July August 2025 Valley Vine

the

Valley Vine

July/August 2025 Vol. 70, No. 4 Valley Presbyterian Church

IN THIS ISSUE: The Kinds of Goodbye Pastor David Joynt

Highlighted Events One Week in the Scorpion Tree Yucatan Mission Trip Stories

Valley Presbyterian Foundation Scholarship Recipients Session Report

by Karen Meyer

Finance Update

by Kris Bahr

THE KINDS OF GOODBYE Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT

Life is full of goodbyes. There is a sweet sorrow in many of these moments, a precious and holy recognition that we are privileged to share one another’s lives.

Relationships provide the solid emotional framework for our spiritual journey.

The understanding of friends, the encouragement of mentors, the energy of coworkers, the inspiration of leaders—it all sustains us as we grow through life’s ages and stages. The faithfulness of others is food for our soul.

Each farewell is particular, since each person is unique and each relationship has its own flavors, chemistry, and contours. And each one is colored by circumstance.

At VPC, we are blessed by many “snowbirds” who escape northern climates for southwest sunshine. They bring special talents and enthusiasm to our life and work, but as temperatures rise in the Valley of the Sun, we hear them say, “see you in October!” The sadness is qualified since we anticipate a return.

Other moments are harder, when longtime leaders and friends retire or accept a new calling. This year we’ve said goodbye to Pastor Travis Kingma, Katrina Carney, and Pastor David Turner. Each one left an indelible mark. Katrina still helps in her retirement and Travis and Dave are embracing new calls. There is a flood of grateful memories, watching Dave offer divine comfort in a memorial moment, or seeing Travis’s impact on a young person who has become a young leader. We are so fortunate, as a staff and congregation, to have known their character and seen the fruit of their ministry.

We also had to say goodbye to Jane Russell, committing her into the hands of our Lord. Her gifts of hospitality and welcome touched every member at VPC for a generation, and her gift of encouragement touched every leader, staff member, and Pastor. Jane's farewell, as well as those for special servants like Terry Thomas or Jim Lorenz, would seem to be the hardest of all, since death is the harbinger of a greater separation still. Yet these mortal adieus can be the most beautiful and encouraging of all, for they remind us that our final and most wonderful experience of community is still to come, and that our deepest relationships now are signposts to the connections we will experience in the future. The distance on earth that can separate us from people we love is real, though often temporary, and is an occasion for tears and sadness. But in heaven, in the kingdom life to come, every form of separation is ended, and good-byes will be gone forever. May we live, this summer, and always, as people who have a mighty hope beyond all partings.

See you soon!

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Highlighte d

EVENTS

School Supply Drive BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, JULY 6-27

Return supplies by Sunday, July 27. Support Title 1 schools in Scottsdale Unified School District!

VPC HOSTING FAMILY PROMISE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 3-10 Volunteers needed! Email Pastor Chris: chrisw@vpc.church

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 9 & 10:30AM WORSHIP

Send students, teachers, staff, & parents into the school year knowing God is with them!

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ONE WEEK IN THE SCORPION TREE

2025 YUCATAN MISSION TRIP

When I went to the Yucatán I saw God working in so many amazing ways. Helping put beams, blocks, and concrete on the roof was very demanding, but it felt like what God had called me to Sinanche to do. Each brick that we passed was more than just construction. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we worked side by side with the local masons and anybody who lent a hand. I saw God working in moments like that.

I also saw God moving during Vacation Bible School. Helping with crafts and games with the kids brought me so much joy! Their laughter, energy, and excitement felt like God's light was shining over us. Even in the simplest activities, like painting or jumping rope, there was a deep connection of love and joy. It was humbling to see how all of these children and their families trust that Jesus will provide for them.

Dinners prepared by the wives of the church were another great example of God’s love in action. They welcomed us with such warmth and generosity. Sitting around the table, sharing delicious home-cooked meals, I felt a beautiful sense of community and fellowship that reminded me of home but also the willingness of the Sinanche community to provide, no matter what. Through every brick, meal, and VBS song, I saw God working, building faith, forming relationships, and bringing people together in His name.

HAILEY HOLLIDAY 2025 SAGUARO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE The mission trip to Sanache in Yucatan was an amazing experience for the whole team. During our time there God showed all of us just how He moves through different bodies of believers from different countries to fulfill His plans. We were all able to have so many different experiences, from our time at the building site to leading VBS for community. Being embedded in the community made the trip different, as the members of the church let our team stay at their houses for the week. This expression of generosity is something we will never forget.

