FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH
Fountain Hills, AZ December 2017

FHPC VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS

Our Vision:
Living Gods love. calls us to . . .
Our Mission:
Reach out to all with faith and love.

Pastor Bill Good

Because of Bethlehem Nobody opens up

Prepare ye the way. . . .
The Season is again upon us.
John the Baptist stalks the
banks of River Jordan crying,
Prepare ye the way. As if in
response, Mary now in her
third trimester -- experiences a
welcome burst of energy. The
Magi slowly caravan across the
forbidding desert. The shepherds gather round the fire
wondering at the strange light in the night sky. And
the angel host begins to gather in heaven with grow-
ing expectation.
Everybodys preparing for the unfolding of
the great cosmic drama: Come, thou long expected
Jesus. Its once again time for us to join them.
God knows, whats in store for the world!
Stroll in the Glow Come share laughter,
fellowship and Christmas carols with friends and
neighbors at our Living Nativity and Petting Stable on
Dec. 2 from 5-7pm on Avenue of the Fountains.
Our Humble God -- an Advent devotional
by the Rev. Dr. Tim Smith for those quiet times at
home.
the emotions of the Christian experience of this Sea-
son like pastor/author Max Lucado! Join us for his
warm and inspiring multi-media reflection on Christ-
mas past and present. This study will be the focus of
our Noon and 6 oclock WOW gatherings on the first
three Wednesdays in December.
Sunday Worship with each succeeding
week, the season will be met with reverence and
warmth, deepening reflection, inspiring music and the
glow of Advent candle-lighting.
Beyond the Song our Christmas gift to
you! Our worship on Sunday, Dec. 24th at 10 am is
designed to prepare the most resistant of hearts; filled
as it will be with music, scripture, and a look into the
stories behind some of our best-known and best-loved
songs of the Season.
Christmas Eve Worship Joy to the World!
The tradition continues! Kid-friendly Family Service
with live nativity at 4pm. Traditional Candlelight Ser-
vice concluding under the stars begins at 7pm.
The sacred season is here once again, replete
with beauty and mystery. Weve worked to prepare
your way into it. The Infant King is reaching out to
you O come, let us adore him!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Sunday Dec. 24 10:00 am Beyond the Song
4:00 pm Christmas Eve Childrens Service
(Live Nativity & Petting Stable available before and after 4:00 PM)
5:00 pm Refreshments
7:00 pm Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sunday Dec. 31 10:00 am 1st Sunday after Christmas Day Memories & Hopes Sunday
No second service on this date
In Touch page 2

OUR CHURCH STAFF Focus on Finance

Rev. Bill Good
Pastor/Head of Staff
Pastor Ken Brown October Income $ 36,220 Budget $ 35,942
Associate Pastor
October Expenses $ 36,414 Budget $ 35,559
Marta Ludwig
Administrative Coordinator
Debbie Fisher Yr to date Income $ 344,480 YTD Budget $ 347,567
Director of Music Ministry
Yr to date Expense $ 351,450 YTD Budget $ 351,329
Dorothy Parris
Pianist
Caryl Bates
Organist
Lynn Medley October income came in slightly higher than budget, an
Custodian improvement over September. YTD income is below
CHURCH TREASURER budget at this time, but we should see better results in
Linda Lull the next two months. YTD expenses continue to stay
CHURCH SESSION within budget.
Class of 2017
Mary Alice Bivens Respectfully,
Bonnie Hollabaugh Linda Lull, Treasurer
Aleyne Larsen-Craig
Helen Roesch
Ron Waldo
Class of 2018
Yvonne Ellingson
Jerry Miles
Helen Quigley
Jack Reynolds
Class of 2019
Maria Berry
John Brockelman On the Inside:
Tim Halchuck
Bob Lull Pastor Bill Good .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . 1
Terri Schmidt Focus on Finance.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. 2
Carol Skewes Upcoming Events: .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. .. . . .. . 3
Mission Ministry . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .. 4
BOARD OF DEACONS Presbyterian Women .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. .. . 6
Moderator: Linda Warren Library Footnotes.. .. . .. . . . . . 8
Class of 2017 Art Bazaar .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . 9
Michele Hasley Kid Tyme filling Halloween bags for Servicemen .. .. .. . .. . . 10
Mary Lee Lehrich Mission: Life of the Church .. .. .. .. . .. . . .. .. . . . . . .. . . 11
Bonnie Matty Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series 2018.. .. .. . . .. .. .. . 12
Linda Warren Christian Formation .. .. .. . . .. .. .. . .. .. . . . . . . 13
Class of 2018 Not Yet a Member? .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 13
Mary Martinson Music Ministry .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . .. 14
Elvira Ruiz U.S. Military Medallions .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . 14
Ray Schmidt Feast of Thanks . . .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . 15
Bob Titus FHPC Foundation.. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . 16
Class of 2019 Thanksgiving Float.. .. .. . .. . .. . .. . . . . . .. .. . .. . 16
Louise Jones Facebook. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . . .. 16
Dorothy Rudack Thanksgiving Feast .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. 17
Clarence Utter Member Spotlight...Did you Know? .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . ... 18
Nancy Wulfmeier Necrology for 2017 .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . .. . . 19
December Birthdays . .. ... .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 19
****** Monument with new signage .. .. . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. 20
page 3 December 2017

