VALLEY VINE Valley Presbyterian Church
September 2016
Volume 61, Number 8 Therefore , since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith . Hebrews 12:1-2a
Dear friends, The 2016 Olympics are over. The races have been run. The medals have been awarded. The national anthems have been sung. The crowds have gone home. The media has moved on to cover the next event. The athletic venues have fallen silent. But now, all over the globe, new quests begin. Athletes dream of Tokyo 2020. Goals are set around lofty visions—to improve the score, lower the time, achieve a personal best, make a national team, win a medal, set a world record. In gyms, on fields, in pools, the work begins. Men and women shape their lives around their hopes. Diet, time, energy, location, resources, relationships— everything is organized and focused on a future result. Every lap is swum, every mountain is climbed, every mile is run, and every move is practiced with the dream in mind. Olympic dreams are admirable, but Kingdom dreams are more significant! What dream do you have for VPC? What do you imagine will be achieved in four or five years? In ten years?
This fall our staff and leadership are setting goals for our congregation. As we celebrate our past, the themes of our worship will center on how all of us can join together on behalf of tomorrow. What will it take to write a wonderful new chapter in our story? It will require deeper devotion, wider witness, richer relationships, greater generosity, purer praise, stronger service, and closer caring. The early chapters of the Book of Acts will provide our inspiration as we see how the first community of believers met their challenges. For seven weeks, we’ll examine key areas of our common life. On the eighth weekend, November 6, we will celebrate our 60th birthday. Please share your ideas and dreams with Session and staff. Jesus is calling us beyond mainline malaise, to come together on behalf of tomorrow! See you in church. Blessings,
As we celebrate 60 years of ministry here this fall, we remember the tremendous spiritual competitors who came before us, part of the great cloud of witnesses now cheering us forward. So what goals will we set? What records will we aim to break? How well will we run the race set before us? And most importantly of all—will we organize our lives around a holy vision? Will we focus our time and energy and resources, as individuals and collectively, on a Kingdom building dream? Will we put aside the weights that hinder us and run with perseverance toward Godly goals, looking to Jesus as our pioneer and perfecter?
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: What’s your story?
Highlighted Events
In our student ministry, students are being called to lead. As they grow and learn, they are developing the story of how God is working in their lives. This summer our students had an incredible time attending summer camp, the high school mission trip to Washington, D.C., and junior high mission trip to Tuba City, AZ. One of our students who was moved in a powerful way was Jessica Pisarski (pictured front left). Through her experiences this summer, Jessica feels God is calling her to pursue leading children’s ministry and sharing his Gospel with children. This summer Jessica led children on both of our mission trips and at VPC. Praise God for what He is doing in our students’ lives and that He has called all of us into His mission in the world.
Wednesdays, September 7-October 12 6-8PM, Calvin Center, Cost: $30 Last chance to sign up! So what’s YOUR story? God is at work in your life right now! Through celebration and brokenness, from thoughts of His glory to the depths of despair, you have a unique story. It’s a story only you can tell, a story that can help someone else in need. This fall VPC will tell the stories of our church and its people. You can start learning how to tell your story at the first Day of Discipleship on September 24. Acclaimed speaker Chris Simning will tell us his story and you’ll get the chance to explore how God is at work in your life right now.
`Starts Tuesday, September 13
4-5:30PM, Calvin Center
Mission & Service Thank you, your gifts keep giving! -The overflow of support for Navajo Elementary allowed us to also equip classrooms at the South Phoenix Campus of MentorKids with school supplies. -We raised over $18,000 in this year’s first PV4Africa and all of those funds were wired to Ministry of Hope to help with their Lean Season Program this year. Thank you for all that you do in supporting our 2,000+ orphans. Opportunities to serve: Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church If you would like to get involved, contact Chris. MentorKids USA Mondays, meet at church 3PM, return around 5PM Work with students in their after school program.
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Family Promise September 11-18 VPC will be housing four Family Promise families. If you would like to help with a meal, be an overnight host and/or hang out with the families contact Chris.
Fry’s Community Rewards Program
Shopping at Fry’s is now another way to support VPC! Go to: frysfood.com, click on Community tab, Fry’s Community Rewards to enroll. Valley Presbyterian Church: Organization NPO number 39096
COOKS’ TOUR 2016
Friday, November 4, 2016 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.
`Saturday, September 17, 7:30AM-Noon Orange Tree Golf Resort
Crafters
Tuesdays, 9AM, Calvin Center, Margaret: 480-483-2609 We are working on items to sell at Cooks’ Tour 2016.
