VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
November 2016
Volume 61, Number 10 As you know from this fall sermon series, we aim to improve our ministry in seven areas. We hope for Deeper Devotion, Wider Witness, Richer Relationships, Greater Generosity, Stronger Service, Closer Caring, and Purer Praise. We have made strides in each of these areas over the last two years, and there are exciting things coming over the next 12 months.
Dear friends, It is wise to approach the task of planning, especially
ministry planning, with considerable humility. Thomas à Kempis, who wrote the treatise “The Imitation of Christ,” penned these words 500 years ago: “For the resolutions of the just depend rather on the grace of God than on their own wisdom; and in Him they always put their trust, whatever they take in hand. For man proposes, but God disposes; neither is the way of man in his own hands.” This thought still inhabits our language today in shortened form. Man proposes. God disposes. Long before Thomas à Kempis, the author of Proverbs suggested “A man’s heart devises his way; but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) The sovereign influence of God over history’s direction is a cornerstone of our faith and theology—and a warning to all who would make plans independently of God’s purposes. But humility and warning give way to confidence and excitement when our planning lines up with God’s will and way. Then planning Christian ministry becomes a vital and hopeful endeavor centering on discernment and discovery. What is God calling us to do and be together? When his purposes and our plans coincide, get ready, because we will see the Kingdom coming! With this in mind, your pastors, your Session, and your staff have been in planning mode. The result is a new Ministry Plan which focuses on the seven challenges our church faces and our current and coming responses. Now it is your turn! The Ministry Plan is viewable online at vpc.church, and hard copies are also available. Any good plan is a working plan, and your reaction is the key to the future of ministry at VPC. Your prayers, your suggestions, your involvement, and your support are vital. Is anything missing? Out of proportion? Incorrect?
But our staff and Session agree that the central focus over the next three years will be Deeper Devotion and Wider Witness. Deeper Devotion impacts every other area of our life directly. Intimacy with Jesus is the goal and secret of our individual lives and our life together. He is the vine, and we are the branches, and our health and growth depend on our connection to Him. He is the source of our direction, and our power; He provides the truth and love we share with one another and with the world; our life and joy are found in Him. Great disciples make great churches! As a 21st Century American congregation, we face a generational challenge harder than VPC has ever faced before. Our secular society and many of our social practices have displaced the church from the center of our culture. We need a Wider Witness! But thankfully, VPC has the capacity and the people to reach out into our neighborhoods, our town, and our city. Seeing people come to faith and helping them find connection to God’s work and family is the greatest energizing factor in the life of any church. Please read the Ministry Plan, share your ideas, offer your prayers, and find a place or two within the plan to get involved. I am so excited to see what we can do Together for Tomorrow! Yours in faith and hope,
Send responses to Jeannie Wright: jeanniew@vpc.church
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: Dreaming Together for Tomorrow
Join us to dream about where God is taking us in the next 60 years.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
WORSHIP SERVICE: DREAMING TOGETHER for TOMORROW 9:30AM, SANCTUARY For 60 years God has been working in people’s lives through VPC. You’re invited to a special worship experience that will honor the blessings from our past and look to the promise and potential of our future.
CELEBRATION RECEPTION: FALL-THEMED BOXED LUNCH PICNIC 11AM, SOUTH PARKING LOT
Let’s celebrate together after worship! Free food, fun, and music. Stay for a while to chat with old friends and meet new ones. There will be a bounce house for the kids, and a display of iconic images from VPC’s past. 2
CELEBRATE 60 YEARS HOW YOU CAN BE A PART OF TOGETHER for TOMORROW Share a memory of our past TOGETHER Tell your story of God at work: Email: church@vpc.church
Tell us your dreams for our TOMORROW Where will God take us next? Email: church@vpc.church
Choose to make VPC part of your LEGACY
Learn more about 60 for 60, ensuring VPC’s future through personal estate and will planning Email: krisb@vpc.church
vpc.church/tft
Highlighted Events
Hands Across the City
Arms Around the World
46 Annual
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 9AM-3PM, FREE LUNCHEON TICKETS: $20
Cooks’ th
A
Tour
conversation with
Jerry Colangelo
Saturday, November 19, 8:30AM
November 24 6:30PM, Sanctuary
ADVENT.ure
Sunday, November 27 4:30-6:30PM, Landes 3
Students & Families CHILDREN
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Sunday Nursery: Infants-2 years 8:45-11:45AM Sunday School: 3 years-5th grade 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM Registration: vpc.church/sunday-school-registration Take-It-Home Event: 4 year old families Nightly Blessing November 20, Crossing 104 During 10:30AM worship following the children’s message.
