Valley Vine, October 2017 by Valley Presbyterian Church

valley vine

Valley Presbyterian Church October 2017 Volume sixty-two, Number nine

Dear friends, My first years in Arizona I missed the feel of an eastern autumn. Every fall there would be a swift change. The heat and humidity would go away, and crisp sunny days would find their complement in cool evenings. The trees would turn from green to orange, red and yellow, adding riotous color to every park and yard. But best of all these changes heralded a fresh start to the rhythm of social and church life. There was a homecoming weekend in early September signaling the beginning of school and initiating the church year. Life together felt as if it began again! Now I have come to appreciate a different kind of rhythm. The changes in our temperatures are more gradual, leading slowly from high heat to perfect days and evenings that last for six months. There is no sudden autumn with a single feel of a fresh start. Instead, there are multiple beginnings! School starts in August, and families return to Valley Day School. This year, we welcomed 49 new families and added 25% more students. MOPS and Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible Studies restarted, once again having to accommodate record numbers of babies and infants.

Snowbirds come back as well, and their arrivals add to our energy through November. There are new beginnings and fresh starts every month! This year, there is also the prospect of a large scale renewal since our Session has adopted a Master Plan for our campus. In the coming weeks, we will assess the feasibility of a proposed phase one transformation of the heart of our facilities. We will have a model of potential changes for you to see and respond to. And we will delineate costs and determine our financial capacity. As I look at the plans, my heart beats faster and my eyes light up! I can see the generations coming together, the warmth and welcome of Valley multiplied and a new level of life and ministry realized together. Thank you to all of you who have contributed ideas through surveys and workshops. Thank you to our great Master Plan Committee. Thank you to our architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jones Studio. Pray for our Session to combine faith and feasibility in just the right way so we can initiate not just a new season at VPC but a new era. Faithfully yours,

September saw our fourth worship service at 11:45AM return once more, Presbyterian Women kicked off their circles of care and connection, and Sunday School began anew. Wednesday adult enrichment launched with 60 folks studying the Reformation and a new raft of couples learning to do marriage more deeply. Explorers! initiated their year of music and growth for elementary ages. Student Ministry started with Midweek gatherings. October will see another beginning with Encore University welcoming new and returning adults to the semester with a special celebration on October 3.

6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@vpc.church Website: vpc.church

Read the Valley Vine at its new home: VPC.CHURCH/VINE Would you rather receive your monthly Valley Vine via email? Send us your email address and we will get you all set up. The online version of the Vine is full color and can be accessed anywhere, from the email we send and the VPC website. If you are still interested in receiving a printed and mailed version of the Valley Vine contact Katrina Carney katrinac@vpc.church or 480-991-6424 ext. 118.

Who We Are: What Cooks' Tour means to me COOKS' TOUR 2017 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 9AM-3PM, VPC campus Home Tour tickets: $25 Luncheon tickets: $20

Over $1 million has been raised these past 46 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. The event has had a significant affect on those who plan it as well. Here are some of their thoughts on this annual tradition:

Cooks' Tour is a celebration! A celebration of friendship, fellowship, faith, all tied together over a year's work for the purpose of Mission. The fellowship and mission of Cooks' Tour is even more evident the day of the event. We are blessed to share what we have with those who are not only in need financially, but to share Jesus' love to others. -Kathy Arner Cooks' Tour energizes me knowing that the VPC Presbyterian Women are working together to serve the needs of the poor within our community and in Malawi. There is such satisfaction in sharing time and talent to create a day of charitable joy. It is a good feeling to see so many members of the congregation create and bring their specialty baked goods and other homemade items to the event. Knowing that our campus is filled with so many items that other committees have brought together is exciting. We see so many of the same people coming to this event year after year. It's our Happy Day. -Pat Ciccone I love working with all the talented VPC women for great purpose. I also love meeting and visiting with the many visitors who come to VPC. -Sally Eskew I have been involved with Cooks' Tour every year since 1985, when we joined VPC. The fellowship of working with several hundred volunteers on this benefit for mission has been most enriching. Cooks' Tour volunteers pull together each year and create an incredible day of fun and enjoyment for the community as well as ourselves. -Betty Heenan In the New Testament, Koinonia signifies having a share in something or with someone. Cooks' Tour is fellowship and participation that is unique to our relationship with other believers. Cooks' Tour unites in a relationship that expresses itself in joyful and affectionate service to and for each other's good. -Cheryl Ann Shaff Cooks' Tour is a very meaningful outreach from our church to numerous charitable missions of goodwill and faith serving many people in Arizona and beyond. -Bob Turpin