Donations Needed-drop off
Saturdays, 9-11AM, Cooks’ Tour shed Kay Koeb: 480-946-2624 White Elephant: Gently used clothing, linens, housewares, watches, jewelry etc. Give your treasures a second chance! Silent Auction: Gift baskets, sporting event tickets, restaurant certificates, china, crystal, and antiques.
Kitchen Treasures
Kathy Arner: 480-739-4291 Provide your special touch by making delicious homemade foods to sell at Cooks’ Tour 2016.
`September 30-October 2 Prescott Pines Camp
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Students & Families CHILDREN
Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church
Get Connected STUDENTS
Jordan Gustafson: jordang@vpc.church
Sunday Nursery: Infants-2 years 8:45-11:45AM Sunday School: 3 years-5th grade (No Sunday School Sept. 4) 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45AM Registration: vpc.church/sunday-school-registration Take-It-Home events:
The Gathering- All students 6th-12th grade Sundays, 9-10:15AM, Landes Basement All students are invited and encouraged to join as we worship together, engage in the Bible together, and have small group time with our grade levels. After the Gathering we encourage all students to join us at our 10:30AM worship service in Landes Center.
EXPLORERS! Kickoff
Jr. High Midweek Mondays, 6-8PM, Landes Basement Sr. High Midweek Wednesdays, 7-9PM, Landes Basement Join us for Midweek on Monday nights for Junior High and Wednesday nights for High School! We do all sorts of crazy awesome events, and always dive into the Bible together to learn about the Gospel and how we as Christians should live out our faith. Don’t miss any of the action this fall and always be sure to invite your friends to join us!
Parents of kindergartners; Kinder Prayer September 11, 10:30AM, Room 415-416 Parents of 3rd graders; Read their Bible September 25, 10:30AM, Room 415-416 3rd graders learn to read their Bibles.
Tuesdays, 4-5:30PM, starting September 13 Two Choirs: K-2nd & 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. Registration: vpc.church/explorers For more information contact: Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church or Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
Educational Enrichment DISCIPLESHIP
Rev. Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church Rev. Mike Nieto: miken@vpc.church Childcare: nursery@vpc.church *Childcare available by reservation The Marriage Course* Wednesdays, Sept. 7–Oct. 12, 6–8PM, Calvin Center Facilitators: Kelly & Mike Nieto Cost: $30, if interested contact Kelly or Mike Nieto The Marriage Course is designed to strengthen marriages at all stages. Each evening includes a meal for you and your spouse, a lesson on different topics of married life, and times for the couple to privately discuss each topic. Couples sit at individual tables. There is no public discussion unless the couple would like to talk with our “mentor couple.” The course is based on biblical principles of marriage, but is also helpful for couples from a non-religious background. We Bear Witness: A Trial Attorney Examines Testimony of the New Testament* Wednesdays, Sept. 7–Oct. 12, 6:30–7:30PM, Room 409 Facilitator: Ed Glady, Free, no registration required Some view the New Testament as a collection of “nice” stories and letters on par with a Dickens novel or a Hemingway story – perhaps interesting, at times informative, but more fiction than reality. However, the New Testament powerfully testifies to the truth of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Spend six weeks with a trial attorney as we examine the testimony of those who authored the components of the New Testament. We can rely on the content of the words and memories found in scripture to guide us closer to Christ and the life He wants us to lead.
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Day of Discipleship 2016: “My Story, God’s Glory”* Saturday, September 24, 9AM-Noon, Landes Center Facilitators: David Joynt, Kelly & Mike Nieto, Kelsey Woodruff, Ed Glady God is at work in your life! Have you felt and seen His presence? He has crafted you from the start; you are a unique story of God’s glory. Join us for a special, one-day event to see God’s presence in our lives. Hear Pastor Joynt speak about how God has shaped our lives for His glory and listen to world-class speaker Chris Simnings tell his story of God’s miraculous work in his life. We will offer workshops on various related topics, like finding God’s fingerprints in your life, creating a life map of God’s presence in your life, living out your faith in daily life, and sharing your story with others. Free breakfast, free lunch, and free childcare!
