FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH
Fountain Hills, AZ
From Our Pastor Rev. Bill Good WAITING AND WALKING
And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light (John 3:19) There is no star to guide us through this season. At first we simply wait in darkness. Lent ushers us from darkness into light. Lent teaches us to walk in the way of the Christ. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2) Come. Join in the journey. Come. Walk with us. Sundays throughout Lent, 9 & 11:15am: We gather in worship to sing our songs, search the Scriptures and share our hope. Wednesday Evening Vespers, April 2nd & 9th, 6:30pm: Candlelight, prayer and sacred song prepare us as we gather for a meal at Christs table. Pastor Bill will bring a brief message each evening focused on Jesus great priestly prayer recorded in John 17. Dinner and fellowship precedes the service from 5:45-6:30 in our Fellowship Center. Palm Sunday, April 13th, 9 & 11:15am: We follow our children joyfully waving palm branches as we take our places amongst the throngs cheering the Messiahs triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey! Maundy Thursday, April 17th, 7pm: As a dramatic reenactment unfolds before us, we participate in that final Passover meal, transformed by the love of Christ into the Lords Supper. The fateful events of the evening leave us departing a shadowed sanctuary and a chancel draped in black. Good Friday, April 18th, Noon-1:00pm: We join in worship with our Presbyterian family at Mountain View Church in Scottsdale. During the service, we will hear the seven last words from the cross, spend time in prayer and view a special media presentation. Pastors from both churches will participate. Mt. View PC is located at 8050 E. Mt. View Rd. in Scottsdale NW corner of Hayden & Mt. View. The Great Vigil of Easter, Saturday, April 19th, 7pm: The world changes before our eyes! A worship journey begun in Good Friday darkness and despair is transformed -- beginning with but a single candle -- into Resurrection light and hope. Our first Easter celebration has begun! Again, we will share in worship with our friends from Mt. View PC. This time, we will gather in our sanctuary. Easter - The Day of Resurrection, April 20th, 9 & 11:15am: Christ the Lord is risen today!! We sing our alleluias as we share our joy in worship. May the Lord, be with us in our waiting and in our walking. May the light shine brightly! Grace and Peace,

April 2014

Palm Sunday April 13 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

FHPC VISION & MISSION STAMENTS Our Vision:

Maundy Thursday April 17 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 18 Noon 1:00 p.m. Good Friday Service at Mt View Presbyterian Easter Saturday, April 19 7 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter Easter April 20 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Living Gods love.

calls us to . . . Our Mission :

Reach out to all with faith and love.

Rev. Oct/15/2013

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

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Focus on Finance
Feb. Income Feb. Expense $ 36,455 $ 37,811 Budget Budget $ 43,450 $ 38,125

Rev. Stan Jones

Parish Associate

Debby DeBernardi
Director Christian Formation

Marta Ludwig
Administrative Coordinator

Yr to date Income

$ 84,852

Budget Budget

$ 91,750 $ 74,636

Debbie Fisher
Director of Music Ministry

Yr to date Expense $ 74,252

Dorothy Parris
Pianist

Caryl Bates
Organist

Lynn Medley
Custodian

CHURCH TREASURER John Skewes CHURCH SESSION Class of 2014 Mary Alice Bivens Gail Botsford Jerry Cain Carol Hencz Letha Neely Class of 2015 Brooks Benjamin John Brockelman Helen Quigley Terri Schmidt Chris Young Class 2016 Sally Atchinson Bob Lull John Skewes Arlene Stewart BOARD OF DEACONS Moderator: Yvonne Ellingson Class of 2014 Irene Cain Yvonne Ellingson Phyliss Kern Helen Roesch Class of 2015 Ben Fast Jack Morris Ruby Pearson Bev Watters Class 2016 Suzie McCready Dorothy Rudack Donna Sims Nancy Wulfmeier

Income for February (Pledges + Contributions) stumbled in the second half of the month, leaving a cash shortfall of about $7,000 for the January/February period. To finish the all-important first quarter of the fiscal year on Plan, we anxiously hope for a rebound month in March. Turning to Expenses, those numbers were right on the mark for February as well as year-to-date. Respectfully, John Skewes, Treasurer

On the Inside:
From the Pastor .. .. .. . .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. .. .. . .. . . .. Focus on Finance .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . Stewardship .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . Mission Ministry . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . Stewardship .. . .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . ... .. .. . .. . . . Did You Know? .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . .. Presbyterian Women .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. Easter Week Remembrance Brunch . . ... ... .. .. . .. . Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series 2014.. . . FHPC Foundation .. .. . .. . ... . .. . .. . .. . Lenten Season .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . .. .. .. .. Christian Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .. .. . .. .. . . . . . From the Director of Christian Formation .. . . . . . . . . Invitation .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . .. .. . .. . .. Library Footnotes.. .. . .. . . . . . Music Ministry .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. Member Spotlight...Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . Necrology for 2013 & 2014 .. .. . . .. .. . .. April Birthdays .. .. .. . . .. Office Angel Ministry .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . . 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 8 9 9 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 19 20

