Grace Presbyterian Church 2100 Tice Valley Boulevard Walnut Creek, CA 94595 Sunday Worship at 10 AM www.gracewc.

org March 2014 WELCOME STATEMENT

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We welcome and celebrate all who join us the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the gay and the straight, the strong and the weak, the meek and the brave and though we are different one from another, we are united in loving and praising God and in loving each other.
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19582014

Grace

IN THE WORLD
MARCH 2014

Dear Grace-filled Friends: On Sunday, February 23, 240 people attended a community presentation at Temple Isaiah entitled Voices on Poverty. There we learned that in Contra Costa County there are over 200,000 people living in poverty, one in six people do not get enough food on a daily basis, 40% of the homeless are children. We celebrated the efforts of Winter Nights (rotating homeless shelter), Trinity House (homeless day shelter), Opportunity Junction (job training and placement), Loaves and Fishes (food ministry), and Shelter Inc. (finding housing solutions). It was also acknowledged that volunteers and faith communities cannot solve the challenge of poverty on their own. We all need to work together as well as with government agencies. One new initiative is to train people to help others sign up for Cal-Fresh (formerly known as food stamps) since only 58% of the resources are currently being accessed. Many of the social service agencies named above are already part of our budgeted mission giving as well as many others with which we have built a connection over the years. In this GITW you will also find our annual appeal to support One Great Hour of Sharing which is a special offering that finances the Presbyterian Hunger Fund, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Self-Development of People. This offering has reached around the globe in order to deliver needed assistance and when there was the PG&E pipe explosion in San Bruno a few years ago it aided our neighbors in the Bay Area. As part of a parable in Matthew 25, Jesus said, I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And the king will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Let us also find inspiration in the words of Edward Everett Hale, author and Unitarian minister: I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. Blessings, Roger
Upcoming Sundays ............ 2 New Adult Studies ............. 2 Honoree of the Month ........ 3 Radical Hospitality ............. 3 Calendar ......................... 4-5 CCIC .................................. 6 Crab Feed .......................... 6 Pancake Breakfast Recap.. 6 Grace in the Family ............ 7 Needlers News .................. 7 Mens Club ......................... 7 Easter Lilies ....................... 7

WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS 10:00 AM, Sanctuary 11:00 AM, Join us for Fellowship in the Fireside Room CONTACT US Regular Office Hours, M-F 9 to 3

gracepreschurchwc@gmail.com 925-935-2100 www.gracewc.org

PASTORS & STAFF: Pastor: Roger Reaber Pastor Emeritus: Charie Reid Pastor Emeritus: Robert Williams Parish Associate: Diana Barkley Music Director: Steve Cram Office Manager: Judy Williams Financial Scty.: Jennifer Wallace

April GITW Article submission Deadline: March 12

March Worship at Grace

March 2 March 9 Longing: A Model of Spirituality
(Song of Songs 2:2-6, 3:1-4)

GRACE IN THE FAMILY

March 16 Do Not Be Afraid

(Psalm 121 & Matt 17:1-9)

Happy March Birthdays!

1 MJ Palley 2 Dave Fellner 4June Smikahl 7Marcia Stover 7 Keelen Wolfe 12Angela Borchardt 12Louise Milford 18Earnie Cunningham 19Avis Eukel 19John Owen 20Marlene Hall 21Beulah Drenth 22Lawrence Bell 23Diane Wolfe 26Nancy Heagy 28Jane Hinds 29Hazel Tawney 30Aline Wilson

MENS CLUB IN THE LIBRARY FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 10:00 AM

Irresistibly Drawn
(Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, John 3:1-17)

March 23 Refreshed with Living Waters

(Exodus 17:1-7& John 4:5-15)

Life stories by men of Grace

"How to write your LIFE STORY" (from a book with that title) will be featured at the Friday, March 14 gathering at 10 AM in the Library. The star example with be the autobiography by our late friend and mentor, William Jennings Llewelyn, who honed his skill taking a class in the Danville Library. Come, bring a friend and your own current effort or your hopeful goal. Optional no-host luncheon follows at nearby Rossmoor Diner. Phone 925-935-7377 for more information via Bob Williams.

