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S e p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 2

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Clovis

T H E G R A P E V I N E

Dear Christian friend,

Rally Day’s coming up. Fall Sunday School is back. A Sunday School teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother," she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill." Good answer. I think that when it comes to faith development, I could honestly say, "All I really need to know I learned in Sunday School." I learned, "God is great and God is good." God is big and strong and mighty and there is nothing my God cannot do. God made this world. God made the animals and the birds. God made you and me. I learned, "Jesus Loves Me." You know what is the most significant truth I have learned in my lifetime of study? "Jesus loves me; this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Sunday School taught me, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." I learned that Jesus is living and dying proof of God's love for you and me. I learned, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world; Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world." I learned to love people, whatever their skin color and mother tongue. I learned that I exist on earth for awhile in order that I might share his love in this world. I learned, "The B I B L E, yes, that's the book for me. I stand alone on the word of God, the B I B L E." There are many good books in the world, but there are none like THE good book. It has been called a Christian's Owner's Manual. That was one of the lessons I learned in Sunday School. I learned, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." I believe, because of what I learned in Sunday School, that the gospel is good news and it demands to be shared - it deserves to be shouted from the housetops, printed on balloons, slapped on billboards, chanted at ballgames, scrawled across the sky. Can't do all those things? I learned in Sunday School that one of the best ways to share the gospel is by the way I live. Sunday School taught us so much. "The Lord is my Shepherd," Abraham and Isaac, David and Goliath, perhaps even, "Thou shalt not kill thy little brother." Basics. But there is more to life, more to Christian discipleship, than just the basics. There is so much more we get to learn if we want to grow in faith. And I know just the place. See you next Sunday in Bible class and your child in Sunday School! With Christ’s love,  

Pastor Ed

September, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNANCE BOARD

The Governance Board met on Tuesday, August 21st at the home of Jack and Debbie Spence. The board is reviewing the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Discussion on how we at Emmanuel can not only be Good but Great at serving our Lord, each other, and our community. We reviewed where we are now compared to just a year ago and discussed future plans for the ministry of Emmanuel. As a Governance Board we continue to pray for Pastor, our staff, our leadership, our congregation, and each other. We pray that you too will pray often for these and others on a regular basis. Re-member 10:02 prayer time every day to ask God to send out “workers into His harvest field.” Every Wednesday, CPR Group Prayer Time meets at 1:00 pm in the Sanctuary

May God Bless You!

Darrell Strickler

From Your Vicar: 

Hello again!  I am not someone who looks forward to the end of Summer, but I am looking forward to it getting a little cooler around here. School is starting up again and there is some comfort in getting back into a routine as well. Other than that, I really enjoy the spontaneity that Summer allows. I am more of a "spur of the           moment" guy than someone who likes to schedule everything in advance.  As I am learning about becoming a pastor, I am learning the importance of doing both. I need to keep my "spur of the moment" attitude, because things change all of the time, and it is important to be flexible. I also need to be the scheduling kind of guy too. If I don't  schedule and plan for ministries in the future, then those ministries won't be able to grow and mature. SO, I am learning the need to balance. Last month I wrote about needing to balance my time between marriage, family, being a vicar, school, kids, etc. This month I am learning about balancing my spontaneity with scheduling and planning.  I wonder what other lessons God has in store for me. What lessons does He have in store for you? I have found that my life is much more pleasant when I am open to God teaching me things, than when He is trying to teach me  something that I think I already know.  I have been praying for all of you. There are many of you that I have more specific prayers for.   As I get around to visiting everyone at Emmanuel, I am learning about what exactly to pray for. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as well. I couldn't imagine being "alone" in the world without the support and love that we share with one another at Emmanuel. Yet, that is what many, many people are trying to do in our community.  I pray that God helps us reach those people, so they too may know the love of Jesus Christ our Lord!  In His Name, Vicar Gary 

September, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

Busy Month of August

Lots of  conversation and laughter and fun were the  look of the evening at the Millers’ home on the first Saturday in August, although we’d had some nibbles, Shrimp, sausage, cheese, crackers , and then the real  food showed up and everyone was focused on the food!  It  was  delicious, Barbequed TriTip, Salad, Beans, and Rolls with all kinds of dessert served afterward that I had no room for, but seemed to disappear pretty well.   All afternoon there wer plenty of iced tea, lemonade, and coffee for everyone. 

