February Newsletter 2016

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FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH
Fountain Hills, AZ

February 2016

FHPC VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS
Our Vision:

Our Mission :

Living God’s love.

calls us to . . .

Reach out to all with faith and love.

From Pastor Bill Good
SOUP KEEPING– A Lenten Experience
“My little children. . .I am again
in the pain of childbirth until
Christ is formed in you.”
The Apostle Paul (Galatians
4:19)

I want to invite you
to join me on a
journey
about
which I am, personally, very excited.
It is a journey
through another
world.
Pastor/author John Ortberg observes that
when we think about how our life is going
most of us think about how we’re doing in
the outer world -the world of reputation, of
appearances, of success measured by
“things.” We’re quite used to this world: it’s
familiar territory for us.
However, there’s another world: interior and private. “it
is,” says Ortberg, largely “unseen and unknown.” It can be
chaotic, dark, and disordered. Or, it can be a place of great
peace and purpose. This is the world of the human soul.
This is the world we will explore over 6 Wednesdays beginning on February 3rd and continuing throughout Lent as
we study and share in Ortberg’s powerful book and DVD
curriculum, Soul Keeping.
Soul keeping is important work: perhaps THE most important work of the human experience. When we were kids
many of us prayed, “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the
Lord my soul to keep.” What did that mean? What were we
asking for? What, exactly is the human soul?
Jesus tells us that our soul is the seat of real life. From a
biblical perspective, our soul can be seen as the aspect of

our self-hood which integrates the whole of our being—will,
mind, and body. It is the part of our humanness which maintains
and directs our interior life. In Soul Keeping, John Ortberg gives
us real and vital tools to allow us to cultivate that life with the
same energy and devotion we more commonly dedicate to our
outward, physical, presence.
The late soul traveler Dallas Willard marked out our goal: “You
must arrange your days so that you are experiencing total contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with
God—that, and that alone, is what makes a soul
healthy.”
We have seen such a soul in Jesus, who is ever and
always guide and companion on our Lenten Journey.
So, consider this an invitation to join me in “arranging
our days” over the next 6 weeks to focus on some soul
keeping as we open ourselves to allow Christ to be
more fully formed within each of us. I promise, this
will be an adventure to remember.
We will meet for “Soul Keeping” on Wednesdays
(excepting Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10) throughout Lent
beginning February 3rd for lunch at Noon followed by
class from 12:30—1:30 or dinner at 5:45 followed by
class from 6:30—7:30, both in the Fellowship Center.
Copies of the book Soul Keeping are available for $20/
ea. at the church office.
May the Lord guide us to new worlds of faith,
Pastor Bill

Ash Wednesday Service
February 10, 2016
5:30 PM
Continuous Communion Service
All are welcome.

In Touch

page 2

Focus on Finance

OUR CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Bill Good
Pastor/Head of Staff

Dec. Income

$ 41,767

Budget

$ 39,175

Associate Pastor

Dec. Expenses

$ 54,769

Budget

$ 41,267

Marta Ludwig

Yr to date Income

$441,466

YTD Budget

$428,000

Yr to date Income

$ 427,861

YTD Budget

$ 428,000

Pastor Ken Brown

Administrative Coordinator

Debbie Fisher
Director of Music Ministry

Dorothy Parris
Pianist

Caryl Bates
Organist

Lynn Medley
Custodian

CHURCH TREASURER
Linda Lull
CHURCH SESSION
Clerk of Session
John Brockelman
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
Class of 2018
Norm Collins
Yvonne Ellingson
Jerry Miles
Helen Quilgey
Jack Reynolds
BOARD OF DEACONS
Moderator: Nancy Wulfmeier
Class of 2016
Suzie McCready
Dorothy Rudack
Donna Sims
Nancy Wulfmeier
Class of 2017
Michele Hasley
Mary Lee Lehrich
Cynthia Linton
Linda Warren
Class of 2018
Sandy Larson
Elvira Ruiz
Ray Schmidt
Bob Titus
******

We finished the year off in a positive position thanks to you for your
faithful commitment to our church. YTD Income exceeded YTD Budget
by $13,466. We also were successful in keeping our expenses below
budget through most of the year and below income by $13,604. As a result Finance decided to
pay some of the 2016 expenses using 2015
funds in order to prepare a Balance Budget for
2016, and to hopefully meet the Meridian Bank
loan requirements at year end. 2016 will be a
challenge going forward, but I am sure working
together we will be able to meet that challenge
and continue all the programs we look forward
to fulfilling.
Respectfully,
Linda Lull, Treasurer

