Members on our mailing list received a pastoral letter from me at the end of April. I wrote about some things going on at Pinnacle (Yes, it was long!). I wrote about our 25th anniversary, our congregational visioning process, special initiatives, general finances, and my summer sabbatical. I write more about the sabbatical on page 2 of this issue. Here I highlight two generous gifts for special initiatives. To support our exploration of new forms of worship—in addition to, not in place of, what we do now—we've received a beautiful gift that we're hoping to supplement with additional giving.

In support of great strides in fulfilling Fran Park's vision of a theological center program to offer high quality adult education

for Pinnacle and the wider community, we've received the pledge of a significant gift over five years. How exciting! And what a wonderful affirmation of God's call to us to move into the future!

While we celebrate these gifts and want to complete them with additional giving (are you called?), I've been asked about special giving in general. With "designated" giving up so much, how are we to think about our

the newsletter for pinnacle presbyterian church, scottsdale, az | May 2015

VistasP I N N A C L E

INSIDE...

ABOUT SABBATICAL: Words from Dr. Avram SEE PAGE 2

SENIOR SERVICE AWARD honors Bill Noyes SEE PAGE 5

AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY MEN’S CHORALE in concert SEE PAGE 9

Please see BLESSINGS on page 15

Blessings!

Needs, Gifts, and Blessings

2 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

TracingsA Letter from Dr. Wesley Avram

Some Words About My Sabbatical

Dear friends,

This month I'm sending some words about my upcoming sabbatical.

A word of thanks. First, my thanks to session and to all of you who have expressed happiness, support, good wishes, and prayers for my three months apart from the daily responsibilities of ministry this summer. And thanks to the Clergy Renewal Program of the Lilly Endowment who will fund expenses of my sabbatical and also some additional preachers in the pulpit at Pinnacle while I'm away. There will be no costs to Pinnacle.

A word about what I'm doing. From Memorial Day to Labor Day I'll be resting, renewing, studying, writing, praying, exercising, and imagining the future. For much of that time I'll be in residence just outside of Jerusalem, staying at an inter-faith institute called Tantur. I spent a year studying at Tantur in 1985, at the very beginning of my ministry. While there, I'll try to not be too busy. But alongside all the stuff I listed above, I'll do some traveling to refresh my understanding of the origins of our faith and some more learning about the current political situation. I'll seek out a small group of Jews and Palestinians I met 30 years ago, to learn about their lives over these years and what has spiritually sustained them in their faith-driven efforts for peace. Lynne, Andrew, and Paul will join me for 3 weeks. We'll travel and learn together. Because of evening and weekend work, most parish pastors have far too little time with their families. I'm so grateful for this chance for uninterrupted time with them on this adventure.

A word about why. The idea of sabbatical for spiritual and physical renewal, engagement with new ideas, and exploration of the world

Dr. Wes Avram,Senior Pastor

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 3

Please see TRACINGS on page 4

was born in the Hebrew idea of leaving the fields fallow for a time so they can be more productive when used again. Farmers have known the value. Scholars have known the value. The church has recently remembered the value. About thirty years ago, The Lilly Endowment, presbyteries, and other groups began strongly encouraging churches to develop sabbatical policies for their leaders. I'm grateful that Pinnacle has followed that lead. Your ministers will be stronger for it.

For me, this provides a chance for a return of sorts, since I'll be returning to the place I began my ministry exactly thirty years ago. There's much to pray about, to read, to reflect and write about. There's the physical discipline of exercise and rest to regain. There're old relationships to renew and new friendships to cultivate. There're new stories to get for sermons, and new theological ideas to develop. And given all that's happening in that part of the world, there are conversations to reengage and much to learn.

A word about pastoral coverage. With agreement of session, I've asked Kelsy Brown, our Associate Pastor for Membership and Mission (interim) to be Temporary Head of Staff while I'm away. I'm also reassured that Terry Swicegood, our half-time Pastoral Associate for Senior Adult Ministries, will be available to Kelsy for consultation when needed. Our pastors will share most of the preaching while I'm away, but not all. The grant from Lilly will help me bring some guest preachers in from out of town, and we’ll have assistance from within. New voices will make the summer a rich time for hearing the Word at Pinnacle.

