Magazine: Present Like A Pro

The above article was written for the September 2003 issue of Corporate Logo magazine. The theme of the article was using presentation products, such as recruitment & training kits, service kits, annual reports and agent kits, to reinforce branding identity, create awareness of product/services, and to position your company with professional presentation products.

Short Story: From Ancient Scriptures to the Present-Day Bible

CCV is hosting a top-notch, world-class Bible exhibition on its campus to kick off the New Year. The exhibition will be open to the public with no charge.

From Ancient Scriptures to the Present-Day Bible
How can you prove the Bible is real? Where did the Bible come from? How did it get into our hands today? Was part of the meaning lost in translation? Come see for yourself how the Bible was written, translated, published and disseminated.

From the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Bible in America, you’ll be able to see the Word of God come to life. CCV, in partnership with Legacy Ministries, presents a world-class exhibition of treasures from ancient to present day. This exhibition marks the first time that portions from the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery will be publicly displayed in southwest U.S.

Anthony Naimo, CCV member and executive director of Legacy Ministries, believes in the importance of this Bible exhibition. “The Bible is at the very foundation of the Christian faith, and it is important to understand how God gave us His Word and the sacrifices made by others so that we could have the Bible in our own language," he explained.

Admission for this event has been waived. Don't miss this rare opportunity as it will strengthen your faith and renew your love for God's Word. For more information, visit www.dss2009.com.

Exhibit Hours from January 8 to March 1
Monday—Saturday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Press Release: High-School Students Build Homes in Mexico

Here's a post trip report on a home-building mission trip that hundreds of high-school students took to Rocky Point, Mexico.

Hundreds of High-School Students Build Homes in Mexico
While most teens were enjoying an extra day off of from school and could be found milling around the local mall or skateboarding at a skate park, 217 high-school students and volunteer leaders who attend Christ's Church of the Valley left the comfort of their homes to build houses for the needy in Rocky Point, Mexico over Veteran’s Day weekend.

The high school students were able to build seven new homes and one men’s crisis center to be used for men struggling with addictions while on their 4-day trip to Rocky Point. Karyn Puleo, a junior at Mountain Ridge High School stated, “It was one of the most fulfilling trips I have ever taken. Although I have gone twice in times past, I just feel this one made more of an impact. One example is when we gave a family a door because their house had two doorways but no doors. When we installed the door, the father was choked up and so thankful that he could barely speak...all for just a simple door. Why isn't America that thankful?”

Get your teen involved in CCV’s youth ministry. High-school students are invited to attend High Octane, a weekly service designed by teens and for teens to connect with each other and with God in a real and powerful way. Come and enjoy special guests, games and giveaways on Sunday nights, 5:30-7:00 pm. Hundreds of high school students attend High Octane every week.

Check out ccvgarage.com for the latest information on cool stuff to do. The Sr. High service meets in The Garage at Christ's Church of the Valley Peoria campus. CCV is located at 7007 W Happy Valley Rd in Peoria, AZ. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com. Regular weekend worship times are 4:30 and 6:15 pm every Saturday and 9:30 and 11:15 am every Sunday.

Press Release: AIDS in Africa Pandemic

When U2 front man, Bono, challenged churches nationwide to step up and find a way to combat the AIDS pandemic, CCV took action. Here is the press release I wrote that was granted lots of media attention.

Christ's Church of the Valley Responds to the AIDS in Africa Pandemic
The future of the people of Swaziland, Africa is in the balance. The AIDS rate in Swaziland is the highest in the world. It affects over 43% of the population of which 60,000 are children.

Recently Bono, the front man of U2, challenged churches nationwide to step up and get involved. His personal commitment to ridding this disease and helping the people of Africa is inspiring. So what is our role in a hurting world? How can we step up to the challenge?

Christ's Church of the Valley and Partners in Action are teaming up with hope to reduce the AIDS rate dramatically by decreasing the number of children who are born with AIDS. By taking simple steps such as providing pregnant mothers with AIDS nutritional, medicinal and prenatal care, we can drastically reduce the chances a child will contract AIDS by 97%.

