PINNACLE
God ThroughStory
PINNACLE
Long before the written word, cultures used stories to communicate values, life truths, and meaning to one another. Yet even in the digital age and centuries after the age of the printing press, we still relate to one other with stories. Storytelling is a uniquely powerful communication tool that helps us make sense of the complexity of life and find shared meaning. This is why Jesus communicated in parables. "The Good Samaritan", "The Prodigal Son", "The Parable of the Talents" —so many Gospel truths are so richly and memorably presented through story. In this issue, we explore how—now more than ever— the need for shared meaning through story lives on.
"One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts." ~ Psalm 145:4
COVER: Beth Ricciardi PCJH's Creative Director, reveals in the Pinnacle a series of photographs about how inviting the Holy Spirit into her work, has transformed her way of seeing. > See page 12 for the story behind the cover image "Steel Girl Flies" Bethlehem, PA. Circa 1993.
~ PCJH will be accepting Rummage Sale items the 12th thru 16th email office@pcjh.org
~ Rummage Sale Pre-Sale
Annual Rummage Sale !!
"We are invited by Christ to let our story become God’s story. And that is storytelling at its finest.”
WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE YOUNG, THE bedtime routine was basically the same every night: brush, wash face and hands, flush, PJs, and pick a bedtime story. Reading stories together was precious. It provided fun, uninterrupted quality time with the girls and helped us all decompress and relax together at the end of the day. When
we nestled into our books, new ideas percolated, creativity was sparked, and memories were created. Some stories were funny, fantastic, and crazy. Other stories captured our imaginations and encouraged us to explore and discover our own feelings, thoughts, and even beliefs. Oftentimes, those stories included our favorites found in the Bible. We wanted to read them over and
LEFT: PASTOR TAMMY ENCIRCLES THE LORDS TABLE DURING TIME WITH CHILDREN TO SHARE THE STORY OF THE LAST SUPPER AND IT'S SIGNIFICANCE TO OUR FAITH.
over again. It was through storytelling that laid the foundation for finding joy and peace in God’s word. The stories not only built up our own biblical literacy but also helped us to know more about God and even feel God’s very presence.
This is what the sacred scriptures do. The grand biblical stories are not only historical accounts of what happened in ancient times. They are God’s way to continually communicate meaning, purpose, and significance into our life’s circumstances. God’s Word has always meant to bring God’s voice, God’s story, to us. At PCJH, we just finished several months of looking at the book of Genesis wherein lies many familiar stories such as Adam and Eve, Jacob and Esau, Abraham and Sarah, and Joseph and his brothers. Each story provided an invitation to reflect on how God disclosed God’s self, what God was doing, and how God might be weaving their story into ours. We would parse each story - opening ourselves as to how it would inform, challenge, or encourage us in our own faith journey. As writer and scholar Adriane Leveen states, “They Biblical stories offer us a mirror into both a distant time and our own time. Perhaps even more than the stories we tell in our daily lives, a biblical story invites us to reflect on our deepest experiences, whether of God, of our families, of our community, or of the terrors and pleasures of life. In other words, these stories aim to make us think about important, even urgent matters. But rather than telling us how or what to think, they force us to find out what we think and how to respond.”
Think of all the various stories in the Scriptures and how they have influenced our own lives. The story of Abraham is a pivotal point in God’s response to the depth and breadth of sin, which had entrenched itself in the first eleven chapters of Genesis. In this amazing story, we see God personally reaching out to humanity, taking the initiative, not waiting for humans to seek God out, and establishing a covenant of blessing. And despite Abraham’s and Sarah’s many foibles, uncertainties, and mistakes, God never gives up on them. God remains faithful to Abraham and the covenant. Time and time again, God demonstrates God’s great mercy and grace. It is in the story of Abraham that we see God as the great Promise-Keeper, fulfilling the covenant he makes through Abraham’s descendants and culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
Remember the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. The story reveals God’s deep compassion and empathy for those oppressed, suffering, and persecuted. He hears the Hebrew’s prayers and clearly demonstrates his unmatched power and sovereignty over the Egyptian gods and rulers. God’s almighty
power delivers them from bondage and gives them a new life in a new land. The retelling of the Passover event calls the Jewish community to never forget how God delivered them from bondage, his unfailing faithfulness, and his establishment of his people. The story of the Exodus has been commemorated for thousands of years and rightly so. But for the Christian, it is more than an account of a particular people at a particular time. Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper during the Passover meal he celebrated with his disciples right before his death and resurrection. He gave new meaning to this Passover meal. It is the ultimate illustration for how God’s faithful power in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has delivered us from the bondage of sin and set us free to live a new life in Christ. The Exodus is a story of God's redeeming love, God’s forgiveness of sin, and God’s ultimate purpose of redeeming all people. It foreshadows the ultimate deliverance story in Jesus Christ.
