pinnacle vistas | january 2015

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

VistasP I N N A C L E

PINNACLE THEOLOGICAL CENTER presents

Presbyterian Views of MarriageSunday, January 18 | 11:15-1 pm | Fellowship HallRev. Dr. Chip HardwickPCUSA Director of Theology, Worship and Education

When asked about what marriage means, people give a variety of answers. Each answer we give has a meaning, purpose and reason behind it. Join us for an extended forum to discuss the meaning of marriage and the PCUSA theologies of marriage. Lunch is included at no charge.

God and E.T. Saturday, January 31 | 4 pm | Chapel Dr. Paul DaviesProfessor and Director of The Beyond Center forFundamental Concepts in Science Arizona State University a Francis W. Park Memorial LectureCo-Sponsor: Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

What are the religious implications of the search for extra-terrestrial life? Join us as expert and physicist Dr. Paul Davies expounds on the connection between extra-terrestrial life and faith. Following Davies’ lecture, Dr. Ron Cole-Turner, Professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will give a theologian’s response.

2 Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015

Dear friends,

During the years I've been in parish ministry I've always set aside my January church newsletter letter to reflect on a new year, new beginnings, and new faith commitment. It's the time of year for that, after all.

This year is no exception, except that I find myself thinking about the new year a little differently this time round. Write it off to middle age, or maybe some learning. Either way, I'm wondering if it's really enough to simply call the new year a chance to start over, or a chance to recommit, or a chance to make good on those things you've been telling yourself you want to do and dive in. I'm wondering if alongside looking forward, the beginning of the new year might be as much a chance to look backward.

The Bible is full of new beginnings, with directions to go forth. But as you read words of fresh starts there, telling us to put our hands to the plow and put our face forward, you also see that in nearly every case in scripture of future thinking there is an accompanying call to rethink, reclaim, remember, and re-describe the past. In response to all the new things that Christ's spirit brought, for example, the author of John looks back and sees Jesus present at the beginning of all creation. Paul discovers Jesus to be spoken of in the Hebrew Scriptures that came long before Jesus. And the disciples walking to Emmaus hear the history of

TracingsA Letter from Dr. Wesley Avram

Please see TRACINGS on page 9

OUR COMMON LIFE

Dr. Wes Avram,Senior Pastor

INSIDE...

AMIGOS ANNUAL WINE TASTING EVENT is January 30 SEE PAGE 4

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY needs you SEE PAGE 5

MEET our newest members SEE PAGE 9

Pinnacle Vistas • January 2015 3

Pinnacle Promise

PINNACLE THEOLOGICAL CENTER

Faith And Science Round Table: The Work of Scientist Paul DaviesDr. Kim Bussey and David Shaller Wednesday, January 7 | 7 pm | Chapel Library

In preparation for the Frank Park Memorial Lecture, God and E.T., the group will be studying the work of our world-renown speaker, Paul Davies. Davies is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, astrobiologist, best-selling author and professor of Physics at ASU. Learn, grow and be equipped for this special event.

Clash of CulturesAlan StoneJanuary 11, 25 & February 15 | 11:15 am | Chapel

January 11 - Native American Givers: The surprising story of how Native American foods, tools, ideas, inventions and language led to the changing of European culture here and abroad. For example, Native American foods make up about 60% of the world's food supply; we use Native American words every day, we play their games, we mimic their totems, and more.

January 25 - The Columbian Exchange: The story of how Europeans, and eventually Americans, brought new ideas, new animals, new crops, new plants, new religion, and new threats, forever changing both the Native American's world and American culture.

February 15 - Native Americans Today: A quick statistical look at where Native Americans are today and what they continue to contribute as citizens of the U.S., with a particular look at our Arizona neighbors, who make up only 5% of the state's population, but make a much larger imprint on our lives.

ADULT EDUCATION


OUR COMMON LIFE

Appetizers With a KickJanuary 25 | 11:15 am | Sanctuary Patio

The Super Bowl is right around the corner, right here in Phoenix. In preparation, we want to invite you to bring your favorite appetizer to share (homemade or store bought) to kick-off the festivities during hospitality. See you on the patio after worship!

Amigos 6th Annual Wine Tasting and Italian DinnerFriday, January 30 | 6 pm | Legend Trails Community Center

Save the date for Amigo’s Wine Tasting and Italian Dinner - this is a fun event you will not want to miss.

