Pinnacle Vistas - Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

PINNACLE

VISTAS

MEET ERIK! MIKE CONKLIN | p4

SUMMER READING BINGE WATCHING PASTORS & PROGRAM STAFF | p12

LOG COLLEGE BEN SIDOTI | p18

THE ROLE OF A STEPHEN MINISTER MEL STEELE | p20

PINNACLE

VISTAS is a quarterly 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

Through Thessalonians ONLINE | $40/person suggested donation Wednesdays, June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 | 5:00 pm (MST) In the midst of what the Aetna Insurance Company has called a “loneliness epidemic,” which has only been exacerbated by a global pandemic, with political polarization of historic magnitude eroding connections, we could all use a primer on how to build a robust community. That’s what the apostle Paul did for a living. Join Dr. Allen Hilton as he offers everyday Christians help with their high-degree-of-difficulty task of being faithful in these atomized American days. Sign up: https://franparkcenter.org/events

VBS June 6 - 10 Road Trip w/ Allen Hilton June 8 - July 13

We are collecting for Vista del Camino’s Back-to-School community outreach program. High school is their greatest need at this time.

Youth Day Trip - Lava Tubes June 18

Check out our Amazon list at https://tinyurl.com/2p87ta33.

Youth Mission Trip to Mexico June 23 - 26

You can also make a donation to Pinnacle with “Backpack Drive” in the memo line.

REQUESTED ITEMS:

Fourth of July Celebration July 3 Wild About God Camp July 25 - 29 Splash Sunday August 21 Sing for Life Resumes September 8 Confirmation Retreat September 10

Backpacks (priority item) 3-Ring Binders (priority item) Wooden & Mechanical Pencils Composition notebooks Spiral notebooks Filler Paper Erasers, Eraser Caps Pencil Case or Pouch Red, Black, and Blue pens

Markers (8 pack) Crayons (24 pack) Colored Pencils Sharpies Rulers Index Cards Folders Glue Sticks Highlighters

BACKPACK DRIVE Drop off in the Chapel & Sanctuary Narthex by July 3

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Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

TRACINGS A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR, WES AVRAM Friends!

Impact. It's a word used a lot in business

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,

circles these days.

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,

Commercial

impact. Social influence impact. Social media impact.

and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23).

Financial impact.

Environmental

Here in this issue of Vistas, we have

Churches carry the word

several articles about impact right here

in their name. Websites do too. If

at Pinnacle. We learn about impact

you want your business to sound

of mission opportunities, education,

like it's doing something, making

ministers

a difference, changing the world,

worship, children, and community

influencing change, leaving a legacy,

among generations.

and worth investing in—there are few

glimpse of the fruit this impact bears,

better words to use to catch attention

the good it creates, and the future it

than impact.

shows us. Here is a taste of God's

Emotional impact. impact.

and

their

ministries,

And we get a

Kingdom, right here and right now.

In a cursory view of dictionaries online, I see several definitions of the

Enjoy. And come join us this summer

word. Some assume impact is always

and this fall: to have impact and to be

a positive and worthwhile, even if

impacted, for God's sake.

sudden, effect. But some, to be more accurate, are more neutral, or even

Blessings,

cautionary: impact is a sudden force, two things colliding, force, shock, packing things firmly together.

Wes Avram

I suppose it could go both ways.

Impact is valued by what comes of it.

In scripture, things happen suddenly, for sure. They have impact and they have effect. Impact is often measured, though, not by the effect it has suddenly—but by what effect it has over time. By what fruit it bears, what good it creates, what future it unfolds

DR. WESLEY AVRAM has served as Pastor at Pinnacle since 2009.

or Kingdom it establishes. Its fruit is Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

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GETTING to KNOW The Rev. Erik Khoobyarian

BY MIKE CONKLIN In a move both enthusiastically and

credentials, Rev. Khoobyarian brings

Interdisciplinary Studies. Following,

unanimously approved by Pinnacle

this distinctive background to the

he enrolled at Santa Clara University

leaders, following a year-long search

Pinnacle pulpit: For more than a

School of Law and, upon graduation

Rev. Erik Khoobyarian has been

decade, he practiced law before

in 2003, began his career as a lawyer.

named the new executive associate

enrolling in theological seminary. “I

pastor.

find definite parallels between these

In his legal practice, he represented

two callings,” he said.

clients in all stages of dispute resolution

“Our Pastoral Search Committee

including

negotiations,

worked very hard to determine the

Erik was raised in the San Jose area in

mediations, and litigation leading up

most effective way to find and vet top

California, in what is well known as

to, and including, courtroom trials.

candidates,” said Fred Brown, Elder

Silicon Valley, and, as a youth, he was

for Ministry Group. “Their work gave

extremely active in the Presbyterian

“I was able in my law practice to see

us both an extraordinary individual

Church of Los Gatos. This included

people and hear their stories in some

and addition to our church.”

attending camps, work trips, advisor/

of the most difficult times of their

leadership roles, and, as early as

lives,” he said. “I saw myself as being

Senior Pastor Rev. Wesley Avram,

12 years old, served on all-church

both a serious attorney and counselor

speaking in a letter to the congregation,

committees. He was a head usher

who builds a case. I continue to see

said: “Erik will help us make progress

before graduating from high school.

that role as a pastor.”

we’ve been eager to work on for some

He enrolled at American University in

At the same time, he served important

time, but time has not allowed.”

