FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH

Fountain Hills, AZ Decembe r 2015

From Our Pastor Bill Good

FHPC VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS

Our Vision: Our Mission : Living God’s love. calls us to . . . Reach out to all with faith and love.

Choosing Christmas Again

Matthew, Luke, and John all begin patiently. One gives us the lineage of Jesus. One tells us about Jesus’ aunt and uncle. One plunges us into the great mysteries of time and be-ing. Groundwork is laid. A story takes shape. Mark, though, has no time for such things. We hear him shout out the

sheer joy of it: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” He’s a kid at Christmas: so busy tearing the wrapping off of a new reality he can’t even be bothered to put a verb in his sentence. Mark dropped his “good news” into a world gone numb and dark. Political oppression, religious opposition, social vio-lence, cultural indifference, and economic suppression terror-ized the times. Hope seemed hopeless – the figment of an-cient dreamers. That’s what makes Mark’s news so exciting. And in the face of all this, the boldness of his proclamation divided hearers along clear lines. It forced a choice: cynicism or celebration? capitulation or. . . Christmas? Some say now – as some did then – that this good news was just a magical tale, that Christmas is a mere fable born of wishful dreams. In face of all this, Christians are still called to choose –to choose the story that will give shape to their seeing and being.

The facts are these:

• Yes, it’s a holiday wrapped in folklore – lowing cattle, straw filled mangers, and – wonder of all wonders – a silent baby.

• But on a far more truthful level, it’s also an epiphany swathed in mystery and wonder, awe and grace, and the love and promise of God.

And there’s this to think about:

• Yes, time has passed, but times remain disappointingly unmoved.

• But, Mark said clearly that his was just the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ.

This Advent Season, once more, the choice is before us: we can choose to join a world that’s shrinking in anguished leth-argy, or we can choose to join Mark in his broadening exuber-ance and tear open the wrapping of new life. You see, if Mark’s was just the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, then there’s still more to come. And, who knows, maybe that good news that’s yet emerging is nothing more than you and me and him and her. . . singing, and praying, and embracing, and hoping. . . and choosing Christmas. Again. Come. Let us adore him,

ADVENT Our Advent Devotional this year is “And the Word Became Flesh”. We pray that you’ll join us for The WAY on Wednesdays (“Why in the World”) as we enter this joyful season. Make sure to see the “Christmas Joy” letter inside this edition for a schedule of the events we have planned for this season of waiting and preparing.

In Touch page 2

On the Inside: Rev Bill Good, Pastor .. .. .. .. .. .. . … .. .. … . … .. .. .. . . Focus on Finance .. .. .. ..… … … … .. . … .. . .. … . .. . . Upcoming Events . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . Mission Ministry . . … . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . … .. . . . . .. Presbyterian Women .. .. .. …. .. . . . . .. . … .. . . .. . . .. .. How Can You Help? … .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . Lockboxes for Seniors. .. .. .. … … … .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . .. Not Yet a Member? .. .. .. . . . … . … . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . Concert Series 2016 … … . … … .. . .. .. . . … . . .. . . . .. Men’s Fellowship. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . … .. .. Thanksgiving Dinner .. . . .. … .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .. . . . Thanksgiving Dinner .. .. .. . .. .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . .. .. . . .. Christian Formation .. . .. . .. .. .. .. …. .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .. . From the Director of Christian Formation .. . . . . . . . . . .. This and That .. .. . .. . .. . .. . … .. … .. . .. .. . .. . . .. … . FHPC Foundation.. .. … .. .. . … .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . Painting Party with a Purpose .. . .. .. . … .. … . .. . . …. Thank You.. … .. .. .. .. . .. . …. .. .. … .. .. … … .. . .. . . . Facebook. .. .. … .. .. .. .. . .. … .. .. . .. … … . .. .. .. .. . . .. Library Footnotes.. … .. …. .…. …. …. …. …. …. …… LifeLine Screening.. … … .. .. … .. .. . .. … … .. .. . .. . Music Ministry .. … … .. .. .. .. …. . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . .. Member Spotlight...Did you Know? .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . … ... Necrology for 2015… .. … .. . . .. … .. … . .. . . .. . . …… December Birthdays .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Calendar .. .. . . … . . .. . . . . . . . .. … .. . . . . ..

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OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Bill Good Pastor/Head of Staff

Pastor Ken Brown Associate Pastor

Debby DeBernardi

Director Christian Formation

Marta Ludwig Administrative Coordinator

Debbie Fisher Director of Music Ministry

Dorothy Parris Pianist

Caryl Bates Organist

Lynn Medley Custodian

CHURCH TREASURER Linda Lull

CHURCH SESSION

Class of 2015 John Brockelman

Helen Quigley Terri Schmidt Chris Young

Class of 2016 Sally Atchinson

Bob Lull John Skewes

Arlene Stewart Class of 2017

Mary Alice Bivens Bonnie Hollabaugh

Aleyne Larsen-Craig Helen Roesch Ron Waldo

BOARD OF DEACONS

Moderator: Nancy Wulfmeier Class of 2015

Ben Fast Ruby Pearson Bev Watters

Class of 2016 Suzie McCready Dorothy Rudack

Donna Sims Nancy Wulfmeier

Class of 2017 Michele Hasley

Mary Lee Lehrich Cynthia Linton Linda Warren

******

Focus on Finance

October income exceeded budget by $1,951, and October expenses con-tinue to be below budget. We are in good shape through October with YTD income exceeding YTD expenses. We have managed to keep our expenses below budget, but with two months remaining we ex-pect to have budgeted expenses occur which will affect any surplus we may have had. Respectfully, Linda Lull, Treasurer

