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June/July 2015 Vacation Bible Camp at PVUMC is unlike any other. We have so many dedicated volun- teers, but we always have room for more! Find out how to register your child(ren) for our week-long summer program and how you can be God’s love in action on page 6. Mingus Summer Camp If you’re thinking about sending your chil- dren to sleep-away camp this summer, we hope you’ll consider UMC camps, and particularly Mingus Mountain camps. Bren- da Smith, our children’s ministries director, will be Dean of the elementary Discovery Camp for children as young as entering third graders and as old as entering 7th graders. Mingus also has camps for junior high, senior high and young adults. “It’s great to get today’s kids and families away from technology and into the woods. At Mingus, kids discover the fun of exploring in nature — whether they’re crawdadding at the lake or hiking on forest trails or seeing the Milky Way for the first time.” Watch a video produced by the Christian Camp and Conference Association about how life changing Christian camp can be at https://youtu.be/lDL-3D6fOMs and visit http://www.dsccamps.org/ to register for a UMC camp today. Don’t let cost be a factor in not going to camp. Contact Rev. Andrea Andress or Brenda Smith for more information.

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Page 1: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, …files.ctctcdn.com/f0b3f1bb201/579b6423-982c-4681... · as we discuss Meister Eckhart’s contributions to our and the historical

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Dear Friends, The United Methodist Church is doing a remarkable job to eradicate malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. We sponsored a strong campaign and raised $283,000 for this effort. You may recall that every $10 that is raised will save a life through prevention, education and treatment. Our church alone will be responsible for saving 28,000 human lives – a tremendous feat thanks to your generous spirits! Our church led the Desert Southwest Conference with our strong commitment and response. Recently, we shared a video report in worship on the progress that has been made in Africa. See videos and read more about this effort at http://imaginenomalaria.org/news. Some highlights include:

The death rate has been cut in half. Before we started this campaign, a person died from malaria every 30 seconds. That time has now been doubled. We still have a ways to go, but progress is evident.

1.9 million nets treated with insecticide have now been distributed, along with information on how to use and install the nets.

We have trained 11,600 health workers in 300 hospitals on ways to prevent and treat malaria. We have equipped clinics with life-saving medication.

Thank you for your strong giving and support that is changing Africa. The United Methodist Church has a strong network of hospitals and medical clinics in Africa that provide resources and a platform for treating this terrible disease. Our prior campaign of "Nothing But Nets" helped with prevention, and our new campaign has been even more effective by including education and treatment. I am proud of our church for its strong support of this world-changing campaign. We will make life possible for countless children and adults. Thank you, Paradise Valley UMC. You are God’s love in action.

Pastor Dave Summers

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PHOENIX, ARIZONA PERMIT NO. 246

Please share our good news with each member of your family.

FROM PARADISE By Dr. Dave Summers, Senior Pastor

Alive with the Spirit, we bring God’s love into action by igniting faith, transforming lives, and creating community.

June/July 2015

June/July 2015

Vacation Bible Camp at PVUMC is unlike any other. We have so many dedicated volun-teers, but we always have room for more! Find out how to register your child(ren) for our week-long summer program and how you can be God’s love in action on page 6.

Mingus Summer Camp If you’re thinking about sending your chil-dren to sleep-away camp this summer, we hope you’ll consider UMC camps, and particularly Mingus Mountain camps. Bren-da Smith, our children’s ministries director, will be Dean of the elementary Discovery Camp for children as young as entering third graders and as old as entering 7th graders. Mingus also has camps for junior high, senior high and young adults. “It’s great to get today’s kids and families away from technology and into the woods. At Mingus, kids discover the fun of exploring in nature — whether they’re crawdadding at the lake or hiking on forest trails or seeing the Milky Way for the first time.” Watch a video produced by the Christian Camp and Conference Association about how life changing Christian camp can be at https://youtu.be/lDL-3D6fOMs and visit http://www.dsccamps.org/ to register for a UMC camp today. Don’t let cost be a factor in not going to camp. Contact Rev. Andrea Andress or Brenda Smith for more information.

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2 June/July 2015

Desert ScrollDesert Scroll

In This Issue: Book Group ............ 9 Camp .............. cover Caring .................... 9 Children .................. 6 Clergy/Staff ............ 2 Facebook ............... 2 Finance .................. 5 From Paradise ..... 12 Foundation ............. 4 Giving Story ........... 9 Memorials .............. 8 Missions ................. 5 Music and Arts ....... 8 Preschool ............... 7 Sermons ................. 3 Transformational Living................. 11 VBC ................. cover Worship .................. 3 Young Adults.......... 2 Youth.................... 10

Volume 53 Number 3 Published by Paradise Valley United Methodist Church to keep members and friends informed of programs of the church and to report news about the congregation.

PVUMC Clergy/Staff Full-time Pastors and Staff Dr. Dave Summers, Senior Pastor, [email protected] Church: 602-840-8360, ext. 131; Cell: 480-205-6217 Rev. Eve Williams, Associate Pastor, [email protected],

ext. 130 Rev. Andrea Andress, Associate Pastor for

Spiritual Formation of Children and Families, [email protected], ext. 142

Jean Arkwright, Financial Administrative Assistant [email protected], ext. 139

John Farcas, Custodian, ext. 120 Melissa Fought, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

[email protected], ext. 110 Betty Brunlieb Price, Administrative Assistant to the Senior

Pastor, [email protected], ext. 129 Mickey Price, Church Administrator, [email protected],

ext. 113 Pam Selthun, Communications Director, [email protected],

ext. 122 Dr. Ashley Snavley, Music and Arts Ministries Director

and Organist, [email protected], ext. 116 Mindy Sobraske, Preschool Director,

[email protected], 602-840-8265 Christopher Wurpts, Youth Ministries Director [email protected], ext. 147

Part-time Staff JoAnn Call, Bookkeeper, [email protected], ext. 128 Dr. Andria Fennig, Interim Accompanist, [email protected] Gretchen Holt, Caring Ministries, [email protected], ext.132 Denise Mahrle, Cashier, [email protected], ext. 145 Shari Paris, Mini-singers Director, [email protected] Kathy Ratliff, Child Care, [email protected], ext. 134 Jack Sarrett, Preventative Maintenance Coordinator

[email protected], ext. 146 Brenda Smith, Director, Children’s Ministry, and Young Adult

Lifegroup Coordinator, [email protected], ext. 141 Thomas Strawser, Children’s and Youth Choir Director [email protected]

Pastors Emeritus: Kelly B. Bender and Robert A. Stanley

The copy deadline for The Desert Scroll is the

10th of the preceding month.

Pam Selthun, Editor

Sue Blumer and Melissa Fought,

Proofreaders

“Like” Paradise Valley UMC on Facebook at Facebook.com/ParadiseValleyUMC Twitter @PVUMC “Like” Youth Ministry on Facebook at Facebook.com/PVUMC.Youth.Ministry “Like” the Paradise Perk at Facebook.com/ParadisePerk Managed by Youth Ministry Open Sundays 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Facebook/TwitterFacebook/Twitter

“Like” Serendipities at Facebook.com/PVUMC.Serendipities Open Sundays, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. CLOSED in July

Young AdultsYoung Adults Young Adult Lifegroup Meets After Ignite If you’re a young adult, post-high school through early 30s, we invite you to join our Young Adult Lifegroup. This group of God-seeking young adults likes to explore their beliefs through experiences, service, the church, work, and the world. YAL meets most Sundays right after the Ignite service (11:15 a.m.) in the Chapel, but their summer schedule also includes several off-campus opportunities as well. On June 7 and 26, the group will watch and discuss TED Talks. Read more at https://www.ted.com/talks. Register for the first-ever Young Adult Camp, June 8-11 at Mingus Mountain, dsccamps.org. Financial help available; ask Brenda Smith (see the staff list). The group also has some career-oriented presentations and discussions scheduled on June 14 and June 21: “Financial Kick Start” and “Job Résumés” in Room H1. Service projects include serving a meal at the Watkins Shelter, Thursday, July 9, 5-6:30 p.m. and volunteer-ing at VBC the following week. On Sunday, July 19, we have 18 tickets available for a 1:10 p.m. game in an air-conditioned Diamondbacks suite with full catering. The first 18 who RSVP to Brenda get the tickets!

June/July 2015 11

Transformational LivingTransformational Living

AEA Class at PVUMC on June 6 Join Adele Swan as she leads Foundations of the Enneagram: Personality Types on Saturday, June 6, 9 am-5 pm, Room H1. Come discover your type at this class offered by the Arizona Enneagram Associa-tion. If you want to understand and use the Enneagram Personality System, and find out your own type, we invite you to register. Cost:$80; manual and book, The Essential Enneagram by Dr. Daniels, included. Bring a sack lunch. Register with Diane Shevlin at 480-367-1998 or online at arizonaenneagram.org The full class descrip-tion is there too. For scholarship assistance, contact Rev. Andrea Andress. If you have attended a Foundations class before, you attend free if you bring a friend.

