Pinnacle Vistas - Winter 2023 by Pinnacle Presbyterian Church

WINTER 2023

PINNACLE

VISTAS

FAREWELL WES JOAN FUDALA | p4

CONGREGANT STORY JACKSON FONDER DR. MICHAEL HEGEMAN | p16

RHYTHMS REV. BRAD MUNROE | p18

HONORING JEFF SMITH KIM HAMMONS & GEORGE WELU | 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 MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) December 6

Women's Fellowship Christmas Party December 7

PHOENIX SYMPHONY presents HANDEL’S MESSIAH Tickets Required - Order ONLY at phoenixsymphony.org Saturday, December 16 | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary Sunday, December 17 | 3 pm | Sanctuary

Volunteer at Andre House December 5, 10, 23

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM * ** Sunday, December 17 | 10 am | Sanctuary

Celebration of Christmas December 10

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 8 am | Worship | Chapel * 10 am | Worship | Sanctuary * **

Guest Preacher Dr. Will Willimon January 7 Wes Avram Retirement Celebration January 21 Stewardship Campaign Kick-Off January 28

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

TRACINGS A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR, WES AVRAM Dear Pinnacle friends, This is my final “Tracings” for Vistas.

the country, and I hope you enjoy it.

Thinking back nearly fifteen years, I fondly remember our Vistas editor/

This opening “pastor's letter” has

copywriter/producer when I arrived at

been

Pinnacle, Billy Lampkin. Billy was so

these different approaches to Vistas.

studious and thorough as he skillfully

Sometimes topical, sometimes more a

put together what was then a monthly

review of the issue, it's meant to be a way

newsletter—as a volunteer. Before all

of saying hello, opening the door, and

the online communications options we

inviting you in. I asked early on if we

use today and our expanded Sunday

could name the pastor's letter something

bulletin pull-out, Vistas was the main

other than “the pastor's letter.” And I

source of information about Pinnacle. It

suggested “Tracings.”

was a half sheet-sized booklet mailed to every member. A journalist by training, Billy brought a reporter's sensibility to his writing. He gave a remarkable gift to Pinnacle as he coordinated our communication. As we were entering the 2010s, and the Lampkin family moved to Florida, we hired our first professional Director of Communication, Shirley Norris. With Shirley's arrival, Vistas took a new turn. With the eye of a designer, the imagination of a creative partner, the patience of a generous editor, and a wide view of the kinds of modern

consistently

present

through

me what that title means. And I figured that my last “Tracings” might be a good chance to answer that question (even if you didn't ask it!). It's a title I used before Pinnacle, starting with a newsletter I wrote as a college chaplain back in the ‘90s. It's an image I've borrowed from one of my favorite thinkers, a Jewish philosopher named Levinas.

Levinas

wrote

about our encounters with each other as “tracings”—when another teaches us

communications a congregation like

who we are (or could be), calls us to love

Pinnacle requires, Shirley's made a

mercy, awakens our conscience, creates

unique, positive, and lasting mark

us in a way even as we create them in

on Pinnacle (and still does). Under

a way. The “other” (person) becomes

her leadership, Vistas has taken a few

a slight trace, or whisp, or echo of the

iterations, landing today as a seasonal

“Other" (God). Think of tracing paper,

feature-rich magazine designed to teach,

through which you can see an image

inspire, and inform. It's designed to be

just clearly enough to draw a secondary

something you might savor for a while.

outline with slight detail. Before we all

I love showing our Vistas to folks around

had cameras in our pockets, tracing

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

something was sometimes the only way we could carry its image with us. Think of the paper you might put down on a

Every once in a while, someone asks

Emmanuel

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

surface to draw up a finger print. Think of the hint of memory of one long away but still present to mind. God is traced in human experience. God is traced in how we respond to each other. God is traced in how we respond to the voice of the other within us. With an impulse to mercy, with a sense for justice, with a desire to learn, with an echoing and responsive voice, with a welcoming gesture, with patient allowance, with a desire for flourishing and a resistance to revenge, with enjoyment. There are tracings of holiness among us, and I'm grateful you have invited me to point to them. May you find traces of God as you read. With gratitude, Wes

See page 21 to read Wes's first Tracings article. 3

PINNACLE BIDS LEADER, FRIEND A FOND

Farewell!

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

BY JOAN FUDALA Pastor, counselor, mentor, scholar,

pandemic, which began in March

So, what brought Wes to Pinnacle

author, preacher, teacher, colleague,

2020 and continued into 2022. There

Presbyterian Church in 2009? “Lynne

husband, father. So many titles fit

are so many other milestones to

and I actually spent our honeymoon

The Reverend Doctor Wes Avram; for

remember, especially in the personal

here at the ‘old’ Mountain Shadows

Pinnacle Presbyterian members over

lives of the congregation, when Wes

Resort in August 1992 after we

the past 14 years, the most apt of all

prayed with us, celebrated with us,

got married while living in Maine.

titles is loyal and respected friend.

mourned with us.