Wine tasting begins at 6 pm and dinner will follow at 7:30. The cost is $25 per person. A silent auction of wines will take place after dinner. Bruce and Anita Baudler will be our talented organizers.

Join us for some quality time and the chance to increase your wine knowledge as presented by the experts from Total Wine.

Look for the signup tables on the patio after 10 am worship on January 11, 18 and 25. Or you may contact Ed and Nancy Hargest at [email protected].

Amigos is our fellowship group for members over 50. Our mission is to provide opportunities for people to make new friends within the Church and to deepen the friendships they already have.

mailto:[email protected]


MISSION AT PINNACLE

PPC Builds Again for Habitat for Humanity......and once again we need workers. This year the new owner will

be Karen Mendez, a single mom with a one-year-old daughter. She is originally from El Salvador and works in a call center. The work dates for us are March 7 (roofing), March 21 (drywall), April 25 (inside painting), May 30 (touch-up/punch list). The home will be at 5228 S. 14th Street in Phoenix.

If you can help, contact Carl Richie at [email protected].

Annual Andre House Blanket DriveOur goal this year is to collect 50 blankets and you can help! Bring

new or gently used blankets (twin/double only), and also sleeping bags to the Chapel and Sanctuary narthexes this month. We have collected 26 blankets so far - we hope you can help us meet our goal!

Pinnacle Adopt-A-Family Helps 21 Families Thank you to the generous Pinnacle members and friends who

helped 21 families have a happier Christmas this year. Over $3,100 and many thoughtful gifts were donated to the Adopt-A-Family program.



Pinnacle Concert Series

Friday, January 9, 7:30 pmCharles Lewis Jazz Quintet Friday, January 16, 7:30 pmMark Kroos, double-neck guitar Sunday, January 25, 4:00 pmThe Brothers Four Friday, January 30First Day Time Out for the Arts Pedals, Pipes & PizzaSaturday, January 24th, 10:00 am – 1:30 PM

The Charles Lewis QuintetAND ALL THAT JAZZFriday, January 9, 2015 | 7:30 pmPremium Seating: $35General Admission: $20; Student: Free

Few names in the jazz community command more respect than Charles Lewis, the first jazz-category inductee of the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Mark Kroos, GuitaristUNIQUE DOUBLE NECK GUITARFriday, January 16, 2015 | 7:30 pmPremium Seating: $45 General Admission: $27Main Floor Rear: $15; Student: Free

The style of Mark Kroos is characterized by open harmonies, polyphonic textures, incredible tapping technique, and is as entertaining to watch as it is to hear.

The Brothers FourTRY TO REMEMBERSunday, January 25, 2015 | 4:00 pmPremium Seating: $45 General Admission: $27 Main Floor Rear: $15; Student: Free

The smooth sounds of The Brothers Four have delighted millions for 50 years. Their all-acoustic performances include guitars, banjo, mandolin, upright bass and the trademark rich blend of their four voices.


Time Out for the Arts

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

First DaySONGS OF PRAISE AND INSPIRATIONFriday, January 30, 2015 7:30 pmPremium Seating: $45 General Admission: $27Main Floor Rear: $15Student: Free

From the “First Day” these vocalists joined forces they have captivated and inspired audiences of all ages with their unique blend of a cappella music. First Day is a five-man all-vocal band performing contemporary songs of praise in the southern gospel style.

Pedals, Pipes & PizzaSaturday, January 24, 2015 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Sanctuary

Pedals, Pipes and Pizza is a free program designed to introduce young piano students (grades 4-12) to the pipe organ. There will be a demonstration of the inner workings of the organ, and each young person registered will receive an organ lesson using their current piano repertoire. A pizza lunch will be provided, and the event will end with a student recital. Space is limited, so please register early by calling Brent Hylton, Director of Music/Organist at 480.585.9448 x213 or by email at [email protected].

http://www.pinnaclepres.org/music/



Year-to-date through November 2014, total income was higher than last year's November YTD by 23%, or $127,875, which was mainly due to generous non-pledged giving. We did another good job of managing our total expenditures to be approximately the same as last year. Our personnel expense is lower than last year and our maintenance and communications expenses were higher than this time last year to offset each other. Overall the shortfall was $111,000, but $125,000 better than last year at this time.