Some of us had more serious stuff to talk about!  And kids being kids, they found cooler things to do! 

See how much fun they’re having talking and getting acquainted? 

And here’s a quick photo  Lee got before people got at the food.  Doesn’t that look great? 

Hors‐d’oerves anybody? 

September, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

Busy Month of August (cont.)

Pastor Ed gives a children's  sermon.  The white  bear is God.  His back is to the brown bear and the brown bear’s back is to God signifying that the brown bear doesn’t know God. 

The  brown bear has a friend that takes him to  Sunday school where he meets God, But he doesn’t know him or trust him well yet. 

After a while he gets to have a relationship with God and realizes that God  loves  him and  he loves God in return and he trusts God to deliver His promises. 

Congregation members looking at items up for sale at the silent auction.  There were lots of great items.  There were Hand made cards  for sending  greetings, honey (two flavors), cookies, Quilt, a plane ride, basket assortments, a plug‐in cooler for the car, poker card and chip assortments. wooden decorations, so much  I can’t remember it all. 

Karina Howansky sang “Peace In The Valley” and accompanied her‐self on the piano.  She is a very talented young lady with a great deal of stage presence.  I’m sure Art is very proud of her as we all are here at Emmanuel!  

Steve Chow was back attending worship on August 19th.  He is gaining strength again!  He is really a trooper.  With the help of our prayers and God, he is once more gaining strength.  He never loses his faith in God.  We must continue to support him with our prayers until he is completely well again.  We love you Steve! 

September, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

July 

EMMANUEL FUNDRAISERS

September , 2012 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapev ine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Youth Fund Raiser

Remember to SAVE your PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES, & SODA BOTTLES for the green youth trash can located in the Church House. Thank you for supporting our recycling program.

Altar Flower Sign-Up If you would like to honor a special person, date or event, please consider providing altar flowers one week during the year. The sign-up calendar is located on the wall near the restrooms in the narthex.

PREGNANCY CARE CENTER Remember to bring your baby items to fill up the bassinet for this organization which gives the choice of life to many young people who might otherwise decide on abortion. Small baby items, blankets, Diapers, formula, bottles, or whatever else you may be able to think of.

RESCUE MISSION DONATIONS Please keep those donations coming for the Rescue Mission. Items needed are personal items:

Wash Cloths Deodorant Toilet Tissue

Personal Hygiene

All items are greatly appreciated. Items may be placed in the marked box in the Hall of the Narthex..

PRAYER CHAIN and CPR We have two prayer ministries going on at Emmanuel the Prayer Chain is led by Helene Kipp and she can be reached by phone 447-9369 or e-mail helenekipp@sbcglobal.net. CPR is led by Martha on Wednes-

days in the church house at 1 pm. You can come and join us there.

What’s Happening?

   Staffed nursery care will continue through September for the Sunday worship service AND the Sunday 

School   Bible class hour each Sunday.  An anonymous gift has made this paid staffing addition possible. The Barbeque and Silent Auction went great.  It was so much fun to sit and talk with friends from the           congregation while having a cool drink and hors d’oerves.  The food was tasty‐delicious and everyone   got over‐full!  The kids got to swim in the Millers’ pool and stayed cool so they were very happy.  The         Silent  Auction was a  lot of fun!  Deciding what to bid on and seeing whether you got it.!  The items were   great this year!  Pastor Heidel’s Wednesday night class on the study of the book of Luke will resume on September 5th at 7   p.m.  His classes are really worth your time, you will surely learn something you didn’t know before! The Men went on retreat to Shaver Lake on August 24th‐26th.  Ask them to tell you about it! The New Heart Bible Study will start again this fall for another 10 week session, as will  Coffee  with   Krueger for at least a while. The  Women of Grace have had a planning meeting to decide what they will do for the 2012‐2013 year.  You   can count on some good times from this lively group of women!  For those women who are not aware,   all ladies of Emmanuel are members of  the Women of Grace, just come to their meetings/events. 

