the
Valley Vine IN THIS ISSUE: Giving Joyfully
One member's journey
A solvable problem
Ending family homelessness in Maricopa County
Hearts that sing
Worship is for all ages
November 2018
Volume sixty-three, Number ten
Valley Presbyterian Church
Senior Pastor
DAVID JOYNT It is easy to underestimate the church. Some years ago, out east, I formed a church soccer team. (That way I could play my favorite game and call it work!) We entered the Coastal Summer League in the open division, competing with squads of ex-high school players now in their twenties. When these teams saw the crosses on our jerseys and my gray hair, they inevitably thought an easy win was coming. “Look! That guy is older than my Dad, and they are a church team, for goodness sake!” But little did they know, there were six current division one college players on our team. (Plus a pastor 30 years away from the college level.) We surprised every team we played and won the 35-team league. The church is easy to underestimate! Yes, we are works in progress. Yes, we are holy amateurs in much that we do, far less efficient than many a business or secular enterprise. But the Risen Lord is in our midst, and when we listen to Him and obey, the world changes. Trace any great modern institution or social practice back to its origins, and you will find intrepid groups of Christians. Educational initiatives, social movements, political experiments, medical and scientific activities—there they are— inventing universities, creating hospitals, and initiating revolutions that brought justice and hope. Traditional, out of fashion, under attack from secularists and sometimes just forgotten, the church is easy to underestimate! So this month we continue our series “Your Church, God’s World,” to highlight how our own small community of faith in our own corner of this great Valley, is being used by God for his great purposes. Through ministries of care, healing happens. In classes and groups and retreats, hearts grow larger. Via mission partnerships, the homeless are housed, and the hopeless find a place and a purpose. And in season and out of season, Sunday by Sunday, there is joy and celebration, and God’s name is glorified. On November 18, we will dedicate our pledges for 2019. Don’t underestimate what God can do as we give and live and serve in his name! Yours faithfully,
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Highlighte d
EVENTS
48th Annual
Cooks’ Tour
COOKS' TOUR
Friday, November 2, 9AM-3PM Tickets go on sale starting October 7: vpc.church/cooks
Commitment Sunday Sunday, November 18 All Worship Services *feel free to bring your pledge cards
The Four Gospels: Advent Bible Study Wednesdays, November 28-December 19 6-7PM, Room 409, Free
ADVENT.ure A great way to start the Christmas season
Sunday, December 4 4:30-6PM, Free Landes Center 3
MY JOURNEY TO JOYFUL GIVING by VPC member Woody Johnson
"Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.” But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' "In tithes and offerings.” -Malachi 3:8 My wife Barbara and I believe in the joy of giving; we hold fast to the biblical standard of tithes and offerings. For me, it wasn't an easy lesson to learn. Among the earliest teachings by my mother was that out of every dime, a penny belonged to the Lord. That was painful, for my concept was simply that it was mine, and mine alone. That selfish pattern stayed with me until the early years of our marriage. With three young children, we spent all we earned and gave what I called “a buck two ninety eight” to the church. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. -Psalms 119:26 Over 50 years ago we were talking around the breakfast table. We spoke about the future and confessed that we had no plan for retirement or savings for the children's education. We also admitted our meager giving to the church. These issues were all clashing head-on. With three young children we typically spent all that we earned on ourselves. What to do? Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. -Malachi 3:10 I was struck with the reminder of the “painful” Biblical standard taught to me as a child, “the tenth.” We were active in the church, but speaking for myself, I was not actively living out the faith taught to me. Then, almost suddenly, I was convicted- we must begin immediately putting our priorities in order. We decided we must attend to the most difficult thing first; tithing! However, I still regarded giving like a mandate rather than out of a generous heart. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. -Habakkuk 12:11 It took a few years, but through more disciplined living, things began to fall into place. We were tithing, saving for college and retirement. We had to say “no” many times to children whose wide eyes wanted so much. I remember our son who, with the Sears catalog in hand, presented a long list of wants. My heart was heavy that we could not fulfill all his desires (he now says he doesn't remember any disappointments). However, through financial restraint, abundance followed. But afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. -Hebrews 12:11 While we had satisfied our obligation of “the tenth,” my own faithfulness was most noticeable only on Sundays. I had not really plumbed the depths of Jesus Christ’s call on my whole life. I was living on the outside. But, through our giving, my heart began to follow the money.