Upcoming Events

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS, Helping you through the pain of grief.

FHPC is holding another helpful one day event Saturday December 9th, that is a biblically sound, Christ centered program for
people facing the holidays, after a loved ones death. This comforting, encourag-
ing and supportive ministry features video instruction, leadership guidance and
group interaction, where you can find assistance for coping with the intense pain
of grief, during the fast approaching season.

With Surviving the Holidays you can begin to find comfort and resolution
through this wonderful group process, that includes supportive material that
youll be able to take home with you and refer back to, anytime you need to.
If a Christ centered, Church based program could benefit you, or someone you
know, through this holiday season, youll want to reserve your spot, because
group size is limited. For additional information about "Surviving the Holidays",
make a reservation, or if you have any questions about the next 13 week program,
beginning in the New Year, please contact Michele Hasley at 480-313-6814.

Have You Pledged Yet?

Thank you to everyone who pledged during the Flour-
ish Stewardship Campaign. Watch for reports on our
progress. If you have not yet sent in your pledge we
ask that you do so now so that plans can be made for
next years ministries. Pledge cards are available in
the pew racks, church office or you may contact Carol
Skewes at cskewes@cox.net.

Carol Skewes
2018 Stewardship Chair

Christmas Eve, Sunday,

December 24
10:00 am Lessons & Carols (only morning service )
4:00 pm Family Childrens Service
(Live Nativity & Petting Stable)
5:00 pm Refreshments
7:00 pm Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service
page 5 November 2012
In Touch page 4

Mission Ministry
Ilene Berg reports
the she delivered 143
Christmas boxes to
the collection loca-
tion for Samaritans Purse
Shoebox program. That is an
increase of 15 boxes from last
year. The Committee thinks it
would be fun and interesting
for members who elected to
track their boxes to report back
as to which country they were
Jack Reynolds, Elder sent. The boxes are available
to track on-line after mid-
December. Just tell the office when you learn the destination.
Thank you for this successful project.
Water For MANA House MANA (Marine, Army,
Navy, Air Force) House is a shelter in PHX 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.
Fr. Marc from Haiti, who visited FHPC last month, sends
his best wishes for a blessed Advent Season and Joyous
Christmas. He thanks our congregation for their warm wel-
come and on-going support for the school feeding program
that we initiated. He appreciated the ecumenism that was
displayed.

Donna Sims reports that she is in the process of sending

Christmas cards to family members and
friends of FHPC who are deployed. Each
card contains personal greetings from
members. She also advised that she has
delivered books and magazines to the VA
Hospital in PHX. She collects these all
year long. Thank you Donna.
The giver
Many Christian families struggle with what role
if anySanta Clause should play in their Christmas
celebrations. No matter what you decide, its fasci-
nating to know the history of the real-life St. Nicho-
las.