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In Touch

April, 2014 page 4

Stewardship
Gods Kingdom is the place of abundance where every generous act overflows its original bounds and becomes part of the unbounded Grace of God at work in the world.
- Henri Nouwen

Mens Fellowship

Congregational Life & Fellowship Mission Committee

Youth & Teens: 30 Hour Famine

Building & Grounds

Celebration Singers Celebration Singers Worshiping together

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In Touch

November 2012 page 4

Mission Ministry
During this Easter Season I am aware of all of the changes that are going on in our world today. We all would love to see our world change and become a more loving and giving place. This reminds me of a quote by Leo Tolstoy Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. How can we expect the world to change if we Terri Schmidt, Elder dont first live our lives, as God would have us? We, in the Mission Ministry, are trying to live our lives as God would want. Here are a few of the things in which we are currently involved.. used to buy building supplies, personal hygiene supplies, as well as medical supplies or even drilling new water wells. So, as you can see, this offering is very important. We are asking, when you receive the envelopes with your bulletins on designated Sundays, that you will be sure and give.

Maxs Closet
If you did not get all of your closets cleaned out during the Church Rummage Sale, you can donate your items to Maxs Closet. This used clothing and furniture outlet is in conjunction with Extended Hand Food Bank. The money that is collected on the sale of these items is donated to the Food Bank. If you need someone to come and pick-up your things, their phone number is 480/580-2889. The store hours are Friday and Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. We have many more plans that we will be discussing next month. But, in the meantime, I want to wish you all a Happy Easter. If you want to do something especially meaningful to celebrate this year, take a short trip down to Shea and 40th. There is a wonderful place called Canaan in the Desert. It is run by several Nuns and has 10 Stations of the Cross. It has several benches to sit and meditate at the stations. I was lucky enough to go with the elementary kids when Debby DeBernardi took them down there on Ash Wednesday. This really was a very memorable experience and I highly recommend it to all.

Extended Hands Food Bank

We were there to help with the March 7th Jim Bobs Friday Night Fish Fry. Thank you to Penny, Keith, Bryan and Mia Junk, Susan Lickman and Susan Owens for serving 184 fish dinners. Upon talking with Pastor Dave Iverson, the food bank in is need of peanut butter, jelly and mayonnaise. After all, what kind of tuna sandwich can you make without mayo! Thank you for your continued support of the Food Bank.

Changing Lives Center

Once again this Easter we will be making the residents at the Changing Lives Center a little bit happier. We are in the process of getting some CD/radio players to take down there for the families. These will stay in the apartments when the residents move out. This facility has no cable or TVs in the apartments, so these players give the residents some enjoyment. We will also be collecting slightly used CDs or new ones for these ladies. So if you have CDs laying around that you no longer listen to, bring them and we will take them down. We will also be taking Easter goodies for the children who live in the facility.

Blankets Plus
We are very proud to announce that the total to date of donations received for Blankets Plus is a whopping $3145.00 We are humbled by your generosity.

One Great Hour of Sharing

On Palm Sunday and Easter Sundays we will be collecting for One Great Hour of Sharing. This project is a collection of donations that will be used to help those who are affected by Natural Disasters. These disasters are both in the United States as well as in other countries. This money can be

If you If you If you If you If you

want want want want want

happiness happiness happiness happiness happiness

for for for for for

an hour take a nap a day go fishing a month get married a year inherit a fortune a lifetime help others (Chinese Proverb)

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April, 2014

Did You Know?

Donna Yordy along with 7 other individuals was inducted into the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame for 2014. The induction dinner was held on Wednesday, March 19 at the Fountain Hills Community Center. Pastor Bill Good and Debby DeBernardi along with many friends and supporters attended the dinner in her honor. We are so very proud to have Donna as an active member of our church family.

Daffodil Hope In Lisa Genovas novel Love Anthony, Olivia lives on Nantucket Island, where winter is long but daffodils bloom even while its still cold. In one scene, she watches the flowers shivering in the wind, impossible bright and fragile and brave against the cold grayness. Struggling with deep grief, Olivia finds hope in the bright yellow blooms after a long, bleak winter. She embraces the daffodil as a sign that summer will come again-and that life will return to her as well. In Christ, God gives us hope that sometimes appears vibrant against the grayness of earthly life. We cling to it because weve seen the promise made good before-winter yielding to summer, a new beginning granted-and we trust that new life will return to us, as well.
-The Newsletter Newsletter

RUMMAGE SALE
From this.

To this...sorted, priced and displayed!

