What On Earth Am I Here For?

   Every so often when I am randomly asked by someone if they can answer any questions for me, I’ll respond, “Yes, what is the purpose of life?” I’ve received both blank stares and hilarious answers. Yet this is a serious question that we all eventually ask. You may have asked this question yourself.

   This fall, our church will take part in the popular Bible Study series called “The Purpose-Driven Life,” a program that thousands of churches have sponsored over the past year. Based on the best selling book by the same name, the main focus of the series will be on the basic question, “ What is the purpose of my life?” The book affirms —in no uncertain terms— that we are created by God to enjoy life and experience the love of God, and one another. How should that influence how we see ourselves, see God and see others? How should this influence how we live our lives each day? Do we really believe that our lives have a purpose, and, if we do believe in a purpose, do we act on it?

   I encourage every member of the community to consider setting aside 40 days of their lives to be part of this encouraging, affirming and life-changing program. You were all created by God for a purpose!  No matter where you are at in your life at this time, at this very moment. If you seek God’s answer to whether you have a certain purpose in this world, in this life, and in His family, then join us on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. beginning September 30 for a 40-day journey into why YOU are HERE.

Pastor L. S. Emery

 

Encouragement

Someone in the world will always…

   be better looking, be smarter,

have a bigger house, drive a better car,

   have children who do better in school,

have a spouse who does more house chores.

So let it go,

and love you and your circumstances.

   Think about it.

The best looking person in the world

   might have hell in their heart.

And the most highly favored person

   on your job may be unable to have children.  And the richest person you know—

   the one with the car, the house, the clothes, might be lonely.

The Word says “...if I have not love, I am

nothing.”  1 Corinthians 13

   So, again, love you.

Love who you are right now.

   Let God be your barometer.

Look in the mirror

   and see how much of God you see.

He’s the only standard.

   He’s the only measure in the end.

He will not leave you, or forsake you.

   Be blessed in knowing that “to the world,

you might be one person, but to one person, 

   you just might be the world.

And remember, the one who kneels to God

   can stand up to anything.

 

Another Successful Pancake Breakfast

A great time was had by all for the annual July 4th pancake breakfast. Gene and Joanne Wiseman reported that there were 270 people served and about $1,000 raised. Joanne extends a warm thanks to all who helped out with the task, and is setting her hopes for an even bigger crowd next year!

 

Larry Horn (L) and Ron Hackett (R)cook up secret recipe pancakes that brought in a crowd. Kirby Campbell (back) makes sure the recipe stays a secret.

 

Mary Fulster helps keep the kitchen running smoothly. It takes five kitchen workers in assembly line fashion to get the food out quick at the annual pancake breakfast.

 

Youth Breakfast Starts Up September 7

The Tuesday Morning Children’s Breakfast will begin for the new school year bright and early at 7 a.m. on Sept. 7. All children are invited to attend and bring friends. The group had an average of 20 kids showing up for breakfast, games and fellowship every Tuesday of the school calendar. Cooks are needed and welcomed, so if you like to make breakfast, please give Mary Lou a call at 775 - 1940 to get on the list. 

 Sunday School is gearing up for Fall!
By Lucy Van Andel
   Wow!We have had so many children coming to church lately. What a blessing it is to see those smiling faces each week . During summer, our older class learned from the Gospel of Luke, and the younger group (2nd grade and under) has been discussing God and the fruits of the spirit, and doing art projects.
   This fall we have a new and exciting curriculum planned entitled “Walk With Me.” The Sunday School leaders want to extend a special invitation for all elementary school kids up to 8th grade to share with us as we learn about life with Jesus. Please think about people you know who have children and invite them to church this Sunday! We appreciate your prayers as we continue to bring God's word to the next generation.
 

A very heartfelt thanks to those who answered the recent call to help Kirby and Mary Campbell, and Diane and Ron Hackett. You are a true blessing at this difficult time.

 

News From Camp

This summer, a total of 19 young people attended camp at Westminster Woods. Fifteen campers from grades three through ten all went the same week and attended four separate programs. Campers enjoyed hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, singing and making new friends in the beautiful redwood forest near Occidental. They had wonderful opportunities to learn more about God and His love.

   In addition to the campers, Chris Hudson, Pastor Emery, and two high school students from our church served as counselors. The camp was a great experience for all.

Attention All  5 - 8 Grade Students!

