valley vine
Valley Presbyterian Church August 2018 Volume sixty-three, Number seven Dear friends, In our quiet and reflective moments all of us feel a desire for a life that is wiser, deeper, and truer. Jesus shares this desire for us. It is a holy thing and a sign that we belong to him. But the question we must each answer is this: What will we do with this desire? The wiser, deeper, truer life will not appear automatically for us, just because we want it to be so. We must act upon our desire. We must learn to pray. For many of us prayer is frustrating, inconsistent, or shallow. We believe in prayer but we have lost a regular sense of communion with our Creator. The growth God wants to give us, the joy and wisdom he is waiting to share with us, goes unclaimed. Our hearts remain desert-like, with occasional rainbursts of blessing that remind us of his goodness and ignite, everso briefly, our desire for more. Starting August 12, we will begin a new series, How Should I Pray? Wiser, Deeper, Truer. Our lives begin and end with God – but they are also meant to be lived in his presence. Our world does not encourage us to cultivate our spiritual lives, to tend our souls, to live out of the strength of solitude and silence. It takes real intention and genuine determination.
Yet so much depends on this. The shape and depth of our lives, the impact we have in Christ’s Kingdom, and ultimately the ability of our church to be a place where people find healing, truth, and purpose. I invite you to be part of the adventure throughout the fall. Imagine what God could do if all of us become wiser, deeper, and truer disciples! Series: How Should I Pray? Wiser, Deeper, Truer August 12 Request and the Responsive God Luke 18:1-6, Exodus 32:10-14 August 19 Request and Relinquishing Blame Matthew 7:1-7 August 26 Request and Real Community Matthew 7:7-12
Yours faithfully,
6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342 Phone: 480-991-6424 Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@vpc.church Website: vpc.church
A note about the Valley Vine from the Communications Team The Communications Team and the entire VPC staff are always looking for ways to tell the stories about what God is doing in our community. There are so many examples, every day, of how you are Christ's hands and feet in our world, of how God is bringing healing in relationships, of how people are growing deeper in their understanding of faith. Many, perhaps even most of those stories you never hear, and we want to change that. Starting next month, the Valley Vine will see an extensive redesign in order to help tell the story of God's work at VPC. Each month the Valley Vine will highlight three in-depth looks at different ministry areas. It will be a chance to better know the people and programs at VPC, and we're really excited about it. This means the Valley Vine will no longer carry a monthly digest of each ministy area. But don't worry! The detailed information for each program that happens has been and will always be available in the Ministry Brochure and on the website. The Communications Team will be interested in your feedback! Email Mike: mikev@vpc.church with any questions you have.
Who We Are: A New Heart for the Valley Capital Campaign
The story of Nehemiah recounts the way he rebuilt the destroyed walls surrounding Jerusalem. Despite much adversity, the wall was rebuilt in just 52 days! The book illuminates how this feat was accomplished: everyone helped. Nehemiah Chapter Three is a list of individuals and the repairs they did; each of them was essential to the success of the project. A New Heart for the Valley is an extensive remodel and needs everyone to make this vision possible. More than $7,000,000 has been committed by almost 200 Valley Church families to transform the heart of our campus. Are you one of the nearly 800 who hasn’t yet made a commitment to this historic transformation? Your participation is still desired. Like Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, this project can only be accomplished when each of us does our part. Pledges can be paid over three years. We realize that circumstances can change; your pledge is not binding, however, it does give the building committee the ability to budget and plan. Have questions about the project? Want to discuss creative giving ideas? Please contact me, Keith Kerber, keithk@vpc.church, or 480-991-6424 ext. 165. Visit vpc.church/anewheart for more information or to make your pledge.
Worship @ VPC SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8AM 9AM 10:30AM 11:45AM
JUNE 3-AUGUST 5
2
PREACHING SCHEDULE
Chapel Sanctuary Landes Center Service on Summer Break
Kids 3 years old through entering 1st grade. Kids entering 2nd grade and up are invited to stay in worship. We welcome this time for parents to model participation in worship.
