November/December 2023 Valley Vine

the

Valley Vine

November/December 2023 Vol. 68, No. 4

IN THIS ISSUE: Of Circles & Squares Pastor David Joynt

Advent & Christmas Eve @VPC The Joy & Benefits of Crafting VPC's Crafters Group

Blessing of Music

Jennifer Hamm & Chancel Choir

Deep Roots, New Growth VPC Stewardship Team

Do Generous People Live Longer?

Valley Presbyterian Foundation

Building, Grounds, & Hunger Kris Bahr

September & October Meeting Report Karen Meyer

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT Dear friends,

Pastor David Joynt davidj@vpc.church

Circles and squares are different. In a circle everyone is an equal distance from the center.

Not so with a square. In a circle you can see more easily the outside and inside at the same time.

With a square you must turn to face the outside.

Squares were used by Wellington to defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo–they were perfect for keeping enemies out without exposing all your soldiers to fire at once. Today our city has a checkerboard of mile long squares. The thoroughfares run North and South and East and West in straight lines so traffic won’t enter neighborhoods.

Circles are a symbol of eternity and connection, like the rings exchanged in marriage, like the new vocabulary of our campus. Sitting in our Sanctuary or plaza you see the faces of others, you can watch children play. My third grade teacher would sometimes shift the rows to make the square classroom into a circle. It changed a gathering of individual students into a group, more interactive and intimate.

November and December are times of invitation in our culture. They are a time when visitors and snowbirds arrive, when holidays are celebrated.

At VPC we have events to invite others to join us, like Trunk or Treat and Feed My Starving Children/ Mission Marketplace. We have concerts to inspire members and draw visitors. We design Advent services with the stranger in mind. This year’s theme is Detecting Christmas. This is the season to widen our circle, to look inside and outside at the same time. I love our circular spaces but I love even more the desire many of you have to help others find their way onto holy ground. Take advantage of our places and spaces this season and see if our gracious God brings to your mind a friend or neighbor who might love an event, a service, or a cup of coffee at our Awaken Café.

The best circles are open and invitational–full of the love of Jesus which encircles heaven and earth.

Let’s be circle makers this season!

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Blessings,

Christmas VALLEY PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24

9:30AM • 4PM • 6PM In-person & livestream, Sanctuary

Overflow seating available at all services Childcare (0-35 months) available at 9:30AM & 4PM

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ADVENT & CHRISTMAS @ VPC Sunday Mornings CHOIR CHRISTMAS CANTATA: It Wasn’t His Child SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 9 & 10:30AM SERVICES

Presented by the VPC Chancel Choir, Valley Singers, & members of the Phoenix Symphony Join us as we explore the story of Joseph through song and narration. Cory McCloskey portrays Joseph in this story of a prominent, yet often forgotten, character of the Nativity story. Don’t miss this annual tradition of Christmas music, narration and worship.

NATIVITY PAGEANT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 9 & 10:30AM SERVICES

Sign up & rehearsal required: tinag@vpc.church Celebrate the coming arrival of the Christ child with VPC's annual Nativity Pageant!

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 9:30AM*, 4PM*, 6PM

Come worship and celebrate the birth of Jesus. *Childcare (0-35 months) available.

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 9:30AM

Bring 2023 to a joyous close at VPC. No Sunday School or Nursery.

Events ADVENT.URE

Wednesday, November 29, 6-7:30PM, Awaken Café Plaza, Sign up: vpc.church/events Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship! It’s a great way to kick off the Advent season as a family.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY ORNAMENT EXCHANGE

Sunday, December 3, 5-7PM, Location TBD Bring a small appetizer or dessert to share, and a wrapped ornament ($15 or less) to play the gift exchange game.

DOVE TREE SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

Tuesday, December 5, 2PM, Memorial Garden, Pastor David Turner presiding.

Join us as we remember those who have passed into God’s Glory. You are welcome to write the name of your loved one on a dove, place it on the tree and offer a silent prayer.

MENTORKIDS USA CHRISTMAS PARTY

Saturday, December 9, 10AM-2PM, VPC South Parking Lot Email Chris Woodard, Pastor of Mission & Engagement to volunteer: chrisw@vpc.church VPC is excited to host another awesome holiday event for MentorKids USA! We need 250 gifts by December 4.