Being able to take part in community events like the fiesta and playing volleyball showed us how the community of Sinanche embraced us with open arms. Even traveling from shop to shop in town turned into opportunities to connect and learn. Our team was invited into a new community of Christians who showed us what Christ-like hospitality towards an outsider looks like. The people of Sinanche showed us what it looks like to love God and to love others. Our work to build their new church, a new space to worship, will bless the community.

The Yucatan mission trip was a life-altering and soul-enriching experience for all involved as God showed us what building His kingdom looks like.

NATHAN GILBERT VPC STUDENT MINISTRY INTERN 4

BEFORE FROM PASTOR CHRIS WOODARD

AFTER

On Sunday evening, during worship at El Buen Pastor Church, in Sinanche (Mayan for Scorpion Tree-yes Scorpion Tree!) Pastor Timiteo declared that Valley Presbyterian Church was an answer to their prayers. After spending a week with the community I can say that the people of El Buen Pastor were an answer to our prayers.

It was a wonderful gift to watch two churches, from very different parts of the kingdom, come together to work for the Good News of Jesus. I watched as God’s people came together to lift over 100,000 pounds of material up 12 feet high to complete a roof for their church. I watched God’s people come together through activities at VBS, where they called each other friends and amigos.

I watched two churches become one. God is so good and the Spirit is alive and well in Sinanche.

What a blessing to be part of God’s vast kingdom, where it can feel very different, yet at the same time feel very familiar. El Buen Pastor Church is a light to the people of Sinanche, their good works shine in that community and glorify God. Thank you, VPC, for being a kingdom church, where we together claim the Good News of Jesus in our community and around the world.

FROM AWAKEN CAFÉ MANAGER MIKE ROTH When God becomes big enough that we are willing to take risks and do uncomfortable things—that is when something beautiful can take place. We worked hard and were always sweaty and sleep deprived, but it drew us closer as a team and closer to a community in another country whose lifestyle and norms are very different from ours. Jesus showed us his power to bring people together.

I took the photo above while walking down the street after a morning of exhausting work. Under the blazing sun, on a long walk to a bee farm run by some locals, you see youth from the El Buen Pastor community meshing with our team. It was a great reminder that people from all walks of life can come together to do something beautiful because of Jesus!

On our first day of work, Pastor Chris created clear expectations for our team: We wanted them to understand that our project is important, but it was not the only thing that we were building.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul says: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” In the ancient world, the temple was the representation of God in our world; a place where heaven and earth meet. Paul is elaborating on the work that started at Jesus's resurrection: encouraging the church to embrace this new sort of Temple building.

This year's Yucatan trip was no different. My favorite aspect of mission trips (other than the tacos) is how God uses them to put the church together; connecting us through relationship. Thank you for your support and investment in the next generation.

Because of you, our Interns sharpened their skills, our students learned the joy of service, and the name of Jesus was made real. I look forward to witness how God continues to work at VPC.

FROM NEXT GENERATION DIRECTOR WES CATES

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MORE FROM THE SCORPION TREE

2025 YUCATAN MISSION TRIP CONTINUED

I tried not to listen to the people who had previously gone on a Yucatan mission trip. I didn't want to believe this was the hardest work they had ever done. Or that it is difficult to sleep in a hammock. Or that the heat and humidity were stifling. For the most part, that is true, but I want to dwell on the positives of this experience.

The people of this town are the most gracious, kind, honest, and faithful people I've met. Many travel to work by motor scooter daily to Merida, a town about an hour away. They choose to do this because they love Sinanche and care for each other.

The homes they live in are simple but clean. No air conditioning except for squeaky ceiling fans. May, June, and July are the hottest times of the year there but the people don't seem to mind. They often sit outside their homes talking to each other hoping a cool breeze will blow by.

They attend church in a condemned building with a beautiful tile on the floor and hand painted art on the walls. The telltale sign something is wrong is the sagging concrete roof with obvious cracks going across it. Still they patiently wait for their new church to receive funding from mission partners. In the case of this church they have been waiting for years. We completed the roof. Now they wait until future funding from churches is made available to complete of the remainder of the building.

I hope you visit one of these small towns in the Yucatan someday and see how those who seemingly have so little can be so grateful.

GUSTAVO ARMENDARIZ, VPC MISSION ELDER On behalf of the Friends of Acción Board, thank you for sending a work team to the town of Sinanche (Scorpion Tree in Mayan) in the Yucatan peninsula to be a witness of Christ’s love. The team represented VPC and Christ in the work they accomplished, the Christ-like way they treated each other, and the loving outreach they practiced to the people of the community.