Worship @ VPC

VPC SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8AM 9AM 10:30AM 11:45AM

Chapel Sanctuary Landes Center Chapel

VPC Community Worship, Congregational Meeting & Lunch Sunday, October 22, 9:30AM, Sanctuary Congregational Meeting to elect officers for 2018. Free lunch to follow in Landes Center.

Inquirer Class 12:30-2:30PM, October 22, Fireside Room Sign-up: vpc.church/inquirer Childcare: nursery@vpc.church Have questions about your faith? Wonder what it means to join a church? Interested in becoming a member? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting for you!

PREACHING SCHEDULE October 1* October 8 October 15 October 22 (one service) October 29

Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt Pastor David Joynt

*Communion

Fall Ministry Brochure The new Ministry Brochure is out! Grab your copy today to find out all the events and programs through the end of the year.

Highlighted Events

church@vpc.church

THIS DESERT HOME WORSHIP NIGHT & CD RELEASE PARTY* Saturday, October 21 7PM, Chapel *Childcare available

VPC COMMUNITY WORSHIP CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & LUNCH Sunday, October 22 9:30AM, Sanctuary

Inquirer Class

INQUIRER CLASS

Sunday, October 22 12:30-2:30PM, Fireside Room Sign up to join our community! vpc.church/inquirer

TRUNK OR TREAT

Sunday, October 29 4:30-6PM, South Parking Lot Sign up to host a trunk: vpc.church/children

Mission & Service

Chris Woodard, Mission Director: chrisw@vpc.church

Natural disasters and Supernatural work I have been amazed at the hopeful stories I have heard come from the tragedies of the hurricanes and earthquakes this past month. As people’s lives are forever changed, darkness could take a hold, but rather the light of our Lord is shining through in the efforts of many ministries, churches, and people. VPC will continue to build relationships with churches and ministries leading the recovery effort of those areas most affected; we will continue to support them financially, prayerfully and soon with our hands and feet. If you would like more information about how you can help the recovery effort in Texas, Florida, or Puerto Rico, please reach out to me. Restoration is possible because of our Lord and how amazing it is that our God uses us to be the hands and feet in this process. -Chris Woodard

Connect VPC is pleased to announce that Shelby Trimaloff has accepted a full-time position as Ministry Assistant to Mike and Kelly Nieto in the areas of Discipleship and Spiritual Growth and Encore University. Shelby loves the Lord and is excited to give her time and talents to the ministry programs here at Valley and strives to be the “hands and feet” of Christ in her daily life. Shelby is an Arizona native and was raised in Tempe. She and her husband Rick have three kids: Meghan, an 8th grade science teacher in the Cave Creek District, and twins Paige and Tyler, 8th grade students in the Paradise Valley School District.

If you would like to host, serve a meal, spend the night or simply get to know our guests please contact Chris.

Volunteer with MentorKids USA Mondays, 3PM, van leaves from VPC MentorKids after school program is in full swing! If you would like to have a major impact in a child’s life this is an opportunity for you. Come be a part by reading to a child, helping them with their homework and being a consistent loving presence in their life.

