April Valley Vine 2019

the

Valley Vine

April 2019

Volume sixty-four, Number three

Valley Presbyterian Church

He is Risen

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT Easter will mark the last services in our wonderful Sanctuary until our remodel is completed. When Jesus entered Jerusalem and the crowds responded with shouts of acclamation and joy, not everyone was in a Hosanna mood. The religious leaders wanted the praises stopped, but our Lord told them that if the human voices ceased, “the very stones would cry out.”

What would the magnificent stones of our Sanctuary say about all the services and celebrations of 53 years?

They’d tell of choirs sending resounding choruses toward the vaulted ceilings. They’d speak of organ notes and piano pieces with sacred sounds and holy rhythms.

They’d describe the hymns that echoed off the walls and reverberated in gathered hearts. They would witness to brides and grooms making solemn promises and to infants initiated into the great company uniting heaven and earth.

They’d call forth memories of special lives committed into the hands of God. Committed with gratitude and hope.

Every public meeting was an occasion for private devotion too. Hearts were moved, steps of faith taken, sins confessed and forgiven, gifts were offered. We are grateful to those who envisioned and built it—from Harold Wagoner, the architect, to those who moved stone and constructed beams. We are grateful to those who paid for it. And we are grateful to all those whose faith and praises gave it sacred purpose week by week and year by year. So many truths proclaimed and lives shaped!

Now we look forward to a new era, beginning next Christmas, when Sanctuary construction will be complete.

In her VPC 50 th Anniversary retrospective, Kiki Swanson wrote that when the Sanctuary was originally opened Pastor Herb Landes was concerned that its scale might not allow for connectivity. Jones Studio has developed a plan that takes its soaring beauty and strength and adds some of the intimacy of our beloved Chapel. Soon our generations will gather in a space old and new, flexible in sound and image, yet solid and permanent in its ambiance of unshakable stone.

In the meantime, Kilgore Chapel and the great center named after Pastor Herb, Landes Center, will be our places of worship. Like a family undergoing home renovations, there will be some dislocation and adjustment. But my prayer is that while it may feel like the wilderness period, it won’t feel like the Exile!

On Palm Sunday, we will offer special prayers of thanks for our Sanctuary, in its sacred past and its new future. Come and celebrate!

Blessings,

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Easter

Sunday, April 21

CHAPEL

SANCTUARY

6AM Sunrise

9AM*, Choir & Organ 10:45*, Band

Holy Week

MAUNDY THURSDAY GOOD FRIDAY 6:30PM, Sanctuary

Noon* & 6:30PM*, Chapel

*Childcare available for ages 0-2

Valley Presby terian Church vpc.church/easter

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SANCTUARY: A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

By Keith Kerber, Director of Generosity, Stewardship & Legacy Giving Marilyn Cage, Dick Fawley, & Sandra Gonzales

Keith: keithk@vpc.church

As VPC prepares to remodel its 53-year-old Sanctuary, several long-time members met in the Sanctuary to talk about its meaning and importance, as well the changes the space has gone through throughout its existence.

Marilyn Cage was the first baby baptized at VPC (before the Sanctuary was built). Dick Fawley has been part of VPC’s Chancel Choir for nearly 50 years, and Sandra Gonzales was baptized, raised, married, and experienced her children’s baptisms in the Sanctuary.

Although each has unique memories, an underlying theme echoes among them- the Sanctuary provides a place of peace, solace, energy, and connection with others who share faith in Jesus. In the Sanctuary, they see other saints who have shared their stories, and they find comfort in hearing how God has helped others through times of adversity or heartache. It is a place where they've welcomed new family members through baptism and celebrated lives well lived through memorials. It is a place where they've spent Christmas Eve and Easter. VPC's Sanctuary is a home away from home.

Sanctuary Memories Dick: When my wife died, the service was here. There were more than 400 people and the Orpheus Male Chorus and Chancel Choir sang. It was a very moving service. I remember periodically we would put on musicals. One Christmastime we performed Amahl and the Night Visitors, the story of the three wise men. I still remember my lines!

