Dec Newsletter 2010

8/8/2019 Dec Newsletter 2010

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FFFFOUNTAINOUNTAINOUNTAINOUNTAIN HHHHILLSILLSILLSILLS PPPPRESBYTERIANRESBYTERIANRESBYTERIANRESBYTERIAN CCCCHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH Our mission is to reach out in worship, education, fellowship and service to all.

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Advent: Keeping Watch

I will stand at my watch post,

and station myself on the rampart;

I will keep watch to see what he will say to me,

and what he will answer concerning my com-

plaint.

Then the LORD answered me and said:Write the vision;

make it plain on tablets,

so that a runner may read it.

For there is still a vision for the appointed time;

it speaks of the end, and does not lie.

If it seems to tarry, wait for it;

it will surely come, it will not delay.

(Habakkuk 2:1-3)

Fountain Hills, AZ December 2010

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS CALENDARSunday Nov. 28th 9:00 am Worship Service 1st Sunday of Advent HOPE

Wednesdays Dec. 1,8,15,22 6:30 pm Experiencing Advent (dinner & opportunity for spiritual growth)

Saturday Dec. 4th 10:00 am All-Church Christmas Decorating12:00 noon All-Church Chili Dump Meal in Fellowship Center

Sunday Dec. 5th 9:00 am Worship Service 2nd Sunday of Advent PEACE

Sunday Dec. 12th 9:00 am Worship Service 3rd Sunday of Advent LOVE

Sunday Dec. 19th 9:00 am Lessons & Carols Service 4th Sunday of AdventReceive Christmas Joy Offering (Special Offering)

Friday Dec. 24th

7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service

Saturday Dec. 25th MERRY CHRISTMAS

From Our Pastor

Continued on page 12….

Advent can be – infact, should be – a challeng-ing time; a season of keep-ing watch, of clinging ex-pectantly to great and holymysteries anticipated but

yet unseen. In this, Adventshares some characteristicswith Lent.

This is hard, butcrucial, news for Christiansat this time of year. Adventincludes Christmas; but it isnot Christmas. Advent isnot an event: it is an ex-perience. Faithfully ob-



In Touch page 2

On the Inside:From Our Pastor…. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . .Advent & Christmas Calendar .. … … … . . …… ….Focus on Finance .. .. .. ..… … … … .. . … .. . .. … . … .Decorate Our Campus… … .. … …... …. .. … .. … …Men’s Fellowship…. … .. … .. . .. … .. . . . .. . . . . .. . .Mission Ministry… … … … … … … … … … . … . . .Presbyterian Women … … .. ..…. … … … … … … …Evangelism Ministry.. … … . . . . . … .. . . . . . . . …. …..Music Ministry… … … … …. …. …. …. …. … … . .. ..

Christian Education… … … … … .. . . …. .. . .. .. .. .. . ...Library Footnotes.. … .. …. .…. …. …. …. …. …. …. ..Need Accurate Addresses .. .. … … .. .. . .. . … . .. .. . .. ..Walking the Mourner’s Path… … … .. … . … . . .. …. . .Rev. Bill Good’s Installation.. … .. ..… … … .. . . . . .. . .Necrology for 2010…. … … … .. … … … .. … . . . …December Birthdays…… …. … … …. … … .. ………..Pilgrim Potluck Photos … .. … .. … .. .. . .. … .. . . . . . .

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S e e i f y o u c a n f i n d t h e m i s t a k e !

OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Bill GoodPastor/Head of Staff

Rev. Stan JonesParish Associate

Marta LudwigAdministrative Coordinator

Debbie FisherDirector of Music Ministry

Dorothy ParrisPianist

Lynn MedleyCustodian

Anna HillNursery

CHURCH TREASURER

Bud Fuls

CHURCH SESSIONClass of 2010

Maria BerryAndrew Hasley

(Vacant)Jim Stewart

Class of 2011

Norm CollinsPeggy LinkinHelen Roesch

Pat TuttleClass of 2012

John Brockelman

Susan PhillipsTerri SchmidtJohn Wyman

BOARD OF DEACONS

Moderator: Toni PattersonClass of 2010

Linda Lull Susan OwensTiny PattersonToni PattersonClass of 2011

Ralph BerryBud Fuls

Michele HasleyChandler Roesch

Class of 2012Ben Fast

Ruby PearsonBev WattersChris Young

Focus on FinanceFocus on FinanceFocus on FinanceFocus on Finance

Our total income for October increased to a level where we actually are aboveour budgeted yearly amount by $1078. The pledge portion of our income re-mained close to the budgeted level as well. Expenses remained below budgetby $22,467, placing us in a favorable position for theremaining months of the year where expenses arescheduled to significantly increase.With the return of many of our winter visitors, and thecontinued level of support by all in the congregation,we are in good financial position to successfully com-plete our projections for 2010.

