October 2021 Valley Vine

the

Valley Vine

October 2021 Vol. 66, No. 8 Valley Presbyterian Church

IN THIS ISSUE: Developing New Friendships Pastor David Turner What it has Meant to Me Debbie Sayre 50 Years of Memories Cooks' Tour 50th Faith Giving—Stewards for God Candy Unruh News from Session Karen Meyer Finances & Operations Kris Bahr

Senior Pastor

DAVID JOYNT Dear friends, Proverbs 27: 9 & 17: “ 9A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Keith, Tim, Matthew. Three friends on my heart this week.

Keith Brown was a pastor at my home church for 20 years.

He asked me to read scripture in church, invited me to play tennis, and grab dessert at his favorite pastry shop. He told me he sensed I had a call into ministry and instructed me to pray about it. He provided an example of great passion for people and scripture, and searing honesty about personal weakness and divine grace. I wrote to his widow, Carol, in gratitude for his life today.

Tim Mullins was a sustaining presence for me during my years in England. His trust in God was so solid and tangible that he brought encouragement without even speaking. Later a chaplain at Eton and a pastor, I learned the value of warmth and hospitality from him. Recently diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, he wrote his friends last week: “this has been a huge shock but we are trusting Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who not only walks with us through the dark valleys, but has purpose for us every day of our lives until we meet Him in heaven.” Honest and unshakable in every circumstance.

Remember him in your prayers.

MatthewYounginternedwithmeinmyvery4rstcalland has begun to serve as senior pastor at Mukileto Presbyterian Church in Washington State. His curiosity and capacity to learn from everyone around him inspired me, as did his ability to be a person of gracious dialogue and strong conviction at the same time. I will preach at his installation on November 21.

I cannot imagine my life without these three and many others.

They have all refreshed my soul and each one has sharpened my understanding of life in Christ and ministry in the church.

This fall, we are providing as many opportunities as we can to form and deepen friendships and to discover the gifts we can be to each other. Single service celebrations, large scale mission endeavors, Cooks' Tour and A New Heart for the Valley weekend, Valley Day School Sunday, classes at Oasis on Wednesday nights, community groups, Adventures in Learning events, women’s and men’s studies—opportunities one and all. I invite you to make a new friend or take an existing friendship to a new level.

Jesus made the 12, and a handful of others, a major priority.

His friends were diverse, many that were not naturally connected, including zealots and tax collectors. In John 17, inHis4nalgreatprayer,Hepraysinverse7that 1 Hisfriends might know a “complete joy” which they can experience in their relationship with Him and one another. May God bless you in your friendships—He intends to.

2 Cover art by Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash

Yours Faithfully,

FALL SERMON SERIES

TRUNK OR TREAT

Saturday, October 30, 5-7PM South Parking Lot Sign up to host a trunk: vpc.church/tot

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OPEN DOOR: DEVELOPING NEW FRIENDSHIPS

David Turner

Pastor of Congregational Care 480-991-6424 ext. 121 davidt@vpc.church

What is the Open Door?

By now, you’ve heard a little about the Open Door ministry coming soon. It involves gathering in new places; trying new foods; and connecting with new people and enjoying our closest friends all in a casual and relaxed environment.

With curiosity building about this new opportunity, it is time for more details on this ministry to be revealed. So what is the Open Door Ministry? Simply put… the Open Door Ministry is a series of gatherings on Friday or Saturday evenings from January through June, 2022. Hosted at various homes throughout the East Valley and boasting a casual environment where appetizers and beverages are served, guestswillenjoyafree5owingatmosphere that allows for impromptu conversations. In other words, it’s a type of social “happy hour” that allows you the opportunity to connect with your friends, as well as meet and develop new friendships at one or multiple events— relationships that may not always be possible to develop on a Sunday morning.

Each venue will be unique and no two events will be the same! Appetizer & beverage selections will be coordinated through the host. As with all VPC events, water and tea will be available and you will have the ability to bring your favorite beverage. nthewinter/springof20,wewillbeoering four Open Door events. Each gathering will be posted on our VPC website under “Connect,” along with information about the host, the general location, date and time. Each event will be limited in the number of participants as set by the host, so registration is required. Participants can register by clicking the requested Open Door event and completing the registration form online or by contacting Tammy at 480-991-6424, ext. 163, tammyg@vpc.church.

