Fellowship Hall

Continuing our Decision 2024 series, Rev. Erik Khoobyarian will facilitate a discussion about how our faith guides our response to any election. How do we pray for our leaders? How do we approach those with whom we’ve disagreed? What sort of reconciliation might we need to be a part of? What do we need to release? Join us!

For more details, contact Kelly McGinn at kmcginn@pinnaclepres.org.

with Gisela Kreglinger
Off-site (reservations required)
$40/person (includes appetizers, wines, and a Pinnacle wine glass)

Coming to Our Senses: Exploring wine tasting as a spiritual practice
This evening event is framed as a wine tasting that we will explore as a spiritual practice. With each wine, our guide, Dr. Gisela Kreglinger, will offer a meditation that will help guests to embrace all of their senses including touch, smell and taste in order to savor not only the wines as spiritual gifts but the Giver of all good gifts, Jesus Christ. Come prepared to savor wine, allow yourself to re-imagine what a spiritual practice can be and be prepared for a convivial spirit to overtake you as we share in the bounty of God's gifts and redeeming presence in our midst. For more details, contact Kelly McGinn at kmcginn@pinnaclepres.org.

Click here to rsvp and register for this event.

Fellowship Hall

For You have kept the choice wine until last: Wine, beauty, and the feasting of the saints 
Wine is a gift from God that can enhance and deepen our celebrations and elicit a deeper sense of joy in our midst. And yet, for many the theme of wine and alcohol carries ambivalent feelings and latent suspicions: is wine really a spiritual gift that leads into a more full-bodied spirituality? We will both celebrate this gift but also look at the history of why wine came into disrepute and how we might embrace this delicious gift with gratitude and wisdom in order to develop a joy-filled, sustainable and wholesome relationship with wine. We are excited to be the host for the initial release of Gisela’s new book: Cup Overflowing: Wine’s Story of Faith, Feasting, and Fellowship.

Copies will be available for purchase, which Gisela will sign. For more details, contact Kelly McGinn at kmcginn@pinnaclepres.org.

Fellowship Hall rm 2

Living an integrated life means bringing our faith into all aspects of our lives, including the public square and the polling booth. In our current climate, it can become easy for us to be distracted by the loudest voices or the voices which seem to quickly resonate with our fears and anxieties. Join Rev. Erik Khoobyarian for this session that will be equipping, encouraging, and engaging. For more details, contact Kelly McGinn at kmcginn@pinnaclepres.org.

Science, Religion & Climate Change
with Albert Celoza
Thursday, Apr. 25 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall
Is the science behind climate change enough to convince and motivate people to act? Do we need religion to help galvanize communities to coordinate and adopt solutions that mitigate climate change’s effects? Join Arizona Interfaith Movement’s Director, Albert Celoza, as he covers the science and religion behind climate change.

taught by Dr. Albert Celoza,
Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Every other Wednesday starting January 10th
Jan. 10 - Apr. 17 | 12 - 1 pm  |  Chapel Library & Zoom

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about other faiths’ practice of the Golden Rule. Dr. Albert Celoza, Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement, will lead us in an 8-week discovery of the core teachings of Asian religions and how these relate to Christian faith. Click here to register today! Click here for previous classes.

Apr. 17 – Confucianism - “Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.”

Gender Expectations in Music
with Dr. Kay Norton, Arizona State University
Thursday, Apr. 4 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall
Kay Norton (Ph.D. Musicology, University of Colorado-Boulder 1990) is Professor of Musicology in the School of Music. She researches music’s association with wellness, American sacred music, and music of the American South. This presentation is drawn from one of her courses, “How Gender has Mattered in Music History.” It examines specifically gendered discourses about music relating to women, and the ways female musicians have negotiated gender expectations of their respective eras.

taught by Dr. Albert Celoza,
Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Every other Wednesday starting January 10th
Jan. 10 - Apr. 17 | 12 - 1 pm  |  Chapel Library & Zoom

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about other faiths’ practice of the Golden Rule. Dr. Albert Celoza, Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement, will lead us in an 8-week discovery of the core teachings of Asian religions and how these relate to Christian faith. Click here to register today! Click here for previous classes.

Apr. 3 – Taoism - “I am good to the man who is good to me; likewise, I am also good to the bad man.” 

taught by Dr. Albert Celoza,
Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Every other Wednesday starting January 10th
Jan. 10 - Apr. 17 | 12 - 1 pm  |  Chapel Library & Zoom

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about other faiths’ practice of the Golden Rule. Dr. Albert Celoza, Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement, will lead us in an 8-week discovery of the core teachings of Asian religions and how these relate to Christian faith. Click here to register today! Click here for previous classes.