With great appreciation,Respectfully,Bud Fuls, Treasurer

Year to date income $ 287,088 Budgeted Income $286,010

Year to date expenses $ 264,621 Budgeted Expenses $280,143

Difference $ 22,467As of October 2010



page 3

Congregational Life & Fellowship Congregational Life & Fellowship Congregational Life & Fellowship Congregational Life & Fellowship Congregational Life & Fellowship Congregational Life & Fellowship Congregational Life & Fellowship Congregational Life & Fellowship

Decorating our campus Decorating our campus Decorating our campus Decorating our campus Saturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AMSaturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AMSaturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AMSaturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AMSaturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AMSaturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AMSaturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AMSaturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AM

The Chili Dump Lunch The Chili Dump Lunch The Chili Dump Lunch The Chili Dump Lunch The Chili Dump Lunch The Chili Dump Lunch The Chili Dump Lunch The Chili Dump Lunch

“The best in town” “The best in town” “The best in town” “The best in town” Bring a pot of chili to…dump…or a dessert Bring a pot of chili to…dump…or a dessert Bring a pot of chili to…dump…or a dessert Bring a pot of chili to…dump…or a dessert

We’ll supply condiments and more! We’ll supply condiments and more! We’ll supply condiments and more! We’ll supply condiments and more!

Many churches invite their members to help preparethe church for Advent and Christmas. Some call theevent the “Hanging of the Greens.” Pine or firbranches, holly, pine cones, candles, colorful cloths orribbons and an Advent wreath are used for decorations.A tree with Chrismonshanging on it is oftenplaced somewhere inthe sanctuary. Somechurches add a newdecoration to the sanc-

tuary each week duringthe season.The custom of display-ing a Nativity scene inthe chancel dates from the early 1600’s. The traditionstarted in Germany. It is thought that the first live Na-tivity scene—in church live animals and people repre-senting shepherds and wise men gathered at an outdoormanger—began with St. Francis of Assisi around theyear 1220.

Mens’ Breakfast MeetingMen’s Fellowship will meet at 9:00 AM on Saturday,November 21st for breakfast and fellowship in the Fel-lowship Center. All men are welcome.

All men are invited to come to the church decoratingday scheduled for Saturday, November 28 and thenstay for the delicious Chili Dump afterwards.

Men’s Ministry Men’s Ministry Men’s Ministry Men’s Ministry

Join us please!All are invited to help decorate the church campus forAdvent and Christmas. Please come to the FellowshipCenter at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 4. Plan tostay for the Chili Dump afterwards. Any questions, callthe church office at 837-1763.



In Touch page 4

Mission Ministry Mission Ministry Mission Ministry Mission Ministry CAN YOU TOP THIS?????The month of November always brings two things to my

mind: 1) Thanksgiving (I love sweet- potatoes!) and 2) thereminder that the New Year is just around the corner.On the note of Thanksgiving, know how thankful the Mis-sion Unit committee is to you for being a part of the boxtop collections. Our church family is on a journey to-gether in working to help the MENUAL School in NewMexico obtain a projector and other equipment for them tofurther their education efforts. We pray for youregularly and we ask you to pray for our efforts as well!On the note of 2011 - I hope you have set aside a time toseek God's will for you and our church in 2011. In addi-tion, I'd like for you to prayerfully consider where youbelong in the Missions Ministry. Why not do all you can

to make 2011 the best it can be? We'd like to tell youabout all the opportunities available to help- so pray on itcheck it out by talking with us – Pat Tuttle, Linda Maples

or me.Now, when collecting those box tops, the picture below isthe part of the label we need:

IMPORTANT! THANKS A BUNCH. UPC CODE

ONLY

Please, please; DO NOT gives us anymore than these

UPC picture displays – as we learned all the donated topshad to be thrown away. No one has the moneyor man power to cut them down to what the companieswill accept. We are grateful for your diligence and yourcontinued commitment to the ‘Labels for Education’

Project, so is Edee. If you want more info about this project talk with Edee Grider.Love and Blessings,Terry Martin

Terry Martin Linda Maples Pat Tuttle, Elder

SAVE THE FAMILY

Last Christmas season one of our church families as wellas the Youth Group adopted a family to support forChristmas from Save the Family. This year Save theFamily has gone electronic for those who would like toparticipate in this program. You can obtain the informa-tion at: [email protected] or phone #480-898-0228, ext 240.

