FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH

Fountain Hills, AZ January 2015

From Sally Atchinson, Elder for Outreach and Communications

Made any Resolutions? Its so traditional to start the New Year with fresh resolves. Our commerce and public media fuel a new effort to do better, to re-solve to live differently, to spruce up appearances or to en-hance success through organized effort and compliance. Interesting that the word RE SOLUTION rec-ognizes the repetitive form of the

word SOLUTION and we all know how ardently resolu-tions are made and how the energy to carry them out fades as we return to our usual patterns. Lets do something different this year. Lets go to the permanent Solution. Lets arm ourselves with Gods Word on how to live well.

Galatians 5:22-26 in the Message, the Bible in contem-porary language reads: But what happens when we live Gods way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit ap-pears in an orchard -- things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willing-ness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything con-nected with getting our own way and mindlessly re-sponding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good -- crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads

or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implica-tions in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more in-teresting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

Your OUTREACH and COMMUNICATIONS elders are the front line of the Church reaching out into the com-munity. This includes designing and arranging for advertisements and promotional articles in newspa-pers. Most recently we participated in the towns 25th Birthday Celebration and Stroll In The Glow where there was an opportunity to pass out material on our services and talk to people about our programs. Many families were attracted to the live manger our church provided. We make contact with newcomers to the community inviting them to visit our church and find ways to let them know they are welcome and val-ued. In this, of course, we join all of our church family in inviting and welcoming friends and family not just on a special designated Sunday but always for all our ac-tivities intended to increase our knowledge and wor-ship of our Lord and our love for one another. We also make contact with those interested in joining our congregation as members, set up inquiry meetings for the purpose of getting better acquainted and pro-viding an opportunity for all questions to be answered. Pastor Bill discusses our faith background and Presby-terian beliefs. We tell them about all the church activi-ties and explain the layout of our campus and services so that they can make an informed decision about joining us . For those joining we work with them through the process and then introduce them to the congregations of both services. Of course in addition to these individual re-sponsibilities we are fully involved in all ses-sion meetings and gen-eral tasks where we are all working together for the purpose of bringing Christ into our everyday lives and caring for one another.

FHPC VISION & MISSION STAMENTS

Our Vision: Living Gods love.

calls us to . . .

Our Mission : Reach out to all with faith and love.

In Touch page 2

On the Inside: From Sally Atchinson, Elder .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. .. . .. Focus on Finance .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . Live Nativity .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. .. Mission Ministry . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . Presbyterian Women .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. Out n About... .. .. .. . . . . . . . .. .. .. . . . . . . .. .. . Hooked on Books .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . .. .. Advent Lighters .. .. . . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . Facebook .. .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Members .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. New Decorations .. .. .. . .. . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . FHPC Foundation .. .. . .. . ... . .. . .. . .. . Thanksgiving Day Parade .. . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . .. .. . . . . Christian Formation .. .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .. . From the Director of Christian Formation .. . . . . . . . . . Mens Fellowship.. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. . . .. . . . . . How Can You Help? ... . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . Screen for Choir . .. .. .. . . . . .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . . . . . Library Footnotes.. .. . .. . . . . . What is a billion? .. .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Ministry .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. Member Spotlight...Did you Know? .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . ... Necrology for 2014 .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . .. . . . Healthful Hints. .. .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . January Birthdays .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. Santa? .. . .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. ..

1 2 3 4 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 12 13 15 15 15 16 16 17 18 19 19 19 20

OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Bill Good Pastor/Head of Staff

Rev. Stan Jones Parish Associate

Pastor Ken Brown Interim Pastoral Associate

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

Brooks Benjamin 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: ???? Class of 2015

Ben Fast Jack Morris

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

Operational results for November, both Income and Ex-pense, performed essentially as expected. While the bulk of 2014 is behind us, we need a strong Pledge/Contribution finish in December to wrap-up the month (and year) on target.

Respectfully, John Skewes, Treasurer

Nov Income $ 34,215 Budget $ 34,550 Nov Expense $ 37,947 Budget $ 37,027

Yr to date Income $ 395,856 Budget $ 394,450 Yr to date Expense $ 389,820 Budget $ 392,032

page 3 January 2015

Live Nativity on Ave of the Fountains

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

No, there were-nt any of those vicious critters. Just goats, ducks, chickens, a pig and a llama. Nothing to fear! But plenty of smiles and the ringing laughter of kids, their parents and/or their grand-parents.