CCV is bringing a little bit of heaven down to earth by adopting the town of Bulembu in Swaziland. Immediate plans include renovating homes where widows will be paired up with local orphaned, AIDS-infected children to give these orphans a sense of security and compassion; planting a church where Bulembu residents will find meaning, purpose and encouragement through life’s journey; providing local, sustainable jobs where men and women can provide for their families; and restoring a hospital back to operating condition.

We can’t do it alone. We need your help to rebuild Bulembu – a little town that has great potential to beat the AIDS pandemic and become a source of hope and inspiration for all of Africa. CCV is dedicated to mobilizing the church to act on behalf of a hurting world. Join us during our worship services on November 18 & 19 where we will air a video-taped interview with U2’s Bono and reveal CCV’s plan of action to reach Africa.

The United Nations has stated that if something isn’t done now to address the pandemic, the Swazi people could be extinct by 2050. Be part of the solution! Help us implement a vision of hope and a future that will work. CCV is located at 7007 W. Happy Valley Rd. in Peoria, AZ. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com. Regular weekend worship times are 4:30 and 6:15 pm every Saturday and 9:30 and 11:15 am every Sunday.

Press Release: New Beginnings for CCV Scottsdale

Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) was opening a new campus in the Scottsdale area and needed a press release to notify local media. Here is the release I wrote:

Christ's Church of the Valley Scottsdale: A New Way to Do Church
Christ's Church of the Valley, a rapidly growing Christian church in the northwest valley, is planting a new satellite church in Scottsdale. The concept of CCV Scottsdale was birthed when the need for community impact was recognized in the Scottsdale area. Scottsdale residents will have greater options when looking for a new church home.

Dr. Don Wilson, CCV’s senior pastor, and Brad Small, CCV Scottsdale’s campus pastor, are spearheading this new church plant. With CCV Scottsdale’s mission, they aim to provide a church that will attract the 25-45 year-old male. “Through God’s help, we believe that we can have a church that makes a difference in the community, encourages people to start a faith journey, and grows believers in their faith. We also want to plant a culture-transforming church where we influence the city and the city is changed,” Brad Small explains.

CCV Scottsdale has huge plans for the church kick-off including its premier, cutting-edge sermon series titled Sex Drive starting on Monday, October 15. Just when you thought church was boring, we have something to keep you awake and interested.

Now your weekends are free! Check us out on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm starting September 10, 2007. We have a plan to meet your family needs. Come as you are. All that we are missing is you!

Christ's Church of the Valley Scottsdale will meet at Desert Springs Bible Church located at 16215 N. Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com.

Magazine: Assisted Living Success

Assisted Living Success was a trade magazine for assisted living professionals. This magazine is no longer in circulation: however, it was once a highly successful publication. While working as the associate editor for Corporate Logo magazine, I often proofread other magazines printed within our publishing group.

Magazine: Scottsdale Life

Writing the article "The 21st Century Bride" for the January/February 2000 issue of Scottsdale Life magazine was my first crack at professional, creative writing. I was given the assignment to predict bridal fashion trends for the year 2000. With much research and several interviews with local wedding retailers, I completed the short story and was able to see my byline printed in a magazine. What a thrill!

Direct Mailer: Fun Night

The Children's Ministry at CCV hosts a fun night for children in the community in grades 2-4. Every year, almost a thousand children are attracted to this unique event specifically created just for them. Here is the postcard text I wrote:

Fun Night
It’s time to revisit what childhood is all about…FUN! We are planning a night full of games, prizes, food, fun and adventure for all 2nd through 4th graders.

The children’s fun night will start out on the CCV soccer fields and will lead the kids throughout the campus where they will participate in various activities. We’ll make sure you child has one of the best nights ever.

