Grapevine. September Mission Statement: Worship God. Equip Disciples. Love and Serve the World. Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 AM

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1 Grapevine The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:12-14 What a beautiful image for the people of God! We will be like tall, strong trees. Both palm trees and cedars grow tall and both are built to weather a storm. In this psalm, they flourish because they are planted in the courts of our God. That means that they are rooted in worship and nourished by God s presence. Trees like that don t dry out and die; rather, they stay fresh and green, bearing sweet, nutritious fruit for others well into their old age. What would it mean for the people of Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church to flourish in this kind of righteousness? You see, that s the qualifier: it is those who are righteous that flourish. Righteousness isn t a word that we use very often, but I think it bears some reflection. Righteous people are in right relationship with God and with others. While it s a relational term, those right relationships are based in right actions. That makes a lot of sense. It s difficult to be on good terms with other people if they treat you poorly. So being righteous means that we listen to others, we have the courage to come clean if we have hurt someone and we do what we can to make it right. Another way we contribute to the righteousness of the community is to speak up and tell someone if they have hurt us. That way they can take steps to repair the relationship. Righteousness isn t easy, is it? But it s absolutely crucial to the healthy functioning of the church. What does it mean to be in right relationship with God? As we study God s word, we learn that righteous living includes a list of things we should not do and that s often the focus of good church people. But the scriptures also teach us that being righteous includes lots of things that we should do. The times that God is most upset with God s people are when they have failed to treat the poor with justice and compassion. Being in right relationship with God means that we study God s word and seek to live by God s will. We will fail, and we will be forgiven. Each time, we learn a little bit more about what it means to be righteous. What is the result of all this hard work? With God s grace, we will be fresh and green, bearing fruit for others. I like that image. Freshness doesn t mean that we leave behind who we are as individuals or as a congregation. But it might mean that we do what we do in different ways, welcoming other people to join us in the endeavor. What a blessing that will be! With you in ministry, Pastor Lynn. September 2017 Mission Statement: Worship God. Equip Disciples. Love and Serve the World. Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 AM Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church Yorba Linda Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA articles to info@ylpc.org

2 Make a Joyful Noise Janet Keulen Thorson, Director of Music jthorson@ylpc.org The YLPC choirs would love to have you join them this fall. We look forward to celebrating the special seasons of the church and lifting our voices in praise. We invite anyone that enjoys singing or ringing to join us for fellowship and the musical expression of God s presence in our lives. Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music! The Choirs of Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church VOCAL CHOIRS Chancel Choir (Adults) Thursdays 7:30 9:00 p.m. Sanctuary Starts 9/7 Jubilate Choir Sundays 10:45 11:45 a.m. Choir Room Starts 9/17 (6 th -High school) Celebrate Singing Thursdays 4:00 5:00 p.m. Choir Room Starts 9/14 (Kindergarten - 5 th grade) BELL CHOIRS ADULT & HIGH SCHOOL-Gloria Ringers Thursdays 6:15 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Starts 9/14 YLPC at the Ball Game! Angels vs. Rangers Game starts at 6:00 p.m. on September 16. Meet us under the Big A at 3:00 p.m. for a tailgate party. Bring a chair and a dish to share! Tickets are $15 and include a hotdog. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sign up on Sunday on the patio! New Members Class! Our next new members class is being held on Sunday, September 17. This class is designed to provide you an opportunity to understand more about the mission and ministries of YLPC. We will also look at how we govern and organize ourselves as Presbyterians, as well as understand our Reformed tradition. Elders will be on hand to explain their different ministries and answer your questions. Come be a part of the family! RSVP to the church office at info@ylpc.org or

3 Children s Ministry Popsicles in the Park Sunday, September 3 Kids, wear your play clothes and sunscreen on Sunday, September 3. We will head to the park for fun and fellowship. There will be no children s message that morning. We will gather at 9:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room for prayer before heading to the park. Teacher Recognition and Installation - Sunday, September 10 On Sunday, September 10, we will be recognizing teachers who have volunteered in the nursery through high school during the school year. If you volunteered this past year, please come forward during the worship service so the congregation can thank you for your service. We will also be installing our teachers for the school year during this service. Shine! Summer Arts Camp We had a magnificent week at Summer Arts Camp in August. The Light was definitely shining at YLPC! Young and old participated together in worship, music, games, crafts, workshops and more! A big thank you to the many volunteers who led workshops, prepared meals, moved tables, did dishes, set up and cleaned up, and so much more! You helped make this week possible! 3

