NEWSLETTER

SIERRA LUTHERAN CHURCH

Fran and I have just returned from our New York trip, filled with memories plus bad cases of the flu. But let me relate something else to you regarding our trip. New York City is filled with 8 million people of eclectic backgrounds, living on several islands, under constant change. But if you drive a short distance up the east side of the Hudson River, you are in a different world. We stayed in the village of Tarrytown, located only 30 miles north of the city. Just north of there is the village of Sleepy Hollow, and then the village of Ossining, better known for the New York State prison of Sing Sing of up the river fame. Note that these are villages and not towns nor cities. They were founded during the 1600s using the Hudson River for essential transportation. The villages could not be more different from NYC. They are pastoral, quiet, small, and stunningly beautiful with stone buildings and quiet cemeteries. Sleepy Hollow was founded in 1640, and is best known from the short story by Washington Irving, titled The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It is about a group of bullies who wanted to get rid of a school master named Ichabod Crane. Through fear and intimidation, Crane was run out of town and never came back. If the plot sounds familiar, this bullying stuff is still happening today. But what is different is Irving did not have either the internet or Face Book to expose the culprits. And the villagers of the day did not take the miscreants to courts or legislaturers, but let the shame of their actions run the course.
Continued on Page 2

JUNE 2012
THE PRESIDENTS LETTER FOR May 2012 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Continued from Page 1

Were the actions of those bullies different in the 1700s, or the time of Christ, or during the fall of the Roman Empire? I think not. But what is also true, is that during those years, the protection of the frail, the poor, and the widowed were in the hands of the community and in later centuries, within the church. Times have changed so much over the years. The immediate access to the mass communications networks has made every single victim of bullying both a local and national issue. This leads to a problem for our governments desire to constantly create new legislation intended to protect those victims. I firmly believe that each of us must, as individuals, protect those who have fallen under the harshness of bullies. But lets do this through education, not legislation. Isnt it our responsibility, as parents and Christians, to protect these disadvantaged? It is our job to teach our children and neighbors that all humans need protection from bullies. Should not we educate our children, in school and at home, to treat all of their friends equally under the Golden Rule? I would hope that we all keep this in mind through our many outreach programs that Sierra Lutheran does so well. I hope that our example will spread through the foothills and even our world through our Christian efforts and missions. Jerry Garwick; Your Brother in Christ

Administrators Report
For May 2012 Lori Pape has retired her position as our Church Administrator as of May. She has done a wonderful job in the past five years of working for the Lord and Sierra Lutheran Church! When you see her please thank her for all of the work she has done for our church family. I will be trying to fill her proverbial Shoes as SLCs new Administrator. Im not quite sure how well I will fill those shoes but I promise to do my best! If there is anything you need to speak to me about please do so at anytime. You may call me at home @298-5184 or you may reach me by email @ davidnbecki@gamil.com. I will get back to you a.s.a.p. Your sister n Christ JesusPage

Becki La Voy-Jordan

To my Sierra Lutheran Church family,

It has been such an honor and privilege to have served as part of Sierra Lutheran Churchs leadership these past several years, and as Church Administrator the past five of those years. As I prepared to pass on the Administrator duties to Becki Lavoy-Jordan, I was able to spend time reminiscing about the many facets of this position that I will greatly miss, i.e. working with the pastor, office staff and volunteers; spending time in many of the various meetings serving as liaison for both the council and the congregation (I viewed these meetings as Life Groups); and spending time with the congregation, working toward facilitating better communication among the entire body. There were other duties involved in this role, but none as important as nurturing the relationships I was blessed to have created. Thank you for being a part of those valuable relationships, as well as your support and prayers as I walked out that call.

I cant say goodbye without thanking all those that were such a huge help and support to me in this position, (I wont list all the names since I wouldnt want to miss anyone). I will send a God-sized

to the office staff and volunteers (past and present); Youth and Childrens Ministry leaders; Team Leaders; Councils I served with; (dont want to forget Mark Winkenbach for all the donated office computers and IT hours); and all of you!

I now look forward to the next chapter in my life, as I wait on the Lord for His direction. For now, I will embrace this new, likely to be somewhat less busy, season!

As always, I will continue to pray for His divine guidance and direction over this entire body!

