FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH
Fountain Hills, AZ

December 2015

FHPC VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS

Our Vision:

Our Mission :

Living Gods love.

Reach out to all with faith and love.

calls us to . . .

From Our Pastor Bill Good

Choosing Christmas Again
Matthew, Luke, and John all begin
patiently. One gives us the lineage
of Jesus. One tells us about Jesus
aunt and uncle. One plunges us into
the great mysteries of time and being. Groundwork is laid. A story
takes shape.
Mark, though, has no time for such
things. We hear him shout out the
sheer joy of it: The beginning of the good news of Jesus
Christ, the Son of God. Hes a kid at Christmas: so busy
tearing the wrapping off of a new reality he cant even be
bothered to put a verb in his sentence.
Mark dropped his good news into a world gone numb and
dark. Political oppression, religious opposition, social violence, cultural indifference, and economic suppression terrorized the times. Hope seemed hopeless the figment of ancient dreamers. Thats what makes Marks news so exciting.
And in the face of all this, the boldness of his proclamation
divided hearers along clear lines. It forced a choice: cynicism
or celebration? capitulation or. . . Christmas?
Some say now as some did then that this good news was
just a magical tale, that Christmas is a mere fable born of
wishful dreams. In face of all this, Christians are still called
to choose to choose the story that will give shape to their
seeing and being.

The facts are these:

Yes, its a holiday wrapped in folklore lowing cattle,
straw filled mangers, and wonder of all wonders a
silent baby.
But on a far more truthful level, its also an epiphany
swathed in mystery and wonder, awe and grace, and the
love and promise of God.
And theres this to think about:
Yes, time has passed, but times remain disappointingly
unmoved.
But, Mark said clearly that his was just the beginning of
the good news of Jesus Christ.

This Advent Season, once more, the choice is before us: we

can choose to join a world thats shrinking in anguished lethargy, or we can choose to join Mark in his broadening exuberance and tear open the wrapping of new life.
You see, if Marks was just the beginning of the good news of
Jesus Christ, then theres still more to come. And, who knows,
maybe that good news thats yet emerging is nothing more
than you and me and him and her. . . singing, and praying, and
embracing, and hoping. . . and choosing Christmas. Again.

Come. Let us adore him,

ADVENT
Our Advent Devotional this year is And the Word Became Flesh. We pray that youll join us for
The WAY on Wednesdays (Why in the World) as we enter this joyful season.
Make sure to see the Christmas Joy letter inside this edition for a schedule of the events we have
planned for this season of waiting and preparing.

In Touch

page 2

Focus on Finance

OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Bill Good
Pastor/Head of Staff

Pastor Ken Brown

Oct Income

$ 34,626

Budget

$ 32,675

Associate Pastor

Oct Expense

$ 31,181

Budget

$ 34,299

Yr to date Income

$ 362,713

Budget

$ 353,550

Yr to date Expense $ 337,627

Budget

$ 352,845

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
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: Nancy Wulfmeier
Class of 2015
Ben Fast
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
******

October income exceeded budget by $1,951, and October expenses continue to be below budget. We are in good shape through October with
YTD income exceeding YTD expenses. We
have managed to keep our expenses below
budget, but with two months remaining we expect to have budgeted expenses occur which
will affect any surplus we may have had.

Respectfully,
Linda Lull, Treasurer

On the Inside:
Rev Bill Good, Pastor .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .
Focus on Finance .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .
Upcoming Events . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
Mission Ministry . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . ..
Presbyterian Women .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. ..
How Can You Help? .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . .
Lockboxes for Seniors. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . ..
Not Yet a Member? .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
Concert Series 2016 . .. . .. .. . . . . .. . . . ..
Mens Fellowship. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . .. ..
Thanksgiving Dinner .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .. . . .
Thanksgiving Dinner .. .. .. . .. .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . .. .. . . ..
Christian Formation .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .. .
From the Director of Christian Formation .. . . . . . . . . . ..
This and That .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . .. .
FHPC Foundation.. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .
Painting Party with a Purpose .. . .. .. . .. . .. . . .
Thank You.. .. .. .. .. . .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . .. . . .
Facebook. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . . ..
Library Footnotes.. .. . .. . . . . .
LifeLine Screening.. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .
Music Ministry .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . ..
Member Spotlight...Did you Know? .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . ...
Necrology for 2015 .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . .. . .
December Birthdays .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
Christmas Calendar .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . ..