Despite the heat, we were drawn to

Last spring, Dr. Avram – Pinnacle’s

It takes an impressive resume to

had been ‘called,’ or recruited for my

senior pastor – announced that he

meet and surpass the challenges that

previous positions, we chose to come

would retire in January 2024. Now,

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, the

to Pinnacle and Scottsdale when the

with his Pinnacle tenure drawing to a

charged socio-political environment

opportunity arose in 2009. It was

close, he and the entire congregation

and

have

somewhat daunting, following the

are pausing to reflect on the changes,

presented in the past decade and a

beloved, founding Senior Pastor Larry

challenges and celebrations we’ve

half. Wes’ curriculum vitae has given

Corbett, but we were immediately

shared since he was installed here in

us just what we needed, and more.

embraced by the congregation.” The

2009.

A native of Michigan, he grew up

Avrams also found great schools and

in a spiritual ‘mainline Protestant’ Through his leadership, we’ve gone

activities (like music and soccer) for

household

from the depths of a recession in

their growing sons, Andrew and Paul,

earned degrees from Northwestern

2009 and its impact on church

both of whom Pinnacle has watched

University (bachelor’s and PhD) and

finances,

off/burning

grow into accomplished young men.

Princeton Theological Seminary, and

the church mortgage (something

Lynne continues to work as a high

has studied at the Hebrew University

you might have missed during the

school nurse in the Deer Valley School

and Tantur Ecumenical Institute in

2020/2021 COVID pandemic!) and

District, and whose input during the

Jerusalem, the University of Sussex,

seeing Pinnacle Foundation assets

COVID crisis was invaluable to Wes

University of Chicago, and Yale

top $1 million. We’ve expanded

and the church.

Divinity School. Before Pinnacle, Wes

the reach of our mission outreach.

served Presbyterian congregations in

Asked to sum up his time at Pinnacle,

Our music and arts programs have

Bryn Mawr, Penn., and Wilmette, Ill.;

Dr. Avram said: “I joined with the staff

grown to new levels of cultural and

as College Chaplain and member of

and members, doing my best to give

spiritual enrichment. The use of

the faculty at Bates College, Maine;

pastoral leadership through a time

technology has allowed Pinnacle to

and as the Clement-Muehl Assistant

of tumultuous cultural, economic,

reach ‘the farthest pew,’ with Sunday

Professor at Yale University‘s Divinity

political and religious change. I’ve

services and many program groups

School and in its Institute for Sacred

watched the church grow into itself,

participating in hybrid fashion – in

Music. He is the author of Where

no longer a ‘start up’ church, but one

person or via live-streaming over

the Light Shines Through (2004) and

that is growing into an established

the internet. And Pinnacle quickly

Anxious About Empire (2004), and

congregation, stretching to provide

pivoted to new methods of worship

countless articles in professional

faithful ministry in worship, local

and fellowship during the COVID-19

journals and ecumenical publications.

the desert,” Wes said. “Although I

paying

national/world

and

crises

community.

continued on page 6 Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Ash Wednesday – 2010 Installation - October 25, 2009

Fat Sunday – 2010

Communion – 2009 with Rev. Kristin Willett & Rev. Fran Park 6

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

and global outreach, and with special

•

Pinnacle’s use of technology

•

Joined in fellowship through

emphasis on education as a mission.

to communicate and worship

events like the Fall Round-Up,

It's been the pinnacle of my time in

began

MyPPC,

Blessing of the Animals, Amigos

ministry, and Iʼm grateful.”

blogs, podcasts, weekly emailed

dinners, Pinnacle Concert Series,

newsletters, electronic magazines

Youth Rummage Sale, Easter Egg

“It is in Pinnacle’s DNA to do

and, since the start of the COVID

Hunts, Vacation Bible School,

traditional things in untraditional

pandemic in March 2020, live-

Sunday lunches in Fellowship

ways.”

streamed Sunday services and

Hall, Sing for Life Chorus, Advent

hybrid group meetings (SAGE,

events, retreats, Pinnacle art and

Amigos, etc.). To start and

music programs…and more

Parsing out a few of those challenges and changes Wes referred to: •

plateaued after being ranked in the top five fastest growing Presbyterian churches in the U.S.

2010 was having an impact on

•

Avram has championed during his

Sanctuary and in other areas of

time at Pinnacle is the development

Pinnacle

of the Fran Park Center for Faith and

The

success

its

popular

Theological Center. Its goal is to

Preschool provided a unique

“serve the church and community

aspect to Pinnacle

through innovative, inclusive and

Pinnacle campus facilities were enhanced - from a children’s

“I was inspired by Fran’s (The

playground on The Green, to

Reverend Francis W. Park, Pinnacle

signage, infrastructure repairs,

Associate Pastor) vision to move

and upgrades to Fellowship Hall,

adult education to the next level,” Wes

Pinnacle’s diverse demographics,

including the Trinity Terrace and

explained. “It was a privilege to have

music

a new kitchen

him as a friend and colleague in his

programming To meet the worship styles of and

messages

have

been blended to include both contemporary

and

traditional

final years at Pinnacle, and rewarding •

elements

Mission work in Haiti with Pastor

to see the congregation embrace

Luc’s Harmony Ministries, and

Fran’s vision to create the Fran Park

with Dar Al-Kalima University in

Center in his memory.”

