PCJH Quarterly Pinnacle Newsletter Summer 2019

PINNACLE

Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole

~ QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

I VOLUME NO 4

SUMMER 2019

TO BE A C O M M U N I TY,

ROOTED IN CHRIST,

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

Table of Contents VOLUME NO 4 I SUMMER 2019

PINNACLE

ˆ

ˆ

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

The Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole's mission is to be a community, rooted in Christ, reaching out in love. The Summer 2019 edition of the Pinnacle focuses on the theme of "reaching out in love." We seek to engage in our community and beyond by publicly demonstrating God's compassion, love, and justice in Christ locally, nationally, and globally.

A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. u John 13:34-35.

07

04

KNOWING OUR NEIGHBORS

ALL FOR JUSUS

~ Re v. Tammy Mitchell

~ Kenny Hadden

11

~ Bob Kopp

~ Nancy Schneider

~ Dylan Wade

ALL OVER JACKSON SHARE THE JOY, FELLOWSHIP AND ADVENTURES FOR NINE WEEKS DURING JOY SUMMER CAMP. PHOTOS BY: JUSTIN OCKINGA

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

~

~ Laura Soltau

13

COVER: ENTHUSIASM HEATS UP IN SUMMER AT PCJH WHERE KIDS FROM

2

MISSION - MINDED

12

SPECIAL PARENT MINISTRY

LIFTING UP THE POOR

10

SUMMER 2019

WHY WE DO JOY

15

GET TO KNOW US

TH TH

~

2~

~ ~ 3~ 6~ RD

TH

10 ~ 11 14 ~ 16 ~ 17 ~ TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

GUEST SPEAKER

Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri Co-Moderator of PCUSA Joint service with Centro de Vida Christiana Transition Sunday

4~

TH Fourth of July Parade (PCJH plans on having bus in parade this year)

2 9

Little Lambs Pre-K Graduation 5:30pm in Hayden Hall

Youth Mission Week begins

TH

ND

WyldLife Camp (Liz & 4 youth)

TH

GUEST SPEAKER

Andre Moubarak

ND

TH

AUSTRIA CHOIR TOUR

Little Lambs “Doughnuts with Dads”, 9:00 am in Hayden Hall

Father's Day Ice Cream Social after 10:15 service

29 ~ 2 4~

Music Academy Recital

Last Day of School Party (youth ministry) 2-4:30pm

AUGUST

JULY

JUNE ND

CALENDAR @PCJH.ORG/EVENTS

11 ~ TH

7~

TH GUEST SPEAKER

Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton, President of Fuller Theological Seminary

TH GUEST SPEAKER

14 ~

21 ~

23 ~

Welcome Back Luncheon for Pascals following 10:15 service

RD

Last Day of Camp

Mark Labberton

ST GUEST SPEAKER

22 ~ ND

24 ~ 30 ~ TH

Annual Rummage SALE

JOY Summer Camp Begins

TH GUEST SPEAKERS

Daoud Nassar & Todd Deatherage @ 9am class Genesis room @ 10:15 service

Rev. Steve Haas, Vice President & Chief Catalyst of World Vision

_

TH 28

6 PM POTLUCK 7 PM MUSIC COMMUNITY WORSHIP NIGHT @ FIRST BAPTIST

PCJH.ORG

~

PINNACLE

3

IT WAS 1984 WHEN MY MOTHER, CLAUDIA MITCHELL, TRAVELLED TO INDIA

to work with Mother Teresa in the home for the dying in Calcutta. Being a nurse, she easily moved among those that needed care. For a couple of weeks, she worked alongside the Sisters of Charity, cleaning the filthy, feeding the blind, and giving dignity to the dying. It was a life-changing experience. �

ALL FOR

JESUS ~ Rev. Tammy Mitchell

4

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

~

SUMMER 2019

Claudia Mitchell with St.Teresa Calcutta, India, 1984

P CPJCHJ .HO. O RG RG

~~

PINNACLE

5

W

hen she returned, she told us of how Mother Teresa would quietly go from bed to bed and constantly cite, "All for Jesus, all for Jesus".

