Include God in your New Year
By the time you
read this, I will be in another country. Some things will be very different. Clothing, food, language, government, geography and more.
Yet some things will be the same. Men and women still marry and love their children, people need food, clothing and shelter. Some
people dream and hope for a better life; while others despair and give up. One
thing that will certainly be the same is that God will be
God’s love and care
goes beyond the limits of any one people or place. God’s love goes beyond any
one church or denomination. God’s love is unlimited. It is great to think about
the universal love of God for all humankind. Yet...we want not to forget how
all encompassing His love is for the world. His love is also very specific. He
loves you and me as individuals as well. It doesn’t matter where you are or how
much others don’t understand you, or relate to you. He does. Make it your resolution for 2005 to let God love you. Let the church help you
discover that love. May this be your best new year ever as you discover, in a
new way, God’s love for you!
Pastor L. S. Emery
Don’t Quit! Keep Playing!
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother
returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive
Steinway on stage.
In horror, the mother saw her little boy
sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little
Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly
moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing."
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began
filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of
the child, and he added a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the
young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a
wonderfully creative experience.
The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the
great master played. Only the classic, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Perhaps
that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly
noteworthy.
We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music.
However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.
The next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You may
hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit."
"Keep playing."
May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping
you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces. Remember, God doesn't
seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.' Life is more
accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire.
News from the Community
Clarksburg
Community Church will present a series of brain exercise workshops on Jan. 22,
Jan. 29, Feb. 5, and Feb. 12, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Known as “Brain Gain,” these fun interactive
workshops are designed to stimulate both halves of the brain thus providing a
complete brain exercise workout in each two hour session. Facilitated by
educational physiologist, Alice Jacobs Ed.D., MS, these workshops are based on
the latest neurophysiological research to keep brains young and healthy. A
minimum of 25 participants is needed to schedule this class so please call
right away to express your interest. If you would like more information,
contact Patty Merwin at (916) 775-1553. To learn more about this research,
visit the National Institutes of Health web site at:
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/feb2002/nia-12.htm
Thursday Night
Bible Study
What is the greatest theological
issue facing the church today? What is
the most important social issue the church has to deal with? Rev. Emery believes that the answer is not
one of the many individual issues that has been the focus of discussion in the
church and society the last several years. Rather, it is...the place of the Old
Testament in the
church. Many issues that divide Christians are based on two different
approaches to the Old Testament. Come join us each week on Thursdays at 7
p.m.–beginning January 20– for discussion on Paul’s letter to the Galatians as
we ask what it means for us to be a New Testament Church today, and what place
the Old
Testament is to
have in our lives.
Youth Activities
Ten children from the W.O.W. youth group–grades 5 - 8– joined Rev. Emery on
Dec. 21 for an ice skating event in Stockton. They had a wonderful time of
skating and pizza afterward. Look for more fun events coming up with the youth
activities in the near future! W.O.W. will resume it’s regular meetings at 7
p.m. on Wednesday evenings beginning Jan. 12. If you know of anyone who would
like to join us, please let us know!
T.N.T. is Growing!
T.N.T., a youth group for K - 4 is growing in leaps and bounds. Each
Tuesday evening, the kids are working hard to earn a new
Bible, and many
have already received theirs. The group resumes it’s regular
Tuesday evening
meetings at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 11. If you would like to join them, or would like
more information, call the church office at 776-1106
Westminster Woods Summer Camp
Representatives from Westminster Woods– a
Presbyterian conference center located in the redwood forest near
Occidental– will
be coming to give presentations about summer camp and other camps available to
children in grades 4 and above. Dates scheduled for these presentations are
Sunday, Feb. 6, after worship service, Tuesday evening, Feb. 8, during T.N.T.
at 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday during W.O.W. at 7:00 p.m.
All interested parents and children are
invited to attend meetings to gather information about the woods and all the
activities they offer.
For many years, young people have gone to
the woods and returned with stories of exciting times, new friendships and a
new growth in their relationship with God. Come to the meeting and find a
week for your youngster to go to camp!
Let There Be Light!!
Next time you’re
in Koinonia, notice how much brighter things are in the center of the
room. Look up, and you’ll see that a
light has been added in the middle, chasing away shadows that have dogged
potluck dinners, meetings, and Bible studies alike.
And if you’ve
ever needed to look for something after dark in the supply room next to the
office, you know that finding the light switch was challenging-it was
outside the far door, on the north wall of the sanctuary!! Bruised shins
and lost tempers will now be only bad memories, because a switch has been
installed just inside the door leading from the office, right where it should
have been all along. Amazing!!