Cooks’ Tour 2017 Friday, November 3, VPC campus Home Tour tickets: $25, Luncheon tickets: $20 Learn more and purchase tickets: vpc.church/cooks Co-chairs: Wandie Hulick, 602-316-3372, or Jeanne Campo, 480-994-4116 Over $1 million has been raised over the past 46 years to support mission needs in our church, our community, and throughout the globe. Event includes Home Tour, Luncheon, Costume Jewelry, Craft Boutique, Silent Auction, and Kitchen Treasures. We need your help! It’s an opportunity to give your time, talents, and treasures. We would love your donations. Starting October 8, tickets also available: Sundays on patio, or 10AM–noon, Monday-Friday in VPC Library.

Pastor Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church Meet Shelby Trimaloff

Hosting Family Promise October 1-8, evenings on VPC campus

-Pastor Mike Nieto

Community Groups Information visit: vpc.church/community_groups

Do you want to grow deeper in relationship with Jesus while you connect with other Christians? Our small groups meet at various times throughout the month to study God’s word and encourage each other to live it out loud.

20-30s: Chris Woodard, chrisw@vpc.church

Contact Chris for upcoming social and service projects.

30-40s: Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church

Watch for upcoming social and service projects on website.

40-50s: David Turner, davidt@vpc.church Sundays, 9-10AM, Room 409 Bible study, social events, and service projects.

50-60s: Sarah Burnette, sarahswiggins@gmail.com Sundays, 10:25-11:30AM, Fireside Room Empty nesters grow together in faith and fellowship.

60s-70s: Judith Robins, az29hiker@msn.com 1st & 2nd Thursdays, 1-2:30PM, Crossing 104 Study, fellowship, and refreshments.

70s+: Wandie Hulick, wild4uofa@aol.com

Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center October 5: Mexican Train, 1PM, Dinner, 3PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: October 19, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: October 26, 3PM, Fireside Room

Theatre Night, Mamma Mia! Everyone is welcome. Thursday, October 12, 7:30PM, Phoenix Theatre Tickets: Wandie Hulick, wild4uofa@aol.com

Children & Families

Tina Gilbreath, Children’s Ministry Director: tinag@vpc.church

Trunk or Treat… Not just for kids! Kids aren’t the only ones who have fun at Trunk or Treat! Grandparents love bringing grandkids and adults who haven’t participated before are surprised at how much they enjoyed it. There are prizes for the most creative trunks and a chili cook-off and tasting. Trunk or Treat is an event where volunteers decorate the trunks of their car and hand out individually wrapped store bought candy for the children. Children go car to car…’trunk or treating’ and receive candy at each decorated trunk. It is a great time for the children from our church family and surrounding community! Last year we had 303 adults and kids helping with trunks and more, and an additional 523 people came to the event as our guests! This a great time for our whole church community to connect! We hope you will join us this year. -Tina Gilbreath

Students

mini EXPLORERS! after school for kids Ages 3-5 years old October 17-November 14, 2-3PM (no mini-Explorers! October 31)

Join us for this fun class and opportunity to meet other parents of three year olds. This class gives an overview of Sunday School and Family Ministry. In addition, families learn the value and meaning of being a spiritual leader in their home and are provided tips and support for growing into that role.

Take It Home Event: Kindergarten families Family Prayer November 5, following 10:30AM children's message Room 415/416 Children connect to God with all their senses. This class encourages parents to pray creatively with their kindergartner as they coach their children on how to pray. Join other families with kindergartners for this fun class.

Trunk or Treat Sunday, October 29, 4:30-6PM South Parking Lot Join other VPC families, wear your best costume, decorate your car's trunk, and get ready for a great time! We need trunks, but we also need volunteers for all different jobs. Take a look at the opportunities and sign up for one or more items! Email Tina for information: tinag@vpc.church.