Marilyn: My father died on Christmas Eve. I still sang with the choir that night, accompanied by the Phoenix Brass.

I remember thinking, "Wow, all around the world people are singing and ushering my dad into heaven!" My father’s funeral was in here a week later. And we sat over there [pointing to front pews]… it was very moving.”

Sandra: There are so many! I remember singing as a child, up on the chancel, and seeing my parents watching me from the pews. I was married here and remember the bridal room downstairs and walking down that aisle [points to sanctuary center aisle]. And I remember standing over there [points to baptismal font] when Robert was baptized and the single rose behind the font.

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Sanctuary Worship What is important about worshiping in this place? Dick noted that worship helps him deal with disappointment and tragedies that come along in life. More broadly, the church has been a big assistance to raising and training children.

Marilyn expressed that worship is “…the only way I can express my gratitude to God. I am so blessed, so grateful, and broken.” Worship for Sandra provides a support from and for other people “…that I love and who love Jesus.”

Worship energizes her because the “…power of everybody else’s love through worship.” All three indicated that worshipping with every generation is so valuable because they connect with others who have stories of brokenness and of triumph in which the power and grace of God is real.

Sanctuary Changes Although the Sanctuary remains largely unchanged since 1966, it has experienced some updates. Marilyn, Dick, and Sandra all remember the former pulpit rising up on the chancel floor, saying that it was one of the most dramatic features. Although it looked “sort of puritanical,” its height made it easier to see the preacher, all agreed that VPC’s preachers have been great about engaging people sitting in all corners of the Sanctuary, including the Chancel Choir, which is positioned behind the minister.

Dick and Marilyn recalled that the choir and organ console have both changed. Risers were added and choir pews reconfigured in a way that allows all choir members to be oriented looking toward the main floor instead of some facing the north wall. The organ console was originally in a pit where the grand piano now sits.

Sandra noted that the projector screen was added and observes that many have adapted to singing the hymn lyrics from the screen rather than pulling out a hymnal.

They all recalled that communion servers used to sit behind the fixed communion table far back on the chancel whereas now they sit in the front pew.

Sanctuary Future What excites them about the changes that will come about with the remodel? There was immediate appreciation for bringing both of our larger worship services into the same building as they look forward to seeing many of their VPC friends who worship at a different service. Marilyn added her enthusiasm that the choir will be positioned at the center of the chancel because she likes to be able to see the choir.

All were in agreement that VPC’s leaders, past and present, have been respectful of the traditions while making changes for the future. Marilyn noted that she is glad the sanctuary building will remain and that changes will be made on the inside “…with respect for traditions we’ve had but still make it for the future. I think it’s a good thing.”

Sanctuary Home Although Marilyn prefers a more “…traditional sanctuary building…” she acknowledges that, in the end “it is just a building. The church is my home.” And Sandra notes that while she hasn’t liked all the changes that have happened in the VPC Sanctuary over the years, life is always changing which is good. What’s most important for our Sanctuary, Sandra says, “…is that Jesus is still here. That Jesus is still preached. And Jesus doesn’t change. So I try to keep my focus on that.”

It is clear that VPC's Sanctuary is impressive, important, and meaningful. Its architecture and style inspire and speak to people in different ways. Yet, it is what people do in the Sanctuary together that ultimately provides comfort, meaning, and memories. Perhaps the old saying about a home applies to the Sanctuary, as well: What I love most about my home is who I share it with.

Sandra Gonzales, Dick Fawley, and Marilyn Cage 5

FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

By Jennifer Hamm Minister of Music

Jennifer: jenniferh@vpc.church

In December, I wrote about how Christmas music touches our emotions and brings up beautiful memories. This spring, we are privileged to help you celebrate another genre of powerful music – patriotic music! There’s something thrilling about singing My Country ‘Tis of Thee, God Bless America, or America the Beautiful with a group of people. These songs bring up powerful memories for Americans, sometimes joyous, and sometimes painful, but they perfectly illustrate how music affects our lives through creating community. Patriotic music, including hymns, military themes, national songs, and music from Broadway and Hollywood, encourages feelings of honor for the country’s forefathers and for national unity. Author Daniel J. Levitin, an American-Canadian cognitive psychologist, neuroscientist, writer, musician, and record producer writes this in one of his books, “Patriotic songs are a natural extension of the power that music has to define the we. This is our country, our region, our group, our common interest…”

