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!