PINNACLE FINANCE REPORT

11/30/14YTD Actual

11/30/13YTD Actual

2014 vs 2013 %

Total Income $683,142 $555,267 $127,875 23%

Total Expenditures $794,431 $791,635 ($2,796) 0%

(Over)/Under ($111,289) ($236,368) $125,079

Cash Available for Operations $46,725


Stewardship UpdateThe Stewardship Ministry Group would like to thank everyone who

gave so generously to the many ministries of PPC in 2014. Many of you (180 to be exact) have completely fulfilled the pledges you made in 2014, and we are very grateful for that!

We hope to receive the rest of the 2014 pledged giving by the end of the year, and we all know 2015 is right around the corner. There are 158 pledges that have not yet been fulfilled, totaling just over $162,000.

If your circumstances still allow, please remember that every fulfilled pledge helps us keep our ministries thriving! We should also note that unexpected property expenses, investments in the future by completing our pastoral staff at long last, and a downturn in giving after our successful mortgage campaign have combined to leave a gap between 2014 giving and expenses larger than those unfulfilled pledges.

We've reduced some expenses that don't directly impact our ministries, but to continue moving forward and avoid reductions that will impact our ministries we encourage you to consider an additional gift. And, of course, if you haven't yet committed for 2015, we hope you will!

May God bless you and yours.

STEWARDSHIP AT PINNACLE

TRACINGS from page 2

their people told in a new way by the hidden Christ walking with them. There are many more examples in both testaments.

So us too? Can we embrace what God has for us not only by saying “yes” to the future, but also by looking back and retelling the past in light of new knowledge, new faith, and new trust? Can God guide us to see, repent, reconcile, and discover new gifts even in our memories? I hope God will. And I hope you’ll be blessed.

Happy New Year,


CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

Club 45 Meets on January 25Club 45, our Fellowship Group for 4th and 5th graders, is meeting on

January 25 in the afternoon. Check your email for details, and feel free to bring a friend.

POW! Starts on January 14Come join us for the spring semester of

Pinnacle on Wednesdays (POW!) program. Included in the weekly activities are a fellowship dinner, singing and ringing choir rehearsals, and Christian education classes for all ages. We are eager to begin the spring season and hope you'll join us! For more information contact Marilyn Hylton at [email protected] or 480.585.9448 x241

Church School Sneak PeakThis month, the children in our Godly

Play Class (3’s-Kindergarten) will begin hearing the New Testament stories of Jesus’ life and teaching.

These stories will come to life as adult storytellers use small figures and other teaching aids as they speak so the kids not only hear the stories but become part of them.

Our 1st - 5th graders will be looking at commitment and what it means to practice our faith. To help our children learn how to be committed to God we want to teach faith skills. Each week children will talk about a different faith skill (Hear, Pray, Talk and Live) as we talk about making a plan for our faith and putting it into practice.



CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

Vacation Bible School is June 1 - 5If you are looking for a chilly way to

start your summer, we have something in store for you. This year at Pinnacle’s Vacation Bible School we will cool off with Everest VBS, where children will explore one of the most majestic, beautiful (and sometimes dangerous!) places on earth. They will join climbing crews to “trek” through our Everest VBS, discovering God’s power and promises all along the way.

Vacation Bible School is always a great place for kids to learn about and experience God’s love, and this year will be no exception. If you would like to be involved in the planning stages of this, please contact Frank Harmon at [email protected].

Vacation Bible School is open to children from age 4 through 5th grade, and children can begin as volunteers when they enter 6th grade. Registration information to follow - but planning is underway, so sign up now to be a part of this exciting adventure!

mailto: [email protected]


Jr. High Winter Camp6-8th grade | February 20-22 | Cornville, AZCost $125 ($100 for additional siblings)

Our Junior High, (6th - 8th grade) will be heading back up to Cornville this winter for our annual Jr. High Winter camp on February 20 - 22, (note this is not Presidents Day Weekend). Registration forms and $100 deposit are due January 11, and final payment is due by February 1. This will be a great time to have fun, play games, engage in adventures and grow closer to God and each other. We hope that you will consider joining us for this great time together.