Please take a tag from a tree in the Sanctuary or Awaken Cafe and bring back an unwrapped gift.

ANGEL TREE TOY DRIVE: MENTORKIDS USA & TUBA CITY, AZ

Return gifts by Monday, December 4 Email Chris Woodard, Pastor of Mission & Engagement with questions: chrisw@vpc.church Please take a tag from a tree in the Sanctuary or Awaken Cafe and bring back an unwrapped gift. Gifts collected by December 4 (need 250) go to the MentorKids Christmas Party, additional gifts go to our other mission partners.

MEAL SERVICE FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

December 11, 4:30-6PM, South Scottsdale Community House VPC has joined with South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church to offer support and volunteers to help serve those less fortunate in our local community. Join us as we serve a meal and have fellowship time with them.

VPC HOSTING FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER PHOENIX

Sunday, December 17-Sunday, December 24 Email Chris Woodard, Pastor of Mission & Engagement to volunteer: chrisw@vpc.church Family Promise rescues families from the streets to provide emergency shelter & basic needs in a 60-day program designed to assist their return to self-sufficiency. Family Promise partners with VPC to provide safe overnight shelter, food, and compassion to families in crisis.

WOMEN’S CIRCLES CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON & PROGRAM 4 Wednesday, December 20, Landes Center, 11AM RSVP for lunch: Bette Hughes, bettehughes@juno.com Lunch, music, and holiday cheer. Everyone is welcome!

Highlighte d

EVENTS

VETERANS DAY CONCERT HONORING OUR HEROS WITH MUSIC! join us for an evening of patriotism and gratitude with the stefanski brothers

Saturday, November 11, 4PM, Sanctuary Tickets: vpc.church/music

$20 (Artist Circle, Rows 1-5), $15 (Gold Circle, Rows 6-13), $10 (Balcony)

Service of REMEMBRANCE

Dove Tree Service of Remembrance

Tuesday, December 5, 2PM, Memorial Garden

Feel free to come to the Garden, write a name on a dove, place it on the tree, and offer a prayer.

MentorKids USA Christmas Party Saturday, December 9 10AM-1PM, VPC South Parking Lot

Toys needed. Take a tag from tree in worship centers.

Volunteer, Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church

It Wasn't His Child Christmas Cantata

Featuring the VPC Chancel Choir, members of Phoenix Symphony, and narration by Cory McCloskey.

Sunday, December 10

9 & 10:30AM, Sanctuary

Explore Joseph's story through song and narration during5 worship at this year's Christmas Cantata!

100,000 MEALS 4 SHIFTS • 1 DAY One two-hour shift takes your hands and uses them to end hunger.

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VPC.CHURCH/FMSC FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN MOBILEPACKTM EVENT & MISSION MARKETPLACE Saturday, November 18 9AM*, 12 Noon*, 3PM, 6PM, Landes Center

*Childcare available for kids 0-4 years old We need your help! Hundreds of volunteers from VPC and the local community will fight world hunger with Feed My Starving Children. Each two-hour volunteer block is an opportunity for anyone age five 6 and up to do their part to address world hunger. Volunteers just like you pack and fund lifesaving FMSC MannaPack meals through FMSC MobilePackTM events.

Women's Circles

CRAFTERS

The Joy & Benefits of Crafting

VPC's Crafters has been meeting on campus for over 52 years. We asked what makes crafting special to them and what memories they would like to share about their passion for creating handmade treasures.

I remember fondly my great aunt teaching me to crochet. I did my best with her by my side. I have always appreciated and was envious of people who can draw, but since that was never my gift I had to express my creativity in a different way. I loved needlepointing gifts for friends until it became a painful challenge due to arthritis. Once I retired from teaching, I found joy becoming involved in the church and its many activities. Bette Hughes invited me to a cardmaking class, and I was hooked. I found a new craft and have developed many wonderful friendships. It is more fun to craft in a group and having that special feeling of belonging.

–Wandie Hulick I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. While I was an officer in Job's Daughters, I needed to give several gifts to other members.

Instead of buying gifts my Mother bought many unpainted figurines and my first paint set. I still have a passion for painting. Crafting with the group from VPC is especially good. Not only do I create things that I enjoy, but they are sold to help VPC's Mission Partners.

–Bette Hughes My earliest days of crafting go back to when I was six years old.

