Newsletter PDF SLC Nov. 2011

8/3/2019 Newsletter PDF SLC Nov. 2011

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GIVING THANKS IN EVERY OCCASIONBy Pastor John Saethre

Sierra Lutheran ChurchNewsletter November 2011


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Continued from Page 1

Its times like these that are very sweet in life. Not everything turns out as we would like, and

when there are positive breakthroughs, we celebrate with all the gusto we can muster. We needto remember as Christians that it is in the desert experiences where God does His best work, even

when we are unawareGod is preparing us for the big day of rejoicing. Douglas John Hall says

that Christianitys best vision is in the night. Ive had to learn the hard way that we can be

thankful in every circumstance of life, because God through the Holy Spirit is at work within us

at all times enable us to become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(Eph. 4:13b)

We need to remember, this Thanksgiving, those families separated from their loved onesespecially

those serving in uniform, fighting the good fight and defending our country. And we need to thankour dear Lord for the abundant life we have in Jesus Christ who has given us the keys to theKingdom through His great sacrifice that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have eternal

life. Paul reminds us in First Thessalonians 5:16-18,Be joyful always; pray continually; givethanks in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.

How great to have those euphoric breakthrough moments, when we raise great Halleluiahs.But how great also, when we can give thanks to God, no matter what the circumstance we are in.

This Thanksgiving, may we all Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercies endureforever. Psalm 106:1.

Blessings to you and your families this Thanksgiving!

GWEN EHRENBORG TO PRESENT KATIE LUTHER

The whole community is invited to experience life during Reformation days through the dramaticpresentation of Katie Luther, by Rev. Gwen Ehrenborg, Sunday November 6 at9:00 a.m. Again,

this will be a SINGLE SERVICE SUNDAY. Gwen and her husband Todd have traveled as part of

Living Waters Ministry, inspiring and educating churches on the greats of Christian history, such as


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Continued from Page 2

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE

Lets gather together to give thanks unto the Lord for our nation and for the abundance He hasbestowed upon us. We will have a Thanksgiving Eve Service , Wednesday, November 23 at

7:00 p.m. Bring cans and non-perishable items to bring before the altar for our Food Bank

ministry. Come, let us give thanks to the Lord!

ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE

The churches in our local community are gathering once again to worship together and celebrateGods goodness. The service will be held in the Presentation Center at Sierra High School at

6:00 p.m.

ADVENT WORKSHOP

One of the best ways to prepare for the Christmas season is to come to the Advent Workshop

Sunday evening, November 27. Mandi Coburn is heading up another banner event that draws

from the whole community. There will be plenty of opportunity to make arts and crafts for theseason of seasons. Contact Mandi if you have any questions.

THAT WE MAY SOW AND REAP IN THE WORD

Please turn in pledge cards, if you haven't already November 6. Let's give in response toGod's blessings to us in Jesus Christ. You may place them in the offering plates on Sunday.


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Notes from the Administrator. . .

Hello everyone! Im back..seems like Ive been missing (from the newsletter anyway) for awhile. This has been a year

of family for me. Between John & me, weve traveled several times - sometimes together sometimes separately to

visit our kids in 2 different states, and family members in other parts of California. Weve welcomed a new

granddaughter to our family and said goodbye to our son as he began his college education in Iowa. Ive dealt with a

bum shoulder this entire year, which led to my surgery in August and subsequent rehabilitation. At this point, the kids

are settled and my shoulder is healing very nicely, so its time to get back to a normal life once again! Although much

has happened this year, I have no regrets! I truly feel blessed for all of these experiences! I thank you for your prayers

for my healing and for your prayers for my kids as they have embarked on their new lives.

Now, back to work.Its come to my attention that a few important items might need revisiting for reminder sake.

Sometimes we forget why we do things around here, and its always good to review and look into the Word for

confirmation.

SAMARITAN FUNDMatthew 25:34-40 (NIV) ....The King will reply, Truly I tell you,whatever you did forone of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Our Samaritan Fund is solely supported

by our congregation to be able to financially assist those within our congregation or in our community that are in

crisis. We take a free-will offering during our worship services on the 2nd

Sunday of each month, specifically

designated for this fund. Over the years, our congregation has helped well over 50 people/families by covering

their rent, avoiding PG&E shut-off, providing gas for their car, paying for medication, providing firewood and

many other needs that have been brought to our attention. Our congregation has been greatly blessed by our

ability to help those that are in need. In preparation for our 2nd

Sunday offering each month, please consider

praying for Gods direction in your giving to help the least of these so that we may be blessed knowing that we

did it for Jesus.

