What excites you? What increases your heart rate and dilates your pupils? What dream gives you energy, galvanizing your hopes?
When we are young, it is often the acquisition of skills and achievement of benchmarks. Passing the test. Making the team. Getting into college. Earning the degree. Acquiring the license. This is what excites us.
As we enter adulthood, the skills we have learned and qualifications we have earned open up pathways and possibilities for work and vocation. We dream of careers and their rewards.
At some point our excitement often focuses on relationships, the drama of seeking meaningful friends and lifelong partners, and then creating families.
As we age, all these passions continue. It remains exciting to grow, to achieve, to learn, to chart a vocational course, and to develop a social network, or a family.
But for all of us there can be, and there should be, another source of achievement—becoming part of a larger community, and an enterprise far greater than our personal world. That community is the church, and that enterprise is the kingdom of God.
God wants to enter into our personal world of work and intimate relationships, helping us become people of virtue and integrity in our day to day lives. But he also wants us to experience the joy and excitement of joining Him in His wider work. I love the way VPC connects us to clinics and schools and now a university in Malawi. It is inspiring to see children and youth impacted all over our city in Promise Neighborhoods and to watch families recover from homelessness. The care extended to the suffering, the nurture of children and youth, the education of new leaders, the power and beauty of community worship—it is for me, the greatest source of amazement and joy. I think being part of a community that helps the kingdom come is the greatest excitement of all. How about you?
Faithfully Yours,
Valley Presbyterian ChurCh
Tuesday, December 24 2PM • 4PM • 6PM
Advent & Christmas @VPC
Sunday Mornings
NATIVITY PAGEANT
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 9 & 10:30AM SERVICES
Sign up & rehearsal required: tinag@vpc.church
This event is one of the highlights of the year, and there is a place for your kid to take part! Contact Tina to learn more about this Advent tradition.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2*, 4PM*, 6PM
Come worship and celebrate the birth of Jesus. *Childcare (0-35 months) available.
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 9:30AM
Bring 2024 to a joyous close at VPC. No Sunday School or Nursery.
Events
MEAL SERVICE FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Mondays November 11 and December 9, 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.
ANGEL TREE TOY DRIVE: MENTORKIDS USA & TUBA CITY, AZ
Starts Sunday, November 14. Return gifts by Sunday, December 8
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 8 (need 300+) go to the MentorKids Christmas Party, additional gifts go to our other mission partners.
DOVE TREE SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Tuesday, December 3, 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.
ADVENT.URE
Wednesday, December 4, 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 8, 5-7PM, Location the Braden's home
Bring a small appetizer or dessert to share, and a wrapped ornament ($15 or less) to play the gift exchange game.
WOMEN’S CIRCLES CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON & PROGRAM
Wednesday, December 11, Landes Center, 11AM RSVP for lunch: Ruth Brannan, zrbrannan@q.com Lunch, music, and holiday cheer. Everyone is welcome!
MENTORKIDS USA CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, December 14, 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 300+ gifts by December 8. Please take a tag from a tree in the Sanctuary or Awaken Cafe and bring back an unwrapped gift.
MARK HAYES’ THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE: A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE WORLD PREMIERE
Sunday, December 15, 4PM, Sanctuary, Free Award winning Christian composer and arranger Mark Hayes premieres his new musical drama at VPC! This original work presents World War One’s story of the unplanned truce over Christmas 1914. The VPC Chancel Choir will be joined by actors and a full orchestra. Libretto by Jim Harris.
VPC HOSTING FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER PHOENIX
Sunday, December 15-Sunday, December 22
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.
Highlighted EVENTS
Tuesday, December 3 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.
Wednesday, December 4, 6-7:30PM, Awaken Plaza
Start the Advent season in style! at the Artigue's Home Sunday, December 8, 4-6PM Adult-only event RSVP: vpc.church/opendoor
MENTORKIDS USA CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, December 14
10AM-2PM, VPC South Parking Lot
Toys needed! Take a tag from tree in worship centers. Volunteer: Chris Woodard: chrisw@vpc.church
Cameron & Mary Artigue
What Was the Christmas truCe of 1914?
Humankind’s inability to get along with each other has been well documented throughout history. Time is littered with the effects of countless wars, all ending in devastating loss for someone. The Christmas Truce – A Christmas Miracle is also about war, World War I to be exact, but it tells a different story than most wars. You will experience the magical Christmas when two warring sides came together and saw each other as human beings instead of enemies.
