FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Our mission is to reach out in worship, education, fellowship and service to all.

IN TOUCH
Fountain Hills, AZ December 2010
From Our Pastor

Advent: Keeping Watch

Advent can be – in
I will stand at my watch post, fact, should be – a challeng-
and station myself on the rampart; ing time; a season of keep-
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, ing watch, of clinging ex-
and what he will answer concerning my com- pectantly to great and holy
plaint. mysteries anticipated but
Then the LORD answered me and said: yet unseen. In this, Advent
Write the vision; shares some characteristics
make it plain on tablets, with Lent.
so that a runner may read it. This is hard, but
For there is still a vision for the appointed time; crucial, news for Christians
it speaks of the end, and does not lie. at this time of year. Advent
If it seems to tarry, wait for it; includes Christmas; but it is
it will surely come, it will not delay. not Christmas. Advent is
(Habakkuk 2:1-3) not an event: it is an ex-
perience. Faithfully ob-
Continued on page 12….

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

Sunday 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 Decorating

12:00 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 Advent
Receive Christmas Joy Offering (Special Offering)

Friday Dec. 24th 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service

Saturday Dec. 25th MERRY CHRISTMAS

In Touch page 2

OUR CHURCH STAFF Focus on Finance

Rev. Bill Good
Pastor/Head of Staff
Year to date income $ 287,088 Budgeted Income $286,010
Rev. Stan Jones
Parish Associate Year to date expenses $ 264,621 Budgeted Expenses $280,143
Marta Ludwig
Administrative Coordinator As of
Debbie Fisher Difference $ 22,467 October 2010
Director of Music Ministry
Dorothy Parris
Pianist
Lynn Medley
Custodian Our total income for October increased to a level where we actually are above
Anna Hill our budgeted yearly amount by $1078. The pledge portion of our income re-
Nursery mained close to the budgeted level as well. Expenses remained below budget
by $22,467, placing us in a favorable position for the
CHURCH TREASURER remaining months of the year where expenses are
Bud Fuls scheduled to significantly increase.
With the return of many of our winter visitors, and the
CHURCH SESSION
continued level of support by all in the congregation,
Class of 2010
we are in good financial position to successfully com-
Maria Berry
plete our projections for 2010.
Andrew Hasley
(Vacant)
With great appreciation,
Jim Stewart
Respectfully,
Class of 2011
Bud Fuls, Treasurer
Norm Collins
Peggy Linkin
Helen Roesch
Pat Tuttle
Class of 2012
John Brockelman
Susan Phillips
Terri Schmidt
John Wyman

BOARD OF DEACONS On the Inside:

Moderator: Toni Patterson From Our Pastor…. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . 1
Class of 2010 Advent & Christmas Calendar .. … … … . . …… …. 1
Linda Lull Focus on Finance .. .. .. ..… … … … .. . … .. . .. … . … . 2
Susan Owens Decorate Our Campus… … .. … …... …. .. … .. … … 3
Tiny Patterson Men’s Fellowship…. … .. … .. . .. … .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . 3
Toni Patterson Mission Ministry… … … … … … … … … … . … . . . 4
Class of 2011 Presbyterian Women … … .. ..…. … … … … … … … 6
See if you can find the mistake!

Ralph Berry Evangelism Ministry.. … … . . . . . … .. . . . . . . . …. ….. 8

Bud Fuls Music Ministry… … … … …. …. …. …. …. … … . .. .. 9
Michele Hasley Christian Education… … … … … .. . . …. .. . .. .. .. .. . ... 10
Chandler Roesch Library Footnotes.. … .. …. .…. …. …. …. …. …. …. .. 13
Class of 2012 Need Accurate Addresses .. .. … … .. .. . .. . … . .. .. . .. .. 13
Ben Fast Walking the Mourner’s Path… … … .. … . … . . .. …. . . 14
Ruby Pearson Rev. Bill Good’s Installation.. … .. ..… … … .. . . . . .. . . 14
Bev Watters Necrology for 2010…. … … … .. … … … .. … . . . … 15
Chris Young December Birthdays…… …. … … …. … … .. ……….. 15
Pilgrim Potluck Photos … .. … .. … .. .. . .. … .. . . . . . . 16
page 3 December 2010

