Friday, November 29, 2013

New Time and Menu for Men's Breakfast Fellowship

Starting November 26, the Men's Breakfast Fellowship will meet at 8:00 am in Swain Hall every Tuesday morning for a continental breakfast, singing, Bible reading, prayer, and a program.

All men are welcome to join our fellowship - come and bring a friend!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Prelude: It's All About the Waiting

Patience is a virtue, and that virtue is really apparent when it comes to the season of Advent, when kids are excited about Santa coming and can’t wait to open gifts, and people are frustrated as they wait in lines to pay for their purchases. For our society that relies so much on devices that are time-saving and communications that are immediate, waiting and patience are words that don’t seem to exist anymore.

However, the journey from Advent 1 to Epiphany unfolds as all good stories should, step by step. It begins with the longing, the waiting, the anticipation, and finally the birth, the angels and shepherds, and the wise men.

It seems the bigger Christmas (or the “holiday season” as advertising calls it) has become, the more Christmas has swallowed up Advent…the secular culture ignores Advent, as there isn’t much money to be made on patience or waiting. So, the Christmas music continues in the malls, the decorations start to go up in October, and the themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—are largely ignored.

~From the Newsletter of Lake of The Woods Chapel, Sioux Narrows, Ont.

Advent is the four weeks before Christmas. Advent is our opportunity, as a church, to make the journey, “step by step,” from anticipation to celebration while we mark the days from Christ the King Sunday to Christmas Eve. Advent is a symbolic journey of preparation as we too make our way to the stable to join choirs of angels and the shepherds and wise men who worship Christ the new-born King.

The author of the newsletter invites us to a sacred Advent journey and I join her. Each week we’ll open our worship service with the liturgy of light. We’ll light one Advent candle per week as a way of focusing our attention on those beautiful themes: hope, peace, joy, and love.

As the light of hope, peace, joy and love grows brighter each week, give thanks for the wonderful gift God has given us. Give thanks for the new life we share through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Prepare the way, O Zion, Your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley, A level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, Foretold in sacred story.
O Blest is Christ that came, In God’s most holy name!

~Harrell

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Advent 2013

Rejoice! Rejoice!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13 NRSV

Advent is the most joyous season of the Christian calendar.  Here are some of  the highlights of this year’s Advent season at our church:

Saturday, November 30—Get into the Christmas mood by helping to decorate the church!  Putting up festive greenery, Chrismons, nativity sets and lights between Thanksgiving and Advent has been a long-standing tradition here.  This year, we’ve located additional decorations such as the multi-branched brass candelabra you saw at the anniversary dinner, and Bill Wentling is working with an electrician to get us more electrical outlets for the best holiday lighting ever.  We’ll start at 10:00 am, and the Davises will serve lunch when the carillon plays at noon.  Fun, food, and fellowship—don’t miss it!

Sunday, December 1—The first Sunday in Advent.  Holy Communion, the lighting of the first Advent candle, and the “First Sunday” collection of non-perishable food items for the Valley View Community Food Bank.  The 50th Anniversary slideshow will be shown again at Fellowship, with the photos from the gala included.

Sunday, December 8—The second Sunday in Advent.  Lighting of the second Advent candle, Congregational Meeting, and celebration of December birthdays at Fellowship following worship services.  (Christmas cookies may start showing up about now!)

Saturday, December 14—The eagerly-awaited Holiday High Tea.  The ladies of the church will set beautiful tables with their own china and decorations, and the men will wait tables in cummerbunds and bow ties.  And if that weren’t enough, the food will include delicious scones, cucumber sandwiches, and desserts galore.  Call Norma Mack at the church office (623-974-3605) to be added to the waiting list for tickets.

Sunday, December 15—The third Sunday in Advent.  Lighting of the third Advent candle.

Wednesday, December 18—December Fellowship Dinner: An Evening of Carols with Bill Gleason, our choir director, and Kelsey McKee, our pianist.  Dinner starts at 5:00 pm in Swain Hall.  (Choir practice will begin after the program.)

Sunday, December 22—The fourth Sunday in Advent. Performances by the “Great Bells of Fire” handbell choir under director Sherrill Tyacke, a special Christmas Cantata by the voice choir and director Bill Gleason, and collection of the Christmas Joy Offering (see above).  To learn more about how the Christmas Joy Offering is changing lives for the better, watch the video at http://www.pcusa.org/resource/2013-christmas-joy-offering-video/

Tuesday, December 24—Our traditional Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols, 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

We hope you can join us!


Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Anniversary Gala (part 4)

Highlights of the dinner party (photos by Bettina Antle of Heartlinks Photography):

Sally Siekmann started the evening with dinner music on the grand piano
Rev. Davis served as the master of ceremonies, giving the blessing and a toast
These coasters were the party favors for the dinner
Amy Mangione and the staff of Enjoy Catering took good care of us
Carol Davis with dignitaries from Presbytery and the Sun City Visitors Center
Joy and Karin Gunderson of Heavenly Harp ended the evening with a beautiful blessing


Saturday, November 23, 2013

The Anniversary Gala (part 3)

The 50th anniversary celebration featured a number of pastors who have served at First Presbyterian Church of Sun City.  All of the pastors pictured below participated in the anniversary worship service on November 10 and were honored at the gala dinner on November 13.  (Photos other than Dr. Wright's by Bettina Antle of Heartlinks Photography.)

Rev. Dr. Douglas Wright, former senior pastor of
First Presbyterian Church of Sun City
Rev. Dennis Clarke, former senior pastor of First Presbyterian,
and his wife Eileen
Rev. Harrell Davis, current pastor of First Presbyterian, and his wife Carol
 
Rev. Dr. David Glenn Walker, former interim pastor of First Presbyterian,
and his wife Shirley
Rev. Richard Zabriskie, former associate pastor of First Presbyterian,
and his wife Karen


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Anniversary Gala (part 1)

The gala 50th anniversary dinner on November 13 was an intimate, elegant celebration of our church's past, present, and future.  Here's how the courtyard and Swain Hall looked before everyone arrived.  (Photos by Bettina Antle of Heartlinks Photography, http://www.heartlinksphotography.com/)

Flavored water station in the courtyard

Placecards
Red carpet entering Swain Hall
Grand piano and candelabra
Centerpiece with spider mum

Table settings


Sunday, November 17, 2013

Photos from November 10

On Sunday, November 10, 2013, First Presbyterian Church of Sun City celebrated our 50th anniversary with a special worship service followed by an ice cream social to which we invited our neighbors.

The worship service featured guest appearances by former pastors Rev. Dr. Douglas Wright, Rev. Richard Zabriskie, Rev. Dennis Clarke, and Rev. David Glen Walker; and special music, including the debut performance of "Great Bells of Fire," the new handbell choir under director Sherrill Tyacke; a guest performance by organist Mary Lou Pancy; "Rejoice! Rejoice!" as the anthem by the choir under the direction of Dr. William (Bill Gleason); and a rousing postlude of "The Saints Go Marching In" by the Sun City Stomperz.

The ice cream social was held after worship in the church courtyard, with more music by the Sun City Stomperz.

These are some of the photos from the celebration:









Saturday, November 16, 2013

Stewardship Sunday

Stewardship Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Sun City is tomorrow, November 17.



In 1963, the charter members of a brand-new church gathered with faith, energy, and hope for the future.  First Presbyterian Church of Sun City was created through their efforts and God's grace.

Today, with you, the mission, ministry, and fellowship those faithful witnesses began fifty years ago continue.

We begin the next fifty years as a living, vibrant congregation because God is God of the living.  Just as God led the children of Israel to a promised homeland, God created a home for the church here in Sun City.  God leads us into the future.  You are a vital part of the church's story.  Your support assures treasured programs and traditions continue.  Your generosity guarantees new traditions will emerge.  Your support for the church's ministry has brought about a resurgent Handbell Choir and the dedication of the Memorial Carillon Chimes; mission outreach, from Thanksgiving food baskets to Habitat for Humanity; and nurturing and compassionate fellowship through prayer, women and men's groups, and programs.

By making your pledge for 2014 you support the Mission, Ministry, and Fellowship of First Presbyterian Church of Sun City.  You join in the celebration of the church's fiftieth anniversary.  Your anniversary gift, in addition to your annual pledge, honors the past while God leads us into the future.

Fifty years have given us the foundation of a strong and vibrant church.  First Presbyterian Church is the church of God's making.  Ours is a living church because God is the God of the future.  God is the God of the living.  God is the God of First Presbyterian Church of Sun City.  Thanks be to God!

Faithfully,
Harrell Davis

Your pledge to First Presbyterian Church assures the future of the ministry, mission, and fellowship you've helped build.  Thank you for being part of the church's first fifty years.  Thank you for your continued support and faithful witness.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Gala Reminder


Tonight at 5:30 is the gala 50th Anniversary dinner for church members.  If you did not sign up but would like to come, please call the church office.  If we receive a last-minute cancellation, we may be able to fit you in.