Thank you to all who have brought in frozen Born about 270 A.D., Nicholas
turkeys for delivery to EHFB. We will con- was a bishop in Myra, or modern
tinue to collect them through Sunday, De- -day Turkey. In the year 325, he
cember 17th. We are also collecting the fol- was part of the Council of Ni-
lowing as requested by EHFB: caea, which produced the Nicene
Creed.
List of healthy food donations
Canned vegetables (no salt added or low sodium) Nicholas, known for his gener-
100% fruit and vegetable juices osity, often gave away his
Canned fruit in 100% juice money anonymously. According to tradition, he
Dried fruits and vegetables with no added sugar. secretly provided dowries for the three daughters of
100% whole grain bread or pasta a bankrupt merchant. Nicholas threw two bags of
Brown rice or wild rice gold through open windows and placed the third in a
Whole grain cereals with at least 3 grams of fiber (Cheerios, stocking hanging by the fireplace to dry. Thus began
Shredded Wheat) the Christmas tradition of placing gifts in stockings.
Oatmeal
Canned beans, with no salt added St. Nicholas is quoted as saying, The giver of every
Dried beans, peas and lentils good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic
Low-sodium or water packed canned meats and seafood Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not
Unsalted nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews) of ourselves.
Peanut butter
Shelf-stable low fat dairy products (boxed milk, dry milk or
evaporated milk)
-The Newsletter Newsletter
Soup with less than 400 mg sodium per serving by Communication Resources, Inc
In Touch
page 5
Support Our Troops
December marks a busy time for the Mission Committee
and one of our projects is the collection of items for our
deployed troops and/or our local veterans. This project has
been an annual event for a number of years and hopefully
this year will be a success as in years past. All items col-
lected and delivered will certainly make a difference to an
active duty military member and/or a veteran who may be
living in a facility or having to live on the streets. Time is
short for deliveries of items to deployed troops and any-
thing coming in past the deadline (the
beginning of December) will be sent
to MANA House. Again, the items
we are collecting for our Winter Pro-
ject are long-sleeved sweatshirts and/
or long-sleeved t-shirts, dark in color,
sizes L, XL, and XXL, and dark col-
ored socks.
A delivery of many boxes of magazines, books, puzzle
books, calendars and CDs was made the end of October to
the Veterans Hospital/Home in Phoenix. Please remem-
December 2017
page 4
ber that deliveries of these types of items are made throughout
the year when there are enough items collected to do so. You
can place your donations in one of our two collection boxes,
one in the Narthex and the other one is located in the Fellow-
ship Center on the left side as you enter. I will receive a
phone call for any items that have
been left in the Church office and I
will go and pick them up. As a re-
minder, items collected throughout
the year are: gently used clothing,
bedding, shoes, magazines, CDs,
DVDs, calendars, books, etc.
On Thursday, November 16th, I de-
livered to Packages from Home, all
of the bags of Halloween candies
that our Kids group put together for deployed Troops in the
brightly colored and decorated goodie sacks that they had
made and put together. The kids did a tremendous job in
making up all these goodie bags. PFH was thrilled to receive
such a large donation from our kids and they told me these
items will be packaged and mailed very soon. I thanked them
for all that they do and even managed to take a few pictures.
Again, many thanks to one and all for your continued support
of our Troops and our Veterans.
Donna Sims,
Mission Committee
page 7 December 2011
In Touch page 6

Presbyterian Women
DECEMBER EVENTS
November 28 5:30 p.m. M & M Womens Ministry Meeting (Fireside)
December 8 6:00 p.m. M & M Gathering Angels of Christmas (Fellowship Center)
December 14 9 a.m. Morning Circle (Adult Center)
December 18 6 p.m. Evening Circle, home of Donna Yordy
December 20 9:30 a.m. Hooked on Books (Fireside Room)
December 20 12 noon Out N About

