Pinnacle Vistas November/December 2019

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

PINNACLE

VISTAS

HAITI JAN LOICHLE | p4

THANKS FOR GIVING GEORGE COLBERG | p6

THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY REV. BRAD MUNROE | p10

MULTI-GENERATIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE JOAN FUDALA | p14

PINNACLE

VISTAS is a bi-monthly publication of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church 25150 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 480.585.9448 pinnaclepres.org facebook.com/pinnaclepres twitter.com/pinnaclepres instagram.com/pinnaclepc PINNACLE VISTAS Shirley Norris, Director of Communications CONTACT US vistas@pinnaclepres.org

UPCOMING EVENTS Faith & Science Roundtable Nov. 6 Courageous Conversations Nov. 10 Saturday Family Hike Nov. 16 Thanksgiving Eve Service @ Living Water Church Nov. 27 Thanksgiving Brunch served at UMOM Nov. 28 ACT II Christmas Luncheon Dec. 13 Women's Fellowship Christmas Tea Dec. 14

Christmas HANGING OF THE GREENS Sunday, Dec. 1 | 10:00 am | Sanctuary ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11, 18 | 6:30 pm | Chapel CELEBRATION of CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sunday, December 8 | 4 and 7 pm HANDEL’S MESSIAH * Sunday, December 15 | 3 pm ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICE at the VI at SILVERSTONE Sunday, December 15 | 3:30 pm

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Sunday, December 22 | 10 am CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Tuesday, December 24 3 pm Communion Service 5 pm Family Service with Candlelighting 8 pm and 10 pm Chancel Choir with Candlelighting

ARIZONA TAX CREDIT SUNDAY Supporting Arizona Tax Credits

Sunday, November 17

Good Grief Support Group Dec. 17 2

Watch for details in upcoming Sunday bulletin and your weekly e-newsletter.

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

TRACINGS A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR, DR. WESLEY AVRAM

Dear friends, Later in this enlivening issue of

more excited about inviting you to

Vistas you'll see an article on year-end

consider how you can contribute to

opportunities for financial giving at

our ministries at Pinnacle:

Pinnacle. As most of you know, we've had two successful years of moving our annual campaign to January, instead of the traditional November

•

in prayer;

•

in giving an hour or two a week, beyond worship and study;

time. We're doing that a third time this year. Reasons are several. One is to better catch our winter residents with an opportunity to commit. Another is the distraction of holidays. Another is mainline Protestant congregations

it to overflowing with God's love for you, for our church, and for the world.

•

in joining a committee or team;

•

in offering yourself for more committed leadership;

the fact that we're seeing what most

we want your heart! We want to fill

As you read Vistas and learn more about our faith, our congregation, our work, and ways you can get even more involved, I invite you to pray

in spending time off campus: in

about ways you can also deepen your

are seeing, which is generous giving

mission, learning, social justice

financial support for the work this

but lowering pledging.

ministries,

month! It's a great time!

•

Pinnacle

friendship

making

folks are wonderfully generous in

with Christians of different races,

giving, but our pre-commitments are

walks, theologies, experiences, or

kinda static. That means that the gap

means; •

sense God's blessing through this holiday season.

between annually pledged giving and actual giving widens every year, which

Thanks for all you do. And may you

in providing financial support,

also means that we want to offer other

beyond what you thought you

times and opportunities for you to

could a few months ago.

See you in church!

Yours in Christ,

consider giving to the varied and many ministries of our active congregation.

Money allows mission.

Now's one of those times!

separating the two.

There's no That doesn't

mean that you need to "pay" to be in Now why would I write about money

mission. Nope. But our giving must

in an otherwise perfectly pleasant

– MUST – be gathered together from

Vistas? Why spoil it (written with a

the many among us and pooled to

smile)? Well . . . let me tease you a bit

buttress our mission: staff, buildings,

and say that I'd like to think that I'm

programs, support in so many ways.

actually "making" this Vistas when I write about money! I actually trust that

The New Testament is clear that

you're happy to be reminded (written

where your heart is, your resources,

with another smile)!

energy, and money will go too. And

I couldn't be

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

DR. WESLEY AVRAM has served as Pastor at Pinnacle since 2009. He has a Bachelor’s degree and PhD from Northwestern University and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary. Wes is the author of Where the Light Shines Through (Brazos, 2005) and Anxious About Empire (Brazos, 2004). He enjoys travel.