In the early weeks of World War I a battle raged in Belgium between the British armies and their nemesis, the German army. By November, armies had built continuous lines of trenches running from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier. Casualties were enormous and there was no end to the war in sight as the fighting in 1914 dragged on. However, on Christmas Day 1914, an almost magical thing happened.
Captain Robert Miles of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry writes:
Friday (Christmas Day). We are having the most extraordinary Christmas Day imaginable. A sort of unarranged and quite unauthorized but perfectly understood and scrupulously observed truce exists between us and our friends in front. The funny thing is it only seems to exist in this part of the battle line –on our right and left we can all hear them firing away as cheerfully as ever. The thing started last night – a bitter cold night, with white frost – soon after dusk when the Germans started shouting 'Merry Christmas, Englishmen' to us. Of course our fellows shouted back and presently large numbers of both sides had left their trenches, unarmed, and met in the debatable, shot-riddled, no man's land between the lines. Here the agreement – all on their own – came to be made that we should not fire at each other until after midnight tonight. The men were all fraternizing in the middle (we naturally did not allow them too close to our line) and swapped cigarettes and lies in the utmost good fellowship. Not a shot was fired all night.
By Composers Mark Hayes & Librettist James Harris
This bit of history has produced a film, a documentary, a television series, an opera and myriad books and songs. The Christmas Truce – A Christmas Miracle is a unique version of this oft-told story. It is a concert version featuring the Valley Presbyterian Chancel Choir and Valley Singers, a full orchestra and a troupe of six actors, complete with graphic images pulled from the pages of history. Mark Hayes has skillfully arranged and orchestrated 14 songs to help tell the story that Jim Harris has so masterfully scripted. The choir serves as a Greek chorus, providing a musical tableau for the actors to tell their story. You will hear WW I era songs such as Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile, Keep the Home Fires Burning, and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary as well as familiar carols such as Silent Night and O Come, All Ye Faithful.
Playwright James Harris first learned about this phenomenal occurrence from his mother. Jim says, “Mom told me about the Christmas Truce to illustrate the futility of war, and to teach me that even in the midst of war, there can be moments of humanity. I thought it could be a beautiful thing to combine an original take on the story of the Christmas Truce with beautiful new arrangements of Christmas music by my dear friend Mark Hayes. As always, his music has moved and inspired me.”
This heart-warming story is told by Grandpa to his young grandson many years after the Christmas Truce of World War I. We experience the excitement of a young man going off to win the war that was supposed to end all wars, the anxiety of leaving his girlfriend behind, and the trauma of the battlefield. In the midst of that turmoil comes the amazing Christmas where all is silent, and all is calm…at least for a few hours.
In the end, you will have experienced the joy of beautiful Christmas music, the bonding of people who were thought to be enemies, and a message of faith, love, and hope.
We look forward to seeing you at the world premiere of The Christmas Truce – A Christmas Miracle
Mission Marketplace
A Part of the Mission Connexion SW Conference Crafters' Boutique Kitchen Treasures
The Jewel Box
Something for everyone!
Unique hand-crafted items, tasty treats, & interesting trinkets for you and your friends. Shop for great holiday gifts! Sponsored by VPC Women’s
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
8AM-4PM
vpc.church/give Be a part of God's work at VPC in 2025!
Faith Giving 2025 Steps to make a commitment:
1 PRAY
Pray about your intentions, capacity, and what you want to see God do at VPC.
2 TALK
Connect with your partner or family about your generosity in 2025.
3 DECIDE
Is your support an increase from 2024? Is this your first time committing to VPC?
4 RETURN
Fill out a 2025 Commitment Card in person or online: vpc.church/give
5 CELEBRATE!
Join us on Commitment Sunday! November 17, 9 & 10:30AM, Sanctuary
6 GIVE
Give online, via check, or other means. Email Kris Bahr: krisb@vpc.church COMMITMENT SUNDAY Sunday, November 17 9 & 10:30AM, Sanctuary
Dinner available starting at 5:15PM
($5/person, $20/family)
Childcare (0-3) available by registration
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
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.