Of course, the New Testament is full of stories of Jesus’ encounters with people from all walks of life. The Gospels weave together story after story of Christ’s healings, accounts of his miracles, records of his conversations, the gruesome details of his death, the effects of his resurrection, only to proclaim the deep truth of God’s incredible love for us. The stories of the disciples in Acts and the other books in the New Testament continue to expand and reveal God’s character and God’s purposes for us.
All stories can influence us in how we think or behave. But the Scriptures do more than just inform us. It is God’s Word. The Word of God penetrates our very hearts because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Within our Bibles, we find what A. W. Tozer calls God’s present speaking voice—that which makes the written word all-powerful and as relevant today as it was to first-century believers. Paul states, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual ~ 1 Corinthians 2:12–13. Later in I Timothy, he writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
In summary, the Scriptures tell the greatest story ever told: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16 We are invited by Christ to let our story become God’s story. And that is storytelling at its finest. ✝
REV. TAMARA MITCHELL
Serves as PCJH Associate Pastor. She has two married daughters, and a dog named Charlie.
MEGAN: Liz, while you served on staff at PCJH as Youth & Young Adult/Ascent Coordinator, our now beloved storytelling event called “Encounter” was started. What is the "Encounter"?
LIZ: “Encounter” is a storytelling initiative, organized by the Ascent (20’s & 30’s Ministry) team. I still remember our first event back in September 2020. Society was in the middle of lockdown because of the pandemic, but we were determined to make our first event happen! We transformed PCJH’s back lawn into a gathering space complete with string lights and a homemade wooden backdrop. We invited everyone to bring lawn chairs to gather safely outdoors, and to our excitement40 people showed up to that inaugural night.
MEGAN: Wow, that seems like so long ago! There is a topic/theme to guide the stories for each event. Do you remember what the theme was for that first “Encounter” event?
LIZ: The theme we had chosen was “Hope.” We had decided on this theme prior to the start of the pandemic, and it seemed to fit the current circumstances well. I can vividly recall each of the eight brave storytellers and the stories they shared that evening. The feedback we received was positive - “Great job!
Thank you for all your efforts. God is good.” “This was fantastic and of great quality. I predict your audience will really grow.” “Such a fun and sincere way to witness.” “Such an uplifting night. I pray many were blessed and encouraged.”
“It was the best. Loved hearing people’s stories.”
Wow, the power of stories. We realized we had found something worth pursuing.
Since then, “Encounter” has become a regular event, finding its home in PCJH’s Chapel. The small, quiet quarters of the Chapel, with the lights dimmed, serves the purpose of the event well. In a way, the intimate space reminds me of other life experiences: building forts out of blankets and cushions as a child and sharing stories by flashlight - or sitting around a campfire with friends, wrapped in a blanket, talking for hours into the night.
The tradition of creating safe spaces to connect and share stories are woven into our human DNA. “Encounter” is our modern day version and has become a tradition of coming together and building community.
MEGAN: How did the Ascent Ministry Team come up with the idea in the first place? There must have been some revelation of the significance of building community through storytelling to really kick-start this initiative at PCJH.
LIZ: Yes - As I mentioned, it seems that humans have been gathering to share stories for millennia! Storytelling seems to be one fundamental way we learn and grow. I came across an interesting insight suggesting that when we listen to a story, our brains react as if we’re actually experiencing the events ourselves. Wow. If that’s true, then the ability to relay our experiences becomes a kind of a superpower. Stories have the power to teach, inspire,
LIZ COLLINS IN PCJH'S DALQUIST CHAPEL ENCOUNTER EVENT IN FEBRUARY 2024.
"How did they encounter God in that time or event in their life? It may be something they realized with clarity in the moment or something they only realized afterwards..."
warn, motivate, encourage, and ultimately - the power to transform us.
Back to “Encounter” - the Ascent Ministry Team had a clear v ision in mind: we wanted to foster intergenerational relationships and empathy as one of our committee goals. But how could we do this? After plenty of discussion, we landed on exploring storytelling as a road to achieve this goal, for the reasons mentioned above. We wanted to create an environment where people could come together in a comfortable and genuine setting, and enjoy sharing stories with one another.
As we started to plan, we drew inspiration from existing models. Jane Lavino and Josh Ziolkowski, who were on the Ascent team, were already avid enthusiasts of storytelling. They were regular attendees of Teton County Library’s beloved “Cabin Fever” storyslam and were listeners of the captivating stories told on NPR’s “The Moth.”
MEGAN: So, you mentioned these other events that have inspired “Encounter”. What makes "Encounter" unique?
LIZ: “Encounter” shares similarities with other storytelling programs out there, but we are unique in that we are faith-based. When we plan for an event, we pick a theme. We then put care into personally reaching out to a diverse group of people ahead of time, wanting to have a representation of different ages and genders. We ask storytellers to share a true story from their life, based around the theme.