Mar. 20 – Buddhist traditions and practices

Isaac Newton’s Strange God
with David Schaller and Dr. Mike Hegeman
Thursday, Mar. 14 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall & Livestream
Isaac Newton is one of the most famous scientists of all time. Many scholars even consider him the greatest scientist who ever lived, but often his faith is not mentioned. He believed in divine creation and wrote strong articles opposing atheism and defending the Bible. Join us to learn more about Newton’s Christian journey.

Click here for the link to the livestream.

taught by Dr. Albert Celoza,
Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Every other Wednesday starting January 10th
Jan. 10 - Apr. 17 | 12 - 1 pm  |  Chapel Library & Zoom

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about other faiths’ practice of the Golden Rule. Dr. Albert Celoza, Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement, will lead us in an 8-week discovery of the core teachings of Asian religions and how these relate to Christian faith. Click here to register today! Click here for previous classes.

Feb. 21 – Jainism - “A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated.”

How to Negotiate Personal Conflicts, Political Conflicts, and Everything in Between 
with Dr. Kyle Jensen

Sundays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 | 11:15 am | Fellowship Hall

James 1:19 tells Christians that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. But how do we accomplish that task, especially in the heat of conflict? This three-part class will present a more nuanced theory of how human beings listen, help you identify the specific ways that you listen when presented with a different perspective, and teach you strategies that will help you become a more generous listener when conversations become difficult. 

How to Negotiate Personal Conflicts, Political Conflicts, and Everything in Between 
with Dr. Kyle Jensen

Sundays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 | 11:15 am | Fellowship Hall

James 1:19 tells Christians that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. But how do we accomplish that task, especially in the heat of conflict? This three-part class will present a more nuanced theory of how human beings listen, help you identify the specific ways that you listen when presented with a different perspective, and teach you strategies that will help you become a more generous listener when conversations become difficult. 

The Metaphysics of Sound
with Jacob Adler
Thursday, Feb. 8 | 6 - 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall & Livestream
Jacob Adler will present a wide-ranging discussion on the mathematics of harmony, the physics and neuropsychology of sound, the varieties of mystical experience, and the search for meaning in music. This 60-minute discussion will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A.

Click here for the link to the livestream.

taught by Dr. Albert Celoza,
Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Every other Wednesday starting January 10th
Jan. 10 - Apr. 17 | 12 - 1 pm  |  Chapel Library & Zoom

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about other faiths’ practice of the Golden Rule. Dr. Albert Celoza, Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement, will lead us in an 8-week discovery of the core teachings of Asian religions and how these relate to Christian faith. Click here to register today! Click here for previous classes.

Feb. 7 – Sikhism - “Don’t create hatred with anyone as God is within everyone.”

How to Negotiate Personal Conflicts, Political Conflicts, and Everything in Between 
with Dr. Kyle Jensen

Sundays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 | 11:15 am | Fellowship Hall

James 1:19 tells Christians that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. But how do we accomplish that task, especially in the heat of conflict? This three-part class will present a more nuanced theory of how human beings listen, help you identify the specific ways that you listen when presented with a different perspective, and teach you strategies that will help you become a more generous listener when conversations become difficult. 

Speaker: Tim Dalrymple
WHAT'S BECOMING OF US?: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Timothy Dalrymple is a former national champion gymnast who turned to academia following an accident in college where he broke his neck. He helped launch patheos.com and Polymath, and he currently serves as Christianity Today’s President and CEO. 

Speaker: Daniel Bowman
NEURODIVERGENT STORYTELLING

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Daniel Bowman Jr. is a novelist, poet, and professor, who received an autism diagnosis at age 35. He will offer insights on autism, relationships, faith, and the gift of neurodiversity through stories of his heartbreaks and triumphs.   

Speaker: Jacob Goldstein
TECHNOLOGY, LUDDITES, AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Jacob Goldstein is an NPR correspondent and podcast host. His interest in technology and the changing nature of work has led him to stories on UPS, the Luddites, and the history of light. His current work looks at the big picture of new technologies such as AI and the future of work. Goldstein looks at the history of technology breakthroughs to point out a silver lining.  