Monday, November 11, 2013

2013 at First Presbyterian (so far)

The first Sunday of our celebration year in January 2013 began with Communion and the collecting of non-perishable food items for the West Side Food Bank. The Deacons and Elders met for a retreat in Swain Hall on the 17th with Rev. Davis discussing the recent Appreciative Inquiry seminar he and several church members had attended. February brought a Pancake and Sausage Supper for Shrove Tuesday and Rev. Bob Mitchell, from the Justa Center, as guest pastor on the 17th. In March, First Presbyterian became the beneficiary of a home in Sun City from Rev. Nascimento of Mass. and several investments from Elder Harold Sharpless. Our One “Great Hour of Sharing” Fish Banks netted over $3,200. April brought a lovely luncheon for church volunteers served by Norma Mack and “staff” and a new First Presbyterian Internet Facebook page created by Beth Mabee! Mary Lou Pancy, choir director, designated the 21st as Choir Recognition Day. Pastor Davis held a well attended “Bible and Prayer” hour in the Chapel every Thursday morning during May. Taco Night was May 15th with Jesse Ramirez from Agua Fria as our speaker. PW observed “The Least Coin” ritual at their monthly meeting. In June Choir Director/Organist Mary Lou Pancy retired. A suggestion to have a “Lunch With Your Deacon” by Carol Davis was a delightful success. Beth Mabee accepted the position of Associate for Congregational Life.

On July 4th, Gene and Anita Downing chaired a cook-out attended by over 60 people. (It was also the Downing’s Anniversary!) Talented Kelsey McKee became our new keyboard musician for services in the Chapel. The August SPIRE introduced Bill Gleason who would be our new Choir Director and also contained the new glossy Church handout for us to share. Sherrill Tyacke and daughter, Staci Downing, delighted us with two handbell selections during service on the 11th. Our September SPIRE contained two window decals to advertise our church. We had a delicious Labor Day Feast chaired by Tina Trobridge, Stewart Porter, Anita and Gene Downing and Karen and Rod Beale. Our busy Prayer Shawl Ministry sent baby items to “The Attic” at Luke Air Force Base and Lap Robes and Shawls to Hospice. Presbyterian Women, under the leadership of Diane Nestlebush, donated $875 to Agua Fria Food Bank for children’s school uniforms.

Exciting plans were started by the “Party Girls” and committee for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations! We relished a hamburger/brats cookout and were entertained by the Stone Soup Troupe, a Reader’s Theater Group, at “Octoberfest. We were delighted to welcome the return of our “winter friends.” Liturgical Christian banners began appearing throughout the church. The faint sound of bells can be heard at 8AM, 12noon and 6PM from our new Carillon. There is talk of “Ice Cream” and everyone has received an invitation to the gala dinner party to be held November 13th in celebration of the 50th year of our church. Anticipation fills the air! A new Carillon was dedicated during the Sunday Service on the 3rd of November as we honored the Veterans of our church community. Foods were collected for the 50 Thanksgiving Dinners for the Food Bank. Those joining the church earlier in 2013 were Carol Maxwell, Felicia Kulba, Nathaniel Harvey, Don West and Karen and Rod Beale.

Now is our time to shape the history of this First Presbyterian Church! I’ve so enjoyed this journey through our past and am confident that many glorious years, filled with the joy and peace of God’s love, will continue for those who will worship here. We are God’s children! Thank You, Lord, for letting me share this ride.
~Donna Roth

 

Friday, November 8, 2013

2012 at First Presbyterian

In January of 2012 the N.F.O.G. (New Form of Government) was published, a new Book of Order for the Presbyterian Church (USA). Rev. Davis presented the important changes to the congregation. In February the Prayer Shawl Ministry delivered 35 items to Hospice Family Care in Peoria and the Men’s Fellowship held its Souper Bowl. In March, 40 Senior Trippers visited the M.I.M., the educational and entertaining Musical Instrument Museum. University of Life began a Lenten series with guest pastors as speakers, and Carol Arseth, R.N., started a support group for the bereaved entitled “You’ve Got A Friend.” In April we shared Good Friday and Ash Wednesday services with Faith Presbyterian and Church of the Palms. Twenty-seven guests, 90 years of age or older, celebrated at their birthday tea. The Fellowship Dinner was a cookout where Connie McMillan spoke about the early history of Sun City and of Del Webb. Our “One Great Hour of Sharing” collection exceeded $3400! In May we car-pooled to the Diamondbacks game. Helen Petersen shared a library book review with us titled “I Dared to Call Him Father” about a Muslim’s encounter with God. The Korean Church, which had been renting our Chapel, purchased a church and moved. In June, we worshipped at Vacation Bible School titled “Tenting With God,” and collected $1,667.47 for Medical Teams International under the guidance of Mary Jo Conwell. Presbytery sent representatives to our Session with a method and timeline for the process and progression of installing Rev. Harrell Davis as our Pastor. In July, we watched our second matinee movie, Iron Lady. Beth Mabee began putting together a new and much improved First Presbyterian Church website on the Internet and a new church Photo Directory was planned. On September 2nd Rev. Harrell Davis was elected, by written vote, to be our installed Pastor and on September 22nd Grand Canyon Presbytery unanimously agreed.

