Our 30th anniversary brought with it an exciting announcement - Kindergarten is being added at Pinnacle! This is the most dramatic change our program has experienced over our three decades of providing quality early childhood education to our community. Our program offers an approach to Kindergarten inspired by the educators of Reggio Emilia, Italy and grounded in current best practices and brain development for young children.

With a maximum of 16 students, our exceptionally low ratio of 1:8 for the development of the whole child. A blend of both child and teacher-led learning encourages children to engage as active participants in their construction of knowledge while accomplishing and/or exceeding the educational standards defined by the state board of education. The students’ experiences are enhanced by discoveries through hands-on experimentation and purposeful play. These types of developmentally appropriate practices encourage long-term success in academic areas. Additionally, the Kindergarten curriculum extends beyond the traditional areas of learning and offers Atelier, Music, Spanish, Movement (P.E.), and the Culinary Arts. Ample outdoor discovery time is also available through the Outdoor Classroom and Playground.

The Kindergarten program is designed for children turning 5 years old by the September 1st cutoff. For years, parents have requested a kindergarten option at Pinnacle to “push back” on the push down of standardized learning in early childhood education. The push down of rote memorization is a result of a cultural message that sooner is smarter - it’s not! Pinnacle counters with a science-backed approach to early childhood, meeting the needs of children’s current stage of development and utilizing how children learn best as engaged, active learners.

We are excited to announce that tax dollars can also be directed to Pinnacle Presbyterian Kindergarten for tuition scholarships. Arizona Tuition Connection is a School Tuition Organization (STO) that makes it easy to support Pinnacle Presbyterian Kindergarten in three simple steps: 

1. Make your donation, 

2. Recommend your donation go to Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool & Kindergarten, 

3. Claim the donation as a dollar-for-dollar tax credit when you file your AZ taxes 

2024 donation pamphlets are available in the church and preschool office. Learn more about Arizona Tuition Connection or donate now here. 

Snapshot of Kindergarten at Pinnacle Information:

• Full day Kindergarten from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•  August 18, 2025 - May 21, 2026 following Paradise Valley Unified School District Calendar with the exception of half days

• Aligned with Arizona Department of Education Academic Standards

• Inspired by the educators of Reggio Emilia, Italy emphasizing the development of the whole child and active, play-based approach to learning.

This past Sunday, Pinnacle member Maureen Kaiser hosted a songwriting workshop during which she and her fellow songwriting friends repeatedly emphasized the importance of storytelling in writing good, successful songs. I’ve been thinking quite a bit about this art of storytelling — story weaving, story sharing — ever since.

The telling of our stories is central to our identity as humans and it is what draws us into connection with others. And, when we say that God created each of us in the image of God, we also say that God is found in the stories each of us hold. 

There’s something quite powerful, then, because not only do we possess the power to share God with others through our stories, we also possess the power of withholding some unique and individual aspect of God when we don’t share our stories. Indeed, we have the responsibility — the great and beautiful responsibility to tell our stories to others for it is in our stories where God is to be found. 

I know that I talk (and write!) a lot about the three-legged stool upon which our faith stands, but I do so for a reason. Together with the legs of scripture and prayer, the leg of vulnerability with others is tied to the storytelling about which I’ve written above. When we share our stories and when we listen to the stories of others, we aren’t simply gaining a glimpse into their lives (which we are), we are gaining something of God — and how beautiful that is. How beautiful it is that, right here in our lives, God has given us glimpses of the Divine. 

Your stories matter. They matter to me, they matter to your neighbor, and they matter to God. Tell your story — in song, in writing, in words shared over a cup of coffee or on a walk or sitting in your living room.

I’m excited for you to hear the song that the group wrote. Maureen was inspired by the cross in our Sanctuary and the song is titled “Sanctuary.” Earlier this week Maureen and her band Mayhem Lane recorded the song and we will share it soon. 

