FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH
Fountain Hills, AZ

November 2016

FHPC VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS

Our Vision:

Our Mission :

Living Gods love.

calls us to . . .

Reach out to all with faith and love.

John Skewes, Stewardship Chair

Winter 2016:
Springtime at FHPC
Springtime can be defined as a season
of warmth and growth following a cold
season and also a resilient and flourishing stage of development. Springtime is often the most favorite time for
many folks, when the longer days and
suns warming rays promise a period
of joyful anticipation. What a perfect
analogy to where we find Fountain Hills Presbyterian
Church. So, let us look to the warmth and grace of the Sons
res to fill us with resilience and joyful anticipation of the
new journey before us:
RE-trospection on the choppy waters we have sailed through,
HAD to sail to, which nobody wanted. But that journey is
now behind us and we have emerged with greater hope than
ever that we can be the Lords people - fulfilling his biblical
commandments.
RE-spect for those among our church family that, with pure
hearts, wanted a different outcome to our gracious dismissal
process. We dont always agree with each other, but let us
continue to cherish and respect each other as we undertake to
ensure FHPC is a loving and welcoming House of God.
RE-joice that we have completed this journey, remaining
together as friends. The Presbyterys Administrative Commission (AC), whose assigned task included seeking out FHPC
congregants who would transfer to another PC(USA) church,
stated in their official report that The AC found that most
members at Fountain Hills expressed a genuine love for their
church family and a passionate desire to keep that family
together. (It) is highly likely that most, if not all, of these
members will remain with the church regardless of denominational affiliation. Like most families, in the end our love
for each other and determination to stay together overpowers
all else.

RE-commitment to each other. Look across our pews.

Admit it, you like these people. We are in this journey
together, so let us recommit to each other that we are better when we act as one body of Christ.
RE-vitalization in our hopes that we can at last return to
moving the church forward, now with a greater ability to
chart our very own course. How exciting is that?
RE-claim the ownership of the Lords church property.
For far too long, the title to the land and buildings, property this congregation paid for, has resided in the hands of
PC(USA). As I write this, we are well on a course to remove PC(USA) from the title and rightfully insert
FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Hallelujah.
RE-church. (This term appears to have been copyrighted by Pastors Good and Brown. Lets move on.)
RE-stewardship (ok, okI made that word up. So what?
Re-lax). After long talks with the Finance Chair, it is clear
to me the unsettled nature of the church has negatively
impacted pledge drives. Your prior caution before committing your time, talent and treasure is understandable.
But those days are now in the past. There is a fresh wind
at our backs, a gleam returning to our Pastors eyes (Lord
help us), and a growing enthusiasm to get back to Gods
work. For that, the church desperately needs your help.
The 2017 Stewardship Drive is upon us, and without a
resurgence to past levels of giving, deeper cuts in programs will be necessary to balance the 2017 Budget. Congregational commitments of time, talent, and treasure provide the power that fuels our Christian aspirations. This
year, especially, please find it in your hearts to give generously. We have some re-building to do.
Continued on page 4...

In Touch

page 2

Focus on Finance

OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Bill Good
Pastor/Head of Staff

Pastor Ken Brown

Sept. Income

$ 26,925

Budget

$ 29,758

Associate Pastor

Sept. Expenses

$ 30,097

Budget

$ 32,190

Marta Ludwig

Yr to date Income

$ 307,756

YTD Budget

$ 302,525

Yr to date Expense $ 294,722

YTD Budget

$ 295,551

Administrative Coordinator

Debbie Fisher
Director of Music Ministry

Dorothy Parris
Pianist

Caryl Bates
Organist

Lynn Medley
Custodian

CHURCH TREASURER
Linda Lull
CHURCH SESSION
Class of 2016
Sally Atchinson
Bob Lull
John Skewes
Arlene Stewart
Class of 2017
Mary Alice Bivens
Bonnie Hollabaugh
Aleyne Larsen-Craig
Helen Roesch
Ron Waldo
Class of 2018
Norm Collins
Yvonne Ellingson
Jerry Miles
Helen Quigley
Jack Reynolds
BOARD OF DEACONS
Moderator: Nancy Wulfmeier
Class of 2016
Suzie McCready
Dorothy Rudack
Donna Sims
Nancy Wulfmeier
Class of 2017
Michele Hasley
Mary Lee Lehrich
Linda Warren
Class of 2018
Sandy Larson
Elvira Ruiz
Ray Schmidt
Bob Titus
******

September like August fell short on the income side. Pledges are down from
our Budget. We hope to see this pick up in the next three months, now that
summer is behind us. We are committed to keeping
our expenses within budget and are looking for ways
to cut costs where we can. We are still in need of
funds to replace the old air conditioners. We appreciate the donations that have come in so far. We still
have another $10,000 to go.
Respectfully,
Linda Lull, Treasurer

On the Inside:
John Skewes, Stewardship Chair .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . .
Focus on Finance.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
Thanksgiving Feast & Art Bazaar .. . .. . .. . .. .
Chili Dump & Decorating .. . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . .
Mission Ministry . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . ..
Presbyterian Women .. .. .. . .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . .. .
The Divine Discovery .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . . . . . . . .. ..
How Can You Help? .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . .
Lockboxes for Seniors. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . ..
Not Yet a Member? .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
Pastor Ken Bible Study .. . .. ... . .. . .. .. . .. . ..
Mens Fellowship .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . . . .. . ...
Columbarium U.S. Military Medallions . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. ..
Letter from Pastor Bill .. .. . . .. . . . .. .. .. . .. .. .. . . . . ..
Art Bazaar . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .. .
Christian Formation: .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. ..
2017 Concert Series . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . . .. .. .
Library Footnotes.. .. . .. . . . . .
FHPC Foundation.. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . .
Facebook. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . . ..
Music Ministry .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . ..
This & That .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation Christmas Child.. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . . .
Thank You Note .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
Member Spotlight...Did you Know? .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . ...
Necrology for 2016 .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . .. . .
November Birthdays .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..
Quote by William Golding . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .

