24 NOVEMBER 2023 S ome people wear their emotions on their sleeves. Josh Cooper takes this sentiment a step further – he has his feelings tattooed all over his body. The 33-year-old Phoenix native is a man with strong convictions, and he’s not afraid to display his faith for all to see, explaining, “My tattoos and what they convey honor my faith.” James 2:17 is emblazoned on his right arm because that is his favorite scripture verse: faith by itself, unaccompanied by actions, is a dead faith. “That’s how I try and live my life,” Cooper said. But not all of his tattoos have to do with Christianity. On his leg, you’ll find Dory, the forgetful fish in Finding Nemo . “That reminds me that, like her, sometimes we just need to keep swimming. Perspective is everything in life because someone always has it worse off than us,” he said. Cooper’s pulpit is a barber’s chair at V’s Barber Shop Arcadia, and it’s the first chair, signifying his seniority in the neighborhood business. The TVs are always turned to ESPN – sports are the central topic of discussion. “In this job, people are usually happy to see you because you make them look better. It’s not like going to the dentist,” Cooper laughed. He and his brother attended Sunnyslope High School, where Cooper took all AP courses and graduated with honors. While his parents encouraged him to further his education – and he did, starting at Phoenix College – they also repeatedly urged him to learn a vocation. “It’s maybe the only time I listened to my parents,” Cooper said, “so I enrolled in Barber College, thinking I’d do it just to make some spending money.” Fifteen years and nearly 70,000 haircuts later, Cooper is the number one producer in the 70-store chain of V’s Barber Shops nationwide. He works seven days a week. “People ask me why I work so hard. I take care of my mom, and that’s a priority, but I am also saving up to have my own V’s shop one day,” he said. Cooper said what he likes most about barbering is getting to know his customers, making friends and watching kids grow into adults that bring in their own children. He also admires his mentor and V’s founder, Jim Valenzuela. “Jim’s been like a second father and a great influence in my life,” Cooper said. When Cooper isn’t cutting hair (which is almost every day), he enjoys hanging out with friends, playing pick-up basketball and going to the movies. Among his favorite films are the first Matrix , The Devil Wears Prada and anything featuring Will Ferrell. Scripture provides grounding for Cooper, and he’s emphatic that it has brought him peace and a positive outlook: “It is the backbone in my life.” Josh Cooper My tattoos and what they convey honor my faith. 3901 East Stanford Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 602.955.8200 1961 YEAR FOUNDED As a nonsectarian, nonprofit, college preparatory day school ENROLLMENT In our co-ed student body, 37% identify as students of color AFFORDABILITY 24% receive need-based financial aid grants at an average of $15,000 750 CLASS SIZE 15 students average per class STUDENT:TEACHER 8 students average per 1 teacher FACULTY DEGREES 85% of Upper School faculty hold advanced degrees 8:1 85% 40 CAMPUS SIZE 40 acres Athletic fields, aquatic center, gyms, auditorium, music spaces, and science, art & tech center SCHOOL HOURS 7:50am–3:00pm Hot lunch included daily for Lower and Middle School, optional for Upper School ATHLETICS 14 state championships in the past 3 years 12 Upper School sports and 13 Middle School sports DISCOVER PCDS PLEASE JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5th, 11am-1pm PCDS.ORG/OPENHOUSE PCDS is a private, independent school, Pre-k through Grade 12.

25 NOVEMBER 2023 By Rachael Bouley It’s been 65 years since Prince of Peace Lutheran Church was founded in Arcadia, and the congregation is looking forward to celebrating with the community as Rick Sherril also marks his 25th anniversary as an ordained pastor. The church’s humble beginnings go back to September 1957 when Pastor Phillip Gansei and his family arrived in Phoenix. Pastor Gansei was commissioned by the American Lutheran Church to begin a congregation in Phoenix in the summer of 1957. He and his family arrived here in September and began the work that led to the formation of Prince of Peace. The first worship service was held at VFW Hall on Thomas Road that October. There were 81 in attendance. The congregation grew over the next decade, and ground-breaking ceremonies were held in August 1965 at the current church site on 56th St., where they unveiled a new sanctuary and permanent home for congregants. Since then, the church has thrived with weekly services and ceremonies and Prince of Peace Preschool, which has served families since 1967. In 2017, Prince of Peace opened its doors to infant care, expanding services from birth to pre-K, and in 2021, a second preschool location opened at Hospice of the Valley on 44th St. and Indianola Ave. Congregation Council President Kris Kainass said she loved raising her kids in the church and working on family service projects together. “Our kids are now 17, 15, and 11, but we’ve been watching them on the POP stage since they were two,” Kainass said. “The Prince of Peace community is an extension of our family.” One of the most notable service projects is the Arcadia Cares Packathon. In this springtime tradition, local schools, churches, neighborhood associations, scout troops, and families pack food for those in need. The church also has a variety of youth programs to help teens navigate challenges and find support in a safe space. “Teens and staff meet regularly on Sunday mornings over donuts to discuss the highs and lows of the week. They also meet regularly on Sunday nights for fun and community,” Kainass said. “We get that being a teen today is hard and are glad to be a sanctuary for youth to have support.” The Prince of Peace Foundation is a nonprofit that oversees the church’s endowment and memorial funds to support campus improvements, youth gatherings and scholarships for undergraduate members. They also offer kids the chance to participate in private music lessons and children’s musicals with Temple Music & Performing Arts. This tight-knit community is led by Pastor Rick, who said he understands the importance of youth and family ministry as a devoted husband and father of two. He joined the church in 2009 after moving from California. “Over the years, I’m blessed that the church family has been there for me during times of grief, celebration and continues to support me in big and small ways,” Pastor Rick said. “When my dad died, the support of the Prince of Peace family meant everything. When my girls had milestones the community celebrated with us. Most of all, when I reflect on my time here, I think of Easter mornings on Camelback Mountain. It takes effort to get to beautiful moments and these are made more beautiful by the unexpected.” “Rick honors the deep, rich, and beautiful foundation of POP and keeps that spirit alive in all that he does,” Kainass said. “What we love best is that he loves to see others shine over himself, and we can see the uplifted spirit in others in all that he touches at the preschool, church, youth program, and community service projects. Thank goodness he said yes to being a pastor 25 years ago. He was born for this.” The Arcadia community is invited to join Prince of Peace in celebrating both anniversaries on November 19 after the 9:30 service. popphoenix.org Prince of Peace celebrates milestone anniversaries Prince of Peace Lutheran Church opened in 1965. (inset) Pastor Rick is celebrating 25 years at Prince of Peace. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRIS KAINASS Scan this QR code for information about the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Preschool Anniversary Celebration.