A Stephen Ministry program

Bethlehem, gave Pinnacle global

began in 2015 to personalize

outreach

prayer for members of the

Now well into its second decade, the Fran Park Center has offered a variety

Challenges of the pandemic were

of programs, ranging from the annual

met by keeping the congregation

Fran Park Memorial Lecture, to

The Pinnacle Promise program

together and spiritually uplifted

Courageous Conversations, Project:

expanded outreach through a

despite

distancing’

Dialogue, Out-of-the-Park Podcasts,

homelessness

that

restrictions and a temporarily

Faith & Science Roundtables, Men’s

included new mission partners

closed campus, staff working

Retreats, Calvin University January

like UMOM, Andre House, Open

remotely, financial concerns and

Table and MANA House

mission partners’ needs

congregation •

equipment was installed in the

transformative education.”

church finances, from staffing to

•

One of the major initiatives that Dr.

meetings,

Life, previously called the Pinnacle

in the early 2000’s The national recession of 2007-

audio-visual

and

When he came to Pinnacle in – Pinnacle’s membership had

•

include

continue live-streaming worship

2009 – at its 20th anniversary

•

initiative

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

•

‘social

continued on page 8

Series Telecasts, cultural tours of area

because the Spirit can show us. I’m

houses of worship and pilgrimages

realistic about the challenges, but

to the Holy Land (2017/18) and New

grateful for you, for leadership, for

York City/Princeton Seminary (2019).

resources, for faith, for God’s Spirit

Through the Fran Park Center,

among us – despite us, for us, and

Favorite hymn:

Pinnacle created several exchange

with us for others.”

“For All the Saints”

Seminary, from music to internships

Have there been personal highlights

Most read Bible passage: Romans

and a certificate program.

during Wes’ 14 years as Pinnacle’s

8:38-39: “For I am convinced that

senior pastor? He finds it hard to

neither death, nor life, nor angels,

Dr. Avram has high praise for the

single out only a few, but says he will

nor rulers, nor things present, nor

dozens of Pinnacle staff members

always treasure his friendship with

things to come, nor powers, nor

with whom he has worked since

the late Rev. Fran Park, remember the

height, nor depth, nor anything

2009. Their dedication to meeting

joy and emotion of Pinnacle musician

else in all creation, will be able to

the spiritual and fellowship needs of

and educator Dr. Mike Hegeman’s

separate us from the love of God in

the congregation has been fraught

ordination in 2019, the Fran Park

Christ Jesus our Lord.”

with challenges, like COVID, and

Center pilgrimage to the Holy Land

full of personal growth opportunities.

in 2017/18 and the many challenges

Favorite place on the PPC campus:

Wes has also been blessed to work

of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT WES?

programs with Princeton Theological

Memorial Garden, sitting and

with members of Session, Deacons, Foundation Trustees, youth leaders

So what’s next? “Sleep!” exclaimed

talking on the phone, pondering

and committee members. He has been

Wes. “I’ll do some writing, we’ll do

the ministry, praying. I also find

constantly awed by the generosity of

some traveling, especially to the

the Pinnacle pulpit to be the most

the Pinnacle congregation, providing

little cabin in Maine we’ve recently

inviting and comfortable pulpit

time, talent, and funds to meet current

purchased, and, who knows what else

I’ve preached in.”

and future needs of the church.

the future might bring. We will be staying in the Phoenix area, though.”

Favorite book: In the Bible, the Book of Jonah and the Gospel

Going forward, Wes sees more challenges ahead in engaging the

God speed, Wes. Thank you for

of John. As for secular reading,

congregation in meaningful ways.

your

“one book that had a big impact

Combining the changes brought

leadership, strength, insight and

on me when I was young and

about during the pandemic, shifts

spiritual guidance. We are better as

considering my life’s work was

in how Pinnacle members choose

a congregation and as individuals

Dag Hammerskjold’s journal,

due to your dedication, warmth and

Markings."

volunteer

and

ever-changing

lifestyles may lead to an evolution

friendship,

compassion,

inspiration.

of committees and congregational involvement. In the 2022 Report to the Congregation, Dr. Avram unequivocally stated: “I’m bullish on Pinnacle – because the Spirit has us. I’m inspired by where we’re going,

Favorite movie: “The Train” (1964). “I love the psychological tension, the reluctant hero, the affirmation of beauty, the contrast of black and white film and how director John Frankenheimer used it.”

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Installation Service for Rev. Sarah Johnson – 2011

Haiti Sunday – 2013 with Pastor Luc Deratus, Harmony Ministries and Rev. Terry Swicegood

Palm Sunday – 2013

Easter Sunday – 2013

continued on page 10 Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Arthur Hubbard Funeral - February 11, 2014 Former State Senator & Navajo Code Talkers

Above: Fall Round-Up 2014 the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Below: October 2015 Burning Pinnacle's first mortgage at 25th Anniversary Dinner.

