PresbyNews
Faith Presbyterian Church
Volume 30, Number 23 November 8, 2005
625 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95831
916-428-3439
Faith Happenings
Munchies Bible Study 9:00am
CREW Bible Study 2-3pm
November 13 Commitment Sunday
November 16 Gifts and Passion class 7-8:45pm
November 20 Operation Christmas Child 12:15 -3:00pm
November 22 Ecumenical Service at Faith 7:30pm
November 27 Messiah Sing - Camellia Symphony
December 3 An Evening in December (see Barbara Tracy)
December 4 Tradewinds Dinner
Commitment Sunday is November 13th!
Please remember to prayerfully consider your financial pledge towards God work here at Faith and bring your completed pledge card with you to worship on November 13th. There will be an opportunity to turn those pledge cards in during both service that morning. If you missed worship on November 6th, you might consider reading through the sermon that day on the web (www.faithpresby.org) to help you in your pledge decision.
Putting Out the Welcome Mat
Everybody wants to feel like they are welcome, like they belong. Ever been in the home of somebody else where you didn’t feel welcome? It’s not a good feeling. And chances are, you won’t come back.
On the flip side, we all could name friends who open their homes to us and make us feel like we belong. Within a few minutes a glass of cold ice tea is in your hand. You’re offered the most comfortable chair in the house. Before you know it, you’ve been invited to stay for dinner. I love going to visit people I sense are genuinely glad I came.
These days at Faith, as you may have noticed, we have a lot of guests coming into our “home.” I am so grateful to serve a congregation that does such a superb job of making those guests feel welcome. I hear over and over again from people how they sense a “warmth” in this community that draws them back again and again.
In encouraging all of us to keep it up, let me just offer a few specific ways we can make sure that folks who come into our “house” on Sunday mornings know that we are genuinely glad they came.
It’s true that some people come here and want to remain anonymous, sometimes for months. We want to respect that and allow people the space they need. That’s why, for instance, we don’t have guests stand up in worship and identify themselves. For some of our guests, that would be the worst thing we could do. Much better, in those instances, to individually greet people and take their cues about how much space they may need.
Again, I thank God for the genuine hospitality this congregation displays so well. Maybe these few suggestions will continue to help all of us make our guests genuinely sense that we are glad they showed up.
I look forward to worshipping and greeting with you on Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
Jeff
Pastor Jim's Column
Four years ago this month my mother died. I still miss her. She is so much a part of me. She is alive in me in many ways.
But she is alive in a very specific way. In the Apostles’ Creed we confess that we believe in the “communion of the saints.” Have you ever given thought to what that means? The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church defines it this way: “the spiritual union existing between each Christian and Christ, and so between each and every Christian, whether in heaven…or on the earth.” Put more simply – there is a connection between all Christians across space and time – across life and death.
I do not understand much about heaven or afterlife – but I do proclaim that my mother is alive in Christ and so we share in the “communion of saints.” There is both solace and celebration in this.
I am not sure why – but considering the death of Rosa Parks last week – I find myself hoping to meet her someday. I am she is part of the “communion of saints.” You all know her story. But you may not be aware of her faith.
On December 1, 1955, Parks was sitting on a bus in the front row of the section reserved for blacks. But when a white man got on, there were no more seats in the white section, so the bus driver told Parks to move back.
But Parks was convinced that to do so would be wrong--and she refused to get up. "Since I have always been a strong believer in God," she says, "I knew that He was with me, and only He could get me through that next step."
Rosa inspires me – and I am delighted that she lives on. There are other people who share in the communion of the saints. Other people I would like to meet. Fred Rogers of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” St. Francis of Assisi, Barnabas (read Acts 9:23-28).
You too are part of the communion of the saints. You share this community with so many others. Who – as part of that community – inspires you? Who would you like to meet?
Grace and peace,
Jim Zazzera
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child
Last year we delivered over 100 boxes to be mailed out all over the world. Our goal for this year is 150 boxes! Operation Christmas Child is an outreach of Samaritan's Purse. Each year it delivers gifts to countless children around the world bringing the message of Jesus Christ to hurting children and their families.
A shoe box filled with a variety of gifts is all it takes. Boy or Girl, what age ? On the Sunday School table are brochures explaining the program and giving ideas for what can go in the box.
We will be collecting boxes up to November 20th. Come for lunch on the 20th, after second service. We will collect all the boxes, finalize the boxes and load them for delivery! This is a great family activity to start off the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons!
" With you help, we can bring the Good News of God's love to millions of children and their families." Franklin Graham, President, Samaritan's Purse.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD, begins Sunday, November 6th and culminates with an intergenerational gathering after church Sunday. November 20th from 2:1 5 to 3:00 p.m. for lunch and to assemble shoe boxes filled with gifts for children throughout the world.