The VPC Chancel Choir is blessed and honored to present this concert to our church and community. Senator Jon Kyl will weave these songs together with a wonderful narration. He had this to say about the concert…

It’s hard to put into words the feelings of pride and gratitude listening to the choir’s stirring renditions of America’s patriotic music. Readings from history and heroes provide the context. Some lighter selections just take us down memory lane. All in all, a fun and rewarding afternoon.

Hope to see you there.

—Senator Jon Kyl We have so many veterans in our community. I’ve asked some veterans or family members of veterans in the Chancel Choir to share some thoughts on what patriotic music means to them.

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Webb Perryman

Larry Linkin

To sing and play songs celebrating my country, The United States of America, is my privilege and honor. I am very proud to have served 3 years and 9 months in the United States Air Force, and will always remember those fabulous times and experiences. Thank you for the opportunity to be a participant in this important concert!

—Larry Linkin Patriotic music recalls childhood memories of my father singing us kids to sleep! He was an Air Force Chaplain who spent World War II in the Aleutian Islands. My mother’s brother, a doctor, served in North Africa. Another uncle, whom I never got to meet, was killed in France after D-Day. One thing music like this can do is to make us pause and reflect on the sacrifices they and so many others made to enable us to live in security and freedom.

—Margaret Wheeler I had an uncle serve in WWII flying box cars and a Marine Corp brother in Okinawa. Another brother served in the Army in Vietnam, and my son was a Marine and served during Kuwait. This concert makes my heart swell with pride, and respect! I love this country and all those who have served to protect our borders and made the ultimate sacrifice! There are no words to express our gratitude other than to pay respect on a regular basis to all our military! This concert is definitely one special way to show our appreciation!!

—Debbie Cox My husband Roger enlisted in the Navy right out of high school. He was sent to Washington D. C. to serve in the Ceremonial Honor Guard. As a flag bearer he participated in hundreds of burials in Arlington National Cemetery and other events requiring an Honor Guard. Seeing a flag draped over a coffin and then folded up to be presented to a family member brought home what love these veterans had for our country. He has instilled this love and pride in the flag to me and our family.

—Joy Fick

Polly & Bob Turpin

Singing patriotic music for a combat veteran is a very powerful thing. It is a moment in peace and joy, to reconnect with those memories and emotions of when you served something greater than yourself. While simultaneously honoring the memory of all who served.

—Corporal Richard B Gibson (fiancé of Valley Singer Emily Botts) 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Combat Veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom Polly and I had the opportunity to attend a concert at Mountain View last year which is very similar to what we will be doing at Valley Presbyterian Church this year. As a Navy captain with over 31 years of service, I have to tell you that the concert is very patriotic, and I am confident that you will be very glad that you attended. It is a wonderful blend of God, country and the very best of our patriotic music. I sincerely hope that everyone will have an opportunity to attend this exceptional performance, and with Jon Kyl adding his voice, you’ll be glad you came.

—Bob Turpin We hope you join us celebrating through music what makes America so great! We encourage you to wear red, white, and blue and invite your friends and neighbors.

America! A Patriotic Concert Sunday, April 7, 4PM, Sanctuary, Free Chancel Choir, brass quintet, and percussion Sponsored by Valley Presbyterian Foundation Cookie reception to follow

Corporal Richard B. Gibson

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NEW CARS & REMODELED HEARTS

By Bill Sturgeon Stewardship Elder

Bill: sturgeons2@wmvaz.com

After several years debating about the need, my wife Sandra and I recently purchased a brand new car with all the bells and whistles. Our pervious cars were 13 and 19 years old, highlighting the frugality of my Scottish ancestors! Our old cars could still be driven, but had limited safety equipment, and none of the modern "techie" devices seen on newer cars. To keep repairing them would be wasting our funds.