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This new format for connecting with each other in a casual and fun environment can be the beginning of lasting friendships and connecting deeper into the life and ministry of our church. I hope that in the coming year, you’ll make it to one ofournewOpenDoorevents-andmcon4dent that you won’t be disappointed!

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WHAT IT HAS MEANT TO ME

Debbie & Jerry Sayre

Debbie Sayre

Elder, DSG Committee

For upcoming classes or to register visit: vpc.church/classes

WWII Naval Aviation Story 6

Adventures

IN LEARNING A wide variety of Adventures in Learning classes have been thrilling, heartwarming, fun, delicious, first-hand, enlightening, intriguing, and energizing.

My favorite and most thrilling class so far was a WWII Naval Aviation Story taught by Jack Holder, a WWII Veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. Jack will be 100 years old on December 13, 2021. He’s as sharp as a tack and a snappy dresser to boot! Jack narrated his presentation, telling many personal stories along the way. Jack joined the U.S. Navy in 1940 at the age of 19. His story began at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Over the next four years, the war took him to the Battle of Midway, Guadalcanal, the English Channel, and many otherplaces,4ghtingforhiscountry.ANavy Flight Engineer, Jack received two Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, a Presidential Citation, six Air Medals, and six Commendation Medals. The U.S. Navy awarded Jack an honorable discharge as an Aviation Machinist Mate First Class on March 5, 1948. Jack wrote the book, Fear, Adrenaline, and Excitement. He’s a true American hero!

My husband, Jerry, taught The Mayflower Crossing and The First Thanksgiving. What I liked most about his class was the heartwarming sense of community it inspired. When students arrived they were treated to pumpkin pie and whipped cream. Then Jerry gave a brief introduction and showed the animated classic The Mayflower Voyagers - This Is America, Charlie Brown. It told thestoryofthe0May5ower 26 1 voyagefrom England to the new world, detailing the hardships passengers (not all of them were pilgrims) faced, how Native Americans helped them survive, and ending the following autumn in a feast of Thanksgiving. Jerry’s style of teaching is a guided conversation. He shared more history he learned from several sources, including the Native American perspective. Students had great questions and shared their experiences living in New England and visiting historical sites. We all felt connected.

JanelWillertisaclassicmoviebu extraordinaire. When Janel worked as a newscaster, she met and interviewed many famous stars including Cary Grant. In her wildly fun class, The Golden Age of Hollywood, we learned about the stars, movies, and genresofthe4lmsofthe30s9 1 509s.

1 We atepopcornaswewatched4lmclipsand learned surprising movie history. Hurray for Hollywood!

Seasonal Cooking with Chef Sandra was, as you would expect, incredibly delicious. Many of us have tasted Sandra’s gourmet cooking at church events, but what you might not know is Sandra is equally skilled at teaching. Her pleasant demeanor and spirited personality created a joyful experience as we cooked together in the Landes Kitchen. Plus, we got to eat what we cooked!

I don’t know many professional athletes; but I do know VPC member George Bosworth.

George played for the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics from 1965 to 1969 as a pitcher in the minor leagues. Charlie Finley signed George and he was on the major league roster. In George’s class, The Life of Professional Baseball, he gave us a first-hand look at his sports career. When he was on the team, George’s favorite baseball players were Satchel Paige,Cat4shHunter,BlueMoonOdom,and Sal Bando.

The Purpose Driven Life, taught by Bill McKee, was enlightening. Even though I had previously read the book of the same name, through Bill’s lectures and class discussions I learned additional concepts I had missed. Art Humble was the perfect person to teach the intriguing Putin and Russia class because he traveled to Russia many times on business. At the other end of the spectrum, Chair Yoga and Chair Dancing were energizing. We laughed as we exercised; I always felt better after each class.

Having the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and talk with other students before and after classes, as well as during breaks, was true fellowship and well worth the drive on its own. Working with the other members of the Adventures in Learning Team - Lynn Webb, Stephan Sciacca, Art Humble, Thom Corrigan and Sandra Gonzales - to provide exceptional opportunities for our VPC community and beyond has been a delightful experience. I’m looking forward to taking more classes so I can keep on learning!

