Our Common Ministry 2 0 1 8 | R E P O R T T O T H E C O N G R E G AT I O N | P I N N A C L E P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H
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Table of Contents O U R C O M M O N M I N I S T R Y R E P O R T | 2 0 1 8 R E P O R T T O T H E C O N G R E G AT I O N P I N N A C L E P R E S BY T E R I A N C H U R C H | P I N N A C L E P R E S . O R G
Pastor’s Message 4 Leadership Nominees Elders 6 Deacons & Youth Deacons 7-9 Foundation Trustees 10 Nominating Committee 11 Highlights from 2018 Worship 12 Serve 14 Learn 16 Connect 18 Give 20 Stewardship Committee Report 21 Finance Committee Report 22-23 Foundation Report 24 Statistical Review 25 Leadership 26 Staff 27
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Pastor's Report to the Congregation Dear friends, It’s a ritual in those “State of the Union” or “State of the State” speeches to declare the state of whatever you’re stating the state of to be “strong” or “well” or “blessed.” If I did that here, I’d be telling the truth. For by so many measures–worship, serving, learning, connecting, giving, and funding—we are strong, and well, and blessed. You’ll read about that in the pages of this report.
Dr. Wesley Avram, Pastor
As so many churches in traditions similar to ours are facing challenges that bring their very future into question, we’re given an opportunity here to worship with grandeur and expectation, welcome new members and families, spread education in ways few congregations can, connect and care for each other with honesty and grace, watch generous givers show gratitude to God in ways that inspire, and look with confidence at the future. Our strength, however, is not measured by just these yardsticks. It’s also measured by how we face the challenges that come, how we let differences and questions shape us in healthy ways, how we make both difficult and exciting decisions, how new folks come into leadership alongside seasoned disciples, how open we are to God’s Spirit, and how you pray for this work. God is good, as we learn to do all of these things better and better—together. We’re strong, we’re well, and we’re blessed—so we keep at it, ready for more! I’m blessed to be in my tenth year as your pastor and can think back on so many events in the past decade of ministry together. I think of so many who have touched us and moved on—from death, from moving away, from life and health making it more difficult to be part of a church, from feeling called to different ministries. I also think of so many who’ve joined us in the work, including nearly 600 names, many of whom have become active, faithful, friends. And I think of those who’ve been so faithful for so long—telling God’s story, letting the Spirit shape your life, giving support and asking good questions, sharing from your heart, staying steady through the storms and winds, and imagining Christ’s future. Our time calls for experimentation in ministry. Some things work, and some don’t, but God is praised through all the tries. And our time calls for strong faith and courageous community. We do our best, with God’s help. And I thank you for that, as does all of our leadership. And so we don’t simply remember 2018. We also look toward 2019. I’m excited by what lies ahead for us. To name just a few things, let me think about the five areas that this report looks at.
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In worship, we’ve already welcomed a new Associate Director of Music and Arts/ Organist, Dr. Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler and are grateful to God for all she’ll bring to us. We’ll continue trying new things, even as we find joy in ways we’ve been worshiping at Pinnacle for a long time. As examples, we’re incorporating our new steel drum band, children’s schedule, chorale, and special Wednesday worship services. In service, we’ll keep going, to encourage more involvement, more support, more awareness, and more prayer for folks all over the world who are impacted by what we do. We trust our connection with Create Academy will grow, as will our connection to the development of a new worshiping community in Anthem and our growing interest in ministries in Bethlehem and in New York that has come out of our pilgrimage experiences. Take a look at all the ministries we support and find your place in them! In education, we’ll see growth and institutionalization of the Fran Park Center for Faith and Life, as well as other programs. We’re strengthening the roles of both Kelly McGinn and Dr. Michael Hegeman for this work and continuing our relationship with Dr. Allen Hilton. And we’ll offer these opportunities as a gift to the wider community. We also see an expanding focus on the particular needs of young families. In connection, we’ll incorporate additional Stephen Ministers into our life and continue rethinking and expanding opportunities for fellowship, community, and fun. Stay tuned! And in stewardship, you’ll hear word this year about steps we must now take to maintain, repair, and improve our campus—as well as steps to strengthen our ministries. We look forward to developing new forms of communication with you all, so you can easily know how things are going and how you can help. New leaders will step forward to join all of you who make this congregation what it is. Maybe you’re one! Thanks be to God,
Wes Avram
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Nominees for Elder The following six pages include brief biographical information about each of our 2019 nominees who have agreed to serve as an elder, deacon, youth deacon, foundation trustee and nominating committee. We are grateful for their commitment and dedication to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church.
SUSAN BROWN is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has been a member of Pinnacle since 2016. Susan has a Bachelor's Degree in English Education and a Master's Degree in Education, specializing in curriculum. She has taught high school English and most recently owned a gift store in Portland, Maine. Susan currently leads the Women’s Bible Study at Pinnacle, and she has served as an Elder and Clerk of Session at First Presbyterian Church, Libertyville, Illinois. Susan and her husband, Bill, have three grown sons who all live in California. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers.
MELISSA FELT came to Arizona in 2011 from Chicago where she was a member of Fourth Presbyterian Church. Melissa grew up in a small town in Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Shortly after graduating, Melissa began her career in sales with Sanofi Pasteur, where she has worked for 15 years. Melissa and her husband, Lucas, along with their two young children, Mack and Celia, started attending Pinnacle in June of 2015 and became members in the fall of 2015. She has since become involved with many of the children's ministries through teaching Godly Play, serving on the Children's Ministry Committee, and teaching the Wee Singers Choir on Wednesday nights. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
THOMAS HOEHNER and his wife, Sydney, moved to Arizona shortly after their marriage in 2001 where Thomas began Titan Health Management Solutions. Thomas was raised in Michigan where he received a degree in Biochemistry, along with an MBA in Finance from Michigan State University, and a Doctorate degree from the University of Florida. Thomas and Sydney were actively involved in their prior congregation, Christ the Lord Lutheran Church. Thomas served as the president of the congregation, and Sydney served on the council and headed the hospitality committee. Thomas also served on the congregational board of Thrivent Financial as well as the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission. The Hoehners have two children, Colton and Christopher who both attended Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool and attend Northwest Christian School.