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For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, -Matthew 6:21 I began to spend more time in the Word. And as I did, the relationship began to be more real. Yet over the years the temptation was to slip back to my ''old self.” As time went on I began to learn that no amount of discipline or self-denial would give me victory over myself. I realized that I had to give my weakness to Him who strengthens. I came to a point where I could sing like the Psalmist, The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. I will not remember your sins, -Isaiah 43:25 As my heart continued to follow the money, I understood that my level of giving was not adequate to express the joy I felt for the endless love of Christ. While I can remember my many sins, I am consoled to know they are consigned to oblivion. It thrills me to know that I can have a personal, intimate relationship with the God who created me and loves me just as I am. I have surrendered my weakness to Him who so abundantly supplies. Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, whoever sows generously will reap generously. -2 Corinthians 9:6 All this brings me back to the subject of money.
As that flood of joy overwhelms, so does my love for Christ. And as my love for the One who first loved us and gave Himself for my sins, I have a great desire to give back. I have determined that my depth of love must surely be greater than what “the tenth” represents. I have learned that the more we give, the more abundantly we are blessed. I am so happy that Barbara and I are one in this endeavor. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. -Isaiah 26:3 So we determined to step out and go beyond giving “the tenth.” We could never have envisioned where it was to lead. We became supportive of Southwest Leadership under the management of VPC’s own Chuck Westerlund, and followed into the exciting ministry of MentorKids and the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Our offerings began to exceed our tithes and the joy of giving has changed our lives. I have learned that as my love for Christ grows, my giving increases and reflects that love. There are moments when I don’t feel as wealthy as many of those around me. But, each new day when I wake up and pray for those ministries that we give to, I find that I am able to declare that I am the richest man in Scottsdale.
Woody Johnson greets Pastor Joynt after worship
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WE CAN END FAMILY HOMELESSNESS By Chris Woodard, Mission Director
There are over 200 families without homes in Maricopa County. That means-at best-over 200 mothers and or fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents, and grandchildren are sleeping in their cars. At worst, it means they are sleeping on the street. Fifteen years ago, Family Promise came to Phoenix to help restore families to permanent housing. Their community- based model works with churches across the Valley to provide a safe place to stay while the staff works with families to move them into stable housing. However, Family Promise does much, much more. Their community-based model allows relationships to form between the families, the staff, and the churches. Through this relationship, families receive services beyond housing. They are assisted in job placement, continued training, educational support for their children, and services that last beyond home placement. Family Promise stays in touch with families through the graduate program to help ensure their success and to break the cycle of homelessness. I recently had coffee with Executive Director Ted Taylor. He reminded me that these families are real people, with real hopes and dreams, not just numbers on a list. Most of these families found themselves in a position they never thought possible. Many are homeless because of a job loss or a medical issue. Homelessness affects everyone; directly or indirectly, that is why VPC has decided to partner with Family Promise to offer our support to help end family homelessness in Maricopa County. In the beginning, Family Promise was able to serve thirty families a year. Over the years they have expanded their efforts by networking with more churches, businesses, and community partners and are now able to serve over 100 families a year. However, Family Promise is motivated to do more. They are expanding into Mesa and Gilbert to meet the need in those communities, as well. Through this expansion, Family Promise believes they will be able to rescue over 200 families every year.
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Family Promise has the potential to end family homelessness in Maricopa County.
You have been, and will continue to be, a vital part of this effort. Through our capital campaign, A New Heart for the Valley, we are demonstrating what having a heart for the Valley looks like. Monies from the campaign will help to ensure future development plans of Family Promise. To learn more or to get more involved in what VPC is doing with there please don't hesitate to email me: chrisw@vpc.church. The efforts through our capital campaign will also go to MentorKidsUSA to open a third Promise Neighborhood in the Paiute Neighborhood of South Scottsdale. The director of the new site, Johnny Martinez, has this to say, “MentorKids currently has two programs: South Phoenix at 24th street and Broadway, and in North Phoenix at 32nd Street and Bell. At these programs youth are helped to live out their God-given potential by providing homework and tutoring assistance. They also learn how to live a physically healthy lifestyle through recreational activities and a garden. Most importantly, every youth at Mentor Kids will hear about the immense love that Jesus has for them during Bible study time. In addition to the current two programs, MentorKids is adding a third program in the Paiute community at 68th Street and Osborn. The program is currently under development and will launch in the spring of 2019! What makes it possible for MentorKids to make such an impact in the lives of youth? You!
