FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH
Fountain Hills, AZ
From the Pastor A TIME OF THANKS AND GIVING
The 21st of October was a beautiful day. It was my day off and I was enjoying myself. Until I walked into Home Depot, that is. Two steps inside the door I was in full curmudgeon mode, texting Tami distemperately: OMG! Theyve got Xmas trees and lights out in Home Depot already. Get me outta THIS world. She replied serenely: Yes. Been up since September, dear. Oh, for Petes sake! I grumbled to myself. (Or at least something like that.) I guess Im just out of touch; but would someone please tell me when we decided to go straight to the North Pole from Summer Vacation? And who made the decision to totally bypass the Season of Giving for the Season of Gifting? Who kidnapped Thanksgiving? This month at FHPC we are bringing thanks and giving together in some new and delightful ways which lend energy and resonance to both. We begin in worship on November 3rd as we celebrate Encouragement Sunday with a look backwards in word, image and music at the abundance of life God has brought to our community over the past year. This reflective day of thanks inaugurates our season of giving as we kick off our annual Stewardship campaign. The following Sunday, November 10th we continue to praise and thank God in fresh and meaningful ways as we break with our usual liturgical format. Our worship experience this morning will center around a warm and spirit-filled program combining song and story in ways so special that I really only want to say two things about it right now: First, it features a very unique musical guest; and Second, you wont want to miss it. In fact, its a great day to bring a friend. On Sunday, November 17th our worship returns to more familiar forms and rhythms and our thanks-giving turns more personal. Led by members of our congregation who reflect on how our church has impacted their lives, we pause to consider our own response to Gods grace. And, as gratitude blossoms into hope, we look forward to visions of the future into which Christ is calling our family of faith. And then for something completely different. . . On Saturday, November 23rd at 5:30 pm we will gather in our Fellowship Center for our first-ever Feast of Thanks, our FHPC family Thanksgiving dinner. Bring a side-dish and a smile and come join us for turkey and all the fixins. Expect a time of shared faith and fellowship as we release Thanksgiving from commercial captivity by getting a head start on the holiday. (Yes, that one! The one that comes before Christmas!) The next morning, as we come together once again in worship we will gather our responsive offerings of thanks to God in the form of our financial commitments to the ministries of FHPC in the coming year. On this Consecration Sunday we present our pledge cards and prayerfully ask that the One who has carried us so faithfully through the joys and trials of our 39 years as His church find them sufficient grace for the work of our 40th. November at FHPC marks a purposeful pause in the frantic activity of the world around us. It is a month of thanks; and a month of giving. Both are critical in properly preparing ourselves for the events and emotions of December. Come join us. Therell be plenty of time for those Christmas lights later. Grace and Peace,

November 2013

FHPC VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS Our Vision:

Living Gods love.

calls us to . . . Our Mission :

Reach out to all with faith and love.

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

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Focus on Finance
Sept. Income Sept. Expense $ 26,823 $ 29,966 Budget Budget $ 30,550 $ 35,070

Rev. Stan Jones

Parish Associate

Debby DeBernardi
Director Christian Formation

Marta Ludwig
Administrative Coordinator

Yr to date Income

$ 321,695

Budget Budget

$ 309,450 $ 307,643

Debbie Fisher
Director of Music Ministry

Yr to date Expense $ 310,545

Dorothy Parris
Pianist

Caryl Bates
Organist

Lynn Medley
Custodian

CHURCH TREASURER John Skewes CHURCH SESSION Class of 2013 Bob Lull Susan Owens Jim Roy Donna Yordy Class of 2014 Gail Botsford Jerry Cain Carol Hencz Jerry Maples Letha Neely Class of 2015 Brooks Benjamin John Brockelman Jake Eberspacher Helen Quigley Terri Schmidt Chris Young BOARD OF DEACONS Moderator: Yvonne Ellingson Class of 2013 Yvonne Ellingson Sandy Heunisch John Schopbach Donna Sims Class of 2014 Irene Cain Phyliss Kern Linda Maples Helen Roesch Class of 2015 Ben Fast Jack Morris Ruby Pearson Bev Watters ******
Rev. Glenn Atchinson Pastor Emeritus

Income for September was off Plan as some favorable variances experienced earlier in the year began to dissipate. However, much of this was expected. Year-to-Date Income for the Church shows we are still ahead of Budget but additional favorable variances are expected to fade during the last quarter of the year. Generally, Income is considered on track. Expenses for September behaved as anticipated, with a drop in expenditures self-correcting a timing difference noted in the August report. Year-to-Date Expenses are very near Budget levels. Respectfully, John Skewes, Treasurer