GOSSIPEphesians 4:29 (Amplified) Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome orworthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual

progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's

favor) to those who hear it.

We are a body of loving people. I can say that because I know most of you and truly believe that to be true.


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VICE PRESIDENTS November News Letter

Fall is a busy time for Sierra Lutheran. Your Council is leaning into our Annual Congregation meetingand two major items must be addressed.

The first item which involves everyones attention will be a new Church Constitution. Our

Constitution Committee has been carefully working on this for many months. Among other things, it

will modify the way our leadership positions are established. The initial draft has been studied by

your Council and has been returned to the Committee for a final draft. This final draft will be

presented to you during November for your inspection. Please give it careful consideration for your

comments. It will be formally presented for your ratification only after your comments are

considered by the Committee.

The other item which I want you to give careful attention to is our annual Stewardship

Campaign. During these past Sundays you have been listening to Pastor John, David Jordan and me

talk about Stewardship. Everyone has received a personal letter explaining the importance of our

involvement in Time, Talent and Treasure. Please give this critical subject your thoughts and prayers

regarding how you may best serve our congregation, community and Lord. Your input is important tohelp the Outreach and Budget Committees (as well as others) plan for next year. Thank you in

advance for your contributions.

Your Brother in Christ,

Jerry Garwick

GARDEN UPDATE


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Health Matters: Skin Cancer

Summertime is drawing to a close but that doesnt mean our outdoor activities stop, at least those of us who livein the beautiful California foothills. We still have outdoor activities and daily sun exposure which increase the

risk of skin cancer. Ive borrowed some information fromwww.WebMD.comthat deserves our attention.

Who Gets Skin Cancer, and Why?Sun exposure is the biggest cause of skin cancer. But it doesn't explain skin cancers that develop on skin not

ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Exposure to environmental hazards, radiation treatment, and even heredity may

play a role. Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have: Fair skin or light-colored eyesAn abundance of large and irregularly-shaped molesA family history of skin cancerA history of excessive sun exposure or blistering sunburnsLived at high altitudes or with year-round sunshineReceived radiation treatments

How to spot skin cancer? Follow the ABCDEs of skin cancer detection:

Asymmetrical draw an imaginary line through the lesion. Is it symmetrical, in other words, doesone side look pretty much like the other?

Borders Are the borders even or does one side look smooth and the other side bleed out orlook very fuzzy?

Color Is the color even or is it very dark in one area and lighter or different color in anotherarea?

Diameter Is the lesion bigger that the eraser on a pencil or 6 mm?
http://www.webmd.com/http://www.webmd.com/http://www.webmd.com/http://www.webmd.com/


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S GOD NUDGING YOU??!!!I know youre out there!!!! You know hes nudging you!!! Dont keep it all to yourself!!!We want you to have a meaningful worship experience on Sunday morning, and encourage each one of you toexperience the fullness of God, even if it means getting out of your comfort zone. (He will bless you foritreally!) We want your participation. We would love to hear a scripture that God has laid on your heart.Wed love to hear a song you have to sharea storya prayerwhat is God telling you to share? Ive said thisbeforelast month, actually- Sierra Lutheran is not led solely by our pastor, or our praise team, or by a selectfew. It takes all of us to lead others to the fullness of God and to experience renewal. If He is nudging you, thereis likely someone sitting in our congregation that really needs to hear what God is asking you to share. We alsowant you to be comfortable sharing. We have many options. Talk to Pastor, Shellie or Kay and well help youfind a time/place in our worship service to help you get Gods Word out to His people!!

We are blessed!!!

SLC has been awarded a $5,000 grant, for our Samaritan Fund, fromThrivent Financial for Lutherans. They are a fraternal organization that

offers Annuities, Insurance products and mortgage loans to LutheranCongregations. We also have the opportunity to raise up to $10,000 more,for the Samaritan Fund, and Thrivent will match any monies we raise up to


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KITCHEN CORNER

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Wouldnt it be a great Thanksgiving if all our church family and their families and friends could all be togetherat church to share our food and giving our thanks to God? He has given us so much to be thankful for.

