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 info@ylpc.org

March 2018

Grapevine “Pray without ceasing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 I’m going to come right out and say it. I’ve always hated this verse. I’ve always been the kind of person who likes to make lists and check things off said lists. As a student, I always (well, almost always) completed my homework assignments on time. Now scripture gives me a command that I can’t possibly fulfill. I can’t pray while I’m working, I can’t pray while I’m navigating the mean streets of Orange County. I can’t pray while I’m on the phone with my mom or helping Katie manage her time between homework and softball. I can’t pray while I’m sleeping. But there it is, right there in black and white in my bible: Pray all the time. Pray constantly. Awesome. Thanks, God.

As Session has been grappling with the first part of our mission statement, Worship God, I realized that perhaps my definition of prayer was a bit too narrow. Perhaps our definition of worship is too confined. What if prayer isn’t only the time I spend with my eyes closed and hands folded, alone in a quiet place? What if worship is more than just the time we spend together in the Sanctuary between 9:30 and 10:30 on Sunday mornings? Maybe prayer is also drawing our attention to God’s presence during a difficult conversation. And maybe it’s seeking God’s wisdom when we are faced with a challenge. Isn’t it also worship to enjoy the earthy, nutty smell of a parsnip while I’m making dinner? If we pause amid our racing from place to place and turn our faces up to the sunshine to enjoy its warmth, does that count as worship?

The Book of Order defines worship this way: “Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives.” [W-1.1001] (That’s right, I just quoted the Book of Order. Ten Presbyterian points for me!) I think I’d like more of that in my life. God truly is present in our living. Prayer and worship are really just taking the time to draw our attention to that presence and enjoy it. God is as close to us as our own breath. We can seek God’s presence any time we want, and the Spirit will rush in to greet us, like a grandmother who can’t wait to give her grandchildren a hug.

Once we realize that opportunity is there waiting for us, we can bring a spirit of prayer and worship, to everything we do: driving, working, helping our kids with their homework … even our life together as a church. I imagine that will be a source of deep and lasting joy. So, thanks God. I will try to pray without ceasing. With you in ministry, Pastor Lynn.

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Discover YLPC

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 March 18 after worship.

Please RSVP to the church office at info@ylpc.org by March 14 and let us know if you would like childcare.

Habitat OC

March 10 Our next build day at the Santa Ana site. We will need volunteers for hospitality and building. Please contact Frieda Holman at

friedaholman@sbcglobal.net for more information or questions.

Calling All Singers!

You are invited to join the Chancel choir at the end of Easter services when we sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. Bring your own score, check one out from the music department or choir members will have some scores ready. Join us in the loft during the last hymn. Questions? Contact Janet Thorson at jthorson@ylpc.org.

Don’t Forget!

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward on March 11, Daylight Saving Time.

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YLPC Mission

Netflix’s “My Next Guest with David Letterman” features interviews with fascinating personalities. Last night I happened on David’s interview with George Clooney and stopped to watch the whole hour (who wouldn’t?) David doesn’t just fawn over George’s star power. He spoke at length about George’s humanitarian work on behalf of Darfur, Yezidi refugees and his wife Amal’s amazing work finding justice for victims of genocide. David then asked a simple question, “why do these things?”, and was rewarded with an equally simple answer: It is work that needs to be done, and it makes the giver feel good to do it.

If you are looking for opportunities to help do something that needs to be done, there are opportunities all around us. At YLPC, we have a Habitat for Humanity build in Santa Ana

on March 10 . On July 7, we’ll have another blood drive. If you can’t give blood, you can help with registration or just have a kind word with folks while they recover at the snack table. And don’t forget that Hot Meals serves Presbyterian Pasta to people in need in Anaheim on the first Monday each month. The Mission Committee is considering other opportunities for doing “what needs to be done”, so watch the bulletin for other announcements!