A few years later, Mother Teresa came to Denver and my mother and I went to hear her speak. I'll never forget the thousands who filled the arena. The people who had the front row were children with special needs, adults with physical anomalies, those in wheelchairs, on crutches, or even on gurneys. All the dignitaries, the priests, the nuns and the politicians were seated about halfway back in the auditorium with the rest of us. She put those whom our culture shuns, in the place of honor. Her little 4' frame stood imposingly on stage and captivated us with her words. Her message was that of Christ: Love one another as I (Jesus) have loved you.

While we may not dare to even dream of comparing ourselves to Mother Teresa, there is something we as Christ-followers actually do share with her: the living presence and power of Jesus Christ! While Mother Teresa epitomizes what it means to "reach out in love", her acts of sacrificial love and her dedication to love the unlovable come from the same Holy God who lives in you and me. We have this promise in scripture that while each one has different kinds of service, we have the same Lord, the same God who works in all of us. (I Cor. 12:5).

"Reaching out in love" is part of PCJH's mission statement on purpose. It is not meant to be a Christian aspiration or a nice-sounding platitude. Rather it defines who we are, at our core. That is, we are called to take on the mantel of love, as Christ mandated, and see one another as deserving of our love and care. It's more than being nice or being good or polite or kind to others. It's nice to be nice and good to be good, but that is not the gospel.

Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book Life

Together explains that Christian community means community through and in Jesus Christ; our community with one another exists not because we all believe the same thing but because we all belong to the same Lord. "I have community with others and I shall continue to have it only through Jesus Christ....Everything depends upon its being clear right from the beginning, first, that Christian brotherhood is not an ideal, but a divine reality. Second, that Christian brotherhood is a spiritual and not psychic reality." If this is the definition of the church, then it naturally follows that our mission must be one and the same as Christ's. Bonhoeffer goes on to say, "The only profitable relationship to others- and especially to our weaker brethren - is one of love [my emphasis], and that means the will to hold fellowship with them...In bearing with men God maintained fellowship with them. It is the law of Christ that was fulfilled on the Cross, and Christians must share in this law. They must suffer their brethren, but, what is more important, now that the law of Christ has been fulfilled, they can bear with their brethren."

Bonhoeffer helps us put into perspective the meaning of reaching out in love. It is the message and even mandate of Christ - to love others, as we have been loved. We are to suffer with them, to listen to them, to forgive them, to serve them, and to help them.

Reaching out in love is not just our church's mission statement. Reaching out in love means that we are part of something much greater than us. It is the missio Dei, the very mission of God. Being in our particular community in Jackson, we are involved in God's larger, grander mission: the mission to proclaim the good news, to lift up the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and grant freedom to the captives.

But this gets tricky. Loving others will cost us our comfort, and maybe even our very lives.

“Being in our particular community in Jackson, we are involved in God's larger, grander mission: the mission to proclaim the good news, to lift up the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and grant freedom to the captives.�

6

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

~

SUMMER 2019

This summer we have the privilege of hearing from amazing people who reach out in love because "Christ's love compels them" (2 Cor. 5:14).

On May 31 - June 1, Vilmarie CintrĂłn-Olivieri joined us as our ambassador for Christ around the world representing the Presbyterian Church USA in a special two-day event at PCJH. She was joined by several other leaders, including our "own" Rev. Dr. Paul Hayden in worship, plenary, and breakout sessions about what it means to be a loving neighbor in our community. Then on Sunday, June 2, she preached for us during a special bilingual worship service, as we joined with the Centro de Vida Cristiana congregation. Vilmarie faithfully serves the church as Christ's agent to challenge and encourage us in God's mission particularly through the lens of being Presbyterian. All for Jesus.

W

e don't want to miss the significant presentation and discussion on June 30th in the Genesis Room, when Daoud Nassar and Todd Deatherage will speak about the Christian struggles in Israel/Palestine. Those who traveled to the Holy Land last year were able to visit the Tent of Nations, a place marked by their signature sign, "we refuse to be enemies." Through the mission of the Tent of Nations, Daoud works each day to prepare the

people on the land for the day when the walls come down. All for Jesus.

With the arrival of Rev. Dr. Mark Labberton on July 7 and 14, we will be graced with one of the most inf luential Christian leaders of our time. After an extensive career as a pastor and a world-renowned communicator and theologian, Mark is now leading Fuller Theological Seminary, whose vision is "Forming Global Leaders for Kingdom Vocations." He brings a powerful perspective on God's mission being realized through ordinary people with an extraordinary God. All for Jesus.

