Koinonia Times, Volume 25, Issue 4

Spiritual Tar Pits

The Page Museum next to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles displays the remains of countless pre-historic animals, that became entrapped in the tar. A lake of fresh water covered the tar and trapped the animals who became victims simply because they needed a drink of water. Of all the animals found in the tar, the most numerous was the wolf. In a macabre display at the Page Museum is a back-lit presentation of hundreds of wolf skulls lined up, row after row. Scientists have a theory as to why so many wolf remains have been found in the pits. Wolves became entrapped in the tar not when they went to the lake for a drink, but when they saw other animals trapped. As scavengers, they quickly tried to take advantage of the misfortune of other animals, and became victims of the tar themselves.

We are often like that. We can attack and accuse one another. Often, we do so when those we dislike or disagree with are at their weakest. While we may judge and condemn others for certain things, we become caught up in wrong ourselves.

Among the most Christ-like virtues, portrayed by Christ himself and affirmed by the Apostles, is that of understanding, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness. These are aspects of the life style of love that Christ has called us all to live. In the end, how we treat one another in difficult times says more about our Christian character than how we treat one another when all is running smoothly.

Our church is going through a period of growth and change. We have developed new programs. Large events consume members, time and energy. All these things produce inevitable differences of opinion and perception. Let us not become entrapped in the tar of gossip, criticism and condemnation. As our ministry at this church grows and develops, may we respond to one another with Christ-like love.

Pastor Larry Emery

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Children Say The Funniest Things:

A little boy in church for the first time watched as the ushers passed around the offering plates. When they came near his pew, the boy said loudly, “Don’t pay for me, Daddy! I’m under five.”

Summer Musicians

As we move into the summer months, your Worship and Music Committee would appreciate help from any volunteer musicians. Additional organists or pianists are needed to give your regular team a break. Also, musical offerings by soloists or groups are always appreciated while the choirs are on hiatus. If you have musical talents to share, please contact the church office at (916) 776-1106.

Youth News!

T.N.T. News

Our Tuesday Nights Together (T.N.T.) program was a great time for children grades K - 4th. We had a closing potluck barbecue on May 3rd with fun and food for everyone. A great big Thank You! to all the parents who have been helpers and supporters. We’ll be working on curriculum for the fall soon, so if you’d like to help, give us a call at the church office.

WOW Upcoming Events:

End of the Year Skating Party -

Hey WOW kids! On Wednesday, June 1 we will have a skating and pizza party to celebrate the end of the school year. We’ll meet at the church at 6 p.m., go to King’s Skate in Franklin, and return by 9:30 p.m., or you can also meet us at the skating rink. Don’t forget to bring $6 to cover costs.

WOW will not meet on Wed., June 8, or Wed., June 15

1st Annual “Old Town Sacramento

Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt”

Wednesday, June 22

The WOW group will travel to Old Sacramento armed with digital cameras to see how many “scavenger hunt shots” we can gather. Bring: Your digital camera and $10 to cover snacks and pizza. We’ll leave at 2 p.m. from the church, and return at 8 p.m. Dinner is included.

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Giants Baseball and Fisherman’s Wharf, July 10

Take me out to the ballgame! WOW kids will meet at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 10 to go to San Francisco for a day of baseball and fun at Fisherman’s Wharf. We’ll take BART down and watch the Giants’ game (reserved seats), eat lunch at the stadium, and then head to Fisherman’s Wharf. After dinner at Pier 39, we’ll head home and hope to return by 8:30 p.m. Bring: warm clothing for the evening, $30 to cover expenses (not including snacks and souvenirs), and a hat and sunglasses. Sign up by Wednesday, July 6th.

Spaghetti Dinner

Benefits Camp Kids

Community kids signed up for summer camp helped put on another great spaghetti dinner on Sunday evening, May 22. Diners enjoyed good food, friends, and were served by kids earning some camp money. Thanks to all who supported this event and those who helped out.

Car Wash July 2

Have one less thing to do for the July 4th weekend! Bring your car to the July 2 car wash, a fundraiser to benefit kids going to summer camp. It will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Bank of Rio Vista, and the cost is $5 per car; $7.50 per van or pick-up

The last day for Tuesday morning breakfast is May 31. See you again in

September!

Time’s Running Short

There’s still time–but not much–to sign up for summer camp at Westminster Woods! Some openings are available for the 3-day camp for grades 2 - 3, and one-week camp for grades 4 - 12. Westminster Woods summer camp is a fun time of meeting new friends, loads of activities and learning more about God’s love. Brochures are in the church office and the narthex for your convenience, but time is running short. Westminster Woods is a Presbyterian Church camp in the Redwood Forest near the Occidental and the Pacific Coast. Our church and churches throughout Northern California send many young people to camp at “The Woods” every summer. Our young people come home with many great memories, and some have even gone back to serve as counselors. If you’d like more information, visit www.westminsterwoods.org., or contact the church office today.

Scholarship Sunday

Scholarship Sunday is celebrated each year to honor and recognize graduates in our church family who are moving on in their educational journey. This year, scholarship awards will be given to two high school graduating seniors on Sunday, June 5.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Scholarship Fund in memory or honor of a loved one, please contact the church office. We hope you will join us in this special recognition of our youth.

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Thank You!

As the Beatles famously sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends” — and indeed I do! Four fantastic women helped put the brochures together for the Home Tour: Nancy Rutherford, Lynn Ortega, and Coralee Downs, who helped assemble and staple, and Sally Christie who secured two saddle staplers for the project. A huge round of applause to all of you, and my eternal gratitude for your help in this booooooring task. - Shirley Hobart

Don’t Miss The

July 4th Pancake Breakfast!

Come on down and join us for pancakes with all the fixings in Koinonia Hall before the big Walnut Grove Fourth of July Parade! Pancakes will be served at 7:30 a.m. and will continue till around 9:30 a.m. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and kids under five eat free. It’s all you can eat, so bring your appetite and a friend! The Parade begins at the Fire Station on the west side of the river at 10 a.m., so come on down and join us for a great day of fun, celebration and fellowship!

All-Church Picnic and Baseball Game

At Raley Field

Sunday, June 26

Calling all baseball fans! Come and join us at Raley Field for the Sacramento Rivercats vs. the Portland Beavers game. We’ll meet at the church at 5 p.m. and the game starts at 6 p.m. We’ll purchase dinner at the game, and picnic on the grass hillside in the outfield. Tickets are $5 each and parking is $6 per car. Let’s go!

Mark your calendars:

Last Day for Tuesday

Morning Children’s

Breakfast: Tuesday, May 31.

Delta Home Tour: Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Home Tour Lunch: Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Choir Sunday Sunday, June 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Personnel Meeting: Monday, June 13 at 5 p.m.

Session Meeting Monday, June 13 at 7 p.m.

W.O.W. Old Town Wednesday, June 22 at 2 p.m.

All Church Picnic at

Sacramento Rivercats Sunday, June 26. Meet at the church at 5 p.m.

Car Wash Saturday, June 2 at 9 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast: Monday, July 4 at 7 a.m. in Koinonia Hall

W.O.W. Ball Game Sunday, July 10 at 11 a.m.