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page 3

November 2016

Upcoming Events

INVITATION
FAMILY FEAST OF THANKS
Thanksgiving Dinner
Saturday, November 19, 2016
4:00 p.m.

Hor doevres and punch in the Fireside Room

Art Bazaar (See ad page 11)

5:00 p.m.

Dinner in Fellowship Center

On Saturday, Nov. 19th at 5:00 p.m. FHPC 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, dessert or appetizer 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. Please put the date on
your calendar.

ANNUAL CHURCH DECORATING AND THE CHILE DUMP

Please come on November 26 and help us decorate the church for Christmas. The
decorating will start at 9 a.m. We need inside and outside decorating done.
Hilltop Hospitality will have donuts and yogurt ready for you
and of course there is hot coffee, hot chocolate and tea at 9
a.m. with the Chili Dump starting at 11a.m.
Please bring your pot of chili that will be put in a very large
pot along with all the other chili that is donated. That's why
it's called the "Chili Dump". Believe it or not, it really tastes
good! There will be accompanying corn bread, honey butter,
shredded cheese, crackers, chopped onions, sour cream and
dessert.
IT'S A YEARLY TRADITION AND IT'S FUN!!

page 5

November 2012
page 4

In Touch

Mission Ministry

Jack Reynolds, Elder

Water For MANA

House MANA (Marine,

Army, Navy, Air Force) House

is a shelter in Phoenix for homeless veterans. Even though
the weather is cooling, it can still be hot for those living on
the streets. Please continue to drop off cases of water to the
church office. It is much needed and appreciated.

Haiti Outreach Project - Pastor Ken and Elder

Jack Reynolds have been asked by Free The Kids in
Haiti to postpone their trip due to the destruction
caused by Hurricane Matthew on the campus of Pwoje
Espwa (Project Hope). The beautiful dresses made by
the ladies of FHPC and Dress A Girl will be taken
down in January. Free The Kids appreciates the support of our congregation to the disaster relief effort.
We have collected $6886 to date. The funds go directly
to the project to bring comfort to the 350 resident children as well as to hundreds more in the surrounding
villages who rely on us in times of need.
Mission Committee Invitation Our commit-

Changing Lives Center Last month, the Mission

Committee met a need requested by Changing Lives Center.
Elder Terri Schmidt delivered 50 clock radios to residents of
the apartments at the overnight shelter. The Center appreciated this gift very much.

tee holds an open meeting. Our next meeting is on

Monday, November 7th at 4:00 pm in the church conference room. If any member has a special mission
cause and would like to share it with us, please feel
free to attend or contact Jack Reynolds in the church
office.

Continued from page 1 Winter

2016: Springtime at FHPC

Seven things youll never regret

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Feeling reverence for your Maker.

Showing kindness to an aged person.
Destroying a letter - or not sending an e-mail
written in anger.
Offering an apology that saves a friendship.
Stopping gossip that could wreck a reputation.
Taking time to show loved ones consideration.
Accepting the judgment of God on any question.

Over the last several years we have been in a struggle

to return FHPC to its scriptural roots, those laid down in 1974
by 12 dedicated persons who joined Rev. Glenn Atchinson at
Little Johns bar. (Note: I had to repeatedly override my autocorrect it didnt like scriptural roots and bar in the same
sentence.) And now, thanks be to the Lord, we have the freedom to take FHPC wherever we want. It is indeed springtime
at FHPC. With all of us now pulling together, let us be a true
and worthy RE-flection of the Sons warmth and grace as we
move FHPC into 2017 and beyond.
- John Skewes, Stewardship Chair

In Touch

page 5

November 2016
page 4

Mission Ministry
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS/VETERANS
Our Winter Project for Veterans and deployed Troops has
begun and I want to say a big THANK YOU to those of you
who have donated a new sweatshirt and even jackets so far.
This makes my heart feel so good, just knowing that these
items collected are certainly going to make a difference to a
military member and/or a veteran, whether in a facility or
having to live on the streets. The end of November is the
last date for collecting anything to send to the Troops in
time for Christmas. However, donations coming in past
that deadline will be sent to MANA House before Christmas
for our Veterans. Again, the items we are collecting are long
-sleeved sweatshirts, dark in color, sizes L, XL, and XXL,
and dark colored socks. For
the Veterans living on our
streets, a new clean sweatshirt and a new pair of socks
can make all the difference
to them, especially during
the colder months.

ber that deliveries of these items are made throughout the

year when there are enough items collected to do so. You
can place your donations in one of the two collection
boxes, one located in the Narthex on the table and/or
floor and the other one is located in the Fellowship Center
on the left side as you enter, or you may drop off any
items at the Church office and they will call me.
As a reminder, if you are one of our Church-connected
military families, please make sure that I have the most
recent address and any rank change of your loved one so
that they can receive one of our Christmas cards being
mailed out in early December. Again, many thanks for
your continued support of our Troops and our Veterans.
Donna Sims,
Deacon