Yoga for All Ages Offered Through June Tuesdays, 8:30-9:45 am, Chapel Join certified yoga instructors every Tuesday in the chapel during June for a Vinyasa Flow class. Free to everyone; all ages welcome. Wear comfortable clothing. We have mats, but bring your own if you prefer. The class will take a break during July and return in August.

Wednesday Lunch Conversations in June Focus on 13th Century Mystic Eckhart 12-1:15 p.m., H1 (Bring a lunch; come anytime.) The first Thursday in June, join us for our last discussion on the Enneagram, then join us on Wednesdays in June as we discuss Meister Eckhart’s contributions to our thought/theology in understanding creation, meditation and the historical Jesus in today’s world. Rev. Andrea Andress will be using the book, Meister Eckhart: A Mystic Warrior for Our Times by Matthew Fox. You do not need to read the book to attend the class. Meister Eckhart lived in the 13th century, but his teach-ings on ecology, gender justice, artistic creativity, and social/economic advocacy put him ahead of his time. Lunch Conversation classes do not meet in July, but we hope you will join us at 12 noon in G2 during June: Thursday, June 4 – Final session for the summer

using the book, Roaming Free Inside the Cage. Wednesday, June 10 – Christ of the Cosmos:

Meister Eckhart meets Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry

Wednesday, June 17 – Meister Eckhart meets Buddhism via Thich Nhat Hanh

Wednesday, June 24 – The Historical Jesus: Meister Eckhart meets Marcus Borg, Bruce Chilton and John Dominic Crossan.

Centering Prayer: Wednesday Evenings Each Wednesday in June, 6:30- 7:45 pm, H1 Rev. Andrea Andress and Kathy Kramer-Howe lead a new Centering Prayer class on Wednesday evenings in June. This method of silent prayer helps prepare us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer and allows us to experience God’s presence within us. It is closer than breathing, closer than thinking, and closer than consciousness itself. It is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. The program encourages a daily prayer practice and provides partic-ipants with the tools to establish this new practice. Each class combines teaching and discussion, a video presentation and a 20-minute prayer practice. Each class stands alone, but the progression will give you greater facility with this type of prayer. There is no cost, but registration is helpful. Contact Rev. Andrea Andress to register or for more information. For child care, please call 602-840-8360, ext. 134, at least 48 hours in advance of the class. Parenting Styles with the Enneagram An AEA Class, Thursday, June 25, 7-9 pm, H1 Join the church and the Arizona Enneagram Associa-tion (AEA) for an Enneagram Meetup. A Meetup is an online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings in various localities around the world. Meetup allows members to find and join groups unified by a common interest. Each month, a different topic will be explored. June’s topic is parenting with the enne-agram. Register at arizonaenneagram.org. Cost is $15. The church and the AEA are partners. Adele Swan is also leading a class on Saturday, June 6. See the sidebar for more information.

Rev. Andrea Andress, Associate, Spiritual Formation of Children and Families, 602-840-8360, ext.142

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“I am convinced that the loving kindness Mary has shown to each one of our students throughout their adolescence is the reason that so many of them come to her (sometimes long after they’ve graduated) for words of wisdom, comfort, or simply a listening ear.” — Christopher Wurpts Check the church calendar for dates of all youth ministry classes and events.

Youth MinistriesYouth Ministries

Mary McGill Retires in June As many of you know, our Youth Ministries Assistant, Mary McGill, is retiring. Mary graciously plans on stay-ing active within the youth program as a volunteer, but I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible work she has done during her time on our church staff. It is difficult to overstate the impact of Mary’s ministry at PVUMC throughout these last nine years. After all, how could anyone measure the lasting significance of the many conversations, birthday cards, and words of encouragement Mary has dispensed to the hundreds of teenagers that have passed through our program? Those of you that know Mary know that the generous love she freely gives to those around her is but a man-ifestation of the love she has found in Jesus Christ. Her deep faith has been a source of inspiration to me. It is apparent to everyone who knows her that her life is deeply rooted in God’s love for the world, and I am grateful for the witness of Mary’s ministry thus far. In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven.” As we celebrate the ministry of Mary McGill, may our prayers be filled with thanks and joy for the ways that God continues to work in the lives of our young people.

— Christopher Wurpts

The Paradise Perk Every Sunday morning, we invite you to stop by the Paradise Perk, our volunteer-run coffee shop, for some of the best lattés, iced tea, and smoothies in town. Shannon Curkendoll, the Perk’s volunteer

manager, and her crew of youth helpers greet every-one with a smile, as they serve their customers and raise money for youth missions. Email Shannon at [email protected] if you’re interested in volunteer-ing with this ministry that raised $7,000 this year. Jr. High Mission Trip: July 5-10, 2015 San Diego, CA Ten 6th-8th grade students are packing their bags this summer for a weeklong trip to San Diego, featuring a variety of service projects, including running a kids’ club, working with various non-profit and charity organizations, and painting residents’ homes. Sr. High Mission Trip: July 19-24, 2015 “Experience Mission” in Black Mesa, AZ Students entering 9th grade through 12th grade are invited to join us on a weeklong trip serving the Navajo and Hopi people. Partnering with Experience Mission, the group will do light construction, home repair/restoration, and lead a Vacation Bible School program. The cost is $250, and includes food, transportation, etc. Need-based scholarships are available. Read more and apply online at: http://pvumc.org/2015/04/10/senior-high-2015-mission-trip-black-mesa-az/.

Christopher Wurpts, Youth Ministries Director [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 147

Mary McGill, Youth Ministries Assistant, retired

Mary and Christopher are pictured above traveling to Booneville last summer. To the left, Mary is shown 2nd from the left on the Youth Mission Trip to Peru in July, 2012.

June/July 2015 3

Sundays in June and July June 7 - 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Family Sunday Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 2: “Deliverance” Eve Williams Scripture: Exodus 15:20-22 June 14 - 3rd Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 3: “Homesick” Dave Summers Scripture: Numbers 1:1-15 June 21 - 4th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 4: “Forgetting” Christopher Wurpts Scripture: Exodus 32:1-10, 15-20 June 28 - 5th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 5: “Re-entry” Dave Summers Scripture: Joshua 3:1-6, 14-17, 5:10-12

Family Sundays During the summer, we invite you and your family to worship together on the first Sunday of the month and on holiday week-ends. Our first Family Sunday was May 24—our Better Together Sunday and Pentecost. Other Sundays include June 7, July 5 and August 2. On these Sundays, there will be no children’s Sunday classes for K-6th grade or youth classes at 9:30 am. There WILL be childcare and preschool classes for ages 3-5. The rest of the summer, we’ll offer a curriculum that closely follows what you are learning and hearing about in worship so you can have discussions at home.

Photo by Martha Rinne July 5 - 6th Sunday after Pentecost Family Sunday Sermon Series: Hungry Part 1: “The Stew of Betrayal” Dave Summers Scripture: Genesis 25:29-34 July 12 - 7th Sunday after Pentecost Celebrating the commissioning of Brenda Smith Sermon Series: Hungry Part 2: “The Mutton of Justice” Dave Summers (8 and 9:30 a.m.) Christopher Wurpts (11:15 a.m.) Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-9 July 19 - 8th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Hungry Part 3: “The Cuisine of Convictions” Dave Summers Scripture: Daniel 1:1-20 July 26 - 9th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Hungry Part 4: “The Meat of the Matter” Dave Summers Scripture: I Corinthians 8:1-13

WorshipWorship

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4 June/July 2015

PVUMC FoundationPVUMC Foundation

Mike Colbert, president of the PVUMC Foundation, partici-pated in last year’s youth mission trip to Booneville, AR, and was featured in an article describing his experience as a first-timer for a week-long mission trip in the August/ Sep-tember 2014 issue of the Scroll. Now, in his role as presi-dent of the Foundation, he was asked to give a Q&A about the purpose and work of the Foundation, so we can better understand and support this important PVUMC ministry. Q: What is the PVUMC Foundation and what

is its purpose?

A: The Foundation’s primary purpose is to partner with the church in its mission to ignite faith, trans-form lives, and create community. We do that best by supporting the needs of PVUMC for the decades and centuries ahead. The Foundation provides a security blanket or cushion, beyond the funds raised during our annual stewardship campaign. The board has spent much of the last year amending its formal Bylaws and revisiting our policies. Securing gifts, investing funds and distributing income in accordance with the aims of PVUMC, and always in the best interest of this church, is what we do.

Q: Is the Foundation competing for the same dollars given to the church through annual giving?

