Grapevine
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against
another, forgive each other; just as the Lord had forgiven you, so you
also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which
binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:12-14
Over the years, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. The
candy hearts and little cards were cool in elementary school, especially since
the teacher made sure that everyone had a card. There was lots of love to
go around in the 4th grade. I pined after Jeremy Jones all through middle
school, but alas, that was not to be. (Probably for the best.) There was that
one, bleak year in my mid-twenties when I wore black and a grim look on
my face all day, certain that I’d never find the love of my life. Now that I
have and we enjoy the love of our daughter, my perspective on Valentine’s
Day, and on love in general, has matured. At least, I hope it has!
Now, instead of focusing on the love I get, I try to focus on the love I give.
Our families are the best place to practice loving; those are the relationships
in which we are our truest selves, and those are the people most likely to
forgive us when we get it wrong. So, I start with my parents. Do I make
myself available for them? Do I encourage them to be wise and brave as
they make decisions? What about in my own home? Sometimes I catch
myself slamming around the kitchen, preparing a healthy, home cooked
meal served with a side of cranky. Perhaps there’s some room for
improvement there. Then there’s that forgiveness bit. I think that’s the
hardest part. Sometimes, in our efforts to keep the peace at home, we’re
slow to voice our complaint. Without that, there’s no way to make things
right and come to forgiveness.
What’s true in our families can be true in our church family as well. The way
we relate to one another here at church testifies that Jesus Christ is our Lord.
Sometimes that love comes easy. Sometimes our brothers and sisters give
us an opportunity to grow as we work to treat them with patience, kindness,
and compassion. Other times they reveal our need to grow in humility and
meekness. Maybe a few of us still have some forgiving to do. The good
news is, it is the love of Jesus Christ that binds us together and brings us
unity. As we continue to grow and mature in our faith, Christ invites us, from
the base of his deep, genuine love to show tangible love and compassion for
those around us – in our families, our church family, and finally, out in our
community.
I can’t wait to be a part of that with you in ministry,
Lynn.
February 2017
Mission Statement:
Worship God.
Equip Disciples.
Love and Serve
the World.
Sunday Morning
Worship
9:30 AM
Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church
19301 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714.777.6822
www.ylpc.org
Email articles to [email protected]
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has a special volunteer opportunity in February. From Sunday,
February 19 through Wednesday February 22, volunteer opportunities are available to help process a huge
donation from the Anaheim Convention Center. A large retailer is donating new products to be sold at the
Habitat OC ReStore locations to raise money for Habitat OC’s mission. We need your help to pick it all up!
Wrapping Teams: Put donations on pallets, inventory and wrap for loading.
2/19/17 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
2/20/17 7 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
2/21/17 7 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
2/22/17 7 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
(50 volunteers)
(50 volunteers for each shift)
(50 volunteers for each shift)
(10 volunteers)
Runners: Assisting wrapping teams with supplies
2/19/17
2/20/17
2/21/17
4 p.m.-10 p.m.
7 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
7 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
(5 volunteers)
(5 volunteers for each shift)
(5 volunteers for each shift)
Please contact Frieda Holman at 714.366.8356
or Teresa Stevens at 714.244.5679 for more
information.
Discover YLPC
If you are interested in becoming a member of YLPC or just want to find
out more about our church and what it means to be a Presbyterian, join
us on February 26 after worship. After the class, you’ll have the
opportunity to decide whether or not you’d like to join as a member of our
congregation.
Please RSVP to the church office at [email protected] by February 23, and let
us know if you would like childcare.
Per Capita Giving
This year, the Per Capita fee is $28.35 per member. You can find a Per Capita
envelope in your offering boxes. The Session and the Stewardship Committee
would like to thank you in advance for helping to defray these administrative
costs.
$7.50
GA
$2.85
Synod
$18.00 Presbytery
$28.35 Per Person total
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Youth Ministries!
Our Junior High group had a great time at winter camp in January, and
this month the High School students will have their moment to grow in
Christ, and enjoy some rest and relaxation on the mountain. The theme
for Winter Camp this year is “Focus” and it feels so appropriate for this
time of year. After the holidays, we all jump back into the normal tasks of
life and it can be hard to find our focus. Students experience the same
thing as they return to school life and face homework, tests, and less
sleep.
In Sunday School and Sunday Night Fellowship, we are learning tangible
ways to focus on God so that we can know him better, be open to his
presence in our lives, and respond to his call. I am looking forward to
another great month as we continue to explore God’s word together.
Please keep our High School leaders and students in prayer as they travel
up to camp this month.
February Events
Sunday Night Fellowship: February 5, 19
High School Winter Camp: February 10-12
Children’s Ministry
Emmaus Road Sunday School
During the month of January, children in Kindergarten through Fifth grade discovered what it might have
been like when Jesus was a little boy. They worked in Joseph’s carpenter shop using saws, screwdrivers, and
wood burning tools to make a tic tac toe board and wooden cars. They learned how to play dreidel and an
ancient game of marbles in the Interpretation Station. They went to Synagogue School in the Information
Station where they made scrolls and learned how to write in Hebrew. Through these stations, children realized
that Jesus was a child who participated in many of the same types of activities they participate in, and that
God had a special purpose for Jesus and has a special purpose for us.
