DISCOVER FOLLOW LOVE SHARE

Contents & Staff 2

Pastor Mike’s Meditations 3

Ankor Youth & Sonshine Preschool 4

Deacon’s Corner/Prayer Ministry 5

Stephen Ministry 6

50th Anniversary 7

Miscellaneous Ministry News 8

Birthdays & Anniversaries 9

SPC Calendar 10 &

11

SUBMIT A SIERRA STORY ARTICLE:

Please submit your article in Arial font size 12 to: design@sierrapres.com For the subject please put- SIERRA STORY: month and (ministry, group, event)

ARTICLES ARE DUE ON THE 25TH

Parish Elder Ministry Deacon 1 Forrest Schomberg Personnel Jane Patterson 2 Emily Dyer Missions MaryAnn MacDonald 3a Tom Dax Adult Spiritual Dev. Dona Paulus 3b Katie Gammelgard Young Families Patti Painter 4 Jeff Patton Outreach/ GO Center/ Small Groups Deni Dax 5 Carolyn Wertz Care & Connection Sharron Koslosky 6 Renee Adams Youth Beverly Wilson 7 Celia Ullis Nominating JoAn Dybdahl 8a Jonathan Harvey Finance Nancy Moyer 8b VACANT 9 Dave Kimmich Properties Barbara Wood 10 Sabrina Speroni Children’s Ministries Julie Tupper-Bradford* 11 Tim Grebe Worship Marty Dinwiddie

Clerk of Session: Darlene Moberg Deacon Moderator: Julie Tupper-Bradford

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” ~Joel 2:28-29. In a message I preached on the Book of Joel in our “God Calling~The Message of the Minor Prophets” sermon series on September 17, I referenced this passage and its’ importance in the formation of a multi-generational church that is experiencing revitalization. Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the first followers of Jesus as recorded in Acts 2. There, Peter

applied the prophecy of Joel to what they had just experienced in order to help make sense of it. Clearly, God was at work sending down the Holy Spirit to empower his disciples to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Peter is certainly evidence of that, going from someone who denied his association with Christ to being one of his most ardent proponents. The type of transformation that the Holy Spirit brought about in Peter is what we long to see at SPC. That is part of why we seek Authenticity –To admit our brokenness as we invite others to experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, as one of our core values. While the Holy Spirit is always the source of such transformation, we also believe that growth is best fostered in a multi-generational church community. In our values, we speak of Unity-To be intentional about being a multi-generational church. Clearly, that is the type of community that God came to develop by giving various gifts of the Spirit to people in various generations. Pastor Scott Farmer spoke to the power of a Spirit-inspired, multi-generational church at General Assembly down in Sacramento this past June. In his message he said, “We are the New Testament Church and believe the prophecy of Joel has been fulfilled. But will our young people prophecy and see visions? Not until our old men and women dream dreams again. Whose job is it to proclaim the good news of God to the next generation? It is ours! But this won’t come through knowledge transfer alone. It will only come through revival and awakening church. We need the Holy Spirit to descend upon apathy-filled hearts. We are asleep! We need to wake up church! We need a great awakening. What would it take for God to revive us? It will take proclaiming God’s truth with power! Revival in the church will first take revival in you.” Wow! I don’t know about you, but when I heard those words I was fired up to invest myself once again in this amazing Spirit-inspired, multi-generational project that scripture calls the church. As many have said, I still believe that the local church is the hope of the world. Or perhaps slightly nuanced, that the Holy Spirit’s work of carrying out God’s mission of making disciples who make disciples through the church is the hope of the world. So, I encourage you, whether a younger person seeking to speak into our present culture prophetically or an older person who is still dreaming dreams of what the church can become in the future, God wants us all involved and engaged and when we are, the Holy Spirit can truly do amazing things! With You on the Journey, Pastor Mike

Parish Elder Ministry Deacon 1 Forrest Schomberg Personnel Jane Patterson 2 Emily Dyer Missions MaryAnn MacDonald 3a Tom Dax Adult Spiritual Dev. Dona Paulus 3b Katie Gammelgard Young Families Patti Painter 4 Jeff Patton Outreach/ GO Center/ Small Groups Deni Dax 5 Carolyn Wertz Care & Connection Sharron Koslosky 6 Renee Adams Youth Beverly Wilson 7 Celia Ullis Nominating JoAn Dybdahl 8a Jonathan Harvey Finance Nancy Moyer 8b VACANT 9 Dave Kimmich Properties Barbara Wood 10 Sabrina Speroni Children’s Ministries Julie Tupper-Bradford* 11 Tim Grebe Worship Marty Dinwiddie

