September 2020 Valley Vine

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Valley Vine MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

September 2020 Volume sixty-five, Number eight Valley Presbyterian Church

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT

Dear friends, In any renovation project there are phases. Deconstruction first, followed by construction. Removal and tearing down, then addition and building up. I’ve been watching these phases with great anticipation at VPC, every day, from my office window.

The life of the disciple, and the life of the blessed community of faith, also has these same movements. Critical evaluation and repentance are followed by growth and renewal. An honest look, and full ownership, of our shortcomings, can be followed by fresh development and new virtues.

September is our second month of studying the Old Testament prophets. God called them to the necessary and difficult task of pointing out the things in Israel’s life that needed to be removed, torn down and deconstructed.

In poetry and prose they identified and called out injustices and hypocrisy and unfaithfulness—but always with the purpose of making possible righteousness, authenticity, and true faithfulness.

It takes courage to look at our individual and corporate areas of struggle and rebellion. But every strong enterprise, whether religious, economic, political, or educational, must do evaluation honestly and well, to avoid stagnation and decline and to achieve potential.

Our nation has an opportunity, currently, to face some thorny problems, in a number of realms. One of my prayers it that we do so with humility and a sense of shared brokenness and responsibility. Criticism without these elements destroys and deconstructs, but makes it harder to heal and rebuild.

The Christian life centers on forgiveness received and given and not on blaming, ridiculing, or scapegoating. This is what gives genuine disciples the capacity to see and address their problems and to grow. God’s unconditional acceptance and abiding love undergird our attempts to change, freeing us from defensiveness and denial.

Once a North Korean citizen was asked by an American friend, “What is it like to live in North Korea?” The man replied, with an ironic smile, “I can’t complain!” We have the freedom, as citizens, to complain. It is a privilege!

The key for civic and ecclesial discussions is to use this privilege wisely. Christian lament is an honest response to the world’s tragedy, a getting in step with the things that break God’s heart, and a prelude to action that partners with God in change and restoration. Christian confession works in the same way for us individually, leading to fresh and creative ways to change our attitudes and habits.

COVID-19 has interrupted our patterns of gathering and it is wonderful to begin to meet once more, in-person and on campus, for worship, fellowship, and learning. (Albeit with masks and mitigation.) The virus has also provided us with space for self-evaluation, an opportunity to look at the challenges we face in this new decade in the 21st century. Our new sermon series in October will examine some of these challenges.

You can assist our leadership in evaluation and reflection by sharing your thoughts. What do we do well at VPC? Where are our growing edges? What unique things that we’ve done during this pandemic season, should be continued? How do you define our hurdles and opportunities? You can send me email thoughts at davidj@vpc.church or connect for a chat.

Careful deconstruction, can lead to beautiful construction, just as it has in our Sanctuary, plaza, and education building. Thorough self-examination can be a prelude to a deeper life. “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!”

I look forward to this fall season together, as we all contribute our honest and best thoughts, to making Valley 2.0 a community of deep faith, joyous praise, and loving service.

Yours in Christ,

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RESERVE HAS RETURNED YOUR SEAT! In-person Worship

Sunday Worship | Sanctuary 8:30AM, Traditional 10:30AM, Contemporary We are excited and thankful to be able to return to in-person worship with you once again!

Preparations have been made to bring back in-person worship at VPC. Session approved a detailed mitigation plan that outlines the steps VPC and the community will take each week.

We know that this will be a new and different way of attending in-person, so we ask that you familiarize yourself with the new requirements:

Reservations Required If you plan to attend on a given Sunday, you must RSVP for you and your family. (The form requires contact name, number of those attending with you, and which service you plan to attend.) The link to RSVP will go live each Monday at 9AM for the following Sunday. You must RSVP each week by Friday at 10AM if you plan to attend. Seats are limited!

When You Arrive All attendees will have their temperature checked when they arrive on campus. Masks are to be worn by those three years old and above. We discourage the use of valved or vented masks.

Masks are also required for those who wear face shields.

