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