A WISH LIST WILL BE LISTED WITH SUGGESTED AMOUNTS.What a wonderful way to share all the bounty which wehave been given.

Linda Maples is planning another tour group to Save the

Family so if you have not been there to see the fabulousfacility and hear about the programs, give her a call and join us.

Cook Native American Ministries has thanked us forour continued monetary support as they sustain the mis-sion of equipping Native Leaders.

Things to remember to bring to the

Mission Table on Sunday mornings.....

Box Tops for EducationBetty Crocker CouponsCampbell Soup LabelsSmall toiletriesGently used clothing

Mission Ministry Committee



page 5

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Christmas Angel Tree

This Christmas Season our outreach will be to the McDow-ell Mt. Elementary School in Fountain Hills with an Angel

Tree. Approximately 60 children in our elementary schoolswill need help this Christmas. We have the names of 25 of those children for the Angel Tree.

On the tree you will find a cardwith the first name of a child,their age as well as their need.We invite you to take a cardand help provide a great Christ-mas for a child.The items should be brought tothe church no later than Sun-day, Dec. 19th, with the itemsin a bag to which you have

attached the card with thechild’s name. Thank you foryour caring.In addition to the gifts for children, McDowell Mt. School isalso requesting Food Certificates from BASHAS. Shouldyou feel more comfortable with this, please do so. The cou-

pons or gifts should also be brought to the church by no

later than Dec 19th. In whatever way you wish to supportthis Christmas project, we thank you.

Violet Wieder and Nancy Saine helping Donna Sims (not pictured)put together the packages for the military. Thank you for your tre-mendous support for this worthwhile project.

You Have an opportunity to Support theTroops -

I am not asking what your politics or beliefs are,only asking as an American, a friend, aneighbor, co-worker, fellow organization mem-

ber, or church member, to please help me inmaking the lives of our deployed Troops over-seas just a little better.

• Baby wipes

• Deodorants • Small/travel size mouthwash • Plain dark sweatshirts L, XL, XXL • Funds to go towards shipping costs • Signed Christmas cards

If you will collect what you can and send theitems to me or drop them at FH PresbyterianChurch, I will see to it that they are packaged

and shipped overseas in time for Christmas.Boxing weekend is November 20th and thedeadline to ship for the Holidays is November29th for Afghanistan and December 10 th forIraq. This is a non-stop, ongoing project .We ship 15 to 20 boxes each month. The holi-day boxes are very important for our troops andyou cannot imagine the impact of a handwrittenChristmas card.

Imagine what it is like trying to survive in 140 de-

gree heat and or freezing temperatures and not

being able to shower for nearly 2-3 weeks, maybe

longer. Imagine what it is like for your food supply

to run out while you are standing in line to finally

get something to eat. Imagine what it would be

like not having anyone to send you anything at all,

when you are in such desperate need of anything

and everything. Just Imagine.

Donna Sims

The three treesAccording to legend, three trees grew near Jesus’manger: an olive tree, a palm tree and a fir tree.The olive offered its fruit to the newborn King, andthe palm tree gave its dates.

The poor fir, having nothing to give but worship,raised its boughs in adoration, and the angels hungstars on its branches. So the fir became the firstChristmas tree.

-The Newsletter Newsletter

by Communication Resources, Inc.



In Touch page 6

Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team for 2010-2011

Moderator: Laurie Porter Mission Coordinators: Pat Tuttle & Donna YordyVice-Moderator (Program): Ilene Berg Search Committee: Donna YordySecretary: Linda Warren Membership/Yearbook Coordinator: Linda LullTreasurer: Maria Berry Bible Study Coordinator: Claire CartmellPublicity: Evelyn Hrunek

Presbyterian WomenPresbyterian WomenPresbyterian WomenPresbyterian Women

Morning Circle will meet on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 9 AM at the homeof Leota Didier (15713 E Kim Dr.).

Evening Circle will meet Tuesday, December 14 at 7 PM at the home of EvelynHrunek (15523 Golden Eagle Blvd) at 7:00 pm. Donna Yordywill be co-hostess and Maria Berry will lead the Bible Study.

Mid-Morning Circle will meet again on Monday, December 27 at 10:00 AM in theAdult Center.

Bible Study: Stan Jones will lead the circle Bible study leaders on Thursday, Dec. 2ndin the Fellowship Center and January 6th, 2011 at 10:30 am in the Adult Center.