Seating & Spacing Groups will be seated socially distant from one another, and only every other row will be used.

Nursery-2 to 24 months We are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our congregation. To do so, we are limiting the number of children in the nursery and toddler rooms at this time. Registration included on In-Person reservation form. We want to support all of our VPC families—if you are unable to register due to capacity limits, please contact Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church, so that we can make the proper accommodations for your child(ren). We are excited to see your little ones!

Not Ready Yet? That is okay! Please put your health and safety first. We understand these are still uncertain times, and while we are grateful to return, we know it's not for everyone yet. Services will still be live-streamed. There are three easy ways to watch the VPC livestream: vpc.church, YouTube, and 3 Facebook.

THE NEW VPC.CHURCH We are excited to share the launch of VPC's new website! The new site offers easy navigation through the VPC experience as both a visitor and a member. Feel confident sharing the site with your friends when you're inviting them to worship or to a VPC event!

We are excited to bring you a more userfriendly experience with the redesign of our website!

The broad structure of the website is built to be a user-friendly experience, guiding users from encountering and learning about the church through their first VISIT, discovering ways to CONNECT with us, finding opportunities to SERVE, understanding the different ways we CARE for our community, and more!

Find easy access to RESOURCES like our library of past sermons, devotionals, and a log of articles and resources written by our staff!

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Worship is an important practice at VPC. Whether you plan to attend in person or watch online from home, you'll have easy access to the tools you need to get you prepared. Quick links on our home page will navigate you to LIVE WORSHIP and RETURN TO WORSHIP pages!

Not ready to return to worship just yet?

That is okay! Please put your health and safety first. We understand these are still uncertain times, and while we are grateful to return, we know it's not for everyone yet. Services will still be live-streamed and available on the website.

*The website reflects current uncertainty about fall programming, so if you don't see specific information about a ministry are you are involved with, please know that we are working hard to gather information. Feel free to reach out to a VPC staff member for more information!

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CONNECT @ VPC As VPC begins to regather for classes and programs, we will offer several online and in-person opportunities for you to grow and learn about your faith as you build relationships with others.

Learn more online: vpc.church/classes

COMMUNITY GROUPS YOUNG ADULTS COMMUNITY GROUP

Twice-Monthly Virtual Gathering 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 6PM, Zoom Contact Chris Woodard, chrisw@vpc.church for Zoom invite.

An authentic group of believers searching for God’s will in our lives.

BOOMERS COMMUNITY GROUP (1945-1965)

New to Boomer activities and want to try out a class? Email Sarah Burnette: sarahwiggins@gmail.com.

Everyone is welcome to join in!

Fall Study: Generous Justice, How God's Grace Makes Us Just, by Timothy Keller With Bill McKee, VPC Scholar in Residence Sundays, October 4 - November 22, 11AM, Zoom Contact Sarah Burnette, sarahwiggins@gmail.com for Zoom invite.

It is commonly thought in secular society that the Bible is one of the greatest hindrances to doing justice. Isn’t it full of regressive views? Didn’t it condone slavery? Why look to the Bible for guidance on how to have a more just society? Timothy Keller challenges these preconceived beliefs and presents the Bible as a fundamental source for promoting justice and compassion for those in need. In Generous Justice, he explores a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace: a generous, gracious justice. This book offers readers a new understanding of modern justice and human rights that will resonate with both the faithful and the skeptical.”

Christmas Party at Ron & Lynn Webb's house Date, Time TBD The Boomers' Annual Christmas Party will be another great time to gather and celebrate the holidays! Details, including mitigation methods, will be announced at a later date. Please join us for an evening of fellowship and fun!

KALEIDOSCOPE COMMUNITY GROUP (1955-1975)

Email: Ed Glady, beglady@gmail.com The Kaleidoscope Community is primarily comprised of adults born in the years 1955 to 1975, though we have both younger and older members. Like its namesake, the Kaleidoscope Community draws upon the diverse makeup of its members to spread the beauty of God’s Kingdom through a greater understanding of the Bible and the application of God’s word. While we typically learn, grow, serve and fellowship together in person, we currently are COVID limited to a weekly Zoom class, a weekly community email, and select service opportunities.