Tracy Keller: eu@vpc.church 480-991-6424 ext. 165 Learn more: encoreuniv.org ADVENTURES IN LIFELONG LEARNING®
Fall Term begins October 11 No matter what your interests are, EU has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the fun, register today. Registration available, online, encoreuniv.org, or by mail. Catalogs available in EU office. Back to School Kickoff Tuesday, October 4, 5:30-7:30PM Food truck, live jazz, art show and more. Saturday Morning Speaker Series Tickets: $25, Breakfast Buffet October 22: Pat McMahon, TV and Radio Host November 19: Jerry Colangelo, Business & Sports Executive
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. 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 Lunch Bunch: Sept. 15, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club Cardmaking: Thursday, Sept. 29 3PM, Fireside Room
Inquirer Class Sunday, October 23, 12:30PM, Fireside Room Interested in becoming a member? Have questions about your faith? Want to join a growing community of believers? For more information call Jane Russell, 480-694-1186. Register online: vpc.church/inquirer
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 Men’s Adult Basketball Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM Adult Line Dance Fridays, 10AM-noon
Music & Arts MINISTER OF MUSIC
Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church Valley Ringers Rehearsal Resumes September 7, 5:30PM, Handbell Room I am so excited to share our handbells have been totally refurbished for the fall and are in perfect working order! Please consider joining our Handbell Choir! You do not need to know how to read music, although that is a plus. Just have a heart for music, trying something new and a desire to serve in our Worship ministry. Contact Jennifer for more information Choir Rehearsal Starts Again! September 7, 7:30PM, Music Room We are seeking new members to sing in the choir. Come join a wonderful group of people who fellowship and sing each week. The fall is a great time to join as we learn new music. This is a great way to glorify God through song!
EXPLORERS! Kickoff Tuesdays, 4-5:30PM, starting September 13 Two Choirs: K-2nd & 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. Registration: vpc.church/explorers For more information contact: Tina Gilbreath: tinag@vpc.church or Jennifer Hamm: jenniferh@vpc.church
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Men A New Perspective: 2016 Men’s Retreat
Led by Rev. Bryan Fergus, Teaching pastor at Calvary Community Church, past VPC class instructor September 30-October 2, Prescott Pines Camp Registration: vpc.church/men What we see and experience impacts how we live, but often our field of vision is less than perfect. What would it be like if our vision for Christ was brought into sharp focus? If you’re interested in seeing Christ better, the Men’s Retreat is for you! We will look at new perspectives for how Jesus calls us to live through his teaching on the Sermon on the Mount. Our weekend will be a chance to relax and enjoy an array of recreational activities, including indoor basketball, rock wall, a high ropes course, horse shoes, swimming pool, miles of hiking trails, and much more.
Women Women’s Bible Study: Pulling the Thread by Jen Hatmaker* Begins September 1 & 2 Thursdays, 6:30PM, Room 415, Fridays, 9AM, Room 415 Kelsey Woodruff: kelseyw@vpc.church Register: vpc.church/women MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers)* Friday, September 9 & 23, Room 415-416 Meghan Gottfredson: nursery@vpc.church MOPS is a place to gather, connect, and be encouraged Be Still: 2016 Women’s Breakfast Speaker: Jeannie McCoy September 17, 7:30AM-noon, Orange Tree Golf Resort Kelly Nieto: kellyn@vpc.church Speaker: Jeannie McCoy Registration: vpc.church/2016-womens-breakfast *Childcare available by reservation (0-6) Register & childcare: nursery@vpc.church
Care & Support Out of Sight is NOT Out of Mind- Home Visitation Ministry CONGREGATIONAL CARE Most of us have heard the idiom “out of sight, out of mind” David Turner: davidt@vpc.church which is another way of saying, “if you do not hear about or see Tammy Milne: tammym@vpc.church someone or something for a period of time, you stop thinking about them.” This may be true to an extent for many of us… Remembrances but not for those in our Valley Presbyterian Church family who Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the are unable to physically be present with us every week. family and friends of Charles Nelson, Glenn Smith, and VPC’s Home Visitation team, a vital Deacon ministry, is Everett Walker. comprised of current and past Deacons and members of our Divorce Recovery-Discovering Hope & Thriving Again! church called to be present with others. By listening to and Mondays, September 19-October 31 caring for them, we lift their spirits and help them feel God’s 6:15-7:30PM, Room 409, Cost: $20 (covers materials) presence. This ministry of nearly 20 people reaches out with Registration: vpc.church/drcare the love of Christ to over 50 people in our VPC family who are Where do you turn when hope seems distant? For many physically unable to be with us each week. going through separation or divorce, feelings of hurt mix In addition to regular visits, the Home Visitation team with anger and confusion about how to move forward. administers communion to our at-home friends three times We want to encourage you and give you the tools to thrive. a year, delivers Easter flowers, and gives Christmas gifts. VPC is offering a new seven-week Divorce Recovery program In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds his followers that evidence of our designed for men and women at any stage of the divorce faith manifests itself in acts of mercy, “for when you do it to the process. Each week covers a different topic and is followed least of these, you did it for me.” If caring for those in need of by group discussion. Meeting others on the same journey, a visiting friend is of interest to you, contact Pastor Dave to find gaining insights for healing, is vital for moving forward. out more about our Home Visitation Ministry.