On the Inside:
From Our Pastor. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . Focus on Finance .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . Music Ministry .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Rummage Sale is Coming .. .. .. . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . Mission Ministry . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . Thank You. .. .. . . . . ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . . .. Mens Fellowship .. . . .. .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . Straight Talk About Aging Seminar.. .. .. . . . . . . .. Presbyterian Women .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. PW Fall Gathering .. . .. . . . .. . .. . .. .. .. . . .. . Not Yet a Member?. . .. . . . . .. . .. . .. . .. . Stewardship .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . . . . ... .. . .. . .. .. . . . . FHPC FOUNDATION.. .. .. . . . . . .. . . . .. .. Jeff Dayton Concert.. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. .. . . . . . Thanksgiving Feast of Thanks.. .. .. .. . . . . . . .. . . .. Triennium Youth say Thank you. . . . . . . . . . .. Church Appreciation Sunday.. .. .. . .. . . .. .. Christian Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .. .. . .. .. . . . . . From the Director of Christian Formation .. . . . . . . . . . Life Line Screening .. .. .. .. . .. .. . . . . .. . . . .. . . BLOG: Check it out! .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . Concert Series 2014.. .. . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . .. Library Footnotes.. .. . .. . . . . . AT&T Cell Tower .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spotlight...Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Necrology for 2013 .. .. . . .. .. . .. . .. . .. Special Thank You.. .. .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . November Birthdays .. .. .. . . Filling Up Our Recycle Bin . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 19 19 20

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November 2013

Music Ministry
I was speaking to a friend the other day who made the comment that he didn't think he had a good singing voice. Actually, people often tell me that they wish they could sing so they could be in choir. Some folks feel such a pressure of inadequacy that it stops them from Debbie Fisher, Director of Music experiencing one of the most expressive practices given by God. It's not always about the singer, or the song, but the singing itself. How good it feels to sing, and, to sing with others. We do know some are born with a voice that easily sings, hearing the pitch which enables them to blend in so well. Others learn to blend in when being surrounded by others who sing the pitch with accuracy. I do believe that with training the practice of singing naturally progresses into a blend onto the correct pitch, and one is able to achieve choral singing, and beyond! There's a different experience which occurs when one is playing an instrument set to produce pitch when the proper procedure is put into place. At least if it squeaks, you can blame the instrument! With personal practice, group rehearsals and training, repetition and patience one can achieve so much in the world of music, and I do appreciate those who pull through our rehearsals with a better sound than when we began. So, if you're a person who may love to sing but for some reason feel inadequate, please know that the expression is vital for your health, your soul, your Spirit and God's ears, so sing, sing, sing! (Actually, some of you may want to just hum, hum, hum, but it gets good results, too!) Peace, Deborah Fisher Director of Music Ministries

Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song to Him who rides upon the clouds. His name is the Lord. Be exultant before Him! Psalm 68:4

RUMMAGE SALE IS COMING: Workers Needed for the March 22, 2014 Rummage Sale
WOMEN: we will need 2 Co-Chairpersons for the following sections: Books; Children Items; Garden/Floral arrangements; Holiday/ Home Decorations/Crafts; Housewares/Lamps; Linens & Bath Accessories; Mens Clothing; Womens Clothing; Paintings and Picture Frames. MEN: We will need your help with set up and clean up. Day of Sale: We will need cashiers and baggers. We will need food prep specialists to keep our workers energized throughout the day! The contact person for our upcoming rummage sale is Chris Young. If you can help with any of these areas, bless you! Please let me know what your preference is either at my work phone number - 480-789-7236 - or my cell phone number - 480-388-5075 - or via email at misschris_001@hotmail.com. Please note that there is an underscore between the misschris and the 001. Let's make it another great FHPC rummage sale!!

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In Touch

November 2012 page 4

Mission Ministry
Thanksgiving Dinner
We will be helping Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church again this year with their Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28. Every year this church has a dinner for those who cannot afford to have a dinner, or who have no one to share it with, or cannot make it themselves. This is free of charge, although they do take a good will offering. If you would like to help out with the preparation of the meal or help set up or clean up or even serve, be there by 11a.m.. Volunteers will also deliver prepared food to people who are homebound. You can contact Terri Schmidt at 480/201-8971 or Julia at SOTH Church at 480-837-9532.

Terri Schmidt and Susan Owens, Elders James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. They will truly know we are Christians by our good works. One of the things God wants us to do is live our lives as Christ did and help those in need.

Support Our Troops

Donna Sims has asked for our help again for the boxes going overseas to the troops. She is in need of individual snack packs of Rice Krispies bars, individual bags of nuts, breakfast or power bars, candy canes, dice, hand-Iwipes, puzzle books. There are boxes of Christmas cards in the Narthex that need to be signed to be included in these boxes. Remember as you sign your name to be sure and add the Church name to these cards also. If Donna does not have enough donated items at the time of packing the boxes, she has to buy them, so if you do not wish to buy items, donations of money are very welcome. We want to Thank you in advance for the help with these things. If you want to help her pack the boxes, please let Donna know and she will call when she is ready to start boxing them up for shipping.

Extended Hands Food Bank

Thank you for donating the breakfast foods last month. Pastor Iverson was glad to get the extra cereals for the food bank. We are continuing to help out at Jim Bobs Fish Fry on Friday nights. Thank you to Vivian Virden, Nancy Wulfmeier, and Susan Lickman for helping on October 4, 2013. This is a fun way to help out the Food Bank as well as visit with fellow towns people. Another of the things that helps EHFB is Maxs Closet. If any of you have clothing you no longer need, we are collecting them for Maxs closet. Many of these clothes go to those who really need them, some for a small fee and some for nothing. You can bring them to the church and we will take them to Maxs closet.

Tons of Turkeys
We will be collecting frozen turkeys again this year. We will collect the turkeys on November 17th, and November 24th. These turkeys will go to Extended Hands Food Bank to help those in need have a Thanksgiving dinner . We are also asking for nonperishable holiday foods to complete these dinners.