Christmas Eve – 2014 with Rev. Frank Harmon, Rev. Terry Swicegood & Rev. Kelsy Brown

25th Anniversary Celebration Sunday – October 2015 with Dr. Larry Corbett, founding Pinnacle Pastor 10

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Pastoral colleagues at Pinnacle

Annual Blessing of the Animals Spring 2015

during Dr. Wes Avram’s tenure: Rev. Fran Park Rev. Kristin Willett Rev. Sarah Johnson Rev. Frank Harmon Rev. Kelsy Brown Rev. Terry Swicegood Rev. Scott Fischer Rev. Pam Fischer Dr. Tina Campbell Dr. Allen Hilton Dr. Mike Hegeman Rev. Terilyn Lawson

at the Ordination of Minister of Word & Sacrament for former Pinnacle member Emily Beghin – 2015

Rev. Erik Khoobyarian Rev. Leah Quarles Colleagues in Ministry: Pastor Luc Deratus Harmony Ministries, Haiti Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb Dar al-Kalima University, Bethlehem

Fran Park Center Holy Land Trip – 2017 Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

continued on page 12

Deacon/Elder Ordination – 2018

Park Center NY Pilgrimage – 2018 with Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb – 2019

Ordination of Minister of Word & Sacrament for Rev. Dr. Michael Hegeman – October 2019 Pastoral Covenant Sunday – October 2022 with Revs. Erik Khoobyarian, Michael Hegeman & Leah Quarles

Pastoral Appreciation Sunday – October 2021 with Revs. Terilyn Lawson, Pam & Scott Fischer Courageous Conversations – April 2022 with Dr. Allen Hilton

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

BRIEF PINNACLE TIMELINE, 2009 – 2023 2009 | The Rev. Dr. Wes Avram installed as PPC Senior Pastor, Oct. 25

2016 | Session voted to rename the

2010 | Pinnacle Promise mission initiative launched, including Pinnacle

Pinnacle Theological Center to the

Homelessness Initiative and Haiti Support Initiative

Fran Park Center for Faith & Life

2012 | Francis W. Park Memorial Lecture series began April 29, in memory of

2018 | Partnership with the

Rev. Park, the founding chair of the Pinnacle Theological Center

External Princeton Theological

2013 | Tending the Promise Capital Campaign launched in January, with a

Seminary began 2020 | In March, the global

goal to pay off the Pinnacle Sanctuary mortgage 2014-15 | Pinnacle Preschool celebrated its 20th anniversary, with 175 children in nine classes with a staff of 24

COVID-19 pandemic closed Pinnacle Presbyterian for inperson worship and programs for

2015 | Pinnacle Vision listening circles, congregation survey and other

many months; the church quickly

activities took place to plan for Pinnacle’s ministries of the future

shifted to streaming worship

2015 | Pinnacle celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding in October

services and group meetings on-

1989. The festivities included a dinner where Wes burned the mortgage in

line. Christmas Eve services were

celebration of paying it off

held on the PPC Green, with free

2015 | A Stephen Ministry program was established at Pinnacle; volunteers trained 2015 | The Fran Park Center received a $1 million pledge/grant to enhance adult education ministries

face masks distributed and family groups seated in socially-distanced ‘pods.’ Planned pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to Civil Rights

2015 | Dr. Avram took a 3-month study sabbatical at Tantur Ecumenical

sites in the Southern U.S. were

Institute in Jerusalem, funded with a Clergy Renewal Grant from the Lilly

cancelled

Endowment

2023 | Due to outbreak of war in Israel/Gaza on Oct. 7, the Fran Christmas – 2022 with Revs. Leah Quarles, Michael Hegeman & Erik Khoobyarian

Park Center pilgrimage to the Holy Land (scheduled for Oct. 27-Nov. 8) was cancelled

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 the Amigo's group.

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

BRINGING

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

of faith wisely use this time of the

ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET THROUGH DECEMBER 31

CHRISTMAS JOY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

year to evaluate what they might

More than a gift extending farther

The Christmas Joy Offering has

still do for ministry. The need

than our borders, Pinnacle’s

been a cherished Presbyterian

remains great. Special offerings

Alternative Gift Market is an

tradition since the 1930s, opening

like Christmas Joy, Angel Tree,

opportunity to participate in feeding

doors of opportunity for our leaders

Alternative Gift Market, and support

the hungry, providing education to

who are shaped and supported

of our community partners through

students who are disenfranchised,

through your gifts—doors that lead

the Arizona Charitable and Public

being a caring heart for seniors,

to hopeful futures for young people

School Tax Credits all touch the lives

and much more. These gifts

at Presbyterian-related schools and

of others in need.

are available for purchase until

colleges equipping communities

December 31. Your tokens of love

of color. Your gifts open doors that

come with cards for you to give

lead to relief for church workers and

to your family and friends as

their families when critical financial

recognition of gifts made in their

needs arise. Find the Christmas

honor.