Men’s Ministry
Mens’ Breakfast Meeting
Men’s Fellowship will meet at 9:00 AM on Saturday,
November 21st for breakfast and fellowship in the Fel-
Many churches invite their members to help prepare lowship Center. All men are welcome.
the church for Advent and Christmas. Some call the
event the “Hanging of the Greens.” Pine or fir All men are invited to come to the church decorating
branches, holly, pine cones, candles, colorful cloths or day scheduled for Saturday, November 28 and then
ribbons and an Advent wreath are used for decorations. stay for the delicious Chili Dump afterwards.
A tree with Chrismons
hanging on it is often
placed somewhere in
the sanctuary. Some
churches add a new
decoration to the sanc-
tuary each week during
the season.
The custom of display-
ing a Nativity scene in
the chancel dates from the early 1600’s. The tradition Join us please!
started in Germany. It is thought that the first live Na-
tivity scene—in church live animals and people repre-
All are invited to help decorate the church campus for
senting shepherds and wise men gathered at an outdoor Advent and Christmas. Please come to the Fellowship
manger—began with St. Francis of Assisi around the Center at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 4. Plan to
year 1220. stay for the Chili Dump afterwards. Any questions, call
the church office at 837-1763.

Congregational Life & Fellowship

Decorating our campus

Saturday ~ December 4, 2010 at 10:00AM

The Chili Dump Lunch

“The best in town”

Bring a pot of chili to…dump…or a dessert
We’ll supply condiments and more!
In Touch
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) the
reminder 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 box
top collections. Our church family is on a journey to-
gether in working to help the MENUAL School in New
Mexico obtain a projector and other equipment for them to
further their education efforts. We pray for you
regularly and we ask you to pray for our efforts as well!
On the note of 2011 - I hope you have set aside a time to
seek God's will for you and our church in 2011. In addi-
tion, I'd like for you to prayerfully consider where you
belong in the Missions Ministry. Why not do all you can
to make 2011 the best it can be? We'd like to tell you
about all the opportunities available to help- so pray on it
check it out by talking with us – Pat Tuttle, Linda Maples
or me.
Now, when collecting those box tops, the picture below is
the 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 tops
had to be thrown away. No one has the money
or man power to cut them down to what the companies
will accept. We are grateful for your diligence and your
continued commitment to the ‘Labels for Education’
Project, so is Edee. If you want more info about this pro-
ject talk with Edee Grider.
Love and Blessings,
Terry Martin
Mission Ministry Committee
Terry Martin
page 4
SAVE THE FAMILY
Last Christmas season one of our church families as well
as the Youth Group adopted a family to support for
Christmas from Save the Family. This year Save the
Family has gone electronic for those who would like to
participate in this program. You can obtain the informa-
tion at: holidays@savethefamily.org 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 we
have been given.
Linda Maples is planning another tour group to Save the
Family so if you have not been there to see the fabulous
facility and hear about the programs, give her a call and
join us.
Cook Native American Ministries has thanked us for
our 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 Education
Betty Crocker Coupons
Campbell Soup Labels
Small toiletries
Gently used clothing
Linda Maples Pat Tuttle, Elder
page 5 December 2010

You Have an opportunity to Support the

Troops -

I am not asking what your politics or beliefs are,

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.
*********************************************
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 schools
will need help this Christmas. We have the names of 25 of
those children for the Angel Tree.
On the tree you will find a card
with the first name of a child,
their age as well as their need.
We invite you to take a card
and help provide a great Christ-
mas for a child.
The items should be brought to
the church no later than Sun-
day, Dec. 19th, with the items
in a bag to which you have
attached the card with the
child’s name. Thank you for
your caring.
In addition to the gifts for children, McDowell Mt. School is
also requesting Food Certificates from BASHAS. Should
you 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 support
this Christmas project, we thank you.
only asking as an American, a friend, a
neighbor, co-worker, fellow organization mem-
ber, or church member, to please help me in
making 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 the
items to me or drop them at FH Presbyterian
Church, I will see to it that they are packaged
and shipped overseas in time for Christmas.
Boxing weekend is November 20th and the
deadline to ship for the Holidays is November
29th for Afghanistan and December 10 th for
Iraq. 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 and
you cannot imagine the impact of a handwritten
Christmas 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 trees
According 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, and
the palm tree gave its dates.
The poor fir, having nothing to give but worship,
raised its boughs in adoration, and the angels hung
stars on its branches. So the fir became the first
Christmas tree.
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc.
In Touch page 6

Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team for 2010-2011
Moderator: Laurie Porter Mission Coordinators: Pat Tuttle & Donna Yordy
Vice-Moderator (Program): Ilene Berg Search Committee: Donna Yordy
Secretary: Linda Warren Membership/Yearbook Coordinator: Linda Lull
Treasurer: Maria Berry Bible Study Coordinator: Claire Cartmell
Publicity: Evelyn Hrunek

Morning Circle will meet on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 9 AM at the home

of Leota Didier (15713 E Kim Dr.).
Evening Circle will meet Tuesday, December 14 at 7 PM at the home of Evelyn
Hrunek (15523 Golden Eagle Blvd) at 7:00 pm. Donna Yordy
will 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 the
Adult Center.