On the Inside:
Pastor Bill Good .. .. .. .. .. . … .. .. … . … .. .. .. . . .. .. .. ..
Focus on Finance .. .. .. ..… … … … .. . … .. . .. … . .. . .
Upcoming Events . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
Mission Ministry . . … . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . … .. . . . . ..
Presbyterian Women .. .. .. …. .. . . . . .. . … .. . . .. . . .. ..
How Can You Help? … .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . .
Lockboxes for Seniors. .. .. .. … … … .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . ..
Not Yet a Member? .. .. .. . . . … . … . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
Concert Series 2016 … … . … … .. . .. .. . . … . . .. . . . ..
Friend & Family Sunday . . .. . .. . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . …
Christmas Eve 2015 .. . . .. … .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . …
Christian Formation .. . .. . .. .. .. .. …. .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .. .
National Day of Prayer .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . .
This and That .. .. . .. . .. . .. . … .. … .. . .. .. . .. . . .. … .
FHPC Foundation.. .. … .. .. . … .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .
Hilltop Outing .. .. . . . .. . .. . . . . .. . .. .. . … .. … . .. . .
Thank you from John Brockelman.. .. .. .. . . . .. . …. . ..
Facebook. .. .. … .. .. .. .. . .. … .. .. . .. … … . .. .. .. .. . . ..
Library Footnotes.. … .. …. .…. …. …. …. …. …. ……
Music Ministry .. … … .. .. .. .. …. . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . ..
Member Spotlight...Did you Know? .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . … ...
Necrology for 2016… .. … .. . . .. … .. … . .. . . .. . . ……
February Birthdays .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
Uphoff Family on the Fourth of Advent … . . .. . . . . . . .

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page 3

February 2016

Upcoming Events in 2016
The 2016 Sweethearts Brunch
Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Tickets: $12.00 each
The Men’s Fellowship will once again provide the men of FHPC a chance to show the women in
their lives just how much they mean to us. Of course, we are talking about the annual Sweethearts Brunch, which consists of a catered brunch and some wonderful entertainment. It all takes
place on February 13 in the friendly confines of our Fellowship Center.
This event is being planned and orchestrated by the very talented duo of Jim Bates and Bob Titus. Considering past performances, you just have to know this will also be a memorable experience.
Don’t miss it!!
Tickets for you and your sweetheart will be available in the Fellowship Center between 10:00 and 11:00 AM on January 31 and
February 7. You can also buy tickets during normal working hours at the Church office from February 1 through February 11.

We still need more volunteers to help with the Rummage Sale. If you haven’t signed up, there are
still openings so please contact Helen Roesch (480) 837-2142 or Marta (480) 837-1763 as soon as possible.
Here are a few important dates to mark on your calendar:
NOW – Start to gather up new and gently used items to donate. Consider more valuable items for
the Boutique Department. Donations are tax deductible.
February 6, 12:30 pm – Information meeting for all volunteers, Fellowship Center
February 28 to March 3 (Noon) – Deliver your donations to the church
February 29 to March 2 – Volunteers will pick up some furniture and large items; call the office
for more information and to schedule an appointment
February 29 to March 3 – Volunteers work as needed through the week to set-up departments
March 4, 9 am to Noon – Early shopping for volunteers
• March 5, 7 am – Volunteers arrive at church for the big sale! There will be coffee, rolls and munchies
for your breakfast.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the volunteer information meeting on February 6, 12:30 pm. in the Fellowship Center.

page 5

November 2012
page 4

In Touch

Mission Ministry

Jack Reynolds, Elder-elect

Christmas Eve Offering – This
year the Christmas Eve offering
was designated for the Extended
Hands Food Bank. This has been
a long-standing tradition at FHPC
but, of course, is reviewed annually. The collection was just shy
of $2000 and a check has been
sent. We thank all who so generously gave to help the local less
fortunate in our community.

Blankets Plus Mission Project -This year our annual Blankets Plus Sunday will be observed on
March 6 with the Minute for Mission presented the week before on February 28. This special offering provides a chance to
support a mission program which provides thousands of blankets, as well as various building and agricultural tools to those
areas beset by disasters around the world. For more than 60
years, congregations across the U.S, in partnership with Church
World Service, have been responding to
Jesus’ call to be a neighbor to those in
need. Our congregation is helping impoverished communities here in the U.S. as
well as around the world with the basic
tools they need to sustain themselves and
their families.
When disaster strikes, people often need blankets – and much
more. They need food, shelter, safe water. And as the recovery process unfolds, they need tools, training, and other resources to help them rebuild their lives. In the past year there
have been earthquakes, flooding, tornados, and wildfires either
here in the U.S. or in other parts of the world. Contributions to
Blankets Plus mean that Church World Service is there for the
long haul as families recover from disasters such as these. And
they help families struggling against grinding poverty as they
seek to develop viable, sustainable communities and livelihoods. Please be generous in your support for the Blankets Plus
offering.