On July 24, Rev. Steve Haas, (who was my classmate at Fuller Seminary), will be bringing another exceptional message, particularly with regards to the disenfranchised, the refugee, and the extreme poor to whom are being faithfully ministered by called and committed Christians in the most remote places of the world. Through his work at World Vision, we will get a wonderful glimpse of how "reaching out in love" is changing the world. All for Jesus.

We wrap up our summer series with a beloved and familiar guest, Andre Moubarak. As the tour guide for the Holy Land group, Andre' has become a living example of incarnating the love of Christ through his distinctive background of growing up in Jerusalem and leading others in journeys around Israel/Palestine so they too might see themselves as the hands and feet of Christ. All for Jesus.

Our speakers are gracious, gifted and remarkable people, but their messages will go void if we do not take to heart what we hear. All of us - each one of us - is called to reach out in love. Loving others doesn't mean we have the option to pick and choose who we love. Jesus warns us that even the Pharisees do that.

Rather we are called to love those whom the Lord places in our path, here or someplace else. Be warned, loving others catapults us into the lives of the weak, the hungry, the troubled, the angry, the difficult, and even into the lives of our enemies. Yet we remember our Lord came in f lesh - incarnate - to show us the deep love of God. Now, as Christians, we too have the privilege to be Jesus' hands and feet and heart.

All for Jesus. �

Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.

Because I live, you also will live. u John 14:19

P CPJCHJ .HO. O RG RG

~~

PINNACLE

7

Q & A

INTERVIEW WITH LISSA HUNTER & KYLE ?

KNOWING OUR NEIGHBORS ~ Kenny Hadden

Left to Right: Cory Lack, Lissa Hunter, Karl Klemmer, Kenny Hadden, Florin Ion, and Pastor Ray McDaniel at the Hootenany.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are his. u Psalm 100

T

he worship collaboration between First Baptist, Tribe, and PCJH is now in its fourth year.

Looking forward to another community worship night this summer, Worship and Music Director Kenny Hadden interviewed Karl Klemmer of First Baptist and Lissa Hunter of Tribe to reflect on the power and purpose of the collaboration.

8

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

~

What is your role at your church?

Karl Klemmer: Associate Pastor and Worship Leader at First Baptist.

Lissa Hunter: Tribe Worship Leader: I build worship sets for Sunday, raise up musicians, and lead the congregation in worship.

SUMMER 2019

“...we are demonstrating to the valley what Christian love looks like."

What is the role of musical worship in the life a Christ-follower?

KK: In a sentence: To outwardly express our

LH: It has opened the door for refreshing and new collaboration amongst the leaders and given me a love and respect for the different styles of worship.

inward love of Jesus. Colossians 3:16 comes to mind: “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Musical worship comes from the overflow of the heart that’s filled with love and gratitude toward our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and King.

KH: I feel the same way. Some of the most powerful new

KH: Yes, it feels like worship is less of a spiritual

a unique style of worship, and when we get together it’s like completing a puzzle. When we have our community worship nights I always feel like, “Oh, there’s that missing piece.”

discipline that we accomplish ourselves, and more of an inevitable response to the beauty and grace and love of God. An “overflow” is the right image.

I am continually surprised by the ways God shows up and flows in and out of me when I worship in song.

KK: A thankful heart can’t help but worship: “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!” (Psalm 47:6)

What is the vision for coming together in inter-denominational community worship?

LH: Uniting our hearts for the common goal of lifting the name of Jesus in thankfulness, celebrating the greatness the God despite theological or denominational variations. All those lives that have surrendered to Jesus will worship together in heaven one day, so we should be practicing now.

KK: I believe the vision is simply to be one. I think of John 17, when Jesus prayed for future believers saying, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

How have our community worship nights influenced you over the years?

songs I’ve introduced to our congregation were ones I first learned at our community worship nights. Not only do Lissa and Karl select great music that I might otherwise never hear, but I also get the chance to experience what it’s like to be led in worship through that song. I connect with it in a deeper way, and can then share that connection with my congregation.

KK: I love the variety of worship teams. Every church has

How do you see the "Big C" Church in action in Jackson Hole?

LH: Like we are beginning to see, friendships and fellowship across the denominations.