Medical forms and permission forms must be on file and can be found on our website, along with registration forms, at www.pinnaclepres.org/connect-youth/.

YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

Last chance to sign up for an amazing ski weekend!!! Join us on January 16 - 19 as we head back up to Sunrise Ski Resort for a weekend of skiing. The cost this year is $325, which includes your transportation, lodging, food (except on the drive up and back), lift tickets and rental equipment. $100 deposit is due upon registration. The full balance of the trip must be paid by January 11, 2015.

This is a great time to get away and enjoy some time together as a group. Please get your registration and medical forms in by January 4. All forms can be found at www.pinnaclepres.org/connect-youth/

http://www.pinnaclepres.org/connect-youth/.

http://www.pinnaclepres.org/connect-youth/


YOUTH MINISTRIES AT PINNACLE

Pinnacle’s Annual Rummage SaleMarch 27 & 28

Now that the holidays are behind us, we are starting to prepare for our annual Rummage Sale. If you have any items you wish to donate, please hold on to them. We will start collecting furniture and other large items this month. If you have big items that you need to donate now or smaller items that you would like picked up in March, please contact Frank Harmon at [email protected], so he can start making arrangements. Our Rummage Sale is the main fundraiser for our Sr. High Mission Trip.

Souper Bowl of CaringFebruary 1 | Following 8:00 am and 10:00 am Services

This coming February, the eyes of the nation, and much of the world, will be on Phoenix as we host the XLIX Super Bowl. While all eyes are on us for the big game, Pinnacle Youth will join local schools, businesses, and community organizations to tackle hunger through Souper Bowl of Caring. Our Youth will collect money for this worthwhile cause following both services on February 1. All money collected will go to benefit Andre House, one of our ministry partners that helps feed the poor. Teens, contact Frank Harmon if you would like to help serve.

Jr. and Sr. High Super Bowl Party February 1 | 3:30 - 8:00 pm | Harmon Residence

With the Super Bowl being held in Phoenix this year, our town is set to be filled with excitement. To add to that excitement, Becca and Frank Harmon would like to invite all those in Jr. and Sr. high to their home to watch the big game. The Harmons will provide the main dish and drinks. They ask those in Jr. High to bring a side dish, and those in Sr. High to bring a dessert.



PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

Registration for Fall 2015-16We will begin registration for the 2015-2016 school year in January, 2015.

Parents new to the PPP community are strongly encouraged to attend a tour of the preschool prior to registering for the 2015-2016 school year to learn more about our dynamic school community.

Tours are offered on a regular basis and scheduled in advance to limit the number of interruptions in the classrooms. These tours are intended for parents only, due to the information received, and will allow parents to give their full attention. Later, if the decision has been made to enroll your child in PPP, you can call to schedule a time to bring them by to see the school. Please contact the preschool office at 480-585-9448 x2 to schedule a tour.

Priority registration is reserved for families that currently have children enrolled at Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool, church members for six months or more, or siblings of former students. Priority registration begins January 9, 2015.

Open Applicants are those families in our community that are new to Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool. Open registration begins January 20, 2015. The deadline for all registration forms and fees will be February 2.

Notification of placement will be on February 20, 2015. Wait lists are formed for families who are interested in the current school year. Interest lists are formed in September, 2015 for families inquiring for future program opportunities. Our program runs for nine months and closely follows the calendars of our neighboring public schools.

Preschoolers project work: learning about maps.


PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

This Christmas individuals and families who attend Christmas Eve services at Pinnacle were surprised with beautiful hand-made Christmas ornaments on their way out. More than 900 clay ornaments were made especially for the occasion by our youngsters (ages 3-5) at the Pinnacle Preschool. The colorful ornaments are an example of the wonderful creativity and fun our Preschoolers experience on a daily basis. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit www.pinnaclepres.org/learn-preschool

Preschool Children Present Gifts to Worshippers on Christmas Eve

http://www.pinnaclepres.org/learn-preschool

mailto:mm%40pinnaclepres.org?subject=


OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Jan and Gene Kolasny

Linda and Greg Moorhead

Joanne and Jim McDowell

Sharon & David Miller

mailto:office%40pinnaclepres.org?subject=


OUR COMMON LIFE

VistasP I N N A C L E

DIGITAL FLIPBOOK

We have had a great reponse to our new flipbook version of Vistas. Many are very pleased at our efforts to keep administrative costs down, as we expect to reduce the cost to print and distribute our newsletter by almost $1,000 per month. People also like the user-friendly features that can’t be duplicated in a printed version - like the way you can click a link to sign up for an event via email, or click another link to read more about an upcoming concert (and purchase tickets while you are at it!)