Clerk of Session: Darlene Moberg Deacon Moderator: Julie Tupper-Bradford

The new school year in Ankor is off to a great start! On Wednesday evenings we are enjoying great teaching from Tim Grebe on church history and the heritage it is for all of us; how the Bible came to be, how it came into being and how it is relevant to our lives today! So, come on Wednesday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for the delicious dinner, fellowship around the table, crazy videos, energetic games, worship and teaching! October will be a busy month for us, in fact on the day you pick up this

copy of the Sierra Story, hopefully you are trusting us to wash your car after 2nd

service to raise funds for our inner-city mission trip in a couple of weeks to Oakland and San Francisco. We have a small group of youth and staff going to learn from and serve the disenfranchised people there, which will most certainly extend to service opportunities of the like right here at home. Then, on the last Sunday of this month, we will be hosting a pancake breakfast, again to fund raise for our annual spiritual ex-perience retreat and Hume Lake camp for next summer. Other opportunities for teen fellowship include: The Gathering, a twice-monthly Sunday night fellowship of young families, includes a lot of the families of our Ankor youth. Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. we start out in the sanctuary for the worship portion of the service, and then during the greetings we migrate down to Hatcher Hall. There we discuss the morning scripture/sermon topic and its meaning to our everyday lives. On the 3

rd Sunday of the month we depart from

this and remain for the full service. Ankor is open to all middle school through high school young people. Come join us! Submitted by: Karen Partch, Volunteer Youth Staff

Sonshine Preschool kicked off another school year in August. While the Friendly Foxes and Wise Owls were hard at work and play in the classroom, Sonshine’s parents were hard at work volunteering at the church’s annual yard sale. Sonshine had many parents and staff who assisted with the set up and sale. The staff and parents are excited to have begun the school year coming together to support Sierra Presbyterian’s community fundraising efforts! Sonshine has two fundraisers of their own coming up in October; the Mini Marathon and the Usborne Book Sale. Sonshine Preschool is having its second annual Mini Marathon on Friday, October 13, at 10:00am. This is a fun event where kiddos are sponsored to run laps and raise money for the preschool. The money raised is used to purchase classroom and playground supplies and equipment. The Usborne Book Sale is taking place during Sierra Presbyterian’s Craft Fair on Saturday, October 14. Purchasing books for your library will help Sonshine earn book to grow its library.

We love Sonshine!

Seasons of Change

Seasonal changes give our lives a predictable rhythm and expectation. Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” October is the month I can gratefully anticipate the temperatures cooling, the leaves changing to glorious colors, and life slowing down a bit after the hectic activities of summer. Changes like this I welcome! What I also know is that changes in our families, church and community can come unexpectedly, whatever the season: health challenges, job losses, extreme weather and fire, unwanted but necessary relocations, broken relationships, financial struggles. God has created a world where change is a constant, seasonal and personal. As we together as a family, church and community support one another when these inevitable changes come, may we feel God’s presence in the peaceful times and in the midst of the anxiety of change. “You, O Lord, are the Constant in our lives!” Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”. Deuter-onomy 31:6: “for the Lord goes with you: he will never leave you or forsake you”. Malachi 3:6: “I the Lord do not change”. Lamentations 3:23: “Great is thy faithfulness!”

Nancy Moyer, Deacon Parish 8A

Harvest the fruits of God’s love! He offers love, forgiveness and healing for the asking. Step into the Prayer Room following any worship service. Trained prayer warriors will listen, and pray with you in confidentiality. Prayer stations are offered on the 3

rd Sunday in the sanctuary as well.

Other prayer times are available by request. Contact Dave or Linda Anderson, Prayer Team Leaders.

It’s a Blessing to be Prayed For

John 17

1. Jesus prays for Himself – to be glorified John 17:1-5 2 Jesus prays for us for….

a. Protection from the evil one John 17:11,15 b. Unity with Him and with each other John 17:21 c. Purpose – set apart to witness John 17:17-18 d. Joy – His joy fulfilled in us John 17:13.

a.

