Pastor Todd’s Thoughts INSIDE THIS ISSUE: President’s Note 2 Food Closet Update 3 Featured Events 3 Shepherd’s Field Update 4 Prayer Work- shop 5 Follow Us: Instagram 5 From the Deacons 5 Women’s Ministry 6 Official Church Acts 6 iMPACT Ministry 7 Contact Information 8 SHEPHERD’S STAFF * FEBRUARY 2014 CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.sactownchurch.com Extravagant generosity is an attitude of the heart. It is a desire to give so that others may have opportunities to thrive and grow. It certainly involves a strong financial component, but it is not limited to just giving money and sometimes money is not a part of it at all. This spiritual quality of extravagant generosity has been something that has characterized this congregation from the beginning, and it is our focus for the month of February. This month you will be invited to share a unique journey into the heart of extravagant generosity. I will be presenting a sermon series on the topic that will feature a unique synthesis of the preached Word and a powerful multi-media component. To further deepen the impact, we will also be meeting in small group sessions during this month to discuss what God is saying to us through the presentations and how we are being led to respond. So please, enjoy the messages on Sunday and take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in a small group. PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.sactownchurch.com for current updates and informaon about Good Shepherd. Also coming soon: Facebook and Twier
Transcript
Pastor Todd’s Thoughts
I N S I D E
T H I S I S S U E :
President’s
Note
2
Food Closet
Update
3
Featured
Events
3
Shepherd’s
Field Update
4
Prayer Work-
shop
5
Follow Us:
Instagram
5
From the
Deacons
5
Women’s
Ministry
6
Official
Church Acts
6
iMPACT
Ministry
7
Contact
Information
8
S H E P H E R D ’ S S T A F F * F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4
CHECK OUT OUR NEW
WEBSITE:
www.sactownchurch.com
Extravagant generosity is an attitude of the
heart.
It is a desire to give so that others may have
opportunities to thrive and grow. It certainly
involves a strong financial component, but it is
not limited to just giving money and sometimes
money is not a part of it at all.
This spiritual quality of extravagant generosity
has been something that has characterized this
congregation from the beginning, and it is our
focus for the month of February.
This month you will be invited to share a unique
journey into the heart of extravagant generosity. I will be presenting a sermon series
on the topic that will feature a unique synthesis of the preached Word and a powerful
multi-media component. To further deepen the impact, we will also be meeting in
small group sessions during this month to discuss what God is saying to us through the
presentations and how we are being led to respond.
So please, enjoy the messages on Sunday and take advantage of the opportunity to be
involved in a small group.
PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE:
www.sactownchurch.com
for current updates and information about Good Shepherd.
Also coming soon: Facebook and Twitter
P A G E 2
President’s Note
Hard to think of February without thinking Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
My personal approach to Valentine’s Day is “let’s not and say we did!” This year, how-
ever, I am going to use the occasion to think about the many things I truly love about
Good Shepherd. Here goes………
I love how, depending on when you arrive on Sunday morning, the parking lot is
packed!
I love how, no matter which service you attend on Sunday – your spiritual bucket
will be filled to the brim when you leave.
I love the joy I see in our children when they gather for Children’s Sermon time
with Cathleen Demant -a very special gift every week.
I love the rich heritage of traditional hymns and music of the Choir and Bell Choir in
our 8:30am service as much as I treasure the incredible musical talents of Jeff
Shulz and the Worship Team in our 11:00am service. Personally, I feel our
worship experience is enhanced beyond measure because of these talented
and dedicated groups of musicians.
I love how our congregation includes people from all walks of life, backgrounds
and professional experiences, united in our love for the Lord and his Church.
I love the general buzz when you walk onto Campus, into a service, a class, the
coffee fellowship – folks are really happy to see each other.
I love when I walk past the IKON Room, especially on a Wednesday evening, and
see all these young people with Drew singing, laughing, gathering as
friends…..it’s infectious!