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December 2015

Upcoming Events in 2016

Beth Moore StudyJanuary 2016 March 2016
Come join us for DanielLives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. Finding himself living in an ungodly culture, Daniel show us how to live a life of integrity facing the kind of pressures and temptations Christians encounter today. The second portion of Daniel explores thrilling prophecies from the
time of Daniel through the second coming.
The study will begin the first week on January 4th for 12 sessions. Classes will be held in the Adult
Center on Monday nights at 6:30 PM and Tuesday mornings (starting January 5th) at 9 AM. Let Marta
or Sylvia Burke know to order your study books. And bring a friend or neighbor. Planting Gods
word in our heart will help us to bear much fruit? Make a spiritual investment in 2016. You will
blessed.

Catch a PHX Suns Game

Hilltop Hospitality invites you to attend the Phoenix Suns Faith and Family Night on Saturday, January 23, 7:00 PM at Talking Stick Resort Arena when the Phoenix Suns meet the
Atlanta Hawks.
This group package includes:
Discounted tickets for your choice of lower or upper level seating-$57, $36 or $20
Free access to light rail
Free pre-game Faith & Family concert Satellites and Sirens at 1:30 PM on main court
Early entrance to skip line and watch warm-ups
Special Phoenix Suns group gift (depending on seat)
All you can eat food pass $14 (soda, water, popcorn, nachos & hotdogs) after 5 PM.
Proceeds from this event will support Sunshine Acres Childrens Home, a loving long term
Christian home for children separated from their parents.
For more information there are flyers in the Narthex or church office or contact Marta Ludwig
at (480) 837-1763 or a Hilltop Hospitality member. Please bring the flyer and cash or checks
to the FHPC office no later than January 4th. We will try to make arrangements to car pool
from the church to the light rail. We hope you will join our church community for an entertaining evening and to support a worthwhile project.

RUMMAGE SALE: Workers Needed for the week before March 5, 2016
WOMEN: We will need 2 Co-Chairpersons for the following sections: Books; Children
Items; Garden/Floral arrangements; Holiday/ Home Decorations/Crafts; House wares/Lamps;
Linens & Bath Accessories; Mens Clothing; Womens Clothing; Paintings and Picture Frames.
MEN: We will need your help with set up and clean up.
Day of Sale: We will need cashiers and baggers. We will need food prep specialists to keep our
workers energized throughout the day!
The contact person for our upcoming rummage sale is Helen Roesch. If you can help with any
of these areas, bless you! Please let me know what your preference is. My cell phone number 480-837-2142 - or via email at tif3fy@aol.com. Let's make it another great FHPC rummage
sale!!

page 5

November 2012
page 4

In Touch

Mission Ministry

Terri Schmidt, Elder

As we are nearing the season of Joy and

Happiness, we must remember it is not
so for everyone. There are those who
have lost loved ones and will not be able
to share this wonderful time of the year
with them. And there are those who
have many needs and they feel like no
one knows they exist. So as we celebrate
the season of Christ's Birth, let us remember those in need; those same children of God that he wants us to help.
With your help, there are so many things

we can do.

be able to carry it all with them.. Liz Norris is asking that

we purchase XL or XXL sizes to fit all.
We will need these no later than Saturday December 19th
so we can take them to Fort McDowell on Sunday.
If you prefer to adopt a family, Max's closet has
needy families. You can contact Lisa Hadsall at Max's
Closet @ 480-580-2889. these are families on the Extended Hands Food Bank roster that may not receive any
Christmas gifts if someone does not help them. This is
another great way to help those in town. But you must
adopt the whole family, which if you and your friends
want to go together and do this, it is a great way to share
God's Love.

Frozen Turkeys
Thank you to all who contributed frozen turkeys and
the non perishable food items for a Thanksgiving dinner. We
collected a total of 31 turkeys. This was a help to those here in
Fountain Hills who could not have afforded a Thanksgiving
dinner otherwise. You are a most giving congregation and we
do appreciate you all.
We will be collecting turkeys for Christmas also. So
if you so desire to contribute we will be collecting on the Sundays of 13th and the 20th of December. We will also continue
to collect non-perishable foods.

Extended Hands Food Bank

Thank you to Nancy Wulfmeier, Vivian Virden, Linda
Warren, Susan Owens and Terri Schmidt for helping with the
Friday night Fish Fry in November. Jim Bob's Fish Fry is a
fun way for us to volunteer at the Extended Hands Food Bank.
We enjoy helping and talking with all the people who come in
to eat. It is an easy and fun way to donate your time, so if any
one would like to help, we volunteer on the 1st Friday of the
month. Let Terri Schmidt know if you would like to help.
Thank you also for all the food and money you so
generously donate each month. As many of you already know,
the food cart parked out front of the sanctuary each Sunday is
donated to the Extended Hands Food Bank.