A word about communication. I've been asked if I'll "blog" or "Facebook" or communicate in other ways while I'm away. I've been asked if folks can stay in touch, visit, or communicate with me. As hard as it is to say, the counsel I've received from pastor after pastor who's done this is that once one begins that kind of communication one can’t stop. One needs to be genuinely away. So as hard as it is to say, I hope you'll understand that by not communicating, and not receiving visitors, and not following or being followed electronically, I'm not ignoring you. I'm still praying for you and will gratefully accept your prayers. And I'm still your pastor, even while away. My being away is part of my ministry with

4 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

TRACINGS from page 3

OUR COMMON LIFE

you. Kelsy will know when she needs to reach me, and how.

Know that while I'm doing this work you'll be in my thoughts, my prayers, and my heart. And I trust my family and I will be in yours. I know that I'll miss some things that will happen in your lives during those three months, but I know that pastors will be available to you when you need them and when I return I will hear good stories of love and care and God at work at Pinnacle over the summer.

Peace,

Honoring our Loved OnesSunday, May 24 | 11:30 am | Pinnacle Memorial Garden

In Memoriam is a service to honor and remember our loved ones. Led by Dr. Terry Swicegood, the service will be a tribute not only for those interred in our Memorial Garden, but for all our loved ones who have died in the Lord.

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 5

OUR COMMON LIFEOUR COMMON LIFE

Bill Noyes has received a Senior Service Award from the Presbytery of the Grand Canyon. This recognizes his extraordinary service to Pinnacle and the church at large.

Clerk of Session for 15 plus years and Treasurer for five years, Bill has served Pinnacle faithfully. He was a consultant, advisor and active participant in seven Pastor/Pastor Associate/Associate Pastor nominating committees. He has been an elder commissioner to Presbytery for 14 years and was commissioner to the 218th General Assembly.

At the Presbytery, he serves on the Permanent Judicial Commission and was moderator of a Ganado Administrative Commission. He has facilitated adult education classes here at Pinnacle. Bill has helped to build over ten Habitat for Humanity houses, has served at Andre House, and is the past president and member of the board of directors for his HOA.

Please join us in congratulating Bill for this well-deserved honor.

Bill Noyes Earns Senior Service Award

(l-r) Wes Avram, Nancy Noyes, Bill Noyes and Terry Swicegood at Award Luncheon

FOR MORE NEWS at Pinnacle, check out www.pinnaclepres.org/news/

6 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

OUR COMMON LIFE

All Church Family CampAugust 21-23 | Lost Canyon, Williams, AZCost: $130 per adult | $80 children under 12

Save the date for our 4th-Annual All Church Family Camp. Our theme this year is Triple Dawg Dare. DARE to BE. DARE to LIVE. DARE to BELIEVE.

Cost includes five meals (three on Saturday and two on Sunday), lodging for two nights, linens, and all camp activities, including zipline, climbing wall, Blob, water slides, pool tables and so much more (there is even a coffee shop!!!)

Be sure to register now, as there are only 100 spots available. Registration forms can be found on the church website at www.pinnaclepres.org/all-church-family-camp/, or picked up in the office. Sign up by May 24, Memorial Day weekend, for a $10 off per person discount. Plan on joining us and save by signing up TODAY!

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 7

Stephen Ministers are Here to ListenStephen Ministry is a one-on-one caring

ministry that supports a care receiver who is going through a challenging time in their life. Hear from Carol Bower, one of our Stephen Leaders, about her experience with Stephen Ministry:

“All my life, it has been easier for me to listen to others than to tell my stories. Maybe I felt like my stories weren’t great enough to matter to others. And now I realize that listening is a gift.

Stephen Ministry training taught me the importance of listening and how to do it more effectively. I learned that you can actually help people grow and heal through proper listening.

My first care receiver was a woman whose child had been killed in an auto accident. It was a daunting assignment. But, our training told us that we are the care-givers and Christ is the cure-giver, and that all I have to do is show up, be there, care, and listen. I prayed beforehand for God to be with me and help me…..and He did.”

Pinnacle's Open Table Pinnacle has been asked by UMOM, Arizona's largest family homeless

shelter, to work with two families under their care. The formal process by Open Table Inc. to accept the first family onto a Table is underway.