Bible Study: The Books of Luke & Acts Mondays, 6:30PM, Zoom Written by Luke, these books reveal the work of Jesus first in body, then in spirit, to bring God’s Kingdom to our world. We will finish Luke in September and proceed straight into Acts, which we will continue until our Advent study in November. We focus on one chapter each week before we discuss it in our weekly gathering.

We use N.T. Wright’s Bible Study Guides for our lessons. You are invited to join us in this study regardless of your age or familiarity with Luke or Acts. We are on a journey of learning and discovery with Luke and his two great books. There is plenty of room for you to climb aboard any time you want!

SAGES COMMUNITY GROUP

Contact: Wandie Hulick: 602-316-3372, wild4uofa@aol.com

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Sunday Gatherings Sundays starting October TBD Want to develop deeper connections with the people you worship with on Sunday? Join us as we participate in an interactive Bible study with insights and in-depth conversations about Bible passages and their relevance to us today.

MEN & WOMEN

MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST

3rd Tuesday of the month, 7AM, Zoom (Meeting ID: 893 9042 6972) We will spend our morning checking in with each other over some coffee (brew your own). We look at the Lord’s Prayer and how we can incorporate it into our life. See you there!

WOMEN’S MINISTRY FALL BIBLE STUDY

The Book of Philippians with Jo Saxton Every other Thursday starting September 17, 7PM, ZOOM, Facilitator: Melissa Milnor Every other Friday starting September 18, 9:30AM, ZOOM, Facilitator: Jeanine Nesvig Register: vpc.church/classes RightNow Media is needed (it's free!) Email Tammy Milne, tammym@vpc.church In this Right Now Media study, Jo Saxton takes us through Philippians to encourage us to follow Jesus no matter what life throws at us. Jo is an amazing, appealing speaker and teacher. Some of you might remember her from the IF: Gathering last winter. Each week will begin with reading of the passage in Philippians and watching a 5-10 minute video. We will then discuss the material and get to know each other better at Zoom meetings.

MOPS (MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS)

Please stay tuned for more details as our MOPS team is finalizing the best way to serve our community of moms during these uncertain times.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) is an international ministry dedicated to the message that "mothering matters" and that moms need encouragement during these critical and formative years. Our MOPS group is open to moms throughout the community, whether or not they attend Valley Presbyterian Church. We offer childcare for children up to age 5 on a space-available basis. During the meetings, your little Moppet will enjoy the classrooms and playground of Valley Day School which is located on our campus. All caregivers are background checked and fingerprinted.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN (PW) CIRCLES

Monthly Circle Meetings Video Bible Study with David Joynt in September, details coming soon!

In-person: 2nd Tuesday & Wednesday starting in October Contact: Wandie Hulick, 602-316-3372, wild4uofa@aol.com PW offers women at VPC meaningful ways to live out their faith in the midst of a caring community. For more than 200 years, Presbyterian women’s groups have strengthened the Presbyterian Church and played a major role in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and witnessing to the promise of God’s kingdom. Would you like to develop deeper connections with other women at VPC? Open to all women!

CLASSES

THE UPSIDE DOWN GOSPEL: THE BOOK OF LUKE

With Pastor Chris Woodard Wednesdays, September 9 – November 18, 6-7PM, Room 415/416 or via Zoom (Meeting ID: 848 5260 9749) Register: vpc.church/classes We will follow the life of Jesus from birth through his resurrection according to the eyewitness accounts gathered

by Luke. Class will be lecture and discussion as we learn from scripture, pastors, and each other.

ALPHA CLASSES-QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE? DO ALPHA!

