October 2015 by Valley Presbyterian Church

VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church

October 2015

Volume 60, Number 9 Our ambassadors will welcome these students, offer them encouragement and hospitality, conduct tours and be ready to answer questions about our church and its mission. They’ll seek to embrace and bless the members of their classes and respond to those moments when acquaintance can become friendship, and when friendship can take on a deeper spiritual aspect.

Dear friends, What happens to sermons when they’re over? I used to think of sermons as a kind of disposable art, created for a particular group in a particular moment in time and then tossed away. (In the case of Valley Presbyterian Church, four services and four moments in time!) The digital age has made sermons far less disposable. Now they live forever on the internet, and their audience can be anyone with a modem. One answer to the question is that sermons are archived, and so they are not really over. But there is a deeper issue under the question, too. What do listeners do with sermons they hear? What happens in worshippers lives beyond the Sanctuary? The danger of preaching and teaching is that truths understood will not become truths lived out.

Pray for our volunteer Ambassador Coordinator, Stephan Sciacca, and for all of our members who are salt and light at Encore University. If you’ve been attending Encore classes, we’d love to invite you in this effort! Well done to Encore Assistant Director Tracy Keller and Director Becky Bennett and other Encore leaders for developing this idea. I’m a little scared when I think of sermons archived forever on the internet! But I’m very excited to think they can live long and be greatly improved in the hearts and lives of our members. What thought will become an action for you this month?

Yours in Christ,

To paraphrase the Christian poet, T. S. Eliot, between the thought and the action falls the shadow. The life of a disciple only deepens when inspiration becomes perspiration, when prayers become practices, when worship spills over into witness. What happens to sermons when they’re over? They should live in the lives of the listeners. That is finally the measure of preaching, and that is why I am excited about a new Encore initiative. Last year we had a series of messages and a retreat seminar on the theme “Each One Reach One.” We examined how to discover and enhance the spiritual dimensions of our relationships and how to connect people to the ongoing work of God in the church and the world. This year Encore University has decided to make that a reality in its life and work. Members of our own faith community who attend Encore classes will be invited and then trained to be ambassadors within their classes. Encore will attract 300 students in the Fall Term, with the vast majority taking more than one class. Sixty percent of Encore students are not members of VPC.

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 begun an ambitious exercise in gratitude with our “10,000 Reasons to Praise” sermon series.

We’re examining different aspects of gratitude while cataloging at least 10,000 reasons why our congregation praises God. The reasons can encapsulate the profound (God’s grace), the obvious (family, shelter), the everyday (music, chocolate cake), the adorable (babies, puppies) and everything in between (mashed potatoes, drum sets).

We’re thinking once we get started it will be hard to stop, and that will give us a new attitude of gratitude. So join us as we give praise to our God, the One from whom all blessings flow... and use the hashtag #10KVPC so we can keep track!

Mission & Service MALAWI MISSION TEAM

Our Malawi Mission Team is in Africa until October 6. Through the support of the VPC community the team is: • Providing food for 2,500 orphans • Bringing mobile medical clinics to two villages • Hosting a scholarship dinner for African Bible College students, supported by our congregation for years. Pray for the team as they minister and bring God’s Word: Elizabeth Arendt Kathleen Forcucci Carmel Putnam Chris Woodard

THIRD SATURDAY WORK PROJECT

Saturday, October 17, Scottsdale Stadium Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org We are joining Family Promise for their annual Cardboard City Event providing some of the 2,000 packs assembled to pass out to people in need. Learn more: 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 2

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

45th ANNIVERSARY OF COOKS’ TOUR

Friday, November 6, 2015 Co-chairs, Helen Wolfe: 480-994-0035 & Beryl Hassig: 480-905-1257 Home Tour: $25: Luncheon: $15 Tickets on sale 10 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday, VPC Library & outside Worship Centers each Sunday, online: myvalleychurch.org/cookstour or call: 480-991-6424 Cooks’ Tour will host hundreds, but needs your help! It’s a way to give your time, talents, and treasures. We would love to share your gifts during the event; no donation is too great or too small! Here are some ways you can help: Special Friends make financial contributions to cover the costs of tents, tables, and other overhead costs. This ensures money raised at Cooks’ Tour will go directly to mission causes. Tiffany West Costume Jewelry is always a big hit. We’ll gladly take any good pieces you don’t wear anymore. Silent Auction is in need of all sorts of fine items including event tickets or gift certificates. Volunteer to help on the day of the event or before. From set-up to greeting, food service to traffic direction, there is a place for you to help.

Events

Families EXPLORERS! Games, Music and Theater

CHILDREN

Tina Gilbreath tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org

TRUNK OR TREAT

Sunday, October 25, 4:30-6 p.m. VPC South Parking Lot Everyone is invited to this annual tradition of Halloween snacks, games and incredibly decorated trunks!

STUDENTS

Jordan Gustafson: jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.org

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.