My youngest brother was on the way, and every afternoon my mother would rest on the bed and show my sister and I how to hem baby blankets. She was unfailingly encouraging! Later my sister and I had to work on cross-stitch samples, and again my mother always praised our efforts. This loving support helped me to associate crafting with kindness and fun! What I love about our Crafters group is the chance to socialize with lovely people and to know my crafting skills are being used to benefit others.

–Margaret Wheeler

I have been creating art since I received my first big box of crayons and coloring book as a child. My mother was a pencil/charcoal artist.

She encouraged me to explore and create. She took me to the Library to check out craft project books for kids...I checked out many. I would spend hours in the basement gathering supplies and making whatever I could from the books.

No matter where life and work took me, I always had an artistic outlet. I taught crafts to foster children on an Indian reservation and to seniors at senior centers. My main hobby now is creating broaches and sculptures from ribbon yarn. Creating with my hands is something that brings me joy, and always has.

––Jan Cooper My mother taught me to sew and embroider. I remember making her a handkerchief with daisies very poorly. She loved it. I benefit so much from being a part of Crafters.

We share our artistic sides and our lives. Some call it group therapy.

–Mary Cochran I started crafting at an early age. My great aunt taught me to crochet and my first grade teacher taught me to embroider. I love getting together with this group for friendship and fellowship.

–Eve DeShazer I started crafting when Cooks' Tour (a day for missions) became a tradition. Over the years the friendships became more important to me than crafting. It's still true today.

–Jean Schaller

Benefits of crafting...

Crafting is much more than the activity or hobby of creating objects by hand.

Crafting is designed for all ages, races, genders, and ethnicities.

Crafting has actually shown to be quite therapeutic for all age groups. How so?

• Helps You Relax and Take Away Stress • Gives a Sense of Satisfaction • Help Overcome Difficulties and Increase Self-Esteem • Improve Mental Agility • Make You Feel Happier • Improves Brain – Motor Skills • Is an Excellent Way to Express Yourself • Is a Wonderful Activity to Share With Others • Helps You Create Invaluable Gifts • Promotes Recycling Now you know that the benefits of crafting are many and significant from the emotional and physical perspective. Aside from helping us manage stress and build mental agility, it can be a fantastic tool to foster friendships.

Crafting does not require special skills or setting. The possibilities, as well as the health and emotional benefits, are endless!

–Family and Crafts Blog 10 Benefits of Crafting for Adults March 2019 by Ilia

Visit MISSION MARKETPLACE Saturday, November 18 9AM-4PM

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Music

MINISTRY

Blessings Of Music

Jennifer Hamm

Minister of Music 480-991-6424 ext. 142 jenniferh@vpc.church

CHANCEL CHOIR IN PRAGUE

I am thrilled to include personal stories from some of our choir members. Some of them are stories from our European tour, and others are just general testimonies of what choir means to them. As you will see as you read this, each person has felt blessed by our Music Ministry.

I am proud and blessed even more by being their Minister of Music.

Of the many wonderful memories of my trip to Austria and Prague this summer with the Chancel Choir, one moment eclipses the rest. It happened when we sang our very first song in the Salzburg Dome, a cathedral completed in 1628 on the site of other churches dating back to 788 AD, a place of Christian devotion for centuries. To me, this stone cathedral remains the most majestic imaginable.

We took our places on the marble stairs at the altar and prepared to begin our recital with “Spirit of the Living God” in six-part harmony. As we sang our first few notes, our voices rose up into the dome. Instantly our notes returned to us…surrounding us… amplified to a glorious richness I would not have thought possible. It took my breath away! Though we sang in other beautiful cathedrals during the trip, this particular moment in time will always remain with me.

–Mary Netupsky

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EUROPEAN TOUR 2023 It has been my pleasure to retire and to transition into VPC's Chancel Choir!

We have an incredibly tight group that was strengthened by our European trip. To travel on airplanes, busses, and boats, you really become a unit, taking care of one another and getting to know one another along the way.

Of course, this unity makes for an incredible choir sound! Our concerts were phenomenal and it was a joy to sing with these folks. I can only imagine what's ahead for us under the direction of Jennifer Hamm!!