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

Hopes for our Church

Our retreat in October was a great success. Janet Drez
was a dynamic speaker and her theme was friends and
how we remember our first best friend going on through
adulthood and some friends seem to come into our lives
when we most need them. Her talks brought back many
memories for all of us. A check for $145.00 has been
sent to Save the Family as proceeds from the quilt raffle
we had in conjunction with the retreat.
Maria Berry and Linda Warren purchased snacks for the
Save the Family Bag Project for October. Linda Maples
and 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” when
they join the church.
FALL GATHERING
Mary Alice Bivens shared her trip last summer with a
presentation 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 Mission
Project. We are waiting to hear from Ft. McDowell and
will keep you informed in the weekly bulletin when a
decision has been made.
During their October evening Circle meeting, members
wrote letters to our session like John of Patmos to the
early churches. After writing the letters they were col-
lected and redistributed to be read by someone different
than the person who wrote them. All circle members
seemed to enjoy this activity and the letters were for-
warded to Session and Pastor Bill. People were asked to
write 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 Tammie
Rithermel, 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, Program
entitled, “Desert Gardens,” featuring John Rolfe from
Verde Valley Nursery. Hostess group is Mid-morning
Circle.

PW Church wide Gathering will be held in Orlando,

Florida in 2012.
Continued on page 7...
page 7 December 2010

PW from previous page….

Hooked on Books

This is a note of “Thanks” we received from “Save the Family.”
Dear Ms. Tuttle,
Thank you so much to the Presbyte-
rian Women of Fountain Hills Presbyterian
Church for your generous gift to Save the Fam-
ily! It is only with support from community
partners that we can continue our mission of
helping families conquer homelessness. We are
very grateful for your help. Please thank your
group for us.
Blessings,
Tim Lidster, Save the Family
Hooked on Books will have a meeting
in December (first time ever). We'll
meet at the home of Elsie Hoffarber at
10 am on Wednesday, December 15th and do a play
reading of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol". Reading
parts will be exchanged among all present that day.
- Barb Wyman, Coordinator
Out n’ About
Out 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 gift

A 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 gift
he wished to give. The man said he had only one thing to present. He had nothing of material value, just a
heart 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 present
those to someone this Christmas season?

-The Newsletter Newsletter

by Communication Resources, Inc.
In Touch page 8

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 Phillips
at 480-837-1225 or call the church office at 480-837-1763.

“A Christmas Message” Anyone interested in membership or in affiliate member-

ship in Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church or to learn
Christmas holds the mystery
Of how God touched the earth
more about who we are and how we serve God, is invited
By giving us the Christ child to attend an Inquiry Class Tuesday, November 30,
In a newborn baby’s birth. 2010 at 5:30 PM.. This will be followed by a New Member
Great awe was in young Mary’s heart
Sunday on December 12, 2010. Another Inquiry Class
And in the shepherds’ pace will be planned in the new year.
As they ran quickly to the town
And found that special place.
The Inquiry Class will be about 60 to 75 minutes long.
These humble shepherds knelt before Pastor Bill will provide a brief overview of the history of the
This tiny newborn king; Presbyterian church and constitution; Evangelism Elder
And as they did so, they could hear
The lovely angels sing:
Susan Phillips will discuss the different ministries of the
church. Find out what makes Presbyterians distinctive, as
“Fear not, for unto you this day, a denomination, and Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church,
The Prince of Peace has come
To share God’s love throughout the world.
as a church. Find out how you can become involved in the
Rejoice now, everyone!” life of our community as well. For more information or if
you have any questions, please call Susan Phillips, 837-
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc 1225.
page 9 December 2010

