pinnacle vistas | april 2015

2 Pinnacle Vistas • April 2015

TracingsA Letter from Dr. Wesley Avram

Dear friends,In this Vistas you'll read word about the arrival of a couple of new

members to our staff, filling vacancies. One is Andrei Gondec, who takes over the role of Lead Maintenance person for us. Andrei will tend to us as family and tend to this property as though it were his own. I hope you'll get a chance to get to meet him in the coming weeks, if you haven't already.

Secondly, Kelly Horn is beginning work as our new Director of Children's Ministry. You can learn about Kelly later in this Vistas. I mention him now, though, because his arrival gives me another chance to thank Debbie Lisk for her dedicated service to Pinnacle during the years she was on staff, and to say how good it is to see her continuing to do well through medical challenges during this period of disability.

Kelly's arrival also gives me a chance to thank all of the dedicated volunteers who have kept our children's ministry program going faithfully for ten months. Frank Harmon has given extra attention to the children's program. He'll be able to give that attention back to youth and families. Among the many volunteers, I'll thank them all here by thanking Jacque Olmert and Michelle Decker. They've all been great.

Kelly will build on Debbie's good work. He'll share with our children a gospel of good news, love, and purpose for our lives. And he'll do this in innovative and creative ways, empowering each of us to fulfill the promise we make to all of our children when we baptize even one.

What's more important than this?! I hope you'll join me in welcoming Kelly into this good work. And I hope you'll feel invited—and even encouraged—to give your own time, imagination, and love to the work.

God bless you,

Dr. Wes Avram,Senior Pastor

Pinnacle Vistas • April 2015 3

About Holy WeekHoly Week begins on Palm Sunday with the triumphal entry of Jesus

into Jerusalem, the crowds are loud, excited and energetic, and the week concludes on Easter with the joyful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. We love these Sundays in the church, but the powerful movement from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday is really understood through the experience of the Holy Week services and events.

On Wednesday we meet at Vespers for a time to center ourselves in the presence of God before the weekend events begin. Thursday, we gather with the disciples in the upper room to share a meal with Jesus where he washes our feet and feeds us. As we move to the climax of the week at our Good Friday service, the day Jesus dies on the cross, we remember what Jesus’ death means for us—grace and a relationship. This year we are also adding a Holy Week Family Service where we will gather in the sanctuary to hear the Holy Week story through children’s eyes celebrating communion and remembering Jesus’ death.

Also on Friday we invite you to participate in our prayer stations found on the Sanctuary patio. There we will find our way to Jesus on the cross and prepare for Jesus’ resurrection through experiential prayers and meditation. One of our prayer stations is our Labyrinth. The Labyrinth is a forty-foot circular sacred path that symbolizes our spiritual journey through life. This Labyrinth is a replica of a sacred walk designed in the Middle Ages (1220 A.D.) for the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. It was used to symbolize a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to walk in the steps of Jesus.

These events take us from the thrill of Palm Sunday to the climax of the cross in order to understand the grace, love and relationship that we find on Easter Sunday. Blessings on your Holy Week.


OUR COMMON LIFE

Andrei Gondec joins Pinnacle as Maintenance Lead

Please join us in welcoming Andrei Gondec to our team as our Maintenance Lead. Andrei has a varied skilled background in many different industries which will be an asset to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. He’s already been a huge help in supporting the Musicfest concerts held in late February. Andrei and his wife, Maria, live in Glendale and are proud parents of two grown daughters.

Andrei Gondec Maintenance Lead

Pinnacle Welcomes Kelly Horn as Director of Children’s Ministries

Pinnacle is happy to introduce Kelly Horn as our new Director of Children’s Ministry.

Kelly is joining us from Chimayo, New Mexico, where he taught 4th grade. Kelly is excited to join our children’s ministry after nearly 20 years in the field of education, working in public, charter and private schools.

He has taught French and Latin as well as fourth, sixth and seventh grade classes. Kelly also has fourteen years of administrative experience, having served as division director and headmaster in schools in Missouri and New Mexico, serving families with children two years old and older. Kelly has Bachelor’s degrees in French and Economics and a Master’s degree in Education from Truman State University. He also completed a post-graduate fellowship in educational leadership at Columbia University.

