Sierra Lutheran News

November 2010

Thankful in ALL Circumstances

By: Pastor John Saethre
November is the month we gear-up for the great national holiday of Thanksgiving. I remember as a college student,
what a joy and relief – to make it through the longest stretch of school – September through November, and to finally
make it home for a short break. Everything after that was easy, since Christmas comes shortly after that, then winter
break, then Easter. I was always so thankful to get to my parent’s home and enjoying tossing the football with my
brother out in the fall leaves, sitting down to a great Thanksgiving dinner and watching a football game on TV. It’s
an idyllic time for young people, either coming home from college or on leave from the military. There’s no place
like home when it comes to gathering around the table and giving thanks to God, for life, health and every good, for
the freedom we enjoy as Americans and for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually; giving thanks in all circumstances. Can
we give thanks in all circumstances? It is easier to give thanks when things are going well, but how about now, when
our nation is facing the worst economy since the Great Depression, with double-digit unemployment, and a prolonged
war in the middle-east? St. Paul from Prison said the famous words from a Roman prison: Rejoice in the Lord
always, again I will say rejoice! (Phil. 4:4) How could he in such dire circumstances? It was because he had
matured in His faith to such an extent that Christ was His all in all. He was so sold-out to Jesus, that whether he was
in prison or flogged or shipwrecked or persecuted – it made no difference. He said, For me to live is Christ and to die
is gain. (Phil. 1:21) What a great example of one who could say with conviction that he could be thankful in all
circumstances.

Here’s another example: Martin Rinkart was a Lutheran minister in Eilenburg, Saxony. During the Thirty Years
War, the walled city of Eilenburg saw a steady stream of refugees pour through its gates. The Swedish army
surrounded the city, and famine and plague were rampant. Eight hundred homes were destroyed, and the people
began to perish. There was a tremendous strain on the pastors who had to conduct dozens of funerals daily. Finally,
the pastors, too, succumbed, and Rinkart was the only one left-doing 50 funerals a day. His wife also was taken by
the pestilence, and he himself fell ill, but survived. When the Swedes demanded a huge ransom, Rinkart left the
safety of the walls to plead for mercy. The Swedish commander, impressed by his faith and courage, lowered his
demands. Soon afterward, the Thirty Years War ended, and Rinkart wrote a hymn, “Now Thank We All Our God,”
for a grand celebration service. It is a testament to his faith that, after such misery, he was able to write a hymn of
abiding trust and gratitude toward God.

What a witness, when we can give thanks in every circumstance – whether we be in poor health, a loss of a loved one,
or fighting to stay afloat economically. With the power of the Holy Spirit, the miracle of a grateful heart can become
a reality and bless others.

You have blessed me and my family as you continue to be steadfast in your faith, even in these tough times. Pray for
the Holy Spirit this Thanksgiving to give you a heart of gratefulness that will allow you to give thanks – IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES – why? – FOR THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS. A blessed Thanksgiving to
everyone in the Sierra Lutheran family!

Pastor John

Newsletter 1 continued on page 2

 continued from page 1

LCMC CONVENTION NEWS

I had the great privilege and joy to attend my first LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) convention
in Golden Valley, Minnesota last month. This is the new church body Sierra Lutheran is now a partner. Tears flowed
as I worshiped with 1,100 other hopefuls at Calvary Lutheran as we sang “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” with the
powerful pipe organ and brass ensemble. People raised hands in praise as we sang that classic hymn and continued as
we sang the contemporary, “A New Halleluiah,” led by an amazing praise band. We worshiped in the unity of the
Spirit, and I experienced a new freedom that I had been longing for – for so many years! I stood by Mark Rowland of
Ridgecrest Lutheran and I said, “This is our church!” Prayer stations were set up, and I went forward and prayed with
one of the board members of LCMC, for our church – its leadership and our mission. It was an amazing time, running
into friends, old and new who had left the ELCA and joined LCMC.