GEORGE WELU grew up in Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University where he met his wife, Judy. They have been married for 38 years and have three adult sons; Riley, Brian and Adam. They moved to Scottsdale 17 years ago from Wisconsin. George has worked for over 30 years in healthcare business development. Currently, he works for the Mayo Clinic as the Director of Outreach for the Transplant Center. He is an ordained elder and active member of Pinnacle for three years. He is the adult leader for the Sunday Night Experience with Junior and Senior High youth; confirmation mentor; member of membership development task force; active with Habitat for Humanity for seven years and local mission events (e.g. Andre House and UMOM).
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Nominees for Deacons PHIL BIANCO and his family have been members of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church since 2005, and he has been a PPC Board of Trustees member since 2011. Phil moved to Phoenix in 1971 and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Business Real Estate. Phil has spent the last twenty years in the real estate industry and is currently employed at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Phil’s family includes wife, Kimberly, who teaches in Pinnacle's Preschool. Their children, Nicholas 14, and Ava 13, also attended the preschool and are currently active in Pinnacle's Youth Group.
PHIL BRANSON and his wife, Sue, moved to Scottsdale last Spring and were introduced to Pinnacle through good friends. They jointly led the non-denominational Desert Bible Fellowship in La Quinta, CA, for the previous 14 years. Prior to active Christian ministry in the desert Phil was an entrepreneur headquartered in Los Angeles. He is a Presbyterian Elder having served in both Westwood and La Canada. Phil has advanced degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, Northwestern University and undergraduate from Santa Clara. Phil and Sue have two daughters who live in NYC and Buenos Aries.
FRED L. BROWN is a native of West Virginia, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northwestern University, an MBA in healthcare administration from the George Washington University and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He was founding President/CEO of BJC HealthCare in St. Louis. MO. Fred and his wife, Shirley, relocated to Scottsdale in 2002 and joined Pinnacle in 2003. Fred currently serves on the stewardship committee. In previous churches, Fred served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Administrative Board, Chair of Annual Giving, Chair of Stewardship and Communion Steward. Fred and Shirley have three children and six grandchildren. Fred enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, family activities, and athletic events. ROBIN COLBERG and her husband, George, joined Pinnacle in September of 2018. Robin is originally from Tampa, Florida, and earned a BA from the University of Southern Florida. The couple recently relocated to Phoenix from Southern California. They were members of Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego where Robin served as a deacon and George served on Session. Robin has a background in project management and works to help nonprofits thrive. She is currently employed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation at Taliesin West. She and George have two children and a grandson. Robin enjoys cooking, gardening, golf and travel.
JANET CHRISTOPH was born and raised in Pennsylvania where her family was active in a small Presbyterian church. She has a BS in Computer Science/Business from Aurora University and worked for 10 years in Information Technology in Illinois. Janet and her husband, Chuck, moved to Arizona in 1990, where they raised their son and daughter. She served Mountain View Presbyterian Church from 1993-2006 as Director of Children’s Ministries and Jr. High Youth Director until they relocated to Virginia in 2006. Janet was a substitute teacher and volunteer in the youth program at Ashburn Presbyterian Church. In 2014 Chuck retired, and they moved to Fountain Hills. She is a substitute teacher for Scottsdale USD. Janet enjoys baking, traveling, hiking, and spending time with their children and three grandchildren. She and Chuck have been members of Pinnacle since May 2016. 2018 OUR COMMON MINISTRY REPORT | 7
Nominees for Deacons MARTA FIALA and her husband, Richard, moved to Scottsdale in 2014. Previously they lived in Portland, Oregon, where they enjoyed the country life of raising Arabian horses and lovely flowers. Together they have seven grown children and eight grandchildren. She earned a degree in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University and enjoyed a long and fulfilling career, working mostly with children. Marta has been attending Pinnacle since arriving in Scottsdale, and early on joined the choir. Marta says, “Pinnacle has offered such a wide-range of topics for learning and growing in my Christian faith, opening my mind for so many viewpoints yet knowing that my faith and trust in Christ continues to grow.” She believes loving each person as Christ would is her goal!
SUSAN GLAVA was born and raised in CA where she graduated from UCLA with a BS in education. She taught elementary school in California for ten years before moving with her husband, Gary, and her two children to Colorado and then on to Arizona. She worked as a realtor and as a volunteer for Scottsdale Foundation for the Handicapped, Friends of Crisis Nursery, Scottsdale Honors Cotillion, and Hopi Elementary School. Susan and Gary joined Pinnacle as charter members in 1991. She has served on the Session as an Elder and a Deacon, a member of the bell choir and as a summer Bible school volunteer. She currently substitutes at Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool and works on the creative art project committee. She has four amazing grandchildren.
L.A. KOWAL has been a member of Pinnacle since January 2001. Her family transferred from Valley Presbyterian in Paradise Valley where they were members since 1984. She has two sons; Alex 30 and Keegan 28, who both reside in Colorado. L.A. is from South Jersey right outside of Philadelphia and has lived in the Valley since 1983. She is a regular volunteer at Andre House. She has also attended many Bible studies. L.A. feels the mission work of Pinnacle is important, and she hopes to be an asset as a deacon.