With all the turmoil our country is in, we want to extend our gratitude to all of you who so graciously give to help others. I am always amazed at the generosity of our Church Family. Thank you to all of you for your gifts of food, money and time. I know God is truly pleased anytime we give to those in need. May God continue to bless each of you. If you would like to join us on the Mission Committee, we meet the second Monday of the month at 4:00pm.

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In Touch

November 2013 page 4

Mens Group

MENS FELLOWSHIP FHPC Mens Fellowship will meet for breakfast on Saturday, November 9th in the Fellowship Center at 9:00 a.m. All the men of the church are invited and encouraged to share in the meal and enjoyment of being together as a caring community. Invite your neighbors and friends!

To All My Dear Friends at FHPC, Words cannot adequately express my feelings of gratitude and love for the honor you bestowed on me and my husband Dieter on Church Appreciation Sunday. You all made me feel like a queen for the day. I am so very blessed to be here among you. When one loves what they do then it is not a job but a joy. I am so very privileged to be a part of this church family. Experiencing your kindness and generosity makes me want to be a better person. Gods grace is at work here at FHPC. Thank you for the lovely flower rock garden arrangement, it is so very beautiful. The thoughtful plaque Pastor Bill presented me is in a place of honor on my desk at home. Both Dieter and I were stunned at your generosity in the gift card to our favorite restaurant Orange Sky at Talking Stick Casino. It is on the 16th floor with 360 degree views of our beautiful desert and mountains and the food is as spectacular. The gifts kept coming with your offering of a weekend getaway. I now know that my special day took weeks and weeks and weeks of planning. The brunch after the service was awesome; the head table and the use of silverware was so very, very thoughtful and caring. So many of you came up to me with a hug and a smile and even the following week when members and friends called the office they were as delighted as I was with that special day. To say thank you to you all is just not enough. You have a very special place in my heart and in my prayers always. God bless you all. Marta Ludwig

PLAN TO ATTEND!

Straight Talk about...AGING!

is coming to FHPC.

Saturday, January 18, 2014 9:00am to 3:00pm

Registration begins November 27. Stop by the table in the courtyard to register. Cost is $5.00 per person and includes a box lunch.

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In Touch

December 2011 page 6

Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team for 2013-2014 Moderator: Ilene Berg Mission Coordinator: Mary Alice Bivens Vice-Moderator : Susan Lickman Librarian: Barbara Oakeson Secretary: Linda Warren Membership/Yearbook Coordinator: Maria Berry Treasurer: Maria Berry Bible Study Coordinator: Evelyn Hrunek Publicity: Sally Atchinson Search Committee: Linda Capron Morning Circle Leader: Carol Fuls Evening Circle Leaders: Maria Berry & Jeanene Schopbach Afternoon Circle Leader: Martha Baxter Historian: Office Angels Hooked on Books Leader: Jan Hoff Out n About Leader: Arlene Olsen NOVEMBER
November 5 Afternoon Circle (1st Tuesday) 1 p.m. November 8-10 PW Synod SW Gathering in Albuquerque November 14 Morning Circle (2nd Thursday) 9 a.m. November 20 Hooked on Books 9:30 a.m. November 20 Out & About noon November 18 Evening Circle (4th Thursday) 7 p.m. Fountain View Village Chapel Adult Center See separate box See separate box

As Presbyterian Women we want to be involved in meaningful activities that benefit our own lives but also provide friendships and make a difference in our congregation and our town. I think the PW Purpose says its better than I can.

The Barriers of Poverty. Donna spoke at the Fall Gathering in October, so see the separate reporting on that. The magazine will make you aware of how many areas and activities Presbyterian women are involved in throughout the country. Look it over in the library.

PW Purpose
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to support the mission of the Church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church and witnesses to the promise of Gods kingdom. Our church library is a wonderful source of inspirational books and other materials. There are also copies of Horizons Bible Study books for past seasons as well as the current issue An Abiding Hope. The lessons are thoughtful and well prepared and if you are interested these may be purchased for your personal devotions even if you are unable to attend a circle. It could be ordered from Horizons, P.O. Box 421, Congers, N.Y. 10920-0421. (866-802-3635) or visit www.pcusa.org/horizons). I especially love the biblical interpretive quilts that are the art work throughout this issue since Im a quilter. Another resource you might enjoy would be the bimonthly magazine Horizons, a magazine for Presbyterian women. It includes a short summary of the Bible study month by month. The current issue focuses on the Appalachia area and our very own Donna Yordy authored an article entitled Breaking Down

PW of the Presbytery Fall Gathering

It was an exciting and productive day for the more than 50 women representing 14 churches in the Presbytery of Grand Canyon who attended Planning With Purpose, the PW of the Presbytery Fall Gathering held October 5 at First Presbyterian Church in Sun City. Ruby McKinzie, Moderator of Yarnell Presbyterian Women shared the poignant and frightening experience of the Yarnell Hill Fire, from the first sight of smoke to the rapid acceleration of the fire that destroyed so much property. She expressed the deep appreciation of the six families of Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church who lost their homes in the fire for the generous gifts that were donated to the Kitchen & Bath Shower. Rob Fohr, Young Adult Catalyst, Presbyterian Mission Agency, spoke to the group about ways to make our churches a welcoming environment for young adults. His personal witness was an inspiration for congregations working to increase their young adult membership. In an effort to promote new ideas, Moderators from various churches described programs that had been successful at their Gatherings. There were over 30 program ideas shared! PW leaders had an opportunity to exchange ideas to enhance their

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performance while serving their PW organization. Rev. Beverly Phillips gave an inspiring benediction as we surrounded the victims of the Yarnell Hill Wildfire in a show of support and love. - Ilene Berg

November 2013

Looking ahead to 2014:

January 18, 2014 January 20, 2014 March 1, 2014 March 23, 2014 April 5, 2014 Straight Talk about ...Aging! PW Winter Gathering PWP Winter Gathering GIFTS OF WOMEN Sunday PW Spring Gathering

-Sally Atchinson
Sally Atchinson was installed as Publicity Chair by Donna Yordy.