Starting September 7, Mondays or Thursdays, 7PM, or Saturdays, 10AM, Zoom Contact: Scott Turner, scott.turner.edu@gmail.com, 602-513-0028 Register: mtviewpres.org/alpha

explore life faith meaning

Watch our stories alphausa.org/stories

What is Alpha? Do you have questions about life? About faith? If not you, how about a friend, colleague, or family member? Alpha is a chance to ask any question, and to say what you feel, without being judged. Alpha is about listening to others' perspectives, rather than just telling people what to believe. This is a safe space online—for you, your friends, family & colleagues—to find out more about faith in a friendly & open environment.

We are partnering with four other Presbyterian churches via Zoom, organized by Mountain View Presbyterian. Please indicate your affiliation with VPC when you register, so you can be in a group with other VPC people. Everyone is welcome, and since it is all on Zoom, they can tune in from anywhere in the world!

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News from

SESSION

ON CAMPUS GUIDELINESROOM RESERVATIONS

We are excited to be able to welcome people back to campus for events, classes, and programs. The VPC Session has enacted a number of protocols to ensure everyone's health and safety. We thank you in advance for helping us be able to gather responsibly!

Brief Summary Guidelines VPC Shall: • Designate spaces for User Group use and set maximum capacities for each • Establish and use a Reservation System for each space • Provide signage on space doors and on campus (re: masks, etc.)

• Not set up or allow common beverages or food in spaces • Clean spaces/bathrooms as appropriate/Limit bathroom use to one person at a time • Oversee enforcement of Guidelines VPC Ministries Shall: • Prepare any necessary supplemental guidelines for their unique needs • Provide copies of all relevant guidelines to User Groups • Monitor and enforce all applicable guidelines User Groups Shall: • Obey all applicable Guidelines • Use the Valley Space Reservation System • Get and confirm name/contact info for each user and turn information into Valley • Appoint a Designated Person for each use who will carry out and enforce Guidelines • Ensure each user wears a mask properly and maintains 6’ distance • Take temperature of each user before space admittance to screen for illness • Ensure no user singing, shouting, common food, beverage or written/printed materials • Correct User Guideline infraction/report to Ministry serious violations Users Shall: • Obey all applicable Guidelines/obey corrective action requests • Wear masks properly and maintain 6’ distance • Not come on campus ill or with a temperature above 100.4 or if exposed to COVID-19 within past 10 days • Not sing, shout, bring or use common food, beverages, common written or printed materials

Group Leader Guidelines

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The Group Leader agrees to attend the entire meeting in person and be responsible for the group abiding by the Covid-19 Guidelines approved by Session, including but not limited to: • Prior to the meeting, the Group Leader will ask attendees not to come if they feel unwell, or have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19. Remind attendees to bring their own mask. Have extra masks available on the day of the event.

• As attendees enter the room on the day of the event, the Group Leader will again ask attendees to confirm that they are well and have not been exposed. The Group Leader will utilize no-touch temperature checks to screen participants upon arrival for fevers (thermometers available for check out from the front desk).

• The Group Leader will keep a log of attendees, the dates attended and their contact information in case contact tracing is later needed.

• Face coverings must be worn indoors at all times by all participants.

• No food is permitted as that causes people to remove masks.

• No singing unless this is an authorized choir meeting, class or event. No shouting, hugging or handshakes permitted. Do not pass shared materials such as pens or clipboards.

• The seating arrangement in the room will be set up by the custodial staff. The Group Leader will not permit the seating arrangements to be moved except to permit related users or members of the same household to sit together. Otherwise maintain a 6’ separation.

• The Group Leader will adhere to the capacity limits for the room and will enforce all guidelines. If attendee(s) persist in violating the guidelines after a warning, the Group Leader will ask the attendee(s) to leave.

2020 SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Honoring our

Presbytery of the Grand Canyon – Senior Service Award 2020 Every year the Presbytery of the Grand Canyon recognizes one person or couple from each church for their outstanding volunteer service to their church and to their community.

Dick & Lynda Coffelt

The staff of Valley Presbyterian Church is proud to nominate Dick and Lynda Coffelt as recipients of the Senior Service Award 2020 for Valley Presbyterian Church. Please join us in recognizing the gift of Dick and Lynda Coffelt.

