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Dear friends, A kindergartner on the very first day of school was

returning home on the bus. His mother was there to greet him with a warm smile and a question, “What did you learn today?” “Not enough,” he said with a frown. “They want me to go back tomorrow!”

In the Christian faith, we never know enough, praise be to God! For to live is to learn, and the definition of a disciple is a learner.

Teddy Roosevelt has many admirers. He was a cowboy, an explorer, a big game hunter and a cavalry officer in the Spanish-American war. He was a vice-presidential running mate with William McKinley and travelled 20,000 miles by car and train in 1900, giving 673 speeches.

T.R. became the unexpected President of the United States when McKinley was shot. Teddy had hobbies like boxing, judo, horseback riding and hiking. If toughness is admirable, consider that he was shot by an assassin in Milwaukee, and the bullet broke his ribs and lodged in his chest. But he insisted on giving his scheduled one-hour speech before going to the hospital! Under his Presidency, our nation emerged as a major power. T.R. created a first-class Navy, built the Panama Canal and negotiated peace between Russia and Japan, winning the Nobel Peace Prize. After his Presidency, he didn’t do a book tour or

build a library—instead leading scientific expeditions to Africa and then Brazil, where he helped chart the River of Doubt. He called this trip his last chance to learn and be a boy.

VALLEY VINEvalley presbyterian church

March 2015Volume 60, Number 2

VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH6947 E. McDonald Drive ▪ Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-5342

Phone: 480-991-6424 ▪ Fax: 480-991-6427 Email: church@myvalleychurch.org ▪ Website: myvalleychurch.org

When the studious Roosevelt died in 1919 at home in New York, and they removed his body from the bed, a book was found under the pillow. What I admire most about T.R. was his capacity to grow and learn. As followers of Christ, we have the world’s best

teacher and no limit to what we can learn about our amazing God.

During this Lenten time, examine your own life. Where is your growing edge? What aspect of your spiritual life needs to deepen? What questions do you yearn to have answered?

God can do marvelous things with a growing community of learners. One of the best ways to learn at VPC is from others, through friendship or in a small group. Classes and seminars bring life to scripture and scripture to life. Retreats and mission trips change our contexts and open up new vistas. Worship helps our hearts and minds connect.

May Lent 2015be a growing time for all of us.

Yours faithfully,

Get to know Pastor Joynt!

‘You@VPC’Conversations with David Joynt

sign up: myvalleychurch.org

Inquirers’ ClassSunday, March 1, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Fireside Room

Jane Russell: jalaru4@cox.net, 480-694-1186Open to anyone who wants to join Valley

Presbyterian Curch or has questions about faith.

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Nina responded to what God was asking her to do, and He supported her taking a step of faith. “Your comfort zone is a very beautiful place, but nothing grows there,” she says. Her story highlights the different ways God can call us to live out what He asks of us. “I think about how Jesus told his disciples to go out and tell everyone about God.” Nina reflects, “I feel like I’m doing the same thing in a small way.”

Want to hear more of Nina’s story? Check out her interview online: myvalleychurch.org/ministries/children. Think God might be calling you to teach Sunday School?

Contact Tina Gilbreath, Director of Children’s Ministry: 480-991-6424 x160 or tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org.

What’s New

Who We Are

A NOTE FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAMcommunications @ myvalleychurch.org

The Communications Team considers ourselves blessed that we are able to see first-hand all the amazing ways God is glorified and lives are transformed at Valley Presbyterian Church. It’s a honor and a responsibility to promote all the great things going on in the life of our congregation and surrounding community. The activities in our church tell the story of a congregation dedicated to building community, serving others and learning about Jesus Christ. This month we’re going to start to look at new ways to connect individuals to that same story. All the content will remain; it just may be in a different area than it was before!Our goal is to deliver information to you based on

what you get out of it: ‘Get Connected’ will highlight

ways to join existing groups and events around campus. ‘Mission & Service’ is where to go to find opportunities to volunteer and serve in church, around our community, and across the globe. ‘Educational Enrichment’ contains more class-based content that goes deeper in exploring our faith. ‘Families’ lets you know about everything for those with school-aged children and their parents. There will also be sections for Women, Care & Support areas and Church News. Also, we’re excited to begin the ‘Who We Are’ series, telling individual stories about the hearts of people in our church family.The initial change is starting this month, and gradual

tweaks will be made over the rest of this year. We invite your feedback as we learn as a church how to better connect with each other, reach our community, and glorify the Lord.