3

let us join them in prayer

BY JAN LOICHLE Over the past ten years Pinnacle

attention, how many of us know of

the country people are afraid to

has

the escalating crisis affecting the

be out on the streets; schools and

people of our partner congregations

businesses are closed. Blackouts are

in Haiti?

daily occurrences and travel between

with

built

a

strong

Harmony

relationship

Ministries

and

Pastor Luc Deratus, our mission

cities is dangerous. The situation is

partner in Haiti. We’ve taken many mission trips there and supported

Throughout the summer and fall

far more dire than has been seen in

that ministry in a variety of ways.

a worsening fuel crisis, ballooning

many years despite 30 years of failed

Our

inflation,

political and economic systems. Why

commitment,

compassion,

critical

food

scarcity

friendship and generosity have been

and escalating political instability

critically important and appreciated

have

by the people there, and inspirational

demonstrations and protests with

For many years Haiti got its oil from

and meaningful to many of us. And

road

tires

Venezuela under the PetroCaribe

yet, in the face of constant disasters,

and cars, clashes with police and

strategic oil alliance, allowing it

domestic and worldwide, natural

demands for the resignation of

to get oil at a subsidized rate with

and human-caused, that call for our

President Jovenel Moise. Throughout

deferred

resulted blockages,

in

now?

widespread

burning

4

payments.

The

savings

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

were to be used for infrastructure

Haiti’s history is complex, fascinating

church community. He calls people to

development and social programs.

and

that’s

“find a friend in Jesus” and to come to

When

economy

a story for another day. What is

church to feed their souls. His work

collapsed, it stopped providing oil

impressive and informative is the

goes on steadfastly, as he is called to

to Haiti. Meanwhile, infrastructure

continued resilience of those not

do. Pray for our brothers and sisters

and social improvements were not

among the elite. Despite continually

in Haiti. Ask how you can help.

seen, the money had disappeared

changing

and audits showed evidence of

corruption, foreign intervention, high

massive corruption under successive

unemployment,

governments

current

in some areas and drought in others

president. Fed up with the endemic

– despite it all people somehow

corruption, continuing poverty and

maintain hope for a better life.

shortages, and lack of infrastructure,

They work on education, business,

people from all walks of life are

agriculture, the arts. Pastor Luc has

demanding the resignation of the

built churches and schools for over

president and new leadership without

30 years serving thousands of people

foreign intervention. So far the

regardless of who is in power and

president has refused to resign and

the surrounding chaos. He brings

no resolution is obvious.

together a strong and supportive

Venezuela’s

and

the

often

troubling,

but

government relentless

regimes, storms

PHOTOS - Page 4, (left) Harmony Ministries Congregation. Page 5, (below) Protests in Port-au-Prince.

JAN LOICHLE made a career in telecommunications before moving with her husband, Lee, to Arizona in 2002.

A member of Pinnacle since 2003, she has been active in various missions activities. Jan has been involved with the Haiti Initiative since its inception, works extensively with Pastor Luc and has traveled to Haiti nine times.

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell.

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

5

for year-end giving

opportunities

BY GEORGE COLBERG Year-End Giving Considerations

Charitable Giving - The Joy of Giving

Seventy-four percent of donors say

Charitable giving is a gift - physically,

Obviously, God wants us to enjoy the

that their primary reason for year-end

emotionally

First

gift of giving! Evidently most of the

giving is because “the holidays are a

and foremost, it's a matter of the

year we aren’t in a hilariously giving

time to be thankful for what you have

heart. The only motivation for giving

mood…but miraculously as the days

and give to those who need it.” Yet

should be the gracious gift itself. As

melt away on another year, we realize

over a third of all gifts and donations

Winston Churchill said, "You make

we are doing pretty well, and we should

come in at the end of the year. Did you

a living by what you make, you make

indeed enjoy the act of giving. If you

ever wonder why that is? Let’s look

a life by what you give." In the Bible,

have always been a giver, whether it

more closely at our motivation.

we learn that God loves a "cheerful

is time, talent or treasure, the act of

giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). In fact, the

giving a gift and being able to see the

Greek word used in that scripture is where we derive the word "hilarious."

and

spiritually.