Pinnacle is establishing a team of approximately ten members to work with the first family and assist them in regaining self-sufficiency. Another team is expected to be established after Open Table’s formal process of acceptance begins for the second family.

Pinnacle's Open Table effort has assisted six individuals/families in the past with 59 individuals (56 Pinnacle members) having participated in the process of helping families we served.

To learn more about Open Table go to www.pinnaclepres.org/serve/ or contact Jeff Smith at 480-290-3252 or opentable@pinnaclepres.org.

MISSION AT PINNACLE

8 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

VISTAS CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME To submit articles for Pinnacle Vistas, please contact Carol Skewes at cskewes@pinnaclepres.org. The deadline for the June/July issue of Pinnacle Vistas is May 10.

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 9

MUSIC AT PINNACLE

Azusa Pacific University Men's Chorale Sunday, May 3 | 4:00 pm | Sanctuary

The Azusa Pacific University Men's Chorale, under the direction of Harold Clousing, will present a concert at Pinnacle this month. Although the concert is free, an offering will be accepted to help support the group's spring tour.

Comprised of men from all disciplines and majors at APU, this 80-voice ensemble performs regularly at churches, schools and civic organizations. Their repertoire represents many musical styles, including traditional men's choral music, spirituals, jazz arrangements, hymns, folk songs and contemporary Christian music.

Singing with the group is David McIntyre, a first-year student at APU and son of Pinnacle members David and Cathy McIntyre.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about our Music Ministry, please check our website at www.pinnaclepres.org/music/

10 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

PINNACLE FINANCE REPORT

3/31/15YTD Actual

3/31/14YTD Actual

2015 vs 2014 %

Total Income $1,424,817 $1,319,844 $104,973 7%Total Expenditures $1,428,539 $1,361,527 $67,012 -5%(Over)/Under ($3,722) ($41,683) $37,961Cash Avail. for Operations $376,053Cash Balance-Restricted $111,502Total Cash Balance $482,213

Year-to-date thru March 2015, total income was higher than last year's March YTD by 7%. Pledge offerings as of the end of February were behind budget by $168,000, however that number at the end of March reduced to a behind budget of $112,297. Staff continues to do a good job of managing our total expenditures.

Stewardship UpdateThank you to all who have pledged their support of PPC for 2015!

We are thrilled to report that we have reached our pledge goal of $1,350,00.00! Our work is never done, however. We still need to receive approximately $300,000 in unpledged giving to make our budget and make strong headway into paying down the line of credit.

Many of you will head to cooler climates this spring and take vacations this summer. We wish you safe travels and happy times with family and friends. Please be sure to keep your pledges current while away. The church still operates... even in the sweltering heat!

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 11

Jr. High End-of-the-Year PartyFriday, May 15 | 4:00-10:00 pm | Teen Center

Our final Jr. High youth group event for the school year is approaching. The Jr. Highers who are available at 4:00 will be taken to kidnap the incoming 5th graders. We will meet those who can’t make it early back at the church at 5:30 pm and finish around 10:00 pm.

For those parents of 5th graders, if you choose, we will come and get your student, with other Jr. Highers, so they can join us for this fun night. Parents please save this date and look for an email coming with more information (shhh! it’s a secret).

YOUTH MINISTRIES

Sr. High End-of-the-Year PartySunday, May 17 | 5:30-8:00 pm | Harmon Home

We end our year with a BBQ! This year, we will beat the heat by heading to Hale Stewart’s house for a pool party and great food. The main dish will be provided. Ladies, please bring a side dish, and guys, please bring a dessert to share.

Sr. High Mission TripJune 7-14 | San Francisco, California

Summer is quickly approaching and so is this year’s mission trip. We will be heading to San Francisco to work with the Center for Student Mission. There will be many different ways to serve the people of San Francisco and Oakland, including helping at soup kitchens, Vacation Bible School, and working with local churches.

If you are planning to join us for this life-changing week, please come to the Teen Center for an information meeting about the trip on Sunday, May 3, at 7:00. Here you will learn about the itinerary and travel schedule. Final payment and forms should be turned in by May 17. Registration forms can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/pinnacle-youth-forms.