Oct Income $ 34,626 Budget $ 32,675

Oct Expense $ 31,181 Budget $ 34,299

Yr to date Income $ 362,713 Budget $ 353,550

Yr to date Expense $ 337,627 Budget $ 352,845

page 3 December 2015

Upcoming Events in 2016

RUMMAGE SALE : Workers Needed for the week before March 5, 2016 WOMEN: We will need 2 Co-Chairpersons for the following sections: Books; Children Items; Garden/Floral arrangements; Holiday/ Home Decorations/Crafts; House wares/Lamps; Linens & Bath Accessories; Men’s Clothing; Women’s Clothing; Paintings and Picture Frames. MEN : We will need your help with set up and clean up. Day of Sale: We will need cashiers and baggers. We will need food prep specialists to keep our workers energized throughout the day! The contact person for our upcoming rummage sale is Helen Roesch. If you can help with any of these areas, bless you! Please let me know what your preference is. My cell phone number - 480-837-2142 - or via email at tif3fy@aol.com. Let's make it another great FHPC rummage sale!!

Beth Moore Study—January 2016 –March 2016

Come join us for Daniel—Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. Finding himself living in an un-godly culture, Daniel show us how to live a life of integrity facing the kind of pressures and tempta-tions Christians encounter today. The second portion of Daniel explores thrilling prophecies from the time of Daniel through the second coming. The study will begin the first week on January 4th for 12 sessions. Classes will be held in the Adult Center on Monday nights at 6:30 PM and Tuesday mornings (starting January 5th) at 9 AM. Let Marta or Sylvia Burke know to order your study books. And bring a friend or neighbor. Planting God’s word in our heart will help us to bear much fruit? Make a spiritual investment in 2016. You will blessed.

Catch a PHX Suns Game Hilltop Hospitality invites you to attend the Phoenix Suns Faith and Family Night on Satur-day, January 23, 7:00 PM at Talking Stick Resort Arena when the Phoenix Suns meet the Atlanta Hawks. This group package includes: • Discounted tickets for your choice of lower or upper level seating-$57, $36 or $20 • Free access to light rail • Free pre-game Faith & Family concert Satellites and Sirens at 1:30 PM on main court • Early entrance to skip line and watch warm-ups • Special Phoenix Suns group gift (depending on seat) • All you can eat food pass $14 (soda, water, popcorn, nachos & hotdogs) after 5 PM. Proceeds from this event will support Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, a loving long term Christian home for children separated from their parents. For more information there are flyers in the Narthex or church office or contact Marta Ludwig at (480) 837-1763 or a Hilltop Hospitality member. Please bring the flyer and cash or checks to the FHPC office no later than January 4th. We will try to make arrangements to car pool from the church to the light rail. We hope you will join our church community for an enter-taining evening and to support a worthwhile project.

page 5 November 2012

As we are nearing the season of Joy and Happiness, we must remember it is not so for everyone. There are those who have lost loved ones and will not be able to share this wonderful time of the year with them. And there are those who have many needs and they feel like no one knows they exist. So as we celebrate the season of Christ's Birth, let us re-member those in need; those same chil-dren of God that he wants us to help. With your help, there are so many things

we can do. Frozen Turkeys

Thank you to all who contributed frozen turkeys and the non perishable food items for a Thanksgiving dinner. We collected a total of 31 turkeys. This was a help to those here in Fountain Hills who could not have afforded a Thanksgiving dinner otherwise. You are a most giving congregation and we do appreciate you all. We will be collecting turkeys for Christmas also. So if you so desire to contribute we will be collecting on the Sun-days of 13th and the 20th of December. We will also continue to collect non-perishable foods.

Extended Hands Food Bank

Thank you to Nancy Wulfmeier, Vivian Virden, Linda Warren, Susan Owens and Terri Schmidt for helping with the Friday night Fish Fry in November. Jim Bob's Fish Fry is a fun way for us to volunteer at the Extended Hands Food Bank. We enjoy helping and talking with all the people who come in to eat. It is an easy and fun way to donate your time, so if any one would like to help, we volunteer on the 1st Friday of the month. Let Terri Schmidt know if you would like to help. Thank you also for all the food and money you so generously donate each month. As many of you already know, the food cart parked out front of the sanctuary each Sunday is donated to the Extended Hands Food Bank.