Evening Circle Meeting

The December 18th meeting of the Presbyterian Womens Eve-
ning Circle will be a Christmas Potluck meal at the home of
Donna Yordy 16800 El Lago Blvd. # 1076. The meal will be-
gin at 6PM. This event has been an annual tradition of 5 years
that we all look forward to. Good food and good fellowship
with our sisters in Christ.
The Bible study will once again be led by Mary Alice Bivens.
This is also an annual tradition when we are blessed by her
knowledge and talents (she works for food!). The Lesson will
be Lesson Four in the Horizons Bible Study book Cloud of
Witnesses. The Lesson is titled In Community with Gods
Messengers. The theme of the lesson is angels as messengers
from God. This study from Hebrews is so appropriate for the
season of Advent. We will be reminded that angels are another
stone in our supporting wall of the community of faith even as
part of the cloud of witnesses that surrounds us.
The meeting will be centered on a discussion of our sponsored
young lady from Haiti through ESPWA and the Free the
Kids Mission project. We all felt truly blessed that Father
Marc Boisvert was here to share the stories, pictures and ongo-
ing challenges to spread Hope for Haitis Children. He knows
our Esthere and will continue to share information with us
about her and also share information about us with her. This
makes for a real feeling of connection.
If you have questions, need directions or need a ride, please
contact Circle Chair Judy Irvin at 480-215-0827 or Donna at
480-837-6169. All guests are warmly welcomed.
Out n AboutOut to Lunch
Out n' About will have lunch
at noon, December 20th. We
will be going to the Mesquite
Grill at Tonto Verde, 18401
El Circulo Dr., Rio Verde.
Come one, come all and
have a good time. Please
call Nancy Wulfmeier for
information and reserva-
tions. 480-837-3021.
Morning Circle
Morning Circle will meet on Thursday, December 14 at
9AM in the Adult Center. Chapters to be read for the
discussion are 5 and 6 in Christ in the Psalms, our
Bible study book this year. We will be covering Psalm
22 (Christ - Our Crucified Risen Savior) and Psalm 23
(Christ - Our Shepherd and
Gracious Host).
For more information call
Monique Reynolds 336-382-
8733.
HOOKED ON BOOKS
Hooked on Books will be meeting on Wednesday,
December 20th,at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside
Room. Melba Versaw will be reviewing a "surprise
book." If you have any questions, please call Elsie
Hoffarber, 480-837-4518 or Carol Fuls, 480-836-2346.
This will be our Christmas Party and we will again have
a book exchange since it was well received when done
in the past. We will bring a book which we have liked
but are willing to part with and wrap it as a gift. Then
each of us in turn will choose a
giftwrapped back and if the
giver of the book wishes to do so
she can tell why she chose to
bring it. If you do not have a
book to bring you, are most wel-
come to come anyway.
 page 7 December 2017

Our greatest need

If our greatest need had been information,
Women Invite! God would have sent us an educator.

The Afternoon Circle will enact The
Christmas Story with the use of well-
known figures and the nativity scene.
Everyone takes part in the script and in
singing the traditional Christmas hymns
from beginning to end. We want to share
this prophecy-come-true. Join us in the
JOY of re-telling the glorious birth of
our Christ Child! Tuesday, Dec 5 at
1:00 PM, Fountain View Village.
If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness and acceptance,
so God sent us a Savior.
-Author unknown

-The Newsletter Newsletter

Jane Allen, Leader by Communication Resources, Inc

Operation Christmas Child

At its November meeting, the Afternoon Circle was in full swing for Operation Christmas Child. The women eagerly selected
items to pack in their shoeboxes. As a result, 5 shoeboxes were filled to the brim with colorful, useful, and WOW kid-stuff - suc-
cess!
Jane Allen, Leader

Evelyn Vernon & Barbara Hoverland, Sandra Coultrap and Joan Larson

Greatest worth
He came a babe of lowly birth, He was Gods Son of greatest worth.
We, like the angels, sing with mirth because God sent his Son to earth
To ransom us and claim our worth. Praise God this babe of lowly birth!
-MaryAnn Sundby
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc
In Touch page 8

Library Footnotes
Five hundred years ago, the priest and scholar Martin Lu-
ther approached the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Ger-
many and nailed a piece of paper to the door that con-
tained 95 revolutionary opinions that would begin the
Protestant Reformation. In his theses, Luther condemned
the excesses and corruption of the Roman Catholic
Church, especially the papal practice of asking payment
The Reformation: A narrative history related by con-
temporary observers and participants by Hans Hiller-
brand features Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, John Knox,
and Thomas Cranmer. Laid out chronologically pro-
viding snapshots of the Reformation including what
led up to it, what triggered it, what forms it took, and
how the Church reacted to it.

Great Voices of the Reformation, an anthology - Writ-

ings of John Wycliffe, John Huss, Martin Luther,
John Calvin, John Knox, Cotton Mather, George Fox,
John Wesley, Roger Williams, and others who pro-
vided the world with the spiritual heritage and moral
force of Protestantism.