A: Clearly not. Funds given to the Foundation are above and beyond tithes and pledges given for the daily operations of PVUMC and its missions. Typically, gifts to the Foundation are the result of planned giving associated with one’s estate, such as in our wills and insurance policy beneficiary designations. Occasionally, gifts can also be part of a lifetime income plan and estate tax planning strategy. So rather than a gift out of current in-come, you might look at a gift to the Foundation as more of giving a portion of what is left over as part of a memorial legacy.

Q: How can PVUMC members support our Foundation? Here are several options: 1) Will: “I hereby

bequeath the sum of $_________ to the PVUMC Foundation, Paradise Valley, AZ.”

2) Beneficiary designations: Life insurance, annuities, IRAs, qualified retirement plans.

3) Life income gifts such as charitable remainder trusts and gift annuities.

4) Outright gifts of cash, invest-ments, real estate, and personal property.

For more information on any of the above, we encourage you to talk to Pastor Dave, Mickey Price, Mike Colbert or another Foundation member.

Q: Who decides how funds are spent? A: Since most of our funds are unrestricted, it falls to

our Foundation Board to make these decisions, most often as a result of, and in partnership with, ministry team requests. Donors do have the option of making their gifts “restricted” to a single purpose, such as our scholarship fund for seminary study. Our spending policy restricts income distribution based on a historical investment formula which amounts to approximately four percent per year. Board meetings include PVUMC clergy, staff and members: Pastor Dave, Mickey Price, Diana Bode (Church Council Chair), Monica Stern (Finance Chair), Jerry Hamil-ton, Erik Peterson, Bethany Taylor, Fred Unger, Ken Carver, Mark Smith, Shannon Shopp, and our longest tenured member, Cindy Griffin.

Q: What has the Foundation provided recently? A: Recent Foundation support has included a seminary

scholarship, trustees operating fund, and various programs supporting youth, missions, education and community outreach (like Change the World Day and Kevin Leman workshop support).

Q: What is the Foundation working on now? A: Foundation members have expressed a desire to

renew and grow. A generous gift from the estate of Ruth Barker doubled the size of our endowment. We recognize that PVUMC already has a wonderful legacy of very special people, and we are planning to have a formal recognition to celebrate the generous hearts who are positioning PVUMC to prosper for the generations to follow.

Q: How is the money invested? A: The PVUMC Foundation Board decided a number of

years ago to invest our funds through the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation and use a third-party, out-of-state wealth management firm to advise on the investment allocation. Currently, PVUMC’s account is only about three percent of the total invested, as many other churches have grown their endowments and gifts at a much faster rate. PVUMC member Ken Carver now serves on the DSUMF Investment Committee and I will be joining the DSUMF Board, effective July 1.

As Pastor Dave has eloquently stated, “…a strong Foundation will help us to build a strong future for our church, grow vitality in our congregation, and ensure that we continue to make disciples for Jesus Christ.” In essence, God’s Love in Action! June/July 2015 9

Caring MinistriesCaring Ministries

Our Christian Sympathies to… Debbie Doran and family on the April 13 death of her father, Jack Doran Dave Eaton and family on the March 20 death of his mother, Virginia Eaton Kirk Henry and family on the March 15 death of his father and PVUMC member, Norm Henry Neva Thompson and Jo Anne Atkins and families on the April 8 death of their daughter-in-law/sister-in-law, Jeanette Thompson Ronda Thraen and family on the April 28 death of her father, Don Beckerleg Judy Tucker and Carrie Regan on the May 4 death of their husband/father, Larry Tucker David Wood, Jr. and family on the April 22 death of his father and PVUMC member, David Wood, Sr. Welcome Babies... The March 23 birth of Jacob James Coughlin, son of JP and Jenn Coughlin; grandparents are Dave & Chris Henderson Baptism of... The baptism of James Paul Minicozzi, son of Michael and Courtney Minicozzi The baptisms of Rory Tyler Rahmeier & Graeme Tyler Rahmeier, sons of Casey & Melissa Rahmeier Congratulations to... Rachael Franks to Andrew Chamness on their April 11, 2015 marriage Nan Range on her 103rd birthday Mildred Derry for 30 years of volunteer service at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Hospital

Saguaros This fellowship group of members, winter visitors and friends age 55 and older meet monthly for a potluck lunch and entertain-ment September - May. Saguaros don’t meet in the summer, but have some exciting entertainment planned for Fall 2015. Contact Gretchen Holt (see contact info above) or call the church office at 602-840-8360 to join the mailing/email list. Book Group The PVUMC Book Group meets the first non-holiday Monday of every month throughout the year. Join the group at 12:15 pm in G2 to discuss: June 1 The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce July 6 How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway

Joys & ConcernsJoys & Concerns

Gretchen Holt, Caring Ministries [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 132

Learning and Embracing the Discipline of Giving By Jenn and JP Coughlin

Recently, I was listening to Air One. In a segment in between songs, a pastor discussed the importance of discipline in working to improve a skill, sport, musical instrument, or even a relationship. The discipline of consistent giving is important too, and one I learned as a child from my parents. I have a vivid memory from my childhood of a bank that my parents gave to my brothers and me. The bank had three sections: one for church, one for savings, and one for personal spending. Anytime we earned money, we were to put 10% into the church section, 10% into savings, and 80% into personal spending. I am grateful to my parents for teaching and reinforcing in me the discipline of consistent giving to the church. I am also grateful to my husband for his commitment to that same discipline as a part of our marriage. Now that we have children of our own, we’ll be teaching them the discipline of giving, as a foundation of their faith and ours as a family.—Jenn Coughlin When Jenn and I were married, the PVUMC community made an investment in our relationship, and the church gave us the tools and guidance for a successful mar-riage. In turn, we made a decision to invest in this com-munity through our time, talents, prayers, and gifts. Two years ago, we began a journey to find a church home closer to our physical home in Tempe. I am hap-py to say that the search brought us right back here to PVUMC, which is a testament to how incredible this community is. This journey inspired us to challenge ourselves to increase our investment in this community, and to pledge to continue that increase with discipline each year. —JP Coughlin

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8 June/July 2015

Music and Arts MinistriesMusic and Arts Ministries

Summer Schedule The Chancel Choir sings on the first Sunday of the month during the summer months of June, July and August. Choir members should arrive at 9 am to practice before the 9:30 am service. These are also Family Sundays when we celebrate communion and invite the K-6th graders and youth to join us in worship in lieu of classes. There is childcare for our later services at 9:30 and 11:15 am, and a preschool class at 9:30 am every week. See page 6 for more information on our children’s summer program. The Mini-Singers, Youth and Children’s Choir, and our after-school Music Makers program return in the fall. Look for infor-mation in the next Desert Scroll about these exciting opportunities.

Ashley Snavley, Music and Arts Ministries and Organist [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 116

MemorialsMemorials

Ashley Snavley Promoted to Music and Arts Ministries Director The Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee recently announced that Ashley Snavley was promoted from Assistant Director of Music and Arts Ministries to Director. She continues to play the organ as well. PVUMC also congratulates Ashley on her Doctor of Musical Arts degree, which she recently received from Arizona State University. She also has a Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance from ASU. Ashley works closely with Dr. Andria Fennig, Interim Accompanist, and Thomas Strawser, director of the youth and children’s choirs, as well as part-time con-ductor of the Chancel Choir and a worship leader at the Ignite service. Shari Paris leads the Mini-Singers, who performed at the Ignite service on Mother’s Day.

Photos by Dave Eaton

Children’s Choir Sang on Mother’s Day Our Children’s Choir, pictured above, sang We Hear Singing on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, which was also PVUMC’s celebration of music ministry.

Memorial in memory of Jean McGill Farnham, mother of Leigh McGill Designated to: Youth Mission Trip Fund Memorial Given By: Barry Schweim Memorial in memory of Glenn Gasser Designated to: PUVMC Foundation Memorial Given By: Timm & Marty McCarty Memorial in memory of Norm Henry Designated to: Undesignated Memorial Given By: Charles & Myra Hoover Memorial in memory of David Wood, Sr. Designated to: Undesignated Memorial Given By: Ken & Carol Carver Timm & Marty McCarty Dan & Elizabeth Mullen Donation in honor of Sadie Wintergalen on the occasion of her confirmation Designated to: Undesignated Memorial Given By: Libby Cohen

The children also joined the Chancel Choir, pictured on page 3, and the Youth Choir, pictured below and above, in Exultate Jubilate. Dylann Cox is pictured above dur-ing her solo in the Youth Choir’s piece, I Won’t Let Go. The Youth also gave a Bon Voyage concert a week before they traveled to Las Vegas, NV for their spring outreach tour, where they sang at Desert Springs UMC and at senior homes. They also visited Hoover Dam and saw Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio. Tommy Strawser directs both the children’s and youth choirs.