Joseph Parisi, Student Ministry Director: josephp@vpc.church Come for the neon, stay for the Jesus

Lots of neon, boating, and the Gospel of Mark these are just a few of the elements present in the first couple months of our weekly Midweek events! It has certainly been an exciting start, but what has truly been inspiring is the response to the ongoing study of the Gospel of Mark during Midweek. There are few things more exciting then hearing a student say, “I came for the fun and games, but I stayed to know more about Jesus.” On Sundays we are continuing parent and student Small Groups. This is the optimal time for parents to learn together, and study the same curriculum as their students so they can continue the conversation at home. We are still looking for more people to help provide a breakfast on Sunday morning for our families. If you are interested in helping fill this need, please email jill@parisicorp.com for more information. -Joseph Parisi

Student & Parent Small Groups Sundays, 9AM, Landes Basement Sign up online: vpc.church/students Student Ministry Small Groups are where students can engage in learning and talking about faith. Each student will be placed in a small group led by adult volunteers. Parent and student classrooms will be separate, but the curriculum will be the same. Breakfast will be provided after each class for students and parents to come together to fellowship. Email Joseph with any questions.

Jr. High Midweek Mondays, 6PM, Landes Basement Jr. High Midweek is a weekly event focused on fun and excitement. Expect exciting games such as Couch Olympics, Knockerball, and many more! At the end of each night there will be a biblical message that is applicable to each Jr. High student.

High School Midweek Wednesdays, 7PM, Landes Basement High School Midweek is a weekly event focused on fun and building community. Each week there will be adventures, small groups, worship concerts, game nights, and so much more! At the end of each night there will be a biblical message that is applicable to each High School student.

Learn & Grow

Pastor Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church

Discipleship We have all heard the phrase “opposites attract”, and how true it is! Each one of us is uniquely formed by God with certain personality traits, we are “wired” by God in unique ways. Sometimes the wiring can be a little difficult or cause stress within us and with others. This October, Discipleship and Spiritual Growth will partner with VPC's Mental Health Ministry Team to present Part One (five weeks) of “Wired that Way,” a study of how God created us with these unique characteristics and how to handle situations when these characteristics cause strain. In October, there are two evenings of “The Reformation” remaining, Wednesday, October 4 & 11, 6:30-7:30PM in Calvin Center. Join in (even for the first time!) to learn more about this important historical and theological event as we prepare to “Reclaim our Faith” at the Day of Discipleship on January 27, 2018.

Wired that Way* Wednesdays, October 25 - December 6 (No class Nov. 22) 6:30-7:30PM, Fireside, Cost: Purchase the book Registration & Childcare: vpc.church/classes Facilitators: Kelly Nieto, Elizabeth Weiss

Do you know that you were “wired” a certain way by God? God made you with certain personality traits that effect how you interact with God, others, and yourself. You will learn about what these “wires” mean, how to stay mentally healthy, and how to glorify God with who you are!

Advent Study: The Trinity* Wednesdays, November 29 - December 13 6:30–7:30PM, Calvin Center Childcare available by reservation. The season of Advent is a time of anticipation, waiting for God’s kingdom to come. Each week, we will explore the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth!

-Pastor Kelly Nieto

Encore University

miken@vpc.church

At Encore University we want to equip and empower you to recognize and fulfill the Godgiven callings in your life! To celebrate the new Encore year, we would like to extend a few special offers to all students: -Invite a Friend to take a classwe will treat both to that class. -Take more than three classes, get a Free Lunch at the Café. -Volunteer to be a class Ambassador, take that class for free. Join us for Back to School kickoff on October 3 from 5:30 to 7:30PM on the Sanctuary patio. Enjoy live music, free food, art. Reconnect with friends! Free, no RSVP required. Looking for a time to refresh and renew? Come to our new Thursday afternoon Chapel service. Come find out how Encore University can be a part of God’s plan for you. - Pastor Mike Nieto

New classes, promotions, lunch with Director, plus more.