KK: I see us unified, carrying out the most important command in Scripture: loving God and loving others.

KH: Yes, and Jesus took it another step in John 13 when he said, “As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” So we are demonstrating to the valley what Christian love looks like. It’s not always easy or clean cut, but it’s what we are called to do.

What is the next step for our churches as we partner to spread the good news?

KK: I think that we’re already pursuing that next step by actively reaching across denominational lines to form collaborative worship nights, community Bible studies, stronger bonds between pastors and congregations… my encouragement is, let’s keep on!

Join us at the next Community Worship Night!

For details visit pcjh.org. ✝

P CPJCHJ .HO. O RG RG

~~

PINNACLE

9

MISSION - MINDED

~ Laura Soltau

THOSE WILLING TO BE INCONVENIENCED, UNCOMFORTABLE AND POTENTIALLY PUT OUT IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS.

T

HE BEAUTY AND AFFLUENCE OF OUR valley sometimes mask the challenges that our neighbors are facing. I admit that, like many of us, the suffering of others is not always at the forefront of my thinking. I tend to overfill my days, hurrying from one thing to the next. Between my family and work, I struggle to just find time to shower and get dressed. How can I serve those around me? And what do I have to offer?

I have the privilege of serving currently as Elder of our PCJH Missions committee. God placed this in my life knowing, as always, what I needed. I needed the constant and clear reminder of the many blessings surrounding me. The roof over my head and the food in my stomach are taken for granted on most days. Gratitude is the foundation for joy.

Additionally, God has reminded me of the value in scheduling margin each day to allow for time to serve others. He has given us all the ability to love, to listen, and to serve. I am learning that these three simple gifts can be the most powerful and life changing. But we must slow down our busy lives to be that listening ear or those serving hands.

I have learned that a mission-minded person doesn’t exist for themselves, but for others. A mission-minded person is willing to be inconvenienced, uncomfortable and potentially put out in the service of others. Jesus continually showed us what it means to serve others. He was constantly being pulled in different directions. How many people around us need our love, and we just aren’t seeing them?

Just this week I was rushing out of the car to get a sick toddler into the pediatrician’s office. I had one boy on my hip and was holding the other’s hand, attempting to

10

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

~

SUMMER 2019

get him to hurry. I heard a woman calling over to me in the parking lot. I looked behind me and around me thinking, she’s not talking to me. I have my hands full, I don’t have time to chat. Then I realized the wind had knocked over her walker and she couldn’t get to her car. We hurried, as best a toddler can, and went over to help her.

Walking away I was upset with myself. My first reaction when she called out was annoyance, I was thinking only of myself and my time. I acted the complete opposite of the example Jesus set before us. I want to be the type of person to seek out these opportunities to help and serve others. In order to do that, I know I must slow down. I challenge us all to slow down. Let’s take the time to have a conversation, smile, listen and reach out in love.

As the missions committee, our hope is to support our church in finding opportunities to reach out in love to our community. We have been working to increase the capacity of our impact through invested partnerships with local, regional and international organizations that carry out the PCJH Mission. The work of these groups looks different and serves different populations. These partnerships include local organizations like Habitat for Humanity, One 22, Young Life and Good Samaritan mission. They also include international organizations like Agros. PCJH is a partner with these organizations not only financially, but through volunteer hours and prayer support.

I encourage you to deepen your involvement in the work of PCJH and experience the joy of serving others.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “…Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.” In all that we do, we can bring glory to His name! Let’s hold each other accountable and strive to allow God to rock our hurried lives by opening up time to serve others. ✝

LIFTING

UP THE

POOR ~ Bob Kopp

10 MISSION TEAMS WITH APPROXIMATELY 60 DIFFERENT PEOPLE HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND THE TRANSFORMATIONAL WORK BEING DONE BY AGROS.

T

HE ELDERS OF PCJH, UPON THE recommendation of the Mission Team, have recently approved a 3-year extension of our support for Agros International in its work to lift the rural poor in Central America out of generational poverty by providing them with the opportunity to own agricultural land. During the first 7 years of this relationship, mission teams from PCJH have traveled to Nicaragua 10 times with approximately 60 different people having the opportunity to see firsthand the transformational work being done by Agros.