August 5* August 12, 19, & 26 *Communion
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
FAMILY WORSHIP SUNDAY AUGUST 12*
During the summer we are excited to have all ages present in worship. *Childcare available for kids 0-2
(9 & 10:30AM services)
Pastor Kelly Nieto Pastor David Joynt
CHILDREN & STUDENT SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS AUGUST 19
Fall Sunday School begins on August 19.
Highlighted Events
church@vpc.church
Blessing of the Backpacks BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
Sunday, August 12 9 & 10:30AM Worship Services
Kids and students are encouraged to bring their backpacks to worship!
lunches
Inquirer Class
END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION LUNCH Sunday, August 12
11:45AM, Landes Center, Free Join us after the 10:30AM service for good food and great people.
INQUIRER CLASS
Wednesday, August 15 5:30PM, Fireside Room, Free
Sign up to join our community! vpc.church/inquirer
WOMEN'S MINISTRY: FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN Saturday, August 18, 1:30-4PM Help feed families!
RSVP to Shelby: shelbyt@vpc.church
3
Mission & Service
Chris Woodard, Mission Director: chrisw@vpc.church
Educational success After walking the land for the new secondary school in Malawi, I get excited thinking about all the learners that will be blessed by the school. How wonderful that our church can be a part of the educational future for so many across the world in Malawi. As children from our community are getting ready for school, it brings me great joy knowing that VPC will play a part in helping our local schools prepare for the school year. Through our back-to-school supply drive we are able to help get classrooms at Yavapai and Tonalea Elementary Schools ready for the teachers and students. We will continue our relationship with Healthy Packs to ensure that the most vulnerable children at Navajo Elementary School will have food over the weekends. As our relationship grows with our school district we will be ready to help do our part to ensure the educational success of the children in our community. Thank you for being a church that is investing in the next generation locally and in Malawi. If you would like to get involved with any of our educational efforts or if you have ideas or know of needs, please contact me. -Chris Woodard
Connect
Family Promise works to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. VPC has another opportunity to assist with families in the midst of housing transitions. If you would like to help host, serve food or stay the night contact Chris. We can use all the help we can get.
Volunteer with MentorKids USA Mondays, 3PM, van leaves from VPC We have been partnering with MKUSA for over five years. We will be continuing our support of the MKUSA Promise Neighborhood in South Phoenix this next year. Every Monday we help students with homework and programs they are having for the day. This is a wonderful opportunity to assist and equip the next generation!
Cooks' Tour Silent Auction & White Elephant Donation Collections Saturday, August 4 & 18 8-10AM, Landes Center west doors Carmel Putnam: carmelcourtright@gmail.com Jan Cooper: jan1stamper@yahoo.com
Cooks’ Tour 2018 and the 2019 PW Spring Sale are collecting great items. Have items you would otherwise donate to Goodwill or Red Cross? Drop them off here instead!
Mike Nieto, Pastor: miken@vpc.church Community Groups Information visit: vpc.church/communitygroups
Dear friends I hope you have had a restful and relaxing summer and have managed to find ways to stay cool. As summer winds down and we begin to head back into the full swing of things, why not invite a friend to church? People are starting to get back into their rhythms and now is a great time to lovingly encourage them to include worship into their lives. If there is anything we can do to encourage you in your walk with the Lord, or if you or someone you know would like a pastoral visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out. -Pastor Mike Nieto
Inquirer Class*
Wednesday, August 15, 5:30PM, Fireside Room Register: vpc.church/inquirerclass
4
Family Promise of Greater Phoenix August 26-September 2, VPC campus
Is it time for you to make a commitment and become a member of VPC? We welcome you to come learn more about how our community can serve you and how you can make an impact in our community. *Childcare email: nursery@vpc.church
Our small groups meet throughout the month to study God’s word and encourage each other. You are invited to try any group.
YOUNG ADULTS (1970-1980)
Chris Woodard, chrisw@vpc.church Lunch after church, contact Chris for dates.
30s&40s (1960-1970)
Tina Gilbreath, tinag@vpc.church Check out all the great classes coming during Oasis this fall!