Washington D.C., where he received

lay roles at his Los Gatos church,

a Bachelor degree in 1998 with a

Synod of the Pacific and with the

double major in Political Science and

Presbytery of San Jose. This included

in areas of ministry development

In addition to outstanding pastoral

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Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

chairing the Presbytery’s Committee

contributed significantly to the life of

Fred Brown pointed to the incoming

on Ministry and serving as a member

the seminary.”

pastor’s experiences as a lay leader

of its Permanent Judicial Committee.

being especially important in his Rev. Khoobyarian comes to Pinnacle

selection. “Having both administrative

Rev. Khoobyarian left the legal field in

from the Presbyterian Church of

and pastoral work is very helpful.”

2015 to attend Princeton Theological

Western Springs in Illinois, a Chicago

Seminary. This change took him on a

suburb. He was the senior pastor

Fred said another pastor search is in

journey that led to a Master of Divinity

there, starting in that role at the

the offing. In this case, it is to fill the

degree and significant, related pastoral

350-member church in the summer

role of Associate Pastor for Family

experiences.

of 2018 after graduation. He also

Ministries and Congregational Life.

served on two Presbytery of Chicago

This position had been held on a

commissions.

temporary basis by Associate Pastor

His transition drew attention from The Quad, the seminary’s popular

Terilyn Lawson, who left in May to

news and feature site. Under the

“I’ve learned that many people lead

headline “From Law to Theology: One

assume a commission as a Navy

integrated lives and some put up

Graduate’s 20-year Path to Ministry,”

chaplain.

walls,” he said. “My work is to show

the story said:

that there needs to be an integration.”

Meanwhile

Dr.

Ilona

Kubiaczyk-

Adler, formerly the “acting” Director

“Erik worked on building community

Rev. Khoobyarian calls this a pivotal

at PTS through dorm life, making

of Ministries in Music and the Arts,

time for the ministry, which provides

sure new students were ‘seen’ and

by vote of the Session has had the

Pinnacle great opportunity of adding

welcomed. Living in a dorm also

word “acting” eliminated from her

to its rich history of being a church that

provided an opportunity to have

title. “She is the right person at the

invites everyone to hear God’s story

meaningful conversations with his

right time to take the helm of our

and experience God’s love through

fellow seminarians, which gave Erik

intergenerational ministries in music

the life of Jesus Christ. “When I heard

an even stronger appreciation for

and arts,” said Rev. Avram.

about the Executive Associate Pastor

the PTS community. He received

position opening, I became excited. I

the Friar Award for his efforts which is given to a graduate who has

What’s next?

am looking forward to working with Rev. Avram, in his announcement

the fantastic Pinnacle staff.”

letter, said that, in addition to general pastoral work, Erik will focus

on

specific

administrative

duties. These include the operations, finances, facilities and day-to-day organization of our ministries. He’ll have supervisory oversight of selected areas.

He added that Erik will both help us make progress in areas of ministry development we’ve been eager to work on for some time but time has not allowed. His addition will also free him, as pinnacle’s Senior Pastor, Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

5

to concentrate on areas of ministry development needed for some time in Pinnacle’s young life as a congregation in our changing world.

“Once I learned about this position at Pinnacle,” said Erik, “I became excited about the ways that the vision of the Session aligned with my call to the ministry. I’m very excited to join the church.”

Q: Where did you grow up?

I return to often is The Magician’s

A: I was born and raised in San Jose,

Nephew by C.S. Lewis (part of the

California where I lived until going

Chronicles of Narnia series). This book

to college in Washington, DC. I was

captivates me and has more than once

raised by my parents Milt & Jo Ann

changed my outlook on the world and

with my siblings Kristin and Stephen.

on my understanding of how God calls

I hope you’ll have the chance to meet

us to take chances and experience life

them along with my sister-in-law

in ways that might surprise us.

Nikki.

PHOTOS - Page 5, Rev. Khoobyarian at his former congregation in Western Springs; page 6, Erik with his parents, Milt & Jo Ann.

MIKE CONKLIN a member of Pinnacle since 2013 with his wife, Diane, was a long-time Chicago

Q: Hobbies?