Angel Tree
We will not be doing our Children from town on our
Angel Tree this year due to things out of our control. But we
will join with Fort McDowell in their effort to help the needy
and homeless Indians downtown Phoenix. I have talked with
Liz Norris of Fort McDowell Presbyterian Church and she told
me there are close to 180 homeless Indian Men and Women
down there. We agreed to help out with 25 men and 15
women.
What will be on our tags is as follows: 2 T-Shirts or 1
T-Shirt and 1Sweat Shirt), shorts for men or 2 panties for
women, 2 pairs of socks, gloves, washcloth, soap, shampoo,
lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a brush. These things can
be placed in a Christmas bag or backpack, because they need to

MANA House
Thank you to all who continue to bring in water
for MANA House and our Veterans. We will continue to
collect water, but I was also told they need warm clothes
for the winter months. So if you have slightly used sweat
shirts, jackets, sweaters, socks and gloves, we will be
glad to take these things to them as well. If you choose
to purchase these items, that is great too. Don't forget,
we have homeless women Veterans also.

Books for Bethel, Alaska

Thank you to all who brought in new and used
books for our mission project for Bethel, Alaska. We
were able to send several boxes full of books to the niece
of Ron Waldo. She then reads to the children on Saturdays and then donates the book for a library for the kids
there. This helps make these childrens lives a little
nicer.

Phoenix Rescue Mission and Changing Lives

Center
We have sent money to both the Phoenix Rescue
Mission and Changing Lives Center for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This money will be used for dinners
at both places. This money goes far to feed the homeless
and less fortunate in downtown Phoenix.
We are working on other projects that I will
give a report on in January. But until I report again, I
want to say just a little about our work here in Mission
Ministry. We try to help those here in Fountain Hills first
and foremost. Then we move to Valley area and spread
out from there. We try to help those in our backyard
first. We do as much as we can with the help from you
and our budget. If you have more ideas or want to help
in any way, please contact Terri Schmidt or Jack Reynolds. May God Bless you all during this Joyous Christmas Season. My wish for you all is a Happy and Healthy
New Year.

In Touch

page 5

December 2015
page 4

Mission Ministry
MISSION PROJECT SUPPORT OUR TROOPS/VETERANS
Our Winter Project to help our homeless Veterans by donating new sweatshirts and/or
long-sleeved t-shirts and socks is underway. Please pick up one or more of these items
the next time you are in Target, Walgreens or
CVS; they all have them.
Our homeless veterans will be in great need
for these items in the
upcoming winter months. Delivery will be
made to MANA House in
Phoenix probably in late November or early
December. I truly hope
this project turns out to be as successful as our
Summer Project was
when we were able to make a very large delivery of new t-shirts and
socks to MANA House. Hopefully we will also be able to make another delivery of
magazines, books, toiletries, CDs, and DVDs to the Veterans Hospital/Home around
the same time. We collect these items, including gently used clothing, continuously
throughout the year. Deliveries are made
when there is enough items collected to do
so. There are two boxes for you to place
your donations located at Church. One is in
the Narthex on the table and/or floor and the
other one is in the Fellowship Center located on the left side as you enter or you
may also drop off any items at the Church
office and they will call me. If you have
any questions, please do not hesitate to just
ask me. Many thanks to those of you who
have already donated some sweatshirts.
Cant thank you enough.
Donna Sims,
Deacon
Donna Sims with Phil Katz, who comes by
to warm up after the cold of Chicago!

Christmas to-do list

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
- Howard Thurman
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

Merry . . . Winter?
To avoid offending anybody,
{my sons} school dropped religion altogether and started
singing about the weather.
They now hold the winter
program in February and sing
increasingly non-memorable
songs such as Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman
and this is a real songSuzy Snowflake, all of which
is pretty funny because we live
in Miami. A visitor from another
planet would assume that the
children belonged to the Church
of Meteorology.
Dave Barry
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

page 7

December 2011
page 6

In Touch

Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team for 2015-2016
Moderator, Maurene Gerson
Librarian, Barbara Oakeson
Vice-Moderator (Program), Sandi Thompson
Historian, Office Angels
Secretary, Bonnie Matty
Search Committee, (open)
Treasurer, Maria Berry
Membership Directory, Arlene Stewart
Publicity, Ilene Berg
Bible Study Coordinator, Maria Berry
Mission Coordinator, Sandy Larson
New Member Contact, Carol Fuls
Circle Leaders
Morning Circle, Suzie McCready, Joy Fick
Afternoon Circle, Martha Baxter
Evening Circle, Judy Irvin
Hooked on Books, Leader, Jan Hoff
Out N About Leader, Nancy Wulfmeier

DECEMBER EVENTS
December 4
December 1 & 15
December 10
December 21
December 16

9:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
Noon

Coordinating Team Meeting, Adult Center, FHPC

Afternoon Circle, Fountain View Village
Morning Circle, Adult Center, FHPC
Evening Circle, home of Judy Irvin
Hooked on Books, Fireside Room at FHPC
Out N About, Tonto Verde Country Club