Martin Luther by Martin Marty - renowned historian

called indulgences for the forgiveness of sin. In our
church Library there are some good resources about Lu-
ther and some of his contemporaries who ignited the refor-
mation of the Church and launched Protestantism. They
are:
and Lutheran pastor Martin Marty portrays the reli-
gious reformer Martin Luther as a man of conscience
and courage who risked death to reform the wrongs of
the Church at that time. Luthers arguments, including
his 95 theses, changed the destiny of Christendom, the
shape of Christianity, and gave rise to new freedoms
in church and state.
Continued on next page...

The Lulls and Ludwigs visited Wittenberg, Germany on their vacation last August. One stop was the University of Wit-
tenbergs Chapel door where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis. The original door was of wood; when it needed to be
replaced, it was built of bronze with the 95 thesis inscribed upon it.
 page 9
Library Footnotes
Marty explores the records left by Luther of his inner struggles and
his conflicts with the Holy Roman Empire to find a man engaged
in a lifelong passionate search for not only the grace of God, but
also for the assurance that it was directed toward each individual.
Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton Lu-
thers demand that the authority for doctrine and practice be Scrip-
tures, rather than Popes or Councils, echoes around the world and
ignited the Great Reformation. Accused of heresy and threatened
with excommunication and death, Luther maintained his bold
stand and refused to recant.
Martin Luther and the birth of Protestantism by James Atkinson
One of our churchs avid readers, Maria Berry, has been reading
Art Bazaar
December 2017
this book and shares that during Martin Luthers time there were
many dialects in Germany but no common language. When he
translated the Bible from Latin to German to put it into the
hands of ordinary Christians, he gained influence over the devel-
opment of early new high German. He united the Germans
through a common language which was the dialect of the royal
court of Saxony. The dialect spoken in her home town is low
German, related to the Dutch.
The Essential Luther: a Reader on Scripture, Redemption, and
Society edited by Jerry K. Robbins contains excerpts of central
themes from the essays, letters, and sermons of Martin Luther.
In Touch page 10

Kid Tyme filling Halloween bags for Servicemen

page 11 December 2017

Mission: Life of the Church

The Congregation surrounds Pastor Ken with laying on of hands, praying for his safe journey to Nepal.

FHPC was honored to host Father Marc Boisvert, founder of

Espwa (Free the Kids) in Haiti. There was a special presenta-
tion of Fr Marcs story.