The Rummage Sale was a very busy place between March 17 and 22! What a joy to see so many people working together for a common goal. We want to thank each and every one of you who helped as well as all those who donated the ton of stuff we had to offer our community for the rummage sale. There were many treasures to be had. Everyone went away happy. We will have more pictures for you in our next newsletter.

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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

April 1 April 4 April 5 April 10 April 16 April 16 April 22 April 24

1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.

Afternoon Circle at Fountain View Village Coordinating Council, Adult Center, FHPC SPRING GATHERING Morning Circle in Adult Center, FHPC Hooked On Books (see separate box for details) Out n About (see separate box for details) Evening Circle, home of Donna Yordy, 16800 El Lago Blvd #1076 Backpack Volunteers, call Mary Alice Bivens at 480-329-4620 (8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.)

In this busy season of the year let us look for the calm eye in the middle of the storm. Norman Vincent Peale said The cyclone drives its power from a calm center. So does a person. We know that our calm center and power is the Holy Spirit. If we can adopt this concept to our lives we can weather the storms. In preference to getting twirled around in the storm let us reside in the Center and let it rage around us. Storms take our energy, attention and focus; they push us in all directions. Let us choose time together and look to the Lord. There are so many calming images in Gods Word. Were remembering the Exodus story of deliverance during this season . In Exodus 15:26 we read If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes.I am the Lord who heals you. To me the beauty of that promise is that the word heal in Hebrew (raphah) means to mend (by stitching), repair thoroughly, make whole (Strongs). Isnt that a fabulous promise that if we listen to the Lord hell stitch us up. We can mend garments but HE CAN MEND US!

APRIL

Heres a poem by Sunniva Graves called Your Face Of all the faces in a tumultuous world Yours is the one that sets me free The one I cannot see Your eyes look inward Give me outer strength Although I cannot hear your voice It speaks to me at length Your soothing peace Surrounds my restless sphere Your love gives life You are always there I drink the wine you gently set before me The broken bread fulfills my need A thankful heart I give to you

page 7 SPRING GATHERING: April 5 at 10:00 AM

Please bring a brunch dish to share and come. If you have some clothes you can donate to be used by women striving to mend their lives, please bring them to the Gathering. We will deliver them to The Clothes Silo. Eight women of our church will model clothes for a fun fashion show narrated by the Clothes Silo. They will have world trade items for sale. We will also have our annual book shower. New or gently used books about the Christian faith may be donated to our library to be shared or you may donate money instead which we use to purchase other needed books such as those recommended on the PW reading list for the next church year. Seven women honored at the PWP gathering in March for reading the past years books: Maria Berry, Carol Fuls, Sally Atchinson, Linda Warren, Jan Hoff, Donna Yordy and Barbara Oakeson. The new lists will be available at the Gathering. More Opportunities and Looking ahead April 26 October 11 University Presbyterian Church, Tempe. 2014-2015 Bible Study preview with Bev Phillips. Sunnyslope Presbyterian Church, PWP Fall Gathering

April, 2014
Easter Baskets
The Devereux baskets need to be brought back to church by April 13 so they can be delivered in time for Easter. Your help with this project is very much appreciated. These families currently struggling to provide basic needs are so appreciative of thoughtful things done for their children.

Sally Atchinson

November 3 OUR FALL GATHERING

Out n AboutOut to Lunch

Our April 16th outing will be at 12:00 noon at Tonto Verde Clubhouse (18401 El Circulo Dr., Tonto Verde). As usual we will order off the menu and receive separate checks. Call Arlene Olsen at 837-4271 for reservations.

HOOKED ON BOOKS
The April meeting of Hooked On Books will be on Wednesday, April 16th at 9:30 AM at the home of Jan Hoff. Arlene Olsen will review "Light Between the Oceans". Books no longer wanted may be bought for the Book Exchange. There is no fixed membership in Hooked on Books. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to attend the meetings. For further information contact Jan Hoff: 480-836-7551

In Touch
BAD NEWS/GOOD NEWS!

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EASTER WEEK REMEMBRANCE

The bad news is . . . . . . . . There is not going to be an Easter Brunch this year. Though we WILL have an Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 am. The good news is . . . . . .there is going to be an Easter Week/Remembrance Brunch on April 27 between the two worship services. So many people have family days planned on Easter Sunday and cant attend the traditional Easter Brunch, so CLAF and the 40th Anniversary Committee have partnered up to invite you to be our guests at a brunch April 27 to celebrate Easter Week, while we are Lookin Back and Movin On during our Churchs 40th Anniversary. Make sure to mark your calendars for April 27 . . . . . You wont want to miss morning worship where we will find out a little more about our Churchs and the people who worshipped in a bar. Of course, all this information will be followed by brunch with a little bit of entertainment thrown in. We dont want to run out of food, so please sign up to confirm your attendance starting March 30 and continuing April 6 and 13. You can also sign up in the office. Sign-up sheets will not be available Easter Sunday (April 20), so get your name on the list no later than April 13. CLAF and the 40th Anniversary Committee are looking forward to April 27. Hope everyone will be there to celebrate with us! CLAF & 40th Anniversary Committee

Chris Young

Susan Phillips

Helen Quigley

Not Yet A Member?