If you have not received a flipbook version of Vistas, please check with us to make sure we have your current email address on file.

Printed copies of Vistas will always be available in the kiosks in the narthexes in the Chapel, Sanctuary, and in Fellowship Hall. But if you would prefer to continue to receive printed Vistas in the mail, please contact the church office at [email protected] to let us know. If we do not hear from you by January 15, we will assume you do not wish to continue to receive printed Vistas, and beginning with the February 2015 issue, a copy will not be sent.

mailto:office%40pinnaclepres.org%20?subject=


HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

January 1 Bashir ArarsoSusan EvansJanuary 2 Bryan BabitsMary BrockmanMitch ChristensenBeth HeislerF. Lamar KelseyDania KinneyJanuary 3 Oscar McNallyBecky NivenJanuary 4 Garry FrandsonTina HirschJanuary 5 Lila KleinkopfJanuary 6 Sharon MillerJanuary 7 Grant BryceAshley LonerganSean LonerganZachary RashLynn VealeNancy WayJanuary 8 Phyllis JamesGabrielle MorrisWave SimpsonJerre SteadPaulette WhiteJanuary 9 Michael BankoffKirsten BiglerDoris BowersMarilyn BraunJim CallisonJoan FudalaCharlotte MurrayClaire PickettJanuary 10 Wilson CoulterBrent Diedrich

David PattonJana SkarnulisJanuary 11 Holly FechtmeyerShawn HowardCharles LuckyRebecca SlegersJim StullJanuary 13 Joan DoppChristine SchildLarry WillsonJanuary 14 Sofia ManciniMary MillerTerry SwicegoodJanuary 15 Steven HillJune KeeganJanuary 16 Phillip BallLois BensonAudrey BushRandy De FuscoLaura StoneJanuary 17 A.J. DahlbyGlenda EarleJanuary 18 Pattie WhittingtonJanuary 19 Bonnie MarshallMolly McDonaldJanuary 21 Arleen HazenCheryl JungJohn KilbridgeWyatt RichardsJanuary 22 Graham ArmknechtCaroline ArmknechtSusan BaerJennifer KaulHayden LewisTristan O'Connor

January 23 Kim BaerveldtChelsea BallSusan BrousseauKatherine RosenfeldMorgan SheafferRick SherrinJanuary 24 Sean DocheMolly LampkinLisa PatelMelisa RoseKathryn ToppingJanuary 25 John KingTyler PhillipsJan PremoEmma WilsonJanuary 26 Viviana BiggsElaine CoulterMargaret EbertEmily JoachimMary Helen LynnRuth O'BrienCandy RichardsCarol StullGary ZimmermanJanuary 27 Logan LeonesioSake ReindersmaKallie SchmidtJanuary 28 Evan ArmstrongLesley BushIsabelle EmigMike FoleyJanuary 29 Sue BormanElsa DavisJordyn DocheJewel Hunt HoffmannSuzanne White

Continued on Next Page


HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

OUR SYMPATHY: To Harold Larson and family on the death of his wife, Kathryn Larson.To the family of Bob Adams.To Scott MacGregor on the death of his father.To the family of Dave Rewick.To Mary Miller on the death of her husband, Adair Miller

BAPTISM:London Mae Latowsky, child of Brenda and Aaron Latowsky

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

CHURCH WEBSITE Please

visit Pinnacle’s website,

pinnaclepres.org, for the

weekly calendar and activity

listings, photos and other

important news. You can

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online.

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VISTAS ONLINE

Download PDFs of Pinnacle

Vistas to read online or email

to friends and family.

Find out more about all of

this by going to

www.pinnaclepres.org.

PINNACLE ONLINE

January 30 Betty CrowJack FantettiGinny LonnIsabel MathesonCollin Thorstenson

January 31 Jacob CoppleKallianne DowningDan Fowlkes

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

pinnaclepres.org

www.pinnaclepres.org

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pinnacle vistas | january 2015

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