DECEMBER BIBLE STUDY

Dangerous WatersGods Deliverance
Joshua 3; Psalm 69:1-3

Fountain Hills Public Art Collection

PW is busy preparing for their Winter Gathering
planned for Saturday, January 23 when our communitys Public Art Collection will be showcased. Public
Art Committee members, Sandi Thompson and Jerry
Miles have prepared a presentation to help us appreciate
the generosity of donors that enabled the purchase of the
vast collection, as well as the oversight and expertise that
guides each selection. It will be a great opportunity for
new residents (and long time residents, as well) to hear
first hand how the collection was chosen and the opportunities available to participate in the program. More details
will following in Januarys In Touch. Mark the date on
your calendar and plan to bring a friend!

Church Library
Have you visited our Church Library recently? If not, you
are missing a great opportunity to find both great fiction

and books to support topics of interest to the Church. Presbyterian Women initiated the effort to build this excellent
resource and continues to be an advocate. Barbara
Oakeson has led the effort to maintain the professionally
operated facility. Each year PW publishes a list of wellresearched and recommended reading. The list
is posted in the library
and all the books are
available there. PW will
host a Book Shower to
benefit our library during
the Winter Gathering on
Saturday, January 23.
More details will follow
in Januarys In Touch,
but you can plan now for
how you will show your
support for this great
church resource.

page 7

December 2015

HOOKED ON BOOKS

News from PWP

The PW of Grand Canyon Presbytery Gathering held 10/24/15 at
Mesa First Presbyterian Church
was a beautiful day to connect with
PW friends from around the Valley, have your spirit lifted and
learn about mission concerns
throughout our Presbytery. Keynote Speaker, Rev. Martha Sadongei encouraged us to make an effort to get to know our Native sisters better and learn about their
culture. She also led a workshop to give attendees an opportunity to delve deeper into an understanding of our differences
and our similarities. A workshop was offered to introduce
Protestant prayer beads and mandalas as a means to draw us
into a spiritual encounter with the Holy Spirit. In addition to
the business at hand, there was music, lots of laughter, and
spiritual reflection making it truly an enjoyable day.

For I will pour water on the thirsty

land, and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your
offspring, and my blessing on your
descendants.
Isaiah 44:3

The December meeting of the Hooked on

Books Reading Club will be held in the
Presbyterian Church Fireside Room on
Wednesday, December 16th at 9:30
AM. Melba Varsaw will review "The
Paris Winter" by Imogene Robertson.
Books you no longer want may be
brought for the Book Exchange. All women interested in
reading and discussing books are welcome to attend. For
further information contact Jan Hoff (480) 836-7551.

Out n AboutOut to Lunch

Out n About group will be going to the Tonto
Verde Clubhouse for lunch on Wednesday,
December 16th at noon. We must pay by credit
card at 18401 El Circulo Drive, Tonto Verde.
Please contact Nancy
Wulfmeier
for reservations at 8373021.

Ilene Berg

Read each one, think and count your blessings!

Some things to think about before it is too late. Some are sad, some comical, all are based on real-life episodes.
7. Today, I kissed my dad on the forehead as he passed away in a small hospital bed. About 5 seconds after he passed, I
realized it was the first time I had given him a kiss since I was a little boy.
8. Today, in the cutest voice, my 8-year-old daughter asked me to start recycling. I chuckled and asked, "Why?" She replied. "So
you can help me save the planet," she replied. I chuckled again and asked, "And why do you want to save the
planet?" Because that's where I keep all my stuff," she said.

9. Today, when I witnessed a 27-year-old breast cancer patient laughing hysterically at her 2-year-old daughter's antics, I
suddenly realized that I need to stop complaining about my life and start celebrating it again.
10. Today, a boy in a wheelchair saw me desperately struggling on crutches with my broken leg and offered to carry my backpack
and books for me. He helped me all the way across campus to my class and as he was leaving he said, "I hope you feel
better soon."
11. Today, I was feeling down because the results of a biopsy came back malignant. When I got home, I opened an e-mail that
said, "Thinking of you today. If you need me, I'm a phone call away." It was from a high school friend I hadn't seen in 10
years.
12. Today, I was traveling in Kenya and I met a refugee from Zimbabwe. He said he hadn't eaten anything in over 3 days and looked
extremely skinny and unhealthy. Then my friend offered him the rest of the sandwich he was eating. The first thing the man
said was, "We can share it.

In Touch
How can you help?

page 8

Lockboxes for Seniors

Fry's Community Rewards Program

The more our church family shops at Fry's, the more monetary support our church will have. Won't you consider registering to allow Fry's to donate a portion of your grocery
expenditures to our church programs?