Evelyn Hrunek

Our retreat in October was a great success. Janet Drezwas a dynamic speaker and her theme was friends andhow we remember our first best friend going on throughadulthood and some friends seem to come into our liveswhen we most need them. Her talks brought back manymemories for all of us. A check for $145.00 has been

sent to Save the Family as proceeds from the quilt rafflewe had in conjunction with the retreat.Maria Berry and Linda Warren purchased snacks for theSave the Family Bag Project for October. Linda Maplesand Pat Tuttle delivered the snack bags. The next dona-tion will be the end of January.The coordinating team plans to give new church mem-bers a copy of the faith book, “One in the Spirit” whenthey join the church.

FALL GATHERINGMary Alice Bivens shared her trip last summer with apresentation of slides and memories. Thank you Mary

Alice. Pal Craftaid provided a marketplace at the gather-ing. Over $800.00 in merchandise was sold.

As yet, we have no information on a Christmas MissionProject. We are waiting to hear from Ft. McDowell andwill keep you informed in the weekly bulletin when adecision has been made.

Hopes for our ChurchDuring their October evening Circle meeting, memberswrote letters to our session like John of Patmos to theearly churches. After writing the letters they were col-lected and redistributed to be read by someone differentthan the person who wrote them. All circle membersseemed to enjoy this activity and the letters were for-

warded to Session and Pastor Bill. People were asked towrite what their hopes are for our church.

DATES TO REMEMBER

November 23, 2010, Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

January 31, 2011, 5:30 pm, Carry-in Salad Dinner, pro-gram will be “My World in Words,” with TammieRithermel, local author. Hostess group is Evening Cir-cle.

March 13, 2011, Celebrate the Gifts of Women’s Sun-

day, with special guest speaker, Shelly Core,Pinnacle Presbyterian Church.

April 9, 2011, 11:30 am, Carry-in Brunch, Programentitled, “Desert Gardens,” featuring John Rolfe fromVerde Valley Nursery. Hostess group is Mid-morningCircle.

PW Church wide Gathering will be held in Orlando,Florida in 2012.

Continued on page 7...



page 7

Out n’ AboutOut n’ About will be going to Fire Rock on Decem-

ber 15, 2010 at noon. We will be able to order off

the menu and have SEPARATE

CHECKS. For reservations call Ar-

lene Olsen (480-837-4271) or Ruby

Pearson (480-816-1404).

The best giftA king sat on his throne on Christmas Day as many of his subjects presented him with gifts: jewels, gold, art-work, handmade treasures and food galore.

One man stayed back until all the people had given their gifts. Eventually, the king asked if the man had a gifthe wished to give. The man said he had only one thing to present. He had nothing of material value, just aheart that was free of malice and full of best wished for the ruler.

The king told the man he’d brought him the best gift of all: friendship and goodwill. How can you presentthose to someone this Christmas season?



Hooked on Books

Hooked on Books will have a meetingin December (first time ever). We'll

meet at the home of Elsie Hoffarber at10 am on Wednesday, December 15th and do a playreading of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol". Readingparts will be exchanged among all present that day.

- Barb Wyman, Coordinator

This is a note of “Thanks” we received from “Save the Family.”

PW from previous page….

Dear Ms. Tuttle,Thank you so much to the Presbyte-

rian Women of Fountain Hills PresbyterianChurch for your generous gift to Save the Fam-ily! It is only with support from communitypartners that we can continue our mission of helping families conquer homelessness. We arevery grateful for your help. Please thank yourgroup for us.

Blessings,Tim Lidster, Save the Family



In Touch page 8

Evangelism Ministry Evangelism Ministry Evangelism Ministry Evangelism Ministry

On Sunday, October 25th we welcomed by letter of

transfer Ruth and Bill Martin as our newest members of our church family. The Martins had been members of

the First Presbyterian Church in Deerfield, IL for about

37 years and have recently decided to make Fountain

Hills their permanent residence. Ruth has a background

in Interior Design and enjoys sewing, knitting and craft

activities. Bill likes golfing, walking and reading. They

have been snowbirds here for approximately 18 years

and have both been Deacons and extremely involved in

the activities of the church in Deerfield and volunteer

here in our church also. Ruth and Bill are both “office

angels” and are keeping as busy here as they were in

Deerfield. In fact, Bill has audited the churches finan-cial records for the past few years. We extend a hearty

welcome to Ruth and Bill Martin.

Not Yet A Member?If you are interested in joining our church family, please see or call Susan Phillipsat 480-837-1225 or call the church office at 480-837-1763.

“A Christmas Message”

Christmas holds the mysteryOf how God touched the earthBy giving us the Christ childIn a newborn baby’s birth.

Great awe was in young Mary’s heartAnd in the shepherds’ paceAs they ran quickly to the townAnd found that special place.