6

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

joy of the recipient far outweighs the

you could give more, there might be a

gift's value.

ministry area that has specially touched you or your family, or to which you

Giving by the Bunch

are especially committed. You could

By employing the bunching strategy with a donor-advised fund like the Presbyterian Foundation, you can receive the maximum tax benefits while still having the freedom to make grants as you see of needs you

support an area of ministry: children and families, youth, worship and the arts, educational opportunities, one of our mission partners. A gift will make your heart glad: $50, $500 or $5000!

Help Bridge the Gap

can fill. With bunching, you save the deductions you would have made over

Like many congregations, we depend

several years and then group them

on non-pledged giving every year to

together. Donors can now deduct up to

meet our mission. We thank you for

60% of adjusted gross income for cash

your giving and invite you to consider

contributions, and many taxpayers are

giving, if you've not pledged, to

increasing their donations in years

complete your 2019 pledge, if you've

when they will itemize. You should

not yet and are able to, or to consider

consult your tax advisor, of course.

an additional gift.

Help us bridge

the gap so our ministries remain Receiving a tax deduction is likely

accessible to all.

not your main motivation for making charitable

donations,

specifically

"Be Cool"

to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church.

Pinnacle provides an exceptional

If you'd like to help with a specific need,

number of programs and opportunities

let us tell you about one of several we

for its members, families and to

face as our beautiful campus reaches

our greater community. Our Savior

the age of repairs. We all enjoy cool air

Himself told us, “It is more blessed

where we worship, study, fellowship,

to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

and work. Just this year, that's led to

Quite simply, then, our greatest

nearly $45,000 in HVAC repairs and

motivation for cheerful and generous

replacements.

giving should be that it pleases the

amount was not anticipated. Can you

Lord and reflects His gift of salvation to us.

Nearly half of that

help keep us cool this year and help meet those expenses?

If you have not had a chance to support

related opportunities also mentioned

GEORGE COLBERG and his wife, Robin, joined Pinnacle in September 2018. He served as an elder and on the stewardship committee at Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church in San Diego. George is CEO and co-founder of Kalos Therapeutics, a biomedical

our general ministries yet, or feel that

on page 13 of this publication.

company. He enjoys golf and travel.

SPECIFIC YEAR-END

As you consider your year-end giving

OPPORTUNITIES

opportunities, we hope that all

Show Gratitude for Ministry

Pinnacle families will participant in a meaningful way, including mission-

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

7

Hymns Favorite

PART TWO OF A SIX PART SERIES AS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS RECALL THEIR FAVORITE HYMNS.

8

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

BY MARGARET EBERT How can a person who was born

God to earth descendeth, Our full

wonderful hymns to sing. Then

into the church and steeped in

homage to demand.

again I can listen to many versions of

church music for a life-time choose

it on electronic devices. But most of

a favorite Christmas hymn? There

King of kings yet born of Mary, As of

all, I can shut my eyes and hear my

are so many to choose from. It could

old on earth He stood, Lord of lords,

sixteen-year-old self singing with that

be Silent Night, Away in the Manger,

in human vesture, In the body and the

lovely choir:

O Come all Ye Faithful, O Little Town

blood, He will give to all the faithful

of Bethlehem or any of the top ten

His own self for heavenly food.

favorites of Christians everywhere.

However, my favorite is not in the top ten and probably not in the top forty. My favorite Christmas hymn comes from the 4th century liturgy of St. James with a haunting, chant -like melody. How did this come to be when as a child my favorite hymn was I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day taken from a poem by Longfellow?

