Expanding Mission & Outreach

2006-2011 | Expanding Mission & Outreach Changing of the Pastoral Guard, Pinnacle Promises Hope

With membership over 1,100 and hundreds of youth involved in a variety of activities, Pinnacle launched a fifth Capital Campaign to fund additional classrooms, a youth building, a children’s center, mission, more parking and to retire debt. Progress was made toward these goals.

Church leaders also established the Pinnacle Presbyterian Foundation in order to ensure and safeguard the longterm financial interests of the church and strengthen the congregation.

In August 2007, the founding Pastor Dr. Larry Corbett retired from Pinnacle and accepted a call to a church in Hawaii; after a thorough national search, Pinnacle called Dr. Wesley Avram as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff.

In 2008, Pinnacle joined with other churches to support Harmony Ministries in Haiti, the start of a long and rewarding relationship of mission and friendship. The Pinnacle Promise mission initiative launched in 2010, with special focus on local homelessness issues and support to Haiti, which had been devastated in that very year.

Pinnacle choirs staged several, annual special events, and the Pinnacle Concert Series was recognized by a local newspaper as “Best Concert Series of the Year.” The Pinnacle Theological Center began offering thought-provoking and discussionstimulating programs.

In November of 2011 the congregation mourned the passing of Rev. Fran Park. In his memory, Pinnacle established the Francis W. Park Memorial Lecture series. The first lecture was held on April 29, 2012, and featured Dr. Angel Cabrera, president of Thunderbird School of Global Management.

January 8th - Pinnacle celebrates the installation of the Richards, Fowkes & Co. 2006 pipe organ Session voted to name Shelly Core as Director of Children’s Ministries Pinnacle Presbyterian Church Foundation established in October

Rev. Kristin Willett was called as Associate Pastor for Youth & Families

2007

Pinnacle began offering sermon podcasts on the church’s website Founding Pastor Larry Corbett retired, Rev. Mac Schafer named Interim Pastor 2008

University of Phoenix Stadium opened - AZ Cardinals new home Apple debuted iPhone

Great Recession began

A Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan Service held in May honored Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church Debbie Lisk becomes Director of Children’s Ministries

First annual rummage sale to benefit Youth mission trip raises over $10,000

2009

Pinnacle youth assist Rev. Schafer to install Peace Pole and the Teen Center is dedicated Rev. Dr. Wesley D. Avram accepts call as Pastor/Head of Staff and is installed on Oct. 25, 2009

2010

Pinnacle Preschool hosts Hearts for Haiti fundraiser in wake of earthquake

2011

Rev. Sarah Johnson began as Associate Pastor for Christian Formation and Congregation Care

24 youth travel to Fresno, CA for annual mission trip. 17 youth confirmed into membership

Barack Obama elected President, defeating AZ Senator John McCain

Jim Lane elected Mayor of Scottsdale Appaloosa Library opened at Scottsdale & Pinnacle Peak Roads 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake devastated Haiti

The Music Instrument Museum opened