Advent.ure: Advent Wreath & Luminaria Party
Welcome, Gabby Gustafson Please help us welcome Gabby to VPC’s staff as the Assistant Nursery Coordinator. As a former professional nanny - and new mom - she is the perfect addition to our growing nursery program. Gabby is a selfproclaimed “Military Brat” who went to five high schools and even lived in Germany for a while! Gabby met her husband Jordan (our Director of Student Ministries) at a Young Life camp in California. They’ve been married for 2 ½ years and welcomed their daughter, Norah, in April.
November 27, 4:30-6:30PM, Landes Center, $15 donation Bring an appetizer or dessert to share, and join us for an evening of fun and fellowship! Sign up to make an Advent Wreath! Come help assemble nearly 1000 luminarias for Christmas Eve.
STUDENTS
EXPLORERS! Tuesdays, 4-5:30PM
Sundays, 9-10:15AM, Landes Basement
Two Choirs: K-2nd & 3rd-5th grade We will be singing on November 6. No Explorers! on Nov. 22 Registration: vpc.church/explorers For more information contact, Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church Join as we worship together, engage in the Bible together, and have small group time with our grade levels.
The Gathering- All students 6th-12th grade Jr. High Midweek
Mondays, 6-8PM, Landes Basement
Sr. High Midweek
Wednesdays, 7-9PM, Landes Basement
Educational Enrichment DISCIPLESHIP
Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church 480-991-6424 ext. 165 Learn more: encoreuniv.org
Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church *Childcare available by reservation: nursery@vpc.church
Alpha* Wednesdays, through December 14 (no class November 23) 6-8PM, Calvin Center, Free Facilitators: Kelsey Woodruff, Kelly & Mike Nieto vpc.church/classes What is the purpose of life? Is Christianity true? Over 29,000,000 people have taken the Alpha Course to ask these questions and find answers. If you're a Christian, this course can renew and deepen your understanding of core doctrines. Maybe you or someone you know is curious about Christianity or struggles believing in God? The Alpha Course is a comfortable and safe place to learn more about God and ask questions in a pressurefree, casual environment. Each session includes a meal, a DVD lesson, and discussion.
ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING®
Saturday Morning Speaker Series You won’t want to miss this opportunity! November 19: Jerry Colangelo, Business & Sports Executive Tickets: $25, Breakfast Buffet For tickets or to register online please visit: encoreuniv.org
Fall Term 2016: It’s not too late to register… Chaco National Historic Park Lectures November 10 & 17, 11AM
Social interaction and self-growth later in life not only gives us purpose but also a sense of fulfillment. Be a part of Encore, we have a place for YOU. Keep on Learning!
Music & Arts MINISTER OF MUSIC
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
Hyunmi Lee, Pianist in Residence Recital Sunday, November 13, 4PM, Chapel
Thanksgiving Eve Service*
Wednesday, November 23, 6:30PM, Sanctuary Joint service with Mt. View Presbyterian Church *Childcare: nursery@vpc.church
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Choir Rehearsal
Wednesdays, 7:30PM, Music Room
Valley Ringers Handbell Choir
Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Handbell Room We are seeking new members (ages 13 & up). No experience necessary. Ability to read music is a plus. Come learn a new skill while serving in our Worship ministry.
Youth Choir
All Junior/Senior High teens who are interested in singing in a Youth Choir, please contact Jennifer!
Chancel Choir presents Mostly Messiah Monday, December 12, 7PM, Sanctuary
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 Youth Basketball: Sundays, 1-2PM, 2-3PM, ages 8-16 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. 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Judith Robins: judithrobins4386@msn.com Seniors gathering for bible study, social events, and service activities. Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com Mexican Train: Nov. 10, 3PM Dinner: 5PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: Nov. 17, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: Nov. 17, 3PM, Fireside Room
PHOENIX THEATRE BILLY ELLIOT
December 1 A spectacular theatrical experience scored by Elton John. It is the story of a boy who trades his boxing gloves for ballet shoes. Tickets, $34, Wandie Hulick, 480-634-1858
Mission & Service Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church
MALAWI UPDATE
Amidst great difficulty, God is bringing hope and change to Malawi. I am excited to update you on two projects VPC will engage in over the next couple of years: -We will partner with Villages in Partnership to build a secondary school to help ensure education of the youth. -We will continue our partnership with Ministry of Hope through their Lean Season program and also help bring new farming techniques to villages to maximize their ability to produce food. This past year our church secured 200,000 meals for our 4,000 orphans.