GRAB AND EATJerry Garwick is going to start a fast breakfast program on Sunday for those who feel that

it would help them get to the first service and not be so frazzled trying to get the family fed and out the door.They can get to church maybe 20 mins. before service, pick up the food and have it finished in time for service

at 8:30 A.M. Jerry will have more information on this at the next service.

CHILI COOK OFFIS ON NOV. 12Mike Jolley needs your help. Please sign up. This is going to be a funday.

CHURCH COOK BOOKWe have the material that Terri Justice was working on before she became sosick. Going through the recipes is like a church history book of those who are not with us any longer and also

reading your recipes.

We will start putting the book together after the first of the year. Believe me when I say IT WILL BE ONE

OF A KIND.

NOV. 6There will be only one service on Nov. 6 at 9:00 A.M.

We will have a dramatic performance about Katherine Von Bora Luther, the First Lady of the ChristianReformation by Rev. Gwen Ehrenborg.

We will be serving a meal. At this writing I have not heard if it will be before or after the service.

LIVE SIMPLY, LOVE GENEROUSLY, CARE DEEPLY AND SPEAK KINDLY.Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

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Fall Greetings from the Outreach Team!!

I am back from a wonderful time in New Zealand and Australia and am anxious to get up and

running again with holiday Outreach activities. I even was able to attend church while there. Thatwas really special, along with seeing literally hundreds of kangaroos!! I hope everyone hasNovember 12th marked on their calendars for the Chili Cook Off Mike and Cathy Jolley areplanning. Hats off to Mike for this great Outreach Project!!! If you would like to help or beinvolved, let Mike know!! Should be a blast! Mike especially picked this week end to honor all theveterans in our community as well. Thanks Mike!

As I type this, the weather is starting to turn to fall so I am kicking off the November hats, gloves,scarves, and socks drive! These items will be distributed at the community food bank the 4thWednesday of November. Please be a part of this worthwhile project. Last year God was sogood as we had exactly enough to distribute to all who wanted them!!! No one was turned away!Please, let's double the amount we will be able to give away this year!!

Sierra Lutheran Church will also continue to be "Santa" to patients at Wish-i-ah this year. Pauland Arlene Jumps headed this project for years but have lovingly passed this wonderful ministry

to our team. I will update you with the names and gift needs as soon as possible, so startshopping!!!! They really are always looking for warm socks for all the patients too so see if thereare some bargains out there!! Hopefully we will be able to get a team together to go over and goChristmas Caroling for the patients. Again, if interested, please contact me.

I have just recently lost my "2nd mom", Lorna Stewart, so have been super busy planning hermemorial and getting her home ready for sale. She passed while I was gone, but all was set upbefore I left. Praise God! she got her final wish - to die at home in HER BED! I ask for your

prayers for strength and patience in this stressful time as I am the executor of her estate and amtrying to do everything I can to see that her wishes are done EXACTLY as she laid them out. Forthe next month it will be intense, but God has led all the way and with prayer warriors coveringme, I know I am NOT alone!


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Sierra Lutherans Sunday School

Please join us!

1stAnnual Put up or Shut up Chili Cook-Off

As the cook off gets closer and the excitement grows, I cant wait to see who God brings to ourcampus. I know He has plans for using it and us to reach people. As much fun as this is going to

be, it is more enjoyable to be Gods hands and feet, doing what He lays before us. And He is goingbefore us, putting everything He has planned into place, and like a puzzle I see the cook off beingput together piece by piece by His hand. We are getting sign-ups daily, people are wanting to help,entertainment set and raffle prizes are growing. Still praying for Veterans groups and military to bepresent so we can pay honor to these great people.

Do you care about your church and Gods people?Well its time to Put up or Shut up!

Blessings,Mike


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FOOD BANK SMORGASBORD

The Food Bank continues to see changes and additions to the established format that has servedthe local community since 1999. Thanks to your faithful support and volunteer efforts, matched bythose from our foothill/mountain area, weve been able to increase the areas of service at ourdistributions.