One of the highlights of the convention was an address by Ethiopian pastor, Charo Baro, who has the fastest growing
ethnic church in America, an ELCA church. Ironically, it was his church that was highlighted during the ELCA
national assembly in 2009, all the while the church members were prayer-marching outside the convention hall during
the vote on sexuality. Some of his delegates were ushered out of the convention during the debates. Charo said that
the vote in 2009 sent shock waves through Africa. They are asking, why are you changing the Word that your
forefathers brought to us? He said, “We are called not to conform to this changing world, but to transform it.” I’m
sure this Ethiopian Lutheran pastor took a risk in addressing our convention, but he said, “If God is on our side, who
can stand against us?” He stated more than once, that the Word of God has been compromised for the sake of political
correctness. Today some churches are ashamed of Jesus Christ and His claims. He affirmed the new LCMC in its
grounding on Christ’s mission. The Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ is strongly emerging as a
missionary church. Planting new congregations is a high priority for this new church body.

There were, of course many workshops to attend and district meetings. There is no requirement to join a district, but
an opportunity to combine forces and resources in geographical areas and where congregations share similar core
values. We, at Sierra Lutheran are part of the Evangelical Renewal District – intentionally renewal-minded and Holy
Spirit driven. The ERD is closely aligned with the Alliance of Renewal Congregations, and will have a combined
gathering in San Diego July 11-13, 2011. I hope we can send some of our folks to that renewal event.

May this new group of Christians, of which we are a part, who happen to be Lutheran, be a church on their knees in
prayer, keeping the central focus on the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ and the mission: to make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit! To God Be The Glory!

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Let us not forget to give thanks to the Lord for what He has done for us by worshiping Him Wednesday, November 24
at 7:00 p.m. We will be bringing non-perishable cans of food to the altar to support our Food Bank. Special music
will punctuate the service as we thank God for our nation and our lives in Jesus Christ.

COMMUNITY-WIDE THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Our mountain and foothill community will host a service of Thanksgiving and Praise Sunday evening, November 21 at
6:00pm. A number of churches will share their praise teams and musical groups as we gather at the Presentation
Center at Sierra High School. Our own Robert DuPree is in charge of organizing the service. Any group wanting to
supply special music, please, contact Robert.

ANNUAL MEETING, PART I

Sunday, November 21 will be our opportunity to come together in a joint service at 9:00 a.m. to worship our Lord and
go right into the first portion of our Annual Meeting. We will recommend and approve our budget at that time. All
voting members are welcome to the follow-on meeting.

Newsletter 2
 Notes from the Administrator. . .
“Love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life.”
 Deuteronomy 30:20 

Fall is finally here! Seems like the end of the year is quickly approaching, so watch your bulletin, newsletter, email
and check out www.sierralutheranchurch.com to find out about all the happenings that are coming up.

ANNUAL MEETING PART I - Please mark your calendar now for Sunday, November 21’s annual congregational
meeting. This will be a 1-service Sunday. We will be electing new council members and voting on the 2011 budget.
These meetings are very important in the life of our church, and we’d like to see as many of you as possible
participate. The proposed budget has been posted in the Narthex, so take a look ahead of time so you can come
with questions. The most important thing you can do is pray for God’s will to be done as these decisions are made.
All “business” is God’s business and we want to be sure we are following Him, not leading Him. Please pray for
confirmation of the council nominees as well as the budget. 1 John 4:1a “Test the spirits to see whether they are
from God…”

DIRECTORY UPDATES – Becki LaVoy-Jordan will be putting together directory updates for the recent photo directory.
She hopes to have them done by mid-November. Please take a look at your printed information in the directory and
let her know if any changes need to be made. Call her at 298-5184, or email her at davidnbecki@gmail.com.

FUNDRAISER CALENDAR – In an effort to aid in successful fundraising activity within our congregation, as well as
help the congregation to not feel inundated with requests for donations on a regular basis, the Team Leaders and
Council have decided to have a Fundraiser Calendar for the entire year. This way, these activities will be scheduled
so we can see ahead of time if they will conflict with other fundraising activities. If your ministry is planning to have
future fundraisers, please contact me prior to planning at 855-2861 or ljpape@netptc.net. I can then post the
calendar so the congregation will know what’s coming up. Just another way to keep us all informed.

Now that you have this information, we will look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting. Because we have the
new directory, we know how to find you, and if you decide not to show up, we will vote you in as the organizer for
the next fundraiser! Looks like you better show up! 