KALEIDOSCOPE (1955-1975)
Ed Glady, edward.glady@sandersparks.com Sunday classes resume August 12, 9-10:30AM, Room 409
BOOMERS (1945-1955)
Debbie Sayre, dsayreoh@yahoo.com Sunday classes resume September 16, 9-11:45AM Study: Shaken by Tim Tebow, 2017-Christian Book of the year
VOYAGERS (1935-1955)
Cheryl Shaff, dhshaff@cox.net Next meeting Sunday, September 30, 5:30-7:30PM, Location TBD
SAGES (1925-1945)
Wandie Hulick, wild4uofa@aol.com Sundays, 10:30-11:30AM, Calvin Center August 2: Mexican Train, 1-3PM, Fireside Room Lunch Bunch: August 16, 11:30AM, Camelback Golf Club
Children & Families
Tina Gilbreath, Family Ministry Director: tinag@vpc.church
Why I Volunteer to Teach
What's Happening Sunday, August 12? A lot!
Children’s Ministry is looking for volunteers! Stephanie DeHaven (Sunday School volunteer) is one of our fabulous team members. She decided to volunteer because, "It's a fun, non-stressful way to feel a part of something. Those kiddos get into your heart and it's so fun to listen to the things they say and see the light of Jesus through their eyes!” Stephanie felt God tap her on the shoulder to volunteer. She felt He was saying, "Hey, you need to make a stronger commitment and engage. This is a fun and meaningful way to do that and it's only every other week!" “You don’t have to be a biblical scholar; you just have to love Jesus!”
Blessing of the Backpacks 9 & 10:30AM worship services
As a member of the VPC Children’s Ministry Team Stephanie says she feels needed. “When those little faces are so excited to see you on Sunday morning, grab your hand and go learn about the bible you can’t beat it!"
Join us as we enjoy a meal (Pig Roast! Yum!) together, reconnect and celebrate the end of summer and beginning of the school year! Sunday School resumes August 19. (Re)register your 3y.o.-5th grader today!
Kids & students, bring your backpacks to receive a special blessing. Help us recognize and bless our volunteers, as well.
Family Worship-All services
Children ages 3y.o. and up get to worship with their family and our whole church community on August 12. Nursery will be available for infants and Toddlers. Parents, remember this is a unique time to share worshipping Jesus with your kiddos! Plan ahead for this special morning, talk with your children in advance about expectations, bring a bag of quiet activities, and let Tina and Marie know if you have questions.
End of Summer Celebration Lunch 11:45AM, Landes Center
Is God tugging at your heart to spend time with children at VPC? We will have volunteer training August 9, 6:30-8PM.
Fall Sunday School Starts Sunday, August 19 Sunday School registration: vpc.church/children
Please reach out to Tina or Marie, marieb@vpc.church, to learn more or join the Children’s Ministry team! -Tina Gilbreath
Please reregister your children for the year. From infants through high school, help us get the information we need! Let Tina and Marie know if you have questions.
Students
Travis Kingma, Student Ministry Director: travisk@vpc.church Hi everyone at VPC! My name is Karley Gosselin and I am the new Associate Director of Student Ministries. I am so excited to get to know all of you and work with Travis and the Family Ministry team to continue serving and learning from the students at VPC!
I am originally from Mequon, Wisconsin (outside Milwaukee, on Lake Michigan). I have three sisters, which is quite the treat for my Dad, who played professional hockey and is the US Paralympic Ice Hockey Team coach. I earned my degrees in Religious Studies and Education and Educational Services from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I then moved to Denver, Colorado to pursue my Master of Divinity degree, which I am currently completing online, through Denver Seminary. My fiancé and I recently relocated to Scottsdale and we will be getting married this fall. Outside of work and school, I love spending time in community with others, being outside in the sunshine when I am hiking, biking, or kayaking, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and reading.
First Sunday Morning Gathering August 19, 9AM, Landes Basement It's time to get back together on Sunday mornings. Join us for small groups, a time of worship, and a chance to build great relationships.