PW Fall Gathering.more photos on next page

Out n AboutOut to Lunch

HOOKED ON BOOKS will
We will meet at VU Bistro at 12:00 on November 20. This is located in the FRYS shopping center on Shea Blvd. If the weather is nice we can sit outside with a lovely view of the valley. As usual we will order off the menu and receive separate checks. Call Arlene Olsen at 837-4271 for reservations. meet on Wednesday, Nov. 20th at 9:30 AM at the home of Jan Hoff, 16540 E. El Lago Blvd. #43, F.H. Elsie Hoffarber will review American Dreams by John Jakes. You can add whatever you like to the discussion. All women are welcome to attend.

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PW Fall Gathering
After a delicious buffet of salads and two Appalachian desserts women of the church gathered in the fellowship center for our Fall Gathering. Karl Bielan, a country rock Christian folk singer, sang a number of songs concluding with a finale Appalachian desserts of Love will hold us together. Business reports were given and Sally Atchinson was installed as Publicity Chair and then the highlight of the evening was a presentation by Donna Yordy about her mission trip this summer to Appalachia. Admitting that the experience was much too meaningful and life changing to present in a short program, she nevertheless highlighted a large number of the places and exercises experienced. Presbyterian women are doing wonderful work in combating the poverty of this rural area. Donna highlighted the multiple hardships many families experience just surviving the daily challenges of caring for each other.

Donna Yordy, Speaker

Ilene Berg, Moderator

Karl Bielan, Country Rock Christian Folk Singer

Not Yet A Member?

If you are interested in joining our church family, please see or call Gail Botsford at 412-613-3312 or call the church office at 480-837-1763.

Gail Botsford, Elder

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November 2013

STEWARDSHIP
Our annual stewardship campaign is set to kick off at the November 3rd worship service and will conclude three weeks later with Consecration Sunday. Since we work together in accomplishing our mission it seems natural to consider us brothers and sisters of one big family. With this in mind, we have chosen Family Together in Faith as the theme for this years campaign. The session and church committees are working diligently to consider what God wants us to do in the year ahead. Some special concerns are: Working to address the needs and concerns of those in our congregation who are advancing in age. Seeking new and imaginative ways to play a more vital role in the Fountain Hills community. Continuing our momentum to gather youth and young families into our family of faith. Ensuring the continuing viability of our facilities as well as the long term financial stability of our church. Your pledge card will be mailed to you shortly along with a brochure outlining the core stewardship beliefs of FHPC. We trust you and your loved ones will study this material carefully and prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give to support His work. May Gods abundant blessing be upon you and your loved ones. Respectfully,

Jerry Maples and John Brockelman Co-chairs of the 2014 Stewardship Campaign

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation

An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow
Foundation Board of Trustees Barbara Oakeson Matt Jefferson Roy Nickel Jerry Cain 480-837-5563 Susan Phillips 480-837-6001 Gary Reynolds 480-688-8392 b Ben Fast 480-837-1764 480-837-1225 480-836-9552 480-837-1119

Gifts given to the Memorial Fund are used by the church for current needs or special items. Many times these donations are in lieu of flowers at a Memorial Service. The Foundation receives cash gifts at any time or bequests through wills or trusts at the time of death of the person wishing to insure the future prosperity and continuation of the church. Any member of the Foundation board can answer questions you might have about setting up your final documents and you are always welcome to attend any Foundation Board meetings.

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Special Jeff Dayton Concert

Here on November 5, 2013 at 7:00 PM Nashville songwriter, guitarist and touring artist Jeff Dayton will return to his Fountain Hills roots for a very special concert of audience favorites and entertaining original songs. Dayton spent 20 years touring with Kenny Chesney, Lee Greenwood and most notably, Glen Campbell. He has songs recorded by George Strait (country) plus more in blues, zydeco and pop markets. Hot off his network TV appearances on Hawaii Five-O and Nashville, Dayton has been touring the country with his unique blend of classic songs from the country greats like Glen Campbell, Roger Miller, Johnny Cash and pop icons Sam Cooke, Bill Withers and Otis Redding, mixed with the best of todays sounds. His six CDs show the versatility that helped make him one of Arizonas most popular bandleaders and a Verde Valley Hall of Fame member. Long-time FH residents will remember Jeff and his bands from the KMLE Country 4th of July, 8 Great Fair, White Castle Days and many other appearances at the Village Pub, Alamo and Saddle Bronc. Joining Jeff for this show will be his daughter Carrie Dayton, now 25 and a wonderful singer in her own right who will also be returning to the town where she was born. Tickets $12 and available at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church office or at the door.