There is no pressure to proselytize or share a miraculous transformation story (although, that is welcome). Instead, we ask folks to share any story from their life that comes to mind, through a faith-based lens. How did they encounter God in that time or event in their life? It may be something they realized with clarity in the moment or something they only realized afterwards with some reflection.
MEGAN: The vision statement for this ministry is “Where your story meets God’s story.” Can you talk a bit about
MEGAN WALKER PCJH Youth & Young
Adult
Coordinator says she LOVES the students in this community and believes youth must feel a sense of belonging, and have models of transformation in Christ through their peers and adults.
what this means and how you have seen this play out?
LIZ: The vision statement encapsulates the team’s belief that God is intrinsically woven into the fabric of each of our stories: meaning both every person, and all of our stories. We recognize that God’s transformative power is not limited to grand gestures but is often manifested in the subtle moments that over time, make up our entire lives.
One of the things I love the most about “Encounter” is its ability to draw fascinating stories from people, regardless of the chosen theme. While the team first spent too much time deciding on a theme, we’ve since discovered that the event will be a success no matter the theme. While a theme does influence a program, we can never fully predict how it will turn out. That has become the fun of it! It’s the unique interpretations and creative contributions of each storyteller that make each event a success.
Take our first "Encounter," for example, centered around the theme of "Hope," as mentioned earlier. The stories shared ranged from finding hope amidst the challenges of living abroad to moments of lost hope in the remote wilderness during a hunting trip. Someone spoke of experiencing hope through the companionship of a beloved pet and another story of even finding hope in endings for which they had hoped against. The diverse stories always amaze me, and underscore the countless ways in which our experiences, and those of others, can illuminate aspects of our faith journey.
In terms of how the program has unfolded, the Ascent Ministry team has now hosted eight "Encounter" events, each exploring a range of themes including “Hope,” "This I Believe," “Prayer,” “Mercy,” “Unexpected Gifts,” and "The Best Laid Plans," among others. Over 50 individuals have courageously stepped up to share their stories. In fact, some folks have even shared multiple stories! I know the team is grateful for the willingness and vulnerability of our storytellers, as well as the supportive community eager to listen.
I want to thank each of you who have been a part of these gatherings, embodying a dedication to intergenerational community building and the power of storytelling. I think it’s really powerful to hear people reflect on their lives, and selfishly, from each of you, I can gain a little deeper of an understanding of the vastness of God’s transforming power and love. ✝
IF YOU’RE A PARENT, YOU HAVE DOUBTLESS HEARD THAT LAMENT FROM YOUR children. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we too have either uttered or thought that same thing about any variety of circumstances. A bad call at a soccer game, a supermarket lane opening up for others after you’ve been waiting in line… the list goes on and on.
But perhaps the most radically unfair act of all came from God himself – the forgiveness of our sins through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Fairness is a central topic in the parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew 20. A landowner begins the day by hiring day laborers to work in his vineyard for the wage of one denarius. Four more times throughout the day the landowner hires more workers, yet each time there is no mention of a specific wage, only “I will pay you whatever is right”. Who would take a job without knowing what you’re going to be paid?
The drama begins at the end of the day when the landowner tells his foreman to first pay the last who were hired and pay those who were hired early in the morning last. Each laborer was paid the same wage – one denarius, regardless of when they began to work. This created an assumption (and you know what they say about assumptions!) for the early morning workers that, having borne the majority of the heat of the day and the work, they would receive more than the others. When the foreman paid them their agreed upon wage of one denarius, you can imagine their reaction in today’s vernacular “Wait…what??”
The landowner answers one of the grumbling workers “I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Are you envious because I am generous? So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
This parable has an echo to the parable of the Prodigal Son. The younger son demands his inheritance from his father and leaves, then squanders it on unhealthy living. When the father lavishes his wayward son with a party to
celebrate his return, the older son whines that that’s not fair. The father has a similar reaction to the vineyard owner in attempting to console his older son.
When a theme is repeated in the Bible, we know it’s important. When we are wronged or feel as though something is unfair, it can stir up any number of emotions—envy, wrath, greed. Making comparisons to others’ circumstances is a fool’s errand and applies our earthly judgment to God’s plan for our lives. But these times can also serve as a reminder that God’s grace is the ultimate unfairness that invites our humility and thankfulness.
In September 2010 my wife Kim was diagnosed with a brain tumor called a glioblastoma. During the ensuing 50 months of chemo, radiation and fear, we battled bouts of self pity and feelings of profound unfairness. Throughout this challenging time, I spoke often with my friend Father James Martin SJ (a former employee of mine at GE until he heard a different calling). In his book “The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything”, Father Jim writes that one of the primary tenets of Ignatian spirituality is finding God in all things. This is an important tonic for all believers when confronted by a seemingly unfair situation. God’s plan for our lives can seem convoluted, incomprehensible and even unfair, but we don’t always have to understand – we just need to believe that God is in all things. It was Father Jim who gave the eulogy at Kim’s funeral. While I am eternally grateful to God for carrying me through Kim’s illness, I’m still working on the fairness of it all.