SHERRIE LEMOINE grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and is a graduate of Iowa State University. Sherrie and her husband, Dave, have been married for 47 years and have two sons; Doug (Mara) and Brian (Heather), and three grandchildren; Max, Leo and Fairlee all living in the East Bay. While raising their family in Leawood, KS, they were active members of Village Presbyterian Church. Sherrie was the Director of Admission for the Barstow School before Dave’s job with Hallmark Cards took them to Shangha, China. Sherrie and Dave moved to Rio Verde three years ago and enjoy golfing, hiking and frequent trips to the Bay area! Sherrie is currently training to be a steward for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. As a member of Pinnacle, she has decorated the church for the Christmas holidays and serves as a monthly pew organizer.
KRISTIN PAISLEY CASAS grew up attending Valley Presbyterian. Her parents, Jim and Jean Paisley, were part of the Pinnacle founding team from Valley. On college breaks Kristin would help in the nursery and set up chairs for the services at Troon. Pinnacle has been part of her life since its beginning. After college at CU - Boulder and U of A, Kristin worked in DC for C-SPAN Networks. She moved back to Arizona 25 years ago and met her husband, John Casas. The couple have two teenagers, Tyler and Kelsey, who attended Pinnacle Preschool and were baptized and confirmed at Pinnacle. Kristin participated in Mug and Muffin and travelled to Haiti in 2017 with the mission team. Pinnacle has always provided Kristin and her family with community and comfort. She has formed lifelong friendships at Pinnacle and she looks forward to serving Pinnacle as a Deacon. 8 | P I N N A C L E P R E S BY T E R I A N C H U R C H
Nominees for Deacons SUE STACY is a native Texan, growing up in Levelland, Texas, attending Texas Tech, where she met her husband, Bomar. They lived in several cities before settling in Plano, Texas. They were charter members of Custer Road Methodist Church where they attended for over 30 years. In 1988 Sue joined Mary Kay in the Dallas corporate office until her retirement in 2006. The last 5 years she was manager of training in the Asia Pacific region. She spent ten years traveling the US. training all levels of the sales force and emceeing special events. The last 5 years she was manager of training in the Asia Pacific region. She and Bomar have 3 children; Kelly, John, Michael, and 4 grandchildren. Sue and Bomar moved to Scottsdale in 2013. She enjoys reading and traveling back to Texas to visit family. SUSAN STANTON and her family have proudly been members at Pinnacle since 1995. She and her father have both had the privilege of serving as Deacons at Pinnacle! Her family spent thirty years in the Navy, during which time they were able to travel quite extensively. She especially enjoyed duty stations at Chinhae, Korea, and on the island of Oahu! Susan received her undergraduate teaching degree at ASU and graduate degree at NAU. She has been teaching children for the past twenty-three years, currently teaching at a Title 1 school.
Nominees for Youth Deacons AVA BIANCO has lived in Phoenix her whole life and has been attending the church for 10 years. She went to Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool and two years ago went through confirmation and became an official member of the church. She has participated on two Youth Mission trips, including the one this past summer to Houston, and has served on the student leadership team for two years. Ava is a regular attendee of youth group and enjoys the friendships formed there. Currently, Ava attends Pinnacle High School and is Sophomore Class President. Ava is very excited for the opportunity to be a youth deacon.
CAROLINE JOHNSON is a 15-year-old sophomore in the IB-Program at Desert Mountain High School. She was born in Scottsdale and is the youngest of three children. She has attended Pinnacle for three years and was confirmed in May 2017. She is active in many youth activities, including youth group, Engage, mission trips, winter retreats, VBS, and youth handbells. In her free time, she is a choral singer with the Phoenix Girls Chorus and DMHS Advance Vocal Ensemble. She also is a committed member of the National Charity League where she logs 50+ hours of volunteering per year. She is honored and excited to serve as a youth deacon.
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Nominees for Foundation Trustees JOHN KING and his wife, Jane, were raised in Waseca, Minnesota. John was educated at Dartmouth College and received a master’s degree in Hospital Administration at the University of Minnesota. After 40 years of hospital and health system management, John and Jane retired in Scottsdale in 2000 and joined Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. John served as Secretary of the Pinnacle Vision Team in 2014-15. John made the initial gift to establish the Mission Endowment Fund in the Pinnacle Presbyterian Foundation. He currently is one of four members on the Create Academy mission outreach task force. John and Jane spend summers in Davenport, Iowa, with their three grandchildren and reside in Vi at Silverstone.
KAREN MOORE moved to Arizona in 2002 and, along with husband, Steve, has been a member of PPC since 2005. An Alabama native and former high school teacher, Karen is active in Duet, and reads for the blind at Sun Sounds of Arizona. At PPC, she is engaged in committee work and is a years-long member of the Ladies Bible class and served as a Deacon. She and Steve particularly like PPC’s community outreach, educational offerings, and the opportunities for youth and families to be active in their church home.
JOHN THOMPSON and his wife, Connie, have been members of Pinnacle for 12 years. They served the Presbyterian Church in various capacities in Kansas, California, New York, Florida, Illinois and Maryland. John earned his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree from University of Missouri. He retired in 2007 after a 30-year career with Northrop Grumman, a Fortune 500 company providing aerospace products to the USAF and Navy. John’s career focus was in accounting and financial planning, achieving the level of division Chief Financial Officer. John has experience serving as a foundation trustee at First Presbyterian in Smithtown, NY. He is an active member of the Men’s Fellowship Breakfast and a willing volunteer.