4 Youth Ministries It is hard to believe that summer is over, but I love the time in between summer and fall when we can reflect on the carefree time of summer and the adventures that are to come. One of the highlights of this summer for me was Summer Arts Camp. I loved seeing all generations learning new things together. Leaders from our congregation, including our youth, along with leaders in the community shared their creativity and kindness with one another. It was particularly encouraging to see our Jr. High ministry leading our preschool and elementary kids in an awesome glow party. Youth ministries is looking forward to a new school year and excited to see what the Lord will do in the life of our ministry. We look forward to seeing our students each Sunday as we gather in Sunday school where we explore what our faith means in our lives. We also hope to see many of our students and their families participate in some of the fellowship events we have planned this fall. Our youth program welcomes all students in grades If you have any questions about our program, please feel free to contact Michelle Almeida at studentministries@ylpc.org. The Jr. High and High School students meet every Sunday morning for Sunday school in the modular except the 1 st Sunday of the month when they join their families for Communion Sunday. Students also have the opportunity to participate in monthly fellowship and service activities. Jr. High and High School students will be attending Forest Home Winter Camp in Winter stay tuned for details! Mark your calendars! September 10 Bringing Summer Back Youth Family Beach Day. Come to church ready for the beach and we will head out following worship! (pack snacks and bring something to share with others). Corona Del Mar - $15 parking, after church until 4:00 pm. September - 24 Youth Parent Meeting. Find out about the activities and opportunities available in youth ministries this year, including Winter Camp dates and a confirmation class for High school students! YLPC Music For Kids It won't be long until it's time for music for children and youth! YLPC offers a graded music ministry that teaches vocal skills, music theory and more! We're changing the names of our groups, and focusing even more on building beautiful singing voices while having a great time! We'll continue to share our singing with retirement residences and choir festivals! Celebrate Singing! Music experience for boys and girls entering Kindergarten through 5 th grade kicks off on Thursday, September 14 at 5:00 p.m. Through games, dancing, songs, handbells, rhythm instruments and more, kids will learn to use their voices expertly, expanding their ranges and learning breath support and improved tone. They'll also be beginning to learn note reading and music theory. Jubilate Choir. For youth entering 6 th -12 th grades (college age warmly welcomed, too!) expands on the basic skills acquired in earlier grades. This group sings spirituals, gospel, classical works and more, with opportunities for solo singing! This group meets on Sundays from 10:45-11:45, starting on September 17. You probably know a young person who needs more music and fellowship! Please help us serve our community by letting friends, neighbors and family know what YLPC has to offer! See Jessica, JoD or Janet for information, or contact Jessica at or verbqueen@aol.com. 4

5 Light the Darkness The Interfaith Council of North Orange County invites you to their 16 th annual 9/11 Light the Darkness Celebration event. Come join us on Monday, September 11 th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jessamyn West Park (across the street) for this wonderful interfaith event. Our keynote speaker will be our own Lynn Stone. This year we will have youth representatives from five different faith traditions sharing their blessings of living in America. There will be special music led by a Yorba Linda High School Choral group and a solo by Gavin Braun. Interfaith Chairman, Timothy Carter, LDS will be this year s emcee. Candle lighting concludes the program. Rally Sunday BBQ Join us after worship for hotdogs to celebrate the return of our fall school year on September 10! Sign up to bring a side dish or dessert on Sunday. The Fellowship Committee Office Closed The YLPC office will be closed on Tuesday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business hours on Wednesday, September 6. September Zachary Thrasher 9/01 Dave Wassenaar 9/01 Gregg Henderson 9/07 Chris Hills 9/08 Jennifer Hebein 9/10 Cory Wisnia 9/10 Betty Elsing-Bard 9/14 Jacqueline Green 9/14 Marlene Ventresco 9/14 Andy Hess 9/15 Cheryl Hoban 9/15 Carolyn Croom 9/16 Chad Hamersma 9/17 Frank Stevens 9/17 Cynthia Connally 9/20 Anna Campbell 9/21 Brent McCracken 9/21 Madeline Neufeld 9/21 Jeff Dotson 9/23 Jodi Elmore 9/25 Leslie O Neil 9/27 Joshua Fields 9/28 Audrey Almeida 9/30 Relay for Life LaVerne Stern would like to thank everyone who made a donation or participated in the Relay for Life! Presbyterian Women! Calling all YLPC women! It is almost time for our Circles to begin. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month, in both the morning and evening. This year our Horizon's Bible Study will be entitled Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews. The cost is $11. If you are looking for a wonderful small group study and friendship, then joining a Circle is right for you. Sign-up on September 3 or 10. The first meeting will be on September 12.