Oh, and lets not forget Joseph & Mary, the baby Jesus, a cou-ple of lowly shepherds and a couple of prestigious wise men [Okay, one was a woman]. Plus a perky little angel! After all, how can you have a nativity scene without an angel, even if her halo was tipped?

What more could you ask for at a birthday party for Jesus and the 25th birthday celebration for the Town of Fountain Hills? It was-nt all fun and games. But it wasnt as serious as church either. Lights flickered and danced and people snickered and pranced.

-Pastor Ken Brown

page 5 November 2012

Happy New Year to all! If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corin-thians 5:17 (NRSV) As we begin this new and exciting year, we throw off last years burdens and troubles. But we must not forget those who are less fortunate than us. We here in the Mission Ministry are busy try-ing to do just that. With the New Year

ahead of us, we are eagerly looking forward to helping those we can, and praying for those who we can't physically help. Please join with me this year in praying for those people who so desperately need our prayers. We pray for food for the hungry, clothes and blankets for the cold, health and medicine for the sick, and comfort for those who are lost and forlorn. But most of all we pray for Peace and God's Grace for all.

Extended Hands Food Bank Now that the Holidays are over, we must be sure and remember that the Ex-tended Hands Food Bank still has people in need of food. So we continue to ask for non perishable food for the food bank. If you prefer to give money instead of buying food

you are free to do that. You can make a check out to the Church and in the memo line, be sure to say contribution for Extended Hands Food Bank. Or if you prefer, you can make a donation right to Extended Hands Food Bank. There will not be a Friday night Fish Fry on January 2nd. So the first time for the Fish Fry in 2015 will be January 16th. We will be helping with the Friday Night Fish Fry on

In Touch page 4

Mission Ministry

Terri Schmidt, Elder

February 6th, we hope to see you there. Thank you to all of you who continue to give your loose coins and non perishables. It is nice to belong to such a thoughtful and giving congregation.

Angel Tree Thank you to all who made our Angel Tree a success last month. We had 30 names from the local schools and you were so generous to take them and to make these children's Christ-mases a brighter and happier time. Thank you to those who took the Indian stars, we had 16 of those. We partnered with Fort McDowell to take these gifts to a reservation over by Parker Arizona. Fort McDowell selects a less fortunate reservation and helps them at Christmastime, and we have been able to help for the last several years.

Changing Lives Center We took Christmas gifts to downtown Phoenix at the Changing Lives Center again this year. For those of you who don't know, this is the counterpart of the Phoenix Rescue Mission. These ladies and children actu-ally have small apartments and a dining hall, daycare, as well as a chapel and meeting rooms. This facility helps those women and children make better lives for them-selves. The young women who have no High school diploma are helped with their GED's. They find jobs for the women and help them get back on their feet. While on this campus they are asked to attend church services and help out where and when they can. They also must not take drugs or consume alcohol. This is a wonderful facility and we love to give these women and children hope and a way to go, keep up the good work praise by helping with what we can. This year we took 83 bags of various things for the women and 55 bags of age ap-propriate toys for the children. Everyone got a candy cane!

National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is officially in May, but we have been asked to pray specifically for different things each month until May. In January we have been asked to pray for Business. Pray for integrity among Christian Workers, communication of ideas and re-sources to open principled businesses. And pray that

Turkeys and fixins delivered by the men of the church

Bob Lull

In Touch page 4 page 5 January 2015

Mission Ministry

What if?....

What if Jupiter was the same distance from the earth as our moon.

Christian workers will display Christ-like humility and service to both co-workers and customers. We pray that these business can prosper and stimulate the much needed economic growth.

As I close for this month I want to ask you all to welcome Bonnie Hollabaugh as a new Elder and to our Mission Committee. Welcome Bonnie!!! I would also like to ask you to keep our Church and members in your prayers this year, as we all go through some major decisions. If you feel there is a cause near and dear to your heart, feel free to come talk to Terri Schmidt or Bonnie Hollabaugh. We will certainly take it to the committee for discussion. If you want to join our committee, we meet the second Monday of the month, usually at 1:00 in the conference room. We would love to have you join us. One last thought for the month helping others brings such joy to your heart that you feel complete and satisfied.

Terri Schmidt Mission Elder

ABOUT GROWING OLDER...

First ~Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Second ~ The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Third ~ Some people try to turn back their odome-ters. Not me; I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long way, and some of the roads weren't paved.

Fourth ~ When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.