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

7.
8.

How to Re-Enroll for the

Frys Community Rewards Program
* Go to www.FrysCommunityRewards.com
* Click on Sign-In.
Enter your email and password, click on sign in.
Click on your name (top right hand corner),
under Account Summary scroll down to
Community Rewards.
Click on Edit under Community Rewards.
Under Find Your Organization: Enter the NPO
number or name of organization then select
search. (You can get the NPO number from
your organization.) It is #84123
Under Select Your Organization, click on the
circle next to your organization.
Click on Enroll

** FREE **
JUST CALL
THE CHURCH
OFFICE
837-1763

If you have re-enrolled correctly, you should see a

green box with Your enrollment in the Community
Rewards Program has been updated. Thank you for
participating! You will also see the information listed
under Community Rewards on your Account Summary page.

Welcome and attached

According to research conducted by the Barna Group, the holidays are rough for people who arent connected to faith communities or other
civic groups. They feel isolated by experiences that bring others joy, such as giving gifts, singing carols and attending religious services and
parties.
In past decades, writes George Barna, there was and assumption that the holidays were a time when outsiders might explore church life.
These days, however, churches and other religious institutions are not seen as safe or value-adding places by most outsiders. They see little
reason to attend seasonal events, especially since those events often highlight their outsider status.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
This Christmas, how can you help someone feel welcome and attached at your church?
by Communication Resources, Inc

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

page 9

December 2015

Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series... 2016

Tickets for Concert Series... 2016
The Entertainment Concert Series at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church will start single ticket purchases for all shows on December 6st and 13th.
There will be a ticket sales kick-off at 8:30 am in the church Fellowship Hall and after church until 10:15 am. You can also purchase tickets at the church office on Fountain Hills Blvd. during the week, 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.
NO CREDIT CARDS!
Season tickets are also still available for all six shows.
Church telephone number is 480-837-1763.
Concert Series features:
The Dynamite Divas (3 Powerhouse Vocalists)
Kevin Johnson
(Seriously Funny Master Ventriloquist)
Robbie Howard (Singing Impressionist)
Dan Nainan (Worlds Cleanest Comedian)
Mark Preston ( Formerly of THE LETTERMEN)
Rootberry (A Unique Comedy Variety Show)

Jan. 12th
Jan. 26th
Feb. 9th
Feb. 23rd
Mar. 8th
Mar. 22nd

Mens Fellowship
Event: 9 AM Breakfast Meeting, Saturday, Dec. 12
Place: Fellowship Hall
Program: A program titled 'Flowers and More' will be given
by Gary Oakeson showing photographs taken from
Holland to Hawaii; from Tahiti to Victoria, B.C;
and a few places in between.
Special: Ladies are all invited.
There will be a signup table in the Narthex the prior Sunday,
December 6th. Normal cost: $5 for breakfast

More-involved givers
According to a Future of Philanthropy report conducted by the Monitor Group, the nature of giving
is changing. Thanks to the influence of Millennials, born between 1980 and 1996,
a new wave of philanthropists:

gives throughout their lives,

donates to local and global causes,
becomes highly engaged with the recipients of their gifts,
considers their gifts to be investments,
tries to assess the impact of their giving and
shares what they learn with others.

-The Newsletter Newsletter

by Communication Resources, Inc

In
InTouch
Touch

page
page 10
8

FHPC Thanksgiving Dinner

Before dinner, we enjoyed
appetizers and sparkling
cider as the new Fireside
Room was revealed. Thank
you to the Deacons for all
their hard work in creating
this beautiful room.

page 11

December 2015

FHPC Thanksgiving Dinner

Praying for our Home Bound and being Grateful to God for them.
Children prayed for a home bound family and then signed a sticker that will be placed on a Thanksgiving meal that will be delivered to them.
We are the body of Christ.

In Touch

page 12

Christian Formation
Christian Formation Opportunities:
Sundays
10:15 AM Sabbath Day Bible Study
10:15 AM Elementary Life with God
11:15 AM Blessed Beginnings Nursery
11:15 AM Preschool Life with God

Wednesdays
The Way on Wednesdays
(Sept-May)
12:00 PM Lunch & Bible Study
5:00 PM Elementary Big God Story
6:00 PM Bible Study

Committed Youth Rehearsal

3:45 PM on Wednesdays

Womens Bible Study Circles

(Sept thru May)
9:00 AM 2nd Thursday
1:00 PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday
7:00 PM 3rd Monday

Mens Bible Study on

Thursdays
7:00 AM in the Adult Center

Spiritual Life Group

6:00 PM 1st & 3rd Monday

HELP WANTED!
Need volunteers for:

Cooking
Clean up after event
Running computer

Call church office 8371763. No experience necessary. We will train.