Tribune journalist. He left the Tribune

Q: Who has had the biggest

A: I enjoy camping, hiking, cooking,

to join the DePaul University faculty,

influence on your life and why?

wine, BBQ, and watching professional

where he taught and helped found

A: I’m extremely close with my

hockey. I also love photography,

its journalism department. Now he

parents and while I think this is an

especially nature photography which

teaches part-time, writes, volunteers

obvious answer for most people, for

has the dual benefit of an artistic outlet

and hikes a lot.

me my parents have truly been my

and getting me outside into God’s

biggest encouragers and supporters

creation!

at each stage of my life. They have influenced the way I care for others

Q: What is your favorite dessert?

and modeled for me the honest faith

A: A few years ago I gave up sugar

journey.

and most carbohydrates to help me promote better health. This worked

Q: The Bible withstanding, what is

well for me because I do love cheese

your favorite book and why?

and I’ve embraced the cheese plate as

A: I do love to read and I think my

a glorious dessert! I also enjoy a cup of

favorite book is a moving target! But

fresh berries with unsweetened whipped

perhaps the most consistent book that

cream on occasion.

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Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

Vista del Camino

Pinnacle Mission Partner for 32 years

BY JOAN FUDALA Nearly 20,000 people live below the

food for Vista’s Pet Pantry and

“I take about 8-12 bags of non-

poverty level in “affluent” Scottsdale,

donations through the Arizona Tax

perishable food per month to Vista

and when financial crises occur, they

Credit program. The weekly church

Del Camino,” Christie Slegers, PPC

turn to Vista Del Camino for food

bulletin announces what food item

Deacon who is the liaison between

and other emergency assistance,

is most requested that month so

PPC and Vista Del Camino, said.

seeking a hand up, not a handout.

PPC members can meet specific

“Besides the Food Bank donations,

needs. PPC held several special food

our church does a Back-to-School

Members of Pinnacle Presbyterian

drives during the early months of the

backpack drive and the Christmas

Church began supporting Vista

COVID-19 pandemic to help Vista

Angel Tree that also benefits many

Del Camino programs during the

Del Camino answer unprecedented

families served by Vista Del Camino.

church’s inaugural year 1989-90,

demand due to unexpected job

Vista Del Camino is always very

and have continued to generously

layoffs.

thankful for the generosity of our

provide food, school supplies, pet Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

church.”

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Vista Del Camino is a City of

from

businesses

of it. Vista links them with other

Scottsdale community center that

and groups, and also welcomes

agencies to help them regain self-

provides emergency social services,

funding from Scottsdale Cares (the

sufficiency, such as Jewish Family &

counseling, financial assistance, job

$1-a-month that Scottsdale water/

Children’s Services, Salvation Army,

preparation and recreation programs.

sewer/garbage utility bill customers

Community

Built in 1973 and located at 7700 E.

voluntarily add to their payments)

Arizona Department of Economic

Roosevelt Street, Vista Del Camino

and from tribal gaming grant funds.

Services (DES) for food stamps

houses Scottsdale’s emergency food

SCP/CCCH is a qualified agency to

and AHCCCS for healthcare. Vista

bank, which is stocked solely with

receive Arizona Tax Credit donations

Del Camino can also help resolve

donations from individuals, families,

as one that provides assistance to the

immediate financial crisis needs with

faith organizations, civic groups,

working poor.

rent assistance, utility bill payments

businesses

and

area

individuals,

employee

Services,

the

and transportation vouchers, as well Most people needing emergency

groups.

Legal

as a visit to the career clothing bank.

food are referred to Vista Del Camino In order to provide food as well as

by churches, other social service

After meeting with a Vista Del

rent, utility bill, gasoline voucher and

agencies, school nurses and other

Camino social worker for needs

other emergency financial assistance

City of Scottsdale departments, from

assessment, the individual seeking

at Vista Del Camino, the center

recreation services to senior centers.

emergency food receives a food

receives funds raised by Scottsdale

box

containing

approximately

(formerly

When someone comes to Vista Del

$40 in nourishing items – soup,

Concerned Citizens for Community

Camino in need of emergency food

canned vegetables, canned meat,

Health, or CCCH), a non-profit

or other assistance, they meet first

beans, pasta, cereal, peanut butter,

organization founded in 1975 to

with a social worker.

macaroni and cheese, rice and

meet unmet needs in Scottsdale.

worker looks at how the person or

canned fruit.

Scottsdale

Partners

family got into their crisis situation,

bag of miscellaneous food items,

receives a majority of its donations

then helps them find ways to get out

depending on what’s been donated

Community

Partners

Community

The social

They also receive a

recently. They can also receive baby food, formula, paper products and toiletries. Individuals and families can request emergency food boxes up to four times a year to get them through a crisis, not for long-term sustenance. Since July 2021, Vista Del Camino has distributed 1,440 emergency food boxes as well as 59 bags of ready-to-eat food for the homeless.

An additional 1,511

“Healthy Packs” – weekend food for students that are identified in the Scottsdale Unified School District as perhaps going hungry all weekend without weekday school meals – have been distributed, thanks to 8

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

support from Scottsdale Community Partners.

To keep basic emergency food boxes stocked, Vista Del Camino has a high-priority item wish list for community donations: peanut butter, jam/jelly, cereal, soup, diced tomatoes, canned tuna/chicken and Hamburger Helper. They also need paper products like toilet paper and paper towels.