Guest Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Leslie Veen, Director of Contextual Education for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, oversees programs that get the students out of the classroom and into sites where they can practice what they are learning as they prepared to become ordained ministers. She is an active member of the Presbytery of San Francisco.

March 30 Witness the Truth

(Psalm 15 & John 9:1-41)

Worship Service Wednesday, March 5 11:30 AM Sanctuary

Needlers to knit or crochet scarves and hats

Wanted

for servicemen in harms way and the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Our group is in need of people to knit for these mission efforts. We will teach you if you dont know how. Projects are simple, patterns and yarn are available. We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays 11:00 to 1:00 in the Fireside Room. You do not need to be at meetings to participate. Contact Jan Zimmerman with any questions, 935-7979.

New Study Good News to the Poor: Peacemaking in the Gospel of Luke
A Five Week Study Starts Sunday March 16 at 11:20 AM Tuesday March 18 at 7 AM
In the gospel of Luke Jesus announces that, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. This gospel tells us to do likewise in fulfilling Gods mission of compassion. Through this study we will explore some of Jesus teachings, parables, and interaction with those marginalized in society. our identityclimbing, achieving, and performing. But those concerns will not serve us as we grow old and begin to embark on a further journey, one that involves challenges, mistakes, loss of control, broader horizons, and necessary suffering that actually shocks us out of our prior comfort zones. Rohr gives us understanding of how the heartbreaks, disappointments, and first loves of life are actually stepping stones to the spiritual joys of the second half of life. Grace Church has a strong legacy of witnessing Christs love by reaching out to those in need. This study will help us to deepen our theological understanding of why we are called to this work. Join us in these conversations. SANDI PETERS has an extensive background in working in Christian communities and inviting others into a deeper spiritual journey as they grow older. She has a Masters in Psychology and training in therapy and spiritual direction. This group will use sections of Falling Upwards (by Richard Rohr) to discuss and reflect on how Richard Rohrs thoughts inform our lives and apply to our inner life. Roger has copies of Falling Upward for only $15. It would be helpful to have read the book but not necessary.

Remember someone with lilies for Easter

At Easter we remember those who have gone before us and that Jesus resurrection is a sign of everlasting life. You may wish to memorialize or honor a loved-one with a lily to decorate the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Turn in this completed form and donation by dropping in the collection plate on Sundays or to the church office by Wednesday, April 16th to have your remembrance printed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday, April 20. Note: If you wish, you may pick up a plant after worship on Sunday, April 20th, Easter. Left over plants will be delivered to shut-ins. I am donating _$_________ towards purchase of a lily(s). ($6.00 minimum) Donor's name___________________ Telephone # ____________________ (Please check the appropriate box) Given in memory of Given in honor of Print loved-ones name(s) clearly: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________
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Growing Old
with Richard Rohr A 5-Week Reflection and Study Group led by Sandi Peters. Beginning Tuesday, March 18, 1:30 PM in the Library

RICHARD ROHR is a

Franciscan priest and prolific author. In his book, Falling Upwards, he compares the first and second halves of life. In the first half of life, we are naturally and rightly preoccupied with establishing
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CCIC Update for March 2014

Hope you had a good sleep last night. Its nice to have your own bed. At our last meeting it was reported that there are still people waiting to get beds from last summer! The CCIC ministry furnishes furniture and supplies for families throughout the county and beds are probably the hardest things to get just through donations, so donated funds are used for this purpose. Watch for neighbors who are moving or remodeling and please let them know beds can be donated, along with linens that go with them. On a smaller note, those packing kitchen kits are looking for more tea towels! Those can be brought to the church office and I will deliver them. The beds can be donated by calling Beverly Williams at 933-7040 to arrange for pick up. Social workers who serve these families always celebrate when beds are delivered and the families are grateful. Big or small, your donations all add up to God caring about his people. Thank you. Sharon Lyons, CCIC Grace Representative

ANNUAL CRAB FEED MARCH 8

Witness and Ministry will again sponsor The Crab Feed which will support the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Coalition and Childrens Home Society. Both groups support families and children at risk in our community.
RAFFLE PRIZE UPDATE