I was 16 years old and a senior in high school. I had just been hired in my first professional job as a choir singer at the large and impressive First Presbyterian Church of Detroit. As Christmas approached I was thrilled to be singing Handel’s Messiah for the first time with this outstanding church choir. On the first Sunday of Advent the choir gathered at the back of the large, old sanctuary which was filled with worshipers in heavy winter coats. The snow and wind

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Lord Most High.

At His feet the six winged seraph; Cherubim, with sleepless eye, Veil their faces to the presence, As with ceaseless voice they cry, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Lord Most High!

At the last sound, as those voices lifted into the silence, I was smitten.

I was overwhelmed by the awe and majesty of that moment.

A few years before this took place my

older

sister,

her

husband

and two children were killed in a terrible accident on Christmas Eve. Our family was torn by grief. We continued to keep Christmas even though it was not easy to sing all those joyful Christmas carols. That hymn, telling the whole story of the mystery and miracle of Jesus' birth, filled me with hope and joy. The personal grief I carried was lifted.

were raging outside. The Prelude

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent has

ended and the choir began to sing:

been and always will be my favorite Christmas hymn. At Christmas

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,

I won’t hear it in the elevators or

And with fear and trembling stand;

played by a Salvation Army band

Ponder nothing earthly minded, For

on the street corner or maybe not

with blessing in His hand, Christ our

even in church as there are so many

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

MARGARET McLEOD EBERT was raised in Michigan in a Scottish Presbyterian family. She received her Bachelor of Music from Alma College, a Presbyterian College in Michigan.

She has devoted her life to singing and teaching music. As a professional church musician she was pleased to be the soloist and director of music at Pinnacle in the early years. She and her husband attend Pinnacle regularly.

In 2018, along with Brent Hylton, Margaret was named Music Director Emerita.

9

the beautiful

Mystery

10

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

BY REV BRAD MUNROE

Martin Luther described the Beautiful

say to me that something I did for you

Mystery of Christmas this way: “The

was nice. Don't you know that you're

miracle of the incarnation is not that

a part of me?"1

a child could be born of a virgin, but that Mary was willing to receive the

Don't you know that you're a part

gift of God and bear the Christ Child

of me? In reflecting upon this

as a gift to the world.” God turned

experience, Cynthia says this was

Mary’s life upside-down and inside-

the first time she understood parents

out such that she became the God-

weren't just people who did things to

bearer, literally birthing God into the

take care of you, but that there was a

world. In a similar way, Christmas

deep, abiding kinship that can never

invites our perceptions of reality to

be taken away. This, my friends, is

be viewed through new eyes, through

the Beautiful Mystery of Christmas:

God-eyes, seeing what will be as if it

God comes to us, God becomes of

already is, bringing God’s future into

us, to help us understand that God is

our world’s present. Christmas begins

more than someone who takes care of

with Immanuel—God with us—and

us, but that there is a deep, abiding

continues with God through us.

kinship that can never be taken away.

The Beautiful Mystery of Christmas

The Beautiful Mystery of Christmas

is one we approach by poor analogy

is that God turns God’s very own self

from our own experience. My friend

upside-down. The glory of God is

Cynthia tells of when she was a

now found in the humility of Jesus.

teenager going through her "distant

The power of God is now found in

thing" with her mom. Cynthia wasn't

the love of Jesus. The wrath of God

a bad kid, just didn't want to have

is now found in the cross of Jesus.

anything to do with her mom so kept

The victory of God is now found in

her at arm's length. One day her mom

the willingness of our human hearts

did something for her, and as Cynthia

to be like Mary and allow God to be

walked through the kitchen, she said

born into the world through us. Are

in kind of a glib, mildly surprised, off-

we willing to birth God anew into our

hand sort of way, "Gee, Mom, that was

world?

a nice thing for you to do." Her mom stewed for a moment before saying, "Cynthia L. Rigby, you get back here right now!" Cynthia returned to the kitchen with a sort of "what do you

The Beautiful Mystery of Christmas can seem impossible, even to us who trust in that which we cannot yet see. And it is only the beginning of

want now" expression on her face.