Joy remittance envelope in the pew

In gratitude, many in our family

CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 30 SANCTUARY NARTHEX For the last 29 years Pinnacle has helped make Christmas morning a little brighter for many children and families. This year's program

TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES DEADLINE: DECEMBER 19

will benefit clients of our mission

The state of Arizona offers a

partners, Vista Del Camino, Noah

wonderful opportunity to receive

Webster Schools and Open Table. To

a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for

participate, look for the Christmas

donating to a qualified organization.

Tree in the Sanctuar/Chapel

It’s a win for our Pinnacle mission

narthex, choose an angel from the

partners and you!

tree and record your name and the angel number with a volunteer. Alternatively, you can select a

racks on Sundays, December 10 & 17, or you may make your donation online at pinnaclepres.org/specialofferings. For more information about these offerings, watch for the “Joy to the World” Special Offerings booklet available in the Chapel and Sanctuary narthex, Church office and online at pinnaclepres.org.

virtual Angel here: https://bit.ly/ AngelTree2022 14

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

A Message from our Stewardship Elder and financial difficulties. We faced

embrace change that we have been

uncertainty, but we persevered both

able to accomplish so much together.

masked and unmasked, on Zoom

Pinnacle is a shining example of what

or live when possible. Together, we

can be achieved when a community

weathered the storm and emerged

comes together with a shared vision.

even stronger economically and spiritually. Our unwavering faith and

When I say my final goodbye as chair

commitment to stewardship carried

of Stewardship after this campaign,

us through the darkest moments and

I do so with a heart filled with joy

allowed us to find light, hope, and joy.

and anticipation. I am confident that under new leadership, our

With a bittersweet mixture of joy and sadness, I write to you today as we prepare to launch the final pledge drive which I’ll oversee as your Elder for Stewardship. Over the past three years, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside each and every one of you in spreading the concept of whole-life stewardship throughout our congregation. When I first took on this role, my goal was clear - to bring our congregation closer to the teachings of Jesus through the power of storytelling. I firmly believe that storytelling has the ability to touch hearts, inspire change, and ignite a passion for stewardship within each individual. Through countless sermons, testimonies, and personal conversations, we have witnessed the transformative power of stories unfold within our community.

Reflecting on our accomplishments,

congregation will continue to grow

I am filled with gratitude and a

in faith, deepen in stewardship,

deep sense of awe. Witnessing the

and radiate God's love to the world.

growth and transformation of our

I leave knowing that I have played a

congregation has been a true blessing.

small part in a much larger story, and

We have seen lives changed, hearts

for that, I am forever grateful.

opened, and generosity abound. Our community has embraced the

May we all go forward on our way

concept of whole-life stewardship,

rejoicing, doing so joyfully in the

recognizing that it extends far beyond

spirit of whole life stewardship,

financial giving and encompasses

knowing that our work is not done,

every aspect of our lives.

but rather, it is just beginning. I ask you to embrace Pastor Erik

As I pass the torch to the next leader

Khoobyarian warmly as he moves

in this journey, I am filled with hope

into his new role, and I appeal to your

and excitement for what lies ahead. I

generosity one more time to make

know that the seeds we have planted

Wes’s retirement one filled with joy.

will continue to thrive and bear fruit

Let’s make him proud too, as we kick

in the years to come. The spirit of

off our Pledge campaign going, “On

whole-life stewardship will live on,

our way rejoicing!” knowing we are

guiding our congregation toward a

putting the church on a good path

brighter, more joyful future.

going forward.

I want to express my deepest

In faith and gratitude with much

gratitude to each and every one of

love,

But our journey was not without its

you for your unwavering support,

challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic

love, and dedication. It is because

George Colberg,

brought about unforeseen changes

of your openness and willingness to

Elder for Stewardship

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Congregant Spotlight

Jackson Fonder

BY REV. MIKE HEGEMAN Jackson Fonder and his wife Kathleen

What were you doing before you

What are the greatest personal

are recent new members at Pinnacle.

came to head up UMOM? I was the

challenges you face in doing the work

Jackson heads up the work of United

CEO of Catholic Charities for South

you do? Not having enough resources

Methodist

Central Wisconsin for a little over 8

to help everyone. Going to bed at night

years.

knowing there are 300 families living on

Outreach

Ministries

(UMOM) here in the metro-Phoenix area. Pinnacle has been partnering

the streets.

with UMOM for many years. We

What motivates you to do non-profit

asked Jackson a few questions about

work? The combination of leading an

Tell us a little bit about your family.

himself and his work.

organization to live out their mission

Kathleen and I have been married for

and helping struggling families fits

31 years. We have three adult children

What is your current role with

my personality and my background.

living in Wisconsin and a perfect rescue

UMOM? I’ve been the CEO of UMOM

I enjoy working alongside smart and

dog named Blue.

for just over three years.

passionate people who are trying to make a difference.