March Honoree of the Month Lavenia Black

Lavenia Black comes from a long line of educators, so its not surprising that shes Graces Sunday school teacher, a teacher for our Cooperative Preschool and for Vacation Bible School. In addition, Lavenia is a study leader for the Womens Association (Esther Circle). Lavenia and her husband, Don, came to Grace from the First Presbyterian Church in Concord. Both Lavenia and Don (who passed away in 1983) have been involved members over the years. Lavenia has served as an Elder, on the Prayer Chain and, of course, continues in her various teaching roles. Born in Glendale, CA, Lavenia was raised in Chico and Durham. During the Great Depression, she lived with her maternal grandparents in Ashland, Oregon for several years. A year at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas was Lavenias first college experience. After transferring, she earned a bachelors degree and teaching certificate from California State University at San Jose. While teaching grammar school in Santa Rosa and Windsor, Lavenia met Don Black on a blind date. The couple was married two and a half months later. Don became a high school English teacher after completing his commitment to the U.S. Army. Because he taught in a variety of locations, the family moved frequently. All of their children were born in different cities! Pam Bouey was born in Berkeley. Their son, Reed, was born in Walnut Creek. Bethallyn Black was number of people was low, the quality of the experience was high, especially for one member of the audience. A writer of one of the hymns, Bryan Jeffery Leech, now a resident of Rossmoor, was present. He requested his hymn (number 510) be sung. It was the first time he has ever heard a congregation sing his music. Gives you chills, doesnt it? ROSSMOOR FRIENDS OF GRACE (RFOG): There were 95 people at the Valentines Party. About one-third of them were church members; that means twothirds were guests! They made 45 Valentine cards which were born in Santa Rosa. (Pam and Bethallyn are Grace members.) In 1970 the family took a year to enjoy a sabbatical in Yugoslavia, where Don worked on an independent study project. During that time, the family enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. In addition to her three children, Lavenia has seven grandsons and two granddaughters with whom she enjoys spending time. Lavenia enjoys music; she still teaches piano in her home. Other favorite pastimes include tending to her goats and feral cats, which live on the property of her Walnut Creek home. Please join us on Sunday, March 23 when Lavenia will be honored. delivered the next day to the Meals on Wheels office. Love and happiness was spread from Grace throughout the community. COMING ATTRACTIONS: More music will fill the sanctuary in March. On March 9th at 3 PM David Chavez will delight the Grace community with his rich tenor voice. And on March 16th at 4 PM there will be a Chora Nova choral concert. The Presbyterian Women are hosting a play called Social Security on March 28 at 1 PM. This comedy will get you to laugh and smile and feel a little happier than when you arrived.
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Crab Feed tickets are still available as of the week of March 2. Raffle prizes will be offered from several local businesses, including Scotts, The Cheese Cake Factory, Navelets, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, P.F. Chang, McCoveys, along with some intriguing items that have to be uncorked and some etc.s. Be sure you are with us March 8 as we support Contra Costa Interfaith Housing and Childrens Home Society in our normal GRACEful fashion. Tickets for the event for $40.00 per person. Purchase tickets on Sundays or contact the church office. Please invite your friends to this always fun and delicious affair. We will gather at 6:00 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm in the Oak Room. See you there. Sponsored by Witness and Ministry Dept. record! Proceeds from the breakfast go toward our exceptional music program, led by Lavenia Black. Money will also be used for classroom improvements and to fund our scholarship program. Thank you so much for your support of the school. Marlene Hall, Director of Grace Cooperative Preschool.

Florence Stone, Outreach Coordinator

Grace Preschool sets Fundraising Record with this years Pancake Breakfast!
Grace Cooperative Preschool wishes to thank the people of Grace for their support of last months Pancake Breakfast. An annual tradition since the 1990s, the breakfast is the main fundraiser of the year
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for the school and Grace members have always been big supporters. After nearly a year of planning, this years theme of Kids in Space was a big hit and the breakfast was filling and delicious. Over $6,000 was raised to support the school, a school

OUTREACH: February was a month full of outreach events. On Feb. 11, about a dozen people from the community attended the budget presentation by the City of Walnut Creek. The organ concert on Feb. 13 was attended by 100 people. On several songs, cathedral-like sound emanated from the organ and the deep notes rattled the windows. There were 25 people at the Hymn Sing on Feb. 16. Although the

Please join in our Radical Hospitality movement. You and your guests will have a wonderful time.