Mike Vreeland, Katrina Osborn & Carolyn Sostrom Communications Team

MEET NINA PARKER....Valley Presbyterian Church has a story to tell. It’s

a story about dedicated followers of Christ who teach, serve, sing, build, grow, connect and love those in our church, community and world. ‘Who We Are’ is a new monthly feature for the Valley Vine created to celebrate the stories of individuals within the church. God is at work in each of our lives, and this space will be a place to learn about the experiences of others you might not otherwise hear.

Nina had some apprehension about becoming a Sunday School teacher. “I was very nervous because I don’t have a teaching background,” she said. “I’m going to be responsible for what they know about Jesus.” It had taken a bit of coaxing to even get her to that point; the idea to become a Sunday School teacher had initially come from her children. Nina would, “go to worship, drop my kids off here at Sunday School, I was happy.” But her kids persisted, and she started out teaching children the same age as her youngest, who was five at the time.

That was eight years ago. Nina, now a seasoned veteran of multiple Sunday School classes, looks back on how it’s been a blessing in her life and what helped her succeed. “Tina [Gilbreath] and Marie [Bitticks], they make it just super easy for us. They have everything planned, they supported me, just made me feel really comfortable.” And she sees how kids respond to the Good News, “when I’m telling them the story about Jesus, how they just listen, and when I’m asking questions they will raise their hands.” Adding, “I feel like I’m also learning with the kids.”

Table of ContentsWhat’s New 2Who We Are 2Events 3Get Connected 4Women’s 4Mission & Service 5Families 5Care & Support 6Educational Enrichment 6Church News 7

“Your comfort zone is a very beautiful place, but nothing grows there.”

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EventsSonoran Desert Chorale

with special guest Run Boy RunValley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

Come listen to The World Beloved: Bluegrass Mass by composer Carol Barnet and Librettist Marisha Chamberlain.

Tickets online: sonorandesertchorale.org

Winner of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and guests on A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, Run Boy Run will bring their unique sound of American hymns and folk songs.

Live music byHOUSE of STEEL

Wear. Your. Boots.

TenthAnnualLEGACYDINNer

Tenth Annual Legacy DinnerSaturday, March 14, 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Valley Presbyterian Foundation

You’re almost out of time! Come for the reception, silent auction and wine bottle game. Fasten your saddles for a rousing live auction. Dance up a storm to the live band "House of Steel."

Tickets ($125) available in the church office; online at myvalleychurch.org; through Penny McKee at 602-359-9520 or pendlepenn@earthlink.net.

Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center

Satruday, April 4, 9-10:30 a.m.Kiva Fields

Easter Bunny - Games - Snacks - Easter Egg Hunt

Bunny Business

myvalleychurch.org/ministries/children

Easter 2015 Worship Services:Begin Again with the Risen Savior

7:30 a.m.- Sunrise at the Sanctuary fountain9 a.m.- Sanctuary with brass and Chancel Choir10:30 a.m.- Landes with the Worship Team11:30 a.m.- Sanctuary with Chancel Choir

Saturday,

Sonoran Desert Chorale &Run Boy Run, Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m.

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Get Connected

SPORTS MINISTRYDella Berg: dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org, 480-991-6242 ext. 168

Join the fun and fellowship! Be active and have a great time.All activities in the Landes Center

Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m.Members’ homeschriswoodard@myvalleychurch.org

Every other Sunday, 9-10 a.m.The Crossingtinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org

Sundays, 9-10 a.m.Room 409davidturner@myvalleychurch.org

Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.Fireside Roomdpeterson085@gmail.com

2nd Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Next Meeting March 12Room 409jayann41@hotmail.com

Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.Calvin Centerwild4uofa@aol.com

Thursday activities for 70s+March 5 3 p.m. Mexican Train--learn and play!5 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner

