Altadena
Valley
Presbyterian
Church
-
www.avpc.org
Volume CLXXXVIII
March 1, 2016
The Saltshaker
Easter @ AVPCMarch 11
Mom’s Conference—Friday,
Unhitching from
the Parenting Crazy Train
Inside this issue:
Feature:
Mom’s Conference
1
Pastor’s Pen
Session/Diaconate
Minutes
2
A Women’s Night Out
with Julie Sparkman
Meet Our New Members —
Kevin & Jill Nelson
3
Friday March 11,
6:30-9:00 p.m.
AVPC News
4
Children’s Ministry
God’s House
Kindergarten
5
Youth Happenings
6
Mercy Team Update
Missions News
7
Volunteer Schedules
Budget Report
Birthdays
8
SPECIAL POINTS OF
INTEREST:
Meet Our New
Members—Kevin &
Jill Nelson
Game Night
Easter and Good
Friday Details
www.avpc.org
“You had a picture in your mind
of how your life would look by
now. You’ve spent years working
toward it only to realize that
you’ve hitched your hopes to
people and circumstances you
can’t control: the child who won’t
get with the program, the job that
got downsized, the storybook
marriage that has included
chapters you never expected.
Even your body can’t be counted
on to respond as it should. You’re hitched to the Crazy Train, and you want to get off…”
Julie Sparkman
Most women, whether or not they have biological children, have a deep desire to care for
and nurture others. But that good desire often leads to frustration, anxiety, and
disappointment. Whatever your age or circumstances, we would love for you to join us on
March 11 for a night of truth-telling, humor, and encouragement for women who have
experienced the painful side of nurturing and want to know where to find rest and hope.
For many at AVPC, Julie Sparkman needs no introduction.
She and her family were members here for several years,
and she still calls our church the place where she “learned
the Gospel.” God has since used her as a counselor and
speaker to show many more people what it means to live
the Gospel in community. We’re so excited to welcome
Julie back, and we can’t wait to hear what she has to share
with us! In fact, we may kidnap her and not let her leave
again. (Would that be wrong?)
Childcare is available but limited. Go to avpc.org and
click on “Upcoming Events,” then
“Mom’s Conference” to register.
Betty Carter, Children’s Director
Page 2
Pastor’s Pen: The Devil and Carpet Selection
Three things happened to me today, and I wonder if they are connected. First, part of my
Bible reading this morning included this verse from 1 Peter 5: “Be sober-minded; be
watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to
devour.” The second thing that happened was spending some time at this morning’s staff
meeting discussing the process to be followed in choosing new sanctuary carpet and pew
cushions for our church. We have put money in the budget this year to replace these two
things and to hire an interior designer to assist us in making this decision, and we are
now beginning to move ahead with this. Then I had lunch with someone who was telling
me about a big church fight that erupted in a church in which he was involved over the topic of (you
guessed it) church carpeting in the sanctuary.
Though the only stalking I have ever witnessed being done by a lion was on television, it is a sobering
thing to witness. This powerful king of the jungle relies on stealth in seeking its prey. Utilizing the
ability to move quietly, as well as great patience, the lion waits for just the right moment to make its
powerful and swift move, pouncing upon its unsuspecting prey before it knows what happened. The
devil does the same, and he has often done so surrounding such seemingly trivial issues as church carpet
selection. Of course, the issue isn’t really the color of the carpet. The real issue is that we seek to bolster
our insecurity by wanting everyone to agree with our sense of taste. So differences become not just
different preferences but attacks on our identity.
Be sober-minded;
be watchful. Your
adversary the devil
prowls around like a
roaring lion,
seeking someone to
devour.
1 Peter 5
So let’s be on guard for the devil’s attacks, especially
in small areas where we don’t suspect him. The next
verse goes on to tell us how. “Resist him, firm in your
faith.” It is the truth of the gospel that strengthens us
to resist him. The gospel teaches us that our identity is
both exalted and secure, founded upon the very life,
death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Brad Allison
Pastor
Session & Diaconate Minutes
Session Meeting, January 19
• Jerry Dyson will serve as the Stated Clerk of the Session for 2016.
• The final General Fund 2016 Budget was reviewed and approved.