Rev Davis writes to us:
I was born in Carson City. NV. on Sunday, March 5th, 1950. I was born at the mid-point of one century and have lived to see the turn of the next. I am one of the children of the post World War II, Baby-Boom generation. While it’s true that an enormous amount of change has taken place, some things remain the same. What has been constant through the first sixty years of my life has been God’s presence. When I saw those ads on TV featuring Phil Mickelson dreaming of playing golf before he could even walk, I was skeptical. But the more I think about it, I realize that God has been a part of my life since long before I had any vocabulary to describe it. Probably since before I could walk. Here’s how that worked. I’ve always had this “sense” that “something” was near me—hovering or standing—right next to me. A silent “partner,” yet one I could talk to and whose comfort and reassurance were always there for me when I needed them most. No one has ever had to convince me that “nothing can separate” me from the love of God. Early in my life, without even having the language to describe it, I felt it. And later, when I did my best to abuse the privilege, I learned that not even rebellion could push God away. So I hope you’ll agree that it makes perfect sense for me to be the pastor of this church. But here’s something else I’ve discovered in thirty years of ministry. It’s not me as pastor, as much as it’s the God in me, meeting the God in you that makes for connection; that makes a congregation. The privilege for me these days is serving a congregation of spiritually mature Christians whose walk with God is similar to my own. I’m very grateful for that gift.

In 2012, University of Life began a beautiful new DVD series about The Gospel of John entitled “Wisdom From Ephesus,” with Rev. Davis as our knowledgeable moderator. In November, Patrick Floyd organized the Men’s Fellowship “Meals for the Needy” as we filled 50 Thanksgiving Day food boxes, plus a turkey, for Agua Fria. The Prayer Shawl Ministry, started by Shirley McVicker, sent many boxes of knit articles to Fort Hood Texas for troops going overseas and their families staying in the States. We had a delicious turkey dinner on the 14th and Rev. Harrell Davis became our installed Pastor on November 25th. A busy December 2012 began with the High Tea on the 8th, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast on the 11th, a Christmas Lights Bus Tour on the 13th, the Cantata on the 16th, a catered Christmas Dinner on the 19th with entertainment by the “Ainos Music Group,” a talented group of young Korean musicians, and a beautiful Christmas Eve service. The first Christmas Day Potluck Dinner, organized by choir director Mary Lou Pancy and Gene Klatte, was celebrated by over 25 well-fed diners. Joining First Presbyterian in 2012 were Floyd Beyer, Judy Corrigan, Joan Steele, Nancy Davidson, Eugene Klatte, Joanne Clark, and Alison Davis.
~Donna Roth

Thursday, November 7, 2013

2011 at First Presbyterian

Shelly Core, of Grand Canyon Presbytery, came to University of Life in January of 2011 to discuss other religions of the world. We had a wonderful “soup supper” with entertainment from a barbershop quartet and Emerson Davis! PW invited Scott Ritchie from Justa Center to talk about the Center’s services and needs. February 6 was Men’s Fellowship Souper Bowl Sunday; collections were an amazing $1,020.02 due to “challenges!” Bert Blom began February at University of Life talking about WWII in the Netherlands, and Dr. Rev. Gale Watkins completed the month with lessons about “The Lord’s Supper.” The Parish Life Committee served a tasty Pancake and Sausage Supper for Shrove Tuesday. Muffy Keen and Evelyn Knauss culled duplicate books from our Library, providing us with a variety of “free” books. Senior Trippers visited the Organ Stop Pizza. In April we shared pre-Easter services with Faith Presbyterian and Church of the Palms. A birthday tea celebrated our members who were 90 years old. Evelyn Haas was honored by Grand Canyon Presbytery for her many years of service to our church. Our April “One Great Hour of Sharing” fish bank collection exceeded $3400! The potluck dinner entertainment was our own wonderful “Happiness Is” trio consisting of Diane Pena and Helen and Dean Woeller. We celebrated the completion of another Habitat for Humanity home. In June 2011, our Vacation Bible School theme was “Come to the Banquet!,” with new decorations every evening signifying where. Kathryn Owens from Grand Canyon Presbytery was introduced at Session with a suggestion that we form a PNC to search for a pastor. The Session Statistical report stated the membership at 245 active members and 40 affiliate members.