*If you are attending our church and dont have membership in another church, you can join our church by profession of faith and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism or, if youve already been baptized, you can join by reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ. *If you belong to another church, but would like to transfer your membership to our church, we can arrange for a letter of transfer from your current membership church to ours. *If you are a winter visitor and are an active member of another church back home, you can become an affiliate member at our church here and maintain your full active membership there. For additional information, please contact Gail Botsford at 412-613-3312, Sally Atchinson at 480-837-1054 or call the church office at 480-837-1763.
Sally Atchinson & Gail Botsford

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April, 2014

Concert Series 2014

The Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church. The popular series ended on March 25 with the fantastic juggler , Dan Bennett. Before that the concert goers were wowed with the Doo-Wah Riders who appeared in the amazing rock star bus. The DooWah Riders were from California where Donna Sims first heard them perform over 30 years ago! Thank you to all who helped with the concerts this year! From the stage set up/take down to ticket sales, from ushers to publicity personnel . Special thanks to Chris and Jen Young as well as Linda Warren and crew for the lovely and scrumptious socials that were held at the conclusion of each and every concert. The concert series are such a success only because of all the help we get from our church family. THANK YOU!

If you havent purchased your tickets for 2015, they are available in the church office.

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation

An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow

Foundation Board of Trustees Barbara Oakeson 480-837-5563 Matt Jefferson 480-837-6001 Ben Fast 480-837-1119 Susan Phillips 480-837-1225 Roy Nickel 480-688-8392 Jerry Cain 480-837-1764

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.

In InTouch Touch

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Lenten Season
Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the start of a 40-day period which is an allusion to the separation of Jesus in the desert to fast and pray. Debby DeBernardi arranged for a group of elementary youth and parents to go to Canaan in the Desert on Ash Wednesday. The sisters were gracious to allow our group to visit after hours for a personal experience of ten sculptured stations in the prayer garden. The interactive experience of Jesus passion and resurrection began with the sleeping disciples as we entered Gethsemane and concluded with dancing in joy at the sight of the resurrected Christ! After drinks at the Fountain of the Fathers Goodness, we departed with a refreshing gratitude for what God has done for us.

Vespers
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (Thess.5:16-18) Candlelight, prayer and sacred song prepare us as we gather reflectively and reverently for a meal at Christs table. Pastor Bill brought a brief message each evening focused on different aspects of Jesus Last Will & Testament recorded in the 17th Chapter of Johns Gospel. Join us April 2 & 9 at 6:30 PM. Dinner and fellowship precedes this event at 5:45 PM.

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April 2014

Lenten Season
Maundy Thursday

Very truly, I tell you one of you will betray me. (Jn. 13:21)

Do this in remembrance of me. (Lk. 22:19)

Worship moves from drama into darkness as we witness the foot washing and share the meal at the Lords table. 7pm Thursday, April 17 in our Sanctuary.

Good Friday
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be
rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. (Mk. 8:31-32)
Pastors from FHPC & Mt. View PC lead a service of prayer reflecting on the seven last words from the cross and accompanied by a special media presentation. Noon Friday, April 18 in Mt. View PC sanctuary.

The Great Vigil of Easter

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Lk. 1:78-79)
A worship journey begun in Good Friday darkness and despair is transformed before our eyes into the bright light of our first Easter celebration! Worship is shared with Mt. View PC. 7pm Saturday, April 19 in FHPC sanctuary.

EASTER The Day of Resurrection

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (Jn. 14:1, 27)
The moment weve all been waiting for: Christ the Lord is risen today!! He who was no more is now forevermore! We sing our alleluias as we share our joy in worship. 9am in Sanctuary. 11:15am in Fellowship Center.

In Touch

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Christian Formation
The Church is and of the Word of God through His SonJesus Christ; the teacher. Christ, the Head of the Church, gives to His Church its Faith, life, unity and Mission set forth in Arlene Stewart, Elder the Scripture and to be obeyed. The formation of Christian man through the Scripture, is for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture and Spiritual fellowship of the Children of God. This is the Ministry of Christian Formation. The Ministry of Christian Formation is a top priority of our Church. Our learning needs take place at every level of our Church with the goal of shaping, building and nurturing our faith systems. The Christian Formation Ministry will ensure learning is available for our congregation and the greater community. The ordained and installed Elders are charged with this responsibility on behalf of the congregation. The following are the responsibility of the Christian Formation Mission: Adult Education: for learning and shaping our Spiritual lives Special Educational Events: for experiencing Jesus Christ Stewardship: to interpret Christian Stewardship and fostering understanding of Biblical Stewardship Youth Groups: building learning opportunities for this age group Nursery Care: training and staffing the nursery with workers who demonstrate the love of God The Christian Formation Ministry team of Elders, members and Youth Director of Christian Formation, Debby DeBernardi, work to define its goals and set the strategies for performance to carry on the work. This committee needs the involvement of and representatives from all levels of our Church so that we may provide for the Spiritual needs of our congregation and community. Your participation is needed! Join us! Below are just some of the opportunities to support your Spiritual learning.