Fifth ~ You know you are getting old when every-thing either dries up or leaks.

Sixth ~ I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.

Seventh ~ One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it's such a nice change from be-ing young.

Eighth ~ One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.

Ninth ~ Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

And, finally ~ If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old.

**************

Trendsetters Thank you to all who took the time to pledge their 2014 Tax Credit Money to Trendsetters. All the kids are very grateful.

Rev. Stan Jones with Lisa Ristuccia (a Leader of Trendsetters at the Charter School in Fountain Hills), Louise Jones and Barbara Oakeson.

page 7 December 2011

Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team for 2014-2015 Moderator: Maurene Gerson Mission Coordinator: Mary Alice Bivens Vice-Moderator : Linda Capon Librarian: Barbara Oakeson Secretary: Bonnie Matty Membership/Yearbook Coordinator: Linda Warren Treasurer: Maria Berry Bible Study Coordinator: Evelyn Hrunek Publicity: Sally Atchinson Search Committee: Ilene Berg

Morning Circle Leader: Suzie McCready Evening Circle Leader: Judy Irvin Afternoon Circle Leader: Martha Baxter Historian: Office Angels Hooked on Books Leader: Jan Hoff Out n About Leader: Arlene Olsen

Presbyterian Women

In Touch page 6

2015 Future Dates to make note of: March 7 PWP Spring Gathering March 15 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Gifts of Women Sunday (both services) April 11 10:30 a.m. PW Spring Gathering June 18-21 Church wide Gathering of Presbyterian Women One Body, One Spirit, Minneapolis, MN

JANUARY DATES January 6 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Circle at Fountain View Village January 8 9:00 p.m. Morning Circle, Adult Center, FHPC January 9 9:00 a.m. Coordinating Team Meeting, Adult Center, FHPC January 19 9:00 a.m. Evening Circle, home of Chris Young, 16327 E Montrose Drive, FH January 21 9:30 a.m. Hooked On Books (see separate box for details) January 21 12:00 p.m. Out N About (see separate box for details) January 26 5:30 p.m. Carry-in salad potluck (see separate article below)

Lately it seems like whatever devotional material I am reading references are made to the work of C.S. Lewis so I finally purchased The Complete C. S. Lewis Signature Classics much of which is new to me. The following is NOT by C. S. Lewis but is writ-ten in the style of his Screwtape Letters and taken from the Womens Devotional Bible.

A Lost Letter by Beth Donigan Sevensen

The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis, is a fictitious diary of scolding letters from a mature demon (Screwtape) to his young nephew (Wormwood). It is Wormwoods job to keep a recent convert to Christi-anity from being productive for Christ (The Enemy). Screwtapes letters point out where Wormwood has failed or missed an opportunity. I have often mused that there must be a missing appendix to these let-ters somewhere that reads like this . . .

My dear Wormwood, The following instructions shall help you proceed in handicapping your converts effectiveness in the En-emys kingdom. One of our great allies at present is her perception of herself. It is your task, therefore, to feed her poor self esteem. Already she wastes time primping in front of the mirror and worrying about her looks. You must continue to encourage her to com-pare herself with so-called spiritual giants who she admires. This will eventually immobilize her. When she feels inadequate she will no longer at-tempt anything for the Enemys kingdom because of her fear of failure. Her warped self image will lead to unhealthy relationships and hinder her ability to love others. The more often she tells herself that she is a bad person -- that shes not competent -- the more easily she will feel threatened by others. This will turn others off to the Enemy and his loathsome Christianity. Ultimately her relationship with the Enemy himself

HOOKED ON BOOKS

Hooked on Books will meet on Wednesday, January 21st at 9:30 AM. The meeting will be held in the home of Barbara Oakeson. Elsie Hoffarber will review the book The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Books you no longer want may be brought for the Book Ex-change. Hooked on Books is open to all women who enjoy reading and discussing books. For further information contact Jan Hoff (480) 836-7551.

page 7 January 2015

Out n AboutOut to Lunch will meet on January 21st at 12 noon at Blue Adobe Santa Fe Grille on 10885 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale. Turn right off Frank Lloyd Wright at the Garden Nursery. As usual we will order off the menu and receive separate checks that include a tip. Call Nancy Wulfmeier at 480-837-3021 for reservations.

