Strengthening Programs

2012-2015 | Strengthening Programs People, Programs Provide Ministry in All Directions

The Pinnacle congregation stepped forward in many ways to serve their church, each other and the community at large. During these years, ongoing service through disaster relief work trips, Habitat for Humanity, and Andre House volunteering was expanded.

In 2012 the Pinnacle Promise Homelessness Initiative expanded programming to include participation in Open Table mentoring groups and support to MANA House in Phoenix serving veterans. Within four years seven Open Table Teams of more than 68 individuals have worked on one or more Teams to help seven individuals/families become self-sufficient.

On Feb. 11, the Pinnacle Sanctuary was the site of a memorial service for Arthur Hubbard, Sr., a 102-year-old who served as a Navajo Code Talker in WWII and, later, as an Arizona legislator. He had also been in the first class to graduate from the Presbyterian mission school at Ganado, Arizona.

In 2012 the Pinnacle Promise Homelessness Initiative produced a documentary film, The Road Back Home, that addressed the problems of homelessness in Maricopa County, Arizona. The film premiered on May 17 at a Harkins

Theater and was shown twice on local television.

A four-week Tending the Promise Campaign launched in January 2013 aimed at raising $2.750 million over three years. Funds raised would first retire the mortgage on the Sanctuary, and, second, provide funding for expanded parking and to upgrade the Fellowship Hall kitchen. At time of printing this document the mortgage debt had been reduced by more than $2 million.

Thanks to successful rummage sales every spring, Pinnacle teens traveled to Greer, Chicago, Yarnell and San Francisco for mission work and fellowship.

The Chancel Choir and the Preschool each celebrated 20th anniversaries in 2014. The Pinnacle Vision strategic planning committee involved hundreds of members of the congregation to review and update Pinnacle’s mission and prepare for the future.

2012

Pinnacle musicians record a second CD entitled Children of the Heavenly Father

Pinnacle Promise Homelessness Initiative produced a documentary addressing homelessness in Maricopa County The Road Back Home

Rev. Kristin Willett and husband Brandon answer call to co-pastor Miles City First Presbyterian Church in Montana Rev. Dr. Terry Swicegood joins Pinnacle as Pastoral Associate for Senior Adult Ministries

2013

Tending the Promise Campaign exceeds goal with $2.9 million pledged June 2013, Rev. Sarah Johnson accepts call from Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas

England Celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee and London Summer Olympics Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane re-elected McDowell Sonoran Preserve grew to 30,000 acres

Pope Francis elected head of the Catholic Church

Arab Spring demonstrations

Throughout its 25th year Pinnacle held events in celebration of its founding, including the Sanctuary installation of liturgical art inspired by Nancy Chinn and created by congregation members.

In service to all members of the Pinnacle family, a Stephen’s Ministry program began, and fellowship groups expanded.

In June 2015, Rev. Harmon and five Pinnacle members traveled to Haiti to attend and participate in the dedication service for the new Harmony Ministries sanctuary, for which Pinnacle had given significant support.

After serving for more than 16 years, Bill Noyes retired as Clerk of Session, and Jeff Smith became the new Clerk in July 2015.

In October, as Pinnacle prepared to celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Pinnacle member Emily Béghin became the first Pinnacle seminarian to graduate and be ordained by Pinnacle. Thanks be to God!

Oct. 2013 Rev. Frank Harmon joined Pinnacle as Associate Pastor for Youth, Children and their Families Dec. 2013 Rev. Kelsy Brown began ministry as Associate

Pastor for Membership &

Mission (interim) 2014

Membership was 1331, Mission giving rose to nearly $215,000

Pinnacle received Clergy Renewal Grant from Lilly Endowment to fund 3-month study sabbatical for Dr. Avram at Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem

October 2014, Children’s Director, Debbie Lisk retired. April 2015, Kelly Horn was hired as Director of Children’s Ministry

2015

Pinnacle Preschool received certification from Arbor Day Society as a Nature Explorer Playground Pinnacle received grant from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI to help support creation of Worship ANEW service

Ebola epidemic is largest in history affecting multiple countries in West Africa ISIS began reign of terror Doug Ducey elected as AZ Governor

Pinnacle Peak Patio & Greasewood Flat closed ending an era of cowboy restaurants in north Scottsdale