PresbyNews
Faith Presbyterian Church
Volume 31, Number 20 October 17, 2006
625 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95831
916-428-3439
Faith Happenings
Munchies Bible Study 9:00am
CREW
Sr. High Fellowship
Quinn Vaughn
October 22 Budget Forum between services
October 22 Congregational Meeting 12 Noon
October 25 PW Meeting
November 5 Commitment Sunday
Youth, Children and Stewardship
It is sometimes said that it takes a whole church to raise a child. This saying is particularly true if our youth and children are to be good stewards. Adults provide examples of good stewardship but teaching and developing sharing habits are critical. Why do our youth and children need to participate in stewardship?
*It helps develop an attitude about giving talents, time and money to support God’s mission.
*It provides a message that is counter-culture to the self-absorption and materialism often found in today’s society.
*It builds the habit of giving as they grow to become adults.
Our youth and children will be asked to participate in the annual stewardship program. Melinda Lewis and her teaching staff will work with the children and Associate Pastors Patrick and Quinn will work with the youth. The amount of a gift is not important, but rather it is the act of benevolence.
Parents of children and youth will be receiving information about stewardship from Melinda and Associate Pastors Patrick and Quinn. If you have any questions please talk to them.
Jim Hill
Elder, Stewardship
Deacon’s Prayer Blanket Ministry
Mary Masterson and Paul Keller
The deacons have started a ministry in which prayer blankets are available for those who have serious illnesses or are experiencing difficult times in their lives. Prayer blankets are lap-size quilts that have been prayed over for a specific person. They are made by members of Faith.
Each blanket has a placard attached that says:
You are covered with prayer.
This blanket has been prepared
and prayed over by loving and
giving people of Faith Presbyterian Church.
It is full of prayers for your healing, comfort
and peace.
Requests for prayer blankets can be made to your deacon. They also can be requested by family or friends of the person receiving the blanket. The blankets are free. However, if people wish to make a donation to the Deacon’s, it would be used to help defray the cost of materials.
How I Learn Best
As many of you know, Lena and I recently spent a few weeks in Europe. We visited cities as varied as Prague, Berlin, and Vienna. Each, of course had many tourist sites.
Each city had its own character. I was glad to be a tourist, snapping photos and visiting museum after museum.
Yet, something else happened for me. I was reminded of how I learn – or better – how I am transformed. What I discovered is that travel – not “looking out the bus window touring,” but “getting on public transportation when you don’t know a word of Czech” travel – is something that really teaches me about life.
Although for many of us it is frightening, I think I learn best when I am in a totally strange situation. I am forced to learn a language. I discover customs that are far different from what I am used to. I hear political opinions that never make the light of day in my neighborhood. I eat food that I could never have imagined. I experience feelings in myself that have been long dormant.
A particular Zen master talks about having a “beginner’s mind.” Jesus talked about “becoming like a child.” Either way, it is all about vulnerability. About needing to depend on God (and others). It is about setting aside pride. How many times will I need to say a particular phrase in German before I am understood? How many times will I need to look at the map before I find my way to the hotel? How many times will I need to ask for help? How many times will I need to look at a sign before it makes any sense to me?
When I am in my best mind – I love the adventure of travel – the new places, the history, the visual stimulation. But I learn even more when I am not prepared for the barrage of “strangeness,” when I am not eager for that day, when nothing seems to go right. It is then that I am reminded that life is not in my control. It is then I am reminded that I am not the center of the universe. It is then I am reminded that not everyone thinks the way I think.
While traveling – we visited more that a few churches. I am particularly taken with Gothic architecture. Few things to me seem so otherworldly. As I sit, squinting, gazing high into it vaults, viewing the mysterious stained glass, I try to imagine the world that conceived such a structure. And I can’t. In this church – I see a world that literally “points” to God. In this church, human beings are tiny parts of the whole. In this church, this world, I am a stranger. And that is why it is so exciting. It is also scary.
Maybe I should be more of a stranger to the Christian faith and church community. Sometimes I think I don’t learn much and am not transformed because deep inside me I think I have heard it all before, done it all before, thought it all before. But that is not what Christ promises. God has made us new creations. God has called us to transformation. But it doesn’t seem to happen much in me. I am stuck in patterns and habits.
Perhaps I need to become as a little child. Perhaps I need to have a beginner’s mind. Perhaps I need to become a traveler and adventurer – right where I live.