June/July 2015 5

PVUMC Helps Feed Hungry Children Every month, we offer an opportunity to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children’s warehouse. In April, the Sucato family joined several others, including PVUMC’s FMSC coordinator, Jim Bateman, who is pictured in the upper left photo with Courtney Sucato. Courtney said:

I had been looking for volunteer opportunities that my 5 and 6-year-olds could do. FMSC was a perfect fit. That was 2 years ago and both of my

children continue to love to go and help. Watching them work so hard and seeing the

satisfaction on their faces, knowing that they are helping other kids in this world, makes my heart burst with pride. Even at a young age, they are able to make a huge impact in another’s life. It’s God’s love in action.— Courtney Sucato

To register for Saturday packing on June 13, July 11 or August 8, email Jim Bateman, [email protected], and include a contact name and number, as well as the names and emails of adults age 18 and older. If you are registering children, just include their names and ages. Visit http://pvumc.org/2014/08/29/join-pvumc-for-monthly-meal-packing-at-feed-my-starving-children/ for details and updates on FMSC, which moved to Mesa Fiesta Building, 1345 S Alma School Rd, Mesa, 85201. The new facility allows the organization to accommodate 150,000 more volunteers and pack 35 million more meals each year. God’s love in action.

Missions / Finance Missions / Finance Mission Field Trip During VBC in July Every year, our older children attending Vacation Bible Camp are invited to experience hands-on mission with a field trip. This year, our 4th-6th graders serve at Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, July 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. The cost is $5 per tween. For a trip release form and other information, contact our Children’s Ministries Director Brenda Smith, [email protected]. This is a special mission field trip just for this group. Read more about VBC on page 6. Summer at Serendipities Serendipities will be open reduced hours during June and will be closed for July. They will reopen in August. We encourage you to stop by Sundays in June, 9-11 a.m., to shop for graduation, Father’s Day gifts, and patriotic items to spruce up your home for the 4th of July. The church gift shop is full of spirit-filled surprises, including made-in-the-USA items, handcrafted artisan products, jewelry, children’s toys, home décor, books, Bibles, and gift cards. All proceeds benefit missions.

UMOM Food Donation Sundays Please bring your non-perishable food dona-tions for our regular, first-Sunday-of-the-month food collection for UMOM on June 7 and July 5. Place your donations in the blue bins at the bridges or south parking lot. Serve Dinner at UMOM PVUMC offers oppor-tunities to serve dinner to residents twice a month at the UMOM facility at 3333 E Van Buren. To offer your gift of service on any of the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, June 13 and 27 and July 11 and 25, please email Dave Hepburn, [email protected]. To cook and/or serve dinner at the Watkins Center on the second Thursday of the month, June 11 or July 9, please contact Elaine Heredia, [email protected].

Receipts

Budget $1,738,105

Actual $1,796,574

Disbursements 1,681,506 1,639,929

Net receipts over disbursements

$56,599

$156,645

Where Are We Now? Through the first ten months of the Fiscal Year 2015, April 2015 year-to-date total receipts were higher than budget by $58,469. Expenditures were less than budget by $41,577.

What Can You Do? Contact Church Administrator Mickey Price, [email protected] or 602-840-8360, ext. 113, if you have questions regarding your contributions and/or pledge. We are grateful for all gifts, large and small. Read the Coughlins’ story about why they give on page 9. In all things, trust God, “who richly provides.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

April 2015

Financial MinistryFinancial Ministry

Rev. Eve Williams, Associate Pastor [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 130

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6 June/July 2015

Children’s MinistriesChildren’s Ministries Sunday School, Your Children and You There is nothing more challenging and rewarding than guiding children to know and love Jesus. We are look-ing for teaching teams to nurture our children for sum-mer and fall. The most important gift you need to have is a love for children. If the children know you care, they will listen. Summer Classes We need teachers and assistants for most Sundays May 31-July 26 during the 9:30 a.m. worship time. What’s different this summer? The K -6th graders will start in worship. Then, they will be led to the class-rooms and returned to the Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. It should be easy and fun. Preschool (3-5 years) meets in room E8 every Sunday, and parents drop off and pick up there.

Fall Sunday School Fall classes begin Sunday, August 9, with a Back-to-School Blessing in the sanctuary before the children leave for their new fall classes. We are looking for teaching teams for ages 3 years, 4 years, and 5th and 6th grade. Thank you to all those who have stepped up to teach the other grades; you are God’s love in action! Please pray about whether God is leading you to teach PVUMC’s children, and contact Brenda Smith or Rev. Andrea Andress to volunteer or to ask for more infor-mation. Thank you for being open to God’s guidance. Get Ready for Mingus Summer Camp Thank you to everyone who came up north Memorial Day weekend for the work weekend at Mingus. You are God’s love in action! We depend on volunteers to help keep the camp in tip-top shape. We also depend on volunteers to serve as counselors during our sum-mer camps. If you can help, please contact Brenda.

VBC is July 13-17; Volunteers Needed PVUMC’s Vacation Bible Camp is scheduled for July 13-17, 2015, 9 a.m.-12 noon, right after Imagine That! Summer Camp finishes its second session. The theme, “G-Force: God’s Love in Action,” includes storytelling, crafts, science, story, recreation and music centers for age 3 (potty trained) to entering 6th graders. Family night is July 16. Extended day, until 4 p.m., is available for 1st-6th graders. Register or ask for more information by contacting Children’s Ministries Director Brenda Smith at the church office, 602-840-8360, ext. 141, or via email: [email protected]. The cost is just $35/student or $70 maximum/family. Register by June 30. VBC Volunteers needed! Please consider serving. Volunteers who help 3-5 days are asked to pay only $10 per child. A 2-year-old class and nursery is avail-able for volunteers’ children only. Teen volunteers are welcome too. Contact the church office for registration forms, or visit the puvmc.org website to download the forms. Watch a video at http://pvumc.org/2015/02/20/vacation-bible-camp-g-force-follows-imagine-that-summer-camp/. VBC Aftercare Employment is available for adults over 25 years of age for July 13-17, 12 noon-4:30 p.m. Contact Brenda Smith if you are interested.

August Preview August 2 Family Sunday August 9 Back-to-School Blessing and Fall Classes begin August 16 Bible Blast Bibles presented to third graders. RSVP by August 9 so we have enough Bibles for all the children. August 23 and 30 Acolyte Training and Dedication All 4th-7th graders are welcome. Contact Kimberly Peterson at [email protected] or Rev. Andrea Andress. Camp Registration Register for all DSC UMC camps online at www.dsccamps.org/ Scholarships are available. Adult volunteers are needed to serve as counselors too. Contact Brenda for information.

Brenda Smith, Children’s Ministry Director [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 141

Ezri Gomez — in the middle — joins us this June and July as a summer student intern. Read his story on page 7.

June/July 2015 7

Preschool Classes Every Sunday Preschool classes for ages 3-5 years old meet every Sunday this summer in room E8. Drop off and pick up will be at the class-room. Questions about this class or other summer Sunday options? Contact Brenda Smith, children’s ministries director.

Children’s Ministries / Preschool Children’s Ministries / Preschool

For a tour of the campus, or to register for classes, please contact the school office or PVUMC Preschool Director Mindy Sobraske, [email protected], phone, 602-840-8265, or visit us online at pvumcpreschool.org. Only a few spots remain for the 2015-2016 year that begins in August.

Welcome Ezri Gomez, Student Intern We are pleased to welcome Ezri Gomez to PVUMC as a student ministry intern for June and July. He comes to us from the United-Methodist-sponsored Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, and will be entering his senior year of high school in August. Students that do these internships are interested in ministry as a vocation. Ezri will serve full time at PVUMC for June and July, learning and experiencing all kinds of ministry, so expect to see him working with children, youth, adults, and in worship. Please say hello when you see him and introduce yourself. Brenda Smith first met Ezri serving at the New Mexico Conference Summer Youth Camp in 2014. He was part of her small group pictured on page 6. But God had started to pave the way for Ezri to come to PVUMC via Brenda even before that. Brenda explains how:

His brother, Bequer, served with me while I was director of children’s ministries at St Mark’s UMC in El Paso. The church had sponsored Bequer, paying for his tuition to Lydia Patterson Institute while he served at the church. Bequer and I kept in touch, and it was exciting to meet his brother and help guide him in Bible study last summer. When he was chosen as PVUMC’s summer youth intern, I was thrilled. God works in wonderful, mysterious ways!— Brenda Smith

We need host families to provide room and board for Ezri while he works at PVUMC. If you can help, even for a week, please contact Brenda ASAP. Thank you!