In July the Session approved the renting of our Chapel to the Arizona Korean Presbyterian Church, with the use of Annex 1 on Wednesday and Saturday. Fellowship Dinner was a Hawaiian luau on the 27th. In August, Gabe Conwell, Bob Gibbens, and Harry Wilson beautifully redecorated our kitchen! Rev. Beverly Phillips, guest speaker at PW, spoke about the Beatitudes. Max McVicker, Don Berg, Bill Wentling, and Stewart Porter were thanked for their dedicated services in the sound booth. Gloria Bouckinooghe and Gene and Anita Downing were thanked for their continuing help with kitchen chores. In September we enjoyed a Diamondbacks game and had a potluck supper. October’s University of Life brought Carol Davis to the microphone talking about the Beatitudes, and Rev. Jan Flaaten about “Faith and Healthcare.” Session unanimously voted to begin the process to call Rev. Harrell Davis to be our installed pastor. In November we held a Mission Fair, a wonderful way to meet the people whose missions we help. For lunch they served us Indian Fry Bread Tacos! After University of Life we stayed to fill 50 Thanksgiving Day food boxes for Agua Fria. We “Pounded the Pastor” and had a delicious Turkey Dinner. December brought the High Tea, the Men’s Fellowship Christmas Breakfast, a thrilling cantata by our choir, and Christmas Eve snacks and punch before service in a beautifully decorated sanctuary. “Our cup surely runneth over.” Christmas morning we worshipped by the huge Christmas tree in Swain Hall for our first Christmas Sunday Family Service, while feasting on freshly baked holiday breads provided by Rev. and Carol Davis. Those joining the church in 2011 were Bob Gibbens, Rhea Nelson, Bill Wentling, Pat and Rosemary Mills, Pat Armor, Carol Davis, Elizabeth Kovacs, Bob and Linda Johnson, and Beverly Simmons.
~Donna Roth


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

2010 at First Presbyterian

Mary Lou Pancy joined the staff as choir director and organist in January of 2010. Evelyn Haas shared her recipe for “Cucumber Canapes” with us in The SPIRE! February plans were made to combine Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services with Faith Presbyterian and Church of the Palms. We assembled Hygiene Kits for earthquake victims in Haiti guided by Mary McMartin, and delighted in a pancake supper in celebration of Shrove Tuesday. In March the Session announced monetary gifts from Ray Tracte, in memory of his wife Alice, to purchase dishes, flatware, and glasses for our kitchen, and a gift from Pat Stokely, in memory of her husband Joe, for the purchase of 300 new large print Pew Bibles. During April the delightfully surprising Wildlife Zoo came to visit after our Fellowship Dinner. Librarian Muffy Keen recommended several new books that had arrived in our library. Sun City historian, Connie McMillan, talked about the exciting birth of Sun City following our May Fellowship Dinner. 

June 2010 brought the need of a Pastoral Nominating Committee to search for a pastor for First Presbyterian. The fourth annual Vacation Bible School, “Celebrating the “Joy of the Lord,” which examined humor in Christian life, welcomed 84 joyful participants. In August, Interim Pastor Rev. Deborah Kehle accepted a call to Goleta Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara, CA. Barbara Anderson, for many years a teacher on a Navajo reservation, donated a copy of her book of experiences to our library. On September 7th, Rev. Harrell Davis joined the staff at First Presbyterian as Interim Pastor. October 2010 brought a popular tai chi class to First Presbyterian, organized by Carol Arseth, R.N. Pastoral nominee Dr. Rev. Seville, nominee pastor on October 24th, was rejected by congregational vote. In November we enjoyed a delicious Turkey Dinner during Fellowship and were delighted with Twila Lampe’s piano and voice with her “Salute to Veterans.” Hazel Bacon organized twice-monthly bridge games open to all in the Fireside Room. On December 7,we had a wonderful tour of Christmas lights and walked through the fantasy of lights on the Mormon Tabernacle grounds. Walt McMartin and Rev. Zabriskie, both active in the Habitat for Humanity mission, announced the seventh home had been completed. After a Christmas ham dinner we enjoyed a piano concert in the Sanctuary. The Christmas chancel was beautiful with poinsettias arranged by the Deacons, and candles lighting the aisle. New members for the year of 2010 were Glenn and Vonda Hagen, Donna McCombie, Glen and Sharyl Moen, and Dean and Helen Woeller. 
~Donna Roth