We did make a delivery of

magazines, books and puzzle books to the Veterans
Hospital/Home in Phoenix in late September.
Deliveries of clothing, small household items,
etc., that are donated are sent to MANA
House in downtown Phoenix. Please remem-

Everyday miracles
When Joan Luise Hills son survived a dire medical
diagnosis, two friends recognized that divine intervention
had occurred. Hill wasnt so sure, though. How could I
have experienced a personal miracle in todays world? she
writes in The Miracle Chase (Sterling Ethos). Wasnt that
something that only happened in the Bible or to someone
else?
Then one day, during a visit to the park, Hill learned a
lesson about everyday miracles. Theres a white rainbow! shouted her 5-year-old son. She told him it was just
a jet trail, but the boy replied, Not to me. Its beautiful.
That was an aha! moment for Hill. Why couldnt a
rainbow be white? she asks. Maybe it was time to shift
my thinking. Perhaps there are rainbows all around us;
but since we only see them a piece at a time, we mistake
them for something else. Miracles happen. We may not
always notice them, but they exist, and the choice to recognize a miracle is up to each of us.
The woodpecker might have to go!
May your troubles be less, may your blessings be more,
And may nothing but happiness come through your door

-The Newsletter Newsletter

by Communication Resources, Inc

page 7

December 2011
page 6

In Touch

Presbyterian Women
NOVEMBER EVENTS
November 1
November 3
November 10
November 21
November 16

1 p.m.
10am
9 a.m.
7 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
Noon

Afternoon Circle, Fountain View Village Chapel

Bible Study with Pastor Bill (Library)
Morning Circle, Adult Center, FHPC
Evening Circle, home of Maria Berry
Hooked on Books, Fireside Room
Out N About, Arrivederci

NEW WOMENS MINISTRY

Twelve women representing FHPC met Tuesday, Oct. 12 to
gather ideas for adding a new Womens Ministry to the
three existing Circles, Out N About and Book club: Sally
Atchinson, Ilene Berg, Maria Berry, Margie Brown, Sylvia
Burke, Michele Hasley, Judy Irvin, Suzy McCready,
Monique Reynolds , Arlene Stewart, Sandi Thompson, and
Linda Warren. Moderator Sylvia Burke opened the meeting
with prayer and the group read the role and significance of
wise women found in Proverbs 31. Marys & Marthas was
chosen by vote as the name for the new groupThe
M&Ms. A format similar to Christian Womens Club was
discussed music, food, and inspiration.
The first event will occur as a Christmas brunch on Sat.
Dec. 10. The hope is that God will help the women form a
loving, encouraging and inspirational womens ministry.
Any women desiring to help can contact Sylvia @
sdburke2025@gmail.com. Once the organization is approved and funded by Session, expect to hear more about
this exciting opportunity.

HOOKED ON BOOKS
Hooked on Books meeting will be November 16 at 9 :30
a.m. in the Fireside Room. Sally Atchinson will reviewing Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion Series (3 books). It's
a wonderful series which takes place back in time during
the Roman Empire.
For further information contact Elsie Hoffarber at 480-837
-4518 or Carol Fuls at 480-836-2346.

AFTERNOON CIRCLE
Have you heard the news?
Jane Allen is the new leader
of Afternoon Circle! We
meet at 1:00 pm on the first
Tuesday of the month at the
Independent Chapel at Fountain View Village. Helping
Jane are Torchy and Evelyn
at the outside door. Bonnie
and Marylou will give the
devotion. Sandy will present
the background, and we will
sing some of the hymns writJane Allen
ten by the person in the story.
Come to visit and stay awhile.
Call Marty at 837-3215 if you have any questions.
- Marty Baxter

Out n AboutOut to
Lunch
Out n' About will be having lunch at
the Arrivederci Cucina Italiana,
12645 N. Saguaro Blvd. on Wednesday, November 16 at noon. Please
call Nancy Wulfmeier for reservations or questions at 480-837-3021.

The long view of Advent

Advent is about preparing not only for Christmas but also for Jesus return. According to Scripture, that wont be the calm, silent scene
described in Christmas carols. In 1928, Dietrich Bonhoeffer preached: It is very remarkable that we face the thought that God is coming so
calmly, whereas previously peoples trembled at the day of God . . . We have become so accustomed to the idea of divine love and of Gods coming at Christmas that we no longer feel the shiver of fear that Gods coming should arouse in us. We . . . Forgot the serious aspect, that the God of
the world draws near to the people of our little earth and lays claim to us.
God is love; well be in good hands at the end of time. But during Advent, also be in awe of God. Embrace a reverent fear of the Lord
that reminds you how profound it is that God chooses again and again to draw near and lay claim to you.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

page 7

November 2016
Don't take life so seriously!
Get Up and DANCE

The latest novel by

Jerry Maples is now
available through
Amazon.com. It is of
special interest to our
members since the
story revolves around
the cross upon which
Jesus was crucified.
The discovery of a

splinter of the True Cross seems to

have extraordinary capabilities. A
fierce struggle ensues to control it.
Will it be used for the benefit of
mankind?

KISS A LOT!

RELAX IN NATURE

Jerry & Linda Maples

Love in action
Fiddler on the Roof, the 1964 musical about an Orthodox Jewish family navigating cultural change, includes a
duet by the main character, Tevye, and his wife, Golde.
As they watch their daughters marry for love, they contemplate their own arranged marriage.
Do you love me? Tevye sings. After first deflecting
the question, Golde recounts the many things shes done
for or with him during 25 years togethercooked,
cleaned, endured hardships, raised a family. She concludes, If thats not love, what is?
When Jesus speaks of love, he uses a word that might
be better translated as serve. Above all, love is an action. Sometimes we feel loving; sometimes not. But Jesus
calls us always to act lovingly. And in the end, serving is
the best way to show our love.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

HAVE FUN AND BE HAPPY!!!!