Enhanced safety, comfort, new capabilities, and future dependability was important to us. So we analyzed the need and opted for safety, comfort, and peace of mind for our future driving. Although we’re not using all the electronic devices installed in our new car (especially me), we recognize others may need and use them in the future.

That’s how our Session and church leaders have answered the “why” for remodeling our church campus. The VPC campus is like our carsshowing wear and tear, lacking modern technologies, and outdated in terms of some safety features and comfort conveniences. Granted, we could still “drive” the old campus some more. But, like our old cars, repair bills will grow larger and the repaired items will not be as reliable as they once were. Thus, as we did for the cars, Session evaluated what was needed to provide safety, comfort, and modernization to VPC. For a year we were all involved in the conversation to decide what we needed for our church.

“Why” also involves our call from our Lord and God: the Great Commission. If we are to make new disciples from within our community and outside our community, then we, as a church, need to provide the tools to do so. Those tools include: up-to-date facilities to attract members regularly to our campus and to provide an impetus for those who are unchurched to come to us. What we have undertaken will do that.

In the Sanctuary, better equipment will provide 21st Century audio/ visual technology. The Sanctuary’s remodeling will make it the center of meaningful worship services for members and those seeking a church home. The wonderful sounds from our newly refurbished organ will bring our Scottsdale and Paradise Valley neighbors to see and hear what our new Sanctuary and its people offer. Our top-notch choir's joyful sound will be easier to hear and see. Our pastors will be more easily heard by those with hearing losses. We’ll provide a spiritual visual experience never before seen in our Sanctuary.

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Conceptual rendering of the remodeled Sanctuary facing north

The patio area outside the Sanctuary will provide weekly opportunities for us all to meet and greet following services. The redesigned patio will provide an expanded tree shaded area for extended conversations with our friends. What a great place to have refreshments and prepare for worship and Bible Study with your neighbors!

Bible Study makes me think about the updated classrooms included in Phase One. Each will have modern audio/visual equipment, refreshed flooring and seating with plenty of space for doing God’s work.

Valley Day School will get an additional classroom to address the dozens of families currently on the waitlist.

Sunday School classes will be remodeled and our middle and high school students will be brought from the basement into the heart of campus. A new venue is one reason to expect our Student Ministry to multiply in the coming years. How exciting!

The remodeling of our campus will not affect all of us in the same way. I doubt I’ll spend much time in the new Children's or Student Ministry areas, and I doubt our students will spend much time in the Sages Bible Study room. But, it’s the same with our new car. I won’t use all of the devices we purchase, but I’m happy to have them for Sandra and other family drivers. If they’re happy, I’m happy. That’s the way I feel about remodeling our campus; all the pieces work together to address the needs of different groups VPC’s beautiful Sanctuary has been a blessing for over two generations. Our campus was state of the art in the 1960's, with its architectural beauty and usefulness for our church and local community. Just like the Sturgeon cars, VPC's campus has become

older, worn, and costly to repair, even without remodeling. Unfortunately, VPC cannot just sell or trade our beautiful campus, as Sandra and I did with our cars. We must remodel our campus to 21st Century standards to ensure future generations are able to go forth and be A New Heart for the Valley.

How do we do this?

The time has come for all of us to join those who have joyfully pledged 90% of our total goal. Our support brings our VPC family closer together to worship, study, and fellowship. In addition, we’ll be A New Heart for the Valley to others in our community so they, too, may learn about Jesus Christ and our community of faith.

Sandra and I have made our pledge, grateful for those past Saints who, in their wisdom and generosity, gave us the VPC we’ve enjoyed for the past decade.

Our hope is that the generations who come after us will be as faithful to the Word as we. We pray future generations will follow the example we set now, so when the 22nd Century approaches, VPC will still be welcoming all to meet our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Sandra and I believe that what we offer of our time, talent, and especially now, our treasure, provides our response to Jesus’ Great Commission: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded to you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

-Matthew 28: 19-20

Conceptual rendering of the remodeled Sanctuary from the south parking lot

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Highlighte d

EVENTS

White Elephant Rummage

S

A

L

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Friday, April 5, 7AM-4PM Saturday, April 6, 7AM-Noon Landes Center

Am er i c a From sea to shining sea N a r r at e d by S e n at o r J o n K y l

A PATRIOTIC CONCERT* SUNDAY, APRIL 7 4PM, Sanctuary *Childcare available for ages 0-2

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

9-10:30AM, Kiva Elementary School Field Fun for the whole family!