In the last few years Agros has made significant investments in productive infrastructure, technical assistance, and formal market connections which have resulted in increased harvests, increased production quality, increased revenue for the families, and increased land loan repayments. They are committed to helping Agros families operate their farms not merely for subsistence-level farming, but rather with a business-minded appreciation of their farm as an agribusiness—informed by modern farming practices and by the demands of the market. One specific example of our infrastructure investments is the mesh house pictured above in the community of San Jose, Nicaragua. Protected growing spaces like this one mean steadier and higher income levels for Agros families.

In addition, Agros continues to invest in health and well-being programs through health training and social infrastructure projects that improve living conditions for the families we serve. A successful farming business will mean nothing if families aren’t able to stay healthy, have a sturdy home, drink clean water, and educate their children for the future. A recent example of the Agros commitment to social infrastructure projects is the completion last December of a water project in the Agros community of La Bendición, Nicaragua. For the first time, every family there now has clean water available at their houses.

Sadly, we have not been able to visit the PCJH sponsored community of Tierra Nueva due to the continuing political turmoil in Nicaragua. However, despite the challenges, Agros has continued its operations there serving 213 families with more efficient and effective approaches, including a renewed focus on basic grains and food reserves to ensure families’ security in the event

of further instability. They have stayed fully present in Nicaragua amidst troubled times, and are grateful that not a single family from Agros communities has felt the need to f lee the country as many other Nicaraguans have had to. Furthermore, Agros has just announced that they are launching a new Nicaragua village, Nuevo San Jose, where 30 new families will be on their path towards land ownership and prosperity.

Meanwhile, in Guatemala, a country with one of the highest percentages of child malnutrition in Latin America, Agros is renewing its presence by leading a food security program anchored in a goat production center. This project will provide improved nutrition and offer income generation and entrepreneurial opportunities for families in the impoverished Ixil region of Guatemala.

While we at PCJH cannot visit our friends in Tierra Nueva, we can continue to pray for their progress as they work each day to escape the cycle of poverty and develop a thriving community. The PCJH Mission Team will be working with Agros to schedule another trip to Central America in the Fall of 2019. This trip will most likely be to Guatemala, where we can share our love and encouragement with families in one or more communities there. By building relationships and showing what Agros calls the “Power of Presence,” PCJH can directly impact the lives of the villagers in whatever country we visit. ✝

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. u Luke 10:27

P CPJCHJ .HO. O RG RG

~~

PINNACLE

11

SPECIAL

PARENTS

MINISTRY ~ Nancy Schneider

DID YOU KNOW THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HAS A MINISTRY THAT HONORS PARENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN?

Y

Zhara & Jen Baki

draws spectators and balloonists to the Phoenix area every year!

Parents of Special Needs Children are Extraordinary people! They are people who put their needs aside every day for someone else. They fight battles to get their kids services, appointments, accommodations, understanding , and acceptance. They often feel isolated, left out, and of course money is always an issue. They are tired and their job is never done. Our goal is to provide them rest and relaxation. A time just for them to just do what they want to do, when they want to do it!

If you know of an extraordinary couple who deserve a trip contact Nancy Schneider. 307-690-4596. ✝

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. u Psalm 16:11a

12

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

~

SUMMER 2019

PHOTO RIGHT: BETH RICCIARDI, LEFT: JUSTIN OCKINGA

es, they do! The Special Parents Ministry identifies parents of special needs children, and honors them for their devotion and commitment to their children, and to each other. Each couple is allowed to select a destination on the west coast that they would like to visit. The ministry plans a 4 day, 3 night trip for them all expenses paid! Their airline reservations, hotel, meals, transportation costs, entertainment, and childcare are all included! The parents may select whatever child care is required to assure their peace of mind.

The ministry has sent over 30 couples since it started. Our parents have been to places such as San Francisco, Los Angles, Half Moon Bay, Santa Fe and Phoenix to name a few. They have been on city tours, to ball games, museums, plays and various attractions! They have toured on walking paths, bikes, boats, and roller blades!

The have slept in and stayed up late! They have yes... relaxed!

One couple chose to go to San Francisco and saw more sights in 3 days than anyone thought possible!

Alcatraz, The Golden Gate Park, China Town, The Japanese Tea Garden, The Conservatory of Flowers, the Cable Cars, The Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and finished aboard the Love Tour of San Francisco!