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad, is

a full minute of happiness you'll never get back
Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss
slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never
regret anything that made you smile.

In Touch
How can you help?

page 8

Lockboxes for Seniors

Fry's Community Rewards Program

The more our church family shops at Fry's, the more monetary support our church will have. Won't you consider registering to allow Fry's to donate a portion of your grocery
expenditures to our church programs?

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

7.
8.

How to Re-Enroll for the

Frys Community Rewards Program
* Go to www.FrysCommunityRewards.com
* Click on Sign-In.
Enter your email and password, click on sign in.
Click on your name (top right hand corner),
under Account Summary scroll down to
Community Rewards.
Click on Edit under Community Rewards.
Under Find Your Organization: Enter the NPO
number or name of organization then select
search. (You can get the NPO number from
your organization.) It is #84123
Under Select Your Organization, click on the
circle next to your organization.
Click on Enroll

** FREE **
JUST CALL
THE CHURCH
OFFICE
837-1763

If you have re-enrolled correctly, you should see a

green box with Your enrollment in the Community
Rewards Program has been updated. Thank you for
participating! You will also see the information listed
under Community Rewards on your Account Summary page.

Look up
Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God of mind...As long as you are proud, you cannot
know God. A proud (person) is always looking down on things and people. And, of course, as long as you
are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.
-C.S. Lewis

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 Aleyne Larsen-Craig at 602-625-6201, Sally
Atchinson at 480-837-1054 or call the church office at 480-837-1763.

Sally Atchinson

& Aleyne Larsen-Craig

page 9

November 2016

Pastor Ken
Why This One Chapter Postcard?
Pastors Bible Study meets
at roughly 10:15 a.m. on
Sundays in the Fireside
Room. Pastor Ken leads this
study and the class is now
engaged in an analysis of
one of the New Testament
Postcards. They are called
Postcards because they are
the length of one sheet of
papyrus, the copy paper of
the ancient world.
So which one of the four of
these New Testament Postcards is the class studying
currently. I could tell you, but then Id have to . . .
Well, lets not go there! Youll have to come to the
class to find out which one.
But here are some significant clues that might help you
figure out which New Testament book this is:

This is the most unusual personal memo in the

New Testament and, if and when you read it,
youre likely to scream, Why is this in the Bible?

It is an ingenious & tactful appeal that convinced

an influential man to do what he had no desire to
do.

It confronts us with an ugly social problem that

tested the conscience of 1st-century believers.

It is a model of how we can be salt & light in the

Roman Empire in the 21st century from those who
managed to pull it off in the 1st century. If you feel,
as I do, that this is not the same country you were
born in, I say Welcome to the Roman Empire!
Those early Christians had no vote, no voice and
no spokesman. But they turned their world upside
down.

Can you guess which one? Whether you can or cannot,

you are welcome to come and join us.

Mens Fellowship
For the month of November the Mens fellowship will meet on Saturday, November 5 at
8:30 am in the Fellowship Center. All men of the church are invited. Casual get together;
no rules, no study, no homework.
Just connecting with other like minded men.

U.S. Military Medallions

for our Veterans
for our Columbarium niches are now available. Please call or stop by the church office
for more information.

In
InTouch
Touch

page
page 10
8

Letter from your Pastor

On a Personal Note. . .
Signs of Resurrection Life
And the Lord says, I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

(Isaiah 43:19)
The prophet Isaiah tells a weary and forlorn Israel that
God is about to do a new thing. He talks about trackless
roads becoming passable. About streams flowing in the
desert. About God putting things -- like love in places
where they havent been. Now it springs forth, he says.
Do you not perceive it?
Yes, it does. And yes, we have. Weve witnessed these resurrection events happening in our church
life. Now it springs forth. . . And, Im here to tell you
now that Ive also seen them in my personal life. Do you
not perceive it?
I know that, since I shared the news with you
that Carolyn and I had gotten engaged, questions and
rumors have abounded throughout the Courtyard thats
only natural; we are a church family, after all! Therefore, it seems only prudent for me to bring some peace by
filling you in on whats really going on.
So. . . her name is Carolyn Ilnicki (actually, Dr.
Carolyn Ilnicki) and she lives in New Jersey where she
maintains a Chiropractic practice in Morristown. We met
six months ago and have maintained a (mostly) long distance relationship of joyfully growing magnitude.
Carolyn has 3 children Danielle, age 17 and a
Senior in High School; David, age 19, presently in Marine Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC and due to graduate
on December 16th; and Robert, also 19, and also headed
for the Marines on January 26th of next year. Then, of
course, theres her mom, Grandma Helen, sprightly at
age 83 and still living independently in Dayton, NJ, an
hour from Carolyn. At this writing, it looks like all

(except David) will be here to join us in worship on November

13thas we continue our efforts to
gather both the AZ and NJ family contingents into the embrace of the single
new family for which both Carolyn
and I have earnestly prayed.
And what does life look like
for us moving forward? Lets start
with the basics: were presently planning to get married here at the church - possibly as early as this Christmastime. Since we want all the kids with
us, this date remains a bit conditional;
dependent upon Davids timely
graduation from Boot Camp. Carolyn will continue to reside in
NJ until such time as she can successfully negotiate sales of both
her practice and her home and Danielle can graduate High
School. Were both praying that by late spring, 2017 she will be
able to join me permanently here and take her place in our
church family. At a little higher level of planning, we are hopeful that Danielle will be nearby as a student at GCU and that
Grandma Helen will take up residence at Fountain View Village. Both of those, of course, remain to be seen.
I am grateful to all of you for continuing to walk so
faithfully and compassionately alongside me as Gods plan for
my life has unfolded over the last year or two. I look forward
now to walking together into this unimaginable Resurrection
Life with which he has blessed Carolyn and me.
Streams flowing in the desert. . . who would have
thought? I am about to do a new thing. . . who might have
guessed? Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
Yes and Amen!