Lynda joined VPC in 1965 and became active in our Children’s Ministry – as a volunteer with Valley Day School, as well as a Vacation Bible School leader. She also volunteered for the yearly Easter Egg Hunt and summer music programs. Her leadership roles at VPC include being a Deacon for 3 terms, and coordinating the “Dinner for 8” fellowship program for over 18 years. In 1986, Lynda joined the Chancel Choir, and continues to share her talents after 34 years.

In 1978 Dick joined VPC, and began his tenure of volunteerism with us. He has served as an Elder and a Deacon (2 terms), and became a Stephen Minister in 2013. With Lynda’s encouragement, Dick joined the Chancel Choir in 1988 and has blessed us ever since. Dick’s involvement with PCUSA does not stop at Valley Presbyterian Church.

Dick served as our Stated Clerk of the Grand Canyon Presbytery from 1997 to 2014.

Dick and Lynda have been faithful givers of their time, talent, and treasure the to Valley Presbyterian Foundation Gala Dinner, to our church, and to our VPC community.

News from

MISSION

WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH A BIT OF VPC HISTORY

Were you a part of VPC in the 70s?

Do you remember the WHEAT program?

What was WHEAT? WHEAT (World Hunger Education/Action Together) was a project organized by the NCC in the mid 1970s to help churches respond to the world food crisis. The program involved a small group curriculum that would result in local churches forming "covenant groups" through which members would commit to lifestyle changes, advocacy, and fundraising to address the world food crisis.

When did VPC participate in WHEAT? In May 1976, Valley Presbyterian Church participated in (WHEAT), a program meant to mobilize church members to aid with the World Food Crisis. Do you remember this? If so, researchers studying religious history would love to hear from you! Please visit remembering-wheat.com to learn more about the project and share your memories of WHEAT. Why is VPC being asked to contribute to this historical project?

"Research suggests that a large number of churches participated in WHEAT, but Valley Presbyterian Church is one of the few specifically named in the records at the NCC archives in Philadelphia. We really hope we'll be able to hear from at least handful of folks at VPC who maybe remember WHEAT or their involvement in a covenant group.

Please let me know if you have any concerns or if we can answer any follow up questions about it!"

Kevin Rose, Graduate Student, University of Virginia Tahi Wiggins, Undergraduate Student, University of Virginia

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RETURNING GOD'S COMMITTEE GIFTS AS OUR TITHE Stewardship

As we begin returning to VPC, how do we think about our lives? Have we thought about our purpose in being here? Have we wondered why we’ve been given so much, or what our life has meant to us or others?

Bill & Sandra Sturgeon

I think of these questions often. God gives us life and provides all we personally need for our travels here on earth. He provides for the Time we have, our Talents, and enough Treasure for each of us to be happy in our own way. In exchange for these gifts, He asks us to do something with His gifts. He wants us to love ourselves, our neighbors and do “good” for Him.

I’m reminded of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. He wishes he was’nt born because of what is happening in his business — he believes his life has had no meaning. Do we think as George does from time to time? George wants to end it all until his guardian angel, Clarence, points out we all have those major gifts God gives to us—how we use those gifts can provide a “wonderful life” for us, and our presence can build a "wonderful life" for others.

God’s gifts to us, Time, Talents and Treasure, are provided in all the abundance we need. We’re supposed to be stewards of them all. Those gifts include our health, our spiritual well-being, and our ability to improve on the gifts as we live. We are to accept His gifts, develop them and return a portion to Him, using what is left for ourselves and our families.

We are encouraged to return God’s gifts as our tithe of Time, Talents and Treasure. We’re encouraged (exhorted even!) to give our tithes to provide for His church and for the opportunities we have for doing good as a community of faith. Our Time, Talents and Treasure (money if you prefer) goes to the church to make this place of worship, an inviting home for all to learn and connect, and to attract others to Jesus as he instructed us to do.