Thank You...

To Mary Johnson who recently retired from teaching Sunday School after 51 years of dedicated service! Wow! If you would like to join our team let us know. You don’t have to serve that long, in fact 10 Sundays a school would be great! Contact Tina if you are interested!

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.

Educational Enrichment CHILDCARE RESERVATION REQUIRED

WEDNESDAY CLASSES

Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@myvalleychurch.org September 30-October 21 Exploring Christian Ethics: Kelsey Woodruff 4:30-5:30 p.m., Crossing 104 God’s Guide to Rational Unity: Book of Romans: 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 Music, Theology and Hymns of Faith: Dr. Dub Putnam 6:30-7:30 p.m., Room 409 October 28-November 18 Learning From Our Ancestors: Dr. David Joynt 4:30-5:30 p.m., Chapel 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

EncoreUniv.org ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING

Tracy Keller: encore@myvalleychurch.org 480-991-6424 ext. 165 ENCORE BACK TO SCHOOL KICKOFF October 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fountain Patio Food truck, live jazz, art show and more. FALL TERM BEGINS OCTOBER 13: Register today. Keep on learning. SATURDAY MORNING SPEAKER SERIES November 14, 8:30 a.m., Landes Center, Tickets: $25 Robert Robb, Arizona Republic columnist and Senator Jon Kyl Travel Opportunity Turkey, September 30-October 16, 2016 In the Footsteps of Paul: The Cities of Early Christianity Full itinerary available. Encore is grateful for... Ambassador Program Place for YOU Volunteers

Outstanding instructors Anxious students overnighting their registration!

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 October 8 & 22, 3 p.m., Fireside Room October 15, 11:30 a.m., Lunch Bunch, 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

Handbell Choir

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

Chancel Choir

Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Choir Room Do you have a song in your heart? Come sing with the choir!

Swell the Choir for Christmas

It’s already October and soon we will be hearing Christmas music in the malls, on the radio, and in businesses. Each year, this seems to happen earlier and earlier! But, we have such a short time to hear and sing these beautiful songs. Do you love to sing along with the Christmas music? Have you thought about joining the choir but didn’t want to commit for a full year? How about joining us for a season? We’d like to swell the choir for our Christmas Concert and Christmas season. Please consider joining us from now through December as we learn and perform some beautiful Christmas music. For questions or more information,5 please contact Jennifer Hamm.

Care & Support CONGREGATIONAL CARE

David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Tammy Milne: tammymilne@myvalleychurch.org

REMEMBRANCES

Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of: Bob Brouwer Michael Campbell Lois Lawson Karen LeJeune Mary Claire Platter Jacqueline Bertoncino Venckus John Ver Meer Sherie Wells

GET YOUR FLU SHOT AT VALLEY!

Sunday, October 11, 9-11 a.m., Church Office Lobby Representatives from Walgreens will be providing flu shots to our community.

GRIEF SUPPORT SESSIONS BEGIN

Wednesday, October 14 Facilitated by Stephen Ministers: Karen Annis and Ken Royer Registration through Encore University is encouraged.

NAMI WALK 2015-1.5K OR 5K

Saturday, October 17, 8:30 a.m., State Capital Susan Krecker: susangkrecker@cox.net Join in or help support mental health awareness in the Valley as members of Valley’s Mental Health Leadership Team participate. Dogs can register too! Register at: namiwalks.nami.org/northvalleywalkers Sign up tables on patios Sundays, October 4 and 11.

DIVORCE RECOVERY

Pastor David Turner: davidturner@myvalleychurch.org Graduate students from Fuller Seminary, Marriage & Family Ministry (under guidance from Dr. Gloria Gabler), are available for private conversation. Call: 480-991-6424 ext. 114 and leave a message to request an appointment.

HOUSE OF PRAYER

Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.org VPC is a faith community that believes in the power of prayer. We strive to be a church where every member is prayed for every day. Sign up begins October 11 after worship services and online. You will receive a list of names of people to pray for. Some you may know, others you may not. If someone on your list submits a personal prayer request to the church that will be shared with you.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Tom Van Arsdale: 480-235-3196 or Karen Annis: 480-510-5385 “Feeling God’s Love Again”

