12225 N. 103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351 Phone: 623.974.3605 Fax: 623.974.4893 Dial-A-Prayer: 623.977.9211 Email: info@firstpressuncity.org Blog: firstpressuncity.blogspot.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/FirstPresSunCity Website: firstpressuncity.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/First-Presbyterian-Church-of-Sun-City/103412179850579

Rejoice! Rejoice! Welcome to the joyous season of Advent!

Here are just some of December’s highlights:

Thank God It’s Friday! Bible Study will meet

every Friday in December (except the 29th) at

8:30 am for coffee and snacks and Bible Study at

9:00 am. We will continue the same schedule in

January, starting January 3. We meet in the

comfort of the Church Parlor (aka the Fireside

Room) and welcome anyone interested in the

reading and discussion of the scripture used the

previous Sunday. The four ordained ministers in

the church lead and participate in the class.

PW’s Holiday High Tea, featuring Christmas

goodies, handsome waiters, and “The Singing TV

Guy,” will be Saturday, December 9; the doors

open at 1:00 pm and tea is served at 1:30. We

only have a few tickets left!

On Sunday, December 17, the choir will perform

“A Son is Given,” a Christmas cantata by John

Purifoy, at the 9:00 worship service. A special

brunch honoring long-time members of the

congregation will follow in Swain Hall.

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship will host the ladies

of the church for breakfast on Tuesday,

December 19, at 8:00 am in Swain Hall. Gene

and Mary Lou

Klatte will MC a

traditional

program of

readings and carols.

The December Fellowship Dinner will be held at

5:00 pm on Thursday, December 21, in Swain

Hall. Join us for holiday ham with all the

trimmings!

Join us again at 5:00 pm on Sunday, December

24, for a beautiful candlelight Christmas Eve

worship service in the Sanctuary.

If you would like to spend Christmas Day with

your church family as well, sign up for a

Christmas Day dinner hosted by Gene and Mary

Lou Klatte. Good food, good fellowship, and

another chance to celebrate the birth of our

Savior together.

Have a very blessed Christmas season!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: A Message from Our Pastor ..................................2 Reports and Activities ....................................... 3-9 This Month’s Calendar ........................................10 Celebrations and Updates ..................................11

First Presbyterian Church of Sun City, Arizona Volume 49, December 2017

Thank you to all our members and friends who helped to decorate the church for Advent; you did an

outstanding job! We will be “undecorating” on Saturday, January 13—the Saturday after Epiphany.

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The SPIRE

Advent is the season of great anticipation, and God

knows we need to have our sense of anticipation

awakened every now and then—and even raised to

high alert levels—because the regularity and

monotony of daily life desensitize us to the really

exciting things in life.

From a liturgical perspective, we remember the

way God prepared the world to receive the

Messiah, and how God awakened among his

chosen people a sense of anticipation for divine

intervention into the cycles of human history. But

the celebration of Advent for us is so much more

than reenacting sacred history with a once-upon-a-

time mindset.

We all know how that story turned out—with

angels singing, shepherds rejoicing, wise men

paying homage. What matters now is that we

allow ourselves to be awakened by that drama to

realize what God is doing with us now—today, in

order to prepare us for the great adventure of

following Christ into a new and glorious future.

We have had glimpses of our future as a church,

and we have begun to get excited about it. We

have drawn up a plan by which we believe God will

lead us there—to be a viable membership with a

sustainable stewardship. And we have completed

our mission statement and church resume, and we

are on the threshold of interviewing prospective

candidates for a dedicated pastor!

If all of that preparation by God has not yet

awakened us to high adventure, then we haven't

been paying attention. The season of anticipation

is clearly upon us. It's time to match our vision

against the talent and dedication of those we

interview—searching, not for the person, but for

the signs of God's unfolding purpose.

As we do, we need to know that somewhere in

glory, angels are already singing of the glory that

will come to us. Shepherds are rejoicing in the

fields of heaven for the joy that is ours to behold.

And wise men are paying homage in glory for the

saving purpose of God that unfolds through us as

we prepare to celebrate the miracle of Christmas

that is before us.

With gratitude and praise,

~David

A Message from Our Pastor

The Season of Great Anticipation

CALL TO CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

A Congregational Meeting will be held December 10, 2017, at 10:00 am in Swain Hall. The

purpose of the meeting is to:

Elect three (3) elders, Class of 2020; elect three (3) deacons, Class of 2020; elect

one (1) deacon Class of 2019.

Peruse the November 30, 2017 financial statement and approve the proposed 2018 budget.

Conduct any other business necessary at this time.