Photo by Rick Salars

Ice Cream Social Raises $30,000 for Scholarships and Improvements The PVUMC Preschool Board thanks everyone who participated in the 29th Annual Ice Cream Social. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, preschool families, teachers, staff and the church, the event raised $30,000 to be used for school improvements and scholarships. It was a beautiful night — see the photo above — and the first time the school had used online auction software, which helped drive the bidding. Preschool Honored for Accreditation On Friday, April 17, the Valley of the Sun Association for the Education of Young Children honored Paradise Valley United Methodist Church Preschool for receiving reaccreditation this spring from the Academy for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. PVUMC Preschool was also lifted up as being the only early childhood program in the state of Arizona that has received and maintained NAEYC accreditation since the process began in 1985. The event was held at Mesa Community College and attended by PVUMC Preschool lead teachers, the preschool’s administrative assistant and the director. Preschool Staff Positions Available PVUMC Preschool is currently interviewing and hiring for the 2015-2016 preschool year. We have a few positions available for Lead and Assistant Teachers and Aides. All positions are part time. Please contact PVUMC Preschool Director Mindy Sobraske for additional information. PVUMC Preschool is an EOE.

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6 June/July 2015

Children’s MinistriesChildren’s Ministries Sunday School, Your Children and You There is nothing more challenging and rewarding than guiding children to know and love Jesus. We are look-ing for teaching teams to nurture our children for sum-mer and fall. The most important gift you need to have is a love for children. If the children know you care, they will listen. Summer Classes We need teachers and assistants for most Sundays May 31-July 26 during the 9:30 a.m. worship time. What’s different this summer? The K -6th graders will start in worship. Then, they will be led to the class-rooms and returned to the Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. It should be easy and fun. Preschool (3-5 years) meets in room E8 every Sunday, and parents drop off and pick up there.

Fall Sunday School Fall classes begin Sunday, August 9, with a Back-to-School Blessing in the sanctuary before the children leave for their new fall classes. We are looking for teaching teams for ages 3 years, 4 years, and 5th and 6th grade. Thank you to all those who have stepped up to teach the other grades; you are God’s love in action! Please pray about whether God is leading you to teach PVUMC’s children, and contact Brenda Smith or Rev. Andrea Andress to volunteer or to ask for more infor-mation. Thank you for being open to God’s guidance. Get Ready for Mingus Summer Camp Thank you to everyone who came up north Memorial Day weekend for the work weekend at Mingus. You are God’s love in action! We depend on volunteers to help keep the camp in tip-top shape. We also depend on volunteers to serve as counselors during our sum-mer camps. If you can help, please contact Brenda.

VBC is July 13-17; Volunteers Needed PVUMC’s Vacation Bible Camp is scheduled for July 13-17, 2015, 9 a.m.-12 noon, right after Imagine That! Summer Camp finishes its second session. The theme, “G-Force: God’s Love in Action,” includes storytelling, crafts, science, story, recreation and music centers for age 3 (potty trained) to entering 6th graders. Family night is July 16. Extended day, until 4 p.m., is available for 1st-6th graders. Register or ask for more information by contacting Children’s Ministries Director Brenda Smith at the church office, 602-840-8360, ext. 141, or via email: [email protected]. The cost is just $35/student or $70 maximum/family. Register by June 30. VBC Volunteers needed! Please consider serving. Volunteers who help 3-5 days are asked to pay only $10 per child. A 2-year-old class and nursery is avail-able for volunteers’ children only. Teen volunteers are welcome too. Contact the church office for registration forms, or visit the puvmc.org website to download the forms. Watch a video at http://pvumc.org/2015/02/20/vacation-bible-camp-g-force-follows-imagine-that-summer-camp/. VBC Aftercare Employment is available for adults over 25 years of age for July 13-17, 12 noon-4:30 p.m. Contact Brenda Smith if you are interested.

August Preview August 2 Family Sunday August 9 Back-to-School Blessing and Fall Classes begin August 16 Bible Blast Bibles presented to third graders. RSVP by August 9 so we have enough Bibles for all the children. August 23 and 30 Acolyte Training and Dedication All 4th-7th graders are welcome. Contact Kimberly Peterson at [email protected] or Rev. Andrea Andress. Camp Registration Register for all DSC UMC camps online at www.dsccamps.org/ Scholarships are available. Adult volunteers are needed to serve as counselors too. Contact Brenda for information.

Brenda Smith, Children’s Ministry Director [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 141

Ezri Gomez — in the middle — joins us this June and July as a summer student intern. Read his story on page 7.

June/July 2015 7

Preschool Classes Every Sunday Preschool classes for ages 3-5 years old meet every Sunday this summer in room E8. Drop off and pick up will be at the class-room. Questions about this class or other summer Sunday options? Contact Brenda Smith, children’s ministries director.

Children’s Ministries / Preschool Children’s Ministries / Preschool

For a tour of the campus, or to register for classes, please contact the school office or PVUMC Preschool Director Mindy Sobraske, [email protected], phone, 602-840-8265, or visit us online at pvumcpreschool.org. Only a few spots remain for the 2015-2016 year that begins in August.

Welcome Ezri Gomez, Student Intern We are pleased to welcome Ezri Gomez to PVUMC as a student ministry intern for June and July. He comes to us from the United-Methodist-sponsored Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, and will be entering his senior year of high school in August. Students that do these internships are interested in ministry as a vocation. Ezri will serve full time at PVUMC for June and July, learning and experiencing all kinds of ministry, so expect to see him working with children, youth, adults, and in worship. Please say hello when you see him and introduce yourself. Brenda Smith first met Ezri serving at the New Mexico Conference Summer Youth Camp in 2014. He was part of her small group pictured on page 6. But God had started to pave the way for Ezri to come to PVUMC via Brenda even before that. Brenda explains how:

His brother, Bequer, served with me while I was director of children’s ministries at St Mark’s UMC in El Paso. The church had sponsored Bequer, paying for his tuition to Lydia Patterson Institute while he served at the church. Bequer and I kept in touch, and it was exciting to meet his brother and help guide him in Bible study last summer. When he was chosen as PVUMC’s summer youth intern, I was thrilled. God works in wonderful, mysterious ways!— Brenda Smith

We need host families to provide room and board for Ezri while he works at PVUMC. If you can help, even for a week, please contact Brenda ASAP. Thank you!

Photo by Rick Salars

Ice Cream Social Raises $30,000 for Scholarships and Improvements The PVUMC Preschool Board thanks everyone who participated in the 29th Annual Ice Cream Social. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, preschool families, teachers, staff and the church, the event raised $30,000 to be used for school improvements and scholarships. It was a beautiful night — see the photo above — and the first time the school had used online auction software, which helped drive the bidding. Preschool Honored for Accreditation On Friday, April 17, the Valley of the Sun Association for the Education of Young Children honored Paradise Valley United Methodist Church Preschool for receiving reaccreditation this spring from the Academy for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. PVUMC Preschool was also lifted up as being the only early childhood program in the state of Arizona that has received and maintained NAEYC accreditation since the process began in 1985. The event was held at Mesa Community College and attended by PVUMC Preschool lead teachers, the preschool’s administrative assistant and the director. Preschool Staff Positions Available PVUMC Preschool is currently interviewing and hiring for the 2015-2016 preschool year. We have a few positions available for Lead and Assistant Teachers and Aides. All positions are part time. Please contact PVUMC Preschool Director Mindy Sobraske for additional information. PVUMC Preschool is an EOE.

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8 June/July 2015

Music and Arts MinistriesMusic and Arts Ministries

Summer Schedule The Chancel Choir sings on the first Sunday of the month during the summer months of June, July and August. Choir members should arrive at 9 am to practice before the 9:30 am service. These are also Family Sundays when we celebrate communion and invite the K-6th graders and youth to join us in worship in lieu of classes. There is childcare for our later services at 9:30 and 11:15 am, and a preschool class at 9:30 am every week. See page 6 for more information on our children’s summer program. The Mini-Singers, Youth and Children’s Choir, and our after-school Music Makers program return in the fall. Look for infor-mation in the next Desert Scroll about these exciting opportunities.

Ashley Snavley, Music and Arts Ministries and Organist [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 116

MemorialsMemorials

Ashley Snavley Promoted to Music and Arts Ministries Director The Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee recently announced that Ashley Snavley was promoted from Assistant Director of Music and Arts Ministries to Director. She continues to play the organ as well. PVUMC also congratulates Ashley on her Doctor of Musical Arts degree, which she recently received from Arizona State University. She also has a Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance from ASU. Ashley works closely with Dr. Andria Fennig, Interim Accompanist, and Thomas Strawser, director of the youth and children’s choirs, as well as part-time con-ductor of the Chancel Choir and a worship leader at the Ignite service. Shari Paris leads the Mini-Singers, who performed at the Ignite service on Mother’s Day.

Photos by Dave Eaton

Children’s Choir Sang on Mother’s Day Our Children’s Choir, pictured above, sang We Hear Singing on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, which was also PVUMC’s celebration of music ministry.