These great improvements are
the work of Russ Adams, to whom we give many, many thanks.
Countdown to 2005
Delta Home Tour!
The 2005 Delta Home Tour is set for June 4, and
preparations are getting underway. Committee chairs will be calling on
volunteers for everything from security to ticket sales. It’s an exciting event
to be a part of and brings many visitors to the
Walnut Grove Community. Volunteers are needed to make this event a big
success, so don’t miss your chance to be involved. If you want to get involved
or have questions, please call Linda van Loben Sels at 776-1223, or Virginia
LaBahn at 776-2598.
Annual Congregational
Meeting set for Jan. 30
It’s time again for a cozy fire, a nice luncheon, and committee
chairpersons to think about the past year’s activities to jot down in a report
for the annual congregational meeting coming up on January 30th. Don’t worry,
Super Bowl Sunday is February 6, so you won’t miss any plays! You may feel free
to construct a “play-by-play” report for the meeting and add some Super Bowl
fun to the mix, but be sure to have your report to the office by Monday, Jan.
17. Join us for a re-cap of all the church activities over the past year, plus
a time of fun, fellowship and great food too. Mark your calendars, and don’t
forget to bring your favorite dish. If your name begins with A - M, bring a
salad or main dish, if it begins with N - Z, bring a dessert.
Community Says a Fond Farewell to Jack
Burchell
Memories were in full supply at the service held Dec. 17 for Jack Burchell
who passed away Saturday, December 12. Many friends and family gathered to
honor his fun loving, spirited life that touched so many of our lives. The
Burchell family wishes to thank everyone who sent kind expressions of
condolences. Your gifts of food, flowers, cards, financial donations and words
of kindness meant a lot.
Memorial Service to be held
for Bill Wheeler
Our community will say a fond farewell to beloved member Bill Wheeler at 11
a.m. at the church on Jan. 15. Everyone who knew him was touched by his gentle
spirit. He passed away in November, and will be missed by all.
Dinner Yields Harvest of Fun
On November 6, Koinonia came alive
with autumn colors and the sounds of people having a wonderful time. A capacity crowd of about 125 filled the
hall, where they were entertained by the New Holland Combine band from
Clarksburg. A hearty meal was served by local teenagers volunteering as
waiters.
Many people contributed to the success of
this fundraiser (emphasis on FUN). While they surely know who they are, it’s a
pleasure to thank them once again: Lynn
Ortega (tickets and publicity), Lois Gregg (waiters), Nancy and Bill
Rutherford, and Janice Lukey (potato chefs par excellence), Gail and
Sutton Morris (wine service), and all-around hardworking kitchen helpers Maria
Robinson, Mary Lou Hudson, Mary Fulster, Raquel Zucha, and Lucy Van Andel. A
BIG round of applause to our wonderful barbecue chefs!!! Lots of others pitched
in when we started cleaning up, and we thank each and every one of you
(especially those who took dirty china home to be washed). This evening could
not have happened without all of you!
Special thanks are due Ruth and Roger
Morgan, who provided our young wait staff with their uniform tee shirts. The
Morgans have given tee shirts to our Tuesday and Wednesday night youth groups
as well, and their generosity is much appreciated.
The dinner netted slightly over $1200, about
half the cost of the new furniture in Koinonia. So when’s the next event? Stay
tuned—and think Valentines, chocolate, wine and cheese—mmmmmm!!
The Worship Committee would like to un-decorate the chancel on Thursday
evening, January 6. We will begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m., and un-decorating party at 7 p.m. Bring your favorite dish and join us for
dinner, then come help take the decorations down. If you have ideas about next year, or would
like to donate any new decorations for next year, please let us know! If you’d
like more information, please contact Audrey Mondeel at (916) 777- 5759, or the
church office at 776 - 1106.
On the other side...
A sick man turned to his doctor,
as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor,
I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know." You don't know? You, a
Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle
of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining,
and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an
eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor
said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He
didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here,
and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is
on the other side of death, but I do know one thing…I know my Master is there
and that is enough."