Besides the annual Back-to-School program – which distributed school supplies

in

backpacks

to

over

1,000 students last year – Vista Del Camino and Scottsdale Community Partners host two other programs that link families in need with caring neighbors − the Thanksgiving and

Christmas

programs.

Adopt-A-Family

The

Thanksgiving

program provides eligible Scottsdale families with a special holiday meal provided by adopting donors who

in serving Scottsdale residents by

bring their food to Vista Del Camino

staffing the food bank, helping

for distribution. The Christmas

with the Adopt-a-Family programs

program

needs

and other duties. After a break in

of children – Vista staff provides

volunteer staffing due to COVID

adopters a short biography about the

protocols, Vista Del Camino is again

(anonymous) family, including gift

welcoming those helping hands.”

emphasizes

the

suggestions and clothing sizes for the children. Donors are asked to

Your food donations are always

provide gifts or a gift certificate from

welcome on the racks located in

a local store for each child, plus a

the Sanctuary building at PPC. For

turkey or ham for the holiday dinner.

more information on how to make an in-kind or monetary donation, or

“Community

volunteers

an

volunteer at Vista Del Camino, see

essential ingredient at Vista Del

www.scottsdalecommunitypartners.

Camino,”

Services

org, or call Vista Del Camino, 480-

Manager Rachel Smetana. “They

312-2323 Monday through Friday

ensure the center’s personal touch

during regular business hours.

said

Human

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

are

JOAN FUDALA is an author and community historian. She’s been a member of Pinnacle since 2012, serving as a trustee on the Pinnacle Foundation board, and co-chair for Amigo’s group.

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Treasures in Pinnacle’s Field

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Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

BY DR. LORRAINE BRUGH The kingdom of heaven is like treasure

I found there was more. In the chapel

a variety of African and Latin drums,

hidden in a field. When a man found

is a beautiful smaller instrument,

enough for a drum circle. What

it, he hid it again, and then in his joy

built

resources they are for experiencing

went and sold all he had and bought

instrument.

that field. ~ Matthew 13:44

would love to have an instrument

instruments! They have enhanced

as

an

American

Many

classic

congregations

global

music

with

indigenous

of this quality in their sanctuary.

Over the past months, I have come

our teaching of global hymns from

We have it in our chapel, and put

to think of Pinnacle as a field with

our new hymnal Glory to God

it to good use for Sunday worship,

many treasures, some visible, and

numerous times. Using them allows

smaller services, and teaching. It is

some hidden. Some of the treasures

us to hear new hymns more like they

also a treasure. Where else would we

are people; some are events, and

would have originally sounded.

find two organs in one place?

some are material objects that help us create a church here.

All these treasures remain hidden, Speaking of twos, do you know

though, until we use them in

Pinnacle owns two sets of handbells I

worship. The real treasures are all

and 2 sets of hand chimes? One is

encountered here was the sanctuary

the people who use their gifts to sing

used for the adult Pinnacle Pealers

organ. Unlike any other in the valley,

and play in our worship. The chancel

and experienced youth, and is of the

it was built to replicate 18th century

choir, the youth, children, and even

highest quality. The other set is used

organs, which are considered to

preschoolers learn how to offer their

by the children, so they can learn the

be the height of organ-building.

musical gifts to God. What a treasure

techniques of ringing without fear of

Between the key and the pipe there

each one is. Thanks be to God!

damaging the most expensive bells.

is no electricity. Rather the organist

On Easter Sunday both sets were

actually opens the pallet that lets the

used, as well as hand chimes by the

air into the pipe as she depresses

children. Where else would you find

the key. This allows the organist to

that?

One

of

the

first

treasures

have control over the pipe’s speech, opening the pallet more quickly

Deep in the recesses of the ‘tunnel’

or slowly. This allows for sensitive

(the spaces under the choir seating)

playing and variety in the organ’s

are the steel drums that the youth

touch.

have played this year. There are also

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

LORRAINE BRUGH is Artist in Residence, sharing choral directing, the organ, and other leadership in worship, music, and arts. She has a Bachelor and Masters of Music in organ performance from Northwestern University, and PhD in Religious Studies from NW/Garrett Seminary.

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Long days and warmer temperatures often provide extra opportunities for rest, relaxation and reading. We recently asked Pinnacle Pastors and program staff to share their recommendations for summer reading and binge watching. We hope that you will enjoy all that summer brings, including a good book and fun movie.

SUMMER READING & BINGE WATCHING 12

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

Recommended by Dr. Wesley Avram

Recommended by Rev. Erik Khoobyarian

Recommended by Dr. Michael Hegeman

One serious and one not so much.

First by a sociologist whose books I’ve been reading as part of a project of pastors thinking together about culture, Hartmut Rosa. He writes about the impact of acceleration on our lives. One of his books worth a read is called The Uncontrollability of the World (Polity, 2020).

Did you know that when the Bible refers to doves, they were more likely pigeons? Envisioning the Holy Spirit descending like a flock of pigeons has a whole different meaning, doesn’t it? Consider the Birds is a fascinating journey through scripture and Debbie Blue uses birds as our guide.