Souper Bowl Challenge – Yes, fans here we go. It’s not
going to be the Cards but we can still have fun in helping
the less fortunate by donating goodies during the annual
FHPC food/cash drive. On January 31 and February 7,
we will have two carts
in the Narthex with the
Broncos/Panthers logo
displayed. Place the
food in cart of the team
you favor to win. In
each year past, FHPC
has selected the winning team. You can
also make a financial contribution. Write your team on
the memo line and place in the collection or drop off at
the church office. Extended Hands Foodbank will receive these gifts and they are always very appreciative.
Citrus Fruit Drive -- For the second year, the Mission
Committee is supporting Art Spaulding who is requesting
that members who own or have access to local citrus fruit
trees, contact him so that he and his volunteers can help
pick any extra fruit and deliver to Extended Hands.
From now through February
the fruit is ripening on the
trees. The food bank has
authorized this donation as
long as the trees are located
in Fountain Hills or the
Verdes in light of the pest
contamination in western
Maricopa County. Please
contact Art at 480-837-1781 if a member can support this
project.

Jer. 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future.

An early start to spring cleaning
Although Lent starts early this year, before spring appears in many areas, it’s an appropriate time for spring cleaning. Indeed, Lent
comes from old German and English words for “spring”. So while it might be too soon to open windows or hang clothes on the
line, now is the ideal time for some spiritual spring cleaning. Lent calls us to examine our beliefs, confess and dispose of old
grudges and selfish habits , dust off our Bibles for a new routine of study and prayer, air out our hearts and brighten up our attitudes. “Lent cleaning” lets the Holy Spirit freshen our faith - and it’s never too early for that.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

In Touch

page 5

February 2016
page 4

Mission Ministry
MISSION

PROJECT



SUPPORT

OUR

TROOPS/VETERANS

Our “Winter Project” to help our homeless Veterans by donating new sweatshirts and
socks was a success and I can’t thank you enough for all of your donations which will
help out our homeless vets keep warm during these cold winter months.
Delivery will be made to MANA House in Phoenix probably within this
next week. A delivery of magazines, books, toiletries, CD’s, and DVD’s
was made last week to the Veterans Hospital/Home. Please remember
that these items, along with gently used clothing, is collected and delivered continuously throughout the year. Deliveries are made when there are 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. A
total of 17 Christmas cards were also mailed to our Churchconnected Military members (the List of names is included in our
weekly Bulletins and on-screen) with several notes inside written to
each individual. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
just ask me. Many thanks to all of you who very graciously donated
some sweatshirts/socks. Can’t thank you enough.
Donna Sims,
Deacon

Light amid darkness
Poet Martha Snell Nicholson (1886-1957) was bedridden by four incurable diseases, but decades of
pain didn’t damped her faith. In fact, she wrote some of the most beloved lines of Christian verse
during the darkest times—including the death of her husband.
Nicholson inspired millions of people, including World War II soldiers who received tracts with her
writings. Her poem “The Other Side” shares the hope that believers in Jesus possess, no matter what
we face here on earth:
This isn’t death, it’s glory!
It isn’t dark, it’s light;
It isn’t stumbling, groping,
Or even faith—it’s sight.
This isn’t grief, it’s having
my last tear wiped away.
It’s sunrise, it’s the morning
of my eternal day!

Love all you do
Blogger Rachel Macy Stafford
gained a following by admitting
she’d acquired the “disease of
distraction”. Her children and
family paid the price for her dependence on technology and a
super-packed schedule. In Hands
Free Mama (Zondervan), Stafford describes how she made
room to live, breathe and appreciate each day. One step involved
changing the slogan on the front
of her planner from “Do It All” to
“Love All I Do”. Now Stafford
encourages others to take a Hands
Free Pledge, “letting go of distraction, disconnection and perfection
to live a life that simply, so very
simply, consists of what really
matters.”
Love notes
When it comes to relationships,
kid quotes are priceless: “I love
you so much that even God is
amazed”! “Dear Mom, I love
when you spend time with
you.” (A mom can only dream!)
“I’m sorry that I’ve been chasing
you outside. If you start to like
me, I will not chase you.” Responding to a note that asked “Do
you like me?” a child wrote, “I
don’t know. I don’t know myself
yet. Plus I’m under a lot of stress
at home so, I can’t tell. P.S. You
don’t know yourself until you’re
18”.