Her mom ignored it, "Don't you ever Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

continued on bottom of page 12 11

the mysteries we encounter as God

of threats everywhere. Are we one climate

footnotes: 1Cynthia L. Rigby, "Advent

becomes Immanuel in our lives.

catastrophe away from annihilation?

Workshop,"

Will Willimon tells the story of the

Austin

Presbyterian

Theological Seminary, October 21,

distressed young man who came

Your world seems a bit darker this

to see him because he was losing

Christmas. But you were born in the

his faith. "I have problems with the

dark, right? You came at night. The

2

virgin birth of Jesus," the young man

shepherds were nightshift workers. The

of Preaching Incarnation," Journal of

told him. Willimon suggested he stick

Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries

Preachers. XXII/1, Advent, 1999, p.9.

with Mark's gospel because in Mark

were heard in the shadows. To see your

there is no talk one way or another

face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle

of Jesus' birth. But the young man persisted, "Don't I have to believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus?" "Well, sure," Willimon finally admitted, "we ask you to believe in the virginal conception of Jesus, and, if we can get you to swallow that without choking, then there's no telling what else we can get you to believe. Come back next week, and we'll try to convince you that human power is illusory and

1999.

William Willimon, "The Challenge

“

Come back next week and we'll try to convince you that human power is illusory and wealth more illusory still, that God, not nations, rules the world, and that the greatest thing you can do with your life is empty yourself and die.

wealth more illusory still, that God, not nations, rules the world, and that

flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's

the greatest thing you can do with

jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression.

your life is empty yourself and die.

Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

You see, we like to start you out with

Herod went on a rampage, killing

something fairly small, like the virgin

babies. Joseph took you and your mom

birth, then work you up to even more

into Egypt. You were an immigrant

outrageous claims."2

before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark

DR. BRAD MUNROE is a Pastor to the Presbytery for Grand Canyon and de Cristo presbyteries. Brad earned his M.Div. from Princeton Seminary and his D.Min. from San Francisco Seminary, receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Ministry award for his thesis on blended worship.

world of your day. Won't you enter ours?

Prayer:

We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like

Dear Jesus, it's a good thing you were

the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.

born at night. This world sure seems

This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help

dark. I have a good eye for silver

us, be born anew in us—and through

linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

us—anew. Amen.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated. The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear 12

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

SAVe-the-date

BY REV KELSY BROWN

November 24 Alternative Gift Market

e v i t a n r e t l A Market Gift

Gift giving is an important part of

ministries. Within our three areas

Christmas. Each year friends and

of mission we have opportunities to

family exchange carefully chosen

provide a meal to a homeless person,

gifts. Some are practical, others

a month’s salary for a teacher in

fun, many unique and wished for

Haiti, or a ceiling fan for a Habitat

presents. These gifts ultimately are

home. These financial donations

given to represent the love Christ

will be given to each organization to

shared with us in His birth on

spread Jesus’ Christmas gift of love to

Christmas day. Jesus’ gift of life-

others. We hope you will help.

changing grace, love and hope is not meant to be ours alone. It is to be

Last year at our first Alternative Gift

shared with others.

Market we collected almost $8,000 to support our Homelessness, Haitian

ITUDE

RAT S OF G 'S GIFT

CLE PINNA

The mission committee at Pinnacle

and Community partners. This year

encourages each of us to share

before you start shopping online or

the amazing gift of Christ’s love

spend hours at the mall to find the

at our Alternative Gift Market. By

perfect gift, shop our giving catalog,

purchasing alternative gifts, your

visit us online at pinnaclepres.org/

gifts under the Christmas tree will

serve, or on Sunday, November 24,

not only give to your loved ones but

following the 10 am service in the

will multiply and offer hope, new life

Fellowship Hall. With your purchase

and grace to those in need.

you will receive a card explaining that this gift is not only for your loved

Each of the gifts are vital to our

one but for another person in need

Pinnacle partner, and we have worked

too. Thank you for supporting these

with them to come up with items

awesome people and ministries!

that would be life-giving to their

In addition, watch for details about these and other wonderful opportunities in upcoming Sunday bulletins and your weekly e-newsletter.