will be adversely affected. Since she is not satisfied with how the Enemy has created her, her intimacy with Him will be destroyed and she will find it difficult to trust the Enemy, pray to Him or read that detestable Book. Finally, emphasize her weaknesses so repeatedly that she begins to believe that she is unimportant to the Enemy. This will push her to compulsive striving to please Him through her own accomplishments. Her works will no longer be motivated by faith, but by a dislike for herself. Confuse her so that she never feels forgiven. If you successfully convince her that the Enemy is never pleased with her, she will grow weary and give up altogether. But, more of this in my next letter. Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape

Our best armour is always the scripture. Col. 3:12-14 Therefore as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gen-tleness and patience. Bear with each other and whatever grievances you may have against one another, forgive as the Lord forgave you and OVER ALL THESE VIRTUES PUT ON LOVE which binds them all together in perfect unity.

-Sally Atchinson

PW WINTER GATHERING January 26th at 5:30 p.m. Want less Stress and More Time? Get Organized! Do you waste time looking for things in your home? Is clutter causing you stress? Professional Organizer, Ana Benitez, will teach you how to make decisions about your things and how to or-ganize the rest. Having worked in the corporate world for 20 years, Ana quickly learned that to be her most productive she needed to be or-ganized. Although she was successful in her roles as Project Man-ager and Marketing Director, it was her role as a Corporate Trainer that she most enjoyed. With a Masters in Adult Education, teaching and training come naturally to her. Ana eventually took her training and passion for organizing and in 2011 founded her company I will ORGANIZE it!. Her work with numerous cli-ents has taught her that there is no one right way to become organized and that everyone can benefit from organizing tools and productivity systems. Ana holds a certificate of Study from the Institute for Chronic Disorganization and is past Membership Director for the Arizona Chapter of the National As-sociation for Professional Organizers.

Come and enjoy an evening together with deli-cious salads and an inspiring speaker. There will be a table for signups in the narthex and fellowship center on the 18th and 25th of January.

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 an-other way to stay connected.

Not Yet A Member? *If you are attending our church and dont have membership in another church, you can join

our church by profession of faith and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism or, if youve 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

In Touch page 8

Advent Lighters

Terri Schmidt, Joanne and Summer Jones with Pastor Bill Dante and Stacey Guyah with John Brockelman

Brandon and Lauryn (grandchildren) with Susan Phillips

Dont miss it! Inquiry Class

January 6 4PM narthex

page 9 January 2015

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

Welcome to the New Year!

Its time to check your legal papers. Do you have a Will and/or Trust? If not, its time to con-sider one. In your Will or Trust have you included the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foun-dation? If not, please consider it. The Foundation is a perfect charitable way to leave your mark and final testimony of your faith and value in our Church. Your gift will help insure the future needs and ministries of the Church for years to come.

Save Sunday afternoon, February 15, 2015, for the Annual Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation Corporation meeting. The meeting will be held in the Church Fellowship Center. As a member of the Church you are a member of the Foundation. Plan to attend, learn about the status of the Foundation and enjoy fellowship with the Trustees after the meeting.

Members of the Board of Trustees are available to answer your questions. Give them a call!

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 Jerry Cain 480-215-3700

Thank you for all the beautiful new Christmas Decorations

Thanksgiving Day Parade

In Touch page 8 In Touch page 10

After many years, FHPC decided to celebrate our 40th Anniversary with a float in the parade.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

page 11 January 2015

Christian Formation

In Touch page 12

Arlene Stewart , Elder

How many hugs have you given out today? Did you know that hugs:

Can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and an-ger.

Lift one's serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.

Strengthen the immune sys-tem. The gentle pressure on the sternum stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's pro-duction of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.

Relaxes muscles. Hugs re-lease tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain; they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.

Balance out the nervous sys-tem. The galvanic skin re-sponse of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system - parasympa-thetic.

Happy New Year! 2015. Well we are ready to begin a new year. Do

you have your 2015 calendar?

Jim and I started buying our 2015 calendars back in November of 2014. We wanted to be ready with the new years appointments, events and golf dates. We had much of January filled before the end of December. Now if we add all the grand childrens birthdays, our family anni-versaries and travel dates, we will be filling up the year in no time. But..lets not forget to leave days open for Sunday services , Bible study, Wednesday Brown Bag Lunch, Wednesday evening The Way and the many other opportu-nities to participate in our Church.

