January 2022

Monthly Messenger
Saron Lutheran Church

From the Pastor’s Desk Events in December

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am 1/1 New Years Day
bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to 1/6 Epiphany
you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the 1/8 Women’s Breakfast
Messiah, the Lord” - Luke 2:10-11 1/9 Bible Study
1/12 Women’s Prayer Meeting
As we wind down from the festivities of the holiday season, 1/17 Martin Luther King Day
we are confronted with a new year. While much is (Office Closed)
different, much will stay the same. We are entering our 1/20 Church Council Meeting
third year of a global pandemic and a new variant is
threatening the health and safety of many. There is a strong Mark your Calendars
desire for the virus to simply go away so we can go back to
life as usual, to go back to ministry as usual, so we can fully 2/6 Annual Meeting
celebrate beloved traditions and programs as a church 2/21 President’s Day
community. (Office Closed)

While we continue to take precautions and wait, this is an

opportunity to think outside of the box, to reach out to Join us for Worship!
friends and neighbors in new ways. To proclaim the love of
God, in all that we do and say, with everyone that we meet. Sundays at 9:30 am
To share and try new ideas for the sake of the gospel. While In the Sanctuary or
the unknown can be scary, it is full of exciting potential. I on the Saron Lutheran Church
look forward to a year of exploring and trying new things Facebook page
together as we utilize all our gifts and talents to do the work For those attending in person, face masks and
of the church. social distancing are required to prevent the
spread of COVID-19.
In all seasons, God is still with us and there is incredible Bulletins are sent via email every Friday.
hope to be had! We are not abandoned, we are beloved by a
God who has so much concern and compassion for the
world, that God took on human form and lived and dwelled
with all of creation. God is present in our deepest human Saron Staff
longings for community, familiarity, and tradition.
Rev. Callie Torres, Pastor
May the joy of Christmas and the hope that we receive in Louise Spurgeon, Secretary
Christ be with you and your loved ones. In this year and
every year, God is with us, Emmanuel!
Office Hours
In Love and Peace,
Monday through Friday
Pastor Callie Torres 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saron Lutheran Church
1742 North Street, Escalon, CA 95320
saronlutheranescalon.org
209-838-7695 | saronlutheran@att.net
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President’s Message Women’s Breakfast - January 8
Dear Saron Family, Mark your calendar for the next Women’s Breakfast
on Saturday, January 8th at 8:30 am at Velvet Grill
With COVID restrictions, we accomplished so & Creamery in Modesto on McHenry Ave. Please
much in 2021! Many thanks to all of you! let us know at the church office or call Doreen at
209-605-0951 as we will need to let the restaurant
Now, with 2022 upon us, we must look forward know how many to expect.
with cautious optimism. We must make our plans
for the upcoming year by scheduling services,
events and outreach. We know that we can and we
will deal with any curve balls that are thrown our
way! We have proven to be able to adjust and adapt
as necessary. We must continue living in an
informed and cautious way.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and

courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be
dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

May everyone have a healthy, happy and safe New

Year!

Blessings, Bible Study - January 9

The next Bible Study meeting will be after worship
Lisa Alessi, Council President on January 9th beginning around 10:30 am. We will
be continuing our study of the book of Esther. Bring
your questions, your ideas, your perspectives, and,
Birth Announcement most importantly, yourselves as we continue to
learn about the life of this Biblical heroine. We plan
to continue meeting on the second Sunday of every
month. All are welcome!

Volunteers Needed for Worship

Liturgy is the work of the people and you are
invited to help with worship at Saron. If you are
interested in serving as an assisting minister, lector,
usher, or providing altar flowers, please visit the
sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall or contact
saronlutheran@att.net to sign up!

Welcome Katie Holeman on January

2nd
On January 2nd, Katie Holeman will be leading
Milo Edgar McNinch was born to Naty and Mike
worship during Pastor Callie’s vacation. Katie is a
McNinch on November 29th, 2021. He weighed 8
recent seminary graduate and lives with her
pounds 2 ounces and was 20.5 inches long at birth.
husband and her four children in the Sacramento
Congratulations to the family for their newest
area where she is awaiting her first call. Please give
addition!
her a warm Saron welcome as she shares the Word
of God with us.

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Offering Envelopes
2022 offering envelopes have arrived! Boxes are
currently located in the Sanctuary and are labelled
with names. If you do not find your name on one of
the boxes, or you are in need of a box, please let the
office know and we will issue you a box of
envelopes as soon as possible.
Directory Update
The office is working on putting together an
updated directory for 2022. If you would like to
update your address, phone number, email address,
or birthday for the new directory, please let the
office know.
January C.A.R.E. Donations
This month, Community Action Resources of
Escalon (C.A.R.E.) is collecting tuna and other
canned meats to support those in need in our
community. Other non-perishable food items
(cooking oils, seasonings, pasta, rice, canned goods,
etc.) will joyfully be accepted as well. If you would
like to make a financial donation please make your
check payable to Saron and write “C.A.R.E.” in the
memo line or put a cash donation in an envelope
marked with “C.A.R.E.”
Women’s Prayer Meeting - January
12
Incredible things happen when women get together
to pray for one another, for the church, and the
world! Join for an opportunity to talk about the
power of prayer, share prayer requests, and pray
together. The next prayer meeting is scheduled for
January 12th at noon. W e plan to continue meeting
on the second Wednesday of every month. Please
join us!
Saron Choir Haitus
Choir rehearsals are on a hiatus until January 23rd.
Once rehearsals begin again, all voices are welcome
to join the choir at 8:45 am on Sunday mornings.
The ability to read music is not required to
participate. Hope to see you there!
Annual Meeting Announcement
Please mark your calendars for the Annual
Congregational Meeting which will be held on
February 6th after worship. This is an important
opportunity to elect new representatives to the
Congregational Council, present the budget for the
new ministry year, discuss any other important
business as a congregation, and enjoy a delicious
breakfast together. More information will be sent
prior to the meeting.
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We are a congregation called to faithfully follow Jesus Christ by sharing the inclusive love of
God with our neighbor using our gifts joyfully in worship and service.

Together we use our gifts to move into God’s future inviting all we encounter with the hope
of the Gospel

January Birthdays Saron Lutheran Church Council

04 Miguel (Dahlin) Lisa Alessi, President
08 Joyce Moe Louise Spurgeon, Vice-President
13 Harrion Grossi Becky Emery, Secretary
13 Abigael Pendleton Dave Strand, Treasurer
14 Steve Rose Krista Adametz
18 Sarah Rose Laurence Peters
24 Shane Spears Gary Thomasser
30 Paige Armstrong

February Messenger Deadline

If you have any news or announcements that you
would like included in next month’s messenger
please submit it to saronlutheran@att.net by
Wednesday, January 20th.

Find Us On
Facebook
Search for
@SaronLutheranEscalon
and look for the photo of
our church. Follow for
Sunday worship, news from
our church, and more!

Contact Pastor Callie

If you have any questions, suggestions, or prayer
concerns please feel free to contact Pastor Callie at Saron Lutheran Church is part of the
pastorcallie.saron@gmail.com or 209-425-3390. Evangelical Lutheran Church
(text/call). She is eager to hear from you! in America