First Middle School & High School Midweek (part of Oasis Wednesdays) August 22 Middle School: 6-7:30PM High School: 7:30-9PM Midweek is on the move! Both Middle and High School groups will meet on Wednesday nights as a part of VPC's new Oasis Community Wednesdays. See you there!
I am looking forward to investing in the community here at VPC and getting to know all of you! -Karley Gosselin
Forest Home Summer Camp
5
Learn & Grow
Kelly Nieto, Pastor: kellyn@vpc.church
An Oasis in the middle of the week Mike and I served as missionaries in the Yucatan area for a summer during our seminary years. We spent our summer visiting local churches, preaching, and encouraging the local pastors. Every night of the week, we would be at a different church and almost every night of the week, each church would have a worship service! In a climate where the heat subsides at night, the social life of the village would pick up when the sun went down, and the church was the center of fellowship and spiritual connection. There are so many amazing things happening at VPC throughout the week, and now, beginning Wednesday, September 12, bring your family or friends to eat a great meal from a local food truck, bring your students to Midweek, drop off your kiddos with our incredible Children’s Ministry team for fun, music, and learning about Jesus, and you can attend one of our classes! Oasis Community Wednesdays are coming-we hope to see you there! -Pastor Kelly Nieto
Wednesdays,September 12-November 14 (no classes on October 31) Registration & Childcare: vpc.church/classes
The Christian Journey, led by Tim Smith 6-7PM, Chapel This course will help you recognize the unique way that God created you to love Him, worship Him, and serve Him. Jesus doesn’t clone anyone! Discover how God has uniquely made you and called you into relationship with Him.
Marriage Course 6-7:30PM, Room 409, Cost $30 The Marriage Course is a seven-week course designed to strengthen marriages at all stages (engaged, newlywed, parents with young or older children, longtime married!). The evening includes a meal served to the couple, a DVD lesson on different topics of married life, and a time for the couple to privately discuss the topic.
Alpha 6-8PM, Room 415/416, Free Over 29 MILLION people around the world have taken Alpha over the last 30 years! For believers, this is an exciting time of renewing and deepening your understanding of core Christian doctrines. For people with questions, this is a comfortable and safe place to learn more about Christianity. The evening includes a meal, video lesson, and small group time to discuss the evening’s topic. Join us, and bring a friend!
COMING WEDNESDAYS, FALL 2018
VPC is excited to announce a re-imagining of Wednesday evenings. Discipleship classes are still being offered during their typical time frame, Student Ministry is moving Middle and High School Midweek programs, and Oasis Kids (formerly Explorers!) will move to Wednesdays. Each week we will also have a FOOD TRUCK with delicious affordable options for you and your family.
Community Wednesdays 6
Men’s Ministry
Chris Woodard, Men’s Ministry Director: chrisw@vpc.church
Community is stronger than bacon
Third Tuesday of the Month Breakfast August 21, 6:30AM
During my visit to Malawi this summer I ate nisima and chicken with almost every meal. It made me realize how much I missed bacon....
Come for a morning of fellowship and prayer, hear about the men’s ministry at VPC, and meet a new friend over a good breakfast. Gather at 6:30AM, breakfast begins at 6:45AM.
I am excited to inform you men that we will continue our third Tuesday of the month breakfast- and there will be bacon! But more than enjoying a good meal (with bacon) this is a great opportunity to get to know each other better, to encourage each other, and to have fun together. I believe that as we continue to meet with each other, our community of men will be strengthened and God will use us to do exciting ministry. It is amazing how God can use a simple breakfast to grow and to strengthen us together. So come for the bacon and stay for the community, you will be blessed. For information on our Men’s Ministry email me at chrisw@vpc.church. -Chris Woodard
2018 Men's Retreat Friday-Sunday, September 21-23 UCYC, Prescott, AZ, cost TBA VPC is excited to hold its fifth annual Men's Retreat. This will be a great weekend where new friendships are formed over food, activities, and fellowship. As we escape the normal routine of our lives and retreat to the hills of Prescott, we have an opportunity to hear God's Word more clearly and through that clarity deepen our relationship with Jesus.