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Nominees for Nominating Committee GARY GLAVA, who is originally from California, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from University of California at Northridge and AMD degree in International Marketing from Insead University Fontainebleau France. He was a marketing/sales executive and founder of Creative Car Concepts and SkyLine Events. Currently Gary offers personal development coaching. As a charter member of Pinnacle, Gary has served the church in numerous areas including; church school teacher, confirmand mentor, youth group leader, deacon, elder, Stephen Minister, and Open Table member. Gary and his wife, Susan, have two children and four grandchildren.
GAIL LUCKY moved to Arizona in December 2004 after living in Santa Barbara, California, for 45 years. She and her husband, Charles, joined Pinnacle in the Spring of 2015 after visiting frequently with son, Matt, and his family who are also members. Gail served on the Worship Committee for three years and participated in SAGE and the Ladies Bible Study. She is an ordained Deacon and led the Fund Raising for the Santa Barbara First Presbyterian expansion in 1997.
SUSAN MATURA is originally from Duxbury, Massachusetts. She met her husband, Jeff, at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and they settled in Scottsdale 20 years ago after spending a few years in South Bend, Indiana. All three of their children; Christopher (15), Timothy (13), and Julia (10), attended Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool which is how the family became connected to the church. Susan serves on the Preschool Board, and her family is active in the youth and music programming at Pinnacle, as well as the rummage sale. Outside of church, Susan is an active volunteer at her children’s schools, and she was recently elected to serve on the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board.
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Highlights from 2018
Worship In worship, we acknowledge God’s presence in the world and in our lives, give thanks, perform sacraments, and prepare to take action in God's world. In 2018 we welcomed our Children ages preschool - 5th grade to regularly serve as worship assistants during the 10 am service. In December, our annual children's Christmas program featured nearly 65 children and preschoolers in the role of gifts telling the story of "Jesus, the Greatest Gift." They also participated in an Advent worship service at Silverstone at Grayhawk, while our teens went Christmas caroling at Vi at Grayhawk. We welcomed youth into worship leadership on Youth Sunday and also enjoyed guest preachers and musicians alongside our able pastoral staff. Worship also included special services throughout the year, like those during Holy Week, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving Eve. Our Blessing of the Animals welcomed more than 70 furry friends, and 80 enjoyed a “Special Night of Galatians,” performed by Dr. Michael Hegeman. From January to June we hosted weekly contemporary worship on Wednesday evenings. Sensing the need, but seeing numbers lower than hoped, we’ve migrated to an approach to alternative worship opportunities that will include seasonal (Advent and Lent) plus special opportunities throughout the year. Following an 18-month search, in January Pinnacle welcomed David Allen as Director of Ministries in Music and Arts. Building on an already strong foundation, we have seen measurable growth in all aspects of our program, from children’s programs to adults. This has included the addition of a steel drum band.
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We honored musical excellence from our past as we bestowed upon Margaret Ebert and Brent Hylton the title of Music Directors Emeriti. We thanked Sharon Hansen, who served as our Interim Director of Music and the Arts, and Brandon Burns for his work at Interim Organist and Children’s Bells Director, as he went on to complete his academic work. Member and musician Larry Eisel ably took up that role for the fall as we prepared to welcome a new Associate Director and Organist. We also saw Katherine Talley move on from her post as Director of Children’s Choirs (part-time). In that work, we welcomed Melissa Nelson Trafficante. A fifteen-year veteran of the classroom, Melissa has quickly won the hearts of our children and is making great strides to make music fun and creative! The Pinnacle Concert Series had a great year, including ABBAFAB, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus performing Duruflé’s Requiem, and concert organist Pamela RuiterFeenstra performing music from her newest CD, which she recorded on Pinnacle’s sanctuary organ. We welcomed Kristen Hertzenberg to “Phantom of the Organ.” She is known for her role as Christine in the Vegas showing of Phantom of the Opera. The much-anticipated Celebration of Christmas proved to be a worshipful experience and crowd favorite again with two presentations in early December. The 2018 season ended with the beloved performance of Handel’s Messiah performed by the Phoenix Symphony and Chorus.