Angel Pinnacle’s 26th Annual Christmas

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

Tree

13

Taits Dedicate Multi-Generations to Military Service

Family

it runs

in the

14

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

BY JOAN FUDALA Canadian Forces veteran Bill Tait was

two tours in Iraq. He was hit by

Communication is key to keeping

a natural for career military service.

Improvised Explosive Devices on

families together. The Taits, however,

“It’s just kind of something our family

both tours and was Medevac’d to

pointed out that the methods have

did.” That’s truly an understatement,

Balboa Naval Hospital on his second

changed from one generation to the

as his extended family has served in

tour and left the Marine Corps

next. Bill and Angie kept in touch

the Canadian and U.S. armed forces

with a disability shortly after. Their

via flimsy, blue military mail letters

over many decades.

daughter Stefanie, having grown

when he was deployed; TJ kept in

up as a ‘military brat,’ married TJ

touch with family via Skype during

Bill’s three uncles and several cousins

McClintock,

enforcement

his assignment in South Korea; and

had served in the Canadian Forces.

specialist in the U.S Army. He is

Robert kept in touch via satellite

Bill, a native of Saskatchewan, joined

currently attending Arizona State

phone.

the Canadian Army in 1975, and

University in the Green & Gold

shortly after, met his wife Angie.

Program to earn his degree and a

“The military is never far from our

Her father was serving in the Black

commission as a U.S. Army officer.

hearts,” Bill explained on behalf of

a

law

his family. “Military service has been

Watch, a highlander unit in Canada; she had grown up on military posts

The Taits moved to Scottsdale in

and was accustomed to the rigors of

2000 and the entire family became

military family life.

members of Pinnacle Presbyterian

PHOTO - Page 14 Top (Left to right)

Church.

TJ McClintock holding son Connor,

Selected for commissioning, Bill

such a big part of our lives.”

Stephanie Tait McClintock, Kayleigh

transitioned from field artillery to

“The military is like one big family,”

McClintock, Angie Tait and Bill Tait.

assignments in anti-terrorism and

Angie Tait said. “It’s very much like

Below, Bill Tait, Robert Tait and TJ

other operations. He served on the

a church community in that respect,

McClintock.

Joint Terrorism Task Force at the

but it was still a culture shock when

1976 Montreal Olympics, and served

Bill retired and we lived among

in operations in Europe, the Middle

civilians for the first time.”

East and the Caribbean. He was on the Joint Staff at Canadian Army

Bill, Angie, Stefanie and TJ point to

headquarters in Ottawa when he

many impacts life in the military has

retired from the army in 1995. As a

had on their lives and family. “It gives

civilian, he has been a sought-after

you a new perspective on what a ‘bad

expert on anti-terrorism, working for

day’ really can be,” TJ said. Bill gives

contractors in Atlanta and in Yuma

much credit to military families,

for the U.S. Marine Corps. Currently,

especially his own. “Military life is

he provides active shooter training

so hard on families; it makes you or

for various clients.

breaks you. Spouses have to take on so much responsibility when the

Continuing the family tradition,

military member is deployed.

It’s

Bill and Angie’s son Robert joined

vital to work as a well-oiled team.

JOAN FUDALA is an author and community historian. She’s been a member of Pinnacle for five years, serving as a trustee on the Pinnacle Foundation board, and co-chair for Amigo’s group.

Veterans Recognition Sunday, November 10 11:10 am | The Green Please join us in recognizing the men and women who served this country past and present. Poppies will be distributed.

the U.S. Marine Corps and served Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

15

what

child is this?