-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

-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
FEBRUARY EVENTS
February 5
February 2/16
February 11/18
February 11
February 15
February 17

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

February 14, 21, 28

Coordinating Team Meeting, Adult Center, FHPC
Afternoon Circle, Fountain View Village
Afternoon Circle, Fountain View Spa
Morning Circle, Adult Center, FHPC
Evening Circle, Maria Berry’s home
Hooked on Books, Jo-Ann Spaulding’s home
Out ‘N About, Ahnala Restaurant at the Raddison Hotel, Ft. McDowell
Fellowship Refreshments Provided by PW

FEBRUARY BIBLE STUDY
Waters Of Justice and Righteousness
PW Circles
There currently are three PW Circles
meeting each month named for the time of
day they meet. The Afternoon Circle was
highlighted in the November 2015 In
Touch and they have grown in membership and are now meeting at two locations.
(See info above.) This month the Evening
Circle is being featured with the article
below submitted by Circle Leader Judy
Irvin. We hope you are enticed to visit
each of the Circles to help you decide the
best fit for you. You will be warmly welcomed by each group!
If you are looking for a fun way to become
part of a small group of ladies who care
deeply about what goes on in each other’s
lives while helping to serve our Church
family, look no further! The Evening
Circle is for you!
We meet in each
other’s homes on the third Monday evening of each month where we enjoy each

Amos 5:21-24

other’s insights during a Bible study and share the joys and concerns of our Church
family. Each meeting is topped off with a delicious dessert, and for the last couple
of years, we have also enjoyed a wonderful December potluck dinner at Donna
Yordy’s home. For more
than ten years now, we
have helped to support a
young lady, Schella Similien, through Compassion
International, from whom
we have received many
pictures and letters communicating her love and
appreciation. Each member of our Circle has their
own unique gifts which
we appreciate in each
other, and we work great
as a team. Please consider becoming a member
of our group. We would
love to have you join us.
Patsy Knoy entertained the ladies during the
PW Winter Gathering

page 7

February 2016
Recipe for Friendship in PW Circles
Shortening – Provides texture. Our fellowship and friendship with our sisters in the Lord can add much depth and texture
to our lives. We blend together in unity as part of the body of Christ.
Sugar – Adds sweetness. Our fellowship with our sisters adds such a sweet taste to our lives. If we didn’t have sugar in
our cookies, we’d sure miss it. The same is with our fellowship with our sisters. We can’t leave it out of our lives.
Eggs – Holds ingredients together. Sisters in the Lord are someone to lean on. We are held together by fellowship with
them. We are stronger because of them, their prayers, and their love in the Lord. We have a special bond in Christ.
Vanilla – Adds flavor. Sisters add that flavor we need. They give us that extra sensation. Without friends and fellowship
we become kind of bland.
Flour – Adds substance. We need the substance a sister in the Lord can add. They give us many things by way of mentoring us when we don’t even know it. Their shared testimonies and way they live their lies has an impact on us.
Baking Soda – Leavens. Leavening agents in baking helps to lighten the dough. Friendship with our sisters in Christ
lightens our burdens through their prayer and encouragement.
Salt – Enhances flavor. We know that friendships add flavor, and just when we need it they help improve the tastefulness
and quality of our lives. Friends are the type of people that know just what we are going through and are there
when we need them.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - The kind of chocolate chips we normally add to our cookies is semi sweet. Our sister
friends tell us what they feel and think and that’s okay. They can be honest and truthful
to us. “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).
Nuts…Optional – Just a little craziness in a sister friend is great! Sometimes a little zaniness in our friends can be just
the ingredient we need.
Mix ingredients thoroughly and bake up with love!!

THANK YOU, FHPC MEN!!
The Men’s Sunday worship service
was outstanding! The amazing pianist
helped us to realize God’s good gifts.
Thanks to Roy Nichols for once again
bringing together a very impressive
Men’s Choir (talk about “eye
candy”!!!) and for their excellent performance under Roy’s direction. The
message was inspirational and challenging for Christians wanting to
grow closer to God – well done,
Murray Jones. THANK YOU to every
man who participated – A/V techs, greeters/ushers, musicians, speakers.
The congregation – men and women alike – were blessed and so proud to be in such good
company!

Ilene Berg

HOOKED ON BOOKS

Out ’n About—Out to Lunch

The February meeting of Hooked On Books will be on
February 17th at 9:30 AM. The meeting will be held in
the home of Joanne Spalding.

On Wednesday, February 17th, Out n' About will be having lunch at the Ahnala Restaurant at the Radisson Hotel at Fort
McDowell Casino.
We will meet there at noon. For
information or reservations contact Nancy Wulfmeier at 8373021.

Monique Reynolds will review "Night Flight" by St.
Exupery. All women who enjoy reading and discussing
books are welcome to attend. Books you no longer want
may be brought for the book exchange.
For further information, contact Jan Hoff (480) 836-7551.

