FOCUS
Valley Presbyterian Church week of November 25, 2018
Stewardship 2019
Service of REMEMBRANCE
Dove Tree Service of Remembrance December 4, 2PM, Memorial Garden Pastor David Turner presiding The tree will be installed Thanksgiving weekend. If you have lost a loved one, feel free to come to the Garden, write their name on a dove, place it on the tree, and offer a silent prayer. Join us on December 4 as we remember those who have passed.
VPC MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
Learn more about these events inside the FOCUS Worship and Celebration Did you know?
Coping with the holidays We know that for many, the holiday season is bittersweet. Loss and estrangement can dominate a time that is supposed to be celebratory. Here are some thoughts to help through challenging times: •Set realistic goals and be flexible. The holidays are about love and caring for one another. We would all do better to let go of the image of the “perfect” holiday and focus on accepting ourselves and our loved ones without judging, criticizing or advising. •Be reminded that God welcomes the stranger and the outcast and loves us just as we are. •Live in the now! Try to let go of past regrets and experiences and find joy in the present moment. And remember, laughter is good medicine!
Care & Support
Please pray for those recovering from recent medical procedures:
Lynn Black, Pat Ciccone, Emily Courtright, Gloria Diefenderfer, Helen Farmin, Brian Fisher, Gary Green, Barbara Jewett, Jo Ann Jones, Kay Koeb, Carl Lauer, Jim Lawrence, June Lightburne, Carole Marr, Dorothy Nern, Ron Norris, Nancy Savoy, Nancy Sumner, Ellie Van Denburgh, Anna Wyatt
Please pray for those at home or in a care facility:
Carolyn Bathurst, Kathryn Bennett, Joyce Black, Nancy and Harris Blomeyer, Herb Blinn, Charles Buckley, Bonnie Domaz, Lester Goss, Roger Fercho, Donna Gardner, Norma Jean Garity, Corenthel Green, Luella Gross, Sara Hammond, Louella Hermanson, Jean Hiser, Jeannette Huggins, Evelyn Jenkins, Heather Kirk, Claire Kooi, Jim Lorenz, Dee Melde, John Mueller, Lois Nuernberg, Joyce Newlon, Martha Sarchett, Mary Strasser, Virginia Tatum, Helen Wolfe For more information about those in our community, call Tammy: 480-991-6424 x163
Memorial Service-revised
Helen Adams (was 107 years old), November 27, 10:30AM, Memorial Garden
Prayer Chain: 480-991-6424, prayers@vpc.church
We welcome requests confidentially for you or someone else. Please have permission from the individual before placing your request.
Sonlight
Advent Sermon Series begins December 2
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In addition to the VPC Chancel Choir, over 20 kids are a part of OasisKids!, and 12 women participate in the Women’s Ensemble.
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Over 30 musicians, ranging from ages 14-65, participate in a regular rotation at the 10:30AM service along with other special services. Worship Team musicians participated in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley for Africa, and several are part of ASU’s gospel choir.
Why do we pledge?
Christmas 2018
“For the beautiful music!” When you give, know that your gift is appreciated and will be put to good use at VPC.
VPC News VPC FINANCIAL SUMMARY: Year-to-date as of October 31, 2018
Income $1,801,134 Expenses $1,786,757 For a more detailed update, check out the latest edition of the Valley Vine, online: vpc.church/vine or contact Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 112
Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, 480-991-6424 vpc.church Pastors: David M. Joynt, David L. Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Travis Kingma
Advent.ure
Start the holiday season with friends, family, food, and fun! Sunday, December 2, 4:30-6PM VPC Landes Center, Free
The Peace of Christmas Featuring the VPC Chancel Choir and members of the Phoenix Symphony Narrated by Pastor David Joynt
Monday, December 10, 7PM, Sanctuary
Welcome to VPC New to VPC?
Who We Are: Thankful. Why we are here
We’re glad you’re here! Let us know about you by filling out the Friendship Pad. Visit the Welcome Center after worship to learn more about VPC!
If you’re here with kids
We have several fun and safe opportunities for kids from birth through high school: Nursery: Infants-2 years 8:45-11:45AM Sunday School: 3 years-5th grade 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM Student Gathering: Middle & High School 9AM, Landes Basement If your kids stay in worship, check out the worship activity cart in each worship center.
VPC is a community that believes God calls us to be in relationship. Sunday morning worship is a time to gather, connect, and give thanks to the Creator who loves us without end.