Tell us a little about the breadth

What vision do you have for UMOM’s short-term and long-term future?

of what UMOM does. Our focus is

What were things like for UMOM

Short-term vision is to create enough

on ending family homelessness. This

and metro-Phoenix when you arrived

shelter, find good paying jobs, and

includes everything from emergency

in 2020 in the middle of a pandemic?

connect families to affordable housing.

shelter and supportive services to

I think our employees and participants

Long-term vision is affordable housing

jobs and affordable housing. We are

were filled with anxiety and fear. Most

for all and the ability to help families

the largest agency serving families

of our employees were required to work

and single women break the cycle and

experiencing homelessness in the state

face to face with our clients on campus.

never return to homelessness.

of Arizona. 16

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

What

drew

you

Pinnacle

into emergency shelter and not having

Presbyterian Church? The leadership,

to live in their car behind a Walmart; a

welcoming people, beautiful campus,

single woman from our Halle Women’s

the variety of ministries, and, of course,

Shelter graduate from our Home-

the music.

Grown program and working fulltime at the convention center; children

What signs of hope have you seen

getting physicals and flu shots at our on-

in the work you are doing? Oh, my

site clinic; and a family of five moving

goodness, what a great question! I see

into their new apartment in Glendale,

hope in our work every single day. A

right down the street from where the

single mom landing a full-time job with

father works.

for more information about how you can volunteer and support UMOM, email umom@pinnaclepres.org.

benefits; a family being able to move

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Rhythms

of the god-life

BY REV. BRAD MUNROE John Calvin once wrote, “Let not

I am a pastor who believes Scripture

us more fully into the image of

the Word of God flit about in your

when it says the Holy Spirit lives

Christ Jesus. The possibility of

mind alone but allow it to

within each one of

participating in God’s sacred work

seep into the deep

us who calls upon

of transformation inspired me

places, into the very

the name of the

to write Rhythms of the God-Life:

marrow of your

Lord and has been

Romans to Revelations through

soul.” The aphorism

baptized according

Paraphrase, Poetry, and Prayer.

that declares “the

to the Triune name.

Bible is the only book

Therefore, when we

I often get asked the question,

that we read that

get into the Word,

“When did you find the time to

reads us back” is as

the Word gets into

write? The answer is that I wrote

true for an interpretive

us. As the Word

after work on my back patio (during

paraphrase as for a

gets into us, the

cooler months) or in our Zoom

traditional translation.

Holy Spirit shapes,

room (during warmer months).

forms and transforms

True confession: I usually wrote

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

with a glass of wine in my hand,

us to new perspectives. Dickinson

thoughtful response. It’s been fun

often while delighting in the quail

invited her readers to look upon

to play in the fields of the Lord, and

that frolic in our small water feature

the familiar and see new creation,

I pray my readers will experience

underneath our desert willow. It

to move beyond our assumptions

Rhythms as a fresh expression that

was—and is—pure joy to immerse

to encounter life’s mysteries with

leads toward insight, imagination,

into the Scriptures. Rhythms is, in

wonder and awe. To tell something

appreciation, and affirmation of

large part, a diary of my personal

slant has become a metaphor that

what God is up to in the world and

devotional time.

both connects with the concrete and

in one’s own life.

then amplifies and moves beyond it. Rhythms emerges from my passion

The poems in Rhythms seek to help

If you would like a copy of Rhythms,

to connect God’s Word to people and

readers see God’s Word “slant.”

you can get a paperback or Kindle

people to God’s Word, especially for

version through Amazon (search

younger generations who have been

Finally, each passage concludes by

Brad Munroe, Rhythms of the God-

turned away from the faith because

praying the Scriptures. Praying the

Life or a pdf through my personal

of their perception of the Church as

Word is an ancient spiritual practice.

website bradmunroe.org. Whether

judgmental and mean. “How can

The practice of combining scripture

it is Rhythms or another book, my

it be?” I wonder, “that the God of

and prayer is called lectio divina,

encouragement is for you to get into

love revealed in Jesus has become

which is a Latin phrase meaning

the Word that the Word may get into

associated with hate?” Rather than

“divine reading.” Benedictine

you!

rage against this reality, I chose to

lectio divina invites a reader to

light a candle.

notice where the Spirit draws your attention and to remain in that place

Rhythms includes three genres of

in meditation on the word, phrase,

writing: interpretive paraphrase,

or verse. As I crafted my prayers,

poetry, and prayer. For each passage,

I wrote using this Benedictine

I begin with an “interpretive

method, which will work for you,

paraphrase” that seeks to balance

too, by the way!