Please plan on a daily, personal devotion time to read your Bible, a faith based book from the Church Library or join one of the many weekly or monthly Adult groups. Make some time , Gods time, after all he made us to glorify him! Blessings for this New Year,

Elder Arlene Stewart

January Christian Formation

Opportunities at FHPC:

Sign up for Sylvia Burkes Beth Moore Series

Attend John Bivens Sunday Bible Study, between services

Join Presbyterian Women circles and special events

Volunteer for Sunday and or Wednesday or Monday Youth For-mation programs

Staff the Nursery,

Get ready for VBS with Debby De-Bernardi

MAKE A DATE WITH THE LORD!

Keep breathing

Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, said many Christians live on a spiritual roller coaster, going from one emotional experience to another in a worldly way, feeling frustrated and fruitless. To counteract that, Bright recommended a spiritual breathing exercise as a reminder of Gods love and forgiveness. Simply exhale as you confess your sins and impurities. Then inhale to receive life and forgivenessand to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers you to resist sin and temptation.

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

From the Director of Christian Formation

page 13 January 2015

Doodles from Debby A new year is upon us. A time to reflect upon an important question: Who are we? Why are we here? I pondered the fact that we are a community of di-versity that allows room for every person to be unique, sig-

nificant and needed regardless of age, ethnicity or gender. We are greater than our individual parts; we are the thumbprints of God and the tangible Kingdom for this world!

I have had the privilege this semester, and now this coming semester, to facilitate a Vocation and For-mation small group and mentor 1 on 1 students at Fuller Theological Seminary. Students experience individual and communal spiritual practices, as well as reflect and answer every quarter this ques-tion: "At this point in your Christian journey, how do you envision your call to God's mission

in the world? What a great way to begin our life together this year in reflecting on the same question on our church journey together. "At this point in our Christian journey as a community of faith,

how do we envision our call to God's mission

in the world? From Mark Labberton's article The Call to Flourish I am reminded that the heart of Gods call is loving communion with God and Gods world. It encompasses our identity, our com-munity, and our activity. Our primary calling is to belong to and live for Gods purposes. The com-mands to love God and our neighbor are our calling and guides the living out of these as God intends based on His authority. His direction we all must seek together! We, the people of God, by the po-wer of the Holy Spirit, are to bring hope to the world and a living defense of the faith!

In our continuing times of discernment, may you be faithful in prayerful communion with God, living, giving, and joining in the conversation. Keep Gods authority and direction foundational in our joining Him on His mission for our community and world.

Good reads: The book Called and an article in Con-versations Journal, The Call to Flourish so that our Neighbor Can Flourish both by Mark Labberton. Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community, a book by James Wilhoit.

Following Jesus Together, Debby

Nursery and Preschool Ministry has grown to need more faithful adults! What better way to pass on the faith and grow up a generation to love God and serve others than by modeling this to those who are most open to spiritual things and are shaped powerfully by stories and modeling. We have a place for you. Please let Debby know you would like to be part of the early childhood team on a regular or monthly basis. We can not offer this ministry to young families and grandkids without you!

A few pictures from our Elementary Christmas Party Called The Story of the Christmas Tree: How to Turn on the Lights (of Jesus) for Others!

Continued on next page.

Judy Irvin gives a message with a craft that is tied later to the theme of the night.

Matt Jefferson cheers his team on in the Tangles game.

In Touch page 14 From the Director of Christian Formation... continued

We also celebrated the third week of Advent with decorating cookies spelling JOY. We prayed for those who might need the Joy of Jesus at this time and some were then packaged and prayed over to be given to various friends.

This year we continue with the Big God Story in our newly painted worship space! Thank you Bob Lull for your dedi-cated service to us all! We still have signs to paint to remind us of the environments we enter into and the spiritual practices we do to help us open our minds and hearts to God all is exciting! The kids will be helping paint the signs and symbols. Watch for a Special FunDay to visit!

This summer Elementary Kids may sign up for a Sunday morn-ing class called Bridge-Quest: Why I Believe in Jesus. This course will follow two tracks that merge at the end. The first will center around who God is and what He has done through Jesus. The second track will give overviews of some of the most popular world religions/philosophies to show how they perceive a higher power and how they try to connect/please this higher power. Kids will see that what other religions try to do but cant on their own, God, through Jesus, did it for them to connect us to God. A fun raft-bridge picture will be built as each child makes their own matching picture over the course of the sum-mer. Maybe a salt-river raft trip to celebrate? Summer team is sought for this elementary apologetic. Come, learn and experi-ence God together with kids!