By Order of the Session,

~Carolyn Lopez, Clerk of Session

3

Vol. 49, December 2017

Mission Corner

Valley View Food Bank

With the holiday season upon us, local food banks are depending upon

contributions to meet the increased demand. Remember to bring canned

goods, toiletries, baby products and cereals to church for Valley View

Community Food Bank on the first Sunday of every month. The full list of

suggested contributions can be found on our website under “Helping Others.”

The total amount sent to Valley View Food Bank for Thanksgiving dinners was $1,014.55 ($764.55 from the

congregation plus the $250 match from Men’s Breakfast Fellowship). Thanks to everyone who gave to this

worthwhile cause.

HART (Helping At Risk Teens) Pantry

Those of you who attended the October Fellowship dinner will recall Ruth Langford from Hart Pantry

spoke. They are doing great work by helping at-risk students get through high school. We want to help

them! They are having a Christmas drive for the students they serve. We will participate as we did last

year. They really need hoodies from small to extra large for boys and girls; socks (No Shows) both males and

female; $25.00 gift cards to Walmart or Target for shoes; or cash donations. Thank you for your generosity in

advance!

Christmas Joy Offering

The 2017 Christmas Joy offering will be collected on Christmas Eve Day, Sunday, December 24. The

Christmas Joy Offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides

much-needed assistance to PC(USA) church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial

ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling.

Habitat for Humanity

Seven Presbyterian Churches make up our Presbyterian Coalition of the West Valley. (See the Church bulletin

board for pictures and plaques, etc.) Together we encourage gifts and participation from our congregations

to make possible a new or renovated home for a responsible and energetic family using their own “sweat

labor.” We have been doing all, or part of a home once a year. What a delight to share in the joy and

gratitude of this family as their house is built and dedicated.

The Coalition, just last month, participated in another ceremony of home blessing in Avondale, with the

McMartins, the Johnsons, and the Zabriskies all present on a beautiful morning. Bob Johnson has just

agreed to be our congregation’s “Liaison” to Habitat, replacing Walt McMartin, and working with Dick

Zabriskie, the chair of the Coalition. We encourage your continuing gifts to this most-rewarding

charity. Remember, as 2017 closes, that there is a significant Arizona State tax-advantage each year, with

forms for this in the church office.

Don’t forget the Arizona Tax Credit for contributions ($400 single, $800 couple) to qualifying charities!

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The SPIRE

Presbyterian Women One of the highlights of PW’s activities for the year is the Annual Holiday High

Tea, held in Swain Hall on the second Saturday afternoon of December

(December 9 this year). Following a thorough cleaning and “sprucing up” of

the room, everyone who has chosen to decorate a table brings her finest china

and silver (or gold?!), along with seasonal decorations. Themes are optional; many choose to focus on the

traditional Christmas Story.

Come, enjoy traditional scones, enhanced with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and raspberry jam, along with

sandwiches, cookies and candies! Seating is at 1:00 p.m. with tea at 1:30 (served by our church’s gentlemen

waiters).

Always depended upon as the year’s primary fund-raiser for PW’s mission work and other projects, this

year’s event is co-chaired by Tina Trowbridge/Porter and Lois Rotenberger. Tickets are available at the

church office for $15.00 each.

Entertainment will be provided by “Mike Chamberlain, the Singing TV Guy.” Those who heard his WWII-era

nostalgia show last spring at the Lenten Fish Fry will want to be sure to see him again.

Be sure to buy your ticket before they’re gone!

Bible Study Circle: The book of Hebrews continues to be the focus as Rachel and Lydia Circles meet at 1:30

p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month (December 12th this month) in Annex 3. Lesson 3 is scheduled.

Blessings to all!

~Marge Hagerman

Flower Ministry Update

At their October meeting, the Deacons voted to discontinue making bouquets from the Sunday flower ar-

rangement and taking them to members at home or in the hospital, starting in 2018. We have few Deacons

who are able to do this and it is very difficult in the hot months. Another factor is fewer people sign up to

pay for each Sunday’s flowers and the church pays for the balance of the cost.

We plan to have several tasteful artificial arrangements for the front of the Sanctuary. Anyone who would

like to contribute to or help with this should contact Martha Porter or Rhea Nelson.

If you want to provide fresh flowers for a special occasion, you will have to contact a florist and make your

own arrangements with them as the church will no longer have an agreement with a florist.

Please bear with us as we make this transition. The Deacons hope to have more time available to make

phone calls, send cards, and do home and hospital visits.