Because of your continued financial support, Acción Ministries continues to make significant improvements for many in the region. A special thanks to Pastor Chris Woodard and Next Generation Ministry Director Wes Cates for their planning and leadership. I know from personal experience the effort, time, and resources it takes to recruit, fundraise, and lead a trip. They provided spiritual leadership for the team and kept focus on how Christ is constructing our lives as we served the church in Sinanche.

To the VPC congregation: thank you for your generosity providing funds and resources to make this project a reality. We value your partnership and look forward to in future projects in the Yucatan with Acción Ministries.

PASTOR KEN SKODIAK, ACCIÓN BOARD MEMBER 6

VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS VPF Scholarships are helping students succeed!

This year Valley Presbyterian Foundation awarded $14,000 in scholarships to fourteen deserving students. Please join us as we congratulate these students and send our prayers and best wishes for a successful upcoming year!

Scholarship funds come from income earned by the designated Erickson Fund, Patterson Fund, and Simmons Fund. If you would like to be a part of this meaningful investment in the next generation, please consider designating VPF in your estate plan.

2025-2026 VPF Scholarship Recipients Elizabeth Brammer - Fuller Seminary – Marriage & Family Counseling Autumn Cochran - Point Loma Nazarene University – Environmental Science Brady Cochran - Arizona State University – Electrical Engineering Evangeline Dunckley - Johns Hopkins University – Business/Sports Medicine Adam Gilbreath - Architectural Assoc. School of Architecture – Architecture & Urban Design Hailey Holliday - Utah State University – Education Cade Huseth - Baylor University – Marketing Lily MacDougall - Arizona State University – Pre-Med Tyler Milne - Northern Arizona University – Mechanical Engineering Matthew Mullis - Grand Canyon University – Education Administration Rachel Parker - University of Washington – Bioengineering Presleigh Voris - University of Kansas – Biology/Pre-Med Brent Weiss - Arizona State University – Mechanical Engineering 7

News from

SESSION

SESSION REPORT

On May 19, Pastor David Turner sent the congregation a letter informing them he has accepted a call at Springhill Presbyterian Church in Bozeman, Montana. His last day on staff at VPC was June 29. David Turner’s faith, leadership, and hard work have helped so many at VPC during his tenure and he will truly be missed.

Karen Gill Meyer

At the April Session meeting Valley Day School Director Meghan Gottfredson updated us about VDS, which is celebrating its 61st year. The school is always full and has a waiting list. This year, there are 133 children, 18 months to five years old, 16 teachers, three special teachers, and two administrators. Session is grateful for Meghan’s dedication to our outstanding Day School!

The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) held its first meeting at the end of April. Members of the PNC are: Krista Braden, Co-Chair Stephanie DeHaven, Chair Phil Eaton, Mike Ek, Jon Kyl, Lisa LaFon, Casey Ratlief, Jim Unruh, and Kristin Will. Session approved a budget for the PNC to pay for travel expenses and to hire an Executive search firm to aid in finding our next Senior Pastor. In June the PNC reported to Session that it has engaged an executive search firm, Slingshot.

Clerk of Session

At the May Session meeting Tom Ambrose, Chairman, and Becky Bennett, Interior Designer, of the F&O Chapel Subcommittee, gave an update on the proposed plan to restore and enhance our Chapel. Built in 1984, the Chapel is a beloved space but has received very little to update it since. Session voted to proceed with Chapel revitalization.

Elders Beth Allen and Katie Ratlief served as VPC's Elder Commissioners for ECO’s Hope Presbytery meeting.

At the June meeting Session accepted David Turner's resignation with sincere thanks for all his service to VPC. Session also approved an amended version of the Minor Protection Policy, including a paragraph stating VPC has a zero tolerance policy against sexual abuse or misconduct.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns: kgmeyer@cox.net or 602-568-2196.

Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer, Clerk of Session

FINANCE OPERATIONS UPDATE Fina nce s &

VPC finances year-to-date as of May 31, 2025:

Income

Total Income Kris Bahr

Finance & Operations Director 480-991-6424 ext. 0112 krisb@vpc.church

Church Office Closed: July 4 Independence Day

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Expense

Actual $

Faith Giving 1,024,600 1,050,000 Awaken Café 50,900 36,200 Other Income 54,800 46,100 1,130,300 1,132,300

Pastoral Ministry ECO Denominational Support Admin & Facility Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care Christian Education Worship & Music Awaken Café

Total Expense

Budget $ Variance $

207,700 12,000 524,200 57,100 144,900 115,200 66,200

-25,400 14,700 8,700 -2,000

210,000 11,800 531,200 44,300 160,800 120,400 61,100

2,300 -200 7,000 -12,800 15,900 5,200 -5,100

1,127,300 1,139,600

12,300