6 Session Notes from August The Clerk thanked Dave Nicholson, in his absence, for taking on Clerk duties last meeting. Thanks Dave! The Session accepted, with regret, the resignation of Elder Teresa Stevens. Teresa will be moving to Temecula soon. Session mourned the loss of beloved charter member Dick Schriever on 8/4/17. Membership is 224. Session approved a celebratory gift for Elvira Ortez. Elvira is celebrating 30 years with the Presbytery and has been a helpful presence in YLPC s history. Lynn shared the many highlights she has experienced during her 1 st full year in ministry with YLPC. Deacon Moderator Shane Hendrickson shared highlights, including upcoming activities and new member classes, from the previously ed deacon s report. Personnel reported that all staff reviews are complete. Comments received from Session and Staff regarding the Pastor s review were shared with those in attendance. Nominating Committee reported that they will be meeting soon to fill Teresa s term as well as a recent opening on the Endowment Committee. Worship elders were excused from this meeting but Lynn reported they are already planning for World Communion Sunday, Reformation Sunday and Advent. Stewardship spent time educating those in attendance about the Financial Reports. Suggestions on how to make them more user-friendly were shared. Session was reminded that although overseeing financial health is the Stewardship Committees responsibility, Session members should have an awareness of the big picture. CE minutes were previously ed. Marge presented to Session a list of Youth Activity dates for their approval. She asked for and received Arts Camp feedback. Facilities distributed a chart of projects with tasks and expected completion dates. The next Campus Care day will be 9/30. Lynn asked the Session what dreams, hopes, and plans we have. There was strong consensus that we need a 5-year plan that is updated every year, for all areas of the church. It was also suggested the need and desire for congregational input. Copies of the minutes are available for review in the church office. Respectfully submitted, Chris Hills Clerk of Session July 2017 FINANCIAL REPORT OPERATING FUND Summary Results: Through July, we expected to receive $231,583 and actually received $264,042. Also through July, we expected to spend $225,382 and actually spent $207,849. And reserved $17,724 for funds budgeted but not spent. Operating Mtg. Reduction Total Cash Position $ 292,374 $ 10,409 $ 302,783 Less: Restricted Funds* $ 139,695 $ - $ 139,695 Unrestricted Funds $ 152,678 $ 10,409 $ 163,087 * 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. MORTGAGE REDUCTION FUND Through July, we have received contributions of $33,170 and paid $12,345 in principal. 6

7 Upcoming Events: September Popsicles in the Park Sunday, September 3 9:30 a.m. Office Closed Tuesday, September 5 Deacon BBQ Youth Family Beach Day Sunday, September 10 10:30 a.m. 9/11 Community Event Monday, September 11 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Angels Game Saturday, September 16 3:00 p.m. New Members Class Sunday, September 17 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Youth Group Parent Meeting Sunday, September 24 10:45 a.m. Monday Church Office Closed Hot Meals 3:00 p.m. (Second Monday of the month) 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) Mighty Moms 6:30 p.m. (Contact Church Office for details) Esther Circle 7:00 p.m. (Second Tuesday of the month) Drum Circle 7:00 p.m. (Fourth Tuesday of the month) Session Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Third Tuesday of the month) Wednesday Church Office 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting 7:00 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) **Resumes in October Nominating Committee 7:00 p.m. (Fourth 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. **Resumes September 14 Celebrate Singing 5:00 p.m. **Resumes September 14 Gloria Ringers 6:15 p.m. **Resumes September 14 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. **Resumes September 17 Christian Education Meeting 10:45 a.m. (First Sunday of the month) **Resumes in October Singles 11:00 a.m. (Second Sunday of the month) HIS Picnic 1:00 p.m. (Fourth Sunday of the month)

8 September Events September 5 Office Closed September 10 Deacon s BBQ Teacher s Installation Singles Group at Red Lobster in Brea Youth Family Beach Day September 11 Interfaith 9/11 Service Hot Meals 3 p.m. Orangethorpe Christian Church September 16 Angel s Game September 17 New Members Class September 24 HIS Picnic- La Habra Hills Presbyterian Youth Group Parent Meeting