–Kay Randolph (completely unbiased)

I have been a member of the VPC Chancel Choir for over nine years, and a member of the church for quite a bit longer. Our recent Choir tour to Austria and the Czech Republic was the trip of a lifetime! It was an honor and a privilege to raise our voices in praise within such an accomplished group of singers. We came together as a group and bonded deeply. I established friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Our choir, and our church community in general, is a welcoming and inclusive place to worship and grow as Christians, and I am proud to call VPC my church home.

–Most sincerely, Maggie Sciacca

“Music can change the world.” This simple phrase was the theme for the Chancel Choir's tour through Austria and the Czech Republic this past summer as they sang and touched the hearts of people in some of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of Europe. My role was to be a pastoral presence, encouraging members of the choir and sharing spiritual insights along the way. While I learned a great deal about the history of the music the choir sang and many Biblical and spiritual insights from the lyrics, what moved me most were the choir members and spouses themselves. While I came on tour to serve, I was actually the one who was ministered to and blessed through the new-found friendships and the deepening of existing relationships. While the sites were spectacular and the music was inspiring, what I learned most was that music is the means through which people can change the world.

–Pastor David Turner

EUROPEAN TOUR 2023 (cont.)

There were lots of wonderful experiences on our choir trip to Austria and the Czech Republic last summer. Visiting palaces, castles, and cathedrals, singing in the church in Salzburg where Maria and Captain von Trapp got married, and seeing Mozart’s birthplace and Beethoven’s house were some of the highlights. But a favorite memory remains an encounter with a grim-faced woman who attended our concert in Prague. I have seen battle-axes that looked cozier, and I couldn’t imagine that she’d welcome a friendly gesture. Still, she was at our concert. So after it was over, I went up to her, held out my hand, smiled, and thanked her for coming. To my amazement she took my hand in both of hers and, while warmly squeezing, gave me one of the sweetest smiles I’ve ever seen. I doubt if she understood much of anything I said, and I certainly didn’t speak her language, but the universal language of music had brought us together, and in that moment we understood each other perfectly. It was a magical moment, one I’ll always cherish.

–Margaret Wheeler

VPC CHANCEL CHOIR

I am blessed to be back singing in the Chancel Choir after being in Montana since May. It feels great to be back with my choir family!

As we began to rehearse, I was intent on the words I was singing.

I realized that singing them was really worshiping our great God. It felt very good. My heart was moved. It is my desire that the congregation is also moved by the words and the music we offer.

Giving of my time to the music program is a joy and a blessing. I don’t have the strongest voice in the group, but I can contribute to the whole sound.

–Sara Bollman I am so thankful for Jennifer Hamm and the Chancel Choir. I have been in a choral group or choir my whole life and it has always been another family and support group. Having been widowed at a young age and not having family nearby have made my choir mean so much more than a circle of friends.

–God bless, Mimi Mead This fall marks my first anniversary with the Chancel Choir! It has been a joy to be able to call VPC my church home and to serve with the artistry the Lord has given me. To be surrounded by these beautiful people and their beautiful music is so meaningful.

God uses us to minister to others in so many ways, and I am thankful that I found a place that knows how important music is to reach the hearts and souls of those who hear it. I can’t thank VPC enough for their support for the music program. Jennifer, Danya, and the Valley Singers – we are so fortunate for not only the time they give, but the warmth of their ministry to us. It was not a coincidence to visit VPC one random Sunday. I know that God said to me; “I want you here now.” I have grown as a musician, a person, and as a friend through VPC. Every week I look forward to Wednesday night rehearsals and Sunday morning worship. My family here and states away ask to be able to see our concerts – they are so impressed by the talent. Thank you so much VPC for this wonderful gift that has far reaching effects.

–Susan B. Swanson

Music has always been a big part of my life from my first solo at church when I was seven years old singing Beautiful Savior, to varsity choir in High School, to singing at the Rose Garden with my choir director, who had been named National Teacher of the year.

I am excited to sing with Jennifer as a part of the Music Ministry at VPC. Music can bring a smile to your face, lift you up when you’re down, or bring a tear to your eye with emotions you feel singing God’s praises. The friendships and relations you experience with those people who share your love of music builds into what I frequently refer to as my “Choir Family.”