Kelly’s wife, Pamela, and stepson, Joel, join him in relocating to Phoenix from New Mexico. They enjoy sports, camping, fishing and time doing anything in the outdoors. They are enthusiastic about serving the Lord and getting kids involved in their faith.

Kelly HornDirector of Children’s Ministries


OUR COMMON LIFE

Women inC: Women in ChristGuest Speaker, Ms. Jean Groen | From Desert to DessertSunday, April 26 | 4 - 6 pm | Sanctuary Patio

We are so pleased to welcome to Pinnacle Ms. Jean Groen, an expert on food that can be made from desert plants. Jean was raised on a Kansas farm during the depression and learned to eat anything that was put before her. Jean has a degree in home economics from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. She started cooking when she was six years old, and it has been a love of hers ever since. After reading Stalking the Wild Asparagus by Euell Gibbons, her love of experimenting with weeds, seeds, plants and berries began.

Take Mama AwayMay 8, 9 and 10 | Marriott Desert Ridge

Mother's Day is quickly approaching...treat mom to a stay-cation this Mother’s Day!

This year we invite you to join us as we Take Mama to The J.W. Marriott at Desert Ridge. The rate is $149/night plus tax, and that provides access to all the water areas, including pools, lazy river, and water slides. You can choose to stay for one or two evenings, whatever fits your calendar and budget.

We’ll gather for a group dinner on Saturday evening, and again on Sunday morning for a casual worship. The rest of the weekend is yours! Register by Friday, April 17, by clicking here or call the Marriott at 480.293.5000 and ask to be part of the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church “Take Mama Away for Mother's Day.” If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Frank Harmon at [email protected].

https://resweb.passkey.com/go/PinnaclePres

mailto:[email protected]


OUR COMMON LIFE

PINNACLE FINANCE REPORT

1/31/15YTD Actual

1/31/14YTD Actual

2015 vs 2014 %

Total Income $1,259,008 1,339,833 ($80,825) -6%

Total Expenditures $1,266,368 $1,319,960 $53,592 4%

(Over)/Under ($7,360) $19,873 ($27,233)

Cash Available for Operations $212,794

Cash Balance-Restricted $269,419

Total Cash Balance $482,213

Year-to-date thru February 2015, total income was slightly lower than last year's February YTD by 6%, or $80,825. Although February pledge offerings are slightly above budget, pledge offerings for the year are behind budget by $168,000. We continued doing a good job of managing our total expenditures as expenses were actually lower YTD by $53,592 (4%).


God’s Plan for Us“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

The time for discernment and prayer is here. We, the congregation of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, have been praying and listening in a process of Appreciative Inquiry so that we may hear what God’s plans are for us as a church family. By listening to each other’s pasts and hearing our hopes of the future we are now able to quiet ourselves and attempt to discern what God is directing us to do and where to go.

Since the Pinnacle Vision team first assembled last spring, we have been reading, studying and praying, solicited the help of subject matter from consultant experts, and provided an initial report to your Session. We’ve attended and participated in an Appreciative Inquiry training with Mark Lau

Branson this past December, along with a Strategic Planning and Congregational Change workshop in January with Susan Beaumont.

As of recent, we have done a congregation-wide survey, gathered internal historic data, and formed Listening Circles with many of you who have volunteered your time, minds, and hearts.

As you can see, we have all been busy making this work. The Pinnacle Vision team would like to thank each of you for participating, asking questions and praying for us and the work in which we have been involved.

As we move forward with this timeline we ask for Prayer Warriors to support the work ahead, as we listen with our hearts and open our eyes to God and His plan for Pinnacle Presbyterian Church.

Visit www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-vision to learn more.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”Psalm 119: 105

PINNACLE VISION

http://www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-vision


MISSION AT PINNACLE

Learn More About UMOMSunday, April 19 | 11:15 am | Sanctuary Patio

UMOM is a faith-based community agency dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness in greater Phoenix, with more than 90% of all expenditures devoted to program and expansion projects.

Serving families, veterans, and single adults for over 50 years, UMOM has restored faith and hope in the hearts of thousands of individuals, and currently is achieving a 92.5% success rate of residents who do not return to homelessness.

Please join us to learn more about this outstanding enterprise. Aly Mabry, Volunteer Services Director, will be present to discuss opportunities for involvement and encourage your participation in Pinnacle’s “May Maintenance Day” on the UMOM Campus.