This year we introduced live plants to our giveaway with tomato plants in the spring and aselection of winter vegetables this fall. Intermountain Nursery has generously supported this

addition with discounted stock and/or free plants along with pots for container gardening. If yousee Ray, let him know of our appreciation for his contribution to the program.

Thanks to Sallie Karp and Mike Jolley, we served hot meals to all who came on those distributiondays when the stoves were fired up. Breakfast burritos and hot cakes were the specials.

The Food Bank has actively partnered with those who prepare meals for the Youth Group onMonday nights. By using our Pantry option and donated funds, we buy food at greatly reduced

cost from the Community Food Bank in Fresno. This doesnt cover all food purchases but hashelped lower expenses for that weekly meal.

The State of California has used our distribution days in the past to hand out telephones to thehearing impaired and added a new public outreach this year: Information on services available tothe elderly.

For the first time we will be contributing to the cost of electricity used by our freezers. Our initialproposal is to pay 10% of the total electric bill at SLC.

Lastly we are considering a change to the monthly distribution schedule For some time the


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Bring forth the new

TRINITY LUTHERAN CELEBRATES 125 YEARS BY LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.

Story/The Rev. Eugene Zaiser, Bechtelsville, PA

Nestled in a small town in eastern Berks County, PA, Trinity Lutheran Church is an interesting blend of old and

new. One can clearly see this contrast by looking at the building, but this blend of traditional and modern isntconfined to the building. Itpermeates Trinitys history. twenty-eight charter members founded Trinity in 1886

in the fledging factory town of Bechtelsville. They built a two-story brick church on Main Street, with Sunday

school space on the first floor and the sanctuary on the second floor.It was founded as a Union church: That is, Lutherans shared the building with a German Reformed

congregation. Mennonites also worshipped there. For the first few decades, services were conducted inGerman.

By the turn of the 20th

century, Trinity was a thriving congregation. Despite being a relatively new church(several Lutheran congregations in the area date to Colonial times), the brick building became a symbol of

stability.

Families that became involved with Trinity tended to stay involved, and the first pastor, the Rev. J.J. Kline,

ministered to Trinity for 30 years starting in 1886. Yet the church has remained open to change and growth.

Around the time of World War I, Trinitys constitution was translated into English in response to changing

demographics in the community. The congregation also began worshipping regularly in English.

Because of the enormous growth of families in the congregation, Trinity needed its own pastor for the very firsttime in 1959. Until then, the church had shared a pastor with the several other congregations. In 1961, a new

parish hall was built to accommodate the growing Sunday school program.

Our contemporary church is topped with a steeple that is almost 100 years old, complete with a bell that is stilltolled by rope each week. In 1991, to make the worship space completely accessible, the congregation made the

difficult decision to demolish the old sanctuary and build a new one. Everything would be new, with two

exceptions. The parish hall would remain, and the old steeple would be placed atop the new sanctuary.That steeple has a very special significance. In 1911, the church was struck by lightning and the original steepleburned. Undaunted, the congregation has a new one built to replace it, a reminder to the congregation and the

community that God gives us the strength to overcome any adversity, to adapt and thrive in the face of any


13/18

Advent Workshop

Our annual Advent Workshop will be held on the first Sunday in Advent-Nov. 27thfrom 4-7pm in the church sanctuary. A soup supper will be served at about 5pm.

We will need people to sign up for bringing soups/stews and desserts- look for asignup sheet in the narthex during the month of November.

All costs for crafting materials are held to a minimal amount and there is no charge

for the soup supper.

Please mark your calendar and join us for this festive and fun start to the Christmasseason!!

Call Becki La Voy-Jordan at 295-5184

or Mandi Coburn at 841-8393for any questions you may have.


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Lets Celebrate Together!