In His Service, Your Sister in Christ,

Lori Pape
Page

Retired Church Administrator

Summer Greetings from the Outreach Team

It is a picture perfect day God has given us as I write this article for the June newsletter. We are so blessed by all we have in our little part of the world. Take time each and every day to really stop and look at all the beauty that surrounds us and give thanks to the One Above for His gracious bounty. Outreach is providing the goodies for church for the entire month of June. We seem to always be asking you all to do something for others, so we thought it was our turn to give back to you, our church family. Jerry Garwick is getting a break for awhile and members of our team have begun to volunteer to fill in for each Sunday in June. Leading off for the first two Sundays are Susan Gallegos and Fern Cetin. I will bring the goodies on the 17th and honor all fathers in doing so. One of the remaining members will round out the month on the 24th. This is a little way to say thank you to all you have done for our congregation and the community over and over again! Way to go! Speaking of Way to Go! our hats are off to Ron and Judy Zindars for all the set up of coffee and refreshments they have willingly and unselfishly taken on as their personal ministry for our church. Please go up to them to thank them for seeing that it is always there and ready. They work behind the scenes and often do not get the credit they deserve. Also, there are the quiet ones who see that everything is cleaned up after the second service. The key figure in this has been Shirley Markus. If you see it in your heart to help out, especially in the clean up, please contact Shirley as I know she would love to have a break as well. Even if you are willing to volunteer once a month in the clean up, that would be a real gift. We can all REACH OUT and WALK ACROSS THE ROOM to help. Think of what you can do to help out this summer and then DO IT!! Our summer projects will be centered around the Food Bank children. There is a box in the narthex for games, toys, books, u name it, that we will distribute at the Food Bank on June 27th. These children will not be in school and probably will not be going on a vacation, so having something to entertain them this summer would really be a welcome surprise! Donations can be made clear up to the 24th. I will collect them and see that they are given out on the 4th Wednesday of this month. Thank you to all who have helped with this in the past and those who continue to do so. In July we will be passing out school supplies on the 4th Wednesday food distribution day. This was a HUGE hit last year. People of all ages seemed genuinely pleased with this outreach gift idea. One lady was going back to City College and was so happy to have some help with these school things. Education at all levels is so expensive that any amount of paper, pens, pencils, colored pens, erasers, etc. is a big help. Families with a large number of children really need this, so when out and about this summer look for some Back to School Specials. Since schools resume mid August, the giveaway will be the end of July. I will have a box in the narthex for the school supplies as well. Please also consider helping the Senior Citizen Center out by attending their dinner and Bingo Night which is held the 1st Saturday of each month. They are trying to raise money to keep the center running and they are doing all that they can. It is biblical to honor our elders, and what a fun way to do this. I know when I went in April they were so appreciative that I came and supported them. Let the LIGHT of Sierra Lutheran Church shine on this mountain. With gas prices as they are, what a great way for a "date night" right in these here hills. If you have questions talk to Gloria Williams about this. Wish-i-Ah is still in need of volunteers! I volunteer on Wednesday mornings in Bo-Hin-To and have fallen in love with the clients in this unit. If you feel a calling to join in this MUCH NEEDED ministry please contact me. I have been so blessed by getting to know these dear people. If you do not feel you can volunteer please save any old magazines as they love to look at them. Another thing they LOVE to do is color. I would gladly accept any coloring books or large sized word searches and distribute them to the various units. Every little thing I do is received so happily. In fact, tomorrow morning I am going to paint the nails of some of the ladies who have asked me to do so. We do not have to go far to show the LOVE of our LORD. Each of us can do something. As you finish this article, pray and listen to the direction of the Lord prompting you into action! God Bless you all and God Bless Sierra Lutheran Church! LOVE, Lynda Qualls Outreach Team Leader