Photo: Father Marc, Frank Irr, Director for Free the Kids,
Pastor Bill with Jack (Board member) and Monique Rey-
nolds.
 In Touch
Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series 2018
January 9, 2018
Lasting Impressions
starring Karen Grainger
** Female Vocal Impressionist with Musical
Trio **
Enjoying a successful career impersonating such greats as
Reba, Celine Dion, Cher and Shania Twain, she ety in North America today. You will roar with laughter at
realized her talent had no boundaries which lead her to create
a fresh new show entitled Lasting Impressions. Audi-
ences are always spellbound by Karens skill at recreating
such diverse characters, capturing their voices as well as
their mannerisms. Karen will take you on a journey from
today's new voices such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry,
Pink and Adele, all the way back to Barbra Streisand
and Willie Nelson. You wont believe what youll be wit-
nessing when she performs her signature duet featuring
Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle!
January 23, 2018
The Tom & Shondra Show in
A Musical Extravaganza
** along with additional musician
Pianist / Vocalist **
Some of what you will enjoy will come from the American
Songbook 40s era of Frank Sinatra & Cole Porter, cool 50s
favorites, rockin 60s & 70s with some songs from Sonny
& Cher, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner, to
name a few. Add in a bit of country with Johnny Cash, a few
beloved show tunes from the Broadway stage and a sprinkle
of comedy and youll have a complete fun & family-friendly
experience in LIVE entertainment. Itll leave you cheering
for more!
February 6, 2018
The Doo Wah Riders
** High Energy Country with
a Cajun Twist**
There is no one else like The Doo-Wah Riders. For over 40
years they have been riding their own patch of the musical
range throughout the west.well actually..they cant just
say its only been the west coast anymore as The Doo Wah
Riders are no strangers to being a part of performing for au-
diences all over the country sharing their sincere enjoyment
for connecting and having fun using the gift of music.
February 20, 2018
Dan Nainan ( Worlds Cleanest
Comedian)
** with opening female comedienne
Dr. Priyanka Wali **
The only half-Indian, half-Japanese comedian in the world
offering up the diverse content and delivery this performer
page 12
presents. Clean comedy is next to impossible to find in to-
days world. STOP YOUR SEARCH FOLKS---YOU
HAVE NOW FOUND IT!!!
Born in Indiana, this extremely inventive and uniquely clever
young comedian travels the world bridging many gaps by his
presentation of humor. Hysterically bringing together his
realistic thoughts on the diversity of our multi-cultural soci-
his takes on how we look at each others differences.
With special guest.Priyanka The Doc Wali, a rising
San Francisco based stand-up comedienne. Not only is she
hilarious, she is also a practicing Internist (yes, a real medi-
cal doctor!) in the San Francisco area and truly believes that
laughter IS the best medicine.
March 6, 2018
Keyboard & Komedy
starring Deborah Offenhauser
** Concert Pops Pianist
with musical trio **
Ready for clean humor and Piano with Pizzazz? When re-
nowned pianist, Deborah Offenhauser takes the stage, people
take notice!!!
Her talent, smile, stage personality and over 20 years of ex-
perience, will keep you engaged throughout her show. Youll
be thoroughly entertained with her full range of musical
styles from classical to jazz, from easy listening to country,
all while taking a familiar tune and giving it new life.
Deborahs music has been heard on the new hit TV show
Madam Secretary and The Big Bang Theory as well
as an old favorite, Desperate Housewives plus The
Weather Channel. Since her music can be heard all across
the world on various radio airwaves, be aware when travel-
ing as you might just hear a familiar sound.
March 20, 2018
New Odyssey
** 3 Guys 30 Instruments **
When New Odyssey hits the stage be prepared for a polished
trio thats versatile, funny, novel, talented, family-oriented
and awesome in presentation. New Odyssey has been to-
gether for over 30 years and has performed at literally thou-
sands of functions, always to complete satisfaction and rave
reviews from every audience. They say the secret for their
success has been their ability to adapt to any audience.
Watching New Odyssey is an all-encompassing experience
presenting outstanding arrangements of almost every style of
music while all performed on 30 different musical instru-
ments. With a unique combination of great music, audience
participating, sheer zaniness, mayhem you wont find in
most shows, along with a few surprises during this
show.every audience member will walk away wanting
more!
page 13 December 2017

Christian Formation
Christian Formation Opportunities: THE SECRET SANTA
As a young man, Larry
Sundays Youth Rehearsal on Wednesdays Stewart lived hand to
10:15 AM Pastors Bible Fellowship 4:00 PM Childrens Choir mouth. He occasionally
10:15 AM Elementary Life with God 5:00 PM Kid Tyme had to ask for a free meal
11:15 AM Blessed Beginnings Nursery or a few dollars until he
11:15 AM Preschool Life with God Womens Bible Study Circles found a job. To him, that
(Sept thru May) was humiliating.
9:00 AM 2nd Thursday Stewart didnt give up.
Wednesdays 1:00 PM 1st Tuesday He kept working and sav-
The Way on Wednesdays 7:00 PM 3rd Monday ing, and he eventually
(Sept-May) owned cable television and
12:00 PM Brown Bag Lunch & Bible Study Mens Bible Study on Thursdays long-distance telephone
5:00 PM Elementary Big God Story 7:00 AM in the Adult Center services in Kansas City,
6:00 PM Bible Study Missouri. He made mil-
lions.
Knowing that it was
like to have nothing, Stew-
Join Pastor Bill for art started anonymously
The WAY on Wednesdays giving money to the needy
12 noon and 6 pm every December. He
Advent Program ...Dec 6, 13 and 20 started in 1979 by giving
Because of Bethlehem away $5 and $10 bills.
Join us in the Fellowship Center The secret Santa tried
with identical presentations at mid-day and evening. We invite you to brown bag your to remain anonymous.
own lunch and join us from noon to one oclock for the afternoon session, or come from 6- Finally, as he was dying of
7pm when we will have a light snack to tide you over till dinner. cancer, Stewart was will-
ing to be identified. He
gave to the poor, he said,
Preparing Hearts and Hands
as a Christmas gift to
for Advent and Christmas: himself. Giving to the
Seeking live nativity characters for Christmas Eve needy gave Stewart the
Family Service at 4 pm and Saturday, December 2nd on the Ave of the greatest job possible.
Fountains Lighting of the Avenue community event.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
Enjoy being a part of the Big God Story in a fun creative way. We have a by Communication Resources, Inc
place for you in our live nativity! Contact the church office for more information!