Another couple went to Los Angeles toured Universal studios, searched for their favorite celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rode the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park and strolled the Santa Monica Pier. They visited the Hollywood Farmer’s Market, and The Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Los Angeles, the largest Catholic cathedral in the country.

Phoenix is another destination couples enjoy looking to catch some rays during the cold winters here in Jackson. They have strolled the Uptown Farmer’s Market, hiked Piestewa Peak Summit Trail , and ate at places like Little Miss BBQ! Another great attraction in January is the Arizona Balloon Classic which

WHY WE DO JOY

~ Dylan Wade

WE WOULD BE CRAZY NOT TO ...

A

S A COMMUNITY ROOTED IN CHRIST, WE have many ways that we reach out in love. JOY Summer Camp is one of those ways. But providing a summer Christian day camp for our community is not small, cheap, easy, or without trials, tribulations, and hard work. So why do it?

We do it because we would be crazy not to. It is at the core of our mission at this church. In Mark chapter 9, Jesus sits down with his disciples after they had been arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus tells them that in order to be first, you must be last, and the servant of all. He goes on in verses 36-37 to take a child into his lap and say, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” As the Children’s Ministry Coordinator of PCJH, I take this verse to heart. It gives me and our Children’s Ministry a purpose. In the words of our Children’s Ministry Purpose Statement, we “provide intentional, engaging experiences for children and families that nurture our Christian faith, shape character and build trusting relationships.” We believe that camp is a place to welcome children from the greater community of Jackson Hole, providing them the opportunity to acquire skills, develop relationships and grow in their faith. JOY Camp isn’t just a church program, it’s a mission.

Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me. u Mark 9:36 Campers are the primary people we serve with JOY camp, but in fact the influence of JOY goes far beyond that. We impact parents of the campers, the staff, and the whole church. Around 150 campers will be a part of the JOY Summer Camp program this summer, only about a quarter of whom have families that attend this church.

Of those 150 campers, around 35 will be attending on

scholarships funded primarily by our congregation.

What an amazing gift we are giving to these families! Finally, over one-third of all campers are of Latino descent.

This cultural diversity is a blessing to all who attend, and fulfills Christ’s commandment to share God’s love with all people, not just a select few.

For parents, JOY not only provides a safe place for their children while they are working, but it also allows for their children to grow. Campers come home each day filled with new memories, experiences, relationships, and new bits and pieces of Christ. The fruit of our work with these campers doesn’t just benefit the children themselves; it is a testament to their parents of the transforming power of God in our lives.

Maybe the biggest impact of all is on our staff. JOY provides an opportunity for youth and young adults to acquire skills, develop relationships, and grow in their faith as counselors. As a teacher for the majority of my career, I know that those teaching often learn even more than their students. The same is true for our counselors and program staff. At JOY we understand that the campers will experience Christ the most through interactions with our staff. When those staff-to-camper connections are made, Christ flows both ways. As the director, perhaps my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the growth in our staff.

From our neighbors in Indian Trails to the UPS delivery man, JOY is a great chance for our community to see Christ through our kids. As Jesus told his disciples in Mark 10:15, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” JOY is an amazing program through which we reach out in love, to our broader community and even to one another within PCJH. If you ever need a pick-meup, stop by JOY. The smiles, giggles, songs, jumps, costumes, silliness, and love you witness will fill your heart and reignite your faith. ✝

PCJH.ORG

~

PINNACLE

13

~

P C J H B I R T H D AY S / A N N I V E R S A R I E S

JUNE 01

Larry Huhn Alex Maher June Nystro Danny Web Bonnie Johnston

03

Melissa Tuttle

11

Jan Benz Cleo Eshelman Steve Iobst

12

Amy Boillot

04

05

John & Joanie Shipman (33) 15

Mills Halpin Jay Kemmerer Jack Soper Steve Weber Chip Jones

bpascal@pcjh.org

x 101

Ken & Cathy Blount (25) Alan & Nancy Brumsted (42) Brian & Maddy Remlinger (14)