All in the congregation are invited to participate in this mission project sponsored by our Faith Children.
Begin collecting toys, school supplies, hygiene items (no liquids), and other gifts for a boy or girl to be put into shoe boxes and bring them on November 20th. Or before.
Look for brochures and a bulletin insert on November 13th. Bring a check for $5.O0 made out to SAMARITAN’S PURSE for each box to cover mailing costs.
Questions? Contact Pam Rock at 393-1493 or Sue Kirk at (530) 367-4572 or E-mail Sue at highlander@foothill.net
Sunday School News
Birthdays for October and November
Karis Neufeld 10/8
Margaux Warren 10/14
Kori Davis 11/23
Amanda Marang 11/5
Robert Shirley 11/30
Maegan Davis 11/23
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Sunday School Lesson for November
What's in a Name? Exodus 3:13-4:17
God's got work for us!
The Top Ten Exodus 20:1-17, 35:10-22
It's the way we live.
Hear, O Israel Deuteronomy 6:1-9
"Love God with all your heart, soul, and might"
A Prophets Message Micah 6:1-8
"Seek justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God"
_______________________________________________________
Another way to Commit
On November 20 many people will be making a commitment to Faith church and its many ministries. Please remember the children of Faith as you are praying for guidance on your commitments. The children need people who are willing to be leaders in Faith, who will commit to teaching the next generation their beliefs and passions. Please prayerfully consider working in the Sunday School classrooms. Our next semester will begin in January. If you feel lead to ask questions about this opportunity please contact Sue Kirk or Pam Rock or Ann Johnson.
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women celebrated October with a luncheon of clam chowder, salad and toast as we heard about Thirteen Common Money Mistakes Made in Retirement. The first one was "Not realizing that your retirement may last as long as your working life". New rosters were distributed showing a new figure of 69 current members. Please join us on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 to hear from the CHP about how to improve our driving. We meet at 10:30 am for Bible Study, and our meeting begins at 11:30 am. Bring your own lunch; drinks, chips and dessert will be provided. We continue to work on our Gift of the Heart Health Kits. For November please try to bring combs, metal nail files and nail clippers.
We'd like to see you there, if you need a ride or have any questions, please feel free to contact Marthe Sweet at 427-1783.
Fall Lunch Gathering
of the Women of Fremont Presbyterian Church
National Organization of Presbyterian Women
Saturday November 19th 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. in Ferguson Hall Cost: $9.00
Guest Speaker is Dr. Sherron Kay George, Associate Professor of Mission & Evangelism
at the Austin Seminary in Texas
Theme: “Partnership in God’s Mission"
Reservations at Women’s Ministry Table on Sundays
Childcare available by reservation
Questions or reservations? Contact Glenda Carter at 457-5260 or Co Winterhalder at 455-0670
The 2006 Nominating Committee is looking for nominations for Elders and Deacons. The Elder positions open this year are Fellowship, Mission, Stewardship and Youth and there are six Deacon positions open.
We are looking for nominees showing church involvement by attending worship services regularly, participating in church school or other nurturing groups and participating in other church activities. Candidates will possess maturity of judgment, the ability to cooperate with others, follow through on assignments and evidence of compassion.
Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government and discipline, guiding the church and supporting its mission through their governing body, the session. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world.
Deacons are chosen by the people. The office of deacon is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. Deacons assist with memorial services, arrange for meals for those in need, visit those who are no longer able to attend regular worship services, pray for those in need of prayer.
Look for nomination forms in the attendance folders on November 6th and November 13th, or on a table in the narthex. Please complete the nomination form for yourself or someone you wish to nominate. The nominating committee looks forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to talk to anyone on the Nominating Committee if you have any questions.