THE REV. BRAD MUNROE serves as Presbytery Pastor for

scrupulosity to the Greek text and creativity to modern expressions. I

Writing a paraphrase is an

the Grand Canyon Presbytery.

seek to remain rooted in the biblical

opportunity to explore fresh

Brad has served churches in New

text and yet give the text wings, to

expressions for faith and life. I use

Jersey, Texas and Colorado before

convey the New Testament faithfully

phrases such as “God-rhythms” and

coming to Arizona. He is an author

yet do so in a way that invites the

“God-life” because I feel they convey

of several devotional works as

reader to see beyond the familiarity

a jazz-like sense of musical harmony

well as handbooks on Leading

of beloved words of Scripture to

appropriate to life with Jesus. I have

Emotional Systems Training (LEST)

experience the Word more deeply.

made other linguistic changes in my

and congregational revitalization

attempt to create an environment

(The Thrive Project), which can be

Rhythms then moves from

in which readers might hear God’s

accessed at www.BradMunroe.org.

interpretive paraphrase to poetry

Word slant. For example, my use

Brad lives in Tucson and is married

that interprets the Scriptures. Emily

of the divine name (e.g. The Joy,

to the Rev. Laura Munroe, a hospice

Dickenson wrote that poetry helps

The Glory, or The Unity) will evoke

chaplain. Together they have two

us see something “slant” and opens

delight or dismay that inspires your

adult children, Chris and Matt.

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Congratulations and THANK YOU

JEFF SMITH RECIPIENT of the DR. GEORGE B. BROOKS SOCIAL JUSTICE/HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD

numerous programs and activities from youth to adults. Jeff has also led Pinnacle's Open Table inititative, which was launched in 2012. Open Table uses a communitybased, bottom-up, grassroots model to draw together the relational and social capital of communities for the common good. Predominately we have been helping individuals from UMOM that are trying to get back on their feet. To date we have established and completed 10 tables. In 2016, Jeff assumed the role of Pinnacle's Clerk of Session and served until 2019. But Jeff didn’t stop there; he also assumed the lead for helping individuals with unmet medical needs through Mission of Mercy, another Pinnacle mission partner, which was formally adopted in 2017.

BY KIM HAMMONS

Jeff continues tirelessly in his work

& GEORGE WELU

on benevolence, social justice and

As a member of Pinnacle since

As chair of the Local & Global

homelessness. He has been the key

2004, Jeff Smith has been involved

Ministries/Mission Committee from

contact with our local Presbyterian

with social justice, human rights,

2013 - 2016, Jeff established Pinnacle's

Native American Churches which

peacemaking

relationship with United Methodist

began

Outreach Ministries (UMOM). This

donations

organization helps restore hope and

congregation. He continues to reach

Jeff has overseen, at various times,

rebuild lives by providing shelter,

out to these churches on a monthly

all homelessness mission activities

services and affordable housing for

basis and

at Pinnacle, including emergency

people experiencing homelessness.

donations

assistance.

Our relationship with UMOM has

repairs to several churches. Given the

flourished and in 2019 Pinnacle

current crisis in the Phoenix area,

On Saturday, November 4, Jeff was

received the Faith Based Group of

Jeff also headed a new subcommittee

presented with the Dr. George Brooks

the Year Award from UMOM. Our

for Action for Homelessness through

Social Justice/Human Rights Award

relationship with UMOM continues

Pinnacle's Local and Global Mission

by the Presbytery of Grand Canyon.

to grow with Pinnacle involved in

Ministries group.

and

homelessness

initatives from day one.

during of

COVID masks

through from

our

recently facilitated for

improvements

and

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

Recently Jeff felt he could do more, when

decided

represent

Pinnacle with the Valley Interfaith Project, a broad-based, non-partisan organization committed to building relational power through organizing

continued from page 3 UNDER THE CATEGORY JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT...

Wes' first intro letter for Vistas written in July of 2009

people for sustainable social and

After talking with some friends

I don't know what the motto was

in Pennsylvania about our move

meant to say in the 1860s, but I

Wes Avram, recently commented

to Arizona, the husband of the

know that we can find our own

of Jeff: "Jeff’s leadership has been

family—a handy attorney with a

meaning in it today. God enriches.

impactful, not just leading programs

knack

unusual

God completes. God corrects and

and volunteers, but building faithful

facts—began to feed us a delightful

resolves. God deepens and makes

relationships—UMOM, Open Table,

stream of discoveries about our

valuable. God sees and knows who we

Native

future home.

are and what we do, meets us where

economic improvement.

American

congregations,

for

researching

Valley Interfaith Project, our Mission

we are, and brings to completion.

Committee, Clerking our Session,

One factoid our friend discovered

God does not leave us alone. God

Moderating our Deacons, and more.

was

enlivens. God enriches.

He is a gift."

Community College, the “fighting

the

mascot

for

Scottsdale

artichokes.” I'm hoping someone at

This is not a bad way to think about

Please join us in congratulating Jeff

Pinnacle will fill me in on the history

the beginning of a journey together,

on this well deserved recognition

of that name!

now is it? As I begin my time among

of his tireless commitment and dedication to helping others in need.