BY REV DR MICHAEL HEGEMAN Imagine if you were a Christian

the only Christian. Only two of the

Jesus being ‘born of a woman and

who had never heard the Christmas

gospel writers, Matthew and Luke,

born under the law’ (Gal. 4:4). Other

story. You would have never heard

tell the story. The other two, Mark

than at the opening of Matthew and

about the shepherds, the angels, the

and John, seem unconcerned with

Luke, the New Testament seems

wise men, the star, the animals, the

the tales of Jesus’ birth. John does

quite unconcerned with Jesus’ birth.

crowded inn, the manger, the danger

say, “In the beginning was the Word

The major story is Jesus’ death and

of Herod, or the wonderment of it all

and…the Word was made flesh and

resurrection.

that Jesus’ mother Mary treasured

dwelt among us,” but it’s not quite

in her heart. Hearing all this for

the Christmas story we know. Mark

Many of the early Christians only

the first time, you might say, “Wait

simply starts us off with John the

had the letters of Paul to read and

a minute. I’ve been gypped. How

Baptist’s preaching in the wilderness

maybe the Gospel of Mark. Think

come I’ve never been told all this?”

and the adult Jesus showing up to

of that: there were some Christians

You just might feel like you had been

be baptized. On top of that, besides

who probably never heard the

left out of the greatest story ever told.

the gospel writers, no other New

narratives of Jesus’ birth, and they

Testament writer makes reference

certainly never heard of Christmas

Well, if you’d never heard the

to Jesus’ birth at all (except for the

(the celebration of the birth of Jesus

Christmas story, you certainly weren’t

apostle Paul’s quick reference to

on December 25 doesn’t really begin

16

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

until the early 300’s A.D.) Yet without

He will deliver His people from

being raised from the dead, liberating

the Christmas stories, they were able

their sins.” We hear that the God

the cosmos from its estrangement

to be Christians…and fully so. They

who delivered the Hebrew people

from God, has a back story. Jesus

knew of the teaching and healing

from slavery in Egypt is still in the

was real and really human. He was a

work Jesus did. They knew about

emancipation business. This Jesus,

baby, and yet still the fullness of God

Jesus’ mission to “bring good news

born poor and vulnerable, is the one

was present with Him in His birth.

to the poor and release to those held

through whom God will rescue all

All this we celebrate at Christmas.

captive.” They knew of the saving act of God on the cross.

So, what do we gain, we who are practically bombarded by Christmas these days? First of all we have to separate out what the world celebrates at this time of year and what our

“

The God of the universe has taken “naked, servant shape” and chosen to dwell among us.

Christian faith proclaims. The world gives us Santa and evergreen trees and lights and presents and “Walkin’

humanity from their captivity to sin,

This

Christmas

remember

the

in a Winter Wonderland.” I truly love

darkness, evil, and oppression.

angel’s word, “Hail, most highly favored. Fear not, I bring you tidings of

a lot of what we do, we who are part of the world, to celebrate Christmas. It’s

The birth stories put Jesus into

great joy.” Remember the joy of God’s

fun. It’s magical. But what we hear as

context of all of Hebrew history to

saving work among us, share it with the

people of faith in the birth narratives

that point, so that we hear that the

world, and “treasure all these things in

that we don’t hear elsewhere is this:

creating God of the cosmos, the God

your heart.”

in Jesus, God is Emmanuel (God

of history and eternity, the God of

with us). The God of the universe

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God

has taken “naked, servant shape” and

of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel, cares

chosen to dwell among us. We learn

enough about us, that this Jesus,

that Jesus’ very identity is caught up

“who though He was in the form of

in the saving, redeeming, liberating

God, did not consider equality with

work of God. An angel comes to

God as something to be exploited,

Joseph in a dream and says, “Do not

but emptied Himself, being found in

be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for

human likeness, being born a slave”

she will bear a son, conceived by the

(Phil 2), this Jesus, at His birth,

Holy Spirit, and you shall give Him

brings the fullness of God’s creating,

the name Jesus, for He will save His

saving, and sustaining love to all

people from their sins.” (Matt 1:21)

humanity.

The name Jesus (Yehoshua) means salvation/deliverance/

The Jesus, who was condemned

redemption.” It’s like the angel said,

for sedition, crucified and buried,

“Call Him Deliverance, because

bearing the sin of the world, and

“God

is

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

DR. MICHAEL HEGEMAN holds a Ph.D. in Preaching and New Testament Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary, and Master’s degrees in Divinity and Theology. Mike taught speech and preaching courses at Princeton Seminary for ten years.