Jim
Sunday School News
Are you looking to help the children of our church and our world? If so, you can help in one of the following two ways:
It is truly amazing to see the ways God is working in the Children’s Program. The children are eager to learn more about His word and how the Bible stories can be applied to their lives. Each week, they ask such profound questions and their curiosity is contagious. It is impossible for me to think of a place I rather spend my Sunday mornings. I invite you to drop by and experience some of the children’s pure joy.
Some people have inquired as to why we are asking the children to participate in annual Stewardship campaign this year. Our purpose is not to increase the budget, but rather to help the children learn about the importance of giving to God. Each of us has been blessed in numerous ways and God loves when we give back to Him with a grateful heart.
Melinda Lewis
Youth News by Quinn 
This past week at youth group I shared a message about Jesus being “the way” – the way to knowing God the Father, the way to an abundant and full life with God, the way to finding purpose in life. I framed this message around the analogy of Tofu suggesting that we approach God like we approach Tofu. We either think we can make God be whatever we want God to be (our bank account, boy/girlfriend finder, etc) just like we can make Tofu be whatever we want it to be (Chicken, hotdog, or even ice cream), or we think God is boring and not filling (for those who don’t like Tofu). Well, God is not Tofu; in approaching God as such we fail to take God for who God has revealed himself to be and God falsely becomes our puppet. In Jesus Christ we have seen God and thus know his character, his way and the purpose he has for our lives. For some this analogy didn’t make sense; all analogies fall short! But, Jesus used analogies all the time with his disciples to teach about the character and the Kingdom of God. So, I have another which came to me on a hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains this past Friday.
Patrick was walking ahead of me through the expansive granite rock of Twin Lake Trail. Neither of us had ever been there before but because of our hiking experience we knew what to look for to find the way up the mountain. There are these rock piles called Cairns which serve to mark out the path (see the picture) – they reminded me of the Ebenezers - stone altars which the Hebrew people built along their journey saying; “Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). You see, they experienced the faithfulness of God and made note of it so that they could remember God’s way. In times of confusion and doubt they could look back to see that God is trustworthy, that he has cared for them in the past and promises to do so in the present. These Ebenezers also served as signs to others of the way of God.
On our hike I would have never thought to look for these Cairns if I hadn’t been taught to do so in the past, but I have learned to trust these Cairns because every time they have lead me to the summit. These Cairns marking the way on the trail prompted me to think about why I trust God and my mind drifted to the Cairns - the Ebenezers - in my life. The Cairns in my life are many, but here are a few; my church family growing up who cared for me and invited me to be a part of the Worship services as an acolyte, a scripture reader, a choir member; my sorority sisters who wiped by tears for me and prayed for me when my friend Tim died; a dream I had my first year which lead me to face some fears and ultimately freed me to accept the call on my life to be a pastor; the friendships in New Jersey and in Washington that continue into today despite geographical distance. All of these Cairns point to the ultimate Cairn - the Cross – the place where God revealed his true love for us in Christ, the place where I am reminded that God is not distant but has come near and walked the roads of trouble that I walk, the place where death and suffering have been defeated and been replaced by hope! The Cairns in my life, the Cairns in your life, the Cairns in the life of those who have gone before us mark the way and point to the ultimate Cairn – Jesus who is “the way”.
Presbyterian Women will be meeting
On Wednesday, October 25th.
Our own Gloria Bagby will be reviewing
her book, 'Has Anyone Seen My Father? Last Known
Address Oryoko Maru'.
Bible Study at 10:30 am, Lunch will be
provided at 11:30. All women of the church are invited
Harvest Dinner & Auction
WOW, what a success! The weather cooperated, the food was great and hopefully, a good time was had by all. We had about 250 adults, teens and lil’ Ranglers. The auction and raffle brought in more than we could have hoped for --- $7,000! The proceeds will go towards camperships. People were so generous with their donations and people were also generous with their bids! I would like to thank my committee for their tireless efforts and commitment to this event. Debbie Barton & Betty Keller, ticket sales; Sally Ravas, 
advertising & promotion; Debbie & Lyle Grabowski, table decorations and scarecrows; Kathy & Randy Ramos, desserts, auction set-up and selling raffle tickets; Carey Kincaid & Paul Keller for manning the kitchen; Janet & David Leader, collecting and selling dinner & raffle tickets; Donna Touros, selling raffle tickets; Pat Tatro & Claire Leader, auction and raffle MC’s and selling raffle ticket; Collette Benson, collecting auction items; Nate Barton & youth, set-up and tear-down. I’d also like to thank anyone else who helped in any way. Hope ya’ll will come back next year! Fellowship Elder, Kitty Tatro
Heath Ministry
Colds and Flu: what's the difference?