5

Vol. 49, December 2017

Memorial Poinset tias

The Deacons sponsor the Memorial Poinsettia Project each year for Christmas

services. You may donate money for this memorial. Twelve poinsettias will be

purchased to beautify our chancel for worship services. This year monies in excess

of the cost will be contributed to a local charity. The donation amount is $10.00 for

each plant. Please fill in this form exactly as you wish the text printed in the Sunday worship guide for

December 17th, and return it to our church office by Monday, December 11th. Poinsettias may be picked

up by donors after the Christmas Eve service. The Deacons will later deliver available poinsettias to shut-

ins.

I/we wish to contribute to the Deacons’ Poinsettia Project:

Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________

In Memory/Celebration Of: _______________________________________________________________

Stephen Ministers Stephen Ministry reaches out to those of the congregation who are "going through difficult spiritual or

emotional issues" in their lives . This ministry involves trained Stephen Ministers of the congregation who

meet on a "one on one" basis in the homes of those needing support . They meet as a group on the third

Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the office complex . If you would like to become more involved in this

caring ministry, speak to Dr. David Glenn Walker , Mary or Walt McMartin or Judy Goss .

Reverend Gayle C. Beanland, Jr., Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of

Sun City from December 13, 1980, to October 31, 1991, died October 15, 2017.

Cards may be sent to:

Mrs. Joy Beanland

1763 Royal Oak Rd #122B

Duarte, CA 9101

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Notes from the Library

Greetings from your Library. Want to wake up your brain with a mighty jolt?

Come check out the newest section opening up in the Library just off the Fireside

room. It is labeled “Non-Fiction and Historical.” These books were under other

section titles less appropriate. Some really great stories were being overlooked.

How about reading the Secret Lives of First Ladies and/or the Secret Lives of U.S. Presidents. There are a lot

of lesser known but equally fascinating facts revealed in these two books. Some are quite hilarious and

definitely entertaining.

Or, if you are a movie buff, we have a few books that have recently been made into motion pictures. I find

the original book is always more satisfying than the movie. We have The Zoo-Keeper's Wife who, during

World War II, managed to save over three hundred people, Jews as well as activists against the Nazi regime.

They all had animal code names of the animal's Zoo domain in which they were hidden. Try The Glass Castle,

which is Jeanette Walls’ personal story of her radically dysfunctional family who are peculiar, but also vibrant

and very loyal. The Book Thief is the true story of a World War II ten-year-old orphan named Liesal

Meminger who can neither read nor write. Her foster father, Hans Huberman, teaches her, thus instilling in

her a burning desire to find books. There are many dangers in her quest for books while living under the

threat of the Nazis. It is a fascinating read.

If you are a sports fan, try When You Can't Come Back, which is the story of San Francisco Giant's pitcher

Dave Dravecky who underwent surgery for cancer of his pitching arm and eventual amputation. It is an

engaging story of how Dave and his wife Jan dealt with depression, burnout, stress, and suffering.

Then there is Lives on the Line about the Arizona-Mexico border. What is it like to live in Nogales, Arizona,

and Nogales, Sonora? It is written by Miriam Davison, who has been writing about the U.S.-Mexico border

for almost twenty years. This one hits close to home and gives a slightly different picture of the border issue

from that which we read in the newspaper or watch on TV almost every day.

Folks, we are so fortunate to have this wonderful library in our midst. I just don't understand why more of

you aren't taking advantage of this opportunity. You can walk in anytime before or after church or on

Wednesday afternoons and check out a book or two. You can do it even when the librarian is not present. (A

hint – books are filed alphabetically by author rather than by title.) Just fill out the card and leave it on the

desk. You aren't constrained by a two-week limit. Take as long as you want to read a book before returning

it. It's a great way to relax and escape stress for a while.

~The Librarian, Carol Maxwell

Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to thank all who donated money and yarn. We had a great year.

As of the end of November, we had made 69 lap robes, 30 shawls, 59 layettes, 14 slippers, 12 finger gloves

and mittens, 3 hats, and 6 pairs of socks. We still are making things in December; anyone who would like to

join us, please come to Annex 3 on the first and third Monday of the month at 9:30-11:00 am. I want to

thank all of our helpers for a great job. ~Beverly Simmons

7

Vol. 49, December 2017

Money Matters Financial Update October 31, 2017

General Fund

Contributions to date: $134,224.71 Pledge budget to date: $130,208.30

Other Income: 28,284.19 Other Income budget: 23,545.80

Transfer from Foundation: 34,500.00 Transfer per budget: 40,000.00

Total: $197,547.90 $193,754.10

Expenses to date: $198,287.32 Budget to date: $194,564.64

Foundation Funds

Income:

Dividends $16,715.15

Income from Annuities 9,101.82

Bequests 5,000.00

Capital Gains Reinvested 8,494.27

Interest Income 114.43

Total: $34,325.67

Disbursements:

Transfer to General Fund $34,500.00

BBVAInvestment Solutions: $1,461,822.15

Stewardship Month

December is Stewardship Month at First Presbyterian! You should receive your annual Time, Talents, and

Treasure pledge card shortly. We appreciate whatever personal resources you are able to commit to God’s

work in 2018. Remember, your participation in the life of the church shouldn’t just be limited to money—we

need your energy and enthusiasm as well!