Stephen Ministry Begins at PinnacleOn March 15 we commissioned our Stephen

Ministry program! Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one caregiving ministry named after Stephen, one of the first people called to assist the disciples in caring for others (Acts 6-7). This is a service of caring for people who are going through a difficult season in their life and could use someone who will listen, understand, accept and pray together. What takes place in this caring relationship remains private.

We are blessed to begin with a team of people already trained and ready to help. We have two Stephen Leaders who are the ones

HELPHOPEHEALING

Continued on Page 19


MISSION AT PINNACLE

Growing up Mission Project is a SuccessThank you to everyone who participated in our food collection

mission project and harvest day. We collected 2,545 cans of food, to be divided between St. Vincent de Paul and Vista Del Camino. We also had a group of 25 individuals travel to St. Vincent de Paul to work in their community gardens harvesting fresh produce to serve in their kitchen. We had an awesome day!

Clockwise, from top left: Food Drive donations were dedicated at both services; Food Drive donations packed for Vista del Camino and St. Vincent de Paul; Pinnacle harvesters at St. Vincent de Paul urban garden; Harvesting kale at the garden.


CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Church School Sneak PeakThis month, the children in our Godly Play Class (3’s-Kdg) will look at

more parables from Jesus’ life. Godly Play is a way of making the Bible stories come to life with the help of props and story.

This month, our 1st-5th grades will be looking more closely at peace. Peace is part of God’s character and what Jesus came to do for us. God wants us to reflect peace in our relationships with others. We define peace like this: you care more about each other than about winning an argument. We will start by memorizing Paul’s words in Romans “so let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build each other up,” (Romans 14:19). We hope you will join us.

A Sincere Thank You......for your generous donations for benches in the new Harmony

Ministries church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Over $19,000 has been given, enough to purchase 54 benches! Your response is heartwarming and greatly appreciated, and will enable worship for years to come.

MISSION AT PINNACLE


CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Easter Egg Donations RequestedEaster Eggstravaganza is Saturday, April 4, and we need your help!

Please consider bringing 2-3 dozen plastic candy-filled eggs to church and drop them off in the office or in a special basket following worship on Sunday.

Please avoid chocolate, as it melts quite quickly in our hot Arizona sun. We’ll collect eggs through Good Friday, April 3. Each year we have over 3,000 eggs that children collect, and your donations help!!!

POW! Easter PotluckWednesday, April 1 | 5:30 pm | Fellowship Hall

This is not just a regular POW! evening! You will have an opportunity to meet Kelly Horn, our new Director of Children’s Ministries. We will provide the hams, and all you need to do is bring your favorite side! We hope you can join us as we meet Kelly and celebrate Holy Week.

Adults and Teens Needed on Easter MorningSunday April 5 | 8, 10 and 11:30 am

Easter morning is sure to bring loads of children to the church!! Your help is needed with children at the 8 am, 10 am or 11:30 am service.

The children will be in the Sanctuary building, and we’ll have activities for them all set and ready to go. One of the pastors, along with members of the Children’s Ministry Committee, will be leading elementary children. The younder children will be lead by Children’s Ministry Committee.

We expect 50-60 children in each group, and the more adults and teens we have, the better. We hope that you will be able to attend one worship service and serve another so that all can have a wonderful Easter experience. Please contact Frank at [email protected].

mailto:[email protected].


CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

Club 45Sunday, April 12 | 3:00-5:00 pm | Fellowship Hall

Club 45, our Fellowship group for 4th and 5th graders, will meet and have an activity with our new Director of Children’s Ministry, Kelly Horn. We would love to have you join us for this fun time.

This year we will cool off with Everest VBS where children will explore one of the most majestic, beautiful (and sometimes dangerous!) places on earth. They will join Climbing Crews to “trek” through our Everest VBS, discovering God’s power and promises all along the way.

The cost is $50/child, but if you volunteer for the week, the cost drops to $15/child.

We will spend time each day hearing Bible stories, learning songs about God, enjoying games and snacks, and other great activities.

We generally have about 150 children from age 4 through 5th grade, and over 60 volunteers from 6th grade to senior citizens! It is a wonderful way to help children grow in their faith.