The generous and sacrificial church members of VPC. Because of the money that was raised more youth now have hope for the future. Thank you for obeying God’s call to give generously! It is a true joy to partner with MKUSA to work with the children and teenagers of our neighborhoods. The apostle Paul reminds that because we have the love of God we are to share not just the Gospel message but our very lives as well. With MKUSA we are doing exactly that- opening up space in our lives to build relationships with others so that we can have a better future together in Christ Jesus. A New Heart for the Valley is helping to end family homelessness in Maricopa County through Family Promise, it is connecting disconnected children and teens through MentorKidsUSA, and it is providing educational success to our friends in Malawi, through Villages in Partnership. My wife Brianna and I backpacked 10 miles into Havasupai Falls earlier this year. After the four hour hike I was tired, it was very difficult to find the motivation to set up camp. In that moment, I remembered that our friends in Malawi are walking 10 miles to school every day. Walking such distances every day is prohibitive for the educational success of the students. VPC is stepping up to do something about this by building a secondary school with boarding capabilities. Students will walk to school on
Monday morning, can live on campus all week, and walk home for on Fridays. This turns what was 100 miles of weekly walking into 20. Through the community-based model of Villages in Partnership, students are getting much more than an easier commute, they are getting the support of the entire community, local and international. I am excited to report that land for the school has been purchased and building will begin in the new year. Phase one of the school will be completed for the start of the next school year. Thank you, church, for demonstrating what the love of Christ can do locally and globally. The community-based model of ministry of Family Promise, MentorKidsUSA and Villages in Partnership help address specific issues with a family, child, or student to establish a positive, relational support structure. My Professor, Bryant Meyer, is the guru of missional work in our current culture. He has the thesis that at the core of any marginalized people or group is a fundamental breakdown in a relationship. Our mission partners are actively addressing and solving that problem by reestablishing healthy relationships to the people they serve. Thank you for caring for the people we serve. When we open up our lives to others, we grow in deeper community, and through community, relationships are restored and hope is realized. What a blessing it is to be a part of A New Heart for the Valley.
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THROW OPEN MY HEART By Meghan Gottfredson, Valley Day School Director
The weather this time of year is one of my favorite things about living in Arizona. I love throwing the doors and windows wide open to let that beautiful breeze come right inside our home. I also fall into the delicious trap of loving all things pumpkin flavored between now and Christmas. It’s silly, I know! Still, when making a list of favorite things, there is one thing that tops my list all year long - no matter the season: Worship. I love to worship God. Worship can take many forms, but my favorite kind of worship is through song. It’s in the midst of those first few songs during Sunday worship that my spirit becomes still and Jesus claims my full attention. Just like I throw the windows open to let the refreshing breeze come in, the music enters my heart. Sometimes it happens when I'm in the car on the way to work or as I’m cooking dinner for my family at the end of a hectic day. My favorite praise station streams in the background, drowning out the noise in my head and in my heart. Oftentimes I’m singing and praying at the same time. It frequently mingles together, and it’s during these moments that I feel closest to Christ. I love that. When I began working at Valley Day School, I wanted Jesus to be front and center in everything. I wanted Chapel to take place during our school day, because I wanted parents to know that it is something we value. I wanted to incorporate moments of worship into our preschool day, and I wanted it to be appropriate for even our youngest children. I wanted to make chapel more than just a story time, and I wanted it to be filled with movement and song. I wanted it to be authentic. Can preschoolers really worship? Absolutely! Our little ones range in age from 18 months to 5 years old, and I wish you could see them during their chapel time each week. Sitting cross legged on their colored rugs on the floor of our beloved Chapel, underneath that beautiful stained glass, they are in the presence of the Lord. The stained glass windows draw their gaze straight up as soon as they enter, as it does for many of us. The light streaming down, their faces lifted up, and their eyes shining as they sing the songs we know by heart – this is worship. It’s kid sized, but it’s worship just the same. It’s powerful. It’s authentic. And, I like to imagine what God is thinking when we meet for this worship time each week. I can only guess how much He loves it.