Memorial in memory of Jean McGill Farnham, mother of Leigh McGill Designated to: Youth Mission Trip Fund Memorial Given By: Barry Schweim Memorial in memory of Glenn Gasser Designated to: PUVMC Foundation Memorial Given By: Timm & Marty McCarty Memorial in memory of Norm Henry Designated to: Undesignated Memorial Given By: Charles & Myra Hoover Memorial in memory of David Wood, Sr. Designated to: Undesignated Memorial Given By: Ken & Carol Carver Timm & Marty McCarty Dan & Elizabeth Mullen Donation in honor of Sadie Wintergalen on the occasion of her confirmation Designated to: Undesignated Memorial Given By: Libby Cohen

The children also joined the Chancel Choir, pictured on page 3, and the Youth Choir, pictured below and above, in Exultate Jubilate. Dylann Cox is pictured above dur-ing her solo in the Youth Choir’s piece, I Won’t Let Go. The Youth also gave a Bon Voyage concert a week before they traveled to Las Vegas, NV for their spring outreach tour, where they sang at Desert Springs UMC and at senior homes. They also visited Hoover Dam and saw Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio. Tommy Strawser directs both the children’s and youth choirs.

June/July 2015 5

PVUMC Helps Feed Hungry Children Every month, we offer an opportunity to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children’s warehouse. In April, the Sucato family joined several others, including PVUMC’s FMSC coordinator, Jim Bateman, who is pictured in the upper left photo with Courtney Sucato. Courtney said:

I had been looking for volunteer opportunities that my 5 and 6-year-olds could do. FMSC was a perfect fit. That was 2 years ago and both of my

children continue to love to go and help. Watching them work so hard and seeing the

satisfaction on their faces, knowing that they are helping other kids in this world, makes my heart burst with pride. Even at a young age, they are able to make a huge impact in another’s life. It’s God’s love in action.— Courtney Sucato

To register for Saturday packing on June 13, July 11 or August 8, email Jim Bateman, [email protected], and include a contact name and number, as well as the names and emails of adults age 18 and older. If you are registering children, just include their names and ages. Visit http://pvumc.org/2014/08/29/join-pvumc-for-monthly-meal-packing-at-feed-my-starving-children/ for details and updates on FMSC, which moved to Mesa Fiesta Building, 1345 S Alma School Rd, Mesa, 85201. The new facility allows the organization to accommodate 150,000 more volunteers and pack 35 million more meals each year. God’s love in action.

Missions / Finance Missions / Finance Mission Field Trip During VBC in July Every year, our older children attending Vacation Bible Camp are invited to experience hands-on mission with a field trip. This year, our 4th-6th graders serve at Feed My Starving Children on Thursday, July 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. The cost is $5 per tween. For a trip release form and other information, contact our Children’s Ministries Director Brenda Smith, [email protected]. This is a special mission field trip just for this group. Read more about VBC on page 6. Summer at Serendipities Serendipities will be open reduced hours during June and will be closed for July. They will reopen in August. We encourage you to stop by Sundays in June, 9-11 a.m., to shop for graduation, Father’s Day gifts, and patriotic items to spruce up your home for the 4th of July. The church gift shop is full of spirit-filled surprises, including made-in-the-USA items, handcrafted artisan products, jewelry, children’s toys, home décor, books, Bibles, and gift cards. All proceeds benefit missions.

UMOM Food Donation Sundays Please bring your non-perishable food dona-tions for our regular, first-Sunday-of-the-month food collection for UMOM on June 7 and July 5. Place your donations in the blue bins at the bridges or south parking lot. Serve Dinner at UMOM PVUMC offers oppor-tunities to serve dinner to residents twice a month at the UMOM facility at 3333 E Van Buren. To offer your gift of service on any of the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, June 13 and 27 and July 11 and 25, please email Dave Hepburn, [email protected]. To cook and/or serve dinner at the Watkins Center on the second Thursday of the month, June 11 or July 9, please contact Elaine Heredia, [email protected].

Receipts

Budget $1,738,105

Actual $1,796,574

Disbursements 1,681,506 1,639,929

Net receipts over disbursements

$56,599

$156,645

Where Are We Now? Through the first ten months of the Fiscal Year 2015, April 2015 year-to-date total receipts were higher than budget by $58,469. Expenditures were less than budget by $41,577.

What Can You Do? Contact Church Administrator Mickey Price, [email protected] or 602-840-8360, ext. 113, if you have questions regarding your contributions and/or pledge. We are grateful for all gifts, large and small. Read the Coughlins’ story about why they give on page 9. In all things, trust God, “who richly provides.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

April 2015

Financial MinistryFinancial Ministry

Rev. Eve Williams, Associate Pastor [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 130

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4 June/July 2015

PVUMC FoundationPVUMC Foundation

Mike Colbert, president of the PVUMC Foundation, partici-pated in last year’s youth mission trip to Booneville, AR, and was featured in an article describing his experience as a first-timer for a week-long mission trip in the August/ Sep-tember 2014 issue of the Scroll. Now, in his role as presi-dent of the Foundation, he was asked to give a Q&A about the purpose and work of the Foundation, so we can better understand and support this important PVUMC ministry. Q: What is the PVUMC Foundation and what

is its purpose?

A: The Foundation’s primary purpose is to partner with the church in its mission to ignite faith, trans-form lives, and create community. We do that best by supporting the needs of PVUMC for the decades and centuries ahead. The Foundation provides a security blanket or cushion, beyond the funds raised during our annual stewardship campaign. The board has spent much of the last year amending its formal Bylaws and revisiting our policies. Securing gifts, investing funds and distributing income in accordance with the aims of PVUMC, and always in the best interest of this church, is what we do.

Q: Is the Foundation competing for the same dollars given to the church through annual giving?

A: Clearly not. Funds given to the Foundation are above and beyond tithes and pledges given for the daily operations of PVUMC and its missions. Typically, gifts to the Foundation are the result of planned giving associated with one’s estate, such as in our wills and insurance policy beneficiary designations. Occasionally, gifts can also be part of a lifetime income plan and estate tax planning strategy. So rather than a gift out of current in-come, you might look at a gift to the Foundation as more of giving a portion of what is left over as part of a memorial legacy.

Q: How can PVUMC members support our Foundation? Here are several options: 1) Will: “I hereby

bequeath the sum of $_________ to the PVUMC Foundation, Paradise Valley, AZ.”

2) Beneficiary designations: Life insurance, annuities, IRAs, qualified retirement plans.

3) Life income gifts such as charitable remainder trusts and gift annuities.

4) Outright gifts of cash, invest-ments, real estate, and personal property.

For more information on any of the above, we encourage you to talk to Pastor Dave, Mickey Price, Mike Colbert or another Foundation member.

Q: Who decides how funds are spent? A: Since most of our funds are unrestricted, it falls to

our Foundation Board to make these decisions, most often as a result of, and in partnership with, ministry team requests. Donors do have the option of making their gifts “restricted” to a single purpose, such as our scholarship fund for seminary study. Our spending policy restricts income distribution based on a historical investment formula which amounts to approximately four percent per year. Board meetings include PVUMC clergy, staff and members: Pastor Dave, Mickey Price, Diana Bode (Church Council Chair), Monica Stern (Finance Chair), Jerry Hamil-ton, Erik Peterson, Bethany Taylor, Fred Unger, Ken Carver, Mark Smith, Shannon Shopp, and our longest tenured member, Cindy Griffin.

Q: What has the Foundation provided recently? A: Recent Foundation support has included a seminary

scholarship, trustees operating fund, and various programs supporting youth, missions, education and community outreach (like Change the World Day and Kevin Leman workshop support).

Q: What is the Foundation working on now? A: Foundation members have expressed a desire to

renew and grow. A generous gift from the estate of Ruth Barker doubled the size of our endowment. We recognize that PVUMC already has a wonderful legacy of very special people, and we are planning to have a formal recognition to celebrate the generous hearts who are positioning PVUMC to prosper for the generations to follow.

Q: How is the money invested? A: The PVUMC Foundation Board decided a number of

years ago to invest our funds through the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation and use a third-party, out-of-state wealth management firm to advise on the investment allocation. Currently, PVUMC’s account is only about three percent of the total invested, as many other churches have grown their endowments and gifts at a much faster rate. PVUMC member Ken Carver now serves on the DSUMF Investment Committee and I will be joining the DSUMF Board, effective July 1.