.

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
Fry’s 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.

Star search
Don’t look for the flaws as you go through life; and even when you find them, it is wise and kind to be somewhat blind
and look for the virtue behind them. For the cloudiest night has a hint of light somewhere in its shadows hiding; it is
better by far to hunt for a star, that the spots on the sun abiding.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

Not Yet A Member?
*If you are attending our church and don’t have membership in another church, you can join our church by profession
of faith and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism or, if you’ve 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

February 2016

Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series... 2016
Tickets for Concert Series... 2016
There will be a ticket sales 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!
Church telephone number is 480-837-1763.
Concert Series features:
Dick Hardwick (“World’s Cleanest Comedian”)
Robbie Howard (“Singing Impressionist”)
Mark Preston ( Formerly of THE LETTERMEN)
Rootberry (A Unique Comedy Variety Show)

Feb. 9th
Feb. 23rd
Mar. 8th
Mar. 22nd

Friend & Family Sunday
February 20, 2016
Both Services
Begin to think about who you could invite and whose life you could bless. Enrich someone’s life by offering them a chance to get introduced to this wonderful church family.

The High Holiness of Groundhog Day
While Groundhog Day may seem like an insignificant event, we discover profound messages when we choose to look deeper into its meaning.
Groundhog Day is the day when the groundhog, after being cooped up in its burrow all winter long, decides to test the waters to see if there’s a
better life waiting for him beyond what is safe and secure. If he encounters his shadow as he heads into the light he retreats back into the ground
and the world is cursed with six more weeks of winter.
How often in our own lives do we seek to expand our horizons only to encounter obstacles—obstacles which we find so overwhelming that we
retreat back into our “old” lives where it’s safe and comfortable? Like the groundhog who discovers its shadow, we allow setbacks to stop our
progress and we end up stuck in uninspiring rut. More winter.
The message of Groundhog Day is clear: come into the light. You will encounter some shadows along the way, but don’t linger there. Turn toward the light and the shadows disappear.
In the shadows, we’ve learned to survive
As we wait for the sun to arrive
As we climb out of our holes
Let’s bring warmth to our souls
As we bask in just being alive!
Happy Groundhog Day!
Excerpt from the writings of
David J. Virden

In
InTouch
Touch

page
page 10
8

Christmas Eve 2015

Debbie Fisher with Anne & Sunniva Graves and Sandy Heunisch

Pastor Bill with daughter Maggie

Althea Halchuck, Chairman of Refreshments

page 11

February 2016

Christmas Eve 2015

Helen Quigley and Jean Ipema collecting candles

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

Women’s Bible Study Circles
(Sept thru May)
9:00 AM 2nd Thursday
1:00 PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday
7:00 PM 3rd Monday


Men’s 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.
Don’t send resume, we
trust you. Many benefits.

Do Kids Matter to God?
Do kids matter to God? Are you kidding me? Is that a serious question?
Of course they do! How do I know you ask? Because Jesus said so, in so many words. “Let the little children come to me,” he
demanded.
It is fascinating to see what prompted Jesus to make that demand. Moms and dads were bringing their kids to have Jesus pray
and lay His hands on them. His disciples intercepted those parents and their kiddoes and tried to usher them away. They were
doing Jesus a huge favor, they thought. He didn’t have time for kids, because He was buried by the pressing needs of the grownups. Or so they assumed.
Jesus was horrified by this scenario. He chewed out His disciples for chasing the kids away. “Let the little children come to me,
and do not stop them,” he roared! “For it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
His words and His example speak to us today. Here are three ways they do so:
1. Moms and dads still want their kids to meet Jesus. But they need help. So when they bring their kids to our church, let’s
say, “Thank you, Jesus!” Then step forward and volunteer to do our part to bless them, both the kids and the parents.
2. Teaching future adults MUST be a high priority. Because I say so? No, because Jesus says so. Every child is a future
adult, generally speaking. Never forget that.
A recruiting slogan for West Point, the famed military academy, taunts potential candidates, “Much of the history we teach was
made by the people we taught.” Read that again please, and let those haunting words sink in. We are teaching the future, not just
kids! We are not raising kids. We are raising adults. Future adults.