The story of the workers in the vineyard shows us God’s extraordinary generosity, which might seem unfair, because it is. We are the recipients of God’s unfair grace - unworthy sinners who have a substitutionary savior in the form of Jesus Christ on the cross. ✝
CHRIS BROWN and his partner Kirsten Heinemann live in Teton Pines and enjoy spending time on the east coast with their children and grandchildren.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 5:13
MY JOURNEY WITH STORYTELLING BEGINS in Bethlehem — not the one in Palestine, at least not at this point in the story. This is a tale of love—a love affair with still imagery. Photography, an extraordinary medium, captures moments, memories, and emotions in a heartbeat, inviting us to connect with narratives frozen in time. All life on earth is intertwined, akin to our body and spirit. Photographs frame a spiritual connection to others, inviting us to intuitively grasp something that resonates with our soul. The saying, "A picture paints a thousand words," is true, and indeed, a single image can convey ideas and emotions more heartily than verbal or written descriptions. Photographers delve deeper into this spiritual connectedness, embracing
JACKSON CIRCA 2019: OUR CONNECTIONS, REFLECT OUR LIGHT BACK TO US.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
~ 2 Corinthians 4:18
the unknown and unseen with trust and faith.
The essence of a still image is a unique trinity: the subject, the storyteller, and the viewer. It’s a gift that allows us as photographers, to be both participants and narrators of stories. How marvelous is our God, who designs such wondrous playful acts to captivate our hearts!
Back in 2018 Pastor Ben invited me to join the PCJH pilgrimage to the Holy Land to photograph the places where Jesus walked. I was humbled, excited, and admittedly, a bit nervous. Was I ready? Was it safe? Could I integrate photography into my faith journey, and convey the worthiness of this place? Amazingly, amidst the historical and
present-day tensions of Israel and Palestine, I found an unexpected peace and kindship there. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus is an experience everyone should undertake. The Bible truly does comes to life in the Holy Land. Immersed in the sights and sounds, I gained a deeper understanding of Jesus' life and ministry. Through photographs captured in the Holy Land, I discovered a deeper purpose and honor—to share these stories with others. › CONTINUED ON PG. 12
ABOVE, PALESTINE CIRCA 2018: A SIGN OF PEACE, A DOVE APPEARS BEFORE A WOMEN AWAITING HER BAPTISM ON THE JORDAN RIVER, WHICH BORDERS PALESTINE, ISREAL AND SYRIA.
MY LIFE STORY IS MEASURED BY MUSIC EVENTS. HERE’S JUST A SUMMARY OF THE last 40 years of my life: Easter Sunday at a Trappist Monastery in Utah, caroling in the Avenues of Salt Lake City, St. Patrick’s Day festivities with the “Warblers”, traveling minstrels in Downtown SLC. And a few other favorites near to my heart: Singing with the Choir at First B, and then PCJH,
singing with both the Jackson Hole Chorale and Cathedral Voices Chamber Choir performing at Carnegie Hall, the Dom Cathedral in Salzberg, Austria, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and with PCJH in Turkey amidst the towering ruins and expansive arenas with Laura leading and Ben on the guitar. But before all this, there was the music of my family.
As a 5-year-old boy, my father traveled with his parents to Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation to hold church services, services with music, Dad on the violin, Grandmother Juline on the guitar, Grandpa Andrew the piano. Years later, at about the same age, I would visit the same reservation with Dad to provide prayers at the deathbed of a friend from those early years. Growing up the visits from those tribal family friends occurred regularly, wherever we lived.
My mother grew up in church, singing and playing piano and clarinet. Her talent and natural ear for music was extraordinary. She could play anything she heard by ear. When accompanying, she could transpose any piece into any key without hesitation. She and my Uncle Jack were members of the “Cut Bank Montana High School Marching Band”. Both were incessant whistlers. One evening, while doing dishes, they decided to whistle their respective band parts, she on the clarinet part, he on a horn of some sort. The racket was enough to drive Grandpa Mac crazy. After several admonitions to cease whistling, he taped their mouths shut, resulting in muffled laughter, and Jack whispering—he could still whistle, could she? Years later at Uncle Jack’s memorial service, all I could think of was the two whistlers, doing the dishes, practicing their band parts with taped mouths.
spirituals, odds and ends of songs of the day. When a local piano teacher gave my father her extensive collection of music it was a gift from heaven—classical, blues, jazz, you name it—arrived to be explored. All were compliments of Pat Thompson, her name neatly written on each piece.