Seasonal Cooking Class with Sandra Gonzales

Jack Holder: WWII Naval Aviation Story 7

VPC'S LONGEST RUNNING PROGRAM Join us for a day of shopping, food, fun & celebrating!

Mission event benefiting our community and the world around us.

8AM-2PM

50th COOKS’ TOUR

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Luncheon: 11AM-1PM, $20 Luncheon tickets available for purchase: 10am–noon, Monday thru Friday in VPC Office, or

vpc.church/cooks

Rummage Sale Craft Boutique Costume Jewelry Kitchen Treasures Silent Auction Tea Table For the past 50 years, Cooks' Tour has tied VPC and the surrounding community together by donating to and partnering with local and global missions, and by creating lasting friendships within our congregation. Cooks' Tour has been running longer than any other event at VPC! After a COVID-induced pause last year, 2021 will mark five decadesofmakingadierencein Paradise Valley and beyond. Over these 50 years, proceeds from Cooks' Tour have raised upwards of $1,000,000.

WANT TO HELP?

Donate to the Silent Auction Contact Carmel Putnam: carmelcourtright@gmail.com

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For more information contact Co-Chairs: Jeanne Campo: rjcampo@cox.net Sandra Gonzales: whiskchop@gmail.com Wandie Hulick: wild4uofa@aol.com

Celebrating

COOKS' TOUR

Stories and memories from the heart...

I was 10 years old when my mother (Ruth Blomeyer) and Joan Herman got the idea to start an event to raise money for missions, and have a reason to bring the people (mainly women) of the church together, by selling tickets to showcase area homes decorated for the season, and call it "Cooks' Tour."

An event that was similar had been taking place at our Presbyterian church in Peoria, Illinois, prior to my family moving to Arizona in 1963.

I remember as a child and then a teenager, sitting with Mom in the Tuesday and Thursday "boutique workshops" in one of the old classrooms, while a group of wonderful churchladieschattedovercoeeandmadecraftstosel at the "Boutique" on the day of the event. I contributed my crafting skills too, and it was a great way for me to get to know these older ladies from our church. They treated me like an equal, and it was a lovely gathering and fellowship.

When my grandmother, Mabel Stewart and then her sister, Nelle moved to Arizona, they joined VPC and the Crafter's too. Even the husbands got pulled into jobs—making signs, moving equipment and furniture, organizing the parking, and eventually the trollies.

After many years of attending and volunteering, I learned how to best prioritize my journey through the day. I would arrive an hour before Cooks' Tour opened, meet my friendMarilynCage,andbethe4rsttowaitinlineforth Crafter's Boutique to open. There was so much excitement, it was hard to stand still waiting for that door to open! If I could get someone to hold my place, I would quickly go throughtheWhiteElephantandgetafewthings4rst!We would stop at the Tea Table, where the ministers' wives and many of my other church lady friends would host and pour teaandcoeefortheguests.NextwasGranny'sKitchen with homemade jams, desserts, breads, pickles, and other goodies were a hit, some selling out within a few minutes!

ThenontoTianyWesttobrowsethroughthejewelryand see this year's "watch dog," designed by Miriam Greene.

The pièce de résistance was the Silent Auction. Such a fun collection of interesting and wonderful things were oered.twasabrilliantideawhenwestartedaddinga luncheon, so our guests didn't have to leave the campus to eat and could rest for a bit. Last was the home tour, always fascinating and beautiful homes, gardens and decor. One year, Senator Barry Goldwater's house was on the tour that was a real treat!

In 2007, Marilyn Cage and I were asked to be co-chairs, and gotanentirelydierentperspective.hadn' treallykno untilthentheenormityoftheeortthat'srequiredt on this great event each year. So many people—over 300— volunteering all year long! There is a great satisfaction in awarding many charitable groups with funds from our eorts.ttrulyisaworkofdevotion,andshowsGod's grace and love to those who participate in presenting this event,andthosewhoarethebene4ciariesofthefruits it.