Imitating Christ
The biblical use of the term saint in the book of Acts . . .
applies to each of us. All who are attempting to imitate the
Christ in their lives merit the title of saint. Some do it more
fully than others and are willing to let go of more to get the
job done.
Matthew Fox, Confessions
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

page 11

November 2016

ART BAZAAR

ART BAZAAR
Calling all our church artists to display and sell your art and
published books at our all church family

Thanksgiving Dinner
Saturday, Nov. 19th
Well set up display tables in our Fireside Room
4 p.m punch and appetizers in the Fireside Room
5 p.m dinner in the Fellowship Center

Contact Sally Atchinson, 480-837-1054 or 480-710-6956cell

for further information or to reserve a space.

Last years Art Bazaar

Nancy Wulfmeier & Bev Watters serving sparkling cider

Sylvia Burke autographing book for Elsie Hoffarber

In Touch

page 12

Christian Formation
Christian Formation Opportunities:
Sundays
10:15 AM Pastors Bible Fellowship
10:15 AM Elementary Life with God
11:15 AM Blessed Beginnings Nursery
11:15 AM Preschool Life with God
Wednesdays
The Way on Wednesdays
(Sept-May)
12:00 PM Bible Study The Story
4:00 PM Preteen/teen Choir Rehearsal
5:00 PM Childrens Choir Rehearsal
6:00 PM Bible Study The Story

Womens Bible Study Circles

(Sept thru May)
9:00 AM 2nd Thursday
1:00 PM 1st Tuesday
7:00 PM 3rd Monday

Mens Bible Study on

Thursdays
7:00 AM in the Adult Center

Preparing Hearts and Hands for Advent and Christmas:

Seeking live nativity characters for Christmas Eve Family Service and Saturday,
December 3rd on the Ave of the Fountains Lighting of the Avenue community
event.
Enjoy being a part of the Big God Story in a fun creative way. We have a place for
you in our live nativity! Contact the church office for more information!

Forgive and let go

Clara Barton, founder of the
American Red Cross, was said to
never hold grudges. One day someone reminded her of an offense that
another person had committed
against her. Dont you remember?
the friend pressed. No, Barton
replies. I distinctly remember forgetting that.
Forgiving and forgetting are not
precisely the same. While God declares that hell remember (our)
sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34), its
tough for humans to completely
forget harm done to us, even when
we want to forgive.
On the other hand, like Barton,
we can consciously choose not to
ruminate on an offense, as a cow
does its cud. We can opt not to bring
up past hurts during present disagreements, and we can intentionally not recount someones sin to a
third party, hoping theyll take our
side. In the process of choosing to
forget the wrong done to us, surely
well also find it easier to forgive.
Use it all up
About two-thirds of Americans
say eating Thanksgiving leftovers is
more important than eating the actual holiday meal.
Thats one of the few times people
hope food is left on the table.
When it comes to giving our
blessings, God doesnt want any
leftovers to remain. In Genesis 12:2,
God blesses Abraham so he will be
a blessing to others.
Charles Stanley writes: A
hoarded blessing is never enjoyed as
richly as a shared one. Using your
gift to meet someone elses need
glorifies God by demonstrating his
grace at work in your life. Dont let
his generous provisions end with
you. Pass them on and discover the
joy of a never-ending cycle of blessings.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

page 13

November 2016

2017 Concert Series

Pat Covault Memorial
Concert Series
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
The Heartlight Show
(The Best of Neil Diamond
Performed by Jack Wright)
Jack is not an impersonator; he's a performer that took his time to put his heart
and soul into composing a certain style
of show that presents the life and music
of the legendary Neil Diamond in a
whole different presentation than just an
impersonator with a loud band.
Enjoy an intimate, sophisticated solo
performance by a performer with a natural voice that embraces the unique sound
of Neil himself. Memorable hit songs
and fan favorites are faithfully and powerfully expressed with guitar and piano,
supported by Jacks rich re-creations of
Neils live show arrangements. They fill
the venue with the sounds and dynamic
energy of a full orchestra. Being able
to sing Neil Diamond songs with a
voice that sounds a lot like his is a gift,
not an effort. Jack Wright.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Rich Natole (Comic Impressionist)
and Ariann Black
(Female Magician of the Decade)
Rich Natole is an extremely multitalented comic-impressionist who ranks
with the greatest mimics of all time. His
Voices Of A Generation show is a
people pleasing performance. Rich
showcases over 75 Celebrity Impressions in this fast moving, very funny,
family-friendly show.
Ariann Black has been a professional
magician & illusionist in Las Vegas for
over twenty years. Her show has elements from the 1900s when touring
magic shows were extremely popular.
The show features her bird act where she
produces birds from thin air. She is currently 1 of only 7 people in the world
performing this style of magic. There is

also a section where she performs with

soap bubbles. This routine has a beautiful
message for people following their
dreams. She has received many accolades and
awards for her gift and unique talent in
the world of magic. She was awarded the honor of Magician Of The Decade by
the International Divas of Magic. She was
also voted Magician Of The Year in
2011 by the International Conclave Of
Illusionists as well as Female Magician
Of The Year 3 times by the International
Magicians Society.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