Page

Health Matters: Poison Oak & Friends A few years ago, I met a gentleman & his teen-aged son who recently moved to the United States from another country. They were in my Clinic in Fresno and complained of an itchy rash after spending a few days fishing in our lovely San Joaquin River. I looked at their skin and took a pertinent history for both of them. These very uncomfortable people had never been told about all the dangers lurking in our underbrush. They heard about rattlesnakes, mountain lions and, even, bears! But they hadnt been told about the most common problem found west of the Rockies. Im sure you can guess what their problem was (drum roll please) they had been in contact with poison oak! Poison Oak, poison ivy and poison sumac are all found in North America. Poison oak is found in the west, and found, and found ( It hasnt made it to Hawaii or Alaska). The problem is the oil, urushiol,found in their leaves, blossoms and sap. The oil is present even after the plant is dormant in the winter or if it is dead. Urushiol oil can get on your clothes, garden tools or pet fur and remain unless washed off. When the plant is burned the smoke from the fire sends tiny droplets of the oil into the air and can cause serious lung problems. What does the rash look like? The rash looks red, as though you have brushed up against something. Raised areas appear that become blisters. The fluid from the blisters does not contain urushiol but any oil left on your skin can spread the rash. What does the plant look like? There is a popular rhyme Leaves of three let it be. The plant has three green leaves, with the center leaf having a longer stem. The plant can have a yellow flower that sometimes looks hairy. The plant turns reddish in the late summer or fall. What to do? Carry alcohol wipes with you to wipe off suspicious areas. If you have been in a woodsy or brushy area, wash exposed skin quickly. The oil needs to be on your skin about 10 minutes before causing a reaction. Washing in plain water will help but soap is better. There is a soap sold by a local feed store that is supposed to work wonders with removing the oil. Nevertheless, when you get home, wash all your clothes in hot, soapy water, wash off your boots, equipment, cooler, tackle box and even the dog! Treatment options. There are several products that may help with reducing the rash. One advertised is Ivy Block lotion, which contains bentoquatam, a natural clay that absorbs urushiol. Once you have a rash, it can be stubborn to treat. You may want to try any over-the-counter cream or ointment sold to treat itching. If the rash covers more than 25% of your body, you should be seen by a health care provider. How to eliminate the plant? Im not the plant professional and my poor garden will attest to that. If you think you have poison oak in your yard, mark off the area. Crime scene tape will do. Then contact someone who is knowledgeable about plants and get their advice. Good luck! Please call if you have any questions. My new cell is 765-7364; home is still 323-6603. Fran Garwick, Nurse Practitioner

Page

THE MAINTENANCE GUY

SIERRA LUTHERAN CHURCH HAS A MAINTENANCE GUY, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS TRUSTEE. HIS NAME IS DAVID BOOKWALTER AND HE HAS HELD THIS POSITION FOR A LOOOOOOONG TIME. MANY OF YOU KNOW HIM. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IS THAT HE IS THE GO-TO-GUY WHEN SOMETHING IS BROKEN, DOESNT WORK, NEEDS HELP, OR GENERALLY NEEDS (DUH) MAINTENANCE. WHAT SOME OF YOU MAY NOT KNOW IS THAT HE IS NOT A MIND READER. HE CANT FIX, REPAIR, HELP, OR OTHERWISE MAINTAIN UNLESS HE KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM OR NEED. SO, PLEASE, WHEN YOU DISCOVER SOMETHING AMISS, NOTIFY HIM. YOU CAN TELL HIM WHEN YOU SEE HIM AT CHURCH, CALL HIM (HIS # IS IN THE DIRECTORY) PUT A MESSAGE IN HIS BOX, OR GIVE THE OFFICE A NOTE TO PUT IN HIS BOX. IF ITS REALLY SERIOUS, A TELEPHONE CALL WOULD BE APPROPRIATE.

KITCHEN CORNER
Our kitchen mission/ministry: TO KNOW AND SERVE JESUS CHRIST THROUGH HIS KITCHEN: Jonn 21: 16 17 Our next meeting will be on June 7 at 7:00 P.M. in the kitchen. Discussion will be the (1) BBQ for the Sanders party on June 23 at Shaver Lake. (2) How do we get started on the completion of our kitchen? I am asking the Elders to be our guests on this meeting. Dessert will be served. Shirley Markus

Page

GARDEN UPDATE
Happy Spring to all I just wanted to jump in a say a BIG thank you to all who have adopted a spot in our garden. Many hands make the work that much easier! The grounds are looking very good and maintenance goes much smoother now. Of course more hands to help are always welcome and appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. And again, thank you to all who have stepped in!! John 855-3149

Nancy Newsom

PICK-A- PARTY
Dont miss out on the FUN, sign up to participate in a PICK-A-PARTY today!
Sign ups are in the Narthex! Would you like to plan a PICK-A-PARTY You still have time! If you have any questions talk to anyone

Monday Night Dinners:

We are wrapping up our Youth Dinners for this year on June 4th. We are so very grateful to all who have helped feed and serve our youth throughout this school year. With gratitude and love, Tami, Robert, Sam, and all the kids!