Legacy Giving

You may gave heard the term “legacy giving” but weren’t sure what it meant. Here’s a basic definition: it is

simply planning to make a difference, both for yourself and for a cause that you believe in, through a char-

itable gift. The goal of such gifts is to leave a legacy that can make an impact for future generations. You can

make a lasting difference in the life of First Presbyterian Church of Sun City and those it serves by including

the church in your personal legacy giving plan. The Endowment Committee was created specifically to

manage an endowment for the perpetual benefit of the church and it’s ministries. The members of the

Endowment Committee are ready to help anyone who wants more information about options for

contributing assets to the Endowment Fund.

Please note: The deadline for 2017 contributions to the church is Sunday, December 31, 2017.

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The SPIRE

Session Recap Called Meeting of November 16, 2017

The Session meeting was opened at 10:00 am with prayer given by Elder Bob Johnson.

Pastor’s Report:

Pastor David appointed Stewart Porter and John White to serve as the Session representatives on the

Church Nominating Committee. The Church Nominating Committee will start meeting Tuesday,

November 21, in the Office Conference Room at 9:30 am.

The Church Information Form has been approved by COM and we have received three resumes. The

Pastor Interview Team will be Fred Stainbrook, Bill Wentling, Wanda Morrill, John Ohm, and Gail Bickel.

The minutes for the meeting of October 19, 2017, were approved as distributed. The statistical report this

date reflects one death, Jack Keen, on November 15, 2017. Five “Friends of the Church” were listed.

Communion was served to 105 on November 5, 2017, in the Sanctuary. Communion was served to Jane

Hundley at Santé Rehab Facility during a visit by Pastor Hodgson and Deacon Gitta Opatz. There was no

correspondence.

Administration Commission, Fred Stainbrook, Chair:

Bill Wentling reported Men’s Breakfast will pay for the necessary extension of water lines to the new

plants on the 103rd Avenue side of the campus. An anonymous donation will pay to move five plants.

The quote for a new air conditioner for the choir room is $6,938.00. A motion was made, seconded and

approved to have the Clerk of Session submit a written request to the Foundation Committee for the

amount of $7500.

Fred reported that Legacy Solar is having a problem obtaining investors to cover the solar bid. A request

has been made to Presbytery to inquire if other Presbyterian churches would be interested.

Congregational Care Commission, Carolyn Lopez, Chair:

The Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner will be held this date with 65 signed up to attend.

Beth Mabee and Carolyn attended the Peoria Faith Based Council at the Peoria School District; we will be

writing “Thank You” notes to be given to teachers in a Peoria school near Sun City.

Stewart Porter, Membership Committee Chair, stated he will be checking with Reverend Robert Felix

about developing a short video to place on our website, Google, and Facebook. Beth reported on a

survey that shows individuals look at ten churches online before walking in the door of one.

Worship and Christian Education Commission, Gene Klatte, Chair:

TGIF is meeting again every Friday with coffee and goodies at 8:30 am and Bible Study 9:00-10:00 am.

Mary McMartin, Chair of the Worship Committee, reported that the annual Week of Prayer for Christian

Unity will be the week of January 15, 2018, and we will be the first host. We will be responsible for half

of the program and half of the lunch.

Deacons’ Report: Judy Goss reported there will be artificial flowers on the communion table starting January

1, 2018. This is necessary due to the problems encountered getting deacons to arrange and deliver the small

bouquets. She also reported the deacons will be checking with everyone in their parish to see how many

cannot read The SPIRE due to a vision issue. They will further check the cost of a small CD player.

(continued on next page)

9

Vol. 49, December 2017

Deacon Minutes

Meeting of November 7, 2017

The meeting was called to order by Martha Porter. Those present were Floyd Beyer,

Mary Jo Conwell, Judy Goss, Billie Lewis, Rhea Nelson, Gitta Opatz, and Martha

Porter. Excused: Sherry Gearhart. Absent: Shirley Walker.