ALL-CHURCH MISSION TRIP
November 11-13, Tuba City, AZ All ages and families are welcome! Join us for our first annual all church mission trip to Tuba City. We will partner with First Presbyterian Church of Tuba City to make an impact for Christ in the Tuba City area. Head up to the Navajo Reservation for a time of service, fellowship, and worship. Information: vpc.church/mission or contact Chris.
ADVENT OPPORTUNITIES:
MentorKidsUSA Christmas Party, December 10, 10AM Food Drive and Angel Tree Gift Drive Family Promise, December 18-25, we will host eight families. Questions? Contact Chris.
COOKS’ TOUR 2016
Friday, November 4, 2016, 9AM-3PM
Co-chairs: Wandie Hulick, 602-316-3372, Jeanne Campo: 480-994-4116 Annual event benefiting our community and the world. If interested in getting involved, supporting or learning more about this one-day event contact either co-chair.
Craft Boutique · Silent Auction · Jewelry Fresh Cooked Treats · Gifts Tea Table · Campus Tour Gifts of the Heart Christmas Cards
Cooks’ Tour will be selling cards designed by Dick and Tom Van Arsdale. You will also have the opportunity to make donations to designated missions including education, housing or hunger. Join us for a great day of shopping and a fabulous lunch catered by Sandra Gonzales.
THANKSGIVING: AT-HOME MEMBERS
Wednesday, Afternoon of November 23 David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Tammy Milne: tammym@vpc.church We will be providing Thanksgiving dinners to our at-home members. If you have some time to spare, we need volunteer drivers to assist with this rewarding ministry. Please contact Pastor David Turner or Tammy if you are available.
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Women WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY*
Pulling the Thread by Jen Hatmaker November 17 & 18, December 8 & 9 Every other Thursday, 6:30PM, Room 415/416 *Every other Friday, 9AM, Room 415/416 Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women
MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers)*
Friday,November 11, Room 415-416 Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@vpc.church MOPS is a place to gather, connect, and be encouraged. *Childcare: nursery@vpc.church
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Luncheon & Speaker November 16, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, November 11 Special speakers: Ken & Doreen Duncan, Apache Traditions
PW Circles, November 2016 Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, November 8 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Jeanne Campo, 480-994-4116/Barbara McCreary 480-451-2233 Wednesday, November 9 Esther: 9:30AM, Lyn Ambrose, 7326 E. Montebello, Scottsdale 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
Men MEN’S BIBLE STUDY*
Thursdays, through December 15 (no class November 24) 6:30-7:30PM, Chapel Parlor David Turner: davidt@vpc.church
“The Good and Beautiful God: Falling In Love with the God that Jesus Knows” by Bryan Smith *Childcare: nursery@vpc.church Available November 10, December 1 & 15
Care & Support CONGREGATIONAL CARE
VPC MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
*Freezer located in the kitchen between the Calvin Center and Fireside Room. Provide food in a freezer container.
Mental Health 24-hour crisis line: 602-222-9444 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 AZ Teen Lifeline: 602-248-8336, teenlifeline.org
David Turner: davidt@vpc.church Tammy Milne: tammym@vpc.church
Elizabeth Weiss, esweiss1231@gmail.com, 480-699-2982 One in five American adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year, and one in every 20 adults is living with Remembrances a serious mental health condition like schizophrenia, bipolar Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the disorder, or long-term recurring depression. family and friends of Dorothy Church, Dexter “Bud” Conner, As with other serious illnesses, mental illness is not your Ruth Dillinder, Robert Hamm, Hermione Bogar, and Faye fault or that of the people around you! However, widespread Pyle. misunderstandings about mental illness remain. Many people Divorce Recovery-Discovering Hope & Thriving Again! don’t seek treatment or remain unaware that their symptoms could be connected to a mental health condition. People may Mondays, through November 21 expect a person with serious mental illness to look visibly 6:15-7:30PM, Chapel Parlor, Cost: $20 (covers materials) different from others, and they may tell someone who doesn’t Registration: vpc.church/drcare “look ill” to “get over it” through willpower. These misconceptions add to the challenge of living with a mental health condition. Tasty Spoon Every year people overcome the challenge of mental illness to Brianne Bergfeldt: briannethroneberry@yahoo.com do the things they enjoy. Through developing and following Tasty Spoon is a service ministry that encompasses and a treatment plan, you can dramatically reduce many of your highlights the amazing gifts our congregation has to offer! symptoms. People with mental health