A program of the Fran Park Center for Faith and Life & Arizona Interfaith Movement
$20/per person
Join us for a day of discovering different cultures, communities and religions that coexist with us in our own neighborhoods. We’ll explore these houses of worship and learn of their traditions, history and faith commitments. This is a wonderful intergenerational opportunity for ages 12 and older. Please note: not all faiths are included in the tour due to time, availability and worship schedules. Only 50 spots available. Click here to register today!

Faith and Science Fiction
with George Moakley & Dr. Mike Hegeman
Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6 – 7:30 pm | Rehearsal Hall
Pinnacle congregation member George Moakley authored his debut novel, Kraken of Eden, in 2023, set about 500 years in the future where human colonization of exo-planets has become possible. In this gripping adventure a science vessel sets out for Eden, a pristine wilderness presenting humanity a second chance for responsible stewardship. Click here for more info.

Speaker: Tommy Caldwell
ROUTE FINDING FOR SUCCESS

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Tommy Caldwell is a talented rock climber, with numerous accomplishments in sport, traditional, and free climbing; big wall first ascents; and speed records. He’ll share the ways he’s found a route for success with stories of his nationally-recognized climbs—including a hostage situation in Kyrgyzstan—and life struggles.  

taught by Dr. Albert Celoza,
Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Every other Wednesday starting January 10th
Jan. 10 - Apr. 17 | 12 - 1 pm  |  Chapel Library & Zoom

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about other faiths’ practice of the Golden Rule. Dr. Albert Celoza, Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement, will lead us in an 8-week discovery of the core teachings of Asian religions and how these relate to Christian faith. Click here to register today!

Jan. 24 – Hinduism - “This is the sum duty; do not do to others which would cause you pain if done to you.” 

Speaker: Niala Boodhoo
LESSONS I'VE LEARNED FROM LISTENING

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Niala Boodhoo ’96 is an Axios journalist and podcast host, as well as guest host for 1A on NPR. She’ll discuss the importance of living outside of an echo chamber and the ways the human voice can help us change our perspectives.  

Speaker: Dr. Lydia Dugdale
THE LOST ART OF DYING: ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN FACING OUR MORTALITY

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Dr. Lydia Dugdale is an internal medicine primary care doctor and a medical ethicist. She’s also a Columbia University professor and director of the Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. In her new book, The Lost Art of Dying, Dugdale offers insight and thoughtful guidance on how to die well. She guides readers to recover their sense of finitude, confront fears, accept how bodies age, develop meaningful rituals, and involve communities in end-of-life care. 

Speaker: Caroline Randall Williams
SOUL FOOD AND THE COLLECTIVE CULTURAL MEMORY

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Caroline Randall Williams is an award-winning poet, young adult novelist, and cookbook author as well as an activist, public intellectual, performance artist, and scholar. Through her discussion on soul food and the collective cultural memory she’ll reclaim the narrative of health and body preservation through Black cuisine and dispel the myths about soul food. 

Speaker: Robert George
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND THE HUMAN GOOD

10:30 am | Rehearsal Hall
Robert George is a McCormick professor of jurisprudence and the director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. He’ll pull on his knowledge in law and theology to present how governments are obligated to respect and protect religious freedom for the sake of the basic human right of religion itself. 

taught by Dr. Albert Celoza,
Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Every other Wednesday starting January 10th
Jan. 10 - Apr. 17 | 12 - 1 pm  |  Chapel Library & Zoom

We have a wonderful opportunity to learn about other faiths’ practice of the Golden Rule. Dr. Albert Celoza, Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement, will lead us in an 8-week discovery of the core teachings of Asian religions and how these relate to Christian faith. Click here to register today!

Jan. 10 - Academic Study of Religion and Indigenous Religions - “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” Diné (Navajo) Nation

with Guest Preacher Dr. Will Willimon and Dr. Wes Avram
Sunday, Jan. 7  |  11:15 am  |  Fellowship Hall
Join Wes and Will as they share perspectives on congregational leadership and stories of their time in ministry. 

with Rev. Erik Khoobyarian
Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13 & 20  |  5 pm  |  Chapel Library
As we prepare the way for Jesus this Advent, join Rev. Erik Khoobyarian and the Fran Park Center for a journey with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Throughout the history of Christianity, Mary has had many identities and representations for the faithful. The first week we will look at Mary, a friend and visitor to her cousin Elizabeth. The second week we look at Mary as mother to Jesus. Finally, we will look at Mary as our guide. May we approach our celebration of the birth of Christ alongside one another and Mary!