Want to raise extra money for Emmanuel? Just turn in your empty inkjet cartridges to our church office for recycling.

This is a continuing project that we will do throughout the year.

We have happier days when we give others a piece of our heart rather than a piece of our mind. 

Prayer Praise & Bible Study!

We meet Mondays at 9 am for fellowship, Bible Study of Proverbs, to Praise our Lord, and to pray for whatever may be on our hearts.

September , 2012 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Mission Statement:

Inspired by the holy spirit, we share His love and invite people to Christ by proclaiming and living the Good News.

GOVERNANCE BOARD

Doug Richardson DebbieSpence Darrell Strickler

Rod Kirby Sandra Lucero

September Sunday Services:

September 2nd HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study September 9th Rally Sunday 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study 11:00 Pot Luck Lunch September 16th HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study September 23rd 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study September 30th 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Sunday School Youth Bible Study Adult Study

EMMANUEL OFFICE

Cristy McNicholas, Office Manager (559) 298-0725

Cristy@emmanuelclovis.org Office Hours: Mon.—Fri

"E.F.T. at THE NEW EMMANUEL"

Electronic Fund Transfer is available! You can have your Tithes/Offerings automatically withdrawn from either your

checking or saving account and given to Emmanuel. There are

many benefits to the New Emmanuel, as well as to our

members and friends. It is safe and secure. For more

information, please contact Mike Kipp at 447-9369, or you

can email him at mekipp@sbcglobal.net.

WOMEN OF GRACE  

  The book, Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathan is composed of daily             inspirations to encourage us to recognize what matters most in our lives.   We are often encouraged to share our talents but we find ourselves questioning what we’re good at or simply feeling like we don’t have the time to commit to things. Where do we begin? We need to ask for God’s guidance in exploring, discovering or rediscovering our creativity. Hopefully this will lead us to open our hearts and be      willing to serve in ways we never thought possible.   A great place to begin is getting          involved with Women of Grace. Emmanuel has so many caring, supportive and eager women using their many talents to serve our Lord. We hope that you will join us this year and share your ideas and talents in  carrying out the Lord’s work inside and   outside of Emmanuel.   Women of Grace meet one time a month for devotional meetings or activities. Activities throughout the year will be        advertised. Please join us. 

Anyone who is interested in   serving at the information booth, please talk to Chris  Watkins,   297‐4922, she needs more     

Helpers to talk to new people as they come in to worship with us, give them a gift, and have them 

sign in the guest book. 

SOCIAL MINISTRY  We are having a potluck on September 9th after the children have had some time in class. We will be setting up in the narthex and some overflow in the house. Please join us and get to know your fellow mem‐bers. Suggestion for items to bring: A‐G Salad, H‐M Main Dish, N‐Z Dessert.  

Are you enjoying the snacks on Sunday morning? Our snacks are donations from our members and the kitchen crew. Please consider bringing a snack for Sundays. Want to get to know more people at      Emmanuel? Join the kitchen crew,  we will show you how to make coffee, punch and set up for coffee time. 

Bible Study Wednesday Evening at 7 the study of Luke led by Pastor Heidel

Editorial Staff of the Grapevine Cristy McNicholas, Sandy Wisener, Elizabeth Bombini and Marlene Coffman

Join CPR on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m   for an hour of prayer for your church, your country , your state, county, city, schools, and safety organizations as well as  fellow  congregation members.  Whatever we feel called to pray for.  This is so important, you don’t have to pray aloud, just be willing to say the AMEN.  “Wherever two are  gathered in My Name . . . “  

Pray for those you care about,           You may not be aware of their needs. 