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, Yvonne
Ellingson at 480-471-1027 or call the church office at 480-837-1763.

Aleyne Larsen-Craig Yvonne Ellingson

 In Touch page 14

Music Ministry
Here come the songs of advent!
To expect.
To await!
To embrace.
To realize.
The music is always rich, sparking
emotion, and enough stillness
to ponder. We sing hymns, an-
thems and carols that have been long
in our hearts and memories, singing
full and strong, yet, quite gentle
Debbie Fisher, Director of Music when needed.
I love being in our Sanctuary when
we are singing together, nice and full.
The season will have the Celebration Singers, Celebration Ringers,
Celebration Youth, Pearwood Recorders, Dorothy and
Caryl providing music to keep our hearts centered on Christ each
Sunday through December. They will also be featured in;
The 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will
include music that moves us from the Sanctuary to the
courtyard where we sing by candlelight under the same
evening sky in which Christ was born almost 2018 years
ago.
''For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given:
and the government shall be upon His shoulder:
and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,
the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
Peace,
Deborah Fisher
Director of Music Ministries

"Lessons and Carols"

Sunday Morning, December 24,
ONE SERVICE, 10:00 a.m.

The Music at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service will
feature the children in "The Nativity, a Children's Story''.

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.

The great date debate

In Lessons of Christmas (Xulon Press), Daniel Armah notes that ancient scholars expressed more than 130 opinions about Jesus actual birth
date, covering every month of the year. Even with a debatable date, he concludes, the blessing of Christmas is obvious.
Likewise, our Christmas celebrations arent diminished by the possible timing of Jesus birthday with secular festivals. If December 25th
was chosen to rival other pagan worship activities. . . for want of a real date, Armah writes, then that decision has been successful. Indeed
those ancient pagan festivals have all been swallowed up, and Christianity has been growing since.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc
page 15 December 2017

Feast of Thanks
In Touch page 16

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation

An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow

Foundation Board of Trustees

Gary Oakeson 480-837-5563 Jean Ipema 480-837-1770

Matt Jefferson 480-837-6001 Dawn Lau 480-837-2607
Roy Nickel 480-688-8392 Ben Fast 480-837-1119
Tim Halchuck 978-618-7150

The FHPC Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Contributions to the FHPC Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The Foundations tax ID number is 46-2970452

Thanksgiving Day Float 2017

Photos courtesy of Ilene Berg

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.
page 17
THE HEARTFELT
CHRISTMAS TREE
There is a special Christmas tree
That lives within the heart.
It isnt pine, and cant be bought
At any store or mart.
Each branch holds some fond memory
Of joyful Christmas cheer,
Reminding us of those we love
And always will hold dear.
The gifts beneath this Christmas tree
Are stacked up very high
With kindly deeds of thoughtfulness
That one could never buy.
The Heartfelt Christmas tree expands
Through every passing year
With lovely gifts and blessings
Having come from far and near.
Atop this tree a star shines bright,
While angels sing Gods praise;
Rejoice! The Christ-childs Love is shared,
And blesses ALL our days.
Peggy Ferrell
December 2017
SOMEONE TOOK JESUS
A couple of days after Christmas, the Nativity scene was still up in the chancel of a
San Francisco church. Walking by it, the pastor noticed that the baby Jesus was miss-
ing from the manger.
Shortly afterward, as the pastor walked outside the church, he saw a small boy pull-
ing a new wagon. In the wagon bed was a doll that looked very much like the baby
Jesus.
The pastor greeted the boy and asked him about
the doll.
I got it in the church, the boy replied.
Why did you take it from the church?
Well, the boy answered, I prayed for a new
wagon and told the Lord Jesus that if I got one, I
would give him a ride. I got the wagon, took him
for a ride and now Im bringing him back to the
church.
Thanksgiving Feast
In Touch page 18

Member Spotlight . Did you know?

I was born into a traditional Lutheran family (both grandfa-
thers were ministers) the eldest of 5 children, all of whom
are still with us & could probably tell you a few stories Id
rather they didnt. We lived in West Central MN on a farm
that I had the opportunity to revisit a couple of years ago
after attending the Church-wide PW Gathering in Minnea-
polis.
ing the Synod of the Northeast. About the same time I was
ordained as an Elder which opened new avenues of service.
Roy and I owned our construction company, ROPAT EN-
TERPRISES, some homes but mainly commercial steel
buildings. I worked in the business depending on what was
needed at the time.