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Serve
Pinnacle engages in Mission because it is at the heart and soul of who we are as God's people. Reflecting over the last twelve months we are grateful for all the ways Pinnacle members and friends have participated in mission. We officially added a new mission partner in 2018. Create Academy is a Title One Charter School led by former Pinnacle staff member, Kelly Horn. Create Academy serves young students and their families in an otherwise underserved neighborhood of Phoenix. Our members offered tutoring, financial support for new equipment, and other educational support to the Academy and to Kelly. Connie Thompson and many others gave strong leadership to this effort, especially SAGE and our Men’s Breakfast, making several service trips to the school and providing much support. In February Pinnacle hosted Pastor Luc and Ronide Deratus, our Haiti Mission Partners, by celebrating our Days for Girls work. Pinnacle women made over 300 feminine hygiene kits to be delivered to women and girls in Haiti. During the 2019 visit to Haiti, our team hopes to train more Haitian women to embrace this lifechanging project. Each spring the Fellowship Hall, Teen Center and Green is transformed into a spectacular shoppers’ dream. It did so again in 2018. Over 100 volunteers, including 20 youth performing community service toward their youth mission trip, donated approximately 1,200 hours collecting, sorting, organizing and selling. The proceeds from the two-day Rummage Sale supports the annual Youth Mission Trip. In 2018 more than $31,000 was raised. In April, Arizona experienced a week-long teachers strike that left many families scrambling for day care. Pinnacle opened its doors and hosted 50 children during
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the five-day strike. Pinnacle youth joined pastoral and program staff to provide a safe and loving environment. Pinnacle youth gave throughout the year in other ways too. Examples included 18 students preparing meals at Feed My Starving Children and a work day at our own Pinnacle Preschool. In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Pinnacle sent two teams to Houston in 2018. In June seven adults and 20 youth participated in our annual Youth Mission Trip. And in the fall another team of seven adults returned to Houston to support two families during a week-long mission trip. Between the two teams Pinnacle donated roughly 1,300 hours. Homebound members, UMOM, Christmas Angel Families and the homeless were among the groups Children’s Ministry served in 2018. Blessing Bags made during our Advent workshop included socks, granola bars, soap, water and toothbrushes. The bags were distributed to the congregation to give to those asking for help on street corners. In July our Wild About God camp took us to Create Academy, where Pinnacle rolled up its sleeves to assist in cleaning and organizing classrooms and the lunchroom before students returned in the fall. We also delivered backpacks, paper, crayons, glue sticks, and hygiene kits that were collected during VBS and Wild About God camp. Silverstone at the Vi Memory Care Activity Center was adopted by Children’s Ministry the last Sunday of each month. Families, scout troops and friends visit the center and play games, create crafts and enjoy fellowship with their residents. Our Reggio Emilia inspired Preschool continued to teach youngsters about the gift of mission through its annual Empty Bowls Project. Each child in the PreK classrooms created hand-made bowls from clay. Then participated in a symbolic 500-calorie meal of noodles, which represents all many homeless children receive every day. The beautiful bowls were sold to parents and grandparents with the proceeds in the amount of $1,100 donated to the UMOM New Day Centers in Phoenix. In the life of any church there are the faithful who quietly work each week to make sure worship services run smoothly and are welcoming to all. Pinnacle Deacons serve as the backbone: coordinating greeters, ushers, the hospitality team and cookie bakers, and setting up for communion each month in the chapel and homebound along with seasonally in the sanctuary. In addition, the Deacons spent the year supporting young and old through prayer, cards, calls and support to their care group members and mailed over 30 care packages to college kids. Stephen Ministry was introduced to Pinnacle in 2014. We continue to increase the number of trained care partners, with four added in 2018. Through this one-on-one caring ministry Pinnacle walked alongside 20 individuals in need of support through health issues, aging, divorce, family crisis, care giving and much more. And along with Elders and Deacons, many contributed to our Annual Lenten Devotional. As Christmas approached, Pinnacle hosted its first Alternative Gift Market and raised over $8,000 for Pinnacle supported missions. Members and friends browsed through a brochure specifically designed to share needs and offer alternative gift ideas. Pinnacle also gave generously to Operation Christmas Child and the Christmas Angel Tree. One hundred shoeboxes full of goodies were sent to our international Christian friends. And eighteen low-income and refugee families received special Christmas gifts from Pinnacle members and friends. Our time, talent and treasure are needed in the world around us. All are invited to give of their time in special and meaningful ways. Figures for budgeted and special mission-related giving can be seen below on page 22 of this report. 2018 OUR COMMON MINISTRY REPORT | 15
Learn Through Christian formation Pinnacle seeks to find inspiring, thoughtful and engaging ways to help members and the community grow deeper, wider and fuller in their life with God. Little Lambs chapel time with Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool began this year with great success. Each month, nearly all the 160 students visit the sanctuary to join Ms. Hillary to sing and read a Bible Story. The children look forward to the time in church and love hearing about Jesus and His Love! As summer began nearly 300 students and volunteers came together for Pinnacle's annual Vacation Bible School. The "Shipwrecked" theme taught youngsters that Jesus Rescues! In July our Wild About God Mission and Music Camp included 60 students ages Preschool-5th Grades and youth volunteers. Field trips included a visit to the Music Instrument Museum and a journey to Phoenix Zoo. In the fall our children’s music programming moved to Sundays following our 10 am worship. Participants in children’s music, in addition to all members of the congregation, enjoy a prepared lunch in our Fellowship Hall prior to the start of programming. Attendance has increased and parents seem to enjoy the new schedule. Sunday’s Table has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for various groups in the church to meet over lunch. Youth music gained strength in 2018. In addition to African Drums, a new steel drum ensemble started this past fall! Students enjoyed this unique opportunity
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and progressed quickly. The Youth Choir and Youth Handbell Ensemble continue to provide opportunities for musical growth and expression and will be welcoming new leadership in 2019. Pinnacle Youth (Middle School and High School) continues to grow and engage more and more teens each year. During 2018 Youth Ministries at Pinnacle offered three separate opportunities to learn, gather and grow in their faith. Between Sunday morning Church School, Sunday Night Youth Group and Wednesday Night as many as 50-70 youth participated each week. Educational ministries also included successful years for our Men’s Breakfast, weekly SAGE luncheon and program for seniors, our weekly Women’s Bible Study, Women’s Book Group, Mommas with a Purpose, and more. These programs are also part of our congregational fellowship ministries. Pinnacle Preschool has partnered with Maricopa Colleges and Arizona State University in mentoring new teachers in the Reggio Emilia approach. Pinnacle, which serves 155 students, is considered a living example of progressive education in practice – where children learn by doing and within the context of highly social environments. Our Preschool is actively involved in building relationships with key partners within the Arizona early learning systems including First Things First Arizona and Valley of the Sun Chapter of AzAEYC. Annually, our INSPIRE Early Childhood Leadership Series provides professional learning opportunities for over 250 educators across Arizona. The Fran Park Center for Faith and Life sees education as both mission and evangelism and vital to our spiritual being. In the 12th chapter of Romans the apostle Paul instructs “be transformed through the renewal of your minds.” And in 2018 the Park Center continued to provide many opportunities to do just that, with ever-expanding programs and expanding reach. As 2018 began, the Park Center rung in the new year in the Holy Land. Thirty-five Pinnacle Pilgrims grew in their faith through a spiritual journey, which proved to be a life-changing experience. In February the Fran Park Memorial Lecture hosted Dr. Eric Barreto from Princeton Theological Seminary. In the Spring, a partnership with Psychological Counseling Services offered a six-week Faith and Mental Health Series to Pinnacle. Over 90 people attend through the six-week series with feedback indicating strong desire for more programming in this area. Along with the launch of Dr. Allen Hilton’s book House United, the Park Center reached over 300 people with enlightening opportunities. Drs. Wesley Avram, Michael Hegeman and Allen Hilton also continue leading educational opportunities. The Center also received strong affirmation in 2018 in the form of a grant from the FISH Foundation to turn our successful Courageous Conversations program into curricula and tools for use by other congregations and organizations. In November, we concluded the year as it had begun with another pilgrimage, as 17 friends traveled to the east coast to be inspired by effective practices in ministry and mission in both academic and congregational settings. Participants were warmly welcomed by Princeton Theological Seminary, City Seminary and many other historical churches and institutions throughout Manhattan and Harlem.