Spiritual Practice: Grace
This month we will study the story of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a
sinner, not unlike many of us. He was disliked by many because he
became from what belonged to them. Yet Jesus saw the potential for
good in Zacchaeus. None of us can ever be perfect. Sometimes, we
make mistakes in judgement. We say things that hurt people or we
ignore those who are in need. God knows this, but can see through to
our heart. Even if our heart is not pure, which was the case of Zacchaeus,
God can see to our potential for good. That is what’s called grace.
This month, focus on how your family members can show grace to each
other, as well as others outside the family. For children, learning to say
please and thank you are great starts. Writing a letter to an aunt
thanking her for sending a birthday gift, even when the gift wasn't something you like, is an example of grace.
Letting a sibling take a turn before you is another example. Showing forgiveness when others make mistakes
that effect you is gracious. God can see the goodness in us. We need to let others see it too.
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Mission Update
Souper Bowl February 5, 2017
Yorba Linda Food for Families (FFF) is gearing up to help feed the many folks in our
community who are in need. Graciously and thankfully our church continues this vital
support to this wonderful ministry.
January was designated once again as Souper Bowl Month. We spent the month
collecting items for FFF. You can still place your donation on the side of the Falcons or
the Patriots on the table in the Narthex. Then mark your name on the scoreboard in a square representing
what you think the final score will be on February 5. Please join YLPC in mission as we help those less
fortunate than ourselves.
Donation Suggestions
Peanut butter
Nuts and Trail mix
Canned chili, soups or stews
Canned vegetables
Canned meats
Canned beans
Dried beans
Canned soups and stews
Cereals
Blessing Bags
During February, Blessing Bags for the Homeless will be available on the patio after
worship. Have you had an opportunity to offer a bag to someone in need? I have
heard some say, “How do you do that and where?” It can be anywhere. Do you have
a story to share? Following are a few stories from our congregation…
“Two of our four vehicles are stocked with Blessing Bags. My husband used
one while he was in a drive through and a man was soliciting for assistance.
Mark gave him a bag and asked him if he could purchase breakfast for him.
The man did and brought another man and asked if he had another bag for his friend!
Normally my husband probably would have just driven by and ignored the man.
The bags have encouraged our entire family to give them out.
The results are always positive. People are so surprised and so grateful. “
”Mark and I were in line to turn left and there was a gentleman standing on
the barrier with a sign. The light was green. I told Mark we
didn’t have time to give him a bag that we would hold up the line behind us.
He said, ‘Really? What is more important?’ He put me in my place!
People say that one good deed leads to another!!”
The Denney family
“I was sitting in a restaurant with my friend having a meal. There was a homeless man
sitting by the door with the biggest grin on his face. He just kept smiling and at no one in particular.
At one point he got up and went outside. I seized the moment. As he strolled around the corner
of the building I was waiting for him. I told him I had something I would like to give him and
if he could wait while I got it out of my car. Receiving it he said to me,
‘God bless you and thank you so much!’ With that he went back around and sat in the
same chair. Still smiling I watched him as he eagerly and carefully opened the bag
and began picking up each item. It was like he had just been given a special gift!
I was so happy I took the opportunity to bless him with a bag.”
Anne Sivley
Have you blessed someone with a bag? Please share your story with the Mission Committee.
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Happy Birthday!
Scott Ventresco
Jeff Irvin
Katie Stone
Allyson Thrasher
02/03
02/05
02/05
02/09
Glenn Green
Karen Hendrickson
Mikayla Thrasher
Eva Rosenthal
02/10
02/14
02/15
02/21
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the season of Lent. In that worship
service, we are reminded of the reality of our death and of the
consequences of our sin. While those harsh truths can be hard to take,
there is comfort in facing them together and responding to that bad news
with an affirmation of the good news of the gospel. This year, our Ash
Wednesday service will be quiet and contemplative. We hope you’ll join us
as we sing, pray and ponder together.
Please join us on March 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Save the Date!
Join us on Sunday, March 19 for the Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of YLPC’s Chartering!
Presbyterian Women
Women's Retreat!
March 24-26, 2017
All women are warmly invited!
Tahquitz Pines in Idyllwild
We are pleased to welcome back Reverend Tamara John as our
retreat speaker.
YLPC women will join the women of Placentia Presbyterian Church to
fellowship together!
Cost is $140
Deposit of $75 due by February 19.
Final Payment due by February 26.
$10 discount if paid in full by Feb 19.
Joining us for Saturday Only?
$10 for each meal plus $25 for speaker.
Please Note: If you are in need of a partial scholarship or special payment plan, please contact
Debbie McCracken at [email protected]
Rev. Tamara John will be preaching here at YLPC on Sunday, February 19.