As someone who doesn’t know a lot about birds, I learned quite a bit about the various types. I came to love the way she was able to describe the birds and I learned a great deal about the birds in every chapter. And as someone who loves scripture, I continued to be surprised, sometimes a little bit shocked, and always left with some new perspective that has stayed with me. Whether you are a lover of birds or not, and whether or not you have spent much time with scripture, there’s something in this book for everyone. Maybe, like me, you’ll look at pigeons with a little more intrigue (and respect)!

In the last few weeks, I have read a remarkable set of books, recommended to me by friends, church staff, and congregation members. One of these books was the Pulitzer Prize winner All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

This story of two teenagers, one French, one German, takes place in the tumultuous years of WWII. As their respective countries are set on a devastating collision course, blind Marie-Laure’s and orphaned Werner’s lives are set on an intersecting path where something larger appears to guide their every step: an inner longing to see, to know, and to discover that which is beautiful and true. The horrors of humanity’s evil shatter their innocence, yet an inner light draws them together. Anthony Doerr has a genuine gift for capturing the music of human language on the page. Mystery, intrigue, and heroism haunt this compelling story of lives shaped by a light we may never see.

The other book is an amusing read about the history of coffee − from the theological perspective. It’s by Tim Schenck and it's called Holy Grounds: The Surprising Connection between Coffee and Faith - From Dancing Goats to Satan’s Drink (Fortress, 2019).

This one won’t change the world, but if you’re a coffee drinker you'll find it both fun and fascinating.

Only Murders in the Building on Hulu Steve Martin stars, with a great cast, in a delightful, creative, wellwritten, quirky and funny series.

Staring with him are Selena Gomez, Martin Short, Amy Ryan, and Aaron Dominguez, Tina Fey, Nathan Lane, and others.

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

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Recommended by Kelly McGinn

Recommended by Brandon Huenemann

Recommended by Hillary Mackowski

Happy Summer! My summer book choice is The Four Winds by the great Kristen Hannah. This book starts off in my home state of Texas in 1921 with abundance, optimism and hope.

But, this American epic takes a turn for the worse when Elsa Wolcott and her family try to survive during the Great Depression. They must make tough decisions to stay on the land they love or find a better life out west.

The book is about courage, sacrifice, and the American dream.

I was first introduced to Goff as a keynote speaker at the National Youth Workers Convention a few years ago. I found him to be a captivating speaker and left wanting to learn more about him. Love Does is a New York Times bestseller filled with a collection of whimsical and uplifting stories that highlight some of Goff's most memorable and insane experiences.

Sara Young provides an amazing daily devotional. Her latest edition is Jesus Listens, and each story is filled with prayers of peace, joy, and hope.

I love beginning my day with these meaningful insights.

Call the Midwife on Netflix Based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, Call the Midwife tells stories of the moving, funny and colorful journeys of midwifery in the 1950's.

Each episode is its own story which keeps the show fresh. You will certainly be captivated by the love these midwives share to the patients they treat. It's a feel-good series!

The Circle on Netflix The fourth season has been released and I am so excited to watch it! It's a reality show where contestants only communicate using social media. Contestants build strategic alliances with one another in hopes that fellow players will like them and vote to keep them in the game. The catch, contestants can come into the game playing themselves or they can be a catfish. Deceptiveness and strategy are the name of the game.

The winner receives $100,000.

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Joyce Meyer is an amazing teacher sharing her practical interpretation of the Bible. One of her latest is, Battlefield of the Mind for Kids. I highly recommend you to grab a copy, read it, and share it with a child that you love.

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

BRING THE ENTIRE TITHE

INTO THE STOREHOUSE

BY GEORGE COLBERG

The compassionate life is a grateful life, and actions born out of gratefulness are not compulsive but free, not somber, but joyful, and not fanatical but liberating. When gratitude is the source of our actions, our giving becomes receiving, and those to whom we minister become our ministers. (Author unknown)

in control of the church budget and

"Test me in this matter,” says the Lord

the ministries we are serving is God

of Heaven’s Armies, “to see if I will not

making sure we remember “He is in

open for you the windows of heaven and

charge,” and while we are required to

pour out blessing for you until there is

be the hands and feet of God as we

no room for it all. Then I will stop the

are here as His delivery service for

plague from ruining your crops, and the

miracles, not the ones creating the

vine will not lose its fruit before harvest,”

miracle.

says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “All nations will call you blessed, for you

“God promises to meet our needs,

Yet, I have shared we have met our

indeed will live in a delightful land,”

not our budget.” Have you ever heard

budget through the Covid years and

says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

this old saying? I wonder if it was

now as we return to some sense of

penned by a frustrated stewardship

normalcy, we are as usual running

Let’s pour out our blessings on others

chair trying to make the last few gifts

a little behind in our pledges and

try to out-give God and all nations

match up with the annual budget…

trending

will call us blessed.