Men’s Adult Basketball Thursdays, 6:30-7:30AM Landes Center, year round, no fee Mike Bitticks, 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.
Women’s Ministry
Kelly Nieto, Pastor: kellyn@vpc.church
Seasons of life In just a few weeks, our son Sam begins kindergarten! I have to admit I never really understood why parents would get emotional about children heading to kindergarten. I always thought, “Isn’t it a good thing that kids are growing up and get all that kid energy out?” But now, I understand the emotion of the moment completely because I understand that it marks the beginning of a new season in my life as well. Sam begins his school years and we will begin to see him grow from baby, to boy, to teenager, to man. We are all in different seasons of life! This Fall, we are expanding the Women’s Breakfast to be a full-day gathering: Navigating Life’s Journey. The day will include breakfast, lunch, team-building, and connection activities, a life coach speaking about seasons, transitions, and mentoring, and break-out sessions on prayer, “holy yoga,” crafts, and we'll end the day with appetizers and fellowship time. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 15, 9AM-4PM at Orange Tree Golf Resort, and invite a friend! -Pastor Kelly Nieto
Women's Ministry Event: Feed My Starving Children Saturday, August 18, 1:30-4PM FMSC, 1345 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa, AZ 85210 RSVP Shelby Trimaloff: shelbyt@vpc.church Join us as we work together to fill food bags with ingredients that will feed a family of four a hot meal. Meal packages will be shipped around the world to areas most in need. This is a fun, family event - children over five are welcome. There is music, friendly competition, and serving together for a purpose. RSVP, limited number of spots.
Navigating Life's Journey Women’s Fall Gathering Saturday, September 15, 9AM-4PM Orange Tree Resort, Cost: $35/$15 students Register: vpc.church/women or Sundays on patio starting August 12 Presbyterian Women (PW) Circles return September 2018 Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com Presbyterian Women (PW) offers women at VPC meaningful ways to live out their faith in the midst of a caring community of women. 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. All women are invited to join a Circle meeting.
7
Care & Support
David Turner, Pastor: davidt@vpc.church
More than a walk in the woods Charles Swindoll was once quoted as saying, “Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” I would add that the deposits we make be good and honoring of God, no matter how young or old our children. Many of you know that I’ve been training since April to join my son, Nic, on a rugged 220-mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, from Castella, California to Ashland, Oregon. I look forward to experiencing the grandeur of Mount Shasta, walking through peaceful woods along mountain ridges, and soaking in the beauty of mountain lakes. One of my greatest joys is to be in the mountains; to see God’s amazing handiwork. But the greatest joy for me will be to spend time with my son, who I’m so proud of and who I believe is one of God’s greatest masterpieces. I share this with you because if I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that time passes much too quickly, and I never want to regret not spending enough time with those I love. What about you? Is there someone you need to express your love to through the investment of your time? -Pastor David Turner
Mental Health
Elizabeth Weiss: esweiss@gmail.com
Summer Reading Part 2
Here are some great books to raise awareness about mental health issues and see how God cares about the whole person. In the Middle of the Mess: Strength for This Beautiful, Broken Life by Sheila Walsh Beloved Bible teacher Sheila Walsh teaches readers how the daily spiritual practices of confession, meditation on God’s Word, and prayer result in fresh freedom in Christ. In this book Sheila equips women with a practical method for connecting with God’s strength in the midst of struggle. In a Different Key: The Story of Autism by Henri Nouwen Nagging self-doubt is the basis of so much depression. "We’re afraid,” Nouwen says, “that we will be unmasked and revealed for being imperfect. We are afraid of being judged and found wanting.” In this book, Nouwen draws on three moments in Jesus’ life and invites us to reflect on the tension between our desire for solitude and the demands of contemporary life. He reminds us that it was in solitude that Jesus found the courage to follow God’s will.