Rev. Tammy Mitchell Associate Pastor

tmitchell@pcjh.org

x 104

06

Daniel Primich

07

Paul Boillot Linda Walker

18

Annabelle Lerch Stan Steiner

08

08

Greg Buckingham Steve Poole

19

Becky Zaist

20

Annie Mueller

09

11

Bob Graham

Irene Lund Suzanne VanHatten Steve Fralin Julie Whitlock

16

Bob & Deb Kopp (40) Ken & Bobbie Thomasma (64)

18

Janie Massie

David & Eunice Conine (53 ) Merrill & Nanette Ritter (57) 22

Robert Carr Connie Jarvie

Bob & Annabelle Lerch (62) 23

Ed Brenegar

25

Buffy Allen

26

Judy Swann

Jim & Sally Byrne (59) 27 Bob & Bonnie Lewis (39)

Tom & Jan Segerstrom (27) 28

Gregg Ward

Jeff & Lana Crabtree (39) Ray & Meg Womack (44)

Lance & Christine Windey (24) Melissa Snide

Bill & Eileen Blackwell (54) Mark & Melissa Tuttle (9)

06

Mark Barron & RuthAnn Petroff (16 ) Mary Walton

08

Jane Lavino Mike & Carol Marshall (52) 09 Stan & Becky Zaist (36) 10

22

23 Ed Scott Deborah Buckingham

Ted & Becky Kimmel (31) 24

Lana Crabtree

25

Katie Robertson

26

Bonnie Lewis

10

Ed Cheramy Marilyn Heck

11

Rev Ben Pascal

12

Joanie Shipma Nancy Stockhouse

Dan & Julie Matzke (47) 15

Erin Abel Julie Winter Matt Coyne

17

Dave Dunlap Claudia Gillette Phil Stevenson Ray Womack

Bill & Karen Fox (34) Jim & Jessica Miller (6)

Chas Baki

19

29

Alan Lund Gaylyn Frantz

20

Sue Unruh

Bill Dillon Randy Reedy Jim Stockhouse

Bryan & Tina Korpi (18) 23 24

Karen Terra

Bill Blackwell

Bill & Kenlyn Long (39)

Jennifer Wolf

Peter & Susan Ordway (54) Jason & Melissa Snider (10)

Cindy Dahlin cdahlin@pcjh.org Church Administrator

x109

Will & Laura Soltau (6)

28

Kay Brockermeyer Jim Hamilton

Carla Herman

Ed & Jane Lavino (33)

27 Paul & Terri Hayden (16)

30

Office Staff

Eric VanGenderen Lance Windey

Chip & Ginger Jones (50)

Mel & Brandie Orchard (24)

Mel Orchard

Paul & Jean Bruun (10)

Stan Pugmire Sharon Fralin

31

01 Blake & Donna Clark (31)

05

Jeff & Cindy Dahlin (29)

Jack & Jan Larimer (53)

JULY

03

07

Tom & Becky Jordan (51) 21

Pastoral Staff Rev. Ben Pascal

Senior Pastor

Celia Dillo Ponteir Sackrey

Bob Lewis Dan Matzke Jeff Huot

06

17

13

Jack & Lisle Hooper (58)

Duane and Nancy Schneider (43)

12 Scott & Diane McGee (15)

Ron Miller Paul Scott

25

Ally Kiefer

Communications Coordinator

akiefer@pcjh.org x102

Pam Flores Office Assistant

pflores@pcjh.org x107

Program Staff Kenny Hadden Worship Coordinator

Amanda Lack Little Lambs Director

dwade@pcjh.org

x103

Liz Collins lcollins@pcjh.org Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator x124 Ruling Elders Class of 2019

2020

2021

Alan Lund* Finance

Kathy Robertson Vision

Steve Iobst Buildings & Grounds

Meg Womack Congregational Life

Caryn Haman Personnel

Cathy Ward Worship

Aaron Nydam Children’s Ministry Laura Soltau Mission

Ken Blount* Clerk of Session Adult Ministries

Wes Lucas Stewardship

Tom Segerstrom Nominating & Assimilation

Barb Andrews* Youth Ministry

Deacons

AUGUST

26

Joy Steiner

01 Bill & Beverly Donan (53)

27

Michael Schrotz

Class of 2019

2020

2021

Larry Jorgenson

Liz Jorgenson

Nancy Brumsted*

Jen Baki*

Warren & Martha VanGenderen (60)