Our Friendship Team Leaders: Bob Actis

Page

on the Friendship committee.

Hope & Joy News:

Undie Sundie Update Hope and Joy and the Congregation donated to the Majoree Mason Center: * 36 diapers * A box of Simulac (formula) * 50 pair of socks * 40 emery boards * 7pks. of tissue * 8 t-shirts (for children)e * 17 shower caps *96 pair of underwear (for children) The Marjoree Mason Center sends a BIG Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CHILDRENS MINISTRY NEWS

As the childrens ministry prepares for the end of the year we would like to thank all the parents for their dedication to our ministry. Ive been truly blessed to have a wonderful team of Sunday school teachers this year. I would like to thank Becki La Voy-Jordan, David Bookwalter for teaching 3rd through 6th grade. Ive had Michelle Stevens and Sharon Tevis helping me with the Pre-K through 2nd grade, thank you so much for all your support. As we rest up and prepare for the New Year tell your friends and family to join us next Sunday school year! See you all rally Sunday!!!!!!!! Our schedule to end the year: June 10 End of the year party for Sunday school, certificates will be given out during both church services. In Gods Grace, Cathy Jolley

Page

Get ready to let your kids shine!

At Rocky Point Lighthouse VBS, kids learn to shine Gods light. This VBS is filled with Incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, and touch. Team-building games, Cool Bible songs, and active Bible adventures are just a few of the activities that Help faith flow into real life. (Since everything is hands-on, kids might get a little messy. Be sure to send them in play clothes and safe shoes.) Your kids will also participate in an outreach project, called Projects With a Purpose, That will let the kids in our community shine Gods love to families. So mark these dates on your calendar: Monday July 23 Thursday July 26, 2012. The fun starts at 9am and will end at 12 noon. We welcome pre-k to 6th grade children. Thursday will be end of Vacation Bible School party (Please have your kids bring bathing suit and towel) parents welcome to have lunch with us starting at 11am. Please fill out registration form on back of page and return to Sierra Lutheran Church, you can also e-mail to catdjolley@gmail.com. If you have questions please call Cathy Jolley at 855-4048. In Gods Grace, Cathy Jolley

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL..

I have a short list of names on my volunteer list and WE NEED YOU! Next meeting will be June 11, 2012 at 3:30pm in the work room. If you cannot make the meeting please contact: Cathy Jolley at 855-4048 or e-mail catdjolley@gmail.com.

Cathy

Page

In Gods Grace,

(Meeting not required to help with VBS)

Registration Form
(One Per Child)

Childs name: ___________________________________________________________________ Childs age: ______Date of birth:__________Last school grade completed:_____________________ Name of parent(s): _______________________________________________________________ Street address: __________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________State:__________________Zip:________________ Home telephone: (______)_________________________________________________________ Parent/caregivers cell phone: (______)________________________________________________ Home e-mail address: _____________________________________________________________ Home church: ___________________________________________________________________ Crew number or name (for church use only): ____________________________________________

Allergies or other medical conditions: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ In case of emergency, contact: ________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________ Relationship to child: ________________________________________________
Page

10

Everyone needs this helpful hint Tick Removal

A nurse discovered a safe, easy way to remove ticks where they automatically withdraw themselves when you follow her simple instructions. Read this one as it could save you from some major problems. Tick Removal: Spring is here and the ticks will soon be showing their heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children or your pets. Give it a try. A School Nurse has written the info below--good enough to share--and it really works! "I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great because it works in those places where it's sometimes difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc. "Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20); the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. "Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, "It worked!"