Angel Tree We will not be doing our Children from town on our Angel Tree this year due to things out of our control. But we will join with Fort McDowell in their effort to help the needy and homeless Indians downtown Phoenix. I have talked with Liz Norris of Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church and she told me there are close to 180 homeless Indian Men and Women down there. We agreed to help out with 25 men and 15 women. What will be on our tags is as follows: 2 T-Shirts or 1 T-Shirt and 1Sweat Shirt), shorts for men or 2 panties for women, 2 pairs of socks, gloves, washcloth, soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a brush. These things can be placed in a Christmas bag or backpack, because they need to

In Touch page 4

Mission Ministry

Terri Schmidt, Elder

be able to carry it all with them.. Liz Norris is asking that we purchase XL or XXL sizes to fit all. We will need these no later than Saturday December 19th so we can take them to Fort McDowell on Sunday. If you prefer to adopt a family, Max's closet has needy families. You can contact Lisa Hadsall at Max's Closet @ 480-580-2889. these are families on the Ex-tended Hands Food Bank roster that may not receive any Christmas gifts if someone does not help them. This is another great way to help those in town. But you must adopt the whole family, which if you and your friends want to go together and do this, it is a great way to share God's Love.

MANA House Thank you to all who continue to bring in water for MANA House and our Veterans. We will continue to collect water, but I was also told they need warm clothes for the winter months. So if you have slightly used sweat shirts, jackets, sweaters, socks and gloves, we will be glad to take these things to them as well. If you choose to purchase these items, that is great too. Don't forget, we have homeless women Veterans also.

Books for Bethel, Alaska

Thank you to all who brought in new and used books for our mission project for Bethel, Alaska. We were able to send several boxes full of books to the niece of Ron Waldo. She then reads to the children on Satur-days and then donates the book for a library for the kids there. This helps make these children’s lives a little nicer.

Phoenix Rescue Mission and Changing Lives

Center We have sent money to both the Phoenix Rescue Mission and Changing Lives Center for both Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas. This money will be used for dinners at both places. This money goes far to feed the homeless and less fortunate in downtown Phoenix. We are working on other projects that I will give a report on in January. But until I report again, I want to say just a little about our work here in Mission Ministry. We try to help those here in Fountain Hills first and foremost. Then we move to Valley area and spread out from there. We try to help those in our backyard first. We do as much as we can with the help from you and our budget. If you have more ideas or want to help in any way, please contact Terri Schmidt or Jack Rey-nolds. May God Bless you all during this Joyous Christ-mas Season. My wish for you all is a Happy and Healthy New Year.

In Touch page 4 page 5 December 2015

Mission Ministry

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

MISSION PROJECT – SUPPORT OUR TROOPS/VETERANS

Our “Winter Project” to help our homeless Veterans by donating new sweatshirts and/or long-sleeved t-shirts and socks is underway. Please pick up one or more of these items the next time you are in Target, Walgreens or CVS; they all have them. Our homeless veterans will be in great need for these items in the upcoming winter months. Delivery will be made to MANA House in Phoenix probably in late November or early December. I truly hope

this project turns out to be as successful as our Summer Project was when we were able to make a very large de- livery of new t-shirts and socks to MANA House. Hopefully we will also be able to make another delivery of

magazines, books, toiletries, CD’s, and DVD’s to the Veterans Hospital/Home around the same time. We collect these items, including gently used clothing, continuously

throughout the year. Deliveries are made when there is enough items collected to do so. There are two boxes for you to place

your donations located at Church. One is in the Narthex on the table and/or floor and the

other one is in the Fellowship Center lo-cated on the left side as you enter or you

may also drop off any items at the Church office and they will call me. If you have

any questions, please do not hesitate to just ask me. Many thanks to those of you who

have already donated some sweatshirts. Can’t thank you enough.

Donna Sims,

Deacon

Christmas to-do list When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers, To make music in the heart. - Howard Thurman

Donna Sims with Phil Katz, who comes by to warm up after the cold of Chicago!

Merry . . . Winter?

To avoid offending anybody, {my son’s} school dropped re-ligion altogether and started singing about the weather. They now hold the winter program in February and sing increasingly non-memorable songs such as “Winter Wonder-land,” “Frosty the Snowman” and — this is a real song—- “Suzy Snowflake,” all of which is pretty funny because we live in Miami. A visitor from another planet would assume that the children belonged to the Church of Meteorology. —Dave Barry

page 7 December 2011

Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team for 2015-2016

Moderator, Maurene Gerson Librarian, Barbara Oakeson Vice-Moderator (Program), Sandi Thompson Historian, Office Angels Secretary, Bonnie Matty Search Committee, (open) Treasurer, Maria Berry Membership Directory, Arlene Stewart Publicity, Ilene Berg Bible Study Coordinator, Maria Berry Mission Coordinator, Sandy Larson New Member Contact, Carol Fuls

Circle Leaders

Morning Circle, Suzie McCready, Joy Fick Afternoon Circle, Martha Baxter

Evening Circle, Judy Irvin

Hooked on Books, Leader, Jan Hoff Out ‘N About Leader, Nancy Wulfmeier

Presbyterian Women

In Touch page 6

DECEMBER EVENTS

December 4 9:00 a.m. Coordinating Team Meeting, Adult Center, FHPC December 1 & 15 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Circle, Fountain View Village December 10 9:00 a.m. Morning Circle, Adult Center, FHPC December 21 7:00 p.m. Evening Circle, home of Judy Irvin December 16 9:30 a.m. Hooked on Books, Fireside Room at FHPC Noon Out ‘N About, Tonto Verde Country Club