Session Notes from January
January Session activities included the following:
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The Session approved November minutes. Membership remains at 216. Per capita fees are $28.35 per
member this year.
The Annual Reports to the congregation were approved, pending necessary editing.
Details about the stolen safe and safeguards put in place since the burglary were shared. Lynn then
distributed post it’s asking everyone to share their “Pluses (love it)”, “Minuses (let’s fix it)”, “Ideas (let’s try it)”
and “Shout Outs (well done, good and faithful servant)”. The items posted will be shared with Session.
Deacon Moderator Hendrickson shared the deacon’s report. He also reported the Deacon’s will be
discussing adding/assigning Friends to Parishes.
Nominating Committee had no new report.
Stewardship presented and the Session approved the 2017 Operating Budget. This budget will be
presented at the Annual Congregational meeting on 1/29. Elder Hebein shared the good news that despite
a $96,000 deficit in the 2016 budget, we ended up $14,000 in the positive. He also reported that new
offering procedures including counting teams and a check scanner will be used to handle the deposits in
the near future. Priorities are safety and security as well as confidentiality of donors. The Session approved
the 2016 Financial Audit Committee members.
Worship Committee emailed a written report. Midge reported there will be services for Ash Wednesday
(3/1), Maundy Thursday (4/13), Good Friday (4/14) and Easter (4/16 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.)
CE referred to the report and asked if there were any questions. CE reported that although smaller than
previous years, we have a fantastic, active youth group and encouraged elders to invest in our youth.
Facilities reported that the entire campus has been rekeyed, security codes have been changed and the
previous security company has been released from their contract. Keys are easily available for those who
need them. Matt is getting bids to repair the roof. New toilets have been ordered for the ladies restroom.
The Mission Committee emailed a written report. Frieda highlighted some of the items including year-end
Mission donations, progress on Habitat for Humanity and the Souper Bowl project.
Personnel had no report. Lynn advised staff reviews will start soon. They will also be working on the
Pastor’s job description.
Pastor Lynn advised the Session that the 25th anniversary of chartering. Plans are coming together and will
be celebrated on 3/19/17.
Copies of the minutes are available for review in the church office with prior request.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Hills, Clerk of Session
December 2016 Financial Report
OPPERATING FUND Summary Results: Through December, we expected to receive $341,000 and
actually received $412,015. Also through December, we expected to spend $403,267 and actually spent
$397,137.
MORTGAGE REDUCTION FUND This year we have received contributions of $42,130 and paid $42,186
in principal.
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Upcoming Events:
February
Souper Bowl
High School Winter Camp
Singles Meeting
Rev. Tamara John, preaching
New Members Class
Sunday, February 5
February 10 -12
Sunday, February 12
Sunday, February 19
Sunday, February 26
10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Monday­________________________________________________________________
Church Office Closed
Hot Meals
3:00 p.m. (Second Monday of the month)
Tuesday________________________________________________________________
Church Office
Pilates Class
Priscilla Circle
Mighty Moms
Esther Circle
Drum Circle
Session Meeting
9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. (Second Tuesday of the month)
6:30 p.m. (Contact Church Office for details)
7:00 p.m. (First Tuesday of the month)
7:00 p.m. (Fourth Tuesday of the month)
7:00 p.m. (Third Tuesday of the month)
Wednesday______________________________________________________________
Church Office
Missions Meeting
Deacons Meeting
Bible Study
Stewardship Committee
Worship Committee
Nominating Committee
9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. (First Wednesday of the month)
6:00 p.m. (First Wednesday of the month)
7:00 p.m. (Meets through February)
7:00 p.m. (Second Wednesday of the month)
7:00 p.m. (Second Wednesday of the month)
7:00 p.m. (Fourth Wednesday of the month)
Thursday________________________________________________________________
Church Office
Pilates Class
TLC Bible Study
Kirk and Carol Choirs
Gloria Ringers
AA Meeting
Chancel Choir
9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Friday_________________________________________________________________
Church Office
9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Saturday_______________________________________________________________
Men’s Fellowship
8:00 a.m. (First, third & fifth Saturday of the month)
Sundays________________________________________________________________
Sunday Worship
Celebration Choir
Sunday Night Fellowship
Christian Education Meeting
Singles
HIS Picnic
9:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
10:45 a.m. (First Sunday of the month)
11:00 a.m. (Second Sunday of the month)
1:00 p.m. (Fourth Sunday of the month)
January Events
February 5
Souper Bowl
February 10-12
High School Winter Camp
February 12
The Singles Brunch will meet after
worship at Wood Ranch in Anaheim Hills.
February 13
Hot Meals 3 p.m.
Orangethorpe Christian Church
of Fullerton Disciples of Christ.
February 19
Guest Preacher: Rev. Tamara John
February 26
HIS Picnic
La Habra Hills Presbyterian Church
February 26
New Members Class
Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church
19301 E. Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886