   WAY OUT WEDNESDAYS

BEGINS Sept. 15

   A time of fun and fellowship every Wednesday night. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the optional “Youth Choir” will gather for practice and is open for all those who wish to sing. At 7 p.m., there will be a “Youth Fellowship” with games and discussions about how the Bible applies to our own lives. We will be using the “Pioneer Club” program that kids really like! Be sure to mark your calendars now for Sept. 15 and “Way Out Wednesdays!” All youth from 5th to 8th grade are invited to attend for Youth Choir, Youth Fellowship, or BOTH! Don’t forget to invite a friend.

 

Gloria Would Be Proud!

The La Perita Garden Club dedicated a birdbath in honor of the late Gloria Santos to adorn the church patio garden on August 9, Gloria’s birthday. The birdbath will be fastened onto a cement foundation by William Schauer, and Adrienne Young and Gail Morris have landscaping ideas that will soon take shape around the base.

Have you seen the new bricks on the patio? Twenty eight additional bricks were added to the family of bricks purchased in honor or memory of loved ones. We’re always adding new bricks each year, so if you’d like to order one, contact the church office today.

Many thanks to all who donated to the new barbecue cover to protect the brick barbecue from the rain. The cover is being custom made to fit, and will cost around $500. So far, donations have amounted to around $260. 

The church website at www.wgcpc.org is continually being updated with new information and articles that won’t fit in this newsletter. Be sure to visit the events page so you won’t miss out on all the activities coming up!

 

Indian Activists Bring Insight to

Walnut Grove Church

Three India spoke out against the negative impact that the global economy is having on India's large population of impoverished Tuesday evening, August 10th. The delegates were Philip George, coordinator for "Partners of Justice,". Thomas John, coordinator of the Indian sector of "Joining Hands Against Hunger" (JHAH) explained of the ways activists groups are trying to influence the political arena. JHAH is a mission outreach program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. The delegates are working with Indian activist groups rising up against a growing evil that is rooted in misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Indian culture. They are part of a larger collective called Chethana, which means "life energy," Chethana's main thrust is to demonstrate that poverty is not the result of a lack of resources, but rather, an unequal access and distribution of resources. It is committed to creation of a just, participatory and sustainable world order and is currently campaigning with JHAH.

M. Shaimala Baby, director of Forum for Women's Rights and Development (FORWORD) spoke of the atrocities against women and children. Her group is also part of Chethana. Together they are working with India's poor to promote the quality of life and preservation of natural resources.

 Pictured from left to right: Rev. Larry Emery, Rev.  Thomas John, M. Shiamala Baby, and Philip George.

 

FELLOWSHIP NOTES

 It’s “Kick-Off” season again, and we’re looking forward to a fun time with friends, neighbors and family members at the annual picnic and barbecue following the service on Sept. 12. The Fellowship Committee will provide hot dogs, beverages and condiments, and those with last names starting with A - O, bring a salad; P - Z bring a dessert. There will be games and activities for the whole family, so plan to come and spend the afternoon with us and say “hello” to those you may not have seen all summer. It’s time to get back into the game with a spirit of fellowship!

Halloween Open House

This year, Halloween falls on a Sunday night and Koinonia Hall will be open for refreshments and a welcomed place to sit down after traveling the town. There will be hot cider, a warm fire and treats for all provided by the Fellowship Committee. Stop by to take a break during your Halloween fun and say “Boo” to friends and neighbors at the church. Your feet will thank you!

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, WOW! What a RIDE!!

Music, Music, Music!

The sanctuary was filled with music during the summer thanks to a variety of musicians who lent their talents to the worship of God. The rich harmonies of flute and harp was enjoyed on August 1, thanks to Jean Brown, flutist, and Joan Sweet who played a concert pedal harp. Gail Ervin and Judy Castro polished their piano skills to provide music for  Aug. 8, and Aug. 22 worship service, and on Aug. 15,  young musicians Wyatt Lawton, Jay Callis, Jessie Towne and Samuel Caffaro played piano while Will Callis and Sam Towne providing rhythm on electric and bass guitar.

Singers Libby McKendry and Pete Mondeel lifted their voices to the glory of God in Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” that was arranged by Frank Robinson. Megan Tillis sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic for the July 4th service, and Anna Cardenas sang “Did They Know?” on Aug. 22.  Peter Mondeel and a group of singers dedicated a  song to Mary Campbell on July 25. A special thanks to all of you, as well as our musicians who continue year around giving their talents to the worship of God through the ministry of the church. May your gifts come back to you a hundred fold!