As Pastor Dave has eloquently stated, “…a strong Foundation will help us to build a strong future for our church, grow vitality in our congregation, and ensure that we continue to make disciples for Jesus Christ.” In essence, God’s Love in Action! June/July 2015 9

Caring MinistriesCaring Ministries

Our Christian Sympathies to… Debbie Doran and family on the April 13 death of her father, Jack Doran Dave Eaton and family on the March 20 death of his mother, Virginia Eaton Kirk Henry and family on the March 15 death of his father and PVUMC member, Norm Henry Neva Thompson and Jo Anne Atkins and families on the April 8 death of their daughter-in-law/sister-in-law, Jeanette Thompson Ronda Thraen and family on the April 28 death of her father, Don Beckerleg Judy Tucker and Carrie Regan on the May 4 death of their husband/father, Larry Tucker David Wood, Jr. and family on the April 22 death of his father and PVUMC member, David Wood, Sr. Welcome Babies... The March 23 birth of Jacob James Coughlin, son of JP and Jenn Coughlin; grandparents are Dave & Chris Henderson Baptism of... The baptism of James Paul Minicozzi, son of Michael and Courtney Minicozzi The baptisms of Rory Tyler Rahmeier & Graeme Tyler Rahmeier, sons of Casey & Melissa Rahmeier Congratulations to... Rachael Franks to Andrew Chamness on their April 11, 2015 marriage Nan Range on her 103rd birthday Mildred Derry for 30 years of volunteer service at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Hospital

Saguaros This fellowship group of members, winter visitors and friends age 55 and older meet monthly for a potluck lunch and entertain-ment September - May. Saguaros don’t meet in the summer, but have some exciting entertainment planned for Fall 2015. Contact Gretchen Holt (see contact info above) or call the church office at 602-840-8360 to join the mailing/email list. Book Group The PVUMC Book Group meets the first non-holiday Monday of every month throughout the year. Join the group at 12:15 pm in G2 to discuss: June 1 The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce July 6 How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway

Joys & ConcernsJoys & Concerns

Gretchen Holt, Caring Ministries [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 132

Learning and Embracing the Discipline of Giving By Jenn and JP Coughlin

Recently, I was listening to Air One. In a segment in between songs, a pastor discussed the importance of discipline in working to improve a skill, sport, musical instrument, or even a relationship. The discipline of consistent giving is important too, and one I learned as a child from my parents. I have a vivid memory from my childhood of a bank that my parents gave to my brothers and me. The bank had three sections: one for church, one for savings, and one for personal spending. Anytime we earned money, we were to put 10% into the church section, 10% into savings, and 80% into personal spending. I am grateful to my parents for teaching and reinforcing in me the discipline of consistent giving to the church. I am also grateful to my husband for his commitment to that same discipline as a part of our marriage. Now that we have children of our own, we’ll be teaching them the discipline of giving, as a foundation of their faith and ours as a family.—Jenn Coughlin When Jenn and I were married, the PVUMC community made an investment in our relationship, and the church gave us the tools and guidance for a successful mar-riage. In turn, we made a decision to invest in this com-munity through our time, talents, prayers, and gifts. Two years ago, we began a journey to find a church home closer to our physical home in Tempe. I am hap-py to say that the search brought us right back here to PVUMC, which is a testament to how incredible this community is. This journey inspired us to challenge ourselves to increase our investment in this community, and to pledge to continue that increase with discipline each year. —JP Coughlin

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“I am convinced that the loving kindness Mary has shown to each one of our students throughout their adolescence is the reason that so many of them come to her (sometimes long after they’ve graduated) for words of wisdom, comfort, or simply a listening ear.” — Christopher Wurpts Check the church calendar for dates of all youth ministry classes and events.

Youth MinistriesYouth Ministries

Mary McGill Retires in June As many of you know, our Youth Ministries Assistant, Mary McGill, is retiring. Mary graciously plans on stay-ing active within the youth program as a volunteer, but I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible work she has done during her time on our church staff. It is difficult to overstate the impact of Mary’s ministry at PVUMC throughout these last nine years. After all, how could anyone measure the lasting significance of the many conversations, birthday cards, and words of encouragement Mary has dispensed to the hundreds of teenagers that have passed through our program? Those of you that know Mary know that the generous love she freely gives to those around her is but a man-ifestation of the love she has found in Jesus Christ. Her deep faith has been a source of inspiration to me. It is apparent to everyone who knows her that her life is deeply rooted in God’s love for the world, and I am grateful for the witness of Mary’s ministry thus far. In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven.” As we celebrate the ministry of Mary McGill, may our prayers be filled with thanks and joy for the ways that God continues to work in the lives of our young people.

— Christopher Wurpts

The Paradise Perk Every Sunday morning, we invite you to stop by the Paradise Perk, our volunteer-run coffee shop, for some of the best lattés, iced tea, and smoothies in town. Shannon Curkendoll, the Perk’s volunteer

manager, and her crew of youth helpers greet every-one with a smile, as they serve their customers and raise money for youth missions. Email Shannon at [email protected] if you’re interested in volunteer-ing with this ministry that raised $7,000 this year. Jr. High Mission Trip: July 5-10, 2015 San Diego, CA Ten 6th-8th grade students are packing their bags this summer for a weeklong trip to San Diego, featuring a variety of service projects, including running a kids’ club, working with various non-profit and charity organizations, and painting residents’ homes. Sr. High Mission Trip: July 19-24, 2015 “Experience Mission” in Black Mesa, AZ Students entering 9th grade through 12th grade are invited to join us on a weeklong trip serving the Navajo and Hopi people. Partnering with Experience Mission, the group will do light construction, home repair/restoration, and lead a Vacation Bible School program. The cost is $250, and includes food, transportation, etc. Need-based scholarships are available. Read more and apply online at: http://pvumc.org/2015/04/10/senior-high-2015-mission-trip-black-mesa-az/.

Christopher Wurpts, Youth Ministries Director [email protected] 602-840-8360, ext. 147

Mary McGill, Youth Ministries Assistant, retired

Mary and Christopher are pictured above traveling to Booneville last summer. To the left, Mary is shown 2nd from the left on the Youth Mission Trip to Peru in July, 2012.

June/July 2015 3

Sundays in June and July June 7 - 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Family Sunday Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 2: “Deliverance” Eve Williams Scripture: Exodus 15:20-22 June 14 - 3rd Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 3: “Homesick” Dave Summers Scripture: Numbers 1:1-15 June 21 - 4th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 4: “Forgetting” Christopher Wurpts Scripture: Exodus 32:1-10, 15-20 June 28 - 5th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Wilderness Part 5: “Re-entry” Dave Summers Scripture: Joshua 3:1-6, 14-17, 5:10-12

Family Sundays During the summer, we invite you and your family to worship together on the first Sunday of the month and on holiday week-ends. Our first Family Sunday was May 24—our Better Together Sunday and Pentecost. Other Sundays include June 7, July 5 and August 2. On these Sundays, there will be no children’s Sunday classes for K-6th grade or youth classes at 9:30 am. There WILL be childcare and preschool classes for ages 3-5. The rest of the summer, we’ll offer a curriculum that closely follows what you are learning and hearing about in worship so you can have discussions at home.

Photo by Martha Rinne July 5 - 6th Sunday after Pentecost Family Sunday Sermon Series: Hungry Part 1: “The Stew of Betrayal” Dave Summers Scripture: Genesis 25:29-34 July 12 - 7th Sunday after Pentecost Celebrating the commissioning of Brenda Smith Sermon Series: Hungry Part 2: “The Mutton of Justice” Dave Summers (8 and 9:30 a.m.) Christopher Wurpts (11:15 a.m.) Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-9 July 19 - 8th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Hungry Part 3: “The Cuisine of Convictions” Dave Summers Scripture: Daniel 1:1-20 July 26 - 9th Sunday after Pentecost Sermon Series: Hungry Part 4: “The Meat of the Matter” Dave Summers Scripture: I Corinthians 8:1-13

WorshipWorship

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Desert ScrollDesert Scroll

In This Issue: Book Group ............ 9 Camp .............. cover Caring .................... 9 Children .................. 6 Clergy/Staff ............ 2 Facebook ............... 2 Finance .................. 5 From Paradise ..... 12 Foundation ............. 4 Giving Story ........... 9 Memorials .............. 8 Missions ................. 5 Music and Arts ....... 8 Preschool ............... 7 Sermons ................. 3 Transformational Living................. 11 VBC ................. cover Worship .................. 3 Young Adults.......... 2 Youth.................... 10

Volume 53 Number 3 Published by Paradise Valley United Methodist Church to keep members and friends informed of programs of the church and to report news about the congregation.

PVUMC Clergy/Staff Full-time Pastors and Staff Dr. Dave Summers, Senior Pastor, [email protected] Church: 602-840-8360, ext. 131; Cell: 480-205-6217 Rev. Eve Williams, Associate Pastor, [email protected],

ext. 130 Rev. Andrea Andress, Associate Pastor for

Spiritual Formation of Children and Families, [email protected], ext. 142

Jean Arkwright, Financial Administrative Assistant [email protected], ext. 139

John Farcas, Custodian, ext. 120 Melissa Fought, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

[email protected], ext. 110 Betty Brunlieb Price, Administrative Assistant to the Senior

Pastor, [email protected], ext. 129 Mickey Price, Church Administrator, [email protected],

ext. 113 Pam Selthun, Communications Director, [email protected],

ext. 122 Dr. Ashley Snavley, Music and Arts Ministries Director

and Organist, [email protected], ext. 116 Mindy Sobraske, Preschool Director,

[email protected], 602-840-8265 Christopher Wurpts, Youth Ministries Director [email protected], ext. 147

Part-time Staff JoAnn Call, Bookkeeper, [email protected], ext. 128 Dr. Andria Fennig, Interim Accompanist, [email protected] Gretchen Holt, Caring Ministries, [email protected], ext.132 Denise Mahrle, Cashier, [email protected], ext. 145 Shari Paris, Mini-singers Director, [email protected] Kathy Ratliff, Child Care, [email protected], ext. 134 Jack Sarrett, Preventative Maintenance Coordinator

[email protected], ext. 146 Brenda Smith, Director, Children’s Ministry, and Young Adult

Lifegroup Coordinator, [email protected], ext. 141 Thomas Strawser, Children’s and Youth Choir Director [email protected]

Pastors Emeritus: Kelly B. Bender and Robert A. Stanley

The copy deadline for The Desert Scroll is the

10th of the preceding month.