8
Contact me to learn more or join our Mental Health team. -Elizabeth Weiss
Remembrances Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of Paul Brodt, Doyle Holcomb, Lee Henry, and Allen Groen. Grief Support Wednesdays, starting September 12 6:30-7:30PM, Chapel Parlor Facilitator: Shirley Polk This discussion-based class is designed to give you the tools to recover and to hope again. New attendees are always welcome. GriefShare Wednesdays, starting September 12 1-2:30PM, Chapel Parlor Facilitator: Barbara Mardian This 13-week program is DVD and workbook based. We believe recovery doesn’t come from knowledge, but from Christian hope, personal support and emotional release. Divorce Recovery Mondays, starting September 24 5:15-6:30PM, Chapel Parlor Facilitator: Anna Kohls
VPC is offering a seven-week Divorce Recovery Program designed for men and women at any stage of the divorce process. Facilitator Anna Kohls has her Master's Degree in Marital and Family Therapy and a Master's in Education. The program is open to all in our community; please share this information with friends who are ready to take the next step in their journey. If you’d like more information, contact Pastor David Turner: davidt@vpc.church.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Basics
Saturdays, September 15, 22 & 29, 8:30AM-2PM, Room 409 NAMI Basics is a free, educational program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. NAMI Basics helps parents and other family caregivers understand the illnesses that are causing those behavioral difficulties, and the critical role family play in the treatment of those illnesses. NAMI classes registration required: namimaricopaedu@gmail.com or 602-759-8182
Support Groups: vpc.church/mentalhealth NAMI-Family Support Group 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30PM, St. Patrick Catholic Community Info: vpc.church/mentalhealth or namivalleyofthesun.org Living Grace Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-8PM, Oasis Community Church Info: 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 Welcome Danya Tiller
Danya Tiller
As most of you know, I will be having my second child near the end of August. I am very excited to announce that my dear friend, Danya Tiller, will be leading our choir for me for the month of September until I return from maternity leave.
Chancel Choir returns in September! Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 5 7:30PM, Choir Room Speaking of September, it is a great time to join our choir!! Danya will be teaching some new worship music, and we’ll start our Christmas music in October. I hope you’ll consider joining us!
Danya is currently the Artistic Director of the Phoenix Girls Chorus, is in her 13th season with the Grammy AwardWinning Phoenix Chorale, and is a founding member of the early music ensemble, Helios. Earning a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a minor in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Alabama, she is A.B.D. for the Doctoral Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma. Most recently she was the Associate Director of Music at Mt. View Presbyterian, serving under my mother, Kay's, leadership. Danya is an outstanding musician and a wonderful person. I know you will enjoy getting to know her. It will be a treat and an honor for our choir to sing under her direction. Please help me welcome Danya when you see her. -Jennifer Hamm
Valley Day School
Kids Perfrom at the VBS closing
Meghan Gottfredson, Day School Director: meghang@vpc.church
Grateful for a team The start of another year at VDS is just around the corner - our 55th year to be exact! We are grateful for a church family who supports our ministry. VPC's grounds team is hard at work deep-cleaning our classrooms and repainting our playground area-providing us with an extra fresh start to the year. They have many other tasks on their to do lists, but they're making our preschool a top priority. Church members frequently stop by my office with items to donate to the school, and many ask how they might be able to volunteer. Russ Henzel and Chris Woodard show up to help with sound at events throughout the year - just because. Kris Bahr jumps in to help with finances and record keeping whenever I need assistance. Our Children's Ministry Team regularly attends our chapel time to simply help in any way they can. It's these small acts of service that are a constant reminder of God's provision for our school. It's a real team effort at VPC, and we could use your assistance as well! We'd love to have you pray for our school year beginning on August 15. Please pray that our teachers return excited and refreshed from the summer break. Pray that our students and families would see Christ through our words and actions.
Valley Day School begins another school year on August 15. Our enrollment is full, but we do keep a wait list. Please contact Meghan Gottfredson with any questions or to schedule a tour.
-Meghan Gottfredson
9
Foundation
Charlee Turner, Foundation Administrator: charleet@vpc.church Foundation Scholarships are helping students succeed
The recently gifted Foundation Scholarships help students succeed in their academics and are a way to stay connected to VPC. We always love hearing how the scholarships help students John Schupbach like John: Over the past six years, I have been the blessed recipient of the Kurz Scholarship. With your generous and unwavering support, I have been privileged to be able to attend medical and business schools that have opened up unparalleled opportunity to do good in the world.