 

 

 

Helping Others Through Grief

For many of us, grief is a part of the human condition that is not given the kind  of attention other painful emotional experiences like divorce and low self esteem attracts. If you’ve ever hoped for a way to learn more about how to deal with grief and help others through it, help is on the way! A workshop on dealing with all aspects of grief will be held at the church from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14. The workshop is presented by Jim Reed, Ph.D., who will discuss topics such as why grief is misunderstood, why psychology mislabels grief as depression, why grief is the number one emotional killer of men, and when those who are grieving need outside help. He will also discuss age differences in experiencing grief.

The workshop is designed to help ordinary people assist others through the grief process, but is not for those who have unresolved grief of their own. A follow-up course for unresolved grief may be scheduled at a later date.

   Dr. Reed will give relationship scenarios, plus simple case histories for those wanting to stay an additional 15 minutes. The case history will reflect a major loss that caused a total collapse of faith and resulted in near suicide. Due to the nature of its intensity, it is not included in the body of the workshop.

   Admission is free and the workshop is open to all. For more information, contact the church at (916) 776 - 1106.

 

Purpose-Driven Life Bible Study

Series To Begin Sept. 30

“You are not an accident. Even before the universe was created, God had you in mind, and He planned you for His purposes. These purposes will extend far beyond the few years you will spend on earth. You were made to last forever!” Rev. Rick Warren.

   Thousands of churches around the country have taken part in the “40 Days of Purpose” based on Pastor Warren’s best selling book, “The Purpose-Driven Life.” The program is of great benefit in spiritual growth in individuals, as well as in congregations.

   This fall, Walnut Grove Church will present this popular series beginning Sept. 30, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and continuing every Thursday evening through Nov. 7. The heart of the program is the daily readings focused on our purpose in life. These readings will be discussed each week at our Thursday evening meetings. Books and workbooks are available from the church office. Please join us in the fall for this exciting opportunity, and bring a friend!

Ethnic Concerns Conference

October 8 - 10

Zephyr Point Presbyterian

Conference Center

Join Christian brothers and sisters from different cultures and backgrounds in a celebration of our own diversity and unity in Christ. This year’s theme is “Hope In The Resurrection.” Speakers will be Rev. Edward Eissabake of Bethel Presbyterian Church in San Leandro, and is sponsored by the Sierra Mission Area of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. If you’d like to go, please

call the church office for details and registration information at 776 - 1106.  

 

 

 



The Director’s Stand

by Debbie Phulps

                                            Keeping the Flame Alive

My how the summer has flown!   Schools are in session; and the last hurrah of summer, Labor Day Weekend, is fast approaching.   Not unlike squirrels, David and I are scurrying to locate camping gear and stock things for a trip to Crystal Basin.  Mind you I’ve already twice pared my list of "must haves". Tent, sleeping bags, provisions, and.... ah, firewood.   Soon we’ll be sitting around the campfire, toasting marshmallows, and trying to recall the words to camp songs....   All of the sudden in the midst of my camping reverie I am reminded that Fall means the Choir is coming back!  Yes, on Wednesday, September 8th, Choir practices resume. 

 

But what would campfires and the Choir have in common?  Likewise, how does this relate to the larger Family of God.   Let us analyze this a little further.  The spark that gets it all going is God and the Holy Spirit.  But a spark without fuel is soon gone.  It isn=t allowed to become a beacon in the dark, a place of warmth and sustenance.  The spark needs fuel of varying sizes: kindling, twigs, logs.   I wouldn’t want to try to start a fire with only 10-inch diameter logs; and I wouldn’t want to sustain a fire through the night with kindling. Each plays a unique function in getting that fire roaring.

 

Some of us are kindling.  We are new members to the Choir or the Church.  We are quick to respond to the call with new ideas, new enthusiasm.   On the other hand, some of us could politely be termed "seasoned".   We may have been around awhile, steadily "burning" away, helping to ensure the longevity of the fire.  In either respect, each is "keeping the flame alive". Each is helping to get God’s light out to the world.

 

As the camp song says:  "It only takes a spark to get a fire going; and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.  That’s how it is with God’s love!  Once you experience it, You want to SING, it’s fresh like spring.  You’ll want to pass it on."

 

Interested in joining the Choir?  Contact Director Debbie at 916-776-1351 or e-mail at DEBEL@AOL.COM for more information.