Get connected at VPC Want to learn more about what’s going on at VPC? Grab a Ministry Brochure, visit the Welcome Center after worship or visit vpc.church for information about classes, events, opportunities to serve, and anything you see in the FOCUS. *Childcare available by reservation: nursery@vpc.church
Happy Thanksgiving The Elders, Deacons, and staff of VPC hope you had a blessed and bountiful Thanksgiving. It is our prayer that the past week, and the rest of the holiday season, is filled with celebration of friends and family, safe travels wherever you may go, and awe at the coming of the Christ child. Thank you, also, to everyone who pledged or made a commitment to VPC for 2019. Your generosity ensures VPC can continue to do God's work in our community and world.
VPC Holiday Worship Schedule Sunday, December 23 One Worship Service (and Nativity Pageant!) 9:30AM, Sanctuary
Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve The Four Gospels: Advent Bible Study* (Part of Oasis Community Wednesdays) Wednesdays, November 28 - December 19 6-7PM, Chapel Register online: vpc.church/classes
3PM*, 5PM*, 7PM Sanctuary *Childcare available (ages 0-2)
9PM Chapel
The four gospels are the "good news" of who Jesus is and what He's done for us! This Advent season we will look closely at each gospel: the audience, focus, tone, and significant moments in Jesus' life.
Sunday, December 30 One Worship Service 9:30AM, Sanctuary
MentorKidsUSA Christmas Party
MentorKids USA Christmas Party December 8, 9:30AM-2PM, Kiva Field Contact Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church Through you, VPC will give each child in the MentorKids program a gift. Outside of each worship center there is an angel tree with ornaments. They specify age, gender, and gift suggestion. Take one today. Help put together an amazing celebration for the children and families of MentorKids! Bouncies, climbing wall, popcorn, face-painting, snow, food, and much more!
Advent.ure
Start the holiday season with friends, family, food, and fun! Sunday, December 2, 4:30-6PM VPC Landes Center, Free
Join us for this annual event! Families of all ages are welcome to participate as we make Advent wreaths, luminarias, family devotionals, decorate cookies, and enjoy time with each other. Please bring an appetizer to share, dessert provided. Event is free, but a $10 donation is suggested.
The Peace of Christmas Featuring the VPC Chancel Choir and members of the Phoenix Symphony Narrated by Pastor David Joynt The Peace of Christmas: A Cantata Monday, December 10, 7PM, Sanctuary As we journey toward Christmas, join us for a concert that will lift your spirits and put peace in your heart. The Christ child is coming, rejoice! Cookie reception following - hosted by the Valley Presbyterian Foundation
Calendar of Events Sunday, November 25 Worship Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Kickball (Middle & High School) Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Sages Community Group Bible Study Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Voyagers Community Group
Chapel Nursery Sanctuary Kiva Field Rooms 404-417 Nursery Landes Center Calvin Center Rooms 404-417 Fireside Room
8AM 8:45AM 9AM 9AM 9:15AM 10:15AM 10:30AM 10:30AM 10:45AM 5:30PM
Tuesday, November 27 Bridge & Mah Jongg B.O.Y.S. Club Memorial: Helen Adams Valley Day School Chapel Pickleball Boy Scout Troop 441
Fireside Chapel Parlor Memorial Garden Chapel Landes Center Landes Center
9AM 9:30AM 10:30AM 11:15AM 4:30PM 7PM
Wednesday, November 28 Valley Day School Chapel Presbyterian Women Luncheon Grief Share Oasis Childcare (0-5 y.o.) Oasis Kids! (K-5th grade) Oasis Student Midweek (Middle School) Advent Study: The Four Gospels Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Chapel Landes Center Chapel Parlor Nursery Calvin Center Landes Center Chapel Choir Room
11:15AM 11:30AM 1PM 5:30PM 6PM 6PM 6PM 7:30PM
Thursday, November 29 Men’s Basketball Stephen Ministry Training Sages Comm. Group-Mexican Train, Card Making Kids in the Kitchen Pickleball
Landes Center Fireside Room Calvin Center Landes Kitchen Landes Center
6:30AM 8:30AM 1PM 2PM 4:30PM
Friday, November 30 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Line Dance Alcoholics Anonymous
Room 415-416 Landes Basement Landes Center
9AM 10AM 7:30PM
Saturday, December 1 Cooks' Tour Drop Off
Back Door Landes
8AM
Sunday, December 2 Worship Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Student Gathering (Middle & High School) Kaleidoscope Community Group Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) Boomers Community Group Nursery (infant-2 y.o.) Worship Sages Community Group Bible Study Sunday School (3 y.o.-5th grade) ADVENT.ure
Chapel Nursery Sanctuary Landes Basement Room 409 Rooms 404-417 Fireside Room Nursery Landes Center Calvin Center Rooms 404-417 Landes Center
8AM 8:45AM 9AM 9AM 9AM 9:15AM 10AM 10:15AM 10:30AM 10:30AM 10:45AM 4:30PM
Monday, November 26