I love how nearly every small child in our Church knows who Rick Morat is and
makes a bee line to get a candy sucker! (with parental permission, of course).
I love how there are a gizzilion (yes, that’s a word) choices for engaging in Bible
Study – not just Sunday. There are groups meeting nearly every day all over
the place!
I love how we rejoice in each other’s joys and celebrations of life’s milestones as
well as how we pray over each other when we know God’s special healing and
touch is needed in someone’s life.
I love when the Preschool has it’s Spring Sing – if those little cherubs don’t put a
smile in your heart and your face…..you probably should check your pulse!
I love when I look out at Shepherd’s Field and I see it being cared for and think
about how that little plot of land is enriching someone’s life.
I love how many kid’s lives in our neighborhood have been touched by God’s
grace because they came to an Impact camp or another Impact activity.
I love that we have Trustees, Council, and chairs of many committees who serve
with a heart open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, I love that we have a Senior Pastor who is so gifted by the Holy Spirit in his
teaching and preaching that I’m always left thinking “How did he know I
needed to hear that today?”
Of course, I could go on – but then what would I share with you on Valentine’s Day
next year? Blessings to you all!
Gretchen Eischen Council President
Sierra Arden Neighborhood Food Closet
P A G E 3
Featured Events
During December we handed out food to 1466 people. This represented 399
families including 196 families who got Christmas baskets.
We are filled with gratitude as we complete 2013 for the food in zip codes 95825
and 95864. Many of you donated food while some brought us cash, and both
have been extremely helpful. Thank you so much for your generosity.
These gifts allowed us to procure 54,350 pounds of food from Foodlink and
37,200 pounds from Senior Gleaners at about 15 cents / pound. We go through
about 2000 pounds per week, so every donation has helped us give nutritious
offerings to our neighbors.
Hunger does not end at the end of the year. We will need your continuous support during 2014. For the next two months
we would like to focus on donations of cereal, chili, and packets of oatmeal and cocoa.
Again, a huge thank you for everything you have done for us during the last year. God has richly blessed us through all
of your donations.
Donations are accepted during regular hours, Monday through Friday: 9:30 to 11:30 am. Thank you again for the contin-
uing support. Call us at 483-1942 if you have questions.
This Month Every Week
Monday Mom’s In Prayer (Welcome
Room in back on Sanctuary) at 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday Bell Rehearsal (Sanctuary) at
6:00 p.m. IKON: (Youth Room) at 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir: Fireside Room at
7:00 p.m. Thursday Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study
(Fireside Room) at 6:10 a.m. Prayer Fellowship (Welcome
Room in back on Sanctuary) at 9:00 a.m.
Bible Study (Fireside Room) at 10:00 a.m.
Friday FROGS (Fireside Room) at 10:00
a.m.
Every Sunday
7:45 a.m. Come As You Are Service (Fireside Room)
8:30 a.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Ser-vice (Sanctuary)
9:50 a.m. Bible Study (Fireside Room)
9:50 a.m. Children’s Ministry (Sanctuary)
4:30 p.m. Holy Yoga
2/1/14 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast (Fireside Room) at 7:30 a.m.
2/2/14 Blood Pressure Screening (Sanctuary) at 9:50 a.m.
2/8/14-2/9/14 Jr. High Winter Camp (Off Campus)
2/11/14 Deacons Meeting (Choir Room) at 6:00 p.m.
2/15/14 F(4) Women’s Fellowship (Fireside Room) at 9:30 a.m.
2/17/14 Church Office Closed
2/18/14 (Office) Trustees Meeting at 6:00 p.m., Church Council at 7:15 p.m.
2/28/14 Club 456 (Fellowship Hall) at 6:30p.m
FEBRUARY 2014
P A G E 4
“Time and
responsibilities are
flexible and you
don’t necessarily
need to be a
garden expert.”