Wednesday Night Live for Teens

meet at 6:30 pm. This youth group will meet only twice a month until May due to commitments to so many other activities.

Sabbath Day Bible Study?

Come and join us as we seek to increase our understanding of Easter and the related actions and events that provide the context for this important religious day? Sabbath Day Bible Study meets each Sunday in the Adult Center from 10:15 for an hour until 11:15 after the 9:00 a.m. worship service. You can be with us and yet attend the second worship service at 11:15. Everyone is welcomed to attend. Please do! John Bivens

Mens Bible Study

In the Thursday morning Mens Bible Study, we have been reading, discussing, and trying to understand just what Jesus was saying in the first century and the implications his words have on us in our contemporary community of believers the Church. There is a core of men who attend regularly and contribute to the discussion by sharing their views about what is being said. We can make room for other Fountain Hills men so please dare to join us. We meet in the Adult Center at 7:00 a.m. each Thursday morning for study, coffee, donuts, fellowship, and friendship. All men are welcome regardless! John Bivens

Blessed Beginnings Nursery Ministry

We are offering Blessed Beginnings Ministry for infants during the second service (11:15-12:15 am). And a Ministry for pre-schoolers if families choose not to keep younger ones with them or if a child needs extra attention. We will always offer more to provide a Christian ministry with children - even the babies. (see Director of Christian Formation's page for specific programs and time).

VESPERS
Wednesday Evening Vespers April 2nd & 9th at 6:30 PM

THE WAY on Wednesdays

On Wednesday evenings, a GOURMET DINNER is prepared by Chef Arlene. Come join us for fine food and fellowship from 5:45 6:30 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. We then continue on to the Sanctuary for the Vespers Service. This format will continue for the 5 weeks of Lent.

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.

Candlelight, prayer and sacred song prepare us as we gather reflectively and reverently for a meal at Christs table. Pastor Bill will bring a brief message each evening focused on different aspects of Jesus Last Will & Testament recorded in the 17th Chapter of Johns Gospel. Dinner and fellowship precedes the service from 5:45 -6:30 PM in our Fellowship Center.

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April 2014

From the Director of Christian Formation

Thank you for your gracious donations of candy and basket items for children. We are a generous, loving and spirited community of faith! Debby DeBernardi were relating to the bullying Jesus experienced and his silent forgiving love. Children were feeling the pain as they felt the physical wounds of Jesus on the sculpture. Seeing children sit and ponder at each station gave me pause to wonder what the Holy Spirit might be stirring within. We arrived at Calvary when the sun was setting. As we all sang Amazing Love under the three crosses, the coyotes joined the chorus! After smelling the spice for burial anointing and gently touching Jesus at the burial station children arrived at the resurrection station. It was dark. A mothers iPhone lit up the resurrected Jesus! The brilliance of the light and the music

Life with God for Children

Elementary children will be experiencing and learning six main things Jesus did over and over again. These six things gave people life and hope. These six things taught people how to live a life with God. We call these streams, because they are like water. We need them like trees need water. Jesus was excellent at them and loved doing them. Adults may recognize these streams of life as the areas of our Christian spirituality. Elementary will take one a week for an overview before moving forward in our lessons. Do you know the Six Streams of Living Water that flow from the life of Jesus? Do you live them out?

Children and Families Walk with Jesus through an Interactive Experience

Here are a few pictures from some of the elementary families Journey with Jesus at Canaan in the Desert on Ash Wednesday. Such a gift from God to receive a beautiful evening to be in the prayer garden. Children experienced each of the ten stations with hands on experience and commentary appropriate to their life situations. The ten sculptures and areas proved to be an excellent overview of the Lenten and Easter season. I don't know what was my favorite! My heart melted seeing Emerson immediately kneeling to pray with Jesus when Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake and be alert with him. Kids

playing Good News was more than enough for the kids to spontaneously dance together. It was my favorite sight. That is what Lent prepares us for! May we all find our sorrow turning into a dance of joy this Easter! The children wrote thank you notes for the experience like this one from Brooke Hererra. Continued on page 14...