Colds and the flu are both caused by viruses.
Although they share many of the same symptoms,
there are a few differences.
1. Colds can occur throughout the year. Flu season
generally runs from late fall thru early spring.
2. The symptoms of a cold include a stuffy or runny
nose, sneezing, sore throat, and a cough
3. Flu symptoms are usually more severe than a cold and tend
to come on suddenly. They include weakness, fatigue
muscle aches, headache, fever, chills, cough and stuffy and
runny nose.
4. Some flu viruses can be prevented with an annual flu shot,
but there are no vaccines for cold viruses.
Who should get flu shot?
1. Age 50 or older children ages 6 months to 5 yrs.
2. Any one with a chronic disease
3. Anyone living or caring for some one in high risk groups.
Preventing colds and flu
!. Get a flu shot
2. Wash your hands often. Hans washing is the most important
thing you can do to keep from getting and spreading cold and the flu.
3. Cover your cough. Cold and flu viruses are spread by airborne particles.
Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hands, if possible.
4. Avoid touching your face. Cold and flu viruses are often spread by touching
something or someone that is contaminated with germs then rubbing your eyes
nose or touching your mouth.
5. Clean surfaces. (such as counter tops, telephones, toys, cups, bathroom sinks
that children or adults may have contaminated.
6. Stay healthy. Eat a healthy diet and exercise.
7. Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps build our body’s natural defenses.
8. Reduce stress.
Notes from Session
October 2006
Members discussed Goals and Objectives established at the recent Session retreat which addresses our mission statement—A Community, Loving Christ, Building Disciples, and Serving All. Goals were to develop better ways to integrate people, make worship appeal to all of our senses, provide resources for people to “feed themselves” when it comes to scripture and target 3 or 4 areas for mission focus.
Deacon Em Baker reported on actions to provide needs of our people and that the prayer blankets were being well accepted.
The renewal of our loan with t he Synod was approved at the last Presbytery meeting.
Our Associate Pastors, Quinn and Patrick Vaughn are hoping to recruit additional leaders for our youth groups.
The proposed budget was discussed and will be presented for congregational review in the near future
The shuttle bus has been purchased!!!!
Attendance:
Sept 3 306 Last year 233
Sept 10 315 Not available
Sept 17 194 (Retreat) 210
Sept24 385 259
Kings Tickets
I have 50-60 tickets for each of three Kings games. The games I have are Tuesday, November 28 with the Clippers; Saturday, December 16 with the Suns; and Sunday, February 11 with the Supersonics. I have fewer tickets this year because I found it more difficult to sell those last few last year
If you want tickets, please call me at 428-0311 or e-mail me at bjtracy@comcast.net. No sign up sheets will be used. The money must follow ASAP because I have had to pay for all these tickets up front.
Sign Up to Help Family Promise
December 10 – December 17
You can sign up for our next week of Family Promise on the whiteboard on the wall opposite the church office. Volunteers are needed for dinner, evening activity, overnight teams, set up and take down teams, laundry and Coordinator of the Day (COD). If necessary, we will take sign-ups in the narthex on November 19
If you have not volunteered but are interested, talk to someone who has or team up with them. If you have questions, call Cynthia Crow 392-9141 or Sue Hooper 393-2633.
You can hear Pastor Jeff’s sermon on the web page www.faithpresby.org
Click on the Audio Sermons link and click on the url:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/fpc1
Let Pastor Jeff know you listened. We thank Joe Parented for setting this up.
Or you can be really computer clever and
Get Sermons on iTunes!
Sermons on iTunes is better than via the feedburner site, according to Joe Parented. People can “subscribe” to the free podcast. Then within their iTunes program, they can “refresh” and the new sermon will come up.
Here is how to get the Sermon Series – Leaving a Legacy of Faith - on iTunes.
1.. Install iTunes Download from http://www.apple.com/itunes/affiliate
2.. Be online. Open iTunes and go to the iTunes Music Store. Create an account. (You don’t have to pay anything)
3.. Search the iTunes Music Store by using this phrase – leaving a legacy of faith. Click on the graphic.