For more information, please contact Frank Harmon in the church office, or at [email protected]. Registration forms can be found on our website at http://tinyurl.com/lrm9e5k.


http://tinyurl.com/lrm9e5k


CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

Graduating High School? We Want to Know!Youth Sunday and Senior Recognition SundaySunday, May 3 | 8 am and 10 am

We would love to recognize those graduating from high school in worship on this special day. If you are graduating, please let us know

1) The name of your high school 2) Your post-graduation plans 3) What you are looking forward to the most after graduation.

4) Something you wish someone had told you before you entered high school 5) Where you saw God work in your life the last four years

We would also love to have a current picture. If you can email Frank at [email protected] by April 26 with these answers and photo, we would love to include you on that Sunday.

POW! and Youth Choirs Awards Luncheon April 26, 2015 | 11:15 am | Fellowship Hall

All the participants of the POW! (Pinnacle on Wednesdays!) program and the youth musical ensembles will be recognized at the annual Awards Luncheon on April 26th.

Family and friends are invited to share in this special recognition of the year-long commitment these young people have made to the music and Christian formation programs of the church. For more information contact Marilyn Hylton at 585.9448.x241 or [email protected].




Pinnacle Concert SeriesFriday, April 24, 2015 | 7:30 pm

Isabelle Demers, organistPremium Seating: $35; General Admission: $20;Student: Free

VIRTUOSITY AND CHARMA native of Quebec, Isabelle Demers is rapidly becoming recognized

as one of North America’s most virtuosic organists. Demers is Organ Professor and Head of the Organ Program at Baylor University in Texas along with maintaining an active international concert schedule. Recent engagements include the cathedrals of Cologne and Regensburg in Germany, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, the Royal Opera House of Muscat, Oman as well as major universities and concert halls across the United States. Critics agree that her performances are stunning, powerful and moving yet performed with “consummate musicianship” (The Diapason) - truly an event not to be missed. Click here for tickets.

This concert is co-sponsored by the Central Arizona Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

http://www.pinnacleconcerts.com/events/isabelle-demers-organ


MUSIC AT PINNACLE

The Sunday AfterSunday, April 12 | During 10 am Worship | Sanctuary

Our Chancel Choir presents Schubert’s Mass in B-Flat Major, featuring our four soloists, chamber string ensemble and timpani. What a wonderful way to spend the Sunday after Easter.


Summer Adventure Camp 2015No plans this summer? Never fear, Adventure Camp is here at PPP!

This fun and engaging summer program will be nine sessions of various themes that run Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 1 pm. Children potty trained and 3 years of age by June 1st thru those entering kindergarten in the fall will be grouped according to age in small class sizes so reserve your spot early! Be sure to check your calendar before taking advantage of this great offer as there will be no refunds for weeks cancelled or unattended. If changes are needed, weeks can be substituted depending on availability.

Session 1 - May 18 – 21 – The World is a RainbowSession 2 - May 26 - 28 - Waterworks! Session 3 - June 8 - June 11 – Ooey Gooey ScienceSession 4 - June 15 - June 18 – Scrumptious StorytimeSession 5 - June 22 - 25 – Books Come Alive!Session 6 - July 6 - 9 – The Adventurous ArtistSession 7 - July 13 - 16th – Little EinsteinsSession 8 - July 20 - 23 – Magic SuitcaseSession 9 - July 27 – July 30 – Seussical Celebrations

Registration forms with information regarding cost and descriptions of each session are available in the Preschool office or online at www.pinnaclepres.org/summer-adventure-camp/.

If you have questions, please call 480-585-9448 x2.

PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

Confirmation Group helps PreschoolThe Preschool was blessed to have this year's confirmation youth

come to lend a hand with some much needed work on the playground. The play boat was sanded down to a smooth touch with a fresh coat of paint added for protection to prevent splinters. An enormous amount of gravel was also raked and moved from the man-made wash that

http://www.pinnaclepres.org/summer-adventure-camp/


BAPTISMS:

Nellie Brooklyn Moorhead, daughter of Erin and Alex Moorhead, and granddaughter of Greg and Linda Moorhead

OUR SYMPATHY:

Rev. Frank Harmon and family on the death of his grandmother, Ruth HarmonMary Walker on the death of her husband, Robert WalkerNicky Rycroft on the death of her husband, Tom RycroftJulia Paulsen on the death of her husband, Stan PaulsenTo the family of Joyce Dasher on her death

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

had made it slippery for the kids to maneuver through. In addition to the youth's assistance, their mentors, parents, some preschool staff and their spouses were here chipping in too. A huge "Thank You" to everyone that came out to help keep our playground safe and enjoyable to those in our care!


HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAYS

April 2 Bill BaerWilliam BallEric BlomquistRalph EarleJohn VorisApril 3 Chuck BrickmanGregory FreyCarl GatesHeather MainsApril 4 Steve MooreApril 5 Robert CastilloGrayson HarderPeyton HeuserFlorence SolomonLinda WadeApril 6 Lynne AvramBob FinkbeinerLily LewisNick RoeApril 7 Bob ArmknechtJohn CasasHannah DoppCampbell HoningLaurie JonesWarren LasaterApril 8 Erica BenderBill KirkEliza PunchesMarilyn StrohanApril 9 Randy DowningApril 10 Brandon LakeMary LaValleyMichael MisnerMyrna RichardApril 11 Diane ConklinBarbara JoyTed McNallyKay Normann

April 12 Ted BrenalvirezCheryl ClarkinBrooklyn DeanKathy GreenMarilyn HyltonTom LyonWinslow SchmellingKaren VorisApril 13 Jim SchamadanApril 14 Nancy HoustonAlex KowalChristina PribishApril 15 Jonathan HarrisChristina KosterPaige SatterfieldApril 16 Erin BoydDona CampbellThomas HoehnerEric HoningEugene WadeJennifer WoodApril 17 Walter JoachimScott SkarnulisLeilani SouthworthJennelle YarwoodApril 18 Grace EsserMarilyn HarrerLily HelfertElla ManciniApril 19 Chloe BarbatoDon DixonLinda RookerApril 20 Tom CrewsConnor McKnightApril 21 Christa HamptonBecca HarmonStacey LampkinAlex Potter

April 22 Alexa AugustineDylan BenderLarry CarrMegan DavisDale GeraldNancy G. HoustonApril 23 Ben WellsApril 24 Emily BeghinLori BiondoCinnie MontagueLaurie PorterJerry SmithRachel SutherlandSharon YeakleyApril 25 Nancy ConoverNicole PribishApril 26 Ramsey DeanDick SwansonApril 27 Campbell HeltHelen HutchisonAmanda SwansonApril 28 Shirley BentdahlSandra CosgroveIsolde DavidsonMegan ShellApril 29 Christopher ArmstrongAustin SchmellingKelly WeberApril 30 Todd BalvinMary CareyJim HeidbrederGrace Murray

DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY ON FILE? If not, please call the church office.


STEPHEN from page 8

CHURCH WEBSITE Please

visit Pinnacle’s website,

pinnaclepres.org, for the

weekly calendar and activity

listings, photos and other

important news. You can

also listen to sermons

online.

iTUNES PODCAST

Subscribe to the free

Pinnacle Sermon Podcast

through the Apple iTunes

Store and have sermons

automatically downloaded

to your computer or iPod.

Open iTunes and search

for “Pinnacle Presbyterian

Church.”

FOLLOW

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Join Pinnacle’s

Facebook

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keep up with church events,

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VISTAS ONLINE

Download PDFs of Pinnacle

Vistas to read online or email

to friends and family.

Find out more about

all of this by going to

pinnaclepres.org.

PINNACLE ONLINE

who oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry. Five members of our congregation are already trained as Stephen Ministers who have 40 hours of training in Christian caregiving so that they can support people who are lonely, going through spiritual crisis, have a chronic or terminal illness and so much more.

You can support our Stephen Ministry program by praying for our Stephen Ministers who are caring for members at Pinnacle and for our trainees who are preparing to be Stephen Ministers. If you have any questions or are interested in the program, please contact Sandy Cosgrove and Carol Bower at [email protected].

Stephen Leaders: Sandy Cosgrove and Carol BowerStephen Ministers: Steve Crosby, Mary Joy Stead, Linda Bobier, Frank McDaniel and Mary LaValley

http://www.pinnaclepres.org

pinnaclepres.org

pinnaclepres.org

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pinnacle vistas | april 2015

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