The Arizona Trio
(A Musical Singing Trio)
Sing-a-long, laugh-a-long, clap-a-long
and smile-a-long as The Arizona Trio
celebrates a wide variety of musical nostalgia. From Roy Rogers and the Sons Of
The Pioneers to The Kingston Trios folk
music explosionfrom Broadway
Classics to Nashville Country and Bluegrass to International songs of Canada,
Ireland and more. Then throw in some
Everly Brothers, The Four Preps and
some Mamas and Papas and you have a
complete variety of musical styles for all
to enjoy.
The Arizona Trio brings to you, three
award winning musicians, original song
writers and fun, family-style entertainment all while playing more instruments
than in previous tours. Six and twelve
string guitars, three different style five
string banjos and a hand-monica
what?...... yes, a hand-monica and
more. So, sit back, relax and enjoy a
great evening full of musical memories.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Scarborough Fair
(A Simon & Garfunkel Experience featuring the Guthrie Brothers)

sion of Cecilia, prepare to fall in

love again with the music of Simon
& Garfunkel. The Guthrie Brothers
take the listener on a journey of one
of the worlds most recognized folk
rock duos. Through songs, stories
and trivia, Jeb and Jock blend their
rich voices together to weave an
enjoyable tapestry that leaves every
audience member smiling.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Dunlap and Pennington
Concert Artists
Funny, entertaining and WOW can
they play..and play they do!
Mega hits of Broadway, cool Pops,
hot Jazz and stunning Classical favorites. Mix in their sophisticated
style, witty humor and extraordinary
talent and audiences jump to their
feet wanting more by the end of the
show.
Reviewer, standing ovations and
fans around the world agree on
Dunlap and Pennington. Accolades
they hear include Stunning Artistry, Fantastic, Gorgeous,
This Show is a Hit and
Breathtakingly Beautiful. Add to
that list from John List, Nova Singers, Nova Southeastern University
says, These guys make Liberace
look tame!, Take your kids! Take
your parents! Take your friends and
neighbors but take time to see this
show! You wont regret it.
Close your eyes hear a Symphony
Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Vegas Show Band all in one. Open
your eyes discover two amazing
world-class keyboard artists that just
signed with PBS to do their first TV
special.
When ever stage sizes permits, large
video screens and multiple cameras
ensures you dont miss any of the
live action, emotion, humor and
artistry that is Dunlap and Pennington.

From their mesmerizing rendition of

Sound Of Silence to their playful verContinued on page 16...

In Touch

page 14

Library Footnotes
Hillbilly Elegy
By J.D. Vance
An intriguing title! Who, exactly,
are the hillbillies? And why an
elegy which according to the dictionary, means a poem or song of
Elsie Hoffarber
lament, a contemplative mourning.
J.D. Vance has written a beautiful, heartfelt and also ran
autobiography of his life growing up with the Scots-Irish
people of Appalachia which, though generally encompassing Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee, is really a
much wider area.
He is only thirty-one years old and feels that it is almost ludicrous, at his age, to call this book a memoir. It is
really an attempt to explain this most distinctive subgroup in America, the most persistent and unchanging
regional subculture in our country.
J.D. Vance has been interviewed on CNN and MSNBC
several times and wrote a column in USA Today. He
also contributes to The National Review. This is all to
familiarize us with his people and the great frustration and
anger that many of them feel today.
When I was very young and living in Chicago, the
newspapers would periodically write about the people
from Appalachia (many from Kentucky) who created so
many problems in the uptown area; creating domestic and
other forms of violence; murders, destruction of property;
heavy drinking and smoking and very unhealthy eating
habits. I read of Eleanor Roosevelt going to Appalachia to
help in every way that she could, seemingly to little avail.
Lyndon Johnsons War on Poverty would focus on the
same area many years later, also with little to show for all
of the effort. When living in Champaign, IL in the mid
1950s, I would see large groups of people who seemed as
though they came from another country. They were all
very shabbily dressed; and looked very unhealthy, especially the children, and though English speaking, very difficult to understand. They somehow seemed so displaced.
Who were these people?
So, it was with great interest that I bought and read
Hillbilly Elegy. What a rewarding experience! The author is loving and compassionate but also brutally honest.
He indeed tells it like it is holding people accountable
for the behaviors that continue to make life difficult for
themselves and others. But, he also mentions wonderful
qualities such as an intense sense of loyalty and a fierce
dedication to family and country.
J.D. Vance spent most of his early years between Jackson, Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio where he grew up.
He describes his colorful family with love and gratitude
and with a great since of humor. Many were and are, un-