4.. “Subscribe” to the free podcast called “Leaving a Legacy of Faith.”
5.. There will be some prompts.
6.. The “episodes” will then be downloaded to your computer.
7.. Next week, you “refresh” the podcast and the new episode will download automatically. No More Searching!
If you have problems ask a kid. They do it all the time. Or ask Joseph Parente (916) 798-7240
“A Child Is Waiting” at Faith - Sponsorship Days are Oct 29th - Nov 5th
Often, the best their mother could feed them was sugar water. Sona, the youngest, became so malnourished that her hair was falling out in patches. Everything changed when the three girls were chosen to be sponsored. Mariam and her sisters now enjoy three good, hot meals a day at school. Mariam has become a diligent student who aspires to be a teacher. And the children know they are loved. Every letter from their sponsors is treasured, with the newest always tucked beneath their pillows. |
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You can make a difference
Today and every day, nearly 30,000 children will die, most from causes such as hunger or treatable illnesses—things that child sponsorship can prevent. By establishing a relationship with a child in need, you can answer God’s call to serve the poor. Sponsors demonstrate God’s love and transform a child’s life by helping remove the obstacles that poverty places in his or her path. Sponsorship changes the life of a child forever, and it can change your life, too!
Sponsorship changes lives
Child sponsorship transforms a life by providing basic necessities that help a child reach his or her God-given potential. Your gifts will provide access to things like:
• Clean water
• Better nutrition and agricultural assistance
• Basic health care and immunizations
• School fees and materials
• Economic development opportunities
We strive to demonstrate the love of Christ in our work. World Vision cares for the child and also strengthens the family and community to provide for the child’s continuing care. In this way, each child is equipped for the fullest life possible—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
A faithful partner you can trust
With more than 50 years of experience in child sponsorship, World Vision cared for 2.6 million children last year through sponsors around the world. World Vision’s overhead rate is only 13%—reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of stewardship and responsibility.
Will you answer a child who is waiting?
You can change a child’s life! Visit our sponsorship table on Sunday October 29th and November 5th to see photos of individual children who are waiting and hoping to be sponsored.
For further information please contact Donna Touros at 399-8650 or email: dtouros@comcast.net
The ARCO schedule of games for the Kings' 2006/2007 NBA season. Faith received exactly the 10 games that we asked for as follows.
1. Friday October 27th 7:00 p.m. start Portland
2. Sunday November 12th 6:00 p.m. start Toronto
3. Sunday November 19th 6:00 p.m. start San Antonio
4. Saturday December 16th 7:00 p.m. start Phoenix
5. Saturday December 30th 7:00 p.m. start Golden State
6. Saturday January 13th 7:00 p.m. start Houston
7. Saturday February 3rd 7:00 p.m. start Denver
8. Sunday February 11th 6:00 p.m. start Seattle
9. Friday April 6th 7:00 p.m. start Utah
10. Friday April 13th 7:00 p.m. start Golden State
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Worship Helpers
October 22 |
October 29 |
|
Worship Service |
9:00am |
9:00am |
Worship Assistant |
Sarah Ainsworth |
Ross Leader |
Ushers |
Steve & Collette Benson |
David & Janet Leader |
Greeters |
Bill & Em Baker |
Larry & Noreen Freund Virgie Cornelious |
Sound |
David Nash |
Don Sperling |
Coffee Preparers |
Ann Johnson |
Jeff & DiAnne Brown |
Acolytes |
Conner Hankey |
Spencer Hankey |
Worship Service |
11:00am |
11:00am |
Worship Assistant |
Barbara Tracy |
Doug Johnson |
Ushers |
David Nash Lori Glasgow |
Chuck & Brien Bell |
Greeters |
Dick & Betty McClure |
Cynthia & Rick Crow Wayne Burkinshaw |
Sound |
Carroll Collier | Kevin Roberson |
Coffee Servers |
Debbie & Nate Barton |
Gwen Markuson |
Tellers |
Barbara Powell Charlie Tucker |
Helen Christenson Marilyn Becker |
Acolytes |
Gabriella McDaniel |
Samantha Parillo |
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, Quinn Vaughn and Patrick Vaughn
Associate Pastors
Worship 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Presby-NewsPublished twice monthly
Faith Presbyterian Church