• The Session approved the following for membership: Pat Fiol, Linda Orteza, Avram Smith, Daniel
Smith, and Rachel Weaver.
• The missions committee approved a $1,000 gift for Steve and Laura Morgan (Serge).
• Ken Francis, Cal Martin, and Karl Poythress were designated as delegates to the next Presbytery
meeting.
Diaconate Meeting, February 9
• The following are major maintenance items that are fully funded in the approved 2016 budget:
• Engage Decorating Consultant (for color/product selection)
• Sanctuary Carpeting Replacement
• Sanctuary Pew Pads/Covers Replacement
• Fireside Room Carpeting Replacement
• Church Building Exterior: Clean/Repair/Paint
• John Franklin presented the final recommendations from the Signage Committee. The
recommendations cover the large church sign, small church sign, and the Altadena Park sign.
Page 3
Meet Our New Members—Kevin & Jill Nelson
How did you first find out about our church? Kevin: I’ve been
knowing about AVPC all my life. First time I heard about it was
in my childhood years. Jill: I first found out about AVPC through
my husband, Kevin. He has several family members buried in the
cemetery.
What have you enjoyed about AVPC the most? Kevin: I enjoy
seeing how close knit everyone is and the warm welcome that I
get when I’m here at AVPC. Jill: What I enjoy most at AVPC is
the children. I am blessed to work in the nursery and also at God’s
House Kindergarten.
Where were you born and raised and what do you remember
most about your childhood? Kevin: I was born and raised here
in Birmingham. What I remember most from my childhood is
spending time with family. Jill: I was born in Decatur, AL in
1980. A few months before my 11th birthday, my family and I
moved to Cullman, my dad’s hometown. The thing I remember
most about growing up is always having friends and family at our
house.
“My hope for AVPC
is… for the church to
continue showing
God's love through
the people there. I
love how welcoming
AVPC is to everyone
that walks through the
doors. I hope that
AVPC continues to
grow spiritually as a
church and
congregation as
well.”
As a young man/woman, I thought I would be… Kevin: Computer Programmer, but now I am
actually a Quality Control Operator for retirement accounts. Jill: As a young woman I always wanted
to be an elementary school teacher, a wife, and a mom. In reality, I am a preschool teacher and a wife
to Kevin. We are still patiently waiting for God to bless us as parents.
I knew I was grown up when… Kevin: I bought my own first car. Jill: I knew I was grown up when I
moved from Cullman in 2010 on my 30th birthday to Birmingham. It was the first time I had left home
on my own.
How did you meet your spouse? What was special to you about your spouse? Kevin: I met Jill on
MySpace. She sent me a friend request and we had our first date two weeks later. The special thing
about Jill is her patience, a big heart, and the love for children. Jill: I met my husband Kevin on
Myspace back in 2009. I had recently gotten out of a relationship and I was ready to start dating again.
I was working at Cullman DHR and I sent a friend request to Kevin at work. Kevin has a big heart and
cares for people. He makes me feel like I am the most important person in his life.
How long have you been married? What have you done together in your marriage that has
meant the most to you or been the most enjoyable? Kevin: We have been married almost five years.
What means the most to me is to spend quality time with Jill. Jill: We have been married since October
8, 2011. We started a little tradition of taking an anniversary trip each year. So far, we have gone to
Mentone, Orange Beach, Callaway Gardens, and Franklin, Tennessee. We pick up a little gift to
remember our trips. We also enjoy weekend day trips together.
The ultimate vacation for me would be… Kevin: A quiet vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Jill: My
ultimate vacation would be to go to New York City with Kevin and spend a week or so there and see
all the sights.
My all-time favorite movie is… Kevin: Star Wars. Jill: I have several favorite movies. I enjoy Mary
Poppins, Beaches, and The Polar Express.
My favorite restaurant is… Kevin: Davenport’s Pizza because they simply make the best pizza in
town. Jill: My favorite restaurant is Davenport’s Pizza. It was a second or third date with Kevin so it
has a special place in my heart.
My hope for AVPC is… Kevin: that it could reach out to all people about God’s love. Jill: For the
church to continue showing God’s love through the people there. I love how welcoming AVPC is to
everyone that walks through the doors. I hope that AVPC continues to grow spiritually as a church and
congregation as well.