Birthdays

November 17 Rick LeckieNovember 19 Levi Hamby

McKenzie HambyNovember 21 Cathy JolleyNovember 23 Jeff SandersNovember 28 Judy Zindars

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer'sshowroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the

young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him intohis private study. His ...father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He

handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found alovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" andstormed out of the house, leaving the holy book. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He hada beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had


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Council Members

Pastor Council President: Elder:

John Saethre Doug Baker

559-855-8989 559-855-8181

[email protected] [email protected]

Church Administrator: Elder:

Lori Pape Mike Jolley

559-855-2861 559-855-4048

559-289-5271 (Cell)


Vice President: Elder:

Jerry Garwick Dave McCann

559-323-6603 559-298-0609

559-284-6507 (Cell)


Secretary: Treasurer: (Acting)Becki La Voy Jordan David Jordan

559-298-5184 559-298-5184

559-593-1063 (Cell if needed) 559-593-1385 (Cell)

28692 Pittman Hill Road 28692 Pittman Hill Road

Clovis, CA 93619 Clovis, CA 93619


Office Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 9:00 a.m. Noon
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.sierralutheranchurch.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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November 2011 Worship Assistants

Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27ONE SERVICE SUNDAY First Sunday in Advent

&Daylight Saving Time Ends

Altar Guild Shelley Shelley Shelley/Susan Shelley

Greeters 8:30am Pam & Joyce R. Rod & Marcia Gloria & Chris Alan & Sue

11:00am No 11am service Stan Shirley & Jim T. George

Ushers 8:30am Dave & Bev John & Joyce Dave & Joni YOUTH& & & &Fern Mike Bob Robert

11:00 am No service Stan Shirley & Jim T. George

Readers 8:30am Alan Nordine Debby John Pape

11:00 am No service David B. David J. Lynda Q

Gods Word 8:30am ---- ??? ---- ???

Computer 8:30am Sam/Shelley Sam/Shelley Sam/Shelley Sam/Shelley11:00am Shelley Shelley Shelley Shelley

Communion 8:30am No Communion John & Lori

Assistants & Fern

11:00 am Fran

Prayer 8:30am Yes YesStations

If you are unable to serve when scheduled please ask one of the other assistants to trade dates or provide a substitution for you,and notify Worship Coordinator Shelley Telles (855-5703) of the change.


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November 2011SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

112:30pm-Womens

Group-Library

6:15pm-Co.D.A.-Library

7:00pm-McCann-Home

7:00pm-Bookwalter-Home

2Noon-Mens Prayer

meeting-L.A. Caf

7:00pm-Pape-Home

36:30pm-Praise Team

7:00pm-AA Meeting-Rm 2

7:00pm-Kitchen Meeting

7:00pm-Everhart-Home

4 5Hope & Joy (Noon)

69:00am-Single Service

Sunday

10:00am-Sunday School

5:30pm-College Group

7:00pm-Humphrey-Home

73:15-7:30pm-Free

Falling (Middle & Senior

High)-Youth Rm.


812:30pm-Womens

Group-Library


7:00pm-McCann-Home


9Noon-Mens Prayer

meeting-L.A. Caf

7:00pm-Pape-Home

106:30pm-Praise Team



11 129:00am-Joseph Store

House

9:00am-Clothes Closet

*Chili Cook Off

11am-4pm

138:30am-Celebration


10:00am-Velasquez-Rm 2

11:00am-Heritage Service



143:15-7:30pm-Free


High)-Youth Rm.


1512:30pm-Womens

Group-Library


7:00pm-McCann-Home


16Noon-Mens Prayer

meeting-L.A. Caf

7:00pm-Pape-Home




18 19

208:30am-Celebration






213:15-7:30pm-Free


High)-Youth Rm.


2212:30pm-Womens

Group-Library


7:00pm-McCann-Home


239:00am-Food Bank

9:00am-Clothes Closet

Noon-Mens Prayer

meeting-L.A. Caf

7:00pm-Thanksgiving Eve

Service




HAPPY THANKSGIVING

25 26

27 8:30am-Celebration10:00am-Sunday School



*4pm-7pm-Advent



283:15-7:30pm-Free


High)-Youth Rm.


Newsletter Articles Due

2912:30pm-Womens

Group-Library


7:00pm-McCann-Home


30Noon-Mens Prayer

meeting-L.A. Caf

7:00pm-Pape-Home

*November 12 * November 23

1st

Annual Put up or Shut up Thanksgiving Eve Service

Chili Cook-Off

11am-4pm * November 27

4-7pm Advent Workshop

5pm Soup Supper

Newsletter PDF SLC Nov. 2011

Documents

Transcript of Newsletter PDF SLC Nov. 2011