In refection of this old saw, what

through both fiscal and calendar

catches your eye, or ear? Is our budget

years. God is always good and His

filled with superfluousness, are we

timing is always perfect, so I won’t

ministering to the wrong people? Is

tire you with a request to complete

it that our desire to “do good,” has

your pledges as the year grinds on,

outpaced our ability to do that good?

how about we trust God and follow

Or are we being guided by God to

the words of Malachai 3:10-12 ?

towards

being

short

will never leave us? When we the

“Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse

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

congregants begin to assume we are

so that there may be food in my temple."

company. He enjoys golf and travel.

remember He is always faithful and

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

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RUMMAGE SALE UPDATE

BY MIKE CONKLIN

By just about any measurement, the annual Pinnacle Church rummage sale in March was a big success. The event raised just under $20,000, or approximately $5,000 more than the previous year, and those funds make possible late June’s Pinnacle Youth Mission trip.

“We couldn’t be happier over this year’s sale because it supports such a critical part of our programming,” said

Brandon

Huenemann,

Pinnacle’s Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries. “Our group gets an opportunity to put our faith into action through hands-on projects.

“There were some very high-quality

This year the trip goes to Puerto

donations this year, which greatly

Penasco in Mexico, a coastal city on

For a week leading up to the sale,

helped,” he said. “We also had a lot

the Gulf of California. This will be

Fellowship

adjacent

of volunteers.” This included veteran

the 14th trip made by Pinnacle youth.

buildings and grounds were abuzz

rummage workers as well as a

with

squadron of high schoolers, some of

It’s great for recruitment.”

Hall

rummage

and activity.

Donors

unloaded everything from sporting

whom will make the work trip.

goods and sofas to books and clothing, and volunteers quickly

The volunteer mix was especially

sorted and placed goods in orderly

notable

displays.

rummage leader. Her favorite part

for

Susan

Matura,

a

PHOTO - Above, (l-r) Timothy Matura, Lynn DeHart, Susan Matura, Don DeHart and Julia Matura.

always has been the blending of ages Brandon, in his youth directorship

and generations. “Everyone gets to

role, also serves as rummage sale

know each other better,” she said.

chairman in addition to work trip has seen a Pinnacle youth group

generation effort, a rarity for the

Tribune journalist. He left the Tribune

make

Belize,

sale. In addition to herself, there was

to join the DePaul University faculty,

Chicago, San Francisco, Bahamas,

Lynn and Don DeHart, her snowbird

where he taught and helped found

Houston, Fresno, several Navajo

parents from Massachusetts, and the

its journalism department. Now he

Nation communities and additional

youth group’s Timothy and Julia, her

teaches part-time, writes, volunteers

locations.

son and daughter.

and hikes a lot.

to

own

three-

Diane, was a long-time Chicago

Susan

trips

her

Pinnacle since 2013 with his wife,

leader. Over the years, this event mission

headed

MIKE CONKLIN a member of

16

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

Let the Little Children...

“Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it'.” ~ Luke 18:16-17

BY HILLARY MACKOWSKI Pinnacle’s

goal

with

child

worship. We know God values our

So, as you listen and see our children

development is to help children

children, not only for what they will

taking the lead in church, we hope

grow like Jesus did. We encourage

become in the future, but for who

you’ll realize that, although we are

children to know the truth of their

they are today.

We are honored

the beneficiaries of their gifts, they

worth and potential because they are

so many children have stepped

too are being impacted. How lucky

made in the image of God.

up and stepped into these roles.

are we to be in the path of their

Some, you may notice, are full of

success!

Many of you have noticed our children

confidence. While others are using

taking the lead during worship. We

these opportunities to develop their

have enjoyed the addition of children

strength.

serving as student greeters, acolytes and the reading of the Prayer of

Providing these roles, adding to

Adoration during our 10 am worship.

the culture of children’s structure,

Not only is this an incredibly joyful

gives children a sense of who they

experience for the members and

are. We learn that children respond

guests of the congregation, but we

to cultural influences from birth.

are impacting children and creating

Customs and beliefs around food,

amazing leadership skills.

artistic expression, language, and religion, affect the way children

In the fall of 2019, we began to

develop

think about how we can provide an

physically, and linguistically.

emotionally,

socially,

interactive role for children within Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

PHOTO - Above left Lia Jensen, Above right George Jones.

HILLARY MACKOWSKI serves Pinnacle as Director of Children's & Family Ministries. She is a graduate from Missouri State University and began her Masters of Business Administration at Drury University.

Hillary and her husband, Scott, have four children; Ellie, Ethan, Eli and Emily.

17

WHAT DO CHRISTIANS, JEWS, AND MUSLIMS BELIEVE ABOUT

Eternal Life?

Community THE IMPACT OF

BY BEN SIDOTI Growing up, I was dragged every

the arcade with the older middle and

incredibly powerful sermons and

Sunday morning to church by my

high school kids. I just had a blast.

small group sessions will stay with

parents, often begrudgingly, where I

me forever.

would spend my time in service and

While things have changed since

then go to Sunday School to learn

my induction in 2018, I still am able

For me, Montreat opened up my

about the Bible and the miracles

to find a great sense of community

mind to the sense of a faith-based

of Jesus. Especially as I got older,

in the many adventures that our

community, one that I had never

I thought that this was a bit silly at

youth directors put together for us.

experienced before. The members of

times, and I was super excited to

Nothing so far illustrates this better

our Pinnacle youth group were able

finally join the youth group when it

than our trip last summer to the

to bond very closely over that week,

came time in sixth grade.