March 12 5 p.m. Baked Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes6:30 p.m. Leave for Phoenix TheatreAnything Goes, two-time Tony Award winning musical comedy

March 1811:30 a.m. Lunch Bunchat Camelback Golf Club

March 193 p.m. Card making classNo experience necessary 5 p.m. Irish Dinner

March 264 p.m. Easy walking exercise5 p.m. Beef Stew

Community GroupsA place to study God’s word, build relationships; serve others, and grow deeper in your faith.For more information visit:myvalleychurch.org/community_groups

Women’sLUNCHEON & SPEAKERMarch 25, 11:45 a.m., Landes Center Helen Wolfe: 480-994-0035Cost: $10

April Bramini, Nurse Practitioner at the Women’s Health Center at Scottsdale Shea Hospital. RSVP to the church office by Friday, March 20 Guests/friends are always welcome!

SUNSHINE ACRES CHILDREN’S HOMEMarch 8-29 collecting monies on patio.Sponsored by Presbyterian WomenOur goal again is $8,000 to be able to give $100 to eachchild to spend on Easter clothes and needed supplies.

WOMEN’S PRAYER WALKMarch 31, 5:45 p.m.Canaan in the Desert (40th St. & Shea Blvd.)Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.orgPrayer Garden walk and opportunity to lift up friends, family and our community.

SPRING FLING PROGRESSIVE DINNERApril 26 4:30-7:30 p.m.Leslie Woodard: lesliewoodard@myvalleychurch.orgEvent for all women and a great opportunity to meet others in our church community.Purchase tickets online: $15 adults/$10 studentsScholarships availablePortion of ticket goes to Women’s Ministry Scholarship Fund

• Pickleball: ages 7-107, Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays 6-8 p.m.• Men’s Basketball: all ages, Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m.• Martial Arts: ages 5 & up, Tuesdays 6-7 p.m., Thursdays 4:30-5:30 p.m.• Line Dancing: adults, Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon • Sportball: ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 2:15-3:15 p.m.• Twinkle Toes Dance: ages 2-5, Tuesdays, 2:15-3 p.m.

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Mission & Service

Families

ICM FOOD AND CLOTHING BANK DRIVEMarch 8 & 15-Pick up bag with list of food needed. Drop off your donations by March 22. Help to bring hope to many in our community.

BUNNY BUSINESS NEEDS YOU!Donations by March 15Tina Gilbreath: tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.orgIndividually wrapped non-chocolate candy for the eggs.Help to make this major outreach event a success!

SUNSHINE ACRES CHILDREN’S HOMEMarch 8-29 collecting monies on patio.Sponsored by Presbyterian WomenOur goal again is $8,000 to be able to give $100 to eachchild to spend on Easter clothes and needed supplies.

3rd SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MISSION PROJECTMarch 21, 8 a.m.Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.orgCampus beautification in time for all of our Easter guests.

THE SPRING FELLOWSHIP IN TEMPEMarch 8, 5 p.m.Chris Woodard: chriswoodard@myvalleychurch.orgServe and worship with our friends at The Spring

FLOWER DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDRon Norris: nornorrisaz@aol.comHelp make Sunday service flowers into arrangements for delivery to our homebound. We also need bud vases, drop off at the church office.

Volunteer on New Sign Up Genius Account!myvalleychurch.org/careministries

USHERS NEEDED AT VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH!John Lee: 602-318-3008If you enjoy meeting others and making them feel welcome, please consider becoming an usher. We need ushers at all services, particularly for the 9 a.m. service.

STUDENT MINISTRY LEADERS NEEDED!Jordan Gustafson: jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.orgInvest in the lives of our students, volunteer today!

THANK YOU TO...• all our Flower Distribution volunteers• all who helped participate with our City of Scottsdale

Operation Fix It Program in painting over graffiti.• those who helped with the MentorKids Garden• Don Weiss for serving on the Mission Committee as elder

and will now on the Board of Directors at ICM.

KIDS CHORUSWednesdays, February 4-April 294-5 p.m., ChapelJulia Joynt: kidschorus@myvalleychurch.org

If you love to sing, hang out with your friends after school, learn more about Jesus and share His amazing love withothers, then give Kids Chorus a try! Open to grades 3-6.