Legacy Society Luncheon Monday, October 15 12PM, Landes Center Legacy Society members mark your calendars, we will celebrate your commitment to Valley Presbyterian Church with an informational lunch, including guest speakers and musical talent. This event is by invitation only. Valley Legacy Society members have designated the Foundation in their will or trust. Membership requires no annual, lifetime, or minimum costs. Learn more: vpc.church/foundation
With this exceptional education you have helped me achieve, I hope to help revolutionize how healthcare and education are successfully funded and experienced worldwide. This ambitious endeavor would not be possible without in-depth understanding of the complexity and stakeholders of the existing system. Throughout the journey ahead, I will not forget the generosity of people like you who teach me why community, compassion, and God are so important. I hope to be able to see you and thank you in person this winter at VPC. Until then, thank you! – John Schupbach
MOPS
2018 Foundation Dinner Katie French & Megan Nesvig: mops@vpc.church
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Kickoff
Friday, August 24, 9-11:30AM, Landes Center, Register today: vpc.church/mops, $95 (for the entire school year) MOPS 2018-2019 Leaders: Katie French & Megan Nesvig VPC is excited to have Katie & Megan lead our amazing MOPS group this year. Join us at the Kickoff for a great morning with your kids. You’ll get a chance to meet the women that make up this great community, and your kids will have a fun, active morning. Our theme for next year is Find Your Fire! We’ll live expectantly, surrender daringly & breathe freely!
Katie, Will, Peter, & WIlliam French Katie has been attending MOPS and Bible study at VPC for over three years. Both of her boys will be attending Valley Day School this year. She looks forward to becoming more involved in our great community!
10
Megan, Brian, Hannah, & Mary Nesvig Megan began attending MOPS at VPC soon after moving to Scottsdale in 2016. She and her husband, Brian, are members at VPC, and their two daughters, Hannah and Mary, attend Valley Day School.
VPC Leadership News From Session A report from the monthly Session meeting will return in September. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 480-368-6567.
-Karen Meyer, Clerk of Session
Leader Spotlight Tom Hillman, Elder Mission Committee I have been a member of VPC since 1989. Over the years, I have been involved with VPC in a number of ways: teaching Sunday School in the early 1990s, being engaged with the children and youth programs via our two daughters. From Sunday School, VBS, and summer camps to helping with the Men’s breakfasts and retreats, I look forward to a new and different opportunity with VPC as an Elder.
Visit VPC Session page! vpc.church/session Read more bios of the Session team.
Finances & Operations
Kris Bahr, Finance & Operations Director: krisb@vpc.church
Building & Grounds Update
With the break in normal scheduling, our facilities team has been busy this summer tackling special projects on campus. Here are a few of the highlights:
·
Irrigation from the north side of Quail Run to the west side of campus had not been working for some time, causing vegetation to die due to lack of water. John Pelton identified the source of the irrigation leak, made necessary repairs, and water once again flows to these neglected areas.
VPC finances year-to-date as of June 30, 2018 Income
Actual $
Budget $
Variance $
Faith Giving Other Income Total Income
927,710 151,485 1,079,195
926,500 189,005 1,115,505
1,210 -37,520 -36,310
Pastoral Ministry Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Worship & Music Total Expense
238,873 508,522 92,456 144,125 87,784 1,071,760
238,299 520,969 87,189 174,628 94,806 1,115,891
-574 12,447 -5,267 30,503 7,022 44,131
7,435
-386
7,821
Expense
Net Income less Expense
·
VPC purchased a carpet extractor, and Tim Walker has systematically cleaned most of the carpets on campus. This equipment has already paid for itself many times over.
·
Exhibiting a great team effort, John, Tim, and Will McGaugh have steam cleaned and painted the outside walls of Valley Day School and cleaned each classroom from top to bottom in preparation for the 2018-19 school year.
·
Additional security cameras have been installed across campus. -Kris Bahr
11