In Touch
New Sunday Morning Ministry: Life with God for Preschoolers and Blessed Beginnings Nursery Ministry
A preschool discipleship time is now offered on Sunday mornings during the second service as is a nursery ministry for our little ones 0-36 months. Kitty Youngquist is the Preschool Lead FaithFriend with a youth assistant for preschool. We have a few new items that will make our space a bit more inviting to preschoolers. Play is not only a verb that means making a big mess with toys, but is also the transformational language of young children! Whether preschoolers are playing, pondering or praying (sometimes all at once), they will build relationships with God, other FaithFriends and each other during this set apart time. Preschoolers are powerfully shaped and formed by stories in this stage of life. We want the Holy Spirit to give them a Christian formation! Parents and others are welcome to join us and occasional substitutes are always necessary to help families grow faithful families. For nursery, a special thanks to Arlene Stewart for being one of our Nursery FaithFriends who gets the privilege of making a relationship with our smiling Samuel Hissler and sweet Ella Robinson who cant wait to walk!

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VBS

Release the Feast!

30 Hour Famine is April 11-12 with two churches joining our youth ministry to learn about hunger from the parable in Luke 14:21 to release the feast to those who are in need. The Famine is a movement of over 300,000 teens and leaders working together to help combat hunger worldwide. This large group will play tribal games to learn about hunger as a social justice. The group will also travel to Changing Lives Center where 35 children and 65 women will be served a special breakfast prepared by our group, served on decorated tables with prize center pieces, also provided by the group. After cleaning up the teens will take a tour of the facility and then return to break their fast from food with communion followed by a healthy feast for us too!

Grace
Grace is like getting two more days to complete an assignment even though youve goofed off for six weeks and missed the deadline. Grace is getting another chance even though you havent earned it or deserved it. Grace is Gods unmerited favor, mercy and love, by which we are justified freely.
-Fritz Ridenour
-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

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April 2014

Invitation
We are pleased to announce the graduation of our son

Dedication
Gifts of Women Sunday
March 23, 2014

Dedicated to Barb Wyman

TREY UPHOFF From Fountain Hills High School Class of 2014 Celebrate with us on Saturday, May 24th, 4:30 6:30 pm for an open house at

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

13001 Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Richard & Shawn Uphoff

Presbyterian Women honored the memory of Barb Wyman and all her contributions to FHPC by dedicating their Gifts of Women Sunday to her this year.

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Some interesting facts about your body!!

Everything you have always wanted to know but were afraid of the answers...Please dont ask for source. 1. It's possible for your body to survive without a surprisingly large fraction of its internal organs. Even if you lose your stomach, your spleen, 75% of your liver, 80% of your intestines, one kidney, one lung, and virtually every organ from your pelvic and groin area, you wouldn't be very healthy, but you would live. 2. During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools. Actually, Saliva is more important than you realize. If your saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it. 3. The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm. The egg is actually the only cell in the body that is visible by the naked eye. 4. The strongest muscle in the human body is the tongue and the hardest bone is the jawbone. 5. Human feet have 52 bones, accounting for one quarter of all the human body's bones. 6. Feet have 500,000 sweat glands and can produce more than a pint of sweat a day. 7. The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades. The reason it doesn't eat away at your stomach is that the cells of your stomach wall renew themselves so frequently that you get a new stomach lining every three to four days. 8. The human lungs contain approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,500 mi) of airways and 300 to 500 million hollow cavities, having a total surface area of about 70 square meters, roughly the same area as one side of a tennis court. Furthermore, if all of the capillaries that surround the lung cavities were unwound and laid end to end, they would extend for about 992 kilo meters. Also, your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart. 9. Sneezes regularly exceed 100 mph, while coughs clock in at about 60 mph. 10. Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil. More next month!

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In Touch

August 2011 page 16

Library Footnotes
The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, by Deborah Rodriguez In Afghanistan waiting for her lover to return from whatever dangerous mission he is on now, Sunny runs a coffee shop. Kabul is not an easy place to run a coffee shopthere are bombings, soldiers, rebels and the Afghan culture to negotiate. Sunny becomes entwined in the lives of our other women whose secrets and choices could destroy them all. YAZMINA, a young pregnant woman stolen from her loving uncle and sister, finds herself abandoned on Kabuls violent streets carrying the child of her deceased husband renders her completely worthless as a sex slave and she is forced to seek charity to survive. ISABEL, a determined journalist, arrives from England hoping to gain the story of a lifetime exploring the opium fields that are under threat of extinction. However, other matters become more pressing when she witnesses an appalling act of cruelty. CANDACE, A wealthy American having left her husband for her powerful Afghan love, quickly discovers the restrictions and contradictions faced by Afghan women to her own detriment. HALAJAN, a rebellious sixty year old, keeps a watchful eye over the younger generations to ensure they do not bring shame on themselves, all the while smoking in the courtyard and wearing jeans beneath her shalwar kameez. Her long hidden love affair breaks all the rules and she knows she cannot be open about her love without the permission of her son. Despite the shocking revelations throughout the novel, the tone remains uplifting with hope and faith in the actions of the women. The fact that this shocking treatment of women continues in Afghanistan today is something we all should be aware of. Our library also has the book, Kabul Beauty School, by the same author, which is a true story of how Deborah Rodriguez saw a need for the women in Kabul and started the beauty school. -Vivian Virden