Responding
to the God
Who Loves Us
A Bible Study with Pastor Tom Parker
October 30-November 20,6-7PM, Chapel
God made the first and decisive move to love us by sending His Son to become human as Jesus Christ. There is no parallel to what God has done. God’s love for us is greater than we can think, hope, or imagine. The logical response to being greatly loved is to love back. To learn all that we can about God and to learn what it means to live as one who loves God. Jesus also tells us that those who live in God are people who find joy. Come, learn, and respond to the God who loves, who is holy, and who offers us joy.
Tom teaches at The Flourish Institute of Theology, ECO’s seminary. He served as Director of Fuller Theological Seminary in Arizona for 30 years. He is grateful every time he has the opportunity to engage with the VPC community!
Spiritual First Aid: How to Help & Not Help in a Crisis
Presented by Congregational Care & Mental Health Ministry
October 30-November 20, 6-7PM, Room B106
Have you ever struggled to know the right thing to say when a friend or family member is experiencing a crisis? As Christians we are called to come alongside those who are hurting, yet we often don’t know what to do or say.
Join us as we discuss how to help—and not help—in a crisis. We will learn how to help those experiencing loneliness and hone our conflict resolution skills. Using material from Spiritual First Aid and other resources, we will learn practical tools to use when ministering to people going through difficult times.
Spiritual Formation
With Kathy Oppenhuizen & Beth Allen
October 30-November 20
6-7:15PM, Admin. Conference Room
The focus of this class and reflections will be from the engaging book Early I Will Seek You by Augustine. His writings will lead us into a deeper experience with God and deepen community.
All are welcome on this spiritual journey!
Questions about this class?
Email Kathy, kathyop1024@gmail.com or Beth, ballen4771@gmail.com
ValleyFOUNDATIONPresbyterian Gratitude ChanGes
3 Ways to Practice Gratitude and Pursue Peace...
A “thank you” a day keeps the doctor away? Science tells us it’s possible. According to a number of studies conducted in recent years, the practice of gratitude has a positive effect on our mental and physical well-being , including better sleep, mood, and immunity, as well as decreased depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and blood pressure.
That’s good news as we head into a season focused on giving thanks. But challenging things accompany this season, too. As we gather with friends and family, particularly in the wake of a fraught political season, passions run deep, emotions run strong, and common ground often feels shaky. Practicing gratitude together may just be the antidote for hard feelings and harsh words, living out this guidance from the Apostle Paul: “ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, emphasis ours). Here’s how you can give thanks and pursue peace in the next few months:
Remember God’s goodness. Take time to recall shared stories and memories, ways God has shown His faithfulness, and answers to prayer. This puts the spotlight on Him, not our differences of opinion.
Get active with your gratitude. Put hands and feet to your thankfulness by serving together during the holiday season. Set an extra place (or more!) at your Thanksgiving table and invite college students who can’t make it home for the holiday. Bless neighbors with a meal. Volunteer together. Shared purpose shifts our perspective from our differences to the people and causes that truly matter.
Think forward. Leaving a gift in your will or estate plan to Valley Presbyterian Church and other causes close to your heart is a lasting expression of gratitude to God. The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to talk about this with your family, reflect together on His blessings, and move forward in peace and unity.
In her book, One Thousand Gifts, author Ann Voskamp writes, “Thanksgiving is the one thing God asks to be done in everything and always…He knows what precedes the miracle.” Practicing gratitude together diminishes the divisions between us. The effort is worth it.
For more information on how to practice gratitude by leaving a legacy gift or if you have already included Valley Presbyterian Foundation in your will, trust, or estate plan, please contact Kris Bahr at krisb@vpc.church, 480-991-6424 ext. 0112, or visit vpc.christianwill.org on how to bless your family with an up to date will.
Valley Presbyterian Church Dinner & Fundraiser
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025, 6-9PM
ORANGE TREE GOLF RESORT
Finance & OPERATIONS 2024 hiGhliGhts
Kris Bahr Finance & Operations Director 480-991-6424 ext. 0112 krisb@vpc.church
When the temperature is still 110 degrees in mid-October, how can Thanksgiving be less than a month away, Christmas two months away, and the end of another year almost upon us? The calendar tells the true story, however, and invites us to pause and look back at the past 10 months and revisit some of the highlights.
SECURITY
In the fall of 2023, VPC received a federal Nonprofit Security Grant, which was used to enhance security by adding ballistic resistant film and access controls to those areas with the greatest concentration of people on campus as well as children’s classrooms. Last month we were notified that our 2024 application for funds was again successful, and additional film and access controls will be added by early 2025.