MOPS

Molly Livak: mollyl@vpc.church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) in October

If you haven't been able to join us for a meeting this year, it's not too late! We want to see you there! We have two fabulous meetings planned in October that you won't want to miss out on! Our first October meeting is Friday, October 6 and we'll be hearing from a local blogger about all things lifestyle, fashion, home design, parenting & more! You won't want to miss all she has to share. We'll wrap up our October meeting with the owners of Pinspiration! They are coming to do a craft with us on October 27. Don't be shy if you aren't "crafty", they are sure to inspire us! As always please feel free to contact me with any questions at mollyl@vpc.church! -Molly Livak

October MOPS Fridays, October 6 & 27, 9-11AM, Room 415/416 Register for MOPS: vpc.church/mops Childcare: nursery@vpc.church We offer childcare for children (up to age 5) on a spaceavailable basis. During the meetings, your little Moppet will enjoy the classrooms and playground of Valley Day School which is on our campus. All caregivers have been fingerprinted and have had background checks.

Men’s Ministry

Chris Woodard, Men’s Ministry Director: chrisw@vpc.church

A great time in the mountains My walk with Jesus has been filled with high moments and low moments. I am very thankful for the people in my life that have supported and encouraged me in my discipleship process with Jesus. It was a joy at this past Men’s Retreat to hear and to share stories of our how Jesus is working in our lives. It was encouraging to realize that we men are not alone; we have a great community of support here at VPC. To continue with this mutual encouragement, we will gather every third Tuesday for breakfast for a time of prayer, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Small groups are also forming where men can meet to invest in each other’s lives and hold each other accountable to their discipleship process. Please let me know how we can be place of support and encouragement for you. -Chris Woodard

Women’s Ministry

All men are invited to join together the third Tuesday of the month for breakfast at VPC. Gather at 6:30AM and breakfast will begin at 6:45AM. We will hear testimonies from each other and will focus in on our topic for the month.

Top Golf Thursday, November 2, time & cost TBA More information coming soon: vpc.church/men Gentlemen, join us for an evening of fun! Top Golf is a great place to unwind, get to know other guys better, or catch up with those you haven’t seen in a while. No actual experience with golf is necessary!

Men's Adult Basketball Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM, Landes Center, free Questions? Email Mike: michael.bitticks@gmail.com Looking for a way to begin your day with some great fun and exercise? Then our morning Men’s Basketball program is for you. Join us for a quick game before you head off to work. Showers and lockers available.

Kelly Nieto, Pastor: kellyn@vpc.church

Living with gratitude Reverend Laura Bratton was the speaker at this year’s Women’s Breakfast, she shared her story of facing difficult circumstances and asking the difficult questions about faith and trust during these times. When she learned that she would eventually lose her sight, her question was not “why?” but simply fear of “I can’t.” As Laura shared her story, she encouraged us to live thanking God, knowing that God’s strength is enough of each one of us. Being part of a community is essential in living out gratitude: join our Women’s Bible Study, come contribute to mission at Cooks' Tour! This Fall, may we continue to learn together how “I can’t” becomes “God can!”

Third Tuesday of the Month Breakfast October 17, 6:30AM RSVP by Sunday prior, vpc.church/men

-Pastor Kelly Nieto

Women’s Bible Study Thursdays, 6:30-8PM (Sept.14 & 28, Oct. 19, Nov. 9, Dec. 14) Fridays, 9-10:30AM (Sept.15 & 29, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Dec. 1 & 15) Room 415-416, Free Registration & Childcare: vpc.church/women

This study is for women of all ages to explore God’s word in a small group setting. On Friday mornings, we will have a light breakfast, fellowship, teaching, discussion, and prayer. In the Fall we will be studying “Keeping Place”. Author and Bible teacher Jen Pollock Michel takes us on a journey through Scripture to uncover the meaning of home. We’ll discover our yearning for a place to belong, how God provides that place, and how we can model His hospitality in our lives.

Presbyterian Women Circles

Tuesday, October 10 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Wednesday,October 11 Esther: 9:30AM, Bonnie Henzel's home Lydia: 9:30AM, Calvin Center Sarah: 12PM, Room 409

PW Luncheon and Speaker October 25, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10

RSVP: 480-991-6424 by October 20 WHEAT’s Clothes Silo Style Show Provides job-appropriate attire for disadvantaged women.