Page 4
AVPC News
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS MARCH 13.
DON’T FORGET TO SPRING FORWARD!
—GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE—
March 25
GAME NIGHT
12:00-1:00 p.m.
March 18
Join us as we remember the suffering
of Christ on our behalf.
6:00 p.m.
Join us for a churchwide soup/chili
potluck dinner and
board game night on
Friday, March 18, at
6:00 p.m. in the
Fellowship Hall. All
adults are invited to
participate (children
grades 4 and up may
participate if
supervised by a
parent). Bring your
favorite board games
and sign up to bring a
soup, chili, appetizer,
drink, or dessert.
Childcare is provided
but there are a limited
number of spots. To
sign up to bring a
dinner item or to sign
up for childcare go to
www.avpc.org/
upcoming-events/
game-night.
We encourage you to invite your family,
friends, and co-workers for this special service.
(Childcare provided through age five.)
—EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES—
March 27
Sunrise Service | 7:00-7:15 a.m. | Cemetery
Join us as we celebrate Christ’s
victory over death and hell.
Breakfast | 7:20-8:15 a.m. | Fellowship Hall
Breakfast will be served after Sunrise Service.
Early Service | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
We encourage attendance at the early service to
allow room for visitors in the late service.
Sunday School | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Same Rooms
Late Service | 10:45-Noon | Sanctuary
PEOPLE NEWS AND PRAYER REQUESTS:
• Congratulations to AVPC member, Daniel Smith, for the recent debut of his new LED light for
piano stands. Daniel states, “I am happy to say that God has been with me in this journey this
past year. As some of you know, I am working as an entrepreneur, and right now I have been
led into serving the music industry. For the past 8 months, I have worked on a new patentpending LED light for piano stands, and it has been produced and is finally in stock in the US!
Praise the Lord!” You can check out Daniel’s new product on Amazon: “LED Life 40-LED
Musician’s Concert Performer Piano Music Stand Light BRIGHT!”
• We welcome Samantha Goodman as our new administrative assistant!
PREGNANCIES:
Jackie Boggs (due in March)
Julie McCallum (due in June)
Page 5
Children’s Ministry
Easter Egg Hunt
date change!
March 19 at
10:30 a.m.
Parents, Teachers, Pastors, Ministry Team Members, and other interested Folks,
Do you want to learn how to recognize and prevent child abuse in the church? On Saturday, March 5
from 8:00 a.m.-12 p.m., Boz Tchividijian of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian
Environments) will be speaking at Red Mountain Presbyterian Church. It would be great to go as a
group from Altadena and debrief afterwards at lunch. Email Betty ([email protected]) soon to get more
information and perhaps a plan to carpool. (Also, to learn about GRACE, check out their website at
netgrace.org.)
Betty Carter, Children’s Director
God’s House Kindergarten
The Wise Man and the Foolish Man—Which am I?
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them, he will be like a wise man.” These words are
from a song we are learning at God’s House based on the familiar passage in Luke 6. I always hope the
songs I choose will teach our young ones the way Christ wants us to live, but all too often I find myself
in need of the lesson! An incident just last week brought this to light. After reprimanding a K-5 student
for being too silly and talkative, his response showed me how easy it is to be the foolish man. As I
placed him in time-out for breaking the rules, his reply to me was, “But I only heard you say it one
time.” It seemed he assumed there should be lots of warnings before he would have to be responsible
for his actions, and that, in his mind, he had not disobeyed to the point of deserving discipline.
With this in mind, I was looking over the passage in Luke 6, and verse 46 summed up the young student’s waywardness and, regrettably, my own. “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I
say?” I realize that I’m very often like the five-year-old hoping to get away with wrongdoing even
though I know the rules. I need to practice what I preach, and learn to be wise!
Our students have been busy at work and play at God’s House. Our K-5 has just celebrated 100 days of
school! They have worked hard learning math facts and reading skills. We often hear that God’s House
students are well prepared for the next step in their education as they enter area schools. We are thankful for dedicated teachers, aides, small class sizes, and the support of our Board of Directors that make
it possible for us to offer a solid educational foundation for our students.