The following story is a real life experience of how one person experienced God’s love in a tangible way in the midst of a difficult time through the care of a Stephen Minister. “It all began after I moved to Colorado Springs to live near my sister and family. I’d just ended an eight-year relationship and was depending on them to be my support system, but within two months of moving they unexpectedly had to move away and suddenly I found myself alone. To complicate matters, not long after she moved, my grandfather the only remaining family in the area passed away. It was one of the hardest times of my life. I knew that I needed to talk to someone, but I hadn’t lived in the city long enough to develop close friends who I could talk to and depend upon. But my new found church had Stephen Ministry and I spoke to the pastor about receiving a Stephen Minister. Our conversations at first were cordial but not deep as I needed to get to know her before sharing my deep personal thoughts, but her consistency, compassion and care gave me confidence that my story was safe with her. We met often. Sometimes she’d come to my home and we’d sit and talk, while other times we’d go on walks together. During our visits, she’d just let me talk while she listened and that was perfect because I wasn’t looking for advice, only for someone who’d offer me acceptance and affirmation. As I would talk, I began to realize after several visits that it was helping me make sense of everything that had happened and how I was feeling. As I talked and she listened, I began to realize that she was on this journey with me. I’d been struggling with some spiritual wounds that were pretty intense and needed healing… things that I didn’t want to share with family and friends. The more time we spent together, the more I felt comfortable and safe so I began to share some of my deepest hurts with her – some really painful things that I feared she might judge me for and things that even left me to wonder if God could possibly love me. After I shared with her my story, I was nervous and dreaded her response. I was worried that she would think I was an awful person, but instead she put her arm around me and said, “I’m sorry that you had to go through that.” That was a turning point for me. To go from fear and judgment to a positive affirmation of care, empathy and even sorrow for what I’d been through was incredibly meaningful to me. That’s when I began to feel God’s love again.” Stephen Ministry is a ministry that is committed to blessing all in need. It’s a ministry where loving and trained individuals come alongside those in need to listen, to care, to encourage, to pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support. If you find yourself in need of experiencing once again God’s care and love as you work through a difficult time in your life… maybe it’s time to consider a Stephen Minister.

Foundation MEET TRUSTEE: GEORGE BOSWORTH

602-840-8741 George was confirmed in the Presbyterian Church as a youth in the Chicago area. He and his wife Carolyn joined Valley when they moved from Chicago in 1974. George has served two terms on Session and one term on the Foundation Board. He believes the Foundation reflects the Church’s foresight in providing members with giving opportunities managed responsibly for the long-term. For questions you may have about the Foundation, contact George.

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 Every other Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. REQUIRED 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, October 9 & 23 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, October 28 Landes Center, $10 RSVP by October 23, 480-991-6424

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CIRCLES

Wandie Hulick: 480-634-1858 2015-2016 Bible Study: “Come to the Waters” All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible. Tuesday, October 13 Mary: 9:30 a.m., Jeanne Campo/Barbara McCreary, 480-994-4116 Westminster Village Saguaro Room Wednesday, October 14 Esther: 9:30 a.m., Lyn Ambrose 7326 E. Montebello Ave., 480-998-2198 Naomi: 11:30 a.m., Janet Nielsen 11515 N. 91st St. #103, 480-451-3514 Rebekah: 9:30 a.m., Ann Funk 4555 E. Mayo Blvd. #3317, 480-451-9611 Rachel: 9:30 a.m., Lara Robinson VPC Chapel Parlor, 602-867-1570 Ruth: 12:00 PM, Ruth Rehfeldt/Joyce Jennings VPC Room 409, 480-991-6424

Church News ORDINATION STANDARDS

Jeannie Wright: jeanniewright@myvalleychurch.org The Session of Valley Presbyterian Church is hosting three seminars for the congregation as they discern God’s will and direction of ordination standards for ruling and teaching Elders and Deacons. Seminars will feature two speakers, each representing separate viewpoints on VPC ordination standards. The seminars will not be presented as debates, but as presentations of differing theologies on marriage and sexuality. Seminars will also be posted to the website. There are a number of resources available for personal study during this process. A detailed booklet is available in worship centers, church office and online: myvalleychurch.org/resources. First Seminar-Video on website

Wednesday, September 23, Dr. Mark Achtemeier & Dr. Marianne Meye Thompson

Upcoming Seminars

Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.-noon, Landes Center Dr. Robert A.J. Gagnon & Dr. J.R. Daniel Kirk Sunday, October 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Landes Center Rev. Dr. Ron Hawkins & Rev. Dr. Vernon Meyer

FINANCE

Kris Bahr: krisbahr@myvalleychurch.org Valley Presbyterian Church Finances Year to Date through August 31, 2015 Actual Budget Total income $1,570,100 $1,607,000 Total expense $1,453,600 $1,509,500 Difference $117,000 $98,000

INQUIRERS’ CLASS

November 8, 12:30 p.m. Fireside Room Jane Russell: 480-694-1186 or jalaru4@cox.net Open to anyone who wishes to join Valley Presbyterian Church or has questions about your faith. For more information, contact Jane.

SESSION

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

Tuesdays 3:30-5:30 p.m. All kids K-5th grade myvalleychurch.org/explorers

October 4, 11, 18 & 25

Weekly Kilgore Chapel 8 a.m. 11:45 a.m.

Sanctuary 9 a.m.

Valley Presbyterian Church

Pastor David Joynt

Landes Center 10:30 a.m.

Communion October 4 World Communion

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

PREACHING

Pastoral Staff David Joynt, David Turner Pastors Emeriti Thomas A. Erickson, G. Wooden Garvin