Shepherd’s Field Update
While it’s still February, plans have begun for another successful season in Shepherd’s Field. We have approximately thirty families participating and plans are in place to expand again in 2014. Feel a calling to participate/minister? Following are some ways to get in-volved:
Spending time greeting visitors and talking to participants
Obtaining a plot or row of your own (provides an opportunity to better interact with our neighbors)
Seed starting Spring/Summer Vegetables to help keep costs down (Tomatoes and Peppers in February and Squash and melons in March)
Planting/pruning/trimming/composting/working on the drip system
Work Days in March/April (roto-tilling, moving dirt/compost, raised bed con-struction, etc.)
If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a “core” volunteer for Shepherd’s Field, please contact Jeff Macomber at [email protected]. We are looking for at least one additional individual to assist Jeff and Rick as a “core” volunteer coordinating Shep-herd’s Field. Time and responsibilities are flexible and you don’t necessarily need to be a garden expert.
Prayer Workshop Opportunity
P A G E 5
Can we help? Remember your Deacons are here to serve the Congregation. If you have a question, a
concern, or a suggestion for the benefit of our church family, or a matter regarding our spiritual welfare or direc-
tion, please pass it along to a Deacon.
During the month of February you may contact Rita Danial at 388-4302 or [email protected], and
Women’s Ministry Faith Circle – will meet not meet in February. Check next month for
March’s location. This women’s Bible Study works from a DVD se-
ries, Fire on The Mountain, by Ray Vanderlaan. Please contact
Shirley Seatris at 483-0451for more information.
Rebecca Circle – will meet
on Monday, February 10, at
10:00 a.m., at the home of
Shirley Dickson to continue
their DVD study, The Early
Church. This group meets in
various homes on the second Monday of
each month at 10 :00 a.m. and is open to all
women, contact Shirley Dickson or Shirley
Seatris at 483-0451 for more information.
(F)4 … Fellowship, Friendship, for Females – will meet on Saturday, February 15, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room. This is a fun and casual opportunity to meet other women within your church community. Come and share a time of friendship over coffee and devotion. (F)4 meets on the third Saturday of each month and is open to all women!
Mom’s In Prayer – meets Monday morning at
9:30 a.m. in the Welcome Room located off the
worship center. Moms of all ages are welcome to
join us as we praise our Heavenly Father and lay
before Him our prayer concerns. New faces are
always welcome!
For more information regarding opportunities in Women’s Ministry, please
contact Shirley Seatris, Ministry Associate, at 483-0451 (ext 106) or
January Official Church Acts : Deaths : Irene Karlstad - 01/01/14
P A G E 7
Making an iMPACT in 2014! Ways to get involved this Winter.
New Opportunity: Youth Job Training Program The Objective: To train neighborhood high school students (those who’ve “aged-out” of iMPACT programming) in the follow-ing areas so that they might obtain skills to get their 1
st job:
Customer Service (listening, eye contact, how to talk to customers) Job Etiquette (what to wear, hygiene, how to talk to your boss) Money Handling (how to make change; how to account/report what you received) Food Handling & Safety Additional career enhancing workshops (like resume writing, mock interviews) will be offered at a later time. The Question: Would you be willing to help facilitate a 30-45 mi-nute training session to help support iMPACT’s new Job Training Program? iMPACT Staff will be present at all sessions. Training Dates: 5-Sunday sessions will be offered in March (2
nd, 9
th, 16
th, 23
rd & 30
th).
Place: All sessions will be held on Good Shepherd’s campus. Time(s): Either from 9:30am-11am (education hour) or 12pm-1:30pm (after church services). Please contact me for additional details or to sign-up! With gratitude, Amy E. Smith, iMPACT Director [email protected] (916) 213-1586
All 60 campers received a stuffed animal, a gift bag full of treats, and a highly sought after Japanese toy called a Ken-dama!
Girls of Grace @ Arden Fair Mall to see Fro-zen and to open their gifts from the church.
Thanks to Dan Philippi our kids received a gently used Foosball Table!
Christmas Highlights iMPACT Ministry Update Thank you Good Shepherd for your love, continued support, and special donations given to iMPACT in 2013.