Annie Mueller

Jackie Montgomery*

Erin Rosenberg*

Kenlyn Long Sue Myers

Carol Poole*

Jim Byrne

30

Marge McCallister

Sandra Zender*

Brad Herman

Michael Schrotz

Joy Steiner

Claudia Schrotz

Lori Dodd

George Scarlett

Ed Scott

Bill Klyn

Ryan Allen

Alex & Macye Maher (18) 02

Vickie Jones William Schoen Bobbi Thomasma

Jeff & Julie Huot (45) Eric & Julie Winthers (10)

29

31 Ken & Caroline Taylor (51)

Margaret Jones

Alicia Neathery Kenlyn Long* Dorothy Neckels Susan Conner

14

alack@pcjh.org

x111

Dylan Wade

Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Marcia Taylor

Mack & Katie Mendenhall (12)

music@pcjh.org x123

REACHING OUT IN LOVE

~

SUMMER 2019

*Serving second term

~

GET TO KNOW US

RENEE KNUTSON / PCJH AFTER SCHOOL MINISTRY Renee joined PCJH’s children’s ministry team in 2008, accepting a position with the J.O.Y. Summer Camp program. Over the past 11 years, her role has been as a “Teacher”, “Adult Leader”, “Camp Counselor”, “Interim Director”, “Head Counselor” and “Assistant Director” of both the summer camp and after-school ministries. The Bible tells us that “many are the plans of a man's heart but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails”. The plans of her heart included working with juvenile delinquents and opening a private Counseling Practice someday, starting with her psychology degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, the Lord decided to give her experience working with children instead. Since graduating, Renee has received continuing education credits in brain-based play therapy techniques, love and logic and adventure education.

IN HER WORDS Reaching out in love at ASA and joy summer camp requires me to grow in my love relationship with Jesus first. Only then am I able to love others the way God wants me to love. The Bible tells us to live in love because that is living in God. Showing kindness, gentleness, peace and patience, which sometimes requires self-control, all reflect the glory of God to others. Stopping to bandage a knee, comfort a crying child, helping someone work through conflict or difficulties, setting safe boundaries, always being honest, picking up garbage, leaving “no trace”, sharing the Word, singing a song, giving a hug, sharing a smile or offering a prayer...all this is reaching out in love.

LAURA SOLTAU / ELDER MISSION Laura is currently serving her first term as an Elder at PCJH over the Missions Committee.

Laura came to Jackson 11 year ago for what she thought was just a summer. Her husband, Will, and two young boys, Scott and Jack, can be found walking and biking around most spring and summer days exploring the beauty of Jackson. Laura works at Teton Literacy Center.

IN HER WORDS: I am so grateful for the opportunity to get involved more with PCJH. Like most volunteer opportunities, I have gotten out of the experience tenfold from what I have put in. The missions committee has opened my eyes to the many ways we can serve each other and our community, as Christ taught us to serve. We are all able to play a small role in contributing to the fabric of our community. Small acts of kindness can fill our days and moments. I am striving to become mission minded, bringing God’s love to those around us.

CAROL POOL / DEACON Carol moved to Jackson from Massachusetts in 1980 for ski season, fell in love with the valley and its community, and made it her home. She earned her nursing degree from the University of Vermont and has worked at St Johns Medical Center for thirty eight years, initially in critical care and air ambulance and now in Oncology. She lives in Wilson with her wonderful husband, Steve, and her pampered cat, Hyatt. They have one daughter, Emily, who is a freelance artist and lives in Eugene, OR. Carol is serving her second term as a deacon.

IN HER WORDS I believe we were put on this earth to reach out in love to serve others. Service is love in action. As a deacon it's an honor to spread the love of God to those in need as well as those celebrating God's gifts. Whether it's sending a card, visiting in the hospital or offering prayers, this service brings me joy. My experience is the simplest act can mean so much to the receiver and the giver. "For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Galatians 5:14

PCJH.ORG

~

PINNACLE

15

Address Service Requested Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit # 189 Jackson, WY 83002

1251 South Park Loop Road, P.O. Box 7530, Jackson, WY 83002 I pcjh.org I 307 - 734 - 0388

S P iRiT SIGHTINGS

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds u Hebrews 10:24

PCJH Airstream Ice Cream Father's Day Social!

PHOTO: BETH RICCIARDI