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A New Heart for the Valley update
Let’s Make A Big Thing Happen One of my favorite motivational speakers, John Wooden, said, “It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” Consider this: 99 of the 250 pledges/gifts to A New Heart for the Valley range from $25 to $2,500. Together they total $110,000! That’s enough to complete any one of eight project components. When we all give together, we can make “big things happen!” We’re on our way to making a big thing happen. Since we kicked off A New Heart for the Valley in February, 250 of the 900+ VPC families and individuals have given or pledged more than $8,300,000 toward this initiative that will transform the campus! Is God moving you to give to this transformative initiative at VPC? Many said that the one worship service on October 21 was one of the most moving worship experiences they’d experienced in quite some time. It provided a glimpse of what the renovated sanctuary and plaza will do for the energy and enthusiasm of our community. One family was inspired and felt that God was leading them to make a commitment to A New Heart for the Valley. So what did they do? They prayed about it for two days. This family, which wishes to remain anonymous, feels compelled to provide the last $500,000 of A New Heart for the Valley. That means when we reach $9,700,000 in commitments, their gift will put us across the finish line. That leaves just $1,400,000 to be raised! Is God moving you? Please pray and then give (or pledge) what God is calling you give. Together we can create A New Heart for the Valley! -Keith Kerber
Sufficient funds have been raised to accomplish the following project components: Mission tithe $1,000,000 Taxes, Municipal & Professional fees (all components) $1,917,906 Sanctuary (construction, organ, A/V, choir room) $3,516,675 Fellowship Plaza $1,414,824 Fireside Café $412,000 Furnishings (Sanctuary, Fireside, & Plaza) $235,266
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Funds are needed to accomplish the following Session–prioritized components Teen Ministry Room $97,477 Teen breakout classrooms $98,725 Children's Ministry classrooms and Nursery expansion $289,038 Community Classroom (currently Pastor Joynt's office) $158,375 Calvin/Fireside bathroom & kitchen expansion $177,874 Library remodel to Reception/Conference/Office space $389,325 Calvin Center remodel $95,808 Administration Building site work & landscaping $109,571 Children's Ministry Offices $25,912 Facilities building $80,037 Choir/Memorial Garden bathroom $21,149 Furnishings $164,734
If we can fund these items... ($1.4 million)
A donor will finish the campaign by covering these items! ($500k)
News from
SESSION
There is no report from the October Session meeting, however the report will return in November. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567
Church office closed November 22-23 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Finances &
OPERATIONS
BEHIND THE SCENES
From Sunday worship services to Oasis Community Wednesdays, from Trunk or Treat to Cooks’ Tour to Bunny Business, from concerts to workshops to classes, there is always something happening at VPC! Many of our staff you know and see each week, but there are many you may not know so well. The Administrative and Facilities teams work behind the scenes to care for people and care for the campus. Let me introduce these amazing team members: Katrina Carney – since October 1995, bulletins, Valley Vines, and everything else you see in print are examples of Katrina’s handiwork. She is our mailing expert, our printer fixer, and the go-to person for requests that don’t fall under any one department.
Kris Bahr
Finance & Operations Director 480-991-6424 ext. 112 krisb@vpc.church
Tammy Milne – in March 2010, Tammy started as an assistant for Fellowship & Congregational Care. She works directly with Pastor David Turner, with Deacons, Stephen Ministers, Lay Hospital Chaplains, Grief Support, and Mental Health ministries, and prepares weekly worship bulletins. Beginning this fall, she will also work with Pastor Kelly Nieto to coordinate Discipleship & Spiritual Growth classes and events. Along with Jeannie Wright, Tammy assists the pastors and families preparing for memorial services.
Jeannie Wright – since February 2013, Jeannie has served as Executive Assistant to Pastor Woody Garvin and now Pastor David Joynt. Jeannie keeps David on schedule and works closely with Session. There are a variety of projects that Jeannie is involved in. She works closely with Pastor Joynt and families planning memorial services. Charlee Turner – Charlee started in September 2016 as Office Administrator for the Valley Presbyterian Foundation. She works closely with the VPF President, Board of Trustees, Legacy Dinner committee, and coordinates special events. In April 2018 she joined the VPC Communications Team as the Website & Social Media Coordinator. Visit our website or the weekly eVine for examples of Charlee’s fine work. LaRene Jennings – LaRene was hired as Finance Assistant in June 2017. She has been a tremendous help handling the day to day work of making deposits, paying bills on a timely basis, entering work orders into the church calendar, keeping membership records up to date, and a variety of special projects. John Pelton – John joined VPC in April 2017 as Facilities Manager. He brings with him vast experience in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, irrigation, etc. With 10 acres and 80,000 square feet of buildings, this expertise has proven invaluable. John brings a positive, can-do attitude. Will McGaugh – Will worked for us from '04-'07, then rejoined the team in August 2014. Will is the face you see most often on Sunday mornings, keeping coffee pots filled and doughnuts on the table. Will makes sure rooms are set up as requested and helps however needed. This year Will (and John) have taken VPC finances year-to-date as of September 30, 2018 on a large part of our routine landscape maintenance. Tim Walker – the newest member of our team, Tim started at VPC in April 2018. Tim is the early morning custodian. He starts his days making sure rooms and beverages are set up for the early meetings, then begins his rounds of emptying trash and cleaning. This year VPC purchased both a carpet and floor cleaning machine, and Tim uses both on a regular basis. Landes gym floor has never been so clean! Please join me in saying THANK YOU for all they do!
Income
Actual $
Budget $
Variance $
Faith Giving Other Income Total Income
1,301,042 264,220 1,565,262
1,306,500 324,484 1,630,984
-5,458 -60,264 -65,722
Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Worship & Music Total Expense
357,006 784,537 112,249 220,162 131,114 1,605,068
357,567 801,466 110,657 261,504 138,825 1,670,019
561 16,929 -1,592 41,342 7,711 64,951
-39,806
-39,035
-771
Expense
Net Income less Expense
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