Special Dates:Sunday, March 29: Sing in worship

STUDENTSJordan Gustafson:jordangustafson@myvalleychurch.org

The GatheringSundays, 9 a.m., Landes BasementGrades 6-12

Junior High MidweekMondays, 6-8 p.m., Landes Basement

Senior High MidweekWednesdays, 7-8:45 p.m., Landes Basement

CHILDREN

5th grade transition to Student ministryMarch 22Tina Gilbreath:tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.org

All 5th graders are invited to gather for the first of four classes on the meaning of communion. At the end of the classes, the whole family is invited to join us in a special worship service with communion and a dinner. (*Fifth grade parents please plan to join us for a special parent Take It Home class at the same time as the first 5th grade class.)

Palm Sunday ProcessionSaturday, March 28, 8:45-10:45 a.m., SanctuaryTinaGilbreath:tinagilbreath@myvalleychurch.orgAll children interested in the Palm Sunday Procession should plan to attend this rehearsal.

MOPS: MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERSMarch 6 & 22, 9-11:30 a.m., Fireside Room Meghan Gottfredson:nursery@myvalleychurch.org

MOPS is a ministry dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.” Moms

need encouragement during these critical and formative years. Our MOPS group is open to all moms of preschoolers through kindergartners throughout the community.Childcare available for children up to age 5.

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Care & SupportDIVORCE RECOVERY

Changes That Heal: Spring DVD SeriesMondays, April 13-June 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Crossing 104Lisa Bateman: lisabateman@myvalleychurch.orgmyvalleychurch.org/care--help/divorce_recovery_ministryCost: $25, scholarships available

Dr. Henry Cloud leads this series and identifies four aspects of the personality of God that, if we cultivate them, it would greatly improve our day-to-day functioning. God has promised that the “good work” He began in us will, “carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)

MENTAL HEALTH

Marc Community Resources, Inc.Information & Referral CoordinatorAndy: 480-994-4407mentalhealthaz.org

If you have specific mental health-related questions, contact Andy. He helps people navigate the often-confusing Arizona mental health system. Andy can refer people to free community behavioral and mental health support groups for adults in the Phoenix Metro area.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Family Support Group1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.Mountain View Presbyterian ChurchTom Lacey: 480-467-9130

Mental Health 24-hour Crisis Line602-222-9444

Our church family extends its Christian sympathy to the family and friends of:Marty LoveMarvin PriceWilliam Toy, Jr. and to Bert teVelde on loss of his father

Educational Enrichment

LIFE ACADEMY

ADULT EDUCATION STUDIESWednesdays Feb. 25—March 25dellaberg@myvalleychurch.org480-991-6424 ext. 168

Presbyterians in the 21st CenturyRev. Dr. David Joynt 4:30-5:30 p.m. Room 409Presbyterian theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ.

Immigration & the BibleBryan Fergus 6:30-7:30 p.m. ChapelImmigration is a hot issue within Arizona. How are Chris-tians to respond to the rhetoric and the humanitarian problems that stem from illegal immigration?

C. S. Lewis’ Screwtape LettersDr. Dub Putnam & Ed Glady 6:30-7:30 p.m. Room 409This legendary author addresses the subtle tactics the enemy of our soul employs to bring us to live a life void of a true relationship with Christ.

ENCORE UNIVERSITY

Spring TermMarch 10-April 16Tracy Keller: encore@myvalleychurch.org480-991-6424 ext. 165

Visit EncoreUniv.org for courses or to register! Course catalogs also available in the office. Encore offers a diverse program of classes,lectures, speakers, travel and seminars designed to engage people “50 and better.”

Did you know?Air Force One Pilot and Retired Colonel, Scott M. Turner was part of the Notable Careers course during the Winter Term, and spoke about his experiences flying for three U.S. Presidents!

Café Volunteers Needed!Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Fireside CaféTracy Keller: encore@myvalleychurch.orgWe are looking for a few volunteers for the lunch rush! Sign-up to help and take one Encore class for free!