Dont send resume, we
trust you. Many benefits.

Elementary KidCommunity creatively telling the Biblical story to share that our God answers prayers!

Cheryl Kenna with the

storytelling cast of
Myka, Kaitlyn,
Emerson, Aly 2, Aly 1,
and Abby.
The story came alive
and revealed that God
answers prayers!
More pictures on next
page...

page 13

December 2015

From the Director of Christian Formation

What is Spiritual Formation?
May he give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that
you may know him better that the eyes of your heart may
be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which
he has called you.
Ephesians.1:17-18
until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19b
Whats in your thoughts when you think of spiritual formation
or Christian spiritual formation? What impression does the
phrase spiritual formation give you? (Be honest!) Even those
in ministry can be confused with so many various definitions
and misinterpretations! Some even associate holiness and
spiritual growth as boring and/or unattainable!
Christian spiritual formation is not found in something we do,
but rather as something the Holy Spirit is doing in us. Just
as the gospel is not about making sinful people moral, but
rather about making dead people alive. Christian spiritual
formations goal is not about moral behavior - even Christlike behavior- but rather a deepening of our relationship with
God. God then the changing, but we must show up and be
present! If our ever deepening communion with God is the
goal, then the by-product of this (trans)formational relationship will be becoming more like Christ in all aspects of our
personhood and life!
Because we are spiritual beings, we all get a spiritual formation from our experiences in this world. But if gotten from

our worldly culture, it is spiritually deforming! In

Christian spiritual formation we are changed within the
context of our relationship with Gods Spirit so we
give God time and space during our spiritual practices
and lives. His Holy Spirit does the shaping, healing and
changing within us.
My favorite definition of spiritual formation is an integration of definitions from Robert Mulholland, Dallas
Willard, and Mark Labberton: Spiritual formation is
a divine process and a journey of becoming like
Christ for the flourishing of our lives, for the sake
others, and for the glory of God.
In order to do this, Christian Formation includes
Christian education & discipleship, but it is spiritual
formation that has a deeper dimension of what discipleship is all about. And although Chrisitan education and
spiritual formation are not
at odds, each has distinctions where both knowledge and experience is
critical in the context of
relationships. I like how
Dr. M. Anthony has shown
this in 7 Family Ministry
Essentials: you may go to
our website to view comparison of these distincDebby DeBernardi
tions.

More youth pictures on

page 15...

In Touch

page 14

This and That

Written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......
I've learned .... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned .... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned ... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned .... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned .... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned .... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned .... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned .... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned .... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned .... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned .... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation

An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow
MYTHS: Only wealthy people need an estate plan; only someone with dependents need to plan for the future distribution of
assets; without a registered estate plan/will, state law usually distributes your property in about the same way you would have;
without a plan you still could make a charitable gift to the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church; a professionally prepared estate
plan rarely needs revision.
TRUTH: If you have any property at all, you need to plan carefully. Protecting a small estate is important because settlement
delays and confusion can mean more expense where it may be least affordable.
If one without dependents has any property and wants to decide who receives it, they need an estate plan which can often reduce or eliminate delays and probate cost.
Since there is no way for the state to know someones wishes, it distributes property according to an all-purpose plan. Generally children receive equal amounts and no provisions are made for gifts to special friend or favorite organizations such as the
Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation.
Periodic reviews are advisable because so many changes occur. Children grow up; beneficiaries and executors status can
change; estate values can increase or decrease and tax laws change.

Foundation Board of Trustees

Barbara Oakeson
Matt Jefferson
Roy Nickel
John Skewes

480-837-5563
480-837-6001
480-688-8392
480-292-9021

Susan Phillips
Dawn Lau
Ben Fast

480-837-1225
480-837-2607
480-837-1119

page 15

December 2015

Painting Party with a Purpose

November 11th our Elementary KidCommunity
gathered to enter into the Christmas Story with their imaginations.
Guided by the Holy Spirit they selected scenes to draw and paint for a special gift book project.
After a break for snacks and the making of a 2015 Christmas ornament, they retold the story using their creations.
You will have to wait for their illustrations to be published in the book!

Hopefully I will manage to stay out of the hospital for a good while (three times in three months) but in the
meantime I have so many people to thank for taking care of me. Wonderful Linda Warren stayed with me for
five days when I got out of Rehab, cooking, cleaning and making sure that I didnt fall on my nose. Other
friends helped me so much with grocery shopping, rides to the doctors office and the hospital, bringing me
delicious pie (my favorite), great tasting soups, bringing me beautiful flowers, taking over my job with
Marta in the office, bringing in my mail every day and taking care of my little Pixie. Thanks for all the cards and well wishing
phone calls. I couldnt have gotten through these operations if it wasnt for this church family. God bless you all! I can never
thank you enough. You have earned a lot more feathers in your wings!