I sang under Jennifer's mother, Kay Randolph, for 24 years. When Kay retired and moved to VPC to be with her daughter, I moved to sing under her daughter. Like a family, our choir looks out for one another, prays for one another, gives support, and even saves your life! In November 2022 I was diagnosed with cancer of the throat and didn't know if I would ever sing again. Not liking my first treatment plan, I decided for a second opinion. Jennifer and Kay were instrumental helping me schedule an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. I walked into Mayo on January 10, 2023 for diagnosis and treatment, and was wheeled out on January 20, according to my Mayo Medical team cancer free! My Choir Family's efforts and prayers carried me through.

A choir family is more than singing God's praises, it’s about love for one another. This same love is what I feel we provide to the congregation every Sunday. I pray that God would touch someone through our message, bring a smile to someone’s face, and bring joy into their heart through song.

–Tom Grunwald

CHANCEL CHOIR

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Arizona’s Water Challenge MONDAY NOVEMBER 6 7-8:30PM SANCTUARY

With Senator Jon Kyl & Sarah Porter, Director, Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University

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Oasis Kids!

For kids 3 years old—5th grade, 6-7:30PM

Register today! Oasis Kids! is a safe and fun environment to learn about the world in creative ways.

Oasis Students

Middle School: 6-7:30PM High School: 7:30-9PM Dinner available starting at 5:15PM ($5/person, $20/family) Childcare (0-3) available by registration

vpc.church/classes

Middle School Program, 6-7:30PM, B108 Homework Space, 7:30-9PM, Awaken Café Connect and dig deeper with other students.

High School Program, 7:30-9PM, B108 Homework Space, 6-7:30PM, Awaken Café Connect and dig deeper with other students.

VPC’s Mission Partners & You Wednesday, November 1, 8, 15 6-7PM, Room C202

Learn how you are a part of God’s work with VPC’s Mission Partners! We will explore the nature and activity of God’s redemptive work through Jesus in our city, nation, and world. Every class will end with a way for you to get involved in these amazing organizations.

November 1 – Clint Palmer, Development Manager, Feed My Starving Children November 8 – Carmel Putnam, Ministry of Hope & Liz Heinzel-Nelson, Villages in Partnership November 15 – Aaron Parrott, Executive Director, MentorKids USA

WITH A RightNow Media study with Skye Jethani Facilitator: Stephan Sciacca October 18, 25, November 1, 8,15 6-7PM, Room C9

Religion offers people specific ways to relate to God, but do we approach him with the right perspective? Does fear and desire for control skew our attitude toward God? In this five-session study author Skye Jethani will explore four popular but flawed postures—Life Under God; Over God; From God; and For God—then offers a more freeing and hopeful option: what does Life With God look like?

Skills for Deeper Friendships November 1, November 8, 15 6-7PM, Room B106

This series is designed to equip you with important coping skills that will make a positive difference for your friends when they turn to you in a difficult time. It is also designed to provide a level of confidence that you are giving those in your life your best when you are talking to them.

November 1 – Confidentiality with Pastor David Turner & Janel Willert This class will focus on the value of confidentiality in relationships; guidelines for maintaining confidentiality; gaining confidence within a relationship that can lead to meaningful conversations; and knowing when confidentiality can be counter-productive in the face of a crisis.

November 8 – Recognizing Depression with Dr. Shelly Reed Depression in America continues to rise; chances are that you have been touched by depression in some way. Dr. Reed will answer questions about depression: how to recognize depression; when and where to get help; the pros and cons of medication; and how all of this fits within a Biblical perspective.

November 15 – Discovering your Spiritual Gifts with Pastor David Turner What is a “spiritual gift” and how does it differ from the talents that we develop over the years? This class is designed to 11 identify your spiritual gifts and guide you into areas of ministry that will prove to be meaningful to the people you serve and fulfilling to you as your serve in Christ’s work.

Stewardship

COMMITTEE vpc.church/give Every healthy living thing needs deep roots and new growth.

The key is helping grasses, flowers, and trees develop deep roots to sustain strong and vital new growth.

It is the same with VPC! We need deep roots. Your giving supports practices of prayer and worship that stretch back centuries. It enables teaching rooted in the tradition of Reformed reflection and eternal insights of the Bible.

These roots give stability in all kinds of winds and weather, in the cultural and economic storms of life.

Your generosity also generates new growth! Beautiful moments of music and celebration express our joy and thanksgiving in fresh ways. Teaching conveys timeless truths to a digital age and secular society. New people bring new talents and perspectives.