I guess this could be titled, “Bloom Where You’re Planted” but that’s on too many t-shirts, coffee cups and greeting cards. To be honest, it makes me roll my eyes. Oh, please. You know what else appears in all those places too? Jeremiah 29:11. Arguably one of the most popular Bible verses to take out of context and plop on some merchandise. 

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

The prophet Jeremiah speaks these words of hope to God’s people after the utter destruction of Jerusalem. The Babylonian army captured and destroyed the holy city. Then the waves of deportation and forced migration began. Judeans were exiled from their homeland and forced to resettle in Babylon–a place where they were strangers. They did not know the culture nor the language. They were removed from their homes and communities, stripped of their roles and told what to do and where to work. Strangers, in a foreign land, with a lack of agency. 

Into this situation God sends a message to God’s people through Jeremiah. A message of realistic expectations–”When seventy years are completed” (Jeremiah 29:10). It’s going to be a while. Don’t place your hopes in a short timeline—only after 70 years will restoration come. How is this hopeful or helpful?--Not seeing it yet. 

God also provides practical steps for how to survive the exile. God says to build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and be nourished by the food they produce. Seek the peace and prosperity of the city in which you are exiled. (Jeremiah 29:5-7) In other words….bloom where you’re planted (damnit). 

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God is sending a message of how to move forward when you are not where you want to be. It’s a message of caution–do not give way to despair. Do not sit idle just waiting for divine intervention and deliverance back to where you want to be. Rather, build a new foundation and let fresh roots ground you and sustain you in a foreign land. Learn to live in this foreign place. What’s more— seek the peace of the city around you–for this is a way to continue to honor and serve God wherever you are. And remember–God has not abandoned you. God will bring restoration because God does give us a future with hope. It just may not be as fast as we want it to be. And it may not exactly look like we think it will look. 

So if you find yourself sitting in exile, wishing you were anywhere else but here, what might it look like to dig deep and find ways to thrive in the current situation? Where are you finding God’s provision? How can you be the light of Christ in the city around you? And what vision for the future is God giving you? 

Try Poland. Go see ancient forests like Białowieża with centuries-old oaks and rare European bison, Tatra Mountains with crystal-clear alpine lakes, the dramatic coastline of the Baltic Sea among many other places. The countryside’s beauty is well complemented by Poland’s hearty, soul-warming cuisine: traditional pierogi, bigos (the hunter’s stew), delicious bread and pastries, and the best of all - hundreds of types of soups. This harmonious blend of natural beauty and culinary tradition makes Poland a great destination for both the eyes and the palate!

A few more reasons to go:

• Gorgeous landscapes, be it a 19th century palace, a restaurant in an 18th century granary, or ruins of a medieval castle.

• Delicious food - hearty breakfasts and not overly sweet but delicious desserts

• Beautiful churches, organs and good concerts :)

Last weekend was my first time to experience Blessing of the Animals which took place in the Chapel Garden with a very nice turnout of all dogs and one bearded dragon.  We started the event by giving each dog a certificate of blessing with their very own paw print on the paper.  After the dogs each received their certificate, we had a lovely service held by Pastor Erik and Pastor Mike.  They read scripture and talked about how special our human connection is with animals.  

It was such a pleasure to see all the dogs with their various personalities in one space.  The animal parents were beaming with pride and joy as they paraded around the garden making new friends.  It was an absolute pleasure to watch!  Some of the dogs were a little shy and timid, while others wanted to be held the whole time.  One dog almost demanded a tour of the chapel library by pawing at the door and licking the window.  

It got me thinking about all the animals needing to be blessed, but really, they have blessed us in return, tenfold.  Our pets are a big part of our lives and most often they’re part of our families.  Pets are there for us when we’re feeling down and we can always rely on them to make us laugh.  We form bonds with them for years and they are truly with us through thick and thin with unconditional love.  

With my own dog, Watson, I can simply take the trash out to the curb and when I return he greets me with hugs and licks like I have been gone all day.   We also have a cat named Harry Potter and though he covers me in white fur, he sits on my lap every evening to end my day.  These two bring a vital energy to our home and fill our spaces with joy and happiness…. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way.