Friday, October 12, 2007
6:00-9:30 pm

Cost is $12 per child if ticket is purchased by 10/7; price increases to $15 thereafter. You can pre-register online at www.ccvonline.com/youth; walk-up registrations are also accepted at the event.

At the event, parents will drop off their children at Bldg 400; pick-up will be at the Worship Center. For security reasons, only pre-screened volunteers will be allowed at Fun Night.

CCV is located on the SW corner of Happy Valley Rd and 67th Ave. For more information, call Krista Ivey at 623.376.2444 or e-mail her at KristaIvey@ccvonline.com.

Press Release: Operation Serve

For two years in a row, CCV had a massive food and clothing drive to benefit the local homeless shelters. Here is a press release that I wrote for a follow-up report.

Mission Accomplished Through Operation Serve
Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” The members of Christ's Church of the Valley desire to do just that – live a worthy life by serving others. So on Sunday, June 3, CCV volunteers carried out a unique project affectionately known as Operation Serve.

Through Operation Serve, CCV reached out to 560 homeless men, 480 women, and 240 children in need within the greater Phoenix area. This project required 575 volunteers visiting 7 different shelters to accomplish this mission.

Here are some of the facts about Operation Serve:

•3 U-Haul trucks fully loaded with food and non-perishable items were delivered and donated to St. Mary's Food Bank.
•200 large boxes of gently-used business, casual clothing were donated to the shelters.
•1,300 personal kits containing hygiene essentials were distributed.
•1,100 warm meals were served.

Christ's Church of the Valley is located at 7007 W Happy Valley Rd in Peoria, AZ. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com. Regular weekend worship times are 4:30 and 6:15 pm every Saturday and 9:30 and 11:15 am every Sunday.

Direct Mailer: STARS Youth Football

The CCV STARS program sent out a postcard to parents of current players and prospective players to remind them of the youth football league's fall registration deadlines. Here is the text I created for the back of the postcard:

STARS YOUTH FOOTBALL
Sponsored by the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL and CCV

TACKLE: Ages 8-13
Registration deadline 8/3

FLAG: Ages 6-11
Registration deadline 8/18

Flag and tackle games begin on Friday, September 22 and will be played on Christ's Church of the Valley's sports fields on Friday nights. Both leagues are open to boys and girls.

Other upcoming STARS Youth events:
Coach Mo's Speed Camp (Arizona Cardinals)
When: 8/14-15 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Where: CCV sports fields
Cost: $50

Cheer Camp
When: 8/14-15 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Where: CCV sports fields
Cost: $25

Details and registration details online at ccvstars.com

Direct Mailer: The Gift

It's an annual tradition at CCV to throw a volunteer appreciation event. This event happens every year during the fall and it a way for the church to thank its thousands of volunteers who help make the church run. Every year the theme changes. Last year the theme was "The Gift." Here is the text I created for the high quality invite that was mailed out to thousands of volunteers.

Once upon a time, the greatest gift was given…
Christ's Church of the Valley would like to take time to honor you for your continued service…a gift in itself. You and a date are invited to CCV’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.

7:00—9:00 PM

Please select a night to attend from the dates below:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

Specifically designed with you in mind, this evening will be full of fun, food and entertainment. This is our night to thank and appreciate you for the gift that you are to CCV. Dinner will be provided and semi-formal attire is encouraged.

Please RSVP by picking up your FREE tickets in The Connecting Place.

Direct Mailer: Chart a New Course

CCV Prescott wanted to annouce their new beginning and invite the Prescott community to check them out for a weekend service. This postcard was mailed out to over 10,000 homes in the northern Arizona area. Here is the text I wrote:

Chart a new course with Christ's Church of the Valley Prescott
Map your way to a new beginning with a dynamic church home! Check out our relevant worship service every Sunday at 9:30 am at the Davis Learning Center located on the campus of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. We have a plan to meet your family needs. Come as you are!

Take the world's greatest challenge: Come follow Christ! Live an adventure, be authentic

Questions? Contact Gary Serago at 480.560.0139 or GarySerago@ccvonline.com.