conditions can and do We provide fresh and freezer prepared meals to help pursue higher education, succeed in their careers, make friends many at VPC during significant moments in their life. Tasty Spoon is also prepared to help other Deacon ministries and and have relationships. Don’t go through this alone, contact us. those in need of a single meal. With the holidays quickly There is Hope! approaching, it is more important than ever that we are nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition able to provide food and comfort by keeping our freezer* fully stocked. Tasty Spoon is dependent on VPC volunteers. National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) If you have a delicious freezer-friendly dish that you would Family Support Group like to contribute please let us know! Thank you all for your 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community continued support to our ministry. Information: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org
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Church News NEWS FROM SESSION
SESSION
At Session’s September meeting, Chris Woodard spoke about his desire to be a Pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA. He will finish at Fuller Seminary this coming spring. Session moved to put Chris under Session care and recommend the Presbytery accept him as an Inquirer. After a year, he will be eligible to be a Candidate and then, after completing the required exams, may become a Pastor. After much study and due diligence, Kris Bahr brought the P&O Committee a plan to change employee benefits; this was essential due to moves made by the Board of Pensions. The Session approved changes which control premium increases, keep the desirable medical plan, and offer employees flexibility in retirement savings and life, AD&D, and disability options. The church will be receiving $156,000 from VPF from the proceeds of plots sold in the Memorial Garden from mid-2009 through mid-2016. This is the amount left after the Foundation funded a Memorial Garden Maintenance Fund of $225,000; earnings from this fund will pay for annual maintenance of the Garden. Session determined $100,000 will go directly into revenue as a Special Gift and $56,000 will be put into a dedicated account, Memorial Garden Space Sales, to be used at the discretion of the Session. The Session had an October Retreat to discuss “Together for Tomorrow,” the VPC Ministry Plan. The Sexual Misconduct Policy as written in the Employee Handbook, page 5-6, entitled Employment Expectations and Standards of Conduct—Sexual and other Unlawful Harassment, was passed in October.
Mary Artigue Sarah Brammer David Eaton Jim Gabler Ed Glady Gary Green Michele Ingram Sam Kelsall Lisa Keylon Kirby Kongable Richard Lockwood Darrah MacDougall Joan Nastro Roy Schumacher Marge Sellers Cheryl Ann Shaff Janel Willert Matt Winter
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me. Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session
Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
VPC FINANCES YEAR-TO-DATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Actual
Budget
Variance
Income Faith Giving Encore Other Income Total Income
$1,261,000 $42,000 $449,000 $1,484,000
$1,334.000 $47,000 $392,000 $1,609,000
$-73,000 $-5,000 $42,000 $-21,000
Expense Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Encore Worship & Music Total Expense
$341,000 $815,000 $137,000 $180,000 $87,000 $141,000 $1,701,000
$357,000 $809,000 $138,000 $203,000 $103,000 $148,000 $1,758,000
$16,000 $-6,000 $1,000 $23,000 $16,000 $7,000 $57,000
Net Income less Expense
$51,000
$15,000
$36,000
Ways to give
Support VPC’s ministries! Be a part of God’s work in the Valley and around the world:
ONLINE
TEXT TO GIVE
vpc.church/give
480-372-8548
SUNDAYS During worship
2017 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT
You will have the chance to indicate your support for Together for Tomorrow. Look for your letter and commitment card in the mail in the coming days. On November 20 in all worship services we will be bringing our commitments forward and asking God’s blessing.
Foundation WELCOME BABY: ROWAN APOLLO TURNER
Valley Presbyterian Foundation congratulates Foundation Office Administrator, Charlee Turner on the birth of her son on October 17. Blessings to her and her family! Remember to visit the Foundation office and learn how you can become a part of our growing mission to fund our future scholars, music programs, and continued beautification and maintenance of our church.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 WORSHIP SERVICE: DREAMING TOGETHER for TOMORROW 9:30AM, SANCTUARY
CELEBRATION RECEPTION: FALL-THEMED BOXED LUNCH PICNIC 11AM, SOUTH PARKING LOT
Sunday Worship Times
Kilgore Chapel- 8 & 11:45AM
Sanctuary- 9AM
Landes Center- 10:30AM
Note: Sunday, November 6
9:30AM, SANCTUARY (one service)
DREAMING TOGETHER for TOMORROW
Pastors
vpc.church
David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Kelsey Woodruff
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