Two parts of our tithe to God involve our Time and Talents. This means taking Time to be for each other when needed. It’s the little things that provide our gift of Time: dinner together, Bible study, game nights, watching a good show, or just listening to each other...holding hands is enough. Taking time to write a note, or phone or visit someone who needs a touch is our gift of Time to them and to ourselves. Our tithe of Time can be a personal gift or a gift through VPC. There are many ways to use our Time as a gift, including the Time involved with our Talents.

Our Talents are given to the church as Paul delineated in Romans 12. No one has every one of the Talents enumerated. But each of us has our individual talents from God. We need to tithe these gifts from God by using them to benefit others, and in doing so benefit ourselves and glorify God. This may mean singing in the choir, teaching in Sunday School, serving as a Deacon or Elder, or being on a committee. It may mean serving in the office or helping set up meetings, even keeping the campus looking inviting to others. This use of our talents glorifies God in and outside of our community of faith.

Finally, we return a portion of what God has given to us as our tithe—from God’s bountiful gifts to us—our Treasure—through our pledges: monthly or otherwise, giving a portion of what He’s provided to us.

The tithe is a tenth of God’s substance to us in money. It makes no difference if it is His five-figured gift to us or a tenth of a six-figured gift or more. Christians are exhorted to give a tithe. Many of our members return their tithe of Time, Talent and Treasure every year—year after year—to the glory of God and the outreach of our church. And a few of our community provide even more than a tithe of Time, Talent and Treasure. Fourteen of our member families presently provide 29% of our church budget.

As we celebrate the return of our congregation to our Sanctuary and our fellowship together, let us acknowledge the gifts of all those who’ve given generously to remodel our campus. And let us recognize our responsibilities as members of this Christian community to prayerfully and joyfully return our tithes to God in the coming year.

-Bill Sturgeon, Stewardship Committee

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AUGUST MEETING UPDATE

News from

SESSION

On August 25, the Session of VPC unanimously passed a motion to allow the reopening of the campus to some ministry groups and activities after Labor Day. The Risk Management Committee, the Mitigation Team, and the Planning and Organization Committee developed guidelines and procedures for all the users of our facilities to ensure their safety.

They include a pre-registration for individuals and groups, mitigation stations (which have masks, sanitizer, and temperature checks), social distancing protocols of six feet, a permission waiver for contact tracing, and a prohibition of food, written materials, singing and shouting. Exception to the singing Karen Meyer provision is made for small octets of the Valley Chancel Choir, under the Clerk of Session supervision of Jennifer Hamm, using specialized PPE (personal protective 480-368-6567 equipment). Every group will have a designated person responsible for administering these rules and recording attendees.

The Session is eager to see groups meet in person, but wants to do so safely and responsibly, in ways that prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please contact our staff for questions about permission to meet, registration, and safe-gathering requirements. We will continue to provide parallel opportunities for digital involvement as much as possible, for all those unable to attend in-person meetings.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Finances &

OPERATIONS

Respectfully submitted, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session

BUDGET UPDATE

VPC finances year-to-date as of July 31, 2020 Income

Finance & Operations Director 480-991-6424 ext. 112 krisb@vpc.church

Budget $ Variance $

Faith Giving **Other Income Total Income

1,099,700 1,070,000 201,700 125,000 1,301,400 1,195,000

29,700 76,700 106,400

Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility *Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care** Christian Education Worship & Music Total Expense

261,800 263,500 555,600 600,900 144,500 52,700 151,200 212,600 113,900 132,200 1,227,000 1,261,900

1,700 45,300 -91,800 61,400 18,300 34,900

Expense

Kris Bahr

Actual $

Net Income less Expense

74,400

-66,900

141,300

*In addition, $61,700 mission support to MentorKids, Family Promise, Ministry of Hope and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance provided upon repurposing of VPF Kurz Scholarship Fund. **$95,100 in special giving was allocated to Navajo churches, Family Promise, MentorKids, and Malawi.

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