FEAST OF THANKS
Thanksgiving Dinner

Saturday, November 23, 2013 5:30 p.m.

Fellowship Center Provided by C.L.A.F.
On Saturday, Nov. 23rd at 5:30 p.m. C.L.A.F. will be sponsoring a Thanksgiving dinner for the entire congregation. You will be able to sign-up to attend the dinner on the first three Sundays in November. The dinner is free but when you sign up for the dinner you will have the opportunity to select which side dish you wish to contribute to the meal. It will be a wonderful evening that our members can spend together giving thanks for all of the blessings we have received. This dinner will be replacing the Consecration Brunch that usually follows the Sunday morning service. Please put the date on your calendar. C.L.A.F.

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November 2013

Triennium

The participants who enjoyed the Presbyterian Youth Triennium this past summer graciously thanked their church family for their support that made it all possible.

Church Appreciation Sunday

"A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped the Worship and Music Committee pull off the well kept secret from Marta(and this took some doing!!), that October 20th was actually the day to honor Marta, and to show our appreciation for all that she does and has been doing for the past 10 years. And Martawe send our best to you and thanks for being there for each of us. - Letha, Elder of Worship & Music

In Touch

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Christian Formation
We are so happy to see many of our winter visitors joining in our activities, sharing in fellowship and sharing in God's Ministry. We welcome all who wish to participate. Here is what is going on at Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church this fall. or if a child needs extra attention. We will always offer more to provide a Christian ministry with children even the babies. held each T hursday morning at 7:00 a.m. in the Adult Center. We have a lot of fun and fellowship coffee and donuts while reading, discussing, and learning about what God is calling us to be and do. We have a great group and welcome other men. See you then. - John Bivens

THE WAY
On Wednesday evenings, after a GOURMET DINNER by Chef Arlene, we invite all adults to the Bible Study from 6:30 7:45 pm. We have had guest teacher, Pastor Ken Brown with us for 3 more exciting Wednesday evenings in November. Check out the box to the right for news about his November topics. Come and join us for fine food and fellowship at 6:00 pm. We will be joined by the Elementary Kids and our Teens. We ask for a small donation of $7.00 for dinner. Kids and Teens eat free. The Elementary Kids (Kid Community) meet from 5-6 pm. Their ministry has worship, music, traditions, storytelling, response and small group conversation and activity time. Wednesday Night Live for Teens meet at 6:30 pm. Teens will use a way of being together followed by facilitating a topic/lesson/issue then a D-group discussion. Included will be a teen adopted community mission of choice, summer camp, variety of socials.

Sabbath Day Bible Study

The Sabbath Day study of Deuteronomy will be concluded on Sunday, November 3rd. There will not be a Bible Study on November 10th since there will be a FHPC Congregational meeting on that day to elect church officers. But there will be a real treat on November 17th and November 24th. Pastor Bill Good will lead us in the study of Philippians the Apostle Pauls letter to Christians in the city of Philippi. You will want to take advantage of this Bible study. Join us at 10:15 11:15 a.m. in the Adult Center. CLAF graciously provides us with refreshments so we can fellowship while we learn what Paul tells us during his second missionary journey. We look forward to seeing you in the Sabbath Day Bible Studies in November. - John Bivens

Carol Hencz, Elder

The Way
Nov. 6 to Nov. 20
Special sessions With guest teacher Kenneth J. Brown

Truths that Grab Me And Wont Let Me Go

Blessed Beginnings Ministry

The former class study for this group has been replaced with our new Intergenerational Service which is being held from 11:15 - 12:15. We are offering Blessed Beginnings Ministry for infants. And a Ministry for preschoolers if f a m i l i e s choose not to keep younger ones with them

Salvation is NOT free, it cost God dearly I don't want you to read the Bible, I want you to wrestle with it Embracing God's Forgiveness Fully, Freely and Forever

Mens Bible Study What Is Judaism and What Can We Learn?

Most of us know very little about Judaism. What is it and what can we learn from it? Building upon the covenant, laws and Israelite rules we studied in Deuteronomy, it may be interesting to learn something about Judaism. If you have an interest, please join in the Mens Bible Study

There will be no meeting on November 27.

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November 2013

From the Director of Christian Formation

Upcoming Events:
Life With God Discipleship for Elementary Engaging biblical stories and spiritual practices to connect a childs spirit to the Holy Spirit. By opening a space for relationship with the living God, children have a chance to interact with God and as a result, be changed more and more into Debby DeBernardi the likeness of Christ. Register your elementary child to attend Life With God for Children discipleship. Begins with Advent lessons in December. Group(s) meets between services from 10:15-11:15 am. Parents may attend fellowship or the adult bible study that meets at the same time. Maximum growth in Christ-likeness happens when we all grow together! Contact Debby to register and for information about the parent meeting to learn more! LIfe with God Parent Meeting (Children welcome to attend, too) Sunday, November 17 at 10:30 am in the Education Building. Live Nativity with Petting Stable on the Avenue Avenue of the Fountains December 7th from 5:30 - 6:30 pm and 6:307:30 pm Be a part of the holy family talking with kids and families as they pet the stable animals and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Music, a surprise shepherd song and gifts handed out by the Wisemen offers a festive evening. Live Nativity with Petting Stable 1/2 hour before and after the 4:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service. Sign-up to dress up and be a part of the Live Nativity on the Avenue or on Christmas Eve. Contact the church office at 480-837-1763. Wired for Success Infant Brain Development Workshop Saturday, January 11, 2014 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Fellowship Center A free 4-hour workshop that addresses developments in neuroscience and presents practical methods for stimulating healthy early brain development in children. We have a grant plus we were able to receive 4 Continuing Education Units from Rio Salado for early childhood providers for a small fee of $25. Workshop great for new parents, grandparents, and church nursery / preschool volunteers and childcare providers. Request posters and flyers through the church office.