Monday, November 4, 2013

November 10 Celebration Schedule

Honoring Former Leaders/Open House and Ice Cream Social


Two messages that came through loud and clear at the “Appreciating Our Anniversary” planning session were that we should honor our former leaders, and also include the neighbors in our celebration. Sunday, November 10, is the day we do both!

The worship service will feature special music, including but not limited to the ringing of the Memorial Carillon and the debut performance by our new handbell choir. Former pastors who are able to attend will take part in the worship service, and they and their wives will be available after worship is over so that we may greet them and thank them for their service at First Presbyterian. The Post-its honoring others who have acted as spiritual mentors will also be on display.

The meet-and-greet will take place in the church courtyard, at a free ice cream social to which we’re inviting the neighbors. We are using press releases, direct mail, and door hangers to ask as many as possible to join us. The Sanctuary will remain open for those who would like to see it, and entertainment will be provided by four members of The Sun City Stomperz, a “traditional Dixieland jazz band.” Shade and seating will be available and a great time should be had by all.

(For more about the band, check out http://suncitystomperz.com/.)

We hope to see you on Sunday!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Memorial Carillon Dedication

This is the Litany of Dedication for the new Memorial Carillon from today's worship service.

Click here for information about the history of the Memorial Carillon and the people responsible for its purchase and installation.


A Litany of Dedication

Leader: Let us worship God!
People: Let us enter into God's presence with thanksgiving and praise!
Leader: Praise God in the sanctuary, praise God with stringed instruments and bells!
People: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Leader: God of Grace, you have blessed us with many gifts. May this instrument we dedicate strengthen our faith and bring glory in your name.
People: O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord all the earth!
Leader: In praise, thanksgiving, remembrance, and hope.
People: We dedicate this carillon and our lives to your glory now and forever. Amen.


Saturday, November 2, 2013

Tax Reminder

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) extended the qualified charitable distribution provisions for 2012 and 2013. It is an opportunity for church members, age 70 ½ or older, who own an IRA to direct gifts up to $100,000 to the church from the IRA without reporting the transfer as income. (This contribution has to be TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY FROM THE IRA TO THE CHURCH.) As always, consult your tax advisor if you have questions.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Women's Ministry in November

Presbyterian Women are active and back at work doing what they do best! Circles with their Bible Studies, Gatherings and enjoying fellowship with each other.

Our church hosted a very successful Presbytery Workshop on October 5th. There were over 55 ladies here. Ten ladies from our church attended. Swain Hall was decorated beautifully for the continental breakfast and the salad lunch. We started out meeting in the chapel and enjoyed singing and a 25th Birthday Skit. A highlight of the day was having five ladies from Yarnell here. They had been burned out by the fire or affected by it. A shower of kitchen and bathroom items was collected for them. A large table in Swain Hall overflowed with the donated items. It was a joy to be able to help in a small way.

After lunch we shared our Mission and Program ideas. PW Women from Valley, Faith, Yarnell. Desert Palms and Fountain Hills churches shared their ideas.

Workshops were held. It was an informative fun day for all.

One of our goals this year is to strengthen our Bible Studies. “An Abiding Hope, the Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy” is our study this year. Pastor Harrell Davis has offered to lead a class on teaching this study. It will be held once a month starting on Tuesday, November 5th at 10:00 am. You are encouraged to attend. Circles 1 and 2 will have rotating leaders and this is an opportunity for us all; please give it prayerful consideration!

Our Action Coordinator, Fran Gehm, reminds us that if you shop at Safeway you need to sign up every year for the award money our church receives on what you buy.

Two members from our church will be attending the Fall Gathering PW Synod in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on November 8-10.

There will be no Coordinating Team meeting in November.

Reminders:
  • Holiday High Tea, December 14th—Volunteers Welcome
  • Church Women United, Friday, November 1st at 9:30 am
    World Community Day Celebration
    Location: Salvation Army Church, 17420 N Ave. of the Arts, Surprise

Blessings to All.
Diane Nestlebush