Music Ministry

There is such enthusiasm in
our music ministry these
days! A lot of energy was hap-
pily put forth by our musicians
in doing their part in gratefully
honoring the departure of
our interim minister, Reverend
Dr. 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 through
this transition, guiding us in our preparation and
enabling us to sing, ring and instrumentally en-
hance our services, using our gifts to glorify
God's work and share in the joy that only comes
by the wonderful grace of God.
Our choir had another workshop/rehearsal since
the last newsletter went out. We covered a few
more elements of music necessary for our in-
volvement in the choral world. Not only are we
learning to blend our voices, but our hearts
which 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 she
says "women only, please!" referring to Ralph
Berry mistakenly singing with the women until we
hit a high "G" above line "F", treble clef. He'll
learn! Each new voice adds a new blend to the
mix, different from before. We learn from each
other as we work together. Speaking of new
blends, we welcome the voices of Phil Katz and
Bob Titus to the men's row. They bring fine
voices. They join the ranks of men like Bob
Crawford, 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 years
is truly inspiring! Ralph Berry makes sure to pick
him up every Thursday for choir practice, they
grab a milkshake on the way, then he gets him
home, and picks him up early on Sundays just to
make sure he can get to
church to sing in the
choir . I get to work with
some fascinating peo-
ple. Our church is full of
them!
We have a lovely selec-
tion of Advent/Christmas
music we've been prepar-
ing for this season. Music
that has touched so many
hearts for generations inspiring our spirits with
true awe and wonder as we sing of this tiny child
born in the most humble of conditions. We'll enjoy
Lessons and Carols on December 19, with the
Music Ministry joining the congregation in scrip-
ture and song.
Christmas Eve will bring the living Nativity that is a
unique tradition of this church. We'll once again
hear a blend of bells with choir, and instrumental
preludes 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. Merry
Christmas!
Deborah Fisher
Director 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 in
the 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 a
season 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. This
adds to the anticipation that is a special part of the season.

-The Newsletter Newsletter

by Communication Resources, Inc.
In Touch page 10

Christian Education

I would like to take a sentence or Our December Fav

two and say how excited we at Five will be a night of
Christian Education are to have caroling and a Chili
Pastor Bill with us. He brings with dinner. This will be
him lots of information as well as held on Saturday, De-
great ideas to make our Youth and cember 18th. We will
Adult Education a spectacular pro- meet at the church at
gram. I have to keep reminding 5:00pm and go caroling
myself to take baby steps, that we for an hour or so, then we will come back to the Church
Terri Schmidt, Elder
will not jump up and start running for a light dinner of chili and cider. We want to get as
right away. So pray with me, that many involved in an old fashioned Christmas as possible.
we all have the patience and stamina to get our program- Come join in on the fun. When was the last time you
ming up and flying again soon. There is a new dawning at went caroling? Isn’t it time to go again?
Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church and lots of new and
exciting things will be coming our way. Thank You God
for answering our prayers.
Advent Classes
Fav Five
Our November Fav Five was Beginning on
named our Pilgrim Potluck/ Wednesday,
Welcome Pastor Bill. Turkeys December 1st,
and dessert were provided by the Pastor Bill will
Fountain Hills Presbyterian
Men’s Group. We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to
lead us in a
them. Those attending were asked to bring their favorite video curriculum
side dish. The Youth performed a skit for us on a typical entitled “A Savior
family on Thanksgiving Day. There was music provided is Born” designed
by our youth band “Committed”. Fun was had by all who to prepare us for our Advent Journey. We will meet at
attended our Pilgrim Potluck. Thank you to all who made the Church Fellowship Hall at 6:30 pm for a light dinner.
this a success. 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 Youth
Center and those wishing to attend the Advent classes
will remain in the Fellowship Center. The dates for these
classes will be December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd. There will
be 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 the
cards. Every time you pay with this card, a percentage of
the money will come back to the Christian Education
department of our church.
If you have not registered your Safeway card, let us know
Pilgrim Potluck…..additional photos on page 16….

Continued on page 11...