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Youth Ministries

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God -

this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

(Romans 12:1-2)

In February, our youth group had the privilege to be part of a Spirit-filled weekend at Forest Home Winter Camp. Many of our students experienced the joy of truly sensing and recognizing God’s presence. It also gave us the opportunity to reflect on how we can live our lives for God within our own congregation but also out in the world. Now that we are down the mountain and have entered the season of Lent, we will continue to explore ways in which we can live our lives for God and seek His will.

We also kicked off High School confirmation classes in February. Students will begin weekly classes on March 4. I can’t wait to see what God does in our lessons.

If you would like more information about our youth ministries program or would like to serve, please contact Michelle Almeida at studentministries@ylpc.org.

Mark Your Calendars!

Upcoming dates: High School Confirmation March 4-April 8, weekly

HIS Picnic

March 25 (12pm-3pm)

Office Closed

The YLPC office will be

closed on Friday,

March 30, 2018 for

Good Friday.

Easter Lilies

Easter lily envelopes will be in your Sunday worship bulletins beginning on March 11. Each plant is $12. Please fill out the envelope and put it in the offering plate or return to the church office by March 25. The lily dedications will appear in the Easter Sunday bulletin.

Relay for Life

Save the Date! Relay for Life is May 19-20. This year we will be joining Brea, Placentia and Anaheim Hills for the relay. All donations and prayers that it will be a successful relay are welcome. Any questions ask LaVerne Stern or email tinker60@msn.com.

March

Rylan Kordiolis 03/05

Roxanne Ford 03/12

Linda Richey 03/14

Mary Ellen Trefey 03/15

Tom Thrasher 03/16

James Goran 03/18

Jade Letourneau 03/18

Shelly Rooks 03/18

Adam Stokes 03/18

Izabel Letourneau 03/20

Cynthia Bowman 03/21

Dick Wales 03/22

Julianna Thrasher 03/25

Linda Burne 03/26

Bobby Wooldridge 03/27

Libby Ragole 03/28

Ken Hess 03/29

Marlies Lunger 03/29

Kyle Paul Criswell 03/30

Brandon Mamaril 03/31

Children’s Ministry

Emmaus Road Sunday School In February we studied the Lord’s Prayer in a variety of ways. In the Information Station, children played a computer game called Galilee Flyer. In this game, children navigated an airplane over the town of Galilee while answering questions about the Lord’s Prayer. In the Interpretation Station, children used color to help them memorize the Lord’s Prayer. They made prayer beads to take home. In the Interpretation Station, children made prayer bread as they learned about ACTS, (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) which are parts of a prayer. They wrote their own prayers, using ACTS, on ribbons and hung them on trees throughout the campus. In March we will study Jesus’ last week with the disciples. One Great Hour of Sharing Once again, we will be collecting the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Fish banks and information on the offering were distributed in February. Please return them on Palm Sunday, March 25.

Easter Eggs and Candy Needed We will have our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday during Sunday School at both services. We are collecting plastic eggs and non-chocolate wrapped candy. Please bring any donations to church by March 25.

God’s Family at the Table

Children in third grade, and their parents, are invited to attend a “God’s Family at the Table” workshop on Sunday, April 29 from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. We will explore the meaning behind Communion through numerous interactive experiences.

On Sunday, May 6, participants will be recognized in the Communion service. Fourth and fifth graders who have not attended this class before, are invited to participate. Register through the church office or contact Kim Wisnia at kwisnia@ylpc.org.

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Session Notes from February

February Session activities included the following:

• The Clerk presented Annual Statistics and the Annual Consent to the Session for their approval. • Lynn shared Session responses to her email asking what stood out to them at the Session retreat.

Discussion will continue in regards to the 5-year plan. • The Deacons served a lovely “appreciation dinner” along with a message of thanks to our Session.

Shane reported that a country western fellowship will be held 3/3 and the next new member class on 3/18. He also invited Elders interested in attending the Deacons meeting to join them.

• Mission reported that “Month for Mission” may move to November. The Blessing Bags will be handed out Sunday due to upcoming expiration dates. She shared Irv Francis’ participation in the flag lowering service every Thursday at sunset. He passes out homemade YLPC bookmarks and invites those in attendance to visit YLPC. Lynn shared that YLPC was one of the top three givers in Los Ranchos Presbytery to One Great Hour of Sharing.