—Jenny Caruso

The highlight of being a part of this fundraising for mission and charity project is that I have learned so much about working with volunteers, and welcoming the community to our beautiful campus. It was a honor to Co-Chair (1988-1990) with Ginny Strachan, (she was a great mentor). I have enjoyed handling the publicity and taking photos for over thirty years.

It was a honor to Co-chair in 2008. Valley Day School kids and parents showed clothing from our local stores, and the lunch show ended as the bridal shop sharing their clothing escorted by our gentlemen. Truly making aneorttobringthewholecampustogether.Thesigns were designed by parents using images of our students.

Our5oraldesignsweredonatedbyadesignerfromthe Biltmore Hotel. We gave them as a thank you to the two home owners of the homes on tour.

CherylSha

Voulunteering as a Home Hostess was always exciting.

We had three homes each year and everyone traveled by trolley. The Arizona Republic featured the homes in their Home Section. Senator Barry Goldwater’s Paradise Valley home was featured in 1998. The ham radio room on his estate was where Senator Goldwater I look forward to Cooks' Tour because it is a happy day and hundreds of volunteers made thousands of phone for making of memories and sharing with my mother, calls to servicemen serving in Southeast Asia during the daughters, sisters, and friends.

Vietnam War. This was my favorite room. The family —Jayann Fordon room had the Senator’s desk, where he received visitors andwatchedairplanestakingoandlandingatSky Harbor International Airport.

I met Rosella Robinson on the church patio years ago As a Home Hostess or Host, some of us arrived early and inquired about participating in the Crafter's. She on Cooks’ Tour day getting ready to welcome guests. To was so friendly and welcoming that I have been a our delight, there was Senator Goldwater in his kitchen crafter ever since! eating breakfast before he left for the day. He was surprised and we were thrilled to say, “Hello.” usedtotakeapersonaldayoworksothatcould take my mother, Ruth Wheeler, to Cooks' Tour. It was Each year, recipients of the Cooks’ Tour funds gather in something we loved doing together. One year we the Sanctuary and the General Co-Chairs would present brought a dear friend of hers and the friend’s daughter checks. Meeting all these special people has been a (all from Chandler, where I grew up). They were so delight! I am proud and honored to have been a part of impressedwithVPCandallithadtooer.Mysister, this. —Betty Heenan Kotzie, used to come after her work day at Pueblo Elementary School was over.

I have participated in Cooks’ Tour since 1995 when I I used to crochet baskets, bags, placemats, coasters, 4rstjoinedValleyPresbyterianChurch.havebeen and small containers out of recycled plastic bags and involved in the crafts boutique, garden shop, and newspaper sleeves for the crafters to sell. One year the White Elephant (used books sales). I found over the bags were even written up in the Scottsdale Republic! years that I have met many wonderful ladies—working Kiki Swanson wrote up a nice explanatory note to with, talking with, and getting to know them. I feel that be displayed with them, stressing the importance Cooks’ Tour is something more than just a one-day of recycling and the need to dispose of plastic event—it is as Sister Theresa said, ”Yours are the feet responsibly. with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which He blesses all the world. Yours are the My mother, her friend, my sister, Rosella, and Kiki are hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are all gone now, but Cooks' Tour ties them together in my his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.” heart!

—Margaret Wheeler Our mission is mission, and we truly work hard to earn money for mission. And on Cooks’ Tour day it is so excitingtoseealltheladiesfromdierentchurches around the area. Some we have known for years, some new people and it is a wonderful, wonderful day.

—Beve Lane

1979 Cooks' Tour Ruth Blomeyer

2018 Watch Dogs

by Miriam Greene

2006 Cooks' Tour Joan Herman

1971 Cooks' Tour

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FAITH GIVING— COMMITTEE STEWARDS FOR GOD Stewardship

Fall has arrived signaling the commencement of new programs. Bible Studies are engaged in discovering more about our Christian life. A superb concert series isoeredbringing community onto Jim & Candy Unruh our the campus. Our congregation continues Candy Unruh Stewardship Committee Chair to answer the call to serve one another.

Involvement in these activities encompass the act of “stewardship.”