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Connect Pinnacle believes learning, serving and connecting to one another is the life that God wants for us, and breaking bread with one another serves as a natural way to do all three. The completion of our commercial kitchen enabled a significant addition to Pinnacle. The Table was developed this year to encourage further fellowship. It offers lunch for all members each Sunday, including families whose children participate in Pinnacle's music programming. And Wednesday evenings offers a mid-week opportunity for service and fellowship. The connections made during the meals have been fun and meaningful. Several members are currently participating, and we hope many more will join us at The Table on Sundays and/or Wednesdays. We welcomed 77 new members, including 15 confirmands, in 2018. Throughout the year we enjoyed many opportunities for fun and fellowship for all ages. Club 45 is an opportunity for 4th and 5th grade students to enjoy some pre-youth group inspired fun. Events included the Pinnacle on Ice Skating event, Pinnacle Day at the Ball Park Spring Training Baseball game at Salt River Fields, and some fun bowling and miniature golf/go-cart outings.
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Our teens enjoyed tubing down the Salt River and a year-end trip to Bartlett Lake in addition to their weekly youth group gatherings. Amigos, our adults 50+ crowd, spent the year enjoying a series of events including joining children and families for a Spring Training game, Beer and Brats dinner, a tour of Eddie Basha's personal art collection, a visit to "Portraits of Courage," a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute at the Arizona Heritage Center and their ever-popular annual Lobster Boil. Men’s Breakfast Group, SAGE, Women’s Bible Study, Women’s Book Group and our monthly Good Grief Group provided additional opportunities for meaningful fellowship, learning, and service opportunities with one another. During the cooler Arizona months, our Pinnacle Hikers enjoyed fellowship, fresh air and exercise as they participated in a variety of hikes for beginner as well as the more experienced hiker. Our Mommas With a Purpose group, for mothers of preschool age children and younger, met monthly with their little ones in the Sanctuary Nursery for fellowship, snacks, and a short Bible Study before they move into a project for the community. A new Women’s Fellowship Group kicked off with a wonderfully attended Christmas Tea hosted by Joanne McDowell. More than 50 women of all ages came together to celebrate the holidays and imagine what this new group can offer to Pinnacle. 2018 OUR COMMON MINISTRY REPORT | 19
Give
At Pinnacle, we know that God wants us to share our blessings with the world around us, be mindful of how we take care of each other, and depend on Christ to meet our needs. Passing on a portion of our blessings to others affirms our trust in God as the provider of all things good and keeps our focus on the One who offers abundant life in Jesus. The following pages provides information about our annual Stewardship drive, the work of the Foundation and overall financial picture.
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Annual Stewardship STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY GROUP REPORT by: Rick Hess, Elder
Your Stewardship Committee changed the timing of the campaign from the fall of the previous year to the first quarter of 2018. This shift was made for two primary reasons. The fall timing of the campaign places it in competition with many other campaigns that our members also want to contribute to. The second reason was to contact as many members as possible with our message, and this occurs in the first quarter of each year. We saw increased participation from the congregation in terms of number of new pledges, total number of pledges and overall total dollars pledged and for that we are truly grateful. This year we are emphasizing the many ways that Pinnacle blesses the world, our community and this congregation. In this year’s materials we have included the pastoral staff, program and administrative staff in each of the ministry areas to increase the visibility of how the money pledged is spent. We encourage you to prayerfully reflect how Pinnacle has blessed you, your family and help us reach $1,400,000 in pledge giving.