Your Servant in Christ,

Lori Pape

SUNDAY
November 7, 2010

Newsletter 3
 Freefalling Youth
By: Robert Dupree

I don’t have a lot to talk about this month other than to let everybody
know about a great event we have coming up. In the past we have been part of
the community Thanksgiving service. It’s always very fun and uplifting. This
year I have taken on the task of putting this service together and am really
quite excited about it.
This year’s service will be on Sunday, November 21st at 6 pm. I am not
putting an ending time on it this year “that’s for the Holy Spirit to decide”.
We already have many of the mountain community Churches participating with
worship, testimonies, praise moments etc…. There will be more info to come as
the event planning unfolds. As always I could sure use prayer for the
preparation. I hope to see you all there and am very excited to spend
thanksgiving with this community.
Robert
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

22nd ANNUAL ADVENT WORKSHOP

Advent Workshop on Sunday, November 28, 2010
From 4pm to 7pm (The Sunday right after Thanksgiving)
There will be many adorable Christmas crafts, lots of
Christmas music, great fellowship and a deliciously
Wonderful hot soup super, also. There is NO admission fee.
There is a minimal fee for each craft that you choose to make
Just to cover the cost of materials. The hot soup supper is FREE also.

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the festivities for the

First Sunday in our Advent season!!!!

Mandi (Jordan) Coburn is the Coordinator this year.

You can call her at 841-8393 (evenings) or
Becki La Voy-Jordan 298-5184
Please call if you can help or if you have any questions.

COME JOIN US IN THE PREPARATION FOR THE BIRTH

OF OUR BELOVED LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!!!!

Newsletter 4
KITCHEN CORNER

Let us catch you up on what we have done to change the way we were thinking about GOD’S KITCHEN.
Way back when we thought we would be building our chapel and we would then have the all purpose room to keep
tables in to feed people as much as we could. We were going for a Public Restaurant following the counties codes all
the way.

We have now realized that we know there will not be a chapel in the near future, however; we were not changing
our idea of a public restaurant. We just could not figure out how we could get the kitchen completed with all the
county codes. I now believe that God had a hand in making it a problem to have the kitchen as we were going.

We have now felt that we were not hearing GOD’s words to us as he was saying, “MY CHURCH KITCHEN.” We now
know where we are going in His kitchen. We have a plan.

We now have a mission statement: TO KNOW AND SERVE JESUS CHRIST THROUGH HIS KITCHEN. “FEED MY SHEEP”
John 21: 15-16-17

We thank you for supporting God’s kitchen.

God Be With You, Shirley Markus

****************************************************************
Outreach Report for November
The Outreach Team had an amazing experience helping to build one of the Habitat for Humanity homes south of
Fresno at the corner of North Ave and Clara on Saturday, October 23rd. When this "Clara North" project is completed
there will be 11 homes that will have been built using all volunteer labor. Experiencing a project like this is indeed
seeing Christ in Action. Keep tuned for further opportunities to participate in one of the Habitat days - either at the
Restore that we helped at in September
or out at the:"Clara North" project.
For November we are hoping to "warm up" some of our neighbors here in our community with our Hats, Gloves,
Scarves, and Socks Drive. Any of these clothing articles will be a welcome addition to our Clothes Storehouse, started
by Samantha Dupree. We hope to be able to pass out these extras at the November food give away. The weather has
already turned cold so every warm piece of clothing will be put to good use. This is a great way to be a "Good
Samaritan" and participate in an Outreach Project. Our whole church family is on this team!! There will be a box in
the narthex or give the clothing to either Samantha or Lynda.

Looking ahead to December the Outreach Team hopes to bring willing voices together to make a "joyful noise" to
various people and places in our local community. Christmas Carols are a wonderful way to spread the good news of
the birth of our Savior. All are welcome. Dates and times are still to be announced, so be on the look out.