Adventures in Lifelong Learning

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Church NewsSESSIONKathy Arner

Mary ArtigueSarah Brammer

David EatonDick FawleyFred Fetters

Gloria GablerEd Glady

Lisa Keylon Lisa LaFon

Richard LockwoodRuth Lukian

Darrah MacDougallJoan NastroPrescott Pohl Shirley Polk

John SamotaRoy Schumacher

Vicki TatumMatt Winter

Clerk of Session:Karen Meyer

2015 Per Capita $31 per member—What is ‘Per Capita’?A part of belonging to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), each church pays a predetermined amount to bring leaders together and serve the denomination. The amount for each congregation is determined by the number of members. Valley Presbyterian Church covers the $31 per member, but every reimbursement coming in designated “Per Capita” allows us to support other areas of outreach. Please make checks payable to Valley Presbyterian Church, noting “Per Capita” in the memo. Envelope enclosed in this issue

NEWS FROM SESSIONKaren Meyer, Clerk of Session: 480-368-6567

At the February meeting the Session welcomed newly elected elders. All but one were installed and ordained at the 9 a.m. service on February 15. The remaining elder will be ordained in the near future at the 11:30 a.m. service. The Session voted to move the start time of the fourth service from 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. starting the Sunday, April 12. This will give the lead pastor time to conclude the 10:30 a.m. service and greet participants at the end of worship. Three delegates to Presbytery for this year were elected; they are ruling elders, Gloria Gabler, Roy Schumacher, and Dick Lockwood. They will join our pastors in representing Valley Presbyterian Church at the Presbytery. It is hoped our retiring delegates, Bob Aldag, Dick Coffelt and Don Swanson, will continue on the Presbytery Committees that they have been serving on. Each elder was given a prayer partner; they will pray together for 15 minutes each week. David Joynt moderated further discussion on Ordination Standards. Each elder was asked to submit questions they want deliberated. There was good discussion on moral reason and the difference between discernment and politics. The session will wrestle with tradition, scripture, and confessions in an open, honest way and strive not to use the tactics of politics. Everyone will be honored. A retreat is planned for April to give the elders a large block of time to study, discern and find answers to the questions they have.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.Blessings, Karen Meyer

ALL CHURCH NOMINATING COMMITTEE (ACNC)Dick Fawley, Chair: acnc@myvalleychurch.org, 480-945-9130

Called to Lead? Your recently elected All Church Nominating Committee (ACNC)wants you to suggest people who would make excellent leaders for the future of Valley Presbyterian Church. We are searching for people dedicated to promoting the kingdom of Jesus Christ in our church, our community, and the world. If you know someone who would make an excellent Elder, Deacon, or Foundation Trustee, or if you yourself would like to serve, please contact Dick Fawley, Chair of the ACNC

Potential candidates will, when elected, serve a three-year term in beginning February 2016. Nomination forms are also available at the office. We thank you for your assistance and look forward to receiving your suggestions.

2015 ALL CHURCH NOMINATING COMMITTEE:Dick Fawley, ChairJoan Nastro, Co-ChairSandra Sturgeon, Deacon RepSarah BurnetteEd MacDougallBill McKeeDoug Peterson

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Kilgore Chapel—Traditional8 & 11:30 a.m.

Sanctuary—Traditional9 a.m.

Landes Center—Contemporary10:30 a.m.

PreachingMarch 1

Dr. Bruce MainPresident & Founder UrbanPromise

March 8,15 & 22David Joynt

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES

PALM SUNDAYMarch 29, 8, 9, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.

MAUNDY THURSDAYApril 2, 7 p.m., Sanctuary

GOOD FRIDAYApril 3, Noon & 7 p.m., Chapel

EASTER SUNDAYApril 5

7:30 a.m. Fountain9:00 a.m. Sanctuary

10:30 a.m. Landes Center11:30 a.m. Sanctuary

Pastoral StaffDavid Joynt, David Turner

Pastors EmeritiThomas A. Erickson, G. Wooden Garvin

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Begin AgainD

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for the Lenten seasonby Pastor Joynt

available online at:m

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