Dad collected and repaired violins. When he died in in 1978, he had over 30. Several months after his death, Mom got a call from a pawnbroker in Butte, asking her if any of Dad’s violins were missing. Apparently, an enterprising thief had figured out an easy entry to our church and was pawning them in Butte. We eventually recovered most of the stolen instruments. My collection includes one of his oldest, with a little scrap of paper in his handwriting naming it “Old Favorite.”
“May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, oh Lord."
~ Psalm 19:14
That early musical ministry led Dad to become an accomplished violinist and vocalist, and eventually a minister. My parents met at Bible college. There is no doubt that their respective talents led to their marriage. Our church was filled with musicians. Services featured violin solos and duets, quartets, choir pieces, and congregational singing. Music was part of the glue that held the congregation together.
I grew up playing the piano and singing with my family. We sang when we traveled, in the evening, at Christmastime. Hymns, gospel, cowboy songs,
At some point, a man selling accordions arrived. When he left, we had a shiny gold speckled accordion, with a white cross on the front. My mother, who could pick up and play any instrument, quicky became a pro. The life and rhythm of accordion music captured my attention. I was soon taking accordion lessons, cherishing the gold stars on weekly lessons, loving every minute of learning polkas, and marches. On another occasion, a flat string electric guitar arrived in our living room. Within minutes, Mom was strumming away like magic. She would later play keyboard and sing with the “energetic seniors” who traveled Montana providing entertainment at living centers and nursing homes. When macular retinal degeneration took her eyesight, her ability to play the piano and sing was not diminished. She provided weekly concerts at her retirement center, until COVID hit. She ended her life listening to her favorite music simply by telling Siri to play whatever crossed her mind.
We have a need for music. A need to sing. A need to play instruments. A need to tell our stories in a wide variety of ways. But there is something uniquely universal about music that cuts through all cultures. Like many, I have found music to be the most earnest and personal form of worship and praise. ✝
JULINE CHRISTOFFERSON graduated from Helena High School. She went to University of Montana (BA Anthropology); Hamline University (Teaching Certificate); University of Utah, College of Law (JD).
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my passion for photography has always been intertwined with a spiritual journey, even when I was unaware of it. There have been moments when I've felt a presence guiding my camera, moments where I surrendered control and allowed the presence of the Holy Spirit to work through me.
"Invite God to journey with you, and be amazed at where and how He shows up," says Todd Deatherage, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Telos.
Looking back, I trust that God reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit, especially in moments of fascination and awe. Photography, is a remarkable tool— an invitation, which enables us to witness and unveil God's wonders. Now, let’s quickly return back to Bethlehem...
Let me share the story behind the cover image of this Pinnacle. Thirty years ago, while studying art at Moravian College in Bethlehem (God wink), Pennsylvania, I captured a fleeting moment: a girl speeding past a picturesque scene. It felt like a dream— witnessing an angel through my lens. Although I was focused on crafting shapes and structures within the camera frame, she appeared, almost unnoticed, her presence blurred yet unmistakable. It's the imperfection of this image I delight in—it enhances the mystery, energy, and emotion of that fleeting moment.
The process of capturing this image was equally enchanting. Shot on black and white negative film with my Leica M6 camera, it took days to develop and print. Standing in the darkroom, watching the image materialize before my eyes, was phenomenonal.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our We do not know what we ought to pray but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ~ Romas 8:26
our weakness. pray for, through
IN MY DECADES-LONG WORK AS A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER, I HAVE HAD THE privilege of sitting with people from various ages and all walks of life as they share their personal stories of challenge, heartbreak, and suffering. The history of their emotional pain is typically a long one and for many adults often started in childhood.
I hear about life experiences that have had lasting impacts on how my clients see themselves and how they perceive others see them. People whose pain is so great they’ve turned to alcohol, drugs or other addictive/unhealthy behaviors in order to relieve the pain and shame of their past experiences. Session after session my clients invite me to witness their hurt and struggle. We sit together and sift through the memories, feelings, and negative beliefs they have carried throughout the years. I watch with admiration and compassion as my clients process and grow from their negative life experiences. During that time I get to experience their healing journey and life transformation.
It is impossible for me to sit with clients as they do the difficult and vulnerable work of healing and not be impacted myself. While my clients are making profound changes in their lives and experiencing a level of wellness they may have never thought possible, I too grow and learn through walking alongside them. When my clients share with me that they were able to choose healthier behaviors to manage their upset or that they were able to set boundaries in an effective way at work or with a family member, I not only rejoice with them in their success, but I also gain inspiration from them. When I am reflecting on my own challenges I will often think of a client with whom I have worked and think to myself – if they could do the hard work of changing patterns of behavior and/or negative thinking, then so can I. I remind myself of how profoundly some of my clients’ lives have changed and find the strength and courage to do my own internal work.