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Mental Health Ministry Book Discussion Tuesday, October 11, 6-7:30PM, Fireside Room Elizabeth Weiss, esweiss1231@gmail.com, 480-699-2982 In the best-selling book, A Common Struggle, Patrick Kennedy details his personal and political battle with mental illness and addiction, exploring mental health care’s history in the country alongside his and every family’s private struggles. Please join us as we discuss Kennedy’s thoughtful and honest look at how shame and stigma kept his family from receiving the help they needed to overcome some of life’s most devastating illnesses. The book is available at local libraries, at Amazon.com, and most local bookstores.
SAVE THE DATES: Grief Support Group Starts Wednesday, October 12, 1-3PM, Room 414 This five-week walk through the grieving process is facilitated by Stephen Minister, Karen Annis. Program is open to VPC community and family and friends. Register: encoreuniv.org
Pet Pause Therapy Dog Ministry Interested in having one of our Pet Pause visitors bring some cheer and a wagging tail to your home? Contact Tammy Milne. Visits begin in September. Our furry friends are waiting for your call!
Get Your Flu Shot at VPC October 23, 9-11AM Representatives from Walgreens will be on campus providing flu shots to our community. Most insurance providers cover the cost and Walgreens will help with the paperwork. How convenient is that?
NAMI 5K Walk 2016 October 15, State Capital Join members of Valley’s Mental Health Ministry for this 5K walk, and help support mental health awareness in the Valley. Even Fido can join the team! Sign up on patio Sundays, September 25 and October 9.
Women, continued Presbyterian Women
PW Luncheon & Speaker September 28, 11:30AM, Landes Center, Cost: $10 RSVP: 480-991-6424 by Friday, September 23 Special guest speaker: Dr. Mark Harris, Medical Benevolence Foundation
Nurture Faith, Support Mission, Work for Justice and Peace, and Build Community PW Circles, September 2016 Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com All women are invited to join a Circle meeting. Meet new friends and study the Bible! Tuesday, September 13 Mary: 9:30AM, Westminster Village Saguaro Room Jeanne Campo, 480-994-4116/Barbara McCreary 480-451-2233 Wednesday, September 14 Esther: 9:30AM, Bonnie Henzel, 5201 E. Cortez, Scottdale 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
Cooks’ Tour has provided thousands of dollars for missions causes in remote and poor countries like Haiti, India, Kenya, Congo, and Malawi. We invite you to hear this fascinating story and about mission activities and challenges around the world. Dr. Harris has been deeply involved in these programs for years and is a fascinating speaker.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
Church News
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VPC is doing a photo directory! Sign up begins September 18 Photos: October 12-16 & 19-23
Just in time for VPC's 60th Anniversary, we are excited to include you in our upcoming Photo Directory. Photo sessions are free and open to anyone who attends.
Capture memories a for a lifetime
Want to volunteer to help sign people up? Email Mike: mikev@vpc.church
Do you knowyear-to-date the names of the as of July 31, 2016 VPC finances people sitting around you?
Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church
Help us to build a tool that will put names with faces. Actual Be a part of our new Total family directory program– $1,360,100 Income we need YOU to make our new family album complete!
Total Expense Income minus expenses
$1,326,700 $33,400
Budget $1,461,800 $1,359,100 $102,700
Giving has never been easier!
Deficit -$101,700 $32,400 -$69,300
Support VPC’s ministries and be a part of God’s work in the Valley and around the world: Each family will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and free directory for participating!
Schedule your photography session today!ONLINE
TEXT TO GIVE
SUNDAYS
Look for detailsvpc.church/give in the bulletin
480-372-8548
During worship
www.lifetouch.com 300-01482 • Rev 12/15
Church office closed Labor Day, September 5.
SESSION 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 Clerk of Session: Karen Meyer
Foundation Thank you to Della Berg The VPC staff and Trustees of Valley Presbyterian Foundation would like to say thank you to Della Berg as she leaves us to join the staff of Alliance Defending Freedom. May God richly bless you as you begin this new endeavor; we have been blessed to work alongside you!
Job Posting, Valley Presbyterian Foundation (VPF) Office Administrator
Email resume to: krisb@vpc.church (Part-Time, approx. 10hrs/week) Provide administrative support to VPF Trustees and its functions under supervision of VPF President. Functions include: preparing meeting agendas and minutes, scheduling meetings, communicating with donors, coordinating events, creating promotional materials, submitting promotional information in VPC publications, providing support to VPF committees, assisting with coordination of annual 7 Legacy Dinner.
So that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Sunday Worship Times
Kilgore Chapel- 8 & 11:45AM Sanctuary- 9AM
Landes Center- 10:30AM
Communion
September 4
Pastors
David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto,
Kelsey Woodruff
vpc.church
Beginning September 18
Celebrate our past and embrace our tomorrow
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