These humble shepherds knelt beforeThis tiny newborn king;And as they did so, they could hearThe lovely angels sing:

“Fear not, for unto you this day,The Prince of Peace has comeTo share God’s love throughout the world.Rejoice now, everyone!”


by Communication Resources, Inc

Anyone interested in membership or in affiliate member-ship in Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church or to learnmore about who we are and how we serve God, is invitedto attend an Inquiry Class Tuesday, November 30,2010 at 5:30 PM.. This will be followed by a New Member Sunday on December 12, 2010. Another Inquiry Classwill be planned in the new year.

The Inquiry Class will be about 60 to 75 minutes long.Pastor Bill will provide a brief overview of the history of thePresbyterian church and constitution; Evangelism Elder Susan Phillips will discuss the different ministries of thechurch. Find out what makes Presbyterians distinctive, asa denomination, and Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church,as a church. Find out how you can become involved in thelife of our community as well. For more information or if you have any questions, please call Susan Phillips, 837-1225.



Music Ministry Music Ministry Music Ministry Music Ministry

page 9

There is such enthusiasm in

our music ministry thesedays! A lot of energy was hap-pily put forth by our musiciansin doing their part in gratefullyhonoring the departure ofour interim minister, ReverendDr. Paul Soderquist, and cele-brating the arrival and installa-

tion of our new minister, the Reverend Bill Good.

We sing praises to God for carrying us throughthis transition, guiding us in our preparation andenabling us to sing, ring and instrumentally en-

hance our services, using our gifts to glorifyGod's work and share in the joy that only comesby the wonderful grace of God.

Our choir had another workshop/rehearsal sincethe last newsletter went out. We covered a fewmore elements of music necessary for our in-volvement in the choral world. Not only are welearning to blend our voices, but our heartswhich are at the forefront of our dedica-tion. Overall, the workshop covered the impor-tance of text, blend, dynamics, meter, style bal-ance and listening to the Director when shesays "women only, please!" referring to Ralph

Berry mistakenly singing with the women until wehit a high "G" above line "F", treble clef. He'lllearn! Each new voice adds a new blend to themix, different from before. We learn from eachother as we work together. Speaking of newblends, we welcome the voices of Phil Katz andBob Titus to the men's row. They bring finevoices. They join the ranks of men like BobCrawford, who, at 94, is one of the first men to join the choir in the early 80's. He actually

bought the first choir folders for the choir.

His continual active participation for 30 yearsis truly inspiring! Ralph Berry makes sure to pickhim up every Thursday for choir practice, theygrab a milkshake on the way, then he gets himhome, and picks him up early on Sundays just tomake sure he can get tochurch to sing in thechoir . I get to work withsome fascinating peo-ple. Our church is full ofthem!

We have a lovely selec-tion of Advent/Christmas

music we've been prepar-ing for this season. Musicthat has touched so manyhearts for generations inspiring our spirits withtrue awe and wonder as we sing of this tiny childborn in the most humble of conditions. We'll enjoyLessons and Carols on December 19, with theMusic Ministry joining the congregation in scrip-ture and song.Christmas Eve will bring the living Nativity that is aunique tradition of this church. We'll once againhear a blend of bells with choir, and instrumentalpreludes and offertories put in place to help

light the spirit of Christmas in our hearts and es-tablish the purpose of God in our lives. MerryChristmas!

Deborah FisherDirector of Music Ministries

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth.Worship the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing.

- Psalm 100: 1-2

Advent, then and now

The church season of Advent began as a time of repentance for Epiphany, which was the second-biggest baptism day inthe early church. Fasting was once a part of Advent, as it often still is for Lent.

Advent comes from the Greek word parousia , which was often used to talk about Jesus’ second coming. So Advent is aseason of preparation not only for the celebration of Jesus’ earthly birth but for his promised return.

Some Christians celebrate Advent by not putting the baby Jesus into their manger scenes until Christmas morning. Thisadds to the anticipation that is a special part of the season.





In Touch page 10

Christian EducationChristian EducationChristian EducationChristian Education

Continued on page 11...

I would like to take a sentence ortwo and say how excited we atChristian Education are to havePastor Bill with us. He brings withhim lots of information as well asgreat ideas to make our Youth andAdult Education a spectacular pro-gram. I have to keep remindingmyself to take baby steps, that we

will not jump up and start runningright away. So pray with me, that

we all have the patience and stamina to get our program-ming up and flying again soon. There is a new dawning atFountain Hills Presbyterian Church and lots of new and

exciting things will be coming our way. Thank You Godfor answering our prayers.