2018 pledges when compared to 2017 Increased 34% $97,761 Decreased 8% $25,684 First Time 16% $95,988 Unchanged 41% $1,098,878 $1,318,311 Number new Pledges 51 Total Pledges 317 Unchanged 41% First Time 16%
Decreased 8%
Increased 34%
as of December 31, 2018
2018 OUR COMMON MINISTRY REPORT | 21
Finance FINANCE MINISTRY GROUP REPORT by James Lipscomb, Elder
The fiscal year 2017 / 2018 results for the 12 months ending June 30, 2018: Our 2017-2018 fiscal year saw our income exceeding expenses by just over $244,416. This was due in part to significant gifts in addition to regular offerings. As of June 30th, 2018, our cash reserves were $275,873 comprised of $131,774 in regular checking and $144,099 in restricted funds. The fiscal year budget for July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019: Based on the current July ’18 – Dec. ’18 actual numbers, we are expecting to have positive income at fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. We are looking forward to the Stewardship pledge program in January to bring regular offerings in line with the budget. The current results for fiscal year 2018/2019, for the six months ending December 31, 2018: The cash balance as of December 31, 2018 was $495,226 with $350,788 in checking and $144,438 in restricted funds. At the end of December our income exceeded expenses by $146,188 due, in part, to the funding of the Fran Park Center part of Christian Education. Historically pledging and actual income drops significantly during the first three months of our fiscal year as well as the last two months of our fiscal year. Other Items of Note: Our current mortgage balance is down to $111,133. We borrowed $50,000 on our line of credit in the fall and have since repaid the loan. Currently, our cash position is very good. We had some unexpected costs during the calendar year ending December 2018 with the maintenance of our physical plant that included the replacement of boilers, chillers and air conditioners. Ministry Activities for 12 months ending December 31, 2018: We continue to do very well in support of our mission ministries within our operating budget (Missions and Music) as well as through special offerings (Vista del Camino, Create Academy, Andre House, UMOM, Emergency Assistance Donation and other programs in the Presbytery and Presbyterian Church). Mission related giving totals $265,475 of which $122,000 is within the budget and $143,475 is designated. An additional $75,188 was raised for the Arizona public school and working poor tax credits.The growth of the Fran Park Center, has been enabled through gifts and grants.
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Financials PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 OPERATING FUND INCOME Regular Offerings Facility Usage Other Insurance Claims Music Christian Education Service TOTAL INCOME
Actual Income/Expenses July 2017-June 2018 $1,950,525 54,930 91,366
EXPENDITURES Personnel Costs Administration Missions Property and Buildings Worship Music Christian Education Service Leadership Communications 25 for 25 (Anniversary) Non-Cash Expense TOTAL EXPENSES Net Income/(Loss) - Operating Fund CONCERT SERIES Income Expenses Net Income/(Loss) - Concert Series
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019
15,787 22,785 $1,590 $2,136,983
Annual Budget July 2018-June 2019 $1,796,386 58,300 70,800 0 10,000 180,650 0 $2,116,136
Year to Date Budget July 2018-Dec 2018 $967,984 25,895 51,231 0 8,200 85,430 0 $1,138,740
Actual Income/Expenses July 2018-Dec 2018 $842,852 29,945 18,801 13,710 45,289 $246,823 $400 $1,197,820
$1,115,152 154,357 126,656 331,678 15,396 55,792 66,923 4,619 2,524 12,487 6,753 230 $1,892,567
$1,179,730 151,287 122,000 325,524 28,000 53,000 231,350 4,550 2,000 18,695 0 0 $2,116,136
$590,032 66,814 53,002 162,762 12,990 31,050 106,154 1,867 999 12,085 0 0 $1,037,755
$559,407 74,743 53,468 156,880 8,636 81,203 108,346 1,097 752 7,100 0 0 $1,051,632
$244,416
$0
$100,985
$146,188
$40,365 41,059 -$694
$62,000 61,595 $405
$14,320 20,204 -$5,884
$27,004 20,369 $6,635
CALENDAR YEAR 2018 FRAN PARK CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE Beginning balance Jan – Dec 2018 Income Jan – Dec 2018 Expenses Ending Balance
-$5,484 268,877 101,462 $161,931
DEBT SUMMARY Mortgage Short-term Debt Total
111,133 50,000 $161,133
CASH SUMMARY Cash checking Cash restricted Total
$350,788 $144,438 $495,226
2018 OUR COMMON MINISTRY REPORT | 23
Long Range Stewardship P I N N A C L E P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H F O U N D AT I O N R E P O R T b y : M e l S t e e l e , Tr u s t e e C h a i r 2018 Trustees: Mel Steele, Chair Bruce Baudler Joan Fudala Ed Hargest Nate Jones George O'Connell Paul Rooker Diane Ruebling Wayne Stingley Rev. Scott Fischer, Pastoral Liaison *James Lipcomb, Chair, Finance Committee *ex-officio member
The mission of the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Foundation (PPCF) is to help members and friends, who have a long-term passion for the work of our church, achieve their goals with Legacy and Endowment gifts that focus on making a difference in the lives of the people we serve. Unlike Stewardship where the source of most gifts is a donor’s annual income, the source of foundation gifts usually is from a donor’s accumulated assets or estate planning. The role of the PPCF Trustees is not only to assist donors plan their gift but also to prudently invest and ensure donated assets are used to meet the donor’s wishes. Whether working to further long-term operations of PPC or to meet a specific church objective, PPCF Trustees' (listed on left) responsibilities include: • Managing communications that provide awareness and education to our congregation to encourage legacy and planned giving to the Foundation. • Overseeing the investment and growth of donors’ gifts, that today are professionally managed under Trustees direction, by Manning & Napier, Investment Advisors. • Returning funds to Pinnacle annually for the use designated by donors with oversight from pastors and Session, after ensuring that each is within guidelines established by Trustees' and donor agreements. • Consistent with the Foundation's longer planning horizon, directing Memorial Garden support. Since inception the Foundation has received some $914,111 in donations. From these donations and investment earnings over $216,100 have been returned to the Church since 2011. After growing by more than $125,000 in 2017, the Foundation’s total assets declined by $64,048 in 2018, and at December 31, 2018 totaled $894,108. Funds returned to PPC this year totaled $66,181 including $6,000 for Mission, $4,000 for scholarships, and $10,929 for support of the music ministry. The remainder was used for maintenance and repair projects that were outside the church’s normal budget. The four students that were awarded scholarships were: • Andrew Avram - Luther College Kourtney O'Connor - Michigan State University • Jane Goodfield - Arizona State University Grant Lisk - Northern Arizona University The Foundation holds funds in two types of accounts: • A general fund that is primarily used for campus maintenance or improvements. Disbursements from the initial donation come solely from accumulated income rather than principal. • Specific purpose funds, where initial donors identify a purpose that expands church activities hoping others will join the effort with additional gifts for the same goal. Disbursements are as directed by the donors. These Foundation account balances are shown in the chart below.