Treat 4 Treat
Teens Treat Home Bound Who Have Given Us a Faith Legacy of Love

What a joy to see and hear teens treat, thank and give hugs to some of our older saints who have given us such a rich heritage of faith and legacy of love. I enjoyed seeing surprised faces (even if they knew we were coming) and the people melting by the hugs of teens! We appreciate all of your return thanks from edible treats like Twinkies, candy and cookies to special notes and e-mails! God has a way to send others to minister at just the right times. It was not just a fun activity (although it was!) but it also was used by God for the sake of others. One person even wrote, There stood scripture at the door! I Timothy 2: 3-4. They truly made our evening. And the youth, David and Johanna Hissler, Christian Fuchs from Germany, Sean Nangle, Ryan Zenhausern, Jacob Eberspacher and Trey Uphoff along with the leaders Tyson, Kristi (and precious Ella) Robinson, Jack Morris and Debby DeBernardi echo the sentiment back! We had a great time!

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In Touch
Continued from page ...13 Elementary Why Scream When You Can Shout Party

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My Thankful Heart
Making the stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner helps restore my heart to gratefulness. First I cut bread into cubes to dry out. Has it really been a year since I thanked God for the simple things of life? Dear God, thank you for my daily bread. Next I boil giblets for the tasty broth. When did I last express thanks for my body even the oft-forgotten parts? Thank you, God, for creating and sustaining me. Than I dice onions and celery, adding them to the mixture. That reminds me to thank God for abundant harvest. Finally I measure raisins, nuts, sage and salt into the stuffing, as scents fill the air. Lord, help me not grow weary of the interesting spices that fill my life. As the stuffing goes into the oven, warm air wafting into the kitchen, I remember to thank God for providing my home. Here relatives and friends gather, often as odd combination. Yet when we bow our heads in thankfulness, were an unbeatable mix.
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Elementary kids had all the loudness, fun, and excitement they expect and desire while the eternal purposes of revealing how they can live a winning life in Christ was promoted during our Fall Party! The lesson focused on the idea that there is a difference between screaming and shouting. You Scream when you believe that you are defeated or Shout when you know that you have won! 1 Corinthians 15:57 says that each believer has already won through Jesus! Why, then, do we see so many Christian kids (and adults) become fearful or defeated? Because we do not know or forget how to live life with Jesus! This party experience had kids SHOUTing with excitement and joy as they discovered 5 kid-relevant ways to win everyday by living life with Jesus!

Treat made by the elementary kids and delivered by the Wednesday Night Live Youth Group to homebound friends.

Protect your health by finding out your risk of having a stroke by participating in the Life Line Screening that will be at Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 18, 2013. Through ultrasound we evaluate the carotid arteries for the buildup of fatty plaque, which is the leading cause of stroke. Register today for the Stroke, Vascular & Heart Rhythm package, which includes four screenings: carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners. In addition, please take just three minutes to learn more about Life Line Screening by watching this short threeminute video: http://www.lifelinescreeningblog.com/introduction/

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November 2013
Greetings. This blog is an answer to a question. The more that we learn the more we should want to share. This blog is for the sharing of information to help with our journey / adventure towards a deeper understanding of our faith. You may also go online thru our website www.fhpresbyterian.info and click on the BLOG button and add your comments, as well as see what others are thinking. Check it out.

Watch Your Step

Avoiding religious ditches. By the time Jesus began His ministry in the early days of the 1st Century, the Pharisees (the religious elite of that time) had added many of their own rules to the Jewish laws. There were so many dos and donts that religious life had become a burden to the Jewish people. There are many in our religious communities, like the Pharisees of old, who have allowed the purpose the intended message of Jesus - to be overshadowed by the process of trying to act religious. Jesus referred to these people as the blind leading the blind and said that this type of misguidedness would eventually lead them to fall into a ditch. In all aspects of life, but especially in knowing the truth of God, it is our responsibility to stay true to His word. We must sift through the religious practices that may be leading us into a ditch and away from focusing on a true relationship with Christ. After all, Jesus did not come to start a religion. He came to testify to the truth of God, offering us a revolutionary new way of living out Gods plan. Matthew 15:14 Michael Belk, artist

Tickets for Concert Series 2014

The Entertainment Concert Series at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church will start single ticket purchases for all shows on December 1st . There will be a ticket sales kick-off at 8:30 am in the church Fellowship Hall and after church until 10.15 am. You can also purchase tickets at the church office on Fountain Hills Blvd. during the week, 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. NO CREDIT CARDS! Season tickets are also still available for all six shows. Church telephone number is 480-837-1763. Concert Series features: Brad Cummings (Ventriloquist) New Odyssey (3 Guys30 Instruments) Mark Preston (of the Letterman) Bommerama Blast (Music Hits from 50s-70s) Doo Wah Riders (Country with Cajun Twist) Dan Bennett (Comedy & Unique Juggler)