DECEMBER BIBLE STUDY Dangerous Waters—God’s Deliverance Joshua 3; Psalm 69:1-3

Fountain Hills Public Art Collection

PW is busy preparing for their Winter Gathering planned for Saturday, January 23 when our commu-nity’s Public Art Collection will be showcased. Public Art Committee members, Sandi Thompson and Jerry Miles have prepared a presentation to help us appreciate the generosity of donors that enabled the purchase of the vast collection, as well as the oversight and expertise that guides each selection. It will be a great opportunity for new residents (and long time residents, as well) to hear first hand how the collection was chosen and the opportu-nities available to participate in the program. More details will following in January’s In Touch. Mark the date on your calendar and plan to bring a friend!

Church Library Have you visited our Church Library recently? If not, you are missing a great opportunity to find both great fiction

and books to support topics of interest to the Church. Pres-byterian Women initiated the effort to build this excellent resource and continues to be an advocate. Barbara Oakeson has led the effort to maintain the professionally operated facility. Each year PW publishes a list of well-researched and recom-mended reading. The list is posted in the library and all the books are available there. PW will host a Book Shower to benefit our library during the Winter Gathering on Saturday, January 23. More details will follow in January’s In Touch, but you can plan now for how you will show your support for this great church resource.

HOOKED ON BOOKS

The December meeting of the Hooked on Books Reading Club will be held in the Presbyterian Church Fireside Room on Wednesday, December 16th at 9:30 AM. Melba Varsaw will review "The Paris Winter" by Imogene Robertson.

Books you no longer want may be brought for the Book Exchange. All women interested in reading and discussing books are welcome to attend. For further information contact Jan Hoff (480) 836-7551.

page 7 December 2015

Out ’n About—Out to Lunch

Out ‘n About group will be going to the Tonto Verde Clubhouse for lunch on Wednesday, December 16 th at noon . We must pay by credit card at 18401 El Circulo Drive, Tonto Verde. Please con-tact Nancy Wulfmeier for reserva-tions at 837-3021.

News from PWP

The PW of Grand Canyon Presby-tery Gathering held 10/24/15 at Mesa First Presbyterian Church was a beautiful day to connect with PW friends from around the Val-ley, have your spirit lifted and learn about mission concerns throughout our Presbytery. Key-note Speaker, Rev. Martha Sadon-gei encouraged us to make an ef-fort to get to know our Native sis-ters better and learn about their culture. She also led a workshop to give attendees an opportu-nity to delve deeper into an understanding of our differences and our similarities. A workshop was offered to introduce Protestant prayer beads and mandalas as a means to draw us into a spiritual encounter with the Holy Spirit. In addition to the business at hand, there was music, lots of laughter, and spiritual reflection making it truly an enjoyable day.

Ilene Berg

Read each one, think and count your blessings!

Some things to think about before it is too late. Some are sad, some comical, all are based on real-life episodes. 7. Today, I kissed my dad on the forehead as he passed away in a small hospital bed. About 5 seconds after he passed, I realized it was the first time I had given him a kiss since I was a little boy. 8. Today, in the cutest voice, my 8-year-old daughter asked me to start recycling. I chuckled and asked, "Why?" She replied. "So you can help me save the planet," she replied. I chuckled again and asked, "And why do you want to save the planet?" Because that's where I keep all my stuff," she said. 9. Today, when I witnessed a 27-year-old breast cancer patient laughing hysterically at her 2-year-old daughter's antics, I suddenly realized that I need to stop complaining about my life and start celebrating it again. 10. Today, a boy in a wheelchair saw me desperately struggling on crutches with my broken leg and offered to carry my backpack and books for me. He helped me all the way across campus to my class and as he was leaving he said, "I hope you feel better soon." 11. Today, I was feeling down because the results of a biopsy came back malignant. When I got home, I opened an e-mail that said, "Thinking of you today. If you need me, I'm a phone call away." It was from a high school friend I hadn't seen in 10 years. 12. Today, I was traveling in Kenya and I met a refugee from Zimbabwe. He said he hadn't eaten anything in over 3 days and looked extremely skinny and unhealthy. Then my friend offered him the rest of the sandwich he was eating. The first thing the man said was, "We can share it.

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your

descendants. Isaiah 44:3

Not Yet A Member? *If you are attending our church and don’t have membership in another church, you can join our church by profession

of faith and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism or, if you’ve already been baptized, you can join by reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ. *If you belong to another church, but would like to transfer your membership to our church, we can arrange for a letter of transfer from your current membership church to ours. *If you are a winter visitor and are an active member of another church “back home”, you can become an affiliate member at our church here and maintain your full active membership there. For additional information, please contact Aleyne Larsen-Craig at 602-625-6201, Sally Atchinson at 480-837-1054 or call the church office at 480-837-1763. Sally Atchinson & Aleyne Larsen-Craig

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

In Touch page 8

Fry's Community Rewards Program The more our church family shops at Fry's, the more mone-tary support our church will have. Won't you consider reg-istering to allow Fry's to donate a portion of your grocery expenditures to our church programs?

