2009 at First Presbyterian

During January 2009, Associate Pastor Rev. Deborah Kehle was nominated to be Interim Pastor, temporarily filling the position vacated by Dr. John Barklind. February was a busy month with the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Breakfast at Men’s Fellowship, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday services shared with Faith Presbyterian, and many of us engrossed in reading The Shack. University of Life was studying the parables of Dr. Seuss as explained by Ellen Van Arsdale. In March, Craig McCoy began the H.E.L.P. group to “help eliminate little problems,” a tremendous assist to those of us with minor home chores we couldn’t do. In June we visited “Gilligan’s Island” at Vacation Bible School and had a joyful time with Rev. Kehle and Rev. Stan Burtless. In July, Lana Goodman replaced Irene Stevenson in the office and twenty-two “car-poolers” enjoyed a Diamondbacks Baseball game. Charles Sedgwick vigorously loaded his car, weekly, with donated items for Agua Fria Food Bank and Thrift Shop and spent the day there as a volunteer. Charles continues his dedication to Aqua Fria. By October, a Pastoral Nominating Committee was established to find a new Pastor for First Presbyterian. November introduced the first combined Variety Show with Temple Beth Shalom and Unity Church to benefit Valley View Community Food Bank. We happily welcomed back our winter visitors and gladly put them to work! In December, Session voted to mail flyers to residents of Sun City and Youngtown during Advent. The Deacons donated $400.00 to Valley View Food Bank. The church choir boasted 27 members and performed a glorious Christmas Cantata. We joined hands saying Grace before our Fellowship Christmas Feast in a beautifully decorated Swain Hall and after sharing punch and snacks Christmas Eve, celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in a Sanctuary festive with candles and swagged with wreaths. New members for the year 2009 were Cheryl Davis, Forrest Bartenhagen, Helen Petersen, Elizabeth Stradtner, Gene Klatte, Lucie Marsh and Viola Patterson.

~Donna Roth