For Teens and Young Adults: A rela-tional, relevant & edgy spiritual reality series! Real Questions. Real Conversa-tions. Wrestling with Lifes Biggest Questions.

Come follow seven young strangers with very differ-ent spiritual world views and a Preacher/Wanna Be Surfer as they hang out for a week in Maui, div-ing into lifes biggest questions. You can follow this cast (who were recruited from Craigs list!) on their journey to discover truth through a short weekly video and better yet hang out after this TV

reality series and have your own conversations where you can ask the same or different questions, admire others for their honesty and what they believe, and maybe find that you discover together deeper answers to your lifes questions.

Invite others and look at honest answers through the eyes of seven young adults, just like you. Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays 7:30 - 8:45 pm. Series begins Janu-ary 19th.

For those interested we would like to have a conversa-tion about what type of socials, community service, or conversations YOU would enjoy anything from relating the final act of The Hobbit to the Battle of All Armies in Revelation to .. ???? Maybe we record our own reality series! This was the last move in a master plan. A plan long in the making. - Gandalf

Not in a partying MOOd A Sunday school teacher shared the parable of the prodigal son with his class, pointing out how resentful the older son was when the father welcomed the wayward brother home with open arms and a party. Amid the celebration, the teacher emphasized someone in the story failed to share in the joy. Can you tell me who that was? the teacher asked. Eagerly a little girl raised her hand. I know I know! she exclaimed. The fatted calf!

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

Santa on Page 20 is our own Ron Waldo!

Dante made his vessel like a cross

Sydney is always stylin and smilin

Aly brings us joy and lifts our spirits every Wednes-

day KidCommunity!

page 15 January 2015

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 regis-tering to allow Fry's to donate a portion of your grocery expenditures to our church programs?

Register for the Fry's Community Rewards Program Go to https://www.frysfood.com/topic/community?activePage=community-rewards-2 make sure you enter the whole address to visit the Fry's web page. If you already have an account online, select Sign In at the top right of the page. Enter your email and password then click Sign In. If you don't already have an account on line: click Register at the top right of the page. - Fill in the required fields, (be sure to write down your password). - Enter your zip code to find your preferred store. From the drop-down menu below Find Store, select your store. Now click Create an Account. - You must sign up for a V.I.P. card to sign up for the Community Rewards Program - Check your email for a confirmation, click the hyperlink in your email, and finish creating your account. - In your account, enroll for Community Re wardsprogram, using the new FHPC organization #84123

How can you help?

SCREEN FOR THE CHOIR

The screens in the Sanctuary have become an integral part of Worship, allowing the congregation to EASILY view the announcements, portions of the sermons, special pres-entations, and words to the hymns, etc.

The Choir, however, misses seeing the information and pictures that are a part of the sermons. I learned through research that a screen could be installed on the back wall of the Sanctuary, where the clock now hangs, making it possible for the Choir to also view all the information pro-jected onto the screens.

The cost for this project is $4,407.00. An account has been set up for any incoming funds to support this project. I thank you in advance for your donations and helping us make this 3rd Screen a reality for the Choir.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the congregation to give back to the Choir for all they have added to our wor-ship service. -Letha Neely, Elder Worship & Music Ministry

Mens Fellowship

MEN WHATS GOING ON?

The New Year brings with it many opportunities for service and fellowship for the men of Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church (FHPC). Heres a summary of whats going on. January is the month when men serve as ushers and greeters.

Carl Hayungs provides very capable leadership for this activ-ity

Mens Sunday is January 25. Mens Fellowship will be to-tally responsible for both Worship Services that day. John Bivens leads a team that plans and coordinates this event. As a very important member of this team, Roy Nickel is responsi-ble for the music part of this service. He will welcome all men who like to sing to be a part of the Mens Chorus for this wonderful service.

Mens Fellowship meets regularly on the second Saturday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Center or the Adult Center. Our next meeting will be on January 10, 2015.

Several men with inquiring minds meet in the Adult Center each Thursday at 7:00 a.m. for Bible study, fellowship and a cup of coffee. This gathering is open to all men who are will-ing to get out of bed at that hour of the morning. It only lasts an hour.

January is also the month when we take down the Christmas decorations. A notice will be sent out on the exact day and time for this activity.

Additionally, we have already started preparing in earnest for the all-church Sweethearts Valentine Brunch in February.

Finally, each week food is contributed by our congregation for those less fortunate members of our community. That food is then delivered by men of our church to the Extended Hands Food Bank right here in Fountain Hills.