Montreat Presbyterian camp.

The

even if we got into the occasional

memories of laughing hysterically at

fight with each other. Being able to

I still remember my “induction”

others in the youth group screaming

be incredibly open with each other

process where I was “kidnapped”

at the TV during the 2021 final

about our struggles with faith, family,

from my karate lessons and taken to

playoff game when Phoenix lost

and school was truly empowering.

Dave and Busters to bowl and play in

the championship, as well as the

Without our youth program, I would

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Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

never have been able to have had this

Because my youth group has been so

congregation. Personally, I greatly

experience, and for that I owe my

impactful to me, I love any opportunity

look forward to who this program

utmost gratitude.

that I get to share these experiences

can touch and bring the light of

with new people. I am also excited to

God’s love into their lives.

The impact my youth group has

share a new youth opportunity called

had on me has extended past one

the Log College Project. This project

time

however.

is in coordination with Princeton

Every Wednesday night, I have the

Theological Seminary’s Institute for

opportunity to look forward to our

Youth Ministry. Pinnacle plans on

“Wednesday Night Unite” program

participating in this program with

that takes place at our local Chipotle.

at least six other churches in the

Not only do I get to satisfy my Chipotle

state. The Log College Project is an

craving on a regular basis, but I also

18-month long program that seeks

get to establish and maintain regular

to rethink and re-imagine what our

friendships with those in my youth

youth programs will look like. I think

group, while keeping my church and

this program is a fantastic way to join

faith as an important part of my life.

youth with other members of our

summer

camps,

PHOTO - Left; (l-r) Caroline Johnson, Laurel Davis, Brandon Huenemann, Ben Sidoti, Lily Rogers & Joe Sidoti.

BEN SIDOTI is finishing up his sophomore year at Cactus Shadows High School. Ben was both baptized and confirmed at Pinnacle. In recent months, Ben has shared his talents playing piano offertories and organ preludes and postludes for the congregation.

LOG COLLEGE YOUTH INITIATIVE The Log College Project is an 18-month program that brings the best of Princeton Theological Seminary to your region. We help Christian congregations design, test, and implement new models of ministry, with teenagers at the design table. To learn more, please email fpc@pinnaclepres.org or call the Park Center at 480-585-9448 ext. 250.

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

19

Your Journey Through Grief need not be alone

BY MEL STEELE We met in Miss Robinson’s seventh

Our life together moved the family

never imagined we would see. As

grade social studies class and were

from hometown Tulsa to Houston’s

we enjoyed our time together here in

just out of high school as eighteen-

muggy summers and on to Chicago’s

Scottsdale and witnessed the birth of

year-old small-town kids when we

arctic

career

our grandsons, we mused about our

married in 1959. In the early days

opportunities before finally retiring

past and marveled at the places we

of our marriage Fran worked to feed

to Scottsdale in 2003.

As time

had lived and traveled. Not once in

and house our small family while

passed, it was our privilege to raise

our childhood’s wildest dreams had

I studied to complete my college

two wonderful children. During our

we ever imagined we would have

degree at our state university. No car,

years together we shared vacation

such a near storybook adventure

no problem, we walked everywhere

and business travel experiences to

together. In fact, we always believed

we needed to go on campus. After

virtually every state in the U.S. Then

our life together was somehow

graduation we followed a career that

as empty nesters in retirement we

preordained.

spanned forty years.

loved taking cruises to places we

winters

following

20

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

At every stop along the way we always found a wonderful church home where we could do our part in the life and activities of the congregations.

We were pleased that our Lord found ways to use us to serve his flock.

Our faith was the solid ground that we stood on over those years. As with most Americans, even though we knew that death was as much a part of life as birth, and even though we lost parents and extended family over the years, we simply didn’t think about our own death. But as grief expert David Kessler often says, we all come from a long line of people who have died. It’s part of every life.

this life. Even my profound belief in an afterlife was little help that day.

For me after that loss, grief was my reality. Feelings of denial, disbelief,

Still, dying was simply not anything

extreme sadness and loneliness

that captured our focus, until that

were part of every hour. With time

day in 2014 when our family doctor

and continuing support from my

told Fran she should see a specialist

Stephen Minister I walked the

about a lump. The diagnosis was

journey through grief. I finally found

cancer. Treatment included surgery

that I did not “get over” the loss of

and radiology. Post treatment doctors

my dear wife of sixty years. I learned

said, “You’re in complete remission;

to live with the loss and to move on

see you in six months.” We were

with my life. Our wonderful life and

thrilled! Then in 2015 her oncologist

happy times together will always be a

said she should see a pulmonologist.

wonderful memory.