Lou Ann Spell, GHK Teacher
Page 6
Youth Happenings
SUPPORTING YOUTH MISSIONS
A team of 22 youth and adults are returning to Mexico this summer to share the gospel of Jesus
in word and deed. Coming up, there are two opportunities available to our church body to
support our mission…
GET TO KNOW our Family
Juanita (mother), Florence (grandmother), and Abigail
(granddaughter) are pictured (left to right) in front of their
house in Akil, Yucatan. We will be partnering with Byron
and Inez Ahina (AVPC missionaries) and Filadelfia
Presbyterian Church to build them a brick home this
summer. These ladies have suffered tremendously from
various medical ailments and do not currently have a
relationship with the Lord. Pray for us as we reach out to
them with the love of Jesus Christ!
1
EVENTS
Spring Break Service
Projects | TuesdayThursday, March
29-31
We will be choosing
three days of Spring
Break to do projects
around the city. Some
ideas we’re
considering are:
Habitat for Humanity,
fun for the Lumpkins,
AND cleaning around
the church. Please be
thinking about how
you would like to be
involved in serving
this year!
…GET INVOLVED with our Church Yard Sale, April 23
Don't throw out your unwanted household items and used clothing! We are planning a
community yard sale to support our youth as they begin their fundraising for their July mission’s trip
to the Yucatan. Save the date—Saturday, April 23 at Altadena Park! More information to come but for
now, just hold onto those items until it can do the most good—for our youth and the people of Mexico.
2
MARCH
Jr.
Sun
Jr. & Sr. High Youth
Group | Sundays,
5:00 p.m. @ the
Altadena House
We’ve been hearing
from various students
and teachers from
around Altadena this
semester. This month
we welcome a new
slate of leaders and we
look forward to their
times sharing with us!
• March 6—Mason
Cosby teaching
• March 13—Anna
Waldrip teaching
• March 20—Youth
Seder Dinner
• March 27—Easter
(no youth group)
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday Night
Dinner
6:30 p.m.
Small Groups
3
4
5
6 Daniel
Sommer’s
birthday!
5:00 p.m.
Jr. & Sr. High
Youth Group
7
8
9 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday Night
Dinner
6:30 p.m.
Small Groups
10
11
12
13 12:15 p.m.
Youth Mission
Team meeting
5:00 p.m.
Jr. & Sr. High
Youth Group
14
15
16 Clayton
Rasmussen’s
birthday!
5:15 p.m.
Wednesday Night
Dinner
6:30 p.m.
Small Groups
17
18 Rebecca
Linder’s
birthday!
6:00 p.m.
Hostage and
Mafia Night
19
20 5:00 p.m.
Jr. & Sr. High
Youth Group
(Passover Seder
Meal)
21
22
23 6:00 p.m.
The Gathering @ the
Kinnebrews’ home
24
25
26 Jack
Cwynar’s
birthday!
27 Easter
28
29
30
31
& Sr.
High
Remember, be sure to regularly consult the online calendar at www.avpc.org for additions or changes to
youth happenings at AVPC. Thank you for your continued partnership in the Jr. & Sr. High ministry
through prayer and participation.
Page 7
Mercy Team Update
Prison Ministry—Christmas Thank You
(from W. E. Donaldson Correctional Facility)
Last Christmas Ken Francis and the Mercy Team
provided toiletry gift bags for the 150 residents of the
Faith/Character-Based Dorm at Donaldson prison. The
chaplain, George Adams, sent us a thank-you note and
included a painting by one of the inmates along with a
thank-you greeting that was signed by all 150 men.
“You are the
light of the
world. A city set
on a hill cannot
be hidden. Nor
do people light a
lamp and put it
under a basket,
but on a stand,
and it gives light
to all in the
house. In the
same way, let
your light shine
before others, so
that they may see
your good works
and give glory to
your Father in
heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
The chaplain wrote, “Packages such as these, though
seemingly small, were very much appreciated by the
residents.” We also received several additional thankyou cards from the men— “I could not go another
second without thanking you for making this the best
Christmas I have experienced here out of 20 years
L.W.O.P. (life without parole).” This very simple gift
brought light to this dark place.