forgettable. The people with the greatest impact on his

young life were his maternal grandparents, referred to
Mamaw and Papaw. They were deeply flawed people but
also deeply caring and wanting the best for him.
They had immigrated to Middletown, Ohio when
Mamaw was a pregnant fourteen-year old girl and Papaw
was seventeen. The young husband and soon-to-be father
found a job with Armco, a large steel company that recruited aggressively in eastern Kentucky coal country and
promised a better life for those willing to work in the steel
mills. A middle class life was within reach. However, the
people unfortunately brought so many of their problems
with them because of their culture. They were stigmatized
by many of their new neighbors and stigmatized by those
remaining in Kentucky who resented their move to the
north in search of a better life.
The couple had two daughters and one son. One of the
daughters was J.D. Vances mother. When his grandparents were young there was a great deal of on-going violence in the family. They were very combative and broken
furniture and fishes was a common event. They did not
directly abuse their children, whom they did love but created a very abusive and frightening environment. One day,
in a rage, J.D.s grandmother set fire to his grandfather and
only the quick action of a daughter dousing the fire saved
him with only minor burns.
What a frightening atmosphere for children. However,
many years later Papaw suddenly announced that he
would stop drinkingand he did. The couple began to get
along. One daughter and the son managed to survive well
and even thrive. Both married outside of their culture.
J.D.s mother did not fare well. She struggled with addiction all of her life and had many marriages and also movein boyfriends. Her two children led a very unsettled life.
However, none of the men were abusive, some were very
kind but they were never around very long. So, J.D. and
his sister led a very insecure life.
Mamaw and Papaw tried to redeem themselves by
being wonderfully supportive and loving (although sometimes with tough love) to their grandchildren. Both had
been heavy smokers all of their lives with very compromised health. Papaw died first. Mamaw, realizing the ongoing problem her daughter had with addition, wanted J.D.
to live with her. Although she suffered from severe emphysema she very forcefully encouraged him to study hard
and make something of himself. His life did turn around
and he credits his grandparents for that.
Its a joy to read how this young person evolved. He
was admitted to Ohio State but right after 9-11 opted to
join the Marines. Succeeding as a Marine gave him much
needed self-esteem. He later went to Ohio State and went
on to be admitted to Yale Law School. His adjustment
there makes fascinating reading. It was for the very first
Continued on page 15...

page 15

November 2016

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation
An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow

If you are considering making the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation a part of your legacy, here is some suggested
wording to take to your attorney: I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the
Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation said funds or a percent of my estate for its most urgent needs as determined by
the Foundation Board of Trustees.
Federal Tax ID number: 46-2970452
Members of the Board of Trustees are available to answer your questions.
Give them a call!

Foundation Board of Trustees

Gary Oakeson
Matt Jefferson
Roy Nickel
John Skewes

480-837-5563
480-837-6001
480-688-8392
480-292-9021

Jean Ipema
Dawn Lau
Ben Fast

480-837-1770
480-837-2607
480-837-1119

HILLBILLY ELEGY.Continued from page 14

time he was constantly in contact with the middle-class/upper-class. He shares his experiences and in-sights.
In all, this is a book explaining not only the culture into which J.D. was born and raised but also the gratitude he
feels toward the many who helped him along the way so that he could have the wonderful life he now enjoys.
He is a conservative and puts forth some very down-to-earth ideas about how to address the problems
the Hillbillies have had and are continuing to have. Money is not the answer or even a part of it.
Im sure you will find this book very enlightening as I did.
Elsie Hoffarber

Facebook
FACEBOOK PAGE: Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church
Go to our website and click on Facebook on our home page. When you are there also click on the like it
icon. When you do that you will get news feeds directly from our site whenever anything new is
added. It is just another way to stay connected.

In Touch

page 16

Music Ministry
Welcome back folks! It is
truly a joy to see you return
and reunite with so many,
Christian to Christian!
It isn't that while you are
away we droop over in anguish, because truthfully,
Christian love is so strong
that we get along well no
matter how many of us are
here. We just get to experience the joy multiplied
when you return!
Debbie Fisher, Director of Music
Our music goes from not
only solo, duet and trio, but to a more full
group impact, while remaining fully impressive in
the depth of commitment that occurs within each voice
that sings praise to God. It is glorious!
Our Celebration Ringers are back in rehearsal,
and WE NEED RINGERS! They are a unique group,
fortunately very capable music readers, but they do not
have enough arms to ring as many bells as I know
they would love to! I can teach anyone to read music,
or refresh anyone who used to read music, and love
doing so. Challenge me! The ringers are the most patient people I know, having had many other people
come in who are ready to ring these beautiful bronze
instruments that are unlike any instrument. We just
need people that can come in on a MONDAY EVENING @ 5:30 for a 1 hour rehearsal and return the
next Monday for the same rehearsal. It is a remarkable experience of united effort in producing sound

and effort toward the glory of God, and engage in a

fabulous mental and physical workout, easily obtained
by any adult, ANY AGE, that loves to be immersed in
well intended effort to create! Our more experienced
ringers can handle 2 smaller bells in each hand at a
time, while with medium and large bells are 1 per
each hand.
I would certainly accommodate a
new ringer with 1 bell, (or pitch)
only until they got into the groove
of continued beat, etc..
Please consider this awesome experience as our already
seasoned ringers have for
many years. It would be wonderful! Just come to our Monday evening rehearsal, and
after everyone stops hugging you, we will get
started. Thank you!
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise
Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty
acts; Praise Him for His excellent greatness! Praise Him
with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute
and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise
Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him
with loud cymbals! Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise
the Lord!"
Psalm 150
Deborah Fisher
Director of Music Ministries

Where is thy sting?

Deaths power is limited. It cannot eradicate memories or slay love. It cannot destroy even a threadbare faith or permanently hobble the
smallest hope in God. It cannot permeate the soul and it cannot cripple the spirit. It merely separates us for a while. That is the only power
death can claimno more.
-Donna VanLiere
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

Continued from page 13 Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series for 2017
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Around the World In A Bad Mood
(A One Woman Play)
A 90 minute fun and cleverly written one woman play, along with video, features the comedy of
RENE FOSS as a flight attendant, while saying......."being a flight attendant is rather like being a
waitress on a Greyhound bus - with no tips". She works for one of the largest U.S. Based Major Airlines and boasts so much real material at her job that it only seemed befitting to take her singing and
acting talent, into writing this fun and whimsical cabaret show.