Our parents showed us Gods love. We both were/are Rotarians, in

My mother had the largest impact on NY and charter members of the
my life. She was incredibly hard Four Peaks Rotary Club in
working and loved us children be- Fountain Hills.
yond measure. It is that foundation
in faith that has served me well. One of the experiences that per-
haps taught me the most about
After working as bookkeeper for human nature and love of God
Equitable Life in Minneapolis, I was serving as a Hospice volun-
moved to Aurora, NY and was em- teer for 12 years. The patients
ployed at Wells College. While there showed me grace, forgiveness,
I met Roy. My minister at the time generosity and dignity.
was Roys brother-in-law. We were
married 46 years before his passing We loved to travel and were
ten years ago. fortunate to visit 5 continents as
well as each of the 50 states at
We have 3 children: Loren, a Bio- least twice. Reading is a big
logical Oceanographer for the Uni- part of my life with Lee Childs
versity of Washington in Seattle, my favorite author now. And I
Beth, married and is a Dietician play cards and love movies.
Counselor in St. Paul, and Lynn
works for the National Association of About 18 months ago I suffered
Music Educators in Va. She and her a health scare that had my chil-
husband, Les moved to VA this sum- dren fearful I might not make it,
mer, where they live with my 2 grandsons, Pat Tuttle but I remember looking at them from my hos-
Landon & Peterson. pital bed and feeling only a sense of peace.
The faith, prayers and love of family and friends lifted me up
We have lived in FHs 21 yrs and members of FHPC for and they continue to do so every day.
19. It is through PW that I have been truly blessed. I was
elected in 1972 to the then Presbyterian board & over the I am so grateful for this church and the relationships I have
years have served in several positions. In 1987 I served on made because of it. I look forward to seeing it grow and con-
the Church-wide Coordinating Team for 3 years, represent- tinue its ministry to all.

God with us
God comes to us across this brief and wondering season, tracing the ways
of pain and song. Sharing beyond all rhyme or reason, this long years darkest
days. Til we can face his radiant bearing in the stable place of peace.
-J. Barrie Shepherd

-The Newsletter Newsletter

by Communication Resources, Inc
page 19 December 2017

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 to
With deepest sympathy we list assume, when we dont see someone, that they are simply
those members who have passed vacationing away. The truth is that some of you are sick and
away in 2017. we are not aware of it.
You can help us by simply letting one of the staff know of your
Norma Boysen situation. We have an excellent support system in place due to
Harry Grider the diligent efforts of our deacons. Help us serve you by com-
Mary Braund municating your situation.
Russ Larson
Cecyl Herguth
Richard Stockwell
Glen Ford
Amy Martinson
Ann Stavely
Arlene Olsen
Mary Morris
Wendell Hinkley
Norma Shultz
Don Young
Gordon Griggs
Nate McGuire

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

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

Christmas wonder
I want to see into the heart of a thing . . I want the God-
given way of seeing life, not to possess and to
control, but to stand back in wonder and gratitude. Operation Christmas Child
-Esther de Waal 143 boxes from FHPC were delivered to Trinity Lutheran
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc Church (collection site) by Bob & Ilene Berg

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

12/02 Aleyne Larsen-Craig 12/12 Arlene Stewart 12/24 Phyllis Rapp
12/02 Nancy Wulfmeier 12/13 Jeanne Hutchinson 12/25 Yvonne Ellingson
12/08 Bud Fuls 12/13 Joyce Stott 12/25 Edee Grider
12/08 Marianne Winchester 12/21 Emerson Uphoff 12/26 Ilene Berg
12/09 Carl Capron 12/22 Carl Hayungs 12/27 Sunniva Graves
12/09 Dorothy Christie 12/23 Jack Reynolds 12/28 Pat Willigrod
12/12 Pauline Pollock 12/24 Linda Capron 12/31 Beth Jones
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 & Helen Roesch; Staff Pho-
tographers: 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 Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. www.fhpresbyterian.info
Pastor/Head of Staff: Rev Bill Good email: fhpc.billg@gmail.com cell phone: 480-329-8090