page 11 December 2010

and we will help you do this. If you have not signed your Bashas card up, The beginnings of Sunday school
the account number you give them is 23524. Then every time you use either
of these cards, the Education department gets a percentage of the money you Englishman Robert Raikes, born
spent. This is a small way we can help fund some of the Youth activities as in 1735, was a Christian layman who
well as some of the Education. was pained to see unschooled chil-
dren working six days a week in fac-
Recycle tories or mines. On Sundays, children
As many of you may have noticed, we have a roamed the streets, often getting into
new recycle company. This company is Vista Paper trouble. Most didn’t know how to
Recycle. They stopped by the office and talked to read or write and knew nothing about
Marta one day and gave us a better deal that the previ- Christ or the church.
ous recycler. Again the money they pay us for recycling As Raikes labored to reform Eng-
our papers, phonebooks, junk mail, and magazines goes land’s prison system, he noticed that
into our Christian Education account. So please help not only our Church, many children were imprisoned, stir-
but our environment by recycling. ring him to action on their behalf. He
arranged for halls and homes to be
used for educational purposes on
Classes Sundays, the one day children didn’t
We are working on many ideas for classes starting after the first of have to work. He found volunteers to
the year. Some ideas include a “Pastor Bill’s Bible Study” on Sunday morn- teach reading, writing and math, as
ings after fellowship at 10:30 Am., “Oh yes you can”, “Do you know well as the Bible and Christian be-
Hymn?” “Women’s Scripture” and a Beth Moore bible study. We have a lot liefs.
of ideas, now it is a matter of working things out with Teachers and schedul- The first Sunday school class was
ing. We will keep you informed. held in July 1780. Amazingly, by
1788 some 250,000 children were
Tons of Turkeys attending such schools, This occurred
Thank you to all who donated a Turkey for the despite some people’s opposition to
Extended Hands Food Bank. Thank you also to the education of lower-class children.
the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Men’s Countless boys and girls have
Group who helped take the turkeys over to the attended Sunday school classes since
Extended Hands Food Bank. There had over 50 then, thanks to Raikes, who brought
turkeys collected weighing well over 700 pounds! Christ’s light and love to children
Thank you! around the world.

-The Newsletter Newsletter

May God bless you and let’s make this a Happy Holiday Season. by Communication Resources, Inc.
- Terri Schmidt

Newborn stats
A pastor asked a church member to
have a sign made for Christmas. It
was to be rather large: 6 feet long and
2 feet wide. The layperson paid for
the sign, took it to the church and
hung it above the front door.
Imagine the shock when people saw
that it read: “Unto Mary, Jesus was
born, 6 feet long and 2 feet wide.”

-The Newsletter Newsletter

by Communication Resources, Inc.

Committed entertaining the crowd at the Pilgrim Potluck

In Touch page 12

Christmas Style -- I Corinthians From Our Pastor...continued from page 1

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,

Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
served, it is an opportunity for God to work within
But do not show love to my family,
our hearts; cutting away at the hard, dark, accumu-
I'm just another decorator.
lated residue the world has placed there over the past
year, thereby making them vital places in which the
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas
infant king can be born anew.
cookies,
In this season we join the patriarchs and
Preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully
prophets who have stood the watch while awaiting
adorned table at mealtime,
God’s action across the span of time. In this season
But do not show love to my friends and family,
we travel with the magi, the seekers from the East,
I'm just another cook.
who call us to join them in a star-led caravan com-
prised of all those other pilgrims through the ages
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home
who have sincerely sought the child. In this season
and give all that I have to charity,
our trail is marked by vigilance and illuminated by
But do not show love to my friends and loved ones,
hope.
It profits me nothing.
The natural cycle of the season has both a
physical and metaphorical impact on the character
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted
and shape of our experience. Our Advent journey
snowflakes,
traverses a time in which the nights are lengthening
Attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's
and the days are shortening; until this process begins
cantata,
to reverse itself – propitiously enough -- with the
But do not focus on Christ,
Winter Solstice on Dec. 21st . . . just four days before
I have missed the point.
Christmas. We begin in lengthening darkness and
end in lengthening light. Truly, “the heavens are
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
telling the glory of God; and the firmament pro-
claims his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1).
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
So during these transforming days of Ad-
vent let us faithfully keep watch to see what he will
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
say to us. Let us cling to the promise that there is
still a vision for the appointed time. And if it seems
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated
to tarry let us wait for it, trusting that it will surely
Christmas china and table linens.
come; it will not delay.”
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Grace and Peace,
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in re-
Pastor Bill
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.
True hospitality
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost,
Golf clubs will rust. A 7-year-old boy was chosen to be the inn-
keeper in the Christmas program. When
But giving the gift of love will endure forever. Joseph and Mary approached him, looking
for shelter in Bethlehem, he simply had to
say there was no room.
Author Unknown
The kindhearted boy tried to take the sting
out of the situation, however. “I don’t have
room for you in the hotel,” he said. “But I’d
love to have you come in for milk and cook-
ies.”
-The Newsletter Newsletter
by Communication Resources, Inc
page 13 December 2010