You can see that Mens Fellowship is alive and well. Men, we need your full participation as we serve God, our community, and our church from the hilltop of Fountain Hills. Please join us and get involved!

Mitford Cookbook & Kitchen Reader

For anyone who has ever read Jan Karons Mitford series, I highly recommend checking out Jan Karons Mitford Cookbook & Kitchen Reader. It contains all of the recipes found in the series, listing each recipe under the individual book in which it is mentioned. After reading the first book At Home in Mitford, I was enticed by her descriptions of dishes such as Father Tims Company Stew and Punys Squash Casserole. They always sounded so delicious. When I went online to see if, by some chance, I could find such recipes, I discovered that there was a cookbook con-taining every recipe mentioned in the entire series. I later found out that a friend of mine owned this cookbook, and she said I was welcome to keep it while Im reading through the series of books. I have had so much fun with this. As I read about Father Tim going to visit Absalom Greer and his wife Lottie for a fried chicken dinner, lo and behold there is the recipe right in the cookbook. I have already made Father Tims Company Stew and I plan to bring Punys Squash Casserole to Donna Yordys evening

Library Footnotes

circle dinner next week. Each recipe includes an excerpt from the original book where the dish is mentioned. It puts you right back into the mindset of what was going on in the book and the authors wonderful descriptions that make it all come alive. I want to wait and make some of these recipes only after I have read about them in the books. But after thumbing through the cook-book, I just cant read fast enough. I want to try a lot of them out now! This book will be a great asset to our library.

-Judy Irvin

In Touch page 16

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

What is a billion?

The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner,

think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a

good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

D.A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate

our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain...let's take a look at New Orleans ...

It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division. Louisiana Senator,

Mary Landrieu (D) was asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild

New Orleans . Interesting number...What does it mean?

A. Well .. If you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans

(every man, woman and child) you each get $516,528

B. Or... If you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your

home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or... If you are a family of four...your family gets $2,066,012.

Kind of puts it into perspective!

Pray without ceasing

The more we pray, the more we shall want to pray. The more we pray, the more we can pray. The more we pray, the more we shall pray. He who prays little will pray less, but he who prays much will pray more. And he who prays more will desire to pray more abundantly.

-C.H. Spurgeon

page 17 January 2015

"Happy New Year" from the music staff and all who partici-pate in our wonderful music program. We so look forward to this time, seeing even more friends return into our community, and into our lives. We are certainly a church that draws wonderful people, those who have such strong faith, and

healthy attitudes. So many activities come

along in the next few months, and who better to work with than those in our church family. Our music program is so supportive of the activities of this church and of the worship services for which we are privi-leged to provide the music . The first special worship ser-vice of the year will be the Men's Sunday, January 25. This year the Men will include the 11:15 Service in their prepara-tions. Same will be for the Women's Special Worship Service in a couple of months. Both services are so im-portant for those who attend each one. The music is al-ways prepared each Sunday of the year for both services with equal importance, and I am so glad to have the Men and Women's special services extending that equal impor-tance into the 11:15 service, as well. We are fortunate enough at this church to have musicians enough to have different ones for each of the services, incorporating dif-ferent styles. It certainly speaks to the inclusion of all

Music Ministry

Debbie Fisher, Director of Music

God's people who are so important to Him. If you are returning to our church, or are new to our church, or, maybe you have settled in with us and feel comfortable enough to join in with our music program, please know that you are welcome to do just that. There is a lot of intention that occurs in our programs that keep you just busy enough to enjoy, and not stress out! I will keep inviting you, month after month, year after year, and when you feel ready, please join in. You will find the people in our music groups to be inclusive, caring, helpful, and, oh yes, many are quite talented! If you feel you can work with this type of group, you will find the rehearsal times in the bulletin, or you may call me at 688-0828 to speak to me about the group in which you are in-terested. If you are a person that travels, you always have that freedom to go, no worries, you can be with us when you are here. It's just so good for you to be involved in groups that encourage a healthy life-style. Christ love encourages this, and it is certainly evident in those who share this time with each other. Singing, ringing, laugh-ing, praying, all part of what keeps us nurtured in Christian love.

"Make music to the Lord with Harp, with the harp and the sound of singing!" Psalm 98:5

Deborah Fisher Director of Music Ministries

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church is pleased to offer a pre-ventive 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 1/30/2015. Five screenings will be offered that scan for poten-tial health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening 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 discount). 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

In Touch page 18

Member Spotlight . Did you know?