Pam Selthun, Editor

Sue Blumer and Melissa Fought,

Proofreaders

“Like” Paradise Valley UMC on Facebook at Facebook.com/ParadiseValleyUMC Twitter @PVUMC “Like” Youth Ministry on Facebook at Facebook.com/PVUMC.Youth.Ministry “Like” the Paradise Perk at Facebook.com/ParadisePerk Managed by Youth Ministry Open Sundays 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Facebook/TwitterFacebook/Twitter

“Like” Serendipities at Facebook.com/PVUMC.Serendipities Open Sundays, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. CLOSED in July

Young AdultsYoung Adults Young Adult Lifegroup Meets After Ignite If you’re a young adult, post-high school through early 30s, we invite you to join our Young Adult Lifegroup. This group of God-seeking young adults likes to explore their beliefs through experiences, service, the church, work, and the world. YAL meets most Sundays right after the Ignite service (11:15 a.m.) in the Chapel, but their summer schedule also includes several off-campus opportunities as well. On June 7 and 26, the group will watch and discuss TED Talks. Read more at https://www.ted.com/talks. Register for the first-ever Young Adult Camp, June 8-11 at Mingus Mountain, dsccamps.org. Financial help available; ask Brenda Smith (see the staff list). The group also has some career-oriented presentations and discussions scheduled on June 14 and June 21: “Financial Kick Start” and “Job Résumés” in Room H1. Service projects include serving a meal at the Watkins Shelter, Thursday, July 9, 5-6:30 p.m. and volunteer-ing at VBC the following week. On Sunday, July 19, we have 18 tickets available for a 1:10 p.m. game in an air-conditioned Diamondbacks suite with full catering. The first 18 who RSVP to Brenda get the tickets!

June/July 2015 11

Transformational LivingTransformational Living

AEA Class at PVUMC on June 6 Join Adele Swan as she leads Foundations of the Enneagram: Personality Types on Saturday, June 6, 9 am-5 pm, Room H1. Come discover your type at this class offered by the Arizona Enneagram Associa-tion. If you want to understand and use the Enneagram Personality System, and find out your own type, we invite you to register. Cost:$80; manual and book, The Essential Enneagram by Dr. Daniels, included. Bring a sack lunch. Register with Diane Shevlin at 480-367-1998 or online at arizonaenneagram.org The full class descrip-tion is there too. For scholarship assistance, contact Rev. Andrea Andress. If you have attended a Foundations class before, you attend free if you bring a friend.

Yoga for All Ages Offered Through June Tuesdays, 8:30-9:45 am, Chapel Join certified yoga instructors every Tuesday in the chapel during June for a Vinyasa Flow class. Free to everyone; all ages welcome. Wear comfortable clothing. We have mats, but bring your own if you prefer. The class will take a break during July and return in August.

Wednesday Lunch Conversations in June Focus on 13th Century Mystic Eckhart 12-1:15 p.m., H1 (Bring a lunch; come anytime.) The first Thursday in June, join us for our last discussion on the Enneagram, then join us on Wednesdays in June as we discuss Meister Eckhart’s contributions to our thought/theology in understanding creation, meditation and the historical Jesus in today’s world. Rev. Andrea Andress will be using the book, Meister Eckhart: A Mystic Warrior for Our Times by Matthew Fox. You do not need to read the book to attend the class. Meister Eckhart lived in the 13th century, but his teach-ings on ecology, gender justice, artistic creativity, and social/economic advocacy put him ahead of his time. Lunch Conversation classes do not meet in July, but we hope you will join us at 12 noon in G2 during June: Thursday, June 4 – Final session for the summer

using the book, Roaming Free Inside the Cage. Wednesday, June 10 – Christ of the Cosmos:

Meister Eckhart meets Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry

Wednesday, June 17 – Meister Eckhart meets Buddhism via Thich Nhat Hanh

Wednesday, June 24 – The Historical Jesus: Meister Eckhart meets Marcus Borg, Bruce Chilton and John Dominic Crossan.

Centering Prayer: Wednesday Evenings Each Wednesday in June, 6:30- 7:45 pm, H1 Rev. Andrea Andress and Kathy Kramer-Howe lead a new Centering Prayer class on Wednesday evenings in June. This method of silent prayer helps prepare us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer and allows us to experience God’s presence within us. It is closer than breathing, closer than thinking, and closer than consciousness itself. It is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. The program encourages a daily prayer practice and provides partic-ipants with the tools to establish this new practice. Each class combines teaching and discussion, a video presentation and a 20-minute prayer practice. Each class stands alone, but the progression will give you greater facility with this type of prayer. There is no cost, but registration is helpful. Contact Rev. Andrea Andress to register or for more information. For child care, please call 602-840-8360, ext. 134, at least 48 hours in advance of the class. Parenting Styles with the Enneagram An AEA Class, Thursday, June 25, 7-9 pm, H1 Join the church and the Arizona Enneagram Associa-tion (AEA) for an Enneagram Meetup. A Meetup is an online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings in various localities around the world. Meetup allows members to find and join groups unified by a common interest. Each month, a different topic will be explored. June’s topic is parenting with the enne-agram. Register at arizonaenneagram.org. Cost is $15. The church and the AEA are partners. Adele Swan is also leading a class on Saturday, June 6. See the sidebar for more information.

Rev. Andrea Andress, Associate, Spiritual Formation of Children and Families, 602-840-8360, ext.142

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Dear Friends, The United Methodist Church is doing a remarkable job to eradicate malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. We sponsored a strong campaign and raised $283,000 for this effort. You may recall that every $10 that is raised will save a life through prevention, education and treatment. Our church alone will be responsible for saving 28,000 human lives – a tremendous feat thanks to your generous spirits! Our church led the Desert Southwest Conference with our strong commitment and response. Recently, we shared a video report in worship on the progress that has been made in Africa. See videos and read more about this effort at http://imaginenomalaria.org/news. Some highlights include:

The death rate has been cut in half. Before we started this campaign, a person died from malaria every 30 seconds. That time has now been doubled. We still have a ways to go, but progress is evident.

1.9 million nets treated with insecticide have now been distributed, along with information on how to use and install the nets.

We have trained 11,600 health workers in 300 hospitals on ways to prevent and treat malaria. We have equipped clinics with life-saving medication.

Thank you for your strong giving and support that is changing Africa. The United Methodist Church has a strong network of hospitals and medical clinics in Africa that provide resources and a platform for treating this terrible disease. Our prior campaign of "Nothing But Nets" helped with prevention, and our new campaign has been even more effective by including education and treatment. I am proud of our church for its strong support of this world-changing campaign. We will make life possible for countless children and adults. Thank you, Paradise Valley UMC. You are God’s love in action.

Pastor Dave Summers

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Please share our good news with each member of your family.

FROM PARADISE By Dr. Dave Summers, Senior Pastor

Alive with the Spirit, we bring God’s love into action by igniting faith, transforming lives, and creating community.

June/July 2015

June/July 2015

Vacation Bible Camp at PVUMC is unlike any other. We have so many dedicated volun-teers, but we always have room for more! Find out how to register your child(ren) for our week-long summer program and how you can be God’s love in action on page 6.

Mingus Summer Camp If you’re thinking about sending your chil-dren to sleep-away camp this summer, we hope you’ll consider UMC camps, and particularly Mingus Mountain camps. Bren-da Smith, our children’s ministries director, will be Dean of the elementary Discovery Camp for children as young as entering third graders and as old as entering 7th graders. Mingus also has camps for junior high, senior high and young adults. “It’s great to get today’s kids and families away from technology and into the woods. At Mingus, kids discover the fun of exploring in nature — whether they’re crawdadding at the lake or hiking on forest trails or seeing the Milky Way for the first time.” Watch a video produced by the Christian Camp and Conference Association about how life changing Christian camp can be at https://youtu.be/lDL-3D6fOMs and visit http://www.dsccamps.org/ to register for a UMC camp today. Don’t let cost be a factor in not going to camp. Contact Rev. Andrea Andress or Brenda Smith for more information.