Doran McDaniel, Elder (Chair) 683-4687 Tanya Anderson 806-2589
Margaret Finch 391-6101 Paul Keller 392-0304
Jeff May 1-530-753-5803 Randy Ramos 689-1606 Dave Richardson 393-8106
Dear ARCOfaithfuls,
Our first outing to ARCO is Friday, November 18, 2005, our only Friday night. Game time is 7 p.m., so volunteers need to arrive at ARCO by 5 p.m. Carpools will leave the Church at 4:30 p.m. (and will need every bit of that 30 minutes to arrive on time because of the traffic!!). Don't forget to wear a men's style button down the front white shirt (short or long sleeves) for all the games this year. I will try to have a couple of extras in case of emergencies. We still need about 25 more sign ups, so let me know if you are available, if you haven't already put your name on the list. Hopefully, the Kings will have it all together by then, and will be winning games for the home fans. If you are new and have questions, please call or email me. Hope to hear from you soon. GO KINGS!!!!! ---- Paul Keller
Messiah Sing
The Camellia Symphony is having a Messiah Sing on Sunday, November 27. Any choir people who want to join in singing should contact Paul Simmons, 916-835-7426 or CurvdAire@aol.com
Tradewinds Christmas Dinner
The Tradewinds group will have their annual Christmas dinner at the Aviator Restaurant on Sunday December 4th, social at 4:30pm, dinner at 5:00pm. Please send reservations and checks for $20 each to Margaret Finch, 6080 13th St, Sacramento CA 96831-3111, by November 20. If you have questions, call Betty Lou Payne at 392-3652
HERE COME THE KINGS
Kings’ tickets are now available for three games: Wednesday, November 23 vs. the New Jersey Nets; Sunday, January 8 vs. the Indiana Pacers; and Friday, March 10 vs. the Memphis Grizzlies. Tickets are $25.50 each, and they are available on a first-come, first-paid basis. You must pay for the tickets now since the Kings require payment up front. Sign up in the narthex, e-mail Barbara Tracy (bjtracy@comcast.net), or call her at 428-0311. The limit is 6 per family per game.
CHICAGO
Faith family members are invited to attend the Sunday, March 12 Broadway Series production of Chicago. Tickets are $31.50 each. Mark your calendar now and look for the sign-up sheet soon. Call Barbara Tracy at 428-0311 if you have questions.
Opportunities @ Faith To grow in faith
Sunday Mornings
October 23rd – December 18th
Neglected Voices: Biblical Spirituality in the Margins
In this study we will listen to the voices of many of the “unknown” characters of the bible including Rahab, Baruch, Simeon, Phoebe and others. As we hear their voices we can hear God’s voice teaching us about things like new beginnings, trust, courage, and servanthood.
9:30am Teacher: Jim Zazzera
10:30am Teachers: Claire Pisor, Hal Turner,
Sandy Trezise, Chuck Bell
Wednesday Evenings
November 9th, 16th, & 23rd @ 7:00pm
Nooma Film Series –
Questions About Life and Faith
Short films by Pastor Rob Bell and scripture reflections will help us explore some of the fundamental issues of
faith and life.
Teacher: Jim Zazzera
Rain: Where is God when bad things happen?
Trees: Do our lives have meaning?
Luggage: What difference does forgiveness make?
November 30th, December 7th, 14th, & 21st @ 7:30pm
Praying the Scriptures in Advent
You are invited this advent to take time to not simply study but to pray through the scriptures that lead us to the birth of Christ. Using an approach to bible reading and prayer called “lectio divina,” we will carefully attend to the bible reading for the day to discover what God has to say to our lives.
Facilitator: Jim Zazzera
November 30th Luke 1:26-38
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
December 7th Mark13:24-37
Signs of the End of the Age
December 14th Matthew 11:2-11
Who Are You Looking For?
December 21st John 1:1-14
The Word Who Comes
Faith Goes to “Evening in December”
Many of you enjoyed the First Covenant Church’s An Evening in December last year at the Memorial Auditorium, and this year’s program promises to be just as exciting. Performances will take place November 30 through December 4 with both a matinee and an evening performance on December 3 and 4. I am planning a Faith Church group on Saturday evening, December 3, but I can get tickets for any performance for you. Tickets are $8. This is a great family activity, and I encourage you to take your children. I can get tickets before they go on sale to the general public if I purchase them before October 18. You may sign up either October 9 or October 16 in the narthex or call Barbara Tracy at 428-0311 on or before October 16. You can pay me when I bring you the tickets
For the Choir
Singing schedule:
Nov 13 Late service
Nov 20 : Hanging of the Greens:Early service
Nov 27 Both services
Dec 4 Late service
Dec 11 Early service
Dec 18 Both services
Dec 24 Christmas Eve 11pm service
Dec 25 Christmas Day Late service
Class will be held on Wednesday, November 16 from 7:00pm to 8:45pm.
A Helping Hand Especially For Those Who Need It Most
Are you a Senior Citizen or are disabled and have a light bulb burned out that you can’t climb up to change? A lock or latch that doesn’t work properly? A faucet that needs to be replaced or just to stop dripping? A toilet that runs, and runs, and runs… You get the picture. Some of the most annoying mechanical systems in the world reside in our homes and many of us can’t fix or replace them. Now you can have some help! We are starting a new help ministry at Faith Presbyterian that will come to your home in the Greenhaven / Pocket area to help with these little problems for the cost of materials. Many problems can be solved with no materials, but in those that require a new switch or valve or other items, all you pay for is the cost of the materials, the labor is free. If there is something large we can’t tackle, we’ll let you know you’ll have to go to a professional for that service.