Care & Support

David Turner, Pastor: davidt@vpc.church

VPC walks alongside you No one ever expects to hear the diagnoses of cancer. Yet well over a million new cases of cancer were reported in the US in 2016, according to the National Cancer Institute. It's a diagnosis that can set people on a journey that feels overwhelming. VPC cares about each person that begins this journey, and we want to come alongside you. One way we are doing this is by offering an informative workshop we’re confident will encourage and equip anyone beginning to work through what cancer will mean for their lives. Through discussion and personal stories we’ll look at how to make sense of the anxieties felt; how to tell others of your new challenge; how to research the particular diagnosis and what to believe; what kind of questions you should ask medical professionals as well as the spiritual challenges that are before you. We will also hear the personal story of how Dr. David Joynt faced the challenge of cancer in his life and what he discovered about himself and his faith in God. Our guest presenter is Kathy Baughman, Chaplain and Cancer Case Management at Mayo Clinic. -Pastor David Turner

Remembrances Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of Barbara Forbes, Richard Funk, Nancy Hines,Vern Krehbiel, Barbara Patterson, Will Sayre, Carmen Stewart, Sabine Vaughan, and Hank Wheeler.

Mental Health NAMI Walk October 21, 9:15AM, State Capital Grounds Sign-up at Welcome Table on Patio, October 8 Registration begins at 8:30AM namivalleywalk.org VPC Mental Health Ministry Team and The North Valley Walkers would like you to join them to raise funds to host education programs, facilitate support groups, offer training and advocate for services for millions of Americans living with mental illness. For more information contact Susan Krecker, susangkrecker@cox.net, 480-607-3598

Divorce Recovery Mondays through November 6 5:30-6:45PM, Chapel Parlor, Cost: $20 Registration: vpc.church/divorcerecovery Facilitator: Anna Kohls This seven-week program designed for anyone at any stage of the divorce process. Facilitator Anna Kohls has Master’s degrees in Marital and Family Therapy and Education. Divorce Recovery is open to everyone. Are you or someone you know ready to take the next step in their journey? Questions? Email David Turner: davidt@vpc.church

GriefShare Wednesdays starting October 11 1-3PM, Chapel Parlor Registration, vpc.church/grief Facilitator: Karen Annis & Janel Willert GriefShare is a 13-week DVD-based program with workbook and discussion time. Recovery doesn’t come from knowledge, but from Christian hope and personal support. Questions about this program? Email David Turner: davidt@vpc.church

Cancer Workshop: Navigating the Journey* Featuring Pastor David Joynt's personal story Saturday, October 28, 9AM-12PM $10, includes continental breakfast Registration: vpc.church/care or Tammy Milne, 480-991-6424 Childcare: nursery@vpc.church Educational and experiential workshop that looks at the journey we travel when we, or loved ones, are diagnosed with cancer.

Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss@gmail.com NAMI-Family Support Group

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community Information: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org

Living Grace Support Group

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-8PM, Oasis Community Church Information: jilliannhogan@gmail.com or 480-234-7073

Family Support website:

nami.org/Find-Support/Living-with-a-Mental-Health-Condition

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

Music

Jennifer Hamm, Minister of Music: jenniferh@vpc.church Minister of Music

Music is a huge part of who we are at VPC. Our church has a rich history of making beautiful music. When I arrived at VPC two years ago, I was eager to start a Concert Series that would give us a sense of connection and community.

Selecting concerts that would appeal to everyone has been a goal of mine. Music moves people in different ways and people are affected differently by various types of music! This season, our committee has chosen concerts that will appeal to everyone and I encourage you to open your mind this year to experiencing all types of music. You may discover new sounds that you didn’t know you liked. We kick off our season with a concert/worship night on Saturday, October 21 with our very own worship team. Members of the team have been working on a CD and it will be released during this concert! This will be an exciting event that you will want to be part of! Please see refer to the Ministry Brochure or our website for a list of the 2017-2018 concerts. - Jennifer Hamm

This Desert Home EP* VPC Worship Team CD Release Worship Concert Saturday, October 21, 6:30PM, Chapel, Free Members of the VPC Worship Team have put together an album of original music written by Worship Leader Travis Kingma. Join us for the great night of worship and pick up free music from our own community! *Childcare provided

Valley Ringers Handbell Choir Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15PM, Bell Room New Youth Choir Starting Wednesdays, 6:15-7PM, Choir Room Come join us and sing in a fun, comfortable, encouraging atmosphere!