Your gifts are like the water and the sunshine, sustaining the deep roots of our mission and ministry and bringing the miracle of new growth.

As a strategic investor, examine the ways your gifts engender faith and heal hurts. Pray that the Holy Spirit show you the very best way to help VPC continue to be a community with deep roots and new growth. –Pastor David Joynt

COMMITMENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12

Deep Roots, New Growth

VPC'S SUPPORT

COMES FROM YOU Annual VPC budget breakdown

28%

Administration Pastoral Ministry

20%

Facilities

20% 15%

Education Music & Worship Mission & Outreach

13% 5%

Participation matters! VPC's community breaks down into three groups: • Group A: Those who contribute regularly and pledge via commitment card • Group B: Those who contribute regularly but do not pledge • Group C: Those who we have no record of contribution What can you do to move up one group? VPC is blessed by our community's generosity, but we value financial participation above a specific dollar amount.

Creating a rhythm of giving helps you strengthen deep roots and helps new growth!

Average annual household contribution by age group Age Range Avg. per household 30-40 $2,538 40-50 $3,470 50-60 $4,343 60-70 $4,114 70-80 $6,213 80-90 $7,127 90+ $1,929 Total Households Total Avg. Contributing: 400 Contribution: $4,248

Ways to Give

• Bring Commitment Card with you to worship • Return commitment card by mail 12 • Complete commitment online: vpc.church/give Commitment cards available in church office, online and in the Sanctuary.

Valley Presby terian Do Generous People

FOUNDATION

vpc.church/foundation We’ve all heard “it’s more blessed to give than to receive,” but did you know there’s scientific data to back it up?

Over the past 20 years experts have found that giving creates a “warm glow” of dopamine in the body, lighting up the same parts of the brain as eating dessert or receiving money.

In a study by the University of Zurich in Switzerland, Professor Philippe Tobler found that older people who practice generosity tend to have better health as well. It may be “as effective at lowering blood pressure as medication or exercise.

Moreover, there is a positive association between helping others and life expectancy, perhaps because helping others reduces stress.”

Live Longer?

While we naturally turn to generosity during the holidays, here are some unexpected ways you can give (and experience an endorphin boost) this season: 1. Pass along a family heirloom.

Instead of buying something new or including it as a gift in your will, give a prized family possession this year – when you can surprise the recipient and enjoy their reaction.

2. Teach what you know. Some of the best gifts aren’t wrapped. Pass down your skill of knitting, carpentry, or a beloved family recipe with the techniques that can’t be written down, only demonstrated.

3. Give compassion. Does your loved one value a specific cause or group? Donate in their honor.

4. Include a personalized note.

No matter how old we get, a genuine compliment goes a long way. Write down how you feel about your loved one. Recall a special memory you share or list words that remind you of them. What have they taught you?

5. Think long-term. Giving charitable gifts to an organization you love makes a huge difference, but have you ever thought about leaving a gift in your will to Valley Presbyterian Foundation? This type of plan-ahead generosity will not only leave an impact for future generations but fill your heart with joy and satisfaction today, too.

Turns out scientific research just proves what Proverbs has been saying all along, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” May you experience that special “warm glow” of generosity all season long.

If you would like more information about how you can change lives with a legacy gift, please visit the Valley Presbyterian Foundation webpage at vpc.church/vpf for resources or chat with a VPF trustee.

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Finance &

OPERATIONS

Building, Grounds, & Hunger

Kris Bahr

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

Fixing the Campus...

One privilege of being on a church staff is working side by side with unsung heroes, volunteers who donate many hours to make our ministries work - Sunday School, VBS and student volunteers; those who feed the homeless at South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church and who prepare meals for Family Promise at VPC; those that teach classes and Bible studies; those that make our campus a safe and secure environment; the list goes on and on.

This month I’d like to highlight one of these groups, the Property Committee, whose Mission Statement is, "To care for the buildings and grounds that have been entrusted to us by providing regular oversight and expertise in the operation, maintenance, and capital improvement needs of the church. Further, to ensure that all members, visitors, and staff are provided with a clean, safe, secure, and well-maintained facility within a friendly environment." Since March 2021, this group (which reports to Finance & Operations and works closely with Facilities) has met each month to evaluate everything from the regular “to-do’s” to larger projects requiring funding priority. With 10 acres of property and more than 80,000 square feet of buildings, it is a herculean task.