Direct Mailer: Take A Shot

CCV Prescott wanted to invite men in the Prescott community to bring their sons to a father-and-son archery event. Here is the text I created for a postcard that was mailed out in northern Arizona area.

Ready. Aim. Fire.
Get ready for hunting season. All fathers and sons are invited to attend an archery and bow hunting clinic and competition on Saturday, August 12 from 1:00-5:00 pm. This event is for archers and bow hunters of all levels and ages. Come ready to pick up some great tips, sharpen your skills, and enter a friendly competition.

Meet us at the Granite Mountain Archery Range on Willow Creek Road across from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Bring a neighbor or friend!

Questions? Contact Gary Serago at 480.560.0139 or GarySerago@ccvonline.com.

Direct Mailer: Once Upon A Time...

CCV wanted to send out a personal invitation to local Peoria residents inviting them to the Christmas Services. Over 20,000 high quality, gold foil trimmed invitations were mailed out. Here is the text I created:

Cover: Once upon a time the greatest gift was given...

Inside: You are personally invited to unwrap the greastest gift ever given this Christmas season...

We invite you to explore God's gift to the world and spend Christmas with family and friends at one of CCV's Christmas Services.

Saturday, December 23 4:30 or 6:15 pm

Sunday, December 24 9:30 or 11:15 am, 3:00, 5:00 or 7:00 pm

Specifically designed with you in mind, all services are identical and are created for the whole family to enjoy together. Please call us with questions at 623.376.2444 or get more information online at ccvonline.com.

Merry Christmas,

Dr. Don & Sue Wilson

Direct Mailer: Something Different

In Fall 2006, CCV opened a new venue for weekend worshippers. "Something Different", the tagline for the new alternative service, was coined because it provided a different, edgier environment that caused people to rethink the typical ways of worship. This direct mailer was mailed out to over 10,000 homes in the Peoria area. All of the basic information about the new service was published on the backside of the postcard. Here is the text I created for this direct mailer:

Alternative Service

It isn't better, it's just different.

-The alternative service has a unique atmosphere that will enable you to have a personal, spiritual experience with our Creator.

-This edgy service will cause you to rethink the typical ways of worship.

- Two identical services will be provided every weekend in Building 700 (southwest corner of CCV) starting September 9 & 10.

- Saturday at 4:30 pm and Sunday at 11:15 am.

-A shuttle service will be available between the Children's Building and Building 700.

Brochure: CCV STARS

CCV STARS is a local, youth sports league attracting thousands of children and teenagers every year to play sports like football, soccer and cheer. This brochure was given to all returning and prospective players.

Magazine: Corporate Logo

A couple years after graduating from college, I landed the position of Associate Editor for the trade magazine Corporate Logo, Business Solutions for Today's Promotional Products Distributor. I was responsible for writing many of the articles found throughout the magazine as well as product highlights and company reviews.

Brochure: What's Happening at CCV

I was asked to create text for a brochure to inform newcomers of upcoming events happening at CCV. This brochure was handed out at all six Christmas services in 2007 and reached approximately 20,000 adults. The three areas this brochure focused on was upcoming special guest speakers and conferences with a focus on neighborhood involvement.

Short Story: "Count on Me" Challenge

Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) likes to run short, 250-word stories in each weekend's bulletin to tie in with the sermon or events happening within the church. I was asked to write a short story to remind and encourage people to finish strong with the "Count on Me" challenge presented by the senior pastor. The approximate bulletin count is 6,000 every weekend.

"Count on Me" Challenge Update
You can count on people like Kyle Leonardi. Kyle, age 24, took part of the “Count on Me” challenge presented by pastor Don Wilson back in October. The challenge was to pray for five people, build significant relationships with each individual, and invite them all to church by January 1. So where does Kyle stand with this challenge?