GRIZZLIES BASEBALL:
1st Christian baseball night with the Grizzlies baseball team Friday, July 6, 5:30 pm ( Must sign up by June 24th ) Field Level $15.00 Make check out to Thrivent Lutheran and Give to Robert Actis Price includes - All you can eat hot dogs, chips, soda and 1 cup ice cream Postgame Fireworks 2nd Christian baseball night with the Grizzlies baseball team Friday, July 27, 7:00 pm Field Level $9.00 Make check out to Fresno Grizzlies and Give to Robert Actis Plus one free ticket for the next game Postgame Fireworks We will arrange a ride for you leaving from S.L.C. at 5:15 pm or we can arrange to have you picked up let us know on the sign up paper Postgame testimonial by pitcher Jenkiins (70s) after game 6:00 pm

Page

11

Page

12

June 2012 Worship Assistants

June 3
Altar Guild Greeters 8:30am 11:00am Ushers 8:30am Shelley/Susan Pam & Joyce R. Mary Ann Dave & Joni & Bob Mary Ann Nordine David B

June 10
Shelley Alan & Sue Shirley Chris & Fern & Edwin Shirley Alan Stan

June 17
Shelley/Susan Gloria & Fern Stan Dave Mc & Mike & Bob Stan Jennifer David J.

June 24
Shelley Steve & Jennifer David J Alan & Sue & Gloria David J Edwin Jeanie

11:00 am Readers Gods Word Computer 8:30am 11:00 am 8:30am 8:30am 11:00am 8:30am 11:00 am Prayer Stations 8:30am

Sam Shelley John & Lori & Chris (& Fern) Fran Yes

Sam Shelley

Sam Shelley Mike & Joyce R & Lori (& Fern) Lynda Yes

Sam Shelley

Communion Assistants

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.

~ June 2012 ~
Sun
PLEASE CHECK SUMMER SCHEDULES ON ALL ACTIVITIES

Mon

Tue
JUNE 10 IS LAST DAY OF CHILDRENS SUNDAY SCHOOL (ENJOY YOUR SUMMER BREAK)

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1
Rose GallegosBirthday

3
8:30 amCelebration Service 10:00 am-Sunday School Hour 11:00 am-Heritage Service

4
3:15-7:30 pm- Free Falling (Middle & Senior High Ministry) 5:15 pm- Youth Dinner 7:00 pm- AA MeetingRm. 2

5
6:00 am- Mens Bible Study-Simpson 7:00 pm-Life GroupBookwalter

9
9:00 am- Joseph Store House 9:00 am- Clothes Closet

12:00 noon-Mens 6:30 am-Youth Bible Prayer meeting Big Ds Study (Boys)-Youth Rm. 7:00 pm-Life Group6:30 pm- Praise TeamPape Sanctuary 7-8:00 pm-Beginning 7:00 pm-AA MeetingGuitar-T-George Rm. 2 7:00 pm- Kitchen Meeting

10
8:30 amCelebration Service 10:00 am-Sunday School Hour (See above) 11:00 am-Heritage Service Carol LawrenceBirthday

11
3:30 pm-VBS Meeting 7:00 pm-AA Meeting Rm. 2

12
6:00 am- Mens Bible Study-Simpson

13

14

15

16

12:00 noon-Mens 6:30 am-Youth Bible Prayer meeting Big Ds Study (Boys)-Youth Rm. 7:00 pm-Life Group6:30 pm- Praise TeamPape Sanctuary 7:00 pm-AA MeetingRm. 2 John VelasquezBirthday Mark WinkenbachBirthday

Jordan CoburnBirthday

17
8:30 amCelebration Service 10:00 am-Sunday School Hour 11:00 am-Heritage Service Tommy Martin & Kyle StevensBirthday

18
7:00 pm-AA Meeting Rm. 2

19
6:00 am- Mens Bible Study-Simpson

20

21

22

23

12:00 noon-Mens 6:30 am-Youth Bible Prayer meeting Big Ds Study (Boys)-Youth Rm. 7:00 pm-Life Group6:30 pm- Praise TeamPape Sanctuary 7:00 pm-AA MeetingRm. 2 Riley DuPreeBirthday

Kay AustinBirthday

24
8:30 amCelebration Service 10:00 am-Sunday School Hour 11:00 am-Heritage Service Carol Hansen, Paul Jumps & Sallie Karp Birthday

25
7:00 pm-AA Meeting Rm. 2

26
6:00 am- Mens Bible Study-Simpson

27

28

29

30

Rick AustinBirthday

Jacob StevensBirthday

Page

9:00 am-Food Bank 6:30 am-Youth Bible 9:00 am-Clothes Closet Study (Boys)-Youth Rm. 12:00 noon-Mens 6:30 pm- Praise TeamPrayer meeting Big Ds Sanctuary 7:00 pm-Life Group7:00 pm-AA MeetingPape Rm. 2

14