His diagnosis: a lung disease for which there was no cure. He said on average, she’d have about five years left. Shock, fear, and disbelief hit us like a stone wall.

Presbyterian Church has partnered with Stephen Ministries to train congregation members to provide highquality, one-to-one, Christcentered care to people experiencing life difficulties. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care and love of a Stephen Ministry, please contact Rev. Michael Hegeman at mhegeman@pinnaclepres. org or call the church office at 480-585-9448.

If you are in a place of pain over a loss of in your life, I encourage you to reach out for a Stephen Minister to help you walk through your life struggle. One helped me. Today I

The next four years were a challenge,

have completed months of training

but we each met one on one with

to become a Stephen Minister with

our own Pinnacle Stephen Minister

a goal to help others. No matter the

who listened to our fears and prayed

struggle you face, Pinnacle’s Stephen

with us to help us find peace with the

Ministry is the place to look for help,

inexorable fate that was ahead. January

prayer, and supportive listening.

15, 2019 was our last day together in Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

Since 2015, Pinnacle

MEL STEELE, a retired CPA, has been a member of Pinnacle since 2005. Mel has served as Elder for Stewardship, Trustee Chair for the Pinnacle Foundation, usher, greeter, serving home communion. Mel has also served on the Finance committee, Tending the Promise Capital Campaign and Vision Planning, and currently as co-chair of Pinnacle's Stephen Ministry group.

21

MINISTRY Highlight PARK CENTER CELEBRATION

BY KELLY MCGINN

In 2002, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church was blessed when the Rev. Francis (Fran) W. Park joined its staff. Shortly after arriving, Fran developed an idea that would provide opportunities for Pinnacle and the community at large to grapple with issues that impact our daily life and faith. In 2003, with the approval of Session, the Pinnacle Theological Center was born and in no time it launched classes, lectures, concerts, pilgrimages, and discussions that reflected the world we live in.

Rev. Park passed away in 2011 and in 2016 the Pinnacle Theological Center was renamed the Fran Park Center for Faith and Life to honor his vision. This past May, Pinnacle and the Park Center paused to remember and celebrate the ongoing work of the Center. Rev. Park's widow, Sue Park, and his daughter, Cathy Park Koeneman, traveled from their home in Ohio to join the celebration and take a look back at where we started, where we are now, and where the Park Center is headed into the future.

Dozens came to hear testimonies and share stories of the late Fran Park with many fond memories and laughs.

"It's organizations like the Fran Park Center that reach out to find people craving God's word and fill their senses so that their faith can become a matter of fact. The Park Center presents learning and inspiration to our community of brothers and sisters who come together through the love of Jesus." shared, Joe Kaiser, Pinnacle elder for facilities and planning.

PHOTO - above right, Sue Park shares memories of her late husband, Rev. Fran Park.

22

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

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.

The following individuals were received on May 8 & 15, 2022

Patti Blackwell

Reaffirmation of Faith

Mark Blackwell

Confession of Faith

Andrea & Tim Erion Confession of Faith

Frank Walter Transfer

Ben White Transfer

Amy Clark

Reaffirmation of Faith

Gene Gamble

Confession of Faith

Michelle White Transfer

Melanie Delaney

Reaffirmation of Faith

Melissa Jones

Reaffirmation of Faith

Susan Williams

Reaffirmation of Faith

Not photoed: Josette "Europa" Mason, Reaffirmation of Faith

NEW CONNECTIONS MEMBERSHIP CLASS Sunday, September 25 11:30 am | Sanctuary Classroom 2

Pinnacle Vistas • Summer 2022

23

VACATION

BIBLE SCHOOL June 6-10 Monday & Friday | 9 am - Noon | Tuesday-Thursday | 9 am - 3 pm Children infant - 5th grade | participants 6th - 12th grades | student leaders & adult volunteers needed email children@pinnaclepres.org

July 25 - 29 | Teen Center Monday & Friday 9 am - Noon Tuesday - Thursday 9 am - 3 pm

WILD about

GOD

This music, mission, and leadership camp provide an amazing experience that includes field trips, hands-on projects for outreach, all while building leadership skills.

Kindergarten - 5th-grade students are encouraged to register as participants and 6th - 12th graders as leaders. Registration begins Monday, June 6. https://vbspro.events/p/events/wag2022

YOUTH MUSIC AND MISSION TRIP

JULY 28 - 31 | SOUTHERN CA | COST: $150 PER STUDENT REGISTER TODAY: tinyurl.com/3vp3ub8u Incoming 7th - graduating 12th grade students, join us for a long weekend as we serve at a local food pantry, share our music in Sunday worship, and spend a day at Knotts Berry Farm.

YOUTH MUSIC AND MISSION TRIP July 28 - 31 | Southern CA Calling all incoming 7th - graduating 12th grade students. Join us for a long weekend as we serve at a local food pantry, share our music in Sunday worship, and spend a day at Knotts Berry Farm.

Cost: $150.00 per student. Includes: lodging, transportation, some meals, and admission to KBF. Register at: tinyurl.com/3vp3ub8u