THE CONTINUING STORY OF SPC’S HISTORY FROM THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TEAM

REACHING BEYOND OURSELVES

A small group of Christians gathering in April, 1965, led to the organization and recognition of Sierra Presbyterian Church as a mission church in Grass Valley by the Sacramento Presbytery. Sierra Presbyterian Church soon went from being a mission-supported church to a mission-giving church. Even though the church was still receiving mission support, by 1971, mission giving was a sig-nificant part of the church budget. In addition to the budget and individual pledges, money came from a variety of sources including rummage sales (the forerunner of the annual yard sales) in the newly rented pastor’s office on Mill Street, and running a food booth selling ravioli at the Nevada County Fair. Mission involvement meant more than just financial support. Early volunteers worked at Ganado, AZ work camp on the Navajo Reservation and at Menaul School in Albuquereque, NM. Since then mission outreach has touched countries on several continents. Sierra has provided opportunities for both short-term and sustained support for missions. Short-term missions have given individuals and teams the opportunity to serve in places like Mexico, Haiti, Guate-mala, Africa, and the Ukraine. Leading Vacation Bible School for hundreds of children, repairing and constructing buildings, visiting and witnessing to local residents, week-long camps, and teaching English are some of the services short term-missionaries provide. Short-term missionaries cover some of their own expense, and people in the congregation gladly support fund-raising events to help off-set the missionaries’ expenses. Sierra’s relationship with long-term missionaries is sustained and lovingly maintained over many years. Part of Sierra’s annual budget includes financial funding for dedicated missionaries. Additionally, prayer and communications are part of the continuing support. Missionaries on leave are invited to teach Sunday School, speak to local groups and/or preach during worship service. In 2016 Sierra had a relationship with missionaries in Bristol, England; Albania; Entebbe, Uganda, Africa; Cameroon, Africa; Guatemala; Beijing, China; and Merced and San Francisco, CA. Sierra Presbyterian Church has a love and heart for missions, and will continue to carry out the Great Commission:

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-29 NIV

STAY TUNED FOR THE REST OF THE STORY OF GOD’S CONTINUED BLESSING ON SPC

Craft Fair, Boutique & Bistro Friday, October 13 (10am—4pm) Saturday, October 14 (9am-3pm)

Come by and browse the craft booths, enjoy some food at the Bistro and participate in the Scarecrow contest. If you would like more information about donating crafts to the SPC General Store Booth or how to get an entry form for the Scarecrow contest, contact Pam at 913-3064 or see her after church on Sunday.

ALL CAMPUS WORK PARTY Saturday, October 21

8am—12pm You are invited to join the fun and help spruce up the church buildings and grounds. There will be something to do for all who attend: Window washing Painting Shrub trimming, general landscaping cleanup (please bring tools for this) Cleaning coffee room Coffee, water, treats and lunch will be provided.

Breaking News Alert!! Session has approved a Women’s Retreat in 2018 at Zephyr Point, Lake Tahoe jointly with the ladies from Covenant Presbyterian, Reno. (No men allowed!) We are currently in the beginning stages of planning with a fall 2018 date being requested from Zephyr Point. Purpose of retreat: For ladies to recharge their spiritual batteries, have an encounter with the Living God in one of His beautiful creations, and to be challenged and motivated to carry out His work after coming down from the mountain top experience. What would make a great retreat for you? I am soliciting ideas and committee members to plan a meaningful weekend. Any joint committee meetings with the Reno ladies will take place in Truckee and be few in number. I hope to be overwhelmed with ideas and volunteers for the retreat committee. Call or e-mail me. Questions welcomed! Selma Wright 478-1104 selmawright5@gmail.com

(Events in italics are outside groups)

Contact Jeanne Kraft with any

Calendar Updates.

Sundays—9am Traditional / 10:30am Contemporary Coming Up: 10/1—Children’s Ministry Parent Meeting 19.1—Ankor Car Wash Fundraiser 10/7 — Discovery New Member Class 10/13-14 -- Craft Fair 10/28 — Discover Your Place in Ministry Spiritual Gifts Workshop

EVERY Sunday:

EVERY Monday:

EVERY Tuesday:

EVERY Wednesday:

EVERY Thursday:

EVERY Friday:

EVERY Saturday:

Worship Services: 9:00 Traditional 10:30 Contemporary

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

Men’s Bible Breakfast: 6:30am Library

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

SIERRA WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY 9am in Ryosa ends for summer 5/11/17

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

HEALING PRAYER after Services ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9AM & 10:30AM

Stephen Minister Supervision—2nd &

4th Mondays, 5-7 pm, Library

SPC Staff Meeting 10-11:30—Library

Christian Women in Stitches Quilting Group Meets on the 3rd Wed. 10-2:30 in Room C

Men’s Small Grp 1 6:30-8/Prayer Rm Men's Small Grp 2 8:00-9:30am (Room C)

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: 9:00am Childcare & 10:30am Programs