How to Re-Enroll for the

Fry’s Community Rewards Program 1. * Go to www.FrysCommunityRewards.com

2. * Click on ‘Sign-In’. 3. Enter your email and password, click on ‘sign in’. 4. Click on your name (top right hand corner),

under ‘Account Summary’ scroll down to

“Community Rewards”. 5. Click on ‘Edit’ under Community Rewards. 6. Under Find Your Organization: Enter the NPO

number or name of organization then select

‘search’. (You can get the NPO number from

your organization.) It is #84123 7. Under ‘Select Your Organization’, click on the

circle next to your organization. 8. Click on ‘Enroll’ If you have re-enrolled correctly, you should see a

green box with ‘Your enrollment in the Community

Rewards Program has been updated. Thank you for

participating!’ You will also see the information listed

under ‘Community Rewards’ on your Account Sum-

mary page.

How can you help?

Lockboxes for Seniors

** FREE ** JUST CALL

THE CHURCH OFFICE 837-1763

Welcome and attached According to research conducted by the Barna Group, the holidays are rough for people who aren’t connected to faith communities or other civic groups. They feel isolated by experiences that bring others joy, such as giving gifts, singing carols and attending religious services and parties. “In past decades,” writes George Barna, “there was and assumption that the holidays were a time when outsiders might explore church life. These days, however, churches and other religious institutions are not seen as safe or value-adding places by most outsiders. They see little reason to attend seasonal events, especially since those events often highlight their outsider status.” This Christmas, how can you help someone feel welcome and “attached” at your church?

page 9 December 2015

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series... 2016

Tickets for Concert Series... 2016 The Entertainment Concert Series at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church will start single ticket purchases for all shows on De-cember 6st and 13th. There will be a ticket sales kick-off at 8:30 am in the church Fellowship Hall and after church until 10:15 am. You can also pur-chase tickets at the church office on Fountain Hills Blvd. during the week, 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. NO CREDIT CARDS! Season tickets are also still available for all six shows. Church telephone number is 480-837-1763. Concert Series features: The Dynamite Divas (3 Powerhouse Vocalists) Jan. 12th Kevin Johnson (Seriously Funny Master Ventriloquist) Jan. 26th Robbie Howard (Singing Impressionist) Feb. 9th Dan Nainan (World’s Cleanest Comedian”) Feb. 23rd Mark Preston ( Formerly of THE LETTERMEN) Mar. 8th Rootberry (A Unique Comedy Variety Show) Mar. 22nd

Event: 9 AM Breakfast Meeting, Saturday, Dec. 12

Place: Fellowship Hall

Program: A program titled 'Flowers and More' will be given by Gary Oakeson showing photographs taken from Holland to Hawaii; from Tahiti to Victoria, B.C; and a few places in between.

Special: Ladies are all invited.

There will be a signup table in the Narthex the prior Sunday, December 6th. Normal cost: $5 for breakfast

More-involved givers According to a “Future of Philanthropy” report conducted by the Monitor Group, the nature of giving is changing. Thanks to the influence of Millennials, born between 1980 and 1996, a new wave of philanthropists: • gives throughout their lives, • donates to local and global causes, • becomes highly engaged with the recipients of their gifts, • considers their gifts to be investments, • tries to assess the impact of their giving and • shares what they learn with others.

Men’s Fellowship

FHPC Thanksgiving Dinner

In Touch page 8 In Touch page 10

Before dinner, we enjoyed appetizers and sparkling cider as the new Fireside Room was revealed. Thank you to the Deacons for all their hard work in creating this beautiful room.

page 11 December 2015

FHPC Thanksgiving Dinner

Praying for our Home Bound and being Grateful to God for them. Children prayed for a home bound family and then signed a sticker that will be placed on a Thanksgiving meal that will be delivered to them.

We are the body of Christ.

Christian Formation In Touch page 12

Christian Formation Opportunities:

Sundays 10:15 AM Sabbath Day Bible Study 10:15 AM Elementary Life with God 11:15 AM Blessed Beginnings Nursery 11:15 AM Preschool Life with God Wednesdays • The Way on Wednesdays (Sept-May) 12:00 PM Lunch & Bible Study 5:00 PM Elementary “Big God Story” 6:00 PM Bible Study

• Committed Youth Rehearsal 3:45 PM on Wednesdays Women’s Bible Study Circles (Sept thru May) 9:00 AM 2nd Thursday 1:00 PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00 PM 3rd Monday • Men’s Bible Study on Thursdays 7:00 AM in the Adult Center • Spiritual Life Group 6:00 PM 1st & 3rd Monday

HELP WANTED!

Need volunteers for: • Cooking • Clean up after event • Running computer Call church office 837-1763. No experience nec-essary. We will train. Don’t send resume, we trust you. Many benefits.

Elementary KidCommunity creatively telling the Biblical story to share that our God answers prayers!