Fall is also the season where we celebrate with joy the call to return to God what God has provided to us through the Stewardship campaign. Giving back is a recognition that all we have is a gift from God, and we are commanded by God to be good stewards of his gifts and use them for His purpose. “All shall give as they are able, according to the blessings of the Lord your God has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17

There are several ways we can share our gifts from God. “Faith giving” is one way. The weekly, monthly, or annual giving provides the church with resources to help the Church in the following year. Expressed as a “pledge” it expresses an intention, not an obligation.

Tithing, meaning a gift of ten percent of your income, is another way of giving. Tithing is an historic Biblical direction to believers and can enable the Church to planand5ourish.

Make this time a season where you prayerfully consider how much to return to God mindful that returning totheLordshouldbeour4rstpriority.PutGod4rst, giving Him what he can use and being assured He will provide for our needs. Returning God’s gifts should be a priority for our spiritual health. Jesus observed, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be, also.”

Matthew 6:21.

We welcome and encourage you to be good stewards of God’s wealth.

Valley Presbyterian Church presents:

From Opera to Broadway Friday, November 12, 2021, 7PM, Sanctuary

Featuring James May & Chad Millar Broadway Music Director/Conductor James May and San Francisco Opera Tenor Chad Millar come together for an evening of some of the greatest moments from musical theater & opera. James will be accompanying Chad as well a performing piano solos, including a rousing patriotic medley.

James will be accompanying Chad as well as performing piano solos. They will be joined by Sopranos Kathleen Berger, Holly Sheppard, and Jennifer Hamm, as well as Baritone Jesse Berger.

These acclaimed artists will take the audience on a musical journey spanning four centuries, from works by Mozart, Rossini and Verdi to musical theater gems such as West Side Story, Man of La Mancha and many more. This will surely be an evening to remember for all those who love music and theater.

Tickets: vpc.church/music Online: $20/$15/$10; At the door: $25/$20/$15 With special guests:

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Jesse Berger

Kathleen Berger

Holly Sheppard

Jennifer Hamm

News from

SESSION

SEPTEMBER MEETING REPORT

Session voted to have a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 24 to elect Elders, Deacons, and Valley Presbyterian Foundation Trustees for a three year term, starting in February 2022.

Session is monitoring the Kiva Elementary School Rebuild Project. We are working with the builder, McCarthy Building Companies, and Kiva on droporoutesandparking.ValleyDaySchooldropoandparkingis going well.

Karen Gill Meyer Clerk of Session 480-368-6567

Session will be meeting with the Presbytery Committee in the next coupleofweekstogetresultsoftheirsurveyonpossibledisa]li

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

—Blessings, Karen Gill Meyer

SEPTEMBER OPERATIONS UPDATE Finances &

The Property Meet Paul Clark Committee continues Paul recently joined our to be very active, VPC Facilities team as with many projects a part time custodian. on the list being He is a native of the researched and Juneau, Alaska area prioritized. A top and now makes his priority to be home in the warmer addressed within temps of Arizona. You the next 30 days will see him around on is landscaping, Sunday mornings and Kris Bahr especially in the A Wednesday evenings Finance & Operations Director New Heart for the on a regular basis, plus helping with all the special 480-991-6424 ext. 112 krisb@vpc.church Valley renovated events on campus. Please join me in wishing Paul areas, as the existing a warm welcome to VPC! contract with Ronning, which was covered VPC finances year-to-date as of August 31, 2021: for a one year period, expires November 1.

A detailed request for proposal has been Actual $ Budget $ Variance $ prepared, dividing the campus into landscaping Income Faith Giving 1,272,900 1,280,000 -7,100 zones. Bids will be obtained from at least three Other Income 199,800 170,900 28,900 dierentcompanies.Someoftheworkcanbe Total Income 1,472,700 1,450,900 21,800 done in-house, but there are other areas that will require professional expertise.

Expense

The Finance & Operations Committee is closely monitoring income and expense as we start the last quarter of 2021.

Pastoral Ministry 310,600 311,900 Admin & Facility 675,800 653,200 Mission, Outreach, Cong. Care 64,200 64,300 Christian Education 214,800 225,300 Worship & Music 196,500 201,700 Total Expense 1,461,900 1,456,400

Net Income less Expense

10,800

-5,500

1,300 -22,600 100 10,500 5,200 -5,500 16,300

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