3. You and I need to be child‑like rather than childish. Some adults never seem to grow up. Ever noticed that? They are
childish, but that’s not the same as being child-like. Childish behavior seems silly. Child-like behavior is sober and sensible.
“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” So Jesus said. Kids believe what you tell them, if they trust you. God wants grown-ups to be that “gullible.” Be child-like without becoming childish.
Continued on page 13...

page 13

February 2016

National Day of Prayer
“Wake Up America”
The Fountain Hills National Day of Prayer committee is already planning for the fifth annual prayer gathering on Thursday, May 5, at the Fountain Park amphitheater. The NDOP theme for 2016 is “Wake Up America.” The scripture is Isaiah 58:1a,
“Shout it aloud, do not hold back, raise your voice like a trumpet.”
The committee encourages churches to join together in a monthly common prayer focus. At this crucial time for our nation,
we can do nothing more important than pray. We must encourage others to incorporate prayer in their lives. During this month, the
committee invites congregations to pray for education. Education plays a key role in our lives at social, cultural, spiritual and intellectual levels. The committee asks people to pray for our legislators and justices who make laws and rulings that directly affect education. Our schools, in many ways, shape our children, bringing students to understand both on a moral and intellectual level.
Ask God to keep all the men and women in our educational institutions in his gracious care. Pray that God will fill their
minds with His faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as they use their abilities and skills to seek after truth.

PRAYER FOR EDUCATION

Heavenly Father,
Ignite our schools with Your Holy Spirit.
May there be such a move of Your grace and power in
our nation’s school systems that alcohol, drugs, guns,
pornography and illicit sexual activity cease to be issues.
Turn the hearts of the students towards You.
Make our schools a safe place to be, with an atmosphere
that encourages our children to abide by the Golden Rule.
Infuse guidance, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding
in legislators, justices, school boards of education
and teachers that they may teach our children effectively as
they provide honest accurate knowledge.
In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN
Continued from page 12 from Pastor Ken

Are you sitting down? Paula Poundstone, the stand-up comedian, quipped, “Adults are always asking kids what they want to be
when they grow up 'cause they're trying to get ideas.” I know this much. When you teach kids, your mind will be ablaze with
fresh ideas. You’ll learn a ton more than they ever will.
I have been asked to be the pastoral liaison to the Christian Formation team, led by Elder Bonnie Hollabaugh. With Debbie DeBernardi stepping down, we want to make sure we don’t lose any of the momentum she has built. So I will work closely with
Bonnie and her team to provide vision, counsel and insight for the task at hand.
Bonnie has established a new email address for Christian Formation. It is [email protected]. Feel free to communicate any
questions or concerns to us via email or contact either of us on our cells. Mine is 480-268-3731 and Bonnie’s is 480-399-1769.
Feel free to text or call either of us. Especially if you want to help kids by helping us out.
Only one question remains. Do kids matter to us? To our church, that is? Bonnie and I say, “Yes!” A big fat YES! What do you
say?

In Touch

page 14

Men’s Sunday January 24, 2016

Under the leadership of John
Schopbach and Roy Nickel
(Men’s Chorus Director)

Thank you for an
excellent service!

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation
“An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow”

You are invited to. . .
PLAN TO ATTEND the 3rd Annual Foundation Corporation Meeting in the Church Fellowship Center, Sunday afternoon, February 21, at 2:00 pm. All members of the Church are members of the Foundation. Those in attendance will be asked to vote on up-dates and additions to the Foundation By-Laws.
Copies of the new By-Laws are available in the Church office. Learn about the current status of the Foundation, what part it played in the life of the Church last year and how your gift will impact the future of
your Church. This is another opportunity to receive answers to any questions you have.
Members of the Board of Trustees are available to answer your questions.
Give them a call!

Foundation Board of Trustees
Gary Oakeson 480-837-5563
Matt Jefferson
480-837-6001
Roy Nickel
480-688-8392
John Skewes
480-292-9021

Jean Ipema
Dawn Lau
Ben Fast

480-837-1770
480-837-2607
480-837-1119

page 15

February 2016

Concert with the Duttons
Saturday, March 12, 2 pm
The Dutton Theater
7420 East Main Street, Mesa
Price $25 per ticket
Front row seats
Hilltop Hospitality invites you to attend a concert with The
Duttons, a large family of accomplished musicians, singers
and dancers. Their wide repertoire of music runs from bluegrass to classical to everything in between. Instruments included in the show are violins, guitar, bass, viola, banjo,
mandolin, keyboard, harmonic and drums. Simon Cowell
saw the show and absolutely loved it! The group has been on
CBS, NBC, PBS, ABS and Fox. Their home theater is in
Branson, Missouri where their shows usually sell out.
Reservations will be taken on Sunday, February 7, 14 and
21. Please make out checks to FHPC. We will be carpooling from the church. Lunch is not served but there are many restaurants nearby for anyone interested. For more information about the group and to hear a musical clip, log onto http://
www.theduttons.com/. There are also brochures in the Narthex and Fellowship Center. Please contact Helen Roesch 480837-2142 if you have questions.
You won’t want to miss The Duttons! It will be a FUN day!

THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who came to the Family Meeting on January 10. We had a great attendance and you allowed us to get the information out without questions in the interest of time. By the time you read this ,we will have
had a meeting with ECO on January 30 where you will have had the opportunity to ask questions.
I pray that everyone will take the opportunity to be at the upcoming meetings with the Presbytery Commission,
which should start soon. They will start with your Session and then the Congregation. This is your opportunity to
speak, be heard and counted.
I hope that we all will pray that when the process is complete we will remain a family in Christ committed to do
God’s will in this church. This will be the same church the day after the decision is made as it was the day before.
May God be with all of us.
John Brockelman

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
Church World Service: Fifty Years of Help and Hope
by Ronald E. Stenning
Many people have heard of Church World Service (CWS),
but don’t really know who they are and what they do.
This book provides a look at the story of this organization
which is the relief, development, and refugee agency of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
(NCCC), representing thirty-three Protestant, Orthodox,
and Anglican member communions in the United States,
including PC USA. It begins in the year
1946 which marked the end of the bloodiest
and most destructive war in human history.
Much of Europe and large parts of Asia were
in ruins. Hundreds of thousands of people
were hungry and homeless, some in camps,
others carrying all their worldly possessions
wandering from one place to another looking
for food and shelter.
Many relief agencies had been established
prior to this crisis and their proliferation created a need for
an inclusive, ecumenical, and coordinating instrument for
overseas relief and reconstruction. Church World Service
was established to be the coordinating agency in which
issues could be discussed, and decisions agreed to and
carried out. It was also to be a means of making joint appeals for funds to carry on the service work of the
churches. One of their early efforts was sharing a record
wheat crop transported in Friendship Trains across our
country, then shipped overseas to starving people in
Europe. Very successful, a general appeal for farm commodities under the name Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP) followed. CWS also began working with
resettling refugees from parts of the world that had experienced natural disasters as well as civil and regional wars.

By the early 1950’s they had begun to shift the emphasis
away from pure relief to foster programs of social and
economic development. CWS began using some donated
funds to purchase and send tools, seeds, building materials, and windmills overseas to help people become selfsufficient. One Great Hour of Sharing was initiated as an
ecumenical effort that became a major promotional activity of CWS. In 1959 they began phasing out their offices
in forty countries, beginning a new era of partnership
with indigenous churches. About that time CROP expanded with a clothing collection program and
began to extend its activities into urban areas.
New fund raising ideas materialized such as
CROP walks and “Blanket Sundays” which
we have annually at our church and is scheduled for March 6 in 2016.
Over the years Church World Service has
grown from its largely rural roots to become a
truly global organization, active in more than
seventy countries around the world. But their
goals have remained the same: to help the victims of
natural disasters, refugees from wars and civil conflicts,
the hungry, and those for whom survival is a daily challenge; to help people help themselves; to provide the necessities of life, to free people from
malnutrition and disease, and enable
them to participate in the decisions
that affect their own lives.

Barbara Oakeson

PW Winter Gathering Book Shower
Ginny Siegle donating books to the church Library Resource
Center at the Book Shower. Four books were donated and $155.
received to purchase books to enable our collection to continue
to grow in quality and quantity.

Ginny Siegle, Vivian Virden and Barbara Oakeson

page 17

February 2016

Music Ministry
I love our screens! Kudos to
those who had
the vision and
tenacity to make
them happen. I
love seeing people sing, heads
up, voices full,
sometimes glancing as we share
in singing a great
hymn, or a
great rhythm!
Debbie Fisher, Director of Music
It is such a
feeling of connective motion and so pleasant. It certainly reminds one of the beautiful motion of the Spirit.
In the second service there is a meet and greet pause
where everyone stands and wanders about the room
having a moment of conversation, recognizing one
another and sharing a strong hug of encouragement

with a friend, all while Hilltop plays music in the background. It is like a dance as we look out
watching everyone in that connective
motion, and knowing God is the reason
for it all. You will see Christ in their
hearts, in their eyes, and in their smiles.
For that short period of time you are
steeped in the culture of His love, and
you can just know..just feel.. and just be
grateful.
Now the music must help to prepare our
hearts for the reception of Lent.
“I lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence does my
help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made
heaven and earth.”
Psalms 121: 1-2

Deborah Fisher
Director of Music Ministry

Leaps of faith
My coming to faith did not start with a leap but rather a series of staggers from what seemed like one safe place to another.
Like lily pads, round and green, these places summoned and then held me up while I grew Each prepared me for the next
leaf on which I would land, and in this way I moved across the swamp of doubt and fear to the verdant pad of faith on which
I somehow stay afloat today. —Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