• Nominating Committee will be working to fill vacancies on Facilities, Worship and Stewardship. • Personnel will be meeting next month. • Stewardship highlighted the January Financial report. Fred reported that the high level of income was

partly due to 2017 year end giving given toward the 2018 year. Bette Guzkowski, LaVerne Stern & Midge Kittredge were approved as additional cash counters.

• Worship Committee did not meet in January but will be discussing Holy Week details via email. A Maundy Thursday service will be held 3/29, Good Friday on 3/30 and two services, 9:00 and 10:30 will be held on Easter, 4/1; communion will be served at both services.

• Christian Ed reported that confirmation classes begin 2/25. The youth had a great time at camp. Summer Arts Camp will be 8/6 - 8/18. Requested prayers for Kim Wisnia’s husband, Cory, who broke his hip.

• Facilities shared a list of work being done on campus. Parking lot paving quotes are in and will be completed soon and a new leaf blower was donated and gratefully accepted. Lynn reported that the office is working on better internet connectivity and they are looking at a VOIP system.

• Lynn shared the dates of her study leave: 2/26 - 3/2 . Jim Hickman will be on call for any emergencies. • A question was raised about participation in Amazon Smile. Stewardship will discuss at their next

meeting. Respectfully submitted, Chris Hills Clerk of Session

January 2018 FINANCIAL REPORT

OPERATING FUND Summary Results Through January, we expected to receive $36,583 and actually received $57,510. Also through January, we expected to spend $48,191 and actually spent $42,499. And reserved $6,124 for funds budgeted but not spent. MORTGAGE REDUCTION FUND Through January, we have received contributions of $310 and paid $1,821 in principal.

Operating Mtg. Reduction Total

Cash Position $ 327,787 $ 18,407 $ 346,194

Less: Restricted Funds* $ 132,672 $ - $ 132,672

Unrestricted Funds 195,115$ 18,407$ 213,522$

* Restricted funds are restricted to use for a specific purpose. These include designated gifts, program

reserves, payables, reserves for building maintenance, and reserves for unspent program budget.

March Upcoming Events: Western Fellowship Night March 3 5:00 p.m. Habitat for Humanity March 10 PW Women’s Retreat March 16-18 Discover YLPC March 18 11:00 a.m. Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, March 29 7:00 p.m. Office Closed Friday, March 30 9:00 a.m. Good Friday Service Friday, March 30 7:00 p.m.

Monday_ _______________________________________________________________

Church Office Closed Hot Meals 3:00 p.m. (Second Monday of the month) Adult Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Mondays. Contact Church Office for details)

Tuesday________________________________________________________________

Church Office 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Pilates Class 8:30 a.m. Priscilla Circle 9:30 a.m. (Second Tuesday of the month) Esther Circle 7:00 p.m. (Second Tuesday of the month) Session Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Third Tuesday of the month) Drum Circle 7:00 p.m. (Fourth Tuesday of the month)

Wednesday______________________________________________________________

Church Office 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting 6:00 p.m. (First Wednesday of the month) Stewardship Committee 7:00 p.m. (Second Wednesday of the month) Worship Committee 7:00 p.m. (Second Wednesday of the month) Missions Meeting 7:30 p.m. (Fourth Wednesday of the month)

Thursday________________________________________________________________

Church Office 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Pilates Class 8:30 a.m. TLC Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Celebrate Singing 5:00 p.m. Gloria Ringers 6:15 p.m. AA Meeting 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 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 9:30 a.m. Jubilate 10:45 a.m. Christian Education Meeting 10:45 a.m. (First Sunday of the month) Single Ladies Brunch 11:00 a.m. (Second Sunday of the month)

HIS Picnic 1:00 p.m. (Fourth Sunday of the month)

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Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church

19301 E. Yorba Linda Blvd.

Yorba Linda, CA 92886