Chancel Choir Rehearsal Wednesdays, 7:30PM, Choir Room It’s not too late to join the choir. We’ll be starting our Christmas music soon!

Valley Day School

Meghan Gottfredson, Day School Director: meghang@vpc.church

Parent Visiting Days What a wonderful month we've had at Valley Day School. Over the past two weeks, we've hosted Parent Visiting Days in each of our classrooms. Our preschoolers were thrilled at the opportunity to bring their parents to school - eagerly showing them around their classrooms and introducing them to friends. Mothers, fathers, and even grandparents had the chance to spend the morning or afternoon here at Valley Day. Watching these adults engage in messy preschool play was a powerful experience, and one I imagine they won't soon forget. We believe in partnering with our Day School parents while their children are in our care. We hope to support and empower them as they raise the next generation. You can help us by praying for these families as they take on one of the toughest jobs around - that of being a parent. -Meghan Gottfredson

Foundation

Charlee Turner, Foundation Administrator: charleet@vpc.church Leaving a legacy!

It’s a big deal and we are ready to celebrate! The Foundation is once again gearing up to host Valley Presbyterian’s Legacy Society members for our Annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon on October 16. Don’t know what a Legacy Society member is? Through wills and estates, Legacy Society members commit a monetary gift to the church that is invested, grown, and used to support missions such as church repair, student scholarships, music ministry, and much more! Interested in learning more? Please see a Foundation Trustee or contact the Foundation Office at 480-991-6424 ext. 168. -Charlee Turner

Save the Date: Foundation Legacy Dinner March 23, 2018 Interested? Email Charlee: charleet@vpc.church A fun-filled evening of auction, dance, and laughter! Join us for a night that can change the life of our church. Learn more about the Valley Presbyterian Foundation: vpc.church/foundation Foundation Office, 480-991-6424 ext. 168 Charlee Turner, charleet@vpc.church Kris Bahr, krisb@vpc.church

Volunteer

Time, Talent, & Treasures

church@vpc.church

Presbyterian Women Spring Sale (white elephant) is looking for donations! Saturdays, October 7 & 21, 9-11AM Cooks’ Tour Shed, Lynetta Norris: ljoynorris@aol.com Donate your old treasures to support mission needs in our community. PW is collecting items as they prepare for the Spring Sale. Have items you would otherwise donate to Goodwill or Red Cross? Drop them off here instead! PW Spring Sale will be April 6-7, 2018.

Trunk or Treat Volunteers Sunday, October 29, 4:30-6PM, South Parking Lot There are jobs big and small! Come join the fun! Some of you have been planning your trunk since last year, and some of you will figure something out the night before! We need you all to make this year's Trunk or Treat bigger and better than ever. We need trunks, but we also need volunteers for all different jobs. Take a look at the opportunities and sign up for one or more items! Go to, signupgenius.com/go/30e044babad22a6fe3-trunk1

Sunday School teachers Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church 3 years-5th grade, 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM Training and lessons provided. Contact Tina for more information.

A word from Foundation TrusteeI consider it a privilege to be asked to serve as a Trustee once again after so many years. It is through these years that I have come to truly appreciate the unique role our Foundation serves as the guardians of our endowment. I am excited to be working together in making wise and important decisions that will impact our church for the future. -Mickey Rufenacht

VPC Boy Scouts Troop 441 Holiday Greens signal the start the most wonderful time of the year! Troop 441 Holiday Green sales October 8, & 15, outside worship centers Greens delivered December 3 This is one of the generous ways that our church family supports Troop 441. VPC members love to decorate with and give fragrant holiday greens, such as wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces. These are wonderful in your home and make welcome gifts for friends, family, and businesses. This annual fundraiser supports Troop 441’s year-long activities. Scouts rely on their sales to help pay for scout summer camps.