India Travelers Keep in Touch Dear Sponsors and Friends,We wish to thank you for your support for India Exposure. This trip would not be possible without generous contributions such as the one you have made. It is an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to see and experience people from a vary different culture than our own, not as tourists visiting places catering to the American dollar, but as companions in India's struggle for justice and dignity. We will not just marvel at exotic art and buildings, but discover how God is working in the people's lives. In the process we will be reflecting on God's work in our own lives. Ten people from Sacramento Presbytery will be on this trip together, including two from Bethany Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, one from Davis Presbyterian Church, one from Westminster Presbyterian Church, one from the Presbyterian Church in Placerville, and four young people and the Pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church in Walnut Grove. This is quite a group of varied ages, locations, and life experiences! We will spend 19 days living together, learning together, and sharing our lives with one another. Of this group, the only young adults will be from the Walnut Grove Church, and this is because of your valued support! We believe that India Exposure is not just a private experience for just our group, but is a something that everyone can experience with us. You can join us on our journey in several ways. First of all, we will be sending letters and post cards to all our sponsors from India during the trip. Secondly, we will be sharing with you as individuals when we return from the trip, Thirdly, we will be giving a presentation at a potluck dinner on Thursday Evening, February 3 for all the sponsors of the trip, at Koinonia Hall in Walnut Grove at 6:30 p.m. We do hope you will be able to attend! In addition to the above we have also created a "web-group site" for our trip. If you go to http://groups.msn.com/IndiaExposureTrip you can access our site. We will post reflections, pictures, documents and other material so you can follow along on our trip. There is a calendar on the web-group site, which will tell you where we are at on a particular day and if the schedule changes, we will change it on the calendar. Please remember we may not have access to a computer everyday so our entries maybe sporadic! Also, if you are not "computer literate" please bring this web-group site address to the local library, the church office, or a friend who happens to be a "computer geek," and they will access the site for you! We hope you are excited about the trip as we are. And we hope you join with us during our trip with your prayer and by following our progress on our web-group site.
Yours, Justin Emery, Ashley Johnson, Sutton Morris, Katie Wiseman and Rev. Larry Emery
"Wings and Rememberings"
by Debbie
Phulps
Soledad and I walked home from school, our
footsteps crunching the haphazardly spread fall carpet. Halloween was
approaching which lead to a discussion about costumes. I learned from my
niece that a princess would be making her way through the moonlight.
However, the Princess revealed how she really liked wings. Maybe next
year her costume would call for wings...a butterfly, a fairy or
sprite,...perhaps an angel. Angels have wings. "What else has
wings?", I queried, which lead to a theological discussion from the
perspective of a four year old. "Grandpa has wings because he is an
angel," she confided. We walked and talked... about wings, angels and
Grandpa as we crunched the autumn leaves.
She does not know that she's
never really met him. She was born in May 2000. Grandpa passed away
in February 1998. However, when she speaks, it is as if just the
other day they played some game of hide and seek. To her, he has always
been a presence in her life. She has seen his face, heard his laugh, felt
his hug. He exists. Someday far away they will be together
"again". Grandpa is in heaven.
Our family tradition is to
exchange gifts for Christmas. Lovingly selected and wrapped in pretty
papers and bows, they lie in wait under the tree until Christmas Eve. In the
blink of an eye the moment is past, the papers gone and the bows tossed.
I reflect on my Fall walk with Sole and realize that this fleeting moment on
Christmas Eve doesn't hold all our presents. Our family exchanges
"gifts" throughout the year. These gifts are our memories of
each other and special times. They are gifts which grow more treasured
with each telling, gifts which keep dear people alive in our hearts,
gifts which create a precious treasure such as a Grandfather which a four year
old "knows". I am truly blessed by such a family. As
God's children, shouldn't we be sharing similar gifts with our extended family
such that our brothers and sisters can "know" God without ever having
seen His face, heard His laugh, or felt His hug? Why not make that Your
New Years' Resolution.
Returning to the story of our walk home from school, I asked
Sole, "Does God have wings?" "Uh huh, she replied,
"because He is in heaven too and He doesn't fall out of the sky, so He has
wings." She is four. I am humbled when she shares her
knowledge of the universe and the way things work.
This memory is
for you, Dad
Robert L. Cummings
01/27/32 ~ 02/15/98
Mark your calendars:
Tuesday Morning
Children’s
Breakfast : Resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 7:00 a.m.
Choir Practice: Resumes on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Westminster Woods Sunday, Feb. 6 after worship service, and
Presentations
Tues., Jan. 8 during T.N.T., and Wed. Jan 9 during W.O.W.
T.N.T. Youth
Youth
Fellowship Resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Way Out Wednesday
Youth
Fellowship Resumes on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m.
Communion Jan. 2, Feb. 5 (every 1st Sunday
(open to all) of the month during 9:30 a.m. worship.)
India Sponsor’s
Dinner Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.