Helen Roesch
Facebook
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 another way to stay connected.

In Touch

page 16

Library Footnotes
SIMPLY JESUS
A NEW VISION OF WHO HE
WAS
WHAT HE DID
AND WHY HE MATTERS
A book recently acquired for our church library is Simply
Jesus by bestselling author and leading Bible scholar
N.T. Wright. What is the full story of Jesus a twothousand-year-old-story, debated over two
millennia? Wright writes With Jesus, its
easy to be complicated and hard to be simple.
Part of the difficulty is that Jesus is much,
much more than people imagine. Not just
people in general, but practicing Christians,
the churches themselves. (emphasis added)
Simply Jesus is an enlightening book, easy to
read and understand, but deep in theology and
Scripturally based. The author gives us a new
vision of who Jesus was, what he did, and
why he matters in our twenty-first century
world. He raises questions which stimulate
our thoughts. The book is intended to be of
assistance to anyone who is seeking the way
to Jesus and useful to a practicing Christian
and to someone who is just beginning her or
his journey to Christ.
There are basically three parts to the book. The first five
chapters are Part one in which the author explains what the
key questions are, why they matter, and why we find them

difficult to answer today. The second part focuses on

Jesus public career, what it was all about, what he was
trying to accomplish, and how he went about it. Wright
points out that in order to understand what Jesus was all
about, it is essential to see things from a first century
Jewish point of view. The third part is the long final
chapter. This chapter could be entitled So What?
One of Jesus often used phrase Kingdom of God is
explained. Gods wisdom is made known to rulers and
authorities through the church. The work of the kingdom
is summed up in the Beatitudes. When God
wants to change the world, he doesnt send
in tanks. He sends in the meek, the mourners, the hungry and the peacemakers. God
works through Jesus who works through
people who work through the church. These
are some of the thoughts Wright shares in
Simply Jesus.
N.T. Wright has written a number of books,
is the former Bishop of Durham in the
Church of England, and now serves as the
chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews. I recently heard him
lecture at ASU.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is very
thought provoking and provides material
that helps to round out our knowledge of who Jesus
was, what he did, and why he matters.
- John Bivens

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church is pleased to offer a preventive health event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of communitybased preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, noninvasive and painless health screenings on 1/15/2016. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential 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.

page 17

December 2015

Music Ministry
Merry Christmas! On behalf
of the Music Staff and all
those who are a part of our
Music Ministry, we wish you
the best of health, and may
your hearts be warmed by
the message of love and invitation.
I so look forward to singing
the anthems and hymns
which stir anticipation,
warmth and inclusion,
Debbie Fisher, Director of Music
and hearing messages
requiring simple faith, and peace. We are connected
to wonderful traditions at this church, some begun so
long ago, and with Christ's love, we cherish what they
spark in us.
The annual church campus decorating, the Chili
Dump, the poinsettia's so beautifully displayed with
thoughts of loved ones in each flower, singing "Silent
Night" outside with candles lit, and the stories on
Christmas Eve and Christmas Sunday that keep us
still in our seats.
We've come a long way, determinedly, from the days
of the 17th century Puritan Suppression in the New
England Colonies, when observing Christmas, feasting or refraining from your daily labor, let alone sing a
carol, brought fines of five schillings for each offense! Yikes!

On December 13, at the 9:00 a.m. service we will enjoy "Lessons and Carols" where the congregation will
join in singing, and the Celebration Singers, Celebration Ringers, the Pearwood Recorders will all have
wonderful music to fully keep our hearts in the
spirit. The 11:15 a.m. service will have a "Lessons
and Carols" as well, with "Hilltop" and the Youth singing, along with the congregation singing music which
allows our souls to be touched and our joy to be bountiful!
These services are always open to anyone who would
like to attend. We have such wonderful people who
will usher you in, and your friends and neighbors who
may be looking for a place to worship. The services
and their times are listed in the bulletin, or you can
call the office for any further details.
"Let the heavens be glad, and let the sea roar, and all
that fills it; Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for
joy before the Lord; for He is coming to judge the
earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and
the peoples with His truth."
Psalm 96:11-13
Deborah Fisher
Director of Music Ministries

Director of music Ministry, Debbie Fisher : from left to right...old office, new office, Celebration Youth in the new BIGGER office!

In Touch

page 18

Member Spotlight . Did you know?