So far, Kyle has been successful at befriending coworkers. Even though Kyle is outgoing, lively and humorous, he is also sensitive to people and their situations. Kyle said he would overhear stories about what was going on in certain people’s lives and he knew right away they needed Jesus. So what did he do? He began praying for them daily, which in turn opened doors to build lifelong friendships. From there, he was easily able to offer a simple invitation to join him at church. Although he hasn’t been taken up on all of the offers, he has made a major impact in several people’s lives.

“The hardest aspect of the whole challenge was staying fervent with my prayers and consistently inviting them to church when I could see they were unresponsive. In a nutshell, it was hard to get myself out of the way and step aside to pray. I kept on inviting them and let the Lord work. I wanted to make it happen, but I couldn’t change their heart,” Kyle explained.

If you committed to the Count on Me challenge, finish strong. Kyle’s story reminds us that we are all called to pray, love and invite others to church. If we can get out of God’s way, he will work out all the details.

Short Story: Outward Expression, Inward Decision

Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) likes to run short, 250-word stories in each weekend's bulletin to tie in with the sermon or events happening within the church. Here is the short story I wrote about the increase in baptisms in 2008. The approximate bulletin count is 6,000 every weekend.

Outward Expression, Inward Decision
Baptism isn’t something to be taken lightly. In fact, it’s a very serious decision that requires commitment and courage…commitment to live for Jesus Christ and the courage to make that decision known.

David and Nicki Balzarini, residents of Vistancia, recently completed the membership process at CCV and were baptized. David and Nicki were both baptized as young children and have struggled for years whether or not to be baptized again as adults. That decision finally came with some encouragement from their small group. Nicki recalls sitting in Class 100 when pastor Don Wilson stated there were no verses in the Bible to back up infant baptism. And although Nicki and David’s family members may not agree with their decision to “renew their vows” to Christ, they did it anyway. The Balzarinis said they want to follow the Bible and its commands, so getting baptized was the next step in their growth process. “I wanted to take a stand for Christ and express the internal changes that have taken place,” David stated.

Baptisms at CCV have increased over 33% in 2008 from the previous year. This year alone, over one thousand people have taken the same stand the Balzarinis did just a few weeks ago. If you are ready to take the next step in your faith journey, let your decision be known and get baptized.

Press Release: Children Set to Donate Shoes

CHILDREN AT LOCAL CHURCH SET TO DONATE THOUSANDS OF SHOES JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

This coming weekend, December 6-7, the children at Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) will have the opportunity to donate new and slightly used footwear for the less fortunate. Many of the adults who attended CCV on the weekend of November 22-23 showed a simple act of generosity by taking the shoes off their feet and donating their footwear at the request of the pastor. Over 8,000 pairs were collected in one weekend alone. Now the children will have the same opportunity to follow in their parents footprints…quite literally.

The children’s ministry staff at CCV wants to challenge the young children and youth, preschool age through high school, to ask themselves: “What can I give to others to show a simple act of generosity?” Scott Harris, who oversees the children’s ministry, believes that allowing kids to give the shoes off of their feet will create a memory that will last a lifetime. “With encouragement from their parents, we are looking forward to seeing families share in this experience of giving to others in need,” he said.

Parents were forewarned this past weekend that the children will have the same opportunity that they had a couple of weeks ago. All shoes collected will be donated primarily to local homeless shelters in the Phoenix area. Thousands of shoes will also be shipped to orphanages and needy families in Mexico, South America and Africa.

For those who are unable to attend a church service this coming weekend and would still like to donate children’s shoes, please contact the church office no later than Friday, December 12. Harris mentioned, “The community is certainly welcome to come and join us to give in a way that will impact thousands of lives around our city, state and ultimately the world.”

CCV is located at 7007 W Happy Valley Rd in Peoria, AZ. Contact us if you have any questions at 623.376.2444 or www.ccvonline.com. Regular weekend worship times are 4:30 and 6:15 pm every Saturday and 9:30 and 11:15 am every Sunday.