Mother Nature’s sense of humor

In Touch

page 18

Member Spotlight …. Did you know?
CAROL & JOHN
SKEWES
Carol grew up in a semirural area outside Sacramento, California, as the
middle child in a family of
three daughters. Herschell,
Betty, Donna, Carol and
Kim lived in a ranch home
on five acres, complete
with a garden, horses,
cows, sheep, dog and one
mean rooster.
The family attended a Northern Baptist church in nearby Elk
Grove, where Carol met the friends she is still close to today,
despite the geographical distance between them.
Carol developed a love of design and studied it at University
of California, Davis. During one summer between quarters at
UCD, Carol worked as a waitress at a nearby coffee shop outside Sacramento where she met a bright and witty cook
named John. John was a student at Fresno State University,
but was working during the summer and staying with his parents in Vacaville, CA. John and Carol started dating after getting together at a party hosted by a fellow waitress.
John, being the son of a colonel in the United States Air
Force, travelled much in his young life. Their family, Ken,
Georgina, Ken, Jr., Valerie, Janice and John, have lived in
places such as England, Texas, New York, Virginia, Maryland and California. At one point, John and his three siblings,

all being born a year apart from each other, attended the same
high school where their mother was Guidance Counselor.
John received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from
Fresno State University. Following graduation, he worked at
a “big eight” accounting firm and later became a Certified
Public Accountant.
After a two-year long-distance relationship, Carol moved to
Fresno to be nearer to John. There she began her career as a
Real Estate Appraiser. The two married in 1978 and had two
children – Stephanie, who is now an actress living with her
actor husband, Josh, near Hollywood, CA, and Ian, an Office
Administrator for a law firm in Houston, TX.
John and Carol left smoggy, foggy Fresno for picturesque
Fountain Hills in 2007. John now works in downtown Phoenix as the Chief Operating Officer of a law firm and Carol
works for Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, Scottsdale, doing
graphic work.
They “church-shopped” for years before finding a home at
FHPC under the pastoral leadership of Bill Good. They love
their church family where John is Elder, Finance, and Carol
produces The Weekly e-news and other special design projects.
Both love to read books by Nelson DeMille and Ken Follett,
and are beginners at the game of Pickleball. John golfs on
occasion and Carol enjoys her volunteer work with Four
Peaks Women’s Club and HopeFest Phoenix.

Congratulations Emerson Uphoff
Emerson's Team won the "Best Stem Research Project" for the Robotics Competition out
of the 19 teams in attendance! Go Girls!!!! A Boys team took first overall qualifying FH
elementary for state championship competition too! Lots to praise.

page 19

February 2016
Hospitalized? Call the church!

With deepest sympathy we list
those members who have passed
away in 2016.
Patsy Culley

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 don’t 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.

ÂjxÄÄ wÉÇx? g{Éâ zÉÉw tÇw yt|à{yâÄ áxÜätÇà‹A

XÇàxÜ à{Éâ |ÇàÉ à{x }Éç by à{ç _ÉÜwAÊ
Matthew 25:21

The greatest love of all
On Valentine’s Day, we remember that God is the
source of all love in the world. His perfect love for us
has made all human love possible.

Fo r G
od so

loVed
t
thAt h he world
e gave
onL
His
begott y
En
So N ,
thaT w
h
belIev oever
es
iN him
but ha
vE ev should not
erlasti
ng life perish
.
(John

3:16, N

K JV )

Climbers going up Mt Everest May
Aren’t you glad, you aren't there!

HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS!
02/04
02/06
02/06
02/08
02/09
02/09
02/11

Melba Versaw
Bella Bennett
Roy Nickel
Emily Owens
Ben Fast
Susan Lickman
John Bivens

02/12
02/16
02/17
02/18
02/20
02/21
02/23

Melinda Stanton
Rose Marie Kramer
John Bacher
Tim Halchuck
Jane Haynes
John Wyman
Shawn Uphoff

02/25
02/25
02/25
02/26
02/26
02/27
02/29

Jacquelyn Miles
Josephine Nelson
Nancy Polgar
Barbara Oakeson
Tyson Robinson
Sandy Larson
Kitty Youngquist

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church
13001 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Non Profit Organ.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit NO. 299
Scottsdale, AZ

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
[email protected] 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.

Trey, Richard, Shawn and Emerson Uphoff were candle lighters on December 20, 2015 the 4th Sunday of Advent

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church
13001 Fountain Hills Blvd. - Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Phone - (480) 837-1763 Fax - (480) 837-1729
Office E-Mail Address: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
www.fhpresbyterian.info
Pastor/Head of Staff: Rev Bill Good
email: [email protected] cell phone: 480-329-8090

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