Jan. 14th Jan. 28th Feb. 11th Feb. 25th Mar. 11th Mar. 25th

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In Touch

August 2011 page 16

Library Footnotes
Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kellys story is a reminder of the power of true grit, the patience needed to overcome unimaginable obstacles, and the transcendence of love. Their arrival in the world spotlight came under the worst of circumstances. On January 8, 2011, while meeting with her constituents in Tucson, Gabby was the victim of an assassination attempt that left six people dead and thirteen wounded. Gabby was shot in the head; doctors called her survival miraculous. As the nation grieved and sought to understand the attack, Gabby remained in private, focused on her against all odds recovery. Intimate, inspiring, and unforgettable moving, Gabby provides an unflinching look at the overwhelming challenges of brain injury, the painstaking process of learning to communicate again, and the responsibilities that fall to a loving spouse who wants the best possible treatment for his wife. Told in Marks voice and from Gabbys heart, the book also chronicles the lives that brought these two extraordinary people together their humor, their ambitions, their sense of duty, their longdistance marriage, and their desire for family. They made a pledge to tell their account as honestly as possible, and they have done so in riveting detail. Both Gabby and Mark have lived large public lives, but this book takes readers behind many closed doors from the flight deck of the space shuttle to the cloakrooms of Congress to the hospital wards where Gabby struggled to reclaim herself with the help of formidable medical teams and devoted family and friends. The two of them are America as we dream it can be.

- Barbara Oakeson

A hymn of praise
The familiar hymn often called The Doxology or The Common Doxology was written by Thomas Ken in 1674 as the concluding verse of a morning hymn, Awake, My Soul, and With the Sun, and an evening hymn, Glory to Thee, My God, This Night. The lyrics are appropriate for any time of giving or thanksgiving. Consider using this hymn as your Thanksgiving dinner prayer. Praise God from whom all blessing flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Some church bodies have altered the words to The Doxology slightly, but the overall sentimentpraising the Triune God-remains the same. How profound to know that when we sing it, we join Christians around the world and across nearly 440 years!
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St. Benedicts Rule

When St. Benedict wrote guidelines for Christian living more than 1,300 years ago, he focused on gratitude. The first rule is simply this: live this life and do whatever is done in a spirit of Thanksgiving. Abandon attempts to achieve security; they are futile. Give up the search for wealth; it is demeaning. Quit the search for salvation; it is selfish. And come to comfortable rest in the certainty that those who participate in this life with an attitude of Thanksgiving will receive its full promise.
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November 2013

AT&T Cell Tower Update

Miscellaneous
States AND WHAT THEY ARE FAMOUS FOR
NORTH DAKOTA........... Rigby, North Dakota, is the exact geographic center of North America. OHIO............The hot dog was invented here in 1900. OKLAHOMA............The grounds of the state capital are covered by operating oil wells. OREGON............Has the most ghost towns in the country. PENNSYLVANIA............The smiley : ) was first used in 1980 by computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University . RHODE ISLAND............The nation's oldest bar, the White Horse Tavern, opened here in 1673. SOUTH CAROLINA.........Sumter County is home to the world's largest gingko farm. SOUTH DAKOTA...........Is the only state that's never had an earthquake. TENNESSEE...........Nashville's Grand Ole Opry is the longest running live radio show in the world. TEXAS.......Dr. Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885.The hamburger was invented in Arlington in 1906. UTAH...........The first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant opened here in 1952. VERMONT..........Montpelier is the only state capital without a McDonald's. VIRGINIA..........Home of the world's largest office building, The Pentagon. WASHINGTON............Seattle has twice as many college graduates as any other state. WASHINGTON D.C.........Is the first planned capital in the world WEST VIRGINIA............Had the world's first brick paved street, Summers Street, laid in Charleston in 1870. WISCONSIN............The ice cream sundae was invented here in 1881 to get around Blue Laws prohibiting ice cream from being sold on Sunday. Also the American Water Spaniel was created there and is the state dog. WYOMING.........Was the first state to allow women to vote.

(final)

I hope you enjoyed this. Just proving no matter how old your are, you can still learn something new.

In Touch

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Member Spotlight . Did you know?