Fav FiveOur November Fav Five wasnamed our Pilgrim Potluck/

Welcome Pastor Bill. Turkeysand dessert were provided by theFountain Hills PresbyterianMen’s Group. We want to say a BIG THANK YOU tothem. Those attending were asked to bring their favoriteside dish. The Youth performed a skit for us on a typicalfamily on Thanksgiving Day. There was music provided

by our youth band “Committed”. Fun was had by all whoattended our Pilgrim Potluck. Thank you to all who madethis a success.

Terri Schmidt, Elder

Our December FavFive will be a night of caroling and a Chilidinner. This will beheld on Saturday, De-

cember 18th

. We willmeet at the church at5:00pm and go caroling

for an hour or so, then we will come back to the Churchfor a light dinner of chili and cider. We want to get asmany involved in an old fashioned Christmas as possible. Come join in on the fun. When was the last time youwent caroling? Isn’t it time to go again?

Advent Classes

Beginning onWednesday,

December 1st,Pastor Bill willlead us in avideo curriculum

entitled “A Savioris Born” designed

to prepare us for our Advent Journey. We will meet atthe Church Fellowship Hall at 6:30 pm for a light dinner.Since the Youth already do this, we will combine the din-ners and have a family dinner before splitting into indi-vidual classrooms. The youth will adjourn to the YouthCenter and those wishing to attend the Advent classeswill remain in the Fellowship Center. The dates for theseclasses will be December 1

st, 8

th, 15

th, 22

nd. There willbe a sign up sheet so we know how many people to ex-pect.

E-Scrip

We have for you to purchase, Fry’s $20.00 gift cards.These cards are registered to the Fountain Hills Presbyte-rian Church. These cards can be purchased from us.When you have used the $20.00 you can re-load thecards. Every time you pay with this card, a percentage of the money will come back to the Christian Educationdepartment of our church.If you have not registered your Safeway card, let us know

Pilgrim Potluck…..additional photos on page 16….



page 11

and we will help you do this. If you have not signed your Bashas card up,the account number you give them is 23524. Then every time you use eitherof these cards, the Education department gets a percentage of the money youspent. This is a small way we can help fund some of the Youth activities aswell as some of the Education.

RecycleAs many of you may have noticed, we have a

new recycle company. This company is Vista PaperRecycle. They stopped by the office and talked toMarta one day and gave us a better deal that the previ-ous recycler. Again the money they pay us for recyclingour papers, phonebooks, junk mail, and magazines goesinto our Christian Education account. So please help not only our Church,but our environment by recycling.

ClassesWe are working on many ideas for classes starting after the first of

the year. Some ideas include a “Pastor Bill’s Bible Study” on Sunday morn-

ings after fellowship at 10:30 Am., “Oh yes you can”, “Do you knowHymn?” “Women’s Scripture” and a Beth Moore bible study. We have a lotof ideas, now it is a matter of working things out with Teachers and schedul-ing. We will keep you informed.

Tons of TurkeysThank you to all who donated a Turkey for theExtended Hands Food Bank. Thank you also tothe Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Men’sGroup who helped take the turkeys over to theExtended Hands Food Bank. There had over 50turkeys collected weighing well over 700 pounds!Thank you!

May God bless you and let’s make this a Happy Holiday Season.- Terri Schmidt

The beginnings of Sunday school

Englishman Robert Raikes, bornin 1735, was a Christian layman whowas pained to see unschooled chil-dren working six days a week in fac-

tories or mines. On Sundays, childrenroamed the streets, often getting intotrouble. Most didn’t know how toread or write and knew nothing aboutChrist or the church.

As Raikes labored to reform Eng-land’s prison system, he noticed thatmany children were imprisoned, stir-ring him to action on their behalf. Hearranged for halls and homes to beused for educational purposes onSundays, the one day children didn’thave to work. He found volunteers toteach reading, writing and math, aswell as the Bible and Christian be-liefs.

The first Sunday school class washeld in July 1780. Amazingly, by1788 some 250,000 children wereattending such schools, This occurreddespite some people’s opposition tothe education of lower-class children.

Countless boys and girls haveattended Sunday school classes sincethen, thanks to Raikes, who broughtChrist’s light and love to childrenaround the world.



Committed entertaining the crowd at the Pilgrim Potluck

Newborn statsA pastor asked a church member tohave a sign made for Christmas. Itwas to be rather large: 6 feet long and2 feet wide. The layperson paid forthe sign, took it to the church and

hung it above the front door.Imagine the shock when people sawthat it read: “Unto Mary, Jesus wasborn, 6 feet long and 2 feet wide.”