12 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

VBS Volunteers and Children: Sign Up Fast….Spots Fill Quickly

This summer VBS will explore one of the coolest places God created and discover His power and promises all along the way. We will spend our days in large and small group settings where we study the Bible with Pastor Kelsy, play some fun games with Pastor Frank, share special snack creations, enjoy skits, and many more exciting surprises. VBS costs $50 per child, but if you volunteer for the entire week, the cost is reduced to $15 per child.

VBS is one of the most impactful ministries we undertake with our children each year, and in order for it to be amazing, we need your help. Volunteers have found VBS a wonderful way to help children grow in their faith. We need small group leaders who function much like camp counselors for groups of children. We also can put your culinary skills to work on our snack crew, or your creative flare might benefit the arts and crafts center. If that is still not your speed, we could even put you to work behind the scenes on the setup and logistical team.

Whatever gifts you are willing to offer VBS, we will put them to an inspired use. Come beat the heat with us on Everest this summer. Can you think of a better summer stay-cation than inspiring children to grow in their faith with us on Everest?!?!

Registration forms can be found at http://tinyurl.com/lrm9e5k.

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 13

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

May Church School“Keep me from cheating and telling lies. Be kind and teach me your law.” ~Psalm 119:29, NIrV

The big idea this month is that honesty is important to God, and it is not only a form of obedience, but it can also be an expression of worship because our honesty glorifies our Creator. The May memory verse from Psalms reminds us to be honest and kind, and we will use other scripture to see how God always delivers on His promises to us—He is always honest. As such, it is our job to be truthful in whatever we say and do. And, when we’re honest and our words line up with our actions, people know they can trust us. Our relationships grow stronger. Church School in May will explore scripture from 2 Kings about the prophet Elisha and his servant Gehazi, who took a gift and then was dishonest with his master. We will also visit the book of Genesis where we see the tricks Jacob used to deceive his brother and father.

In Godly Play the children will be revisiting the fundamental lessons from from their earlier explorations. This journey into will study Bible classics through the “Circle of the Church Year.”

Children and Youth Leaders’ Appreciation Day Sunday, May 17 | 11:15 am | Fellowship Hall

Calling all children and youth leaders, assistants and their families! Please join us for the annual appreciation lunch.

The volunteers behind our Church School programs are truly the heart and soul of this ministry. It has been an amazing year of growth faith for our children and youth. Our volunteer leaders have been especially amazing this year throughout the transitions in our ministries. Everyone has gone far and beyond the typical call of duty. Our church community is blessed to have such dedicated and faith-full volunteers to open their hearts and share the love of God with the next generation. This small expression of our gratitude in no way measures the profound impact you all bring to our church community in sharing your time and talent.

14 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

Preschool Hosts Conference for EducatorsDuring the month of April the Preschool hosted an event for early

childhood educators from around the valley. The Inspire Early Childhood Leadership Conference was designed for early childhood educators and organizations serving Preschool through Grade 3.

The entire two-day event was an affirmation of the importance of providing content-rich, supportive learning environments with high quality services for young children and their families. The initiative was designed to include teachers, curriculum specialists and administrators in discussions of current research in best practices, collaborative planning and teaching strategies, the process of sharing ideas and implementing intentional teaching practices.

Presenters at the Inspire Conference were Dr. Lella Gandini, leading advocate for the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education; Gigi Yu, Ph.D, who works with organizations to create reflective, collaborative, and professional development practices; Eric Bucher, Early Childhood Learning and Engagement Specialist at Arizona Science Center and eight years of early childhood experience; Conrad J. Storad, an award-winning author and editor of more than 50 science and nature books for children and young adults; and Diana Brown, certified Conscious Discipline Instructor and professional educator since 1988.

PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 15

general ministries (salaries, facilities, machines, paper, lights, repairs, programs, etc.)? We keep hearing that the operating budget is really stressed while mission giving is strong and these special gifts come in.

Well, this is a good question. And it's one being asked all around the wider church and culture. People more and more enjoy giving to things they can point to. General giving feels, well, "general." And yet . . . even while we delightfully welcome special giving we are called to emphasize general giving. And we do that not just to pay the bills, but because general giving is an act of faith in God and trust in each other. It's a spiritual discipline.

I know that the anonymous givers of the gifts I mentioned are also faithful supporters of our general ministries. They're examples of faithful balance—when giving to special opportunities deepens our desire to give to the whole with joy. Scripture encourages us to give a portion of ourselves and our possessions to God's "general" ministry—sacrificially, lovingly. So even as we point to what we love and care about, our arms are open wide. I'm so grateful for every one of you who've heard that call.