BULLETIN ARTICLES FOR THE

UPCOMING SUNDAY ARE DUE

ON TUESDAYS

Worship Planning Meeting 1:00pm Pete’s Office

ankor Youth: 5:30-7:30pm Hatcher 1

Grief & Loss Support Group 10:30am-Noon 1st & 3rd Thursdays

ankor Youth: 10:30-11:30 “ankored” Meet in Hatcher

Third Sunday Worship Practice

5-6:30pm in the Sanctuary

PRAY NEVADA COUNTY: 12-1pm

*Praise Band Practice: 7:30-9pm *AV Rehearsal 7:15pm-8:30pm

Choir Rehearsal Thursday 3:30pm & 7:00pm CHOIRS OFF FOR SUMMER Bell Choir Off for summer

2nd & 4th Sunday of each month: The GATHERING For Families-4:30pm (off for the summer)

Primary Purpose AA Group-Hatcher 1 6:30-8:30pm

AA Group- Hatcher 3 11am-12pm

Sierra Kid’s Club 5:30-7:00pm on the

same night as the GATHERING (2nd & 4th Sunday) (off for the summer)

50th Celebration Planning Team 2nd Monday 9:15-10:45am Room B

AA Group Hatcher 3—12-1pm Sierra Services for the Blind—1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS 1:30-3pm—Room B

EVERY Sunday:

EVERY Monday:

EVERY Tuesday:

EVERY Wednesday:

EVERY Thursday:

EVERY Friday:

EVERY Saturday:

Worship Services: 9:00 Traditional 10:30 Contemporary

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

Men’s Bible Breakfast: 6:30am Library

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

SIERRA WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY 9am in Ryosa ends for summer 5/11/17

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

HEALING PRAYER after Services ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9AM & 10:30AM

Stephen Minister Supervision—2nd

& 4th Mondays, 5-7 pm, Library

SPC Staff Meeting 10-11:30—Library

Christian Women in Stitches Quilting Group Meets on the 3rd Wed. 10-2:30 in Room C

Men’s Small Grp 1 6:30-8/Prayer Rm Men's Small Grp 2 8:00-9:30am (Room C)

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: 9:00am Childcare & 10:30am Programs

BULLETIN ARTICLES FOR THE

UPCOMING SUNDAY ARE DUE

ON TUESDAYS

Worship Planning Meeting 1:00pm Pete’s Office

ankor Youth: 5:30-7:30pm Hatcher 1

Grief & Loss Support Group 10:30am-Noon 1st & 3rd Thursdays

ankor Youth: 10:30-11:30 “ankored” Meet in Hatcher

Third Sunday Worship Practice

5-6:30pm in the Sanctuary

PRAY NEVADA COUNTY: 12-1pm

*Praise Band Practice: 7:30-9pm *AV Rehearsal 7:15pm-8:30pm

Choir Rehearsal Thursday 3:30pm & 7:00pm CHOIRS OFF FOR SUMMER Bell Choir Off for summer

2nd & 4th Sunday of each month: The GATHERING For Families-4:30pm (off for the summer)

Primary Purpose AA Group-Hatcher 1 6:30-8:30pm

AA Group- Hatcher 3 11am-12pm

Sierra Kid’s Club 5:30-7:00pm on the

same night as the GATHERING (2nd & 4th Sunday) (off for the summer)

50th Celebration Planning Team 2nd Monday 9:15-10:45am Room B

AA Group Hatcher 3—12-1pm Sierra Services for the Blind—1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS 1:30-3pm—Room B

Contact Jeanne Kraft with any

Calendar Updates.

1 2 3 4 FPU

5 6 7

8 9

10 11 FPU

12 13 14

15 16 17 18 FPU?

19 20 21

22

23 24 25 FPU

26 27 28

29

30

31

Discovery New Members Class

Craft Fair

Fall Break for students

CSM Mission Trip to San Francisco

The Gathering & Sierra Kids Klub

The Gathering & Sierra Kids Klub

Single Celebration

Blended Service 10am and

Local Mission Fair

Session Meeting

Deacon Meeting

Discover Your Place in Ministry/

Spiritual Gifts Class

Ankor Youth Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

8:30am Ryosa

SONShine Mini-Marathon 10am on

playground or AR

Pastors Retreat EPC Presbytery Meeting

Nev. Co. Ministerial

Assoc. lunch Noon-Ryosa

All campus WORK PARTY

8-:30-Noon

Ankor Youth Car Wash Fundraiser

Noon

Children’s Parent Meeting

Noon

Small Grp Vision Team

NUHS football team family movie night

(outreach) ???

October 2017

Sierra Presbyterian Church 175 Ridge Road - P.O. Box 268 Nevada City, CA 95959 www.sierrapres.com 530-265-3291

Join us for Worship

Traditional 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:30 a.m.

We invite people to Discover, Follow, Love and Share Jesus