You can contact David Bilbo at 424-5222 to discuss your needs.
Workshop Offered at Faith: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Detective Mark Bearor of the Elk Grove Police Department (also an active participant with his family here at Faith) will offer this free course here at Faith. Questions answered in this session will include:
Join us on Wednesday, November 9th, at 2:00 here at Faith (Room 2). Please feel free to invite others from the community you think may also be interested. Questions? Contact the church office.
Health Ministries
Cranberries are good for more than just a tasty Thanksgiving side dish. In addition to being a rich source of cancer-fighting phytochemicals, cranberries can also prevent urinary tract infections. In fact, this age-old folk cure is backed by solid scientific evidence: studies show a group of phytochemicals unique to cranberries prevents harmful bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract, thereby preventing these painful infections
BuyingCranberries are available year-round but are typically harvested between September and December. You can buy them fresh or frozen; make sure they’re firm with a bright-red color and no signs of discoloration.
Storing
Keep fresh cranberries in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them in an airtight bag or container for up to a year. (Freezing is an especially convenient storage method for cranberries since they don’t need to be thawed before cooking.)
Preparing
Cranberries are too tart to be eaten raw, but become tangy-sweet when cooked.They make a vibrant holiday relish and a great addition to salads or home-baked, whole-grain breads.
More delicious options: Add cranberries to homemade compotes or applesauce.
However you choose to use them, make sure there’s a sweet element in the recipe to offset their tartness.
Thanks To The Landscape Volunteers
A big thank you to all the landscape volunteers who weeded, trimmed, cleaned and spread bark on Saturday, October 15”’. The crew included Ken Finch, Steve Healow, Jane Owen, Howard Payne, Wally Smith and Jim Tracy. Also, thanks and appreciation to Ken Pisor for his work in cutting and removing the branches from the tree next to the choir room, to Dick Willey for his continued maintenance of the memorial garden and to Paul Keller for maintaining our fountain.
Cindy Easterday Writes
Hi all,
Ever so briefly, I am now in Lesotho so please note the change in all my contact details below.
Will write more in the coming weeks -- just getting familiar with things here at the moment, looking for housing and doing all those other things you do when you're a new arrival in a new country. The small staff of the JHAH network here are terrific and have been very helpful and welcoming. So life is good and God has watched after me well.
Do keep in touch -- write as you can. There's nothing like a quick note from friends and loved ones to make my day!
With blessings and love, Cindy
Cindy Easterday c/o Kopano ke Matla Private Bag A34 Maseru 100 Lesotho |
Email: cindy.jhah@leo.co.ls
Phone office: (+266) 2232 5630
Cell phone: (+266) 5808 7253
.
Worship Helpers
November 13 |
November 20 |
|
Worship Service |
9:00am |
9:00am |
Worship Assistant |
Kyle Carpenter |
Sarah Ainsworth |
Ushers |
Bill & Em Baker |
Don & Jan Sperling |
Greeters |
Kathy & Randy Ramos Patty Boyd |
Mary Nabers Marvette Swayzer Marilyn Becker |
Sound |
Don Sperling |
David Nash |
Coffee Preparers |
Tom Busch |
Jim & Betty Park |
Acolytes |
Joey Healow |
Trey Nohren |
Worship Service |
11:00am |
11:00am |
Worship Assistant |
Rick Crow |
Jim Park |
Ushers |
David Nash Lori Glasgow |
John & Sally Ravas |
Greeters |
Patty Boyd Andeen Lovett |
Bob & Tanya Anderson Melodi Andersen |
Sound |
Brien Bell |
Ken Finch |
Coffee Servers |
Nate & Debbie Barton |
Marcella Fodor |
Tellers |
Kitty Tatro Jarvis Arellano |
Barbara Powell Charie Tucker |
Acolytes |
Sierra Brown | Gabriella McDaniel |
Published by Faith Presbyterian Church
625 Florin Road, Sacramento CA
(916) 428-3439, FAX 428-0248
Editing staff:
Jim Park (jamespark02@comcast.net)
Dianne Brown (Sierraskymktg@netscape.net)
Susie Hughes (susan_hughes@synectics.net)
Kathy Pehrson (kkpehrson@yahoo.com)
Marthe Sweet (marthesweet@earthlink.net)
Jeff Chapman, Pastor
Jim Zazzera, Associate Pastor
Worship 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Presby-NewsPublished twice monthly
Faith Presbyterian Church