The Message translation of Psalm 145:4 states, “Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty act.” I am able to do the work I do not just because of the training I have, but also because of the faith I have in God’s healing power through me. While most of my clients do not
come to me seeking faith-based counseling, my faith is integral to my ability to do the healing work I am able to do. I am aware that my ability to hold space for someone struggling with the traumas they have experienced in the past comes from my deeply held belief that the Holy Spirit will guide my words and the therapy in order to provide peace and healing for the person sitting before me. I will often hear about unthinkable experiences of abuse or neglect that outside a therapy office may be difficult to bear witness to. In those moments when the right words come to me at the right time, or I am able to hold a compassionate, calm presence for a client, I know it is because of the Holy Spirit’s presence in me that I can provide what the client needs. It astonishes me every time it happens and - whenever it does - I give gratitude to God for supporting me in supporting the person sitting across from me. Therapy is an intimate and vulnerable space. It is a relationship unlike those found in our everyday lives. I do not take for granted the trust my clients place in me and am deeply honored that they allow me to walk beside them as they revisit the painful experiences in their lives. I am also filled with awe and admiration as I get to witness them heal and thrive. Watching their healing journey (which is never linear, but often twisty and turny) provides me with hope and inspiration that I carry into my work as a whole and into my own life as well. Sharing our stories with those who have earned the right to hear them is both powerful for the one sharing and the one listening. As Psalm 145:4 instructs, I stand in awe everyday that I am blessed to be able to do the work that I do and that I have been invited to share my story with our PCJH family. ✝
YVETTE M. WERNER, MSW LCSW is an IFS Level 1 trained therapist in private practice and a member of PCJH. She can be reached at yvette@yvettewerner.com
Being able to connect with subjects in this magical way is the very essence of what I adore about storytellling with the photographic process. Once again, I'm reminded in these moments of the unexpected—awe, wonder and delight, the gift of the Holy Spirit
which is meant to reveal God’s presence in our lives. I hope these photographs scattered throughout this Pinnacle edition have sparked the conviction we can find the essence of God though storytelling, especially when we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives ✝
ALPINE, WYOMING CIRCA 2000: TRUE FRIENDSHIP, AND THE GIFT OF BEING TRULY AUTHENTIC, ALIGNS US WITH THE SPIRIT.
~ Debbie Schlinger
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHILD HEARS A STORY? AS A CHILDREN'S librarian for over 28 years, I can honestly say nothing enchants a child like a story well told. As the writer Stephen King says (although he certainly isn't a children's author) “Stories are uniquely portable magic”.
And that is especially true for children. For the teller and the listener, storytelling can be an extraordinary adventure of delight as well as learning. For that reason alone, I find myself, although retired from my library profession, still volunteering to read and tell stories to children at preschools, day-cares, Sunday school classes, or wherever I'm asked.
What have I learned from telling stories to children? As much as a child needs food, clothing, shelter and love, a child needs a voice to express that there are important things in life – things that matter. It is crucial that parents, grandparents, teachers, or those who mentor and care about children remember that. For example, in hearing the story of The Beauty and the Beast, a child can learn that a thing must be loved before it is lovable. Isn't that one of God's greatest messages to us – to love one another as He has loved us ...no one should be kept from His love. And in Hansel and Gretel, good wins over evil and we see God's goodness come alive and magic afoot. Whether from fairy tales, fables, nursery rhymes, bible stories, poetry, or true stories from someone's life or one's own life, a child's heart can be opened by the right story, told at the right time, in the right way.
One of my favorites genres of stories is called bibliotherapy – stories that comfort and heal. Children from broken homes, or children who have experienced abuse, neglect, loneliness, sadness, or fear hear stories about others who have also experienced those situations and realize they are not alone. And isn't that also one of God's messages to us – we are not alone. He is with us and so are the others who have walked that same path. Like prayer and faith, stories can give hope, raising hearts and spirits to higher levels, especially when children hear stories about generosity, courage, empathy, grace, integrity, beauty, compassion, forgiveness, and joy. Psychologists, counselors, and teachers
know that children need stories about real life as well as stories that invite them to the land of make-believe, which might help them escape the stresses in their own lives.
For me, it has always been wonderful to watch children listen to a story and laugh, cry, shake with fright, or shiver with excitement and I have often found myself with them, sharing those same emotions. That bonding is the job and joy of the storyteller. Finally, I have found, that teaching children about life in dramatic, silly, or thought-provoking ways is magical. We've heard that expression “God works in mysterious ways” and I might add, magical ways. Certainly stories can be magically powerful and so often I have sensed God's hand guiding me. This became apparent when I was reading daily to a group of three year olds. I had chosen the book, “Are You My Mother?” One little boy he loved it so much he insisted I read it I over and over again. During the story he became so contemplative and I saw that something in it had really touched him. Unbeknownst to me, I later discovered he had just lost his mother months earlier. Perhaps having me do this story was a gift from God bringing him comfort.