Coming in November... Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 22 Mountain View Presbyterian Church, time TBA Look for more details about this great combined service with Mountain View Presbyterian Church.

2017 Cooks' Tour Final Preparations Sure, Cooks' Tour is at the beginning of November, but there is much to be done to prepare to host hundreds of people on our campus. Look in the Vine for last-minute information on tickets sales and other needs. Visit website for more information on this one-day event for missions in our community and around the world at vpc.church/cooks.

Online-only publication of the Valley Vine If you are still interested in receiving a printed and mailed version of the Valley Vine contact Katrina Carney katrinac@vpc.church or 480-991-6424 ext. 118.

VPC Leadership News From Session Session approved the Master Plan for Campus Restoration and Development in June. The plan includes a unified worship space, more social space including a café, classrooms all in one area, and all administrative offices in another area. The goal is to make our campus friendlier and attractive to all ages. It can be executed in several phases. In September, the Session reviewed the Master Plan and approved a feasibility plan for Phase 1, which will include producing a model for all congregation to see and comment on; getting feedback from those who use classrooms to see what classrooms should look like; and having an audio/ acoustic consultant advise us on how the Sanctuary can accommodate an organ, a traditional choir, a Praise band, and spoken word. Session is appreciative of all the work that the Master Plan Committee, under the leadership of Jim Unruh and Jones Studio, is doing. This summer, the Session updated several job descriptions and filled the following staff positions: -Student Ministry Intern- Alex Donnell -Administrative Assistant to Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Spiritual Growth and Student Liaison of Encore University- Shelby Trimaloff -Coordinator, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) - Molly Livak -Organist/ Assistant Minister of Music- Julia Tucker Please welcome these talented new staff members. Session contracted with Associated Crafts to repair and replace two stained glass panels in the Chapel that were damaged by the storm on June 16. The Charter for Boy Scout Troop 441 was enthusiastically renewed for one year. A Congregational meeting has been called for Sunday, October 22, following the single worship service, at 10:30AM to elect Elders, Deacons, and Trustees whose terms will begin in January, 2018. Rev. Jim Kesler and Lanny Trapnell from the Presbytery Commission on Ministry (COM) visited with Session. The COM typically visit every other year, but it has been longer than that since they sat down with the VPC Session due to other pressing issues. In preparation of the meeting, we sent them information on our structure, our vision, and ministries. We had a good discussion; they are impressed that VPC has a clear vision and a well thought out path on how to meet our goals. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact, Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session at 480-368-6567.

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, October 22, 10:30AM (following 9:30AM combined worship service) Session has called a Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing Elders, Deacons, and Trustees in order that the candidates may complete training prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting in February 2018.

Leader Spotlight Elder Ed Glady

Discipleship and Spiritual Growth Committee Chair 2017 Ed and Beth joined VPC in 1993. Over the past 24 years, he has taught Children's Sunday School; led Student Ministry groups; helped with Vacation Bible School; co-led the Men’s Ministry; participated in Dinner for Eight; assisted with Cooks' Tour; was on the team that established and created the initial structure for the current 10:30AM Worship Service; led the set design and construction team for the 10:30AM Service; served on the Adult Education Committee; taught many different adult education classes; led and hosted the Men’s Breakfast; co-led the Men’s Retreat; co-led the 40s and 50s Community Group; and served a prior term on Session on the Day School, Children, and Youth Committee. In his current term on Session, he has served on the Committee for Discipleship and Spiritual Growth, chairing the committee since January 2016. He also chairs the 2017 All-Church Nominating Committee, as well as Valley's Risk Management Committee.

Visit VPC Session page! vpc.church/session