This is the month of Thanksgiving. Reach out to at least one person who may need to feel a tender touch of caring.
We never know how that one phone call or that one visit may be just what was needed. The gift of time is the greatest
gift of all. We all are the vessels of the Holy Spirit. Take the time to show Christ's spirit to a loved one who needs
His anointing touch. May blessings abound for all of you as we enter this special time of the year. Remember: Arms
are for hugging.
Peace and abundance to all.
Lynda Qualls

Hi Sierra Lutheran Family,

I found out last month that I was supposed to write an article for the newsletter each month,
Newsletter 5
 when Sallie Karp called me and said she had written my article for me I was very thankful.
I’m actually wearing two hats and at times they both want to be on my head at the same time;
Volunteer, Coordinator and Resource Person.
Since the church and its members are going through some very hard time, asking for volunteers to help out has
become absolutely necessary. Sallie Karp, Lynda Qualls and I put on a skit one Sunday urging people to
volunteer when asked. We passed out a “Needs Survey” and I have received quite a few back.
(Some people have volunteered for several things).
As for volunteers for the office (since we don’t have a paid secretary) people have stepped up to help there:
Tuesday and Friday Judy Hess – Zindar until real estate improves, Joyce Velasquez Wednesdays until tax season
starts, Carol Lane Thursday and she prepares the bulletin.
Thank you to all of them. I’m very thankful that Cathy Jolley has volunteered to prepare the Newsletter and
Samantha Dupree puts it on our website. Nordine Sanders is our food coordinator for people who need food for
a couple of weeks, after an illness or surgery. Call her if you are willing to help with this.
I appreciate everyone who has been willing to help out.

Blessings, Carol Lawrence

SIERRA LUTHERAN
HELPING HANDS !

Hope and Joy

Join the ladies of Hope and Joy when they meet November 13th at noon for a potluck lunch at the
home of Judy Aylward….Please RSVP to Judy 855-8836.
Luncheon will be followed by a short business meeting and bible study….study this month is on
Herodius.
Outreach project for November we will be collecting hats, gloves scarves again but this month they are
to be given to the homeless in Fresno.
For further info call Doreen Pickering….855-3797

Newsletter 6
TO YOUR HEALTH - Flu shots and Whooping Cough immunizations from Fran Garwick, NP

The “Flu Season” is upon us, along with Whooping Cough and other upper respiratory system
illnesses. Many people in our community have no health insurance because they are no longer
insured or feel they don’t need health care. Unfortunately,. That puts the rest of the community at
risk. Those particularly affected are infants and children and older adults. I have borrowed the
following information from the Center for Disease control (CDC).
Diptheria
is a bacteria that causes very thick mucus, difficulty breathing, paralysis, heart failure and even death.
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
causes very painful muscle spasms over the entire body. This disease kills 1 out of 5 who are infected.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
is an upper respiratory disease caused by a bacteria that is easily spread by coughing and poor hand washing (or NO
hand washing). Pertussis is very contagious and is particularly dangerous in infants, children and older adults. The
cough can be so severe that the ribs hurt. You can get whooping cough more than once but, if you get the vaccine, it
will not be as serious.
You can protect yourself, your family and others by taking advantage of flu shots which is NOT a
live virus. The CDC makes the following recommendations:
Children 6 years old and younger need the vaccinations against tetanus, diptheria and pertussis.
Older children, adolescents, and adults over 50 need the Td (Tetanus, Diptheria) and Tdap
(Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccines for protection.
You can read the CDC guidelines by going to their website at
www.cdc.gov/vaccines, or call 1-800-232-4636, www.WebMD.com, your local or state health department, or discuss
with your medical care provider. I will have printouts available for anyone who needs one.
Please contact me if you have questions. Fran Garwick, NP

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Newsletter News:
It has been my pleasure to work on the newsletter. This is something I find fun and relaxing to do.
I will admit I don’t always feel relaxed but I’m always having fun.
I hope that everyone knows how to receive the newsletter.
Please pass on this information:
a) e-mail
b) viewing on church web site
c) hard copy which will be in the Narthex
Contact me if you have any problems with receiving the newsletter.
Cathy Jolley 855-4048
Newsletter 7
 Weekly Scheduled Events

Monday
3:15 – 7:30 p.m. “Free Falling” (Middle & Senior High Ministry)- Youth Room
Robert & Samantha Dupree – 273-5246
7:00 p.m. AA Meeting – Room 2 – Men – 855-4187

