January 10, 2022
Not long ago I was a guest on Real Time with Bill Maher, with one of America’s most prominent atheists. Wearing my clerical collar, I realized that I stood out among his guests. So I decided to announce to Bill that I, too, am an atheist. He seemed taken aback, so I explained that if we were talking about the God who hates poor people, immigrants, and gay folks, I don’t believe in that God either. Sometimes it helps to clarify our language. – Dr. William J. Barber II
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Meet your Mission Council
You already know me, the new Moderator. Mission Council governs and leads the church. Let’s meet the other Council members:
Carmen Bell, Treasurer. I’ve never known anyone who could crunch numbers and pinch pennies for PVCC better than Carmen. Truly caring for the financial well-being of this church, these past two pandemic years have been challenging. She secured grants and moved funds so our staff and debts could be paid and our building stay open. She also coordinates our enormous garage sale every year, and this past year was a whopper of a sale. Thanks, Carmen!
Kirk Miller, Financial Secretary. Kirk gathers offerings, makes deposits, generates reports of donations, and keeps track of pledged income. Your giving information is kept strictly confidential by Kirk. He works behind the scenes and works closely with Carmen to keep the finances up to date. Thanks, Kirk!
Margie Elshoff, immediate past Secretary. Margie served ably as our secretary for most of 2020-2021. Personal circumstances ended her run early. We miss her humor. Thanks, Margie!
Lisa Tos-Brightup, Secretary. Lisa stepped into the Secretary’s role when Margie needed to step down. She has agreed to serve for another two years. She keeps minutes at all our meetings and reminds us when we forget what we were talking about! Thanks, Lisa!
Phil Dietz, immediate past Moderator. Phil led PVCC for the past two years, during a chaotic time that no one could foresee. He was flexible and patient, listened to the concerns of the congregation and Mission Council. He led us through yearly goals, a revision of our constitution, and he discovered that leadership via the internet is pesky. He worked closely with Carmen and Kirk, all of them as part of the PVCC Leadership Spirit Team. Thanks, Phil!
Connie Dietz, Facilitator, Worship/Artistry/Music. The dynamic worship that we experience every Sunday is coordinated and created by Connie and her team. Hours and hours of dedication go into the vitality of our shared worship experiences, the very heart of our congregation. Thanks, Connie!
Cindy Spriggs, Facilitator, Hospitality. In this crazy time of physical distances and masks, Cindy and team have created innovative ways for us to share food, drink and mingle safely during all our celebrations and social gatherings. Additionally, Cindy has lent her keen eye for décor and transformed our entryways, our gathering area, our greeter’s station, and our new kitchen. Thanks, Cindy!
Dave Roy, Facilitator, Property Maintenance. Dave and his team have gone the extra mile to update our church building. They were instrumental in getting the south kitchen remodeled, assisted with the interior painting and construction, worked with Dave Vignatelli in acquiring an all-new HVAC system, and this year we should see new south entrance doors that will be accessible for all people. Thanks, Dave!
Dena Marten, Facilitator, Giving/Mercy/Social Justice. Dena has kept our outreach active, working around obstacles presented by physical distancing. She has set up easy ways to participate in outreach even in the pandemic. Her team also works on the Birthday Box outreach that is supported in part by a grant from the greater Disciples of Christ. Thanks, Dena!
Muffin Overstreet, Facilitator, Faith Sharing & PR. Muffin welcomes our visitors and shares the good news of God’s expansive realm which includes all people, and homemade bread. Have you seen our message sign out front? The Faith Sharing team keeps it up. Thanks, Muffin!
Gaye Clements, Facilitator, Pastoring/Discernment. Gaye checks on our members’ well-being. Her job is ministering quietly (yes, Gaye has a quiet side) and deftly, listening, holding hands and giving integrity to personal matters, showing that we care for our members. Thanks, Gaye!
Lorrie Beck, immediate past Facilitator, Support Services. Lorrie has secured worship leaders and communion preparers, takes attendance, purchases church supplies, and manages building rentals. Coordination happens between Support Services and all other spirit teams who rely on those services. Thanks, Lorrie!
Support Services needs a new Facilitator. Perhaps you might consider the position. Let me know.
I just left as Facilitator for Teaching/Wisdom/Knowledge so I could become your Moderator. We held classes via Zoom for most of the past two years. Weekly suggestions for films that followed our studies were printed in the newsletter. The adult class is savvy and not afraid to ask big questions. They are a fun bunch with which to explore Christian education. It’s an adventure. Mostly this pandemic has affected our ability to educate our children. We’ve kept in touch with little gifts during liturgical celebrations and other spirit teams also have reached out to our children. Teaching/Wisdom/Knowledge needs a new Facilitator. Perhaps you might consider the position. Let me know.
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From PVCC newsletter archives, this week in 1967: On January 15, 1967, this new congregation…will celebrate its first anniversary… It takes a great deal of courage and faith to cast your lot with a new congregation, but those who have done so will testify that it is one of the most rewarding experiences of life.
— Melanie Naden, PVCC Moderator