Photo pg. 20 (L-R) Rev. Kelsy Brown, Pastor of Mission del Sol and Moderator of Grand Canyon Presbytery, George Welu, past Local & Global Ministries Elder; Rev. Erik Khoobyarian, Executive Associate Pastor; Dr. Wes Avram, Pastor; Jeff Smith, his wife Gaines Smith; Kim Hammons, Local & Global Ministries Elder; Mark Leinweber, Clerk of Session; Sunny Edwards, Local & Global Ministries Committee Member. Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

you as your Senior Pastor, I want you Another factoid he discovered was

to know how enriched I feel by the

Arizona's state motto, Ditat Deus

committed staff and lay leadership

(“God Enriches”). I learned that

of this wonderful congregation, and

motto was selected by Richard

by you who sit in the pews, pay the

McCormick, the first Secretary of the

bills, imagine the future, nudge each

Arizona Territory and later Governor.

other toward a hurting world, accept

As you likely know, on the state seal

grace, welcome strangers, pray for

that motto rests next to the image of a

guidance, trust in God. We are rich

miner, suggesting that God enriches

indeed, and being enriched every

our business. One writer about the

day.

seal thought Mr. McCormick was actually influenced by the Book of

Your welcome has been kind and

Genesis, and chapter 14 in particular.

inspiring. Lynne joins me in happy

If so, then the motto's meant to

anticipation of all that lies ahead.

say not just that God enriches, but that “only” God enriches—that we

Ditat Deus,

depend only on God. Wes Avram

MINISTRY Highlight Sing for Life Traveling Chorus

Sing for Life Chorus is a community chorus that promotes healthy aging in a dementia-friendly setting. It is open to individuals with various stages of memory loss and their care partners. The program is run by Pinnacle staff and volunteers, and supported by members of the Desert Foothills Lutheran Church. Through this program we share the belief that the power of music helps people live better lives. Studies have shown that choral singing has mental health benefits, including enhanced brain function, strengthened feelings of togetherness, and the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which can reduce stress and depression. The chorus meets every week and follows a set routine: time for gathering and socialization, stretches and gentle physical exercises, vocal warm-ups, and singing familiar songs together in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Last summer, a volunteer-run offshoot of our main program was established. The Sing For Life Touring Choir was formed under the leadership of Jim Gray, our volunteer musician who has been a vital part of the chorus since its inception. The small group of singers tours retirement and assisted living communities near Pinnacle, providing an hour of well-known and easy-to-sing-along-to songs, bringing the message of the power of communal singing outside of the Pinnacle campus. Their first performance was on Wednesday, September 13, at Lone Mountain Memory Care. Patients from that memory care center come weekly to our rehearsals and are now a part of the SFL family. The group has plans to bring their music to other nearby communities throughout the year. If you’d like to learn more about the program, contact Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler at ikadler@pinnaclepres.org.

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, the congregation voted to call The Rev. Erik Khoobyarian as our next Senior Pastor starting January 21, 2024. You can learn more about Erik at pinnaclepres.org/erik. From Erik … I am looking forward to continuing to be in shared ministry with you all in this new role! I have appreciated the many kind words and expressions of commitment to this next step for Pinnacle which I have received over the past few weeks. Thank you to Dr. Avram, the Pastor Nominating Committee, and the congregation for your support and encouragement. May God continue to bless us as we seek to serve Christ together!

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

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.

Heidi Glodowski

Bill McManus & David Nelson

Ty & Cynthia Cobb Not photographed: Kyle & Patricia Jensen (children Zadie, Lia, Gwendolyn), Stacy Mattingly (child Ciana) and Robert Sabino & Katerina Christhilf

NEW CONNECTIONS MEMBERSHIP CLASS Sunday, January 28 11:30 am | Fellowship Hall Rm. 4

Pinnacle Vistas • Winter 2023

The Session of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church invites you to join us for worship and a Celebration of the Ministry of

Rev. Dr. Wesley Avram Sunday, January 21, 2024

We will gather for one service of worship at 10 am in the Sanctuary during which Dr. Avram will preach. After worship there will be remarks on the Sanctuary Patio and a celebration luncheon on the Green. We hope to see you for this opportunity to celebrate Wes and Lynne! In order that we might plan appropriately, please email rsvp@pinnaclepres.org, with your name and the number of people attending the lunch event.

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall

The January Series is a free, award-winning lecture series that takes place each year at Calvin University. The series aims to cultivate deep thought and conversations about important issues of the day, to inspire cultural renewal and make us better global citizens in God's world. This year the Fran Park Center for Faith and Life will host the following lecture dates: Wednesday, Jan. 17 Thursday, Jan. 18 Tuesday, Jan. 23 Wednesday, Jan. 24 Thursday, Jan. 25 Monday, Jan. 29 Tuesday, Jan. 30 Thursday, Feb. 1

Robert George Caroline R. Williams Lydia Dugdale Niala Boodhoo Tommy Caldwell Jacob Goldstein Daniel Bowman Tim Dalrymple

Religious Liberty and the Human Good Soul Food and the Collective Cultural Memory The Lost Art of Dying: Ethical Considerations in Facing Our Mortality Lessons I’ve Learned from Listening Route Finding For Success Technology, Luddities and the Future of Work Neurodivergent Storytelling What’s Becoming of Us? Artificial Intelligence and the Future of the Church