The devotion and prayer were given by Floyd Beyer.

The minutes of October 3, 2017, were approved as corrected. The treasurer’s report, with a balance of

$144.99, was accepted. The statistical report was read and discussed.

Session Report: Floyd Beyer reported that a new category of parishioner has been instituted. This is “Friends

of the Church,” and includes those who belong to another church but wish to be allied with this church also.

Martha Porter encouraged the Deacons to turn in their report sheets each month. A discussion was held on

providing recordings of The SPIRE to those who cannot read them. Deacons are to question any of their

parishioners that might be interested in this service and report back at the next meeting.

Committee Reports:

Communion—Gitta Opatz—105 were served communion on November 5.

Flowers—Sherry Gearhart delivered 18 flower arrangements in October.

Receptions—Martha Porter—no receptions in October.

Old Business: A motion was made that the practice of using fresh chancel flowers be discontinued and that

the use of artificial flowers be instituted. The motion was seconded and carried. The church will provide

birthday cards that the Deacons may send to their parishioners, if they choose to use them.

New Business: A motion was made to provide a dozen poinsettias for decoration during the Christmas

celebrations. The motion was seconded and carried.

The meeting was closed with the Deacon Prayer.

The next meeting will be December 5, 2017, at 2:00 pm in Annex 2; Judy Goss will give the opening devotion

and prayer.

The next Session meeting will be November 16, 2017, at 10:00 am in the Office Conference Room; Judy Goss

will be the Deacon Representative.

Respectfully submitted,

~Mary Jo Conwell, Secretary

Treasurer’s Report, Norma Mack: The actual income and expenses for October 17, estimate for November

and December 2017, and the proposed 2018 budget were perused. Session members were encouraged to

submit requests for any anticipated changes to expenses for 2018 as soon as possible. The final budget will

be voted on at the Session meeting on December 21, 2017. The financial report of October 31 is included in

this edition of The SPIRE.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 am with prayer given by Elder Mary McMartin.

10

The SPIRE

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11

Vol. 49, December 2017

Celebrations and Updates

CHANGES FOR YOUR CHURCH DIRECTORY

THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS

We are celebrating you! Please join the Birthday Celebration on Sunday, December 10, in Swain Hall following the worship service.

OUR STAFF

The SPIRE is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church of Sun City, AZ. Please call the church office at 623.974.3605 to be added to our mailing list, or see our website at http://firstpressuncity.org to access current and back issues in PDF format. Items to be included in the next edition of The SPIRE should be submitted to Beth Mabee at the church office or by email at bethm@firstpressuncity.org by Monday, December 18.

Interim Pastor The Rev. Dr. David Hodgson davidh@firstpressuncity.org

Assoc. for Congregational Life Beth Mabee bethm@firstpressuncity.org

Admin. Assistant, Treasurer Norma Mack norma934@cox.net

Choir Director Dr. William Gleason billg@firstpressuncity.org

Handbell Choir Director Mary Lou Klatte fancypancy@cox.net

Pianist/Organist Kelsey McKee

Custodian Lyle Tollefson

Addition: Telephone Changes: Entering the Church Triumphant:

John and Gail Ohm

17723 N. Stone Haven Dr.

Surprise, AZ 85374-6359

Home: 623.374.7325

Cell: 541.954.4840

Leila Gaines

623.455.2442

Gerald and Joyce Heuett

623.214.2223

Elder Jack Keen

November 15, 2017

1 Barbara Szantho 14 Pat Mills

3 Nita Cinquina 20 Martha Porter

3 Peg Denham 20 Evelyn Haas

4 Mary McMartin 22 Nancy Childress

4 Beverly Simmons 27 Marge Richards

6 Dick Richards

The SPIRE First Presbyterian Church 12225 N 103rd Ave Sun City AZ 85351-3501 OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Sunday Schedule:

9:00 am Worship Services in the Sanctuary, the Rev. Dr. David Hodgson preaching

10:00 am Coffee and Fellowship in Swain Hall

Worship Services This Month:

Sunday, December 3—First Sunday in Advent

Sunday, December 10—Second Sunday in Advent

Sunday, December 17—Third Sunday in Advent, Christmas Cantata

Sunday, December 24—Fourth Sunday in Advent

Sunday Evening, December 24—Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 pm

Tuesday, December 26—Reflection Service at 5:00 pm in the Chapel, dinner following in Swain Hall

Sunday, December 31—The Rev. Dr. Douglas Wright, guest preacher

Winter Office Hours:

Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday: 8:00 am-1:00 pm

Friday: Closed

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