He currently leads adult education at Pinnacle, where he serves as Minister in Education and Associate Director for the Fran Park Center for Faith & Life.

In October 2019, Mike was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

17

PINNACLE

PEEPS

MINISTRY Highlight Art Wall

BY DAVID ALLEN

Butterflies have often been associated with new beginnings and transformation.

They are deep and powerful representations of life and many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. Christians see the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection.

Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life. There is no doubt the butterfly has significant meanings to us.

Gaines Smith Q. How long have you attended Pinnacle?

A. 17 years

Perhaps you’ve noticed the first of many visual arts installations on our newly installed gallery system in the Sanctuary hallway. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, you must! And, if you guessed butterflies as the basis for this installation, then you guessed correctly! This gallery system makes possible countless visual art opportunities for Pinnacle.

Q. Where are you from originally?

This first installation highlights the work of LUDVIC, a painter and sculptor,

A. Kentucky

known for the diversity of works he creates. From paintings in abstraction, portraiture, still life foods and westerns, to sculptures made from scrap steel

Q. Are you a dog or cat person?

and old American tools, his work has been featured in numerous museums

A. Dog; have one now and looking for another!

and galleries nationally and internationally. Solo exhibits in Arizona include the

Q. What is your best-loved book or movie and why?

LUDVIC, is a Coptic Egyptian, born in Sudan. He and his wife Lauren have

A. Jane Austin is my favorite author and Pride and Prejudice was her best book.

Desert Caballeros Western Art Museum, and Desert Botanical Gardens.

found Pinnacle to be a warm and inviting congregation and are thrilled to offer this installation as a gift to the community.

Over the years the symbol of the butterfly has appeared in LUDVIC’s artwork.

Q. What would others be surprised to learn about you?

For the artist, this symbol is part of his creative DNA, as the butterfly appears in

A. I saw a beautiful Kenyan sunrise from a hot air balloon over the Masi Mara while photographing animals starting their morning.

of works on the subject. For the artist, these evoke a sense of new beginnings, a

art from Pharaonic times. The butterflies on view are from his most recent series new and hopeful way of looking at life. Through these works he reminds us of the fragility of life and the perseverance of even the smallest creatures will to live.

Using nature as a departure point, LUDVIC’s Butterflies are ultimately virtual creations, or in the artists’ words, “butterflies of the mind.” He creatively and playfully interprets the qualities of the butterfly, their beauty, form and the happiness they bring to our lives.

18

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

Meet Our Newest Members Being a member of Pinnacle is an invitation to be part of a family that together strives to live out our Biblical responsibilities to love, serve and encourage.

Stephen & Anna Edwards Granddaughter, Aurora

Jane Linville

Jackie Purnell

Beth McGrath

Mike & Alice Vacala

NEW

CONNECTIONS MEMBERSHIP CLASS Sunday, November 17

11:30 am | Fellowship Hall Room 4

Pinnacle Vistas • November/December 2019

19

A musical favorite in the

High Sonoran Desert of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Pinnacle Concert Series

2019-2020 Season Calendar Thursday, October 10, 2019 | 7:00 pm Sunday, December 8, 2019 True Concord Voices 4:00 & 7:00 pm “Shakespeare in Song” Celebration of Christmas Saturday, October 26, 2019 | 6:30 pm Sunday, December 15, 2019 | 3 pm Phantom of the Organ Handel’s Messiah The Phoenix Symphony & Chorus Friday, November 15, 2019 | 7:00 pm Dr. Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler, organ Friday, January 31, 2020 | 7:00 pm "Discovering Poland" One of These Nights: Eagles Tribute Band

– at a glance

Friday, March 20, 2020 | 7:00 pm 3 International Tenors Thursday, March 26, 2020 | 7:00 pm True Concord Voices & Orchestra Bach B-Minor Mass Sunday, April 19, 2020 | 3:00 pm Dr. Kimberly Marshall, organ Bach the Italian

TICKETS NOW ON SALE Tickets | www.PinnacleConcerts.org or 480-303-2474