Hearing children say “Read that story again” proves that special books go way beyond teaching reading skills and vocabulary. Who hasn't seen a child riveted by a certain story, or for that matter an adult who just can't part with a book they cherish. There's no doubt about it, for children – and the adults they will become – stories reassure, inspire, inform, entertain, broaden horizons, deepen understanding, improve attitudes, minister to merriment, arouse curiosity and stir emotions. If that's not a priceless, divine magic, then I don't know what is! ✝
DEBBIE SCHLINGER has taught literature at the middle and high school, workshops in storytelling, children’s literature and hundreds of story times for preschools and daycares over 20 years as a children’s librarian.
~ Josh Ziolkowski
THE BEAUTY OF STORIES IS THEY GIVE ME INSIGHT
INTO WHO the storyteller is and what makes them distinctive. There are times that are intentionally built into the life of the church for telling stories and creating shared experiences which lead to shared stories.
On other occasions it is in my daily life that I can experience this connection. I feel that the more stories told by our church body the closer we are, and the fuller our lives. In 2023 I was blessed to be able to participate in the Footsteps of Paul Pilgrimage to Turkey. There were so many amazing things that I saw and experienced, but my lasting takeaway was the deeper connection with my fellow pilgrims. At the time of the trip, I had been attending PCJH for about five years and was on was in my third year as an elder on session. This shared travel was important to my relationship with these people and my closeness to the church. The main reason was for this was we had time, time together, time to tell stories, time to listen to stories and most importantly laugh at a few stories. I remember distinctly Warren Van Genderen telling an amazing story about someone he had met in his youth. It’s his story and not mine, so I won’t recount it here, just ask him about the Russian leader who told him never to eat salt. We did not plan an opportunity to tell a story and grow as friends. This was just a natural event, something that had happened at the dinner table had sparked Warren’s memory and away we went. I could recount this type of situation many times over throughout our time in Turkey, some stories were fun, some were sad, but they all were worthy of my attention. These interactions are why it is so important for us to experience life together. Be that on pilgrimage, retreat, service project, community dinner or any one of the other opportunities we must grow our faith by interacting with one another. How often do I go into an interaction with a plan to listen? Sunday morning? Maybe... sometimes…. perhaps. Well, if I
can’t trust myself to listen, maybe I need to plan to listen. I think it might be time for me to go to the Encounter storytelling event to listen and not emcee. Starting there might be the best spot. Encounter is this time of storytelling where I feel this scripture is exemplified: "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts." -Psalm 145:4. The beautiful part of these interactions is that it isn’t just one age group telling the other how it is, was or will be; rather it’s all generations commending stories of God’s faithfulness to their fellow believers. It is an event where we can all practice listening and I it’s an aspect of my life where I can use all the help I can get. As I hear these stories of faith, I am drawn closer to the storyteller, closer to my fellow listeners and closer to God.
One hard aspect of listening is making the time and space to fully stop and hear someone, not just waiting for them to be done so I can tell my story. A friend of mine that exemplifies this practice is Ray Womack. We met as members of the Ascent Committee at PCJH and he is a big part of my church family. His willingness to listen is something I value; in particular I appreciate the times he and I would cross-country ski together. Stories abounded when were together and usually shared equally from both of us. Ray and I were intentionally present to hear each other’s stories. I see storytelling as a vital part of the church moving through life together learning about each other and ultimately learning more about our Lord. Stories help remind me that those around me are image bearers. That they are the Imago Dei, Image of God, is what makes each one of us special and worthy of time and worthy of being heard. I hope that you are able to give someone a gift today, the gift of your time and attention. ✝
SALLY KENNAN [ GRADE
Sally shared that she connects story of Jonah and the Whale. is not a book of rules for us. about us. It’s about God and Himself in His Word “ she when Jonah disobeyed The from His will (to go to Nineveh),God grace is so big! He pursued to do the right thing. And go to Nineveh! God’s grace
JOSH ZIOLKOWSKI serves the Ascent Elder at large leading from Montana. PCJH is his church home, but he recently took his dream job at a guest ranch near Yellowstone.
GRADE 4 ]
WE ASKED OUR YOUTHS, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STORY FROM THE BIBLE?
connects with the Whale. “The Bible us. It’s not really and He shows us shared. “Even The Lord and fled Nineveh),God was good to Jonah. God’s pursued Jonah to help him repent and turn you know what? Jonah did. He did grace got him there.”
MATEO OLDANI [ 6TH GRADE
]
Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, when People are in trouble they can go to him for safety." I like this verse because it reminds us that God will keep us safe. I chose this verse because it shows that God's story is that He listens to us.
CHANTAL BROWER [ 5TH GRADE
]
"I am the good shepard. The good shepard lays down his life for the sheep" This is my favorite verse because Jesus is like the shepard and we are the sheep. He protects us and keeps us safe. He loves us so much that he sacraficed his life for us.