Library Footnotes
This month’s library book recom-
mendation is Advent and Christmas
Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen.
Henri J.M. Nouwen was a Dutch
priest who was an internationally
known theologian and one of the
most beloved and well-read spiritual
authors of our time. His works are
popular among Christians of all denominations. His
book 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 waiting
while seeking the Lord.
Advent is that period of great anticipatory joy to prepare
for the celebration of Christ’s arrival in Bethlehem as a
helpless infant. The date commemorating his birth begins
the Christmas cycle of the liturgical year, a cycle that
runs through the Sunday after Epiphany. This book is
designed to be used during the entire period from the First
Sunday of Advent to the end of the Christmas season.
Reflections for each day in this book begin with the
words of Henri Nouwen taken from various sources of his
writings. Following that quotation is an excerpt from
Scripture related to the quote. Next
is a small prayer based on the quote
and the Scripture passage. Finally,
an activity is suggested for applying
the messages to one’s daily life.
-Barbara Oakeson

Candle of God – Why You Shine!

Proverbs 20:27
I love 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 fragrances
of cucumber melon or fresh citrus. In fall, pumpkin spice and hazelnut candles scent my home. As soon
as 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 as
we serve. Have a candle lit celebration of His birth. Your Spirit is waiting to be lit.
-submitted by Terry Martin

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 computer
program can maintain two addresses and if we know your months
of residency here, the program knows which address to use for
mailings. We mail out the newsletter in bulk mail. But if we have
the wrong address, it gets returned to us and we are responsible for
full 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 fhpresbyterian.office@gmail.com. Thank you for your time and caring.
 In Touch page 14

Deacons
"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 hand
of Christ. We have been blessed with the opportunity to serve our Church membership and
Community 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 our
Lord'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 a
lack 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 direction
and discover Jesus' promise of comfort and healing.

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

Reverend Bill Good’s Installation: November 21, 2010

page 15 December 2010

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 don’t see someone, that they are simply
“vacationing away”. The truth is that some of you are sick and
those members who have we are not aware of it.
passed away in 2010 You can help us by simply letting one of the staff know of
your situation. We have an excellent support system in place
Gil Rapp due to the diligent efforts of our deacons. Help us serve you
Carolyn Westphal by communicating your situation.
Hazel Hoover
Nancy Graybiel
Judy Mortimer Now that’s punishment
Millie Devlin It was the day after Christmas. Dad was trying to take a
Nancy Jann nap, but his young son kept finding ways to interrupt his
Shirley Johnston siesta. Finally, the father lost his patience and said, “Go to
Doris Owen my room, and go now!”
Joan Owens Hearing this, the boy’s mother asked, “Why did you tell
Jytte Essenburg him to go to your room and not his?”
Ken Nelson
Andy Heath “Are you kidding?” the father replied. “Did you see all
those Christmas presents he received? In his room, he
has a TV, a stereo, a computer, eight new CDs and three
new video games. If we want to punish him, we have to
“Well done, Thou good and faithful servant…. send him to our room.”
Enter thou into the joy Of thy Lord.”
-The Newsletter Newsletter
Matthew 25:21
by Communication Resources, Inc

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

12/02 Dick Dresser 12/09 Carl Capron 12/24 Linda Capron
12/02 Nancy Wulfmeier 12/09 Dorothy Christie 12/24 Phyllis Rapp
12/05 Roy Wulfmeier 12/12 Pauline Pollock 12/25 Yvonne Ellingson
12/06 Tony Atchinson 12/13 Joyce Stott 12/25 Edee Grider
12/06 Paul Brisbane 12/18 Brandon Czaplicki 12/25 Helen Schmidt
12/07 Earl Stavely 12/19 Kimberly Wall 12/26 Ilene Berg
12/08 Bud Fuls 12/21 Emerson Uphoff 12/27 Sunniva Graves
12/08 Marianne Winchester 12/22 Carl Hayungs 12/31 Lillian Bowman
 Non Profit Organ.
Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
13001 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard
Permit NO. 299
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Scottsdale, AZ

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

If anyone is not getting our newsletter or Presb-E-News and

would like to, please let the church office know at 837-1763.

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 fhpresbyte-
rian.office@gmail.com Editor, Marta Ludwig; Assistant Editor, Carol Hencz; Proof Reader, Helen
Roesch, 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.

More photos of the Pilgrims Potluck

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

13001 Fountain Hills Blvd. - Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Phone - (480) 837-1763 Fax - (480) 837-1729 OfficeE-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