Grace Church Calendar

SUNDAY
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP

March 2014
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
CConference Room FFireside Room LLibrary OOak Room SSanctuary PASPerforming Arts Society PWPresbyterian Women

MONDAY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

ASSIGNMENTS

1
AARP Tax Aid returns to Grace
Mondays and Thursdays in the Library 9 AM to 3 PM, February 3 through April 14 Please call 405-6278 to make an appointment. Note: The church office does not make appointments.

10:00 ATC Bible Study (L)

Mar. 2 Lydia Circle Mar. 9 Witness & Ministry Mar. 16 Team 3 Mar. 23 Deacons

11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L) 7:00 PAS Student Concert (S)

10:00 Worship/Communion 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Interfaith Cooperation Class (L) 1:00 PAS Auditions (S)

9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O)

4
10:00 Power Prayer (C) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 7:00 Interfaith Cooperation Class (L) 7:30 SUBUD (F)

4:00 PAS Teacher Recital (S) 7:30 AA (F) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

10:00 Bible Study (L) 11:30 ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP (S) 12:15 Caring Callers (L) 1:00 Bridge (F) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 7 10:00 PW Board (F) 9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Worship & Education(C) 2:00 Harmony Practice (F) Afternoon - Crab Feed Setup (O) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9) 7:45 AA (F)

10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) 6:00 CRAB FEED (O) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F)

10

3:00 DAVID CHAVEZ CONCERT (S) 7:30 AA (F)

9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O) 11:00 Needlers (F)

11

10:00 Power Prayer (C) 11:45 Ether Circle (F) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O)

12

9:00 Business (C) 10:00 Bible Study (L)

13

1:00 Bridge (F) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F) 7:00 Scout Leaders (L)

6:30 Family of Women (F) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

7:30 PAS Concert (S)

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:30 Discipleship (C) 12:00 Lydia Circle (F) 2:00 Harmony Practice (F) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F) 9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 11:00 RPEA (F) 2:00 Harmony Practice (F) 6:30 Bell Choir (S) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F)

14

9:30 Susanna Circle (F) 10:00 MENS CLUB (L)

15

9-10 Parkinsons Group (F) 10:00 Parkinsons Meeting (O) 10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9)

16

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Good News Study (L) 4:00 Chora Nova Choral Concert (S) 7:30 AA (F)

17

9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O)

18

10:00 Power Prayer (C) 1:30 Growing Old Class (L) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 7:00 Good News Study (L) 7:30 SUBUD (F)

19

10:00 Bible Study (L)

20

21 9:00 ATC-Theol. Class (L) 22

1:00 Bridge (F) 4:00 Session Executive (C) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) TBA Sandra Ohara Seminar (F) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)

7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9)

23

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Good News Study (L) 7:30 AA (F)

24 31

9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O) 11:00 Needlers (F) 6:30 Habitat Meeting (L)

25

10:00 Power Prayer (C)

26

10:00 Bible Study (L)

27

1:30 Growing Old Class (L) 3:00 Standing Ovations (O) 7:00 Good News Study (L)

1:00 Bridge (F) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F) 7:00 Session Meeting (L)

30

10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 Good News Study (L) 7:30 AA (F)

9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 10:00 Parkinsons Yoga (O) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 28 9:00 ATC-Theol. Class (L) 9 to 3 AARP Taxes (L) 9:15 Newsletter Folding (L) 10:30 PAS Concert 2:00 Harmony Practice (F) 1:00 SOCIAL SECURITY 6:30 Bell Choir (S) Play & Reception (O) 7:30 Chancel Choir (S) 5:30 Chess School (F, L, 9) 7:45 AA (F)

29

10:00 ATC Bible Study (L) 11-2 Standing Ovations Theater (S) All DayPurpose Driven Practice (O) 6:30 ATC-Theology Class (L)