VIVIAN MATTHEIS [8TH GRADE]
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when Paul tells the people that “Love is patient and Love is kind” because it reminds me that no matter what you can always respond in kindness, and with Love, like the way God wants. This is from 1 Corinthians 13:4.
SAM WERNER [9TH GRADE]
One of my favorite biblical stories is when Moses parts the Red Sea in Exodus 14:19-31. I like this story because it shows that through the power of god, even the impossible can be accomplished.
TELUM, MEXICO CIRCA 2012: SIMPLY BEING PRESENT TO THE SETTING SUN, —A TREASURE FROM HEAVEN.
Segerstrom (31) Jeff & Lana Crabtree (43) Ray & Meg Womack (48)
(35)
(58)
(56)
Pastoral Staff
Rev.
Senior
bpascal@pcjh.org
x 101
Rev. Tammy Mitchell tmitchell@pcjh.org
Associate Pastor x 104
Office Staff
Brian Bultema
bbultema@pcjh.org
Church Administrator x109
Cindy
cdahlin@pcjh.org
Church Administrator Assitant x107
Ally Kiefer akiefer@pcjh.org
Communications Coordinator x102
Program Staff
Laura Huckin huckin@silverstar.net Worship & Music Coordinator x123
Amanda Lack alack@pcjh.org
Little Lambs Director x111
Megan Walker mwalker@pcjh.org
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator x124
Tiffany Tate
(35)
(28)
(20)
ttate@pcjh.org
Children's Ministry Diredctor x103
Ruling Elders
2024
Wes Lucas* Stewardship
Steve Iobst* Buildings, Grounds & Vehicles
Marian Meyers Youth Ministry
Becky Kimmel Worship
Clerk of Session: Ken Blount
2025
Sarah Romorini Mission
Trent Doyle Children’s Ministry
Tiffany Tate Congregational Life
John Scott* Finance
2026
Judy Kaelber Adult Ministry
Josh Ziolkowski Young Adult Ministry
Alan Lund Personnel
Patty McDonald Assimilation & Nomination
Teaching Elders: Rev. Ben Pascal & Rev. Tamara Mitchell
Deacons
Class of 2024
Lori Dodd*
Brad Herman*
Joy Steiner*
Tom Segerstrom
Class of 2025
Cameron Page
Dorothy Neckels*
Karlene Owens
Sierra Fulton*
*Serving second term
Class of 2026
Ponteir Sackery*
Brian Bultema*
Sandra Guido Fernandez*
Peter Lori
TIFFANY TATE / NEW CHILDRENS DIRECTOR
I moved to Jackson when I was 23 years old and ended up settling down to enjoy the spectacular mountain lifestyle. As a child, I attended the First Presbyterian Church in Whitefish, Montana (where Pastor Hayden is the current interim pastor). Our family moved to Gig Harbor, Washington while I was in high school and we worshiped at the Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church (where Megan Walker attended, also)!
I earned my B.A. in Education at Western Washington University in Bellingham, and after surviving 93 days of rain, I knew I wanted to move back to the mountains. I enjoyed teaching special education at the elementary and high school levels in Jackson for 22 years. During that time, I knew I wanted to stay Jackson and I completed my M.Ed. and Ed.D. online at the University of Montana in Educational Leadership.
I believe that teaching kids about God at PCJH is truly an honor! I am so excited to see our Children’s Ministry program grow! My husband John and our kids love to ski, golf, read, travel, and play pickleball!
“A joyful heart is like good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22
NANCY & PETER LORI / NEW DEACONS
Hello from Peter and Nancy Lori! I (Peter) was raised in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bloomfield, NJ. During my formative years, I completed Catechism courses and was taught the four parts. This included the creed, the sacred liturgy for the sacraments, the Christian way of life and Ten Commandments, and the importance of prayer.
I (Nancy), on the other hand, was raised in the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, NJ. I completed my confirmation there. Together, we have been involved in a couple of Protestant churches before moving to Jackson. It is an honor to now serve as Deacons for PCJH. We have felt the warmth of both pastors Ben and Tammy and many congregants. Personally, I have appreciated the wonderful, supportive, Christian women in the Tuesday 10am Bible study class. Our experience with PCJH has been one of true Christian ministry of worship, education, fellowship and service
JUDY KAELBER / NEW ELDER
In January of 2024 | became your Adult Ministries elder. As a former CPA, I also serve on the Finance Committee. I have been attending PCJH for several years and have been grateful to be benefitting from new friendships and community in Christ. My husband Darrell and I had been skiing at Jackson Hole since the early 2000's. We relocated here in 2016 from MA where we were very active in the Methodist church. We have two young adult sons on the East coast. We enjoy all things outdoors! The Adult Ministries team is so looking forward to providing our congregation with interesting opportunities to dive deep and get to know God and his awesomeness! The PCJH family completes our life here. I look forward to growing with you!