Cheryl Kenna with the

storytelling cast of Myka, Kaitlyn,

Emerson, Aly 2, Aly 1, and Abby.

The story came alive and revealed that God

answers prayers!

More pictures on next page...

From the Director of Christian Formation

page 13 December 2015

Debby DeBernardi

What is Spiritual Formation?

May he give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better … that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you. Ephesians.1:17-18 …until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19b What’s in your thoughts when you think of spiritual formation or Christian spiritual formation? What impression does the phrase spiritual formation give you? (Be honest!) Even those in ministry can be confused with so many various definitions and misinterpretations! Some even associate holiness and spiritual growth as boring and/or unattainable! Christian spiritual formation is not found in something we do, but rather as something the Holy Spirit is doing in us. Just as the gospel is not about making sinful people moral, but rather about making dead people alive. Christian spiritual formation’s goal is not about moral behavior - even Christ-like behavior- but rather a deepening of our relationship with God. God then the changing, but we must show up and be present! If our ever deepening communion with God is the goal, then the by-product of this (trans)formational relation-ship will be becoming more like Christ in all aspects of our personhood and life! Because we are spiritual beings, we all get a spiritual forma-tion from our experiences in this world. But if gotten from

our worldly culture, it is spiritually deforming! In Christian spiritual formation we are changed within the context of our relationship with God’s Spirit… so we give God time and space during our spiritual practices and lives. His Holy Spirit does the shaping, healing and changing within us.

My favorite definition of spiritual formation is an inte-gration of definitions from Robert Mulholland, Dallas Willard, and Mark Labberton: Spiritual formation is a divine process and a journey of becoming like Christ for the flourishing of our lives, for the sake others, and for the glory of God. In order to do this, Christian Formation includes Christian education & discipleship, but it is spiritual formation that has a deeper dimension of what disciple-ship is all about. And although Chrisitan education and spiritual formation are not at odds, each has distinc-tions where both knowl-edge and experience is critical in the context of relationships. I like how Dr. M. Anthony has shown this in 7 Family Ministry Essentials: you may go to our website to view com-parison of these distinc-tions.

More youth pictures on page 15...

In Touch page 14

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation “An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow”

MYTHS: Only wealthy people need an estate plan; only someone with dependents need to plan for the future distribution of assets; without a registered estate plan/will, state law usually distributes your property in about the same way you would have; without a plan you still could make a charitable gift to the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church; a professionally prepared estate plan rarely needs revision. TRUTH: If you have any property at all, you need to plan carefully. Protecting a small estate is important because settlement delays and confusion can mean more expense where it may be least affordable. If one without dependents has any property and wants to decide who receives it, they need an estate plan which can often re-duce or eliminate delays and probate cost. Since there is no way for the state to know someone’s wishes, it distributes property according to an all-purpose plan. Gener-ally children receive equal amounts and no provisions are made for gifts to special friend or favorite organizations such as the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation. Periodic reviews are advisable because so many changes occur. Children grow up; beneficiaries and executors status can change; estate values can increase or decrease and tax laws change. Foundation Board of Trustees Barbara Oakeson 480-837-5563 Susan Phillips 480-837-1225 Matt Jefferson 480-837-6001 Dawn Lau 480-837-2607 Roy Nickel 480-688-8392 Ben Fast 480-837-1119 John Skewes 480-292-9021

This and That Written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of s aying so much with so few words. Enjoy....... I've learned .... That everyone you meet deserves t o be greeted with a smile. I've learned .... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them. I've learned ... That life is tough, but I'm toughe r. I've learned .... That opportunities are never lost ; someone will take the ones you miss. I've learned .... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. I've learned .... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away. I've learned .... That one should keep his words bo th soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. I've learned .... That a smile is an inexpensive wa y to improve your looks. I've learned .... That when your newly born grandch ild holds your little finger in his little fist, th at you're hooked for life. I've learned .... That everyone wants to live on to p of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. I've learned .... That the less time I have to wor k with, the more things I get done.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Go to our website and click on Facebook on our home page. When you are there also click on the like it icon. When you do that you will get news feeds directly from our site whenever anything new is added. It is just another way to stay connected.

page 15 December 2015

Facebook

Painting Party with a Purpose

Hopefully I will manage to stay out of the hospital for a good while (three times in three months) but in the meantime I have so many people to thank for taking care of me. Wonderful Linda Warren stayed with me for five days when I got out of Rehab, cooking, cleaning and making sure that I didn’t fall on my nose. Other friends helped me so much with grocery shopping, rides to the doctor’s office and the hospital, bringing me delicious pie (my favorite), great tasting soups, bringing me beautiful flowers, taking over my job with

Marta in the office, bringing in my mail every day and taking care of my little Pixie. Thanks for all the cards and well wishing phone calls. I couldn’t have gotten through these operations if it wasn’t for this church family. God bless you all! I can never thank you enough. You have earned a lot more feathers in your wings!

Helen Roesch

November 11th our Elementary KidCommunity gathered to enter into the Christmas Story with their imaginations.