In Touch page 12 Christmas Style -- I Corinthians

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,But do not show love to my family,I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmascookies,Preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifullyadorned table at mealtime,But do not show love to my friends and family,I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing homeand give all that I have to charity,But do not show love to my friends and loved ones,It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crochetedsnowflakes,Attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir'scantata,But do not focus on Christ,I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated

Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in re-turn,But rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,Endures all things. Love never fails.Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost,Golf clubs will rust.

But giving the gift of love will endure forever.

Author Unknown

served, it is an opportunity for God to work withinour hearts; cutting away at the hard, dark, accumu-lated residue the world has placed there over the past

year, thereby making them vital places in which theinfant king can be born anew.

In this season we join the patriarchs andprophets who have stood the watch while awaitingGod’s action across the span of time. In this seasonwe travel with the magi, the seekers from the East,who call us to join them in a star-led caravan com-prised of all those other pilgrims through the ageswho have sincerely sought the child. In this seasonour trail is marked by vigilance and illuminated byhope.

The natural cycle of the season has both aphysical and metaphorical impact on the character

and shape of our experience. Our Advent journeytraverses a time in which the nights are lengtheningand the days are shortening; until this process beginsto reverse itself – propitiously enough -- with theWinter Solstice on Dec. 21st . . . just four days beforeChristmas. We begin in lengthening darkness andend in lengthening light. Truly, “the heavens aretelling the glory of God; and the firmament pro-claims his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1).

So during these transforming days of Ad-vent let us faithfully keep watch to see what he willsay to us. Let us cling to the promise that there isstill a vision for the appointed time. And if it seems

to tarry let us wait for it, trusting that it will surelycome; it will not delay.”

Grace and Peace,Pastor Bill

****************************************

From Our Pastor...continued from page 1

True hospitality

A 7-year-old boy was chosen to be the inn-keeper in the Christmas program. When

Joseph and Mary approached him, lookingfor shelter in Bethlehem, he simply had tosay there was no room.

The kindhearted boy tried to take the stingout of the situation, however. “I don’t haveroom for you in the hotel,” he said. “But I’dlove to have you come in for milk and cook-ies.”





Library FootnotesLibrary FootnotesLibrary FootnotesLibrary Footnotes

This month’s library book recom-

mendation is Advent and ChristmasWisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen.

Henri J.M. Nouwen was a Dutchpriest who was an internationallyknown theologian and one of themost beloved and well-read spiritualauthors of our time. His works are

popular among Christians of all denominations. Hisbook of Advent and Christmas Wisdom will both chal-lenge you and warm your heart during your annual prepa-ration for the Lord’s coming. Through the quotes, Nou-wen shares with the reader his own journey of waitingwhile seeking the Lord.

Advent is that period of great anticipatory joy to preparefor the celebration of Christ’s arrival in Bethlehem as a

page 13

helpless infant. The date commemorating his birth beginsthe Christmas cycle of the liturgical year, a cycle that

runs through the Sunday after Epiphany. This book isdesigned to be used during the entire period from the FirstSunday of Advent to the end of the Christmas season.

Reflections for each day in this book begin with thewords of Henri Nouwen taken from various sources of hiswritings. Following that quotation is an excerpt fromScripture related to the quote. Nextis a small prayer based on the quoteand the Scripture passage. Finally,an activity is suggested for applyingthe messages to one’s daily life.

-Barbara Oakeson

Important information about addresses!

We are now mailing out the monthly newsletter to all members,affiliate members, friends and prospective members. It is very im-portant that we have a correct address for you. It is especially im-portant for those of us who have two addresses. Our computerprogram can maintain two addresses and if we know your months

of residency here, the program knows which address to use formailings. We mail out the newsletter in bulk mail. But if we havethe wrong address, it gets returned to us and we are responsible forfull postage for it and you miss out on the newsletter. Can you please help us and insure that we have the cor-rect dates for your alternate address? Please call or email the church office with your information. 480-837-1763 or [email protected]. Thank you for your time and caring.