Foundations Early Learning Family Center—
Thank you
On February 9, the Mercy Team provided a meal for the
staff, parents, and children at the monthly parents’
meeting for Foundations ELFC. “You were each a huge
help! Thank you again for all that you provided and for
the time and energy you sacrificed in doing this.” The
Mercy Team is beginning to build connections with the
school and anticipates many more opportunities to serve.
Missions News
Excerpt from Jeremy & Angel Martin’s Update from Uganda:
“I can give you many examples of how the Spirit ministered to me
through His truths but I don't want to overwhelm you with all of
the details. Why have I shared this with you at all? Because I
wanted to thank you… Each of you reading this, in some way,
have played a crucial role in helping us deploy to Uganda. Over
these last 7 months, I haven't compiled many exciting stories of
how I have been used to advance Christ’s kingdom. I can offer
stories of how the Lord is breaking me, reshaping me and preparing me to do the good works the He has prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10).
It has not been easy. It has not been fun. It has led to questions about why we are here. I started this
story off with a picture of the Sun rising over the Victoria Nile, experiencing the Son rise out of the
darkness of my trials is an amazing experience. One that I want to share with all that I can. In Matthew,
Christ’s words are recorded: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor
do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In
the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory
to your Father in heaven.”
I, Jeremy Martin, generate no light...but thankfully, I have been adopted, and because of that adoption,
Christ’s light shines through me. How better to share the glory of His light than to share the amazing
depths that it had to first reach in me. Depths that it continues to reach into. What hope! What a future!
What a King! What a Savior!”
Page 8
Volunteer Schedules
March Nursery Volunteer Schedule
Nursery Director—Diana Lloyd (205.908.9666)
Volunteers work 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Note: Please arrive at your assigned room by 10:30 a.m. to allow Sunday School teachers to get to
church. Thank you! All volunteers are asked to help sweep and clean up between 12:05-12:15 p.m.
Sunday
Infant
(Room 13)
Toddler & Age 2
(Room 14)
Age 3
(Room 15)
Ages 4-5
Worship Center
(8:15)
Ages 4-5
Worship Center
(10:45)
6
Sherrill Coley
NA
NA
Alley
Jackson/Gray
13
Carol Collins
NA
NA
Marks
Mayhew/
Joanna Linder
20
Silena Cvacho
NA
NA
Heimburger/
Rachel Whitner
Carter
27
Dawn Cwynar
NA
NA
TBD
Allison/Wilson
JANUARY FINANCIAL REPORT
Beginning Bal.
Income
Expenses
Transfer
Ending Balance
General Fund
$0
$87,458
$75,010
$-6,207
$6,241
Missions
$0
$11,611
$27,950
$6,207
$-10,132
Total
$0
$99,069
$102,960
$0
$-3,891
3/28
3/28
3/29
3/29
3/30
3/30
3/31
Sherrill Coley
Nancy Becker
Kathy Light
David French
Pat Lee
Doug Godwin
Betty Jo Allison
Birthdays for March
3/1
3/2
3/3
3/4
3/4
3/5
3/5
3/5
3/6
3/7
3/8
3/9
3/9
David Allen
Larry Church
Clint Cvacho
Carol Popwell
Catie Lumpkin
Jim Davis
Mark McCallum
Eric Sommer
Daniel Sommer
Rhett Bonds
Avram Smith
Andrea Austin
Sophia Bonds
3/10
3/10
3/10
3/11
3/12
3/12
3/12
3/13
3/14
3/16
3/17
3/17
3/18
Tricia Foster
Nathan Oaks
Brick Braden
Darrell Roberson
Nancy Chambers
Rob Richey
Daniel Smith
Addy K. Armstrong
Becky Cox
Clayton Rasmussen
Sue Ann Oaks
Jay Lloyd
Rebecca Linder
3/20
3/20
3/20
3/20
3/21
3/23
3/24
3/25
3/25
3/26
3/26
3/27
3/27
Randy Tipton
Michael Chick
Shari Wimberly
Carol Apol
Jim Baird
Reese Rasmussen
Matthew Stromberg
Carol Braden
Silas Allday
Jody Rush
Jack Cwynar
Gayle Young
Devin O'Rourke