The perks of giving Although National Volunteer Week is officially observed in April, every week thousands of volunteers help people in need. As volunteers can attest, sharing ones time and talents leads to many intangible benefits. New research shows that volunteering and giving also provide physical and emotional advantages. Givers report an improved sense of well-being, lower stress levels, better physical health, an enriched sense of purpose in life and increased happiness. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself.
-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

Why We Celebrate Jesus is a redeemer, a restorer in every way. His day on the cross looked like a colossal failure, but it was his finest moment. He launched a kingdom where the least will be the greatest and the last will be first, where the poor will be comforted and the meek will inherit the Earth. Jesus brought together the homeless with the privileged and said, Youre all poor, and youre all beautiful. The cross leveled the playing field, and no earthly distinction is valid anymore. There is a new uspeople rescued by the Passover Lamb, adopted into his family and transformed into saints. It is the most epic miracle in history. That is why we celebrate.
-Jen Hatmaker An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess
-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

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April 2014

Music Ministry
The month of Easter has finally arrived! We have traveled through on the Lenten journey singing and playing music that examines our perspective. It's so amazing that with each year, though the music is similar and often familiar, it still brings an opportunity to observe something new. Happy Easter! The last month was a busy one! I am so glad to Debbie Fisher, Director of Music be fortunate enough to work with such a good, dependable staff, who can continue in the spirit to choose and create in a tireless manner, energizing each other with new possibilities. The Celebration Singers represented our church in fine style at the 15th Annual Choirfest, held this year in Rio Verde. It is a wonderful experience to see and hear other church choirs. Thanks, choir, for the extra rehearsal, and giving up a couple of hours to be a part of a unique event for our community. Especially in the midst of what was an already busy weekend! The weekend following the Choirfest was "Gifts of Women" Sunday, and the weekend of the rummage sale. Ladies, you sang beautifully! I must thank Mary Alice Bivens for the suggestion of music. As soon as she mentioned "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked," I immediately felt a touch of traditional familiarity from my childhood. Beautiful choice! The service was lovely, as always. Some of our recorder players were able to attend a workshop in Phoenix for a day. Wendy Dachel, Kris Peluso, Stephanie McWethy and Cynthia Linton spent the day reading and picking up some techniques from a couple of Dutch clinicians. It's amazing how many people play recorder! I have loved playing and teaching it for nearly 30 yrs. The music, though mostly Renaissance, has a way of ringing the style and sense of the "Courtly" into our contemporary existence. It is again part of the mystery of how music can captivate an era, a sense, an emotion, a memory and a definite mood to be recalled at the downbeat. Our 11:15 service has brought a few changes, with the addition of Jon Trautman on bass, and Ron Waldo adding vocals, while Bonnie Hollobaugh adds the beauty of sign language. The service has taken a style of comfort, fellowship and reverence into a direction unique to itself, and is truly a welcoming service for anyone who may decide to worship at that time. I must say to those people in our choir who must return to their homes for the summer, you are not considered a "Snowbird" in my book. You are friends to so many, and family, and you will be greatly missed as you depart in the weeks following Easter. Thank you for always being a part of our music when you come back to this home. I must give a special thanks to my mother, Dorraine Aggen, who played organ and piano during the 9:00 a.m. service on the rare occasions so that Caryl and Dorothy might spend time with their families. I also want to thank her for playing through the Vesper services. Beautiful music! It was much appreciated. "O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things." Psalm 98:1 Deborah Fisher Director of Music Ministries

Do you know who this is? If you guessed our new webmaster ...you would be correct! Phil Katz, Webmaster extraordinaire! Have you checked our website lately? www.fhpresbyterian.info

Something Borrowed
When a Sunday school teacher told her class that Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb, one girl raised her hand to share an insight. I know why, the girl said. Its because Jesus only used it for three days.
-The Newsletter Newsletter

In Touch

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Member Spotlight . Did you know?