Candle of God – Why You Shine!Proverbs 20:27

I l ove candles! Do you? I love the warmth. I love the fragrance. In spring, I light candles that smell like jasmine and freshly cut gardenias. In summer, I enjoy fragrancesof cucumber melon or fresh citrus. In fall, pumpkin spice and hazelnut candles scent my home. As soonas the calendar turns to December, the aromas of hot apple cider and cinnamon waft through the air!Let’s take a minute and talk about what the Bible has to say about candles. 27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. I love this scripture and it reminds me

that a candle has no ability to give light of its own. God is the illuminator, what God does through us aswe serve. Have a candle lit celebration of His birth. Your Spirit is waiting to be lit.-submitted by Terry Martin



In Touch page 14

"Walking the Mourner’s Path”

Transforming Grief into Joyful Living”Walking the Mourner's Path” ministry is a Christ-centered bereavement grief support program,with the purpose of transforming one's grief, into joyful living, by offering the outstretched handof Christ. We have been blessed with the opportunity to serve our Church membership andCommunity with a safe and convenient gathering place for this non-denominational ministry,that is Christ-centered, Scripturally sound and Church based, enabling all to come into ourLord's loving presence and experience the abundance of His tender healing love.

“Walking the Mourner's Path” is Spiritually directed and led by trained facilitators, who believe "grieving is not alack of faith, but a natural part of living". Through-out this eight week program, complete with workbook, Mourners will be given the opportunity to learn new ways in which they may honor their loved ones, seek spiritual directionand discover Jesus' promise of comfort and healing.

Preparation is beginning for another eight week session this fall. For those that are interested in attending thiswonderful Grief Ministry, have a loved one they would like to encourage in this process, or would like additionalinformation, please contact Michele Hasley at (480) 816-8917, or the Church Office (480) 837-1763, since thenumber of participants is limited.

DeaconsDeaconsDeaconsDeacons

Reverend Bill Good’s Installation: November 21, 2010Reverend Bill Good’s Installation: November 21, 2010Reverend Bill Good’s Installation: November 21, 2010Reverend Bill Good’s Installation: November 21, 2010



page 15

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

12/24 Linda Capron12/24 Phyllis Rapp12/25 Yvonne Ellingson12/25 Edee Grider12/25 Helen Schmidt12/26 Ilene Berg12/27 Sunniva Graves

12/31 Lillian Bowman

12/09 Carl Capron12/09 Dorothy Christie12/12 Pauline Pollock12/13 Joyce Stott12/18 Brandon Czaplicki12/19 Kimberly Wall12/21 Emerson Uphoff

12/22 Carl Hayungs

12/02 Dick Dresser12/02 Nancy Wulfmeier12/05 Roy Wulfmeier12/06 Tony Atchinson12/06 Paul Brisbane12/07 Earl Stavely 12/08 Bud Fuls

12/08 Marianne Winchester

With deepest sympathy we listthose members who have

passed away in 2010

Gil RappCarolyn Westphal

Hazel HooverNancy Graybiel Judy Mortimer

Millie Devlin

Nancy JannShirley Johnston

Doris Owen Joan Owens

Jytte EssenburgKen Nelson

Andy Heath

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

Matthew 25:21

Hospitalized? Call the church!

If you are sick, hospitalized or home recovering from ill-

ness, we want you to call the church and let us know! In a con-gregation like ours where people leave in droves for extended

summer months, it is easy for the staff, elders and deacons toassume, when we don’t see someone, that they are simply“vacationing away”. The truth is that some of you are sick andwe 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 placedue to the diligent efforts of our deacons. Help us serve youby communicating your situation.

Now that’s punishmentIt was the day after Christmas. Dad was trying to take a

nap, but his young son kept finding ways to interrupt hissiesta. Finally, the father lost his patience and said, “Go tomy room, and go now!”

Hearing this, the boy’s mother asked, “Why did you tellhim to go to your room and not his?”

“Are you kidding?” the father replied. “Did you see allthose Christmas presents he received? In his room, hehas a TV, a stereo, a computer, eight new CDs and threenew video games. If we want to punish him, we have tosend him to our room.”





Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

13001 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard

Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Non Profit Organ.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit NO. 299

Scottsdale, AZ

In Touch is published monthly; deadline for each issue is the 15th of the month before publication.News and information should be submitted to the church office in hard copy, or email to [email protected] Editor, Marta Ludwig; Assistant Editor, Carol Hencz; Proof Reader, HelenRoesch, Production and Circulation: Mary Wernecke, Bobbie Dangremond, Ruby Pearson, Arlene Ol-sen, Marilyn Humes, and Joyce Stott. Travel to Bulk Mail Post Office: Mary Martinson.

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church13001 Fountain Hills Blvd. - Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Phone - (480) 837-1763 Fax - (480) 837-1729 OfficeE-Mail Address: [email protected] Hours: Monday – Friday : 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. www.fhpresbyterian.info

Pastor/Head of Staff Rev Bill Good email: [email protected] cell phone: 480-329-8090

If anyone is not getting our newsletter or Presb-E-News andwould like to, please let the church office know at 837-1763.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

More photos of the Pilgrims Potluck

Documents

Dec Newsletter 2010