MASTER YOUR EMOTIONS: A Class for Parents

Facilitator: Larry Kerby

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Wednesdays, April 24-May 8, 6-7:30PM, Crossing 104, Cost: $40 (scholarships available) Sign up online: vpc.church/oasis Continuing with principles from Parenting the Love and Logic Way, learn how to apply the tools necessary to create transforming relationships with your children and loved ones.

News from

SESSION

At the March meeting, Session addressed the following items:

Karen Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

• Session welcomes Keith Kerber as Director of Generosity, Stewardship, & Legacy Giving • Session has co-opted the following persons for one year: • Student Vision and Support team:

Joan Sleeth, Todd Gilbreath, and Cody Thomas • Children and Youth Committee:

Peggy Weiss, Jeanine Nesvig, Mike Holliday, and Melissa Brammer • Worship Committee:

John Lee and Ron Norris • Discipleship and Spiritual Growth:

Scott Turner and Wandie Hulick • Session moved that 10% of all contributions to A New Heart for the Valley capital campaign will be designated as “Mission Tithe.” Up to 50% of the tithe can be given to Mentor Kids and up to 50% to Family Promise over five years.

• Karen Annis has been nominated by VPC for the Senior Service Award of the Presbytery of Grand Canyon.

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Blessings, Karen Meyer

Finances &

OPERATIONS LANDES CENTER LIFE HAPPENS HERE!

Kris Bahr

We all know the 10:30AM Worship service is held in Landes every Sunday (with the 9AM service also moving to Landes during Sanctuary remodel), but did you know Landes is used every day of the week?

Finance & Operations Director Here are just some of the 480-991-6424 ext. 112 ways Life Happens Here: krisb@vpc.church • Valley Day School play time • Nursery for Moppets during MOPS • Student Ministry Midweek on Wednesdays • Boy Scout Troop 441 on Tuesdays • Pickelball Tuesdays and Thursdays • Men’s Basketball on Thursdays • AA’s Fridays • MentorKids Christmas party • Family Promise meals and play time • Presbyterian Women luncheons • Cooks’ Tour and Spring Sale • Annual Congregational Meeting • Presbytery awards luncheon • Special worship services • Memorial receptions

What you might not be aware of is that two air conditioning units in Landes are completely nonfunctional. Two others are working reasonably well, and provide a good backup, but if they go down, Landes will have “lost its cool” right in the heat of the summer.

The focus of Fund the Need at the March 29 Foundation Dinner was to raise funds to replace the two A/C units.

Work is tentatively scheduled to begin April 29 and should take about 10 days to complete.

VPC finances year-to-date as of February 28, 2019 Income

Actual $

Budget $

Variance $

Faith Giving Other Income Total Income

333,073 46,833 379,906

365,800 47,300 413,100

-32,727 -467 -33,194

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

79,520 171,912 21,529 57,111 32,659 362,731

78,721 188,566 19,548 62,934 33,377 383,146

-799 16,654 -1,981 5,823 718 20,415

Net Income less Expense

17,175

29,954

-12,779

Expense

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Easter

CHAPEL 6AM Sunrise

Sunday April 21

SANCTUARY 9AM*, Choir & Organ 10:45*, Band

Holy Week

MAUNDY THURSDAY GOOD FRIDAY 6:30PM Noon* & 6:30PM* Sanctuary Chapel *Childcare available for ages 0-2

vpc.church/easter

Valley Presbyterian Church

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES

8AM- Kilgore Chapel 9AM- Sanctuary 10:30AM- Landes Center

PASTORS

David Joynt, David Turner, Kelly Nieto, Mike Nieto, Travis Kingma

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