Helen & Bill Quigley

Bill was born in Dearborn, Michigan and was attending
Adrian College when he met Helen who was born and
raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Helen had
just graduated from high school, and was visiting her
relatives in Dearborn when her cousin introduced her to
Bill at church.
When Helens parents were ready to return home, Helen
decided to stay in Dearborn, and was accepted in a col-

legiate training program through Henry Ford Community College and Michigan Bell. When it was time for
Bill to return to Adrian College for the fall term, he decided to continue working at General Motors and dating
Helen. After attending Henry Ford and working at
Michigan Bell for six months, Helen found a better opportunity and went to work at Ford Motor Company
where she was employed for 33 years.
A year and a half after meeting, Bill and Helen were
married in Helens small town in upper Michigan, and
ten months later their only child was born. Once they
became parents, their priorities changed and they decided Bill should return to finish his education. While
he attended Eastern Michigan University, Helen returned to Ford Motor Company where she continued to
work in many different capacities, her last position as
editor of a Ford newspaper. After graduating from
Eastern Michigan University, Bill taught school for 31
years.
Their greatest accomplishments are having a wonderful
son and daughter- in-law and managing to continue to
have a loving marriage for 59 years. They regret not
being able to have more children and the lack of grandchildren. However, their life has been full of love and
many good friends, and they feel blessed by God to be
exactly where they want to be.

Sunniest Place on Earth: Yuma, Arizona

In Yuma, Arizona, the sun shines for an average of 11 hours a day.
Its forecast is sun for 90 percent of the year,
averaging a total of 4015 daylight hours a
year.

The world's most visited city: London

After a several-year bout with Bangkok, London has regained its
place as the world's most visited city (according to MasterCards
2014 Global Destinations City Index).
The city sees about 18.69 million international visitors annually,
generating $19.3 billion in revenue.

page 19

December 2015
Hospitalized? Call the church!

With deepest sympathy we list

those members who have passed
away in 2015.
Billy Neal
Sylvester Taylor
Marjorie Koepke
Dallas Shuck
Jack Schuler
Paul Barker
Mildred Aimone
Lorie Bayne
Neal Ipema
Rev. Stan Jones
Joanne Larson

If you are sick, hospitalized or home recovering from illness, we want you to call the church and let us know! In a congregation 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 communicating your situation.
World's most well-connected city (for internet): Seoul, South Korea
Surprisingly, despite its 618 million internet users spending an average
of 18.7 hours a week surfing the net, China didnt even make the top 10.
Along the dimensions of average connection speed, availability
(weighted towards free access), openness to innovation, support of public data, and privacy/security, Seoul in South Korea is the champion of
internet-connectedness.
With 10,000 government supported free WiFi spots dotting the city, and
an internet speed that goes unchallenged globally, Seoul is an internet
junkie's paradise

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

Xx { | {x } by { _wA
Matthew 25:21

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

12/02
12/02
12/07
12/08
12/08
12/09
12/09

Aleyne Larsen-Craig
Nancy Wulfmeier
Earl Stavely
Bud Fulls
Marianne Winchester
Carl Capron
Dorothy Christie

12/12
12/12
12/13
12/19
12/21
12/22
12/23

Pauline Pollock
Arlene Stewart
Joyce Stott
Kimberly Wall
Emerson Uphoff
Carl Hayungs
Jack Reynolds

12/24
12/24
12/25
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28

Linda Capron
Phyllis Rapp
Yvonne Ellingson
Edee Grider
Ilene Berg
Sunniva Graves
Lisa Kern

Non Profit Organ.

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Scottsdale, AZ

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

13001 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard
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Current Resident or

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
fhpc.marta@gmail.com Editor, Marta Ludwig; Proof Readers: Helen Roesch & Jean Ipema; Staff Photographers: Gary Oakeson & Michele Hasley; Production and Circulation: Mary Wernecke, Bobbie
Dangremond, Ruby Pearson, Marilyn Humes, Mary Martinson and Vivian Virden. Travel to Bulk Mail
Post Office: Mary Martinson.

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR
Sunday

Nov 29th

9:00 am & 11:15 am

Worship Services 1st Sunday of Advent

Saturday

Dec. 5th

5:00 pm

Live Nativity at Ave of the Fountains

9:00 am & 11:15 am

Worship Services 2nd Sunday of Advent

th

Sunday

Dec. 6

Sunday

Dec. 13th

9:00 am & 11:15 am

Lessons & Carols 3rd Sunday of Advent

Sunday

Dec. 20th

9:00 am & 11:15 am

Worship Services 4th Sunday of Advent

Thursday

Dec. 24th

3:30 to 5:30 pm
4:00 pm
5:00 pm
7:00 pm

Live Nativity with Petting Animals

Christmas Eve Family & Children Worship
Refreshments & Live Nativity
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service

Sunday

Dec. 27 th

9:00 am & 11:15 am

1st Sunday after Christmas Day

Memories & Hopes Sunday

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