Guided by the Holy Spirit they selected scenes to draw and paint for a special gift book project. After a break for snacks and the making of a 2015 Christmas ornament, they retold the story using their creations.

You will have to wait for their illustrations to be published in the book!

Library Footnotes

In Touch page 16

SIMPLY JESUS A NEW VISION OF WHO HE

WAS WHAT HE DID

AND WHY HE MATTERS

A book recently acquired for our church library is “Simply Jesus” by bestselling author and leading Bible scholar N.T. Wright. What is the full story of Jesus – a two-thousand-year-old-story, debated over two millennia? Wright writes “With Jesus, it’s easy to be complicated and hard to be simple. Part of the difficulty is that Jesus is much, much more than people imagine. Not just people in general, but practicing Christians, the churches themselves.” (emphasis added) Simply Jesus is an enlightening book, easy to read and understand, but deep in theology and Scripturally based. The author gives us a new vision of who Jesus was, what he did, and why he matters in our twenty-first century world. He raises questions which stimulate our thoughts. The book is intended to be of assistance to anyone who is seeking the way to Jesus and useful to a practicing Christian and to someone who is just beginning her or his journey to Christ. There are basically three parts to the book. The first five chapters are Part one in which the author explains what the key questions are, why they matter, and why we find them

difficult to answer today. The second part focuses on Jesus’ public career, what it was all about, what he was trying to accomplish, and how he went about it. Wright points out that in order to understand what Jesus was all about, it is essential to see things from a first century Jewish point of view. The third part is the long final chapter. This chapter could be entitled “So What?” One of Jesus’ often used phrase “Kingdom of God” is explained. God’s wisdom is made known to rulers and authorities through the church. The work of the kingdom

is summed up in the Beatitudes. When God wants to change the world, he doesn’t send in tanks. He sends in the meek, the mourn-ers, the hungry and the peacemakers. God works through Jesus who works through people who work through the church. These are some of the thoughts Wright shares in Simply Jesus. N.T. Wright has written a number of books, is the former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England, and now serves as the chair of New Testament and Early Christian-ity at the School of Divinity at the Univer-sity of St. Andrews. I recently heard him lecture at ASU. I enjoyed reading this book. It is very thought provoking and provides material

that helps to “round out” our knowledge of who Jesus was, what he did, and why he matters. - John Bivens

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church is pleased to offer a preven-

tive health event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-

based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-

invasive and painless health screenings on 1/15/2016. Five screen-

ings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to:

blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; harden-

ing of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is

closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register

for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member dis-

count). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount

off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

page 17 December 2015

Merry Christmas! On behalf of the Music Staff and all those who are a part of our Music Ministry, we wish you the best of health, and may your hearts be warmed by the message of love and invi-tation. I so look forward to singing the anthems and hymns

which stir anticipation, warmth and inclusion, and hearing messages

requiring simple faith, and peace. We are connected to wonderful traditions at this church, some begun so long ago, and with Christ's love, we cherish what they spark in us. The annual church campus decorating, the Chili Dump, the poinsettia's so beautifully displayed with thoughts of loved ones in each flower, singing "Silent Night" outside with candles lit, and the stories on Christmas Eve and Christmas Sunday that keep us still in our seats. We've come a long way, determinedly, from the days of the 17th century Puritan Suppression in the New England Colonies, when observing Christmas, feast-ing or refraining from your daily labor, let alone sing a carol, brought fines of five schillings for each of-fense! Yikes!

Music Ministry

Debbie Fisher, Director of Music

On December 13, at the 9:00 a.m. service we will en-joy "Lessons and Carols" where the congregation will join in singing, and the Celebration Singers, Celebra-tion Ringers, the Pearwood Recorders will all have wonderful music to fully keep our hearts in the spirit. The 11:15 a.m. service will have a "Lessons and Carols" as well, with "Hilltop" and the Youth sing-ing, along with the congregation singing music which allows our souls to be touched and our joy to be boun-tiful! These services are always open to anyone who would like to attend. We have such wonderful people who will usher you in, and your friends and neighbors who may be looking for a place to worship. The services and their times are listed in the bulletin, or you can call the office for any further details. "Let the heavens be glad, and let the sea roar, and all that fills it; Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth." Psalm 96:11-13 Deborah Fisher Director of Music Ministries

Director of music Ministry, Debbie Fisher : from left to right...old office, new office, Celebration Youth in the new BIGGER office!

In Touch page 18

Member Spotlight …. Did you know? Helen & Bill Quigley Bill was born in Dearborn, Michigan and was attending Adrian College when he met Helen who was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Helen had just graduated from high school, and was visiting her relatives in Dearborn when her cousin introduced her to Bill at church. When Helen’s parents were ready to return home, Helen decided to stay in Dearborn, and was accepted in a col-

legiate training program through Henry Ford Commu-nity College and Michigan Bell. When it was time for Bill to return to Adrian College for the fall term, he de-cided to continue working at General Motors and dating Helen. After attending Henry Ford and working at Michigan Bell for six months, Helen found a better op-portunity and went to work at Ford Motor Company where she was employed for 33 years. A year and a half after meeting, Bill and Helen were married in Helen’s small town in upper Michigan, and ten months later their only child was born. Once they became parents, their priorities changed and they de-cided Bill should return to finish his education. While he attended Eastern Michigan University, Helen re-turned to Ford Motor Company where she continued to work in many different capacities, her last position as editor of a Ford newspaper. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, Bill taught school for 31 years. Their greatest accomplishments are having a wonderful son and daughter- in-law and managing to continue to have a loving marriage for 59 years. They regret not being able to have more children and the lack of grand-children. However, their life has been full of love and many good friends, and they feel blessed by God to be exactly where they want to be.