FINANCE
As you can see from the financial recap, faith giving contributions are slightly above budget at September 30 while expenses in several areas are actually under budget. However, the church is not immune to rising expenses. APS bills exceed $20,000 per month in the summer, and there is no end to the repair and maintenance needs of our campus. Your donations cannot and should not be driven by a budget, but the reality for the church, as it is for all charities, is that these offerings constitute the majority of our income, and enable us to build and maintain the buildings where we worship and share fellowship together, as well as provide for the staff that have answered the call to preach and teach and share the Gospel.
“Thank You” seems so inadequate at times, but it truly expresses the gratitude we have for each of you. God bless, and thank you for your partnership!
FACILITIES
Early in 2024, the Property committee (a subcommittee of the Finance & Operations committee) had a brainstorming session. Several needs were identified in four separate categories, ranging from minor repairs to future needs. During that meeting, one area on campus quickly rose to the top of the wish list – the Chapel. One of the most loved places on campus, the Chapel was the inspiration for the Sanctuary remodel during the New Heart for the Valley project. Over the past couple of years, many visitors have been drawn to the Chapel by way of the Atlas Obscura website, which lists the McCall stained glass windows as a “must see” in the Scottsdale area. As the Chapel celebrates its 40th anniversary, there is no doubt that it is time to update the technology as well as freshen the paint, carpet and furnishings.
As the Valley Presbyterian Foundation dinner committee began planning for the February 28, 2025 dinner at the Orange Tree Golf Resort, the question was posed – what should be the focus of Fund the Need? Long story short: the Chapel revitalization project was chosen. A Chapel subcommittee (composed of members of the Property committee and F&O) met over the summer to evaluate the entire Chapel building, meeting with vendors to get estimates, and compiling an overall detailed plan. More information will be shared as the date gets closer. We hope to see you all in February at what promises to be a funfilled event!
News from SESSION auGust— OCtOber sessiOn repOrts
Karen Gill Meyer Clerk of Session
480-368-6567
kgmeyer@cox.net
Session, and especially the Planning & Organization Committee, have been busy with staff transitions since this summer. We are pleased that the Music Ministry is being capably managed with Kay Randolph, a very experienced musician, directing the Chancel Choir, Assistant Music Minister Danya Tiller leading the Valley Singers, weddings, and memorials, and Jennifer Hamm, who is officially on leave in Hawaii, advising on concerts and all other musical issues as needed. Christian Hall is continuing to coordinate the 10:30AM worship service.
In July Session regretfully accepted Pastor Travis Kingma's resignation to take a call as Head Pastor of Southridge Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Wes Cates, Student Ministry Assistant Director, will assume full leadership of Middle and High School programs. Matt Voris and Jeff Fassett, Elders for Student Ministry's Vision and Support Team (VAST), are working closely with him. Steve Carter, Chairman of P&O, is doing a great job of keeping Session up to date on personnel issues.
Session approved the revised Minor Protection Policy, which P&O updated to be consistent with current job titles, the employee manual, and security procedures.
Awaken Café is thriving! August 2024 sales were 46% higher than in August 2023.
Tina Gilbreath, Family Ministry Director, updated Session on Women, Families, and Children’s Ministries. They are all doing well and growing.
Ron Norris, Chairman of Finance & Operations, reported that the annual audit for Valley Presbyterian Church and Affiliate (Valley Presbyterian Foundation) for 2023 went very well. Ron noted that a subcommittee of F&O is determining what updates should be made to the Chapel, its lobby, classrooms, and conference room. A Chapel Revitalization Report, titled A Jewel in the Desert, is being prepared.
The Security Task Team was awarded a second federal grant for $92,000. $242,000 has been granted in the last two years to use to update safety and security on our campus.
Session approved the Restated Church Bylaws in October. They have been updated to be consistent with ECO policy and to clarify practices such as email voting. Session is very grateful for the Committee members and P&O's hard work.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
thank yOu FrOm trOOp 441
Boy Scout Troop 441 would like to extend their gratitude to the Valley Presbyterian Church community for their over 65 years of support. VPC has provided a welcoming home for decades of Scouts to learn leadership, teamwork, and other key life skills. Your church community support for our wreath sales allows countless Scouts to create priceless summer camp experiences. Our Scouting community is thankful for your support!