Tuesday
9:00 a.m. Women’s Group – Knittel Home – Bonnie Knittel – 855-7777
12:30 p.m. Women’s Group – Library – Sallie Karp – 855-2152 and Nordine Sanders
6:15 p.m. Co. D.A.- Library – 855-8340
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice – Sanctuary – Jerry & Fran Garwick – 323-6603
7:00 p.m. Life Group – McCann Home – David and Bev McCann – 298-0609
7:00 p.m. Life Group – Jumps Home – Paul and Arlene Jumps – 855-2261

Wednesday
6:30 p.m. Youth Band – Sanctuary – Robert Dupree – 273-5246
7:00 p.m. Guitar Group – Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday – Room 2

Thursday
6:30 p.m. Praise and Worship Team – Sanctuary – Gregg & Jodi Jordan – 855-4145
7:00 p.m. AA Meeting – Room 2 – Men – 855-4187

Saturday
Noon Hope and Joy – (2nd Sat. of each month)
(Call Doreen Pickering – 855-3797 for location of meeting)

Sunday
10:45a.m. Life Group – Library – John & Joyce Velasquez – 855-3149
4:00 p.m. Women’s AA – Library – Women – 855-3162

Pastoral Team

Ministers: Every follower of Jesus Christ

Pastor:
Church Administrator:
Youth Minister:
Children’s Ministry:
Nursery Director:
John Seathre – 855-8989
Lori Pape – 855-2861
Robert DuPree – 273-5246
Samantha Flanagan-DuPree – 273-7617
Cathy Jolley – 855-4048

Office hours: Mon. thru Fri. 9:00 a.m. – noon

Church website: www.sierralutheranchurch.com
Church e-mail: slc@netptc.net
Telephone: 559-855-8989

32410 Rockhill Lane, Auberry, California 93651

Newsletter 8
 November 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6
7pm-AA Meeting 7pm-Choir Practice 6:30pm-Praise Team
7pm-AA Meeting

7 8 9 10 11 12 13
DAYLIGHT SAVING 7pm-AA Meeting 7pm-Choir Practice 6:30pm-Praise Team 9am-Joseph’s
TIME ENDS 7pm-AA Meeting Store House
9am-Celebration
11am-Heritage
4pm-AA Meeting
6:33pm-Ascend 633

14 15 16 17 18 19 20
9am-Celebration 7pm-AA Meeting 7pm-Choir Practice 6:30pm-Praise Team
11am-Heritage 7pm-AA Meeting
4pm-AA Meeting
6:33pm-Ascend 633

21 22 23 24 25 26 27
9am-1 Service Sunday – 7pm-AA Meeting 7pm-Choir Practice THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING
Annual Meeting SERVICE 7PM DAY
4pm-AA Meeting 6:30pm-Praise Team
6pm-Community-Wide 9am-Food Bank 7pm-AA Meeting
Thanksgiving Service

28 29 30
9am-Celebration 7pm-AA Meeting 7pm-Choir Practice
11am-Heritage
4pm-AA Meeting Newsletter
4pm-7pm – Advent Deadline
Workshop

Sierra Lutheran News 9

 November 2010 Worship Assistants

Nov. 7 Nov 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 28

Altar Guild Susan/Shelley Shelley Shelley/Becky Shelley

Greeters 9 am Joyce R & Barbara Rod & Marcia Alan & Sue Gloria & Stacey

11 am Jim & Shirley Mary Ann ONE SERVICE @ 9am Randell & Ann

Ushers 9 am Pat & Jim C’Rae & Bill Bev & Dave Joni & Dave
& & & &
Linda W Jenny Bob Gloria

11 am Jim & Shirley Mary Ann ONE SERVICE @ 9am Randall & Ann

Readers 9 am Mike Chris David Jordan Pat

11 am Randall Stan --- Fran

God’s Word 9 am ---- ??? ---- ??? ???

Computer 9 am Shelley Carol/Shelley Shelley Tim/Shelley

Communion 9 am John & Lori Mike & Joyce R.

Assistants & Fern & Debby

11 am T. George

Prayer 9 am Yes Yes

Stations

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.

Sierra Lutheran News 10