Sunniest Place on Earth: Yuma, Arizona In Yuma, Arizona, the sun shines for an av-erage of 11 hours a day. Its forecast is sun for 90 percent of the year, averaging a total of 4015 daylight hours a year.

The world's most visited city: London After a several-year bout with Bangkok, London has regained its place as the world's most visited city (according to MasterCard’s 2014 Global Destinations City Index). The city sees about 18.69 million international visitors annually, generating $19.3 billion in revenue.

page 19 December 2015

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

12/24 Linda Capron 12/24 Phyllis Rapp 12/25 Yvonne Ellingson 12/25 Edee Grider 12/26 Ilene Berg 12/27 Sunniva Graves 12/28 Lisa Kern

12/12 Pauline Pollock 12/12 Arlene Stewart 12/13 Joyce Stott 12/19 Kimberly Wall 12/21 Emerson Uphoff 12/22 Carl Hayungs 12/23 Jack Reynolds

With deepest sympathy we list those members who have passed away in 2015.

Billy Neal Sylvester Taylor

Marjorie Koepke Dallas Shuck Jack Schuler Paul Barker

Mildred Aimone Lorie Bayne Neal Ipema

Rev. Stan Jones Joanne Larson

ÂjxÄÄ wÉÇx? g{Éâ zÉÉw tÇw yt|à{yâÄ áxÜätÇà‹A

XÇàxÜ à{Éâ |ÇàÉ à{x }Éç by à{ç _ÉÜwAÊ

Matthew 25:21

Hospitalized? Call the church!

If you are sick, hospitalized or home recovering from ill-ness, we want you to call the church and let us know! In a con-gregation like ours where people leave in droves for extended summer months, it is easy for the staff, elders and deacons to assume, when we don’t see someone, that they are simply “vacationing away”. The truth is that some of you are sick and we are not aware of it. You can help us by simply letting one of the staff know of your situation. We have an excellent support system in place due to the diligent efforts of our deacons. Help us serve you by com-municating your situation.

12/02 Aleyne Larsen-Craig 12/02 Nancy Wulfmeier 12/07 Earl Stavely 12/08 Bud Fulls 12/08 Marianne Winchester 12/09 Carl Capron 12/09 Dorothy Christie

World's most well-connected city (for internet): Se oul, South Korea

Surprisingly, despite it’s 618 million internet users spending an average of 18.7 hours a week surfing the net, China didn’t even make the top 10. Along the dimensions of average connection speed, availability (weighted towards free access), openness to innovation, support of pub-lic data, and privacy/security, Seoul in South Korea is the champion of internet-connectedness. With 10,000 government supported free WiFi spots dotting the city, and an internet speed that goes unchallenged globally, Seoul is an internet junkie's paradise

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

13001 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard

Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Non Profit Organ.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit NO. 299

Scottsdale, AZ

In Touch is published monthly; deadline for each issue is the 15th of the month before publication. News and information should be submitted to the church office in hard copy, or email to fhpc.marta@gmail.com Editor, Marta Ludwig; Proof Readers: Helen Roesch & Jean Ipema; Staff Pho-tographers: Gary Oakeson & Michele Hasley; Production and Circulation: Mary Wernecke, Bobbie Dangremond, Ruby Pearson, Marilyn Humes, Mary Martinson and Vivian Virden. Travel to Bulk Mail Post Office: Mary Martinson.

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church 13001 Fountain Hills Blvd. - Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Phone - (480) 837-1763 Fax - (480) 837-1729 Office E-Mail Address: fhpc.marta@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. www.fhpresbyterian.info

Pastor/Head of Staff: Rev Bill Good email: fhpc.billg@gmail.com cell phone: 480-329-8090

Current Resident or

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

Sunday Nov 29th 9:00 am & 11:15 am Worship Services 1st Sunday of Advent

Saturday Dec. 5th 5:00 pm Live Nativity at Ave of the Fountains

Sunday Dec. 6th 9:00 am & 11:15 am Worship Services 2nd Sunday of Advent Sunday Dec. 13th 9:00 am & 11:15 am “Lessons & Carols” 3rd Sunday of Advent Sunday Dec. 20th 9:00 am & 11:15 am Worship Services 4th Sunday of Advent Thursday Dec. 24th 3:30 to 5:30 pm Live Nativity with Petting Animals 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Family & Children Worship 5:00 pm Refreshments & Live Nativity 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service

Sunday Dec. 27 th 9:00 am & 11:15 am 1st Sunday after Christmas Day “Memories & Hopes Sunday”