Here is a partial list of major projects started over the past year: • Porte cochere landscaping (complete) • Sanctuary dehumidification (in progress) • South parking lot lights (complete) • Remediation of water intrusion in Administration basement (Landes basement waterproofing and repairs to start soon) As you can imagine, these items do not come with a small price tag. The operating budget has a $25,000 line item each year for maintenance reserve; that doesn’t begin to cover the needs. We have been blessed by a few special gifts designated for maintenance, and we can access the annual distribution on the Foundation Preservation Fund, but the need is great. “Old” items on the north end of campus, especially a/c units, will need replacing, and as we have already discovered, “New” items from the remodel start to need work almost as soon as the warranty expires.

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Feeding the Hungry…

On Saturday, November 18, VPC is hosting a Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePackTM Event in Landes Center. Members of VPC and others from our area will pack over 100,000 meals. Along with signing up for a time slot to pack meals, you can support with your donations.

Our cost to cover the meal ingredients is $30,000. If you are not able to help pack (or even if you are), there is an easy way for you to help. Simply go to vpc.church/give and choose “Mission.” Any amount is greatly appreciated!

We would also welcome corporate partnerships, so reach out to Pastor Chris at chrisw@vpc.church for more details.

FMSC’s approach – "Our process is simple. Donations given by people just like you fund the meal ingredients.

Volunteers hand-pack the meals. Meals are donated to FMSC food partners around the world, where kids are fed and lives are saved!"

We are grateful for every gift of your time, no matter what area of VPC you are called to serve, and for every donation you make, whether it’s to Fix the Campus or Feed the Hungry!

–Thank you, Kris

VPC finances year-to-date as of September 30, 2023: Income

Actual $ Budget $ Variance $ Faith Giving 1,550,700 1,550,000 Other Income 177,500 157,500 Total Income 1,728,200 1,707,500

700 20,000 20,700

Pastoral Ministry 364,000 370,200 Admin & Facility 903,400 905,000 Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care 46,000 26,200 Christian Education 306,500 336,900 Worship & Music 211,000 255,600 Total Expense 1,830,900 1,893,900

6,200 1,600 -19,800 30,400 44,600 63,000

Expense

Net Income less Expense

VPC Offices will be closed: November 23 & 24–Thanksgiving December 25 & 26–Christmas January 1–New Year's Day

-102,700 -186,400

83,700

News from

SESSION

September & October Meeting Report

Karen Gill Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567 kgmeyer@cox.net Mary Artigue, Linda Miller, and Elizabeth Mills represented VPC as Elder Commissioners at the meeting of ECO's Hope Presbytery. This was VPC's first ECO Presbytery meeting.

Session approved launching a Student Ministry Intern Program.

Three young women who grew up at VPC and are attending college will be our first interns and will report to Travis Kingma.

Session has received the following new members: Carol Ann Tillman, Judith G. Wolf, Jack Church, and Kimberly Anne Abbell.

Session approved extending MentorKids USA's lease of VPC campus space for its business office.

Awaken Café has been open for one year. Sales increased monthly from January through May. September revenues were up 100% over last September. A new manager, Michael Roth, has been hired, more volunteers are being used, and costs are being reduced. Awaken is an Outreach and for our congregants to meet with others. There will probably always be a cost for the Café and it will be a budget item.

Kris Bahr presented a detailed analysis of the overall VPC Operating finances, with particular emphasis on faith giving as well as the substantial amount of fixed expenses.

Travis Kingma has been designated an Assistant Pastor. Travis was ordained in the ECO Denomination so this is an appropriate position for him at this time.

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

–Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer Clerk of Session

Open Door at the Frazier's Saturday, November 11, 5-7:30PM Family friendly event RSVP: vpc.church/opendoor Eric and Alison have been members of VPC for almost 20 years and have been active Elders, Deacons, and Trustees. Their daughter Molly is involved with Student Ministry. Come on out and mingle with friends from VPC!

Molly, Eric, & Alison Frazier

15 Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share, as well as your preferred alcoholic beverage.

New Sermon Series November 26

Valley Presbyterian Church 6947 East McDonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, 480-991-6424 vpc.church

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Pastors: David Joynt, David Turner, Chris Woodard, Travis Kingma