Tickets for the

series on sale in
Church
office

page 17

November 2016

This & That

WELCOME BACK
CELEBRATION SINGERS
AND
CARYL BATES, ORGANIST

Celebration Singers

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

A Project of Samaritans Purse
A simple shoebox gift packed and sent with love to a
child who has experienced war, famine, disease or natural
disaster can change lives all over the world in Jesus
name. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out
of it is eternal as the Good News of Jesus Christ is
shared.
If this is a mission that touches your heart, you can pick
up a shoebox from the table in the narthex and fill it with
gifts for a boy or girl in an age range you select. A trifold
brochure is included to guide you in selecting gifts and
preparing the box for delivery. All boxes should be returned to church office by November 14.

Carol and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the congregation for
their cards, prayers and support during our recent loss of our daughter, Susan.
Pastor Bill, Mary Alice Bivens, Debbie Fisher, Dorothy Paris, John Brockelman and the Deacons were so generous of their time and talents in providing a
moving and comforting memorial service. We are truly blessed to have such a
caring church family to be so supportive in times of sadness and grief.
Carol and Bud Fuls

In Touch

page 18

Member Spotlight . Did you know?

I was born at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, to
gone totally nuts, leaving beautiful Lake Michigan. But,
Ted and Aggie Buttrick I grew up in Grosse Pointe MI,
my skiing and sailing days were over and I had retired
and had two sisters and a brother. I attended the Country
from my Real Estate business, so it was time to move to a
warmer climate. Sharon and I had both purchased condos
Day School there and following graduation, I attended
here, and we both still enjoy the wonderful life in Fountain
the Garland School in Boston, Mass..
Hills.
After that, I returned to Grosse
I had joined the Friends in the Hills
Pointe to live with my parents and
worked at the J.L.Hudson Co. in
Welcome Club, and immediately became
their Executive Training Program of
involved. I became the Vice-President and
retailing. Selling clothes just wasn't
was in charge of the monthly luncheon
programs. It was lots of fun and I got to
my bag. Although I did enjoy the
know all kinds of new friends.
discount.
I had been searching for a change of
Then I moved north to Harbor
Springs MI, where I met my husdenomination and did some Church shopband, Jim McCready. We had two
ping when I found FHPC. The minute I
walked in here I knew I was home. It's a
sons, Jim Jr. and Robert. Sadly, we
God thing you know! Just saying this to
divorced and I raised the boys alone
you, makes me tear up.
up there. During those years, I became a Realtor for 30 years, and
This is the best move I have ever made in
my life. I so much enjoy ushering and
taught downhill skiing.
greeting, and was most honored to be
I am so proud of both my sons,
asked to become a Deacon.
who have very successful careers.
Jim, Jr. is now head of Construction
My social life entails playing Bridge,
playing more Bridge and playing some
for Haselden in Denver CO, they
more Bridge, going to movies and enjoybuild large shopping centers, and
ing cooking a good meal. I am sure there
Robert is a co-owner of Blue Collar
is more I could tell you, but, I have run
advertising agency in Hood River
Suzie McCready
out of room here. Thank you Elsie for
OR.
asking me to tell my story.
I came out here in 1995, with my
friend Sharon to visit her mother, who lived in F.H.. I
Fondly, Suzie McCready
fell in love with the southwest. My sons thought I had

Most caffeinated country in the world: Sweden

The coffee in Sweden will put a spring in your step, and
hair on your tongue. The Swedes consume an average of
388 mg of caffeine in coffee per person, per day (that's
almost 5 Red Bulls).

Most drunken country in the world: Belarus

In Belarus, each person above the age of 15
drinks an average of 4.62 gallons of alcohol every
year.

page 19

November 2016
Hospitalized? Call the church!

With deepest sympathy we list

those members who have passed
away in 2016.
Patricia Culley
Ralph Berry
Gerry Hull
Dan Foster
Ruth Martin
Georgene Fenley
Susan Fuls
Mike George
John Wyman
Larry Hutcheson
George Mortimer

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.

jx wx? g{ zw tw yt|{y xtA

Xx { | {x } by { _wA
Matthew 25:21

Perhaps we should be more proactive about removing temptations. Perhaps lead me not into temptation means
God, help me keep myself away from that which tempts me toward poor choices. Amen!
Heidi Mann
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

11/01
11/01
11/02
11/02
11/03
11/03
11/10

Gary Debernardi
Debra Stark
Louise Jones
Jack Morris, Jr.
Jean Foster
Marilyn Pape
John Skewes

11/11
11/12
11/12
11/13
11/13
11/15
11/18

Norma Boysen
Bob Berg
Melissa Fast
Sandi Thompson
Trey Uphoff
Carolyn McCanless
Hank Tufte

11/19
11/20
11/21
11/24
11/28
11/29
11/30

Dorothy Rudack
Kris Peluso
Russel J. Larson
Monika Buck
Mary Jo Roy
Connie Harris
Nicole Zenhausern

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

13001 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

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
fhpc.marta@gmail.com Editor, Marta Ludwig; Proof Readers: Phyllis Rapp, Jean Ipema & Helen
Roesch; Staff Photographers: Gary Oakeson & Michele Hasley;

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