Foundation Balances of $894,108 as of December 31, 2018 (by account)
$64,798 $7,115 $51,003 $20,390
$93,351
$19,617
General Fund Mission Scholarship Music & Instrument Pastor's Discretionary Memorial Garden
$626,522
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Hylton Music Ministry
Statistical Review CLERK OF SESSION REPORT by: Jeff Smith, Clerk 2018 CONGREGATIONAL STATISTICAL REVIEW Membership, January 1, 2018 Gains Losses Deaths Membership, December 31, 2018 Affiliate members Total Membership
1303 76 -75 -9 1295 82 1377
Vital Statistics for 2018 Baptisms Infants Adults Funerals/Memorials members non-members Marriages members non-members Attendance Results Variance 2017-2018 2017 2018 First Qtr. 8,136* 7,877 Second Qtr. 8,503 7,776* Third Qtr. 4,726 5,116 Fourth Qtr. 10,332 9,628 Attendance at special services Palm Sunday Easter Christmas Eve
5 0 16 9 7 4 2 2
834 1679 1484
* Easter included
2019 COMMUNION DATES Service in the Chapel January 6 February 3 March 3 March 6 (Ash Wednesday) April 18 (Maundy Thursday) April 21 (Easter) May 5
Service in the Sanctuary June 2 July 7 August 5 September 1 October 6 November 3 December 1
January 7 (Epiphany) March 3 (Transfiguration Sunday) June 9 (Pentecost) August 4 (Summer Communion) October 6 (World Communion) November 24 (1st Sunday in Advent) December 24 (Christmas Eve, 3 pm)
(subject to change) 2018 OUR COMMON MINISTRY REPORT | 25
Church Leadership P I N N A C L E P R E S BY T E R I A N C H U R C H | a s o f D e c e m b e r 31 , 2 0 1 8
SESSION Class of 2018 Melissa Felt | Children, Youth & Families Mark Leinweber | Mission Education and Social Witness Dorothy Stingley | Leadership & Pinnacle Vision Class of 2019 Chapin Bell | Facilities & Environment Merry Cole Bender | Membership Development Joanne McDowell | Leadership & Pinnacle Vision David Schaller | Adult Formation Class of 2020 Erin Boyd | Staff Support Rick Hess | Stewardship James Lipscomb | Finance Mary Upchurch | Congregational Life
CORPORATE OFFICERS Rich Burger | Treasurer Scott Fischer | Assistant Treasurer Mark Leinweber | Assistant Treasurer Bill Noyes | Assistant Treasurer Lea Reinke | Assistant Treasurer
James Lipscomb | President Chapin Bell | Vice President Jeff Smith | Secretary Joanne McDowell | Assistant Secretary
DEACONS Class of 2018 Amanda Braun Tyler Casas* Marta Fiala Nancy Lashutka Bonnie Marshall
Megan Mathews* Robert Slegers Susan Stanton Jim Stull Lynn Veale
Class of 2019 Angie Bell Cindy Burger Dan Buskirk Pat Dermody Jenni Eisel
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Pat Elkington Kathy Green June Hanson Beverly Roselieb
Class of 2020 Sean Englund Janis Fitch Karen Heinrichs Andrea Johnson Judy Krieger
Nancy Lipscomb Dawn Riolo Barb Robinson Sandra Streech
Church Staff P I N N A C L E P R E S BY T E R I A N C H U R C H | a s o f D e c e m b e r 31 , 2 0 1 8
PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Wesley D. Avram, Ph.D., Pastor & Head of Staff Rev. Kelsy Brown, M.Div., Associate Pastor for Membership & Mission Rev. Tina Campbell, D.Min., Assisting Pastor for Senior Adult Ministries* Rev. Frank Harmon, M.Div., Associate Pastor for Youth, Children & Their Families
ADMINISTRATIVE & PROGRAM STAFF David E. Allen, M.M., Director of Ministries in Music & Arts Lisa Boswell, Executive Assistant to the Pastor Sonja Branch, D.M.A., Director of African Drum Ensemble* Daniel Chaney, Audio Visual Technician and Interim Lead Maintenance Larry Eisel, Interim Organist* Rev. Scott Fischer, M.Div., Minister for Administration* Elliot Loken, Maintenance* Hillary Mackowski, Director of Children's Ministries Suzanne Mitchell, Graphic Design Assistant* Shirley Norris, Director of Communications & Membership Lea Reinke, Business Administrator Dawn Sheaffer, Administrative Assistant* Melissa Trafficante, Director of Children's Music*
FRAN PARK CENTER FOR FAITH AND LIFE Rev. Wesley D. Avram, Ph.D., Director Michael Hegeman, Ph.D., Consulting Theologian* Rev. Allen Hilton, Ph.D., Consulting Theologian* Kelly McGinn, Park Center Administrator*
PRESCHOOL Sabrina Ball | Director of Preschool Diana Englund | Office Administrator
COLLEAGUES IN MINISTRY Rev. Lawrence W. Corbett, D.Min., Pastor Emeritus Pastor Luc Deratus, Mission Partner, Harmony Ministries, Haiti Margaret Ebert & Brent Hylton, Music Directors Emeriti *Denotes part-time position
2018 OUR COMMON MINISTRY REPORT | 27
P I N N A C L E P R E S BY T E R I A N C H U R C H 25150 NORTH PIMA ROAD SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85255 PH (480) 585-9448
FX (480) 502-0061
www.pinnaclepres.org
