RSVP by November 13, 480-991-6424

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CIRCLES Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com

Presbyterian Women (PW) is a national independent organization of more than 300,000 women within the Presbyterian Church. All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible.

Tuesday, November 10 Mary: 9:30 a.m., Jeanne Campo/Barbara McCreary, 480-994-4116 Westminster Village Saguaro Room Wednesday, November 11 Esther: 9:30 a.m., Candy Unruh 5426 E. Morrison Ln., 480-609-2862 Naomi: 11:30 a.m., Katie Bailey 5418 E. Campo Bello Dr., 602-971-8582 Rebekah: 9:30 a.m., Jan Riedel 8408 E. Del Camino Dr., 480-922-9719 Rachel: 9:30 a.m., Lara Robinson VPC Chapel Parlor, 602-867-1570 Ruth: 12:00 p.m., Ruth Rehfeldt/Joyce Jennings VPC Room 409, 480-991-6424

Church News SESSION

NEWS FROM SESSION Session did not meet in July or August, but passes three motions by email vote: -Approving an emergency baptism in San Diego, California; David Turner baptized a very ill friend of his family’s, Walter Anderson Turner, Jr. (no relation) who is a believer but never baptized. -Approving calling a Special Congregation Meeting on September 20th electing Dick and Lynda Coffelt as Deacons to fill out terms of two resigning Deacons and to extend Deacon Debbie Cox’s term for an additional year to fill an unexpired term. -Approving two Special Communions to be held while the Mission Team is in Malawi, September 26 at the ministry seminar Valley is sponsoring and October 3 at the youth clinic. During the September meeting Session received a report from Krissy Miskovsky, Web and Social Media Administrator, on an upcoming update for VPC’s website. Session turned down a request from retired Pastor Tom Erickson, asking that, upon the Erickson’s passing, the income from the VPC Foundations’ Erickson Fund go to their retirement community’s Memory and Wellness Campaign; there is clear wording in the agreement that at the passing of the Ericksons, the income from the Fund go to a VPC project approved by the Foundation. Session also passed motions: -To host Robert Felix’s ordination ceremony at VPC -To purchase new video equipment to record in worship spaces and get services online more efficiently. -To approve a policy change to employee leave to permit two weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave -To approve new staff evaluation forms. Session spent time discussing the Ordination Standards Seminars. It reviewed the recent ruling of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission:

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

Due to a recent ruling of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, VPC cannot adopt additional language regarding chastity and fidelity to be added to the constitutional standards set forth in the Book of Order, G-2.01 04. The recent ruling states: As in Randall Bush et al. v. the Presbytery of Pittsburgh (remedial Case 218-10, 2008) and Barlow J. Buescher et al.v. The Presbytery of Olympia (Remedial Case 218-09, 2008), when Presbytery combined current Book of Order language from G-2.01 04a with former Book of Order language G-6.01 06 b, it created at least a perception of an improper restatement of the Constitution. As this Commission stated in both Bush and Buescher, ‘(r)estatements of the Book of Order, in whatever form they are adopted, are themselves an obstruction to the same standard of constitutional governance no less than attempts to depart from mandatory provisions. PJC 221-0,2012, Larson et al v. Pby of Los Ranchos. There is no specific prohibition in the Book of Order against a session or presbytery ordaining or installing a person involved in a same-sex relationship. There is also no requirement to ordain if a candidate does not fulfill requirements of constitutional questions, Scripture or the confessions as determined by an ordaining council (session). Therefore, the session of VPC will be reviewing and refining its current process for examining individual candidates for ordination as Pastor, Elder or Deacon to determine, on a case by case basis, the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill the requirements as expressed in the Book of Order, G-2.0104 and G-2.0402, Scripture, and the confessions, and the candidate’s willingness to affirm all the constitutional questions for ordination and installation set forth in the Book of Order W-4.4003. Further, Session will not create protocol that precludes a case by case analysis. The Session looks forward to hearing comments from the Congregation and hopes to vote on the issue in early November. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session

FINANCE

Kris Bahr: krisbahr@myvalleychurch.org Valley Presbyterian Church Finances Year to Date through September 30, 2015 Actual Budget Total income $1,708,700 $1,770,500 Total expense $1,676,700 $1,725,700 Difference $32,000 $44,800

AMAZON SMILE

Amazon Smile is a unique way to support organizations like VPC when you shop online. Learn more at: myvalleychurch.org Under What’s New

Combined Thanksgiving Eve Service

Wednesday, November 25, 6 p.m. Mountain View Presbyterian Church Join Pastors David Joynt and Steve Beard, listen to the amazing combined choirs!

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

November 1

Pastor David Joynt

November 8

Chris Woodard

November 15 Pastor David Joynt November 22 Pastor David Joynt November 29 Pastor David Joynt Weekly Kilgore Chapel 8 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Sanctuary 9 a.m. Landes Center 10:30 a.m. Communion November 1 Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 25, 6 p.m. Mountain View Presbyterian Church Pastors Steve Beard & David Joynt Pastoral Staff David Joynt, David Turner Pastors Emeriti Thomas A. Erickson, G. Wooden Garvin