September , 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapev ine www.emmanuel

Christian Education News…

Lesson themes for September September 2nd Bible Story: God sends quail and mana

Theme: God gives good gifts

September 9th Bible Story: God provides water Theme: God is patient

September 16th Music with Amanda Hutto September 23rd Bible Story: God gives 10 commandments (pt 1) Theme: God is worthy of honor September 30th Bible Story: God gives 10 commandments (pt 2) Theme: Respecting others honors God

YOUTH NEWS This summer the Youth Group has continued to meet. We have our Bible Study from 10:30‐11:30 on    Sundays and Youth Group on Thursdays from 6‐8pm. You are more than welcome to stop by on Thursday nights just to see what we're doing. We have a devotional, prayers, food (they're teen‐agers!), and some games and competition. Joy and Kem Cunningham have been working along side me and they have been invaluable. They like the Youth and the Youth sure like them! This month the Youth helped put on a     Veggietales Night at church for the younger kids to watch. (Veggietales is a Christian cartoon show). We had 16 kids and 6 adults show up! Next, we are having a Swim and BBQ party at my house for the Youth and their families. Next month I'll let you know how it went!  Please continue to keep the Youth in your prayers. Some of them are in a difficult time in life right now and can use ALL of our help. Please say "Hi" to them as you pass, in case they don't say anything. They are all happy to be here at Emmanuel. 

This summer the Youth Group has continued to meet. We have our Bible Study from 10:30‐11:30 on    Sundays and Youth Group on Thursdays from 6‐8pm. You are more than welcome to stop by on Thursday nights just to see what we're doing. We have a devotional, prayers, food (they're teen‐agers!), and some games and competition. Joy and Kem Cunningham have been working along side me and they have been invaluable. They like the Youth and the Youth sure like them! This month the Youth helped put on a     Veggietales Night at church for the younger kids to watch. (Veggietales is a Christian cartoon show). We had 16 kids and 6 adults show up! Next, we are having a Swim and BBQ party at my house for the Youth and their families. Next month I'll let you know how it went!  Please continue to keep the Youth in your prayers. Some of them are in a difficult time in life right now and can use ALL of our help. Please say "Hi" to them as you pass, in case they don't say anything. They are all happy to be here at Emmanuel. 

TEACHER:  Now, Simon, tell me frankly,  do you say prayers before eating? SIMON:   No sir, I don’t have to, my Mom is a good cook.  WARNING:  Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.  Go anywhere, as long as it’s forward.  The worst failure is the failure to try.  A merry heart is good medicine, whether one is sick or not. 

September, 2012, Emmanuel Lutheran Clovis GRAPEVINE www.emmanuel clovis.org

September 2 September 9 September 16 September 26

September 30

Communion Assistants

Neil Hoppus Mike Kipp

Fon Vangsycha Andrew Vangsycha

Mike Golden Scott Linenbroker Darrell Strickler

Todd Weber

Usher Don Rutherford Vern Meyer

Gordon Miller Fon Vangsycha

Jim Deis

Stephen Edmonds Joshua Daily

Scott Linenbroker Bill Dehning

Fon Vangsycha Vernon Meyer

Don Rutherford Martha Wilson Bob Hammond Pat Hammond

Gene Garcia Suzanne Garcia

Joshua Daily Neil Hoppus Bill Dehning

Info Booth Helene Kipp Sue Garcia Lynette Burgasser Marilyn Dehning Cristy McNicholas

Counters Don Rutherford Darrell Strickler

Sandy Wisener Suzanne Garcia

Irene Stinson Sandra Lucero

Travis Kirby Steven Chow

OUR FAITHFUL SERVERS FOR SEPTEMBER

Our Praise Team: Jill and Gary Gerloff, Paige Weber, Judy Strickler, Keisha Watkins, Amanda Hutto, Doug Richardson, Darrin Lowenthal, Joy Cunningham and Art Howansky. Contact Jill if you are interested in joining.

IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED AND CANNOT SERVE . . . Please call your team leader. For the info booth it is Chris Watkins, 297-4922 (clw39@cvip.net), for Communion Servers it is Mike Kipp 447-9369, Counters and Greeters, let them know at the

Coffee with Krueger – Ask a question; discuss a topic Free-flowing hour every week Through out summer and on

Grab a drink and a chair. Come as you can and bring your Bible. (In Church narthex, close to the coffee.)

10:30 am

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups

3 LABOR DAY OFFICE CLOSED

4

5 1 pm CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team

6 6 pm Youth Nite

7

8 New Heart Workshop

9-12 a.m.

9 Rally Day 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups

10 9 a.m. Bible Study in the Church House 6 pm Sm. Group

11

12 1 pm CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team 7 pm Country Team

13 <—Cristy—— 6 pm Youth Nite

14 —gone to ——-

15 —–———-Paris — 7 pm Country Gospel

16 ——————————— 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups

17 —Pray that—— 9 a.m. Bible Study in the Church House 6 pm Sm. Group

18 ——she’ll——

19 —have a ——— 1 pm CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team

20 —great time — 6 pm Youth Nite

21 —and we will —

Youth Movie Night

22—also pray for——

23 —her family’s safe— 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups

24 —travel and —- 9 a.m. Bible Study in the Church House 6 pm Sm. Group

25 –return. amen->

26 1 pm CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team

27 6 pm Youth Nite

28 Assemble Newsletter

29

30 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Sunday School Youth Adult Bible Studies 5, 6, 6:45 pm Sm. Groups

Oct. 1 9 a.m. Bible Study in the Church House 6 pm Sm. Group

Oct. 2 Oct. 3 1 pm CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team

Oct. 4 6 pm Youth Nite

Oct. 5 Oct. 6

If we have omitted your birth date or anniversary date or have the wrong date listed, please call the church office with the

corrected information. Please accept our apology and HAVE A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD! THANK YOU.

September , 2012 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

September 2012

September Birthdays 

9/06 Todd Weber 9/11 Carolyn Baten 9/14 Dan McNicholas 9/17 Erna Schedler (100) 9/22 Pat Hammond 9/23 Marlene Coffman 9/23 Linda Golden 9/24 Jennifer Shaffer 9/26 Jessica Davis 9/27 Mike Kipp 9/27 Chris McCracken 9/27 Nickolas Beck

Newsletter Deadline

September  Anniversaries            

Marjory & Bill Beekman 9/04/1959 53 yrs

God’s Blessings and Our Congratulation’s

   

September , 2012 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Sunday School Family Night Plans are in the works for another 

movie night or activities in         September.  No date is set as yet, but look in your mail or Sunday 

bulletin for details. 

Rally Day is Coming…September 9th Hey Kids, we have a great year planned for you 

and it all starts on September 9th.  Come and meet your  new teachers and classes and let’s get started. 

Here’s what we have for you…  

Preschool­Kindergarten  Amanda Hutto 1st and 2nd Grade   Chris McCracken 3rd and 4th Grade   Ross & Lauri Young 

 Confirmation Class     Gail Davis / Pastor Ed Krueger 

Christian Ed Coordinators – Jeska & Tony Garofalo Kid’s Church Coordinator – Cristy McNicholas

Marriage Encounter Weekend October 19‐21st 

Fresno Piccadilly Inn 

New Heart Workshop  

Saturday, September 8th 9 – 12 Noon 

Leaders & Coordinators who have not taken the Sunday course, are invited to attend 

this one‐day workshop. (This class will be offered again in the fall)