Vivian Virden
Vivian was born in a northwest Missouri rural area known as Empire Prairie where there was a church, a general store and an ice house two miles from home and a one-room country school a long mile away. She had an older sister and brother. In 1932, because of the Great Depression losses, the family moved to another rural area near Skidmore. The good part of that move for Vivian was being able to ride a school bus to school instead of riding a pony, and to have a room with just two grades instead of eight. Vivian loved every day of school and always wanted to be a teacher. Her degree was from the teachers college in Maryville just 20 miles from home. When ready to go out into the real world Vivian had traveled only as far as 100 miles to Kansas City. Vivians first job was teaching in an industrial town 40 miles south of St. Louis, a bit different from rural northwest Missouri. She says she soon realized she was still a nave 21 yr-old country girl and probably did some stupid, crazy things, not to be remembered. She calls it her growing up year and had a great teaching experience, but she was ready to get back to the people she loved and where she knew she should be. Her second year of teaching was in the northwest Missouri town of Albany. She had been told by mutual friends, You have to meet Bill Virden. They told Bill, Wait til you meet the new home economics teacher. And so it was. Their first date was on Labor Day weekend and they were married in December. Bill was finishing college at the University of Missouri after serving two years in W.W.II His first job soon took him back to Columbia where Vivian was fortunate to teach at Stephens College for Girls for four yearsprobably her favorite job. Three months after their first son Steven was born, they were transferred to Waterloo, IA. Bill worked for Uniroyal Tire Co. as a sales rep in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota, living in Cedar Falls, IA for 35 years. During that time two more sons joined the family, John and David. After being a stay-at-home mom for nine years, Vivian had several jobs at the high school for 25 years, the last and best being a facilitator in the Social Studies Resource Center. It was teaching, but not in the classroom. Wanting to get away from cold winters, they found Fountain Hills and moved here permanently in July of 1990. They had been attending this church when they were snow birds, and joined in October. Because the boys lived in far away places, and siblings still in Missouri, this church became their family. Vivian said this is perhaps what she needs most and appreciates most about this church She found her place in the choir for years and feels close to the people with whom she has attended the pastors classes through the years. Bill supported Vivian in her volunteering for the church, and would have been pleased that much of the memorial money at the time of his death in December 2010 went to support this church. Bill died one day after their 64th wedding anniversary. Vivian names two people who made great impacts on her life: Her father and Bills mother. Her dads patience, truth, integrity, self-control, and unconditional love was taught by his actions in his every day life. She watched carefully when he disciplined her sister and brother, and took heed. She was never paddled by her father and she never lied to him Her memories of Dad are very precious. Because Vivian was only 28 and pregnant with their second child when her own mother died, Bills mother filled that space beautifully. Her faith was so evident that it inspired Vivian to consciously be aware of her own faith journey. Vivians life changing events both center in the church. At age 12 she promised her life to Christ as she joined the church; she says she truly felt the hand of God on her shoulder, accepting her and pointing her to the way of service to Him. The other event was when she first served Communion as an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church. At that moment she knew her hands were serving as Jesus hands, and it was almost too much to accept. To be an influence in the lives of others, she hopes only that how she lives her life will encourage others in their faith journeys.

A Friday Transformed The cross was not a senseless tragedy but the most important redemptive act in human history. For all who down through the ages have put their trust in Jesus, the cross is their highest blessing as it turns Black Friday into Good Friday. -R.C. Sproul, When Worlds Collide: Where is God?
The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

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April 2014 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 the diligent efforts of our deacons. Help us serve you by communicating your situation.

With deepest sympathy we list those members who have passed away in 2013 and 2014. Herbert Robinson Goldie Demeter Jean Bricker Dean Heiser Tony Atchinson Barbara Wyman John Fenley Glenn Atchinson Susan Strom (Jensen) James Johnston Blanche Brisbane Pat Covault Elizabeth Bugg Gary Reynolds

Holy Saturday
Whats compelling about Holy Saturday for me is that Jesus disciples surely descended into their own kind of Hell-one to which anyone who has lost a loved one to death can relate. Deaths finality and wrenching silence strike fear in us. The silence of Holy Saturday reminds us powerfully that death isnt something to be circumvented or avoided. The truth is that we need to go through a Saturday of death, recognizing its power, before we can realize the power of a Sunday of resurrection, when death is defeated.
-Rob Kaylor, Homiletics

Well done, Thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy Of thy Lord.

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

We cannot vex the devil more than by teaching, preaching, singing and talking of Jesus. Martin Luther, Table Talk
-The Newsletter Newsletter

HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAYS!

04/01 04/01 04/03 04/03 04/03 04/04 04/04 04/05 Gary Oakeson Donna Ryan Nate McGuire Marian Smith Robert Thompson Helen Roesch Heather Vawter-Greco Kristi Robinson 04/08 04/10 04/10 04/11 04/19 04/20 04/21 04/22 Jo Strehlow Robert Larson Mike McWethy Karlyn Busche Patricia Tuttle Irene Cain Marsha Brizzie Paula Eberspacher 04/25 04/26 04/27 04/28 04/29 04/29 Linda Warren Douglas Busche Debby DeBernardi Ron Christie Peter Carillo Amy Martinson

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

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

Current Resident or

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.

Office Angel Ministry! Many thanks to Vivian Virden, Nancy Saine, Marilyn Humes, Ruby Pearson , Mary Martinson and Arlene Olsen (not pictured) who fold and label the monthly newsletter here at FHPC. Special thanks to Mary Wernecke and Bobbie Dangremond who faithfully assemble the weekly bulletin. Couldnt be done without 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