Give all of yourself to God, so that whatever you give of your talents and resources you will give with joy and confidence in God's grace and care. We'll strengthen each other, and have all that we need.

Many blessings. Thanks for reading . . . and for giving,

HOW WE GOT THE BIBLESundays, May 3 & 10 11:15 am | Chapel LibraryLed by Dr. Michael Hegeman

BLESSINGS from page 1

16 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

Pinnacle Concert Series

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Niven and Joan Jones

Shanna Altermann, with son WillNot pictured: Richard Altermann

Frank McDaniel

Marge HasslingerNot Pictured: Dennis Hasslinger

Karen Seduski Sue and Bomar Stacy

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 17

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Mark and Lauren Teahen,with Cal and Mac

Interested in joining Pinnacle? This class is for you. Sunday, May 3 | 11:15 am | Sanctuary Parlor

ConnectionsNewmembership class

Childcare availablePlease call 480.585.9448 or email offi ce@pinnaclepres.org to sign up

BAPTISM:Taylor Alexandra Neal

OUR SYMPATHY:To Frank and Becca Harmon and family on the death of Frank’s grandmother, Ruth HarmonTo the family of Robert ReidTo Marge and Dennis Hasslinger on the death of Marge’s mother

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

18 Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015

May 1 Brooke CoubroughMargaret StewartAllison WiltfongMay 2 Nancy L. HeinonenTucker HoningJames PappasLaura PerinMay 3 Shelly CoreJack DavidHarrison HackbarthJennifer SmithMay 4 Christine JonesKathleen PowellMatthew SidotiMadeline SobekMay 5 Jean DodgeJames LathamJohn MurilloLuke PickettJulianne RankVincent RankMay 6 Mike EdwardsCarter ForrestMcKenna HollanderAlyssa LonerganBill NoyesKayli PrestonEvan PunchesBenjamin RugenMay 8 Andy DavisAlex HorrellCherie WeisMay 9 James GoulkaCyrus HobbiArlene Knight KilgoreAnthony MathesonGeorge O'Connell

May 10 Abby DrummondChris WatkinsMay 11 Marge HasslingerChip KingJayna PrenznoJim StrohanMay 12 Jarrett PilleMay 13 Mary Beth EichofMay 14 George DeckerJames DeWeeseRuth FoxAdam StockettMay 15 Kira ConnerJ. D. HelmsMay 16 Colby HeuserDebbie MooreMay 17 Brittni DeMaagdNancy FroehlkeJeanEtte HyattCarole LauckKilee McCalebJacob NelsonEli NelsonHazel RickettsMay 18 Arianna BehboudiIman BehboudiAshley BiondoNed MinerZachary WhiteMay 19 Thomas ClarkinLilly HackbarthNancy HolloranJoan JonesStefanie LeinJohn Richard

May 20 Jim DavisJen EsserSusan MaturaMike McNallyAmy SatterfieldOlivia SmithMay 21 Bill WarnerMay 22 Amanda BraunKevin FechtmeyerLuke LewisMay 23 Lauren GustafsonBarbara VoskuilCory ZimmermanMay 24 Tracey MartinMay 25 Sabrina BallKatie BlomquistAvery GayJim GrayCarolyn KeyserTomas McIntosh-FletcherShirley SimandlBob YarwoodMay 26 Max FechtmeyerErin HarperDebbie LiskShelby McCabeAlex PowellBarbara ReiterMay 27 Rich AlsagerRoger DeckerJohn FedynaLogan MyersSusan Kay SchultzMay 28 Kathryn BoozeParker LauenDiane Oeste

HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAYS

Pinnacle Vistas • May 2015 19

HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAYS

May 29 Linda CoughenourJeffrey DeLongAnna HughesJudy LokenMary Lou Warner

May 30 Becky CookeDillon SurmickMay 31 Nancy BaumannErik Heuser

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

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IF YOU ARE A WINTER RESIDENT, please notify the church office to give us

your updated address. You can also change your contact information in MyPPC

by updating your profile. Make sure your mailing address is your current

address. Put your secondary address in the “other address” block.

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