Harry Grider

I was born in Chicago the oldest of five chil-dren. We lived in the Chicago area until we moved to Fountain Hills in 1980.

I am married to Edee 58 years, have two daugh-ters Lynne and Carole of whom we are very proud. Three of our grandchildren have been baptized in this church.

My first job was at Walgreens. I remember I made 25 cents an hour. You name it, I did it.

I served in the army in WW2 and later had numerous jobs.operated a backhoe digger, owned a flower shop and was a buyer for Motorola. Then I found my niche with my favorite job at Magnuson Electronics as a sales engi-neer.

I have been a member of this church 34 years and sang in the choir for 20 years. I have also been a member of the Noon Kiwanis for 16 years.

Best advice I can give anyone ...is do your best at what-ever you do every day, pray often and smile.

Most important person in my life is my wife Edee.

This church has been good to us have many friends and always meeting new friends. Very happy Bill Good has come to us and is showing us the way.

Edee Grider

I was born in Chicago on Christmas Day, but grew up in Oklahoma and Illinois.

My first job was at the local YMCA which was also the teen hangout. I did everything from being a lifeguard to polishing trophy cases. I was there with my friends and getting paid. I loved it.

A life changing experience was getting hit by a bus when I was 18. It gave me a smashed ankle, but it could have been a lot worse. I knew then that someone up there was watching over me. I started roller skating to strengthen my ankle and got into pairs dancing and toured roller rinks all over the Chicago area. A bad thing turned into a real joy

I graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts as a commercial artist and worked for R.H. Donnelley Publishing Co. until I left to raise my family.

I met Harry at a church social club. We have been mar-ried 58 years, have two children, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

We have lived in Fountain Hills for 34 years and have been members here just as long. I sang with the Celebra-tion Singers for 25 years and served on the mission committee for 12 years.

I volunteered at Scottsdale North Hospital for 10 years in the emergency room. Learned a lot and really felt needed and appreciated. It was a moving and enjoyable experience.

The best thing about this church is the friendships we have formed and the warmth of the congregation. Of course, Bill has been a great asset. I have been a Presbyterian all my life and this is the friendliest, most laid back, joyful church I have ever belonged to. Its great to be a part of it.

Ultimate kindness

What greater proof could God have given of his mercy than by taking upon himself that which needed mercy? Where is there such fullness of loving-kindness as in the fact that the Word of God became perishable like the grass for our sakes? Let man infer from [Christmas] how much God cares for him. The humanity of God shows the greatness of His kindness.

- Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

page 19 January 2015

HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS!

01/16 Milt Hoff

01/16 Jen Young 01/22 Linda Craven

01/24 Anthony Harris

01/25 Wilberta Robinson

01/27 Fred Hansen

01/07 Joan Barker

01/09 Riley Herrera 01/09 Linda Lull

01/13 Penny Junk

01/15 Marge Bacher

01/16 Beau Bennett

With deepest sympathy we list those members who have passed away in 2014.

Pat Covault Elizabeth Bugg Gary Reynolds Vivian Olsen Tom Martin

Helen Schmidt Kay Hodgson

Walter Bud Robinson Gene Warren B.J. Shuck

Lucille Jamison Elsie O. Johnson

Bob Patterson

jx wx? g{ zw tw yt|{y xtA

Xx { | {x } by { _wA

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 dont 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.

01/01 Bob Hoffarber

01/03 Carol Fuls 01/03 Donna Yordy

01/04 Jim Hall

01/06 Gerry Prokupik

01/06 Virginia Siegle

Healthful Hints

A report by the Southern California Medical Asso-ciation pointed out that weight control and physical fitness cannot be obtained by diet alone. Here are some suggestions to help burn off some of those calories.

Activity Beating around the bush Jumping to conclusions Climbing the wall Swallowing your pride Passing the buck Dragging your feet Pushing your luck Running in circles

Calories 75 100 50 150 35 200 250 350

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 fhpresbyte-rian.office@gmail.com Editor, Marta Ludwig; Proof Reader, Helen Roesch; Staff Photographer: Gary Oakeson; Production and Circulation: Mary Wernecke, Bobbie Dangremond, Ruby Pearson, Marilyn Humes, Nancy Saine, Arlene Olsen 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

Anyone looking for a Santa... we have a great one!

Can you guess who it is? Answer in the newsletter.