I was born in Amboy, Illinois in April of 1963. Amboy is a small farming community 100 miles west of Chicago and 50 miles south of Rockford, Illinois. I grew up on a farm in an even smaller community, Franklin Grove, Illinois. My ancestors had helped settle this Paula Eberspacher area back in the early 1800s. They also helped establish the Church of the Brethren in our town. It is the same church I was baptized and married in. The house I grew up in was built in 1837. It had been homesteaded from the state of Illinois by my great, great, great Grandfather, Jacob Riddlesbarger. He is who our Jacob is named after. I have two sisters, who both now live here in Fountain Hills too!! My first jobs were babysitting and mowing lawns. Looking back, I had a pretty carefree childhood. At the time, I couldnt wait to get out of that small town and now as an adult, I couldnt wait to get back to a small town. I work for the same company now that I did when we lived in Chicago. I am a Billing Manager for Uropartners, LLC. It is one of the largest urology groups in the nation. I do billing and take patient calls for 6 of the doctors who are part of this organization. I have worked with this group for over 20 years and am so blessed they chose to keep me after we relocated from Chicago. The guys I work for are terrific doctors and they feel like family to me. I love my job and it has been wonderful to be able to work from home while raising my boys. I met Chuck while I was tending bar at a little neighborhood bar in Chicago. I was finishing college at Loyola University and Chuck was already on the job as a Police Officer. His tactical team would come in for a beverage after work some days and Chuck was a great tipper!! We met the year the Bears won the Super Bowl in 1985, so football is near and dear to my heart! We relocated here to Fountain Hills in July of 2006 after Chuck retired from the Chicago Police Department. We had been coming out for visits to Fountain Hills since 1997. We joined the church in September 2007 and have been active members ever since. I love music (I think most of you already know that about me). I appreciate and am thankful for the role Deb Fisher has taken with my boys and more recently with me. Listening and singing music fills me with joy and I am grateful to have the opportunity to help with our second service. I pray every day that more families come and find something here at our church that encourages them to become a part of our church family. The friends I have made here at FHPC are the best! I love our church! My parents had the biggest impact in my life. Church was a huge part of their lives and mine while growing up. It helped to prepare me for the ups and downs that life gives us. They were caring, loving people and I thank God that he chose them to be my parents. I miss them every day. I hope my boys will someday think the same of me. One of the craziest things I have done in recent years (that I can talk about) is getting up at 2:30 a.m. to hike to the top of Thompsons Peak to watch sunrise with Charlie. It was a great bonding time and beautiful, but exhausting for this 50 year old!!! Best advice I have ever been given is Control is an illusionlet go and let God!

A Veterans Day prayer

God of all nations, you are our Strength and Shield. We give you thanks today for the devotion and courage of all those who have offered military service for the country . . . We ask today that you would lift up, by your Spirit, those who are now at war; encourage and heal those in hospitals or mending their wounds at home; guard those in any need or trouble; hold safely in your hands all military families and bring the returning troops to joyful reunion and tranquil life at home. Give to us, your people, grateful hearts and a united will to honor these men and women and hold them always in our love and our prayers until your world is perfected in peace and all wars cease. Through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Phillips

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November 2013 Hospitalized? Call the church! If you are sick, hospitalized or home recovering from illness, we want you to call the church and let us know! In a congregation like ours where people leave in droves for extended summer months, it is easy for the staff, elders and deacons to assume, when we dont see someone, that they are simply vacationing away. The truth is that some of you are sick and we are not aware of it. You can help us by simply letting one of the staff know of your situation. We have an excellent support system in place due to

With deepest sympathy we list those members who have passed away in 2013.

Herbert Robinson Goldie Demeter Jean Bricker Dean Heiser Tony Atchinson Barbara Wyman John Fenley Glenn Atchinson Susan Strom (Jensen) James Johnston

Leave some white space

In publication layouts, white space is an important design element. Instead of being a wasted area, it actually provides visual relief for readers. A similar concept applies to a family calendar. How much white space do you leave in each little square? With a fast-paced, no-white-space life, relationships suffer. But when you allow your schedule to slow down, leaving openings for adventure, spontaneity and down-time, family members can grow closer to one another.
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Well done, Thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy Of thy Lord.
Matthew 25:21

By Communication Resources Inc.

A very Special Thank you to very Special Deacons,

Thank you to Ruby Pearson for bringing me home from Fountain View Skilled Nursing and for delivering all of my belongings with me. Ruby has stopped by to visit with me and make sure all was well with me almost every day. Another deacon is Yvonne Ellingson. I am so very blessed to have not one but two such angels looking out for my welfare besides all the other friends from FH Presbyterian Church. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. - Blanche Brisbane

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

11/01 11/02 11/02 11/03 11/03 11/10 11/12 11/12 Gary DeBernardi Louise Jones Jack Morris, Jr. Jean Foster Marilyn Pape John Skewes Bob Berg Melissa Fast 11/13 11/13 11/13 11/14 11/15 11/15 Bill Neal Sandi Thompson Trey Uphoff Geraldine Hull Tom Kautz Connie McCanless 11/15 Sue Mumma 11/19 Dorothy Rudak 11/20 Kris Peluso 11/21 J. Russel Larson 11/24 Monika Buck 11/28 Mary Jo Roy 11/29 Connie Harris 11/30 Nicole Zenhausern

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

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Current Resident or
To see the photos in beautiful living color, go to our website: www.fhpresbyterian.info

In Touch is published monthly; deadline for each issue is the 15th of the month before publication. News and information should be submitted to the church office in hard copy, or email to fhpresbyterian.office@gmail.com Editor, Marta Ludwig; Proof Reader, Helen Roesch; Staff Photographer: Gary Oakeson; Production and Circulation: Mary Wernecke, Bobbie Dangremond, Ruby Pearson, Marilyn Humes, Arlene Olsen and Vivian Virden. Travel to Bulk Mail Post Office: Mary Martinson.

Filling Up Our Recycle Bin

Jake Eberspacher and Sean Nangle took it upon themselves to go to the Fountain Hills Community Center and bring their recyclable materials to our recycle bin. Way to go boys! We receive an income from the Vista Paper Recycle program. Please help and bring your recyclable papers to the bins at the top of our parking lot. Thank you.

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